US Postal Service shipping services
| In this article |
 | |
When you create and print a shipping label on eBay, you can select from a range of US Postal Service shipping services. The shipping service that you specified in your listing will appear first, and you can also select other services from the Service type drop-down menu.
If you want to compare shipping services to get the fastest or most affordable one, you can click Compare shipping rates on the Print a shipping label page or go to the USPS site to compare shipping services.
Please note that it's against our policy for you to ship an item to your buyer using a service that is slower or less expensive than what the buyer agreed to at checkout. However, you may want to surprise your buyer with better service by upgrading the shipping service when possible.
Note: When you create and print shipping labels on eBay, you can choose to show or hide the total shipping cost on the label itself. You specify this option under Preferences on the Print a shipping label page. This preference applies to domestic labels only. The shipping cost always appears on international labels.
The tables that follow show the classes of domestic and international mail offered by the U.S. Postal Service, and the rates and weights that apply to each class.
Get more information about US Postal Service tracking, Delivery Confirmation, and insurance.
First-Class Mail Use for:
First-Class Mail is a USPS trademark. |
The minimum size for First-Class Mail is 5 inches long, 3-1/2 inches high and 0.007 inches thick. The maximum size is 11-1/2 inches long, 6-1/8 inches high, and .75 inches thick. The maximum weight for letters is 3.5 ounces. The maximum weight for envelopes and packages is 13 ounces.
|
|
Priority Mail Use for:
Priority Mail Flat Rate envelopes Priority Mail Flat Rate boxes, Packages or thick envelopes
Priority Mail generally offers 2-3 day delivery.
Please mark each package "Priority Mail" in the postage area or use a USPS-provided Priority Mail envelope or box. "Priority Mail" will already appear on the shipping label when you create and print your label on eBay.
Priority Mail is a USPS trademark. |
The maximum weight is 70 pounds. The maximum size is 108 inches or less in combined length and girth. For packages larger than 1 cubic foot, dimensions are required. For items sent in a Priority Mail Flat Rate envelope provided by the Postal Service, the domestic shipping rate is the same regardless of weight or destination. For items sent in a Priority Mail Flat Rate box provided by the Postal Service, the domestic shipping rate is the same regardless of weight or destination. For packages less than 20 pounds, and larger than 84 inches in combined length and girth, a Balloon Price may apply.
|
|
Express Mail Use for:
Express Mail Flat Rate envelopes Packages (or thick envelopes)
Express Mail offers next-day service to most domestic destinations.
Express Mail is automatically insured by the USPS to $100 against loss or damage.
Express Mail is a USPS trademark.
Signature Confirmation is free for Express Mail. |
The maximum weight is 70 pounds. The maximum size is 108 inches or less in combined length girth. Add $12.50 for Sunday or holiday delivery. A 12-1/2 inches x 9-1/2 inches Express Mail Flat Rate envelope is $18.30.
|
|
Parcel Select Use for:
Packages or thick envelopes
Please mark each package "Parcel Select" in the postage area. "Parcel Select" will already appear on the shipping label when you create and print your label on eBay.
Parcel Select is usually less expensive than Priority Mail, but service is generally slower. |
The maximum weight is 70 pounds. The maximum size is 130 inches in combined length and girth. For packages between 108 and 130 inches in combined length and girth, use the oversized price, regardless of weight. For packages more than 84 inches in combined length and girth, a Balloon Price may apply.
|
|
Media Mail Use for:
Printed educational charts Loose-leaf pages and binders consisting of medical information Videotapes and computer recorded media such as CD-ROMS and diskettes
Please mark each package "Media Mail" in the postage area. "Media Mail" will already appear on the shipping label when you create and print your label on eBay.
Media Mail is sometimes called "Book Rate." It is less expensive than Parcel Select.
Media Mail can't contain advertising. |
The maximum weight is 70 pounds. The maximum size is 108 inches in combined length and girth.
|
|
First-Class Mail International Use for:
First-Class Mail International delivery times vary by destination.
First-Class Mail International is a USPS trademark.
Note: The cost of postage will appear on all international shipping labels. |
Maximum weight for letters is 3.5 ounces. Maximum weight for large envelopes is 4 pounds. Size requirement for large envelopes is 6-1/8 to 12 inches high, 11-1/2 to 15 inches long, and ¼ to ¾ inch thick.
|
|
First-Class Package International Use for:
First-Class Priority International delivery times vary by destination.
First-Class Priority International is a USPS trademark.
Note: The cost of postage will appear on all international shipping labels. |
Size requirement for packages is up to 24 inches long, and up to 36 inches in combined length, height, and depth. Delivery confirmation (eDelCon) is free for First-Class Package International to Canada when you print your label on eBay.
|
|
Priority Mail International Use for:
Priority Mail International offers 6-10 day service to most international destinations.
Priority Mail International is a USPS trademark.
Note: The cost of postage will appear on all international shipping labels. |
The maximum weight for flat rate envelopes and small boxes is 4 pounds. The maximum weight for larger flat rate boxes is 20 pounds for most countries. The maximum size for rectangular-shaped packages is 42 inches in length and 79 inches in combined length and girth for most countries. The maximum combined length and girth for Canada, Hong Kong, and many European countries is 108 inches. Weight limits vary by country. Delivery confirmation (eDelCon) is free for Priority Mail International to Canada when you print your label on eBay. Tracking is not available for flat rate envelopes or flat rate small boxes.
|
|
Express Mail International Use for:
Large flat rate envelopes
Express Mail International offers 3-5 day service to most international destinations.
Automatically insured to $200 against loss or damage.
Express Mail International is a USPS trademark.
Note: The cost of postage will appear on all international shipping labels. |
The maximum weight is 70 pounds for most countries. Weight limits vary by country. Maximum size is 36 inches in length, and 79 inches in combined length and girth. Express Mail International Flat Rate envelopes are $26.95 for Canada and Mexico, and $28.95 for all other countries.
|
|
Mailing date
The mailing date you select when you create a shipping label determines the date when your postage label is valid. An electronic record is generated on that date indicating that your package has been mailed. When creating an online label, you are responsible for providing accurate information when selecting the mailing date. You will have the option to select a mailing date up to 3 days in the future. Note: The mailing date is formatted in Eastern Standard Time.
More U.S. Postal Service information
Some countries have larger size limits. Consult your local post office for the size limits that apply to the country to which you are shipping.
First-Class Mail® Parcel rates are based on 1-ounce increments. Most Priority Mail®, Express Mail®, Parcel Select®, and Media Mail® rates are based on 1-pound increments.
Dimensions are determined by length x width x height and used for volumetric pricing when selecting Priority Mail and Variable Rate service. Flat rate envelopes, boxes, and other supplies are available at The Postal Store.
Shipping prohibitions and restrictions
All shipments must adhere to the prohibitions and restrictions determined by legislation, postal or customs regulations for your package to be properly shipped and ensure it reaches its intended destination.
