How to mail with tracking usps
To mail a package with tracking using the United States Postal Service (USPS), follow these steps:
- Choose the right service: USPS offers several services with tracking, including:
- Priority Mail: Fast and affordable shipping with tracking and insurance.
- Priority Mail Express: Fastest USPS service with tracking, insurance, and guaranteed overnight delivery.
- First Class Package Service: Affordable shipping with tracking for lighter packages.
- Prepare your package: Make sure your package is properly packaged and sealed. You can use a USPS-approved box or your own box.
- Weigh and measure your package: Weigh your package using a scale and measure its length, width, and height using a ruler.
- Calculate the cost: Use the USPS website or a postage calculator to determine the cost of shipping based on the weight, size, and destination of your package.
- Print a shipping label: You can print a shipping label from the USPS website or at a USPS retail location. Make sure to select the "Trackable" option when printing your label.
- Attach the label: Attach the shipping label to the outside of your package, making sure it's visible and secure.
- Take it to a USPS location: Take your package to a USPS retail location, such as a post office or a blue mailbox, and give it to a postal employee.
- Get a tracking number: The postal employee will scan your package and provide you with a tracking number. You can use this number to track the package's progress online.
Tips and Variations
- Free tracking: If you're shipping a package that weighs 13 ounces or less, you can get free tracking with Priority Mail.
- Signature upon delivery: You can request a signature upon delivery for an additional fee. This ensures that the package is only delivered to the intended recipient.
- Insurance: You can purchase insurance for your package to protect against loss or damage. The cost of insurance varies based on the value of the package.
- International shipping: If you're shipping internationally, you'll need to use a different service and follow additional procedures. You can use the USPS website or consult with a postal employee for more information.
Tracking Your Package
Once your package is shipped, you can track its progress online using the USPS website or the tracking number provided by the postal employee. You can also sign up for email updates to receive notifications about the package's status.