What is mailing date usps

The mailing date, also known as the postmark date, is the date that the United States Postal Service (USPS) applies to a piece of mail. This date is typically stamped or printed on the envelope or package by the postal clerk or automated processing equipment.

The mailing date is important because it determines the date from which the USPS begins to count the time it takes to deliver the mail. The USPS uses the mailing date to calculate the delivery time and to determine whether the mail is considered "timely" or not.

Here are some key things to know about the mailing date:

  1. Postmark date: The mailing date is the date that the USPS applies to the mail, which is usually the date it is received at a post office or processing facility.
  2. Counting days: The USPS counts the days from the mailing date to determine the delivery time. For example, if a piece of mail is mailed on Monday, the USPS would count Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and so on, to determine when it will be delivered.
  3. Timely delivery: If the USPS delivers the mail within the expected time frame, it is considered "timely." The expected delivery time varies depending on the type of mail and the distance it needs to travel.
  4. Late delivery: If the USPS fails to deliver the mail within the expected time frame, it is considered "late." In this case, the USPS may be liable for any damages or losses resulting from the late delivery.
  5. Proof of mailing: The mailing date can serve as proof of mailing, which can be important in cases where you need to prove that you sent a piece of mail on a specific date.

In summary, the mailing date is the date that the USPS applies to a piece of mail, which determines the date from which the USPS begins to count the time it takes to deliver the mail.