Launching an online eCommerce store is much easier when you consider shipping for your eCommerce store. Shipping is an integral part when you are owning an eCommerce store. Most of the store owners evaluate multiple options from popular shipping carriers before finding out the most suitable one. Here we are discussing all about WooCommerce USPS Shipping using ELEX WooCommerce USPS Shipping Plugin with Print Label and about USPS shipping on the whole.
What are the challenges of Shipping?
Transparency is important when you are into the eCommerce industry. Managing Shipping is a great challenge in terms of the eCommerce industry. Identifying the right shipping carrier, paying for the shipping charges, ensuring the shipped item is delivered at the destination and other charges on packages, etc are all a hurdle when you consider eCommerce business. Here are some major issues that need handling when you are considering Shipping :
- Handling the Shipping of Specific products like hazardous and climate-sensitive items.
- What kind of boxes to choose for shipping.
- How to ship delicate items to locations.
- Handling Holiday shipping.
- International and domestic shipping
- Overall shipping cost calculation.
- Handling various shipping rates.
And much more. Ultimately, a shipping provider is chosen considering the value of service that is offered. Any kind of shortcoming will cost you a client. Your shipping choices also affect the overall experience offered to your customers.
Why USPS shipping?
USPS is one of the most popular shipping service providers who offer impeccable services over a decade. Upon the quality of services and the cost-effectiveness offered by USPS, it is most widely chosen by merchants across US locations for shipping. USPS Shipping is easily integrated with WooCommerce, which makes it again a perfect choice for small to big scale customers.
Here are a few reasons why USPS is preferred over other counterparts :
- Cost-effective – The priority mail services and flat rate boxes cut down the shipping costs considerably. The pricing list of USPS is quite transparent and affordable for all the services.
- Ideal Packaging – USPS offers a wide range of packaging options for sending your items. You can choose boxes with different dimensions and then use them for packing.
- Faster Priority Delivery – Covering across locations close to million addresses delivering posts right on time on a priority basis is USPS’s specialty. Most deliveries happen within 2-3 business days.
- Seamless integration with WooCommerce – USPS is easy to integrate with WooCommerce. Using plugins like ELEX WooCommerce USPS Shipping Plugin with Print Label plugin you can include USPS with real-time shipping rates and process the WooCommerce shipping.
- Secured – USPS offers secured transit of packages without any delay and hindrances.
USPS Flat Rate Shipping
The USPS flat rate priority mail services offer the most affordable shipping options. Here are the various shipping services and their features:
| Services | Prices | Shipping Time | Pricing | Pay Postage at | Insurance Included | Other Services to look for |
| Priority Mail Express | Starting at
Post Office & Online -$25.50 Commercial -$22.68 |
Overnight Delivery Guaranteed | · Flat Rate &
· Variable Price |
At Post Office and Online | $100 |
|
| Priority Mail | Post Office & Online -$7.35
Commercial -$6.95 |
1-3 days | · Flat Rate,
· Variable Price, · Regional Rate · Prepaid |
At Post Office and Online | $50 | · USPS Tracking
· Signature Confirmation · Return Receipt · Collect on Delivery |
| First Class Mail | Post Office & Online -$$0.55
Commercial -$0.383 |
1-3 days | · Variable Price | At Post Office & Online | Available | · USPS Tracking
· Signature Confirmation (parcels only) · Return Receipt · Collect on Delivery |
| USPS Retail Ground | Post Office -$7.35 | 2-8 days | · Variable Price | At Post Office and Online | Available | · USPS Tracking
· Signature Confirmation (packages only) · Return Receipt · Collect on Delivery |
| Media Mail | At Post Office -$2.75
Commercial -$1.97 |
2-8 days | · Variable Price | At Post Office & Online | Available | · USPS Tracking (packages only)
· Signature Confirmation (parcels only) · Return Receipt · Collect on Delivery |
Priority Mail Services
Offers overnight guaranteed delivery services as well as fast domestic services. Priority Mail offers delivery on 7 days, across locations with a money-back guarantee. The services are available all round the year. Using the flat-rate boxes, items with a maximum of 70lbs weight are easily shipped at a low cost starting from $25.50.
Features:
- Fastest delivery possible within 2 days.
- Overnight delivery possible.
- Sunday and Holiday delivery are possible.
- Free pick up of package available from your location.
- USPS Tracking is included.
- The prices include the proof of delivery signature.
- The maximum weight is 70lbs.
Priority Mail Express Flat Rate Products
Here are the priority mail express flat rate products and what they are suited for, with the prices:
| Priority Mail Flat Rate Products | Shipping Prices | Fixed Dimensions | Best Suited For |
| Flat Rate Envelope | $22.68 – Commercial Base
$25.50 – at Post Office & Online |
12 1/2″ x 9 1/2″ | Documents
Manuscripts |
| Legal Flat Rate Envelope | $22.80- Commercial Base
$25.70 – at Post Office & Online |
15″ x 9 1/2″ | Legal Documents |
| Padded Flat Rate Envelope | $23.18- Commercial Base
$26.20- at Post Office & Online |
12 1/2″ x 9 1/2″ | Clothing
Books Boxed Jewelry |
Priority Mail
Priority Mail is one of the popular and best-selling services offered by USPS. Offers 7 days services across the yea to most locations. If your shipment is 70lbs and under, you need not weigh the package. The labels are available at the post office for purchase. Most of the packages are delivered within1-3 business days. The Priority Mail Delivery Map gives you the estimated delivery date as per your location.
Features include :
- Fast delivery within 1-3 business days.
- Free pickup of packages.
- No surcharges on fuel or holiday or Saturday delivery.
- Includes USPS tracking.
- Only flat-rate, regional as well as prepaid pricing is possible.
- Prepaid Forever Priority Mail Flat rate pricing.
- The maximum weight is 70lbs.
- Container flaps are used while packaging
Priority Mail Flat Rate Products and Shipping Prices
| Priority Mail Free Services offered | Shipping Prices at Commercial Base & Post Office | Dimensions followed | The packaging is done for |
| Flat Rate Envelope | $6.95
$7.35 |
12 1/2″ x 9 1/2″ |
|
| Gift Card Flat Rate Envelope | $6.95
$7.35 |
10″ x 7″ | Oversized Greeting Cards and Gift Cards |
| Window Flat Rate Envelope | $6.95
$7.35 |
10″ x 5″
12 1/2″ x 9 1/2″ |
Pre-addressed Envelopes |
| Small Flat Rate Envelope | $6.95
$7.35 |
10″ x 6″ | Small Documents And Passports |
| Padded Flat Rate Envelope | $7.55
$8.00 |
12 1/2″ x 9 1/2″ |
|
| Legal Flat Rate Envelope | $7.25
$7.65 |
15″ x 9 1/2″ | Legal Documents |
| Small Flat Rate Box | $7.50
$7.90 |
Outside- 8 11/16″ x 5 7/16″ x 1 3/4″
Inside- 8 5/8″ x 5 3/8″ x 1 5/8″ |
Brochures and Small Electronics |
| Medium Flat Rate Box — 1 (top-loading) | $12.80
$14.35 |
Outside – 11 1/4″ x 8 3/4″ x 6″
Inside- 11″ x 8 1/2″ x 5 1/2″ |
Office Supplies and Shoes |
| Medium Flat Rate Box — 2 (side-loading) | $12.80
$14.35 |
Outside- 14″ x 12″ x 3 1/2″
Inside- 13 5/8″ x 11 7/8″ x 3 3/8″ |
Office Supplies and Shoes |
| Large Flat Rate Box | $17.60
$19.95 |
Outside-12 1/4″ x 12 1/4″ x 6″
Inside- 12″ x 12″ x 5 1/2″ |
Laptop, Computers, Gifts,
etc. |
| APO/FPO/DPO Flat Rate Box | $16.10
$18.45 |
Outside-12 1/4″ x 12 1/4″ x 6″
Inside- 12″ x 12″ x 5 1/2″ |
Sending Gifts to Troops |
| Large Flat Rate Board Game Box | $17.60
$19.95 |
Outside- 24 1/16″ x 11 7/8″ x 3 1/8″
Inside- 23 11/16″ x 11 3/4″ x 3″ |
Board Games |
| Prepaid Forever® Priority Mail Flat Rate® Packaging | $7.35 at Post Office & Online | Various Sizes Available | Various Options |
First Class Mail
First Class Mail is an affordable mail service offered by USPS for standard-sized envelopes that weigh just up to 3.5oz or even large envelopes. Minimum 3 business days or less is the estimated time of delivery. The prices are completely upon the weight, size, and shape of the package.
Features include :
- Delivery within 1-3 business days.
- Ideal for mails weighed up to 13oz.
- $5000 insurance for lost or damaged merchandise available.
- For Certified mail services, the delivery confirmation is collected.
The pricing is completely upon what you are mailing.
Postcards :
Standard Size – $0.35
Oversized -$0.55
| Length | 5-inch min. 6-inch max. |
| Height | 3-1/2 inch min. 4-1/4 inch max. |
Letters :
Standard Size – starts at $0.5
Oversized – $0.70
| Length | 5-inch min. 11-1/2 inch max. |
| Height | 3-1/2 inch min. 6-1/8 inch max. |
Large Envelope
| Length
|
11-1/2 inch min. 15 inches |
| Height | 6-1/8 inch min. 12 inches |
Packages: Maximum length plus breadth is 108 inches
On non-machinable envelopes (shaped differently) additional charges are applied. If the height, weight, and length of the envelope are higher than the normal ones, then they are charged the next higher price closer to the parcel prices. The prices are calculated based on dimensions in the USPS pricing calculator.
Media Mail
Yet another affordable system with USPS. An easy and cost-effective way to ship educational stuff and media materials.Though there are certain restrictions in the type of media files to be sent. The prices start as low as $2.75 at the Post Office. The maximum weight allowed is 70lbs. Here is the list of items that are sent via Media Mail :
- Books (minimum 8 pages)
- Printed music as well as test materials.
- Narrow width films
- Manuscripts and Playscripts.
- Sound recordings and videos
- Education reference charts printed.
- Computer-readable media.
- Medical loose and binder pages
Note: No video games and drives (computer and digital) allowed.
To send items in Media Mail, certain guidelines are considered.
USPS Retail Ground
It is the most economical way of shipping not-so-urgent deliverables across locations. The pricing begins at $7.35 at the Post Office. Here are some advantages of the same :
- Includes USPS Tracking.
- Ideal for packages that are too big for Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express.
- Currently available only at the Post Office.
- Easy for Military mailing services.
- Up to 70 lbs package weighing capacity.
- Larger or overweight packaging will cost you more.
- Certain standards are followed while shipping as per USPS.
USPS Hold Mail Service
Whenever you are out of town or not available, USPS can hold your mails at the local post office for as long as requested by you. The process is done, once you intimate the same to the post office. To do the same, there is a certain verification process to undergo :
- You need to have an official USPS account login.
- You can raise the request to hold mail, after traversing through the verification form.
- Once the identity is confirmed your request is sent for approval.
You also get the informed delivery service, wherein you can see the preview of the emails you receive as well as the status of the packages too.
Forward Mail Service
If you want to receive your mail rather than hold mail, you can also look for Forward mail service. If you own a company and you might move to a new address, you can ensure to keep the communication with the customers intact by forwarding your mails to the new address. Both Regular and Premium services are available for the USPS customers that are chargeable.
Click-N-Ship Services
Get your labels printed for your shipment. You can easily order boxes, print the labels as well as request the pickup of packages from your location. Here for shipping, you can make use of Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express. The service is ideal for small to big retailers. The process will save time on shipping by helping you set preferences for shipping.
How to Prepare and Send a package?
To process shipping, you need to follow the steps like :
- Get your box packed for this, you need to choose the right box which fits in your item. If the item is too small, then ensure enough padding is provided. The size and weight of the item determine the package selection. Most of the packages must not weigh more than 70lbs. Moreover, the choice of box is also a factor to consider when shipping. The boxes need to be taped well and not sturdy, and also should fit in the product easily. If you are shipping restricted or prohibited items, you need to clearly understand the rules of USPS shipping. If the items are temperature sensitive, then the packing of the product should adhere to the rules of USPS shipping.
- Mention the address details: Use a printed address or neatly written address upon the box. Ideal to use a permanent marker for handwritten addresses. It is important to mention the sender and receivers’ addresses in detail. USPS has certain instructions to follow upon sending letters and packages.
- Opt the right mail service: Choose the mail service you want to send your package depending upon how fast you want your package to deliver at the location. USPS offers several mail services like Priority Mail, Media Mail, Priority Mail Express, etc. On choosing the mail service you need to consider several factors like insurance, package items, speed of delivery, tracking information, special handling details as well as delivery confirmation details.
- Calculate the postage and Apply: Accurate postages are needed when shipping. You can easily calculate the postage prices for all USPS services and apply the same. Various options to get your postages are :
Postal Store- You can purchase on all stamps on oversized envelopes.
Click-n-ship – You can print as well as pay for your own Priority mail and Priority mail express packages.
Post Office – Easily drop in Post office at local Post offices and buy stamps for the same. - Ship your packed package – Depending upon where you live and the package you can choose to opt for free pickups or delivery of packages.
When you are shipping internationally, it is important to complete the customs forms provided by USPS.
Every package you send via USPS needs to be tracked. Tracking information brings in more customers to your store.
USPS Tracking
In USPS, you can easily track the information about your packages arriving at the destination. The tracking feature allows for reducing cart abandonment happening in the retailer’s marketplace. All you need is the tracking id from USPS.
What does the tracking number look like in USPS tracking information?
The tracking number is unique for every package. The tracking number format as specified by USPS looks like :
Where to find the tracking number on your package?
Here are where the tracking number is found :
- On the Post Office shipping receipt.
- Insurance sale receipt from Post Office.
- Shiping email confirmation received from the retailer.
- Email confirmation received from USPS.com
- On the bottom peel-off portion of the label printed.
How to leave Delivery instructions on your package?
If your package qualifies the basic guidelines of USPS shipping then you can instruct the delivery instructions like sending it to a different address or hold the package or any other specific information. Here are some packages that do not qualify to alter delivery instructions:
- The package has already left for delivery.
- A package addressed to military or DPO address.
- A Hold Mail, Forward Mail.
- Collect Cash on delivery requested package.
- A package with a delivery signature request.
- Any active USPS Package Intercept Order.
- The package is from an international sender.
- The package with $500 worth insurance or more.
Domestic and International Shipping Services
USPS is widely used for Domestic and International Shipping services. Using Free and Premium Shipping supplies the shipping is made easier. In both the cases of International and Domestic, you can choose to opt for any services like :
-
- Free Shipping – You can set up free shipping for your packages depending upon the locations you want to serve. This encourages new buyers to come aboard. Some of them find the estimated cost upon shipping and include the same in the price.
- Flat rate shipping – WooCommerce is built-in with flat-rate shipping. With the flat-rate, you can ship any item at a predefined price for all the shipping.
- Carrier-specific Shipping of commodities – This mostly includes shipping with various carriers like UPS, FedEx, Australia Post, USPS, etc. You can individually configure these plugins on your WooCommerce website and ship your products.
- Local Pickup – In here, the buyer needs to pick the package from the local hub where the product has arrived. This service is beneficial for retailers who want to schedule the return pick up.
The shipping rates differ a lot when considering domestic and International Shipping using USPS.
Shipping taxes are also configured concerning the locations the services are offered. The taxes will include the overall cost incurred upon the package.
Shipping with WooCommerce
When you are owning a WooCommerce store, you need to integrate certain shipping mechanisms to ensure that your order fulfillment process is smooth. WooCommerce offers free shipping and flat-rate boxes shipping in general to any location. When you are setting up a WooCommerce store you can simply add the shipping zones to the store.
You can also set up the WooCommerce Shipping methods which are by default available with WooCommerce.
WooCommerce offers Flat rate, Free Shipping and Local Pickup for the store. You can also set up various shipping options as per your store needs.
Here once these settings are done, when a customer places an order, they get the flat-rate shipping(as selected here).
But what if you want to include various shipping carriers or you want to show shipping rates as per the carriers to calculate the shipping cost. This is when you need a plugin on your WooCommerce store to enhance your shipping strategies. To incorporate USPS shipping rates on your store, you can use the ELEX WooCommerce USPS Shipping Plugin with Print Label plugin on your WooCommerce store.
USPS WooCommerce Shipping using ELEX WooCommerce USPS Shipping Plugin with Print Label
Using the ELEX WooCommerce USPS Shipping Plugin with Print Label you can effortlessly set the shipping options you require to set up for your store.
With the plugin, you can also display real-time rates on the checkout page. Here you can also set the various shipping services and other preferences.
Here in the settings, you can choose what kind of mailing service to avail from the various USPS shipping services. You can also provide price adjustments for the services you avail of.
USPS packaging is also easy to set up, wherein you can choose whether to pack the items individually or together in the box. Also, you can decide upon how the prices are to be calculated whether packaged on unpacking.
USPS Label Generation
To get labels generated right away from your store, will make your store much more appealing. To get this done, you can use the plugin integrated with the WooCommerce.
Once these settings are done and a customer places an order with your store, then the customer gets to see the real-time rates displayed on the checkout page.
Also, it becomes easy to track the order once the order is placed using the integrated plugin on your WooCommerce.
Creating Shipment and Tracking
Once the order is placed, you can simply generate packages and then create a shipment label for the order processed in the USPS. For that, you go to the Orders section in the WooCommerce and generate packages.
When you click on Generate Packages, the plugin will help you effortlessly generate packages. Once the package is issued, you can even generate the Shipment label.
WooCommerce USPS Tracking
After generating the labels, a tracking number is generated, which helps you track the USPS package in transit.
Upon clicking on the tracking number, you can get the tracking data.
Using the plugin, the information is available on the WooCommerce website itself. You need not log in to the USPS website every time for checking the information, but you get it right away on your order status itself.
Advantages of using ELEX WooCommerce USPS Shipping Plugin with Print Label
When you are planning to choose a carrier-based shipping option for your WooCommerce store, then ELEX WooCommerce USPS Shipping Plugin with Print Label is the best USPS shipping plugin to consider for your store. There are several reasons why the plugin is an ideal choice.
- It can easily integrate with WooCommerce.
- Displays USPS live shipping rates.
- Easy to configure flat-rate boxes.
- Supports USPS e-Vs, as you can simultaneously generate e-VS Scan Forms, which are contracts that let shipping across locations.
- Fast Shipment tracking possible with proper email and other notification generated.
- You can also implement price adjustments by including discounts or markups.
- The packaging is planned and crafted well to suit the need.
To Conclude :
Using USPS WooCommerce shipping, we can enhance the existing features of Shipping in WooCommerce. With the plugin ELEX WooCommerce USPS Shipping Plugin with Print Label, it becomes easy to handle the USPS shipping for your WooCommerce Store.
