USPS offer cost-effective and reliable shipping options, ideal for both small and large businesses. With nationwide coverage and quick delivery times, USPS ensures your packages reach their destination promptly. Their eco-friendly practices and convenient flat-rate shipping make them a top choice for diverse shipping needs. Want to drop off your USPS packages? Here is a complete guide on the same regarding where to drop off your USPS packages and what should not be done. In this article, we take a look at the locations where you can drop off USPS packages.
Why USPS is the Best Choice?
USPS is one of the widely opted shipping carriers all over the US. They offer a greater expanse of delivery across various locations in the US at a cheaper rate. With thousands of post offices located across various locations as well as USPS mailboxes, it becomes easy to ship the items easily both domestically and internationally.
To facilitate easy shipping, USPS offers various drop-off locations in the US. It saves time and effort to know where to drop off your USPS packages because you can select the most convenient site. You can make sure that your items are shipped out on schedule and save yourself the trouble of forgetting postal pickup times by being informed of the different drop-off alternatives available. Let us see which are these drop-off locations.
Types of USPS packages Drop-Off points
USPS allows various kinds of drop-off points, for USPS packages. They are :
1. US Post Offices
USPS drop-off is possible in every post office in the US. This makes it all the more convenient for everyone, who wishes to send packages via USPS. There are more than 30,000 post offices in the US spread across various locations, which connectively work to make shipping easier. Popular USPS services make use of these post offices for drop-off. Some domestic and international services like the following make use of these post office to make the shipping faster :
- Priority Mail Express
- Priority Mail Express Flat Rate
- First-Class Mail International
- Priority Mail
- Priority Mail International Flat Rate
- International Priority Airmail
- Parcel Select
- Priority Mail Flat Rate
- Global Express Guaranteed
- Priority Mail Express International
- Priority Mail Express International Flat Rate
- USPS Retail Ground
- Priority Mail International
- Media Mail
- Priority Mail Regional Rate Boxes
- First Class Mail
How to find the US Post offices drop-off location for your USPS packages?
If you are looking to find the US post offices that facilitate drop off for USPS packages you can do it easily. from the USPS Page. In the USPS Page, you can see the option to find locations to drop off USPS Postages.
Here you can provide the zip code, city or state and then filter by the post offices or the services that are available in the region. Once the results are displayed, you can also see the opening hours and the slot to deliver the packages.
2. USPS Mailbox
USPS Collection boxes or the USPS Mailboxes are popularly seen across the US locations. These are normally blue in colour. The white ones are for Priority Mail Expresses packages. These can be found in lobby drop-off slots or even on the office building mail chutes. You can search the same and then even check for the timings for collection of the packages.
Whatever you drop off in the mailbox, you need to also follow the rules or the packaging guidelines. These are some of the major ones, not to forget :
- Packages weighing over 13 oz.
- Any mail item that needs to be shipped internationally, but not cleared the custom declaration.
If you are leaving such items in the mailbox, it is subject to be returned to you. You can either approach the USPS post offices or USPS retail counter for better assistance. You can find these mailboxes using the location finder in USPS.
3. USPS Distribution Center
This is not open for retailers or the public, hence you can use it as a drop-off location. Here the packages are sorted from bulk to light ones and then kept ready for shipping. Once the packages are sorted, they are sent to the distribution centres for shipping.
4. Kiosk and Contract Postal Units
You can find self-service kiosks in shopping malls, or post offices too which help you to even print the shipping labels and even buy stamps to affix on the packages. You can bring in the packages, tape them and then affix the shipping label and drop in the kiosk. CPUs or Contract Postal Units are located within the businesses itself. They provide a full range of services at no extra cost. They provide services with the USPS regular prices for shipping.
USPS Package Pickup Options
A. Scheduling a Pickup at Home or Office
How to Schedule a USPS Pickup Online
Step 1: Where should we pickup your package(s)?
- Visit the USPS website or use the USPS mobile app.
- Go to the ‘Send’ tab and click on “Schedule a Pickup” option.
- Enter your name and address details.
- Click on ‘Check Availability’.
Step 2: Where will you leave your package(s)?
- Indicate where you will leave the package (e.g., front porch, mailbox).
- Enter any additional instructions.
Step 3: When should we schedule your pickup?
- Choose the date for pickup.
- Choose a day for pickup.
Step 4: How many packages are we picking up?
- Mention the total number of items and the estimated total weight of the items.
- Click on ‘Schedule a Pickup’.
- You will then receive a confirmation mail saying ‘ Your Pickup has been scheduled’ along with your pickup details including your confirmation number.
- Free Pickup: Available during your regular mail delivery time, at no extra cost.
- Paid Pickup: Allows you to schedule a specific pickup time that is outside of regular delivery hours, for a fee.
B. Understanding Pickup Times
Explanation of When and How Often Pickups Occur
- USPS pickups generally occur during regular mail delivery hours, typically once per day.
- The exact time of pickup can vary based on your location and the scheduled time slot if you opt for a paid pickup.
Importance of Scheduling Within the Correct Time Window
- To ensure same-day pickup, schedule your request before the cut-off time (usually early in the morning).
- Scheduling within the correct window ensures timely package delivery, especially for time-sensitive shipments.
How to Find Your Nearest USPS Drop-Off Location?
A. Using the USPS Website
- Go to the official USPS website.
- Navigate to the “Quick Tools” section and click on “Find USPS Locations.”
- Enter your ZIP code or city and state in the search box.
- Select the type of location you’re looking for (e.g., Post Offices, Collection Boxes, Self-Service Kiosks).
- Click “Search” to view a list of nearby USPS locations.
- Review the list and click on individual locations for more details, such as hours of operation and available services.
B. Third-Party Tools and Apps
- Google Maps: Simply search for “USPS drop-off” in your area, and it will show nearby locations.
- Parcel Delivery Apps: Some apps like ShipStation and Parcel allow you to find drop-off locations across various carriers, including USPS.
- Yelp or Similar Apps: You can search for USPS locations on Yelp, where user reviews and photos might provide additional insights into the drop-off experience.
How to make drop off USPS Packages easier?
To facilitate the smooth functioning of dropping off USPS packages, here are the things you can do :
- Make sure you pack your items well, and label them beforehand. You can do this completely online by automating the process of getting your labels through USPS using a well-integrated WooCommerce USPS plugin. The plugin will help you fetch the real-time rates for the packages and also help you decide upon the packing that needs to be done. You can either make use of the USPS plugin, or the Stamps.com plugin as well as the EasyPost plugin to obtain the real-time rates from USPS.
- You can also get the SCAN form printed and affixed to the USPS packages while dropping off.
- If you do not want to drop off the packages, then you can also go ahead and schedule a pickup for your USPS packages. Using Stamps.com plugin for WooCommerce, you can easily schedule a pickup without much hassle.
Last Shot
Thus this is how you can easily drop off your USPS packages to facilitate quick shipping of your items. If you are looking for integrating USPS Shipping with your WooCommerce store, you can make use of the following plugins :
- ELEX WooCommerce USPS Shipping Plugin with Shipment Tracking & Print Label
- ELEX Stamps.com Shipping Plugin with USPS Postage for WooCommerce
- ELEX EasyPost (FedEx, UPS, Canada Post & USPS) Shipping & Label Printing Plugin for WooCommerce
These plugins integrate quite effectively with your WooCommerce store and help you streamline all the USPS services into your WooCommerce store. Here are some of the features to look for :
- Provide live USPS Shipping rates on the cart and checkout pages.
- Display estimated delivery dates along with the USPS shipping services.
- Provide accurate and affordable packing options using effective packing algorithms.
- Tracking USPS orders and printing USPS shipping labels.
- Schedule USPS Pickups and much more
Read more about these options in the documentation.
FAQs
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- Can I track my package after dropping it off?
Yes, once your package is scanned at a drop-off location or by a USPS carrier, you can track its progress using the USPS website, mobile app, or a third-party tracking tool. - Can I drop off international packages at any USPS location?
Most USPS locations accept international packages, but ensure you have the correct customs forms and documentation. Self-service kiosks and some smaller locations may not process international shipments. - Are there fees associated with dropping off USPS packages at third-party locations?
Generally, there are no additional fees for dropping off USPS packages at USPS Approved Shippers like Staples or Office Depot. However, always confirm with the location in case of any specific requirements. - Can I drop off packages at USPS collection boxes on Sundays?
While you can drop off packages in USPS collection boxes on Sundays, keep in mind that there are no scheduled pickups on Sundays. Your package will be picked up on the next business day. - Can I drop off USPS packages at any time?
Most USPS locations have specific hours of operation. However, blue collection boxes and self-service kiosks are often accessible 24/7. Always check the pickup times listed on collection boxes to ensure your package will be picked up promptly.
- Can I track my package after dropping it off?