How long is a shipping label good for? Well, shipping labels from USPS expire their validity 28 days after printing based on the ship-by date. There is typically a grace time at post offices, though that is not always guaranteed. These USPS return shipping labels from a retailer that accepts returns are accepted for an entire year.
Read further to learn how USPS shipping labels expire and what you can do to save time and effort when utilizing them.
How To Tell If A USPS Shipping Label Is Expired?
Check the "Ship By" date on the label, often in the bottom corner, to determine whether your USPS shipping label is outdated. Postal workers typically utilize the "ship by" date as a guide to ensure that items are sent out on time and will reach the correct delivery address. The significance of this date varies depending on your shipping service.
For instance, Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express items have a limited delivery window and receive higher shipping priority than other packages, making them arrive faster. Due to the short scheduled delivery, the ship-by date on these labels is far more significant for correct delivery timeframes than on other mail forms, such as First Class.
Ask your local post office if you have any questions about whether they will accept a parcel with an expired shipping label.
Related: USPS Lost My Package: What Do I Do?
What Should I Do If My USPS Shipping Label Expires?
Don't get upset if your USPS shipping label expires. If your shipment is one to three days past its expiration date, you can always contact your local post office to see if they can still accept it. You still have a few options if, for whatever reason, your local post office cannot accept the item or the mailing label is too old to be accepted!
- You have ten days from the time you print the shipping label, for instance, to get a refund if you purchased your shipping labels from USPS (not buy it).
- You can buy a new shipping label using the money you get back after making a refund request!
- Additionally, you can get USPS shipping labels at a discount by using online shipping software, or you can easily USPS return labels online via shipping software.
- Furthermore, most of these services permit refunds as long as USPS never scanned the label, irrespective of how recently you printed it.
Related:How Late Does USPS Deliver?
Are There Any Circ*mstances Where A USPS Label Will Not Expire, Regardless Of When It Was Issued Or Printed On The Label Itself?
Yes, there are a few circ*mstances where a USPS label will not expire. For example, if you print a label but do not use it within 30 days, the label will automatically be voided, and you will not be able to use it. Additionally, if you void a label within 48 hours of printing, you will also be unable to use that label. Finally, if a label is damaged or illegible, you cannot use it.
Is There A Way To Extend The Life Of Your USPS Labels Beyond Their Expiration Date If Needed?"
If you need to extend the life of your USPS labels, you can do so by printing a new label with the same tracking number. As long as the tracking number is valid, the label will not expire. Additionally, you can contact USPS customer service to request an extension on your label's expiration date.
Related:What Do the USPS Tracking Status Updates Mean?
If My Package Doesn't Arrive At Its Destination, Can I Still Use The Expired USPS Label To Try And Track It Down Or Get A Refund/Replacement From The Post Office?
If your package does not arrive at its destination, you can use the expired USPS label to try and track it down. However, you will not be able to get a refund or replacement from the post office if the label has expired. You need to contact USPS customer service to get a refund or replacement.
Recommended: USPS Didn't Pick Up My Package- What Should I Do?
What is Priority Mail Cubic?
Priority Mail Cubic is a specialized service offered by the United States Postal Service (USPS) that prices packages based on their outer dimensions rather than weight. This unique pricing model can lead to significant savings, especially for small, dense packages weighing up to 20 pounds.
Key Features:
- Dimension-based pricing: Rates determined by package size, not weight
- Weight limit: Up to 20 pounds
- Delivery timeframe: 1-3 business days
- Insurance: $100 included for free
- Tracking: Free package tracking included
- Savings: Up to 90% off retail shipping rates
USPS Cubic Pricing Tiers
Priority Mail Cubic uses a tiered pricing system based on the package's volume. There are five tiers:
- Tier 0.1: Up to 0.1 cubic feet
- Tier 0.2: 0.101 to 0.2 cubic feet
- Tier 0.3: 0.201 to 0.3 cubic feet
- Tier 0.4: 0.301 to 0.4 cubic feet
- Tier 0.5: 0.401 to 0.5 cubic feet
Calculating Your Package's Cubic Tier
For Boxes and Rigid Packages:
- Measure the outer dimensions (length, width, height) in inches
- Round each measurement down to the nearest quarter inch
- Multiply length x width x height
- Divide the result by 1728 (cubic inches in a cubic foot)
- The result is your package's cubic feet measurement
Example: For a box measuring 12.3" x 9.5" x 3":
- Round down to 12.25" x 9.5" x 3"
- 12.25 x 9.5 x 3 = 349.125
- 349.125 / 1728 = 0.202 cubic feet
- This package falls into the 0.3 cubic feet pricing tier
Note: Maximum size for any single dimension is 18 inches
For Envelopes and Soft Packs:
- Measure the length and width of the empty envelope
- Round down to the nearest quarter inch
- Add the length and width together
- Use the total to determine the pricing tier:
- Tier 0.1: Up to 21"
- Tier 0.2: 21.01" to 27"
- Tier 0.3: 27.01" to 31"
- Tier 0.4: 31.01" to 34"
- Tier 0.5: 34.01" to 36"
Restrictions
- Tubes and rolls are not eligible for Cubic pricing
- Maximum combined length and girth is 84 inches
Benefits of Using Priority Mail Cubic
- Cost savings: Cheaper than weight-based pricing for small, heavy items
- Predictable pricing: Easy to calculate shipping costs based on box dimensions
- Fast delivery: 1-3 business day delivery to any US address, including PO boxes
- Free tracking: Monitor shipments at no extra cost
- Included insurance: $100 of coverage with every shipment
- No surcharges: Residential and fuel surcharges included in the price
Tips for Maximizing Savings
- Optimize packaging: Use the smallest box possible that safely fits your items
- Consider breaking up large orders: Sometimes shipping in multiple smaller boxes can be cheaper
- Use cubic feet calculators: Online tools can help quickly determine your package's tier
- Compare rates: Always compare Cubic rates with other shipping methods
- Use Commercial Pricing: Accessing Commercial Pricing rates can lead to even more savings
2024 USPS Priority Mail Cubic Rates
[Insert current rate table here]
Accessing Priority Mail Cubic Rates
Priority Mail Cubic isn't available at regular Post Office counters. However, many online shipping platforms and 3PL providers offer access to these rates. By partnering with a fulfillment provider, you can easily access these discounted rates and streamline your shipping process. For small-scale sellers not yet ready for a 3PL, Pirate Ship offers free access to USPS Priority Mail Cubic rates with no monthly fees or minimums.
