Weekend Delivery Secrets & Mailing Tips

Whether you’re sending a heartfelt message, a business invoice, or a last-minute birthday card, understanding how USPS operates can help ensure your mail gets where it needs to go—on time. While mailing a letter might seem like a straightforward task, there are many nuances that even seasoned senders might overlook. Plus, with modern delivery expectations leaning toward speed and convenience, many people are wondering: does USPS deliver on Sunday? And if you’re unsure where to start when preparing your mail, learning how to mail a letter efficiently is equally important.

In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about weekend mail delivery and step-by-step tips for mailing a letter properly and quickly. Whether you’re an individual sender or a small business owner, these insights can streamline your mailing process and avoid unnecessary delays.

The Basics of Mailing a Letter

Before diving into delivery schedules, let’s start at the beginning. Mailing a letter may appear simple, but incorrect postage, formatting errors, or using the wrong service can delay delivery or even return your mail altogether. Here’s a simple breakdown of the steps you should follow:

Choose the Right Envelope: Use an envelope that fits your contents comfortably. Standard business envelopes (No. 10) are suitable for most letters, but you may need larger or padded envelopes for additional materials.
Address It Correctly: Make sure to include both the recipient’s and your return address. Use all caps, avoid punctuation, and follow USPS addressing standards (street name, city, state abbreviation, ZIP code). This increases the chances of your mail being sorted and delivered correctly.
Weigh and Measure Your Letter: Postage depends on size, weight, and thickness. A standard 1-ounce letter typically requires one Forever stamp, but additional postage is needed for heavier mail or odd dimensions.
Apply the Correct Postage: Buy stamps from the post office, authorized retailers, or online. You can also use a postage meter or online mailing software if you’re sending bulk mail.
Drop It in the Right Place: Place your letter in a USPS mailbox, bring it to a post office, or schedule a pickup. Ensure it’s dropped off before the last collection time to avoid delays.

Need a full breakdown on the best and quickest way to send your letter? Check out this comprehensive guide on how to mail a letter for expert tips on postage options, delivery speeds, and ensuring successful mail delivery.

Does USPS Deliver on Sunday?

Now, let’s address a common and increasingly relevant question: does USPS deliver on Sunday?

Traditionally, USPS did not offer regular mail delivery services on Sundays. However, evolving consumer demands—especially with the rise of online shopping—have prompted USPS to adapt. The good news is that Sunday delivery is available, but only in specific circumstances:

1. Amazon Packages

The primary exception to Sunday delivery is for Amazon orders. Through a special agreement between Amazon and USPS, packages are delivered on Sundays in most major cities. If you’ve ever been surprised by a Sunday doorstep delivery, there’s a good chance Amazon was behind it.

2. Priority Mail Express

If you urgently need to get something delivered over the weekend, USPS offers Priority Mail Express, which includes Sunday and holiday delivery—guaranteed. It’s the fastest USPS service and includes tracking and insurance. However, it does come at a premium cost.

3. Location-Specific Availability

Sunday delivery is not universal. It’s more common in urban and high-demand areas, while rural or remote regions may not have this option available. You can always check availability on the USPS website or by contacting your local post office.

To learn more about delivery schedules and when to expect your mail, visit this detailed resource answering does USPS deliver on Sunday for up-to-date information on delivery times and exceptions.

Tips to Ensure Your Letter Arrives Quickly and Safely

Knowing how and when USPS delivers is only part of the equation. Here are some tips to increase the likelihood that your letter gets delivered efficiently:

Double-Check the Address

Incorrect or incomplete addresses are among the top reasons for returned or delayed mail. Always verify the street number, city spelling, ZIP code, and state abbreviation before sending.

Use a Tracking Option

While standard First-Class Mail doesn’t include tracking, adding Certified Mail or switching to Priority Mail can provide delivery confirmations and peace of mind.

Avoid Mailing on Weekends or Holidays

Unless you’re using Priority Mail Express, try to avoid dropping your letter off late Friday, Saturday, or right before a federal holiday. Mail tends to pile up during these periods, causing potential delays.

Consider Online Mailing Services

If you regularly send mail for business or need features like automation, address verification, or mail tracking, online mailing platforms can simplify the process and help you meet delivery deadlines.

Understanding USPS Delivery Options

Choosing the right mailing service depends on your urgency, budget, and type of item being sent. Here’s a quick comparison of the most common USPS services:

Service	Delivery Time	Tracking Included	Sunday Delivery
First-Class Mail	1-5 business days	No (add-on only)	No
Priority Mail	1-3 business days	Yes	No
Priority Mail Express	Overnight	Yes	Yes (in select areas)
USPS Retail Ground	2-8 business days	Yes	No

Conclusion

Mailing a letter and ensuring its timely arrival doesn’t have to be complicated. By understanding the steps of how to mail a letter, choosing the right postage, and selecting the best delivery method, you can avoid delays and ensure your mail gets where it needs to go.

As for delivery timing, while USPS doesn’t provide widespread Sunday service, options like Amazon deliveries and Priority Mail Express make it possible in many cases. So the next time you’re wondering does USPS deliver on Sunday, remember it depends on what you’re sending and where.

Whether you’re mailing once a month or managing bulk deliveries for a business, knowing these USPS best practices gives you the power to mail smarter and more confidently. Happy mailing!