
USPS offers a range of tracking options for First Class Mail, including Track & Confirm and Certified Mail.
You can track your First Class Mail online or through the USPS mobile app, which provides real-time updates on the status of your package.
Track & Confirm allows you to track your package from the time it's mailed until it's delivered, while Certified Mail provides a paper record of delivery.
This level of tracking and record-keeping can be especially useful for businesses and individuals who need to prove delivery.
Tracking Options
You can track First-Class Mail packages for free, but not letters, postcards, or flats unless you pay for optional extras. Tracking is automatically applied to First-Class Mail packages, and you can find the tracking number on the receipt.
First-Class Package Services are trackable at no additional cost, but national and international parcels are the only trackable items. Retail parcels are sent at standard package rates, and commercial ones are given some discounts.
If you're printing shipping labels at home, you can use approved vendors like eBay or PayPal, or online mailing services like SendPro. These services will allow you to create and print First Class shipping labels right on the site.
To add tracking to a First Class parcel, you can bring it to the post office or print a shipping label at home using an approved vendor. The receipt will contain your tracking information for the parcel.
You can track your First-Class Mail package by entering the tracking number on the USPS website or by enquiring about your mail via SMS or call. The tracking number is usually found at the bottom of the receipt.
Here are some popular options for tracking First-Class Mail:
- USPS services that give you proof of mailing and delivery
- Delivery confirmation through email or app
- Tracking features available for other mailing classes like Priority Mail and First-Class Package
Note: These services may require an additional fee or subscription.
Package Types
First-class mail can be sent in a variety of package types, including envelopes, boxes, and padded mailers.
Flat Rate Envelopes are available in 1, 2, and 3 oz sizes, making them a convenient option for sending lightweight items.
Priority Mail Flat Rate Boxes are another popular choice, offering a range of sizes to fit different types of items.
Priority
With Priority Mail, you get free tracking, so you can keep an eye on your package every step of the way.
The maximum weight limit for packages is 70 lbs, so make sure to check that before shipping.
You can also request free pickups from USPS, which is super convenient and saves you time.
This service is included with Priority Mail, so you don't have to pay extra for it.
International Package
International packages can take a while to arrive, but it's worth the wait for the cost-effective shipping option.
You can track your USPS First Class Package International using the USPS website or a third-party service like Ship24, but you'll need your tracking number.
Delivery times vary depending on the destination country and customs clearance, but you can generally expect it to take up to 7 to 21 working days.
The season can also affect delivery times, so be sure to factor that in when planning your shipping.
Certified

Certified Mail is a type of mail that offers a mailing receipt and electronic verification that your item was delivered or delivery was attempted. It's like having a digital paper trail that proves your mail arrived safely.
The mailing receipt has a First-Class USPS tracking number, so you can easily check the delivery status of your mailpiece online. You can visit the USPS website at any time to see where your mail is.
Certified Mail also offers a record of delivery, which includes the recipient's signature at the time of delivery. This record is stored for up to two years.
You can opt for a Return Receipt or green card, which is mailed back to you with the recipient's signature, for an extra fee. This adds an extra layer of security and proof of delivery.
For added security, you can combine Certified Mail with services like Restricted Delivery, which ensures your mail is only delivered to the addressed recipient. Adult Signature Required and Adult Signature Restricted Delivery are also options, which direct the USPS to only deliver to an adult (21 years or older) or an adult addressee, respectively.
Here are some additional features of Certified Mail:
- Restricted Delivery: Ensures delivery to only the addressed recipient.
- Adult Signature Required: Directs delivery to only an adult (21 years or older).
- Adult Signature Restricted Delivery: Limits delivery to only an adult addressee.
Certified Mail costs $3.75 for every item you send, but it assures accurate mail delivery and offers peace of mind to mailers.
Tracking Services
You can track First-Class Mail Packages at no additional cost.
Retail parcels and commercial parcels are trackable for free.
You can enter the tracking number on the USPS website to view the current location of your items.
Other details like attempted delivery, date, and time are also available for you to check.
USPS tracking does not guarantee or expedite your mail delivery.
It only acts as a way for mailers to view their mailpieces as they move through the USPS system.
You can track international mail sent via most mailing classes, including First-Class Package Service.
Here are some services that offer tracking on First-Class Mail:
- Certified Mail: $4.40
- Registered Mail: $15.25
- Signature Confirmation: $3.50 if you pay online and $3.65 at the Post Office
- Informed Delivery: Free
These services allow you to get proof of mailing and delivery, making it easier to track your First-Class Mail.
Signature Confirmation
Signature Confirmation is a product of the USPS that helps you know whether a mail item is delivered.
To avail of this service, you need to fill up PS Form 153, which can be obtained from your local post office. The form is divided into two parts.
The first part needs to be filled out and given to the postal worker while paying postage. There is a barcoded label on the second part that you need to stick on your envelope.
Signature Confirmation does not guarantee delivery time or expedite mailing in any way. It should always be purchased at the time of sending your mail and not after.
To purchase this service, you can either buy it online for $2.90 or at the post office for $3.45.
A copy of the signature along with the recipient's name is emailed to you. The location, date, and time of the delivery are also made known to you.
You are also given other options to receive the signature and recipient name such as fax and mail.
Services

If you're looking for a reliable tracking service, you've got options. You can use USPS tracking services on Priority Mail and First-Class Package Service, which includes tracking in the postage.
PostGrid is another company that can help you with tracking and mailing. Their automated direct mail API allows you to create, print, and mail items with just a few clicks.
USPS tracking doesn't guarantee or expedite mail delivery, but it does give you a way to view your mailpieces as they move through the system. You can enter the tracking number on the USPS website to see the current location of your items.
To track First-Class Mail, you'll need to use one of the following services: Certified Mail, Registered Mail, Signature Confirmation, or Informed Delivery. Certified Mail and Registered Mail offer proof of mailing and delivery, while Signature Confirmation requires a signature upon delivery. Informed Delivery is a free service that allows you to view your mail and packages before they arrive.

Here are the prices for these services:
- Certified Mail: $4.40
- Registered Mail: $15.25
- Signature Confirmation: $3.50 online, $3.65 at the Post Office
- Informed Delivery: Free
At the Post Office, you can weigh your mailpieces and pay the postage, and if you're shipping parcels, USPS tracking is automatically activated. If you want to add tracking to your First-Class Mail letters or flats, you can select an add-on service and pay accordingly.
Cost and Time
USPS First Class Package International can take up to 7 to 21 working days to deliver, depending on the destination country and customs clearance.
The cost of shipping a First Class package starts at $4 for 1-4 ounces of weight, and grows from there up to 13 ounces max.
If you're mailing a large envelope that exceeds the weight limit, it will get bumped up to parcel shipping, which costs more but comes with free tracking.
You can't track a First Class letter the same way you can track a parcel, but USPS offers add-on services that assure the sender that an item was received.
Cost

The cost of tracking First-Class Mail can be a bit confusing, but don't worry, I've got the lowdown.
First-Class Package Services are trackable at no additional cost, which means you can track national and international parcels for free. Retail and commercial parcels are also trackable for free.
The cost of shipping a First-Class Mail package starts at $4 for 1-4 ounces of weight and grows from there up to 13 ounces max. You can find a chart showing shipping prices on the USPS website.
If you're mailing a large envelope that exceeds the weight limit, it will get bumped up to parcel shipping, which costs more, but it also comes with free tracking.
You won't know where an item is on its journey, but you can have more assurance that it was delivered – sometimes right into the recipient's hands.
International Package Delivery Time
USPS First Class Package International is a cost-effective shipping choice for small and light packages going overseas. It's a great option if you're looking to save money on shipping costs.

Delivery for USPS First Class Package International can take up to 7 to 21 working days. This timeframe can vary depending on the destination country and how quickly customs clearance occurs.
The season can also impact delivery times, so be sure to plan ahead if you're shipping during peak holiday seasons.
Tracking Basics
First-Class Mail is one of the most popular mailing options for sending lightweight envelopes and parcels. It's ideal for sending mail that doesn't require tracking.
First-Class Mail postcards, letters, and flats are not trackable without optional extras, which means you'll need to pay an additional fee to get a tracking number. However, First-Class Package Services are trackable at no additional cost.
Only First-Class Package Services are trackable for free. Retail parcels are sent at standard package rates, while commercial ones are given some discounts. Both retail and commercial parcels are trackable for free.
A tracking number is automatically applied to First-Class Mail Packages, and you can enter this number on the USPS website to track your parcels.
How to Track Packages

Tracking packages is a breeze with USPS. You can use the USPS website to track your packages, and you'll need your tracking number to do so.
First, make sure you have a tracking number. You can find this on your receipt or through the USPS website. Then, simply enter the tracking number on the USPS website, and you'll be able to see the status of your package.
If you're using a third-party tracking service, such as Ship24, you can also use their website to track your package. However, you'll still need your USPS tracking number to do so.
The Basics of
First-Class Mail is a popular and cost-effective service offered by USPS that allows you to mail postcards, letters, flats, and packages.
First-Class Mail packages are delivered within one to three business days, whereas mail can take up to five business days to arrive.
To be eligible for First-Class Mail pricing, you must follow the size and weight specifications. Postcards should measure at least 3.5” x 5” and not exceed 4.25” x 6”, with a thickness ranging between 0.007” and 0.016”.

Letters cannot weigh more than 3.5 oz, and flats can weigh up to 13 oz. If your postcards exceed these dimensions, they are eligible to be sent as letters.
The cost of one stamp is $0.68, and you can use one stamp to send letters weighing up to one ounce. Sending postcards is cheaper, costing only $0.53 per piece.
Here's a summary of the size and weight specifications for First-Class Mail:
Website
You can enter the tracking number on the USPS website and view the current location of your items. Other details like attempted delivery, date, time, etc., are also available for you to check.
The USPS website is a great resource for tracking your mailpieces. You can access it at any time to see where your mail is in the process.
USPS tracking does not guarantee or expedite your mail delivery. It only acts as a way for mailers to view their mailpieces as they move through the USPS system.
To track your First-Class Package, simply enter the tracking number on the USPS website. This will give you an update on the status of your package.
You can also track international mail sent via most mailing classes on the USPS website. This is a great feature for mailers who send packages abroad.
Here are the prices for add-on services that include tracking for First-Class Mail:
- Certified Mail: $4.40
- Registered Mail: $15.25
- Signature Confirmation: $3.50 if you pay online and $3.65 at the Post Office
- Informed Delivery: Free
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does first class mail with tracking cost?
For First Class Package Service, tracking is included for free when printing postage online, but costs $0.90 at the Post Office. Online postage printing can save you $0.90 on tracking fees.
Does a first-class envelope have a tracking number?
First-Class Mail envelopes do not have a standard USPS Tracking number, but you can purchase additional services that provide some tracking information. These services can be added to your mail for an extra fee.
Sources
- https://www.postgrid.com/how-to-track-first-class-mail/
- https://www.ship24.com/couriers/usps-tracking/usps-first-class-package-international-tracking
- https://querysprout.com/does-usps-first-class-have-tracking/
- https://www.postgrid.com/does-usps-first-class-mail-have-tracking/
- https://community.shipstation.com/t5/ShipStation-Features/Tracking-or-Scanning-for-First-Clase-Mail-Envelopes/m-p/900
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