First-Class Package Delivery Time Calculator (USPS)
Calculate delivery times for small USPS packages under 16 ounces. First-Class Package Service became part of Ground Advantage in July 2023; it includes tracking and takes 2-5 days by the USPS standard.
By Hamdi Saidani.
First-Class Package Delivery
2-5 Days
Tracking included for all packages
Service Update: Ground Advantage
In 2023, USPS merged First-Class Package Service into USPS Ground Advantage. Packages under 16 oz now pay Ground Advantage prices, from $7.90 at a Post Office ($8.40 for mail sent from October 4, 2026 through January 16, 2027), with tracking included.
Calculate First-Class Package Delivery Time
Enter your ZIP codes to estimate how long your small package will take to arrive.
Today
Already mailed? Pick the day you mailed it.
No regular USPS delivery on these days
All USPS holidaysReady to Calculate
Enter the two ZIP codes and the mailing date above, then press "Calculate Delivery Time" to see the expected delivery date for each mail class.
Latest Day to Send a First-Class Package
Know when it has to arrive? Enter the date and get the latest drop-off day, counted back from the delivery days USPS publishes for your ZIP pair.
The day it must be delivered.
How Long Does USPS First-Class Package Take?
First-Class Packages, now shipped as Ground Advantage, take 2-5 days by the USPS standard, depending on the ZIP pair, with tracking included. Actual delivery times depend on origin, destination, and current mail volume.
2-3 Days
Same 3-digit ZIP area (4 days on 1%)
2-4 Days
Same state (2-3 on 97% of routes)
4-5 Days
Most long routes
Note: Delivery times are estimates, not guarantees. For time-sensitive packages, consider Priority Mail or Priority Mail Express (the only one with a guaranteed date).
First-Class Package Rates (Ground Advantage, from July 12, 2026)
Pricing is based on weight and distance (zone). Online postage is typically cheaper than retail rates.
| Weight | Zone 1 | Zones 8-9 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 4 oz | $7.90 (holiday $8.40) | $9.45 (holiday $10.20) | Lightest packages |
| Over 4 up to 8 oz | $7.90 (holiday $8.40) | $9.45 (holiday $10.20) | Same price as up to 4 oz |
| Over 8 up to 12 oz | $9.55 (holiday $10.05) | $12.90 (holiday $13.65) | Medium packages |
| Over 12 up to 15.999 oz | $9.55 (holiday $10.05) | $12.90 (holiday $13.65) | Last price tier under 1 lb |
* Retail prices from July 12, 2026. Holiday prices are for mail sent from October 4, 2026 through January 16, 2027. For the price of your own package, use our rate calculator.
Size and Weight Limits (USPS Ground Advantage)
First-Class Package Service was retired on July 9, 2023. Packages under 1 lb now ship as USPS Ground Advantage, with these limits:
Size & Weight
- Maximum weight: 70 lb (prices under 1 lb come in 4, 8, 12 and 15.999 oz tiers)
- Maximum size: 130 inches of length plus girth
- Longer than 22 inches: a nonstandard fee applies ($4.50 for 22 to 30 inches)
Worth Knowing
- Up to $100 of insurance is included; you can buy more
- Many hazardous materials that cannot fly can go by Ground Advantage; check USPS rules first
- International packages use First-Class Package International Service instead
First-Class Package Tracking
Unlike First-Class letters, packages under 1 lb, now shipped as USPS Ground Advantage, include USPS Tracking. Here's what you can expect:
What Tracking Shows
- - Acceptance scan at post office
- - In-transit scans at facilities
- - Out for Delivery notification
- - Delivered confirmation with time
Pro Tip: Sign up for USPS Informed Delivery to get email and text notifications about your packages. Track it on the official USPS Tracking page; our tracking guide explains what each status means.
First-Class Package Pro Tips
- 1Packages under 16 oz now go as USPS Ground Advantage, with tracking and $100 insurance included
- 2Buy postage online through USPS.com or third-party services for lower rates
- 3Print labels at home to avoid post office lines and get discounted rates
- 4Over 1 lb, compare Ground Advantage with a Priority Mail Flat Rate box: the box can cost less for a heavy item going far
- 5Schedule free USPS Package Pickup for convenience - no need to visit the post office
- 6Ground Advantage includes up to $100 of insurance; buy extra coverage for items worth more
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does USPS First-Class Package take?
USPS First-Class Package Service was merged into Ground Advantage in July 2023, so a package under 16 oz now follows the Ground Advantage standard: 2-5 days depending on the ZIP pair.
Unlike First-Class letters, packages include free tracking.
What is the weight limit for First-Class packages?
First-Class Package Service no longer exists: USPS retired it on July 9, 2023.
Packages under 1 lb now ship as USPS Ground Advantage, priced in 4, 8, 12 and 15.999 oz tiers, and Ground Advantage takes packages up to 70 lb and 130 inches in length plus girth.
Is tracking included with First-Class packages?
Yes. Packages under 1 lb now ship as USPS Ground Advantage, which includes USPS Tracking. You can track your package online at USPS.com or through the USPS app using the tracking number provided at the time of mailing.
What's the difference between First-Class Package and Ground Advantage?
USPS merged First-Class Package Service into Ground Advantage in July 2023.
A package under 16 oz now pays Ground Advantage prices, from $7.90 at a Post Office (July 12, 2026 prices; $8.40 for mail sent from October 4, 2026 through January 16, 2027), and includes tracking and up to $100 of insurance.
How much does First-Class Package cost?
First-Class Package (now Ground Advantage for packages under 16oz) starts at $7.90 for a package up to 4 oz (Zone 1, prices from July 12, 2026; $8.40 for mail sent from October 4, 2026 through January 16, 2027) and increases based on weight and distance.
Rates are calculated by zone and weight, with online postage often cheaper than retail rates.