USPS Priority Mail Next Day: What You Should Know
As delivery expectations continue to evolve, the United States Postal Service is stepping up its game. With the March 2025 rollout of Priority Mail Next Day in 54 markets, USPS is providing regional shippers with a competitive alternative to private carriers—offering next-day delivery at a more affordable cost and with fewer logistical complexities.
In a recent webinar for shippers, USPS answered shippers’ burning questions about the new service. At the end of the day, “consumers want speed,” said Jamie Cousin from USPS. And USPS plans to deliver that—affordably.
What does Priority Mail Next Day provide?
- Contract-only service
- Overnight delivery for packages up to 20 pounds
- Ships to addresses within 150 miles of eligible processing centers
- Volume must be entered by 6 PM local time the day before or delivery becomes 2-day
USPS can provide faster delivery without the need for additional infrastructure or added surcharges. The service is currently available in 62 markets across 28 states and continues to expand; here’s the current reach:
- 6300 zip codes
- 75.8 million people
- 10.4 million businesses
For shippers, this means a viable new option for fulfilling local and regional deliveries more efficiently—especially for those who have traditionally relied on FedEx or UPS for speed.
What does Priority Mail Next Day cost?
Unlike many premium services from private carriers, Priority Mail Next Day offers more predictable pricing. The service does not include residential, rural, or fuel surcharges, giving shippers greater cost control and fewer invoice surprises. For businesses managing thin margins and high customer expectations, this level of pricing transparency is a meaningful advantage.
Priority Mail Next Day is a contract-only service, so rates are negotiated on a per-customer basis. But Bill Fraine from USPS claims they’re taking an “aggressive pricing approach” for the offering.
Delivery times are not guaranteed, but USPS expects performance to meet overnight standards when shipments are dropped off by 6 p.m. at eligible facilities.
Is Priority Mail Next Day a “what you see is what you get” offering?
Cousin says yes. “We are so straightforward. It’s what you see is what you get when you’re dealing with us.”
For e-commerce businesses with regional fulfillment centers, Priority Mail Next Day opens new possibilities for same-day order cutoff and next-day delivery—at lower costs.
The program is especially attractive to mid-sized retailers, DTC brands, and logistics managers seeking to improve service without renegotiating complex carrier contracts or absorbing volatile surcharges.
It also allows shippers to streamline operations by using USPS as a primary partner for both standard and expedited services—reducing fragmentation in their carrier strategy.
Make it make sense—modeling data for smarter, faster decisions
Curious how to start using the USPS Priority Mail Next Day service?
Begin by reviewing a contract and comparing pricing against other carriers offering the same delivery speed—using your own shipment history as the benchmark. With Intelligent Audit’s Self-Serve Modeling Tools, this process is seamless. You'll have actionable insights at your fingertips before making any decisions, ensuring you're always a step ahead.
Reach out for a demo with our team if you’re not already using this powerful suite of tools.
