How Much Does USPS Overnight Shipping Cost in 2025?
USPS Overnight Shipping Cost Calculator
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USPS Priority Mail Express guarantees delivery by 6 p.m. the next business day with $100 insurance included at no extra charge.
Want to send something overnight with USPS? You’re not alone. Every day, thousands of people need to ship documents, gifts, or urgent parts-fast. But the cost isn’t always clear. Unlike private couriers like FedEx or UPS, USPS doesn’t list prices upfront on every website. And if you’ve ever been shocked by the final bill at the post office, you know why. So how much does USPS overnight actually cost in 2025? Let’s break it down, no fluff, just real numbers and real scenarios.
What Is USPS Priority Mail Express?
USPS overnight shipping is officially called Priority Mail Express. It’s the only service they offer that guarantees delivery by 6 p.m. the next business day, even to PO Boxes. If you need it there by tomorrow, this is your only USPS option. It’s not just fast-it’s legally bound to deliver on time. If they miss the deadline, you get a full refund. That’s something no other carrier can say for sure.
This service works for packages up to 70 pounds and includes tracking, insurance up to $100 (more if you pay extra), and signature confirmation. It’s available 365 days a year, including Sundays and holidays. That’s rare. Most couriers don’t deliver on Christmas Day, but USPS does.
Base Prices for Priority Mail Express
Here’s what you pay if you ship a flat-rate envelope or box. These prices are for retail rates at the post office as of December 2025. If you print labels online with Click-N-Ship, you’ll save a few dollars.
- Priority Mail Express Flat Rate Envelope: $30.95
- Priority Mail Express Padded Flat Rate Envelope: $33.95
- Priority Mail Express Small Flat Rate Box: $33.95
- Priority Mail Express Medium Flat Rate Box: $40.95
- Priority Mail Express Large Flat Rate Box: $53.95
These flat-rate options are the most popular because they’re predictable. No matter how heavy the item is (up to 70 lbs), the price stays the same. That’s perfect for sending a laptop, a stack of documents, or a small appliance.
But if your item doesn’t fit in a flat-rate box, you pay by weight and distance. For example, a 2-pound package shipped from New York to California costs $58.65. The same package going from New York to Chicago? $42.75. Distance matters-even for overnight.
Real-World Examples
Let’s say you’re a small business owner in Ohio. You sold a handmade ceramic vase to a customer in Texas. It weighs 3 pounds and fits in a small flat-rate box. You pay $33.95. That’s it. No hidden fees. You print the label online for $2.50 off. Total: $31.45. The customer gets it by 6 p.m. tomorrow.
Now, imagine you’re shipping a 15-pound tool kit from Florida to Alaska. It won’t fit in a flat-rate box. You pay by weight and zone. The cost? $117.85. That’s expensive, but it’s still cheaper than FedEx or UPS for that same route. And you still get guaranteed delivery.
One more: a medical lab in Minnesota needs to send a blood sample to a lab in Washington, D.C. It’s 1.5 pounds, in a special insulated container. They use the padded flat-rate envelope. Cost: $33.95. They get tracking and temperature monitoring. That’s the kind of reliability that matters when lives are on the line.
What’s Not Included (The Hidden Costs)
Just because the base price looks low doesn’t mean you’re done. Here’s what adds up:
- Insurance over $100: Add $1.10 per $100 of value. Need $500 coverage? That’s $5.50 extra.
- Signature confirmation: Already included on all Priority Mail Express shipments. No extra charge.
- Special handling: If you’re shipping fragile items, alcohol, or hazardous materials, you’ll pay more. Some items aren’t allowed at all.
- Residential delivery surcharge: None. USPS charges the same whether it’s a home or business.
- Address correction: If the address is wrong and USPS has to fix it, you pay $15.20.
Most people forget about insurance. If you’re shipping a $300 camera, you’re covered for $100. That’s not enough. Pay the extra $2.20 to get $200 coverage. It’s cheap protection.
USPS vs. FedEx and UPS Overnight
Is USPS the best deal? Sometimes. Here’s how it stacks up for a 5-pound package from Chicago to Seattle:
| Carrier | Service | Price (Retail) | Guaranteed Delivery? | Includes Insurance? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USPS | Priority Mail Express | $62.15 | Yes, by 6 p.m. | Yes, up to $100 |
| UPS | Next Day Air | $98.45 | Yes, by 10:30 a.m. | No, extra cost |
| FedEx | Standard Overnight | $95.20 | Yes, by 3 p.m. | No, extra cost |
USPS wins on price. But if you need delivery before noon, or you’re shipping something over 70 pounds, FedEx or UPS are your only options. Also, FedEx and UPS offer more tracking updates and flexible pickup times. For most people, though, USPS is the smart pick.
How to Save Money on USPS Overnight
You don’t have to pay retail prices. Here’s how to cut costs:
- Use Click-N-Ship: Print labels online at usps.com. You save $1.50-$3.50 per package.
- Use flat-rate boxes: Always check if your item fits. Even if it’s light, a flat-rate box can be cheaper than weight-based pricing.
- Sign up for a business account: If you ship more than 5 packages a week, you can get discounted rates. Some businesses save 20%.
- Ship early: Drop off your package before 2 p.m. local time. If you wait until after 3 p.m., it might not leave that day.
- Use a postage meter: If you’re a high-volume shipper, a postage meter gives you the best rates and prints labels instantly.
One pro tip: If you’re shipping to a PO Box, only USPS can deliver there. FedEx and UPS can’t. So if your customer uses a PO Box, you don’t have a choice.
When Not to Use USPS Overnight
USPS is great-but not always the right tool.
- Shipping over 70 pounds: USPS maxes out at 70 lbs. Go with FedEx Freight or UPS.
- Need delivery before noon: USPS delivers by 6 p.m. If you need it at 10 a.m., use FedEx Priority Overnight or UPS Next Day Air Saver.
- International overnight: USPS doesn’t offer true international overnight. For that, use DHL or FedEx International Priority.
- High-value items over $1,000: USPS insurance caps at $5,000 with extra payment, but their liability process is slower. Private carriers handle high-value claims faster.
If you’re shipping a $2,000 diamond ring, don’t rely on USPS alone. Use a courier with specialized valuables handling and full insurance.
Final Answer: How Much Does It Cost?
So how much does USPS overnight cost? It depends.
For a small envelope or box? $30-$55. For a heavier package shipped across the country? $60-$120. For a 10-pound item going from New York to Los Angeles? Around $85.
USPS Priority Mail Express is the most affordable guaranteed overnight option in the U.S. It’s reliable, widely available, and works on holidays. For most people sending non-hazardous, under-70-pound items, it’s the best value.
But if you need speed before noon, international delivery, or heavy freight, look elsewhere. Know your needs. Know your options. And always check the price before you drop it off. A $5 difference today can be $150 a year.
Does USPS guarantee overnight delivery?
Yes. USPS Priority Mail Express guarantees delivery by 6 p.m. the next business day, including Sundays and holidays. If the package doesn’t arrive on time, you get a full refund of the shipping cost. This guarantee applies to all domestic addresses, including PO Boxes.
Can I ship overnight to Alaska or Hawaii?
Yes. USPS Priority Mail Express delivers to Alaska and Hawaii overnight, but the price is higher due to distance. A 5-pound package to Honolulu costs $98.50. Delivery still arrives by 6 p.m. the next day, but the cost reflects the logistical challenge of reaching remote islands.
Is USPS overnight cheaper than FedEx or UPS?
For most standard packages under 70 pounds, yes. USPS Priority Mail Express is typically 30-40% cheaper than FedEx or UPS overnight services. For example, a 5-pound package coast to coast costs about $62 with USPS versus $95+ with competitors. USPS also includes $100 insurance at no extra cost.
Can I use my own box for USPS overnight?
Yes. You can use your own box, but you’ll pay by weight and distance, not flat rate. This can be more expensive than using a USPS flat-rate box. For example, a 4-pound item in your own box shipped from Texas to New York might cost $72. The same weight in a small flat-rate box? $33.95. Always compare prices before sealing the box.
Do I need to sign for a Priority Mail Express package?
Signature confirmation is included at no extra cost on all Priority Mail Express shipments. The recipient must sign for it upon delivery. This is useful for high-value or sensitive items. If you don’t want a signature, you can request a waiver, but this removes proof of delivery.
Can I track my USPS overnight package in real time?
Yes. Priority Mail Express includes detailed tracking updates. You’ll see scan events at every major stop-from pickup to sorting to delivery. You can track it on usps.com or through the USPS mobile app. Updates usually appear within 2-4 hours after each scan.