USPS Next Day Delivery Calculator
Check Your Next Day Delivery Eligibility
USPS Express Mail is the only way to guarantee next day delivery
If you're counting on a package to arrive tomorrow, you need to know if USPS can actually deliver it in one day. The short answer? Yes - but only under very specific conditions. Not every package sent through USPS gets next day delivery. And if you assume it does, you could be in for a surprise.
USPS Express Mail is the only option for guaranteed next day delivery
USPS doesn’t offer next day delivery the way private carriers like FedEx or UPS do. You won’t find a simple ‘Next Day’ checkbox when you print a label. Instead, you have to choose USPS Express Mail - and even then, it’s not automatic.
Express Mail guarantees delivery by 6 p.m. the next business day to most U.S. addresses. That includes weekends in some cases. But it only applies to eligible destinations. If you’re shipping from rural Wyoming to remote Alaska, don’t expect it to land tomorrow. The service covers about 99% of U.S. addresses, but delivery windows vary by distance and zip code.
Here’s what you get with Express Mail: a tracking number that updates in real time, delivery confirmation, $100 insurance included, and a money-back guarantee if it’s late. That guarantee is key. If your package doesn’t arrive by the promised time, USPS will refund the shipping cost. No questions asked.
What’s the cutoff time to qualify for next day delivery?
Timing matters more than you think. You can’t drop off a package at 4:55 p.m. and expect it to leave that same day. The cutoff time for next day delivery is usually between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., depending on the location.
At a post office, if you hand your Express Mail package to a clerk after 3 p.m., it will likely be processed the next morning. That pushes your delivery out by a full day. Even if you use a USPS collection box, the pickup schedule matters. Most boxes are emptied once a day - often around 5 p.m. If you miss that, your package waits.
Pro tip: Use a USPS retail location with a posted cutoff time. Many larger post offices list their last pickup times on the door. If you’re unsure, call ahead. A quick 30-second call can save you a missed deadline.
Express Mail vs. Priority Mail: What’s the difference?
People often confuse Express Mail with Priority Mail. Priority Mail is faster than First-Class, but it’s not guaranteed next day. Priority Mail typically delivers in 1-3 business days. It’s great for packages that don’t need to be there tomorrow - like gifts, catalogs, or non-urgent documents.
Express Mail, on the other hand, is priced for speed, not savings. As of 2025, the starting price for a 1-pound Express Mail envelope is $30.85. A 5-pound flat-rate box costs $38.95. Compare that to Priority Mail, which starts at $9.35 for the same weight. You’re paying a premium for guaranteed timing.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Express Mail | Priority Mail |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery Time | Next business day (guaranteed) | 1-3 business days |
| Guarantee | Yes - refund if late | No |
| Insurance Included | $100 | $50 |
| Starting Price (1 lb) | $30.85 | $9.35 |
| Weekend Delivery | Yes (to most locations) | No |
What about weekends and holidays?
USPS delivers Express Mail on Sundays and holidays - but only for certain packages. If you ship on a Friday evening, your package can arrive on Saturday. If you ship on a Thursday before the cutoff, it might even get there on Friday - even if Friday is a federal holiday like Columbus Day.
But here’s the catch: Not all areas get Sunday delivery. Rural routes and some smaller towns may only deliver Monday through Saturday. Check the USPS service map for your specific zip code. If you’re shipping to a military base, hospital, or government building, Sunday delivery is more likely.
Holidays are tricky. If you ship on the day before a major holiday (like Thanksgiving or Christmas), delivery may be delayed. USPS publishes a holiday schedule each year. For 2025, they’ve confirmed Express Mail will not be delivered on New Year’s Day, Independence Day, or Christmas Day - even if you pay extra.
Can you use Express Mail for international next day delivery?
No. Express Mail is strictly a domestic service. If you need something to arrive in Canada, the UK, or Australia by tomorrow, USPS won’t help. Their international options - Global Express Guaranteed and Priority Mail Express International - take 3-5 business days.
For true international overnight shipping, you’ll need FedEx International Priority or UPS Worldwide Express. Those services can deliver to major global cities in 24-48 hours, but they cost 3-5 times more than USPS domestic Express Mail.
When should you NOT use USPS for next day delivery?
There are times when Express Mail is the right choice - and times when it’s overkill. Here’s when to avoid it:
- You’re shipping a heavy item (over 70 lbs). Express Mail has a 70-pound weight limit. Beyond that, you need freight services.
- You’re shipping to a PO Box. Express Mail doesn’t deliver to PO Boxes - only to street addresses.
- You’re on a tight budget. If $30+ feels steep, Priority Mail or even First-Class Package Service might be enough.
- You’re shipping a fragile item. Express Mail doesn’t guarantee special handling. For high-value, delicate goods, consider a carrier with dedicated fragile handling.
- You’re shipping on a holiday weekend. Delivery windows get unpredictable. Plan ahead or use a private courier.
Real-world example: A small business owner’s dilemma
Last month, a bakery in Chicago needed to send a custom cake to a client in Milwaukee for a wedding on Saturday. The cake was made Friday morning. The owner had two choices: ship it via Express Mail or drive it herself.
She chose Express Mail. She dropped it off at 2:30 p.m. on Friday. The tracking showed it was processed that night, moved overnight, and delivered to the client’s home at 4:12 p.m. on Saturday. The cake arrived perfectly. She paid $34.25. Driving would’ve cost her $15 in gas, but she’d have missed half a day of work. The Express Mail option saved her time and stress.
That’s the real value - not just speed, but predictability.
What if your Express Mail package is late?
USPS has a clear policy: if your Express Mail package doesn’t arrive by the guaranteed time, you get your money back. No paperwork. No calls to customer service. Just go to usps.com, find your tracking number, and click ‘Request Refund.’ The refund usually hits your account in 3-5 business days.
But don’t wait until the last minute to check. Track your package daily. If it’s stuck in transit for more than 24 hours after the expected delivery date, call USPS customer service at 1-800-275-8777. Sometimes, a human can re-route it.
Does USPS offer next day delivery on weekends?
Yes, USPS Express Mail delivers on Sundays and Saturdays to most U.S. addresses. However, not all locations receive Sunday delivery - especially rural areas. Always check the delivery schedule for your specific zip code using the USPS tracking tool.
What’s the latest time I can drop off a package for next day delivery?
The cutoff time is usually between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., depending on the post office. Larger locations often have posted deadlines. If you’re unsure, call ahead or use the USPS website’s local cutoff tool. Dropping off after the cutoff means your package ships the next day.
Can I use Express Mail to ship to a PO Box?
No. USPS Express Mail only delivers to physical street addresses. If your recipient only has a PO Box, you’ll need to use Priority Mail Express with a delivery option that includes PO Box service, or ask the recipient to provide a street address.
Is Express Mail faster than FedEx or UPS overnight?
For most domestic routes, Express Mail is comparable in speed to FedEx Ground Overnight and UPS Next Day Air Saver. However, FedEx and UPS often offer earlier delivery windows (before 10 a.m.) and better tracking granularity. Express Mail’s advantage is price and Sunday delivery.
How much does USPS next day delivery cost?
Prices start at $30.85 for a 1-pound envelope. For a 5-pound box, it’s $38.95. Costs increase with weight and distance. Use the USPS online calculator to get an exact quote based on your zip codes. Remember - this includes $100 insurance and tracking.
What happens if I miss the cutoff time for Express Mail?
Your package will be processed the next business day. That means your delivery will be delayed by one full day. For example, if you drop it off after 3 p.m. on Monday, it won’t ship until Tuesday and won’t arrive until Wednesday. Plan your drop-off around the posted cutoff times.
Can I get next day delivery without paying for Express Mail?
No. Without Express Mail, USPS doesn’t guarantee next day delivery. Priority Mail and First-Class Package Service are faster than they used to be, but they’re not timed. If you need certainty, Express Mail is your only USPS option.
Final takeaway: It’s possible - but only if you plan ahead
USPS can deliver your package tomorrow. But you have to choose the right service, drop it off on time, and ship to the right place. It’s not the cheapest option. It’s not the fastest for international shipping. But for domestic, urgent deliveries within the U.S., it’s reliable, affordable, and surprisingly flexible - especially if you need Sunday delivery.
If your package can’t afford to be late - whether it’s legal documents, medical supplies, or a birthday gift - Express Mail is your best bet. Just don’t wait until the last minute. Plan like your delivery depends on it - because it probably does.
