Predicting USPS in-home delivery dates

Multiple times daily, we get asked, “When do you need files, so our mail piece can be in mailboxes by 'such and such' date?”

The short answer — no direct mail company can project or promise in-home dates, including Holland Litho. The graphics below show the Delivery Standards for First Class and Marketing Mail, provided by the USPS.

What we can tell you is how long we need for proofing and production and mailing to drop by a specific date at the Post Office. From that point we can help you pick the drop date based on the delivery standards below. Covid adds a twist: this year, actual deliveries have been taking longer in some cases. You can also expect delays around the holidays and the election.

We analyzed the delivery times for one non-profit's periodical that we printed and mailed. 10,000 pieces of a 20,000 mailing were delivered within eight days, some of the rest took a lot longer. This is a periodical mailing that is prioritized right behind First Class and ahead of Marketing/Standard/Non-Profit postage.

We recommend to many of our clients that they consider using First Class if your deadline is crucial. Election season and the holidays are also times when all mailing slows down due to the sheer volume of mail going through the USPS.

Below are the Delivery Standards for First Class and Marketing/Standard/Non-Profit Mail.

According to the Urban Dictionary, "hauling the mail" is a phrase used to define a vehicle, human, or other object moving at an incredible rate, faster then the object would typically move. Rest assured we are doing everything we can to keep this true.

Frequently asked questions

1. What is SC 493?

SCF 493 refers to a Sectional Center Facility (SCF) associated with the 493 ZIP code region. An SCF is a processing and distribution center used by the United States Postal Service (USPS) to sort and route mail for a specific group of ZIP codes within a geographic area. Each SCF typically serves multiple three-digit ZIP code prefixes, like 493, which is located in Michigan.

In the context of mailing and logistics:

SCF 493 is the regional hub that processes and distributes mail for ZIP codes beginning with 493, which includes areas around Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The SCF helps streamline mail sorting, enabling efficient transportation to local post offices and final destinations. If you’re involved in bulk mailing or direct mail campaigns, knowing the SCF is important because it can affect postage rates and delivery times. For example:

• Drop shipping to the SCF can reduce postage costs for bulk mail.
• Delivery speed depends partly on the proximity to the SCF.
• For businesses or organizations in this area, SCF 493 plays a vital role in ensuring efficient mail handling and delivery.

2. What types of services are covered by the second map?

The second map, Standard, is the same as Marketing Mail. It is used for non-profit delivery as well.