Standard USPS service standards for the ~350-mile VA → Brooklyn corridor:
| Service | Delivery Window | Tracking | Insurance | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First-Class Mail (≤13 oz) | 2–5 business days | No | Add-on | Letters, cards, small flats |
| Priority Mail | 1–3 business days | Yes | $100 incl. | Packages <70 lbs, e-commerce |
| Priority Mail Express | 1–2 business days (guar. by 6 PM) | Yes | $100 incl. | Time-critical, legal, medical |
| USPS Ground Advantage | 2–5 business days | Yes | $100 incl. | Heavy/large, non-urgent |
| Media Mail | 2–8 business days | Yes | $100 incl. | Books, media only |
Use Priority Mail Cubic (secret pricing by volume, not weight) for dense items—often 30–50% cheaper than regular Priority.