Understanding Postal Systems in the United States: USPS, UPS, and FedEx
前言 | Introduction
去年從伊利諾州搬至加州的時候在小紅書簡短分享了我如何利用美國郵政系統寄送包裹，沒想到意外的反響不錯。也因為如此，我打算好好的利用一些時間大致的分享美國常見的郵政系統，以及如何利用這些快遞服務在美國寄送包裹。
Last year, when I moved from Illinois to California, I briefly shared on Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book) how I used the Pirate Ship website to send packages in the United States, a topic I will delve into further in this article. The positive response from readers has encouraged me to write a detailed piece about the common postal systems in the United States and how to utilize these courier services for shipping packages.
首先，美國常見的郵政系統可以普遍由下列這三項所構成：
Firstly, the common postal systems in the United States generally consist of the following:
United States Postal Service（USPS）｜美國郵政署
由美國聯邦政府所運營的郵局。由於它的簡稱和UPS非常相似，所以我曾經常會把它和私營的UPS搞混。除了寄送信件和包裹等，USPS還提供了一種專門寄送書籍、DVD和其他媒體材料的運送方式－稱為Media Mail。由於這個運送渠道費用低廉，所以對於包裹內的運送物品有較多的限制和要求。這僅適用於書籍、音樂和視頻、樂譜、劇本手稿以及教育相關的材料等（詳情可見官網）。選擇此運輸方式的包裹會被隨機抽查，如果被判定含有不符合條件的物品，則會面臨相應的罰款。
Operated by the federal government of the United States, the Postal Service (USPS) is commonly confused with the private carrier UPS due to their similar acronyms. In addition to mailing letters and packages, USPS offers a specialized shipping option called Media Mail for books, DVDs, and other media materials. This service is cost-effective but imposes strict restrictions and requirements on the contents of packages. It applies exclusively to items such as books, music and videos, sheet music, scripts, and educational materials (details can be found on their official website). Packages sent via Media Mail may be subject to random inspections, and if found to contain items that do not meet the criteria, corresponding penalties may apply.
#Forever Stamps
永久郵票｜ Forever Stamps
由USPS發行的一種永不過期的郵票。可以用於郵寄一盎司重的信件。其郵票優勢在於它不受未來郵資變動所影響。有時候會販售期間限定的紀念性郵票。
As the name suggests, a forever stamp issued by USPS never expires and can be used to mail one ounce of mail. Its advantage lies in its immunity to future postage rate changes. Occasionally, limited-time commemorative stamps are also available for sale.
United Parcel Service（UPS）｜聯合包裹服務公司
全球性的私營快遞公司。運輸方式（例如UPS Ground）普遍適用於重量較大的包裹，且價格相對於USPS會更便宜一些。
A global private courier company. Shipping methods (such as UPS Ground) are generally suitable for heavier parcels and are relatively cheaper compared to USPS.
FedEx｜聯邦快遞
全球性的私營快遞公司。如果是寄送快遞急件或重要資料，我很多時候會優先選擇這一家。
A global private courier company. When sending urgent packages or important documents, I often prioritize choosing this company.
美國郵局除了提供寄送服務，也會提供列印和掃描文件等服務。如果家裡沒有列表機，有些人會利用郵局列印文件。
In addition to shipping services, USPS, UPS, and FedEx offer printing and scanning services in addition to shipping services noted above. Some people utilize these printing services if they don't have a printer at home.
包裹費用的計算方式｜How Shipping Fees Are Calculated
包裹運送價錢除了根據選擇的郵寄類型浮動外（如急件、一般信件），主要是根據以下幾個因素計算：
The shipping price for package is mainly calculated based on the following factors, in addition to the type of service selected for specific carriers (e.g., priority mail and regular mail):
重量｜Weight
在美國，重量以磅（pounds/ lbs）和盎司（ounces/ oz）為單位計算。
需注意的是如果包裹重量超過70lbs，會被收取重型包裹的額外費用（Additional Handling）。如超過150磅，包裹則會被判定為貨運 （freight）並收取相對重量超額的費用。基本上如果寄送重量稍重的包裹，UPS的運費會比USPS相對在更便宜一些。
In the United States, weight is measured in pounds (lbs) and ounces (oz).
It's important to note that if a parcel weighs over 70 lbs, it incurs an additional handling fee. If it exceeds 150 pounds, the parcel is classified as freight and is charged accordingly for the excess weight. Generally, for slightly heavier parcels, UPS shipping rates are typically cheaper compared to USPS.
體積｜Package Size
在美國，長寬高以英寸（inches）為單位計算。
運送費用除了會根據重量也會根據包裹的體積（長ｘ寬ｘ高）計算。和重型包裹的概念相似，長度和周長（包裹的腰圍）總和超過108英寸（但不超過130英寸）的包裹被分類成超大型包裹並收取相應的費用。
In the United States, dimensions such as length, width, and height are measured in inches.
Shipping costs are calculated based not only on weight but also on the package's volume (length x width x height). Similar to the concept of heavy packages, parcels with a combined length and girth (the measurement around the package) exceeding 108 inches (but not exceeding 130 inches) are classified as oversized and are charged accordingly.
郵寄區域｜Zipcode/Zones
郵寄費用也取決於郵寄地址和寄送地址的距離。以USPS為例，美國各地被劃分成相應的郵寄區域（zones）。根據寄送區域的不同，運費也會有所不同。跨區域運送通常比同區域運送的費用更高。
Shipping costs also depend on the distance between the mailing address and the delivery address. For instance, USPS divides the United States into different postal zones, and shipping expenses vary accordingly. Generally, shipping between different zones costs more than within the same zone.
除了上述的三大因素外，還有一個需要特別注意的概念：
In addition to the three major factors mentioned earlier, there's another concept that needs special attention:
實際重量 | Actual Weight
體積重量｜Dimensional Weight
根據包裹的尺寸計算出來的重量。計算方法是將包裹的長度、寬度和高度相乘，得到體積，然後除以一個特定的係數得出來的價錢。
Dimensional weight is calculated based on the dimensions of the package. This calculation method involves multiplying the package's length, width, and height to obtain its volume, and then dividing by a specific factor to determine the shipping cost.
運輸公司會比較包裹的實際重量和體積重量，然後按照兩者中較高的那一項來計算運費。這也就是為什麼尺寸大但重量輕的包裹運費並不會相對的便宜。
Shipping couriers typically compare the actual weight of the package with its dimensional weight and charge based on the higher of the two. This is why shipping costs for large but lightweight packages may not be relatively cheaper.
海盜船 | Pirate Ship
Pirate Ship
一家美國的第三方運輸公司。專注於為個人和小型企業提供節省成本的郵寄解決方案。可以透過他們的網站獲取運費折扣並管理郵寄訂單等事務。
A U.S.-based third-party shipping company that focuses on offering cost-effective mailing solutions for individuals and small businesses. They provide access to shipping discounts through their website and offer management of mailing orders and other related services.
#ShippingLabel
除了親自到郵局寄送包裹外，很多時候也可以提前支付運費並打印貼在包裹上的運單（Shipping Label）(請見右圖）。隨後可將貼有運單的包裹拿至郵局現場投遞，或者放進郵局的收集箱（Collection Boxes）。運單上通常會標明收件人和寄件人的地址、包裹的尺寸和重量，以及追蹤包裹的編碼（tracking number）用於查詢運輸進度。
Apart from physically bringing packages to the post office for shipment, it's common to prepay shipping fees and print shipping labels to attach to packages (see example on the right). Afterwards, these labeled packages can either be taken to the post office counter or dropped off into collection boxes. The shipping label, as depicted on the right, typically includes sender and recipient addresses, package dimensions and weight, and a tracking number for monitoring the shipment's progress.
#PirateShipAccountPage
Pirateship的網頁設計其實挺陽春的，主要的功能不外乎涵蓋＂創建運單＂和＂預約上門取貨＂的這兩個選項。
The web design of Pirate Ship is actually quite simple, focusing mainly on two options: "Single" (used to create a shipping label by inputting the package size and actual weight) and "Schedule pickup".
需要注意的是 Pirate Ship的運输渠道只經由 USPS 和 UPS 這兩項，但這個第三方渠道提供了很多優勢：
It's important to note that Pirate Ship only operates through two shipping carriers, USPS and UPS; However, this third-party shipping website offers many advantages:
每個運單生成後能隨時在網頁追踪包裹進度。
After generating each shipping label, you can track the progress of your package at any time on the website.
每個箱子輸入長寬高和重量後，會顯示全部可運輸的渠道，價錢也非常清楚。
Once you input the dimensions and weight of each package, all available shipping options along with their prices are clearly displayed.
重量可以用電子體重機大概測量。超重會額外收費，過輕會退款。如果是用於小型企業，可以選擇購買測量更精準的電子測量儀器
Weights can be estimated using an electronic scale. Additional charges apply for overweight shipments, while refunds are issued for lighter ones. For small businesses, investing in a more precise electronic measurement device is highly recommended.
線上客服回復速度快。
Customer service responds promptly online.
每個包裹都有免費的 $100 保險，保險涵蓋範圍廣（包括電子產品等），也可以額外選擇加購。
Each package includes free insurance up to $100, covering a wide range of items including electronics. Additional insurance can also be purchased.
UPS 上門取貨是以次數算價錢，而非包裹件數。一次的上門費用只要 $6 美元，只需要提前一天預約即可。可以備註箱子是放在哪個位置，會生成上門取貨的訂單號，可以在 UPS 追踪上門取貨進度。USPS 則根據選擇的運輸方式（例如，USPS Ground Advantage），有些會提供免費取貨服務。
UPS pickup services are priced per occurrence rather than per package. Each pickup costs only $6 (subject to change) and can be scheduled with one day's notice. You can specify the pickup location and receive an order number to track pickup progress on the UPS website. USPS also offers some free pickup services depending on the selected shipping method (e.g., USPS Ground Advantage)
如果需要額外的服務（例如要求簽收、額外保險），都可以在生成運單（Shipping Label）前勾選。在運單列印之前都可以隨時取消，會立即退款至原付款的帳戶。
在運單生成後，每個運單都可以個別點進去查看最新的運輸進度（看右圖），以及查看之前所付的運輸價格。
如果是Ebay又或者Etsy賣家，可以利用這個第三方運輸管道拿到更便宜的運費價格。對於經營小型商店的人來說算是一個非常划算的方式。
If additional services are needed (such as signature confirmation or extra insurance), they can be selected before generating the shipping label. You have the flexibility to cancel anytime before printing the label, with an immediate refund processed to the original payment account.
After generating the shipping label, you can track the latest shipping progress individually through your account (as shown on the right) and review the shipping costs paid previously.
For eBay or Etsy sellers, leveraging this third-party shipping option can yield more competitive shipping rates. It's a cost-effective solution particularly advantageous for small business operators.
結語 | Conclusion
隨著時代和科技的進步，現今人們對郵寄的需求可能比以往低。但在熟悉了美國的運輸系統後，才發現郵寄包裹和信件並不像想像中那麼困難。希望這簡短的分享能幫助到許多人，如有任何問題，歡迎在文章底下討論。
With the advancement of time and technology, people today may have less demand for mailing than before. However, after becoming familiar with the transportation system in the United States, it is discovered that sending packages and letters is not as difficult as imagined. I hope this brief sharing can help many people. If you have any questions, feel free to discuss them in the comments below the article.
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