Print First-Class Mail® Labels for both Domestic and International Packages
If you like printing your shipping labels from your computer and want the option to ship to buyers via First-Class Mail®–either Domestic or International–without a subscription to a postage service or using Paypal, the USPS Shipping Assistant can help.
It is a small program that you download from the USPS website, and it allows you to print labels for both domestic and international shipments. You can ship First Class, Priority Mail or any other service the USPS offers with labels generated through this program. It’s free and easy to use.
What’s the catch?
You can’t pay for postage with it (unless you have a subscription postage service). You just affix postage stamps to the package in addition to the label. When I am at the post office, I pick up some stamps of varying values to cover the bases–75¢, 41¢, 26¢, 4¢, 3¢, 2¢ and 1¢. I keep enough on-hand to make up postage for any combo I might need plus, I think it’s kind of fun to get a package with a fun mix of stamps on it.
Please note: All packages heavier than 13 ounces with postage stamps must be taken to the post office to be shipped.
Then why use it?
You get a nicely prited label for your package to help speed it through the system, the discounted electronic rate for Delivery Confirmation (19¢ for domestic First Class Mail and free for domestic Priority Mail), discounted international mail rates and discounted signature confirmation.
Shipping internationally?
The Shipping Assistant even prints the customs form right on the label for you–it asks for the information as you fill out the label details, and prints out ready to ship–except for the postage, of course!
USPS Shipping Assistant:
Download it here: http://www.usps.com/shippingassistant
USPS Rates & Fees: http://pe.usps.gov/text/dmm300/ratesandfees.htm
The only minus for me is that the program only keeps records of shipments for three months, just like when you print through the USPS® Click-N-Ship® system. It would be great if it kept them for a full year, or gave you the choice of how long to keep the records.
14 Comments | Add your own
Oh, awesome! I didn’t know about the USPS Shipping Assistant. This will definitely help me. Thanks!
Thanks goto
Very helpful post, THANK YOU!
Thank you so much for this information about Shipping Assistant. I have been selling on Ebay for a while now and never heard of it. You just saved me A LOT of trips to the post office.
Wow, this would be fantastic. I wish it was available for Mac
Oh, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! I love preprinted shipping labels and I knew there had to be a cheaper rate to ship international.
HELP.. your telling me that I can ship my little sterling silver rings to Canada (not registered) and Australia 1st class mail. CAUSE my local post office will not let me.
Ruth–You still need to follow import/export laws, this just tells you how to print International First Class Mail labels at home without paying for a subscription service. I know many people label their jewelry as fashion accessories or costume jewelry if it’s not “high-end” jewelry and they send it First Class.
Great info, informative as usual!
Thanks for a great Article and I shall be spending quite some time reading around here
If I’m using Paypal to print shipping labels, how/where do I print the customs form???
If you use Paypal, you’ll be shipping Priority Mail International (or a faster service, since that’s all they offer) and you’ll need to print it out on plain paper, three sheets in all I think, and put it in an envelope on the outside of the box. The PO will give you free clear plastic envelopes to put it all in if you ask or you can order them free online from USPS.com. On those three sheets the customs form will be printed.
Hello. I have a question for you. I talked to a postal worker today and mentioned this method, as he knows I’ve been considering an alternate method to spending 30 mins out of my day just to ship first class international packages! Can you tell I’m tired of it
He wanted to know about the copies of the customs forms, so I was wondering when you use the shipping assistant do copies electronically get filed with the USPS automatically? Also, can you print the label onto paper and just tape it on the package?
Thanks very much for your help
You’re welcome!
The customs form is submitted online, but if any package is over 13 oz and has stamps to cover the postage you need to hand it to a postal worker.
For most First Class International packages, the label & customs form is printed right on the 1/2 sheet label/paper that can be taped to the package.
For packages that require the more advanced customs form it takes several sheets of paperwork (Priority Mail–non-envelope/small flat rate box). The label and customs form should be printed on paper–it takes 3 sheets–then inserted in the clear plastic envelopes provided by your post office or shipped to you for free from USPS.com Supplies.
In my PO I can just walk to the counter and leave packages that already have the postage on them without standing in line. Maybe your post office allows that too?
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