Which Shipment Method is Best for Me?

In general, we suggest you go with either UPS Ground or USPS Priority Mail. These two generally offer the best value (rate + speed). You can select your shipping method by either clicking the Estimate Shipping button on store product pages and/or during the last step of the checkout process.

More complete descriptions of each shipping method we support are detailed to the right.
 

Our Recommended Shipping Methods

UPS Ground -- Our most popular shipping method! Offers a great rate, good delivery time, and is trackable. Delivery time is 2-3 days to MI, OH, and IN; 3-4 days to MN, WI, IA, IL, MO, TN, KY, WV, PA, NY, NJ, DE, NC, SC, GA, and AL; 4-5 days to FL, VT, NH, MA, RI, ME, MS, LA, AR, TX, OK, KS, CO, NE, ND, and SD; and 5-6 days to the rest of the U.S. For more details on UPS Ground, visit the UPS.com web site.

USPS Priority Mail -- Often slightly less expensive and a bit faster than UPS Ground, but it is not trackable. Offers 2-5 day delivery to most U.S. destinations. We recommend Priority Mail on light packages, such as orders of one cruise guide or a pouch or two. We have great success getting packages delivered with USPS Priority Mail -- it's very reliable. Also note that this method delivers to PO Boxes, unlike UPS Ground. Tip: If you give us your Zip+4 code, your package will be delivered at the fastest possible speed by the post office -- some folks claim this can shave off an entry day! For more information on USPS Priority Mail, visit the USPS.com web site.
 

Other Shipping Methods

UPS 2nd Day Air -- Need it quick? UPS 2nd Day is a reasonably fast method that gets your packages to you. Packages are guaranteed to arrive by UPS by the end of the second business day (but be sure to add one day, as packages are shipped the next business day from your date of order). In most cases, there's no need to spend the extra money on 2nd Day Air -- regular UPS Ground or Priority Mail often works just as well. For more details on UPS 2nd Day Air, visit the UPS.com web site.

UPS Next Day Air -- Fast delivery when you need it the following business day. Delivery is guaranteed by the end of the business day (weekdays only).

Note: There are no UPS shipping methods available for international shipments.

USPS Media Mail -- Generally the absolute cheapest method, but it is only valid for books (and books only) -- it cannot include accessories like pouches or pins (due to USPS regulations). In general, we discourage our customers from using Media Mail because delivery is slow -- generally 4-14 business days. But if time is not an issue, and you aren't ordering anything besides books, you may prefer this option. Those customers ordering inexpensive, older editions of PassPorter may find this shipping option to be the best value. Tip: If you give us your Zip+4 code, your package will be delivered at the fastest possible speed by the post office -- some folks claim this can shave off an entire day! Note: If you choose Media Mail on orders with accessories, we will change your shipping method to Priority Mail and increase your shipping rate accordingly.

USPS Express Mail -- Another rush option like UPS Next Day Air. Use this when you either prefer USPS over UPS, or need delivery to a PO Box. Another feature of Express Mail is the fact that it delivers to many locations 365 days of the year, and delivered by noon to select locations. Express Mail is trackable, but in our experience the tracking numbers do not always provide reliable information. The shipping method itself is reliable, however.

USPS International -- Beyond a very expensive FedEx International shipping method, USPS is the only available method for international shipping. Alas, there are more choices available to you during checkout than we can realistically support. Please do not select a "flat rate" -- this means your book must be delivered in a thin cardboard envelope, which can crush the spine of a spiral and virtually destroy the book. Instead, we suggest Global Priority Mail (variable weight envelope) or Airmail Parcel Post. If you select a shipping method inappropriate to your order, we will change your shipping method to one that works and charge you accordingly. Please don't forget that all international shipments are subject to customs taxes, which you will be responsible for when you pick up the package.

FedEx Standard Overnight and We do not offer this shipping method in our online store, but we may be able to provide it if you phone us directly at 877-929-3273. Priority Overnight -- Our least most popular shipping method due to its cost. If it's absolutely imperative that you have your order, however, this is often the best way to go. Please note that we do need to mark up FedEx charges a bit as someone needs to actually deliver the package to the FedEx office and this is time-consuming. FedEx is trackable.