how long does first class mail usually take?

Question

large yellow envelope..

texas to california.. forgot to get tracking.. :\

Answer 1

First Class Mail generally takes 1-3 days for auto-sorted mail. But probably 2-3 days given the distance of your letter. It can take longer (up to a week) if it is not autosorted. What is auto-sorted? That's for an envelope that is passes the machine-read without a problem.

Your letter gets rejected by the auto-sorter if:
a. It can't read your handwriting/typing
b. The mailing doesn't conform to standard addressing protocal (e.g. missing the state)
c. There is anything below the address line (This is why you should never write anything below the address line). Any stickers, stamps or writing will pop the letter out for handsorting if you do.
d. The envelope is smaller than the minimum (5 inches by 3.5 inches) or weighs less than one ounce.

Answer 2

It depends how far you're sending it. From TX to CA will most likely take 2-3 days. I live on the east coast and it took a letter I sent first class 3 days to get to the west coast.