Start with operational timing, not a guarantee
Service of process is the formal delivery and proof workflow for legal papers. A first attempt is the first documented visit or delivery effort made by the assigned server. Those are different from completed service: the first can be scheduled, while completion still depends on finding the right person or qualified recipient at an appropriate place and time.
PLS prices and routes an order using its service level, meaning the requested speed category, and its destination ZIP, meaning the ZIP code where attempts will occur. Routine service starts at $65, expedited at $100, rush at $140, and emergency at $210, per party per address. Emergency means a same-day first attempt for orders submitted by 12:00 PM ET. It does not promise same-day completion.
Practical tip: Send the documents, exact party name, complete service address, destination ZIP, deadline, and attorney instructions together. Complete intake gives the routing team the clearest operational picture.
Address quality can save or cost days
Address verification is a check that the service address appears usable before field attempts. PLS includes free address verification and flags P.O. boxes and UPS stores, which generally are not ordinary physical locations where a server can expect to find the named person. A wrong address, an old residence, an incomplete unit number, or a moved party can add time because the location must be corrected before useful attempts continue.
When the known address is stale or the party cannot be found, skip tracing, investigative research used to develop a likely current address, may help. It is a separate step and does not guarantee a locate or completed service. Review the coverage page for routing support.