www.usps.com/customersguide/dmm100.htm#PostageRates
A Customer's Guide to Mailing This guide will explain your options for mailing and help you choose the services that are best for you. Welcome to the US Postal Service For more than 225 years, our goal has been to serve all customers and we will continue to connect people at home and abroad for generations to co me.
Tips for Frequent Mailers and Small Businesses What Are You Mailing? Knowing the shape of your mail helps you select the right services. Postcard Rectangular cardstock mailpiece not contained in an envelope Letter Small rectangular mailpiece no thicker than 1/4 inch Large Envelope Flat rectangular mailpiece no thicker than 3/4 inch Package A three-dimensional mailpiece contained in a box, thick envelope, or tube , weighing up to 70 pounds CAPTION: Mailpiece Dimensions Shape Length Height Postcard 5 inch min. Length + girth (distance around the thickest part of the package) cannot exceed 130 inches. Once a piece of mail exceeds the maximum length, height, or thickness of one shape, it automatically gets classified as the next largest shape. Unusual Shapes and Sizes Sometimes a piece of mail requires additional postage because it is a cer tain shape or size that is difficult to process on mail sorting machines .
Post Online Services You can design cards and postcards for invitations, holiday wishes, and o ther occasions online. Type in or upload your address list, and the Post al Service will print and deliver your mail. Choosing a Service for Mailing CAPTION: Several mailing services are available to fit your needs. Shape + Speed + Cost = Service Shape Speed Cost Service This picture shows a letter, large envelope, package, and mailing tube. These sha pes can be mailed as Priority Mail 70 lbs or less 1-3 days $$ based on weight and distance if over 1 pound Priority Mail This picture shows a postcard, letter, large envelope, and small package. These shapes can be mailed as First-Class Mail 13 oz or less 1-3 days $ based on weight First-Class Mail This picture shows a two packages and a mailing tube. These shapes can be mailed as Parcel Mail 70 lbs or less 2-9days $ based on weight and distance Parcel Post This picture shows a two packages and a mailing tube. These shapes can be mailed as Media Mail 70 lbs or less 2-9 days $ based on weight and content Media Mail This picture shows two packages. These shapes can be mailed as Bound Prin ted Matter Mail 15 lbs or less 2-9 days $ based on weight, content, and distance Bound Printed Matter Express Mail Letters, large or thick envelopes, tubes, and packages containing mailabl e items can be sent using Express Mail. This guaranteed service includes tracking and insurance up to $100. Delivery to most destinations is ava ilable 365 days a year, with no extra charge for Saturday, Sunday, and h oliday delivery. Free Express Mail envelopes, boxes, and tubes are avail able at the Post Office. Priority Mail Large or thick envelopes, tubes, and packages containing mailable items c an be sent using Priority Mail. This service is typically used to send d ocuments, gifts, and merchandise. Free Priority Mail envelopes, boxes, a nd tubes are available at the Post Office. First-Class Mail Postcards, letters, large envelopes, and small packages can be sent using First-Class Mail. This service is typically used for personal and busin ess correspondence and bills. Parcel Post Small and large packages, thick envelopes, and tubes containing gifts and merchandise can be sent using Parcel Post. Media Mail Small and large packages, thick envelopes, and tubes can be sent using Me dia Mail. Contents are limited to books, film, manuscripts, sound record ings, video tapes, and computer media (such as CDs, DVDs, and diskettes) . Sometimes called "Book Rate," Media Mail cannot contain advertising. Bound Printed Matter Small and large packages and thick envelopes can be sent using this servi ce. Contents are limited to permanently bound sheets of directory, adver tising, or editorial matter, such as catalogs or phone books. Bound Prin ted Matter is less expensive than Parcel Post. Mail takes longer to travel across the country than to travel across town. Flat Rate Envelopes let you send your document for one low rate, regardle ss of how much the item weighs. Flat rate envelopes are free and availab le for Express Mail and Priority Mail. Purchase flat rate stamps in adva nce to save time when youre ready to mail.
Calculate Postage for the shape, weight, and destination of your mail online or by calling 1800ASKUSPS. Adding Extra Services CAPTION: Extra services can provide additional protection and peace of mi nd.
Forms and labels for extra services are available in your Post Office lob by or from your rural letter carrier. Delivery information is available by hard c opy or online. Includes proof of mailing at time of mailing a nd the date and time of delivery or attempted delivery.
Delivery information is available online or by calling 18002 221811. Delivery information is available by hard copy, online, or by calling 18002221811. Restricted Delivery Restricted Delivery service ensures that only a specified person (or the persons authorized agent) will receive a piece of mail.
Examples of Smart Choices These examples show how mailing services can be combined to meet your nee ds. Example 1: Sending a Valuable Item Janes niece is getting married next month, and Jane wants to send a piec e of heirloom jewelry to the bride. The jewelry has a lot of sentimental value, so Jane wants to be sure that it will arrive safely. She identif ies three possible options: Option A - Express Mail Express Mail automatically includes insurance up to $100 and can get the jewelry to Jane's niece overnight. Jane will also receive a mailing rece ipt and confirmation that the package has been delivered and has been si gned for by her niece. Insurance is included up to $25,000 in material, but not sentimental, value. Insured Mail will cover the jewelrys materia l value should the piece get lost or damaged, but it cannot cover its se ntimental value. She chooses First-Class Mail, and, because the jewelry has greater sentimental than monetary value, she decides to add Registered Mail service so she can fe el confident that her heirloom will be as secure as possible during tran sit. Example 2: Sending an Important Document Maria recently sold her car and needs to transfer the title to the new ow ner. She wants to be absolutely certain that the new owner gets the titl e to complete the sale. Maria considers these options: Option A - Express Mail Express Mail will arrive at many locations the day after it is mailed. Ex press Mail also provides Maria with proof that she mailed the title, the ability to track it online or by phone, and notification that it was de livered. She can also request a copy of the recipients signature. Maria could add Delivery Confirmation, which lets her obtain delivery informa tion online or by phone. If she uses Signature Confirmation she gets the same delivery information, plus she can request a copy of the recipient s signature. Ce rtified Mail with Return Receipt will give Maria proof that she mailed t he title and will return a card to her with the date the title was deliv ered and the signature of the person who received it. She decid es that First-Class Mail with Certified Mail and Return Receipt is the b est option. Addressing Your Mail The accuracy of the address affects the speed and handling of your mail. Return Address Print or type your address in the upper left corner on the front of the e nvelope. Extra Services Place labels for extra services, such as Certified Mail, to the left of t he postage. Postage Use a stamp, postage meter, or PC Postage to affix the correct amount. Street Address Use a post office box or street address, but not both. If the address als o has a directional (for instance, "NW " for Northwest), be sure to use it. Apartment or Suite Number The correct apartment or suite number helps to ensure delivery to the rig ht location.
Using the correct ZIP Code help s to direct your mail more efficiently and accurately. Envelopes Letters, bills, greeting cards, and other documents can be s...
|