US Postal Service Information
United States Postal Service announces new postal service pricing
New prices will go into effect January 27th, 2013
New prices can be viewed online at pe.usps.com.
Click on the link in the left blue navigation frame under *NEW* January 27, 2013 Price Change Info
Single-piece, 1-ounce First-Class letter will remain 46 cents
United State Postal Service General Information and Requirements
Addressing Your Mail
Addressing International Mail
Non-Mailable / Non-Machinable Criteria
Classes of Mail
Special Services / Extra Services
Reply Mail
ADDRESSING YOUR MAIL
Placement
The delivery and return address should be on the same side of your mail piece.
Return Address
Print or type your address in the upper left corner on the front of the envelope. A return address helps return your mail if undeliverable.
Postage
Use a stamp, postage meter or Indicia for bulk mailings.
Delivery Address
Print clearly with a pen, permanent marker or type the delivery address parallel to the longest side of the package. Do not use commas or periods.
City, State, and ZIP Code
To find the correct spelling or a Zip Code, use the USPS online ZIP + 4 code lookup tool for assistance.
ADDRESSING INTERNATIONAL MAIL
For complete instructions on the proper way to address international mail go to the USPS International Delivery Services webpage.
NON-MAILABLE / NON-MACHINABLE CRITERIA
Examples of a nonmachinable letter include: A letter size piece is nonmachinable if it has one or more of the following characteristics. If you are unsure whether an item is mailable, contact Mail Services or visit USPS online.
- It has an aspect ratio (length divided by height) of less than 1.3 or more than 2.5 (a square envelope has an aspect ratio of 1, making it nonmachinable).
- It is more than 4-1/4 inches high or more than 6 inches long and is less than 0.009 inch thick.
- It has clasps, strings, buttons, or similar closure devices.
- It is too rigid.
- It has a delivery address parallel to the shorter side of the mailpiece.
- It contains items such as pens, pencils, or keys that create an uneven thickness.
- Letters with nonpaper surfaces, other than envelope windows or attachments that are allowed under eligibility standards by class of mail.
CLASSES OF MAIL
Below is a list of mailing services available thru the USPS, this information is pulled from the United States Postal Service website. For more detailed information on each of these services go to USPS online.
Express Mail®
Letters, large or thick envelopes, tubes, and packages containing mailable items can be sent using Express Mail. This money-back guaranteed service includes tracking and insurance up to $100. Sunday and holiday delivery is available to many destinations for an additional Fee.
Priority Mail®
Large or thick envelopes, tubes, and packages containing mailable items can be sent using Priority Mail. This service is typically used to send documents, gifts, and merchandise.
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 business 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 and thick envelopes can be sent using Media Mail. Contents are limited to books, manuscripts, sound recordings, and other certain educational materials. Informally called “Book Rate”, Media Mail cannot contain advertising, except eligible books may contain incidental announcements of books.
Flat Rate Envelopes let you send your items for one low price regardless of how much it weighs up to 70lbs. Flat Rate Envelopes are available for Express Mail and Priority Mail.
Flat Rate Boxes are available for Priority Mail in four convenient sizes.
See Flat Rate Quick Reference for additional details and sizes.
Calculate Postage for the shape, weight, and destination of your mail at USPS Postage Price Calculator.
SPECIAL SERVICES / Extra services
Below is a list of extra services available thru the USPS, this information is pulled from the United States Postal Service website. For more detailed information on each of these services go to USPS online.
Certificate of Mailing
Provides evidence of mailing.
Certified Mail™
Provides proof of mailing at time of mailing and the date and time of delivery or attempted delivery.
Insured Mail
Provides coverage against loss or damage up to $5,000.
Fee based on value of item.
Registered Mail™
Provides maximum security. Includes proof of mailing at time of mailing and the date and time of delivery or attempted delivery. Insurance can be added up to $25,000.
Fee based on value of item.
Delivery Confirmation™
Provides the date and time of delivery or attempted delivery.
Signature Confirmation™
Provides the date and time of delivery or attempted delivery and the name of the person who signed for the item. You can request a printed copy of the signature.
Return Receipt provides a postcard or electronic notification with the date of delivery and recipient signature.
Restricted Delivery confirms that only a specified person, or authorized agent, will receive a piece of mail. This service is available only if you also purchase Certified Mail, Insured Mail (over $200), or Registered Mail.
Many of these extra services are available for international mail.
Reply Mail
Business reply mail (BRM) service enables a permit holder to receive First-Class Mail and Priority Mail back from customers and pay postage and a per piece fee only for the pieces returned. All business reply postage and handling charges are billed back to departments. Your fund number must also appear on all bus reply mail pieces. Contact Printing Services to have your business reply envelope or card designed. There are very specific USPS requirements on reply mail. Effective May 2011 the USPS is launching the use of a new bar code called the IMB (Intelligent Mail Barcode) all reply artwork must have this new bar code. Please contact Mail Services if you have questions about reply mail.