A Customer's Guide to Mailing

A Customer

’

Guide to Mailing

JULY 2024

Price List

Notice 123, Price List, contains

domestic and international

prices, and fees in a concise

and accessible manner.

For current prices, see the

Notice 123, Price List on

Postal Explorer at pe.usps.com.

Price List

Notice 123 • Effective July 14, 2024 Postal Explorer

pe.usps.com

Page

Domestic

Flat Rate Pricing

Retail Prices

Priority Mail Express 4

Priority Mail 5

6First-Class Mail

USPS Ground Advantage

-Retail 7-8

Media Mail 9

Library Mail 9

Commercial Prices

Priority Mail Express 10

Priority Mail 11-12

13-14First-Class Mail

USPS Ground Advantage 15-16

USPS Marketing Mail

17-18Letters

Flats

Parcels

19-20

27-28

29-30

33-34

Parcel Select

USPS Connect Local

Media Mail

Library Mail

Bound Printed Matter

Periodicals

Services & Fees

Extra Services and Fees

Other Services

USPS Label Delivery Service

PO Boxes

Business Mailing Fees

Stationery

Address Management Systems

Quick References

Domestic—Retail 35

Page

International

Flat Rate Pricing

Retail Prices

Global Express Guaranteed

Priority Mail Express International 39-

Priority Mail International 41-

First-Class Mail International

First-Class Package International Service

Airmail M-Bags

Commercial Prices

Global Express Guaranteed 44-45

46-

Priority Mail International 50-

First-Class Package International Service

IPA 55-56

57-58

59-64

ISAL

Country Price Groups

Services & Fees

Extra Services and Fees

Quick References

International—Retail 66

Priority Mail Express International

United States Postal ServicePage 1

Welcome

This guide is intended to provide

options for mailing and help you

choose the services that are best for

you. For complete information,

please see the Domestic Mail Manual

(DMM

) on Postal Explorer

pe.usps.com.

For more than 245 years our goal

has been to serve all customers, and

we will continue to connect people

at home and abroad for generations

to come.

What Are You Mailing? Domestic

What Are You Mailing? International

Choosing a Service for Mailing

Adding Extra Services

Examples of Smart Choices

Addressing Your Mail

Preparing Packages

Tips and Tools for Measuring Letters

and Large Envelopes

Tips and Tools for Measuring Packages

Flat Rate Quick Reference

Sending and Receiving Mail

Other Products and Services

Tips for Frequent Mailers and

Small Businesses

Index

Welcome to the

U.S. Postal Service

What Are You Mailing?

Postcards

Packages

Large Envelopes

Domestic

Letters

Maximum thickness 0.016 inch Maximum thickness 1/4 inch

Maximum length plus girth 108 inches (130

inches for USPS Ground Advantage-Retail)

Maximum thickness 3/4 inch

Knowing the shape of your mail determines

the price you will pay.

Postcards

Packages

5-1/2"

Large Envelopes

International

Letters

5-1/2"

Maximum thickness 0.016 inch Maximum thickness 1/4 inch

Size limits vary by Product and Country

Maximum thickness 3/4 inch

Shape + Speed

+ Cost = Service

Choosing a Service for Mailing

70lbs or less

Priority Mail

Express

Priority Mail

First-Class Mail

USPS Ground

Advantage-Retail**

Media Mail**

(Restrictions

Apply)

1,2,3 days

2–5 days*

2–8 days*

$$$

based on weight

and distance

based on weight,

shape, and distance

based on weight

and shape

based on weight,

shape, and distance

based on weight

1 or 2 days

money-back

guarantee

* Except off-shore locations

** Not available for international shipping

3.5oz or less

13oz or less

Priority Mail Express

Letters, large or thick envelopes, tubes, and packages containing

mailable items can be sent using Priority Mail Express. This money-

back guaranteed service includes tracking and insurance up to

$100.

Additional merchandise insurance up to $5,000 may be purchased.

Sunday, holiday, as well as early in the day delivery is available to

many destinations for an additional fee. Select Priority Mail Express

packaging is available at the Post Office. All Priority Mail Express

packaging can be ordered online at www.usps.com/store.

Priority Mail

Letters, 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. Select Priority Mail

packaging is available at the Post Office. All Priority Mail packaging

can be ordered at www.usps.com/store.

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.

USPS Ground Advantage-Retail

™

(up to 15.999 oz)

Packages can be sent using USPS Ground Advantage-Retail. This

service is typically used for personal shipping.

USPS Ground Advantage-Retail

™

(1–70 lbs)

Small and large packages, thick envelopes, and tubes containing gifts and

merchandise can be sent domestically using USPS Ground Advantage-

Retail.

Media Mail

Small and large packages and thick envelopes can be sent domestically

using Media Mail. Contents are limited to books, manuscripts, sound

recordings, and certain other educational materials. Formerly called

“Book Rate,” Media Mail cannot contain advertising, except eligible

books may contain incidental announcements of books.

Speed depends on distance. Mail

takes longer to travel across the

country than to travel across town.

Flat Rate Packaging is available in

many convenient sizes for Priority Mail

Express and Priority Mail, and can be

used for domestic and international

mailings. Flat Rate shipping lets you

send your items for a low Flat Rate price.

See the Flat Rate Quick Reference

section for additional details, including

international weight restrictions

and options.

Calculate Postage for the shape,

weight, and destination of your mail

at pe.usps.com.

Several mailing services are available

to fit your needs.

Protection

in transit

Proof

of mailing

Confirmation

at delivery

*for packages only

Adding Extra Services

Priority Mail

Express

Receipt provided at

time of mailing

Insured Mail

(up to $100 coverage

included, more can

be added)

Date and time of delivery

provided

Signature of recipient

available upon request

Forms and labels for extra

services are available in your

Post Office lobby or from

your rural letter carrier.

Most extra services provide

proof of mailing.

Certified Mail

USPS Tracking

Signature Confirmation

Registered Mail

Priority Mail

Certificate of Mailing

Insured Mail

(up to $100 coverage

included, more can be

added)

Registered Mail

First-Class Mail

Certificate of Mailing

Registered Mail

USPS Tracking*

Signature Confirmation*

USPS Ground

Advantage-Retail

Insured Mail

USPS Tracking*

Signature Confirmation*

Media Mail

Certificate of Mailing Insured Mail

Certified Mail

Registered Mail

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.

Return Receipt can be added to confirm delivery.

Insured Mail

Provides coverage against loss or damage up to

$5,000.

Fee based on value of item.

For items insured for more than

$500, Return Receipt can be added

to confirm delivery.

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

$50,000. Fee based on value of item.

Return Receipt can be added to confirm delivery.

USPS Tracking

Provides the date and time of delivery or attempted delivery.

Free with select services.

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. A lower price is available when you print

Priority Mail postage from www.usps.com.

Adult Signature

Requires the signature of someone 21 years of age or older at the

recipient’s address.

Delivery information

is available:

by printed copy

at www.usps.com

by calling

1·800·222·1811

Most indemnity claims for

Insured, Registered Mail, or Priority

Mail Express can be filed online or

the form can be downloaded from

www.usps.com and mailed along

with evidence of value. For more

information go to your local Post

Office or visit www.usps.com.

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

$500), COD Hold For Pickup, Adult

Signature, Signature Confirmation,

or Registered Mail.

Many of these extra services are

available for international mail.

Prices and fees can be found in

the Notice 123 Price List on Postal

Explorer at pe.usps.com.

Extra services can provide additional

protection and peace of mind.

Example 1: Sending a Valuable Item

These examples show how mailing services

can be combined to meet your needs.

Examples of Smart Choices

Jane’s niece is getting married next month, and Jane wants to send a piece 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.

Jane identifies three possible options:

USPS Ground Advantage-Retail offers delivery at a low cost and with $100 of included

insurance. This will cover the jewelry’s material value should the piece get lost or damaged.

Should the jewelry have a material value of greater than $100, Jane can opt to increase

insurance coverage up to $5,000. Please note that the insurance coverage is material value, not

sentimental value.

Jane’s Decision

Jane decides that speed is less of a priority than security. Jane chooses

USPS Ground Advantage-Retail and, because the jewelry has greater sentimental than monetary

value, she decides to add Registered Mail service so she can feel confident

that her heirloom will be as secure as possible during transit.

Option A Priority Mail Express$$$

Priority Mail Express automatically includes insurance up to $100 and guarantees delivery to Jane’s

niec

e in 1 to 2 days. Additional insurance may be purchased. Jane will also receive a mailing receipt and

confirmation that the package has been delivered and, if requested, has been signed for by her niece.

Option B USPS Ground Advantage–Retail with Registered Mail

USPS Ground Advantage-Retail offers delivery at a low cost and can be combined with Registered

Mail, a service that provides the highest level of mail security during transit. Insurance can be

purchased for items up to $50,000 in material, but not sentimental value.

Option C

USPS Ground Advantage–Retail with Insurance

Priority Mail Express will arrive at many locations the day after it is mailed. Priority Mail Express

also provides Maria with proof that she mailed the title, the ability to track it online or by phone,

and notification that it was delivered. Maria can also request a copy of the recipient’s signature.

Priority Mail will get the title to its destination in 1-3 days. Priority Mail with tracking lets her obtain

delivery information online or by phone. If Maria uses Signature Confirmation she gets the same

delivery information, plus she can request a copy of the recipient’s signature.

Maria’s Decision

Maria wants a copy of the signature returned to her to prove that the title was delivered,

and she wants to get the lowest price she can. Maria decides that First-Class Mail with

Certified Mail and Return Receipt is the best option.

First-Class Mail will get the title to its destination in 2 to 5 days. Certified Mail with Return Receipt

will give Maria proof that she mailed the title and will return a card to her with the date the title was

delivere

d and the signature of the person who received it.

Maria recently sold her car and needs to transfer the title to the new owner. Maria wants to be certain that

the new owner gets the title to complete the sale. Maria considers these options:

Example 2: Sending an Important Document

Option A Priority Mail Express $$$

Option B Priority Mail with Signature Confirmation Service $$

First-Class Mail with Certified Mail and Return ReceiptOption C $

Recipient Name

Name of Organization

Street Address

Use a Post Office box

or street address, but

not both. If the address

also has a directional

(for instance,

NW for

Northwest), be sure to

use it. There may be more

than one Main Street.

The accuracy of the address affects the

speed and handling of your mail.

Addressing Your Mail

Return Address

Print or type your address in the

upper left corner on the front of

the envelope.

Apartment or Suite Number

The correct apartment or suite

number helps to ensure delivery to

the right location.

City, State, and ZIP Code

To find the correct spelling of a

city name or to find a

ZIP Code,

visit www.usps.com or call

1·800·ASK·USPS. Using the correct

ZIP Code helps to direct your

mail more efficiently and accurately.

Extra Services

Place labels for extra services

above the delivery address and to

the right of the return address, or

to the left of the postage.

Postage

Use stamps, a postage meter, or a

PC Postage system to affix the correct

amount. You can calculate postage

online at pe.usps.com.

Abbreviations

Envelopes

Letters, bills, greeting cards,

and other documents can be

sent in standard white, manila, or

recycled paper envelopes. Items

needing extra protection can be

sent in bubble-lined, padded paper,

or waterproof envelopes. These

envelopes, along with stationery

and prepaid First-Class Mail

postcards and envelopes, can be

purchased at the Post Office.

Priority Mail Express and

Priority Mail envelopes are

available at your Post Office or visit

www.usps.com/store. You must use

the USPS-produced address label

for Priority Mail Express.

Online Shipping Labels

You can print and pay for your

Priority Mail Express and Priority

Mail postage labels online using

Click-N-Ship. USPS Tracking is

provided free for domestic Priority

Mail. International labels with

postage may be purchased online

for Global Express Guaranteed,

Priority Mail Express International,

Priority Mail International, and First-

Class Package International Service

using Click-N-Ship. You can arrange

for free Package Pickup online.

Learn more about Click-N-Ship

at www.usps.com/ship/online-

shipping.htm.

Addressing

Placement

Print the delivery and return

addresses on the same side of your

envelope or card. The addresses

should be written parallel to the

longest side.

Legible

Type or print clearly with a pen or

permanent marker so the address

is legible from an arm’s length away.

Do not use commas or periods.

Return Address

A return address is required on

most mail.

Priority Mail Express

For Priority Mail Express, you must

use a USPS-produced address label

provided by the Post Office.

Military Mail

Military addresses must show the

full name with middle name or

initial and the PSC number, unit

number, or ship name. Replace the

city name with

APO, FPO or DPO,

and the state with

AA, AE, or AP, and

include the

ZIP + 4 Code.

AL Alabama

AK Alaska

AS American Samoa

AZ Arizona

AR Arkansas

CA California

CO Colorado

CT Connecticut

DE Delaware

DC District of Columbia

FL Florida

GA Georgia

GU Guam

HI Hawaii

ID Idaho

IL Illinois

IN Indiana

IA Iowa

KS Kansas

KY Kentucky

LA Louisiana

ME Maine

MD Maryland

MA Massachusetts

MI Michigan

MN Minnesota

MS Mississippi

MO Missouri

MT Montana

NE Nebraska

NV Nevada

NH New Hampshire

NJ New Jersey

NM New Mexico

NY New York

NC North Carolina

ND North Dakota

OH Ohio

OK Oklahoma

OR Oregon

PA Pennsylvania

PR Puerto Rico

RI Rhode Island

SC South Carolina

SD South Dakota

TN Tennessee

TX Texas

UT Utah

VT Vermont

VI Virgin Islands

VA Virginia

WA Washington

WV West Virginia

WI Wisconsin

WY Wyoming

The Box

Choose a box with enough room

for cushioning material around

the contents. Sturdy paperboard

or corrugated fiberboard boxes

are best for weights up to

10 pounds.

If you are reusing a box, totally

remove or obliterate all previous

labels and markings with heavy

black marker.

Where to Find Boxes

You can purchase boxes and tubes

of various sizes at most Post Offices.

Select Priority Mail Express and

Priority Mail boxes are available free

at the Post Office for items sent

using either of these services. While

you are not required to use the free

packaging for these services, you

must use the USPS-produced

address label provided by the Post

Office for Priority Mail Express.

To order Priority Mail Express or

Priority Mail boxes at no extra

charge, call

1·800·222·1811 or visit

www.usps.com/store.

Careful preparation of your package helps

to ensure safe delivery.

Preparing Packages

Cushioning

Place the cushioning all around

your item or items. You can use

newspaper, “foam peanuts,” or

shredded paper. Close and shake

the box to see if you have enough

cushioning. If you hear items

shifting, add more cushioning.

Placing an extra address label

with the delivery and return

addresses inside the package will

ensure that the item can be

delivered in case the outside label

becomes damaged or falls off.

Mailing Fragile Items

Use foamed plastic or padding to

protect your items, placing the

cushioning inside hollow items as

well. Mark the package “Fragile” or

mark “Perishable” on packages that

contain food or other items that can

spoil. Careful packaging is the

best way to safeguard your valuable

items against damage.

Mailing Heavy Items

If you are mailing a very heavy or

very dense item, start with a sturdy

box, pack the contents securely

with a strong material for bracing

to prevent shifting, and tape

all the edges with reinforced tape.

Packages heavier than

70 pounds

cannot be mailed.

Sealing

Tape the opening of your box and

reinforce all seams with 2-inch-wide

tape. Use clear or brown packaging

tape, reinforced packing tape, or

paper tape. Do not use cord, string,

twine, masking, or cellophane tape.

Place a strip of clear packaging

tape over your label to prevent

the address from smearing.

Delivery Address

Print or type the delivery address

parallel to the longest side of

the package. Type or print clearly

with a pen or permanent marker

so that your address is legible

from an arm’s length away. Do not

use commas or periods.

City, State, and ZIP Code

To find the correct spelling

of a city name and state

abbreviation or to find a

ZIP

Code, visit www.usps.com

or call

1·800·ASK·USPS. Using

the correct

ZIP Code helps

direct your mail more efficiently

and accurately.

Drop Off

If your mail item weighs 13 ounces

or less, and you have affixed correct

postage, you can drop it into a blue

collection box. If your item weighs

more than 13 ounces, and you have

affixed postage stamps, you must

take it to an employee at the retail

counter of a Post Office.

Confirmation Services

Labels for USPS Tracking or

Signature Confirmation are

placed to the left of or above the

address label.

Return Address

Print or type your address in

the upper left corner on the

same side of the package

as the delivery address.

Postage

Use stamps, a postage meter, or

a PC Postage system to affix the

correct amount. You can calculate

and purchase postage online

at www.usps.com.

Extra Services

Place labels for extra services

above the delivery address and

to the right of the return address,

or to the left of the delivery address.

Use these rulers and guide boxes to measure

letters and large envelopes.

Tips and Tools for Measuring

maximum size for Postcards

6" long x 4-1/4" high

minimum size for

Postcards and Letters

5" long x 3-1/2" high

maximum thickness for

Large Envelopes

3/4" thick

3/4"

maximum thickness for

Letters

1/4" thick

1/4"

1 2 3 4 5

maximum size for Letters

11-1/2" long x 6-1/ 8" high

Large Envelopes exceed one of the

letter size maximum dimensions.

Once a piece of mail exceeds the maximum

length, height, or thickness of one shape,

it automatically gets classified as the next

largest shape.

8 9

10 11 12

Unusual Shapes and Sizes

Sometimes a piece of mail

requires additional postage

because it is a certain shape or

size that is difficult to process

on mail sorting machines. To

make sure you’re paying the cor-

rect postage, visit pe.usps.com.

These are examples of mail that

could require additional postage:

· Square envelopes

· Envelopes on which the

address is written parallel

to the shorter edge

square

Use these guides for measuring packages

Tips and Tools for Measuring

Flat Rate — Quick Reference

Available for Domestic and International

Note: Flat Rate prices are available when material is sent in a USPS-produced Flat Rate Envelope or Box. When

sealing a Flat Rate Box or Flat Rate Envelope, the container flaps must be able to close within the normal folds.

Tape may be applied to the flaps and seams to reinforce the container; provided the design of the container is not

enlarged by opening the sides and the container is not reconstructed in any way.

Weight restrictions for domestic Priority Mail Express Flat Rate Envelopes, and Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelopes and Boxes

are 70 pounds.

Weight restrictions for Priority Mail Express International Flat Rate Envelopes are 4 pounds. Weight restrictions for Priority

Mail International Large and Medium Flat Rate Boxes are 20 pounds, and 4 pounds for Priority Mail International Flat Rate

Envelopes and Small Flat Rate Priced Boxes.

You may order free packaging supplies at usps.com/store.

PRIORITY MAIL EXPRESS

Flat Rate Envelope

12-1/2" x 9-1/2"

Legal Flat Rate Envelope

15" x 9-1/2"

Padded Flat Rate Envelope

12-1/2" x 9-1/2"

PRIORITY MAIL

Flat Rate Envelope

12-1/2" x 9-1/2"

Legal Flat Rate Envelope

15" x 9-1/2"

Padded Flat Rate Envelope

12-1/2" x 9-1/2"

Gift Card Flat Rate Envelope

10" x 7"

Small Flat Rate Envelope

10" x 6"

Window Flat Rate Envelopes

10" x 5"

12-1/2" x 9-1/2

Small Flat Rate Box

8-5/8" x 5-3/8" x 1-5/8"—Inside

8-11/16" x 5-7/16" x 1-3/4"—Outside

Medium Flat Rate Boxes

Top Loading

11" x 8-1/2" x 5-1/2"—Inside

11-1/4" x 8-3/4" x 6"—Outside

Side-Loading

13-5/8" x 11-7/8" x 3-3/8"— Inside

14" x 12" x 3-1/2"—Outside

Large Flat Rate Box

12" x 11-3/4" x 5-1/2"—Inside

12-1/4" x 12" x 6"—Outside

APO/FPO/DPO

Large Flat Rate Box

12" x 12" x 5-1/2"—Inside

12-1/4" x 12-1/4

" x 6"—Outside

Large Video Box (Flat Rate pricing

for international only)

9-1/4" x 6-1/4" x 2"—Inside

9-9/16" x 6-7/16" x 2-3/16"—Outside

DVD Box (Flat Rate pricing for

international only)

7-9/16" x 5-7/16" x 5/8"—Inside

8-3/4" x 5-9/16" x 7/8"—Outside

Holding Mail

If you plan to be out of town on

business or vacation, you may

want to temporarily stop delivery

of your mail. To have the Postal

Service hold your mail up to 30

days, visit www.usps.com, call

1·800·ASK·USPS, or fill out a “Hold

Mail” form at the Post Office. When

you return, you can either pick up

your mail from the Post Office or

have it delivered to your home.

Changing an Address

and Mail Forwarding

Before you move, get a copy of the

Mover’s Guide from your Post Office

and return the completed form to

your letter carrier or your Post Office.

You can also save a trip to the Post

Office by visiting www.usps.com

to change your address online for a

small fee. Fast and easy—takes less

than five minutes.

Notify your Post Office at least one

month before you move to ensure

uninterrupted mail service. Priority Mail

Express, Priority Mail, and First-Class

Mail will be forwarded at no charge for

one year. Magazines and newspapers

will be forwarded for

60 days.

Here are some useful mailing hints for

senders and recipients.

Sending and Receiving Mail

Premium Forwarding Service

Going away for a while? Have

all your mail sent to you at your

temporary location.

Premium Forwarding Service

is a domestic service that

forwards ALL of your mail from

your permanent address to

a temporary address.

Your mail will be forwarded to

you on a weekly basis for a

minimum of two weeks up to one

year. You do not miss important

mail while you are away—all your

mail reaches you. One flat fee for

each weekly Priority Mail shipment

plus an application fee.

If you are a snowbird, college

student, executive, individual with

an extended family care situation,

or away on extended vacation,

all are possible candidates for

Premium Forwarding Service.

Never again miss a mail delivery

when you’re away from home.

It is easy to enroll in Premium

Forwarding Service. Visit

www.usps.com or your

local Post Office to enroll.

Printing Postage

There is no need to go to

the Post Office. You can print

postage online at www.usps.

com/ship/online-shipping.htm.

Sending Mail

You can send mail by:

· Dropping it into a blue

collection box

· Leaving it in your home mailbox

· Scheduling a pickup

· Taking it to a Post Office

If your item weighs more than

10 ounces, and you have affixed

postage stamps, you must take it

to an employee at the retail counter

of a Post Office.

Scheduling a Pickup

Whether it's Package Pickup or

time-specific Pickup On Demand,

USPS pickup options make shipping

your packages quick and convenient.

Package Pickup is the easy,

convenient way to send qualifying

packages. Just submit your request

online at www.usps.com/pickup

and have your items ready before

your carrier arrives. It’s that simple!

Pickup On Demand allows you to

schedule time-specific pickups

within a 2-hour time frame. A letter

carrier will make a special trip to your

home or business for a fee to pick up

qualifying packages that have post-

age affixed. There is no additional

charge for picking up multiple pieces

of mail. Visit www.usps.com/pickup

or call 1

·800·222·1811 for additional

information including qualifying pack-

ages or to schedule a pickup.

Confirming Delivery

Visit www.usps.com or call

1·800·222·1811 to get delivery

information on Priority Mail Express

and mail with confirmation services.

You will need the item number

from your mailing receipt or label.

Restricting Delivery

Restricted Delivery service ensures

that only a specified person (or

the person’s authorized agent) will

receive a piece of mail. Restricted

Delivery is available only if you also

purchase Certified Mail, Insured

Mail (for more than

$500 coverage),

Registered Mail, COD Hold For

Pickup, Signature Confirmation, or

Adult Signature.

Filing a Claim

You can file a claim for compen-

sation for loss or damage of Insured

Mail, Registered Mail, and Priority Mail

Express. A claim form can be filed

online or the form can be downloaded

from www.usps.com and mailed

along with evidence of value. Visit

www.usps.com or contact your

local Post Office for additional infor-

mation on how to file a claim.

Perishable Items

Some items require special

packaging or special permission to

be mailed. Call

1·800·ASK·USPS

or visit your Post Office to find out

how to mail these items:

· Live animals

· Fresh fruits and vegetables

· Plants

Keep the Mail Safe: Hazardous

and Restricted Materials

Some things cannot be mailed

or can be mailed only in small

quantities for safety and legal

reasons. Some items have

restrictions on how they can be

mailed, including:

· Aerosol cans

· Firearms

· Flammable materials

· Liquids and powders

· Lithium batteries

· Lottery tickets

· Perfume

· Poisons

· Tobacco and tobacco products

Some items, however, are not

permitted in the mail, including:

· Alcoholic beverages

· Ammunition

· Drug paraphernalia

· Fireworks and other explosives

Call

1·800·ASK·USPS or visit your

Post Office if you have questions

about the item you want to mail.

Signing for Mail

Some pieces of mail require a

signature from the recipient at the

time of delivery. This includes items

sent with Priority Mail Express (if

selected), Certified Mail,

Collect on

Delivery, Insured Mail (over $500),

Registered Mail, Return Receipt,

Signature Confirmation, and Adult

Signature.

Recipient Responsibilities

When you sign for a piece of mail,

you acknowledge delivery. The

Postal Service’s liability ends when

you sign for the mail. You may ask

the letter carrier for the sender’s

name and address before you

accept the mail. You may not open

the mail, but you may look at it as

long as the letter carrier is holding

it before you choose to sign for it.

Delivery If Recipient Is Not Home

If no one is home when the letter

carrier attempts delivery, the

letter carrier will leave a notice and

return the item to the Post Office.

Check the notice for specific

instructions or call

1·800·ASK·USPS

to have the mail redelivered.

If the sender has not asked for

Restricted Delivery or Adult Signa-

ture (21 years of age or older), the

carrier may deliver the mail to anyone

who receives mail at that address.

International Mail

You can mail postcards, letters, large

envelopes, and packages from the

United States to other countries. As

with domestic mail, you can choose

the best service based on speed,

cost, and extra services. Customs

declaration forms are required on

most international packages. All Cus-

toms forms must be electronically

generated. If you are not able to do

this, take your hand-written Customs

form to any Post Office and the retail

clerk will be happy to submit the elec-

tronic information for you. To learn

more about options for international

mail and to calculate postage, visit

www.usps.com/international or call

1·800·ASK·USPS. Your Post Office can

also help you send mail internationally.

Not sure which Customs form to use?

A convenient Customs forms indicator

can be found at pe.usps.com.

Military Mail

The Postal Service can deliver your

letters and packages to more than

500 military Post Offices worldwide.

Many services available for domestic

mail are also available for military mail.

There may be restrictions on the size,

weight, or content of your mail. USPS

offers customers a reduced price on

the Priority Mail Large Flat Rate Box

when sent to APO/FPO destinations.

Visit the Domestic Price Calculator at

pe.usps.com.

For more information about these services,

visit www.usps.com, call

1·800·ASK·USPS,

or stop by your Post Ofﬁce.

Other Products and Services

Money Orders

Money orders are a safe alternative

to sending cash through the mail.

A lost or stolen money order can

be replaced. You can buy domestic

money orders at all Post Offices

in amounts up to

$1,000 each.

International money orders to

certain countries can be purchased

in amounts up to $700 each.

Passports

Some Post Offices offer passport

application and renewal services.

For more information about

passport application forms and

locations, call

1·800·ASK·USPS or

visit http://travel.state.gov.

Paying for Merchandise

For a small fee, you can send

merchandise COD

Hold For Pickup

to domestic destinations and have

the Postal Service collect payment

from the recipient and send it to you.

PC Postage

Enjoy the convenience of printing

postage directly from your home or

office using PC Postage products.

Postal Service-approved providers

offer hardware and software

products that allow you to purchase

and print postage using a computer

and the internet. Learn more at

www.usps.com/business/postage-

options.htm.

Post Office

™

Boxes

A Post Office box is a great way to

receive mail where and when it’s most

convenient for you. P.O. Box service is

provided in 3-, 6-, or 12-month prepaid

periods. You can rent a P.O. Box online

at www.usps.com or at most Post Offices.

Prices vary depending on the location

of the Post Office and the P.O. Box size.

Stamp Collecting

If you are interested in stamp

collecting or the USA Philatelic

catalogue, visit www.usps.com

or call

1·800·STAMP24. Stamp

products make great gifts.

Postage Solutions

Postage meters and PC Postage

products offer the convenience

of postage when you need it

from your home or office. Many

PC Postage products include

valuable features, such as

software accounting of mailing

expenses and integrated scales

for exact postage calculations.

Learn more at www.usps.com/

business/postage-options.htm.

Commercial Prices

If you have large volumes of mail

and are willing to invest some time

learning more about preparing and

sorting mail, you might qualify for

lower postage prices. To qualify for

these prices, you must mail at least

200 newsletters, flyers, or ads or 500

or more postcards, letters, or invoices

at a time. To learn more about

whether commercial mail is right for

your small business or organization,

access Business Mail

101 at

pe.usps.com. To learn more about

commercial prices for Priority Mail

Express, Priority Mail, and Interna-

tional Mail, visit www.usps.com.

Pickup On Demand

For a fee, the Post Office will pick

up your postage-paid qualifying

packages from your home, small

business or organization within a

scheduled 2-hour time frame. There

is no additional charge for picking

up multiple pieces of mail. Cor-

rect postage must be affixed to

each piece prior to pickup. Call

1·800·222·1811 or visit www.usps.

com/pickup for additional informa-

tion including qualifying packages

or to schedule a pickup.

Package Pickup

Package Pickup is the easy,

convenient way to send qualifying

packages. Just submit your request

online at www.usps.com/pickup

and your letter carrier will pick up

the packages during their normal

delivery time. This service is free of

charge, regardless of the number of

packages you are sending. Whether

it is a one-time event or multiple

shipments, you can plan your pickup

schedule up to three months in the

future. Visit www.usps.com/pickup

for additional information or to

schedule a pickup now.

Tips for Frequent Mailers and

Small Businesses

Free Supplies

If you mail a lot of Priority Mail

Express or Priority Mail items, you

can save trips to the Post Office

by ordering packaging supplies,

including envelopes and boxes,

online at www.usps.com/store

or by calling

1·800·222·1811.

Addressing 12, 13, 15

Adult Signature 9, 21

Boxes 14, 19

Certificate of Mailing 8, 9

Certified Mail 8, 9, 11

Change of Address 20

Claims for Insurance 9, 21

Classes of Mail 6, 7

Click-N-Ship 13

COD Hold For Pickup 9, 21,

Commercial Mailing 23

Confirming Delivery 8, 11, 15, 21

Customer Concerns Inside

back cover

Dropping Off Mail 15, 20

Envelopes 4, 5, 13

Extra Services 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

Filing Claims 9,

First-Class Mail 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 20

First-Class Package Service

International 20, 23

Flat Rate packaging 7, 19

Flat Rate Quick Reference 19

Flats see Large Envelopes

Forwarding Mail 20

Fragile Items 14

Index

Receiving Mail 20, 21

Registered Mail 8, 9, 10

Restricted Delivery 9, 21

Restricted Items 21

Return Address 12, 13, 14, 15

Return Receipt 9, 11

Sending Mail 20

Shape of Mail 4, 5, 16, 17, 18

Large Envelopes (Flats) 4, 5, 16, 17

Letters 4, 5, 13, 16, 17

Packages 4, 5, 14, 15, 18

Postcards 4, 5, 16

Unusual Shapes 17, 18

Signature Confirmation 8, 9, 11, 15, 21

Signing for Mail 21

Size of Mail 4, 5, 6, 16, 17, 18, 19

Small Businesses 23

Stamps

Collecting

Where to Purchase inside

back cover

Hazardous Materials 21

Holding Mail 20

Insured Mail 8, 9, 10, 21

International Mail 5, 22, 23

Large Envelopes 4, 5, 16, 17

Letters 4, 5, 13, 16, 17

Media Mail 6, 7, 8

Military Mail 13, 22

Money Orders 22

Moving 20

Online Mailing Services 13, 20,

21, 22, inside back cover

Online Shipping Labels

13, 20, 22

Package Pickup 20, 23

Packages 4, 5, 14, 15, 18

Passports

PC Postage 22, 23

Pickup Service 20, 23, inside

back cover

Post Office Boxes

Postcards 4, 5, 16

Premium Forwarding Service 20

Priority Mail

6, 7, 8, 11, 19

Priority Mail Express 6, 7, 8, 10, 11,

13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 23

Price Calculators

7, 15, 22, inside

back cover

State Abbreviations 13

Supplies 19, 23

Unusual Shapes and Sizes 17, 18

USPS Ground Advantage-Retail 4,

6, 7, 8, 10

USPS Tracking 8, 9, 11, 13, 15

Weight 6, 7, 14, 15, 19, 20

ZIP Codes 12, 15

www.usps.com

1·800 ·STAMP24

By mail

Supermarkets

Post Offices

This guide answers many questions about

our products and services. If you have

special mailing needs or questions not

answered here, call

1·800·ASK·USPS or

visit your Post Ofﬁce.

Find ZIP Codes

Calculate domestic and

international postage prices

Change your address

Track or confirm a delivery

Locate a Post Office and

its hours

Put your mail on hold

Schedule a pickup

Where can I buy stamps? Visit www.usps.com or call

1·800·ASK·USPS if you need to:

Customer Concerns

If you are happy or unhappy with

our service, we would like to know.

Give us the opportunity to serve

you better by visiting www.usps.com,

calling

1·800·ASK·USPS, or speaking

to the Postmaster or manager at

your local Post Office.

Domestic Mail Manual 100 Series

PSN: 7610-05-000-5072