USPS Postal Rates
Your guide to postage rates and
common types of mail
FP Mailing Solutions
FP-USA.COM
AN EVERYDAY MAILING REFERENCE
Effective April 10, 2016
Includes
the
April 2016
USPS Rate
Decrease
Page 2© 2016 FP Mailing Solutions • FP-USA.COM
CONTENTS
Postal Rates Quick Reference ........................................3
January 2016 Rate Increase ............................................ 4
Mailing Products
First-Class Letters .................................................................. 6
First-Class Large Envelopes (Flats) ...............................7
First-Class Postcards ........................................................... 8
Presorted (First-Class & Standard) .............................. 9
Nonprofit .................................................................................. 10
Shipping Products
First-Class Packages (Parcels).......................................12
Retail Ground (Standard Post) ....................................13
Parcel Select Ground .........................................................14
Priority Mail—Flat Rate ......................................................15
Priority Mail—Your Packaging .......................................16
Priority Mail Express—Flat Rate ...................................17
Priority Mail Express—Your Packaging ....................18
Media & Library Mail ...........................................................19
International ......................................................................... 20
Additional Items
Extra Services ........................................................................22
Mailer’s Glossary ..................................................................23
Rates and content contained herein are subject to change. We’ve done our best to present error-free information, but FP does not guarantee this document’s accuracy.
Page 3© 2016 FP Mailing Solutions • FP-USA.COM
POSTAL RATES QUICK REFERENCE
Notice 123 (USPS complete pricing):
http://pe.usps.com/cpim/ftp/manuals/dmm300/
Notice123.pdf
Zone Charts: postcalc.usps.gov/Zonecharts/
Rate Calculator: postcalc.usps.com/
FP IMpb Guide: fp-usa.com/articles/impb-guide/
FP Rate Increase Info: fp-usa.com/ratechange/
FIRST-CLASS PACKAGES
WEIGHT RETAIL RATE COMMERCIAL RATE
1 oz . $2.60
2 oz $2.45 $2.60
3 oz $2.45 $2.60
4 oz $2.64 $2.60
5 oz $2.83 $2.60
6 oz $3.02 $2.60
7 oz $3.21 $2.60
8 oz $3.40 $2.60
9 oz $3.59 $3.30
10 oz $3.78 $3.35
11 oz $3.97 $3.40
12 oz $4.16 $3.45
13 oz $4.35 $3.50
14 oz — $3.55
15 oz — $3.60
15.99 oz — $3.65
PRIORITY MAIL
MAIL TYPE RETAIL RATE
COMMERCIAL
BASE RATE
1 lb Envelope or Small Box $6.45-$10.00 $5.75-$9.76
Flat Rate Envelope $6.45 $5.75
Flat Rate Small Box $6.80 $6.10
Flat Rate Medium Box $13.45 $11.95
EXTRA SERVICES
SERVICE
STANDARD
PRICE
ELECTRONIC OR
COMMERCIAL
BASE PRICE
Certified Mail $3.30 $3.30
Certificate of Mailing $1.30 $1.30
Registered $11.70 and up $11.70 and up
Return Receipt $2.70 $1.35
Signature
Confirmation
$2.90 $2.35
$0.470 $0.465
Is there a rate you’d like to see here? Have some
feedback? Let us know at r[email protected].
RESOURCES
FIRST-CLASS LETTERS
WEIGHT RETAIL RATE METER RATE
1 oz $0.47 $0.465
2 oz $0.68 $0.675
3 oz $0.89 $0.885
3.5 oz $1.10 $1.095
For weights over 3.5 ounces, see Large Envelopes below.
PRIORITY EXPRESS MAIL
MAIL TYPE RETAIL RATE
COMMERCIAL
BASE RATE
Flat Rate Envelopes $22.95 $20.66
0.5 lb Envelope or Small Box* $22.95-$38.05 $20.66-$34.25
Flat Rate Boxes eliminated
Jan. 17 2016
— —
*Rate depends on weight & destination.
Sunday/Holiday: Add $12.00
$0.34 per postcard
POSTCARDS
LARGE ENVELOPES (FLATS)
WEIGHT RATE
1 oz $0.94
2 oz $1.15
3 oz $1.36
4 oz $1.57
5 oz $1.78
6 oz $1.99
7 oz $2.20
WEIGHT RATE
8 oz $2.41
9 oz $2.62
10 oz $2.83
11 oz $3.04
12 oz $3.25
13 oz $3.46
Page 4© 2016 FP Mailing Solutions • FP-USA.COM
2016 RATE CHANGES
January 17, 2016
April 10, 2016
USPS Shipping Rates Increase
The January 17, 2016 Rate Increased shipping products (competitive)
only, not mailing products (dominant/non-competitive) 9.5% average.
◊ Shipping Products include: First-Class Packages (Parcels), Parcel
Select, Priority Mail—Flat Rate, Priority Mail—Your Packaging, Priority
Mail Express—Flat Rate, Priority Mail Express—Your Packaging, Media &
Library Mail, International Packages.
The January 10, 2016 Rate Decrease rolled back the 4.3% Exigent
Surcharge for mailing products (dominant/non-competitive).
◊ Mailing Products include: First-Class Letters, First-Class Large
Envelopes (Flats), First-Class Postcards, Presorted (First-Class &
Standard), Nonprofit.
Exigent Surcharge Rollback
MAILING PRODUCTS
First-Class Letters, First-Class Large Envelopes (Flats), First-Class
Postcards, Presorted (First-Class & Standard), Nonprofit.
Page 6© 2016 FP Mailing Solutions • FP-USA.COM
FIRST-CLASS LETTERS
Typical Use: Correspondence,
invoices, payments
Max Weight: 3.5 oz
Delivery Time: Typically 1-3
business days
RATES FOR FIRST-CLASS LETTERS
5 ½” 11 ½”
3 ½ ”
6 ⅛”
1/2” 1/2”
5/8”
2-3/4”
Postage
Return
Address
Address
(Optical Character Reader - OCR - area)
Minimum
Maximum
First-Class Letter Dimensions
WEIGHT RETAIL RATE METER RATE
1 oz $0.47 $0.465
2 oz $0.68 $0.675
3 oz $0.89 $0.885
3.5 oz $1.10 $1.095
INSIDE TIP
Postage meters
have lower First-
Class letter rates
than stamps.
Learn About First-Class Mail
First-Class Letter Standards
Business Letters 101
RESOURCES
For weights over 3.5 ounces, see Large Envelopes below.
Page 7© 2016 FP Mailing Solutions • FP-USA.COM
FIRST-CLASS LARGE ENVELOPES (FLATS)
Typical Use: Large envelopes, flat
or padded with even thickness;
usually for documents
Max Weight: 13 oz. (Use Priority
Mail for flats over 13 oz.)
Delivery time: Typically 1-3
business days
6 ⅛ ”
12”
11 ½” 15”
Thickness: ¼” – ¾”
At least ½” from edge
At least 1” from Return Address
Postage
Return
Address
Address Area
Minimum
Maximum
Large Envelope Dimensions
POSTAGE RATES FOR LARGE ENVELOPES
WEIGHT RATE
1 oz $0.94
2 oz $1.15
3 oz $1.36
4 oz $1.57
5 oz $1.78
6 oz $1.99
7 oz $2.20
INSIDE TIP
First-Class Flats must
be exible enough to
bend 1 inch without
damage.
First-Class Flats Characteristics
RESOURCES
WEIGHT RATE
8 oz $2.41
9 oz $2.62
10 oz $2.83
11 oz $3.04
12 oz $3.25
13 oz $3.46
Page 8© 2016 FP Mailing Solutions • FP-USA.COM
FIRST-CLASS POSTCARDS
$0.34 per postcard
Typical Use: Short notes, reminders, advertising
Max Weight: N/A
Delivery Time: Typically 1-3 business days
POSTAGE RATE FOR POSTCARDS
Thickness: .007” – .016”
3½ ”
5”
4¼”
6”
Postage
⅝”
2.7”
3¾”
Clear for USPS Barcode
Address Area
Minimum Maximum
First-Class Postcard Dimensions
INSIDE TIP
Postcards are the
lowest cost First-
Class mail.
USPS Postcard Characteristics
Offer expires June 6, 2016
You can tell
everyone about
this howling
good deal!
Take advantage of this
one-time-only offer.
Call now!
555-630-1212
Page 9© 2016 FP Mailing Solutions • FP-USA.COM
PRESORTED (FIRST-CLASS & STANDARD)
General Requirements & Considerations for First-Class/Standard Presorted:
◊ Non-profits do not receive an additional discount from Presort.
◊ Presorted mail requires first setting up an account with USPS.
◊ All addresses should be checked against NCOA (move updates) and CASS (addressing
standards).
◊ More savings can be achieved by applying an Intelligent Mail Barcode on each piece.
◊ Mail is usually dropped off at post office.
First-Class Presorted mail is typically used for personalized/unique
mail, such as invoices and statements. Each mailing must contain
at least 500 pieces. Delivery is typically 1-3 business days.
Standard Presorted mail is typically used for general non-
personal mail like advertising and catalogs. Each mailing must
contain at least 200 pieces. Delivery is typically 2-9 business days.
Presorting your mail can give you much lower postage rates. Group your mail by zip code so all mail
pieces going to the same area are in the same bundle or tray.
FIRST-CLASS PRESORTED STANDARD PRESORTED
FIRST-CLASS PRESORT TYPE
LETTERS
(UP TO 2 OZ)*
LARGE ENV/FLATS
(UP TO 1 OZ)* POSTCARDS
Machinable, Non-Automation $0.452 $0.798 $0.283
AUTOMATION
Mixed AADC (up to $0.419 $0.750 $0.272
AADC $0.399 $0.670 $0.263
5-Digit $0.376 $0.630 $0.263
3-Digit $0.399 $0.438 $0.250
STANDARD PRESORT TYPE LETTERS LARGE ENV (FLATS)
Mixed AADC $0.291 $0.539
AADC $0.274 $0.522
3-Digit $0.274 $0.467
5-digit $0.255 $0.376
ECR Basic $0.288 $0.288
ECR High Density $0.207 $0.235
ECR High Density Plus $0.204 $0.230
EDDM N/A $0.206
ECR Saturation $0.194 $0.205
INSIDE TIP
Consult with your
local post ofce to
verify your local
requirements.
See Glossary on Page 18 for definitions of Presort Types.
Up to 3.3 oz. Automation unless otherwise noted.
*For higher weights pricing, see USPS Notice 123.
USPS Mail Preparation Requirements
RESOURCES
Page 10© 2016 FP Mailing Solutions • FP-USA.COM
NONPROFIT
Nonprofit organizations can get significant postage discounts, as much as 84% off retail. You can get as
much as a 24% discount with just simple zip code sorting.
Nonprofit mail is sorted and prepared the same way as regular Standard Mail, making it suitable for general
mailings like event promotions. It is not applicable to personal/unique mail like invoices or statements.
NONPROFIT RATES
STANDARD PRESORT TYPE LETTERS FLATS
Mixed AADC $0.176 $0.400
AADC $0.159 $0.383
3-Digit $0.159 $0.328
5-digit $0.140 $0.237
ECR Basic $0.214 $0.214
ECR High Density $0.133 $0.161
ECR High Density Plus $0.130 $0.156
ECR Saturation, Letter EDDM $0.120 $0.132
EDDM Flats N/A $1.31
USPS Nonprofit Application
USPS Official Nonprofit Options
USPS Publication 417—Nonprofit Eligibility
Please donate to our cause...
US POSTAGE
$00.99
INSIDE TIP
USPS usually
processes nonprot
applications in 1-2
weeks.
See Glossary on Page 18 for definitions of Presort Types.
RESOURCES
3.3 ounce or less. Automation unless otherwise noted.
SHIPPING PRODUCTS
First-Class Packages (Parcels), Parcel Select, Priority
Mail—Flat Rate, Priority Mail—Your Packaging, Priority
Mail Express—Flat Rate, Priority Mail Express—Your
Packaging, Media & Library Mail, International Packages.
Page 12© 2016 FP Mailing Solutions • FP-USA.COM
IMpb Bar Code
P
FIRST CLASS PARCEL
FIRST-CLASS PACKAGES (PARCELS)
Typical Use: Low cost
option for shipping
lightweight packages
Max Weight: 15.99 oz.
Delivery Type: Typically
1-3 days in U.S. (Use
Priority Mail or Parcel
Select for items over 13
oz.)
WEIGHT (UP TO) RETAIL RATE* COMMERCIAL BASE**
1 oz $2.45 $2.60
2 oz $2.45 $2.60
3 oz $2.45 $2.60
4 oz $2.64 $2.60
5 oz $2.83 $2.60
6 oz $3.02 $2.60
7 oz $3.21 $2.60
8 oz $3.40 $2.60
9 oz $3.59 $3.30
10 oz $3.78 $3.35
11 oz $3.97 $3.40
12 oz $4.16 $3.45
13 oz $4.35 $3.50
14 oz — $3.55
15 oz — $3.60
15.99 oz — $3.65
FIRST-CLASS PACKAGE RATES
USPS Official Characteristics for Parcels
INSIDE TIP
Postage meters and
online mail services can
print IMpb® labels at the
commercial rate.
RESOURCES
*RETAIL = Purchase at local Post Office.
**CBP = Commercial Base Pricing, available with meters/software
or online postage.
How to Get Commercial Base
Pricing Discounts
Commercial Base Pricing
(CBP) is available when
you use a postage meter or
online postage service. For
example, FP’s PostBase meter
combined with MailOne 2.0
software offers CBP, which
can enable you to quickly save
enough in postage to recoup
the equipment/software cost.
Commercial Base Pricing
Page 13© 2016 FP Mailing Solutions • FP-USA.COM
RETAIL GROUND (STANDARD POST)
Retail Ground prices range from $6.75 to $169.92, depending on weight
and destination.
Typical Use: Purchased at Post Office retail counter.
Good for large packages. (Includes tracking)
Max Weight: 70 lbs.
Delivery Type: Typically 2-8 business days
RETAIL GROUND RATES
USPS Official Characteristics for Parcels
Refer to Notice 123 for Retail Ground Price Table
What is Retail?
The Postal Service refers to “retail” as purchases made
at local post office counters.
Retail prices are almost always higher than their
commercial counterparts. The commercial ground
service is called Parcel Select Ground
Retail Pricing
INSIDE TIP
Choose Retail Ground
for occasional large
packages with “less-
than-urgent” delivery.
RESOURCES
Ground
Shipping
PARCEL
SELECT
RETAIL
GROUND
Page 14© 2016 FP Mailing Solutions • FP-USA.COM
PARCEL SELECT GROUND
Parcel Select prices range from $5.95 to $169.87, depending on weight
and destination.
Parcel Select is a commercial service (similar to Commercial Base
Pricing), which is slightly less costly than its Retail counterpart, Retail
Ground (formerly Standard Post).
Typical Use: Low cost option for ground shipping
medium-large size packages.
Max Weight: 70 lbs.
Delivery Time: Typically 2-8 days. Includes tracking
PARCEL SELECT RATES
USPS Official Characteristics for Parcels
Refer to Notice 123 for Commercial Non-
Presort Parcel Select Price Table
Ground
Shipping
PARCEL
SELECT
RETAIL
GROUND
At least 3 inches high x 6 inches long x 1/4 inch thick.
Maximum 108 inches in length + girth combined (up
to 130 inches with additional fee).
Maximum weight 70 pounds.
Dimensions
INSIDE TIP
Choose Parcel Select
when cost is more
important than delivery
time.
RESOURCES
Page 15© 2016 FP Mailing Solutions • FP-USA.COM
PRIORITY MAIL—FLAT RATE
Typical Use:
Reasonable cost option
for small to medium
size packages. Includes
tracking and insurance
($50 retail, $100 CBP).
Max Weight: 70 lbs.
Delivery Time: 1-3
business days
ENVELOPE
LEGAL ENVELOPE
PADDED ENVELOPE
SMALL BOX
MEDIUM BOX LARGE BOX
$6.45
RETAIL*
$5.75
CBP**
$6.45
RETAIL*
$5.75
CBP**
$13.45
RETAIL*
$11.95
CBP**
$6.80
RETAIL*
$6.10
CBP**
$6.80
RETAIL*
$6.10
CBP**
$18.75
RETAIL*
$16.35
CBP**
12" x 12" x 5-1/2"
11" x 8-1/2" x 5-1/2"
5-3/8" x 8-5/8" x 1-5/8"
9-1/2" x 12-1/2"
9-1/2" x 12-1/2"
9-1/2" x 15"
USPS Description of Priority Mail
Order flat rate boxes online at USPS.com
PRIORITY MAIL FLAT RATES
INSIDE TIP
USPS provides many
other sizes of envelopes
and boxes than shown
here.
*RETAIL = Purchase at local Post Office.
**CBP = Commercial Base Pricing, available with meters/software or online postage.
RESOURCES
Page 16© 2016 FP Mailing Solutions • FP-USA.COM
PRIORITY MAIL—YOUR PACKAGING
When you use your own packaging, the Priority Mail price depends on package weight
and destination.
Retail Pricing*: From $6.45 to $200.10
Commercial Base Pricing (CBP)**: From $5.75 to $181.03
Typical Use: Use your own packaging instead of USPS boxes for
Priority Mail. Includes tracking and insurance.
Max Weight: 70 lbs.
Delivery Time: 1-3 business days
PRIORITY MAIL RATES (YOUR PACKAGING)
*RETAIL = Purchase at local Post Office.
**CBP = Commercial Base Pricing, available with meters/software or online postage.
USPS Description of Priority Mail
Calculate Priority Mail shipping cost at:
postcalc.usps.com
P
PRIORITY MAIL
P
PRIORITY MAIL
Priority Mail gets
your packages
to their destinations
fast with tracking.
INSIDE TIP
USPS will pick up
Priority Mail free if your
parcel is packed and
labeled.
RESOURCES
Page 17© 2016 FP Mailing Solutions • FP-USA.COM
PRIORITY MAIL EXPRESS—FLAT RATE
Typical Use:
Guaranteed overnight/
expedited service
(domestic U.S.),
including 365 days/year
in many cases. Includes
tracking and insurance.
Max Weight: 70 lbs.
Delivery Time: 1-2 days
ENVELOPE
LEGAL ENVELOPE
PADDED ENVELOPE
$22.95
RETAIL*
$20.66
CBP**
9-1/2" x 12-1/2"
9-1/2" x 12-1/2"
9-1/2" x 15"
MEDIUM BOX LARGE BOX
15-1/4” x 12-3/8" x 3”11" x 8-1/2" x 5-1/2"
The USPS eliminated
Priority Mail Express Flat
Rate Boxes with the
January 17, 2016 rate
change.
USPS Description of Priority Express Mail
Priority Mail Express Service Guide
Order flat rate boxes online at USPS.com
PRIORITY EXPRESS MAIL FLATS
INSIDE TIP
Most destinations are
overnight. USPS Service
Commitment Calculator
to check.
*RETAIL = Purchase at local Post Office.
**CBP = Commercial Base Pricing, available with meters/software or online postage.
RESOURCES
Page 18© 2016 FP Mailing Solutions • FP-USA.COM
PRIORITY MAIL EXPRESS—YOUR PACKAGING
When you use your own packaging, the Priority Express Mail price depends on
package weight and destination.
Retail Pricing*: From $22.95 to $460.25
Commercial Base Pricing (CBP)**: From $22.66 to $414.23
Typical Use: Use your own packaging instead of USPS boxes for Priority Express Mail. Includes tracking
and insurance.
Max Weight: 70 lbs. | Max Length+Girth: 108 in.
Delivery Time: Overnight (most destinations) or 2-day
PRIORITY EXPRESS MAIL RATES (YOUR PACKAGING)
*RETAIL = Purchase at local Post Office.
**CBP = Commercial Base Pricing, available with meters/software or online postage.
USPS Description of Priority Express Mail
Priority Mail Express Service Guide
Calculate Priority Mail shipping cost at
postcalc.usps.com
P
PRIORITY EXPRESS
P
PRIORITY EXPRESS
Priority Express Mail
is the fastest way to
ship with the USPS.
INSIDE TIP
Morning, Sunday and
holiday deliveries are
available for an extra fee.
RESOURCES
Page 19© 2016 FP Mailing Solutions • FP-USA.COM
MEDIA & LIBRARY MAIL
USPS defines Media Mail as any of the following:
◊ Print—Books, manuscripts, printed music, printed educational
material, medical information
◊ Recorded Media—Film, sound recordings
USPS defines Library Mail as any of the following sent to or from a
school, college, university, public library, museum, herbarium, or
nonprofit organization:
◊ Print—Books, printed music, bound academic papers, periodicals
◊ Recorded Media—Sound recordings
Typical Use: Media and Library Mail are intended for mailing educational materials.
Maximum Weight: 70 lbs.
Delivery Time: USPS does not guarantee delivery time, but it’s typically 2-9 business days.
MEDIA MAIL LIBRARY MAIL
*RETAIL = Purchase at local Post Office.
**COMMERCIAL PRESORTED PRICE = Requires minimum volumes and mail sorting.
INSIDE TIP
USPS may legally
inspect Media and
Library mail to ensure it
meets requirements.
MEDIA MAIL RATES LIBRARY MAIL RATES
WEIGHT RETAIL PRICE*
COMMERCIAL
PRESORTED PRICE**
1 lb $2.61 $2.36
Each additional pound $0.48 $0.48
WEIGHT RETAIL PRICE*
COMMERCIAL
PRESORTED PRICE**
1 lb $2.48 $2.24
Each additional pound $0.46 $0.46
Page 20© 2016 FP Mailing Solutions • FP-USA.COM
INTERNATIONAL
USPS offers several international mail options to meet your needs.
MAIL SERVICE DELIVERY TIME RETAIL RATE*
COMMERCIAL
RATE**
First-Class Package International
Typically 2-3 weeks
(not guaranteed)
$9.50 and up $9.03 and up
Priority Mail International
• to Canada
• to other countries
6-10 bus. days $31.75 and up
$38.75 and up
$30.16 and up
$36.81 and up
Priority Mail International Flat Rate
• to Canada
• to other countries
6-10 bus. days $21.95 and up
$29.95 and up
$22.75 and up
$28.45 and up
Priority Mail Express International 3-5 bus. days $40.95 and up $38.90 and up
Priority Mail Express International Flat Rate Envelope 3-5 bus. days $41.50 and up $39.45 and up
Global Express Guaranteed (1 lb) 1-3 bus. days $59.95 and up $56.95 and up
INTERNATIONAL RATES
*RETAIL = Purchase at local Post Office.
**CBP = Commercial Base Pricing, available with meters/software or online postage.
INSIDE TIP
The total length + girth
must be under 108
inches for international
packages.
All USPS International Services
Weight Limits by Country
International Shipping Price Calculator
Complete Customs Forms Online
USPS Rate Calculator
RESOURCES
ADDITIONAL ITEMS
Page 22© 2016 FP Mailing Solutions • FP-USA.COM
EXTRA SERVICES
These special add-on services
enhance your mailings with
additional verification and security
options.
SERVICE
STANDARD
PRICE*
ELECTRONIC OR
COMMERCIAL BASE
PRICE**
Certified Mail
Get proof of mailing and delivery for items
that don’t come with USPS Tracking.
$3.30 $3.30
Certificate of Mailing
Get documented proof of mailing. (Does not
include delivery proof. Only available at local
post office.)
$1.30 $1.30
Registered
For very valuable items. In addition to proof
of mailing and delivery, provides documented
chain of custody.
$11.70 and up $11.70 and up
Return Receipt
Get proof of delivery with signature for items
that don’t come with USPS Tracking.
$2.70 (by mail) $1.35 (electronic)
Signature Confirmation
Require and get recipient’s signature.
$2.90 $2.35
RR 000 000 000 US
United States Postal Service
REGISTERED MAIL
Label 200, July 1999 (102595) 99-M-1904
INSIDE TIP
If you only need proof
of delivery for a letter,
choose Certied Mail.
USPS Standards and Descriptions of
Extra Services
USPS Extra Services Pamphlet
RESOURCES
*RETAIL = Purchase at local Post Office.
**CBP = Commercial Base Pricing, available with meters/software or online postage.
Page 23© 2016 FP Mailing Solutions • FP-USA.COM
MAILER’S GLOSSARY
3-Digit, 5-Digit Automation — Mail is presorted by the first 3 digits or 5 digits of
recipient zip codes.
AADC (Automated Area Distribution Center) — A USPS distribution center that
scans and processes automation-compatible mail.
Automation — Mail class for mail that can be scanned and processed by USPS
automation equipment. (See Machinable below.)
Carrier Route Presort Mail — Discounted mail sorted by carrier routes. (See
Enhanced Carrier Route below.)
CASS (Coding Accuracy Support System) — A USPS electronic service that verifies
the syntax and accuracy of addresses.
Certified Mail — First-Class or Priority Mail that gives the sender proof of delivery.
Commercial Base Pricing (CBP) — Discounted postage pricing offered by USPS
online, PC postage, and some postage meters/software.
Direct Mail — Advertising and promotional mail delivered to potential customers
(e.g. brochures, catalogs, postcards, newsletters and sales letters).
Enhanced Carrier Route (ECR) — A type of Carrier Route Presort Mail (see above)
that is automation compatible and sorted by carrier route sequence.
First-Class Mail (FCM) — A collection of letter, flat, and lightweight parcel
subclasses, typically delivered within 1-3 business days.
Flat — Mail contained in a large, flexible, evenly thick envelope.
Franking Machine — European term for “postage meter.
Indicia — An imprint that represents U.S. postage printed by an authorized postage
meter.
Information Based Indicia (IBI) — An indicia with a square machine-readable
barcode that encodes machine-readable information about the postage.
Intelligent Mail Barcode (IMB) — A horizontal barcode that encodes information
about the mail piece, including addresses and tracking. (Superseded by IMI
below.)
Intelligent Mail Indicia (IMI) — Replacing the IMB standard (above), a horizontal
barcode that encodes more information more securely than IMB.
Intelligent Mail Package Barcode (IMpb) — A horizontal barcode for packages that
encodes information about the sender, recipient, package, and tracking.
Letter — A message to a particular person, written on a mailpiece no larger than
11½”x6⅛”x¼”, typically enclosed in an envelope.
Library Mail — A package service mail class intended for media items (e.g. books,
documents and recordings) sent between educational institutions.
Machinable — Mail that is compatible with USPS automated scanning & processing
equipment. (See Automation above.)
Media Mail — A package service mail class intended for non-promotional media
(e.g. books, documents and recordings).
Metered Mail — Mail with postage applied by an authorized postage meter or
Online/PC postage service. (See Indicia above.)
National Change of Address (NCOA) — A USPS database containing U.S. resident
changes of address. Can be accessed electronically via the National Change of
Address Linkage System to correct addresses before printing them.
Nonprofit Mail — A set of discounted mail rates available to qualifying non-profit
organizations.
Package/Parcel — A mailpiece larger than a letter or flat, typically (but not
necessarily) a box.
Permit Imprint — A postage indicia containing mailing permit number that
represents postage paid in advance from a USPS deposit account for mailings of
at least 200 pieces.
Presorted Mail — A set of postage discounts based on sorting mail prior to handing
off to the post office, usually requiring at least 500 pieces per mailing.
Registered Mail — An extra service intended for very valuable mailpieces. In
addition to proof of mailing and delivery, provides documented chain of custody.
Return Receipt — An extra service that provides sender with proof of delivery,
including recipient signature for items that don’t come with USPS Tracking.
Signature Confirmation — An extra service that requires recipient’s signature,
which is available as a record for the sender.
Standard (Bulk) Mail — A class of commercial mail with postage discount intended
for mailings of at least 200 identical mailpieces (e.g. catalogs, advertising flyers,
newsletters).
Zones — Postal zones are price categories based on origin and destination zip
codes. Prices trend higher with longer distances and more rural origin and/or
destination locations.
Page 24© 2016 FP Mailing Solutions • FP-USA.COM
ABOUT FP MAILING SOLUTIONS
FP Mailing Solutions provides postage meters and mailing products for small-to-
midsize U.S. businesses and organizations.
From our Addison, Illinois headquarters, we distribute our products through a
nationwide dealer network. There’s probably an FP dealer near you!
Our customers hail from small one-room businesses to law firms, healthcare
& medical facilities, non-profits, municipalities, educational institutions, and
everything in-between.
FP Mailing Solutions
140 N. Mitchell Ct., Suite 200
Addison, IL 60101
800-341-6052
fp-usa.com