Postal Guide for 2010

1. A Customer’s Guide to Mailing
JANUARY 2010
1

2. Price List
Notice 123, Price List, contains
domestic and international
prices, and fees in a concise and
accessible manner. Available
from larger Post Offices or on
Postal Explorer at pe.usps.com.

3. Welcome
1

4. This guide will explain your options
for mailing and help you choose the
services that are best for you.
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 come.

5. Welcome to the
U.S. Postal Service
What Are You Mailing? Domestic 4
What Are You Mailing? International 5
Choosing a Service for Mailing 6
Adding Extra Services 8
Examples of Smart Choices 10
Addressing Your Mail 12
Preparing Packages 14
Tips and Tools for Measuring Letters 16
and Large Envelopes
Tips and Tools for Measuring Packages 18
Flat Rate Quick Reference 19
Sending and Receiving Mail 20
Other Products and Services 22
Tips for Frequent Mailers and 23
Small Businesses
Index 24

6. What Are You Mailing?
Domestic
Postcards Letters
Maximum thickness 0.016 inch Maximum thickness 1/4 inch
Large Envelopes Packages
Maximum length plus girth 108 inches
Maximum thickness 3/4 inch (130 inches for Parcel Post)
4

7. Knowing the shape of your mail determines
the price you will pay.
International
Postcards Letters
5-1/2"
5-1/2"
Maximum thickness 0.016 inch Maximum thickness 1/4 inch
Large Envelopes Packages
Maximum thickness 3/4 inch Maximum dimensions vary by Country
5

8. Choosing a Service for Mailing
Shape + Speed + Cost = Service
1–2 days $$$ Express Mail
money-back based on weight,
guarantee and distance
70lbs or less
1–3 days $$ Priority Mail
on average based on weight,
shape, and distance
70lbs or less
1–3 days $ First-Class Mail
13oz or less based on weight
and shape
3.5oz or less
2–8 days* $ Parcel Post
based on weight,
shape, and distance
70lbs or less
2–8 days* $ Media Mail
based on weight
70lbs or less
* Except off shore locations
6

9. Several mailing services are available
to fit your needs.
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.
Additional insurance up to $5,000 may be purchased for merchandise.
Sunday and holiday delivery is available to many destinations for an
additional Fee. Express Mail envelopes and boxes are available at Speed depends on distance. Mail
the Post Office™. takes longer to travel across the
country than to travel across town.
Priority Mail ®
Large or thick envelopes, tubes, and packages containing mailable Flat Rate Envelopes let you send
items can be sent using Priority Mail. This service is typically your items for one low price regardless
used to send documents, gifts, and merchandise. Priority Mail of how much it weighs up to 70lbs.
Flat Rate Envelopes are available for
envelopes and boxes are available at many Post Offices and can be
Express Mail and Priority Mail.
ordered from www.usps.com.
First-Class Mail ® Flat Rate Boxes are available for
Priority Mail in four convenient sizes.
Postcards, letters, large envelopes, and small packages can be sent
using First-Class Mail. This service is typically used for personal and See page 19 for additional details
and sizes.
business correspondence and bills.
Parcel Post ® Calculate Postage for the shape,
Small and large packages, thick envelopes, and tubes containing weight, and destination of your mail
gifts and merchandise can be sent using Parcel Post. at pe.usps.com.
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.
7

10. Adding Extra Services
Proof Protection Confirmation
of mailing in transit at delivery
Express Mail Receipt provided at Insured Mail Date and time of delivery
time of mailing ($100 coverage provided
included, more can Signature of recipient
be added) available upon request
Priority Mail Certificate of Mailing Insured Mail Certified Mail
Registered Mail Delivery Confirmation
Signature Confirmation
Registered Mail
First-Class Mail Certificate of Mailing Insured Mail Certified Mail
Registered Mail Delivery Confirmation*
Signature Confirmation*
Registered Mail
Parcel Post Certificate of Mailing Insured Mail Delivery Confirmation*
Media Mail Signature Confirmation*
Forms and labels for extra Most extra services provide *for packages only
services are available in your proof of mailing.
Post Office lobby or from
your rural letter carrier.
8

11. Extra services can provide additional
protection and peace of mind.
Delivery information
is available:
Certificate of Mailing by printed copy
Provides evidence of mailing.
at www.usps.com
Certified Mail™
by calling 1·800·222·1811
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.
Most indemnity claims for
Insured Mail Insured, Registered Mail, or
Express Mail can be filed at any
Provides coverage against loss or damage up to $5,000.
Post Office or online. For more
Fee based on value of item.
information go to your local Post
For items insured for more than $200, Return Receipt can be added Office or visit www.usps.com.
to confirm delivery.
Return Receipt provides a
Registered Mail™ postcard or electronic notification
Provides maximum security. Includes proof of mailing at time of mailing with the date of delivery and
and the date and time of delivery or attempted delivery. Insurance can recipient signature.
be added up to $25,000. Fee based on value of item.
Restricted Delivery confirms
Return Receipt can be added to confirm delivery. that only a specified person,
or authorized agent, will receive
Delivery Confirmation™ a piece of mail. This service is
Provides the date and time of delivery or attempted delivery. available only if you also purchase
Free when you print Priority Mail postage from www.usps.com. Certified Mail, Insured Mail (over
$200), or Registered Mail.
Signature Confirmation™
Provides the date and time of delivery or attempted delivery and Many of these extra services are
the name of the person who signed for the item. You can request a available for international mail.
printed copy of the signature. A lower price is available when you print
Priority Mail postage from www.usps.com. Prices and fees can be found in
the Notice 123 Price List on Postal
Explorer at pe.usps.com.
9

12. Examples of Smart Choices
These examples show how mailing services
can be combined to meet your needs.
Example 1: Sending a Valuable Item
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:
$$$ Option A Express Mail
Express Mail automatically includes insurance up to $100 and guarantees delivery to Jane’s niece
in 1 to 2 days. Additional insurance may be purchased. Jane will also receive a mailing receipt and
confirmation that the package has been delivered and has been signed for by her niece.
$$ Option B First-Class Mail Package with Registered Mail
First-Class Mail 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 $25,000 in material, but not sentimental, value.
$ Option C First-Class Mail Package with Insurance
First-Class Mail offers delivery at a low cost and can be combined with insurance for up to $5,000.
Insured Mail will cover the jewelry’s material value should the piece get lost or damaged, but it
cannot cover its sentimental value.
Jane’s Decision
Jane decides that speed is less of a priority than security. Jane chooses
First-Class Mail, 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.
10

13. Example 2: Sending an Important Document
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:
Option A Express Mail $$$
Express Mail will arrive at many locations the day after it is mailed. Express Mail also provides
Maria with proof that she mailed the title, the ability to track it online or by phone, and notification
that it was delivered. Maria can also request a copy of the recipient’s signature.
Option B Priority Mail with Confirmation Service $$
Priority Mail will get the title to its destination in 1-5 days. Maria could add Delivery Confirmation,
which 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.
Option C First-Class Mail with Certified Mail and Return Receipt $
First-Class Mail will get the title to its destination in 1 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
delivered and the signature of the person who received it.
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.
11

14. Addressing Your Mail
The accuracy of the address affects the
speed and handling of your mail.
Return Address Extra Services Postage
Print or type your address in the Place labels for extra services Use stamps, a postage meter, or a
upper left corner on the front of above the delivery address and to PC Postage system to affix the correct
the envelope. the right of the return address, or amount. You can calculate postage
to the left of the postage. online at pe.usps.com.
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 Apartment or Suite Number
(for instance, NW for The correct apartment or suite
Northwest), be sure to number helps to ensure delivery to
use it. There may be more the right location.
than one Main Street.
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.
12

15. Abbreviations
AL Alabama
AK Alaska
AS American Samoa
AZ Arizona
AR Arkansas
CA California
CO Colorado
CT Connecticut
Envelopes DE
DC
Delaware
District of Columbia
Letters, bills, greeting cards, FL Florida
and other documents can be GA Georgia
sent in standard white, manila, or
recycled paper envelopes. Items
Addressing GU
HI
Guam
Hawaii
Placement ID Idaho
needing extra protection can be
Print the delivery and return IL Illinois
sent in bubble-lined, padded paper, IN Indiana
addresses on the same side of your
or waterproof envelopes. These IA Iowa
envelope or card. The addresses
envelopes, along with stationery KS Kansas
should be written parallel to the
and prepaid First-Class Mail KY Kentucky
longest side. LA Louisiana
postcards and envelopes, can be
purchased at the Post Office. ME Maine
Legible MD Maryland
Print or type clearly with a pen or MA Massachusetts
Express Mail and Priority
permanent marker so the address MI Michigan
Mail envelopes are available at MN Minnesota
is legible from an arm’s length away.
your Post Office or visit www.usps. MS Mississippi
Do not use commas or periods.
com for items sent using either MO Missouri
of these services. You must use MT Montana
Return Address
the USPS-provided address label NE Nebraska
A return address is required on NV Nevada
for Express Mail. most mail. NH New Hampshire
NJ New Jersey
Online Shipping Labels Express Mail® NM New Mexico
Express Mail and Priority Mail For Express Mail, you must use NY New York
postage prices are lower when you the address labels provided by the NC North Carolina
print your postage online using Post Office.
ND North Dakota
Click-N-Ship. Delivery Confirmation OH Ohio
OK Oklahoma
is provided free for all Domestic Military Mail OR Oregon
Priority Mail sent with Click-N-Ship Military addresses must show the PA Pennsylvania
postage. Most international postage full name with middle name or PR Puerto Rico
may be purchased online for Global initial and the PSC number, unit RI Rhode Island
Express Guaranteed, Express number, or ship name. Replace the SC South Carolina
Mail International, and Priority SD South Dakota
city name with APO, FPO or DPO,
Mail International. You will save on TN Tennessee
and the state with AA, AE, or AP, and TX Texas
International shipments when use a special ZIP Code. UT Utah
printing and paying for postage VT Vermont
using Click-N-Ship. You can arrange VI Virgin Islands
for free Carrier Pickup online. VA Virginia
Learn more about Click-N-Ship at WA Washington
www.usps.com. WV West Virginia
WI Wisconsin
WY Wyoming
13

16. Preparing Packages
Careful preparation of your package helps
to ensure safe delivery.
The Box Cushioning Sealing
Choose a box with enough room Place the cushioning all around Tape the opening of your box and
for cushioning material around your item or items. You can use reinforce all seams with 2-inch-wide
the contents. Sturdy paperboard newspaper, “foam peanuts,” or tape. Use clear or brown packaging
or corrugated fiberboard boxes shredded paper. Close and shake tape, reinforced packing tape, or
are best for weights up to the box to see if you have enough paper tape. Do not use cord, string,
10 pounds. If you are reusing a box, cushioning. If you hear items twine, masking or cellophane tape.
totally remove or obliterate all shifting, add more cushioning. Place a strip of clear packaging
previous labels and markings with Placing an extra address label tape over your label to prevent
heavy black marker. with the delivery and return the address from smearing.
addresses inside the package will
Where to Find Boxes
ensure that the item can be
You can purchase boxes and
delivered in case the outside label
tubes of various sizes at most Post
becomes damaged or falls off.
Offices. Express Mail and Priority
Mail boxes are available free at the Mailing Fragile Items
Post Office for items sent using Use foamed plastic or padding to
either of these services. While you protect your items, placing the
are not required to use the free cushioning inside hollow items as
packaging for these services, you well. Mark the package “Fragile” or
must use the address label provided mark “Perishable” on packages that
by the Post Office for Express Mail. contain food or other items that can
To order Express Mail or Priority spoil. Careful packaging is the
Mail boxes at no extra charge, best way to safeguard your valuable
call 1·800·222·1811 or visit items against damage.
www.usps.com and click on
Order Supplies. 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.
14

17. Return Address Extra Services Postage
Print or type your address in Place labels for extra services Use stamps, a postage meter, or
the upper left corner on the above the delivery address and a PC Postage system to affix the
same side of the package to the right of the return address, correct amount. You can calculate
as the delivery address. or to the left of the delivery address. and purchase postage online
at www.usps.com.
Delivery Address
Print or type the delivery address
parallel to the longest side of
the package. Print or type clearly
with a pen so that your address
is legible from an arm’s length
away. Do not use commas
or periods. City, State, and ZIP Code Drop Off
To find the correct spelling If your mail item weighs 13 ounces
Confirmation Services of a city name and state or less, and you have affixed correct
Labels for Delivery Confirmation or abbreviation or to find a ZIP postage, you can drop it into a blue
Signature Confirmation are placed Code, visit www.usps.com collection box. If your item weighs
to the left of the address label. or call 1·800·ASK·USPS. Using more than 13 ounces, and you have
the correct ZIP Code helps affixed postage stamps, you must
direct your mail more efficiently take it to the Post Office.
and accurately.
15

18. 8 Tips and Tools for Measuring
Use these rulers and guide boxes to measure
letters and large envelopes.
7
1/4"
6
maximum thickness for
Letters 1/4" thick
3/4"
5
maximum thickness for
Large Envelopes 3/4" thick
4 maximum size for Postcards
6" long x 4-1/4" high
minimum size for
Postcards and Letters
3 5" long x 3-1/2" high
2
1
1 2 3 4 5 6
16

19. Once a piece of mail exceeds the maximum
length, height, or thickness of one shape,
it automatically gets classified as the next
largest shape.
maximum size for Letters Unusual Shapes and Sizes
11-1/2" long x 6-1/8" high Sometimes a piece of mail
Large Envelopes exceed one of the requires additional postage
letter size maximum dimensions. 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 · Square envelopes
· Envelopes on which the
address is written parallel
to the shorter edge
8 9 10 11 12
17

20. Tips and Tools for Measuring
Use these guides for measuring packages
18

21. Flat Rate — Quick Reference
Available for Domestic and International
EXPRESS MAIL PRIORITY MAIL
Flat Rate Envelope Flat Rate Envelope Large Flat Rate Box
12-1/2" x 9-1/2" 12-1/2" x 9-1/2" 12" x 12" x 5-1/2"
Small Flat Rate Box APO/FPO/DPO
8-5/8" x 5-3/8" x 1-5/8" Large Flat Rate Box
12" x 12" x 5-1/2"
Medium Flat Rate Boxes
13-5/8” x 11-7/8” x 3-3/8”
11" x 8-1/2" x 5-1/2"
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 are 70 lbs. Weight restrictions for Priority Mail International are 4 lbs for the Flat Rate
Envelope and Small Flat Rate Box; 20 lbs for the Medium and Large Flat Rate Box.
You may order free packaging supplies at usps.com and find out more information about Priority Mail at prioritymail.com
19

22. Sending and Receiving Mail
Here are some useful mailing hints for
senders and recipients.
Sending Mail 1-800-222-1811 for additional Premium Forwarding Service
You can send mail by: information including qualifying Going away for a while? Have
· Dropping it into a blue packages or to schedule a pickup. all your mail sent to you at your
collection box temporary location.
· Leaving it in your home mailbox Holding Mail
If you plan to be out of town on Premium Forwarding Service
· Taking it to a Post Office is a domestic service that
business or vacation, you may
If your mail item weighs 13 ounces forwards ALL of your mail from
want to temporarily stop delivery
or less, and you have affixed correct your permanent address to
of your mail. To have the Postal
postage, you can drop it into a blue a temporary address.
Service hold your mail up
collection box. If your item weighs Your mail will be forwarded to
to 30 days, visit www.usps.com,
more than 13 ounces, and you have you on a weekly basis for a
call 1·800·ASK·USPS, or fill out a
affixed postage stamps, you must minimum of two weeks up to one
“Hold Mail” form at the Post Office.
take it to the Post Office. year. You do not miss important
When you return, you can either pick
up your mail from the Post Office or mail while you are away—all your
Scheduling a Pickup
have it delivered to your home. mail reaches you. One flat fee for
Whether it's Carrier Pickup™ or
each weekly Priority Mail shipment
time-specific Pickup On Demand®,
Change of Address and plus an application fee.
USPS pickup options make shipping
Mail Forwarding If you are a snowbird, college
your packages quick and convenient.
Before you move, get a copy of the student, executive, individual with
Carrier Pickup is the easy, conve- Mover’s Guide from your Post Office an extended family care situation,
nient way to send packages. Just and return the completed form to or away on extended vacation,
submit your request online and have your letter carrier or your Post Office. all are possible candidates for
your Express Mail, Priority Mail or The Mover’s Guide includes post- Premium Forwarding Service.
international packages, with postage cards to help you contact banks,
affixed, ready before your carrier Never again miss a mail delivery
utility companies, and magazine
arrives. It’s that simple! when you’re away from home.
publishers with your new address.
It is easy to enroll in Premium
Pickup On Demand allows You can also save a trip to the Post
Forwarding Service. Visit your
you to schedule time-specific Office by visiting www.usps.com to
local Post Office to enroll.
pickups within a 2-hour time frame. change your address online. Fast and
A letter carrier will make a special easy—takes less than five minutes.
Printing Postage
trip to your home for a fee, to pick Notify your Post Office at least one There is no need to go to
up qualifying packages, including month before you move to ensure the Post Office. You will save
domestic and international Express uninterrupted mail service. Express by printing postage online at
Mail and Priority Mail, that have Mail, Priority Mail, and First-Class usps.com.
postage affixed. There is no Mail will be forwarded at no charge
additional charge for picking up for one year. Magazines and newspa-
multiple pieces of mail. Visit pers will be forwarded for 60 days.
www.usps.com/pickup or call
20

23. Signing for Mail Confirming Delivery Perishable Items
Some pieces of mail require a Visit www.usps.com or call Some items require special
signature from the recipient at the 1·800·222·1811 to get delivery packaging or special permission to
time of delivery. This includes items information on Express Mail and be mailed. Call 1·800·ASK·USPS
sent with Express Mail, Certified mail with confirmation services. or visit your Post Office to find out
Mail, Collect on Delivery, Insured Mail You will need the item number how to mail these items:
(over $200), Registered Mail, Return from your mailing receipt or label. · Live animals
Receipt, and Signature Confirmation. · Fresh fruits and vegetables
Restricting Delivery · Plants
Recipient Responsibilities
Restricted Delivery service ensures
When you sign for a piece of mail,
that only a specified person (or Keep the Mail Safe: Hazardous
you acknowledge delivery. The
the person’s authorized agent) will and Restricted Materials
Postal Service’s liability ends when
receive a piece of mail. Restricted Some things cannot be mailed
you sign for the mail. You may ask
Delivery is available only if you also or can be mailed only in small
the letter carrier for the sender’s
purchase Certified Mail, Insured quantities for safety and legal
name and address before you
Mail (for more than $200 coverage), reasons. Some items have
accept the mail. You may not open
or Registered Mail. restrictions on how they can be
the mail, but you may look at it as
mailed, including:
long as the letter carrier is holding Filing a Claim
it before you choose to sign for it. · Aerosol cans
You can file a claim for compen-
· Firearms
Delivery If Recipient Is Not Home sation for loss or damage of Insured
If no one is home when the letter Mail, Registered Mail, and Express · Flammable materials
carrier attempts delivery, the Mail. A claim form can be downloaded · Liquids and powders
letter carrier will leave a notice and from www.usps.com or picked up at · Lottery tickets
return the item to the Post Office. any Post Office and mailed, along · Poisons
Check the notice for specific with the evidence of value, to Postal
instructions or call 1·800·ASK·USPS Service Accounting Services in Some items, however, are not
to have the mail redelivered. St. Louis, MO. Visit www.usps.com permitted in the mail, including:
If the sender has not asked for or contact your local Post Office · Alcoholic beverages
Restricted Delivery, the carrier for additional information on how · Ammunition
may deliver the mail to anyone who to file a claim. · Drug paraphernalia
receives mail at that address.
· 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.
21

24. Other Products and Services
For more information about these services,
visit www.usps.com, call 1·800·ASK·USPS,
or stop by your Post Office.
International Mail Money Orders PC Postage™
You can mail postcards, letters, Money orders are a safe alternative Enjoy the convenience of printing
large envelopes, and packages from to sending cash through the postage directly from your home or
the United States to other countries. mail. A lost or stolen money order office using PC Postage products.
As with domestic mail, you can can be replaced. You can buy Postal Service-approved providers
choose the best service based money orders at all Post Offices offer hardware and software
on speed, cost, and extra services. in amounts up to $1,000 each. products that allow you to purchase
Customs forms are required on and print postage using a computer
most international packages. Passports and the internet. Learn more at
To learn more about options for Some Post Offices offer passport www.usps.com/postagesolutions.
international mail and to calculate application and renewal services.
postage, visit www.usps.com/ For more information about Post Office™ Boxes
global or call 1·800·ASK·USPS. passport application forms and A Post Office box is a great way to
Your Post Office can also help locations, call 1·800·ASK·USPS or receive mail where and when it’s most
you send mail internationally. visit http://travel.state.gov. convenient for you. You can rent a
P.O. box online at www.usps.com or
Military Mail Paying for Merchandise at most Post Offices. Prices vary
The Postal Service can deliver For a small fee, you can send depending on the location of the
your letters and packages to merchandise COD (Collect on Post Office and the P.O. box size.
more than 500 military Post Offices Delivery) and have the Postal
worldwide. Many services available Service collect payment from the Stamp Collecting
for domestic mail are also available recipient and send it to you. If you are interested in stamp
for military mail. There may be collecting or the USA Philatelic
restrictions on the size, weight, catalogue, visit www.usps.com
or content of your mail. Visit the or call 1·800·STAMP24. Stamp
Domestic Price Calculator at products make great gifts.
pe.usps.com.
22

25. Tips for Frequent Mailers and
Small Businesses
Postage Solutions Pickup On Demand® Free Supplies
Postage meters and PC Postage For a fee, the Post Office will If you mail a lot of Express Mail or
products offer the convenience pick up your postage-paid qualifying Priority Mail items, you can
of postage when you need it packages, including domestic save trips to the Post Office by
from your home or office. Many and international Express Mail and ordering packaging supplies,
PC Postage products include Priority Mail, from your small including envelopes and
valuable features, such as business or organization within a boxes, online at www.usps.com
software accounting of mailing scheduled 2-hour time frame. or by calling 1·800·222·1811.
expenses and integrated scales There is no additional charge for
for exact postage calculations. picking up multiple pieces of mail.
Learn more at www.usps.com/ Correct postage must be affixed
postagesolutions. to each piece prior to pickup.
Call 1·800·222·1811 or visit
Commercial Prices http://pickup.usps.com/pickup
If you have large volumes of mail for additional information
and are willing to invest some time including qualifying packages
learning more about preparing and or to schedule a pickup.
sorting mail, you might qualify for
lower postage prices. To qualify for Carrier Pickup™
these prices, you must mail at least Schedule a pickup of your Express
200 newsletters, flyers, or ads or 500 Mail, Priority Mail, and International
or more postcards, letters, or invoices packages with postage affixed
at a time. To learn more about that was paid online. Your letter
whether commercial mail is right for carrier will pick up the packages
your small business or organization, during their normal delivery time.
access Business Mail 101 at This service is free of charge,
pe.usps.com. To learn more about regardless of the number of
commercial prices for Express Mail, Express Mail, Priority Mail, and
Priority Mail, and International Mail, international packages you are
visit www.usps.com. 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 and click on
“schedule a pickup” for additional
information or to schedule a
pickup now.
23

26. Index
A H R
Addressing 12, 13, 15, 17 Hazardous Materials 21 Receiving Mail 20, 21
Holding Mail 20 Registered Mail 8, 9, 10, 21
B Restricted Delivery 9, 21
Boxes 14, 19 I Restricted Items 21
Insured Mail 8, 9, 10, 21 Return Address 12, 13, 14, 15
C International Mail 5, 19, 22 Return Receipt 9, 11, 21
Carrier Pickup 13, 20, 23
Certificate of Mailing 8, 9 L S
Certified Mail 8, 9, 11, 21 Large Envelopes 4, 5, 7, 16, 17 Sending Mail 20
Change of Address 20 Letters 4, 5, 13, 16, 17 Shape of Mail 4, 5, 6, 7, 16, 17, 18
Claims for Insurance 9, 21 Large Envelopes (Flats) 4, 5, 16, 17
Classes of Mail 6, 7 M Letters 4, 5, 13, 16, 17
Click-N-Ship 13, 20, 22 Media Mail 6, 7, 8 Packages 4, 5, 14, 15, 18
COD (Collect on Delivery) 22 Military Mail 13, 19, 22 Postcards 4, 5, 16
Commercial Mailing 23 Money Orders 22 Unusual Shapes 17, 18
Confirming Delivery 8, 9, 10, Moving 20 Signature Confirmation 8, 9, 11,
11, 15, 21 15, 21
Customer Concerns Inside O Signing for Mail 8, 9, 11, 21
back cover Online Mailing Services 13, 14, 15, Size of Mail 4, 5, 16, 17, 18, 19
17, 20, 21, 22, inside back cover Small Businesses 23
D Online Shipping Labels 13, 20, 22 Stamps 12, 15, 20
Delivery Confirmation 8, 9, 10, Collecting 22
11, 13, 15, 21 P Where to Purchase inside
Dropping Off Mail 15, 20 Packages 4, 5, 7, 10, 14, 15, 18, back cover
20, 22, 23 State Abbreviations 13
E Parcel Post 6, 7, 8 Supplies 7, 13, 14, 19, 23
Envelopes 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 16, 17, 19 Passports 22
Express Mail 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 19, 21 PC Postage 22, 23 U
Extra Services 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15, Pickup Service 13, 20, 23, Unusual Shapes and Sizes 17, 18
21, 22 inside back cover
Post Office Boxes 22 W
F Postage Price Calculator 7, 9, 13, 14, Weight 6, 7, 14, 15, 19, 20, 22
Filing Claims 21 15, 17, 20, 22, 23, inside back cover
First-Class Mail 6, 7, 8, 10, 11 Postcards 4, 5, 7, 16, 22, 23 Z
Flat-Rate Envelopes/Boxes 7, 19 Premium Forwarding Service 20 ZIP Codes 12, 13, 15, inside
Flat-Rate Quick Reference 19 Priority Mail 6, 7, 8, 11, 19 back cover
Flats see Large Envelopes Price Calculators 7, 9, 13, 14, 15, 17,
Forwarding Mail 20 20, 22, 23, inside back cover
Fragile Items 14 Price List 9, inside front cover
24

27. 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.
Where can I buy stamps? Visit www.usps.com or call
1·800·ASK·USPS if you need to:
www.usps.com Find ZIP Codes
1·800·STAMP24 Calculate domestic and
international postage prices
By mail
Change your address
Supermarkets
Track or confirm a delivery
Post Offices
Locate a Post Office and
its hours
Put your mail on hold
Schedule a pickup
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.

28. A Customer’s Guide to Mailing is also available in Chinese and Spanish.
Ask your local Post Office for a copy.
También se encuentra a su disposición una Guía
del Cliente para el Envío por Correo en los idiomas
chino y español. Solicite una copia en su Oficina
de Correo. PSN: 7610-07-000-7132.
Domestic Mail Manual 100 Series
PSN: 7610-05-000-5072