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First-Class Mail

Minimum Weight: None.

Maximum Weight: 13 ounces (over 13 ounces, First-Class Mail becomes Priority Mail[1]).

Letter Maximum Weight: 3.5 ounces.

Minimum Quantity to Mail at Commercial Prices: 500 pieces.

First-Class Mail letter-size pieces that are square, rigid or meet at least one of the nonmachinable characteristics are subject to the nonmachinable surcharge.

Flat-size pieces that are rigid, nonrectangular, or have uneven thickness will pay the parcel price.

All mailable matter can be mailed as First-Class Mail. Some things MUST be mailed as First-Class Mail (or Priority Mail[2]), including:

  • Handwritten or typewritten material
  • Bills, statements of account or invoices, credit cards
  • Personal correspondence, personalized business correspondence
  • All matter sealed or otherwise closed against inspection.

First-Class Mail includes:

Single-piece Presorted[7] and automation prices[8] are available.

First-Class Mail prices are the same regardless of how far the mail travels. That’s a great deal! First-Class Mail postage includes forwarding and return services. You can enhance the service, security, and convenience of First-Class Mail by adding extra services such as Registered Mail and Certified Mail. These services are available for a small fee.

Many beginning mailers use First-Class Mail postcards and letters because, if you mail at single-piece prices, there’s no special payment method, no mailing permit, and no extra time to presort the mail. You simply put a stamp on it and drop it in the collection box. Simple and quick.

Decision Tree[9]: Six easy questions will lead you directly to the information you need about First-Class Mail.

Calculate postage for First-Class Mail[10]

Price List – Notice 123 (PDF)[11]

Discount/Bulk Calculator[12] – Compute prices for all discount mail.

Download Adobe Acrobat Reader[13]


Table of Links
  1. http://pe.usps.com/businessmail101/classes/priority.htm
  2. http://pe.usps.com/businessmail101/classes/priority.htm
  3. http://pe.usps.com/businessmail101/mailcharacteristics/cards.htm
  4. http://pe.usps.com/businessmail101/mailcharacteristics/letters.htm
  5. http://pe.usps.com/businessmail101/mailcharacteristics/flats.htm
  6. http://pe.usps.com/businessmail101/mailcharacteristics/parcels.htm
  7. http://pe.usps.com/businessmail101/glossary.htm#presortedRates
  8. http://pe.usps.com/businessmail101/misc/automation.htm
  9. http://pe.usps.com/businessmail101/decisiontree/welcome.htm
  10. http://dbcalc.usps.gov/
  11. http://pe.usps.com/cpim/ftp/manuals/dmm300/Notice123.pdf
  12. http://dbcalc.usps.gov/
  13. http://www.usps.com/common/transparent_exit_page.htm?url=http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep.html&title=Download Adobe Acrobat Reader