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  A Customer's Guide to Mailing
   
  Introduction
  What Are You Mailing
  Choosing a Service for Mailing
  Adding Extra Services
  Examples of Smart Choices
  Addressing Your Mail
  Preparing Packages
  Sending and Receiving Mail
  Domestic Prices
  Other Products and Services
  Tips for Frequent Mailers and Small Businesses
  International Prices
     
  Printer Friendly PDF

 

 

 
Choosing a Service for Mailing
   
 

Several mailing services are available to fit your needs.

Shape + Speed + Cost = Service

SHAPE SPEED COST SERVICE
This picture shows a letter, large envelope, package, and mailing tube. These shapes can be mailed as Express Mail.
70 lbs or less
1-2 days
money-back guarantee
$$$
based on weight, and distance
Express Mail
This picture shows a large envelope, package, and mailing tube. These shapes can be mailed as Priority Mail
70 lbs or less
1-3 days
on average
$$
based on weight, shape, and
distance
Priority Mail

This picture shows a postcard, letter, large envelope, and small package. These shapes can be mailed as First-Class Mail
13 oz or less

This picture shows a postcard, letter, large envelope, and small package. These shapes can be mailed as First-Class Mail
3.5 oz or less

1-3 days $
based on weight and shape
First-Class Mail
This picture shows a two packages and a mailing tube. These shapes can be mailed as Parcel Mail
70 lbs or less
2-8 days* $
based on weight 
and distance
Parcel Post
This picture shows a two packages and a mailing tube. These shapes can be mailed as Parcel Mail
70 lbs or less
2-8 days* $
based on weight
Media  Mail
  * Excluding Alaska and Hawaii.    

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 $12.50. Express Mail envelopes and boxes are available at the Post Office™.

Priority Mail®
Large or thick envelopes, tubes, and packages containing mailable items can be sent using Priority Mail. This service is typically used to send documents, gifts, and merchandise. Priority Mail envelopes and boxes are available at the Post Office™.

First-Class Mail®
Postcards, letters, large envelopes, and small packages can be sent using First-Class Mail. This service is typically used for personal and business correspondence and bills.

Parcel Post®
Small and large packages, thick envelopes, and tubes containing gifts and merchandise can be sent using Parcel Post.

Media Mail™
Small and large packages and thick envelopes can be sent using Media Mail. Contents are limited to books, manuscripts, sound recordings, recorded videotapes, and computer-readable media (not blank). Informally called "Book Rate," Media Mail cannot contain advertising, except eligible books may contain incidental announcements of books. Media Mail is usually less expensive than Parcel Post.

Speed depends on distance. Mail takes longer to travel across the country than to travel across town.

Flat-Rate Envelopes let you send your document for one low price regardless how much the item weighs. Flat-rate envelopes are available for Express Mail at $17.50 and Priority Mail at $4.95. Purchase flat-rate stamps in advance to save time when you’re ready to mail.

Priority Mail flat-rate boxes are available, regardless of the actual weight of the piece at the following prices:

Small Flat-Rate Box
• Domestic or APO/FPO addresses: $4.95

Regular/Medium Flat-Rate Boxes
• Domestic or APO/FPO addresses:  $10.35

Large Flat-Rate Box
• APO/FPO destination addresses:  $11.95
• Domestic address:  $13.95

Calculate Postage for the shape, weight, and destination of your mail online or by calling 1·800·ASK·USPS®.