155 Mail Preparation

1.0 Preparation for Parcel Post

1.1 Basic Preparation

There are no presort, sacking, or labeling standards for single‑piece rate Parcel Post. [M710.1.1]

1.2 Delivery and Return Addresses

All Parcel Post mail must bear a delivery address. Alternative addressing formats under 602.3.0 may be used. Each piece must bear the sender's return address. [E710.3.1]

1.3 Basic Markings

The basic required marking—"Parcel Post" or "PP"—must be printed on each piece. The basic required marking must be placed in the postage area (i.e., printed or produced as part of, or directly below or to the left of, the permit imprint indicia or meter stamp or impression). Optionally, the basic required marking may be printed on the shipping address label as service indicators composed of a service icon and service banner (see Exhibit 102.3.3, Package Services Indicators):

a. The service icon that will identify all Parcel Post pieces will be a 1‑inch solid black square. If the service icon is used, it must appear in the upper left corner of the shipping label.

b. The service banner must appear directly below the postage payment area and the service icon, and it must extend across the shipping label. If the service banner is used, the marking "PARCEL POST" must be preceded by the text "USPS" and must be printed in minimum 20‑point bold sans serif typeface, uppercase letters, centered within the banner, and bordered above and below by minimum 1‑point separator lines. There must be a 1/16‑inch clearance above and below the text. [M012.3.1]

1.4 Required Use

Except as provided in 602.1.5, Return Addresses, the sender's domestic return address must appear legibly on Parcel Post mail. [A010.4.4]