DMM TOC > 100 Retail Letters, Cards, Flats, and Parcels > 120 Priority Mail123 Rates and Eligibility1.0 Priority Mail Rates and Fees1.1 ApplicationPriority Mail rates apply to pieces meeting the standards in 123. 1.2 Priority Mail Rate ApplicationExcept under 1.6, Flat-Rate Envelope, Priority Mail rates are charged per pound or fraction thereof; any fraction of a pound is rounded up to the next whole pound. For example, if a piece weighs 1.2 pounds, the weight (postage) increment is 2 pounds. The minimum postage amount per addressed piece is the 1-pound rate. The Priority Mail rate up to 1 pound is based solely on weight; for pieces weighing more than 1 pound, rates are based on weight and zone. 1.3 Priority Mail RatesParcels that weigh less than 15 pounds but measure more than 84 inches in combined length and girth are charged the applicable rate for a 15-pound parcel. The 1-pound rate is charged for matter sent in a Priority Mail flat-rate envelope provided by the USPS, regardless of the actual weight of the piece. See Exhibit 1.3, Priority Mail Rates. Exhibit 1.3 Priority Mail Rates
1.4 Rates for Keys and Identification Devices
1.5 Keys and Identification DevicesKeys and identification devices (e.g., identification cards or uncovered identification tags) that weigh more than 13 ounces but not more than 1 pound are returned at the 1-pound Priority Mail rate plus the fee. Keys and identification devices weighing more than 1 pound but not more than 2 pounds are mailed at the 2-pound Priority Mail rate for zone 4 plus the fee. The key or identification device must bear, contain, or have securely attached the name and complete address of a person, organization, or concern, with instructions to return the key or identification device to that address and a statement guaranteeing payment of postage due on delivery. 1.6 Flat-Rate EnvelopeAny amount of material that can be mailed in the special flat-rate envelope available from the USPS is subject to the 1-pound Priority Mail rate, regardless of the weight of the mailpiece. 1.7 Balloon RateItems weighing less than 15 pounds but measuring more than 84 inches in combined length and girth are charged the rate for a 15-pound parcel for the zone to which it is addressed. 1.8 Pickup on Demand Fee507.5.0, Pickup on Demand Service). 1.9 Determining Single-Piece WeightTo determine single-piece weight in any mailing of nonidentical-weight pieces, weigh each piece individually. To determine single-piece weight in a mailing of identical-weight pieces, weigh a sample group of at least 10 randomly selected pieces and divide the total sample weight by the number of pieces in the sample. Express all single-piece weights in decimal pounds rounded off to four decimal places. 1.10 Computing Postage—Priority MailDetermine single-piece weight increment for each piece and affix postage to each piece under 124.1.2, Affixing Postage—Single-Piece Rate Mailings (as applicable) or, for permit imprint mailings, multiply the number of addressed pieces at each rate increment by the corresponding postage rate. 2.0 Basic Eligibility Standards for Priority Mail2.1 Definition of Priority MailPriority Mail is First-Class Mail weighing more than 13 ounces and, at the mailer's option, any other mailable matter weighing 13 ounces or less. Priority Mail rates are based on zone and weight. The maximum weight is 70 pounds, except for APO and FPO mail subject to 703.2.0, Overseas Military Mail, and 703.4.0, Mail Sent by U.S. Armed Forces, and Department of State mail subject to 703.3.0. 2.2 Service ObjectivesAll Priority Mail receives expeditious handling and transportation. The USPS follows uniform guidelines for distributing and delivering mail but does not guarantee delivery within the specified time. Local postmasters can provide more information. 2.3 Matter Closed Against Postal InspectionMatter closed against postal inspection includes First-Class Mail (including Priority Mail) and Express Mail. The USPS may open mail other than First-Class Mail or Express Mail to determine whether the proper rate of postage is paid. Material wrapped or packaged so that it cannot be examined easily or examined without destruction or serious damage is closed against postal inspection and is charged the appropriate First-Class Mail or Express Mail rate. 3.0 Content Standards for Priority Mail3.1 EligibilityAll mailable matter may be sent as Priority Mail, except matter prohibited by standards (e.g., certain hazardous materials). 3.2 Matter Required to be Mailed as First-Class MailMailers have the option to use Express Mail service for mailpieces required to be mailed as First-Class Mail or Priority Mail. Unless Express Mail is used, Priority Mail rates are required for a mailpiece that weighs more than 13 ounces when the mailpiece contains matter that must be mailed as First-Class Mail. Complete descriptions of matter requiring the use of First-Class Mail are provided in 133.3.0.
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