133 Rates and Eligibility

2.0 Basic Eligibility Standards for First-Class Mail

1.0 First-Class Mail Rates and Fees

1.1 First-Class Mail Single-Piece Rate Application

The single-piece rates for First-Class Mail are applied as follows:

a. The card rate applies to a card meeting the applicable standards in 101.6.3, Cards Claimed at Card Rates.

b. The letter rate applies to any other First-Class Mail (letter, flat, and parcel) weighing 13 ounces or less that is not eligible for and claimed at the card rate. [E130.2.1]

1.2 Rate Computation for First-Class Mail

First-Class rates are charged per ounce or fraction thereof; any fraction of an ounce is considered a whole ounce. For example, if a piece weighs 1.2 ounces, the weight (postage) increment is 2 ounces. The minimum postage per addressed piece is that for a piece weighing 1 ounce. [P013.2.3]

1.3 Determining Single-Piece Weight

To 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. [P013.1.3]

1.4 Rates for Cards

Cards meeting the standards in 101.6.3, Cards Claimed at Card Rates: $0.23 each. [R100.1.1]

1.5 Rates for Letters, Flats, and Parcels

Letters, flats, and parcels; nonmachinable surcharge in 1.9 might apply:

Weight Increment	Rate
First ounce or fraction of an ounce	$0.37
Each additional ounce or fraction	0.23

[R100.1.2]

1.6 First-Class Mail Rates

Weight Not Over (ounces)1,2	Single-Piece
13	$0.37
2	0.60
3	0.83
4	1.06
5	1.29
6	1.52
7	1.75
8	1.98
9	2.21
10	2.44
11	2.67
12	2.90
13	3.13
Card Rate4	$0.23

For each additional ounce, postage includes $0.23 for single-piece rates.
For keys and ID devices, add a $0.60 fee. If more than 13 ounces, refer to Retail Priority Mail (see 123).
Pieces weighing 1 oz. or less may be subject to a nonmachinable surcharge of $0.12 per piece (see 101.6.4).
The card rate applies to each single or double postcard when originally mailed; reply half of double postcard must bear postage at applicable rate when returned unless prepared as business reply mail.

[R100.9.1]

1.7 Rates for Keys and Identification Device

Weight Not Over (ounces)	Rate1
12	$0.97
2	1.20
3	1.43
4	1.66
5	1.89
6	2.12
7	2.35
8	2.58
9	2.81
10	3.04
11	3.27
12	3.50
13	3.73
1 pound	4.45
2 pounds	5.153

Rates shown include $0.60 fee.
Nonmachinable surcharge might apply.
Zone 4 postage charged for all pieces.

[R100.11.0]

1.8 Keys and Identification Devices

Keys 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. [E120.2.4]

1.9 Nonmachinable Surcharge

Surcharge per piece at single-piece rate: $0.12. [R100.12.0]

1.10 Applicability of Nonmachinable Surcharge

The nonmachinable surcharge applies to pieces that weigh 1 ounce or less and meet one or more of the nonmachinable characteristics in 101.1.2. Pieces mailed at the card rate are not subject to the nonmachinable surcharge. [E130.2.4]

1.11 Computing Postage—First-Class Mail

Determine single-piece weight and weight (postage) increment for each addressed piece as prescribed in 1.2, Rate Computation for First-Class Mail, and 1.8, Keys and Identification Devices. For First-Class Mail, affix postage to each piece under 134.1.2, Affixing Postage—Single-Piece Rate Mailings, or, for permit imprint mailings, multiply the number of addressed pieces at each rate increment by the corresponding postage rate. [P013.6.0]

2.0 Basic Eligibility Standards for First-Class Mail

2.1 Description of Service

2.1.1 Service Objectives

[6-1-05] First-Class Mail receives expeditious handling and transportation. Service objectives for delivery are 1 to 3 days; however, delivery time is not guaranteed.

2.1.2 Rate Options

[6-1-05] First-Class Mail offers the flexibility of single-piece rates (1.0), and discounted rates (233.1.0) for presorted mailings of 500 or more pieces that weigh 13 ounces or less.

2.2 Defining Characteristics

2.2.1 Inspection of Contents

[6-1-05] First-Class Mail is closed against postal inspection. Federal law and Postal Service regulations restrict both opening and reviewing the contents of First-Class Mail by anyone other than the addressee.

2.2.2 Forwarding Service

[6-1-05] The price of First-Class Mail includes forwarding service to a new address for up to 12 months.

2.2.3 Return Service

[6-1-05] The price of First-Class Mail includes return service if the mailpiece is undeliverable.

2.2.4 Extra Services Exclusive to First-Class Mail

[6-1-05] First-Class Mail (including Priority Mail) is the only class of mail eligible to receive the following extra services: Registered Mail service and Certified Mail service.

2.2.5 Additional Extra Services

[6-1-05] Additional extra services available with First-Class Mail are certificate of mailing service, COD service, Delivery Confirmation service (parcels only), insured mail service (merchandise only), return receipt service, restricted delivery service, Signature Confirmation service (parcels only), and special handling. You will find information regarding extra services in 503.

3.0 Content Standards

3.1 General Eligibility

[6-1-05] With the exception of restricted material as described in 601.8.0, any mailable item, including postcards, letters, flats, and small packages, may be mailed as First-Class Mail. [E110.1.1]

3.2 Bills and Statements of Account

[6-1-05] Bills and statements of account must be mailed as First-Class Mail (or Express Mail) and are defined as follows:

a. Bills and statements of account assert a debt in a definite amount owed by the addressee to the sender or a third party. In addition, bills include a demand for payment; statements of account do not include a demand for payment. The debt does not have to be due immediately but may become due at a later time or on demand. The debt asserted need not be legally collectible or owed.

b. Bills and statements of account do not need to state the precise amount due if they contain information that would enable the debtor to determine that amount. [E110.1.5]

3.3 Personal Information

[6-1-05] Mail containing personal information must be mailed as First-Class Mail (or Express Mail). Personal information is any information specific to the addressee. [E110.1.4]

3.4 Handwritten and Typewritten Material

[6-1-05] Mail containing handwritten or typewritten material must be mailed as First-Class Mail or Express Mail. [E110.1.2]

3.5 Matter Marked Postcard or Double Postcard

[6-1-05] Any matter marked "Postcard" or "Double Postcard" must be mailed as First-Class Mail or Express Mail. [E110.1.6]

3.6 Matter Not Required to be Mailed as First-Class Mail

[6-1-05] Matter eligible for Standard Mail or Package Services rates or authorized as Periodicals is not required to be mailed as First-Class Mail or Express Mail.

3.7 Prohibited Air Transportation

[6-1-05] All First Class Mail is subject to limitations for air transportation. Generally, all mailable matter may be transported by aircraft, unless restricted in 601.10.0, Hazardous Materials. [E110.2.0]