153 Prices and Eligibility

1.0 Parcel Post Prices and Fees

1.1 Price Eligibility

Parcel Post prices are calculated based on the zone to which the parcel is addressed and the weight of the parcel. Requirements for Parcel Post prices are as follows:

a. The oversized price applies to pieces that measure over 108 inches but not more than 130 inches in combined length and girth.

b. Parcels that weigh less than 20 pounds but measure more than 84 inches (but not more than 108 inches) in combined length and girth are charged the applicable price for a 20-pound parcel (balloon price).

1.2 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.

1.3 Parcel Post Price Application

The Parcel Post price is charged per pound or fraction thereof; any fraction of a pound is considered a whole pound. For example, if an item weighs 4.225 pounds, the weight (postage) increment is 5 pounds. The minimum postage per piece is the 1-pound price.

1.4 Computing Postage—Parcel Post With Permit Imprint

To compute the total postage for a mailing, for each weight increment, multiply the number of pieces by the applicable price per piece.

1.5 Computing Postage—Parcel Post With Postage Affixed

For each piece, affix the postage for the weight increment and the zone to which the piece is addressed.

1.6 Pickup on Demand Fees

Parcel Post only, per occurrence. May be combined with Express Mail and Priority Mail pickups (see 507.6.0, Pickup on Demand Service).

1.7 Prices

Parcel Post prices are calculated based on the zone to which the parcel is addressed, and the weight of the parcel (see Notice 123—Price List).

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2.0 Basic Eligibility Standards for Parcel Post

2.1 Definition of Parcel Post

Parcel Post is a subclass of Package Services. Any Package Services matter may be mailed at Parcel Post prices.

2.2 Service Objectives

The USPS does not guarantee the delivery of Parcel Post within a specified time. Parcel Post might receive deferred service. The local Post Office can provide more information concerning delivery times within its area.

2.3 Postal Inspection

Parcel Post mail is not sealed against postal inspection. Regardless of physical closure, the mailing of articles at Parcel Post prices constitutes consent by the mailer to postal inspection of the contents.

2.4 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.

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3.0 Content Standards

3.1 General Content Standards

Parcel Post mail consists of mailable matter that is neither mailed or required to be mailed as First-Class Mail nor entered as Periodicals (except as permitted under 3.2 or permitted or required under 707.7.9). The general public (other than publishers or registered news agents) may mail copies of Periodicals publications at Parcel Post prices.

3.2 Attachments or Enclosures of Periodicals Sample Copies

Sample copies of authorized and pending Periodicals publications may be enclosed or attached with merchandise sent at Parcel Post prices. Postage at Parcel Post prices is based on the combined weight of the host piece and the sample copies enclosed.

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4.0 Attachments and Enclosures

4.1 Enclosures

Parcel Post may contain any printed matter mailable as Standard Mail, in addition to the enclosures and additions listed in 4.0.

4.2 Written Additions

Markings that have the character of personal correspondence require, with certain exceptions, additional postage at the First-Class Mail prices. The following written additions and enclosures do not require additional First-Class Mail postage:

a. The sender’s and the addressee’s names, occupations, and addresses, preceded by “From” or “To,” and directions for handling.

b. Marks, numbers, names, or letters describing the contents.

c. Words or phrases such as “Do Not Open Until Christmas” and “Happy Birthday, Mother.”

d. Instructions and directions for the use of the item mailed.

e. A manuscript dedication or inscription not having the nature of personal correspondence.

f. Marks to call attention to words or passages in the text.

g. Corrections of typographical errors in printed matter.

h. Manuscripts accompanying related proof sheets and corrections of proof sheets including corrections of typographical and other errors, changes in the text, insertions of new text, marginal instructions to the printer, and corrective rewrites of parts.

i. Handstamped imprints, unless the added material is in itself personal or converts the original matter to a personal communication.

j. Matter mailable separately as Standard Mail printed on the wrapper, envelope, tag, or label.

4.3 Invoice

An invoice, whether it also serves as a bill, may be placed either inside a Parcel Post piece or in an envelope marked “Invoice Enclosed” and attached to the outside of the piece if the invoice relates solely to the matter with which it is mailed. The invoice may show this information:

a. Names and addresses of the sender and addressee.

b. Names and quantities of the articles enclosed, descriptions of each (e.g., price, tax, style, stock number, size, and quality, and, if defective, nature of defects).

c. Order or file number, date of order, date and manner of shipment, shipping weight, postage paid, and initials or name of packer or checker.

4.4 Incidental First-Class Mail Attachments and Enclosures

Incidental First-Class Mail matter may be enclosed in or attached to any Parcel Post piece without payment of First-Class Mail postage. An incidental First-Class Mail attachment or enclosure must be matter that, if mailed separately, would require First-Class Mail postage, is closely associated with but secondary to the host piece, and is prepared so as not to interfere with postal processing. An incidental First-Class Mail attachment or enclosure may be a bill for the product or publication, a statement of account for past products or publications, or a personal message or greeting included with a product, publication, or parcel. Postage at the Parcel Post price for the host piece is based on the combined weight of the host piece and the incidental First-Class Mail attachment or enclosure.

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