213 Prices and Eligibility

1.0 Prices and Fees

1.1 Prices Charged Per Piece

Except for Flat Rate Envelopes (see 1.5), Priority Mail Express postage is charged for each addressed piece according to its weight and zone. The 0.5-pound price is charged for items up to 0.5 pound and items over 0.50 pound are rounded up to the next whole pound. For example, if a piece weighs 0.25 pound, the weight (postage) increment is 0.50 pound; if a piece weighs 0.75 pound, the weight increment is 1 pound. Priority Mail Express items mailed under a specific customer agreement are charged according to the individual agreement.

1.2 Determining Single-Piece Weight

When determining single-piece weight, express all weights in decimal pounds rounded off to two decimal places (except mailers using eVS). When using a manifest mailing system, the manifest weight field must be properly completed by adhering to the rules relative to the specific manifest.

1.3 Commercial Base Prices

Priority Mail Express Commercial Base prices are less than Priority Mail Express retail prices (see Notice 123—Price List). These prices are available to:

a. Customers who use a USPS Corporate Account (USPSCA), including federal agency accounts.

b. Click-N-Ship customers.

c. Registered end-users of USPS-approved PC Postage providers when using a qualifying shipping label managed by the PC Postage system used.

d. Customers using USPS-approved IBI postage meters that print the IBI with the appropriate price marking (see 202.3.3) and who electronically transmit transactional data to the USPS and use an approved Priority Mail Express shipping label.

e. Customers who pay postage with a permit imprint using the Electronic Verification System (eVS) program to document and pay postage (see 705.2.9).

1.4 Commercial Plus Prices

Priority Mail Express Commercial Plus prices are less than Priority Mail Express retail prices (see Notice 123—Price List).

1.4.1 Eligibility

[5-31-15] Commercial Plus pricing is available to customers whose cumulative account volume exceeds 5,000 pieces in the previous four quarters and who have a customer commitment agreement with USPS (see 1.4.2) and who are:

a. USPS Corporate Account (USPSCA) customers, including Federal Agency Accounts.

b. Registered end-users of USPS-approved PC Postage products when using a qualifying shipping label managed by the PC Postage system used.

c. Permit imprint customers using the eVS program to document and pay postage under 705.2.9.

d. Customers using USPS-approved IBI postage meters that print the IBI with the appropriate price marking (see 202.3.3) and who electronically transmit transactional data daily to USPS for all mailpieces and mail categories and use an approved Priority Mail Express shipping label.

1.4.2 New Priority Mail Express Customers

Commercial Plus prices are available for new Priority Mail Express customers who have a customer commitment agreement with the USPS. Shippers must contact their account manager or the manager, Shipping Support, Shipping Services (see 608.8.0 for address) for additional information.

1.5 Flat Rate Packaging

Only USPS-produced or approved Flat Rate Envelopes and Boxes are eligible for the Flat Rate price and are charged a flat rate, regardless of the actual weight (up to 70 pounds) of the mailpiece or domestic destination. See Notice 123—Price List. USPS-produced packaging, including Flat Rate containers, is not eligible for shipping live animals.

1.6 Sunday and Holiday Premium

When delivery is guaranteed for a Sunday or holiday, there is a premium (see Notice 123—Price List), unless paying via a Priority Mail Express Manifesting Agreement. Customers not desiring delivery on a Sunday or a holiday may avoid the premium by opting for guaranteed delivery on the subsequent delivery day.

1.7 Optional Delivery Fee

An optional fee is charged for a 10:30 a.m. request to have Priority Mail Express items delivered to an addressee within the delivery area of the destination facility where available. See Notice 123—Price List for fee.

1.8 Pickup on Demand

The Pickup on Demand fee is charged every time pickup service is provided, regardless of the number of pieces picked up (see 507.7.0). See Notice 123—Price List.

Back to Top

2.0 Content Standards for Priority Mail Express

2.1 General

All mailable matter may be sent as Priority Mail Express, except matter prohibited by standards (e.g., certain hazardous materials).

2.2 Matter Required to be Mailed as First-Class Mail

Mailers have the option to use Priority Mail Express or Priority Mail for mailpieces required to be mailed as First-Class Mail. Complete descriptions of matter requiring the use of First-Class Mail are provided in 233.2.0.

Back to Top

3.0 Basic Eligibility Standards for Priority Mail Express

3.1 Definition

Priority Mail Express is an expedited service for shipping any mailable matter, with a money-back guarantee, subject to the standards below. Refunds standards for domestic Priority Mail Express are provided in 604.9.5. Priority Mail Express International is available between the United States and most foreign countries (see the International Mail Manual).

3.2 IMpb Standards

All Priority Mail Express pieces, unless inducted through a retail transaction or a USPS self-service kiosk, those bearing postage meter imprints and using Label 11-B, or those pieces paying postage through USPSCA, must bear an Intelligent Mail package barcode (IMpb) prepared under 708.5.0. Unless otherwise excepted, mailpieces not meeting the requirements for use of unique Intelligent Mail package barcodes or extra services barcodes as outlined in Publication 199 will be assessed an IMpb noncompliance fee. For details see the RIBBS website at https://ribbs.usps.gov.

3.3 Matter Closed Against Postal Inspection

Priority Mail Express matter is closed against postal inspection.

Back to Top

4.0 Service Features of Priority Mail Express

4.1 General

[1-25-15] A mailing receipt showing the time and date of mailing must be provided to the mailer on retail acceptance of Priority Mail Express by the USPS. This receipt is a copy of the multipart Priority Mail Express label affixed to the mailpiece and serves as evidence of mailing. Mailers authorized to present Priority Mail Express under Priority Mail Express Manifesting procedures in 705.2.0 must use a one-ply label and retain the verification manifest as the mailing receipt. Mailers using an online application to create their Priority Mail Express label must retain the customer online record or shipping history as evidence of mailing. A delivery record, including the addressee’s signature (see 215.2.2 and 215.2.3), will be faxed or mailed upon request. Customers may access proof of delivery information for Priority Mail Express as follows:

a. Individual requests by article number can be retrieved at www.usps.com or by calling 1-800-222-1811 and providing the article number. A proof of delivery letter (signature data) is provided electronically via email or signature extract file as provided in 4.1b..

b. Bulk proof of delivery (503.1.8b.) is available to mailers using Priority Mail Express Manifesting.

4.2 Priority Mail Express 1-Day Delivery

4.2.1 Availability

Priority Mail Express 1-Day Delivery is available via designated USPS facilities, designated Priority Mail Express collection boxes, or through Package Pickup or Pickup on Demand service, for overnight service to designated destination 3-digit ZIP Code delivery areas. For an additional option, see 4.2.5.

4.2.2 Where Not Available

Priority Mail Express 1-Day Delivery may not be available at or between all Post Offices or at all times of deposit. A Priority Mail Express 1-Day Delivery directory is available at Post Offices.

4.2.3 Acceptance Times

Priority Mail Express 1-Day Delivery mail must be presented by the times authorized by the postmaster. Priority Mail Express 1-Day Delivery items mailed after the time authorized by the postmaster are accepted for delivery on the second day after mailing, subject to 4.3.

4.2.4 Delivery Times

Except for items endorsed “Guaranteed by End of Day” per an approved customer agreement, items are delivered to an addressee within the delivery area of the destination facility by 12:00 p.m or 3 p.m. on the next day. If delivery is not made, the addressee is notified, a second notice is left on the third day, and a second delivery is attempted upon customer request. Items may be delivered by 10:30 a.m. for a fee under 1.7.

4.2.5 Hold for Pickup

Under Hold for Pickup service, items presented under 4.2 are available for pick up by the addressee at the destination facility by 10:30 a.m. or 3 p.m. of the next day the destination office is open for retail business.

4.3 Priority Mail Express 2-Day Delivery

4.3.1 Availability

Priority Mail Express 2-Day Delivery is available to any destination not listed in the Priority Mail Express 1-Day Delivery directory mentioned in 4.2.2. For an additional option, see 4.3.5.

4.3.2 Acceptance

Priority Mail Express 2-Day Delivery is accepted at designated USPS facilities, at Priority Mail Express collection boxes, and through Pickup on Demand service.

4.3.3 Acceptance Times

Priority Mail Express 2-Day Delivery shipments must be presented by 5 p.m., or such time authorized by the postmaster.

4.3.4 Delivery Times

Except for items endorsed “Guaranteed by End of Day” per an approved customer agreement, items are delivered to an addressee within the delivery area of the destination facility by 12:00 p.m. or 3 p.m. on the second delivery day. If delivery is not made, the addressee is notified, a second notice is left on the third day, and a second delivery is attempted upon customer request. Items may be delivered by 10:30 a.m. for a fee under 1.7.

4.3.5 Hold for Pickup

Under Hold for Pickup service, items presented under 4.3 are available for pick up by the addressee at the destination facility by 10:30 a.m. or 3 p.m. of the second delivery day the destination office is open for retail business.

4.4 Priority Mail Express Military Service

Priority Mail Express Military Service (PMEMS) is available between the United States and designated APO/FPO and DPOs to provide Department of Defense personnel stationed overseas, and others entitled to APO and FPO mailing privileges, an expedited delivery service to or from the United States. PMEMS Open and Distribute service is available to authorized APO/FPO destinations. For PMEMS standards see 703.2.0.

4.5 Open and Distribute

Priority Mail Express 1-Day Delivery and Priority Mail Express 2-Day Delivery may be used to expedite movement of any other class of mail from one domestic USPS facility to another by Priority Mail Express Open and Distribute subject to the standards in 705.18.0.

Back to Top