224 Postage Payment and Documentation

Overview

1.0 Basic Standards for Postage Payment

2.0 Postage Paid with Permit Imprint

1.0 Basic Standards for Postage Payment

1.1 Postage Payment Options

1.1.1 Commercial Base Pricing

Priority Mail Commercial Base and Regional Rate Box postage may be paid with:

1. Click-N-Ship (Regional Rate Box prices only).
2. USPS-approved PC Postage products when registered end-users use a qualifying shipping label.
3. Permit imprint.
4. USPS-approved IBI postage meters that print the IBI with the appropriate price marking (see 202.3.3) and electronically transmit transactional data to the USPS.
5. USPS Returns service used by permit holders for Priority Mail packages when all requirements are met under 505.3.0.

1.1.2 Commercial Plus Pricing

Commercial Plus Priority Mail postage may be paid with:

1. USPS-approved PC-Postage products when registered end-users use a qualifying shipping label.
2. Permit imprint.
3. USPS Returns service used by permit holders for Priority Mail packages. The permit holder must qualify for Commercial Base prices and have account volumes that exceed 100,000 pieces in the previous calendar year or have a customer commitment agreement with USPS (see 223.1.3.2).
4. USPS-approved IBI postage meters that print the IBI with the appropriate price marking (see 202.3.3) and electronically transmit transactional data daily to USPS for all mailpieces and mail categories.

1.2 Affixing Postage—Single-Piece Mailings

In a postage-affixed Priority Mail mailing, the mailer must affix to each piece a value equal to at least the postage required (including any surcharges).

2.0 Postage Paid with Permit Imprint

2.1 Advance Deposit Account

A mailer may be authorized to mail items without affixing postage when a permit imprint indicia (see 604.5.0) is used and payment is made at the time of mailing from a permit imprint advance deposit account established with the USPS for that purpose. This payment method may be used for postage and extra service fees.

2.2 Minimum Quantity

Permit imprint mailings must contain at least 200 pieces or 50 pounds submitted under the terms of an approved manifest mailing system agreement with exceptions allowed under a minimum volume reduction provision.

2.3 Postage Statement

A completed postage statement must accompany each mailing paid with a permit imprint.