250 Commercial Mail Parcel Select

Cubic prices are available to eligible Parcel Select Ground customers, including Ground Return Service customers under 505.3.0. Each mailpiece must measure 1 cubic foot or less, weigh 20 pounds or less, and the longest dimension may not exceed 18 inches. Rolls and tubes do not qualify for mailpiece cubic prices.

1.2.2 Tiers

Cubic prices consist of 10 tiers. See Exhibit 1.2.2.

Exhibit 1.2.2 Cubic-Pricing Tiers

1.2.3 Determining Cubic-Tier Measurements for Rectangular and Nonrectangular Parcels

Follow these steps to determine the cubic-tier measurement for rectangular and nonrectangular parcels:

Measure in inches the length, width, and height at each dimension’s maximum point. Round down (see 604.7.0) each measurement to the nearest 1/4 inch. For example, 6-1/8" x 5-7/8" x 6-3/8" is rounded down to 6" x 5-3/4" x 6-1/4".
Multiply the length by the width by the height and divide by 1,728. For example: 6" x 5-3/4" x 6-1/4" = 215.6 divided by 1,728 = 0.125. (This piece exceeds 0.10 – Tier 1 threshold.) It is calculated at Tier 2 – 0.101 to 0.20.

1.2.4 Determining Cubic-Tier Measurement for Soft Pack and Padded Envelopes

Cubic-tier measurements for soft pack (poly, plastic, cloth, or similar soft packaging) and padded envelopes are based, in inches, on the outside dimensions of length plus width of the original packaging material. Pleated (e.g., expandable) mailpieces must meet the measurement guidelines in 1.4.3 to be eligible for cubic pricing. Determine cubic-tier measurements as follows:

Measure the length and width separately in inches.
Round down (see 604.7.0) each measurement to the nearest 1/4 inch. For example, 10-1/8 inches is rounded down to 10 inches.
Add the two measurements. The maximum total of length plus width must not exceed 36 inches. See Exhibit 1.2.4 for corresponding price tiers.

Exhibit 1.2.4 Cubic-Pricing Tiers for Soft Pack and Padded Envelopes

1.3 Dimensional Weight Price for Low-Density Parcels to Zones 1-9

[1-9-22] Postage for Destination Entry and Ground parcels addressed for delivery to Zones 1-9 and exceeding 1 cubic foot (1,728 cubic inches) is based on the actual weight or the dimensional weight (as calculated in 1.3.1 or 1.3.2), whichever is greater.

1.3.1 Determining Dimensional Weight for Rectangular Parcels

Follow these steps to determine the dimensional weight for a rectangular parcel:

Measure the length, width, and height in inches. Round off (see 604.7.0) each measurement to the nearest whole inch.
Multiply the length by the width by the height.

If the result exceeds 1,728 cubic inches, divide the result by 166 and round up (see 604.7.0) to the next whole number to determine the dimensional weight in pounds.
If the dimensional weight exceeds 70 pounds, the customer pays the 70-pound price.

1.3.2 Determining Dimensional Weight for Nonrectangular Parcels

Follow these steps to determine the dimensional weight for a nonrectangular parcel:

Measure the length, width, and height in inches at their extreme dimensions. Round off (see 604.7.0) each measurement to the nearest whole inch.

Multiply the length by the width by the height.

Multiply the result by an adjustment factor of 0.785.

If the final result exceeds 1,728 cubic inches, divide the result by 166 and round up (see 604.7.0) to the next whole number to determine the dimensional weight in pounds.

If the dimensional weight exceeds 70 pounds, the customer pays the 70-pound price.

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1.3.3 Dimensional Weight Dimension Standard

Shipping Services file manifests or other approved electronic documentation must include the accurate dimensions (length, width, height) of all pieces that exceed 1 cubic foot. Mailers of pieces exceeding 1 cubic foot and with Shipping Services file manifests, or other approved electronic documentation, that do not meet the requirement to include the piece’s accurate dimensions will be assessed a dimension-noncompliance fee under 1.9.

1.4 Computing Postage

1.5 eVS Unmanifested Fee

Eligible eVS Parcel Select pieces omitted from the eVS manifest are subject to the eVS unmanifested fee (see Notice 123–Price List), unless the piece is subject to the IMpb noncompliance fee specified in 3.3.

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1.6 USPS Connect Local Flat Rate Packaging

Only USPS-produced USPS Connect Local Flat Rate packaging is eligible for USPS Connect Local Flat Rate prices. Mailers will be charged a flat rate regardless of the actual weight (up to 25 pounds) of the mailpiece. Customers must only use USPS-produced USPS Connect Local Flat Rate containers at the applicable USPS Connect Local Flat Rate price. USPS-produced USPS Connect Local Flat Rate packaging is not eligible for shipping live animals.

1.7 Sunday Delivery

A USPS Connect Local mailer may request Sunday delivery where available for a fee (see Notice 123–Price List).

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1.8 Nonstandard Fees

Except for Ground Return service, a Parcel Select Destination Entry, Ground, Parcel Select Lightweight, or USPS Connect Local mailpiece is subject to a nonstandard fee (see Notice 123–Price List) as follows:

A piece measures more than 22 inches up to 30 inches long.

A piece measures more than 30 inches long.

A piece measures more than 2 cubic feet (3,456 cubic inches). Dimensions for rectangular pieces are determined by measuring the length, width, and height in inches, rounding off (see 604.7.0) each measurement to the nearest whole inch and multiplying the length by the width by the height. Dimensions for nonrectangular pieces are calculated as above and the result multiplied by an adjustment factor of 0.785. If either calculation exceeds 3,456 cubic inches, the piece is subject to the nonstandard fee.
A piece may be subject to both a length (1.8a, 1.8b) and a cube (1.8c) nonstandard fee.

Shipping Services file manifests or other approved electronic documentation must include the accurate dimensions (length, width, height) of all pieces that exceed 22 inches.

Mailers of pieces exceeding 22 inches and with Shipping Services file manifests, or other approved electronic documentation, that do not meet the requirement to include the piece’s accurate dimensions will be assessed a dimension-noncompliance fee under 1.9.

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1.9 Dimension-Noncompliance Fee

Mailers of Parcel Select mailpieces required to include the mailpiece’s dimensions (length, width, height) in the Shipping Services file manifest or other approved electronic documentation under 1.3.3 or 1.8 will be charged a dimension-noncompliance fee (see Notice 123—Price List) if the piece’s dimensions are omitted or inaccurate in the Shipping Services file manifest or other approved electronic documentation. A mailpiece is subject to only one dimension-noncompliance fee.

2.0 Content Standards

2.1 Basic Content Standards

Parcel Select 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 2.2 or permitted or required under 207.7.9). Mailers (other than publishers or registered news agents) may mail copies of Periodicals publications at Parcel Select prices.

2.2 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 Select prices. Postage at Parcel Select prices is based on the combined weight of the host piece and the sample copies enclosed.

2.3 Attachments and Enclosures

2.3.1 Invoice

An invoice, whether it also serves as a bill, may be placed either inside a Parcel Select 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:

Names and addresses of the sender and addressee.
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).
Order or file number, date of order, date and manner of shipment, shipping weight, postage paid, and initials or name of packer or checker.

2.3.2 Incidental First-Class Mail Attachments and Enclosures

Incidental First-Class Mail matter may be enclosed in or attached to any Parcel Select 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 Select price for the host piece is based on the combined weight of the host piece and the incidental First-Class Mail attachment or enclosure.

2.3.3 Additional Enclosures

Parcel Select may contain any printed matter mailable as USPS Marketing Mail, in addition to the enclosures and additions listed in 2.3 and 2.4.

2.4 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:

The sender’s and the addressee’s names, occupations, and addresses, preceded by “From” or “To,” and directions for handling.
Marks, numbers, names, or letters describing the contents.
Words or phrases such as “Do Not Open Until Christmas” and “Happy Birthday, Mother.”
Instructions and directions for the use of the item mailed.
A manuscript dedication or inscription not having the nature of personal correspondence.
Marks to call attention to words or passages in the text.
Corrections of typographical errors in printed matter.
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.
Handstamped imprints, unless the added material is in itself personal or converts the original matter to a personal communication.
Matter mailable separately as USPS Marketing Mail printed on the wrapper, envelope, tag, or label.

3.0 Basic Eligibility Standards for Parcel Select Parcels

3.1 Description of Service

[1-9-22] Parcel Select is a Shipping Services ground product. USPS Local Connect is a price category of Parcel Select with an expected same-day or next-day delivery service. USPS does not guarantee the delivery of Parcel Select mailpieces within a specified time. Certain Parcel Select mailpieces might receive deferred service.

3.2 Delivery and Return Addresses

All Parcel Select mailpieces must bear a delivery address. The delivery address on each piece must include the correct ZIP Code or ZIP+4 code. Alternative addressing formats under 602.3.0 may be used. Each piece must bear the sender‘s return address.

3.3 IMpb Standards

All Parcel Select mailpieces must bear an Intelligent Mail package barcode (IMpb) prepared under 204.2.0. Unless otherwise excepted, mailpieces not meeting the requirements for use of unique Intelligent Mail package barcodes or extra services barcodes, as outlined in section 204.2.1.8 and Publication 199: Intelligent Mail Package Barcode (IMpb) Implementation Guide for: Confirmation Services and Electronic Verification System (eVS) Mailers, will be assessed an IMpb noncompliance fee. For details see PostalPro at https://postalpro.usps.com.

3.4 Inspection of Contents

Parcel Select packages are not sealed against postal inspection. Regardless of physical closure, the mailing of articles at Parcel Select prices constitutes consent by the mailer to postal inspection of the contents.

4.0 Price Eligibility for Parcel Select and Parcel Select Lightweight

4.1 Destination Entry Price Eligibility

4.1.1 Definition

Parcel Select destination entry prices apply to Parcel Select mailings prepared as specified in 705.8.0, and 255.4.0, and addressed for delivery within the service area of a destination network distribution center, sectional center facility, or delivery unit where they are deposited by the mailer. For this standard, the following destination facility definitions apply:

A destination network distribution center (DNDC) includes all network distribution centers (NDCs) and auxiliary service facilities (ASFs) under L601 and L602, and designated sectional center facilities (SCFs) under 256.2.17. DNDC prices are not available for ZIP Code ranges 006-009, 967-969, and 995-999, as indicated in labeling list L601.
[7-10-22][1-9-22] A destination sectional center facility (DSCF) includes all facilities in L051. Mailers may be redirected to deposit DSCF mail at another USPS-designated facility. See 4.1.4 for more information.
A destination delivery unit (DDU) is a facility that delivers to the addresses appearing on the deposited pieces in a destination entry Parcel Select mailing. Refer to the Drop Shipment Product maintained by the National Customer Support Center (NCSC) (see 608.8.1 for address) to determine the location of a 5-digit delivery facility. Use L606 only for mailings prepared using the optional 5-digit scheme sort.

4.1.2 Basic Standards

For Parcel Select destination entry, pieces must meet the applicable standards in 255.4.0 and the following criteria:

Pieces may be bedloaded on pallets, in pallet boxes on pallets, in sacks, or in other authorized containers as specified in 256.2.1 through 256.2.17, depending on the facility at which the pieces are deposited.
Pieces may not be plant-loaded.
Pieces must be part of a single mailing of 50 or more pieces that are eligible for and claimed at any Parcel Select destination entry price. When Parcel Select mailings are submitted under PVDS procedures, mailers may use the total of all line items for all destinations on a PVDS register or PVDS postage statement to meet the 50-piece minimum volume requirement for destination entry price mailings. This means that a mailer may enter fewer than 50 pieces at an individual destination, provided there is a total of at least 50 Parcel Select pieces for all of the entry points for that single mailing job listed on the PVDS register or PVDS postage statement.
Pieces must be deposited at, or expedited to, via Priority Mail Express Open and Distribute or Priority Mail Open and Distribute under 705.18.0, a destination NDC (or destination ASF), destination SCF, or destination delivery unit, as applicable for the price claimed.
Pieces must be addressed for delivery within the ZIP Code ranges that the applicable entry facility serves.

4.1.3 DNDC Prices

For DNDC prices, pieces must meet the applicable standards in 3.0 and the following:

Pieces must be part of a Parcel Select destination entry mailing that is deposited at a NDC or ASF under L601 or L602.
Parcels must bear a barcode under 204.2.0 for the ZIP Code of the delivery address.
Except as provided in labeling lists L601 and L602, pieces deposited at each NDC or ASF must be addressed for delivery within the ZIP Code range of that facility.
Pieces must be addressed to ZIP Codes eligible for DNDC prices as described in the introductory text of L601 and L602 and, if sacked or palletized, must be prepared according to 255.4.0 and 705.8.0. Mail meeting the additional criteria in 256.2.17 or 256.2.18 may be deposited at an SCF.
Except for machinable parcels addressed to ZIP Codes served by the Buffalo NY ASF, mail addressed to ZIP Codes served by an ASF must be entered at the appropriate ASF per L602, and not entered at an NDC.

4.1.4 DSCF and DDU Prices

For DSCF and DDU prices, pieces must meet the applicable standards in 3.0 and the following criteria:

[7-10-22][1-9-22] For DSCF prices, be part of a Parcel Select destination entry mailing of parcels deposited at an SCF in L051 or a USPS-designated facility. Mailers must not prepare mail on pallets or pallet boxes if the 5-digit delivery facility is unable to handle pallets. See 255.4.2 and 255.6.0 for preparation requirements.
For DDU prices, be part of a Parcel Select mailing deposited at a designated DDU facility that delivers parcels to the addresses appearing on the pieces. There is no required minimum number of pieces that must be deposited for the DDU price and no specific preparation requirements; however, the pieces must be part of a mailing of at least 50 Parcel Select destination entry price pieces and must be prepared by 5-digit scheme (optional) and 5-digit sorts. To determine the location for entry of 5-digit scheme sorted pieces, use Column B of L606. To determine the location for entry of 5-digit sorted pieces or whether a 5-digit delivery facility can handle pallets (or pallet boxes), refer to the Drop Shipment Product maintained by the National Customer Support Center (NCSC) (see 608.8.1). When the Drop Shipment Product shows that mail for a single 5-digit ZIP Code area is delivered out of more than one postal facility, use the facility from which the majority of city carrier routes are delivered as the facility at which the DDU mail must be entered. The Drop Shipment Product identifies the 5-digit ZIP Codes that are exceptions to the “majority of city carriers rule” or other facilities where parcels are normally dropped. If a mailer transports mail to a DDU facility that cannot handle pallets, the driver must unload the pallets into containers as specified by the delivery unit.

4.2 Parcel Select Ground Price Eligibility

[7-10-22] To qualify for Parcel Select Ground prices, including Parcel Select Ground cubic, mailings must meet one of the following volume thresholds:

At least 50 pieces or 50 pounds of mailpieces claiming Parcel Select Ground prices in a single mailing.
No minimum volume when part of a mailing of at least 50 Parcel Select pieces.
No minimum volume when postage is paid through a USPS-approved PC Postage system.
No minimum volume when part of a combined parcel mailing that already meets the minimum volume eligibility standards for each mail class within the applicable mailing program in DMM 705.

4.3 Parcel Select Lightweight

Parcel Select Lightweight mailings are subject to the following criteria:

All pieces must weigh less than 16 ounces.
Pieces are subject to specific volume, marking, and preparation requirements.
Extra services are available with Parcel Select Lightweight under 503.1.0.
Parcel Select Lightweight mailings are subject to the Move Update standards under 602.5.0 and ZIP Code Accuracy standards under 602.6.0.

4.3.1 General Eligibility

Parcel Select Lightweight parcels are presorted machinable or irregular parcels. The following also applies:

Machinable pieces must meet the standards in 201.7.5.
Irregular pieces are subject to the requirements in 201.7.6.
Postage must be paid under 254.1.1.2.
Each mailing must contain at least 200 pieces or 50 pounds of pieces.
Parcel Select Lightweight mailings may include an alternative addressing format under 602.3.0.

4.3.2 Price Application

Prices for Parcel Select Lightweight apply to parcels that meet the eligibility standards in 2.0 and 4.4 and the preparation standards in 255.6.0, 705.6.0, or 705.8.0. When pieces are combined under 705.6.0, pieces are eligible for the applicable prices when the combined total meets the eligibility standards. For example, when there are 10 pounds of combined machinable parcels and irregular parcels in a 5-digit sack, all pieces are eligible for the 5-digit prices.