Overview
1.0 Prices and Fees
2.0 Content Standards
3.0 Basic Eligibility Standards for Parcel Select Parcels
4.0 Price Eligibility for Parcel Select
For prices, see Notice 123–Price List.
Parcel Select mail price categories are as follows:
- Destination entry, including destination entry network distribution center (DNDC), destination entry sectional center facility (DSCF), destination hub (DHub), and destination entry delivery unit (DDU).
- USPS Connect Local.
The following price applications apply:
- [1-21-24] Prices for Destination Entry are based on the weight increment of each addressed piece as follows:
- The price is charged at the 4-ounce, 8-ounce, and 12-ounce increments. Any fraction of an ounce more than the 4-ounce, 8-ounce, and 12-ounce increments is rounded to the next price increment. Examples: If an item weighs 4.1 ounces, the next weight (price) increment is 8 ounces. If an item weighs 12.1 ounces, the next weight (price) increment is 1 pound.
- Per pound from 1 pound through 70 pounds. Any fraction of a pound is considered a whole pound. Example: If an item weighs 1.25 pounds, the weight (postage) increment is 2 pounds.
- [1-21-24] Prices for USPS Connect Local are based on the weight increment of each addressed piece. The price is charged per pound or fraction thereof; any fraction of a pound is considered a whole pound. The minimum price per piece is the 1-pound price.
- Prices for USPS Connect Local Flat Rate Packaging are based on a flat rate regardless of the mailpiece’s domestic destination and actual weight (up to 25 pounds).
- The oversized price applies to parcels that measure over 108 inches but not more than 130 inches in combined length and girth.
[7-14-24] Postage for Destination Entry parcels exceeding 1 cubic foot (1,728 cubic inches) is based on the actual weight or the dimensional weight (as calculated in 1.2.2 or 1.2.3), whichever is greater.
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.
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.
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 1.8.
[1-21-24] 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. Except for mailers using eVS, when determining single-piece weight for Parcel Select mailpieces, express all weights in decimal pounds rounded off to two decimal places. Mailers using eVS may round off to four decimals, and eVS will automatically round to the appropriate decimal place. If a customer is using a manifest mailing system, the manifest weight field must be properly completed by adhering to the rules relative to the specific manifest.
[7-14-24] For each piece, affix correct postage for the weight (including any surcharges) as shown in 1.2 through 1.3. To calculate the total postage for the mailing, add all of the affixed postage amounts for each piece.
To compute the total postage for a mailing, for each weight increment, multiply the number of pieces by the applicable price per piece. Round each product off to four decimal places. Add the products and round up the total postage to the nearest whole cent.
[1-21-24] Eligible Parcel Select pieces omitted from the manifest are subject to the unmanifested fee (see Notice 123–Price List), unless the piece is subject to the IMpb noncompliance fee specified in 3.3.
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. Restrictions apply for using USPS-produced packaging (see 601.6.1).
A USPS Connect Local mailer may request Sunday delivery where available for a fee (see Notice 123–Price List).
[1-21-24] A Parcel Select Destination Entry 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 (1.7a, 1.7b) and a cube (1.7c) 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.
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 1.2.3 or 1.7 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
[4-1-24] 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, such as pieces containing hazardous material or considered nonmachinable (e.g., oversized priced pieces and nonstandard fee-priced pieces), may receive deferred handling.
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.
All Parcel Select mailpieces must bear an Intelligent Mail package barcode (IMpb) prepared under 204.2.0. Unless otherwise excepted, mailers of 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 Payment Systems, will be assessed an IMpb noncompliance fee. For details see PostalPro at https://postalpro.usps.com.
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 [1-21-24] Price Eligibility for Parcel Select
[7-14-24] 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/destination regional processing and distribution center, sectional center facility/regional processing and distribution center, or delivery unit or sorting and delivery center where the mailer deposited them. For this standard, the following destination facility definitions apply:
- [7-14-24] A destination network distribution center (DNDC)/destination regional processing and distribution center (DRPDC) includes all network distribution centers (NDCs)/regional processing and distribution centers (RPDCs) and auxiliary service facilities (ASFs)/regional processing and distribution centers (RPDCs) under L601 and L602, and designated sectional center facilities (SCFs)/regional processing and distribution centers (RPDCs) 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.
- [7-14-24] A destination sectional center facility (DSCF)/destination regional processing and distribution center (DRPDC) includes all facilities listed in L051. Mailers may be redirected to deposit DSCF/DRPDC mail at another USPS-designated facility. See 4.1.4 for more information.
- A destination hub (DHub) includes all facilities in L014. See 4.1.4 for more information.
- [7-14-24] A destination delivery unit (DDU) or destination sorting and delivery center (DS&DC) is a facility that delivers to the addresses 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.
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.
For DNDC prices, pieces must meet the applicable standards in 3.0 and the following:
- [7-14-24] Pieces must be part of a Parcel Select destination entry mailing that is deposited at an NDC/RPDC or ASF/RPDC under L601 or L602.
- Parcels must bear a barcode under 204.2.0 for the ZIP Code of the delivery address.
- [7-14-24] Except as provided in labeling lists L601 and L602, pieces deposited at each NDC/RPDC or ASF/RPDC must be addressed for delivery within the ZIP Code range of that facility.
- [7-14-24] 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/RPDC.
- [7-14-24] Except for machinable parcels addressed to ZIP Codes served by the Buffalo, New York, ASF, mail addressed to ZIP Codes served by an ASF/RPDC must be entered at the appropriate ASF/RPDC per L602, and not entered at an NDC/RPDC.
For DSCF, DHub, and DDU prices, pieces must meet the applicable standards in 3.0 and the following criteria:
- [7-14-24] For DSCF prices, be part of a Parcel Select destination entry mailing of parcels deposited at an SCF/RPDC 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 DHub prices, be part of a Parcel Select destination entry mailing of parcels deposited at an DHub in L014. Mailers must not prepare mail on pallets or pallet boxes if the delivery facility is unable to handle pallets. See 255.4.2 and 255.6.0 for preparation requirements.
- [7-14-24] For DDU prices, be part of a Parcel Select mailing deposited at a designated DDU or DS&DC 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 or DS&DC facility that cannot handle pallets, the driver must unload the pallets into containers as specified by the delivery unit or S&DC.
USPS Connect Local mailings are subject to the following criteria:
- Participation in the USPS Connect Local program requires agreement to program terms. Customers must speak with a USPS representative for details.
- There is no minimum volume requirement.
- Postage must be paid under 254.1.1.3.
- Pieces are subject to specific marking requirements under 202.3.7.2 and 202.3.7.3.
- Mailings must be addressed and entered at the local 5-digit Post Office by the designated critical entry time for same-day delivery within the local 5-digit Post Office service area.
- Only the following extra services are available with USPS Connect Local and must be purchased through the Click-N-Ship application:
- Insurance (see 503.4.0).
- Signature Confirmation (see 503.8.0).
- Signature Confirmation Restricted Delivery (see 503.8.0).
- Sunday delivery is offered where available for a fee (see 1.8).
