About Postal Explorer

What is Postal Explorer?

Postal Explorer is a virtual library of postal information and tools designed for U.S. Postal Service customers, business mailers, and employees. It puts a wealth of postal requirements for mailing and shipping domestically, internationally, and to APO/FPO/DPO destinations, at your fingertips in an easy-to-use format.

Postal Explorer is more than a reference website; it is part of the Postal Service's continuing effort to make using the mail system easier and simpler for all customers. It was developed in direct response to what you have told us, both informally and through customer surveys, about your postal information needs. It affords an unprecedented opportunity for mailers to draw on the same information used by postal employees - - with ease, speed, and convenience.

With a powerful search feature, you can enter a word or phrase which lets you quickly find information in a single publication or across a range of publications. You can also view an individual publication by clicking on the publication title.

What tools are on the Postal Explorer website?

Domestic Price Calculator and International Price Calculator

Lets you calculate postage for retail and business mail. All you do is fill in a few on-screen blanks, and Postal Explorer does the rest.

APO/FPO/DPO Restrictions Tool

Mail addressed to military and diplomatic overseas ZIP Codes is subject to certain conditions or mailing restrictions regarding content, preparation, and handling. This APO/FPO/DPO Restrictions Tool provides information specific to an individual APO/FPO/DPO (Air/Army Post Office, Fleet Post Office or Diplomatic Post Office) ZIP Code.

Postal Zone Charts

Postal Zone Charts display and print postal zone information specific to the first 3-digits of a ZIP Code or you may enter two five-digit ZIP Codes for specific origin and destination zone information.

Customs Forms Indicator

By entering information such as destination, weight of package, and mail service, this tool will provide you the number of the Customs Declaration Form needed for the item you are mailing, based on the customs rules relevant to your shipment. From your results, you can link directly to the necessary customs forms, enter your information electronically, and submit, all from the comfort of your computer.

Conversion Calculator

You know kilograms and centimeters, but to mail in the United States, the U.S. Postal Service uses pounds and inches. The Conversion Calculator can quickly and easily convert your weights and measurements into American Standard.

What publications are on the Postal Explorer website?

Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) HTML | PDF

The Domestic Mail Manual contains the in-depth USPS standards for domestic mail services; a description of and requirements for each mail classes, extra services, and ancillary services and the conditions governing their use and the standards for price eligibility and mail preparation.

Price List (Notice 123) HTML | PDF

The Price List is a booklet that contains all domestic and international prices and fees in a concise and accessible manner. This is a convenient and quick reference tool when you are not at a computer.

International Mail Manual (IMM) HTML | PDF

The International Mail Manual contains the in-depth USPS standards for international mail services; a description of requirements for each mail classes, extra services, and ancillary services and conditions governing their use and the standards for price eligibility and mail preparation

Quick Service Guides HTML | PDF

Quick Service Guides (QSGs) provide a 2-page overview of the standards for a particular class of mail, service, or preparation method. The QSGs typically summarizes eligibility, mail preparation standards and/or overviews of mailpiece design and other information. For ease-of-use, the Quick Service Guides are linked to further details in the DMM

Customer Support Rulings (CSR) HTML

Customer Support Rulings are to be used in conjunction with the DMM standards. They were created to assist postal personnel and customers with interpreting, clarifying, and applying the meaning of the standards contained in the DMM. Because they are based on requirements current at the time of issuance, future rulings may supplement, amend, or supersede the present rulings.

Postal Addressing Standards (PUB 28) HTML | PDF

Postal Addressing Standards describes standardized address formats for mail. Developed by the Postal Service and the mailing industry, standardized addresses enhance mail processing and delivery while reducing undeliverable-as-addressed mail. This publication includes standard abbreviations for streets, counties, highways, and business terms. It also includes Address Information Systems products and services.

Nonprofit USPS Marketing Mail Eligibility (PUB 417) HTML | PDF

Nonprofit USPS Marketing Mail Eligibility discusses eligibility, authorization, and mailing standards for the Nonprofit USPS Marketing Mail prices. It explains the categories or organizations that are eligible for the prices, how to request authorization, and how to determine whether a mailing meets the general standards for the prices. The publication also contains case studies and questions and answers about applying the content-based restrictions.

Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail (PUB 52) HTML | PDF

Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail contains the in-depth USPS standards and requirements for domestic and international mail for items that could potentially pose adverse conditions when mailed by air or by surface transportation. This unique reference tool follows the Department of Transportation's and Federal Aviation Administration's guidelines in addition to multiple international agencies.