423 Shortpaid Mail

423.1 General Procedures at the Originating Mailing Office

When shortpaid items are returned to sender, endorse the item “Returned For…Additional Postage.” Enter the amount of the deficiency.

423.2 Disposition

Once the class of mail has been determined, follow the appropriate procedures below for shortpaid outbound international mail.

423.21 Global Express Guaranteed (GXG) Shipments

Shortpaid Global Express Guaranteed (GXG) shipments must be endorsed “POSTAGE PAID” and forwarded without delay to the appropriate Global Express Guaranteed processing site. Except for items paid with Click-N-Ship postage, immediately notify the sender of the action taken and request payment of the deficient postage. Shortpaid Global Express Guaranteed shipments paid with Click-N-Ship will be collected automatically through this system.

Note: Global Express Guaranteed shipments must not be held for postage due payment unless the deficiency can be obtained from the sender without delaying the dispatch of the shipment.

423.22 Express Mail International Shipments

Shortpaid Express Mail International shipments must be endorsed “POSTAGE PAID” and forwarded without delay to the appropriate exchange office. Immediately notify the sender of the action taken and request payment of the deficient postage.

Note: Express Mail International shipments must not be held for postage due payment unless the deficiency can be obtained from the sender without delaying the dispatch of the shipment.

423.23 Priority Mail International Shipments

Shortpaid Priority Mail International shipments with or without a return address must be endorsed “POSTAGE PAID” and forwarded without delay to the appropriate exchange office. For items with a return address, immediately notify the sender of the action taken and request payment of the deficient postage.

Note: Priority Mail International shipments must not be held for postage due payment unless the deficiency can be obtained from the sender without delaying the dispatch of the shipment.

423.24 First-Class Mail International and Postcard Shipments

Shortpaid First-Class Mail International and postcard shipments with a return address must be returned to sender for additional postage (see 423.1). Shortpaid First-Class Mail International and postcard shipments without a return address must be forwarded to the exchange office. Endorse the item “Postage Due.” Do not enter the amount of the deficiency.

Exception: For shortpaid First-Class Mail International and postcard shipments to Canada without a return address, endorse the item “Postage Due” and enter double the amount of the deficiency.

423.3 Credit for Postage Paid

When computing the postage due on items that are returned to sender for insufficient postage, allow a credit for the postage already paid.

423.4 Parcels at Other Than Mailing Offices

Originating bulk mail centers must check for shortpaid parcels addressed to Canada and Mexico. Sectional centers and other intermediate offices, however, should not attempt to verify postage payment on parcels.