ARCHIVED QSG - JAN 08, 2006
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Quick Service Guide 120
Retail Letters, Flats, and Parcels
Priority Mail

January 2006
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Physical Standards (101.5)

Maximum weight: 70 pounds.
Maximum length and girth: 108 inches.

 

Rates and Fees (123.1)

Priority Mail offers 2-day service to most domestic destinations and is often used to expedite matter mailable as First-Class Mail, Periodicals, or Standard Mail. Priority Mail envelopes and boxes are available at no additional cost at post offices.

Priority Mail Rates
Weight Not
Over (pounds)		 Local, and
Zones  1, 2, & 3 		 Zone 4   Zone 5  Zone 6  Zone 7  Zone 8
1   $4.05  $4.05  $4.05  $4.05  $4.05  $4.05 
2 4.20  4.80 5.15 5.30 5.70 6.05
3 5.00 6.40 7.20 7.55 8.25 9.00
4 5.60 7.45 8.50 8.95 9.95 10.90
5 6.15 8.45 9.80 10.40 11.60 12.80

For rates over 5 pounds, see 123.1.3.

Flat-rate envelope: $4.05, regardless of weight or destination, for material sent in a USPS Priority Mail flat-rate envelope (available at post offices) (123.1.6).

Flat-rate boxes: $8.10, regardless of weight or destination, for material sent in USPS Priority Mail flat-rate boxes (available at post offices) (709.6).

Balloon rate: items weighing less than 15 pounds but measuring more than 84 inches in combined length and girth are charged a minimum rate equal to that for a 15-pound parcel for the zone to which it is addressed (123.1.7).

Pickup service (123.1.8): $13.75 per stop (regardless of the number of pieces); service and information available by calling 1-800-222-1811 or at www.usps.com. Only one fee for Express Mail, Priority Mail, or Parcel Post picked up at same time.

 

Content (123.3)

Priority Mail is First-Class Mail weighing more than 13 ounces and, at the mailer's option, any other mail matter (including regular First-Class Mail) weighing 13 ounces or less. Matter mailed in USPS-provided Priority Mail packaging is subject to Priority Mail rates regardless of how the package is reconfigured or how the marking is obliterated.

Each piece must include complete delivery and return addresses with correct ZIP Code or ZIP+4 code (602.1).

Keys and identification devices that weigh more than 13 ounces but not more than 1 pound are returned at the 1-pound Priority Mail rate plus a $0.65 fee. Pieces weighing more than 1 pound but not more than 2 pounds are mailed at the 2-pound Priority Mail rate for zone 4 plus a $0.65 fee.

 

Postage Payment and Documentation (124)

Adhesive stamp (604.1), meter and PC Postage (604.4), or permit imprint (604.5). For Priority Mail drop shipments, see 705.16.1.

Postage statement: Form 3600-R or approved facsimile. Other documentation may be required by standards for payment method used. No form required if metered postage is affixed.

 

Mail Preparation (125)

Marking on each piece: "Priority" or "Priority Mail."

 

Deposit (126)

Deposit:

  • Packages with adhesive stamps (less than 16 ounces): deposited in collection boxes, handed to carriers, or presented at post offices.
  • Packages with adhesive stamps or PC Postage (16 ounces or more): presented at a post office retail counter.
  • Packages with metered postage may be deposited in collection box or other places where mail is accepted.
  • Other: at post office or business mail entry unit.

Delivery: uninsured mail at mailer's option left in protected place if endorsed "Carrier—Leave If No Response" (508.1.2).

A waiver of signature cannot be used for Express Mail Custom Designed Service, Express Mail COD, or Express Mail with additional insurance.

Drop shipment: applicable standards (705.16).

For the specific DMM standards applicable to this category of mail, consult the DMM sections referenced above and the general sections within each DMM module.

 

Priority Mail Boxes

This is a graphic of Priority Mail container as described in the text.
0-1095
This 12-1/2" x 15-1/2" x 3" box holds larger items like software boxes, clothes, office supplies, even laptop computers.
Minimum order: multiples of 25

 

This is a graphic of Priority Mail container as described in the text.
0-1096S
Box "Video"
5-3/8" x 8-5/8" x 1-5/8"
Minimum order: multiples of 25

 

This is a graphic of Priority Mail container as described in the text.
0-FRB2
Flat-Rate Box
12" x 3-1/2" x 14"
Minimum order: multiples of 25

 

This is a graphic of Priority Mail container as described in the text.
0-1097
Box 11-1/4" x 14" x 2-1/4"
Minimum order: multiples of 25

 

This is a graphic of Priority Mail container as described in the text.
0-1098M
Tube 6" x 38" for Priority Mail
Minimum order: multiples of 10

0-1098S
Tube 6" x 25" for Priority Mail
Minimum order: multiples of 10

 

This is a graphic of Priority Mail container as described in the text.
0-FRB1
Flat-Rate Box
11" x 8-1/2" x 5.5"
Minimum order: multiples of 25

 

Priority Mail Envelopes

This is a graphic of Priority Mail container as described in the text.
EP-14
This 12-1/2" x 15-1/4" Tyvek envelope can handle large stacks of documents, books, small boxes, clothes, and more.
Minimum order: multiples of 10

 

This is a graphic of Priority Mail container as described in the text.
EP-14F (Flat Rate Envelope)
This 9-1/2" x 12-1/2" cardboard envelope holds whatever you can fit in the envelope. You pay the same 1 lb. rate, no matter what the weight.
Minimum order: multiples of 10

 

Other Priority Mail Supplies

This is a graphic of Priority Mail container as described in the text.
Label 106
Sticker (Pressure Sensitive Strip)
Minimum order: multiples of 1

 

This is a graphic of Priority Mail container as described in the text.
Label 107
Sticker (Pressure Sensitive 50/Pad)
Minimum order: multiples of 1

These supplies and additional items are available by phone at 1-800-222-1811 or via the Web at http://shop.usps.com. Some items may not be available at post offices.

 

 

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ARCHIVED QSG - JAN 08, 2006
ARCHIVED QSG - JAN 08, 2006