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Quick Service Guide 120Retail Letters, Flats, and ParcelsPriority MailApril 17, 2011 Physical Standards (101.5.0)
Maximum length and girth: 108 inches. Prices and Fees (123.1.0)
For a complete listing of retail Priority Mail prices, see Notice 123–Price List. Except for Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelopes and Boxes (including Forever Prepaid packaging), Priority Mail prices are based on weight and zone. Balloon Price: Parcels addressed for delivery to Zones 1-4 that weigh less than 20 pounds but measure more than 84 inches (but not exceeding 108 inches) in combined length and girth are charged the 20-pound price for the zone to which addressed. Dimensional Weight Price: Postage for parcels addressed for delivery to Zones 5-8 and exceeding 1 cubic foot (1,728 cubic inches) is based on the actual weight or the dimensional weight, whichever is greater. Priority Mail Flat Rate options offer one low price regardless how much the item weighs (up to 70 pounds) or the domestic destination. Only USPS-produced Priority Mail Flat Rate packaging is eligible for Flat Rate pricing (exception: USPS-produced Priority Mail envelopes smaller than 12.5" x 9.5"). Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelopes, Flat Rate Boxes, and other packaging is available at no additional cost by phone at 1-800-222-1811 or via the Web at USPS.com/shop. Some items are available at retail Post Office locations. Priority Mail Forever Prepaid Flat Rate packaging is only available online at www.usps.com. Forever Prepaid packaging is available for select Flat Rate Envelopes and Boxes and is equivalent to the current price paid at retail Post Office locations; they compare to the Forever Stamp in that it can be used even after the price of Priority Mail has increased. For a complete list of Flat Rate packaging items, see the Flat Rate Quick Reference section of Notice 123–Price List. The Priority Mail Large Flat Rate Box may be used for APO/FPO and DPO destination addresses at $2 off the regular retail price. Forever Prepaid packaging may be sent to APO/FPO and DPO destinations; however, the discounted military price is not available. Pickup on Demand (507.6.0) is available regardless of the number of pieces. Only one fee includes Express Mail, Priority Mail, or Parcel Post picked up at the same time. Service and information is available by calling 1‑800‑222-1811 or at www.usps.com. Carrier Pickup is available for free by submitting your request online at www.usps.com and having your Express Mail, Priority Mail, or international mail packages, with postage affixed, ready when your carrier arrives for your regular mail delivery. Content (123.3.0)
Mailers have the option to use Express Mail or Priority Mail service for mailpieces required to be mailed as First-Class Mail. Unless Express Mail is used, Priority Mail prices are required for a mailpiece that weighs more than 13 ounces when the mailpiece contains matter that must be mailed as First-Class Mail (133.3.0). All mailable matter may be sent as Priority Mail, except matter prohibited by standards (e.g., certain hazardous materials). Postage Payment and Documentation (124)
Retail Priority Mail postage may be paid by adhesive stamps (604.1.0), and postage meter. Priority Mail Forever Prepaid Flat Rate packaging must be purchased with a credit card online through www.usps.com. Packages will arrive with shipping labels and Forever Prepaid postage affixed. Delivery Confirmation is included at no extra cost. Any additional services must be purchased at a retail Post Office location and applicable extra service fee paid via postage stamps, postage validation imprint (PVI), or postage meter. Commercial base prices are available when postage is paid through Click-N-Ship service or by registered end-users of PC Postage products using a qualifying shipping label managed by the PC Postage system. Mail Preparation (125)
Matter mailed in USPS-produced Priority Mail packaging is subject to Priority Mail prices regardless of how the packaging is reconfigured or how markings may be obliterated. Shipping labels affixed to Priority Mail Forever Prepaid packaging may not be removed from its existing package and placed on any other mailing container. When sealing a Flat Rate Box or Envelope (including Forever Prepaid packaging), the container flaps must be able to close within the normal folds. Tape may be applied to the flaps and seams to reinforce the container provided the design of the container is not enlarged by opening the sides and the container is not reconstructed in any way. Each piece must include a complete delivery and return address with correct ZIP Code or ZIP+4 code (602.1.0). Deposit (126)
Packages with adhesive stamps (13 ounces or less) may be deposited in collection boxes, handed to carriers, or presented at Post Offices. Packages with adhesive stamps (more than 13 ounces) must be presented at a Post Office retail counter. Packages with metered postage or PC Postage may be deposited in collection boxes or at an acceptance point designated by USPS. Delivery: At mailer's option, uninsured mail may be left in a protected place if endorsed "Carrier-Leave If No Response" (508.1.2).
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