Quick Service Guide 110

Retail Letters, Flats, and Parcels

Express Mail

November 7, 2011
Printer-Friendly PDF

Physical Standards (101.4.0)

Maximum weight: 70 pounds.

Maximum length and girth: 108 inches.

Prices and Fees (113.1.0)

For a complete list of retail Express Mail prices see, Notice 123–Price List.

Except for the Express Mail Flat Rate Envelopes, Express Mail prices are based on weight and zone. Items are charged the 0.5-pound price for weights up to 0.5 pound (i.e. If a piece weighs 0.25 pound, the weight (postage) increment is 0.5 pound). Items over a 0.5 pound are rounded up to the next whole pound (i.e. If a piece weighs 0.75 pound, the weight (postage) increment is 1 pound or if a piece weighs 1.2 pounds, the weight (postage) increment is 2 pounds).

Matter mailed in a USPS-produced Express Mail Flat Rate Envelope is charged one flat price regardless of weight (up to 70 pounds) or domestic destination. Only USPS-produced Flat Rate Envelopes are eligible for the Express Mail Flat Rate Envelope price.

Sunday/Holiday Premium: Delivery guaranteed for a Sunday or a holiday is charged a premium fee. Customers may avoid the Sunday or holiday premium fee by opting for guaranteed delivery on the subsequent delivery day.

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 items picked up at 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 packages, with postage affixed, ready when your carrier arrives for your regular mail delivery.

Content (113.3.0)

First-Class Mail, Priority Mail, or Express Mail is required for personal correspondence, handwritten or typewritten material, and bills or statements of account. Express Mail also may be used for any nonrestricted (601.8.0) mailable item.

Service Features (113.4.0)

Express Mail is a money-back guaranteed overnight to 2-day service that includes tracking, proof of delivery, and insurance coverage up to $100. Express Mail Sunday/holiday delivery is available to many destinations for an additional fee. Mailers may use the Domestic Price Calculator at pe.usps.com, call 1-800-222-1811, or visit www.usps.com for delivery information between specific ZIP Codes.

Overnight guarantee is not available during the December 22 through December 25 time period.

Express Mail envelopes and boxes are available from local Post Offices or online at www.usps.com at no additional cost. Customized preprinted labels also are available by contacting your local Post Office.

• Express Mail Next Day Delivery (113.4.2) provides guaranteed overnight service to designated destination 3‑digit or 5-digit ZIP Code delivery areas, facilities, or locations (Post Office to Addressee Service). Items are delivered to an addressee within the designated delivery area of the destination facility by noon or 3 p.m. on the next day. If delivery is not made, the addressee is notified, and a reminder notice is also left on the third day. A second delivery is attempted only upon customer request. For additional options, see Hold for Pickup and Custom Designed.
• Hold for Pickup (113.4.2.5) items presented for Express Mail Next Day Delivery are available for claim by the addressee at the destination facility by 10 a.m., 12 p.m., or 3 p.m. of the next day the destination office is open for retail business.
• Express Mail Military Service (113.4.4) is available between the United States and designated APO/FPO or DPO destination addresses. Shipments are delivered in 2 to 3 days to more than 300 worldwide locations.

Postage Payment and Documentation (114)

Retail Express Mail postage may be paid by adhesive stamps (604.1.0) or postage meter (604.4.0).

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 (115)

Matter mailed in USPS-provided Express Mail packaging is subject to Express Mail prices regardless of how the packaging is reconfigured or how markings may be obliterated.

When sealing a Flat Rate Envelope, 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.

For each Express Mail item, the mailer must complete Label 11-B or Label 11-F for Post Office to Addressee Service, or Label 11-HFPU for Hold for Pickup service. Each piece should include a complete delivery and return address with the correct ZIP Code or ZIP+4 code.

Enter and Deposit (116)

Retail Express Mail Next Day and Second Day items may be mailed at Post Offices, stations, and branches; dropped into Express Mail collection boxes; handed to carriers; or picked up by the USPS. Express Mail weighing more than 13 ounces bearing only postage stamps may not be deposited into a collection box or other unattended location, but must be presented at a Post Office retail counter.

Acceptance and collection information may be obtained by calling 1-800-222-1811 or contacting your local postmaster.

Extra Services (503.1.0)

Return receipt service is available (503.6.0). Collect on Delivery (COD) (503.12.0). Insurance against loss, damage, or rifling is included at no extra cost for coverage up to $100 (503.1.0). Additional merchandise insurance may be available up to $5,000, depending on the value and nature of the item. Claims must be filed within 90 days of the date of mailing (609.1.0). For an overview of extra services, see Quick Service Guide 503.

Waiver of signature: mailers may instruct the USPS to deliver Express Mail packages without obtaining the addressee’s signature by signing the waiver on the Express Mail label. A waiver of signature cannot be used for Express Mail Custom Designed Service, Express Mail COD, or Express Mail with additional insurance.

Back to Top