Quick Service Guide 150

Retail Parcels

Parcel Post

January 22, 2012
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Physical Standards (101.7.0)

Maximum weight: 70 pounds.

Maximum length and girth: 130 inches.

Prices and Fees (153.1.0)

For a complete list of retail Parcel Post prices, see Notice 123–Price List.

Prices are calculated based on weight and zone.

Parcel Post is charged per pound or fraction thereof; any fraction of a pound is considered a whole pound.

Oversized price: pieces exceeding 108 inches but not more than 130 inches in combined length and girth are mailable at the Parcel Post oversized price for the zone to which addressed, regardless of weight.

Balloon price: parcels that weigh less than 20 pounds but measuring 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.

Content (153.3.0)

Parcel Post is Package Services matter not mailed as Bound Printed Matter, Media Mail, or Library Mail. Any Package Services matter may be mailed at Parcel Post prices, subject to the basic standards in 153.3.1.

Generally used for shipping merchandise.

Eligibility Standards (153.2.0)

Each piece must include a complete delivery and return address.

Mailing items with no ancillary service endorsement obligates the mailer to pay any applicable forwarding and return postage charges at the single-piece price (507.1.5.4).

Postage Payment and Documentation (154)

Meter (604.4.0) or permit imprint (minimum quantities apply) (604.5.0). Pieces with postage affixed must bear the correct postage. Precancelled stamps not permitted.

Documentation:

• For pieces with permit imprint only: Postage statement PS Form 3605-R or approved facsimile.
• Supplemental documentation: additional documentation as required by price, preparation option, or postage payment system.

Mail Preparation (155)

Marking: Pieces must be marked “Parcel Post” (or “PP”) in the postage area (155.1.3).

There are no presort, sacking, or labeling standards for retail Parcel Post with the correct postage affixed.

Enter and Deposit (156)

Deposit: Retail Parcel Post entered at a retail window or acceptance unit designated by USPS. Parcel Post 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.

Extra Services (503)

May use COD, Delivery Confirmation, insurance, return receipt for merchandise, Signature Confirmation, and special handling. Return receipt and restricted delivery are available for COD mail or mail insured for more than $200.00.

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