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 Priority Mail Express prices see, Notice 123–Price List.
Except for the Priority Mail Express Flat Rate packaging, Priority Mail Express 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).
Dimensional Weight Price: Postage for parcels addressed for delivery to Zones 1-9 and exceeding 1 cubic foot (1,728 cubic inches) is based on the actual weight or the dimensional weight, whichever is greater.
Matter mailed in USPS-produced Priority Mail Express Flat Rate packaging is charged one flat price regardless of weight (up to 70 pounds) or domestic destination. Only USPS-produced Flat Rate packaging is eligible for the Priority Mail Express Flat Rate price. USPS-produced Flat Rate Envelopes must only be used by customers at the applicable Flat Rate Envelope price. USPS-produced packaging, including Flat Rate containers, is not eligible for shipping live animals.
10:30 a.m. Delivery Fee: An optional fee is charged for a 10:30 a.m. request to have Priority Mail Express items delivered to an addressee within the delivery area of the destination facility where available.
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.
Content (113.3.0)
All mailable matter may be sent as Priority Mail Express, except matter prohibited by standards (e.g., certain hazardous materials).
Service Features (113.4.0)
Priority Mail Express is a money-back guaranteed 1-Day or 2-Day delivery service that includes tracking, proof of delivery, and insurance coverage up to $100. Priority Mail Express Sunday/holiday delivery is available to many destinations for an additional fee. Mailers may use the Domestic Price Calculator at pe.usps.com for delivery information between specific ZIP Codes.
Priority Mail Express 1-Day Delivery is available to designated destination 3–digit or 5-digit ZIP Code delivery areas. Items are delivered by 12:00 p.m. or 3 p.m. on the next day. Items may be delivered by 10:30 a.m. for a fee. If delivery is not made, the addressee is notified. A reminder notice is left on the third day after the attempted delivery. A second delivery is attempted only upon customer request. For an additional option, see Hold for Pickup below.
1-Day guarantee is adjusted during the December 22 through December 25 time period.
Priority Mail Express 2-Day Delivery is available to any 3-digit or 5-digit ZIP Code destination not listed in the 1-Day Delivery directory. Items are delivered by 12:00 p.m. or 3 p.m. on the second day. Items may be delivered by 10:30 a.m. for a fee. If delivery is not made, the addressee is notified. A reminder notice is left on the third day after the attempted delivery. A second delivery is attempted only upon customer request. For an additional option, see Hold for Pickup below.
Hold for Pickup (507.3.0) items presented for Priority Mail Express 1-Day Delivery are available for claim by the addressee at the destination facility by 10:30 a.m. or 3 p.m. of the next day the destination office is open for retail business. Hold for Pickup items presented for 2-Day Delivery are available for claim by 10:30 a.m. or 3 p.m. of the second day the destination office is open for retail business.
Priority Mail Express Military Service (703.2.0) is available between the United States and designated APO/FPO or DPO destination addresses.
Postage Payment and Documentation (114)
Retail Priority Mail Express 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 the customer’s USPS Corporate Account (USPSCA), online using Click-N-Ship®, by registered end-users of PC Postage products using a qualifying shipping label managed by the PC Postage system, or by using USPS-approved IBI postage meters that print the IBI with the appropriate price marking and who electronically transmit transactional data to the USPS and use an approved Priority Mail Express shipping label.
Mail Preparation (115)
Matter mailed in USPS-produced Priority Mail Express packaging is subject to Priority Mail Express prices regardless of how the packaging is reconfigured or how markings may be obliterated. Priority Mail Express 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.
When sealing a Flat Rate package, 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 Priority Mail Express item, the mailer must complete Label 11-B or Label 11-F 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.
Signature required (for labels dated January 2012): mailers requiring a signature must instruct the USPS by checking the “Signature Required” box on the label. A signature is required for Priority Mail Express COD, or Priority Mail Express with additional insurance.
Enter and Deposit (116)
Retail Priority Mail Express 1-Day and 2-Day items may be mailed at Post Offices, stations, and branches; dropped into Priority Mail Express collection boxes; handed to carriers; or picked up by the USPS. Priority Mail Express 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.
Pickup on Demand (507.7.0) is available regardless of the number of pieces. Only one fee includes Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, or USPS Retail Ground items picked up at same time. Service and information is available by calling 1–800–222-1811 or at www.usps.com.
Package Pickup is available for free by submitting your request online at www.usps.com and having your Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, or international packages, with postage affixed, ready when your carrier arrives for your regular mail delivery.
Extra Services (503.1.0)
Return receipt (Form 3811) service is available (503.6.0). Collect on Delivery (COD) (503.9.0). Insurance against loss, damage, or rifling is included at no extra cost for coverage up to $100 (503.4.0). Additional merchandise insurance may be available up to $5,000, depending on the value and nature of the item. Indemnity claims must be filed within 60 days of the date of mailing (609.1.0). For an overview of extra services, see Quick Service Guide 503.
Determining Priority Mail Express Dimensional Weight |
Priority Mail Express dimensional weight for rectangular shaped parcels to zones 1–9. - Measure the length, width, and height in inches. Round off 1 each measurement to the nearest whole inch:
(length = 21, height = 20, and width = 20). - Multiply length x height x width: (21 x 20 x 20) = 8,400 cubic inches.
- If the result exceeds 1,728 cubic inches, divide the result by 166 and round up2 to the next whole number to determine dimensional weight in pounds:(8,400/166 = 50.60) 50.60 rounded up to the next pound is 51.
- The price is based on the actual weight or dimensional weight, whichever is greater.
In this example the dimensional weight for this rectangular package to zones 1–9 is 51 pounds. |
Priority Mail Express dimensional weight for nonrectangular shaped parcels to zones 1–9. - Measure the length, width, and height in inches at their extreme dimensions. Round off1 each measurement to the nearest whole inch: (length = 30, height = 9, and width = 18).
 - Multiply length x height x width: (30 x 9 x 18) = 4,860 cubic inches.
- Multiply the result by an adjustment factor of 0.785: 4,860 x 0.785 = 3,815.1 cubic inches.
- If the final result exceeds 1,728 cubic inches, divide the result by 166 and round up2 to the next whole number to determine the dimensional weight in pounds: (3,815.1/166 = 22.98) 22.98 rounded up to the next pound is 23.
- The price is based on the actual weight or dimensional weight, whichever is greater.
- If the dimensional weight exceeds 70 pounds, the package pays the 70 pound price.
In this example the dimensional weight for this nonrectangular package to zones 1–9 is 23 pounds. |
Additional examples of nonrectangular measurement. 
|
1. Round off (e.g., 20.5 rounded off to the next whole number is 21, and 20.4 rounded off is 20), see 604.7.1.3.
2. Round up (e.g., rounding up either 44.2 or 44.8 to the next whole pound is 45).
