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C700 Package Services
Summary
C700 describes the basic dimension standards and weight limits for Package Services, including the criteria for nonmachinability.
1.0 Package Services
These standards apply to Package Services:
a. No piece may weigh more than 70 pounds, except matter at Bound Printed Matter rates may not weigh more than 15 pounds.
b. Except for Parcel Post under 1.0c, the combined length and girth of a piece (i.e., the length of its longest side plus the distance around its thickest part) may not exceed 108 inches.
c. Parcel Post pieces measuring over 108 inches in combined length and girth, but not more than 130 inches in combined length and girth, are mailable at the applicable oversized rate.
d. Parcel Post pieces measuring over 84 inches in combined length and girth, but not more than 108 inches in combined length and girth, and weighing less than 15 pounds are mailable at the rate equal to that of a 15-pound parcel for the zone to which the parcel is addressed.
e. Two or more packages may be mailed as a single parcel, if they are about the same size or shape or if they are parts of one article, if they are securely wrapped or fastened together, and if they do not together exceed the weight or size limits.
f. Lower size or weight standards apply to mail claimed at certain rates, addressed to certain APOs and FPOs, or sent by the Department of State to U.S. government personnel abroad.
g. Pieces might be subject to minimum weight or dimensions based on the standards for specific rates.
2.0 Nonmachinable PARCEL POST
Mailpieces described in this section that are mailed at the Inter-BMC/ASF Parcel Post, Intra-BMC/ASF Parcel Post, DSCF Parcel Select, or DBMC Parcel Select rates are subject to the applicable nonmachinable surcharge in R700 unless the applicable special handling fee is paid. An oversized parcel as described in 1.0c is not subject to the nonmachinable surcharge. Mailpieces are nonmachinable if they meet any of the following criteria:
a. A parcel more than 34 inches long, 17 inches wide, or 17 inches high.
b. A parcel less than 6 inches long, 1/4 inch thick, or 3 inches high.
c. A parcel that weighs less than 6 ounces or more than 35 pounds.
d. A parcel containing more than 24 ounces of liquid in glass containers, or 1 gallon or more of liquid in metal or plastic containers.
e. An insecurely wrapped or metal-banded parcel.
f. A can, roll, or tube, or wooden or metal box.
g. Books, printed matter, or business forms weighing more than 25 pounds.
h. A high-density parcel weighing more than 15 pounds and exerting more than 60 pounds per-square-foot pressure on its smallest side.
i. A film case weighing more than 5 pounds or with strap-type closures, except any film case the USPS authorizes to be entered as a machinable parcel under C050 and to be identified by the words “Machinable in United States Postal Service Equipment” permanently attached as a nontransferable decal in the lower right corner of the case.
j. Parcels with characteristics (such as inadequate packaging) that could result in damage to the contents of the mailpiece, other parcels, or postal machinery if mechanical sortation is used.
3.0 Postal Inspection
Package Services is not sealed against postal inspection. Package Services may be prepared for automated processing but must allow easy examination.
DMM Issue 58 Updated 12-9-04