213 Prices and Eligibility

1.0 Prices and Fees

1.1 Prices Charged Per Piece

[7-28-13] Except for Flat Rate Envelopes (see 1.5), Priority Mail Express postage is charged for each addressed piece according to its weight and zone. The 0.5-pound price is charged for items up to 0.5 pound and items over 0.50 pound are rounded up to the next whole pound. For example, if a piece weighs 0.25 pound, the weight (postage) increment is 0.50 pound; if a piece weighs 0.75 pound, the weight increment is 1 pound. Priority Mail Express items mailed under a specific customer agreement are charged according to the individual agreement. For shipments presented in Priority Mail Express containers under a Priority Mail Express Custom Designed agreement, each container is considered an addressed piece.

1.2 Determining Single-Piece Weight

[7-28-13] When determining single-piece weight, express all weights in decimal pounds rounded off to two decimal places (except mailers using eVS). When using a manifest mailing system, the manifest weight field must be properly completed by adhering to the rules relative to the specific manifest.

1.3 Commercial Base Prices

Priority Mail Express Commercial Base prices are less than Priority Mail Express retail prices (see Notice 123—Price List). These prices are available to:

a. Customers who use a USPS Corporate Account (USPSCA), including federal agency accounts.

b. Click-N-Ship customers.

c. Registered end-users of USPS-approved PC Postage providers when using a qualifying shipping label managed by the PC Postage system used.

d. Customers using USPS-approved IBI postage meters that print the IBI with the appropriate price marking (see 202.3.3) and who electronically transmit transactional data to the USPS and use an approved Priority Mail Express shipping label.

e. Customers who pay postage with a permit imprint using the Electronic Verification System (eVS) program to document and pay postage (see 705.2.9).

1.4 Commercial Plus Prices

Priority Mail Express Commercial Plus prices are less than Priority Mail Express retail prices (see Notice 123—Price List).

1.4.1 Eligibility

Commercial Plus pricing is available to customers whose cumulative account volume exceeds 5,000 pieces in the previous four quarters or who have a customer commitment agreement with USPS (see 1.4.2) and who are:

a. USPS Corporate Account (USPSCA) customers, including Federal Agency Accounts.

b. Registered end-users of USPS-approved PC Postage products when using a qualifying shipping label managed by the PC Postage system used.

c. Permit imprint customers using the eVS program to document and pay postage under 705.2.9.

d. Customers using USPS-approved IBI postage meters that print the IBI with the appropriate price marking (see 202.3.3) and who electronically transmit transactional data daily to USPS for all mailpieces and mail categories and use an approved Priority Mail Express shipping label.

1.4.2 New Priority Mail Express Customers

Commercial Plus prices are available for new Priority Mail Express customers who have a customer commitment agreement with the USPS. Shippers must contact their account manager or the manager, Shipping Support, Shipping Services (see 608.8.0 for address) for additional information.

1.5 Flat Rate Envelopes

Only USPS-produced or approved Flat Rate Envelopes are eligible for the Flat Rate Envelope price and are charged a flat price, regardless of the actual weight (up to 70 pounds) of the piece or its domestic destination. 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. See Notice 123—Price List.

1.6 Sunday and Holiday Premium

When delivery is guaranteed for a Sunday or holiday, there is a premium (see Notice 123—Price List), unless paying via a Priority Mail Express Manifesting Agreement. Customers not desiring delivery on a Sunday or a holiday may avoid the premium by opting for guaranteed delivery on the subsequent delivery day.

1.7 Pickup on Demand

[7-28-13] The Pickup on Demand fee is charged every time pickup service is provided, regardless of the number of pieces picked up. This service may be combined with Priority Mail, Standard Post and Package Services pickups (see 507.7.0). See Notice 123—Price List.

1.8 Delivery Stop

Priority Mail Express Custom Designed items are subject to an additional fee for each delivery stop for items presented for delivery to addressee. See Notice 123—Price List.

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2.0 Content Standards for Priority Mail Express

2.1 General

All mailable matter may be sent as Priority Mail Express, except matter prohibited by standards (e.g., certain hazardous materials).

2.2 Matter Required to be Mailed as First-Class Mail

Mailers have the option to use Priority Mail Express or Priority Mail for mailpieces required to be mailed as First-Class Mail; see 133.3.0.

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3.0 Basic Standards for Priority Mail Express

3.1 Definition

[7-28-13] Priority Mail Express is an expedited service for shipping any mailable matter, with a money-back guarantee, subject to the standards below. Refunds standards for domestic Priority Mail Express are provided in 604.9.5. Priority Mail Express International is available between the United States and most foreign countries (see the International Mail Manual).

3.2 IMpb Standards

All commercial Priority Mail Express pieces (except for pieces paying postage through USPSCA) must bear an IMpb prepared under 708.5.0.

3.3 Matter Closed Against Postal Inspection

[7-28-13] Priority Mail Express matter is closed against postal inspection.

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4.0 Service Features of Priority Mail Express

4.1 General

[7-28-13] A mailing receipt showing the time and date of mailing must be provided to the mailer on retail acceptance of Priority Mail Express by the USPS. This receipt is a copy of the multipart Priority Mail Express label affixed to the mailpiece and serves as evidence of mailing. Mailers authorized to present Priority Mail Express under Priority Mail Express Manifesting procedures in 705.2.0 must use a one-ply label and retain the verification manifest as the mailing receipt. Mailers using an online application to create their Priority Mail Express label must retain the customer online record or shipping history as evidence of mailing. A delivery record, including the addressee’s signature (see 215.2.2 and 215.2.3), will be provided upon request. Customers may access proof of delivery information for Priority Mail Express as follows:

a. Individual requests by article number can be retrieved at www.usps.com or by calling 1-800-222-1811 and providing the article number. A proof of delivery letter (signature data) is provided electronically via email or signature extract file as provided in 4.1b..

b. Bulk proof of delivery (503.5.0) is available only to mailers using Priority Mail Express Manifesting (PMEM) service and is obtained in a signature extract file format.

4.2 Priority Mail Express Next Day Delivery

4.2.1 Availability

Priority Mail Express Next Day Delivery is available via designated USPS facilities, designated Priority Mail Express collection boxes, or Pickup on Demand service, for overnight service to designated destination 3-digit ZIP Code delivery areas. Except for items endorsed “Guaranteed by End of Day” per an approved customer agreement, items are delivered to an addressee within the 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, a second notice is left on the third day, and a second delivery is attempted upon customer request. For additional options, see 4.2.4, and 4.4.

4.2.2 Where Not Available

Next Day Delivery may not be available at or between all Post Offices or at all times of deposit. A Priority Mail Express Next Day Delivery directory is available at Post Offices.

4.2.3 Acceptance Times

Priority Mail Express Next Day Delivery mail must be presented by the times authorized by the postmaster. Priority Mail Express Next Day Delivery items mailed after the time authorized by the postmaster are accepted for delivery on the second day after mailing, subject to 4.3.

4.2.4 Hold for Pickup

Under Hold for Pickup service, items presented under 4.2.1 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.

4.3 Priority Mail Express Second Day Delivery

4.3.1 Availability

Priority Mail Express Second Day Delivery is available to any destination not listed in the Next Day Delivery directory mentioned in 4.2.2. Except for items endorsed “Guaranteed by End of Day” per an approved customer agreement, items are delivered to an addressee within the delivery area of the destination facility by noon or 3 p.m. on the second delivery day. If delivery is not made, the addressee is notified, a second notice is left on the third day, and a second delivery is attempted upon customer request. For additional options, see 4.3.4, and 4.4.

4.3.2 Acceptance

Priority Mail Express Second Day Delivery is accepted at designated USPS facilities, at Priority Mail Express collection boxes, and through Pickup on Demand service.

4.3.3 Acceptance Times

Priority Mail Express Second Day Delivery shipments must be presented by 5 p.m., or such time authorized by the postmaster.

4.3.4 Hold for Pickup

Under Hold for Pickup service, items presented under 4.3.3 are available to pick up by the addressee at the destination facility by 10 a.m., 12 p.m., or 3 p.m. of the second delivery day that the destination office is open for retail business.

4.4 Priority Mail Express Custom Designed

4.4.1 Availability

A service agreement is required for Custom Designed mailings. Custom Designed items are not eligible for flat-rate pricing. Priority Mail Express Custom Designed is available only on a scheduled basis between designated USPS facilities or other designated locations for mailable matter presented under the service agreement between the USPS and the mailer.

4.4.2 Additional Fee

Priority Mail Express Custom Designed items are subject to an additional fee for each delivery stop for items presented for delivery to addressee.

4.4.3 Service Agreement Information

Each Priority Mail Express Custom Designed Agreement must specify the scheduled:

a. Place, time, and day or date of origin for each shipment presented for service to each specific destination.

b. Place, time, and day or date for claim or delivery at destination for each scheduled shipment.

4.4.4 Service Commencement

Service provided under a service agreement must begin not more than 10 days after the signed service agreement is presented to the USPS.

4.4.5 Changes in Destination Address

At least 30 days' advance notice is required to change the Priority Mail Express destination address for origin caller service mail (accelerated reply mail).

4.4.6 Termination by USPS

Priority Mail Express Custom Designed provided under a service agreement may be terminated by the USPS on 10 days' written notice to the mailer, if service cannot be provided for reasons beyond the control of the USPS or because of changes in USPS facilities or operations, or if the mailer fails to adhere to the terms of the service agreement or these standards.

4.4.7 Termination by Mailer

A service agreement may be terminated by the mailer for any reason by notice to the USPS.

4.5 Priority Mail Express Military Service (PMEMS)

4.5.1 Objectives

[7-28-13] For Priority Mail Express Military Service (PMEMS), items presented at APO/FPO and DPO facilities before the published cut-off time are delivered the second day after acceptance. Items presented after the published cut-off time are delivered the third day after acceptance. For PMEMS, the USPS refunds standards are provided in 604.9.5.

4.5.2 Availability

[7-28-13] PMEMS (under 703.2.6) is available between the United States and designated APO/FPO and DPOs to provide Department of Defense personnel stationed overseas, and others entitled to APO and FPO mailing privileges, an expedited delivery service to or from the United States. PMEMS Custom Designed Service and PMEMS Open and Distribute service are available to authorized APO/FPO destinations.

4.6 Open and Distribute

[7-28-13] Priority Mail Express Custom Designed, Priority Mail Express Next Day Delivery, and Priority Mail Express Second Day Delivery may be used to expedite movement of any other class of mail from one domestic USPS facility to another by Priority Mail Express Open and Distribute subject to the standards in 705.18.0.

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