413 Prices and Eligibility

1.0 Prices and Fees

1.1 Prices Charged Per Piece

[7-28-13] Except for Flat Rate packaging (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 Priority Mail Express Custom Designed agreements, 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). Mailers using eVS may round off to two or four decimals, because eVS automatically rounds to the appropriate decimal place. 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

[7-28-13] Priority Mail Express Commercial Base prices, (see Notice 123–Price List). These prices apply to:

a. Customers who use an 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 402.2.1) and who electronically transmit transactional data to 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

[7-28-13] Commercial Plus pricing is available to existing customers whose cumulative account volume exceeds 5,000 pieces in the previous four quarters or who have a customer commitment agreement with the 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 402.2.1) 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 Packaging

Only USPS-produced or approved Flat Rate Envelopes and Boxes are eligible for the Flat Rate price and are charged a flat rate, regardless of the actual weight (up to 70 pounds) of the mailpiece or domestic destination. When sealing a Flat Rate Envelope or Box, 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 prices, 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.

1.9 Determining Single-Piece Weight

When determining single-piece weight, express all weights in decimal pounds rounded off to two decimal places (except mailers using eVS). Mailers using eVS may round off to two or four decimals, because eVS automatically rounds to the appropriate decimal place. When using a manifest mailing system, the manifest weight field must be properly completed by adhering to the rules relative to the specific manifest.

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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. Complete descriptions of matter requiring the use of First-Class Mail are provided in 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

Commercial Priority Mail Express pieces (except for pieces paying postage through USPSCA) must bear an Intelligent Mail package barcode (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 415.2.2 and 415.2.3), will be faxed or mailed 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 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 at designated USPS facilities, designated Priority Mail Express collection boxes, or through Package Pickup or Pickup on Demand service, for overnight service to designated destination 3-digit ZIP Code delivery areas, facilities, or locations (Post Office to Addressee Service). Except for items endorsed “Guaranteed by End of Day” with an approved customer agreement in place, 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, 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, showing detailed local information about Priority Mail Express Next Day Delivery, 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 the standards for this service.

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 3-digit or 5-digit ZIP Code destination not listed in the Next Day Delivery directory mentioned in 4.2.2 (Post Office to Addressee Service). Except for items endorsed “Guaranteed by End of Day” with an approved customer agreement in place, items are delivered to an addressee within the designated 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 later 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.

4.4.2 Scheduled Basis

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.

4.4.3 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.

4.4.4 Service Agreement Information

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

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

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

c. Times of day for presenting at origin and for claim or delivery at destination.

4.4.5 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.

4.4.6 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).

4.4.7 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.

4.4.8 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 corresponding standards. For more information, see 705.18.0.

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