280 Commercial Mail First-Class Package Service
Overview
1.0 Prices and Fees
2.0 Content Standards for First-Class Package Service Parcels
3.0 Basic Eligibility Standards for First-Class Package Service
4.0 Price Eligibility for First-Class Package Service
[10-3-16] Postage is based on the price that applies to the weight (postage) increment of each addressed piece. All prices and fees can be found in Notice 123—Price List. First-Class Package Service prices start at 1 ounce up to less than 16 ounces. Any fraction of an ounce is considered a whole ounce.
[10-3-16] [1-17-16] Commercial prices are available when paid by one of the following methods:
- Registered end-users of USPS-approved PC Postage products when using a qualifying shipping label, managed by the PC Postage system.
- USPS-approved IBI postage meters that electronically transmit transactional data to USPS.
- Permit imprint.
- Permit holders using Merchandise Return Service (MRS) for First-Class Package Service mailpieces when all MRS requirements are met (505.3.0).
[1-17-16] A surcharge applies for parcels that are irregularly shaped, such as rolls, tubes, and triangles.
[1-17-16] In addition to restricted material described in 601.8.0, parcels mailed at First-Class Package Service prices may not contain documents or personal correspondence, except that such parcels may contain invoices, receipts, incidental advertising, and other documents that relate in all substantial respects to merchandise contained in the parcels.
[1-17-16] See 233.2.0 for a detailed description of matter required to be mailed as First-Class Mail or Priority Mail. The following types of contents must be mailed as First-Class Mail or -Priority Mail:
- Bills and statements of account.
- Personal information.
- Handwritten and typewritten material.
[10-3-16] [1-17-16] First-Class Package Service parcels receive expeditious handling and transportation. The USPS does not guarantee the delivery of First-Class Package Service within a specified time.
[1-17-16] Articles mailed at First-Class Package Service prices are not sealed against postal inspection. Regardless of physical closure, the mailing of articles at First-Class Package Service prices constitutes consent by the mailer to postal inspection of the contents.
The postage price of First-Class Package Service parcels includes forwarding service to a new address for up to 12 months and return of undeliverable parcels to the sender.
Extra services are available for First-Class Package Service parcels under 503 and for Hold for Pickup service under 508.7.0.
[1-17-16] All First-Class Package Service parcels must:
- Meet the applicable postage payment standards in 284 and 604.7.0.
- Bear a delivery address that includes the correct ZIP Code or ZIP+4.
All First-Class Package Service parcels must bear an Intelligent Mail package barcode (IMpb) prepared under 708.5.0. Mailpieces not meeting the requirements for use of unique Intelligent Mail package barcodes or extra services barcodes as outlined in Publication 199 will be assessed an IMpb noncompliance fee. For details see the RIBBS website at https://ribbs.usps.gov.
[1-17-16] Single-piece prices apply to nonpresorted parcels mailed under 285.1.0.
