Physical Standards (201.7.0)
Maximum weight: 70 pounds.
Maximum length and girth: 108 inches.
Prices and Fees (213.1.0)
For a complete list of commercial Priority Mail Express prices, see Notice 123–Price List.
Except for 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. (See QSG 110 for examples on how to measure dimensional weight.)
Only USPS-produced Flat Rate packaging is eligible for the Priority Mail Express Flat Rate price, and is charged one flat price regardless of weight (up to 70 pounds) or domestic destination. 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 mailable hazardous materials or live animals.
Sunday/Holiday Premium: Delivery guaranteed for a Sunday or a holiday is charged a premium fee. No fee is charged for Sunday/holiday delivery when paying via a Priority Mail Express Manifest Agreement.
Commercial Prices (213.1.3): Priority Mail Express commercial prices are less than retail prices and are available for:
Nonstandard Fees: A Priority Mail Express piece is subject to a nonstandard fee if it measures:
- More than 22 inches up to 30 inches long;
- More than 30 inches long; or
- More than 2 cubic feet (3,456 cubic inches).
Dimension Noncompliance Fee: Mailers of Priority Mail Express mailpieces required to include the mailpiece dimensions (length, width, height) in the Shipping Services file manifest or other approved electronic documentation under 213.1.4.3 or 213.1.8 will be charged a Dimension Noncompliance fee if the piece’s dimensions are omitted or inaccurate in the Shipping Services file manifest or other approved electronic documentation.
Content (213.2.0)
All mailable matter may be sent as Priority Mail Express, except matter prohibited by standards (e.g., certain hazardous materials) (601.8.0).
Service Features (213.4.0)
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 6:00 p.m. on the next day. 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 6:00 p.m. on the second day. 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 6:00 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 6:00 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 (214)
Commercial Priority Mail Express postage may be paid by Click-N-Ship (604.4.0), IBI postage meter (604.4.0), PC Postage (604.4.0), or Permit Imprint (604.5.0).
Mail Preparation (215)
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 Flat Rate packaging, 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 commercial Priority Mail Express item, the mailer has the option to present the item at a Post Office location and have a shipping label printed and affixed, use a Self-Service Kiosk (SSK) (where available), or should choose one of the available payment/shipping methods (Manual offices will continue to use Label 11-M.). 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.
All commercial Priority Mail Express pieces must bear an Intelligent Mail package barcode. Mailpieces not meeting the requirements for use of unique Intelligent Mail package barcodes (IMpb) or an extra service IMpb will be assessed an IMpb noncompliance fee as outlined in Publication 199 available on on PostalPro at https://postalpro.usps.com.
Enter and Deposit (216)
Commercial 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.
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 or Priority Mail items picked up at same time. Service and information are 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.
Open and Distribute shipments: see 705.18.0.
Extra Services (503)
Adult Signature services are available (503.8.0). Return receipt service is available (503.6.0). 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. Claims must be filed within 90 days of the date of mailing (609.1.0).
