250 Quick Service Guide

Commercial - Parcel Select

Physical Standards (201)

Maximum weight:

Parcel Select: 70 pounds.

USPS Connect Local: 25 pounds

Maximum length and girth:

Parcel Select: 130 inches.

For an overview of the physical standards for commercial parcels, see Quick Service Guide 201e.

Prices and Fees (253.1.0)

Available Prices:

Price determination: Parcel Select Destination Entry DSCF, DHub, and DDU prices are based on weight only. USPS Connect Local prices are based on weight or Flat Rate container. All other prices are based on weight and zone.

Oversized price: pieces exceeding 108 inches but not more than 130 inches in combined length and girth are mailable at the Parcel Select oversized price for the zone to which addressed.

Dimensional Weight Price: : Postage for Destination Entry 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 more. (See QSG 120 for examples on how to measure dimensional weight.)

Destination Entry (253.3.0):

USPS Connect Local: Mailings must be addressed and entered at the local 5-digit Post Office by the designated critical entry time for same-day delivery within the local 5-digit Post Office.

Additional Service Fee applies to mailpieces returned as undeliverable as addressed.

eVS Unmanifested Fee: Eligible eVS Parcel Select pieces omitted from the eVS manifest are subject to the eVS Unmanifested fee (see Notice 123–Price List), unless the piece is subject to the IMpb noncompliance fee.

Nonstandard Fees: A Parcel Select Destination Entry or USPS Connect Local mailpiece 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 Parcel Select mailpieces required to include the mailpiece dimensions (length, width, height) in the Shipping Services file manifest or other approved electronic documentation under 253.1.2.4 or 253.1.7 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 (253.2.0)

Parcel Select is matter not mailed at Package Services prices (Bound Printed Matter, Media Mail, or Library Mail). Any Package Services matter may be mailed at Parcel Select prices, subject to the basic standards in 253.2.0.

Generally used for shipping merchandise.

Eligibility Standards (253.3.0)

Minimum mailing:

Each piece must include a complete delivery and return address and a correct ZIP Code or ZIP+4 code (253.4.6).

All commercial Parcel Select mailpieces must meet the requirements for use of unique Intelligent Mail package barcodes (IMpb) or an extra service IMpb. Mailpieces not meeting this requirement will be assessed an IMpb noncompliance fee as outlined in Publication 199 available on on PostalPro at https://postalpro.usps.com.

Mailing items with no ancillary service endorsement obligates the mailer to pay the applicable forwarding and return postage at Parcel Select barcoded nonpresort prices, plus an additional service fee (507.1.5.4).

Postage Payment and Documentation (254)

Parcel Select: meter (604.4.0) or permit imprint (604.5.0).

USPS Connect Local: USPS Click-N-Ship.

Documentation:

Mail Preparation (255)

Marking: (255.1.8)

Parcel Select:

Preparation and labeling: see below.

Enter and Deposit (256)

Deposit:

Extra Services (503)

Parcel Select may use Adult Signature services, COD, USPS Tracking, insurance, and Signature Confirmation. Parcel Select destination entry pieces are eligible for no-fee electronic USPS Tracking. Return receipt and restricted delivery are available for COD mail or mail insured for more than $200.USPS Connect Local may only use Insurance, Signature Confirmation, and Signature Confirmation Restricted Delivery extra services.

Preparation

 

Parcel Select Destination Entry DNDC, DSCF, DHub, and DDU Preparation

DNDC

DNDC price applies to parcels deposited at the destination NDC/ASF (253.4.1.3). Parcels claimed at the DNDC price must meet the standards in 255.4.3, including:

Preparation:

For machinable parcels on pallets, see 705.8.10.6.

For machinable parcels prepared in sacks, see 255.4.3.3.

For bedloaded parcels, see 256.2.0. Special preparation may be required for nonmachinable parcels.

DNDC price machinable parcels and nonmachinable parcels may not be combined in the same container.

Price: DNDC, see 253.1.2.

DSCF

DSCF price applies to parcels deposited at the destination SCF listed in L051. Pieces claimed at the DSCF price must meet the standards in 255.4.2, including:

Nonmachinable parcels sorted to 3-digit ZIP Code areas and claimed at a DSCF price must be entered at a designated SCF under L005 (for exceptions see 255.4.2).

Preparation: Must be sacked or placed directly on pallets or in pallet boxes. Machinable and nonmachinable parcels may be combined in the same container.

Sacks: Must be in 5-digit scheme, 5–digit sacks, or SCF sacks (machinable parcels). Minimum seven pieces per sack; one overflow sack permitted per 5–digit scheme or 5-digit ZIP Code. After all possible 5-digit scheme or 5-digit sacks are prepared, any remaining 3-digit nonmachinable parcels are placed in 3–digit sacks; no minimum required.

Sack Labels

5-digit scheme: For Line 1, use L606, Column B. For Line 2, use “PSVC PARCELS 5D SCH.”

5-digit: For Line 1, use city, state, and 5–digit ZIP Code on mail. For Line 2, “PSVC PARCELS 5D.”

SCF: For Line 1, use L051. For Line 2, “PSVC MACH. SCF.”

3-digit nonmachinable: For Line 1, use L051. For Line 2, “PSVC 3D NON MACH.”

Pallets: See 705.8.10 for pallet preparation standards. Must be on 5-digit scheme, 5-digit, SCF pallets, or 3-digit (nonmachinable) destinations. Pallet boxes cannot exceed 60 inches in height. If the 5-digit destination facility cannot handle pallets, the DSCF price is not available for mail on pallets; however, mail for those facilities can be put into sacks that are placed on pallets (see 705.8.19).

Pallet Labels: See 705.8.6.

Price: DSCF, see 253.2.0. DNDC price for overflow pallet.

DHub and DDU

DHub and DDU price applies to parcels deposited at the destination hub or destination delivery unit. Parcels claimed at the DHub and DDU prices must meet the standards in 255.4.1, including:

Preparation: Must be bedloaded (DDU only), sacked, or placed directly on pallets or in pallet boxes. Machinable and nonmachinable pieces may be combined.

Sacks: Must be in 5-digit scheme or 5–digit sacks. There are no piece or weight minimums.

Sack Labels

5-digit scheme: For Line 1, use L606, Column B. For Line 2, use “PSVC PARCELS 5D SCH.”

5-digit: For Line 1, use city, state, and 5–digit ZIP Code on mail. For Line 2, “PSVC PARCELS 5D.”

Pallets: Must be on 5-digit scheme or 5–digit pallets. There are no piece or weight minimums. Pallet boxes cannot exceed 60 inches in height. Pallets or pallet boxes may be used only if the delivery unit can handle pallets or if mailer unloads pallets into a container specified by the delivery unit.

Pallet Labels

5-digit scheme: For Line 1, use L606, Column B. For Line 2, use “PSVC PARCELS 5D SCH.”

5-digit: For Line 1, use city, state, and 5–digit ZIP Code on mail. For Line 2, use “PSVC PARCELS 5D.”

Price: DHub or DDU, see 253.2.0.