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Choosing a Service for Mailing

Shape + Speed + Cost = Service

SHAPE SPEED COST SERVICE
This picture shows a letter, large envelope, package, and mailing tube. These shapes can be mailed as Express Mail.
70 lbs or less		 1 or 2 days
money-back guarantee		 $$$
based on weight, and distance		 Priority Mail Express
This picture shows a large envelope, package, and mailing tube. These shapes can be mailed as Priority Mail
70 lbs or less		 1, 2, 3 days $$
based on weight, shape, and distance		 Priority Mail

This picture shows a letter.
3.5 oz or less

 1-3 days $
based on weight and shape 		First-Class Mail
This picture shows a two packages and a mailing tube. These shapes can be mailed as Parcel Mail
70 lbs or less 		2-5 days* $
based on weight, shape, and distance		 USPS Ground Advantage-Retail**
This picture shows a two packages and a mailing tube. These shapes can be mailed as Parcel Mail
70 lbs or less		 2-8 days* $
based on weight		 Media Mail** (Restrictions Apply)
* Except off-shore locations
**Not available for international shipping

Several mailing services are available to fit your needs.

Priority Mail Express®

Letters, large or thick envelopes, tubes, and packages containing mailable items can be sent using Priority Mail Express. This money-back guaranteed service includes tracking and insurance up to $100. Additional merchandise insurance up to $5,000 may be purchased. Sunday, holiday, as well as early in the day delivery is available to many destinations for an additional fee. Select Priority Mail Express packaging is available at the Post Office. All Priority Mail Express packaging can be ordered online at www.usps.com/store.

Priority Mail®

Letters, large or thick envelopes, tubes, and packages containing mailable items can be sent using Priority Mail. This service is typically used to send documents, gifts, and merchandise. Select Priority Mail packaging is available at the Post Offices. All Priority Mail packaging can be ordered at www.usps.com/store.

First-Class Mail®

Postcards, letters, large envelopes, and small packages can be sent using First-Class Mail. This service is typically used for personal and business correspondence and bills.

USPS Ground Advantage™-Retail (up to 15.999 oz)

Packages can be sent using USPS Ground Advantage-Retail (up to 15.999 oz). This service is typically used for personal shipping.

USPS Ground Advantage™-Retail (1-70 lbs)

Small and large packages, thick envelopes, and tubes containing gifts and merchandise can be sent domestically using USPS Ground Advantage-Retail.

Media Mail®

Small and large packages and thick envelopes can be sent domestically using Media Mail. Contents are limited to books, manuscripts, sound recordings, and certain other educational materials. Formerly called “Book Rate”, Media Mail cannot contain advertising, except eligible books may contain incidental announcements of books.

Speed depends on distance. Mail takes longer to travel across the country than to travel across town.

Flat Rate packaging is available in many convenient sizes for Priority Mail Express and Priority Mail, and can be used for domestic and international mailings. Flat Rate shipping lets you send your items for a low Flat Rate price.

See the Flat Rate Quick Reference section for additional details, including international weight restrictions and options.

Calculate Postage for the shape, weight, and destination of your mail at pe.usps.com.