A Customer's Guide to Mailing

A Customer

’

s Guide

to Mailing

Domestic Mail Manual 100 Series

PSN: 7610-05-00-5072

July 2002

Welcome

This guide will explain your options

for mailing and help you choose the

services that are best for you.

For more than 225 years, our goal

has been to serve all customers and

we will continue to connect people

at home and abroad for generations

to come.

What Are You Mailing?

Choosing a Service for Mailing

Adding Extra Services

Examples of Smart Choices

Addressing Your Mail

Preparing Packages

Tips and Tools for Measuring

Sending and Receiving Mail

Postage Rates

Other Products and Services

Tips for Frequent Mailers and

Small Businesses

Index

Welcome to the

U.S. Postal Service

Knowing the shape of your mail helps you

select the right services.

What Are You Mailing?

Net.Post

Online Services

You can design cards and postcards

for invitations, holiday wishes, and other

occasions online at www.usps.com.

Type in or upload your address list,

and the Postal Service will print and

deliver your mail.

Postcard

Rectangular cardstock

mailpiece not contained

in an envelope

Letter

Small rectangular mailpiece

no thicker than 1/4 inch

Large Envelope

Flat rectangular mailpiece

no thicker than 3/4 inch

What Are You Mailing?

Some shapes, such as tubes and square envelopes, could require additional

postage. Mail that is too flimsy or too stiff to be processed by machine may

also require additional postage.

Weight cannot exceed 70 pounds.

Length + girth (distance around the thickest

part of package) cannot exceed 130 inches.

Length Height

Large Envelope

Package

Postcard

Letter

see page 17 for help with measuring

Package

A three-dimensional mailpiece

contained in a box, thick

envelope, or tube, weighing up

to 70 pounds

minimum 5 inches 3-1/2 inches

maximum 6 inches 4-1/4 inches

minimum 5 inches 3-1/2 inches

maximum 11-1/2 inches 6-1/8 inches

minimum 11-1/2 inches 6-1/8 inches

Shape + Speed + Cost = Service

Choosing a Service for Mailing

Express Mail

Priority Mail

First-Class Mail

Parcel Post

Media Mail

Bound Printed

Matter

1–2 days

guaranteed

1–3 days

2–9 days

70lbs or less

15lbs or less

$$$

based on weight

based on weight and

distance if over 1lb

based on weight

and distance

based on weight

and content

based on weight,

content, and distance

see page 20 for postage rates

70lbs or less

13oz or less

Express Mail

Letters, large or thick envelopes, tubes, and packages containing

mailable items can be sent using Express Mail. This guaranteed

service includes tracking and insurance up to $100. Delivery to most

destinations is available 365 days a year, with no extra charge for

Saturday, Sunday, and holiday delivery. Free Express Mail envelopes,

boxes, and tubes are available at the Post Office.

Priority Mail

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. Free Priority Mail

envelopes, boxes, and tubes are available at the Post Office.

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.

Parcel Post

Small and large packages, thick envelopes, and tubes containing

gifts and merchandise can be sent using Parcel Post.

Media Mail

™

Small and large packages, thick envelopes, and tubes can be

sent using Media Mail. Contents are limited to books, film,

manuscripts, sound recordings, video tapes, and computer media

(such as CDs, DVDs, and diskettes). Sometimes called “Book Rate,”

Media Mail cannot contain advertising. Media Mail is less expensive

than Parcel Post.

Bound Printed Matter

Small and large packages and thick envelopes can be sent using

this service. Contents are limited to permanently bound sheets

of directory, advertising, or editorial matter, such as catalogs or phone

books. Bound Printed Matter is less expensive than Parcel Post.

Speed depends on distance. Mail

takes longer to travel across the

country than to travel across town.

Flat Rate Envelopes let you send

your document for one low rate,

regardless of how much the item

weighs. Flat rate envelopes are free

and available for Express Mail

and Priority Mail. Purchase flat

rate stamps in advance to save time

when you’re ready to mail.

Calculate Postage for the shape,

weight, and destination of your

mail at www.usps.com or by calling

1·800·ASK·USPS.

Several mailing services are available

to fit your needs.

Protection

in transit

Proof

at deposit

Confirmation

at delivery

*for packages only

Adding Extra Services

Express Mail

Receipt provided at

time of mailing

Insured Mail

($100 coverage

already included,

more can be added)

Date and time of delivery

provided

Signature of recipient

available upon request

Certified Mail

Delivery Confirmation

Signature Confirmation

Priority Mail

Certificate of Mailing Insured Mail

Registered Mail

Certified Mail

Delivery Confirmation*

Signature Confirmation*

First-Class Mail

Certificate of Mailing Insured Mail

Registered Mail

Delivery Confirmation*

Signature Confirmation*

Parcel Post

Media Mail

Bound Printed Matter

Certificate of Mailing Insured Mail

Forms and labels for extra

services are available in your

Post Office lobby or

from your rural letter carrier.

Certificate of Mailing

Provides proof of mailing. $0.90

Certified Mail

™

Provides proof of mailing at time of mailing and the date and time

of delivery or attempted delivery. $2.30

Return Receipt can be added to confirm delivery. $1.75 extra

Insured Mail

Provides coverage against loss or damage up to $5,000.

Fee based on value of item. Starts at $1.30

For items insured for more than $50, Return Receipt can be added

to confirm delivery. $1.75 extra

Registered Mail

™

Provides maximum security. Includes proof of mailing at time of

mailing and the date and time of delivery or attempted delivery.

Insurance can be added up to $25,000. Fee based on value of item.

Starts at $7.50

Return Receipt can be added to confirm delivery. $1.75 extra

Delivery Confirmation

™

Provides the date and time of delivery or attempted delivery.

Free when you buy Priority Mail labels with prepaid postage from

www.usps.com. $0.45-$0.55

Signature Confirmation

™

Provides the date and time of delivery or attempted delivery and

the name of the person who signed for the item. You can request a

hard copy of the signature. $1.80

Delivery information

is available:

by hard copy

at www.usps.com

by calling 1·800·222·1811

Return receipt provides a

postcard with the date and time

of delivery and recipient signature.

Restricted Delivery confirms

that only a specified person will

receive a piece of mail. This

service costs $3.50 and is only

available if you also purchase

Certified Mail, Insured Mail, or

Registered Mail. See page 19 for

more information.

Many of these extra services are

available for international mail.

Adding Extra Services

Extra services can provide additional

protection and peace of mind.

Example 1: Sending a Valuable Item

These examples show how mailing services

can be combined to meet your needs.

Examples of Smart Choices

Option A

Express Mail

Jane’s Decision

Option B

First-Class Mail with Registered Mail

First-Class Mail with Insurance

Option C

Jane’s niece is getting married next month, and Jane wants to send a piece of heirloom jewelry to the bride.

The jewelry has a lot of sentimental value, so Jane wants to be sure that it will arrive safely. She identifies

three possible options:

Express Mail automatically includes insurance up to $100 and can get

the jewelry to Jane’s niece overnight. Jane will also receive a mailing

receipt and confirmation that the package has been delivered and has

been signed for by her niece.

First-Class Mail offers delivery at a low cost and can be combined with

Registered Mail, a service that provides the highest level of mail security

during transit. Insurance is included up to $25,000 in material, but not

sentimental, value.

Jane decides that speed is less of a priority than security. She chooses First-Class Mail, and, because

the jewelry has greater sentimental than monetary value, she decides to add Registered Mail service so

she can feel confident that her heirloom will be as secure as possible during transit.

First-Class Mail offers delivery at a low cost and can be combined with

insurance for up to $5,000. Insured Mail will cover the jewelry’s material

value should the piece get lost or damaged, but it cannot cover its

sentimental value.

Express Mail

First-Class Mail (3oz.)

Registered Mail

(For $325 Appraised Value)

First-Class Mail (3oz.)

Insurance

(For $325 Appraised Value)

$ 0.83

+ $8.85

$9.68

$13.65

$ 0.83

+ $5.20

$6.03

Examples of Smart Choices

Express Mail will arrive at many locations the day after it is mailed. Express

Mail also provides Maria with proof that she mailed the title, the ability to

track it online or by phone, and notification that it was delivered. She can

also request a copy of the recipient’s signature.

Option A

Express Mail

Priority Mail will get the title to its destination in 1 to 3 days. Maria could add

Delivery Confirmation, which lets her obtain delivery information online

or by phone. If she uses Signature Confirmation she gets the same delivery

information, plus she can request a copy of the recipient’s signature.

Maria’s Decision

Maria wants a hard copy signature returned to her to prove that the title was delivered, and she wants

to get the lowest price she can. She decides that First-Class Mail with Certified Mail and Return Receipt

is the best option.

Option B

Priority Mail with Confirmation Service

First-Class Mail with Certified Mail and Return Receipt

Option C

First-Class Mail will get the title to its destination in 1 to 3 days. Certified Mail

with Return Receipt will give Maria proof that she mailed the title and will

return a card to her with the date the title was delivered and the signature of

the person who received it.

Maria recently sold her car and needs to transfer the title to the new owner. She wants to be absolutely certain

that the new owner gets the title to complete the sale. Maria considers these options:

Example 2: Sending an Important Document

Express Mail

Priority Mail

Delivery Confirmation

First-Class Mail

Certified Mail

Return Receipt

$ 3.85

+ $ 0.45

$ 4.30

$13.65

$ 0.37

$ 2.30

+ $1.75

$ 4.42

Priority Mail

Signature Confirmation

$ 3.85

+ $1.80

$5.65

Recipient Name

Name of Organization

Street Address

Use a post office box

or street address, but

not both. If the address

also has a directional

(for instance, “NW” for

Northwest), be sure to

use it. There may be more

than one Main Street.

The accuracy of the address affects the

speed and handling of your mail.

Addressing Your Mail

Return Address

Print or type your address in the

upper left corner on the front of

the envelope.

Apartment or Suite Number

The correct apartment or suite

number helps to ensure delivery to

the right location.

City, State, and ZIP Code

To find the correct spelling of a

city name or to find a

ZIP Code,

visit

www.usps.com

or call

1·800·ASK·USPS

. Using the correct

ZIP Code helps to direct your

mail more efficiently and accurately.

Extra Services

Place labels for extra services,

such as Certified Mail, to the

left of the postage.

Postage

Use a stamp, postage meter, or

Postage to affix the correct amount.

see page 20 for rates

Abbreviations

Addressing Your Mail

Envelopes

Letters, bills, greeting cards,

and other documents

can be

sent in standard white, manila, or

recycled paper envelopes. Items

needing extra protection can be

sent in bubble-lined, padded paper,

or waterproof envelopes. These

envelopes, along with stationery

and prepaid First-Class Mail

postcards and envelopes, can be

purchased at the Post Office.

Express Mail and Priority

Mail envelopes

of various sizes

are available free of charge at

your Post Office for items sent

using either of these services.

While you are not required to use

the free envelopes, you must

use the address label provided for

Express Mail.

Addressing

Placement

Print the delivery and return

addresses on the same side of your

envelope or card. The addresses

should be written parallel to the

longest side.

Addressing Letters

Print or type clearly with a pen or

permanent marker so the address

is legible from an arm’s length away.

Do not use commas or periods.

Return Address

A return address helps return the

mail to you if it is undeliverable.

Express Mail

For Express Mail, you must use

the free address labels provided by

the Post Office.

Military Mail

Military addresses must show the

grade, full name with middle name

or initial, and PSC number, unit

number, or ship name. Replace the

city name with “APO” or “FPO,”

and the state with “AA,” “AE,” or “AP,”

and use a special ZIP Code.

AL Alabama

AK Alaska

AS American Samoa

AZ Arizona

AR Arkansas

CA California

CO Colorado

CT Connecticut

DE Delaware

DC District of Columbia

FL Florida

GA Georgia

GU Guam

HI Hawaii

ID Idaho

IL Illinois

IN Indiana

IA Iowa

KS Kansas

KY Kentucky

LA Louisiana

ME Maine

MD Maryland

MA Massachusetts

MI Michigan

MN Minnesota

MS Mississippi

MO Missouri

MT Montana

NE Nebraska

NV Nevada

NH New Hampshire

NJ New Jersey

NM New Mexico

NY New York

NC North Carolina

ND North Dakota

OH Ohio

OK Oklahoma

OR Oregon

PA Pennsylvania

PR Puerto Rico

RI Rhode Island

SC South Carolina

SD South Dakota

TN Tennessee

TX Texas

UT Utah

VT Vermont

VI Virgin Islands

VA Virginia

WA Washington

WV West Virginia

WI Wisconsin

WY Wyoming

The Box

Choose a box with enough room

for cushioning material around

the contents. Sturdy paperboard

or corrugated fiberboard boxes

are best for weights up to 10

pounds. If you are reusing a box,

cover all previous labels and

markings with heavy black marker

or adhesive labels.

Where to Find Boxes

You can purchase boxes and

tubes of various sizes at most Post

Offices. Express Mail and Priority

Mail boxes and tubes are available

for free at the Post Office for

items sent using either of these

services. While you are not

required to use the free packaging

for these services, you must

use the address label provided by

the Post Office for Express Mail.

To order 10 -packs or large

quantities of Express Mail or Priority

Mail boxes or tubes at no extra

charge, call 1·800·222·1811 or visit

http://supplies.usps.gov.

Careful preparation of your package helps

to ensure safe delivery.

Preparing Packages

Cushioning

Place the cushioning all around

your item or items. You can use

newspaper, styrofoam “peanuts,”

bubble wrap, or shredded paper.

Close and shake the box to

see if you have enough cushioning.

If you hear items shifting, add

more cushioning.

Placing an extra address label

with the delivery and return

addresses inside the package will

ensure that the item can be

delivered in case the outside label

becomes damaged or falls off.

Mailing Fragile Items

Use foamed plastic or padding to

protect your items, placing the

cushioning inside hollow items as

well. Careful packaging is the

best way to safeguard your valuable

items against damage.

Mailing Heavy Items

If you are mailing a very heavy or

very dense item, start with a sturdy

box, pack the contents securely

with a strong material for bracing

to prevent shifting, and tape

all the edges with reinforced tape.

Packages heavier than 70 pounds

cannot be mailed.

Sealing

Tape the opening of your box

and reinforce all seams with

2" wide tape. Use clear or brown

packaging tape, reinforced

packing tape, or paper tape.

Do not use cord, string, or twine

because they can get caught

in mail processing equipment.

Place a strip of clear packaging

tape over your label to prevent

the address from smearing.

Delivery Address

Print or type the delivery address

parallel to the longest side of the

package. Print or type clearly with

a pen or permanent marker so

that your address is legible from

an arm’s length away. Do not use

commas or periods.

City, State, and ZIP Code

To find the correct spelling

of a city name and state

abbreviation or to find a

ZIP

Code, visit

www.usps.com

or call

1·800·ASK·USPS

. Using

the correct

ZIP

Code helps

direct your mail more efficiently

and accurately.

Drop Off

If your package weighs less than

one pound and you have affixed

the correct postage, you can

drop it into a blue collection box.

If your package weighs one pound

or more, you must hand it to

your letter carrier or take it to the

Post Office.

Confirmation Services

Labels for Delivery Confirmation or

Signature Confirmation are placed

to the left of the address label.

Return Address

Print or type your address in the

upper left corner on the same

side of the package as the

delivery address.

Extra Services

Place labels for extra services,

such as Insurance, to the left of

the postage.

Postage

Use stamps, a postage meter strip,

or PC Postage to affix the correct

amount. You can calculate postage

rates and purchase postage online

at www.usps.com

Use these rulers and guide boxes to measure

the shape and size of your mail.

Tips and Tools for Measuring

maximum size for Postcards

6" long x 4-1/4" high

maximum thickness for

Large Envelopes 3/4" thick

maximum thickness for

Letters 1/4" thick

minimum size for

Postcards and Letters

5" long x 3-1/2" high

Length = longest side of the box

Girth = measurement around the box

For Parcel Post, the maximum

length + girth is 130".

For other services, the maximum

length + girth is 108".

3/4"

1/4"

1 2 3 4 5

Girth

Length

(measurements not to scale)

Tips and Tools for Measuring

maximum size for Letters

minimum size for Large Envelopes

11-1/2" long x 6-1/8" high

Once a piece of mail exceeds the maximum

length, height, or thickness of one shape,

it automatically gets classified as the next

largest shape.

8 9

10 11 12

Unusual Shapes and Sizes

Sometimes a piece of mail

requires additional postage

because it is a certain shape or

size that is difficult to process on

mail sorting machines. To make

sure you’re paying the correct

postage, visit www.usps.com

or call 1·800·ASK·USPS. These

are examples of mail that could

require additional postage:

· Square envelopes

· Packages larger than

34 inches long, 17 inches

wide, or 17 inches high

· Envelopes on which the

address is written parallel

to the shorter edge

· Packages weighing more than

35 pounds

· Books or printed material

weighing more than 25 pounds

· Tubes and rolls

tube

square

Sending Mail

You can send mail by:

· Dropping it into a blue

collection box

· Leaving it in your home mailbox

· Bringing it to a Post Office

Packages that weigh one pound

or more must be handed to your

letter carrier or taken to a Post

Office. Many locations are open

late and on weekends.

Scheduling a Pickup

For a fee of $12.50, a letter carrier

will make a special trip to

your home to pick up Priority Mail,

Express Mail, or Parcel Post

packages that have postage affixed.

There is no additional charge for

picking up multiple pieces of

mail. Visit www.usps.com or call

1·800·222·1811 for additional

information or to schedule a pickup.

Here are some useful mailing hints for

senders and recipients.

Sending and Receiving Mail

Holding Mail

If you are going to be away

from home, you may want to

temporarily stop delivery

of your mail. To hold your mail,

visit www.usps.com, call

1·800·ASK·USPS, or fill out the

“Hold Mail” form available

at the Post Office. When you

return, you can either pick up

your mail from the Post

Office or have it delivered to

your home.

Change of Address and

Mail Forwarding

Before you move, get a copy

of the Mover’s Guide from

your Post Office and return the

completed form to your letter

carrier or your Post Office.

The Mover’s Guide includes

postcards to help you contact

banks, utility companies, and

magazine publishers with your

new address. You can also

visit www.usps.com to change

your address.

Notify your Post Office at least

one month before you move to

ensure uninterrupted mail service.

All Express Mail, Priority Mail,

and First-Class Mail will be

forwarded at no charge for one

year. Magazines and newspapers

will be forwarded for 60 days.

Sending and Receiving Mail

Confirming Delivery

Visit www.usps.com or call

1·800·222·1811 to get delivery

information on Express Mail and

mail with extra services. You

will need the item number from

your mailing receipt or label.

Restricting Delivery

Restricted Delivery service ensures

that only a specified person

(or the person’s authorized agent)

will receive a piece of mail. This

service costs $3.50. Restricted

Delivery is only available if you also

purchase Certified Mail, Insured

Mail (for more than $50 coverage),

or Registered Mail.

Filing a Claim

You can file a claim for compen-

sation for loss or damage of Insured

Mail, Registered Mail, and Express

Mail. Take the damaged item and

proof of its value along with the

original box and packaging materials

to your Post Office. A clerk will help

you file your claim.

Perishable Items

Some items require special

packaging or special permission to

be mailed. Call 1·800·ASK·USPS

or visit your Post Office to find out

how to mail these items:

· Live animals

· Fresh fruits and vegetables

· Plants

Keep the Mail Safe: Hazardous

and Restricted Materials

Some things cannot be mailed

or can be mailed only in small

quantities for safety and legal

reasons. Call 1·800·ASK·USPS or

visit your Post Office if you have

questions about the item you are

mailing. Restricted materials

include:

· Aerosol cans

· Alcoholic beverages

· Ammunition

· Drug paraphernalia

· Fireworks

· Flammable or explosive materials

· Illegal or infectious substances

· Lottery tickets

· Poisonous materials

Signing for Mail

Some pieces of mail require a

signature from the recipient at the

time of delivery. This includes

items sent with Express Mail,

Certified Mail, COD, Insured Mail,

Registered Mail, Return Receipt,

and Signature Confirmation.

Recipient Responsibilities

When you sign for a piece of mail,

you acknowledge delivery. The

Postal Service’s liability ends when

you sign for the mail. You may ask

the letter carrier for the sender’s

name and address before you

accept the mail. You may not open

the mail, but you may look at it as

long as the letter carrier is holding

it before you choose to sign for it.

Delivery If Recipient Is Not Home

If no one is home when the letter

carrier attempts delivery, the

letter carrier will leave a notice and

return the item to the Post Office.

Check the notice for specific

instructions or call 1·800·ASK·USPS

to have the mail redelivered.

If the sender has not asked for

Restricted Delivery, the carrier

may deliver the mail to anyone who

receives mail at that address.

To calculate domestic and international rates,

visit www.usps.com or call

1·800·ASK·USPS.

Postage Rates

Simplified

Rate Chart

Effective July 2002

One ounce is approximately equal to

four sheets of paper plus a standard

envelope.

Express Mail

Flat Rate Envelope

1 lb

2 lbs

3 lbs

4 lbs

5 lbs

Other rates are available

up to 70 lbs.

Priority Mail

Flat Rate Envelope $3.85

Other rates are available up to

70 lbs and are based on weight

and distance. For example, a

5 lb package would cost $6-$12.

First-Class Mail

Postcard

1 oz

2 oz

3 oz

4 oz

5 oz

6 oz

7 oz

8 oz

9 oz

10 oz

11 oz

12 oz

13 oz

For heavier weights, use

Priority Mail.

Surcharge for square or

unusually shaped letters that

weigh 1 oz or less: $0.12.

Parcel Post

Rates are based on weight and

distance. For example, a

5 lb package would cost $5-$10.

Very heavy or unusually shaped

items may require additional

postage.

Media Mail

™

1 lb

2 lbs

3 lbs

4 lbs

5 lbs

Other rates are available

up to 70 lbs.

Bound Printed Matter

Rates are based on weight and

distance. For example, a

5 lb package would cost $2-$4.

Extra Services

Certificate of Mailing

$0.90

Certified Mail

$2.30

Insured Mail

starts at $1.30

Registered Mail

starts at $7.50

Delivery Confirmation

$0.45-$0.55

Signature Confirmation

$1.80

Return Receipt

starts at $1.75

Restricted Delivery

$3.50

$13.65

$17.85

$21.05

$24.20

$27.30

$0.23

$0.37

$0.60

$0.83

$1.06

$1.29

$1.52

$1.75

$1.98

$2.21

$2.44

$2.67

$2.90

$3.13

$1.42

$1.84

$2.26

$2.68

$3.10

Postage Rates

International Mail

You can mail letters, large

envelopes, and packages from the

United States to other countries.

As with domestic mail, you can

choose the best service based

on speed, cost, and extra services.

To learn more about options for

international mail and to calculate

postage, visit www.uspsglobal.com

or call 1·800·ASK·USPS. Your

Post Office can also help you send

mail internationally.

Military Mail

The Postal Service can deliver

your letters and packages to more

than 300 military Post Offices

overseas. Many services available

for domestic mail are also available

for military mail. There may be

restrictions on the size or content

of your mail. Visit the domestic

rate calculator at www.usps.com

or call 1·800·ASK·USPS for details.

Money Orders

Money orders are a safe alternative

to sending cash through the

mail. A lost or stolen money order

can be replaced. You can buy

money orders at all Post Offices

in amounts up to $1,000 each. Most

money orders cost $0.90-$1.25.

For more information about these services,

visit www.usps.com, call

1·800·ASK·USPS,

or stop by your Post Of ce.

Other Products and Services

Net.Post

Personal Services

You can combine the ease and

speed of the internet with the power

of hard copy mail. Use Net.Post

Services to create and send

postcards, letters, greeting cards,

and newsletters conveniently

from your home computer. Simply

upload your documents or choose

a design from the gallery, input

one or more addresses, pay with a

credit card, and the Postal Service

does the rest. Everyone loves to

receive mail, and this is an easy way

to keep in touch. Net.Post Services

are available at www.usps.com.

Passports

Some Post Offices offer passport

application and renewal services.

For more information about

passport application forms and

locations, call 1·800·ASK·USPS or

visit http://travel.state.gov.

Paying for Merchandise

For a small fee, you can send

merchandise COD (Collect on

Delivery) and have the Postal

Service collect payment from the

recipient and send it to you.

If you buy and sell merchandise

over the internet, Pay@Delivery

combines an electronic payment

service with Delivery Confirmation.

You can find more information

at www.usps.com.

PC Postage

™

Enjoy the convenience of printing

postage directly from your home or

office using PC Postage products.

Postal Service-approved vendors

offer hardware and software

products that allow you to purchase

and print postage using a computer

and the internet. Learn more at

www.usps.com/postagesolutions.

Post Office

™

Boxes

A post office box is a great way to

receive mail where and when it’s

most convenient for you. You can

get a P.O. box at most Post Offices.

Prices vary depending on the

location of the Post Office and the

P.O. box size.

Stamp Collecting

If you are interested in stamp

collecting or the U.S. Philatelic

Magazine, visit www.usps.com

or call 1·800·STAMP24. Stamp

products, such as mugs

and t-shirts, make great gifts.

Net.Post

Business Services

You can combine the ease and

speed of the internet with the power

of hard copy mail. Use Net.Post

Services to create and send

postcards, letters, newsletters, and

flyers from your computer. No more

printing, stuffing, addressing,

or trips to the Post Office! Simply

upload your documents or choose

a design from the gallery, upload

your address list, pay with a

credit card, and the Postal Service

does the rest. This is a great

way to remind customers about

an upcoming sale, advertise new

products, invite members to a

meeting, or announce the opening

of a new store. Net.Post Services

offer discounted postage rates and

Certified Mail service. Check them

out at www.usps.com.

Postage Solutions

Postage meters and PC Postage

products offer the convenience

of postage when you need it

from your home or office. Many

PC Postage products include

valuable features, such as

software accounting of mailing

expenses and integrated scales

for exact postage calculations.

Learn more at www.usps.com/

postagesolutions.

Discounted Rates

If you have larger volumes of mail

and are willing to invest some

time learning more about preparing

and sorting mail, you might

qualify for lower postage rates.

To qualify for these rates, you must

mail at least 200 newsletters, flyers,

or ads or 500 or more postcards,

letters, or invoices at a time. To learn

more about whether bulk mail is

right for your small business or

organization, visit Business Mail 101

at www.usps.com. To learn more

about discounted international rates,

visit www.uspsglobal.com.

Tips for Frequent Mailers and

Small Businesses

Pickup Service

For a fee of $12.50, the Post Office

will pick up stamped or metered

Priority Mail, Express Mail, and

Parcel Post packages from your

small business or organization.

There is no additional charge

for picking up multiple pieces of

mail. For same day requests,

pickups are usually made within

2 hours. Correct postage must be

affixed to each piece prior to

pickup. Call 1·800·222·1811 or visit

http://pickup.usps.com/pickup

for additional information or to

schedule a pickup.

Free Supplies

If you mail a lot of Priority Mail or

Express Mail items, you can

save trips to the post office by

ordering your packaging supplies

online at www.usps.com or by

calling 1·800·222·1811.

Addressing 12

Bound Printed Matter 6, 7, 8

Boxes 14

Bulk Mailing 22

Certificate of Mailing 8, 9

Certified Mail 8, 9, 11

Change of Address 18

Claims for Insurance 19

Classes of Mail 6, 7

COD (Collect on Delivery) 21

Confirming Delivery 19

Customer Concerns 24

Delivery Confirmation 8, 9, 11

Discount Rates for Bulk Mailing 22

Dropping Off Mail 15, 18

Envelopes 13

Express Mail 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13

Extra Services 8, 9, 10, 11

Filing Claims 19

First-Class Mail 6, 7, 8, 10, 11

Flat Rate Envelopes 7, 20

Flats (Large Envelopes) 4, 5, 16, 17

Forwarding Mail 18

Fragile Items 14

Index

Rate Calculators 7, 20, 21

Rates 20

Receiving Mail 18

Registered Mail 8, 9, 10

Restricted Delivery 19

Restricted Items 19

Return Address 12, 13, 15

Return Receipt 8, 9, 11

Sending Mail 18

Shape of Mail 4, 5, 16, 17

Large Envelopes (Flats) 4, 5, 16, 17

Letters 4, 5, 13, 16, 17

Packages 5, 14, 15, 16, 17

Postcards 4, 5, 16

Unusual Shapes 5, 17

Signature Confirmation 8, 9, 11

Signing for Mail 19

Size 4, 5, 16, 17

Small Businesses 22

Stamps

Collecting 21

Where to Purchase 24

State Abbreviations 13

Supplies 22

Unusual Shapes and Sizes 5, 17

Weight 5, 6, 17, 20

ZIP Codes 12, 15

Hazardous Materials 19

Holding Mail 18

Insured Mail 8, 9, 10

International Mail 21

Large Envelopes 4, 5, 16, 17

Letters 4, 5, 13, 16, 17

Media Mail 6, 7, 8

Military Mail 13, 21

Money Orders 21

Moving 18

Net.Post Services 4, 21, 22

Online Mailing Services 21, 22, 24

Packages 5, 14, 15, 16, 17

Parcel Post 6, 7, 8

Passports 21

PC Postage 21, 22

Pickup Service 22

Scheduling a Pickup 18

Post Office Boxes 21

Postage Rate Calculator 7, 20, 21

Postcards 4, 5, 13, 16

Priority Mail 6, 7, 8, 11

www.usps.com

1·800·STAMP24

Stamp vending machines

By mail

Supermarkets

Post Offices

This guide answers many questions about

our products and services. If you have

special mailing needs or questions not

answered here, call 1·800·ASK·USPS or

visit your Post Ofce.

Find ZIP Codes

Calculate domestic and

international postage rates

Change your address

Track or confirm a delivery

Locate a Post Office and

its hours

Put your mail on hold

Schedule a pickup

Where can I buy stamps?

Visit www.usps.com or call

1·800·ASK·USPS if you need to:

Customer Concerns

If you are unhappy with our service,

we want to know. Give us the

opportunity to serve you better by

visiting www.usps.com, calling

1·800·ASK·USPS, or speaking to

the Postmaster or manager at your

Post Office.

A Customer

’

s Guide

to Mailing

Domestic Mail Manual 100 Series

PSN: 7610-05-00 -5072

July 2002