U.S. Postal Rates & Fees
First-Class Mail includes all personal correspondence, all bills and statements of accounts, all matter sealed or otherwise closed against inspection, and matter wholly or partly in writing or typewriting. Any mailable items may be sent as First-Class Mail. Each piece must weigh 13 oz or less. Pieces over 13 oz can be sent as Priority Mail.
Retail Letters and Cards
| Weight not over (oz) |
Rate |
|---|---|
| 1 | $0.49 |
| 2 | 0.71 |
| 3 | 0.93 |
| 3.5 | 1.15 |
Express Mail is the fastest service, with guaranteed next day delivery to most destinations. Express Mail is delivered 365 days a year-with no extra charge for Saturday. A $12.50 surcharge is levied for Sunday or holiday delivery. Items must weigh 70 lbs or less and measure 108 in. or less in combined length and girth. Prices are for retail (at Post Office) and online.
Customer Service: 1-800-275-8777. Order Express Mail supplies and labels, arrange pickup service, obtain delivery information between ZIP Codes, and determine delivery status.
Post Office to Addressee Service (Express Mail - Retail)
| Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Envelope | $22.95 |
| Legal Envelope | 22.95 |
| Padded Envelope | 22.95 |
| Box | From 22.95 |
| Other options, see postmaster |
Priority Mail offers 1-3 day service to most domestic destinations. Items must weigh 70 lbs or less and measure 108 in. or less in combined length and girth. Prices are Post Office (retail and online) rates.
Priority Mail Prices
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Priority Mail (Up to 1 lbs) | 6.45 |
| Flat Rate Envelope | 6.45 |
| Flat Rate Legal Envelope | 6.45 |
| Flat Rate Padded Envelope | 6.80 |
| Small Flat Rate Box | 6.80 |
| Medium Flat Rate Box | 13.45 |
| Large Flat Rate Box | 18.75 |
| For other Priority Mail options, see postmaster. | |
Priority Mail Flat-Rate Envelope
$6.45 paid online, regardless of weight or destination, for matter sent in a flat-rate envelope provided by the Postal Service.
| U.S. Postal Rates and Fees |
Generally used for books (at least eight pages), film (16 mm or narrower), printed music, printed test materials, sound recordings, play scripts, printed educational charts, loose-leaf pages and binders consisting of medical information, and computer-readable media. Advertising restrictions apply. Packages must measure 108 in. or less in combined length and girth.
Certificate of Mailing
Provides evidence of mailing only. Certificate of mailing does not provide a record of delivery. Must be purchased at time of mailing. Available for First-Class Mail, Priority Mail, Parcel Post, Bound Printed Matter, and Media Mail.
Fee, in addition to postage-$1.35
Certified Mail
Provides the sender with a mailing receipt. A delivery record is maintained by the USPS. No insurance provided. Available with First-Class Mail and Priority Mail. For an additional fee, certified mail may be combined with restricted delivery or return receipt.
Fee, in addition to postage-$3.45
Insurance
Provides coverage against loss or damage. Coverage up to $5,000 for Parcel Post, Bound Printed Matter, and Media Mail matter as well as merchandise mailed at Priority Mail or First-Class Mail rates. Items must not be insured for more than their value. Insured mail must be presented to a retail employee at a post office or a rural carrier.
| Liability | Fee, in addition to postage |
|---|---|
| $.01 to $50.00 | $2.20 |
| $50.01 to $100.00 | 2.75 |
| $100.01 to $200.00 | 3.50 |
| $200.01 to $300.00 | 4.60 |
| $300.01 to $400.00 | 5.80 |
Money Orders
Provides safe transmission of money. Available in amounts up to $1,000.
Fee up to $500, in addition to postage-$1.25
Fee up to $1,000, in addition to postage-$1.65
Registered Mail
Provides maximum protection and security for valuables. Provides sender with mailing receipt and a delivery record is maintained by the USPS. A record of mailing is also maintained at the mailing post office. Available only for items paid at Priority Mail and First-Class Mail rates. Rates start at $12.20.
Restricted Delivery
Permits a mailer to direct delivery only to the addressee or addressee's authorized agent. The addressee must be an individual specified by name. Available for First-Class Mail, Priority Mail, Parcel Post, Bound Printed Matter, and Media Mail that is sent certified mail, COD, mail insured for more than $50, or registered mail.
Fee, in addition to postage-$5.15
Return Receipt
Available only for Express Mail, Certified Mail, COD, Insured Mail for more than $50.00, or Registered Mail.
| Requested at time of mailing: (receive by mail) | 2.80 |
|---|---|
| Requested at time of mailing: (receive electronically) | 1.40 |
Collect on Delivery (COD)
Allows mailers to collect the price of goods and/or postage on merchandise ordered by addressee when it is delivered. Fees include insurance. Maximum amount $1,000; see postmaster for details.
| U.S. Postal Rates and Fees |
Mail must meet these standards:
- Thickness—No less than 0.007 in. thick. Pieces that are 1/4 in. thick or less must be at least 31/2 in. high, 5 in. long, and rectangular in shape.
- Combined length and girth—No more than 108 in.
- Weight—No more than 70 lbs.
Postcards must be:
- Minimum 31/2 in. high, 5 in. long by .007 in. thick.
- Maximum 41/4 in. high, 6 in. long by .016 in. thick.
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