International Surface Air Lift® (ISAL®) service provides expedited dispatch and transportation for all types of First–Class Mail International items weighing up to 4 pounds with average delivery times of 7–14 business days. Each ISAL mailing must weigh a minimum of 50 pounds. Prior to leaving the U.S. postal system, ISAL shipments are tendered to an international air carrier, which transports them to the destination country on a “space available” basis. Upon arrival at that overseas location, they are handed over to that country’s postal administration, which treats them as surface mail. ISAL shipments can be mailed to approximately 125 countries and territorial possessions, including Canada and Mexico. Presort and drop ship prices as well as volume pricing are available for commercial customers who meet international customized mail program requirements.
Qualifying mailings may be entered at Postal Service business mail entry units (BMEUs) or at other locally designated bulk mail acceptance locations.
ISAL M-bags that are entered in conjunction with an ISAL mailing (see IMM 293) may contain all types of allowable printed matter and certain other articles (see IMM 261.22). See IMM Exhibits 293.71b or 293.71c for the postage price that applies to M-bags mailed to each ISAL destination country. Each full service ISAL M-bag that weighs 11 pounds or less is charged the applicable 11-pound price; a bag that exceeds 11 pounds is charged the applicable 11-pound price and the applicable per-pound price for each additional pound or fraction of a pound over 11 pounds. Each International Service Center (ISC) drop shipment ISAL M-bag that weighs 5 pounds or less is charged the applicable 5-pound price; a bag that exceeds 5 pounds is charged the applicable 5-pound price and the applicable per–pound price for each additional pound or fraction of a pound over 5 pounds.
ISAL postage prices are based on a “piece plus pound” structure that consists of per–piece and per–pound charges. Postage prices are based on country price groups. See IMM 293 for additional details about country availability and mail preparation requirements, or consult your local Post Office.
