Sending Mail

Size & Weight Determine Price

All envelopes must be flat. If your envelope can’t fit through automated processing equipment it is considered nonmachinable and costs more to send. Nonmachinable items include lumpy or rigid envelopes, and those that have clasps, string, or buttons. Unusually shaped square or vertical envelopes will also cost more to send.

Envelopes

• Envelopes must be made of paper.
• Envelopes must be rectangular to qualify for letter prices.
• Envelopes larger than letter-size will be charged package prices.
• Large envelopes must be rectangular to qualify for Flat Rate prices.

Postcards

• Postcards must be rectangular to qualify for First-Class Mail® prices.
• Oversized postcards will be charged as a letter or large envelope.

Address Format

Envelopes with addresses that are unclear or written in the wrong place may not get delivered.

• Print addresses neatly in capital letters.
• Use a pen or permanent marker.
• Do not use commas or periods.
• Include the ZIP+4® Code whenever possible.

Write Recipient Address

Write the recipient’s address in the bottom center of the envelope. Include the following on separate lines:

• Recipient's full name or company name
• Full street address and apartment or suite number, if applicable
• City, State, and ZIP+4 Code

If the apartment or suite number cannot fit on the delivery address line above the city, state, and ZIP+4 Code, place it on a separate line immediately above the delivery address line.

• Recipient's full name or company name
• Apartment or suite number
• Full street address
• City, State, and ZIP+4 Code

Write Sender Address

Write the sender’s address in the top-left corner. Include the following on separate lines:

• Sender’s full name or company name
• Full street address and apartment or suite number, if applicable
• City, State, and ZIP+4 Code

Special U.S. Addresses

Puerto Rico

Mail to Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, or an APO/FPO/DPO has specific address requirements.

Most Puerto Rico addresses have the same format as standard addresses. Others include an urbanization or community code for a specific area or development. Addresses with an urbanization code, abbreviated URB, should be written on four lines.

MRS MARIA SUAREZ
URB LAS GLADIOLAS
150 CALLE A
SAN JUAN PR 00926-3232

U.S. Virgin Islands

Virgin Islands addresses have the same format as normal addresses. The right abbreviation for this territory is “VI,” not “US VI” or “USA VI.”

MRS JOAN SMITH
RR 1 BOX 6601
KINGSHILL VI 00850-9802

APO/FPO/DPO

To prevent mail from entering foreign mail networks, do not include city or country names in APO/FPO/DPO shipping addresses. Make sure you include the unit and box numbers, for APO/FPO/DPO shipping addresses (if assigned).

Paying for Postage

There are several things to consider when calculating a postage price.

• Destination
• Speed
• Shape and size
• Special handling and insurance
• Delivery confirmation receipts

Calculate a Price

Insurance & Extra Services

Postage Options

There are several ways to get postage for your envelope.

• The Postal Store^®
  Shop online for all stamps and ad-on postage for oversized envelopes.
• Click-N-Ship^®
  Print and pay for your own postage for Priority Mail^® and Priority Mail Express^® envelopes.
• Post Office^™ Locations
  Buy stamps at Post Offices or at Approved Postal Providers^® such as grocery and drug stores.

To send your letter or postcard:

• Leave it in your mailbox for carrier pickup.
• Drop it off in a blue collection box.
• Take it to a Post Office^™ lobby drop.