Outgoing Mail - U.S. Postal Service

USPS Express Mail

All mail (other than first-class letters) should be marked for classification by the issuing department. Mail not marked for classification will be examined by a Mail Clerk and will be sent at the lowest rate possible. The following guidelines will help in determining classification. If it is discovered that departments are marking mailings for a higher rate of postage than necessary, the department chair will be contacted for authorization to mail at the higher rate. If there are further questions or unique situations requiring more detailed information, please contact the Manager of Mailing Services at extension 6286.

Express Mail

Express mail is an expedited class of mail, which provides overnight or same day service for time-sensitive letters, documents, or merchandise. All shipments are automatically insured (at no extra charge) for up to $500 for loss or damage, or up to $50,000 of data reconstruction. This is the only class of mail with guaranteed delivery. If the guarantee is not met, postage will be refunded.

It is important to realize that Express mail does not serve every city and town. Also, deposit deadlines at the Post Office must be met. Those interested in using Express mail should contact Mailing Services for pertinent information and appropriate mailing envelopes and forms.

First-Class/Priority Mail

Almost all mailable matter can be sent as first-class mail. The following items are required to be sent as first-class mail:

1. Matter which is wholly or partially handwritten or typewritten. 2. Matter which is closed against postal inspection. 3. Matter having the character of actual and personal correspondence. 4. Bills and statements of account.

First-class Priority Mail receives expeditious handling and 95% of the time meets the following service objectives: next day for local cities, second day for local states, and third day for remainder of the U.S. Excluding Express mail, this is the most expensive class of U.S. mail.

NOTE: Postcards larger than 4 1/4” x 6” are subject to full first-class postage rates. Envelopes, cards, or self-mailers smaller than 3 1/2” x 5” or non-rectangular in shape are non-mailable. Pieces larger than 6 1/4” x 11” weighing one ounce or less are subject to a surcharge (approx. 50% postage.)

Second-Class Mail

Second-class mail is the least expensive rate offered by the U.S. Postal Service and is primarily reserved for publishers. It requires establishing and meeting very specific publishing and mailing deadlines. It can be used for magazine and newspaper-type publications such as our Bulletins. For more information on second-class mailing.

Third-Class Mail

Third-class mail may be used for circulars, books, catalogs, other printed matter, merchandise, photographs, etc., which weigh up to 16 oz. There are two categories of third-class mail: single piece rate and bulk rate. U.S. Postal Service delivery time usually ranges from 3 to 7 days, depending on distance.

Single-Piece Rate
At the current time, first-class and third class rates are the same for the first 4-oz. Therefore, letters or flats, which qualify for third class, but weigh 4 oz. or less, should be sent first-class for more expedient handling. Qualifying pieces over 4 oz., but less than 16 oz., are more cost-effectively sent as third class.

Standard Rate
Because third-class Non-Profit standard rates are very low (about 1/4 of first-class costs), these mailings require special preparations by the mailer. Pieces must carry complete and correct zip codes so they can be zip-sorted, banded and labeled according to U.S. Postal regulations. A minimum of 200 pieces or 50 lbs. is necessary to qualify for standard rates and under certain circumstances, non-identical pieces can be combined to meet the minimums. The Department of Mailing Services needs some lead time for preparation of bulk mailings. For more information or to schedule a bulk mailing, please contact the Standard Mail Clerk at extension x8367.