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Selecting Type of Mail Service

Priority Mail Express
Letters, large or thick envelopes, tubes, and packages containing mailable items can be sent using Priority Mail Express. This money-back guaranteed service includes tracking and insurance up to $100. Additional merchandise insurance up to $5,000 may be purchased. Sunday, holiday, as well as early in the day delivery is available to many destinations for an additional fee. Select Priority Mail Express envelopes and boxes are available at the Post Office. All packaging can be ordered free of charge online at www.usps.com/store.

Priority Mail
Letters, 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. Select Priority Mail envelopes and boxes are available at the Post Offices. All packaging can be ordered online at www.usps.com/store.

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.

Standard Post
Small and large packages, thick envelopes, and tubes containing gifts and merchandise can be sent domestically using Standard Post.

Media Mail
Small and large packages and thick envelopes can be sent domestically using Media Mail. Contents are limited to books, manuscripts, sound recordings, and certain other educational materials. Formerly called “Book Rate”, Media Mail cannot contain advertising, except eligible books may contain incidental announcements of books.

Speed depends on distance. Mail takes longer to travel across the country than to travel across town.

Flat Rate packaging is available in many convenient sizes for Priority Mail Express and Priority Mail, and can be used for domestic and international mailings. Flat Rate shipping lets you send your items for a low Flat Rate.

See the Flat Rate Quick Reference section for additional details including international weight restrictions and options.

Calculate Postage for the shape, weight, and destination of your mail at pe.usps.com.

Additional Fees

(all fees are in addition to the postage)

Adult Signature
Requires the signature of someone 21 years of age or older at the recipient's address.

Certificate of Mailing
Provides proof of mailing at time of mailing and the date and time of delivery or attempted delivery. 
Return Receipt can be added to confirm delivery.

Certified Mail
Provides proof of mailing at time of mailing and the date and time of delivery or attempted delivery.
Return Receipt can be added to confirm delivery.

Insured 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.
Return Receipt can be added to confirm delivery.

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.
Return Receipt can be added to confirm delivery.

USPS Tracking
When outgoing mail contains a letter, survey or other written information you would like returned, at no cost to the person returning the information, a Business Reply Card or Envelope can be enclosed with your outgoing mail. You are charged first class postage plus the Business Reply fee for only those Business Reply cards or letters returned.

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 printed copy of the signature. A lower price is available when you print Priority Mail postage from www.usps.com.

Most indemnity claims for Insured, Registered Mail, or Priority Mail Express can be filed online or the form can be downloaded from www.usps.com and mailed along with evidence of value. For more information go to your local Post Office or visit www.usps.com.

Return Receipt provides a postcard or electronic notification with the date of delivery and recipient signature.

Restricted Delivery confirms that only a specified person, or authorized agent, will receive a piece of mail. This service is available only if you also purchase Certified Mail, Insured Mail (over $200), or Registered Mail.

Many of these extra services are available for international mail.

Prices and fees can be found in the Notice 123 Price List on Postal Explorer at pe.usps.com.

Delivery information is available:

  • by printed copy
  • at www.usps.com
  • by calling 1·800·222·1811