Customer Mailing Guide - Choose USPS Services - Smart Mailing Options

Sep 15, 2026

Uploaded by Rhys

A customer-oriented guide explaining how to select USPS mailing options based on what is being mailed, including shape, size, weight, and destination. It defines common mailpiece types such as postcards, letters, large envelopes, and packages, then matches service choices to speed, cost, and reliability. The guide covers extra services like proof of mailing, confirmation, insurance, and signature options, and includes practical measurement and postage-rate guidance for preparing shipments.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryForms

FormatPDF

Pages26

Reading Time9 min

AccessFree to download

Welcome

What Are You Mailing?

Choosing a Service for Mailing

Adding Extra Services

Addressing Your Mail

Preparing Packages

Postage Rates

Tips for Frequent Mailers and Small Businesses

A Customer’s Guide to Mailing Welcome This guide will explain your options for mailing and help you choose the services that are best for you. For more than 225 years, our goal has been to serve all customers and we will continue to connect people at home and abroad for generations to come. Welcome to the U.S. Postal Service What Are You Mailing? 4 Choosing a Service for Mailing 6 Adding Extra Services 8 Examples of Smart Choices 10 Addressing Your Mail 12 Preparing Packages 14 Tips and Tools for Measuring 16 Sending and Receiving Mail 18 Postage Rates 20 Other Products and Services 21 Tips for Frequent Mailers and 22 Small Businesses What Are You Mailing? Knowing the shape of your mail helps you select the right services. Postcard Rectangular cardstock mailpiece not contained in an envelope Letter Small rectangular mailpiece no thicker than 1/4 inch Large Envelope Flat rectangular mailpiece no thicker than 3/4 inch Net. Post® Online Services You can design cards and postcards for invitations, holiday wishes, and other [occasions online at](occasions online at www.usps.com)[ www.usps.com](occasions online at www.usps.com). Type in or upload your address list, and the Postal Service will print and deliver your mail. 4 Package A three-dimensional mailpiece contained in a box, thick envelope, or tube, weighing up to 70 pounds | Postcard | minimum
maximum | Length
5 inches
6 inches | Height
3-1/2 inches
4-1/4 inches | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Letter | minimum | 5 inches | 3-1/2 inches | | | maximum | 11-1/2 inches | 6-1/8 inches | | Large Envelope | minimum | 11-1/2 inches | 6-1/8 inches | | Package | Weight cannot exceed 70 pounds.
Length + girth (distance around the thickest part of package) cannot exceed 130 inches. | | --- | --- | see page 17 for help with measuring Some shapes , such as tubes and square envelopes, could require additional postage. Mail that is too flimsy or too stiff to be processed by machine may also require additional postage. Choosing a Service for Mailing Shape + Speed + Cost = Service 6 |
70lbs or less | 1–2 days
guaranteed | $$$
based on weight | Express Mail | | --- | --- | --- | --- | |
70lbs or less | 1–3 days | $$
based on weight and distance if over 1lb | Priority Mail | |
13 oz or less | 1–3 days | $
based on weight | First-Class Mail | |
70lbs or less | 2–9 days | $
based on weight and distance | Parcel Post | |
70lbs or less | 2–9 days | $
based on weight and content | Media Mail | |
15lbs or less | 2–9 days | $
based on weight, content, and distance | Bound Printed Matter | see page 20 for postage rates Several mailing services are available to fit your needs. Express Mail® Letters, large or thick envelopes, tubes, and packages containing mailable items can be sent using Express Mail. This guaranteed service includes tracking and insurance up to $100 . Delivery to most destinations is available 365 days a year, with no extra charge for Saturday, Sunday, and holiday delivery. Free Express Mail envelopes, boxes, and tubes are available at the Post Office. Priority Mail ® 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. Free Priority Mail envelopes, boxes, and tubes are available at the Post Office. 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. Parcel Post ® Small and large packages, thick envelopes, and tubes containing gifts and merchandise can be sent using Parcel Post. Media Mail™ Small and large packages, thick envelopes, and tubes can be sent using Media Mail. Contents are limited to books, film, manuscripts, sound recordings, video tapes, and computer med

FAQs

How do I choose the right USPS service for my mailing?

Select based on mailpiece shape, speed needs, and cost. The guide uses the relationship “Shape + Speed + Cost = Service” and compares options by weight and delivery timing.

What are the standard mailpiece types covered in the guide?

The guide explains postcards, letters, large envelopes, and packages, including typical thickness and size references to help you classify what you are sending.

What extra services can I add to improve protection or tracking?

You can add options such as proof of mailing, confirmation at delivery, insurance, receipt or certificate of mailing, and signature-related confirmations depending on the service selected.

Sep 15, 2026

Uploaded by Rhys