Mail Descriptions
Domestic Mail
Mail that is sent in, among, and between the United States, Army/Air Force (APO) and Navy (FPO) Post offices.
Services Offered for Domestic Mail
Express Mail - Guaranteed 1 or 2 day service for an on-time attempt of delivery or your money back. This service receives expedited handling from the time of acceptance through the time of delivery. Insurance up to $ 100 is included in the price of Express without an additional cost. This service provides a record that the article was delivered and signed for (optional waiver of signature). The cost of this service starts at $13.65 and includes a tracking number. Additional services that can be used are Return Receipt and Insured.
First Class Mail - Mail items that are considered private or personal. Other items suggested to send first class are: bills, checks, greeting cards, letters, rebates, etc. Items usually take 1-3 days delivery time.
Media Mail - This service consists of mailing books, film, manuscripts, sound recordings, and videotapes. Computer media such as recorded CD's and DVD's can be sent through this service. The cost starts at $1.42.
Parcel Post - Consists of shipping ground packages (weighing 16 ounces or more), and not First-class. The postage is calculated by the weight of the package and the distance traveled to its destination. Additional services that can be used with Parcel Post include Delivery Confirmation, Insured Mail, Return Receipt, and Signature Confirmation.
Additional Services Available with First Class Mail
Certified Mail - This feature provides proof of delivery. A receipt is given to the sender at the time of mailing. The cost is an additional $2.30 and includes a tracking number. Additional services that can be purchased with Certified include Return Receipt.
Return Receipt - This feature provides a receipt that is mailed back to the sender which shows who signed for the items and date of delivery. Return receipt can also be used with Express Mail, Insured Mail, or Registered Mail. The cost is an addition $1.75 and includes a tracking number.
Registered Mail - This feature is the most secured feature through the USPS. It provides security for valuable and important mail through delivery. Registered mail is placed in a lock bag and has to be signed for every time it changes hands. Items of value such as passports, large checks, and sentimental things should be sent through this service. The cost is an additional $7.50 and includes a tracking number. Additional services that can be used with Registered mail include Delivery Confirmation and Signature Confirmation.
Insured Mail - This feature provides up to $5000 indemnity for lost or damaged articles. The fee is based on the value placed on the contents. The cost for this service starts at $1.30 and includes a tracking number. Additional services that can be used with Insured mail inlcude Return receipt, Signature Confirmation, and Delivery Confirmation.
Delivery Confirmation - This service provides the sender with the date and time the article was delivered. This tracking number can be viewed at www.usps.com website. The cost for this service is $.45 cents for first class mail, and $.55 for parcels or packages sent fourth class and provides a tracking number. Additional services that can be used with Delivery Confirmation include Insured and Registered mail.
Signature Confirmation - This service provides proof of delivery and provides the recipients name and copy of the signature with the date and time of delivery. A view of the signature can be seen at www.usps.com. The cost for this service is $1.80 and includes a tracking number.
International Mail
Mail that is sent outside the United States boundaries.
Services Offered with International Mail:
Airmail - Letters or packages sent by air
Economy or Surface - Letters or packages sent by ground or boat.
Global Express - This service provides expedited service to most country locations. Size and weight limitations may vary by country of destination. Prices vary by country and by weight. This service provides insurance coverage against loss or damage up to a maximum of $500 at no additional cost.
Global Priority - This service provides an accelerated airmail service. Options include Flat Rate envelopes to all countries $5 (small env.) and $9 (large env.). Fees for Canada and Mexico are $4 (small env.) and $7(large env.) or pay by variable weight with your own packaging. The maximum weight limit is 4 pounds to all countries.
M-Bags - This service is available to all destination countries. Printed matter which includes newspapers, magazines, journals, books, sheet music, catalogues and promotional matter may be enclosed in an M-Bag. The cost for this service begins at $16.50 starting at (11pounds) and cannot exceed 66 pounds including the weight of the sack. Registry is not an additional service for M-Bags.
Additional Services for International Mail
Registered Mail - This feature is the most secured feature through the USPS. It provides security for valuable and important mail through delivery. Registered mail is placed in a lock bag and has to be signed for every time it changes hands. Items such as passports, large checks, and sentimental things should be sent through this service. The cost is an additional $7.50 and includes a tracking number. Registered Mail can be sent to most countries and cannot be purchased with M-Bags.
Return Receipt - This feature provides a receipt that is mailed back to the sender which shows who signed for the items and the delivered date. Return receipt can be used with Express Mail, Insured Mail, or Registered Mail. The cost is an addition $1.50 and also includes a tracking number.
Recorded Delivery - This feature provides the sender with a mailing receipt which includes a tracking number. This option may not be available in all countries.
