What is First-Class Mail? First-Class Mail Review

1. Performance and Pricing

1) Delivery within 1–3 business days;

2) This most affordable service is applicable to mailing items weighing less than 13 ounces;

3) Up to $5,000 of loss or damage insurance, applicable only to merchandise;

4) Eligible for Delivery Confirmation services, such as CERTIFIED MAIL;

5) Commercial-priced letters and cards up to 3.5 ounces are the same price;

6) Pricing is based on weight and shape.

1. Letter

1) Standard size, rectangular envelope stamps start at $0.55;

2) Square, oversized or irregularly shaped envelope stamps start at $0.75.

2. Postcards

1) Standard-sized rectangular postcard stamps start at $0.36;

2) Oversized postcards require letter stamps, starting at $0.55.

3. Large envelope/small package

1) Large envelopes (flat rate) starting at $1.00;

2) Small packages start at $4.00.

2. Weight and shape requirements

1. The maximum weight of a First-Class Mail letter is 3.5 ounces; for large First-Class Mail envelopes and packages, the maximum weight is 13 ounces;

2. All postcards and envelopes (or flat envelopes) must be rectangular, otherwise a surcharge will be charged. There will be other size restrictions depending on the type of mail you are sending.

3. Additional charges for irregular mail and envelopes

1. Envelopes that cannot be machined;

Odd-shaped mail such as square or vertical envelopes, corrugated envelopes, irregular envelopes, and mail with clasps, ribbons, or buttons must be hand-canceled. Even if the weight is less than 1 ounce, a non-machinable surcharge will be charged.

2. Large mail and envelopes

1) If the mailpiece exceeds the maximum length, height or thickness, it will be charged the next higher price and mail class;

2) Large envelopes (flat) that exceed the maximum size, are hard, non-rectangular, or have uneven thickness will be charged at the parcel price;

3) The USPS Price Calculator tool will show you how to measure your envelope and then calculate domestic mailing postage for you.