US Postal Service Information

Placement 
The delivery and return address should be on the same side of your mail piece.

Return Address
Print or type your address in the upper left corner on the front of the envelope. A return address helps return your mail if un-deliverable. 

Postage
Use a stamp, postage meter imprint or Indicia. Indicia can only be used on bulk mailings not for single piece mail.

Delivery Address
Print clearly with a pen, permanent marker or type the delivery address parallel to the longest side of the package. Do not use commas or periods. 

City, State, and ZIP Code
To find the correct spelling or a Zip Code, use the USPS online ZIP + 4 code lookup tool for assistance.

For complete instructions on the proper way to address international mail go to the USPS International Delivery Services webpage.

Examples of a non-machinable letter include: A letter size piece is non-machinable if it has one or more of the following characteristics. If you are unsure whether an item is machinable or non-machinable, contact Mail Services or visit USPS online.

• It has an aspect ratio (length divided by height) of less than 1.3 or more than 2.5 (a square envelope has an aspect ratio of 1, making it non-machinable).
• It is more than 4-1/4 inches high or more than 6 inches long and is less than 0.009 inch thick.
• It has clasps, strings, buttons, or similar closure devices.
• It is too rigid.
• It has a delivery address parallel to the shorter side of the mail piece.
• It contains items such as pens, pencils, or keys that create an uneven thickness.
• Letters with non-paper surfaces, other than envelope windows or attachments that are allowed under eligibility standards by class of mail.

Below is a list of mailing services available thru the USPS, this information is pulled from the United States Postal Service website. For more detailed information on each of these services go to USPS online - choosing a service for mailing. 

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.

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 packaging is available at the Post Offices.

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.

USPS Retail Ground®
Small and large packages, thick envelopes, and tubes containing gifts and merchandise can be sent domestically using USPS Retail Ground.

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 price.

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 USPS Postage Price Calculator.

Below is a list of extra services available thru the USPS, this information is pulled from the United States Postal Service website. For more detailed information on each of these services go to USPS online - adding extra services.

Certificate of Mailing
Provides evidence of mailing.

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 coverage against loss or damage up to $5,000.
Fee based on value of item.
For items insured for more than $500, 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 $50,000.
Fee based on value of item.
Return Receipt can be added to confirm delivery.

USPS Tracking™
Provides the date and time of delivery or attempted delivery.

Free with select services.

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.

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 $500), COD, Adult Signature, Signature Confirmation, or Registered Mail.

Many of these extra services are available for international mail.

Business reply mail (BRM) service enables a permit holder to receive First-Class Mail and Priority Mail back from customers and pay a per piece postage fee only for the pieces returned. All business reply postage and handling charges are billed back to departments. Your fund number must also appear on all bus reply mail pieces. Contact Printing Services to have your business reply envelope or card designed. There are very specific USPS requirements on reply mail. Please contact Mail Services if you have questions about reply mail.