United States Postal Service

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Atlanta District

Questions:

ADDRESS CORRECTION ENDORSEMENT

Question: First-Class Mail endorsed "Address Service Requested" is being returned to us instead of being forwarded to the addressee. Why?
Answer: With Address Service Requested, during the first 12 months of the change of address order, mail is forwarded and the sender receives a separate notice of the new address information subject to the appropriate address correction fee. After 12 months, the mail is returned to sender with the new address or reason for nondelivery attached.

 

ADDRESS ELEMENTS

Question: Must I include the apartment number or suite number in the address?
Answer: All mail must bear a delivery address that contains at least the following elements in this order from the top line:

a. Intended recipient's name.
b. If applicable, the apartment number, suite number, or other secondary designation. (May be placed after the street name on line below, if space permits.)
c. Street number and name.
d. City, State, and ZIP Code (5-digit or ZIP+4)

 

REDUCING ADVERTISING MAIL

Question: How can I stop the delivery of advertising mail at my house?
Answer: The Postal Service cannot refuse to deliver mail if proper postage is paid. However, you may contact the mailer and ask that they stop mailing to you. You may also write to the:

MAIL PREFERENCE SERVICE
DIRECT MARKETING ASSOCIATION
PO BOX 9008
FARMINGDALE NY 11735-9008

and request that their members remove your name from their mailing lists. Not all mailers are members of this organization, so your request will not stop all advertising mail. You can also exercise your right to control delivery by marking "REFUSED" on the mail and returning it unopened to the post office.

 

AEROGRAMME

Question: What is an aerogramme?
Answer: Aerogrammes are lightweight stationery that folds into a mailing envelope for correspondence to other countries. The cost is 75¢.

 

AUCTIONS

Question: How can I attend a postal auction?
Answer: Auctions of undeliverable and damaged items are held several times a year at our Mail Recovery Center. To receive notification of upcoming auctions, please mail a postcard with your name and address to: AUCTION MAILING LIST, MAIL RECOVERY CENTER, PO BOX 44161, ATLANTA GA 30336-1161.

 

AUTHORIZED AGENT

Question: I sent a letter restricted delivery and someone else signed for it. Why?
Answer: Many companies which receive large quantities of accountable mail have designated a person, called an authorized agent, to sign for all accountable mail, including restricted delivery. It is often impossible for presidents or CEOs to sign for every letter sent to them by restricted delivery. The company must keep an authorized letter on file at the delivery post office.

 

BARCODES

Question: What are the vertical lines on the lower right part of my mail?
Answer: Those lines are called a BARCODE, which represents a ZIP Code. Automated mail processing equipment can "read" the barcode and process mail efficiently to help keep our costs down.

 

BARCODES FOR COURTESY REPLY MAIL

Question: Where may I obtain bar codes for my courtesy reply mail?
Answer: Please contact the Atlanta District Postal Business Center, at (770) 935-2371.

 

QUALIFYING FOR BULK RATES

Question: How can I qualify for bulk rates (Standard Mail A)?
Answer: The minimum standards require you to mail at least 200 pieces or 50 pounds of addressed pieces at one time. In addition, there is a $100.00 annual fee to use bulk mail.

 

BUSINESS REPLY MAIL (BRM)

Question: What is business reply mail (BRM)?
Answer: BRM enables you to pay postage for mail being returned to you by your customers. A permit is needed to use this service ($100.00 annually), and you may pay an optional accounting fee ($300.00) to receive BRM at a lesser per piece fee. There is a special format required for BRM. Your local Business Mail Entry Office, (Phone number 404-765-7541), can assist you.

 

CALLER SERVICE

Question: What is caller service. Also, what are the requirements and cost?
Answer: Caller service is a premium service for customers who receive a large volume of mail that cannot be accommodated by our largest post office box. The service is also for customers who have more than five post office boxes at one location. There is a semiannual fee of $275.00 for this service.

 

CERTIFICATE OF MAILING

Question: What is a certificate of mailing?
Answer: A certificate of mailing (95 cents) provides a receipt showing evidence of mailing. It does not provide insurance coverage for loss or damage. No record of the mailing is kept by the Postal Service.

 

CERTIFIED MAIL

Question: What type of service is provided by certified mail?
Answer: Certified mail provides the sender with a receipt at the time of mailing; a record of delivery is kept at the delivery post office. The fee is $2.40 in addition to postage. There is an additional fee for a return receipt.

 

CHAIN LETTERS

Question: Are chain letters illegal?
Answer: Chain letters received through the mail asking for anything of value are illegal, other chain letters are not. Please report illegal chain letters to the:

POSTAL INSPECTION SERVICE
PO BOX 16489
ATLANTA GA 30321-0489.

 

CHANGE-OF-ADDRESS INFORMATION

Question: A friend moved and I would like his/her new address.
Answer: It is no longer possible to supply forwarding addresses except for those of businesses which have moved within the last year, and for which a change of address order has been filed.

 

CHECK ACCEPTANCE

Question: Do you accept checks at the post office?
Answer: Personal checks are accepted for the amount of purchase for all services and products except for the purchase of money orders. Your name and address must be preprinted on the check and you need to submit one of the following photograph-bearing documents: drivers license, state-issued non-driver identification, passport, or military ID. Or, we will accept two credentials (e.g., credit cards) bearing a signature. Social Security cards are not acceptable identification. Checks should be made payable to "Postmaster."

 

COLLECT ON DELIVERY (COD)

Question: Please explain your Collect on Delivery (COD) service.
Answer: Any mailer may use COD service to mail an article for which the mailer has not been paid and have its price and the cost of the postage collected from the recipient. The amount collected from the recipient may not exceed $600. COD service provides the mailer with a mailing receipt, and a delivery record is kept at the post office of address.

 

COD CLAIMS

Question: When can I file a claim on COD mail?
Answer: For a lost COD article, a claim may be filed 60 days after the date of mailing. At that time, please complete a PS Form 1000 at any post office. A mailing receipt is required when filing a claim for COD mail.

 

COMPLAINTS

Question: I have a complaint and I want to talk to the postmaster!
Answer: Complaints, Questions, and concerns may be registered through our National Service Center, at 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777). This Center is available 24-hours a day, 7 days a week. The information you provide will be provided to your local post office for review and appropriate action.

 

CUSTOMS

Question: Is it legal for the U.S. Customs Service to inspect my mail from a foreign country?
Answer: Yes. Mail originating in foreign countries and most U.S. territories is subject to U.S. Customs Service examination upon entering the country. Many imported goods are subject to customs duty.  When goods enter by mail, the duty assessed by Customs is collected by the Postal Service in addition to a customs clearance and delivery fee. If you need additional information:

UNITED STATES CUSTOMS SERVICE
TREASURY DEPARTMENT
PO BOX 7407
WASHINGTON DC 20229-7407

 

DAMAGED MAIL

Question: Will the Post Office provide reimbursement for items damaged in the mail?
Answer: We cannot accept claims for damaged mail unless the item was insured at the time of mailing.

 

DEFACED STAMPS

Question: Mail was returned to me because there was tape on the stamp. Why?
Answer: When stamps are covered, the canceling machines cannot imprint directly on the stamp; therefore, they are not acceptable for mailing. The machines must also be able to read the ultra-violet ink on stamps in order to detect them on the envelope. If your stamp had only been partially covered, perhaps at the top and bottom, the stamp may have been acceptable for processing.

 

DELAYED MAIL

Question: My mail is always delayed.
Answer: It would be helpful if we could examine any delayed mail you may have. Often there are identifying marks on an envelope that pinpoint the cause of a delay. Record the delivery date on the envelope and present to your local post office for examination.

 

DELAYED MAIL EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT

Question: My payment to a creditor was delayed. Will the USPS provide reimbursement for late fees?
Answer: While we regret such occurrences, we cannot provide reimbursement of consequential expenses which may be incurred in the event of delay or loss. As information, some creditors respond favorably to requests to waive fees for customers with a good payment history.

 

DOG BITES

Question: The carrier refuses to deliver mail to my house because of my dog.
Answer: Carriers are instructed not to enter areas where they feel they may be bitten. In order to protect our employees, dog must be restrained during delivery times.

 

EMPLOYMENT

Question: How do I get a job with the Postal Service?
Answer: New career employees are hired based on their test scores when vacancies occur. This information will be posted at your local post office when examinations are open to the public. Further information may be obtained by contacting our Human Resources office, at 404-765-7234.

 

EXPRESS MAIL

Question: Do you offer overnight delivery?
Answer: Express Mail is the only overnight service delivered 365 days a year, including weekends and holidays. Express Mail is committed for overnight delivery to most destinations and prices start at only $14.40.

 

TRACING EXPRESS MAIL

Question: How do I verify that my Express Mail package has been delivered?
Answer: You may obtain information on the delivery status of your Express Mail on-line at http://www.usps.gov, or by calling 1-800-222-1811 (you will need the label number).

 

FORWARDING MAIL TO NEW ADDRESS

Question: How do I get mail forwarded to my new address?
Answer: To have your mail forwarded, please complete a change-of-address card, which is available at all post offices, and submit it to the post office that delivers mail to your old address. We recommend that you notify your correspondents of your new address directly. Mail will start arriving at your new address within 7-10 postal business days after the start date of your order. On-line help is available for movers at www.usps.gov/moversnet.

 

LENGTH OF FORWARDING

Question: How long will you forward my mail?
Answer: First-Class Mail is forwarded for 1 year. Periodicals (Second Class) are forwarded for 60 days. Standard A (bulk mail) will not be forwarded unless it contains the proper endorsement by the mailer. Standard B (Parcel Post) will be forwarded locally at no charge and postage-due if the new address is out-of-town. Any mail that the sender has endorsed "Address Service Requested" or "Do Not Forward" is returned to the sender.

 

FORWARDING FROM HOTEL/MAILBOX SERVICE/COMPANY

Question: Who will forward my mail when I move from school/hotel/mailbox service, etc.?
Answer: Any forwarding requests submitted from a central point delivery address are turned over to the management of the establishment. Forwarding of such mail is that organization's responsibility.

 

GENERAL DELIVERY

Question: May I pick up my mail at the post office every morning by using general delivery?
Answer: General delivery service is provided for transients and customers who are not permanently located. Exceptions can be made by the Postmaster where you receive your mail if you experience a temporary, emergency situation. If you require earlier delivery than is normally provided by your carrier, however, please use our post office box service.

 

GIFTS TO EMPLOYEES

Question: May I give my letter carrier or other postal employee a gift?
Answer: Postal Service employees are prohibited by federal regulation from accepting cash (in any amount), or gifts worth $20 or more from customers.

 

HOLD ORDER

Question: Will you hold my mail for me while I'm on vacation?
Answer: We can hold your mail a minimum of 3 days and up to 30 days. However, if you expect to be gone longer than this time, you should file a temporary forwarding order.

 

INSURANCE

Question: I need to insure a parcel. How expensive is your insurance?
Answer: Postal insurance is very reasonable and provides coverage against loss or damage. You may insure items up to $5000.00 and the cost depends on the value of the item.

 

INTERNATIONAL MAIL INQUIRY/CLAIM

Question: I mailed an (insured/registered) package to another country and it has not been received. What should I do?
Answer: An inquiry must be completed for International mail before a claim can be filed. There is no fee for filing. You must wait 7 days before this form can be processed if the item was mailed by air, and 30 days if the item was mailed by surface transportation. Once the process is complete, a claim can be filed.

 

MAILBOX INSTALLATION

Question: How should my new curbside mailbox be placed?
Answer: The bottom of the box should be at a vertical height of between 3 1/2 - 4 feet from the road surface and the front of the box must be in line with the back of the curb. Also, please show your house number and name on the box (letters and numbers should be at least 1 inch high).

 

MAIL TAMPERING

Question: Someone is stealing my mail. What can I do?
Answer: Immediately report theft, tampering or destruction of mail and mailboxes to your local post office, local law enforcement agency, as well as to the Postal Inspection Service, (P.O. Box 16489, Atlanta, GA 30321-0489).

 

MAXIMUM/MINIMUM SIZE STANDARDS

Question: What are the largest and smallest sizes mailable?
Answer: The SMALLEST mailable size is 3-1/2 inches high, 5 inches long, and seven-thousandth (.007) inch thick (about the thickness of a postcard) and must be rectangular in shape. The LARGEST mailable size is 108 inches in length and girth (distance around at the largest point) combined and a maximum weight of 70 pounds.

 

MAXIMUM POSTCARD SIZE

Question: What is the largest postcard you can mail?
Answer: The maximum size for a postcard is 4-1/4 inches high, 6 inches long, and nine-thousandth (.009) inch thick. Also, it must be rectangular in shape. Postcards exceeding these dimensions are charged the letter rate of 39¢.

 

MAXIMUM LETTER SIZE (NONSTANDARD SIZE MAIL)

Question: What is the largest mailable letter size?
Answer: Letters may not be more than 6-1/8 inches high, 11-1/2 inches long, and 1/4 inch thick. In addition, the length divided by the height should be between 1.3 and 2.5 inclusive. Any letters weighing 1 ounce or less that exceed these standards will incur an 11¢ nonstandard surcharge. There are exceptions for certain presorted categories of mail.

 

MILITARY MAIL ADDRESSING

Question: What is the proper format for a military address?
Answer: Instead of a city and state, these addresses use APO (Army Post Office) or FPO (Fleet Post Office), along with "AE" (mail going to Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and portions of Canada), "AP" (the Pacific) and "AA" (for the Americas and portions of Canada). Therefore, the bottom line of overseas military addresses is: APO or FPO; followed by AE, AP, or AA; and then the ZIP Code.

 

MISDELIVERED MAIL

Question: My mail is always delivered to my neighbor's house. How can I correct this problem?
Answer: Such matters can be resolved by bringing the situation to the attention of your local post office.

 

MONEY ORDERS

Question: What is the maximum amount for postal money orders?
Answer: Domestic Money orders are available in any amount up to $500.00 and cost 95¢ each. Multiple money orders may be purchased for up to a maximum of $10,000 in 1 day. If your money order is lost or stolen, it can be replaced. You can obtain copies of paid money orders for up to 2 years after the date they are paid. International Money Orders can also be purchased up to $500.00 unless stated otherwise by that country. The fee is $3.45.

 

PARCEL POST

Question: Can you please explain parcel post?
Answer: Standard B (Parcel post), is for packages weighing from 1 to 70 pounds. This is an economical way to mail packages when speedy delivery is not critical. Items travel by surface transportation, usually trains or trucks, and delivery is within 7 to 10 days.  Packages for delivery in the United States may not weigh more than 70 pounds or measure more than 108 inches in length and girth combined. Rates are based on the weight of the package and the distance of travel. Insurance can be purchased for up to $5000.00.

 

PASSPORTS

Question: How do I get a passport?
Answer: See the Passport Information Page.

 

PERIODICALS (SECOND-CLASS MAIL)

Question: Can the general public use your second-class mail service?
Answer: Only publishers and registered news agents who have been authorized periodical mailing privileges may mail at those rates. The applicable First-Class, single piece Standard A or Standard B rate must be paid on copies of magazines and newspapers mailed by the general public.

 

PORNOGRAPHIC MAIL

Question: How do I stop pornographic mail from being mailed to my house?
Answer: Section 3010 of Title 39 USC provides the public with a means to protect themselves and their minor children from receiving unsolicited sexually oriented advertisements through the mail. To invoke this protection, please complete a PS Form 1500, Application for Listing and/or Prohibitory Order, at your local post office.

 

POST OFFICE BOXES

Question: How do I get a post office box?
Answer: You may complete an application at any post office. To apply for a post office box located at another facility, please state the desired location on the application. Please check with the office where you wish to obtain post office box service for availability and fees.

 

POST OFFICE BOX HOLDER INFORMATION

Question: Who rents Post Office Box 1234?
Answer: Contact the post office where the box is located. If the box is used for business, the information may be obtained; however, boxholder information for private citizens is not disclosed.

 

PRIORITY MAIL

Question: What services are provided on Priority Mail?
Answer: Priority Mail is designed for expedited movement within our transportation system and provides 2-3 day service nationwide. Priority Mail does not include a guaranteed delivery time or tracking capabilities. Insurance for damage or loss is available in the rare event of loss or damage, for an additional fee.

 

RATE INQUIRIES

Question: How much is postage to......?
Answer: Please refer to the Postage Rate Calculator at http://www.usps.gov; or, call toll-free 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777).

 

REGISTERED MAIL

Question: What is the safest way to mail valuable items?
Answer: The most secure service offered by the USPS is registered mail. Through a system of receipts, the USPS monitors the movement of the mailpiece from the point of acceptance by the USPS to delivery. The Sender receives a receipt at the time of mailing, and a delivery record is kept at the post office of address. This service also provides optional indemnity in case of loss or damage.

 

REGISTERED MAIL CLAIMS

Question: The registered letter I mailed has not been received. What can I do?
Answer: A claim may be filed 15 days from the date of mailing. You will need to complete a Form 1000 at your local post office. You will need to provide proof of mailing by submitting your registered receipt. You also need proof of loss, and proof of value, such as an invoice or sales slip.

 

RETURN POSTAGE GUARANTEED

Question: I received a parcel from a company which I opened, and then decided I didn't want. I taped the package up and tried to mail it but was told I would have to pay to send it back even though it said "Return Postage Guaranteed." Why?
Answer: The mailer's endorsement "Return Postage Guaranteed" is an instruction to the Postal Service that in the event we are unable to make delivery to you, they will pay to have the article returned to them. Once the parcel has been accepted and opened, postage is required to send it back to the mailer.

 

STAMPS BY MAIL/STAMPS BY PHONE

Question: How else can I buy stamps besides visiting a post office?
Answer: Stamps by Mail is designed for customers who find it difficult to leave their homes or offices to purchase postage. You may pick up an order form at your local post office. Instructions for completing the order form are on the envelope. Payment of postage is made by check. There is no extra charge for this service and the stamps will be delivered to your address within 3 business days.  Stamps by Phone is another available alternative. There is a handling charge for this service, which depends on the size of your order; however, many customers prefer the ease of just picking up the telephone. You may order Stamps by Phone by calling 1-800-STAMP-24 (1-800-782-6724).

 

STAMP COLLECTING

Question: What information do you have on stamp collecting?
Answer: Stamp collecting is a fascinating and enjoyable hobby. A good starting place is your local post office. The following offices have an extensive selection of philatelic products: In Atlanta, the Phoenix Center and Perimeter Post Offices, Duluth, Norcross, Marietta, Peachtree City and Gainesville. (For directions and hours, please call 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777). On-line information on stamp collecting is available at http://www.stampsonline.com.

 

STAMP COLLECTING FOR KIDS

Question: How can I get children involved in stamp collecting?
Answer: Sign them up in STAMPERS, a free, stamp collecting club for kids. On-line registration is available at http://www.stampsonline.com/catalog/stmpr.htm or by calling (toll-free) 1-888-STAMPFUN.

 

STAMP DESIGN SUGGESTIONS

Question: I have a suggestion for a stamp, how do I submit it?
Answer: Please send your suggestion to the

Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee
U. S. Postal Service Headquarters, Room 4474EB
475 L’Enfant Plaza SW
Washington, DC 20260-6756.

 

STATE/TERRITORY ABBREVIATIONS

Question: What is the state/territory abbreviation for. . . ?
Answer:

Alabama AL Kentucky KY Ohio OH
Alaska AK Louisiana LA Oklahoma OK
American Samoa AS Maine ME Oregon OR
Arizona AZ Marshall Islands MH Palau PW
Arkansas AR Maryland MD Pennsylvania PA
California CA Massachusetts MA Puerto Rico PR
Colorado CO Michigan MI Rhode Island RI
Connecticut CT Minnesota MN South Carolina SC
Delaware DE Mississippi MS South Dakota SD
Dist. of Columbia DC Missouri MO Tennessee TN
Fed/Micronesia FM Montana MT Trust Territory TT
Florida FL Nebraska NE Texas TX
Georgia GA Nevada NV Utah UT
Guam GU New Hampshire NH Vermont VT
Hawaii HI New Jersey NJ Virgin Islands VI
Idaho ID New Mexico NM Virginia VA
Illinois IL New York NY Washington WA
Indiana IN North Carolina NC West Virginia WV
Iowa IA North Dakota ND Wisconsin WI
Kansas KS N. Mariana Islands MP Wyoming WY

 

 

UNDELIVERABLE MAIL

Question: What happens to undeliverable mail?
Answer: If mail is undeliverable as addressed, or the address cannot be determined, we make an attempt at the local post office to determine who the sender is and return the piece. If we cannot determine who the sender or intended recipient is, the article is sent to one of three mail recovery centers. At the mail recovery centers an in-depth attempt to identify the sender or recipient is performed. If this can be determined, the item is delivered or returned. If we still cannot identify the sender or recipient, the item is held for a period of time, then either disposed of or auctioned.

 

UNSOLICITED MERCHANDISE

Question: What do I do if a company sends me merchandise I didn’t order and don’t want?
Answer: If you receive unsolicited merchandise in the mail, we recommend that you do not pay for it. If you don’t open the package, you can mark it "RETURN TO SENDER" and it will be returned to the sender at no charge to you. If the package is opened and you don’t want to keep it, you may dispose of it.

 

ZIP CODE DIRECTORIES

Questions: Where can I purchase a ZIP Code Directory?
Answer: National 5-digit and state 9-digit ZIP Code Directories may be purchased by mailing a check, money order, purchase order, or credit card information to our National Customer Support Center, Suite 201, 6060 Primacy Parkway, Memphis, TN 38188-0001. Soft-cover editions are $25.00 and hard-cover editions are $31.50, including postage. ZIP Code Directories are also available for use in most post office lobbies.

 

ZIP CODE INQUIRIES

Question: Where else, besides purchasing a directory or visiting my post office, may I obtain ZIP Codes?
Answer: ZIP Codes are available on-line at http://www.usps.gov, or by calling 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777). Telephone inquiries have a 5 ZIP Code limit due to call volume.

 

ZIP CODE REALIGNMENT

Question: Why did you change many ZIP Codes in metro Atlanta recently and how long can I use my old ZIP Code?
Answer: The July, 1997 ZIP Code Realignment was undertaken to improve service to our customers and to keep pace with anticipated future growth in the area. Both old and new ZIP Codes are valid for one year. We urge all customers to ensure that their creditors and correspondents are using the new ZIP Code prior to July, 1998 to help ensure there is no disruption to mail service.

 

ZIP CODE REQUEST FOR FOREIGN COUNTRY

Question: I need to send mail overseas and need the ZIP Code.
Answer: ZIP Codes are not required on international mail.

 

ZIP+4 CODE

Question: Why does my ZIP Code have nine digits, and do I have to use them?
Answer: The ZIP+4 system enables us to sort and dispatch mail quickly and accurately. The first five numbers identify an area of the country and the delivery office to which the mail is directed. The first two numbers of the additional four digits denote a delivery sector, which may be several blocks or group of streets. The last two numbers denote a delivery segment which might be one side of the street or one floor in an office building.