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How Weight Affects Rates |
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The weight of your mailpiece is an important factor in determining the postage rate you pay. In general, the heavier the mailpiece, the more it costs to mail. For Express Mail, the weight of the piece always determines the rate, except for items mailed in Express Mail Flat-Rate Envelopes. There are no bulk rates available for Express Mail. For First-Class Mail, shape and weight will determine the rate. For Priority Mail that weighs more than 1 pound, the rate is a combination of weight, shape, and how far the mailpiece is traveling. Priority Mail pieces weighing less than 20 pounds and measuring more than 84 inches, but 108 inches or less, in combined length and girth would be charged the 20-pound weight. This is commonly referred to as a “balloon rate.” The balloon rate applies to pieces addressed for local delivery and to zones 1-4. Priority Mail pieces that exceed one cubic foot, and are addressed to zones 5-8, are subject to dimensional weighting. In general, if a piece is relatively light for its size, it is subject to dimensional weight pricing. Flat-Rate Priority Mail envelopes and boxes provided by USPS are charged the same flat rate regardless of weight and destination. There are no bulk rates available for Priority Mail. For Standard Mail, weight does not affect rate until the mailpiece reaches 3.3 ounces. For up to 3.3 ounces, you pay the same postage rate whether your piece is 1 ounce or 3 ounces. Over 3.3 ounces, you pay a piece rate plus a pound rate. For pieces over 3.3 ounces, the heavier your piece, the higher your postage. For Parcel Post and Bound Printed Matter, weight and distance determine the rate. For Library Mail and Media Mail, the rate is determined only by weight, regardless of how far the mailpiece travels. How size and shape affect rates Calculate postage for any class of mail or rate discount List of all rates and fees
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