Sealing

Always tape the opening of your box and reinforce all seams with a tape that is designed for shipping. Use clear or brown packaging tape at least 2 inches wide, reinforced packing tape or paper tape. Do not use masking or cellophane tape, cord, string or twine. Various retail outlets (in addition to Post Offices) now carry Post Office-approved packaging materials. Remember: Priority Mail tape is for identification purposes only and is not intended to seal packages.

Return Address

The complete address of the sender, including the ZIP Code of the return address, must be in the upper left corner of the address side of the mailpiece. Only one return address can be used and it must be located so that it does not affect either the clarity of the destination address or the application of service labels and notations (postmarks, etc.).

Delivery Address

Type or print the delivery address once, parallel to the longest side of the package, using a pen or permanent marker so the address is legible from an arm’s length away. Always include complete street address information, such as AVE, BLVD or ST, as well as directionals such as N, W or SW. Also, always include apartment or suite number, when appropriate. Place a strip of clear packaging tape over your address label to prevent the address from smearing. For international packages, see “Addressing Standards and Customs Forms for International Mail” on page 7.

City, State and ZIP Code

To find the correct spelling of a city (Post Office) name and correct state abbreviation, and to locate ZIP Code information, go to usps.com and click Find a ZIP Code. On the results page, you’ll also see convenient links to our Rate Calculator and Click-N-Ship.

Insurance

Insurance provides coverage against loss or damage up to $5,000. Insured fees for $50 to $200 are lower than last year. Items may not be insured for more than their current value. All insured items, regardless of insured value, are now numbered, barcoded and receive a delivery scan. For those items insured for more than $200, a signature also is obtained upon delivery. Tracking information is available only on those insured items sent with Delivery Confirmation or Signature Confirmation service through the Delivery Confirmation or Signature Confirmation number (not the insured number). Remember to save your insurance receipt. The Post Office does not maintain mailing records for insured items.

Postage

Calculate postage rates for domestic and international mail and purchase postage with shipping labels online at usps.com, under Shipping Tools. Insurance up to $500 may also be purchased using Click-N-Ship. And remember, with Click-N-Ship, Delivery Confirmation service is available at no additional charge when you print Priority Mail labels. Or, to avoid waiting in line, use our Automated Postal Centers (APCs) in many Post Office lobbies.

Carrier Pickup Service

This service is free, regardless of the number of packages you’re sending. Packages must be ready for shipment with postage applied using Click-N-Ship, PC Postage or postage meter, before your carrier arrives. Your carrier can pick up your packages when your regular mail is delivered. Schedule a pick up at usps.com/pickup or call 800-222-1811.  

New 13-ounce Mail Rule

A new rule is in effect for all mailpieces that weigh more than 13 ounces if mailed with ordinary postage stamps at a location other than a Post Office retail service counter.

You can use a convenient online postage application or an APC if you wish to mail items that weigh more than 13 ounces in Postal Service collection boxes or Post Office lobby mail slots, or if you wish to leave the items for pickup by your letter carrier. Online postage applications include the Postal Service’s Click-N-Ship service on usps.com and PC Postage from an authorized USPS vendor.

If you are unable to use one of the above methods to prepare and affix postage, items weighing more than 13 ounces must be presented for mailing to an employee at a Post Office retail service counter. Business customers who use postage meters may continue to use meter postage for packages of any weight and mailing method.

Decals have been placed on USPS collection boxes to indicate that deposit of stamped mail over 13 ounces is prohibited in collection boxes and any such mail will be returned to sender. This is part of ongoing security measures established by the Postal Service, in cooperation with other government agencies, to keep the public, customers, employees and the mail safe.  

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News for Mailing Professionals

Mailing resources for election officials are available at usps.com/electionmail