Contract Postal Units  
What is a Contract Postal Unit?
A Contract Postal Unit (CPU) is a supplier-owned or supplier-leased site operated by the supplier, under contract to the Postal Service™ to provide postal services to the public at Postal prices.
 
 
Services provided at a CPU are listed below:
Stamps
Stamped Envelopes
Stamped Postal Cards
Express Mail® Service
First Class Mail® Service
Parcel Post®
Express Mail International®
Priority Mail International
Insured Mail
Certified Mail™
Return Receipt
Delivery Confirmation™
Signature Confirmation™
Registered Mail

Other services that may be provided are: Global Express Guaranteed Service® (GXG).

Mail deposited at a CPU after the last collection of the day will be processed on the following postal business day.

The CPU Supplier must meet the following criteria set forth by the United States Postal Service:
Supplier’s space cannot be owned or leased by the U.S. Postal Service
A surety bond may be required
No surcharges can be added to Postal products or services
Cannot be staffed by postal employees
Cannot sell competitive services
Cannot have Post Office Boxes
Cannot sell postal money orders
Cannot provide commercial mail receiving (private mailbox) services
Cannot provide third-party delivery services
Cannot provide any products or services that the Contracting Officer determines are similar to, or competitive with, delivery and parcel services offered by the Postal Service
Cannot be located in, or directly connected to, a room where intoxicating beverages are sold for consumption on the premises
Contracts are competitive
Contracts cannot be awarded to Postal Service employees or members of their immediate families
Contracts are set up with an indefinite end date


How do I become a Contract Postal Unit Supplier?
The need for a Contract Postal Unit (CPU) is determined by the local Post Office™. If additional retail outlets are required in a community, but it does not warrant a Postal Service facility, the local Post Office is responsible for soliciting vendor participation. An official contract is required for this program as well as some building modifications. If you are interested in becoming involved, each CPU has a local Postal Contracting Officer’s Representative who oversees the CPU. If you are interested in starting a CPU, please contact your local Postmaster to see if there are any CPU solicitations being considered in your community.