Mail Classifications
ALL MAIL MUST BE MARKED AS TO THE CLASS REQUIRED TO ENSURE IT WILL BE SENT THAT WAY. IF MAIL DOES NOT CARRY THE REQUIRED MARKINGS THE PIECE WILL BE SENT FIRST CLASS.
First Class Mail:
First class is any mailable matter. The following materials are considered first class matter and must carry postage at first class or priority mail rates.
- Matter wholly or partially handwritten or typewritten (including identical copies prepared by an automatic typewriter), originals or carbons, invoices, (except when accompanying the matter to which they relate), postal cards, and post cards.
- Matter sealed and closed against postal inspection.
- Bills and statements of accounts, regardless of method of preparations or quantity of identical pieces mailed, except authorized enclosures in or attachments to Standard A mail.
- Price lists with written-in figures changing items or prices.
- Any Business Reply Mail (unless enclosed in bulk mail).
- Blank printed forms filled out in writing including cancelled or uncancelled checks.
- The product of a computer may or may not be first class matter, depending on the content.
Priority Mail
Priority mail is first class mail with a 2 to 3 day delivery time. There is no minimum weight and the maximum weight is 70 pounds, the maximum size is 108 inches in length and girth combined. Priority mail must be accompanied by a Mail Authorization Slip.
Standard Mail A: (Formerly 3rd class)
Mail that is considered Standard Mail A:
- circulars
- catalogs
- booklets
- newsletters
- merchandise
- product samples
- photographs
- printed matter
Each piece of standard mail must weigh less than 16 ounces. Anything heavier must
be mailed at the standard B or first class priority mail rate.
Surcharge assessment for standard mail is the same as first class.
Standard Mail B: (Formerly 4th Class/ Parcel Post)
Mail considered Standard Mail B:
- packages or parcels
- library materials
- films
- books
- bound printed matter
Each piece of Standard B matter must not exceed 70 pounds in weight and a maximum size of 108" in length and girth combined.
Tri-fold and Half-fold
This is acceptable for domestic mail but not encouraged due to the tattered appearance at its final destination and possibility of non-delivery of the piece. When using this type of mailer in standard or first class form the fold should be at the bottom of the piece with the opening at the top secured by at least a quarter sized tab. Staples are not acceptable. Tri-fold and half-fold paper can not be sent internationally unless inserted into an envelope. In addition, single sheet half-fold mailings are discouraged for bulk mailings. It is possible to have the mailing refused by the USPS. One exception is the use of high bond paper.
International Mail
International mail is not required to follow the same format as domestic mail. Do not abbreviate international addresses. Use the complete spelling of a foreign city, province or country, with the full name of the country spelled out in English and in all capital letters on the last line. In some cases, typically pieces larger than a letter or flat, the customs declaration form, must be used. A reference page is located in the additional resource section.
UPS/FedEx
The Mail Center is the only pick-up and delivery location for UPS and Federal Express
on campus. These services are available to all departments for either professional
or personal use. UPS delivers once a day, usually around 10:00 a.m. and picks up between
2:00 and 2:30 p.m. Federal Express is similar to UPS in its delivery time; however,
Federal Express picks up firmly at 3:00 p.m. To ensure same day processing, we ask
pieces be at the Mail Center at least 10 minutes before pick up time. Both pick up
and delivery times may be different depending on volume, personnel, and weather. The
Mail Center is fully automated and directly connected to these services and encourages
departments to contact the Mail Center when having any questions or concerns.
** UPS and Federal Express cannot deliver to PO Box addresses