General Information for Mailing

Terminology

Presorted Mail

A form of mail preparation, required to bypass certain postal operations, in which the mailer groups pieces in a mailing by ZIP Code or by carrier route or carrier walk sequence (or other USPS-recommended separation).

Indicia/Permit Imprint

Printed indicia, instead of an adhesive postage stamp or meter stamp that shows postage prepayment by an authorized mailer.

Mailing Permit

Permission to mail at bulk (presorted) prices.

Mailing Classes

First Class Mail:

• Minimum of 200 pieces
• Requires mail agent preparation
• Requires First Class indicia
• Requires mailing paperwork/permit
• Does not require a barcode (barcodes will not affect postage cost)
• Standard delivery within two to seven days depending on travel distance

Presorted First Class Mailing:

• Minimum of 500 pieces
• Requires mail agent preparation
• Requires an additional sorting of mail beyond First Class
• Receive discounts on per piece price due to additional sort
• Requires First Class Presort indicia
• Requires mailing paperwork/permit
• Does not require a barcode (barcodes can be used to lower postage cost)
• Standard delivery within two to seven days depending on travel distance

Priority Mail:

• First Class Mail that weighs over 13 ounces
• If per piece weighs over 1 pound, postage determined by distance each piece needs to mail
• Minimum of 200 pieces
• Requires mail agent preparation
• Requires Priority or Priority Mail indicia
• Requires mailing paperwork/permit
• Does not require a barcode
• Standard delivery within two to seven days depending on travel distance

Standard Mail (formerly referred to as Bulk Mail):

• Can only ship domestically, no international shipping
• Can send via First Class mail
• Minimum of 200 pieces
• Requires mail agent preparation
• Requires Standard mail indicia
• Requires mailing paperwork/permit
• Flat rate for letters, large envelopes, and parcels
• No forwarded or returned mail unless you pay additional postage
• Does not require bar codes
• Economic pricing
• Standard delivery in two to 14 days—varies depending on volume at each post office and travel distance

Move Update Info

Beginning in January 2010, standard mailings must have their mailing addresses processed through the USPS NCOA program within the previous 95 days, or that an Optional Service Endorsement is printed on the mail piece.

Currently, Presorted First Class mailings must use an Optional Service Endorsement or have been processed through the USPS NCOA program within the previous 95 days.

First Class mail is not required to have an Optional Service Endorsement, or to be processed through the USPS NCOA program.