Standard mail must be prepared in a mailing that contains a minimum of 200 pieces or 50 pounds of qualifying mail. Standard mail can have a handwritten or typewritten date, sender’s or addressee’s name, or corrections of typographical errors without losing the Standard mail classification. Standard mail includes mechanically duplicated materials, such as, photocopied letters, announcements, newsletters, and catalogs as long as the material is not personalized and, if signed, the signature is duplicated. Standard mail is printed matter, or other mailable material that weighs 16 ounces or less and is not subject to first class rates. Priority Mail Express mailers are available in the mail room. Flat Rate Priority Mail Express envelopes and boxes are also available at a fixed cost, regardless of weight. Insurance for higher coverage may be purchased at an additional cost. It provides insurance against loss, damage or rifling up to $100 at no additional cost. Priority Mail Express provides next day or second day delivery of letters and packages. Priority mailers are available in the mail room. Tracking numbers are affixed free of charge and insurance is included up to $50. There are Priority Flat Rate envelopes and boxes available where weight and zone are not taken into account and a flat rate is charged. Postage is charged on a per-piece basis according to weight and postal zone. Priority Mail receives expedited handling and transportation. You can also send pieces weighing less than 13 ounces as Priority, and they will be charged at the Priority rate minimum. Priority Mail is First Class Mail weighing more than 13 ounces.

First Class Mail weighing over 13 ounces is charged postage at Priority Mail rates. First Class rates apply to pieces weighing 13 ounces or less. However, any item that is mail-able and can be transported safely by air can be mailed at the First Class rates. First class mail is usually hand-written or typed correspondence, statements of account, or other matter having the character of personal correspondence.

First class vs priority mail