FIRST CLASS MAIL
All mailable matter weighing 13 ounces and less may be sent as First Class Mail. The following items must be mailed as First Class or Express Mail:
- Matter that is directly handwritten or typewritten
- Matter having the character of personal correspondence
- Matter closed against postal inspection Bills and statements of account
EXAMPLES OF FIRST CLASS MAIL
The following are examples of items that must be sent First Class:
Handwritten or typewritten matter, including identical copies prepared by an automatic typewriter. This does not include computer-produced documents, although this material is subject to First Class postage if it has the character of personal correspondence.
- Autograph albums containing writing
- Notebooks or blank books containing hand written or typewritten entries or shorthand notes
- Blank printed forms filled out in writing, such as notices, certificates, and canceled or uncanceled checks
- Printed price lists containing handwritten figures
- Printed cards or letters bearing a handwritten date concerning an event.
If you still have questions about whether a piece qualifies as First Class Mail, call Addressing & Mailing Services at 626-0222. Current rate information for First Class Mail is in Appendix C.
FIRST CLASS POSTCARDS
Postcards can be purchased from the post office with the postage preprinted on each card. Privately printed postcards (size limitations: .007-.016" thick; not larger than 4 1/4" by 6", not smaller than 3 1/2" by 5"; rectangular) (see non machinable surcharge information)go First Class. See Appendix C . for the current postcard postage rate. If you wish to use postcards that do not meet the size and thickness requirements, they must be posted at the First Class letter rate. If they are entirely preprinted, postcards can be mailed at the Standard rate.
PRIORITY MAIL
All First Class Mail over 13 ounces and not over 70 pounds is considered Priority Mail. You can expedite delivery of other classes of mail (Standard and First Class under 13 ounces) by sending them as Priority Mail. Delivery standards for Priority Mail are one to three days. The maximum size of Priority Mail packages is 108" in length and girth combined. Over 1 Ib., Priority Mail is zone-rated by weight and distance. For specific rates see Appendix C or call the post office or Addressing & Mailing at 626-0222.
BUSINESS REPLY MAIL
Business Reply Mail is a special First Class Mail arrangement whereby the original sender can pay postage for replies to a United States address from any United States location. The University of Minnesota holds a Business Reply Mail permit administered by Addressing & Mailing. Departments can make arrangements to use the permit by calling Addressing & Mailing at 625-6560. lllustrations of printing guidelines for Business Reply Mail are in Business Reply .
EXPRESS MAIL
For time-sensitive, mailable matter up to 70 pounds, Express Mail offers high-speed service. Two basic services are available within the United States.
A. Post office-to-post office
B. Post office-to-addressee
Current rate information for Express Mail is in Appendix C . Express Mail may be metered or paid through an Express Mail Corporate Account. 3.
