243 Rates and Eligibility

1.0 Rates and Fees for Standard Mail

1.1 Rate Application

Postage is based on the rate that applies to the weight (postage) increment of each addressed piece.

1.2 Standard Mail Rate Application

Standard Mail rates are based on the weight of the pieces and are applied differently to pieces weighing less than or equal to 3.3 ounces (0.2063 pound) and those weighing more, as follows:

a. The appropriate minimum per piece rate applies to any Standard Mail piece that weighs 3.3 ounces or less.

b. A rate determined by adding the appropriate fixed per piece charge and the corresponding variable per pound charge (based on the weight of the piece) applies to any Standard Mail piece that weighs more than 3.3 ounces.

1.3 Regular Standard Mail—Presorted, ECR, and Automation Rates

	Entry Discount	Presorted1		Enhanced Carrier Route (ECR)2				Automation
		Basic	3/5	Basic	High Density	Saturation	Automation Basic	Mixed AADC	AADC	3‑Digit	5‑Digit
Letters weighing 3.3 oz. or less per piece rate	None	$0.282	$0.261	$0.204	$0.173	$0.160	$0.180	$0.231	$0.223	$0.214	$0.200
	DBMC	0.260	0.239	0.182	0.151	0.138	0.158	0.209	0.201	0.192	0.178
	DSCF	0.255	0.234	0.177	0.146	0.133	0.153	---	0.196	0.187	0.173
	DDU	---	---	0.171	0.140	0.127	0.147	---	---	---	---
more than 3.3 oz3 per pound rate	None	$0.746	$0.746	$0.643	$0.643	$0.643	$0.643	$0.746	$0.746	$0.746	$0.746
	DBMC	0.641	0.641	0.538	0.538	0.538	0.538	0.641	0.641	0.641	0.641
	DSCF	0.614	0.614	0.511	0.511	0.511	0.511	---	0.614	0.614	0.614
	DDU	---	---	0.477	0.477	0.477	0.477	---	---	---	---
+		+	+	+	+	+	+	+	+	+	+
per piece rate		0.209	0.150	0.071	0.0404	0.027 4	0.047 4	0.077 4	0.069 4	0.060 4	0.046 4

1.4 Nonprofit Standard Mail—Presorted, ECR, and Automation Rates

	Entry Discount	Presorted1		Enhanced Carrier Route (ECR)2				Automation
		Basic	3/5	Basic	High Density	Saturation	Automation Basic	Mixed AADC	AADC	3‑Digit	5‑Digit
Letters weighing 3.3 oz. or less per piece rate	None	$0.170	$0.158	$0.140	$0.113	$0.105	$0.117	$0.148	$0.140	$0.133	$0.118
	DBMC	0.148	0.136	0.118	0.091	0.083	0.095	0.126	0.118	0.111	0.096
	DSCF	0.143	0.131	0.113	0.086	0.078	0.090	---	0.113	0.106	0.091
	DDU	---	---	0.107	0.080	0.072	0.084	---	---	---	---
more than 3.3 oz3 per pound rate	None	$0.602	$0.602	$0.411	$0.411	$0.411	$0.411	$0.602	$0.602	$0.602	$0.602
	DBMC	0.497	0.497	0.306	0.306	0.306	0.306	0.497	0.497	0.497	0.497
	DSCF	0.470	0.470	0.279	0.279	0.279	0.279	---	0.470	0.470	0.470
	DDU	---	---	0.245	0.245	0.245	0.245	---	---	---	---
+		+	+	+	+	+	+	+	+	+	+
per piece rate		0.113	0.065	0.055	0.0284	0.020 4	0.032 4	0.024 4	0.016 4	0.009 4	‑0.0064

1.5 Nonmachinable Surcharge

Surcharge per piece:

a. Presorted Regular: $0.042.

b. Presorted Nonprofit: $0.021.

1.6 Fees

1.6.1 Presort Mailing Fee

Mailing fee, per 12-month period: $160.00.

1.6.2 Weighted Fee

For return of pieces bearing the ancillary service markings "Address Service Requested" and "Forwarding Service Requested."

weighted fee
Single Piece Weight Not Over (ounces)	Weighted Fee per Piece1
Card Rate	$0.60
1	0.972
2	1.56
3	2.16
4	2.75
5	3.34
6	3.94
7	4.53
8	5.12
9	5.72
10	6.31
11	6.90
12	7.50
13	8.09
Over 13 but under 16	10.02

1.7 Computing Postage for Standard Mail

1.7.1 Weight

To compute the total weight of the addressed pieces in a mailing or mailing segment for:

a. Identical-weight pieces, multiply the computed average weight of a single piece by the corresponding number of pieces; do not round the product.

b. Nonidentical-weight pieces, add the actual weight of the individual pieces or weigh the entire mailing in bulk; do not round either result.

1.7.2 Determining Single-Piece Weight

To determine single-piece weight in any mailing of nonidentical-weight pieces, weigh each piece individually. To determine single-piece weight in a mailing of identical-weight pieces, weigh a sample group of at least 10 randomly selected pieces and divide the total sample weight by the number of pieces in the sample. Express all single-piece weights in decimal pounds rounded off to four decimal places.

1.7.3 Net Postage

Postage is computed at the applicable rates on the entire mailing to be mailed at one time. The net postage rate that must be paid is either the applicable minimum per piece rate or the piece/pound rate, as reduced by any discounts for which the piece is eligible, and/or as increased by any surcharge to which the piece is subject. The net postage rate is commonly designated by the name of the primary rate category or discount (e.g., Enhanced Carrier Route rate, automation letter rate, automation flat rate, Presorted rate).

1.7.4 Per Piece and Per Pound Charges

The per piece charge is computed based on the total number of addressed pieces for each rate category claimed. The minimum rate may apply to each piece as detailed in 1.2, Standard Mail Rate Application. Otherwise, the per piece charge must be added to the per pound charge to determine total postage. Where applicable, the per pound charge is computed based on the total weight of the addressed pieces for each rate category claimed, and is added to the per piece charge to determine total postage. For example, a quantity of pieces weighing 100.25 pounds is charged 100.25 times the applicable rate per pound, based on the rate claimed, plus one unit of the applicable per piece charge for each addressed piece.

1.7.5 Computing Affixed Postage

To compute postage to be affixed to each piece, multiply the weight of the piece (in pounds) by the applicable rate per pound; add the applicable per piece charge and any surcharge; and round the sum up to the next tenth of a cent. The applicable minimum per piece charge must be affixed if it is more than the total computed per piece postage.

1.7.6 Computing Affixed Postage—Heavy Letters

To compute postage to be affixed to each piece, multiply the weight of the piece (in pounds) by the applicable rate per pound; add the applicable per piece charge, subtract the heavy letter discount (see 1.7.8 through 1.7.10); and round the sum up to the next tenth of a cent.

1.7.7 Permit Imprint

In any permit imprint mailing:

a. For each rate or rate category, multiply the number of addressed pieces by the corresponding rate per piece and (if applicable) multiply the unrounded total weight of the pieces by the corresponding rate per pound; round off each product to four decimal places.

b. Add the per piece and per pound charges and round off the total postage to the nearest whole cent.

1.7.8 Discount for Heavy Automation Letters

Automation letters that weigh more than 3.3 ounces but not more than 3.5 ounces are charged postage equal to the automation piece/pound rate for that piece and receive a discount equal to the corresponding automation nonletter piece rate (3.3 ounces or less) minus the corresponding automation letter piece rate (3.3 ounces or less). For automation ECR pieces, postage is calculated using the regular basic piece/pound rate and the regular basic nonletter piece rate. If a destination entry rate is claimed, the discount is calculated using the corresponding rates.

1.7.9 Discount for Heavy ECR Letters

Pieces that otherwise qualify for the high density or saturation letter rate and weigh more than 3.3 ounces but not more than 3.5 ounces pay postage equal to the piece/pound rate and receive a discount equal to the nonletter piece rate (3.3 ounces or less) minus the letter piece rate (3.3 ounces or less). If a destination entry rate is claimed, the discount is calculated using the corresponding rates.

1.7.10 Discount for Heavy ECR Basic Automation Letters

Pieces that otherwise qualify for the automation basic rate and weigh more than 3.3 ounces but not more than 3.5 ounces pay postage equal to the regular basic piece/pound rate and receive a discount equal to the regular basic nonletter piece rate (3.3 ounces or less) minus the automation basic piece rate (3.3 ounces or less). If a destination entry rate is claimed, the discount is calculated using the corresponding rates.

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2.0 Content Standards for Standard Mail Letters

2.1 Definition and Weight

Standard Mail consists of mailable matter that is neither mailed or required to be mailed as First-Class Mail nor entered as Periodicals (unless permitted or required by standard) and that weighs less than 16 ounces. Standard Mail includes matter formerly classified as Standard Mail (A) and third-class mail.

2.2 Personal Information

Personal information may not be included in a Standard Mail mailpiece unless all of the following conditions are met:

a. The mailpiece contains explicit advertising for a product or service for sale or lease or an explicit solicitation for a donation.

b. All of the personal information is directly related to the advertising or solicitation.

c. The exclusive reason for inclusion of all of the personal information is to support the advertising or solicitation in the mailpiece.

2.3 Bills and Statements of Account

Mail containing bills or statements of account as defined in 233.2.2 may not be entered as Standard Mail except under the conditions described in 2.5.2.

2.4 Handwritten and Typewritten Matter

Mail containing handwritten or typewritten matter may not be entered as Standard Mail except under the conditions described in 2.6.

2.5 Attachments and Enclosures

2.5.1 Invoice

An invoice, whether it also serves as a bill, may be placed either inside a Standard Mail piece or in an envelope marked "Invoice Enclosed" and attached to the outside of the piece if the invoice relates solely to the matter with which it is mailed. The invoice may show this information:

a. Names and addresses of the sender and addressee.

b. Names and quantities of the articles enclosed, descriptions of each (e.g., price, tax, style, stock number, size, and quality, and, if defective, nature of defects).

c. Order or file number, date of order, date and manner of shipment, shipping weight, postage paid, and initials or name of packer or checker.

2.5.2 Incidental First-Class Attachments and Enclosures

Incidental First-Class matter may be enclosed in or attached to Standard Mail merchandise (including books but excluding merchandise samples) without payment of First-Class postage. Incidental First-Class matter may not be enclosed in or attached to matter mailed as Customized MarketMail under 705.1.0. An incidental First-Class attachment or enclosure must be matter that, if mailed separately, would require First-Class postage, is closely associated with but secondary to the host piece, and is prepared not to encumber postal processing. An incidental First-Class attachment or enclosure may be a bill for the product or publication, a statement of account for past products or publications, or a personal message or greeting included with a product, publication, or parcel. Postage at the Standard Mail or Package Services rate for the host piece is based on the combined weight of the host piece and the incidental First-Class attachment or enclosure.

2.5.3 Nonincidental First-Class Enclosures

Letters or other pieces of nonincidental First-Class Mail, subject to postage at First-Class Mail rates, may be enclosed with Standard Mail pieces (except matter mailed as Customized MarketMail under 705.1.0). Postage for the First-Class enclosure must be placed on the outside of the piece. It may be affixed separately or added to the postage for the host piece. The endorsement "First-Class Mail Enclosed" must be placed on the piece, below the postage and above the address.

2.5.4 Nonincidental First-Class Attachments

Letters or other pieces of nonincidental First-Class Mail may be placed in an envelope and securely attached to the address side of a Standard Mail piece (except matter mailed as Customized MarketMail under 705.1.0), or of the principal piece, as applicable. Combination envelopes or containers with separate parts for the two classes of mail may be used. The names and addresses of the sender and addressee must be placed on both the principal piece and the attachment. Alternatively, the sender's name and address must be placed on one part and the addressee's name and address on the other. If the piece is a combination container with inseparable parts or compartments, the names and addresses may appear on only one part. The applicable Standard Mail postage for the Standard Mail matter must be prepaid and placed in the upper right corner of the address space. Postage at the applicable First-Class rate must be paid for and affixed to the First-Class attachment, unless other payment methods are permitted by standard.

2.5.5 Attachment of Other Standard Mail Matter

Standard Mail pieces may bear an attachment that is eligible as Standard Mail matter if these additional conditions are met:

a. The piece bearing the attachment is claimed as Customized MarketMail (CMM) under 705.1.0 or as Enhanced Carrier Route Standard Mail under 6.0.

b. The face of the attachment may bear only the rate markings and endorsements permitted for the rate claimed for the host piece.

c. At the time of mailing, the piece shows only one complete delivery address. If the attachment is a reply card, the address for returning the piece is not visible.

d. Enhanced Carrier Route host pieces are larger than 6 by 11 inches. CMM host pieces are any size permitted under 705.1.1.3, Physical Standards.

e. The attachment is not larger than the host piece and does not extend beyond the host piece. An attachment affixed to a CMM piece may not be greater than 1/4 inch thick at its thickest point.

f. Each piece in the mailing bears the attachment, and the attachment is of identical size, weight, and positioning on the host piece. Different wording or designs may be used.

g. The attachment does not interfere with processing or delivery. Folded or multipage attachments must be secured to prevent opening during handling.

2.6 Written Additions

Markings that have the character of personal correspondence require, with certain exceptions, additional postage at the First-Class rates. The following written additions and enclosures do not require additional First-Class postage:

a. The sender's and the addressee's names, occupations, and addresses, preceded by "From" or "To," and directions for handling.

b. Marks, numbers, names, or letters describing the contents.

c. Words or phrases such as "Do Not Open Until Christmas" and "Happy Birthday, Mother."

d. Instructions and directions for the use of the item mailed.

e. A manuscript dedication or inscription not having the nature of personal correspondence.

f. Marks to call attention to words or passages in the text.

g. Corrections of typographical errors in printed matter.

h. Manuscripts accompanying related proof sheets and corrections of proof sheets including corrections of typographical and other errors, changes in the text, insertions of new text, marginal instructions to the printer, and corrective rewrites of parts.

i. Handstamped imprints, unless the added material is in itself personal or converts the original matter to a personal communication.

j. Matter mailable separately as Standard Mail printed on the wrapper, envelope, tag, or label.

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3.0 Basic Standards for Standard Mail Letters

3.1 Description of Service

3.1.1 Service Objectives

Standard Mail may receive deferred handling. Service objectives for delivery are 2 to 9 days; however, delivery time is not guaranteed.

3.1.2 Minimum Quantity

Standard Mail provides economical rates for mailings of 200 or more pieces or 50 or more pounds of mail.

3.2 Defining Characteristics

3.2.1 Mailpiece Weight Limit

All Standard Mail pieces must weigh less than 16 ounces.

3.2.2 Preparation Requirements

Standard Mail is subject to specific volume, marking, and preparation requirements.

3.2.3 Inspection of Contents

Standard Mail is not sealed against postal inspection.

3.2.4 Forwarding Service

The price of Standard Mail typically does not include forwarding service. Forwarding service is available under 507.1.5.

3.2.5 Return Service

The price of Standard Mail does not include return service. Return service is available under 507.1.5 for an additional fee.

3.2.6 Extra Services

Extra services available with Standard Mail are insured mail service (bulk insurance only), certificate of mailing service (bulk certificate of mailing only), return receipt for merchandise service, and Delivery Confirmation service (parcels only). See information regarding extra services in 503.

3.2.7 Periodicals

Authorized Periodicals may not be entered as Standard Mail unless permitted by standard.

3.2.8 Identical Pieces

The contents of printed matter in a Standard Mail mailing must be identical to a piece sent to at least one other addressee. Standard Mail may include the addressee's name and address but may not transmit personal information except as permitted under 2.2.

3.3 Additional Basic Standards for Standard Mail

Each Standard Mail mailing is subject to these general standards:

a. All pieces in a mailing must be of the same processing category.

b. Each mailing must contain at least 200 pieces or 50 pounds of pieces. See 3.6, Residual Volume Requirement, for volume requirement eligibility unique to Presorted Standard rate mailings. Other volume standards also can apply, based on the rate claimed.

c. All pieces in an automation mailing must be eligible for an automation rate.

d. All pieces in a mailing must be sorted together and marked under the standards for the rate claimed.

e. Each piece must bear the addressee's name and delivery address, including the correct ZIP Code or ZIP+4 code, unless an alternative addressing format is used subject to 602.3.0. Detached address labels may be used subject to 602.4.0.

f. Postage must be paid under 244.1.0 through 244.3.0 with precanceled stamps, meter stamps, or permit imprint.

g. A postage statement, completed and signed by the mailer, using the correct USPS form or an approved facsimile, must be submitted with each mailing. In addition, mailings must be documented under 244.4.2, Basic Documentation Standards, and the standards for the rate claimed.

h. Each piece must meet the standards for any other rate or discount claimed.

i. Any POSTNET barcode on a mailpiece must be correct for the delivery address and meet the standards in 202.5.0, Barcode Placement, 708.3.0, Coding Accuracy Support System (CASS), and 708.4.0, Barcoding Standards for Letters and Flats.

j. Mailings must be deposited at a business mail entry unit of the post office where the postage permit or license is held and the annual mailing fee paid, unless deposit elsewhere is permitted by standard.

3.4 Presort Mailing Fees

An annual mailing fee must be paid once each 12-month period at each post office of mailing. A mailer paying this fee may enter clients' mail as well as the mailer's own. The mailer whose permit imprint appears on pieces in a mailing paid with a permit imprint must show that permit number on the postage statement and must pay the annual mailing fee for that permit; this fee is in addition to the one-time fee for an application to use permit imprints. The fee may be paid in advance only for the next 12 months and only during the last 60 days of the current service period. The fee charged is that which is in effect on the date of payment.

3.5 Merging Similar Standard Mailings

Mailings are subject to the general definitions and conditions in 245.1.0, General Information for Mail Preparation. Generally, mailers may merge similar Standard Mail matter into a single mailing. Differences in text, address labels, and address lists or list key numbers do not prohibit the mailer from merging and sorting pieces together. Pieces with different methods of postage payment may be combined in the same mailing only if authorized by Business Mailer Support (BMS). Pieces of nonidentical weight, if merged in the same mailing, must bear the correct postage when mailed, unless otherwise authorized by BMS.

3.6 Residual Volume Requirement

Pieces in an Enhanced Carrier Route rate mailing that has separately met a 200-piece or 50-pound minimum quantity re