ARCHIVED QSG - JUN 07, 2010
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Quick Service Guide 420

Commercial Parcels

Priority Mail

June 7, 2010
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Physical Standards (401.1.0)

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Maximum weight: 70 pounds, (Commercial plus cubic: 20 pounds).

Maximum length and girth: 108 inches.

Prices and Fees (423.1.0)

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For a complete listing of commercial Priority Mail prices, see Notice 123-Price List.

Except for Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelopes, Flat Rate Boxes, and commercial plus cubic mailpieces, Priority Mail commercial base and commercial plus prices are based on weight and zone.

Balloon Price: Parcels addressed for delivery to Zones 1-4 that weigh less than 20 pounds but measure more than 84 inches (but not exceeding 108 inches) in combined length and girth are charged the 20-pound price for the zone to which addressed.

Dimensional Weight Price: Postage for parcels addressed for delivery to Zones 5-8 and exceeding 1 cubic foot (1,728 cubic inches) is based on the actual weight or the dimensional weight, whichever is greater. (See QSG 120, Retail Priority Mail, for examples on how to measure dimensional weight.)

Matter mailed in USPS-provided Priority Mail packaging is charged one flat price regardless how much the item weighs (up to 70 pounds) or domestic destination. Only USPS-produced Flat Rate packaging is eligible for Priority Mail Flat Rate pricing. The following Flat Rate options are available:

Flat Rate Envelope:

  • 12-1/2'' x 9-1/2''

Small Flat Rate Box:

  • 8-5/8'' x 5-3/8'' x 1-5/8''

Medium Flat Rate Boxes:

  • 11'' x 8-1/2'' x 5-1/2''
  • 13-5/8'' x 11-7/8'' x 3-3/8''

Large Flat Rate Box:

  • 12 x 12 x 5-1/2''

Commercial base prices (423.1.2) are available for postage paid through:

  • Click-N-Ship customers
  • Registered end-users of USPS-approved PC Postage products when using a qualifying shipping label managed by the PC Postage system
  • Permit imprint when a postal routing barcode matching the destination ZIP Code is on the mailpiece (flats with permit imprint may bear a POSTNET or Intelligent Mail barcode)
  • Priority Mail Open and Distribute using permit imprint when a Service barcode containing a unique service type code 55 is on the address label (705.16.0)
  • Information-based indicia (IBI) postage meters in conjunction with an approved shipping label that includes a confirmation services barcode with a postal routing code
  • IBI postage meters that print the IBI with the appropriate price marking and electronically transmit transactional data to the USPS
  • Merchandise Return Service (MRS) for Priority Mail when all MRS requirements are met (507.11.0).

Commercial plus prices (423.1.3) are available to existing and new customers who qualify for commercial base prices and whose account volume for the previous year exceeds a minimum threshold or have a customer commitment agreement with the USPS, and who are:

  • Registered end-users of USPS-approved PC Postage products (exceeds 100,000 pieces)
  • Permit imprint customers (exceeds 100,000 pieces)
  • Priority Mail Open and Distribute customers (exceeds 600 PMOD containers)
  • Merchandise Return Service permit holders (exceeds 100,000 pieces).

Commercial plus cubic prices (423.1.4) are available to existing and new customers who qualify for commercial base prices and whose account volume exceeds 250,000 for the previous year or have a customer commitment agreement with the USPS, and who are:

  • Registered end-users of USPS-approved PC Postage products
  • Permit imprint customers who use the Electronic Verification System (eVS) or submit an electronic postage statement with a computerized manifest.

Pickup on Demand (507.6.0) is available regardless of the number of pieces. Only one fee includes Express Mail, Priority Mail, or Parcel Post picked up at the same time (423.1.8). Service and information available by calling
1-800-222-1811 or at www.usps.com.

Carrier Pickup is available for free by submitting your request online at www.usps.com and having your Express Mail, Priority Mail, or eligible international mail packages, with postage affixed, ready when your carrier arrives for your regular mail delivery.

Content (423.2.0)

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Mailers have the option to use Express Mail or Priority Mail service for mailpieces required to be mailed as First-Class Mail. Unless Express Mail is used, Priority Mail prices are required for a mailpiece that weighs more than 13 ounces when the mailpiece contains matter that must be mailed as First-Class Mail (433.2.0). All mailable matter may be sent as Priority Mail, except matter prohibited by standards (e.g., certain hazardous materials) (601.8).

Postage Payment and Documentation (424)

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Click-N-Ship (604.4.0), IBI meter and PC Postage (604.4.0), or permit imprint (604.5.0). For Priority Mail Open and Distribute, see 705.16.0.

Postage Statement: PS Form 3600-R or approved facsimile; other documentation may be required by standards for payment method used. No postage statement is required if metered postage is affixed.

Mail Preparation (425)

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Matter mailed in USPS-provided Priority Mail packaging is subject to Priority Mail prices regardless of how the package is reconfigured or how the marking may be obliterated.

When sealing a Flat Rate Box or Flat Rate Envelope, the container flaps must be able to close within the normal folds. Tape may be applied to the flaps and seams to reinforce the container provided the design of the container is not enlarged by opening the sides and the container is not reconstructed in any way.

Each piece must include a complete delivery and return address with correct ZIP Code or ZIP+4 code (602.1.0).

Marking on each piece: "Priority Mail" must be placed prominently on the address side of each mailpiece.

Except for permit imprint or Merchandise Return Service, the following price markings are required in the postage area (425.2.0):

  • Commercial Base Price: "Commercial Base Price", "Commercial Base Pricing", or "ComBasPrice".
  • Commercial Plus Price: "Commercial Plus Price", "Commercial Plus Pricing", or "ComPlsPrice".
  • Commercial Plus Cubic Price with PC Postage (425.2.3): Mailpieces must bear the appropriate marking that reflects the respective price tier as follows:
  • Cubic .10
  • Cubic .20
  • Cubic .30
  • Cubic .40
  • Cubic .50
  • Commercial Plus Cubic Price with permit imprint (425.2.4): "Cubic", "CUBIC", or "cubic."

Enter and Deposit (426)

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Deposit: Packages with Click-N-Ship, IBI metered postage, or PC Postage may be deposited in collection boxes or at an acceptance point designated by USPS.

Delivery: At mailer's option, uninsured mail may be left in a protected place if endorsed "Carrier-Leave If No Response" (508.1.2).

Open and Distribute Shipments: see 705.16.0.

 

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ARCHIVED QSG - JUN 07, 2010
ARCHIVED QSG - JUN 07, 2010