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Careful preparation of your mailpiece helps
to ensure accurate and safe delivery.
ENVELOPES AND BOXES
Letters, Greeting Cards, and
Other Documents
These can be sent in standard white, manila, or recycled paper envelopes. Items
needing extra protection can be sent in bubble-lined, padded paper, or waterproof
envelopes.
Boxes
Sturdy paperboard boxes may be used for weights up to 10 pounds. Heavier parcels
require a sturdy grade corrugated fiberboard. If you are reusing a box,
all previous labels and markings must be totally removed or obliterated with a heavy black marker.
Cushioning
Boxes should allow enough room for cushioning materials around the contents. You can use newspaper, foam peanuts, or shredded
paper for cushioning. For more fragile items, use foamed plastic or padding,
placing the cushioning inside hollow items as well.
Sealing
Make sure to tape the opening of your box and reinforce all seams with 2-inch
wide tape. Use clear or brown packaging tape, reinforced packing tape, or
paper tape. Do not use cord, string, twine, masking tape or cellophane tape.
ADDRESSING
Address Quality
Quality addressing is the key to achieving accurate and speedy delivery.
Placement
Print the delivery and return addresses on the same side of your envelope,
card, or parcel. The addresses or address labels should be written or placed
parallel to the longest side.
Return Address
A return address helps return your mailpiece to you if it is undeliverable.
A return address is required on most mail.
ZIP Codes
Using the correct ZIP Code ensures efficient and accurate processing and delivery.
Marking
If you deposit your mail in a mailbox or a collection box, you must write in
the postage area of your mailpiece the name of the service you are using,
such as “Priority Mail,” “Parcel Post,” or “Media Mail.” If you go to your Post Office, the
clerk will make service markings on your mailpiece for you.
Military Mail
Overseas military addresses must show full name, including first name and middle name or initial, and unit number. The delivery line (the second line from the bottom in the address) must show the ship name, unit number, CMR or PSC number, and box number if assigned. The last line must contain the APO and FPO designation and the appropriate two-letter “state” abbreviation (AA, AE, or AP), followed by the ZIP+4 or 5-digit ZIP Code. AA, AE, and AP are used for addresses with the 3-digit ZIP Code prefixes 340, 090-098, and 962-966, respectively. In addition, mail sent to dependents residing in overseas areas must be addressed in care of the sponsor.
Address Lists
Address or mailing lists can be purchased from a mail service provider if you
don’t maintain your own. Lists should be checked
and certified for address quality to ensure the highest rate of successful
delivery.
ENVELOPES AND BOXES
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Delivery Address
Place the delivery address parallel to the longest side of your mailpiece.
City, State, and ZIP
Code
To find the correct spelling of a city name and state abbreviation or
to find a ZIP Code, use the ZIP Code
Lookup or call 1·800·ASK·USPS. Using the correct
ZIP Code helps direct your mail more efficiently and accurately.
Return Address
Place the return address in the upper left corner on the same side as
the delivery address.
Postage
Use stamps, postage meter, or a PC Postage system to affix the correct
amount. You can calculate postage online from the USPS
Homepage.
Extra Services
Place labels for extra services above the delivery address and to the
right of the return address, or to the left of the delivery address.
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