Mail Classifications
Standard
Minimum Weight: None.
Maximum Weight: 15.9999 ounces (less than 1 pound).
Minimum Quantity: 200 pieces or 50 pounds of mail.
Standard Mail is mail matter not required to be mailed as First-Class Mail or Periodicals. Lower nonprofit rates are available for Standard Mail but require specific authorization.
Mailers use Standard Mail to send
- Printed matter, flyers, circulars, advertising
- Newsletters, bulletins, and catalogs
- Small parcels
All Standard Mail rates are bulk rates, and each mailing must meet a minimum quantity of 200 pieces or 50 pounds of mail. There are no single-piece Standard Mail rates. In Standard Mail, there are rates for letters and flats/nonletters. Unlike First-Class Mail, there is no separate Standard Mail card rate (cards are mailed as letters or flats/nonletters). Standard Mail parcels (for instance, a small merchandise sample) are charged a residual shape surcharge.
Certain special services can be used with Standard Mail parcels: electronic Delivery Confirmation, bulk insurance, and return receipt for merchandise. Standard Mail is not forwarded or returned unless you request it with an ancillary service endorsement. Forwarding and return services may result in additional fees or postage.
Note that the US Postal Service is a wonderful resource for updates on mail classification requirements. Please visit www.usps.com to find the most up-to-date postage rates, sizes, and maximum and minimum weights
