


Chapter 3
First-Class Mail

310 Rates and Fees

311 Single-Piece Rates

311.1 Card Rates (Postal Cards and Postcards)

311.11 Eligibility

311.111 Definitions

a.  Postal Cards.
Postal cards are cards sold by the Postal Service with a postage stamp
printed or impressed on it.

b.  Postcards.
Postcards are cards sold commercially and require the addition of postage.

311.112 Size Limits.
To be eligible for the card rates, each postcard and each half of a double
post card must measure no more than 4-1/4 inches high, 6 inches long, or
0.0095 inch thick.  Cards that exceed these dimensions must be paid at the
rates for matter other than cards (see 311.2).

311.12 Rate Application.
The single-piece card rates in 311.13 apply to each postcard or
double post card that meets the requirements in 311.11 and
322.  The reply part of a double postcard does not have to bear
postage when originally mailed; when returned, it must bear the correct
postage at the applicable rate.

311.13 Rates



Single  $ 0.19 each
Double  0.38 ($ 0.19 each part; see 311.12)



311.2 Rates for Matter Other Than Cards

311.21 Rate Application.
The single-piece rates in 311.22 for matter other than cards apply
to each piece weighing 11 ounces or less according to its weight.  See
314 for the rates that apply to heavier pieces.

311.22 Regular Rates



First ounce or fraction of an ounce $0.29
Each additional ounce or fraction of an ounce  0.23


Weight Not
Exceeding OuncesRate
1$0.29
20.52
30.75
40.98
51.21
61.44
71.67
81.90
92.13
102.36
112.59



312 Nonpresorted Bulk Rates

312.1 Nonpresorted ZIP+4 Rate

312.11 Card Rate

312.111 Rate Application.
The nonpresorted ZIP+4 rate in 312.112 applies to cards meeting
the requirements of 311.11, 322, and 327.

312.112 Rate.
The nonpresorted ZIP+4 rate for cards is $0.18 each.

312.12 Rate for Matter Other than Cards

312.121 Rate Application.
The nonpresorted ZIP+4 rates in 312.122 for matter other than
cards apply to mailings prepared as required by 327.

312.122 Rates



First ounce or fraction of an ounce$0.276
Each additional ounce or fraction of an ounce 0.230



Weight Not
Exceeding OuncesRate
1$0.276
2 0.506
3 0.736



312.2 Nonpresorted ZIP+4 Barcoded Rate

312.21 Card Rate

312.211 Rate Application.
The nonpresorted ZIP+4 Barcoded rate in 312.212 applies to cards
meeting the requirements of 311.11, 322, and 328.

312.212 Rate.
The nonpresorted ZIP+4 Barcoded rate for cards is $0.177 each.

312.22 Rate for Matter Other than Cards.
None.

313 Presorted Bulk First-Class Rates

313.1 General

313.11 Cards.
To be mailed at the presorted First-Class rates in 313, each
postal card or postcard must meet the requirements of 311.11 and
322 in addition to the requirements that apply to the particular rate.

313.12 Fee.
The annual presort fee prescribed by 315.4 and 341 must
be paid in order to mail at any of the presorted First-Class rates in
313.

313.2 Presorted First-Class Rates

313.21 Rate Application.
The Presorted First-Class rates in 313.22 apply to mailings
prepared as required by 323.1, 361.4, 362.2,
367.1, 367.2, 367.5, and 382.

313.22 Rates

313.221 Cards.
The Presorted First-Class rate for cards is $0.17 each.

313.222 Matter Other than Cards



First ounce or fraction of an ounce
(For pieces weighing not more than 2 ounces)$0.248
(For pieces weighing more than 2 ounces)0.206
Each additional ounce or fraction of an ounce0.230


Weight Not
Exceeding OuncesRate
1$ 0.248
20.478
30.666
40.896
51.126
61.356
71.586
81.816
92.046
102.276
112.506



313.3 Carrier Route Rates

313.31 Rate Application.
The carrier route rates in 313.32 apply to mailings prepared as
required by 323.2, 361.4, 362.3, 367.3
and 367.4, and 382.



313.32 Rates

313.321 Cards.
The carrier route First-Class rate for cards is $0.152 each.

313.322 Matter Other than Cards



First ounce or fraction of an ounce
(For pieces weighing not more than 2 ounces)$0.230
(For pieces weighing more than 2 ounces)0.188
Each additional ounce or fraction of an ounce0.230


Weight Not
Exceeding OuncesRate
1$ 0.230
20.460
30.648
40.878
51.108
61.338
71.568
81.798
92.028
102.258
112.488



313.4 (Reserved)

313.5 (Reserved)

313.6 ZIP+4 Presort Rates

313.61 Rate Application.
The ZIP+4 Presort rates in 313.62 apply to pieces prepared as
required by 324, 361.5, 362.5, 365 or
366, 368.2, and 382.

313.62 Rates

313.621 Cards.
The ZIP+4 Presort rate for cards is $0.164 each.

313.622 Matter Other than Cards



First ounce or fraction of an ounce
(For pieces weighing not more than 2 ounces)$0.242
(For pieces weighing more than 2 ounces)0.200
Each additional ounce or fraction of an ounce0.230


Weight Not
Exceeding OuncesRate
1$ 0.242
20.472
30.660



313.7 3-Digit ZIP+4 Barcoded Rates

313.71 Rate Application.
The 3-digit ZIP+4 Barcoded rates in 313.72 apply to pieces
prepared as required by 325, 361.6, 362.6,
364, and 382.

313.72 Rates

313.721 Cards.
The 3-digit ZIP+4 Barcoded rate for cards is $0.161 each.

313.722 Matter Other than Cards



First ounce or fraction of an ounce
(For pieces weighing not more than 2 ounces)$0.239
(For pieces weighing more than 2 ounces) 0.197
Each additional ounce or fraction of an ounce 0.230


Weight Not
Exceeding OuncesRate
1$0.239
2 0.469
3 0.657



313.8 5-Digit ZIP+4 Barcoded Rates

313.81 Rate Application.
The 5-digit ZIP+4 Barcoded rates in 313.82 apply to pieces
prepared as required by 325, 361.6, 362.6,
364, and 382.

313.82 Rates

313.821 Cards.
The 5-digit ZIP+4 Barcoded rate for cards is $0.155 each.

313.822 Matter Other than Cards



First ounce or fraction of an ounce
(For pieces weighing not more than 2 ounces)$0.233
(For pieces weighing more than 2 ounces) 0.191
Each additional ounce or fraction of an ounce 0.230


Weight Not
Exceeding OuncesRate
1$ 0.233
20.463
30.651



314 Priority Mail

314.1 General

314.11 Eligibility.
Pieces of First-Class Mail weighing more than 11 ounces are subject to the
Priority Mail rates.  Pieces weighing 11 ounces or less may be mailed at the
minimum Priority Mail rates.  Priority Mail must meet the eligibility
requirements in 326.

314.12 Oversize Items.
Parcels weighing less than 15 pounds but measuring more than 84 inches in
length and girth combined are chargeable with a minimum rate equal to that for
a 15-pound parcel for the zone to which addressed.

314.13 Flat Rate Envelope.
Any amount of material that can be mailed in the special flat rate envelope
available from the Postal Service is subject to the rate of postage that
applies to a 2-pound piece at the single-piece Priority Mail rates (see
Exhibit 314.1), regardless of the weight of the material placed in
the flat rate envelope.

Exhibit 314.1 Single Piece Priority Mail Rates



Weight notZone/Rate


exceeding
 pounds 1,
 2, & 345678


1$2.90$2.90$2.90$2.90$2.90$2.90
22.902.902.902.902.902.90
34.104.104.104.104.104.10
44.654.654.654.654.654.65
55.455.455.455.455.455.45
65.555.756.106.857.658.60
75.706.106.707.558.509.65
85.906.507.308.309.4010.70
96.107.007.959.0510.2511.75
106.357.558.559.8011.1512.80
116.758.059.2010.5512.0513.80
127.158.559.8011.3012.9014.85
137.509.1010.4012.0513.8015.90
147.909.6011.0512.8014.6516.95
158.3010.1011.6513.5515.5518.00
168.7010.6512.3014.3016.4519.05
179.1011.1512.9015.0517.3020.10
189.5011.6513.5515.8018.2021.10
199.9012.2014.1516.5019.0522.15
2010.3012.7014.7517.2519.9523.20
2110.7013.2515.4018.0020.8524.25
2211.1013.7516.0018.7521.7025.30
2311.5014.2516.6519.5022.6026.35
2411.9014.8017.2520.2523.4527.40
2512.3015.3017.9021.0024.3528.45
2612.7015.8018.5021.7525.2529.45
2713.1016.3519.1022.5026.1030.50
2813.5016.8519.7523.2527.0031.55
2913.9017.3520.3524.0027.8532.60
3014.3017.9021.0024.7528.7533.65
3114.7018.4021.6025.5029.6534.70
3215.1018.9522.2026.2030.5035.75
3315.5019.4522.8526.9531.4036.75
3415.9019.9523.4527.7032.2537.80
3516.3020.5024.1028.4533.1538.85
3616.7021.0024.7029.2034.0539.90
3717.1021.5025.3529.9534.9040.95
3817.4522.0525.9530.7035.8042.00
3917.8522.5526.5531.4536.6543.05
4018.2523.0527.2032.2037.5544.05
4118.6523.6027.8032.9538.4545.10
4219.0524.1028.4533.7039.3046.15
4319.4524.6029.0534.4540.2047.20
4419.8525.1529.6535.1541.0548.25
4520.2525.6530.3035.9041.9549.30
4620.6526.2030.9036.6542.8550.35
4721.0526.7031.5537.4043.7051.35
4821.4527.2032.1538.1544.6052.40
4921.8527.7532.8038.9045.4553.45
5022.2528.2533.4039.6546.3554.50
5122.6528.7534.0040.4047.2555.55
5223.0529.3034.6541.1548.1056.60
5323.4529.8035.2541.9049.0057.65
5423.8530.3035.9042.6549.8558.65
5524.2530.8536.5043.4050.7559.70
5624.6531.3537.1544.1551.6560.75
5725.0531.9037.7544.8552.5061.80
5825.4532.4038.3545.6053.4062.85
5925.8532.9039.0046.3554.2563.90
6026.2533.4539.6047.1055.1564.95
6126.6533.9540.2547.8556.0565.95
6227.0534.4540.8548.6056.9067.00
6327.4035.0041.4549.3557.8068.05
6427.8035.5042.1050.1058.6569.10
6528.2036.0042.7050.8559.5570.15
6628.6036.5543.3551.6060.4571.20
6729.0037.0543.9552.3561.3072.25
6829.4037.5544.6053.1062.2073.25
6929.8038.1045.2053.8063.0574.30
7030.2038.6045.8054.5563.9575.35

NOTES: 1. The 2-pound rate is charged
for matter sent in a 'flat rate' envelope provided by the Postal Service.
2. Add $4.50 for each pickup stop.
3. Pieces presented in mailings of at least 300 pieces and
meeting applicable Postal Service regulations for presorted Priority Mail
receive a 10-cent per piece discount.
4. Exception:  Parcels weighing less than 15 pounds
but measuring more than 84 inches in length and girth combined are chargeable
with a minimum rate equal to that for a 15-pound parcel for the zone to which
addressed.

Exhibit 314.1, Single-Piece Priority Mail Rates]



314.2 Single-Piece Priority Mail Rates.
The single-piece Priority Mail rates in Exhibit 314.1 apply to
pieces meeting the conditions of 326.1.

EXHIBIT 314.2 PRESORTED PRIORITY MAIL RATES



*Weight notZone/Rate


exceeding
 pounds 1,
 2, & 345678


1$2.80$2.80$2.80$2.80$2.80$2.80
22.802.802.802.802.802.80
34.004.004.004.004.004.00
44.554.554.554.554.554.55
55.355.355.355.355.355.35
65.455.656.006.757.558.50
75.606.006.607.458.409.55
85.806.407.208.209.3010.60
96.006.907.858.9510.1511.65
106.257.458.459.7011.0512.70
116.657.959.1010.4511.9513.70
127.058.459.7011.2012.8014.75
137.409.0010.3011.9513.7015.80
147.809.5010.9512.7014.5516.85
158.2010.0011.5513.4515.4517.90
168.6010.5512.2014.2016.3518.95
179.0011.0512.8014.9517.2020.00
189.4011.5513.4515.7018.1021.00
199.8012.1014.0516.4018.9522.05
2010.2012.6014.6517.1519.8523.10
2110.6013.1515.3017.9020.7524.15
2211.0013.6515.9018.6521.6025.20
2311.4014.1516.5519.4022.5026.25
2411.8014.7017.1520.1523.3527.30
2512.2015.2017.8020.9024.2528.35
2612.6015.7018.4021.6525.1529.35
2713.0016.2519.0022.4026.0030.40
2813.4016.7519.6523.1526.9031.45
2913.8017.2520.2523.9027.7532.50
3014.2017.8020.9024.6528.6533.55
3114.6018.3021.5025.4029.5534.60
3215.0018.8522.1026.1030.4035.65
3315.4019.3522.7526.8531.3036.65
3415.8019.8523.3527.6032.1537.70
3516.2020.4024.0028.3533.0538.75
3616.6020.9024.6029.1033.9539.80
3717.0021.4025.2529.8534.8040.85
3817.3521.9525.8530.6035.7041.90
3917.7522.4526.4531.3536.5542.95
4018.1522.9527.1032.1037.4543.95
4118.5523.5027.7032.8538.3545.00
4218.9524.0028.3533.6039.2046.05
4319.3524.5028.9534.3540.1047.10
4419.7525.0529.5535.0540.9548.15
4520.1525.5530.2035.8041.8549.20
4620.5526.1030.8036.5542.7550.25
4720.9526.6031.4537.3043.6051.25
4821.3527.1032.0538.0544.5052.30
4921.7527.6532.7038.8045.3553.35
5022.1528.1533.3039.5546.2554.40
5122.5528.6533.9040.3047.1555.45
5222.9529.2034.5541.0548.0056.50
5323.3529.7035.1541.8048.9057.55
5423.7530.2035.8042.5549.7558.55
5524.1530.7536.4043.3050.6559.60
5624.5531.2537.0544.0551.5560.65
5724.9531.8037.6544.7552.4061.70
5825.3532.3038.2545.5053.3062.75
5925.7532.8038.9046.2554.1563.80
6026.1533.3539.5047.0055.0564.85
6126.5533.8540.1547.7555.9565.85
6226.9534.3540.7548.5056.8066.90
6327.3034.9041.3549.2557.7067.95
6427.7035.4042.0050.0058.5569.00
6528.1035.9042.6050.7559.4570.05
6628.5036.4543.2551.5060.3571.10
6728.9036.9543.8552.2561.2072.15
6829.3037.4544.5053.0062.1073.15
6929.7038.0045.1053.7062.9574.20
7030.1038.5045.7054.4563.8575.25


*Exception:  Parcels weighing less than 15 pounds but
measuring more than 84 inches in length and girth combined are chargeable with
a minimum rate equal to that for a 15-pound parcel for the zone to which
addressed.

Exhibit 314.2, Presorted Priority Mail Rates]





314.3 Presorted Priority Mail Rates.
The presorted Priority Mail rates in Exhibit 314.2 apply to
mailings prepared as required by 326.1, 326.4,
383.2, and 383.3.  The annual presort fee prescribed by
315.4 and 341 must be paid in order to mail at the Presorted
Priority Mail rates in Exhibit 314.2.

315 Fees and Surcharges

315.1 Nonstandard Surcharge

315.11 Application.
Each piece of First-Class Mail weighing 1 ounce or less that exceeds the
size limits in 353.1 must pay the nonstandard surcharge.

315.12 Pieces Mailed at the Single-Piece Rates.
A surcharge of $0.10 is assessed on each piece of nonstandard First-Class
Mail mailed at the single-piece rates in 311.

315.13 Presorted Bulk First-Class Rates.
A surcharge of $0.05 is assessed on each piece of nonstandard First-Class
Mail mailed at the Presorted First-Class and carrier route rates.  Pieces that
would be subject to a surcharge under 315.11 are not eligible for any
ZIP+4 or ZIP+4 Barcoded rate.

315.2 Address Correction Service Fee

315.21 Manual Correction.
The fee for manual address correction service is $0.35 per notice issued.

315.22 Automated Correction.
The fee for automated address correction service (see 392.3) is
$0.20 per notice issued.

315.3 Priority Mail Pickup Service Fee.
A fee of $4.50 must be paid by the mailer every time pickup service is
provided, regardless of the number of pieces picked up.

315.4 Presort Fee.
As required by 341, the $75 presort fee must be paid before
mailing at any of the rates described in 313 or 314.3.


320 Classification

321 General Description

321.1 Matter Mailable at First-Class Rates.
All mailable matter (see 123, 124, and 127)
may be sent as First-Class Mail except material listed in 321.3.
The following items must be mailed only as First-Class Mail or as Express Mail:

a. Matter in Writing or Typewriting.
Matter wholly or partially in writing or typewriting, except authorized
additions to second-, third-, and fourth-class mail provided in
429.13, 429.14, 629.11, 721.2,
722.3, and written or typewritten matter listed in 724.3
and 725.5.

b. Matter Closed Against Postal Inspection

(1)
First-Class Mail is closed against postal inspection.  The Postal Service
may open mail other than First-Class Mail to ascertain whether the proper rate
of postage has been paid.

(2)
Material wrapped or packaged in such a way that it cannot be examined
easily or examined without destruction or serious damage is considered closed
against postal inspection and is charged the appropriate First-Class rate of
postage.

c. Other.
Matter having the character of actual and personal correspondence.

d. Bills and Statements of Account

(1)
A bill is a request for payment of a definite sum of money claimed to be
owing by the addressee either to the sender or to a third party.  The mere
assertion of an indebtedness in a definite sum combined with a demand for
payment is sufficient to make the message a bill.

(2)
Generally, a statement of account is the assertion of the existence of a
debt in a definite amount owed by the addressee either to the sender or to a
third party but which does not necessarily contain a request or a demand for
payment.  The amount may be immediately due or may become due after a certain
time or upon demand or billing at a later date.

(3)
A bill or statement of account must present the particulars of an
indebtedness with sufficient definiteness to inform the debtor of the amount
he is required to pay to acquit himself of the debt.  However, neither a bill
nor a statement of account need state the precise amount, if it contains
sufficient information to enable the debtor to determine the exact amount of
the claim asserted.

(4)
A bill or statement of account does not lose that character just because
the amount claimed is not, in fact, owing or may not be legally collectable.

321.2 Examples.
The following are examples of material which must be mailed at First-Class
rates:

a.
Handwritten or typewritten matter, including identical copies prepared by
automatic typewriter and manifold or carbon copies of such matter.
Handwritten or typewritten matter does not include matter produced by
computers.  Computer-prepared material, however, is subject to First-Class
postage if it has the character of actual and personal correspondence.

b.
Autograph albums containing writing.

c.
Notebooks or blank books containing written or typewritten entries or
stenographic or shorthand notes.

d.
Blank printed forms filled out in writing, such as notices, certificates,
and checks, either canceled or uncanceled.

e.
Printed price lists containing written figures changing individual items.

f.
Printed cards or letters bearing a written date, where the date is not the
date of the card but gives information as to when something is to occur or has
occurred.

g.
Any matter which contains the endorsement "Postcard" or "Double Postcard."

321.3 Air Transportation Prohibitions

321.31 Air Transportation Limitations.
First-Class Mail is regularly sent by air.  Therefore, all First-Class Mail
is subject to the limitations which apply to air transportation. Generally,
all mailable matter may be transported by aircraft, except the following:

a.
Anything susceptible to damage or which may become harmful because of
changes in temperature or atmospheric pressures unless protected against the
effects of such changes.

b.
Magnetic material having a field strength sufficient to cause a compass
deviation at a distance of 15 feet (4.6 meters) or more from any point on the
package.

c.
Flammable liquids and solids.

d.
Radioactive matter.

e.
Matter specifically excluded from air shipment by the regulations of the
Department of Transportation, 49 CFR 100-189, or the applicable restricted
articles tariffs of the air carriers.

321.32 Exceptions.
Certain restricted articles, as described in 49 CFR 100-189, and the
restricted articles tariffs of the air carriers, may be accepted for air
transportation if they are properly packaged.  Such articles must be labeled
and bear a shipper's certification in triplicate, as required by 49 CFR, or
must be marked in the manner prescribed by the air transport restricted
articles tariff (e.g., ORM Group A-DRY ICE).

322 Postal Cards and Postcards

322.1 Postal Cards.
A postal card is a card supplied by the Postal Service, with a postage
stamp printed or impressed on it, for the transmission of messages.  A double
postal card consists of two attached postal cards, one of which may be
detached by the receiver and returned by mail as a reply.  Each card has a
printed or impressed postage stamp of the First-Class card rate.

322.2 Postcards.
Postcards are privately printed mailing cards for the transmission of
messages.  A double postcard consists of two attached postcards, one of which
may be detached by the receiver and returned by mail as a reply.  Each card is
subject to the First-Class card rate.  However, postage need not be paid on
the reply portion until it is detached and mailed as a reply.  The paper or
card stock used for single and double postcards may be of any light color
which does not prevent legible addresses and postmarks from being placed
thereon.  Brilliant colors must not be used.  Single postcards and each part
of double postcards must conform to the following specifications to qualify
for mailing at the card rate:

a.
Postcards may not be smaller than 3-1/2 by 5 inches, nor larger than the
size fixed by the Convention of the Universal Postal Union in effect
(currently 4-1/4 by 6 inches).  Larger cards may not be mailed at the card
rate (see 322.4).

b.
They must be rectangular in shape.

c.
A postcard must be made of unfolded and uncreased paper or card stock of
approximately the quality and weight of a postal card.  It may be formed of
one piece of paper or card stock or two pieces of paper that are permanently
and uniformly bonded (glued) together.  The postcard must be of uniform
thickness, at least 0.007 inch thick and not more than 0.0095 inch thick.

322.3 Restrictions on the Use of Double and Single Postal Cards and
Postcards

322.31 General Restrictions.
The users of double and single postal cards and postcards must comply with
the following rules:

a.
Double cards must be folded before mailing.  The first half must be
detached when the reply half is mailed for return.

b.
The reply half on a double card must be used for reply purposes only.  It
must not be used to convey a message to the original addressee of the double
card or to send statements of account.

c.
Double cards must be prepared so that the address on the reply half is on
the inside when the double card is mailed.

d.
Plain stickers, or seals, or a single wire stitch may be used to fasten the
edges of double cards, provided they are so fixed that the inner folds of the
cards can be readily examined.

e.
Enclosures in double cards are prohibited.

f.
Paper labels, such as wafer seals and decals affixed by permanent adhesive
to the back or the left portion of the address side, and labels affixed by
permanent adhesive for the purpose of showing the address and return address,
are permitted.  A small reusable seal or decal, that is intended to be removed
from the first half of a double card and applied to the reply half, must
utilize pressure-sensitive and nonremovable adhesive for application to the
reply half.  Cards bearing attachments that (1) are other than paper, or (2)
do not totally adhere to the card surface, or (3) encumber postal processing
are not mailable at the rates for postal cards or postcards.

g.
The face of the card may be divided by a vertical line, the left portion to
be used for the message and the right portion for the address, postage, and
postal endorsements.  A space of at least 2-1/8 inches in length, measured
from the right edge of the card, must be reserved for the address (top to
bottom inclusive), postage, and postal endorsements.

h.
If more than one-half of the face of the card is used for the message, the
card must be prepared in accordance with 322.32.

i.
In addition to the address, postage, and postal endorsements, accounting
data and instructions to the addressee may be shown in the address portion of
cards.  Accounting data and instructions to the addressee in the address
portion of cards must be shown on or surrounded by a shaded background, and
the cards must be prepared in accordance with 322.32.  The area
reserved for the address of cards prepared in this manner must be unshaded and
at least 2-1/8 inches long and 1 inch high.  Permit imprints, meter stamps, or
postal endorsements must be shown on an unshaded background.

j.
Postal cards and postcards which have holes or vertical tearing guides are
mailable only if the holes and tearing guides do not result in the elimination
of any letters or numbers in the address and the cards are prepared in
accordance with 322.32.

322.32 Cards Mailed under 322.31h, 322.31i, or 322.31j.
Postal cards and postcards, not mailed as Presorted First-Class Mail, which
are mailed under 322.31h, 322.31i, or 322.31j,
must be prepared as follows:

a.
The mailings must consist of not less than 200 cards which are identical as
to size and weight.

b.
The addresses on the cards must include either the ZIP+4 or the 5-digit ZIP
Code and must be placed in accordance with 122.141.

c.
Postage must be paid by permit imprints, meter stamps, or precanceled
stamps.

d.
The mailer must separate the cards to the finest extent possible and sack
them in the manner prescribed by 641.1.

322.4 Cards Other Than Postal Cards and Postcards.
Matter which is in the form of a single or double card, but which does not
conform to the specifications for a single or double postcard stated in
322.2 may not be mailed at the card rate.  Such nonconforming matter
is not subject to the rules and restrictions in 322.3; it is subject
to postage at the regular single-piece letter rateor at the applicable
third-class rate in 610, according to its classification as Firstor
third-class matter.  It must not bear the words "Postcard" or "Double
Postcard."  See 350 for a list of physical characteristics which
cause cards to be nonmailable or subject to a surcharge.

323 Presorted First-Class Mail and Carrier Route First-Class Mail

323.1 Rate Applicability

323.11  Eligibility.
Presorted First-Class Mail is mail presented in a manner which preserves
the orientation, facing, and ZIP Code sequence of the pieces.  To be eligible
for the Presorted First-Class rate, all pieces must be presented at one post
office as part of a single mailing of not less than 500 pieces of First-Class
Mail, each weighing 11 ounces or less.  All pieces must be within the same
processing category (see 128), and all pieces must be individually
addressed.  Pieces in Presorted First-Class mailings should not bear a 5-digit
barcode.  Pieces bearing either a ZIP+4 or 5-digit barcode must be prepared as
specified in 550, and the barcodes must represent the correct ZIP+4
code or 5-digit ZIP Code for the delivery address.  To qualify the mail for
the Presorted First-Class rate, the mailer also must presort the mailpieces to
the maximum extent.

a.
First, the mailer must make up all possible 5-digit sorts in groups of 10
or more pieces.

b.
Then, the mailer must make up all possible 3-digit sorts in groups of 50 or
more.  Cards subject to sortation requirements of 322.32 are eligible
for the Presorted First-Class rate if they meet all requirements for the rate.

323.12  Residual Pieces.
Residual pieces are those pieces in a Presorted First-Class mailing that
are not sorted in groups by 5- or 3-digit ZIP Codes as described in
323.11.  Postage on residual pieces must be paid at full First-Class
rates.

323.2 Carrier Route First-Class Mail.
Carrier route First-Class rates apply to each piece which is part of a
group of 10 or more pieces properly sorted to the same carrier route, rural
route, highway contract route, post office box section, or general delivery
unit, when they are presented at one post office as part of a single mailing
of not less than 500 pieces.  All pieces in the mailing must weigh 11 ounces
or less, and be within the same processing category (see 128).  The
appropriate identification marking and Presorted First-Class rate or
single-piece rate First-Class postage must be paid on the pieces not sorted in
groups of 10 or more to the same carrier route, rural route, highway contract
route, post office box section, or general delivery unit.  Mailers must, at
the time of each mailing, provide the post office a list indicating the number
of qualifying pieces to each 5-digit ZIP Code area.  Mailers are responsible
for the proper makeup of mail to carrier routes according to the latest Postal
Service Carrier Route Information System (CRIS) scheme.  Mailers must
incorporate CRIS changes in their mailings within 75 days of the effective
date (January 15, April 15, July 15, and October 15) of the quarterly updates.
 See 624.362 for procedures to obtain official Postal Service
schemes.  When a carrier route First-Class mailing is found to have more than
5% error in the makeup to carrier routes in a 5-digit ZIP Code area, postage
is recalculated at the Presorted First-Class rate of postage for all pieces
within that 5-digit ZIP Code area, providing the pieces meet the Presorted
First-Class Mail preparation requirements.  Pieces in carrier route
First-Class mailings should not bear a 5-digit barcode.  Pieces bearing either
a ZIP+4 or 5-digit barcode must be prepared as specified in 550, and
the barcodes must represent the correct ZIP+4 code or 5-digit ZIP Code for the
delivery address.

324 ZIP+4 First-Class Mail

324.1 General

324.11 Definitions

324.111 National Mailing.
A national mailing may contain pieces for addresses served by both
automated and nonautomated postal facilities.

324.112 Automated Site Mailing.
An automated site mailing includes a qualifying portion in which all pieces
are destined for addresses in the 3-digit ZIP Code areas served by the
automated postal facilities listed in Exhibit 122.63m.  Pieces in
the residual portion can include those destined for addresses in other 3-digit
ZIP Code areas.

324.12 Eligibility

324.121 National Mailings Under 365

a.  Qualifying Portion.
Pieces that are packaged and trayed as required by 367.1 and
367.2 are eligible for the ZIP+4 Presort rate (if they also meet the
requirements of 324.2 through 324.8) or the Presorted
First-Class rate.

b.  Residual Portion.
Pieces in the residual portion are eligible for the nonpresorted ZIP+4 rate
(if they meet the requirements of 324.2 through 324.8) or
the single-piece First-Class rates.

324.122 Automated Site Mailings Under 366

a.  Qualifying Portion.
Pieces that are trayed to 3-digit destinations as required by
366.2 are eligible for the ZIP+4 Presort rate (if they meet the
requirements of 324.2 through 324.8) or the Presorted
First-Class rate.

b.  Residual Portion.
Pieces in the residual portion (see 366.221) may qualify for the
nonpresorted ZIP+4 rate (if they meet the requirements of 324.3
through 324.8) or the single-piece First-Class rates.

324.2 Minimum Number of Pieces.
Each ZIP+4 Presort mailing must contain at least 500 pieces.

324.3 ZIP Code Requirements

324.31 Basic Requirement.
Except as provided in 324.32 and 534.2, each piece in a
mailing must bear the correct ZIP+4 code that is the finest level (depth) of
ZIP+4 code listed in the current USPS ZIP+4 database for the delivery address
on the piece, as specified in 534 and 541.2.  Either the
correct numeric ZIP+4 code in the address or the correct ZIP+4 barcode
(prepared in accordance with 551) satisfies the requirement for a
ZIP+4 code.  Pieces bearing a ZIP+4 barcode must also bear either the correct
numeric 5-digit ZIP Code or the correct numeric ZIP+4 code in the address.

324.32 Limited Exception.
As provided in 365.14 and 366.14, up to 15% of the
pieces in combined ZIP+4 Presort and Presorted First-Class mailings prepared
in accordance with the requirements in 365 or 366 are not
required to bear a ZIP+4 code. Such pieces must, however, bear the correct
5-digit numeric ZIP Code.

324.4 Addressing Requirements

324.41  Basic Requirement.
Except as provided in 324.42, each piece in the mailing must bear
an accurate address, as specified in 534, that is prepared using
Coding Accuracy Support System (CASS) certified ZIP+4 address matching
software as specified in 531 and 532.  Unless the piece
bears a ZIP+4 barcode prepared in accordance with 550, the address
must be printed in a standardized address format as described in
122.93 and must meet the requirements of 540.  To enhance
delivery, mailers are urged to include complete and standardized addresses as
defined in 122.93 on all pieces in a mailing.

324.42 Limited Exception.
As provided in 365.14 and 366.14, up to 15% of the
pieces in combined ZIP+4 Presort and Presorted First-Class mailings prepared
in accordance with the requirements of 365 and 366 are not
required to meet the basic requirement of 324.41.

324.5 Physical Mailpiece Requirements for Automation Compatibility

324.51 Basic Requirement.
Each piece in the mailing must meet the requirements of 520 and
540.

324.52 Limited Exceptions

324.521 Combined Mailings.
The pieces in combined ZIP+4 Presort and Presorted First-Class mailings
prepared in accordance with the requirements in 365 or 366
that do not bear a ZIP+4 code (up to 15% of the pieces in the mailing) need
not meet standardized address requirements.

324.522 ZIP+4 Barcoded Pieces.
Pieces that are ZIP+4 barcoded but claimed at a ZIP+4 rate, as permitted in
324.7, must meet the requirements in 520 and 551,
but not 540.

324.6 Presort.
All pieces in a ZIP+4 Presort mailing must be presorted either as required
by 365 or, if all qualifying pieces in the mailing are destined for
the 3-digit areas listed as automated sites in Exhibit 122.63m, by
366.  An alternative method of preparation without packages is
contained in 560.

324.7 Prebarcoded Mail at ZIP+4 Rates

324.71 Pieces Prepared With ZIP+4 Barcodes.
Mailers may elect to claim mailpieces prepared with ZIP+4 barcodes at ZIP+4
rates. The barcodes on such pieces must meet the specifications in
551. Although mailpieces that bear a correct ZIP+4 barcode are not
required to bear a numeric ZIP+4 code in the address or to meet the
requirements of 540 to qualify for ZIP+4 rates, they must meet the
requirements of 324.3 through 324.6.  Pieces bearing
address block barcodes meeting specifications in Chapter 5 are eligible for
ZIP+4 rates.

324.72 Pieces Prepared With Five-Digit Barcodes

324.721 General.
ZIP+4 Presort rate mailings prepared with ZIP+4 barcodes and prepared under
the provisions of 365 or 366 may include pieces with 5-digit
barcodes. All pieces bearing a 5-digit barcode must meet the requirements of
324.3, 520, and 552.

324.722 Five-Digit Barcodes Printed Directly on Mailpieces.
The 5-digit barcode must meet the requirements of 552.31. If such
pieces also bear a numeric ZIP+4 code in the address and meet all the
requirements of 540 they may qualify for the ZIP+4 Presort rate or
for the nonpresorted ZIP+4 rate, and may count toward the 85% ZIP+4
requirement in 365.14 or 366.14. Otherwise, they are
eligible only for Presorted First-Class or single-piece First-Class rates.

324.723 Five-Digit Barcodes Printed on Inserts.
The 5-digit barcode must meet the requirements of 552.32.  Such
pieces cannot qualify for either the ZIP+4 Presort or nonpresorted ZIP+4
rates, and may not count toward the 85% ZIP+4 requirement in 365.14
or 366.14, even if they bear a numeric ZIP+4 code in the address and
meet the requirements in 540.  Pieces with a window in the barcode
clear zone through which no barcode appears neither qualify for any ZIP+4
rates nor count toward the 85% ZIP+4 requirement in 365.14 or
366.14.

324.8 Documentation.
ZIP+4 Presort mailings must be accompanied by documentation as described in
365, 366, or 560 as applicable.

325  ZIP+4 Barcoded Rate

325.1 General

325.11 Description

325.111 Definitions

a.  National Mailing.
A national mailing may contain pieces for addresses served by both
automated and nonautomated postal facilities.

b.  Automated Site Mailing.
An automated site mailing includes a qualifying portion in which all pieces
are destined for addresses in the 3-digit ZIP Code areas served by the
automated postal facilities listed in Exhibit 122.63m.  The residual
portion can include pieces destined for addresses in other 3-digit ZIP Code
areas.

325.112 Eligibility.
a.  National Mailings.
Pieces in a ZIP+4 Barcoded national mailing that bear the correct and
properly prepared ZIP+4 barcode and meet the requirements of 325
qualify for the 5-digit ZIP+4 Barcoded rate, the 3-digit ZIP+4 Barcoded rate,
or the nonpresorted ZIP+4 Barcoded rate depending upon their sortation (see
325.12).  Pieces that are not ZIP+4 barcoded may be included in the
mailing subject to the 85% requirement in 325.3.

b.  Automated Site Mailings.
Pieces in a ZIP+4 barcoded automated site mailing that bear the correct and
properly prepared ZIP+4 barcode and meet the requirements of 325
qualify for the 3-digit ZIP+4 Barcoded rate or the nonpresorted ZIP+4 Barcoded
rate depending upon their sortation (see 325.13).  Pieces that are
not ZIP+4 barcoded may be included in the mailing subject to the 85%
requirement in 325.3.

c. Address Block Barcoded Pieces.
Pieces bearing address block barcodes meeting specifications in Chapter 5
are eligible for ZIP+4 Barcoded rates.

325.12 Applicable Rates by Sortation Category for National Mailings

325.121 Five-Digit Sortation (364.12-364.13).
A piece in a ZIP+4 Barcoded rate mailing that is contained in a 5-digit
package in accordance with 364.12 can qualify for any of the
following rates based upon its preparation:

a. Five-Digit ZIP+4 Barcoded Rate.
A piece in a 5-digit package qualifies for the 5-digit ZIP+4 Barcoded rate
if it meets the requirements of 325.112 and is placed in a 5-digit,
unique 3-digit, or SCF tray.

b. ZIP+4 Presort Rate.
A piece in a 5-digit package qualifies for the ZIP+4 Presort rate if it is
prepared in one of the following three ways:

(1)
It meets the requirements of 325.112 but is placed in an AADC or
mixed AADC tray.

(2)
It bears neither the ZIP+4 barcode nor the 5-digit barcode; it is prepared
without a window in the barcode clear zone; it contains the correct ZIP+4 code
in the address; and it meets the requirements in 540.

(3)
It bears a 5-digit barcode printed directly on the mailpiece (not on an
insert that appears through a window) in accordance with the tolerances in
552; it contains the correct ZIP+4 code in the address; and it meets
the requirements in 540.

Note:  Pieces prepared with a window in the barcode clear zone through
which a ZIP+4 barcode does not appear (there is either no barcode or there is
a 5-digit barcode), do not qualify for the ZIP+4 Presort rate, even if they
bear a numeric ZIP+4 code in the address and meet the other requirements for
the ZIP+4 rates in 540.

c. Presorted First-Class Rate.
A piece in a 5-digit package qualifies for the Presorted First-Class rate
if it is prepared in any of the following three ways:

(1)
It does not bear the ZIP+4 barcode (there is either no barcode or there is
a 5-digit barcode) and it contains a 5-digit ZIP Code in the address. (The
piece may or may not contain a window in the barcode clear zone.)

(2)
It does not bear the ZIP+4 barcode (there is either no barcode or there is
a 5-digit barcode); it contains the correct ZIP+4 code in the address; it is
prepared without a window in the barcode clear zone; and it does not meet the
requirements in 540.

(3)
It does not bear the ZIP+4 barcode (there is either no barcode or there is
a 5-digit barcode) and it is prepared with a window in the barcode clear zone.

Note:  Such a piece is ineligible for the ZIP+4 Presort rate even if
it bears a ZIP+4 code in the address and meets the other ZIP+4 preparation
requirements in 540.

325.122 Three-Digit Sortation (364.14-364.15).
A piece in a ZIP+4 Barcoded rate mailing sorted in accordance with
364.14 (3-digit packages) can qualify for any of the following rates
based upon its preparation:

a.  Three-Digit Barcoded Rate.
A piece in a 3-digit package qualifies for the 3-digit ZIP+4 Barcoded rate
if it meets the requirements of 325.112 and is placed in a unique
3-digit or SCF tray.

b. ZIP+4 Presort Rate.
A piece in a 3-digit package qualifies for the ZIP+4 Presort rate if it is
prepared in one of the following three ways:

(1)
It meets the requirements of 325.112 but is placed in an AADC or
mixed AADC tray.

(2)
It bears neither the ZIP+4 barcode nor the 5-digit barcode; it is prepared
without a window in the barcode clear zone; it contains the correct ZIP+4 code
in the address; and it meets the requirements of 540.

(3)
It bears a 5-digit barcode printed directly on the mailpiece (not on an
insert that appears through a window) in accordance with the tolerances in
552; it contains the correct ZIP+4 code in the address; and it meets
the barcode clear zone and OCR readability requirements of 324.5 and
324.6 (except that the 5-digit barcode appears in the clear zone).

Note:  Pieces prepared with a window in the barcode clear zone through
which a ZIP+4 barcode does not appear (there is either no barcode or there is
a 5-digit barcode), do not qualify for the ZIP+4 Presort rate, even if they
bear a numeric ZIP+4 code in the address and meet the requirements for the
ZIP+4 rate in 540.

c. Presorted First-Class Rate.
A piece in a 3-digit package qualifies for the Presorted First-Class rate
if it is prepared in any of the following three ways:

(1)
It does not bear the ZIP+4 barcode (there is either no barcode or there is
a 5-digit barcode) and it contains a 5-digit ZIP Code in the address.  The
piece may or may not contain a window in the barcode clear zone.

(2)
It does not bear the ZIP+4 barcode (there is either no barcode or there is
a 5-digit barcode); it contains the correct ZIP+4 code in the address; it is
prepared without a window in the barcode clear zone; and it does not meet the
requirements in 540.

(3)
It does not bear the ZIP+4 barcode (there is either no barcode or there is
a 5-digit barcode) and it is prepared with a window in the barcode clear zone.

Note:  Such a piece is ineligible for the ZIP+4 Presort rate, even if
it bears a ZIP+4 code in the address and meets the requirements of
540.

325.123 Residual Sortation (364.16).
A piece in the residual portion of a ZIP+4 Barcoded rate mailing (see
364.16) may qualify for one of the following rates based on its
preparation:

a.  Nonpresorted ZIP+4 Barcoded Rate.
A piece in the residual portion of a ZIP+4 Barcoded rate mailing qualifies
for the nonpresorted ZIP+4 Barcoded rate if it meets the requirements of
325.112 and 521.111.  (The nonpresorted ZIP+4 Barcoded rate
is available only for cards.)

b. Nonpresorted ZIP+4 Rate.
A piece in the residual portion of a ZIP+4 Barcoded rate mailing qualifies
for the nonpresorted ZIP+4 rate if it is prepared in either of the following
two ways:

(1)
It meets the requirements of 325.112, but does not qualify for
the card rate under 521.111.

(2)
It bears neither the ZIP+4 barcode nor the 5-digit barcode; it is prepared
without a window in the barcode clear zone; it contains the correct ZIP+4 code
in the address and it meets the requirements in 540.

(3)
It bears a 5-digit barcode printed directly on the mailpiece (not on an
insert that appears through a window) in accordance with the tolerances in
552; it contains the correct ZIP+4 code in the address; and it meets
the requirements in 540 (except that the 5-digit barcode appears in
the clear zone).

Note:  Pieces prepared with a window in the barcode clear zone through
which the ZIP+4 barcode does not appear (there is either no barcode or there
is a 5-digit barcode), do not qualify for the nonpresorted ZIP+4 rate, even if
they bear a numeric ZIP+4 code in the address and meet the standardized
address, OCR readability, and other ZIP+4 requirements.

c. Single-Piece First-Class Rate.
A piece in the residual portion of a ZIP+4 Barcoded rate mailing must be
paid at the full single-piece First-Class rate if it is prepared in any of the
following three ways:

(1)
It does not bear the ZIP+4 barcode (there is either no barcode or there is
a 5-digit barcode) and it contains a 5-digit ZIP Code in the address.  The
piece may or may not contain a window in the barcode clear zone.

(2)
It does not bear the ZIP+4 barcode (there is either no barcode or there is
a 5-digit barcode); it contains the correct ZIP+4 code in the address; it is
prepared without a window in the barcode clear zone; and it does not meet the
requirements in 540.

(3)
It does not bear the ZIP+4 barcode (there is either no barcode or there is
a 5-digit barcode) and it is prepared with a window in the barcode clear zone.

Note:  Such a piece is ineligible for the nonpresorted ZIP+4 rate,
even if it bears a ZIP+4 code in the address and meets the ZIP+4 requirements
in 540.

325.13  Applicable Rates by Sortation Category for Automated Site Mailings
(364.3)

325.131 Three-Digit Sortation.
A piece in a ZIP+4 Barcoded rate automated site mailing sorted in
accordance with 364.32 and 364.33 (3-digit packages in
3-digit or SCF trays) qualifies for the 3-digit ZIP+4 Barcoded rate, the ZIP+4
Presort rate, or the Presorted First-Class rate based upon its preparation
(see 325.122a through 325.122c).

325.132 Residual Sortation.
A piece in a ZIP+4 Barcoded rate automated site mailing prepared in
accordance with 364.34 qualifies for the nonpresorted ZIP+4 Barcoded
rate, the nonpresorted ZIP+4 rate, or the full single-piece First-Class rate
based upon its preparation (see 325.123a through 325.123c).

325.2  Minimum Quantity.
Each mailing must consist of at least 500 pieces.

325.3  ZIP+4 and Addressing Requirements.
At least 85% of the total number of pieces in each mailing, regardless of
presort level or rate, must bear the correct ZIP+4 barcode prepared in
accordance with 551.  The correct ZIP+4 barcode is the one that
represents the proper depth of ZIP+4 code listed in the current Postal Service
ZIP+4 file for the address as defined in 534.  Addresses on ZIP+4
barcoded pieces must be prepared using Coding Accuracy Support System (CASS)
certified ZIP+4 address matching software as specified in 531 and
532, and the CASS documentation requirements in 532 must be
met.  Each piece, whether or not it bears a ZIP+4 barcode, must bear either
the correct numeric ZIP+4 code or the correct numeric 5-digit ZIP Code in the
address.

325.4 (Reserved)

325.5 Barcode Requirements.
The requirements in 550 must be met.

325.6 Physical Requirements.
Each piece in the mailing must meet the physical requirements prescribed in
520.

325.7 Markings.
Each piece must bear an identifying marking as required in 362.6.

325.8 Presort.
All the pieces in the mailing (ZIP+4 barcoded, 5-digit barcoded, and
nonbarcoded pieces) must be presorted together to the finest extent possible
in accordance with 364.1 or 364.3, as applicable to the
rate and preparation claimed. For mailings claimed at the 5-Digit ZIP+4
Barcoded rate, pieces must first be sorted in accordance with 364.12
and 364.13, and those remaining must be further sorted in accordance
with 364.14, 364.15, and 364.16.  For mailings
claimed at the 3-Digit ZIP+4 Barcoded rate, pieces must be sorted in
accordance with 364.14 and 364.15.  Automated site mailings
must be prepared as specified in 364.3.

325.9 Documentation.
Documentation must accompany each mailing as required by 364.4.

326 Priority Mail

326.1  Description.
Priority Mail consists of First-Class Mail weighing more than 11 ounces
and, at the option of the mailer, any other mail matter (including regular
First-Class Mail) weighing 11 ounces or less.  There is no minimum weight
limit for Priority Mail.  The maximum weight limit is set forth in
351.

326.2 Preparation

326.21 Additions and Enclosures.
There are no special restrictions with respect to written additions and
enclosures in Priority Mail.

326.22 Sealing.
First-Class zone-rated (Priority) Mail may be sealed or left unsealed
without affecting the rate of postage paid.

326.23 Marking.
Priority Mail must be marked as required by 362.1.

326.3 Reshipment of Mail.
Mail received at a post office box address at one postal facility may be
reshipped, via Priority Mail at single-piece Priority Mail rates, to the
addressee at another postal faciltity through the use of merchandise return
service.  See 919 for procedures and preparation requirements.

326.4 Presorted Priority Mail

326.41 Minimum Quantity Requirements.
Each mailing must contain at least 300 qualifying pieces.

326.42 Marking.
Each piece in the mailing must bear the appropriate rate marking as
described in 362.1.

326.43 Presort.
Presorted Priority Mail must be presorted as required by 363.

326.5 Pickup Service

326.51 General.
Pickup service for single-piece rate Priority Mail is available from
designated post offices, subject to the conditions of this section.

326.52 Fee

326.521 General Terms.
The fee prescribed in 315.3 must be paid by the customer every
time pickup service is provided, regardless of the number of pieces picked up.
 Only one fee is charged if Express Mail or parcel post is picked up at the
same time.

326.522 Exception.
The fee is not charged when Express Mail, Priority Mail, or parcel post is
collected during a delivery stop or during a scheduled stop to collect mail
not subject to a pickup fee.

326.523 Method of Payment.
The fee must be paid by meter, precanceled, or adhesive stamps affixed to
section 1 of Form 5541; by federal agency number written in section 5 of Form
5541; or by check payable to the postmaster of the serving post office.

326.53 Postage.
The customer must affix the full required postage for each mailpiece picked
up.  If precanceled or meter stamps are used, the requirements in 143
and 144, respectively, must be met.

326.54 Collection of Other Mail.
As a service to the customer, incidental amounts of other fully prepaid,
postage affixed, full-rate mail may be collected when pickup service is
provided for Express Mail, Priority Mail, or parcel post.  Presort, bulk, or
reduced rate mail and any mail paid by permit imprint must be deposited at the
serving postal facility.

326.55 On-Call Pickup Service

326.551 When Available.
Customers may request on-call pickup service during the regular business
hours of the serving post office.  Pickups are made within 2 hours of the
request.  A pickup can be made later than 2 hours after the request if the
customer and the postal facility providing the service agree and service is
not adversely affected.  To ensure same day pickup, customers must call at
least 2 hours prior to the pickup cutoff time.  If the request is made less
than 2 hours before the cutoff time, the pickup may be deferred to the next
business day.  Customers can obtain the local cutoff time or request pickup by
calling their local post offices or 1-800-222-1811 during regular business
hours.  The cutoff time, which varies at postal facilities, is determined by
the earliest of the following:

a.
One hour after the end of the business day.

b.
Three hours before the tender time to the Eagle Network, if used.

c.
One hour before the tender time to other transportation used to meet
service commitments.

326.552 When Not Available.
The Postal Service may refuse to provide pickup service because of
exceptional or unsafe situations such as hazardous weather or road conditions,
facility emergencies on customer or postal premises, or unforeseen personnel
or vehicle shortages.

326.553 Where Available.
On-call pickup service is available only from designated post offices with
city delivery.  To determine the availability of service, customers should
call their local post offices or 1-800-222-1811 during regular business hours.

326.554 Cancellation.
The pickup fee is waived for a pickup canceled by the customer if the
customer cancels prior to the dispatch of the postal employee making the
pickup.

326.555 Volume.
When calling for a pickup, the customer must advise the serving postal
facility of the volume of mail to be picked up.  The Postal Service reserves
the right to defer pickup or make multiple pickups at no additional charge to
the customer if the volume to be picked up exceeds available vehicle capacity.

326.56 Scheduled Pickup Service

326.561 When Available.
Scheduled pickup service may be requested during the regular business hours
of the serving postal facility.  Scheduled pickup service begins the next day
when service is available and continues until canceled by the customer.

326.562 Where Available.
Scheduled pickup service is available from post offices with city delivery
(see Publication 65, National Five-Digit ZIP Code and Post Office
Directory), and from other post offices where the mailer's address is
along the line of travel and within the regular delivery time frame of a rural
or highway contract route.

326.563 Service Agreement.
Customers who desire scheduled pickup service must enter into a service
agreement with the Postal Service, specifying the time, place, day or date,
frequency of service, and approximate volume per pickup.  Form 5631 may be
adapted for this use.  Customers are charged the pickup fee for a scheduled
pickup, regardless of the volume collected.

326.564 Volume.
There are no limitations on the number of pieces that can be mailed using
pickup service.  However, the Postal Service reserves the right to defer
pickup or to make multiple pickups at no additional charge to the customer
when the volume to be picked up exceeds available vehicle capacity, and to
establish plant load service (see 154) where warranted by customer
volume.

326.565 Cancellation and Changes in Volume.
The customer must notify the serving post office at least 24 hours in
advance of a scheduled pickup if the pickup is to be canceled or if the volume
of mail to be picked up is more than 20% higher than the volume specified in
the service agreement.  Customers are not charged the pickup fee for a
scheduled pickup that is canceled as required.  Customers who do not notify
the serving post office of exceptional volume are charged the pickup fee for
each additional trip required.

326.566 Changes in Service

a. By Customer.
The customer may change scheduled pickup service (the service agreement),
effective 5 business days after the Postal Service receives the customer's
written notice to the serving post office.

b. By Postal Service.
The Postal Service may change scheduled pickup service (the service
agreement), effective 5 days after the customer receives written notice from
the serving post office.  The customer may appeal this notice as provided in
133 but must pay all pickup fees chargeable during the appeal period.

c. Disruptions in Service.
The Postal Service may suspend scheduled pickup service because of
exceptional or unsafe situations such as hazardous weather or road conditions,
facility emergencies on customer or postal premises, or unforeseen personnel
or vehicle shortages.

326.567 Termination of Service

a. By Customer.
The customer may terminate scheduled pickup service, effective 24 hours
after the Postal Service receives the customer's written notice at the serving
post office.  The customer is liable for fees for pickup service provided
prior to termination of service.

b. By Postal Service.
The Postal Service may terminate pickup service, effective 24 hours after
the customer receives written notice from the serving post office.
Termination must be based on the customer's failure to pay postage and fees or
to meet the requirements that apply to pickup service or Priority Mail.  The
customer may appeal this notice as provided in 133 but must pay all
pickup fees chargeable during the appeal period.

326.57 Preparation Requirements

326.571 Priority Mail Pieces.
Each piece of Priority Mail must meet the applicable eligibility and
preparation requirements in 326.1, 326.2, 361.3,
and 362.1.  Customers must also complete Form 5541 for the items
receiving pickup service.

326.572 Drop Shipment.
Material prepared for Priority Mail drop shipment must meet the
requirements in 136.9.

326.573 Refusal.
The Postal Service may refuse to pick up Priority Mail that is not prepared
according to this section.

327 Nonpresorted ZIP+4 Mail

327.1 Minimum Quantity.
Each mailing must contain at least 250 pieces.

327.2 Eighty-Five Percent Requirement.
In each nonpresorted ZIP+4 mailing, at least 85% of the total number of
pieces (at all rates) must bear the correct ZIP+4 code.  Remaining pieces must
bear the correct 5-digit ZIP Code.  A correct ZIP+4 barcode prepared as
described in 550 satisfies the requirement for a correct ZIP+4 code,
but pieces bearing a ZIP+4 barcode must also bear either the correct numeric
5-digit ZIP Code or the correct numeric ZIP+4 code in the address.  If 85% of
the pieces are ZIP+4 barcoded, mailings may be prepared in accordance with
328, except that the physical requirements in 327.3
apply instead of the requirements in 328.31.

327.3 Physical Characteristics.
Each piece in the mailing must meet the physical requirements in
520 and the OCR readability and barcode clear zone requirements in
540.  An exception is that mailings that are prepared with ZIP+4
barcodes but claimed at the nonpresorted ZIP+4 rate must meet the physical
requirements in 520 and the barcode preparation requirements in
550, and are not required to meet the OCR readability requirements
in 540.

327.4 Preparation

327.41 Addressing Requirements.
Each piece in the mailing that bears a ZIP+4 code must bear an accurate
address as specified in 534 and the address must be printed on the
mailpiece in a standardized address format as specified in 541.  The
mailing must also meet all other requirements in 530.  An exception
is that mailings that are prepared with ZIP+4 barcodes but claimed at the
nonpresorted ZIP+4 rate need not meet the standardized address format
requirements in 541.

327.42 Marking.
Each piece in the mailing must be marked as required by 362.4.

327.43 Traying.
Each piece in the mailing must be trayed in accordance with 368.1.

327.5 Documentation.
Mailings containing 5-digit ZIP Coded pieces must be accompanied by
documentation as required in 368.12.

328 Nonpresorted ZIP+4 Barcoded Mail

328.1 Minimum Quantity.
Each mailing must contain at least 250 pieces.

328.2 Eighty-Five Percent Requirement.
In each nonpresorted ZIP+4 Barcoded mailing, at least 85% of the total
number of pieces (at all rates) must bear the correct ZIP+4 barcode.  Each
piece must also bear either the correct numeric ZIP+4 code or the correct
numeric 5-digit ZIP Code.  Pieces that do not bear the correct ZIP+4 barcode
or ZIP+4 code must be claimed at the single-piece rate.

328.3 Physical Characteristics

328.31 Physical Mailpiece Requirements.
Each piece in the mailing must meet the criteria for card rates in
311.1 and 322.  (The nonpresorted ZIP+4 Barcoded rate is
available only for cards.)  In addition, each piece in the mailing must meet
the physical requirements of 520.

328.32 Barcode Requirements.
ZIP+4 barcodes must meet the requirements of 551.  Five-digit
barcodes are permitted subject to the 85% requirement in 325.3.
Five-digit barcodes must be prepared in accordance with 552.

328.33 OCR Readability Requirements.
None.

328.4 Preparation

328.41 Addressing Requirements.
Each piece in the mailing that bears a ZIP+4 barcode must bear an accurate
address in accordance with 534 and the mailing must otherwise meet
the requirements in 530.

328.42 Marking.
Each piece in the mailing must be marked as required by 362.7.

328.43 Traying Requirements.
Each piece in the mailing must be trayed in accordance with 368.2.

328.5 Documentation Requirements.
Mailings containing pieces prepared without ZIP+4 barcodes must be
separated or accompanied by documentation as described in 368.223.

330 Service Objectives

331 General
All First-Class Mail receives expeditious handling and transportation. The
Postal Service has established uniform guidelines for distribution and
delivery of mail.  The current service objectives concerning when delivery of
First-Class Mail can be expected are shown in 332.  It should be
noted that these are objectives which the Postal Service is striving to
achieve. The Postal Service does not guarantee delivery within the specified
time.

332 Specific
The following delivery objectives can be anticipated:

a.
Overnight delivery can be anticipated between point of mailing and locally
designated cities and SCFs for mail deposited up to and including 5 p.m.
collection.

b.
Delivery by second day can be anticipated for locally designated states.

c.
Delivery by third day can be anticipated for remaining outlying areas.

340 Authorizations and Permits

341 Annual Presort Fee
A First-Class presort mailing fee must be paid once each 12-month period at
each office of mailing by any person or organization entering mailings at
Presorted First-Class, carrier route First-Class, ZIP+4 Presort First-Class,
3-digit ZIP+4 Barcoded First-Class, 5-digit ZIP+4 Barcoded First-Class, and/or
Presorted Priority Mail rates.  Payment of one fee allows a mailer to enter
mail at all the presort rates.  Persons or organizations paying this fee may
enter mail of their clients as well as their own mail.

342 Other Permits Required
The presort mailing fee is separate from the fee which must be paid for an
authorization to mail under the permit imprint system (see 145).  In
addition, authorization must be granted, but no fee is required, for a license
to mail using postage meters and meter stamps (see 144) and
precanceled stamps (see 143).

350 Physical Limitations

351 Weight Limits
Each piece may not weigh more than 70 pounds.  See 125 for the
exception to this limit for articles addressed to certain APOs and FPOs.

352 Size Limits

Exhibit 352 HOW TO MEASURE A PARCEL

352.1 Length and Girth

352.11 Maximum Dimensions.
The combined length and girth of a piece may not exceed 108 inches.  See
125 for the exception to this limit for articles addressed to certain
APOs and FPOs.

352.12 Measurement (see Exhibit 352). *viewer dmm310.pcx*
To compute the size of a parcel

a.
measure the longest side,

b.
measure distance around the parcel at its thickest part (girth), and then

c.
add both measurements.

]
DMM310Exhibit 352, How To Measure A Parcel]


352.13 Two or More Packages.
Two or more packages may be mailed as a single parcel, if they are about
the same size or shape or if they are parts of one article.  They must be
securely wrapped or fastened together and must not, together, exceed the
weight or size limit.

352.2 Shape, Ratio, and Sealing

352.21 Standards.
The following minimum size standards apply to First-Class Mail:

a.
All mailpieces must be at least 0.007 inch thick.

b.
All mailpieces that are 1/4 inch thick or less must be

(1)
rectangular in shape,

(2)
at least 3-1/2 inches high, and

(3)
at least 5 inches long.

c.
The placement (orientation) of the address on a piece of First-Class Mail
establishes which dimensions are its height and length. The length is the
dimension that is parallel to the address as read; the height is perpendicular
to the length.

d.
Because of the placement (orientation) of the address, a piece of
First-Class Mail may not meet the minimum-size standards in 352.21b.
 All pieces that do not meet the minimum-size standards in 352.21a
and 352.21b are nonmailable and prohibited from the mail.  Use Notice
5, Return to Sender, to return to the sender any nonmailable piece
found in the mailstream.  Process pieces that lack a return address as
provided in 159.

e.
Because of the placement (orientation) of the address, a mailable piece of
First-Class Mail weighing 1 ounce or less may be subject to a nonstandard
surcharge (see 353).

f.
Determine the processing category of a mailpiece (see 128) solely
by its physical dimensions, regardless of the placement of the address.

352.22 Recommendations.
To ensure prompt and efficient processing of First-Class Mail, it is
recommended that all envelopes, cards, and self-mailers

a.
have a rectangular shape whose length divided by height is not less than
1.3 nor more than 2.5 (see 353 for nonstandard mail surcharge), and

b.
be sealed or secured on all four edges so that they can be handled by
machines.

353 Nonstandard First-Class Mail

353.1 Size Limits.
First-Class Mail weighing 1 ounce or less is nonstandard if:

a.
Its length exceeds 11-1/2 inches; or

b.
Its height exceeds 6-1/8 inches; or

c.
Its thickness exceeds 1/4 inch; or

d.
Its length divided by its height is less than 1.3 or more than 2.5.

353.2 Delays.
Nonstandard mail often results in delays or damage to mail because it does
not lend itself to machine processing.  For this reason, mailers are
encouraged to avoid mailing nonstandard First-Class Mail.

353.3 Surcharge.
A surcharge of $0.10 is assessed on each piece of nonstandard First-Class
Mail that is mailed at the single-piece rate for cards or the single-piece
rate for matter other than cards.  A surcharge of $0.05 per piece is assessed
on each nonstandard piece mailed at the Presorted First-Class or carrier route
First-Class rates.

353.4 Handling.
Use Label 100 to return to the sender a nonstandard piece.  The surcharge
provided in 353.3 is to be collected from the sender.  Process pieces
that lack a return address as provided in 159.

354 Reusable Mailpieces

354.1 General

354.11 Definition.
A reusable mailpiece is an envelope, self-mailer, card, or similar item
that is designed for two-way movement; i.e., for use both by the sender in
initial distribution and by the recipient to transmit a response back to the
sender.  Reusability may be accomplished by removing part of the original
mailpiece or by reconfiguring it to replace the recipient's delivery address
with that of the originator (sender).

354.12 Requirement for All Reusable Mailpieces.
Each reusable mailpiece must be designed and constructed to provide
sufficient instruction for its use to permit both the sender and recipient to
prepare the mailpiece as required by 354.2 through 354.4.

354.2 Initial Preparation.
Only one complete address and corresponding ZIP+4 barcode, and only the
applicable postage, markings, and endorsements (including a FIM, if used) must
be visible on the mailpiece as it is prepared and mailed by the originator
(sender).  The sender's address and ZIP+4 barcode (to be used in returning the
mailpiece) and any postage, markings, and endorsements (including a FIM, if
used) that may be provided for that purpose, must be so located or obscured
that they are not mistaken by postal mail processing equipment or personnel as
applying to the originating piece.

354.3 Preparation of the Return Piece.
Only one complete address and ZIP+4 barcode, and only the applicable
postage, markings, and endorsements (including a FIM, if used) must be visible
on the mailpiece as it is prepared and mailed by the recipient to the
originator.  The reusable mailpiece must be designed and constructed so the
recipient may, after following instructions printed on the piece, reconfigure
or otherwise modify it to remove or obscure the address, ZIP+4 barcode,
postage, markings, and endorsements (including a FIM, if used) that applied to
the mailpiece when it was originally mailed so that these elements are not
mistaken by postal mail processing equipment or personnel as applying to the
returned piece.

354.4 Noncomplying Pieces.
Reusable mailpieces that do not meet the applicable requirements in
354.1 through 354.3 must not be accepted.  A noncomplying
mailpiece must be reenveloped with new postage paid in order to the acceptable.


360 Preparation Requirements

361 Addressing

361.1 General Requirements.
The general procedures for addressing are contained in 122.

361.2 Ancillary Service Endorsements.
Ancillary service endorsements must be those authorized in
159.151.

361.3 Priority Mail.
The return address must be shown on the address side of each piece of
Priority Mail.

361.4 Presorted First-Class Mail and Carrier Route First-Class Mail.
The address of each piece must include either the correct ZIP+4 code or the
correct 5-digit ZIP Code or carrier route code, if presorted directly to
carriers.

361.5  ZIP+4 First-Class Mail.
The address of at least 85% of the pieces in nonpresorted ZIP+4 mailings
and in ZIP+4 Presort mailings must contain a correct ZIP+4 code.  Pieces that
do not bear the correct ZIP+4 code must bear the correct 5-digit ZIP Code.

361.6 ZIP+4 Barcoded First-Class Mail.
The address of each piece in a ZIP+4 Barcoded mailing must contain either
the correct 5-digit ZIP Code or the correct ZIP+4 code.  In addition, at least
85% of the pieces in ZIP+4 Barcoded mailings must also contain a barcode,
prepared in accordance with 551, that represents the correct ZIP+4
code of the delivery address.

362  Marking Requirements

362.1  Priority Mail

362.11 Single-Piece Rate Priority Mail.
The words "Priority" or "Priority Mail" must be placed prominently on the
address side of each piece of single-piece rate Priority Mail (see
362.13).

362.12 Presorted Priority Mail

362.121 Content.
Each piece in a Presorted Priority Mail mailing must be marked "Priority,"
"Priority Mail," or "Presorted Priority Mail."

362.122 Method and Location.
The markings must be printed or otherwise identified either as part of, or
immediately adjacent to, the permit imprint, meter stamp, or precanceled
stamp.  One of the markings may be located in the address area either on the
line immediately above the address or, preferably, two lines above the
address.  If the marking is located in the address area, no other information
may appear on the line containing the rate marking information except for the
carrier route information.

362.13 Use of Priority Mail Identifiers.
In order to permit easy recognition of Priority Mail pieces in the
mailstream, customers are urged to use Priority Mail envelopes and
identification stickers.

362.2 Presorted First-Class Mail.
All pieces in a Presorted First-Class rate mailing, including residual
pieces not qualifying for the lower presort rate, must be marked "Presorted
First-Class," as follows:

a.
When a permit imprint is used, the identification "Presorted First-Class"
must be part of the permit imprint or printed or rubber-stamped by the mailer
above the address and immediately below or to the left of the permit imprint.
A mailer authorized to mail under the Manifest Mailing System (MMS) in
145.7 may place the rate category identification marking in a keyline
as described in 145.742.

b.
When a meter stamp is used, the identification "Presorted First-Class" must
be printed or rubber-stamped by the mailer above the address and immediately
below or to the left of the meter stamp.

c.
When a precanceled stamp is used, the identification "Presorted
First-Class" must be printed or rubber-stamped by the mailer above the address
and immediately below or to the left of the precanceled stamp, unless a
precanceled stamp bearing the words "Presorted First-Class" is used.

d.
The marking may be printed by a postage meter, special slug, ad plate, or
other suitable means that ensures a legible endorsement.

e.
Sections 362.2a through 362.2c allow the endorsement to
be in an endorsement line in the address area, directly above the top line of
the address.  If this is done, no additional information other than carrier
route information may appear on that endorsement line.
