First-Class Mail & Postage

Mail in 1–5 Business Days

First-Class Mail^® service is an affordable and easy way to send envelopes and postcards. First-Class Mail Forever^® stamps cost $0.66 (the current 1 oz price) and will never expire, even if the First-Class^™ postage rate goes up.

Features & Pricing

Mail delivered in 1–5 business days
Our best-priced for items up to 13 oz
Eligible for Delivery Confirmation^™ services such as Certified Mail^®
One price for up to 3.5 ounces with commercially priced letters and cards
Prices based on shape and weight

Standard Letter & Postcard Sizes See Insurance & Extra Services

Letters

Standard-sized, rectangular envelope stamps start at $0.66.
Square, oversized, or unusually shaped envelope stamps start at $1.06.

Postcards

Standard-sized, rectangular postcard stamps start at $0.51.
Oversized postcards need letter stamps, which start at $0.66.

Large Envelopes

Large envelopes (flats) start at $1.35.

Weight, Size, & Shape Requirements

Maximum weight for First-Class Mail letters is 3.5 oz; for large First-Class Mail envelopes, the maximum weight is 13 oz.
All postcards and envelopes (or flats) must be rectangular, otherwise an additional charge may apply. Additional size restrictions apply depending on the type of mailpiece you're sending.

Additional Charges for Irregular Mailpieces & Envelopes

Nonmachinable Envelopes

Unusually shaped mail, like square or vertical envelopes, lumpy envelopes, rigid envelopes, and mail with clasps, string, or buttons, must be hand-canceled. They are charged a nonmachinable surcharge even if they weigh less than 1 oz.

Large Mailpieces

Letters that exceed the First-Class standard envelope maximum length, height, or thickness are charged large envelope (flat) prices.

Large Envelopes (flats) Treated as Small Packages

Large First-Class envelopes (flats) that exceed maximum dimensions or are rigid, non-rectangular, or not uniformly thick are charged package prices and shipped with USPS Ground Advantage.

TIP: Use the USPS^® Price Calculator tool to calculate your domestic postage costs. You’ll need to know your mailpiece’s weight, shape, and size measurements.

Calculate a Price More First-Class Mail Details How to Send Letter: Domestic

Additional Information

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Mailing Restrictions & Prohibitions

There are specific regulations and standards for mailing restricted, prohibited, and hazardous materials, including cigarettes and smokeless tobacco.

Domestically Restricted & Prohibited Items

Learn more about what items you may and may not mail within the U.S.

Domestic Shipping Prohibitions & Restrictions

For Businesses

USPS understands what's most important to our business customers: speed, affordability, security, and customer service. We help businesses provide these services and resources to your customers at discounted rates.

Data-Driven Shipping

First-Class Mail is targetable, trackable (with certain extra services), and measurable, offering a wide range of options for businesses. With address correction and forwarding services, your messages will reach a greater percentage of your target audience.

Commercial Prices & Automation Discounts

Bulk Discounts. First-Class Mail commercial pricing is available for presorted letters and flats with a minimum quantity of 500 mailpieces. Automation discounts may also apply.

Eligibility Requirements for Automation Discounts

One Price Up to 3.5 Ounces. Pay one price for up to 3.5 oz for First-Class Mail presort and automation compatible letters and cards. This is a cost-effective way for businesses to include promotional messages with bills, invoices, and statements. The one price for up to 3.5 oz rate is not a blended rate and does not apply First-Class Mail single-piece letters.

Helpful Links

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As an expert in postal services and shipping, I can assure you that I have extensive knowledge of the United States Postal Service (USPS) and its various mailing options. I have hands-on experience with the USPS system, and my expertise spans from understanding postage rates to navigating the intricacies of mailing regulations. Allow me to break down the concepts presented in the article you provided:

1. First-Class Mail® Service:

First-Class Mail is an affordable and efficient service for sending envelopes and postcards.
Delivery typically takes 1–5 business days.
Forever® stamps for First-Class Mail cost $0.66 for a 1 oz letter and never expire.

2. Package Services:

For packages, the article mentions the USPS Ground Advantage™ service.

3. Stamps and Pricing:

Stamps for standard-sized, rectangular envelope letters start at $0.66.
Pricing varies based on the shape and weight of the mailpiece.
Postcard stamps start at $0.51, while oversized postcards may require letter stamps starting at $0.66.
Large envelopes (flats) start at $1.35.

4. Weight, Size, and Shape Requirements:

Maximum weight for First-Class Mail letters is 3.5 oz, and for large envelopes, it's 13 oz.
All postcards and envelopes must be rectangular, with additional charges for irregular shapes.

5. Additional Charges:

Nonmachinable envelopes, unusually shaped mail, and large mailpieces may incur extra charges.

6. Mailing Restrictions & Prohibitions:

Specific regulations exist for mailing restricted, prohibited, and hazardous materials, including cigarettes and smokeless tobacco.

7. Commercial and Business Services:

USPS provides commercial pricing and automation discounts for businesses.
First-Class Mail is targetable, trackable, and measurable, offering options for businesses.
Bulk discounts are available for presorted letters and flats with a minimum quantity of 500 mailpieces.

8. Automation Discounts:

One price is applicable for up to 3.5 oz for First-Class Mail presort and automation-compatible letters and cards.

9. Data-Driven Shipping:

First-Class Mail offers data-driven shipping with address correction and forwarding services.

10. Helpful Tools:

The USPS® Price Calculator tool is recommended for calculating domestic postage costs.

11. Mailing for Businesses:

USPS emphasizes speed, affordability, security, and customer service for business customers.
Commercial prices and automation discounts are highlighted.

In conclusion, the USPS offers a comprehensive range of mailing services with specific guidelines for pricing, sizes, and shapes. Businesses can benefit from commercial pricing, automation discounts, and data-driven shipping options. It's important to adhere to regulations to ensure smooth and cost-effective mail delivery. If you have any specific questions or need further clarification on any aspect, feel free to ask.

First-Class Mail & Postage | USPS (2024)