The United States government established the United States Post Office to deliver mail to and from U.S. citizens. The post office also delivers to military addresses and international recipients. Its delivery methods have evolved from the days of the Pony Express to modern air freight. The postal service offers a wide range of delivery methods based on the size and type of package and desired delivery time frame.
Library Mail
The Post Office offers special delivery services for institutions such as museums and libraries. Many libraries provide inter-library loans, which means that one library will loan material to another library to check out to a patron. Institutions eligible for this service include museums, public libraries and academic institutions. Sound recordings, books and academic theses can be sent through Library Mail. Each package must show the name of a non-profit organization or school in either the return or the mailing address. For an additional charge, the sender can add extra services to provide evidence of mailing, insurance and delivery confirmation. Special handling ensures preferential handling for fragile items during transit.
Parcel Post
You can send small and large packages, tubes containing gifts and merchandise and thick envelopes through the Parcel Post delivery method. Parcel Post delivers to every U.S. address, including military addresses and P.O. boxes. Rates depend on distance, weight and shape. Packages may weigh up to 70 pounds. Their combined length and distance around the thickest part must not exceed 130 inches. The post office adds a surcharge for packages that are certain shapes or that weigh over 35 pounds, or 25 pounds for books. You can purchase additional services such as delivery confirmation, insurance or collect on delivery (COD) for these packages.
Media Mail
Media Mail offers a cost efficient method for people sending recorded video tapes, books, printed music, CDs, DVDs and sound recordings. Media Mail packages cannot contain any form of advertising. The Post Office bases rates on size and weight, with 70 pounds as the maximum weight. If you are mailing at least 300 pieces, you can get presorted rates for bulk quantities. Extra services for Media Mail includes insurance, delivery confirmation and COD.
International Delivery Service
The U.S. Postal Service ships to virtually every country in the world through its International Delivery Service. However, politics and economics can disrupt or change global mailing conditions. This method offers a variety of options for mailing documents, letters or small packages.
Express Mail
Express Mail is the fastest delivery method. The Post Office offers a money-back guarantee for overnight delivery to most locations. You can send time-sensitive documents, merchandise or letters through Express Mail. You can track your package and obtain a signature proof of delivery. The Post Office does not charge extra fees for residential or Saturday deliveries. It also does not charge a fuel surcharge. Senders can have the packages held at the Post Office for the recipient to pick up rather than having it delivered. Express Mail also insures packages for a maximum of $100 free of charge. Extra services include COD, signature delivery confirmation and extra insurance.
Priority Mail
The Post Office provides two methods for sending Priority Mail packages. You can pack items in your own boxes. Rates depend on shape and weight. Priority Mail allows boxes and packages up to 70 pounds. The combined length and girth of the package must be less than 108 inches. In contrast, Priority Mail Flat Rates include boxes and envelopes of different sizes and different rates. You can mail any items that reasonably fit in the box or envelope for that specified rate. Priority Mail delivers to all U.S. addresses, with a typical delivery time of two to three days. You can purchase extra services, such as insurance, special handling, COD and delivery confirmation.
First-Class Mail
You can use First-Class Mail to mail large envelopes, letters, small packages and postcards. This service is perfect for sending personal correspondence, such as handwritten letters, and bills. First-Class Mail allows lightweight merchandise and advertisements. Rates are determined by the shape and weight of the mailed item. To be eligible for First-Class mail, the package must weigh less than 13 ounces. Extra services include proof of mailing, insurance and delivery confirmation. Certified Mail provides a mailing receipt with a tracking number that shows where your package is at any given time.
Tags: delivery confirmation, Priority Mail, Express Mail, Media Mail, Post Office, Extra services, insurance delivery