You can also mail a letter in an envelope that is smaller than a size 14, such as a size 10 envelope (4. 125" x 9. 5"), with a regular stamp. If possible, fold your letter so it fits in a standard rectangular envelope, as this may cut down on the price of postage. Envelopes larger than size 14 are considered large envelopes, or flats, and will be more expensive to mail. Card sized envelopes, made for small greeting cards or wedding invitations, will also likely have additional postage fees. This is because pieces of mail that have an odd shape or are square shaped and made of rigid card can jam mail processing machines and need to be processed separately.
Letters in a standard envelope that weigh less than 13 ounces can be sent via First Class Mail at one flat rate. [2] X Research source Letters in a standard envelope that weigh more than 13 ounces will be upgraded to Priority Class Mail, and the price for postage will be more than the flat rate. [3] X Research source
First Class Mail is often what is used to send letter-size pieces that are rigid and square. To send a letter First-Class, it must weigh no more than 13 ounces. The price for sending First Class Mail is the same, regardless of the distance the letter is traveling. The arrival time for First Class Mail is two to three days for destinations within the U. S. Sending mail First Class is ideal for a single letter as all you need is a standard stamp and access to a post box. [5] X Research source Priority Mail is ideal if you want your letter to get to the addressee by the following business day. To send a letter by Priority Mail, it must weigh no more than 70 pounds. At the post office, you can add on extra services to your Priority Mail item, such as USPS Tracking and Registered Mail, especially if your letter contains legal or sensitive information that must reach its destination. The price of Priority Mail postage is based on the distance the mail must travel; the further the distance, the more you will pay for postage. This is broken down by nine “zones”. For example, “Zone 1” is local, or the area close to you, and “Zone 9” is the furthest distance away from your location. Standard Mail is used for larger quantities of mail, at least 200 pieces or 50 pounds of mail at one time. Envelopes must weight less than 16 ounces. Large envelopes, also called flats, cost more than letters. People use Standard Mail to send flyers, advertising documents, newsletters, catalogs, and bulletins. You can only send domestic mail by Standard Mail and you cannot send one single envelope through Standard Mail.
To send a letter that weighs less than 13 ounces in a standard envelope to a domestic address by First Class Mail, it will cost $0. 49. To send a letter that weighs less than 13 ounces in a standard envelope to a “Zone 1” (local) address by Priority Mail, it will cost $5. 75. The price of postage will go up based on the “Zone” or area you are sending the letter to.
Put the stamp on the top right corner of the envelope. This will allow the postage scanning equipment to read the envelope and process it. [8] X Research source Make sure the address of the sender and the address of the receiver are not covered or obscured by the stamp.
You can also put the letter in your home mailbox for your mail carrier to pick up. Any letters that weigh more than 13 ounces must be mailed at your local Post Office. [10] X Research source
To send a letter that weighs less than 13 ounces in a large envelope to a domestic address by First Class Mail, it will cost $0. 98. To send a letter that weighs less than 13 ounces in a large envelope (12-1/2" x 9-½ or smaller) to a “Zone 1” (local) address by Priority Mail, it will cost $5. 75. The price of postage will go up based on the “Zone” or area you are sending the letter to.
Put the stamp on the top right corner of the envelope. Make sure it is in line with the return address on the top left corner of the envelope. [12] X Research source Do not cover or obscure the return address or the receiver address with the stamp.
You can also leave the addressed letter in your home mailbox. Your mail carrier will then pick it up and put it in the mail for you. Letters that weigh more than 13 ounces must be mailed in person at your local Post Office. [14] X Research source
