Mailing Classes
First Class Mail
First-Class mail is material wholly or partially handwritten postcards, completed forms, statements, invoices, and typewritten or computer processed correspondence. Abnormal objects (i.e., pens, promos, metal clasps, CDs, solid objects) cannot be sent in regular sized envelopes and therefore need to be sent in items such as padded envelopes. Ground Advantage Retail and Priority-mail are also a few of the other options for mail that does not qualify or meet the standards for First-Class letters and large envelopes.
Size
Minimum size is 3"x 5" for envelopes, postcards, and self-mailers. Postcards larger than 4"x 6" require First-Class postage and cannot be discounted. CAUTION: orientation of the address label may affect eligibility for bulk mailing. If you require further assistance in this determination, please feel free to reach out to Receiving and Distribution at (801)626-6019.
Weight
Up to and including 13 ounces. See “Priority Mail” for materials over 13 ounces.
Non-Standard Surcharge
Additional postage is required for First-Class mail weighing one ounce or less which exceeds 11-1/2" (L), 6-1/8" (H) or 1/4" (D). The placement of the address determines which side of the piece is the length; therefore, if the piece is addressed such that the address is read across the short side of the piece, the postage surcharge may apply.
Priority Mail
USPS Priority Mail offers expedited shipping, generally delivering within 1-3 business days for domestic mail. It also includes insurance up to $100 for domestic shipments and up to $200 for international shipments. Priority Mail Flat Rate boxes and envelopes are available, offering a fixed price regardless of weight or destination (within the US) for items up to 70 pounds.
Priority Mail Tracking
USPS is able to provide tracking of Priority Mail, but our campus software does not allow pregeneration of any USPS tracking numbers. If you need Priority Mail tracking, you will have to go to a US Post Office and pay with a P-card in the business section of the station.
Non-Machinable Surcharge
The non-machinable surcharge in First-Class Mail applies to letters with characteristics that prevent them from being processed by postal equipment, requiring manual sorting and incurring an additional cost as specified in the U.S. postal DMM 101. As of August 2024 91风流, the non-machinable surcharge is 46 cents per piece.
Media Mail
Media Mail is a cost-effective way to ship certain types of media and educational materials through the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). This includes eligible books, media, educational materials, educational CDs and DVDs as well as printed music.
Eligible items:
You can send books (at least 8 pages), sound and video recordings (CDs, DVDs, etc.), printed music, scripts, manuscripts, and computer-readable media, among other educational materials
What's NOT allowed:
Media Mail packages cannot contain advertising, and comic books do not qualify.
Pros:
Media Mail rates are lower than Priority Mail or First-Class Mail, making it a good option for sending books, media, and educational materials.
Cons:
Media Mail takes longer than other USPS services, with delivery anywhere in the USA in 2-8 business days.
All Media Mail packages are subject to opening and inspection by the Postal Service to ensure only qualifying items are being shipped.
Express Mail
USPS offers Priority Mail Express, a service that provides guaranteed overnight or 1 to 2 two-day deliveries for documents and packages (depending on processing time of day and location). This service is available on all days of the year, including weekends and holidays, and USPS refunds the delivery cost if the package isn't delivered on time. Priority Mail Express is a faster, more reliable option compared to standard Priority Mail, but it comes at a higher price. Express mail is insured against loss, damage, or rifling, up to $100 at no additional cost.
International next day service cannot be guaranteed as a next-day delivery.
Ground Advantage Retail
USPS Ground Advantage offers a more cost-effective and flexible shipping option compared to Priority Mail. While Priority Mail provides faster delivery, Ground Advantage is suitable for non-urgent packages and allows for shipping of larger dimensions and certain hazardous materials.
Pros:
Lower shipping costs compared to Priority Mail
Larger package size allowance (up to 130 inches in girth as compared to Priority mail at 108 max combined girth)
Offers more flexibility with package dimensions
Cons:
Estimated delivery time of “2-5 business days”, compared to Priority-mail “1-3 business days”
No flat-rate options
No free USPS packaging
Certified Mail
Certified Mail with a Return Receipt provides both proof of mailing and proof of delivery, as the recipient's signature is required upon delivery and the return receipt is mailed back to the sender. This service is useful for items where a specific delivery date is important, like legal documents or tax returns.
How to obtain a Return Receipt:
1. Complete both sides of the Return Receipt form (PS FORM 3811)
2. Affix the Return Receipt form to the Certified Mail piece
3. Include the tracking number from the Certified Mail receipt on the 4. Return Receipt form
5. Pay the applicable extra service fee
Return Receipts
Return Receipts furnish the mailer with proof of delivery. Return Receipts may be obtained for Certified mail. The Return Receipt is returned to the mailer after the article is delivered to the addressee.
NOTE: The fee for a Return Receipt does not insure the article against loss or damage.
International Mail
USPS® international mail services go to more than 180 countries, including Great Britain, Canada, Japan, Mexico, and Australia. Priority Mail Express International® and Priority Mail International® services include international tracking and some insurance.
International mail rates, classifications, special services, weight and size limits, and other mailing requirements differ from those of domestic mail.
In all cases, but especially if an address is written in a non-Latin alphabet, the last line of the address must contain the country and it must be written in English. Just like domestic addresses, international zip codes must be provided. CAUTION: Failure to do so may cause mail to be undeliverable leading to redirection up to rejection of the mail package / parcel by the U.S. postal service.
Express service packages must have a phone number listed.
All international mail packages require custom forms. Please provide contents and commercial value so that the proper electronic form can be completed by Receiving and Distribution.
At Receiving and Distribution, we live by the United States Postal Service creed: “Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.”
Weber State University Mail Services provide services to meet all of the Weber University mailing needs. We process all of the University's incoming, outgoing and intra-campus mail, providing consultation on large mailings and offer ground and express shipping with all of the major carriers. If you require any further service or additional information, please feel free to contact campus extension 6019 or 6375.