First Class Mail Qualifications
- Matter wholly or partially handwritten or typewritten (including identical copies prepared by automatic typewriters), originals or carbons, invoices (except when accompanying the matter to which they relate), and post cards.
- Matter sealed against postal inspection.
- Bills and statements of account.
- Price lists with written-in figures changing items or prices.
- Blank printed forms filled out in writing, including canceled checks.
- A computer printout may or may not be First-Class matter. It depends on the content. Contact Mail Services for additional information.
- If you are not sure if it is First-Class, please don't hesitate to ask.
- Discounted rates are available for 500 or more First-Class pieces
Type Size and Placement
Endorsements must be at least 8-point type and appear in one of the following locations:
- Immediately below the return address.
- Immediately above the delivery address.
- Immediately to the left of the postage area and below any rate marking.
- Immediately below the postage area and below any rate marking.
In addition, there must be at least 1/4" clear space around the endorsement.
Sealing
Automatic sealing of standard size gummed envelopes for mailing is provided for by Mail Services. For ten or more envelopes requiring sealing, leave the flaps open, nest into each other and then secure the contents of the envelopes with an elastic band.
Priority Mail
All First-Class mail exceeding 13 ounces and not exceeding 70 pounds is considered Priority Mail and, at the option of the mailer, any mail weighing 13 ounces or less. There is no minimum weight limitation. There is a flat rate up to two pounds. There is a new one-pound Priority Mail rate of $3.50.
Use Priority Mail when 2 to 3 day service is desired.
Use Flat Rate Priority envelopes when possible if the mail piece weighs more than one pound.
Priority Mail supplies are available upon request from Mail Services.
Note: Priority Mail is a 2 day service between 64 major markets i.e. Atlanta to Dallas or Chicago to New York. When using Priority Mail we recommend use of priority envelopes available at no charge from the Mail Center or your local Post Office.