Fulfillment: The 2 C's are Classes & Categories

What class of mail can we use?
Mail is divided by the post office into classes with separate standards for each. These are:

First Class Mail -- This mail includes, but is not limited to, the following:
any personal correspondence, bills, or account statements and any matter sealed, or closed against inspection. There are 3 subclasses: (1) Postcards, (2) Regular First Class under 13 ounces, and (3) Priority Mail over 13 ounces. First Class mail always has delivery priority.

Periodicals -- This is also known as 2nd Class Mail and is designed for newspapers, magazines, and other publications that transmit printed information to an established list of subscribers or requestors at least 4 times a year. Standards vary by condition, and nonprofit rates apply
depending on qualifications.

Package Services-- This has been called 4th Class or Parcel Post and is designed primarily for merchandise and items over 16 ounces. There are several subclasses including: (1) Bound Printed Matter and (2) Parcel Post.

Standard Mail -- This is also called 3rd class or bulk mail and is primarily for advertising. It must weigh less than 16 ounces and have a minimum of 200 pieces or 50 pounds of identical mail. A nonprofit rate is available if qualifications are met. This mail is usually the cheapest, but is also the slowest.

What are the different categories of mail?
Mail is also divided into categories for processing on different machines. These are:

Letters -- Mail that can be processed on letter sorters with a size of 3 1/2 to 6 1/8 inches high, 5 to 11 1/2 inches long, and .0007 to 1/4 inches thick. There may be a surcharge if the aspect ratio (length divided by height) is not between 1.3 and 2.5. Postcards are a subcategory of letters and is a single sheet not over 4 1/4 inches high, 6 inches long, and .016 inches thick.

Flats -- Mail that can be processed on flat sorters. One of the dimensions must exceed letter size (except some automation flats) and cannot be over 15 inches long, 12 inches high,
and 3/4 inches thick.

Machinable Parcels -- Mail that can be processed on parcel sorting equipment with a size of 6 to 34 inches long, 3 to 17 inches high, 1/4 to 17 inches thick. Depending on class of mail it can weigh from 6 ounces up to (standard mail 16 ounces), (bound printed 15 pounds), (parcel post books/printed matter 25 pounds), or (parcel post other 35 pounds)

Irregular Parcels -- Mail that cannot be processed on parcel sorting equipment including unwrapped, paperwrapped, or sleeve wrapped items that are not letter or flat size, items in envelopes that are not letter, flat or machinable, items over machinable weight, and rolls and tubes under 26 inches. These items can be placed in mail sacks for processing.

Outside Parcels -- These are items that are not letter, flat, machinable parcel or irregular parcel and which cannot be placed in sacks for processing. These items may have a surcharge.

For additional mailing information, you may contact your local post office, or your Harmony CSR.