Answers to the Top 10 Questions About USPS Mailing Rates
- By Andrew Jacobs
- Dec 10, 2013
Answers to the Top 10 Questions About USPS Mailing Rates
We answer all of your questions about USPS mailing rates. From the standard size of a letter to any additional fees that may occur when shipping internationally.Is there an extra charge for business envelopes?
NO. Most standard size business envelopes are #10 (4 1/8 x 9 1/2) which meet the USPS machinable envelope size requirements.Does it cost extra to mail a yellow envelope?
NO. The color of the envelope does not matter as long as the address is clearly legible.Does it cost extra to mail a Manila envelope?
Depends. It's not the style of the envelope that will determine its mailing rates but the weight. If you mailed a #10 manilia envelope weighing 1 oz, standard mailing rates would apply. Once it goes over the 1 oz weight, additional postage is always required.Is there extra postage on square envelopes?
YES. According to USPS.com, for an envelope to be eligible for mailing at the price for letters, a piece must be:- Rectangular
- At least 3-1/2 inches high x 5 inches long x 0.007 inch thick
- No more than 6-1/8 inches high x 11-1/2 inches long x 1/4 inch thick
Is there extra postage on 5x7 cards?
NO. This will fit inside of a standard A7 envelope, which requires no additional postage.Is there extra postage for clasp envelopes?
YES. Any envelope that has clasps, strings, buttons or similar closure devices are deemed nonmachinable and result in additional handling charges.Is there extra postage for Hawaii?
NO. Hawaii is part of the USA, so standard postal stamp fees will apply when mailing a standard 1 oz letter to Hawaii.Is there extra postage to Puerto Rico?
NO. Puerto Rico is part of the USA, so standard postal stamp fees will apply when mailing a standard 1 oz letter to Puerto Rico.Is there extra postage to mail to Canada?
YES. Any mail sent outside of the USA is sent First-Class Mail International. There is one price for 1-ounce machinable letters and postcards anywhere in the world.How many stamps do I need to send a letter overseas?
Depends. You cannot use standard USPS stamps. If you are sending a 1 oz letter than you will need just One Global Forever® Stamp.Important things to remember about envelope rates:
Rates per Oz (as of 1/26/2014)- 1 oz $0.49
- 2 ounces $0.67
- 3 ounces $0.87
- 3.5 oz $1.08
http://pe.usps.com/cpim/ftp/manuals/dmm100/dmm100.pdf[/caption]