(Mail Services User's Manual, Chapter 3, 4a 1-10)

CLASSES OF MAIL AND U.S. POSTAL SERVICE SPECIAL SERVICES. The postage varies according to the classification of the mail, weight, and location of the delivery point.

a. Classes of Mail.

(1) First-Class Mail. First-class mail includes correspondence, business reply mail, statements of accounts, invoices, etc. It accommodates matter weighing up to 13 ounces and closed against postal inspection. First-class mail receives expeditious handling and transportation and usually is delivered within 1 to 4 days.

(2) Priority Mail. Priority mail accommodates all first-class mail exceeding 13 ounces and up to 70 pounds and, at the option of the mailer, any mail weighing 13 ounces or less. Priority mail is usually delivered within 1 to 3 days.

(3) Periodicals Class. This class accommodates printed matter published at a stated frequency with the intent to continue publication indefinitely. A periodical must show continuity from issue to issue. Continuity is shown by serialization of articles or by successive issues carrying the same style, format, theme, or subject matter. The primary purpose of a periodical must be the transmission of information. Only authorized publishers and registered news agents may mail publications at periodical rates.

(4) Standard A Class. This class accommodates circulars, booklets, newsletters, photographs, catalogs, product samples, and printed matter that weigh less than 16 ounces. Heavier pieces must be mailed as Standard B Class or priority mail. Reduced rates are available for mailing 200 or more pieces. Most Standard A Class mail is delivered within 2 to 10 days.

(5) Standard B Class. This class is the least expensive service available. This service is not available for parcels weighing less than 1 pound or more than 70 pounds. Parcels/packages must measure 108 inches or less in combination length and girth. Most Standard B Class mail is delivered within 2 to 14 days.

(6) Accountable Mail. This is mail that requires special handling, including certified, registered, insured, returned receipts, and U.S. Postal Service Express.

(7) International Mail. This class accommodates items to be mailed to foreign countries. Contact the mail centers for information on preparation, customs forms, and restrictions on international delivery.

(8) Business Reply Mail. This service enables mailers to receive first-class mail by paying postage only on the mail that is returned. Payment of the appropriate first- class postage plus a handling charge per piece is guaranteed.

(9) Courtesy Reply Mail. This service accommodates preaddressed postcards or envelopes provided by the mailer to customers to expedite responses and provide more accurate delivery. It differs from business reply mail in that no fees are required and the respondent is responsible for applying the correct postage before mailing back the card or envelope. Courtesy reply mail may be returned faster because it is prepared with the correct address and bar code to take advantage of automated U.S. Postal Service processing.

(10) Express Overnight Service. This service is extremely reliable and fast. Because it is expensive, it should be used only in the most extreme circumstances and not for intra-city delivery.