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Although it may seem like a simple process, properly sealing the envelope will ensure that the letter reaches its destination. The size of your envelope and the weight of your letter will affect the amount of postage or stamps you put in the envelope. Standard postal policies vary from country to country and can change over time, so always check with your local post office for current postal rates.
Check the size of your envelope. This must be marked on the envelope package or on the envelope itself. Size 14 envelopes measure 5″ x 11.5″ and are considered standard size.[1]
These will be rectangular in shape and will often be sold in packets at your local post office.- You can also send the letter in an envelope smaller than size 14, such as a size 10 (4.125″ x 9.5″) envelope, with a plain seal.
- If possible, fold your letter to fit in a standard rectangular envelope, as this can reduce the cost of postage.
- Envelopes larger than 14 are considered large envelopes or flat envelopes and will cost more to mail.
- Card-sized envelopes, made for small greeting cards or wedding invitations, may also incur additional shipping charges. This is because mail pieces that are oddly shaped or square and made of rigid cardboard can jam mail processing machines and need to be processed separately.
Weigh your letter. You can do this at the post office or in a small office. The weight and size of your letter (plus the envelope) will affect the cost of postage or how much you’ll pay for a stamp. Often the heavier the letter, the higher the cost of postage.
- Letters in a standard envelope weighing less than 13 ounces can be sent via first class mail at a single flat rate.[2]
- Letters in a standard envelope weighing more than 13 ounces will be upgraded to priority class mail and the postage rate will be higher than the flat rate.[3]
Decide if you want to send the letter by first class, priority, or standard mail. There are three basic levels of mail, according to the US Post Office.[4]
- First Class Mail is often used to send letter-size pieces that are rigid and boxy. To send a first class letter, it cannot weigh more than 13 ounces. The cost of sending first-class mail is the same regardless of how far the letter travels. First Class Mail arrival time is two to three days for destinations within the US. First Class Mail is ideal for a single letter, as all you need is a standard stamp and access to a Postal mail.[5]
- Priority mail is ideal if you want your letter to reach the recipient the next business day. To send a letter by priority mail, it must not weigh more than 70 pounds. At the post office, you can add additional services to your priority mail, such as USPS tracking and certified mail, especially if your letter contains legal or sensitive information that needs to reach its destination. Priority Mail postage cost is based on the distance the mail must travel; the longer the distance, the more you pay for shipping. This is divided into nine “zones”. For example, “Zone 1” is local or the area near you, and “Zone 9” is the furthest distance from your location.
- Standard mail is used for large amounts of mail, at least 200 pieces or 50 pounds of mail at a time. Envelopes must weigh less than 16 ounces. Large envelopes, also called flats, cost more than letters. People use standard mail to send brochures, publicity documents, newsletters, catalogs, and newsletters. You can only send domestic mail via standard mail and you cannot send a single envelope via standard mail.
Purchase postage based on the size, weight, and class of the letter. If you need the letter to reach its destination quickly, send it by priority mail. If you don’t expect your letter to arrive within three to five business days, send it first class mail. If you’re not sure what class your letter qualifies for, ask your local post office clerk.[6]
- It will cost $0.49 to send a letter weighing less than 13 ounces in a standard envelope to a private address by first-class mail.
- Sending a letter weighing less than 13 ounces in a standard envelope to a “Zone 1” (local) address via Priority Mail will cost $5.75. The cost of postage will increase depending on the “zone” or area to which you are sending the letter.
Attach the stamp to the envelope. If you are using adhesive stamps, remove the paper from the back of the stamp. If you are using lickable stamps, lick the back of the stamp.[7]
- Place the stamp in the upper right corner of the envelope. This will allow the postal scanning equipment to read the envelope and process it.[8]
- Make sure that the sender’s address and the recipient’s address are not covered or hidden by the stamp.
Put the letter in the mail. To do this, drop the letter off at your local post office or drop it off at a mailbox in your area.[9]
- You can also put the letter in your home mailbox for your postman to pick up.
- All letters weighing more than 13 ounces must be sent to your local post office.[10]
Purchase postage based on the size, weight, and class of the letter. Send the letter by priority mail if it weighs more than 13 ounces and the letter should arrive at your destination the next business day. Send the letter by first class mail if it weighs less than 13 ounces and the letter can reach your destination within three to five business days. If you’re not sure what class your letter qualifies for, ask your local post office clerk.[11]
- It will cost $0.98 to send a letter weighing less than 13 ounces in a large envelope to a private address by first-class mail.
- Sending a letter weighing less than 13 ounces in a large envelope (12-1/2″ x 9-½” or smaller) to a “Zone 1” (local) address via Priority Mail will cost $5.75. the “zone” or area to which you are sending the letter.
Put a stamp on the envelope. If you are using lickable stamps, lick the back of the stamp. You can use adhesive stamps by removing the backing paper from the stamp.
- Place the stamp in the upper right corner of the envelope. Make sure it matches the return address in the upper left corner of the envelope.[12]
- Do not cover or hide the sender’s or recipient’s address with the stamp.
Send the letter by mail. Drop off the letter in a post box at your local post office or a post box in your area.[13]
- You can also leave an addressed letter in your mailbox at home. Your delivery person will pick it up and ship it for you.
- Letters weighing more than 13 ounces must be delivered in person to your local post office.[14]
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