U.S. Postal Service Mail
Addressing
The following is recommended in the sequence and position indicated for addressing to ensure efficient handling and delivery by the U.S. Postal Service.
Domestic Address Format
International Address Format
Specifics
Incomplete addresses create a delay on the distribution of your mail in a timely manner. The Mail Center staff must research the recipient's letter or package by looking up the missing information on different student databases. The MC staff then locates the piece and distributes it to the recipient. This process can delay your mail between 2 and 3 days.
Common things missing on letters or packages are complete names or box numbers.
Common things that will delay a recipient's letter or package are forgetting to turn in a Forwarding Address Form when they are studying abroad or are on leave. Students who are studying abroad or are on leave and do not forward their magazines/publications before they leave will lose them. It is the Mail Center's responsibility to forward only First Class mail.
U.S.P.S. Postage Stamps
Stamps may be purchased only with Tiger Bucks.
| Stamp Description | Price |
| 39¢ single stamp | $ .39 |
| Book of stamps (20) | $ 7.80 |
| 25¢ postcard stamp | $ .25 |
| $1.00 single stamp | $ 1.00 |
| $4.05 Priority stamp | $ 4.05 |
| $14.40 Express Mail stamp | $14.40 |
Classes of Mail and U.S.P.S. Special Services
Cost of mailing varies with each classification. |
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Oversize/ Underweight Mail
First-Class, Standard (Bulk) Mail and International Letter-Post Mail weighing one ounce or less is non-standard* if it exceeds any of the following size standard limits:6 1/8" in height
or
11 1/2" in length
or
1/4" in thickness
or
Aspect ratio (length divided by height) does not fall between 1 to 1.3 and 1 to 2.5 inclusive.
There is an additional charge on each piece of mail that is found to be non-standard. The Mail Center will apply additional postage and bill/charge the department.
In addition, pieces which are less than the following dimensions are non-mailable in the US Postal Service and will be returned to sender.3 1/2" in height
or
5" in length
or
.007" in thickness (thickness of a postcard)
Internal Mail - Must meet the same mail dimensions. Pieces that do not meet minimum requirements will not be delivered. Ex: Valentine cards, Christmas cards, birthday cards, etc.
First-Class Mail
Any mailable matter may be mailed as First-Class Mail. The following examples are considered First-Class matter and must carry postage at First-Class or Priority Mail rates. |
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| a) | Matter wholly or partially handwritten or typewritten including identical copies prepared by automatic typewriter), originals or carbons, invoices, (except when accompanying the matter to which they relate), postal cards. |
| b) | Matter sealed against postal inspection. |
| c) | Bills and statements of account. |
| d) | Price lists with written-in figures changing items or prices. |
| e) | Blank printed forms filled out in writing, including canceled or uncanceled checks. |
| f) | A computer printout may or may not be First Class matter; it depends on the content. Contact Mail Services for more information. |
| g) | If you are not sure if it is First Class, ask us! |
| h) | Discounted rates are available for 500 or more pieces.
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U.S.P.S. Special Services
Accountable Mail - includes all Certified, *Registered, or *Insured mail. Do not place critical mail for these categories in the internal company mail. The Mail Center staff is responsible for weighing and applying postage for Accountable mail, but the sender must deliver to the US Post Office.
Certified mail - provides you with a mailing receipt and a record of delivery is maintained at the recipient's post office. A return receipt provides you with proof of delivery and can be obtained for an additional fee. Certified mail service is available only for First-Class Mail. No insurance coverage is provided. A numbered label and completed receipt must be affixed. These labels can be obtained from the Mail Center.
Registered Mail - the registered mail system is designed to provide added protection for valuable mail. Postage insurance may be purchased to cover articles valued up to $25,000. Registered mail is the most secure mail the Postal Service offers. It incorporates a system of receipts to monitor registered articles from the point of acceptance to delivery. Return receipt and restricted delivery services are available for additional fees. Added security may delay delivery by 24 - 48 hours. The Mail Center staff is responsible for weighing and applying postage for Registered mail, but the sender must deliver to the US Post Office.
Insured Mail - you can obtain payment for domestic mail that has
been lost, rifled or damaged by having it insured. You can buy insurance up to $5,000 for Package Services mail. It is also available for merchandise mailed at the Priority mail or First-Class mail rates. Express Mail includes $100.00 insurance at no extra charge. Bulk Insurance is available for Standard "Bulk" mail pieces subject to the residual shape surcharge. The Mail Center staff is responsible for weighing and applying postage for Insured mail, but the sender must deliver to the US Post Office.
Return Receipts - A return receipt is your proof of delivery. It is available for insured mail, certified, registered and domestic express mail shipments. The return receipt identifies the article number, who signed for it and the date it was delivered. It is not necessary to utilize a return receipt on all certified or registered mailings. Be certain to identify your mail stop department or cost center on any return receipts so we can route them back to you.
Package Service Mail
There are four sub-categories of Package Service Mail that might save postage. They are:
- Media Mail (known as Book Rate", but not just for books)
- Library Mail
- Bound Printed Matter
- Parcel Post
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