欧博百家乐How to Prepare & Send a Package
Things You'll Need
You Should Know
The maximum weight for a USPS package is 70 lbs. Also, there are some things that you can’t send at all (prohibited) and other things you can only send under certain conditions (restricted). Hazardous materials (HAZMAT) might be prohibited or restricted.
As a rule of thumb, if what you’re sending could harm people or cause damage (like lithium batteries), very carefully check the list of Domestic Shipping Prohibitions, Restrictions, & HAZMAT.
Prohibited Items
Some items are prohibited (completely forbidden): You can’t send them through USPS, so you’ll have to choose another carrier. Prohibited items include:
Ammunition, explosives, and fireworks
Items containing liquid mercury
Alcoholic beverages
Restricted ItemsOther items are restricted: You have to follow the rules, stick to any limits, and properly package and label your items. Restricted items include:
Lithium batteries (like the ones that come installed inside small electronics, like laptop computers or cell phones) are usually OK to send if the items are new (or a manufacturer-certified repair); if the items are used, they can only be sent via ground transport (can’t go on planes).
Perishable items (like live animals, food, or plants) must be properly packaged and marked so they won't spoil or leak, and you'll need to pay an .
Some items have special packaging requirements, or can only be sent via ground transport, like perfumes containing alcohol.
You have to follow all laws and USPS regulations. If you don’t follow the rules, you might face fines, or even criminal penalties.
If you have any questions about what you may ship through USPS, review the restricted and prohibited items list.
See More Details: Domestic Shipping Prohibitions, Restrictions, & HAZMAT
Review USPS Publication 52, Hazardous, Restricted, & Perishable Mail
Try the HAZMAT Shipping Tutorial
USPS offers 5 core shipping services for your domestic packages. Start by looking at what you’re sending, then make your decision based on price, speed, and whether you need insurance, tracking, and other extra services.
Compare All USPS Domestic Mail & Shipping Services Fast air delivery for your most important mail and packages (with some Flat Rate options). Save money shipping packages by ground. Mail, like postcards, letters in small envelopes (up to 3.5 oz), and large envelopes (up to 13 oz). Go to the Post Office to ship heavier items like books and educational material. Priority Mail Express® Priority Mail® USPS Ground Advantage® First-Class Mail® You're sending something urgent that must arrive 1–3 days. You need date-certain delivery with a money-back guarantee. You're sending important items that need to arrive in 2-3 business days. Low rates for packages with expected delivery in 2-5 business days (also the primary option for HAZMAT items that can't travel by air). You're sending a letter envelope (under 3.5 oz) or large envelope (under 13 oz) that's flat and bends easily. You're sending only books (or other eligible media) and want the most affordable price. Compare All USPS Domestic Mail & Shipping Services
Fastest Delivery Speed
Compare All USPS Domestic Mail & Shipping Services Fast air delivery for your most important mail and packages (with some Flat Rate options). Priority Mail Express® Priority Mail® You're sending something urgent that must arrive 1–3 days. You need date-certain delivery with a money-back guarantee. You're sending important items that need to arrive in 2-3 business days. Compare All USPS Domestic Mail & Shipping Services Compare All USPS Domestic Mail & Shipping Services Save money shipping packages by ground. USPS Ground Advantage™ Low rates for packages with expected delivery in 2-5 business days (also the primary option for HAZMAT items that can't travel by air). Compare All USPS Domestic Mail & Shipping Services Compare All USPS Domestic Mail & Shipping Services Mail, like postcards, letters in small envelopes (up to 3.5 oz), and large envelopes (up to 13 oz). First-Class Mail® You're sending a letter envelope (under 3.5 oz) or large envelope (under 13 oz) that's flat and bends easily. Compare USPS Domestic Mail & Shipping Services Compare All USPS Domestic Mail & Shipping Services Go to the Post Office to ship heavier items like books and educational material. You're sending only books (or other eligible media) and want the most affordable price. Compare All USPS Domestic Mail & Shipping Services
Fastest Delivery Speed
Simple, Affordable, Reliable
Postcards & Envelopes
Only at the Post Office
Choosing a USPS shipping service depends on where it’s going, how much you want to spend, how quickly you want it to arrive, what you’re sending (the contents of the package and its size, shape, and weight), plus any tracking or other special features you want to add.
For example, for packages up to 70 lbs, consider using USPS Ground Advantage, which will take about 2-5 business days to arrive. If it has to arrive faster, you can use Priority Mail Express or Priority Mail service.
See more details and features: Mail & Shipping Services
NOTE: You would also use USPS Ground Advantage if you’re trying to send packages that can’t travel by air because of the contents (such as items that contain HAZMAT or live animals).
Whether you’re using a box, padded envelope, or tube, use packaging that doesn't bulge and is strong enough to protect what you’re sending. And accurately measure the size and weight of your package so you can avoid unexpected fees.
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Learn how to pack a box. 2:12
Video Description: How to Pack a Box (TXT)
Use strong packaging with enough room to add cushioning for fragile items and to prevent items from shifting. Remember: Your package will be going through automated processing machines and sharing space with other packages that could weigh as much as 70 lbs.
If you’re reusing a box (be careful: boxes can weaken during shipping), make sure all old logos, barcodes, shipping labels, and addresses are covered or blacked out.
Use enough 2-inch-wide packing tape to close and secure all seams. (But please don’t wrap your box in string, cord, or twine, which gets caught in USPS sorting equipment.)
Packages can't be larger than 130” total length (the longest side) + girth (the distance around the package, perpendicular to the length). For Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express packages, total length + girth must be less than 108”.
Tips for Measuring Packages
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Learn how to measure a package.2:35
Video Description: How to Measure a Package (TXT 6 KB)
Additional fees (like dimensional weight or nonstandard size fees) may apply. See
Pro Tips
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Learn how to pack a box. 2:12
Video Description: How to Pack a Box (TXT)
Please write the address parallel to the longest side of the package, and make sure your return address, the delivery address, and postage will fit on the same side.
TIP: If you'll be printing a shipping label (with postage included), you can use that instead of a separate address label. Place all labels on the same side, and don’t bend, fold, or overlap labels.
Address Tips
Use a pen or permanent marker.
Print neatly using capital letters.
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Learn how to address a package. 2:18
Video Description: How to Address a Package (TXT 3 KB)
Write Sender Address
Write your address (the “return address”) in the top-left corner. Include the following on separate lines:
Your full name or company name
Apartment or suite number
Full street address
City, State, and ZIP+4® Code
Write Delivery AddressWrite the delivery address in the center of the label or package (below and to the right of the return address, if possible), using the same format:
The recipient’s full name or company name
Apartment or suite number
Full street address
City, State, and ZIP+4® Code
Placing LabelsIf you're using a shipping label, place it parallel to the longest side of the package.
Put all labels on the same side, and don't fold them, bend them over edges, or overlap them.
Puerto Rico
Some Puerto Rico addresses include an urbanization or community code for a specific area or development. Addresses with an urbanization, abbreviated URB, should be written on 4 lines:
MS MARIA SUAREZ
URB LAS GLADIOLAS
150 CALLE A
SAN JUAN PR 00926-3232
More Puerto Rico Address Examples
U.S. Virgin Islands
Virgin Islands addresses have the same format as standard addresses. The right abbreviation for this territory is "VI," not "US VI" or "USA VI":
MS JOAN SMITH
RR 1 BOX 6601
KINGSHILL VI 00850-9802
Military and Diplomatic Mail (APO/FPO/DPO)
Mail to military and diplomatic addresses is treated differently:
Do not include the city or country name when you send something to an APO/FDO/DPO address in another country. This keeps your mail out of foreign mail networks.
Do include unit and box numbers if they're assigned:
SEAMAN JOSEPH SMITH
UNIT 100100 BOX 4120
FPO AP 96691
More Details on Military Addresses
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Learn how to address a package. 2:18
Video Description: How to Address a Package (TXT 3 KB)
Postage is the price you pay to send something (plus any extra services you might buy). It will depend on a few things; you can use the USPS Postage Calculator to see how much you'll need to pay.
You can pay for postage at a Post Office; use stamps (you might need a lot); or in many cases, even buy postage online (and print it yourself) using Click-N-Ship®.
Whether you use stamps or printed postage, postage goes in the top-right corner of your package.
Postage will depend on how far your package is going and the service you’re using. It also depends on the package’s size and weight, unless you're using a flat rate option for Priority Mail Express or Priority Mail service.
Postage Calculator
Make sure you're not underpaying on postage. When a package is sent without enough postage, it may be returned to you or the person receiving it may need to pay the difference.
The USPS Price Calculator wizard will show you how to measure your package and calculate your domestic postage costs for you.
Calculate a Price
How to Pay for PostageYou can pay for postage a few ways:
Additional Fees:You'll pay additional fees if you’re shipping a package that:
Is large in volume but light in weight
Has a nonstandard shape, dimensions, or packaging material
Has perishable items
Add-On ServicesIf you want insurance, proof of delivery, signature services, or other optional services, you’ll have to pay extra.
Certified Mail®: Get proof that you shipped your item and that the recipient signed for it.
Registered Mail®: USPS’s most secure shipping service—items are processed by hand, handled separately and securely, and signed for along every step of its journey. This takes longer, and you won’t get tracking updates. The recipient must sign for the package to confirm delivery (or attempted delivery).
Return Receipt: You’ll get a printed or emailed delivery record showing the recipient’s signature. You can combine Return Receipt with other services, including Certified Mail, Registered Mail, Priority Mail Express® service, and more.
Adult Signature Required: Only an adult (age 21+) can sign for the item after showing a .
Find more details on Insurance & Extra Services.
How you can ship your package depends on a few things, like how heavy/thick it is and if you used stamps or not. If your package is less than one-half inch thick and weighs less than 10oz, you can use postage stamps and drop off your package by:
Putting it in your mailbox for carrier pickup.
Dropping it in a blue collection box or Post Office lobby drop-off box.
Requesting a free pickup.
If your package uses stamps and is more than one-half inch thick or weighs more than 10 oz, you must take it to a Post Office counter and give it to the Retail Associate at the counter.
If you printed the postage using Click-N-Ship or at a USPS kiosk, you can use any method to drop off your packages.
NOTE: If your stamped package is thicker than one-half inch or heavier than 10 oz—if you put it in your mailbox for pickup, the carrier will leave it. If you drop it in a blue collection box or Post Office lobby mail receptacle, it will be returned to you.
Schedule a Package PickupWhen you’re ready to send your package, USPS will come to your address to pick it up! Save time—Schedule a Pickup online:
Pick up during regular mail delivery (free!): USPS will pick up eligible packages for free.
Pickup On Demand® (premium paid service): For a fee, you can select a 2-hour period for the Post Office to pick up your packages.
Don’t get tripped up on postage—follow our tips and avoid some of the most common mistakes people make when they send packages:
Make sure the weight is accurate: Use a kitchen scale or postal scale (not a bathroom scale), or have your package weighed at the Post Office. Include the weight of everything, including packing materials.
Round up on weights: Some USPS products round up to the ounce, while others round up to the pound. For example, if you’re sending a Priority Mail package that weighs 5 lbs 2 oz, you would round up to the pound and pay the 6 lb-rate.