USPS | Mailing Services | University of Portland

Mailing Services: USPS Mail

USPS First Class Mail Letters, large envelopes and packages weighing less than 13 ounces are sent by First Class domestic mail; domestic mail is usually delivered within 1 to 5 days, depending upon location.

Priority Mail Any item which weighs 13 ounces or more is considered Priority Mail. Priority Mail is usually delivered within 2 to 3 days, however it is not guaranteed. Low flat rate shipping is also available with Priority Mail for any destination when you use either flat rate envelopes or flat rate boxes up to a 70 lb maximum. New flat rate boxes are available in four sizes and can be delivered to every address in the United States including PO Boxes and military addresses. (Saturday delivery is available at no extra charge.)

Express Mail Express Mail is the fastest USPS option for time-sensitive materials, and has a guaranteed overnight delivery to MOST locations or your money back. This service includes tracking and insurance up to $100. Delivery to most destinations including PO Boxes, military addresses, and international addresses is available 365 days a year, with no extra charge for Saturday. Sunday and holiday delivery is available for an additional $12.50 fee. Pricing is based on zone, weight, and distance. Express Mail needs to be mailed by scheduled acceptance times; call the Mail Center for time deadlines.

Media Mail Media Mail/book rate contents are limited to books (24 pages or more, permanently bound), film, manuscripts, sound recordings, video tapes, and computer media (such as CDs, DVDs, and disks). Media Mail, which is subject to USPS inspection, cannot contain advertising and thus has a lower rate.

Certified Mail Certified Mail provides a mailing receipt, and a record of delivery is kept at the recipient’s post office. Certified Mail service is available only for First Class Mail or Priority Mail. Certified Mail is not available for international mail. Please note—certified mail can be held in the post office for up to 15 days if the letter is not claimed. A second delivery attempt will be made seven days after the first attempt. If the letter is still unclaimed seven days after the second attempt, the original item is then returned to sender. (It is the individual’s/department’s responsibility to write down the tracking number.)

Delivery Confirmation Delivery confirmation is available for first class and priority mail. The delivery confirmation service records the date, zip code, and time your article was delivered. If delivery was attempted you will receive the date and time of attempted delivery. The sender can track this information online. (It is the individual’s/department’s responsibility to write down the tracking number.)

Return Receipt This is the sender’s proof of delivery. A return receipt can be purchased for Certified Mail. The return receipt shows who signed for the item and the date it was delivered, unless prohibited by law. (Return receipt cannot be sent alone and must accompany Certified Mail piece.)

Registered Mail/Insured Mail This service is not provided by the UP Mail Center. Sender must take package/document to the United States Postal Service.

For more information about USPS shipping methods, visit http://www.usps.com.