Special Services

Express Mail

Domestic and International Express mail service is the fastest, and most expensive, type of mail offered by the U.S. Postal Service. Domestic express mail guarantees overnight delivery service of mailable material up to 70 pounds to most zip codes in the U.S. International service can be used to send documents and small packages to over 100 foreign countries. International next day service cannot be guaranteed a next day deliver. Express mail is insured against loss or damage, up to $100 at no additional cost.

Insured Mail

Postal insurance (up to $5,000) may be purchased domestically. Fragile items must be packaged with cushioning materials; heavy or bulky parcels must be reinforced with filament tape. Packages that appear to have been insufficiently prepared will not be accepted for mailing. A return receipt may be requested to show written evidence of delivery.
NOTE: The USPS will not reimburse mailers in amounts higher than proven value. Don't over-insure packages.

International postal insurance is available to some countries for parcel post only. Insurance limits vary from country to country.

Delivery Confirmation

Delivery confirmation is a form of tracking for your mail packages at a low cost.

Certified and Registered Mail

Certified and Registered mail is often confused. Both must be sent First-Class and can have, but do not require a Return Receipt Card.

Certified Mail

Certified mail is a DOMESTIC service only. It provides a record of mailing for the sender, but does not provide any indemnity coverage. The record of delivery is kept at the destination post office. Certified mail must be sent first-class. A return receipt may be requested to show written evidence of delivery.

Examples: grant proposals, student/staff notifications.

Registered Mail

Registered mail is the most secure method of sending valuables through the mail system. It provides the sender with written evidence of mailing. This service is offered for both domestic and international mail. Costs include a registry fee in addition to postage. A value must be declared for the mail at the time of mailing. The registry fee for domestic mail will be determined by the declared value. The maximum declared value for international mail is low, nevertheless, it remains the most secure, (not speedy) method for sending international mail. Domestic registered mail must be processed at the first-class postage rate. Several service levels are available for international registered mail. A return receipt for registered articles may be requested to show written evidence of delivery.

Examples: airplane tickets, passports, items insured over $600.00 (although high value items may be handled through other means instead of registered mail.

An envelope or parcel prepared for registered mail must be sealed so that any unauthorized opening will break the seal. Parcels must be sealed with plain paper or cloth tape on all seams of the article. If a parcel is heavy or bulky, reinforce it with strapping tape before wrapping and sealing. Padded envelopes are not accepted for domestic registered mail. Envelopes or parcels improperly or insufficiently prepared will not be accepted for mailing.

NOTE: Tape used on registered articles must be able to absorb a postmark. Slick plastic tape are not acceptable.

Return Receipts

Return Receipts furnish the mailer with proof of delivery. Return Receipts may be obtained for Express, Insured, Registered, and Certified mail. The Return Receipt is returned to the mailer after the article is delivered to the addressee.
NOTE: The fee for a Return Receipt does not insure the article against loss or damage.

International Mail

International mail rates, classifications, special services, weight and size limits, and other mailing requirements differ from those of domestic mail.