Selecting Type of Mail Service
Mail Services by Type
For full U.S. Postal Service details, visit usps.com
| Service Type | Description | Tracking | Insurance Coverage | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Priority Mail Express | 1–3 day Guarantee, Fastest U.S. mail service with tracking and insurance | Tracking included | Up to $100 included | Urgent shipments |
| Priority Mail | 2–3 day service for letters, packages, and merchandise | Tracking included | Not included | Standard business mail |
| First-Class Mail | Letters, postcards and small packages | Optional | Not included | Day-to-day mail |
| Standard Post | Small or large packages, thick envelopes, and tubes | Optional | Not included | Gifts & Merchandise |
| Media Mail | Discounted rate for educational materials | Optional | Not included | Books & coursework |
| Bulk Mail | For large-volume identical mailings | N/A | Not included | Campus-wide or external mailings |
Delivery information is available from the U.S. Postal Service:
- at www.usps.com
- by printed copy
- by calling 1-800-222-1811
Priority Mail Express
Letters, large or thick envelopes, tubes, and packages containing mailable items can be sent using Priority Mail Express. This money-back guaranteed service includes tracking and insurance up to $100. Additional merchandise insurance up to $5,000 may be purchased. Sunday, holiday, as well as early in the day delivery is available to many destinations for an additional fee. Select Priority Mail Express envelopes and boxes are available at the Post Office. All packaging can be ordered free of charge online at www.usps.com/store.
Priority Mail
Letters, large or thick envelopes, tubes, and packages containing mailable items can be sent using Priority Mail. This service is typically used to send documents, gifts, and merchandise. Select Priority Mail envelopes and boxes are available at the Post Offices. All packaging can be ordered online at www.usps.com/store.
First-Class Mail
Postcards, letters, large envelopes, and small packages can be sent using First-Class Mail. This service is typically used for personal and business correspondence and bills.
Standard Post
Small and large packages, thick envelopes, and tubes containing gifts and merchandise can be sent domestically using Standard Post.
Media Mail
Small and large packages and thick envelopes can be sent domestically using Media Mail. Contents are limited to books, manuscripts, sound recordings, and certain other educational materials. Formerly called “Book Rate”, Media Mail cannot contain advertising, except eligible books may contain incidental announcements of books.
- Speed depends on distance. Mail takes longer to travel across the country than to travel across town.
- Flat Rate packaging is available in many convenient sizes for Priority Mail Express and Priority Mail, and can be used for domestic and international mailings. Flat Rate shipping lets you send your items for a low Flat Rate. For additional details including international weight restrictions and options, see the Flat Rate Quick Reference.
- Calculate Postage for the shape, weight, and destination of your mail at pe.usps.com.
Bulk Mail
A bulk mail discount is available to mass mailings. These are identical pieces with large-volume distribution, like magazines, invitations or direct mail marketing pieces like viewbooks, fundraising materials, postcards or fliers. Pre-printed bulk mail requires special formatting for the address, postage and return address, self-mailer stickers. The UWGB Mail Center offers mail metering services and contracts with the Mail Hause for direct mail services.
Additional Mail Fees
You can apply additional mail services listed below. All fees are in addition to the cost of postage.
Insured Mail
Provides maximum security. Includes proof of mailing at time of mailing and the date and time of delivery or attempted delivery. Insurance can be added up to $25,000.
Fee based on value of item.
Return Receipt can be added to confirm delivery.
Registered Mail
Provides maximum security. Includes proof of mailing at time of mailing and the date and time of delivery or attempted delivery. Insurance can be added up to $25,000.
Fee based on value of item.
Return Receipt can be added to confirm delivery.
USPS Tracking
When outgoing mail contains a letter, survey or other written information you would like returned, at no cost to the person returning the information, a Business Reply Card or Envelope can be enclosed with your outgoing mail. You are charged first class postage plus the Business Reply fee for only those Business Reply cards or letters returned.
Signature Confirmation
Provides the date and time of delivery or attempted delivery and the name of the person who signed for the item. You can request a printed copy of the signature. A lower price is available when you print Priority Mail postage from www.usps.com.
Indemnity Claims
Most indemnity claims for Insured, Registered Mail or Priority Mail Express can be filed online, or the form can be downloaded from www.usps.com and mailed along with evidence of value. For more information go to your local Post Office or visit www.usps.com.
Return Receipt
Return Receipt provides a postcard or electronic notification with the date of delivery and recipient signature.
Restricted Delivery
Restricted Delivery confirms that only a specified person, or authorized agent, will receive a piece of mail. This service is available only if you also purchase Certified Mail, Insured Mail (over $200), or Registered Mail.
Need help?
Have questions about sending or receiving mail? Whether you're sending standard first class, bulk mail or inter-campus or receiving shipments or packages—shipping and mail associate Eric Knapowski can help you get answers.