First-Class Mail
The advantages of mailing First-Class is that it is given priority over all other kinds of mail except Priority and Express mail. First-Class mail receives forwarding and return services at no extra cost. The disadvantage to First-Class mailing is that the rates are the most expensive rates (except for Express Mail). If matter mailed at the First-Class rate could have been mailed at a cheaper rate, this causes volume mailers unnecessary expense.
Some items must be mailed at the First-Class rates (or as Priority or Express Mail):First-Class Mail is usually hand-written or typed correspondence, statements of accounts etc. Any item that is mailable and can be transported safely by air can be mailed at the First-class rates. First-Class rates apply to pieces weighing 13 ounces or less. First-Class mail weighing over 13 ounces, up to the maximum of 70 pounds, is charged postage at Priority rates.
- Bills and letters of account
- Matter wholly or partially in handwriting or typewriting
- Printed forms filled out in writing, such as notices, certificates, checks etc.
- Any mail sealed against Postal inspection
- Personal and other correspondence
First-Class Postcards
Postcards are printed mailing cards. The minimum size requirement is 3 x 5 and the maximum size is 4 1/4 x 6. A postcard must be made of unfolded and uncreased paper or card stock. The stock must be any light color that does not interfere with the legible address and postmarks.
The right portion of a postcard is for the delivery address, postage and postal marking, the left portion is for the message.
The right portion must be at least 2 1/8 inches in width, measured from top to bottom. The delivery address must not be shaded.
Certified Mail & Return Receipt
Certified mail provides a receipt to the sender and a record of delivery at the addressee's post office. No insurance is provided. Only First-Class mail can be certified. Return Receipt can be used with Certified mail.
If you want to certify mail, the Mailroom has the forms necessary. We also have the Return Receipt forms. To use a Return Receipt, fill in the name and address of the addressee and the complete return address. Put the Certified Mail number on the card, place the card on the back of small envelopes and the front of packages and large envelopes (as long as the card does not interfere with the address.)
Priority Mail
Priority Mail is also first-class mail. Priority Mail receives expedited handling and transportation. The USPS has a 2-day delivery service, but does not guarantee delivery within a specified time.
When undeliverable as addressed and the address is known, Priority Mail will be forwarded at no extra charge. If the new address is not known, it will be returned to sender as Priority Mail at no additional charge.
Express Mail
Express mail provides next-day or second-day delivery of letters and packages. It is fast and the most expensive Postal rate. The chief advantage of Express Mail is the speed of delivery. You will be provided with a receipt showing the time and date of mailing.
Express Mail will be forwarded at no extra charge if the new address is known. Forwarded mail will be handled as Express Mail. Delivery time guarantees do not apply if mail is forwarded.
If your Express Mail is undeliverable or unclaimed for five days, it will be returned to you at no extra charge.
Business Reply Mail
You can distribute specially printed Business Reply Mail envelopes or cards for return to you without postage affixed. You pay the postage due on each piece when it is returned. Business Reply Mail is First-Class Mail when returned.
Special Services such as certified, return receipt can not be used with Business Reply mail.
The SWOSU University Print Shop can print Business Reply envelopes for you. These envelopes can not be hand written, typed or hand stamped.
The Business Reply card must be rectangular in shape, not less than 3 1/2 inches by 5 inches, not larger than 4 1/4 inches by 6 inches. Larger cards are mailed at the First-Class rate.
Business Reply Mail Format for Printing Envelopes
No postage necessary if mailed in the United States must be printed in the upper right corner and extend no more than 1 3/4 inches from the right edge. Print the Business Reply Mail legend in a rectangle above the address in capital letters at least 3/16 inch high.
Print, FIRST-CLASS MAIL PERMIT NO., 3 WEATHERFORD OK, in capital letters immediately below the Business Reply Mail legend in the rectangle.
Print, POSTAGE WILL BE PAID BY ADDRESSEE, beneath the line with the permit number.
Print the delivery address as,
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The bottom line of the address must not be higher than 2 1/4 and not lower than 5/8
from the bottom edge of the envelope.
Leave a margin of at least one-inch between the address and the right and left edges
of the envelope. The area 5/8" from the bottom and 4 3/4" from the right edge is the
barcode clear zone.
The address on Business Reply Mail cannot be altered in any way and a Business Reply piece cannot be used for any purpose other than that intended by the permit holder.