About Postage

The Post Office offers much more than just first-class postage. There are different postage options available that can get your mail delivered faster or cheaper. You need to know the restrictions on each one before you mail, or you might have a package that is too big or heavy for the method you want to use.

History

The Post Office was established by the Second Continental Congress on July 26, 1775. Benjamin Franklin was the first Postmaster General. The zip code was put in place in the 1960s and was the biggest help in speeding up delivery. The Post Office is self sufficient, meaning that it operates without getting any money from the tax revenue.

Types

The U.S. Postal Service offers many different postage options; some of them are not well known or understood. The Post Office offers Express Mail, Priority Mail, First-Class Mail, Parcel Post, Bound Printed Matter and Media Mail.

Function

Express Mail is delivered every day of the year; in most cases, you can track the envelope online. Express mail is insured for up to $100.
Priority Mail has two-day service to most locations, and you can use it for both documents and packages up to 70 pounds.
First-Class Mail is used for postcards, letters and packages. You pay extra if a letter is over 3.5 ounces, or if packages are over 13 ounces.
Parcel Post is the most cost-effective method for packages. It can be used for packages up to 70 pounds and measure no more than 130 inches, when you add the length and diameter together. There is a surcharge for packages over 35 pounds or over 25 pounds if it is printed matter, if you use a shipping tube or if the package is extra large.
Bound Printed Matter is a special service for items like catalogs. The item can weigh up to 15 pounds and at least 90% of the publication must be printed--not written by hand or word processor. You pay according to the weight, destination and shape of the item. There is a discount for shipments of more than 300.
Media Mail is for books, video tapes, sound tapes, printed music, CDs and DVDs, and can weigh up to 70 pounds. Discounts are available for shipments of 300 or more.

Features

There are extra services that you can add to your letter or package. With COD, they will collect payment for the merchandise and the postage on delivery. You can also request a return receipt, and you will get a postcard back with the receiver's signature. Delivery confirmation is another option, where you can check when a package is delivered on the Internet. Insurance is available.
Restricted Delivery, where you can have the package delivered to a specific person, is available with certified mail, registered mail or a package that is insured for over $50.

Significance

Over time, some postage can acquire great value. In 1867, the Post Office issued a Z-grill Abraham Lincoln 15-cent stamp in black ink that modern collectors have appraised at $225,000. The "Shield, Eagle and Flags" stamp sold for 30 cents in 1869; an unused, hinged version with inverted flags could fetch over $200,000 in 2009. The Benjamin Franklin stamp in blue-green ink with a double-lined "USPS" watermark sold for a penny when the Post Office issued it in 1908. Today, that same stamp, unhinged and unused, could sell for as much as $100,000.

Resources

• Post Office History
• Post Office Site