Domestic mail envelopes
Business reply mail
It is important to contact the mail center (7-8812) or call U.S. Post office at 388-7254 for additional information before you design business reply mail envelopes, cards, or for business reply mail permit information, Facing Identification Marks (FIM), IMb code and other business reply mail regulations. Business Reply mail has a specific Zip + 4, which differs from required zip + 4 normally used for addressing. The last 4 digits on the business reply zip code addresses are specific accounting address used by the U.S. Post Office for WMU mail and must be used as follows:
Business reply mail zip plus 4
- Post Card: 49008 – 9945
- 1oz Letter: 49008 – 9947
- 2 oz Letter: 49008 – 9944
- Flats/Labels: 49008-9948
- International: 49008-9946
Postage is not charged until the business reply piece is returned to WMU and then the department. There is always a handling charged assigned to the business reply by the U.S. Postal Service – not the mail center.
Certified mail envelope
Any kind envelope can be used for certified mail. Certified mail needs a Certified Mail Receipt filled out and attach to the envelope or package. Leave about 3 inches at upper right corner for the postage stamp. (Order certified mail receipt from USPS.com). A green return receipt card is available to show proof of receipt, also can be ordered from USPS.com. Please fill out card and send with the mail piece.
Priority Mail Express
Flat rate express envelope (cost for flat express may vary each year depending on the Postal Service) can be used for weights up to 70 lbs. (as long as it fits). Fill out address label and apply to the package (Priority Mail Express envelopes can be ordered from USPS.com). Also indicate on your department charge for U.S. postage and special services form that you need express processing.
For large bulky items, use the large Tyvek Express envelope or a large envelope capable of containing the mail weight. Ensure you place the mailing label on the package.
First class mail envelope
First class mail currently starts $0.490 for business size envelope up to 1 ounce, however, pricing may vary yearly. The mail piece must fit in the post office’s Notice 3A: Letter-Size Mail Dimensional Standards Template (available from your mail center) and in rectangular envelope for automated processing by USPS. Mail pieces larger than the template, or if the mail piece is in an odd shape envelope there will be surcharge of 0.21 cents (per mail piece) meet the following dimensions for automated processing by USPS:
- Height: 3.5 inches minimum, 6.125 inches maximum
- Length: 5 inches minimum, 11.5 inches maximum
- Thickness: 0.007 inches minimum, 0.25 inches maximum
Maximum thickness for automated processing is 0.25 inches. Mail that does not meet automated processing size may not qualify for discounted rates. Letter size envelopes (up to 6.125 inches x 11.5 inches) over 0.25 inches thick will be charged at package rates.
Flat mail envelope
Non-letter size envelopes are larger than the maximum letter size, but not larger than 12 inches high by 15 inches long and 0.75 inches thick.
Media mail envelope
Media mail can be in any size/type without First Class print on the envelope. Stamp or write Media Mail on the envelope or package. Media Mail is a cost-effective way to send educational materials. This service has restrictions on the type of media that can be sent. Perfect for sending books and educational materials. The material sent must be educational media. Video games, computer drives, or digital drives of any kind are not items qualified for mailing at Media Mail prices.
Parcel
A large envelope that exceeds any maximum physical dimension (length, height, or thickness) or is rigid, non-rectangular, or not uniformly thick or a package up to 13oz goes at parcel rates.
Priority envelope
For mail over 13 oz., use the Flat Priority envelope or use a priority sticker for larger size envelopes. If you use a standard business size envelope (#10) or similar size envelope to send priority mail, please affix a priority sticker on the envelope or package. Priority mail envelope supplies can be ordered from USPS.com. All Priority mail is now able to be tracked for free.
Registered mail envelope
Any kind envelope can be used for registered mail. Registered mail is the slowest first class mail because the security process used in handling. Plastic tape is not allowed to use for sealing a registered mail envelope or package—the registered mail envelope or package has to be sealed by paper tape. Tags and forms are available at your local Post Office or USPS.com.
International mail envelope
International express mail envelope (customs form required)
Up to 20 lb. use the International Flat Rate Express Envelope. Type out the recipient’s address. Ensure the recipient’s country, city, street and name are clear to read. Order supplies through USPS.com or your local post office.
International first class envelope
International first class mail can be in any type envelope, however, the use of the international envelope is recommended. First class international mail takes 4-8 days to reach most country destinations.
International priority envelope (customs form required)
International priority mail needs be in an international priority mail envelope. Flat rate priority envelopes are good up to 4 lbs. Order supplies from USPS.com or at your local post office.
International registered envelope
The mail can be in any size/type envelope. For Security reasons, Registered mail envelopes cannot be sealed by plastic tape. It must be sealed by paper tape.
Sizes, colors and types of envelopes
The size of the envelope should properly accommodate the contents.
The categories of envelopes: letter size and flats. Letters, non-letters and bar-coded flats are rated differently by the USPS. To assure the best rate, call Mail Services for size and rates before preparing the mail piece.
Use light colored envelopes for legibility and please avoid brilliant colors (red, dark blue or any color that will not show the mail center red meter ink which could cause the mail to be returned to sender).