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U.S. Mail Packages and Parcels over 13 ozs. with only 'live' stamps must be taken to Post Office Counter and presented to a Postal employee.
They cannot be dropped in a mail box or given to a postal carrier. Packages will be returned to sender.
Basically, if you use only lick on or sticky stamps -- stamps that are known as 'Live' stamps -- to put on any package 13 oz. or over YOU MUST take the package to a postal retail location, and present the package to a postal teller. Technically, even if the postal employee knows you, he or she CANNOT take the package from you during his or her carrier pick up.
However, if you use on line PC Postage, meter stamps, Endicia, or other online including Click-N-Ship,that print with barcodes, and combine both 'live' stamps and at least one barcoded stamp, technically (depending on the local post master interpretation of the directive) you can present the package to a carrier or request pick up if Priority Mail is part of your shipment. This excludes Shipping Assistant created labels (even though it may be registered to you), unless one PCPostage type of stamp is issued with a bar code is used, connecting the sender to a traceable stamp to a financial payment for that stamp.)Of course, all other conditions for what can be mailed, and type of product apply.
HINT: If you are having problems with a carrier NOT taking the packages over 13 ozs. AND you have a PC-Postage type stamp, you may want to point out that part of the USPS Press Release below that states 'only stamps as postage." Properly read, if you have a PC-generated stamp (which by design has a paper trail back to the buyer), and combine that with the sticky-stamps, you have met the requirements. Pick up service is great -- especially with International shipments properly prepared -- saving the trip to the Post Office unnecessarily.
Here is the USPS Press Release:
New 13-Ounce Mail Rule to Take Effect July 30
WASHINGTON, DC — A new Postal Service rule goes into effect … for packages and envelopes that weigh more than 13 ounces, if they’re being mailed with only stamps as postage at a location other than a Post Office retail service counter.
Starting Monday, July 30, customers can use one of several convenient online postage applications — available 24/7 — or an Automated Postal Center, if they wish to mail items that weigh more than 13 ounces in Postal Service collection boxes or Post Office lobby mail slots; or if they wish to leave the items for pickup by their letter carriers. Online postage applications include the Postal Service’s Click-N-Ship service on usps.com and PC Postage from an authorized USPS vendor.
If a customer is unable to use one of the above methods to prepare and affix postage, items weighing more than 13 ounces must be presented for mailing to an employee at a Post Office retail service counter. Business customers who use postage meters may continue to use meter postage for packages of any weight and mailing method.
Customers will notice new decals on USPS collection boxes, and Post Office lobby and Automated Postal Center mail drop slots. The new red, white and blue decals inform customers that deposit of stamped mail over 13 ounces is prohibited, and any such mail will be returned.
Previously, the prohibition applied to mail over 16 ounces. The change is part of ongoing security measures established by the Postal Service, in cooperation with other government agencies to keep the public, customers, employees and the U.S. Mail safe.
Starting Monday, July 30, customers can use one of several convenient online postage applications — available 24/7 — or an Automated Postal Center, if they wish to mail items that weigh more than 13 ounces in Postal Service collection boxes or Post Office lobby mail slots; or if they wish to leave the items for pickup by their letter carriers. Online postage applications include the Postal Service’s Click-N-Ship service on usps.com and PC Postage from an authorized USPS vendor.
If a customer is unable to use one of the above methods to prepare and affix postage, items weighing more than 13 ounces must be presented for mailing to an employee at a Post Office retail service counter. Business customers who use postage meters may continue to use meter postage for packages of any weight and mailing method.
Customers will notice new decals on USPS collection boxes, and Post Office lobby and Automated Postal Center mail drop slots. The new red, white and blue decals inform customers that deposit of stamped mail over 13 ounces is prohibited, and any such mail will be returned.
Previously, the prohibition applied to mail over 16 ounces. The change is part of ongoing security measures established by the Postal Service, in cooperation with other government agencies to keep the public, customers, employees and the U.S. Mail safe.
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Guide created: 11/13/07 (updated 08/13/08)
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