A nonmachinable letter is a piece of mail that is too rigid, too irregularly shaped, too lumpy, or contains items that will not fit through automated mail-sorting machines. This type of mail requires extra handling in order to process, which increases both the cost of postage and the time required for delivery.
Nonmachinable letters include items such as unusually-shaped packages, parcels with string or non-standard tape, envelopes with hard items inside, and envelopes that are not long enough to secure postage stamps.
In order to qualify for nonmachinable postage rates, all mail that is not rectangular or square must meet certain irregularity standards, including measurable weight, thickness, and circumference. If these standards are not met, the post office may refuse the mail or require additional processing fees.
How much does it cost to mail a Nonmachinable letter?
The cost to mail a Nonmachinable letter depends on the weight of the letter and the distance it is traveling. For domestic mailing within the United States, a standard nonmachinable letter (up to 1 ounce in weight) will cost $1.
00 if sent within the same state, and $1. 20 if sent to a recipient in a different state. The price of postage increases with the weight of the letter, with each additional ounce costing an additional $0.
21. For international mail, the cost will depend on the country of destination and the weight of the letter; for example, a one-ounce Nonmachinable letter sent to Guatemala costs $1. 85. Rates for all domestic and international mail services can be found online at the U.
S. Postal Service website.
Can I write non machinable on my envelope?
No, you cannot write non machinable on your envelope. Non machinable is an indicator applied by the Post Office to mail that can’t be processed by the standard automated mail processing machines. If your mail piece meets certain criteria, the Postal Service may label it as non machinable, which carries a surcharge.
This surcharge is only applied when the mail is dropped off at the Post Office, so there is no need to pre-mark your mail with “non machinable”. The Postal Service will apply the label itself if the mail needs to receive the extra fee.
Is a non machinable stamp a forever stamp?
No, a non machinable stamp is not a forever stamp. A non machinable stamp is a postage stamp that carries postage that is not machine readable or which qualifies for an additional surcharge due to an unusual or irregular shape or size.
It includes most odd shaped envelopes, booklets, post cards, and irregularly sized envelopes due to its shape or contents. Forever stamps, on the other hand, are USPS stamps that can be used to mail one ounce of First-Class mail regardless of the current stamp value or mailing rates.
They can be used for any mail class or for additional postage when rates increase.
What does non machinable surcharge mean on a stamp?
A non-machinable surcharge is an additional fee charged by the United States Postal Service (USPS) when a postage stamp or package is not of a suitable size to be processed through its automated delivery systems.
Postage stamps are considered non-machinable if their dimensions, weight, or material make them difficult or impossible to process through automatic sorting machines. Examples of non-machinable stamps include: stamps that do not conform to shape or size, letter-size mail pieces that weigh more than 3.
3 ounces, wedding invitations, mailers that are made of metal, mailers that are rigid or more than 1/4th inch thick, and mailers that are lumpy or unevenly shaped. Non-machinable surcharges help the USPS cover the extra labor and materials costs associated with postage stamps that require more manual processing.
Can You Use Forever stamps for non-machinable?
Yes, you can use forever stamps to mail a non-machinable letter. The Postal Service has indicated that it is acceptable to combine two or more forever stamps when a single piece of mail requires more postage than displayed on a single forever stamp.
For example, if you are sending a non-machinable letter and you know that it requires more than one ounce of postage, you can use two forever stamps to cover the additional postage amount. When using more than one forever stamp, it is best to place the stamps on the upper right corner of the envelope in an alternating pattern.
This ensures that postal workers are able to easily determine how many stamps have been used.
Where do I drop off non-machinable mail?
Non-machinable mail (such as irregularly shaped items or envelopes with extra thick or non-flexible contents) must be received and shipped directly from the post office. Essentially, any item that is not Machineable must be handed directly to a postal clerk at the post office.
This will require you to fill out a customer receipt detailing the items you are sending and paying for postage. Depending on the type and weight of the item, you can select either standard or priority shipping.
After paying for postage and filling out the receipt, you will be provided with a tracking number to allow you to monitor the progress of your shipment. It’s important to note that there will be an additional cost associated with sending non-machineable mail.
How do you use Nonmachinable stamps?
Nonmachinable stamps are used for mailing items that cannot go through a mail processing machine, such as irregularly shaped envelopes or packages that are not sealed properly. To use a nonmachinable stamp, simply adhere the stamp to the envelope as you would a regular stamp.
If the item is unusually shaped, you may need to use two to four nonmachinable stamps to make up the correct postage amount. When affixing multiple stamps to an item, it is important to arrange them in a straight line along the top edge of the envelope.
Nonmachinable stamps are available with an image of a dollar sign or the words “Nonmachinable” printed on them. When using these stamps, you must pay close attention to their designations so that you don’t accidentally use the incorrect one.
For example, nonmachinable stamps with the dollar sign are only to be used on packages weighing less than 1 oz, while nonmachinable stamps featuring the words “Nonmachinable” should be used on everything else.
Failure to use the correct stamp could result in the package being returned to you. When in doubt about which stamp to use for an item, you should consult your local post office for assistance.
How much is the non-machinable surcharge USPS?
The non-machinable surcharge determined by the United States Postal Service (USPS) is currently $0. 21 per piece. This applies to domestic non-automation and automation letters that cannot be processed using USPS automation sorting equipment, as well as to any additional and subsequent pieces of a machinable mailpiece that is associated with the original non-machinable mailpiece.
This surcharge was adjusted by the USPS in January of 2020, but had been unchanged since May of 2015.
Non-machinable mailpieces can include square or rectangular pieces that weigh one ounce or less, rigid envelopes, envelopes that close with clasps or string ties, open-sided envelopes, envelopes with protruding clasps or buttons, and mailpieces that are too rigid.
Many types of non-machinable mailpieces are eligible for special handling, but they may be subject to additional fees or restrictions.
If a mailpiece is deemed non-machinable by the USPS, the non-machinable surcharge will apply prior to any other applicable fees. As of March 2021, the total cost of the non-machinable surcharge is $0.
21 per piece.
What is the cheapest way to mail something through the post office?
The most affordable way to mail something through the post office is using USPS First-Class Package Service. This service is designed for sending lightweight packages that weigh 13 ounces or less, with delivery typically taking one to three days.
Regardless of weight, packages must meet certain size restrictions for this service. The price for sending a First-Class Package depends on weight and size and starts around $2. 74 for packages up to 1 ounce, with a maximum of $6.
45 for packages weighing 13 ounces. However, if you purchase postage online you can buy and print postage starting at 85 cents, saving your money. Other USPS services are available, such as Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express, which are typically more expensive than First-Class Package Service but provide faster delivery to domestic and international destinations.
