information sheet on additional services
Additional services include upgrades that, for a fee in addition to postage, provide special features beyond mail classes, such as increased security and liability. additional services also include shipping, delivery and receipt confirmation; special handling; and payment options and mail acceptance. additionally, additional services may provide alternatives to both delivery and payment for goods and services.
national additional services
The changes implemented in May 2007 to the national additional services are highlighted below:
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- all insured household items now carry a barcode label. this includes those items with a value of up to $50. Note: Unnumbered indemnity is no longer offered.
- Insured items up to $200 value use PS Form 3813, Insured Domestic Package Receipt and receive a scan at time of delivery, but no signature is collected.
- Insured items valued at more than $200 use ps form 3813-p, insured mail receipt, and receive a scan at time of delivery. delivery, and a signature is collected.
- Unlike certified mail and certified mail scans, an insurance scan alone will not provide electronic verification that the item was delivered or that an attempted delivery.
- Insurance coverage prices changed as follows:
- Value increase to $50 is $1.65.
- $50.01 at $100 is $2.05.
- $100.01 at $200 is $2.45.
- $200.01 at $300 is $4.60.
- the price for an additional $100 of insurance, valued between $300 and $ 5,000, is $4.60 plus $0.90 for every $100 or fraction thereof.
- The first $100 of value is still provided. values above $100 are now priced differently than regular insurance.
- value above $100 up to $200 is $0.75.
- $200.01 to $500 is $2.10.
- $500.01 to $5,000 is $2.10 plus $1.35 for each $100 or fraction thereof.
delivery confirmation service
Changes were made to rates only. the retail option fee for First Class Mail packages and Parcel Services packages is now $0.75, and the Priority Mail retail option fee is now $0.65. the priority mail electronic option, included with the click-n-ship service, remains free.
signature confirmation service
Changes were made to rates only. the retail option fee for all packages is now $2.10.
extra international services
The changes implemented in May in the international additional services are highlighted below:
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Insurance is available for International Merchandise shipments via Express Mail and International Priority Mail. check imm for country specific availability.
- ps form 3813-p is used for domestic mail only.
- record insurance amount and fee on ps form 2976-a, customs declaration and clearance note — cp 72:
- the clerk must write a “v”, the amount insured, the rate and the conversion of special drawing rights (sdr) in the spaces provided on the form ps 2976-a.
- “v” indicates an international requirement to indicate the item has value.
Note: The following items are prohibited in international express mail shipments to all countries: Coins; bank notes; banknotes, including paper money; securities of any kind payable to bearer; travelers checks; platinum, gold and silver; precious stones; jewelry, including watches; and other valuable items.
certified mail
Certified Mail service is available for a fee for International First Class Mail and Priority Mail International Flat Rate Envelope shipping options only. check imm for country specific information and availability.
Note: For certified mail service compensation, regardless of declared value, the maximum amount of compensation payable for loss, damage, or theft is $43.73.
Additional extra services, such as return receipt requested and restricted delivery, are available to select destinations. see imm’s individual country listings for complete information.
quick tips
- gift cards can be insured for their full value only when sent by certified mail. gift cards sent by express mail (including express mail insurance) or other mail with merchandise insurance are protected only up to the maximum award for cash and negotiable items: $15. customers should check the terms of their gift cards, as the issuer may replace them if lost or stolen.
- online indemnity coverage is limited to $500 for lost, looted, or damaged items. customers wishing to insure items over $500 should be instructed to bring these items to a retail postal facility. Additionally, customers should be advised that insurance purchased online cannot be combined with insurance purchased at a retail postal facility.
- ebay and click-n-ship customers may purchase insurance and present online claims at www.usps.com. Information on filing insurance claims can be found at www.usps.com/insuranceclaims. Note: Only insurance claims purchased online can be filed online. Insurance claims purchased online can also be filed using Form PS 1000, Domestic Claim or Certified Mail Inquiry.
- To file a domestic insurance claim purchased at a retail postal facility, customers must complete Form PS 1000 (available online and at retail postal facilities): Instructions appear on the form, and see the section of the form titled “What you need to file a claim.” For additional information, see DMM 609 or Notice 122, Domestic Compensation Claims: A Quick Reference Guide for Customers.
- Watch for Fraudulent Money Orders. always make sure the money order amount is equal to or less than the maximum amount ($1,000 domestic/$700 international) and check the security features of the money order, such as the benjamin franklin watermark and the vertical security thread with the word ” usps” repeated . a list of the usa uu. Misplaced, lost or stolen money orders can be found in each issue of the postal newsletter. Post offices and financial institutions can call the money order verification system toll-free at 866-459-7822 to verify if the postal service issued a money order. information on security features and a link to the 299 notice, us. uu. money order reference postcard (“look before you cash!”), are available at www.usps.com/missingmoneyorders/security.htm.