Packages/Thick Envelopes USPS Requirements & Restrictions

usps size/weight requirements

Packages can weigh up to 70 pounds, size and weight limits for international shipments will vary by country and mail class. for US destinations, size requirements differ depending on the type of package you select:

• Thick Envelopes: Includes bubble envelopes and other large padded envelopes and envelopes and has the same size restrictions as flat envelopes. Since a thick envelope is less than 1 cubic foot, the stamps.com software doesn’t add usps surcharges or ask for package dimensions.
• packages: includes anything up to 84″, when measuring distance of the envelope’s longest side, plus twice the width and twice the height.The stamps.com software may prompt you to enter package dimensions for the dimensional weight price.
• Large packages: includes anything from 84″ to 108″, by measuring the distance of the longest side, plus twice the width and twice the height. The stamps.com software may prompt you to enter the package dimensions for the dimensional weight price .
• Oversized Packages: Includes anything larger than 108″, by measuring the distance from the longest side, plus twice the width and twice the height. By selecting this option, the stamps.com software will add the USPS Oversized Package Surcharge and only allow you to select the package selection.

usps content restrictions

Many of the items below are permitted in limited quantities and only under conditions that minimize risk to postal employees, property, or the public:

• aerosol cans (cannot be airmailed or shipped internationally)
• propane or camp stove fuel in cans or pressurized tanks (cannot be airmailed or shipped internationally)
• spray paint (cannot ship via airmail or internationally)
• compressed air or nitrogen (cannot ship internationally)
• isopropyl alcohol, witch hazel, or acetone (cannot be airmailed or shipped internationally)
• paint (cannot be airmailed or shipped internationally)
• non-concealable firearms such as rifles (must be unloaded and the package may not have any markings indicating the contents you may be asked to open the package at the time of mailing to verify that the firearm is unloaded. ammunition cannot be mailed.)
• antique (pre-1898) relic and firearms (must be unloaded) drugs)
• non-illegal drugs and medicines that are not considered controlled substances (must comply with all state and federal laws, no marking on the package can indicate the contents)
• items that battery operated, such as toys or watches (battery must be removed from item, but may be shipped with item, if battery meets shipping requirements)
• knives, razors, and other sharp instruments (some knives such as switchblades are highly restricted).
• fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, fresh or frozen meat or fish, and live plants (can usually be mailed domestically, may be subject to quarantine/ rejection under state law, check with your local post office for current status)

Before shipping, check with the USPS website for details.

some things can never be shipped with the usps:

• any item that is illegal under the laws of the united states or any state, territory or possession, or if shipping internationally, the laws of any destination country or point of reference. check the laws of your destination country.
• guns or other concealable firearms, whether assembled or unassembled (except in limited cases between pre-authorized parties, almost exclusively military or law enforcement. when you are allowed, no markings on the mail may indicate the content, and the gun must be unloaded)
• any type of firearm ammunition
• alcoholic beverages of any kind with a content of alcohol of 0.5% by weight or higher. the only exceptions are cold remedies that contain alcohol, mouthwashes that contain alcohol, and potable but non-taxable alcohol that is not intended to be a beverage (such as cooking sherry)
• tobacco products of any kind, with the exception of highly limited quantities mailed from adult to adult as a gift or returns damaged or defective tobacco products to an authorized manufacturer. if the shipment qualifies, the language on the package must state that the contents can only be accepted by a person over the age of 21.
• gasoline (cannot be mailed under any circumstances)
• explosives and fireworks

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• hydrogen peroxide in a solution greater than 20%
• tear gas, pepper spray and other chemical irritants
• batteries liquid cell (if “spill-proof,” they can be mailed if they meet certain requirements)
• any item containing mercury, including thermometers
• legal narcotics and other controlled substances ( the only exception is where special authorization has been granted)
• most live mammals and birds (some exceptions apply to live poultry)
• any mail package that clearly advertises the contents as any of the above, even if the package does not contain the items articles in question (p. g., reusing an old wine crate for shipping)