New rule for mailing packages in effect

The United States Postal Service has established a new rule for packages and envelopes that weigh more than 13 ounces if they're being mailed with only stamps as postage and at a location other than a post office or contract postal unit.

For these packages customers can use one of several online postage applications which are available at any time or an automated postal center.

This applies to packages that are mailed at Postal Service collection boxes, post office lobby mail slots and for packages left for pickup by a letter carrier.

Online postage applications include the Postal Service's Click-N-Ship service on www.usps.com and PC postage from an authorized USPS vendor.

Business customers who use postage meters may continue to use meter postage for packages of any weight and mailing method.

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 a post office employee.

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 more than 13 ounces is prohibited and any such mail will be returned.

Previously, the prohibition applied to mail more than 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.

In a Nutshell

Deposit of stamped mail more than 13 ounces is now prohibited and such mail will be returned to sender.

Unless a customer is able to use one of the available methods to prepare and affix postage, items weighing more than 13 ounces must be given to a post office employee for mailing.