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The United States Postal Service (USPS) defines large envelopes, also known as flat mail, as First-Class Mail sent in envelopes that exceed 6⅛″ in height, 11½″ in width, or ¼″ in thickness. Large envelopes are typically large enough to fit a standard, unfolded 8½″ x 11″ sheet of paper. Envelopes used for flat mail cannot exceed ¾″ thick, 12″ high, 15″ long, or weigh more than 13 ounces. USPS considers any envelope bigger than this size to be a package. Pricing for large envelopes starts at $1.50 and increases by weight, with each additional ounce costing between $0.27 and $0.30.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Minimum Height | 6-1/8" |
| Minimum Width | 11-1/2" |
| Minimum Thickness | 1/4" |
| Maximum Height | 12" |
| Maximum Length | 15" |
| Maximum Thickness | 3/4" |
| Maximum Weight | 13 oz |
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What You'll Learn
- Large envelopes are larger than 6⅛″ in height, 11½″ in width, or ¼″ in thickness
- USPS considers mail bigger than 12 x 15 x ¾ a package
- First-Class Mail letters max out at 3.5 oz, large envelopes at 13 oz
- Square envelopes may require additional postage due to their shape
- Large envelopes are machinable, but nonmachinable mail will be subject to a surcharge
Large envelopes are larger than 6⅛″ in height, 11½″ in width, or ¼″ in thickness
The term "large envelopes" refers to First-Class Mail sent in envelopes that exceed a certain size and are used to send items and documents without folding them. Large envelopes are larger than 6⅛" in height, 11½" in width, or ¼" in thickness. These dimensions are the minimum requirements for a large envelope, and at least one of these requirements must be met.
Large envelopes are typically large enough to fit a standard, unfolded 8½" x 11" sheet of paper. Envelopes used for flat mail cannot exceed ¾" in thickness, 12" in height, or 15" in length, and they cannot weigh more than 13 ounces. If an envelope exceeds these dimensions, it is considered a package by USPS and will be subject to higher prices.
The cost of sending a large envelope depends on its weight, with prices starting at $1.50 for the first ounce and increasing by $0.27 for each additional ounce. The maximum weight for a large First-Class Mail envelope is 13 ounces. Stamps for large envelopes start at $1.63.
It is important to note that all large envelopes must be machinable. This means that they need to be uniform in thickness and bendable. If a large envelope is not machinable, it will be subject to a non-machinable surcharge.
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USPS considers mail bigger than 12 x 15 x ¾ a package
The United States Postal Service (USPS) has specific guidelines for mailing envelopes, with different rates for letters, large envelopes (also known as flats), and packages.
Letters are defined by their dimensions and must be at least 3.5 inches high, 5 inches long, and 0.007 inches thick. They can be no larger than 6-1/8 inches high, 11-1/2 inches long, and 1/4 inch thick.
Large envelopes, or flats, are First-Class Mail envelopes that exceed the maximum dimensions for letters. They can be no larger than 12 inches high, 15 inches long, and 3/4 inch thick. The weight of a large envelope can be up to 13 ounces.
If an envelope exceeds the maximum dimensions for a large envelope, USPS considers it a package. Packages are subject to higher prices than letters or large envelopes.
It is important to note that the thickness of an envelope is crucial. Envelopes must be uniform in thickness and bendable to be processed by USPS machinery. Non-machinable envelopes may be subject to a surcharge.
Additionally, USPS has specific guidelines for envelope shapes. All postcards and envelopes must be rectangular, or an additional charge may apply. Square envelopes, for example, typically start with a size of 5 inches by 5 inches and can go up to 13 inches by 13 inches.
For businesses, the 9 Regular Envelope is a common choice, often used for reply envelopes. The slightly larger 11 Regular Envelope can accommodate more pages or folded pages and is ideal for sending documents without folding them.
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First-Class Mail letters max out at 3.5 oz, large envelopes at 13 oz
The size limits for large envelopes, or flats, in the US Mail Service are defined by minimum and maximum dimensions for length, height, and thickness. While the minimum size for a flat is 6 1/8 inches by 11 1/2 inches, with a thickness of 1/4 inch, the maximum allowable dimensions are 12 inches by 15 inches by 7/8 inch thick. Any envelope that exceeds these dimensions is classified as a package, which has its own unique pricing structure.
The weight of a large envelope is also a factor in determining postage costs. First-Class Mail letters max out at 3.5 ounces, while large envelopes can be up to 13 ounces. This weight limit for large envelopes falls under the First-Class Mail category, which offers quick delivery for lightweight envelopes. If your large envelope exceeds 13 ounces, it will be classified as a package, and you will need to use a different service such as Priority Mail or Media Mail, each with its own size and weight restrictions.
The thickness of a large envelope is crucial in maintaining its classification as a flat. Envelopes that exceed the 7/8-inch thickness limit are subject to package pricing. This thickness includes the You may want to see also In the United States, a "large envelope" is typically referred to as flat mail. Large envelopes exceed standard letter dimensions, which are at least 3-1/2 inches high by 5 inches long by 0.007 inch thick and no more than 6-1/8 inches high by 11-1/2 inches long by 1/4 inch thick. Large envelopes exceed either 6-1/8" in height, 11-1/2" in width, or 1/4" in thickness. They are large enough to fit a standard, unfolded 8-1/2" x 11" sheet of paper. You may want to see also The United States Postal Service (USPS) defines large envelopes, also known as flat mail, as First-Class Mail sent in envelopes that exceed the standard letter size. Large envelopes are typically used to send items and documents that you wouldn't want folded, such as a standard, unfolded 8.5" x 11" sheet of paper. To be considered a large envelope, or flat mail, the envelope must exceed either 6-1/8" in height, 11-1/2" in width, or 1/4" in thickness. However, there are maximum size limits for large envelopes as well. Envelopes used for flat mail cannot be more than 3/4" thick, 12" high, or 15" long, and they cannot weigh more than 13 ounces. If an envelope exceeds these maximum dimensions, USPS considers it a package, and higher prices will apply. Large envelopes are machinable, which means they can be sorted and processed by postal machinery. This is one of the reasons why costs for large envelopes are based on their ability to be automated. If a mailpiece is rigid, square, or unusually shaped, it may not be machinable and will often jam postal equipment, leading to higher processing costs. To avoid nonmachinable surcharges, it is important to ensure that your large envelope meets the size requirements and is uniform in thickness and bendable. Additionally, folded self-mailers, which are folded pieces of paper without envelopes, must be sealed with wafer seals or tape to be considered machinable. If a large envelope is nonmachinable, it will be subject to a surcharge, and you may be required to pay extra postage. You may want to see also A large envelope, also known as flat mail, exceeds either 6-1/8″ in height, 11-1/2″ in width, or 1/4″ in thickness. Envelopes used for flat mail cannot be more than 3/4″ thick, 12″ high, or 15″ long, and they must be machinable. Large envelopes have a maximum weight of 13 ounces. Large envelopes start at $1.50 and increase by $0.27 for each additional ounce.Health Care: Immigrants' Access and Utilization
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