ASK THE EXPERT: Elizabeth Lombard on Postal Regulations

[blondi1378]

Please explain the definition of a Parcel (Package) and the difference between Parcel and Parcel Post.

Thanks

[skinned]

parcel - Mail that does not meet the mail processing category of letter-size mail or flat-size mail. It is usually enclosed in a mailing container such as a carton.

Parcel Post - A subclass of Standard Mail with rates based generally on weight and zone.

[PB-Elizabeth]

Hello Skinned!

Thanks so much for your response to the "what is a parcel vs. Parcel Post" question!

You're so right, a mailpiece that isn't classified as a letter or flat would then be considered a parcel.... unless you're talking about Standard Mail.  In the case of Standard Mail, a mailpiece that isn't a letter or a flat might be considered a "Not Flat-Machinable" or a parcel depending on dimensions and physical characteristics.

 Parcel Post though, is a subclass of Package Services.  Package Services is a class of mail in which the contents are nonpersonal.  There are 4 subclasses:  Media Mail, Library Mail, Bound Printed Matter and Parcel Post.

Thanks so much for your participation in our Forum!

Elizabeth

[PB-Elizabeth]

HI Blondi!

Skinned provided a nice response, and I added to that.

But to keep the 2 straight, just think of this....

A package is a SHAPE.  You need to know the shape (postcard, letter, flat, parcel, etc.) in order to calculate postage for a mailpiece within a certain CLASS of mail such as First-Class Mail or Standard Mail or Package Services.

As noted below, Parcel Post is a sub-category/class of Package Services.  And within Parcel Post, there are machinable parcel/package prices and nonmachinable package/parcel prices.

Thanks for the question!

Elizbeth