U.S. Post Office Rules
The rules of the U.S. Post Office are very important for a number of reasons concerning efficiency, quality and security. These rules can range from how large mail should be, to how it is addressed in the United States and abroad and especially who is allowed access to mail that is sent by the U.S. Post Office. Sometimes breaking one of these rules may only mean that your mail is not delivered, but other times it can mean jail time.
Purpose
The purpose of many rules in the U.S. Post Office is to make sure that mail is able to be delivered quickly and efficiently. It is especially important that all letters, cards, postcards and packages are addressed and mailed in the same way now that many of the sorting that the U.S. Post Office does is through the use of machines that automatically recognize and sort addressed mail. Many new rules have been introduced as well with the purpose of heightening security after the anthrax scare in 2001 and other instances of terrorism through the mail system.
Size
Check that your mail does not weigh more than 70 pounds or measure more than a total 130 inches long and high, because otherwise the Post Office will not mail it. Split the package into two or three separate packages if you need to. Make sure that any mail that is less than 1/4-inch thick is rectangular and at least 3 1/2 inches high by 5 inches long. Envelopes work great for meeting these size requirements. Also, postcards must be between a minimum of 3 1/2 inches high by 5 inches long and a maximum of 4 1/4 inches high by 6 inches long.
Addressing
Make sure that you put both the name and address of the intended recipient and your own name and address as a return address somewhere on your mail. If you are using an envelope, then put the recipient's name and address in the center of the front of the envelope, while putting your own name and address in the top left corner of the envelope. If you are sending a package, attach a white sheet of paper to one of the sides and print the information in the same positions as you would with an envelope. Make sure that you pay for the postage by either putting a stamp of the appropriate value on your envelope or card, or by paying for the postage at the local post office.
International
If you are sending mail internationally, the rules can change depending on what country you are sending mail to. Some countries, such as Canada, have implemented their own strict security rules in reaction to recent terrorist tactics. Make sure that you use all upper-case letters, print the names of the city and country in English even if you also write them in a foreign language right next to them. Clearly put the words "AIR MAIL" on an outside envelope or above the address on a package.
Tampering
Tampering with the mail is a federal offense and can lead to 6 months in jail along with a $500 fine. This includes anything from stealing mail and opening mail to even damaging mail by anyone who is not the sender or the intended recipient of the mail. If anyone is suspected of tampering with the mail, people can call the U.S. Post Office and postal inspectors will be sent to investigate.
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