Opinion ID: 370472
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: The Domestic Mail Classification Schedule

Text: 56 It is useful to start with a brief sketch of the various mail classifications as they are defined in the Domestic Mail Classification Schedule. 31 The four general classifications of mail are probably familiar to most mail users. First-class consists of letters and sealed parcels weighing 12 ounces or less, plus postal cards and post cards. 32 Priority mail is a high priority service akin to first-class for sealed parcels weighing more than 12 ounces. 57 Second-class and Controlled circulation are available for magazines, newspapers and other periodicals. Second-class is divided into several subclasses and subcategories. Second-class regular rate is the one that encompasses the vast majority of second-class mailings. Second-class is essentially for bulk, not single piece, mailing. 58 Third-class is a service for single pieces and bulk mail, consisting of matter that is not mailed or required to be mailed as first-class, is not entered as second-class or controlled circulation, or weighs too little to qualify as fourth-class. Single piece service is used by individuals for small parcels and by organizations for minor distribution of parcels, catalogs and other printed matter. Bulk mail service is used by businesses, institutions or government agencies to send brochures, catalogs, samples or other matter in mailings of 200 pieces or more or with a total weight of 50 pounds or more. 59 Fourth-class includes parcel post (merchandise weighing 16 ounces or more); bound advertising matter; books, films, sound recordings and other matter entitled to a special rate; and library rate mail. 60 USPS also offers Express Mail (an expedited delivery service to and from some cities) and many other special services, such as certification, registration and C.O.D.