Postal Classifications

What is the difference between First Class and Standard Mail (formerly Bulk Rate) for your mailing services?

First Class Mail is the best choice for mailing projects of a time sensitive nature. It is generally delivered nationally within 2-5 business days. Standard Mail, which costs less than First Class takes longer to deliver. You can expect delivery of Standard Mail in 7-13 business days nationally but can take longer during peak mailing times.

Additionally, First Class delivery is consistent throughout the year while Standard Mail can have large variations in delivery times. These fluctuations are beyond the control of 48HourPrint.com or any printing company, and occur based on the time of year, such as holidays as well as the volume of mail being processed. If your mailing project from 48HourPrint.com is of a time sensitive nature, please consider planning ahead and mailing early or upgrading your mailing to First Class.

* Please note we accept credit cards, certified bank checks, and money orders for all postage payments. Personal checks, company checks, and non-bank certified checks cannot be accepted.

What are the benefits to using First Class mail?

First Class automatically includes return of mail if the recipient has moved. Please note that in order for undelivered mail to be returned you MUST include a return address on your mailing design. Undeliverable mail with no return address will be discarded by the US Postal Service. Standard Mail is not forwarded unless you use an Ancillary Service Endorsement and pay additional fees for those forwarded and returned pieces.

Can you mail standard size (4.25" x 6") postcards at the Standard rate?

Yes, but it is rarely cost-effective to do so and may actually cost more than mailing this size card at the First Class rate.

Can I receive lower postage rates for my Non-Profit organization?

Non-Profit groups can apply to the local U.S. Post Office in Cleveland, OH for approval to mail at special Non-Profit postage rates. This class of mail is a lower priced Standard Mail rate with the same delivery time frames. Once you have this approval, 48HourPrint.com can mail for your organization at this discounted postage rate and we will keep the documentation on file for future mailings. The process includes completing Postal Service Form 3623 (PDF, 20 KB) plus a request for additional entry (DOC, 20 KB) on company letterhead and signed by a responsible organization official. Once received, we will forward these documents to the local Post Office for their approval, which usually takes 3-5 business days.

Visit the Non-Profit Mailing page for more information.

The following chart includes current discounted postage rates as of July 14, 2024.

NOTE: These rates are only estimates and are subject to change. Actual postage charges will be provided once the mailing list has been processed and the number of deliverable addresses is determined. Please note we accept credit cards, certified bank checks, and money orders for all postage payments. Personal checks, company checks, and non-bank certified checks cannot be accepted.