How Many Stamps Do I Need for My Mail? - US Global Mail Channel

Welcome back to the US Global Mail Channel! Today, we're here to answer all your mail and shipping-related questions. Specifically, we'll be discussing the number of stamps needed for both domestic and international mailing.

Domestic Mailing: Letters

For sending a letter within the US, you need a domestic Forever stamp, which costs 55 cents. This stamp covers the first ounce of your letter. If your letter weighs more than one ounce, you’ll need to add 15 cents for each additional ounce.

Requirements for Domestic Forever Postage:

1. Envelope Size: Minimum 5 x 3.5 inches, maximum 11.5 x 6.1 inches, thickness no more than 1/4 inch.
2. Uniform Thickness: The envelope must be uniformly thick.
3. Shape: The envelope must be rectangular.
4. Flexibility: The envelope must be bendable. Non-machinable items incur an additional 21-cent fee.
5. Square Envelopes: Square envelopes are non-machinable and require an additional 21 cents.

Domestic Mailing: Postcards

Mailing a postcard within the US costs 35 cents using a postcard stamp. If you use a domestic Forever stamp, you’ll be overpaying slightly.

Postcard Requirements:

• Size: Minimum 3.5 x 5 inches, maximum 4.25 x 6 inches.
• Thickness: At least 0.007 inches thick, but no more than 0.016 inches.

International Mailing

We’ll cover the two most common destinations: the UK and Canada.

Sending a Letter to the UK

The easiest way to send a letter from the US to the UK is with a Global Forever stamp, which costs $1.20. If you prefer, you can use domestic Forever stamps to meet the $1.20 requirement.

Sending a Letter to Canada

Similarly, mailing a letter from the US to Canada can be done using a Global Forever stamp for $1.20. Alternatively, you can use domestic stamps to cover the postage.

Mailing Large Envelopes (9x12)

For a 9x12 envelope, you need two domestic Forever stamps, covering the first ounce for $1.10. Additional ounces require more stamps.

Mailing Parcels

Calculating postage for parcels is more complex. The USPS provides an online postage calculator to help you determine the exact number of stamps needed.

How to Use the USPS Postage Calculator:

1. Select the destination country.
2. Enter your zip code and the recipient’s zip code.
3. Choose the mailing date and time.
4. Select the type of postage.
5. Click “Display All Options” to compare costs.
6. You can add options like insurance and registered mail.
7. Review the final cost and apply the necessary number of stamps.

Alternative Mail Receiving Options

USPS customers typically receive mail at home or a PO Box. However, the USPS's digital notification system, Informed Delivery, is still evolving and can be inaccurate.

US Global Mail Virtual Mailbox:

• Established: Since 1999, US Global Mail has managed mail for tens of thousands of customers.
• Service: Provides a physical street address for mail and packages.
• Features: Digital display of mail, mail scanning services, and significant shipping discounts.

Check out the link in the description below to get started for free. Thanks for joining us today, and have a wonderful day!