A comprehensive guide to postal and mailing terminology. Learn the meaning of common terms used in postal services, shipping, and letter delivery.
The area on an envelope or package designated for the recipient's mailing address, typically positioned in the center-right of the front of the mail piece.
Example: The address block should include the recipient's name, street address, city, state, and ZIP code.
The person or organization to whom a piece of mail is addressed and intended to be delivered.
A postal service that transports mail by aircraft, typically faster than surface mail but often more expensive. Commonly used for international correspondence.
Example: Sending a letter from the UK to Australia via airmail typically takes 5-7 business days.
Large quantities of mail sent at reduced rates, typically used by businesses for marketing materials, newsletters, or promotional content.
Working days excluding weekends (Saturday and Sunday) and public holidays. Used to calculate delivery timeframes for postal services.
Example: A 3-5 business day delivery estimate means the letter will arrive within 3-5 weekdays, not counting weekends.
The postal service or delivery company responsible for transporting and delivering mail, such as USPS, Royal Mail, or Canada Post.
A postal service that provides proof of mailing and delivery confirmation. The sender receives a receipt, and the delivery is recorded with a signature.
Example: Legal documents are often sent via certified mail to prove they were delivered.
A form required for international mail that describes the contents and value of a package, used by customs authorities to assess duties and taxes.
A service that provides the sender with proof that a mail piece was delivered, including the date, time, and location of delivery.
Mail sent within the same country, as opposed to international mail which crosses national borders.
Also known as duplex printing, this refers to printing on both sides of a sheet of paper, reducing paper usage and postage costs for multi-page documents.
A flat paper container used to enclose letters and documents for mailing. Available in various sizes including standard (#10), A4, and window envelopes.
A premium postal service offering faster delivery than standard mail, typically guaranteeing overnight or next-day delivery.
Example: Express mail from London to Edinburgh usually arrives the next business day.
A postal service class for standard letters, cards, and small packages. Typically the default service for personal correspondence with delivery in 2-5 business days.
The process of marking mail to indicate that postage has been paid, either through stamps, meter marks, or printed indicia.
An additional charge added to the base postage cost to cover the processing and handling of mail, particularly for special services.
Mail sent between different countries, subject to customs regulations and typically taking longer to deliver than domestic mail.
A written or printed message enclosed in an envelope for postal delivery. Standard letters typically weigh less than 100g and meet specific size requirements.
A postal service that redirects mail from an old address to a new address, typically used when moving homes or offices.
The complete postal address where mail should be delivered, including recipient name, street address, city, state/province, postal code, and country.
Mail marked with postage from a postage meter machine rather than traditional stamps, commonly used by businesses for efficiency.
A wrapped or boxed item larger than a standard letter, subject to different postal rates and handling procedures.
Portable Document Format, a file format used for documents that preserves formatting across different devices. The standard format for digital letters to be printed and mailed.
The fee charged for sending mail through the postal system, determined by weight, size, destination, and service level.
An adhesive label purchased and affixed to mail to indicate that postage has been paid for postal delivery.
A series of letters and/or numbers included in a postal address to help sort and deliver mail. Known as ZIP codes in the US, postcodes in the UK.
Example: The UK postal code SW1A 1AA corresponds to Buckingham Palace in London.
A faster postal service than standard mail, offering expedited handling and shorter delivery times, usually 1-3 business days.
Documentation confirming that a mail piece was successfully delivered to the recipient, often including signature, date, and time.
The person or organization receiving the mail, whose name and address appear on the envelope or package.
A premium postal service that provides detailed tracking, insurance, and requires signature upon delivery. Used for valuable or important documents.
The sender's address printed on the upper left corner of an envelope, used to return undeliverable mail.
The person or organization who initiates and pays for the mailing of a letter or package.
A postal service requiring the recipient to sign upon delivery, providing proof that the intended person received the mail.
The process of organizing mail by destination for efficient delivery, typically automated in modern postal facilities.
Regular postal service with typical delivery times, as opposed to express or priority services. Most economical option for non-urgent correspondence.
International mail transported by land and sea rather than air, typically slower but less expensive than airmail.
A unique alphanumeric code assigned to a mail piece that allows the sender and recipient to monitor its progress through the postal system.
Example: Enter your tracking number on the carrier's website to see real-time updates on your letter's location.
The time it takes for mail to travel from the point of origin to the destination, not including processing time.
Mail that cannot be delivered to the intended recipient due to incorrect address, refusal, or other reasons. Typically returned to sender.
The maximum weight allowed for a particular mail class or service, exceeding which requires a different service or additional postage.
An envelope with a transparent panel that displays the recipient's address printed on the enclosed document, eliminating the need to address the envelope separately.
Zone Improvement Plan code, the postal code system used in the United States consisting of 5 or 9 digits to identify specific delivery areas.
Example: The ZIP code 90210 is famously associated with Beverly Hills, California.
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