If you are in search of US postal jobs, then you need to read up on the different mail classes beforehand. This is the most basic information that any new applicant must know. Each class has its own features, prices and requirements that have to be taken into account before the mail can be forwarded.

For most mail, the type of material used, the duration of the delivery and the postage will determine the class selected. The following are common classes that you need to know about:

Priority Mail Express         

This is the fastest mail class offered by the postal service in the US. Packages and mail that falls under this category cannot exceed 70 pounds and it can be delivered in 2 days at the most. This is offered throughout the year and the packaging supplies for it can be found in the post office. If you have to send mail fast or overnight, this is the best option.

This option is often used by businesses to transport important or sensitive documents such as sales orders and contracts. The price of this mail is determined by weight and how far it needs to travel. The flat rate packaging option can be used to mail anything that can fit into the special envelopes provided, provided it is less than 70 pounds.

If you choose this option, you can get next-day service for most locations and your items will also be insured for up to $100 in case of loss or damage. The item cannot send items that are longer than 108” in length.

Parcel Select

This service is ideal if you want to ship heavy items and the cost is priority over delivery. If you have packages that exceed the 70 pound limit, this option is the next best thing to Priority Mail. The packages cannot exceed more than 130” in length and this includes its thickest part.

Packages that are sent through Parcel Select usually arrive around 2 to 9 business days but the time can vary according to distance.

Periodicals

As the name implies, this class of mail pertains to print items such as newspapers, magazines and other publications whose main purpose is to provide information to subscribers. These subscriptions are circulated in different manners and each has specific standards when it comes to advertising limits and record keeping.

Postage prices wary according to publication. For example, those that belong to non-profits, schools and science communities generally have a lower postage price.

If you want to work in the US postal service, you need to read up on these mail classes and especially when you decide to give the exam. These are just some of the classes you can encounter in the office and each comes with its own specific features, duration and price range. Read up on each so that you can ace that exam and make a career in the postal service.