Letters Mail

1 letters

1.1 first-class
1.2 registered , recorded mail
1.3 repositionable notes

letters

pillar boxes on island of madeira, portugal. (1st class mail in blue , 2nd class in red)

letter-sized mail constitutes bulk of contents sent through postal services. these documents printed on a4 (210×297 mm), letter-sized (8.5×11 inches), or smaller paper , placed in envelopes.

handwritten correspondence, while once major means of communications between distant people, used less due advent of more immediate means of communication, such telephone or e-mail. traditional letters, however, considered harken simpler time , still used when wishes deliberate , thoughtful or communication. example letter of sympathy bereaved person.

bills , invoices sent through mail, regular billing correspondence utility companies , other service providers. these letters contain self-addressed envelope allows receiver remit payment company easily. while still common, many people opt use online bill payment services, eliminate need receive bills through mail. paperwork confirmation of large financial transactions sent through mail. many tax documents well.

new credit cards , corresponding personal identification numbers sent owners through mail. card , number mailed separately several days or weeks apart security reasons.

bulk mail mail prepared bulk mailing, presorting, , processing @ reduced rates. used in direct marketing , other advertising mail, although has other uses well. senders of these messages purchase lists of addresses (which targeted towards demographics) , send letters advertising product or service recipients. other times, commercial solicitations sent local companies advertising local products, restaurant delivery service advertising delivery area or retail store sending weekly advertising circular general area. bulk mail sent companies existing subscriber bases, advertising new products or services.

first-class

first-class mail in u.s. includes postcards, letters, large envelopes (flats), , small packages, providing each piece weighs 13 ounces or less. delivery given priority on second-class (newspapers , magazines), third class (bulk advertisements), , fourth-class mail (books , media packages). first-class mail prices based on both shape , weight of item being mailed. pieces on 13 ounces can sent priority mail. of 2011 42% of first-class mail arrived next day, 27% in 2 days, , 31% in three. usps expected changes service in 2012 cause 51% arrive in 2 days , of rest in three.

in uk, first class letters priority option on second class, @ higher cost. royal mail aims (but not guarantee) deliver first class letters day after postage.

registered , recorded mail


multi-franked registered mail crete using greek stamps during union greece egypt in 1914 showing numbered registration label

registered mail allows location , in particular correct delivery of letter tracked. considerably more expensive regular mail, , typically used valuable items. registered mail tracked through system.

recorded mail handled ordinary mail exception has signed on receipt. useful legal documents proof of delivery required.

in united kingdom recorded delivery mail (branded signed royal mail) covered recorded delivery services act 1962. under legislation document relevant law requires service registered post can lawfully served recorded delivery. act states recorded delivery item deemed have been delivered @ instant posted if; (a) item delivered , signed @ delivery address or handed on , signed @ local sorting office (see (c)); (b) delivery refused person occupying address or (c) if item not collected sorting office within 7 days following non delivery because there no reply postman , leaves collection card. sorting office return item sender after seventh day. sender should retain item unopened proof item has been delivered (at least in law if not in fact). although case law has attempted undermine provisions of act, has done little reinforce point.

repositionable notes

the united states postal service introduced test allowing repositionable notes (for example, 3m s post-it notes) attached outside of envelopes , bulk mailings, afterwards extending test unspecified period.