In the digital age, many businesses still rely on the United States Postal Service (USPS) for timely and compliant communications—especially for important legal, financial, or contractual documents. One of the most widely used mailing classes is First-Class Mail. Known for its affordability, efficiency, and priority handling. With Send Certified Mail, businesses can now manage First-Class Mail online—and skip the trip to the mailroom and Post Office.
Whether you’re sending invoices, statements, notices, or customer communications, this article will walk you through what qualifies as First-Class Mail, why it matters, and how you can streamline the entire process using Send Certified Mail.
What Qualifies as First-Class Mail?
First-Class Mail is ideal for sending personal and business correspondence quickly and reliably. One of the most commonly used USPS mailing options, because of its relatively low cost and fast delivery within 1–5 business days.
Letters (Maximum Weight 3.5 ounces)
- Standard business-size or #10 envelopes
- Used for statements, invoices, legal notices, or personal letters
- Must be rectangular and no thicker than ¼ inch
Large Envelopes or Flats (Up to 13 ounces)
- Sizes like 9" x 12" or 10" x 13"
- Often used for brochures, contracts, or unfolded documents
- Must be uniformly thick and bendable
Lightweight Parcels (Up to 13 ouncers)
- First-Class Package Service applies
- Great for small merchandise or product samples
If a letter or parcel exceeds weight or dimension limits, it may fall into Priority Mail or Priority Mail Express. Send Certified Mail supports all of these USPS classes—but First-Class Mail is a foundational option for routine business communication.
First-Class Mail vs. Certified Mail: What’s the Difference?
While First-Class Mail provides quick delivery, it does not include tracking or delivery confirmation unless additional services are added. By contrast, Certified Mail includes tracking, delivery confirmation, and optional Return Receipt features. Here’s when to use each:
First-Class Mail:
- When you’re sending routine, time-sensitive communications
- For items that don’t require proof of delivery
- For monthly notices, invoices, or statements
Certified Mail:
- When you need proof of mailing or delivery
- For legally required communications or compliance letters
- When sending documents with audit or legal significance
Many businesses use both services together—mailing a Certified Mail letter along with a First-Class companion letter for redundancy or internal documentation.
Use Cases for First-Class Mail with Send Certified Mail
Here are some of the most common reasons our customers use First-Class Mail through our platform:
- Payment reminders and billing notices
- Contractual disclosures
- Tenant communications in property management
- Human resource letters or benefit notices
- Healthcare compliance mailings
- Banking and insurance statements
With Send Certified Mail, your First-Class Mail letters are printed, packed, and mailed the same-business-day. Helping your business meet tight deadlines and improve operational efficiency.
Print and Mail First-Class Letters from Anywhere
You don’t need a printer, envelopes, stamps, or a Post Office run. With Send Certified Mail, you can upload your PDF letter file online and let us handle the rest. Our platform is designed for business users who want to mail with confidence and speed.
Our services include:
- Same-business-day processing for letters
- Black-and-white or color printing options
- Duplex printing to save paper and postage
- Print and mail services
- No long-term contracts, equipment, or software required
Whether you're in-office or remote, we help your business keep communications moving—without manual labor or outdated processes.
First-Class Letter Pricing Options
We offer transparent, competitive pricing for First-Class Mail. Whether you're sending one letter or thousands, your cost includes printing, folding, envelope, postage, and handling.
Printing options include:
- Black & White: $1.10 for the first two pages + $0.40/additional page
- Color: $1.25 for the first two pages + $0.60/additional page
- Postage is billed separately (varies based on weight and destination)
Get an estimate tailored to your mailing.
Affidavit of Mailing and Compliance Support
Need to prove that your letter was sent even if it's not Certified Mail? With Send Certified Mail, you can request a free Affidavit of Mailing that provides documentation of:
- The date the item was mailed
- Sender and recipient information
- A downloadable, timestamped PDF for audit trails
Our Affidavit of Mailing is accepted in many legal and compliance scenarios and is available for both Certified Mail and First-Class Mail at no additional cost.
Why Businesses Choose Send Certified Mail
Hundreds of thousands of professionals trust Send Certified Mail to handle their compliance and business mail needs because we offer:
USPS Mail Services All in One Place
Send First-Class, Certified, Priority, and Express Mail—all from your computer.
No Monthly Fees
We’re a pay-as-you-mail platform with no hidden charges.
10-Year Compliance Archive
Access your mail history, USPS tracking data, and digital Affidavit of Mailing anytime—365 days a year.
Automation Options
For high-volume customers, we offer SFTP automations and scheduled batch mailings to support your workflow.
Security and Compliance
Our platform includes bank-grade encryption and secure document handling to meet industry standards.
Upgrade Your First-Class Mail Experience
First-Class Mail is still a powerful and cost-effective communication tool for today’s businesses. However, the old way of mailing is no longer efficient. By using Send Certified Mail, you’ll save time, reduce errors, and gain access to critical compliance features. All from a secure, cloud-based platform.
Whether you're sending a handful of letters each month or managing enterprise-level mailing projects, Send Certified Mail is your trusted partner in USPS mailings.
Upload your PDF. We’ll handle the rest—professionally, securely, and on time.