Are newspapers considered mail
In the United States, the answer to this question is a bit nuanced.
The United States Postal Service (USPS) defines "mail" as "any article or matter, including letters, cards, circulars, newspapers, magazines, and packages, that is sent or delivered by the Postal Service."
In this sense, newspapers are indeed considered a type of mail. The USPS delivers newspapers to subscribers and non-subscribers alike, and they are subject to the same regulations and rates as other types of mail.
However, there are some important distinctions to note:
- Newspaper delivery is not considered "first-class mail": While newspapers are a type of mail, they are not considered first-class mail, which is a specific category of mail that includes letters, postcards, and other small, lightweight items. Newspaper delivery is typically classified as "periodicals" or "periodical mail."
- Newspapers have special rates and regulations: Because newspapers are a unique type of mail, they are subject to special rates and regulations. For example, newspapers are typically delivered at a lower rate than other types of mail, and they are exempt from certain regulations, such as the requirement to have a return address.
- Newspaper delivery is often handled differently: Newspapers are often delivered in bulk, and they may be sorted and processed differently than other types of mail. This is because newspapers are typically printed on a large scale and are delivered to a large number of subscribers.
In summary, while newspapers are considered a type of mail, they are subject to special rates, regulations, and handling procedures that distinguish them from other types of mail.