Does usps charge for mail forwarding

Yes, the United States Postal Service (USPS) charges for mail forwarding services. Mail forwarding is a service that allows you to receive mail and packages at a temporary or permanent address, and then have them forwarded to a new address. The cost of mail forwarding depends on the type of service you need and the frequency of the forwarding.

Here are the current USPS mail forwarding rates:

Domestic Mail Forwarding

• One-time forwarding: $15.50 (includes up to 5 pounds of mail)
• Ongoing monthly forwarding (up to 5 pounds of mail): $15.50 per month
• Ongoing monthly forwarding (more than 5 pounds of mail): $20.50 per month

International Mail Forwarding

• One-time forwarding: $25.50 (includes up to 5 pounds of mail)
• Ongoing monthly forwarding (up to 5 pounds of mail): $25.50 per month
• Ongoing monthly forwarding (more than 5 pounds of mail): $30.50 per month

Additional Fees

• Handling fee for each piece of mail: $0.50 to $1.50 per item
• Insurance fee (optional): 5% to 15% of the value of the item
• Special handling fee (optional): $5 to $10 per item

How Mail Forwarding Works

1. You sign up for mail forwarding service at a USPS location or online.
2. You provide the USPS with your old and new addresses.
3. The USPS holds your mail at the post office for a specified period (usually 30 days).
4. You can then request that the USPS forward your mail to your new address.
5. The USPS will forward your mail to your new address, and you'll be charged the applicable forwarding fee.

Tips and Considerations

• Mail forwarding is only available for individuals, not businesses.
• You can only use mail forwarding for a maximum of 12 months.
• You'll need to provide a valid reason for using mail forwarding, such as a move, deployment, or temporary absence.
• You can cancel your mail forwarding service at any time, but you'll need to do so in writing.

It's always a good idea to check with your local USPS office or the USPS website for the most up-to-date information on mail forwarding rates and services.