What is bypass mail

Bypass mail, also known as "bypass" or "non-machinable" mail, is a type of mail that is not eligible for automated processing by the United States Postal Service (USPS). This means that it cannot be sorted and processed by machines, and must be handled manually by postal workers.

There are several reasons why a piece of mail might be considered bypass mail:

  1. Non-standard size or shape: If a piece of mail is irregularly shaped or larger than the standard size, it may not fit through the automated sorting machines and must be handled manually.
  2. Heavy or oversized: Mail that is too heavy or oversized to be processed by machines may be considered bypass mail.
  3. Unusual or fragile contents: Mail that contains unusual or fragile items, such as glass, ceramics, or electronics, may require special handling and may be considered bypass mail.
  4. Special handling required: Mail that requires special handling, such as mail that is sensitive to light, temperature, or humidity, may be considered bypass mail.

Examples of bypass mail include:

Bypass mail is typically handled by postal workers who manually sort and process the mail. This may result in longer delivery times and higher costs for the sender.