Pieces that cannot be sent through the usual postal automated machinery are considered nonmachinable. If you think your parcel may be nonmachinable, verify it with a postal representative or visit the usps.com website for complete details. Non-machinable pieces are usually subject to a surcharge.
Some exceptions may apply, but mailpieces are nonmachinable if they meet any of the following criteria:
- A parcel more than 34 inches long, 17 inches wide or high, or weighing more than 35 pounds.
- A parcel with more than 24 ounces of liquid in glass containers, or 1 gallon or more of liquid in metal or plastic containers.
- A can, roll, tube, wooden box, or metal box.
- Shrubs or trees.
- Perishable items, such as eggs.
- Books or printed matter weighing more than 25 pounds.
- A high-density parcel weighing more than 15 pounds and exerting more than 60 pounds per square foot pressure on the smallest side.
- A film case weighing more than 5 pounds or with strap-type closures. (Some exceptions apply.)
- Parcels with inadequate packaging or other characteristics that could damage the contents or postal machinery during mechanical sorting.
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