USPS Overweight and Oversize Item Fee Rule
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Changes how USPS applies its $200 fee for items that exceed the 70-pound weight limit or the 130-inch size limit. These items are nonmailable. Starting July 12, 2026, the fee applies not only when USPS finds the item in its network, but also when the item is reported in a shipping manifest. Retail customers avoid the fee only if the overweight or oversize item is caught during the retail transaction and returned to them. Businesses and other mailers using manifests should tighten package weight and dimension checks before tendering shipments, because USPS can assess the fee and may require payment before releasing the item to the sender or recipient.
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Key Changes
- Applies the $200 overweight or oversize fee to items reported in a manifest, not just items found inside the USPS network.
- Confirms that items over 70 pounds or over 130 inches in combined dimensions are nonmailable.
- Requires payment of the fee before release of the item to the sender or recipient when the fee applies.
Obligations
What this law requires
Do not mail or tender any item that exceeds USPS maximum limits of 70 pounds in weight or 130 inches in combined dimensions; such items are nonmailable.
Pay the $200 overweight or oversize item fee for any retail or commercial paid item exceeding 70 pounds or 130 inches that is reported in a shipping manifest or found in the USPS postal network, unless the item is discovered during a retail transaction and returned to the mailer.
When USPS requires payment of the overweight or oversize item fee, pay the $200 fee before USPS releases the nonmailable item back to the mailer or to the addressee.
When an overweight or oversize item is reported in a manifest or found in the USPS postal network and USPS secures it for pickup, arrange pickup of the item as the mailer or addressee when applicable.