POSTAGE METERING SERVICE

OSMS will pick up outgoing mail from state agencies and apply postage. This service allows agencies to take advantage of the postal expertise at OSMS, save money, and eliminate the hassle and expense of owning a postage meter. Agencies are billed only for postage used, allowing agencies to save money and better track their shipping expenses. Submit a request if your agency is interested in starting OSMS metering service.

How to Prepare Outgoing Mail for Postage Metering Service

  1. Separate any outgoing mail for postage metering service by budget or cost code then bundle the items with a paper clip, binder clip or rubber band.

  2. Complete and attach a Metered Mail Card to each bundle. Create a separate bundle and use a separate Metered Mail Card for each budget or cost code used.

  3. Ensure all envelopes are facing the same way.

  4. If you want OSMS to seal the envelopes, leave the flaps open, nest them into each other and then secure the contents of the envelopes with a rubber band.

    Seal up any confidential, valuable, or odd or bulky sized mail before pickup as these types of mail are not eligible for automatic sealing.

  5. Do not mix mail with stamps or no postage necessary envelopes with mail that needs to be metered.

Note: If your mail does not have a completed Metered Mail Card or has incomplete address information, it will be returned to your agency.

How to Prepare Postage Metered Mail for Special Services

OSMS provides all the special services that are offered by the USPS. Mail that is using a USPS special service should be bundled separately. Complete the Online Metered Mail Card or print a blank Metered Mail Card and mark the appropriate services. The correct USPS Form should be completed and properly affixed to the mail piece. Submit a request to receive any of the forms with your next inter-agency mail delivery. The cost of these services is added to the postage will be in your monthly OSMS invoice. Contact OSMS if you have questions about the appropriate service for your delivery need.

Certified Mail
(For Letters & Flats)
  • Mark on Metered Mail Card
  • Complete address information on USPS Form 3800
  • Affix form to mail piece
  • OSMS will return the receipt to the sender at the mail stop listed on the Metered Mail Card
  • Use www.usps.com or (800) 222-1811 to access delivery information
USPS Tracking / Delivery Confirmation Mail
(For Parcels & Priority Mail)
  • Mark on Metered Mail Card
  • Complete USPS Form 152
  • Affix form to mail piece
  • OSMS will return the receipt to the sender at the mail stop listed on the Metered Mail Card
  • Use www.usps.com or (800) 222-1811 to access delivery information
Signature Confirmation Mail
  • Mark on Metered Mail Card
  • Complete USPS Form 153
  • OSMS will return the receipt to the sender at the mail stop listed on the Metered Mail Card
  • Use www.usps.com or 800-222-1811 to access delivery information
Return Receipt
  • Mark on Metered Mail Card
  • Complete USPS Form 3811
  • Affix form to mail piece
  • Write "Return Receipt Requested" above the delivery address to the right of the return address
  • USPS will mail the receipt to the address on the back of the form after delivery
Restricted Delivery
  • Mark on Metered Mail Card
  • Write "Restricted Delivery" above the delivery address to the right of the return address
Insured Mail
  • Mark on Metered Mail Card and indicate what the contents are worth
  • Complete address information on USPS Form 3813-P
  • Affix form to mail piece
  • OSMS will return the receipt to the sender at the mail stop listed on the Metered Mail Card
Registered Mail
  • Mark on Metered Mail Card and indicate what the contents are worth
  • Complete USPS Form 3806
  • OSMS will return the receipt to the sender at the mail stop listed on the Metered Mail Card
  • Use www.usps.com or 800-222-1811 to access delivery information
International Mail
  • Mark on Metered Mail Card
  • Complete proper customs form
  • Use an international envelope that are available from OSMS
Packages
  • Complete the OSMS UPS Shipping Form
  • Attach to package with one strip of tape to enable OSMS to remove the form for processing
Overnight Mail
  • Contact OSMS to determine what time the item needs to be mailed for next day service.
  • Mark on Metered Mail Card
  • Use an Express Mail envelope

OSMS Metered Mail Pickup Times

OSMS will meter the mail daily at the most efficient rate for the size and type of mail.

OSMS will pick up outgoing mail from mail stops at the same time when delivering incoming mail. OSMS will process any outbound mail collected during the morning routes at 1:00pm, and any mail collected during the afternoon routes at 4:00pm. OSMS will never hold first class mail overnight.

If you have a large mailing, please request a special pickup so that OSMS can plan for your project.