USPS Approved Postal Provider Program: What Is It?

Consumers can choose from a variety of mailing and shipping alternatives provided by the United States Postal Service. Users can gain stamps, send a letter, or transport a package without ever accessing a traditional Post Office thanks to a series of USPS-approved postal provider programs.

Providing postal services and products can help retailers gain new clients. They work together to deliver easy mail services to clients at their homes, work, and shops.

Individuals can send letters or transport packages from other sites near where they reside, work, and retail thanks to the Approved Postal Provider Programs, which expand the reach of transportation and posting services.


How to Find USPS Approved Postal Provider Program Near You

The Find USPS Locations feature, which is available on their official site, can help you find a USPS-approved program near you. There are many types of locations to pick from on the internet. These are some of them:

Post office

Window service hours are available at a Post Office, which is attended by a Postal Service worker. Many post offices provide large lobbies with self-service kiosks and entry to PO Boxes after hours.

The retailer in the United States

An Approved Postal Provider that provides shipping and mailing services, as well as stamp sales, is known as a National Retailer.

Kiosk self-service

Large shopping malls have a few kiosks. Most kiosks are in Post Office lobbies and provide many of the same services as the full-service Post Office desk.

Post Office in the Village

A VPO is a small post office that sells a restricted number of postal goods and services. Rural Post offices are not separate structures, but sections of existing enterprises, such as a shop or bookstore.


Types of USPS Approved Postal Provider Programs

types approved postal provider programs

 Approved Shipper

The Approved Shipper Program is part of the Approved Postal Provider Program, which allows clients of the United States Postal Service broader use of the Postal Service operations like sending packages and letters to the non-postal sites.

The Approved Shipper Program was created in the Postal Service in fiscal year (FY) 2015. Deliveries must be charged at least the Postal Service rate, although authorized shippers can add fees for receiving mail on account of the Postal Service. Shippers must follow the Postal Service’s client service and safety guidelines.

Contract Postal Unit (CPU)

Contract Postal Units are supplier-owned or rented facilities that seek to cooperate with the United States Postal Service (USPS) to supply postal goods and services (CPU).

A surety bond is required as part of the USPS recruitment procedure. USPS branding rights and signage are offered to retailers who engage in the Contract Postal Unit program.  It is necessary to construct a structure that complies with postal rules. Only USPS items and services are allowed to be sold by suppliers.

 A Contract Postal Unit Guarantee, also known as a CPU Bond, is a security assurance that must be filed before a Contract Postal Unit provider can conduct business. CPU (Contract Postal Unit) is a common shorthand for Contract Postal Unit.

Stamps to Go

Stamps to Go is a virtual ordering platform for businesses that sell stamps at checkout desks, bank teller stations, grocery stores, clinics, supermarkets, catalog firms, and other locations.

Mutilated or defaced stamps are not acceptable for domestic or international postage sent from the United States. A tiny rip in the edge of a stamp, on the other hand, does not render it invalid. This standard must be applied with caution, taking into account the likelihood of minor stamp rips when they are withdrawn from their host sheet or booklet. 

Everyone can buy stamps at market value from the Postal Service. The virtual platform has no influence over the charging policies of private individuals, businesses, or government bodies who sell their items.

Customers who buy stamps at a regional Post Office, via Stamps By Mail, by phone, digitally, at self-service kiosks and retail shops that participate in their consignment programs, or from one of the many postal retailers can avoid spending more than the advertised amount for First-Class Mail postage.

Approved Resellers


The Approved Reseller program allows businesses to redistribute certain USPS goods and services to businesses. Approved resellers should adhere to the requirements outlined in the Reselling Agreement.

Approved Resellers are compensated for their contributions and are the only organizations permitted to resale USPS goods and services at rates lower than those publicized. When you work with a USPS Approved Reseller, you’ll have additional technology alternatives and access to specialists that can help you choose the correct software for your company.

Using a shipping system that has strong automation capabilities not only improves the productivity of your storage or shipping division, but also decreases potential mistakes by ensuring that the correct box size, carrier, and operational performance are chosen on each order.


What is a USPS Approved Postal Provider?

USPS-approved postal providers are companies that help you to buy stamp or ship packages without visiting the traditional post office. In short, they are a franchise of USPS, which offers the same services.

If you can’t find a traditional USPS post office near your location, you can go for the approved postal provider.

There are 3 location types for approved postal providers: national retailer, village post office, contract postal unit. you can check the provider near you here.


What Companies are Relying upon USPS?

Small businesses that sell products on their own websites rely on the USPS, so do large e-commerce websites like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy, as well as huge shops like Walmart and Target.


Conclusion on USPS Approved Postal Provider Program:

The USPS makes it easier to connect and transport over the entire US. People no longer have to invest time and money to reach out to the post offices for their shipment needs or to collect their delivery packages. USPS-approved postal provider program has made lives easier and transportation effortless. With the new innovative ideas of the USPS and optimized strategies of their partner organizations, shipment can no longer seem difficult.

Avatar for Jaren Helms

Jaren worked for over a decade in the industry as a Package Handler. He started his career with FedEx but he later also worked with companies like USPS and Deutsche Post.

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