Q. Is it possible to be charged both the balloon rate and the nonmachinable surcharge on the same package?

A. Yes, it can happen on Parcel Post items.

The balloon rate applies to Priority Mail and Parcel Post items that weigh less than 15 pounds and the length plus girth combined is more than 84 but not more than 108 inches.

The Nonmachinable surcharge does not apply to Priority Mail items, but it does apply to Parcel Post.

The Parcel Post nonmachinable surcharge applies to items with a length more than 34 inches or a height more than 17 inches or a width more than 17 inches, or if the item weighs more than 35 pounds (25 pounds for books and other printed matter) or meets any criteria listed in DMM C700.2.

A Parcel Post item that meets the balloon rate criteria and any one of the nonmachinable criteria must pay both the balloon rate and the nonmachinable surcharge, in addition to postage.

Send questions regarding mail preparation, standards, or regulations to “Ask Dr. Barcode” via email to drbar@usps.gov or fax to 703-292-3876. The good doctor will select one or two of the most challenging questions for publication.