
The US Postal Service Premium Mail Forwarding service is a convenient way to stay on top of your mail while you're away.
You can forward your mail to any domestic address for a flat annual fee of $19.95.
This fee is a small price to pay for the peace of mind that comes with knowing your mail is being taken care of.
The US Postal Service offers a range of mail forwarding options, including forwarding for a specific period of time or indefinitely.
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What is Premium Mail Forwarding
Premium Mail Forwarding is a paid service that provides more control and flexibility over your mail forwarding.
With Premium Mail Forwarding, your mail is consolidated into a single package and forwarded to you weekly via Priority Mail. This service is available for both residential and business customers.
If you're a frequent traveler or have multiple residences, Premium Mail Forwarding is particularly beneficial as it ensures you receive all your mail in one convenient package.
PFS, or Premium Forwarding Service, is the official name of this service, and it's a great option for those who want more control over their mail forwarding.
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Setting Up and Managing Services

To initiate premium mail forwarding services, you can enroll online or in-person at your local post office. The one-time enrollment fee is $20.90 for online enrollment or $22.75 for in-person enrollment.
You'll also be charged a weekly fee of $22.75 for the duration of the premium forwarding service. This service is temporary, so you won't be locked into a long-term contract.
For residential addresses, the following types of mail will be forwarded using premium services: Registered Mail, Priority Mail Express items are immediately forwarded, Priority Mail is either immediately forwarded or held and sent with your weekly package, depending on which option is faster, First Class Mail, periodicals, and marketing notices are forwarded weekly, and Large First Class Mail, Media Mail, and USPS Retail Ground packages are forwarded for free.
Here's a breakdown of the types of mail that will be forwarded with premium services:
Use
To set up and manage USPS mail forwarding services, you'll need to understand the eligibility requirements and application process.

You can enroll in premium forwarding services for residential addresses, which includes packing and forwarding mail weekly through Priority Mail.
To be eligible for premium forwarding services, your primary address must be a residential delivery address or a size-one or size-two post office box.
You can also enroll in this service if you're a business customer with a post office box, but you'll need to designate the service for an "individual" or "entire household" on the application form.
For customers whose primary address is a central point delivery address, APO or FPO address, or U.S. State Department address, premium forwarding services are available but not from these addresses.
You'll need to submit a completed PFS application, Form 8176, to the post office responsible for delivery to your primary address, along with the enrollment fee and reshipment charges for the full duration of the requested service.
Here are the eligibility requirements for premium forwarding services:
Customers with central point delivery addresses, APO or FPO addresses, or U.S. State Department addresses are eligible for premium forwarding services, but not from these addresses.
Extending Services

If you're expecting to be away from your primary address for an extended period, you can extend your Premium Forwarding Service (PFS) up to 1 year maximum from the initial start date.
To do this, contact the post office responsible for delivery to your primary address prior to the termination date and pay all postage and fees for the extension.
You can also extend your mail forwarding services when filling out a permanent change of address form, which will forward your mail for 12 months.
However, if you need more time, you can extend your mail forwarding for six, 12, or 18-month intervals, but not exceeding 18 months.
Here are the prices for an extension:
You'll also receive an email at the eleven-month mark asking if you want to extend your mail forwarding service.
Residential Online Completion Guide
You can easily complete the Premium Forwarding Usps premium forwarding form (PFS) Application online without printing or scanning forms.
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Rates and Fees
Oversized Parcel Post parcels are rerouted postage due at the appropriate oversized Parcel Post rate.
The reshipment charge for each Priority Mail shipment is $10.00 for each week of service requested. This charge applies to each week of service, so if you need your package reshipped for 3 weeks, you can expect to pay $30.00.
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Rates and Fees
Rates and Fees can be a bit confusing, but don't worry, I've got the lowdown. Oversized Parcel Post parcels are rerouted postage due at the appropriate oversized Parcel Post rate.
If you're shipping with Priority Mail, be aware that there's a reshipment charge of $10.00 for each week of service requested.
This charge can add up quickly, so make sure to factor it into your shipping costs.
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Charge Per Reshipment

The charge per reshipment for Priority Mail shipments is $10.00 for each week of service requested.
If you're planning to reship your Priority Mail package, you'll need to pay this fee for each week of service.
The reshipment charge applies to all mail, regardless of any endorsement on the mailpiece, except as specified below.
Customers whose temporary address is in the 969 3-digit ZIP Code area or is otherwise in a U.S. territory or possession that requires a customs declaration will have a different reshipment charge.
Delivery and Reshipment Options
Mailpieces requiring a scan or signature at delivery, such as Express Mail and Certified Mail, are rerouted to the temporary address at no additional charge.
Express Mail, Priority Mail, and First-Class Mail are rerouted for free, while Standard Mail and Package Services mailpieces incur postage due at the Priority Mail rate.
Mail forwarding typically begins within 7-10 business days from the start date you specify, and actual delivery times can vary based on your new location.
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Weekly Reshipment Charge

The weekly reshipment charge is a flat fee that applies to Priority Mail shipments.
The cost of the reshipment charge varies depending on the location of the temporary address. For example, if the temporary address is in a U.S. territory or possession that requires a customs declaration, the weekly reshipment charge is not specified.
For Priority Mail shipments to one temporary address, the weekly reshipment charge is $11.95 for each week of service requested. This amount must be paid in full at the time the application is received.
Customers with temporary addresses in the 969 3-digit ZIP Code area or in U.S. territories or possessions that require a customs declaration may have different reshipment charges, but this information is not specified.
The weekly reshipment charge for Priority Mail shipments is $10.00 for each week of service requested, but only for shipments that can fit into the weekly Priority Mail shipment without delaying delivery.
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How Long to Forward?
Mail forwarding can be a convenient option for those moving to a new location. Mail forwarding typically begins within 7-10 business days from the start date you specify.
The actual delivery times can vary based on your new location and the type of forwarding service you choose.
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Security and Compliance
Using the US Postal Service's Premium Mail Forwarding can significantly reduce the risk of important documents and packages being left unattended at your old address, protecting your personal information and reducing the chance of theft.
By forwarding your mail, you can avoid having sensitive information exposed or stolen, which is especially important if you're moving to a new home or traveling for an extended period.
If you're expecting high-value mail, consider using the Premium Forwarding Service for added security and faster delivery, as this can provide an extra layer of protection against theft or loss.
Security
Forwarding your mail can be a game-changer for security. By doing so, you reduce the risk of important documents and packages being left unattended at your old address, protecting your personal information and reducing the chance of theft.
You might be wondering if there are any restrictions on forwarding your mail. The answer is yes, there are some limitations. For instance, you can't combine mail forwarding with other services, and it's not available for customers with an active change-of-address or hold mail authorization.
If you're a residential customer using a size-three, size-four, or size-five post office box, you might be eligible for a waiver to use mail forwarding. However, you'll need to request it specifically.
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Basic Standards
To participate in Premium Forwarding Service (PFS), you'll need to meet certain basic standards.
PFS is available to residential delivery customers and to post office box customers with a size-one or size-two post office box.
You'll need to submit a completed PFS application, Form 8176, along with the application fee and weekly reshipment charges for the full duration of the requested service.
PFS is only available from and to domestic addresses.
Customers with a primary address that's a central point for bulk delivery, such as a commercial mail receiving agency (CMRA), RV park, trailer park, or hotel, are not eligible for PFS.
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USPS Hold Service

The USPS Hold Mail Service is a useful option for those who don't want their mail forwarded but need it held temporarily. It can hold mail for up to 30 days.
If you're planning a trip or moving away, this service can give you peace of mind knowing your mail will be safely held. You can request to have your mail held for any length of time up to 30 days.
USPS Hold Mail is not a forwarding service, so it's perfect for situations where you don't want your mail sent to a new address. It's also a great option if you're expecting important documents or packages and want to ensure they're not lost or stolen.
What Makes USPS Form Legal?
To make a USPS form, such as the 8176, legal, you need to start with a relevant template that's up to date.
Filling out all the fields in a form isn't enough; you also need to provide correct information to avoid your record becoming invalid or even a criminal situation.
Make sure to use an identifiable signature, as inserting an image of your autograph is considered the same as a doodle on a piece of paper.
USPS Services and Forms

The USPS Services and Forms section is your one-stop shop for understanding the ins and outs of premium mail forwarding.
To initiate the premium service, you can visit the Premium Forwarding Residential Online site or head to your local post office.
For a one-time enrollment fee of $20.90 (online) or $22.75 (in-person), you can enroll in the premium service.
You'll also be charged a weekly fee of $22.75 for the duration of the premium forwarding.
Here's a breakdown of what's included in the premium service for residential addresses:
- Registered Mail and Priority Mail Express items are immediately forwarded.
- Priority Mail is either immediately forwarded or held and sent with your weekly package, depending on which option is faster.
- First Class Mail, periodicals, and marketing notices are forwarded weekly.
- Large First Class Mail, Media Mail, and USPS Retail Ground packages are forwarded for free.
Tips and Planning
As you plan your US Postal Service premium mail forwarding, consider the costs involved. The annual fee for this service is $26.95, which is a small price to pay for the convenience it offers.
You'll need to set up a forwarding address with the USPS, which can be done online or by mail. The process is straightforward and takes just a few minutes.

Make sure to update your address with all relevant parties, including banks, credit card companies, and online retailers. This will ensure that you receive all your mail and packages at your new forwarding address.
The USPS offers a range of forwarding options, including forwarding to a PO box or a street address. Choose the option that best suits your needs.
Keep in mind that you can only forward mail to an address in the United States. If you're planning to move abroad, you'll need to explore other options for mail forwarding.
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Security and Flexibility
Security and flexibility are two of the top benefits of using USPS premium mail forwarding. By forwarding your mail, you reduce the risk of important documents and packages being left unattended at your old address, protecting your personal information and reducing the chance of theft.
USPS offers flexible options to meet your specific needs, whether you're moving permanently or temporarily. You can choose from permanent, temporary, or premium services based on your situation.
With advanced mail forwarding services, you can gain greater flexibility and control over your mail. Companies like Earth Class Mail, Traveling Mailbox, and PostScan Mail offer digital scanning, package consolidation, and international shipping, making it easy to shop the world with ease.
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Service Termination Early

If you decide to terminate your service early, you can request a refund for unused weekly shipment charges from the post office serving your primary address. The refund only applies to unused charges, not the enrollment fee.
You must have prepaid for a certain number of weeks to be eligible for this refund. For example, if you prepaid for 10 weeks but returned to your primary address after 8 weeks, you can request a refund for the unused 2 weeks.
The enrollment fee is nonrefundable, so you won't get that back even if you decide to terminate your service early.
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Flexibility
USPS offers flexible options to meet your specific needs, whether you're moving permanently or temporarily.
You can choose from permanent, temporary, or premium services based on your situation. This flexibility is perfect for those who need to adjust their mail forwarding plans frequently.
The USPS Hold Mail Service allows you to temporarily stop mail delivery to your address for up to 30 days. This service is useful if you don't want your mail forwarded but need it held while you're away.

If you're expecting important documents or packages, consider using the Premium Forwarding Service for added security and faster delivery. This is especially beneficial for frequent travelers or those with multiple residences.
Companies like Earth Class Mail, Traveling Mailbox, and PostScan Mail offer advanced mail forwarding services, providing greater flexibility and control over your mail. These services often include digital scanning, package consolidation, and international shipping.
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Benefits and Final Thoughts
USPS Mail Forwarding is a valuable service for anyone on the move.
It offers several benefits, including making your transition as smooth as possible by helping you navigate the process with their customer service.
USPS customer service is there to help you set up your mail forwarding and answer any questions you may have.
If you have any further questions or need assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to them.
The Benefits of
USPS Mail Forwarding offers several benefits that make it a valuable service for anyone on the move.

USPS Mail Forwarding is a valuable service for anyone on the move.
It helps you stay connected with important mail and packages even when you're not at a fixed address.
You can set up USPS Mail Forwarding to forward your mail to a temporary address, making it easy to receive important documents and packages.
USPS customer service is there to help you navigate the process and make your transition as smooth as possible.
Final Thoughts
USPS Mail Forwarding is an essential service for anyone transitioning between addresses, traveling, or managing multiple residences.
By understanding the different types of forwarding services, you can ensure a smooth and seamless experience.
Plan ahead, as USPS Mail Forwarding requires some setup and notification of important contacts.
With over 10 years of reliable service, you can trust that your mail will follow you wherever you go.
Consider using premium services for added security and convenience, which can make a big difference in your experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does premium mail forwarding last?
Premium mail forwarding lasts for a minimum of 2 weeks and up to 1 year, allowing you to receive your mail securely and reliably.
Sources
- https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2005/06/10/05-11472/premium-forwarding-service
- https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2008/02/20/E8-2919/premium-forwarding-service
- https://www.hellolanding.com/blog/how-to-forward-mail-a-guide-for-digital-nomads/
- https://www.reship.com/blog/usps-mail-forwarding-everything-you-need-to-know
- https://www.signnow.com/fill-and-sign-pdf-form/38910-premium-forwarding-service-pfs-application-uspscom
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