8 Bypass Mail Process

8-1 Introduction

This chapter describes the bypass mail process and identifies the responsibilities of the shipper, the air carrier, the addressee, and the Postal Service.

Bypass mail is defined as Parcel Post^® mail that is prepared so as not to require handling by Postal Service personnel or in a Postal Service facility. The bypass mail process was established to alleviate congestion of mail in processing centers by creating bypass mail acceptance points. Basic legislation pertaining to air carrier participation in the bypass mail process is found in 39 U.S.C. 5402.

For purposes of this publication, “bypass mail” refers to Parcel Post mail in the bypass mail process.