What is a Contract Postal Unit?

A Contract Postal Unit (CPU) is a supplier-owned or supplier-leased site operated by the supplier, under contract to the Postal Service™ to provide postal products and services to the public at U.S. Postal Service prices.

Services provided at a CPU Partner/Supplier location are listed below:

• Stamps
• Stamped Envelopes
• Stamped Postal Cards
• Priority Mail®
• Priority Mail Express® Service
• First Class Mail® Service
• Standard Post®
• Priority Mail Express International®
• Priority Mail International
• Insured Mail
• Certified Mail™
• Return Receipt
• USPS Tracking
• Signature Confirmation™
• Registered Mail

Other services that may be provided are: Global Express Guaranteed Service® (GXG).Mail deposited at a CPU after the last collection of the day will be processed on the following postal business day.

The CPU Supplier must meet the following criteria set forth by the United States Postal Service:

• Supplier’s space cannot be owned or leased by the U.S. Postal Service
• A surety bond may be required
• No surcharges can be added to Postal products or services
• Cannot be staffed by postal employees
• Cannot sell competitive services
• Cannot provide commercial mail receiving (private mailbox) services
• Cannot provide third-party delivery services
• Cannot provide any products or services that the Contracting Officer determines are similar to, or competitive with, delivery and parcel services offered by the Postal Service
• Cannot be located in, or directly connected to, a room where intoxicating beverages are sold for consumption on the premises
• Contracts are competitive
• Contracts cannot be awarded to Postal Service employees or members of their immediate families
• Contracts are set up with an indefinite end date

How do I become a Contract Postal Unit Supplier?
These units provide full service retail products and services to postal customers at U.S. Postal Service prices. They are housed within a supplier facility and are operated and managed by supplier employees.

Retailers that participate in the Contract Postal Unit program are provided USPS branding rights and signage. A build-out that meets postal regulations is required. Suppliers are limited to selling only USPS products and services. Contract Postal Unit suppliers are compensated based on performance. Operating a Contract Postal Unit increases foot traffic and provides additional customer convenience. Placement of a CPU is driven by the need for additional Postal Service access points in a community. Local postal resources determine this need. If you are interested in becoming a USPS Contract Postal Unit supplier, please send us your contact information (include your business name, complete business address, and phone number). A local USPS representative will contact you with more information. Email us at AlternateAccess@usps.gov.