COD, or Collect on Delivery, is a special option offered by the United States Postal Service for items mailed as Express Mail, Priority Mail, First-Class Mail and most of the regular parcel services. COD is not available for international shipments or for APO/FPO addresses. When you mail a package or letter COD, the postal service will collect payment for the merchandise and the shipping directly from the recipient.
Prepare the package or letter for mailing. Take it to your local post office.
Select a mailing option, such as Priority Mail or First-Class Mail. Choose any additional services such as Delivery Confirmation or Return Receipt.
Tell the clerk you want to use COD. Provide the amount to be collected from the recipient.
Pay for the shipment. The post office will reimburse you for the shipping cost, minus the collection fee, when the package is delivered.
Notify the package recipient of the COD shipment. The mail carrier will collect payment in the form of a check or cash.
Tip
The cost of shipping something COD also includes insurance coverage of up to $1,000 if the item is lost or damaged.
