Guide to Postal Regulations

Transcription

1 Guide to Postal Regulations

2 Postcard To receive Postcards postage rates, you must mail using First Class Postage/ Size Specifications: Minimum Maximum Length* 5 inches 6 inches Height 3 ½ Inches 4 ¼ Inches Thickness inch inch Aspect ratio (Length divided by height) must be 1.3 to 2.5 for Automation Postage Rates. Double postcards can be mailed at the postcard rate if it includes a return card. HOW TO AVOID NON AUTO, NONMACHINABLE SURCHARGE: 1. Ensure the aspect ratio is not less than 1.3 or more than Ensure the delivery address is not parallel to the shorter side of the mail piece 3. Ensure the piece has even thickness *= Length is the dimension parallel to the address block.

3 Letters To receive letter postage rates, you can mail using First Class Postage, Standard Rate Postage or Non Profit Postage. Size Specifications: Minimum Maximum Length* 5 inches 11 ½ inches Height 3 ½ Inches 6 1/8 Inches Thcikness inch ¼ inch Aspect ratio (Length divided by height) must be 1.3 to 2.5 for Automation Postage Rates. HOW TO AVOID NON AUTO, NONMACHINABLE SURCHARGE: 1. Ensure the aspect ratio is not less than 1.3 or more than Ensure piece is no less than inches thick 3. Ensure delivery address is not parallel to the shorter side of the mail piece 4. Ensure the piece has even thickness 5. Ensure that the piece is not polybagged, polywrapped or in any plastic material *= Length is the dimension parallel to the address block.

4 FLATS To receive Flat postage rates, you can mail using First Class Postage, Standard Rate Postage or Non Profit Postage. Size Specifications: Minimum Maximum Length* 11 ½ inches 15 inches Height 6 1/8 Inches 12 Inches Thickness ¼ inch ¾ inch The length is the dimension parallel to the address block and the height is the dimension perpendicular to the length. Maximum weight for flats is as follows: First Class: 13 ounces Standard Rate: 16 ounces HOW TO AVOID NON AUTO, NONMACHINABLE SURCHARGE: 1. Ensure that a First Class Flat weights more than 1 ounce.

5 WAFER SEAL SPECIFICATIONS for AUTOMATED LETTER SIZE PROCESSING Double Postcard piece can be folded either on top of bottom piece requires 1 wafer seal Folded Self Mailer Minimum of 9pt thickness when folded and folded edge is at the bottom of the piece requires 1 wafer seal in the middle Minimum of 9pt thickness when folded and folded edge at the top of the piece requires 2 wafer seals; 1 in from each side of the mailer Minimum of 9pt thickness when folded and folded edge is at the right leading edge of the piece requires 1 wafer seal in middle if piece is less that 7 in length Minimum of 9pt thickness when folded and folded edge is at the right leading edge of the piece requires 2 wafer seal; 1 at top of self mailer and 1 at bottom of self mailer (middle wafer seal is optional) if piece is 7 in length or longer Folded Booklet (stitched self mailer) All booklet self mailers require 2 Wafer seals.

6 Placement of Tabs and Wafer Seals ( ) Specifications for Automation-Compatible Letter-Size Mailpieces Double Postcard Tabs 1 (middle) Folded Edge Top or Bottom Basis Weight 75 lb. from edges) Folded Edge Top or Bottom Tabs 1 (middle) Sheets Multiple Basis Weight 24 lb. (Invitation Fold) Tab Address Label Folds Top and Bottom Sheets Multiple (Continuous Glue Strip) Open Edge Top Booklet from edges) Spine Bottom (Cover)

7 Tabs 1 (middle) Basis Weight 28 lb. Tabs 3 (left and open edges) Folded Edge Right Basis Weight 75 lb. An 8-1/2 x 11 inch sheet of 20, 24, or 28 pound paper folded once to 8-1/2 x 5-1/2 inches does not meet the minimum thickness of inch for an automation-compatible letter. Folded Booklet from edges) Spine Left (Cover) Folded Booklet from top edge) Spine Bottom (Cover) Booklet from top and bottom edges) Spine Right (open edge left) Folded Edge Right