Long Island Postal Customer Council. BOOT CAMP VI Mailpiece Design Special Forces Thursday, June 9, 2011

Transcription

1 Long Island Postal Customer Council BOOT CAMP VI Mailpiece Design Special Forces Thursday, June 9, 2011

2 Express Mail Express Mail is the Postal Service's premium service. It provides reliable, expedited mail delivery overnight or on the second day. Express Mail is: Insurable and traceable. Delivered 365 days a year to most destinations. Offered with a money back guarantee. Insured for $ at no extra cost. Flat-Rate envelopes and Flat-Rate boxes are available from the Postal Service. Any amount of material that will fit in these containers, without reconfiguring the packaging or exceeding 70 pounds, will ship at the Flat-Rate prices.

3 First-Class Mail These items are required to be sent as First-Class Mail : Anything that is handwritten. Anything that is typewritten. Bills and statements of account. Anything containing personal information. Items that are sealed or otherwise closed against postal inspection. Note: Business Reply Mail (BRM) is First-Class Mail.

4 Characteristics The maximum weight for First-Class Mail is 13 ounces. Items weighing over 13 ounces are sent as Priority Mail. Priority Mail is a subclass of First-Class Mail. There is no minimum weight for Priority Mail. Mail weighing 13 ounces or less may be sent as Priority Mail at the discretion of the mailer. Items sent as Priority Mail may not weigh more than 70 pounds or measure over 108" in combined length and girth. Priority Mail Flat-Rate envelopes and Flat-Rate boxes are available from the Postal Service. Any amount of material that will fit in these containers, without reconfiguring the packaging or exceeding 70 pounds, will ship at the Priority Mail Flat-Rate prices.

5 Features Prices for First-Class Mail are determined by: Shape (letter, flat, parcel). Weight in 1 ounce increments. Priority Mail prices are determined by: Weight. Zone of the destination address which is determined using a zone chart. First-Class Mail is forwarded at no cost. Extra Services are available for an additional fee (i.e. Return Receipt, Certified, Collect On Delivery, Delivery Confirmation and Insurance).

6 Postcards Stamped cards provided by the Postal Service and privately produced postcards are designed to be mailed at a postcard price. Postcard prices are only available in First-Class Mail. Postcards must fall within the minimum (3-1/2" high x 5" long x.007" thick) and maximum (4-1/4" high x 6" long x.016" thick) dimensions including height, length, and thickness. The minimum size for an international postcard is 3-1/2" high x 5-1/2" long x.007" thick.

7 Presorted First-Class Mail Presorted First-Class Mail mailings must be presented at the post office where the permit is held. Mailings must consist of at least 500 individually addressed mailpieces within the same processing category. Mailers must presort their mail to the finest extent required for the price claimed. To obtain discounted prices for First-Class Mail, mailers must update their mailing list within 95 days before a mailing, using one of the USPS approved Move Update methods.

8 Automation Automation prices are available for POSTNET delivery point barcoded or Intelligent Mail barcoded First-Class Mail letters that are compatible with barcode sorter processing. Flat-size pieces must be compatible with automated postal processing equipment and bear a POSTNET delivery point barcode or an Intelligent Mail barcode. Each mailing must be presorted and consist of at least 500 delivery point barcoded pieces.

9 Markings Metered mail bearing the full postage price does not need to be marked as First-Class Mail. Presorted or discounted mail must be marked as First-Class Mail and Presorted. Letter-size pieces in an automation price mailing must be marked AUTO (except when bearing delivery point routing code in the address block or on an insert visible through a window). Mail over 13 ounces must be marked as Priority or Priority Mail.

10 Periodicals Publishers and registered news agents must be authorized by the USPS to mail newspapers, newsletters, magazines, etc, at the Periodicals prices. The primary purpose of a Periodicals publication must be the transmission of information. There is a nonrefundable application fee that is paid when the application is submitted. An Identification (ID) Statement must be present in all issues and serves as evidence of postage payment.

11 Characteristics Periodicals are primarily subscriber or membership based and are subject to strict content and construction restrictions. All authorized Periodicals publications must bear these characteristics: The publication must exhibit continuity from issue to issue (show that it is the same publication). The primary purpose of the publication must be the transmission of information. It may not be designed primarily for advertising purposes. The publication must be issued at a specific, stated frequency. This frequency must be at least four times a year, with the intent to continue publishing indefinitely. The publication must be formed of printed sheets. Periodicals may not be published in an electronic format. The publisher must maintain a Known Office of Publication from which the business of the publication is transacted. This location must be accessible during normal business hours and must be where the circulation records are maintained, or where they may be made available for examination and review.

12 Standard Mail consists of mailable matter that is not required to be mailed as First-Class Mail or Periodicals. Standard Mail must weigh less than 16 ounces. Standard Mail is not sealed against inspection. To obtain discounted prices for Standard Mail, mailers must update their mailing list within 95 days before a mailing, using one of the USPS approved Move Update methods. Standard Mail

13 Eligibility Standard Mail may consist of circulars, flyers, catalogs or product samples. All Standard Mail is presorted (there is no single-piece Standard Mail price). Each mailing must consist of at least 200 pieces or 50 pounds of individually addressed pieces (no exceptions). Mailers must properly prepare, presort, package, label and containerize these mailings.

14 Automation Automation prices are available for Intelligent Mail or POSTNET delivery point barcoded Standard Mail letters that meet the automation compatibility standards listed in the DMM. Flat-size pieces must be compatible with automated postal processing equipment and bear a delivery point barcode. Each automation mailing must be presorted and consist of at least 200 pieces or 50 pounds of pieces.

15 Markings Standard Mail must be marked as one of the following: PRESORTED STANDARD. PRSRT STD. STANDARD. NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION. NONPROFIT ORG. NONPROFIT. Automated (barcoded) mailings must be marked AUTO (except when bearing delivery point routing code in the address block or on an insert visible through a window). Enhanced Carrier Route mailings must be marked: ECRLOT (Enhanced carrier route line of travel). ECRWSH (Enhanced carrier route walk sequence high density). ECRWSS (Enhanced carrier route walk sequence saturation).

16 Eligibility Nonprofit is a subclass of Standard Mail. Preparation standards are the same for both nonprofit and regular Standard Mail mailings. Nonprofit prices are a privilege reserved, by law, to authorized nonprofit organizations. Authorized organizations may mail only their own material at the nonprofit prices. Authorized organizations must not send matter on behalf of, or produced for, an unauthorized entity. Eligible organizations include: Religious, Scientific, Veterans, Philanthropic, Labor, Educational, Agricultural, Fraternal, Qualified Political Committees (Restricted), and Voting Registration Officials (Restricted). Organizations that are ineligible for nonprofit prices include: Automobile Clubs, Business Leagues, Chambers of Commerce, Citizen's and Civic Improvement Associations, and Individuals The authorized nonprofit organization must be identified on the mailpiece. The identification must be shown either on the outside or in a prominent location on the material being mailed. If the piece bears any name and return address, it must be that of the authorized organization.

17 Content Restricitions Mailings at nonprofit prices are subject to content restrictions. Advertising is not allowed in mailings entered at the Nonprofit Standard Mail prices, unless the product or service is substantially related to one or more of the purposes that constitute the basis for the organization's authorization to mail at the nonprofit prices. The sale of the product or the provision of the service must contribute importantly to the accomplishment of one or more of the qualifying purposes of the organization, other than the generation of income. A mailer's signature on the postage statement certifies that all advertising content included in the mail is substantially related to the primary purpose of the authorized organization. Announcements of activities - dinners, auctions, performances, etc., are considered substantially related advertising, if mostly all of the work required to conduct the advertised activity is performed by the organization's members or supporters without compensation.

18 Content Restricitions If the advertising is not substantially related, the mailpiece must meet the content requirements for a Standard Mail periodical publication in order to claim nonprofit prices. To prepare a mailpiece in periodical publication content format, it must: Have a title. Be formed of printed sheets. Consist of at least 25% non-advertising. Contain an ID statement on one of first five pages of the mailpiece. Advertisements in nonprofit mailings for travel arrangements and insurance policies are restricted. Advertisements for financial instruments such as credit, debit or charge cards are prohibited in nonprofit mailings. A minor portion of a membership solicitation or renewal may contain descriptions of membership benefits including: adjectives (i.e. free or low cost), terms, conditions, or brand names. Sponsors or contributors names are not considered advertising if: The names appear under a heading such as sponsors, contributors, or donors. No promotional material is included (such as addresses or telephone numbers). The names are not labeled as advertising elsewhere in the mailpiece. Itemized statements of the amounts of previous pledges or donations can qualify as nonprofit or regular standard mail if they are computer-prepared, and associated with a solicitation for future donations or a promotion, and the personal information is only included to support the solicitation or promotion. Products are eligible for nonprofit prices if they are: Low cost items. Donated items. Periodicals publications that meet certain requirements. The value of a low cost item is determined by IRS and is published annually in a December issue of the Postal Bulletin.

19 Package Services There are four subclasses of Package Services: Parcel Post. Bound Printed Matter. Media Mail. Library Mail. Mailpieces sent at Package Services prices are not sealed against Postal inspection.

20 Parcel Post Parcel Post may consist of merchandise, printed matter, mailable live animals, and other articles that are not required to be mailed as other classes of mail. Prices are determined by the weight of the piece (in one pound increments with fractions always rounded up to the heavier weight) and the zone which is determined by using a zone chart. A piece of Parcel Post must weigh no more than 70 pounds and must not exceed 130" in combined length and girth. Pieces that measure over 108" up to 130" must pay the oversized price.

21 Bound Printed Matter Bound Printed Matter (BPM) must weigh no more than 15 pounds and may contain: Advertising. Promotional material. Directory material. Editorial material. It must be securely bound by permanent fastening such as staples, spiral binding, glue, or stitching. This matter may not be stationery, such as blank pads or printed forms, and it can not have the nature of personal correspondence. BPM must consist of sheets of which at least 90% are imprinted by any process other than handwriting or typewriting. Postage for BPM must be paid by permit imprint and BPM must be entered at an acceptance office.

22 Media Mail Media Mail consists of books, films, sound and video recordings, printed music, manuscripts, and printed educational reference charts and test materials. Video games or playable systems including computers, do not meet the standards for Media Mail. In addition, storage devices such as portable hard drives, thumb drives, flash drives, jump-drives, and USB drives for use with computers are not eligible for Media Mail prices. Postage for articles mailed at Media Mail prices are determined by weight, without regard to geographic zone.

23 Library Mail consists of: Books. Sound recordings. Printed music. Museum materials. Library Mail Each piece must show in the address or return address the name of a school, college, university, public library, museum, or herbarium or the name of a nonprofit religious, educational, scientific, philanthropic (charitable), agricultural, labor, veterans, or fraternal organization or association. Postage for these articles is determined by weight in one pound increments without regard to zone.

24 Markings The required subclass markings: Parcel Post, Bound Printed Matter, Media Mail, or Library Mail must appear in the postage area on each mailpiece. Pieces not clearly marked as required are treated as single-piece Parcel Post and are subject to additional postage as necessary.

25 Mailability Proper design and construction of a mailpiece ensures its mailability. Mailpieces that do not meet minimum mailing criteria or that exceed maximum mailing criteria are nonmailable. Nonmailable means that the piece, as designed, is prohibited from the mailstream. No fee, surcharge, or additional postage will make a nonmailable item mailable Unless prepared as Customized Market Mail, all mailpieces that are 1/4" thick or less must be: Rectangular in shape. At least 3-1/2" high. At least 5" long. At least.007" thick. Letter-size and flat-size mailpieces made of cardstock may have finished corners that do not exceed a radius of 1/8".

26 Letter-size and flat-size mailpieces made of cardstock may have finished corners that do not exceed a radius of 1/8".

27 Generally, the orientation of the address on a mailpiece determines which dimension is the height and which is the length. The length is the dimension parallel to the address, as read, and the height is perpendicular to the length.

28 This general rule does not apply to: Automation price flats, Standard Mail flats, Enhanced Carrier Route flats, Parcels, and Customized Market Mail pieces thicker than 1/4" that are not prepared and mailed as flats.

29 For parcels, the length is the longest dimension and the girth is the distance around the thickest part. All mailable matter must weigh no more than 70 pounds and be no more than 108" in combined length and girth, except for Parcel Post which can measure up to 130" in combined length and girth.

30 Letters Letter-size mailpieces are those that fall within the these dimensions:

31 Notice 3A, Letter-Size Mail Dimensional Standards Template (available at you local post office), can be used to determine qualification for the lettersize processing category, and correct aspect ratio.

32 Flats Flat-size mailpieces must fall within these dimensions. Flat-size pieces must be: Flexible. Uniformly thick (within 1/4" variance). Rectangular. There is no aspect ratio requirement for flats

33 To be eligible for flat prices, pieces must be: Flexible. Uniformly thick within a 1/4" variance. Rectangular in shape. First-Class Mail flat-size pieces that are not eligible for flat prices are charged at parcel prices. Standard Mail flat-size pieces that are not eligible for flat prices are charged at the Not Flat-Machinable, or parcel, prices. Standard Mail flat size pieces that are rigid or are not uniformly thick, with the following dimensions, may pay the Not Flat-Machinable prices: At least 4" high, but not more than 12" high. At least 4" long, but not more than 15-3/4" long. At least 0.009" thick, but not more than 1-1/4" thick (Pieces less than 5" long must be over 1/4" thick). Standard Mail flat-size pieces that are flexible, with the following dimensions, may also pay the Not Flat-Machinable prices At least 4" high, but not more than 12" high. Over 15" long, but not more than 15-3/4" long. Over 3/4" thick, but not more than 1-1/4" thick.

34 FLATS ADDRESSING REQUIREMENTS

35 FLATS ADDRESSING REQUIREMENTS

36 Notice 3-S Notice 3-S Flat-Size Mail Dimensional Standards Template (available at your local post office), can be used to determine qualification for the Flat-size processing category.

37 Machinable Parcels Machinable parcels consist of those pieces that fall within the above dimensions. *3.5 ounces for lightweight parcels prepared under DMM ** For books or printed matter the maximum weight is 25 lbs.

38 Irregular Parcels Irregular parcels include parcels that do not meet the dimensional criteria of machinable parcels and other parcels that cannot be processed by parcel sorters, such as rolls and tubes that measure 26" or less. Includes parcels with any one of the following: Length less than 6". Height less than 3". Weight less than 6 ounces.

39 Outside Parcels Outside parcels are parcels that exceed any one of the maximum dimensions for machinable parcels. This category also includes certain high-density items such as cartons containing more than 24 ounces of liquid in one or more glass containers, cartons containing 1 gallon or more of liquid in metal or plastic containers, rolls and tubes over 26" and items listed in DMM Includes parcels more than: 34" long. 17" wide. 17" high/thick. 35 lbs (25 lbs for books/printed matter).

40 Nonmachinable Characteristics Letters claimed at automation prices must bear a qualifying delivery point barcode and must not have any nonmachinable characteristics. The nonmachinable characteristics for letters apply to: First-Class Mail letter-size pieces (excluding postcards) that weigh 3.5 ounces or less. Standard Mail letter-size pieces (including postcards) that weigh 3.3 ounces or less.

41 Nonmachinable Criteria These are the characteristics that make a letter size piece nonmachinable: First-Class Mail letter-size mailpieces that weigh more than 3.3 ounces and are not prepared as automation letters (i.e. do not contain a qualifying delivery point barcode in the address block) are nonmachinable

42 These are the characteristics that make a letter size piece nonmachinable: Letters claimed at automation prices must meet the aspect ratio requirement. The aspect ratio is the length of a letter-size mailpiece divided by its height, this result must be at least 1.3 and must not exceed 2.5. Note: The product can not be rounded.

43 These are the characteristics that make a letter size piece nonmachinable: Letter-size pieces that are polywrapped, polybagged, shrink-wrapped or enclosed in any plastic material are prohibited on automation equipment. Envelopes that are not made of paper are not allowed at automation prices

44 These are the characteristics that make a letter size piece nonmachinable: Letters may not contain clasps, strings, buttons, staples or similar closure devices. Staples or saddle stitching may be used only on booklet-type mailpieces to join the spine. Inserted staples or stitching must parallel the bound edge, seat tightly and securely, and have no protrusions that might impede or damage the mail or mail processing equipment.

45 These are the characteristics that make a letter size piece nonmachinable: Letters that contain loose keys or coins or similar objects that are not affixed to the contents within the mailpiece are nonmachinable. Loose items may cause letters to be nonmailable when placed in paper envelopes.

46 These are the characteristics that make a letter size piece nonmachinable: Machinable and automation letters must be flexible enough to bend easily. Rigid items that can damage mail and mail processing equipment are prohibited in letter-size mail submitted at automation prices.

47 These are the characteristics that make a letter size piece nonmachinable: Folded self-mailers and booklets must be tabbed according to the DMM.

48 These are the characteristics that make a letter size piece nonmachinable: Pieces more than 4-1/4" high or 6" long must be at least.009".thick to be machinable.

49 These are the characteristics that make a letter size piece nonmachinable: delivery address parallel to the shorter dimension of the mailpiece renders it nonmachinable.

50 These are the characteristics that make a letter size piece nonmachinable: Envelopes and mailpieces securely sealed on all four edges provide the best assurance for successful automated processing. However, an open or folded mailpiece also qualifies for automation prices when it has been properly tabbed or sealed to prevent the open edges from fanning out and jamming during high speed processing.

51 Address Format A standardized address is a left-justified address that is correctly formatted using standardized abbreviations. Uppercase letters are preferred on all lines of the address block. Sans Serif type is best suited for automation readability. A complete standardized address does not have any punctuation in the delivery address block, except for the hyphen in the ZIP+4 Code.

52 The HEART of any mailpiece is the delivery address

53 Address Format There are five lines in a standard address. Line one is reserved for non-address data such as a mailer's keyline.

54 Address Format Line 2 is the attention line.

55 Address Format Line 3 is where the recipient's name is located.

56 Address Format Line 4 is reserved for the delivery address.

57 Address Format And the 5th and last line is for the city, state, and ZIP Code of the delivery address. PUBLICATION 28 contains more detailed information on standardized formats, abbreviations and Address Information Systems (AIS) Products.

58 International Addressing A complete address requires the city and country on separate lines with no abbreviations to the city, province or country of destination. The country name should be printed in all capital letters.

59 International Addressing Canada requires two spaces between the Post Code and province. Any deviation from this format will result in the mailpiece being returned to sender as undeliverable.

60 Military Addressing The last line must contain the FPO or APO designation and the appropriate two letter state abbreviation (AA, AE, or AP), followed by the ZIP+4 or 5-digit ZIP Code. ABBREVIATION MILITARY INFORMATION APO FPO AE AP AA Army Post Office (includes Air Force and Marine bases). Fleet Post Office. Armed Forces Europe, the Middle East and Canada. Armed Forces Pacific. Armed Forces Americas (except Canada).

61 Address Components Except for simplified addressing, a complete, accurate delivery address is required on the side of the mailpiece bearing postage. It allows a correct delivery point or Intelligent Mail barcode to be applied to letter-size pieces. Only one delivery address per mailpiece is permitted. An address may have several components, including a pre-directional such as north, south, east or west which precedes the street name.

62 Address Components A street suffix is an identifier, such as road, avenue, or boulevard

63 Address Components A post-directional is a street designator (like a pre-directional) that follows the street address.

64 Address Components Secondary unit designators identify a suite or apartment number.

65 Addressing Guidelines for Letters Keep the Optical Character Recognition (OCR) read area clear of return address information. The return address should be positioned at least 2-3/4" above the bottom edge of the mailpiece, and occupy an area in the far upper left corner of the mailpiece. It should be no longer than 50% of the length of the mailpiece and be printed in a type size smaller than the type size used in the delivery address.

66 Addressing Guidelines for Letters If the mailer has NOT applied a barcode to the mailpiece, the USPS will apply a barcode in the barcode clear zone, which is in the lower right-hand corner of the mailpiece. The barcode clear zone extends 5/8" up from the bottom of the mailpiece, 4-3/4" from the right edge, and it must be clear of all printing, markings and colored borders

67 Address Placement for Flats These addressing standards are required for all presorted, automation and carrier route Standard Mail, Periodicals, and Package Services flats, but are optional for First-Class Mail flats. The address must be printed in at least 8 point type. It may be in 6 point type if it is printed in all capital letters and the mailpiece is presented with a delivery point barcode. Characters in the address cannot overlap. Address lines cannot touch or overlap and address elements cannot be separated by more than five blank character spaces

68 These addressing standards are required for all presorted, automation and carrier route Standard Mail, Periodicals, and Package Services flats, but are optional for First-Class Mail flats. Mailers must place the address in the top half of a mailpiece, parallel or perpendicular to the top edge. It can not be upside down, as read in relation to the top edge.

69 Address Placement for Flats These addressing standards are required for all presorted, automation and carrier route Standard Mail, Periodicals, and Package Services flats, but are optional for First-Class Mail flats. Small digest type flats are addressed with the bound edge to the right. The address on these pieces may cross the midpoint,as long as the address begins or ends within 1" of the top edge.

70 Address Placement for Flats These addressing standards are required for all presorted, automation and carrier route Standard Mail, Periodicals, and Package Services flats, but are optional for First-Class Mail flats. Large enveloped flats may be addressed horizontally. In this case the top half is defined as being on either the left or right edge.

71 Address Placement for Flats These addressing standards are required for all presorted, automation and carrier route Standard Mail, Periodicals, and Package Services flats, but are optional for First- Class Mail flats. Magazines are addressed with the bound edge to the right and are usually addressed on the front cover.

72 Address Placement for Flats These addressing standards are required for all presorted, automation and carrier route Standard Mail, Periodicals, and Package Services flats, but are optional for First-Class Mail flats. Catalog type mailpieces are addressed with the bound edge to the right. The address must appear within the top half. These types of pieces are usually addressed on the back cover.

73 Address Placement for Flats These addressing standards are required for all presorted, automation and carrier route Standard Mail, Periodicals, and Package Services flats, but are optional for First-Class Mail flats. A folded piece is addressed with the final fold on the right. The address must appear within the top half.

74 Address Placement for Flats These addressing standards are required for all presorted, automation and carrier route Standard Mail, Periodicals, and Package Services flats, but are optional for First-Class Mail flats. For polywrapped magazines with the address on a loose enclosure, the address must begin within 1/2" of the top half of the mailpiece.

75 Postal Addressing Standards PUB 28 Best resource for comprehensive addressing information Postal Addressing Standards Publication 28 July 2008 Available online at

76 Automation Letters Paper Stock Mail Designers INC Mail Designers INC

77 Print Reflectance The area of the mailpiece where the barcode is to be placed (address block or lower right corner) should be uniform in color and produce a minimum reflectance of 50% in the red portion and 45% in the green portion of the optical spectrum, when measured with a USPS envelope reflectance meter or its equivalent. White and pastel colors generally satisfy this requirement. Print Reflectance Difference (PRD) is the difference between the amount of light reflected by the ink and the background material and must be at least 30% in the red and green portions of the optical spectrum. Black ink on a white backgrounds creates the greatest PRD. Other color combinations may qualify and can be measured using a USPS certified envelope reflectance meter.

78 Print Contrast Ratio The background on which the barcode is printed must not contain dark fibers or background patterns with a print contrast ratio (PCR) of more than 15%. Such backgrounds tend to be interpreted as bar patterns by barcode sorters. This requirement extends to envelope inserts or security pattern show-through within the clear area surrounding the barcode. PCR is measured with a USPS licensed envelope reflectance meter.

79 Letters Letter-size mailpieces submitted at automation prices must fall within these standards. Automation letters can not weigh more than 3-1/2 ounces.

80 Letters Letter-size mailpieces submitted at automation prices must fall within these standards. Pieces more than 6" long or more than 4-1/4" high must be at least.009" thick to qualify for automation prices.

81 Letters Letter-size mailpieces submitted at automation prices must fall within these standards. Heavy letter mail (barcoded letter size pieces weighing more than 3 ounces and up to 3 1/2 ounces) must be prepared in envelopes, bear a delivery point POSTNET barcode or an Intelligent Mail barcode with a Routing Code in the address block and meet the physical standards in the DMM. Heavy letter mail may not include: Stiff enclosures. Be prepared as folded self-mailers. Be prepared as booklets.

82 Postcards First-Class postcards exceeding postcard dimensions are eligible for First-Class Mail letter prices. Standard Mail does NOT have a postcard price. Postcards must meet these basic standards to qualify for postcard prices: Measure at least 3-1/2" high X 5" long X.007" thick. Measure no larger than 4-1/4" high X 6" long X.016" thick. Be printed on paper stock with a minimum basis weight of 75 pounds. May have rounded corners that do not exceed a radius of 1/8" Note: International and domestic postcards have different size standards.

83 Postcards First-Class postcards exceeding postcard dimensions are eligible for First-Class Mail letter prices. Standard Mail does NOT have a postcard price. A double postcard consists of two attached postcards, folded before mailing. One of the cards must be a reply piece. Double postcards must be prepared so that the address on the reply half is on the inside when the double card is mailed.

84 Postcards First-Class postcards exceeding postcard dimensions are eligible for First-Class Mail letter prices. Standard Mail does NOT have a postcard price. Acceptable postcard attachments: Paper labels, such as a wafer seal or decal affixed to the back side of the card or within the message area. A label affixed with permanent adhesive for showing the delivery or return address. A small reusable seal or decal prepared with pressure-sensitive and non-removable adhesive that is intended to be applied to the reply half of a double postcard. Must be made of paper. Must be totally adhered to the card's surface Must not interfere with postal processing.

85 Postcards First-Class postcards exceeding postcard dimensions are eligible for First-Class Mail letter prices. Standard Mail does NOT have a postcard price. The address side of a postcard must be divided either horizontally or vertically. A vertically divided format divides the address side of the card into a left side and a right side, with or without a vertical rule. The delivery address, postage and any postal markings or endorsements must appear on the right side measuring at least 2", from the right edge of the card, top to bottom inclusive. Cards claimed at the presorted price may have non-delivery address information extending into the right side only if placed above the delivery address. There must be 1/8" of clear space around the delivery address.

86 Postcards First-Class postcards exceeding postcard dimensions are eligible for First-Class Mail letter prices. Standard Mail does NOT have a postcard price. Horizontal format divides the address side of the card into an upper and a lower portion, with or without a horizontal rule. The delivery address, postage and any postal marking or endorsement must appear completely within the portion containing the delivery address. This portion must be at least 1 1/2" high measured from the top or bottom edge of the card, as applicable, right edge to left edge inclusive. As an alternative, when the delivery address appears within the lower portion, it is permissible for the postage, return address, and any postal marking or endorsement to appear in the upper portion. Cards claimed at the presorted price may have non-delivery address information extending into the address side only if placed above the delivery address. There must be 1/8"of clear space around the delivery address.

87 Envelopes Envelopes must be constructed of paper weighing at least 16 pounds. The specific grade of 16 pound paper required for envelopes is defined as the weight of 500 sheets measuring 17" X 22". 20 to 24 pound paper is recommended to avoid the possibility of damage during processing or bleed through of printed information. White paper envelopes printed with black ink are the best choice, however, pastel colors with dark ink may also work well for pieces that have the address printed directly on the envelope. Address labels that meet reflectance standards may be used when the envelope does not meet these standards. Any window envelope used for mail claimed at automation prices must meet the barcoding standards in DMM 708.

88 Nonmachinable Characteristics Letters claimed at automation prices must bear a qualifying delivery point barcode and must not have any nonmachinable characteristics. The nonmachinable characteristics for letters apply to: First-Class Mail letter-size pieces that weigh 3.5 ounces or less (does not apply to postcards) Standard Mail letter-size pieces that weigh 3.3 ounces or less (including postcards)

89 Nonmachinable Characteristics These are the nonmachinable criteria for letters: Weight over 3.3 ounces, unless prepared as an automation letter Aspect ratio (length divided by height) of less than 1.3 or more than 2.5. Is polybagged, polywrapped, enclosed in any plastic material, or has an exterior surface made of a material that is not paper. Clasps, strings, buttons or similar closure devices. Contains items such as pens, pencils, keys, or coins that cause the thickness of the mailpiece to be uneven; or loose keys or coins or similar objects not affixed to the contents within the mailpiece. Loose items may cause a letter to be nonmailable when mailed in paper envelopes; see DMM , Odd-Shaped Items in Paper Envelopes. Is too rigid (does not bend easily). Pieces more than 4-1/4" high or more than 6" long and the thickness is less than.009". Has a delivery address parallel to the shorter dimension of the mailpiece. Is a self-mailer that is not prepared (tabbed) according to DMM specifications. Is a booklet that is not prepared (tabbed) according to DMM specifications.

90 Discs Standards for Letter-Size Pieces Containing Discs (CDs or DVDs): Letter-size mailpieces containing a single disc and meeting all DMM standards for discs in automation letters are considered automation-compatible.

91 Discs Standards for Letter-Size Pieces Containing Discs (CDs or DVDs): Mailpieces with one enclosed disc not meeting automation standards must be tested and approved for automation-compatibility.

92 Discs Standards for Letter-Size Pieces Containing Discs (CDs or DVDs): The disc must: Be positioned symmetrically at the vertical centerline and as near to the top edge of the mailpiece as is practical. Be secured to prevent it from shifting more than 1/2" in any direction. A maximum disc size of 120 mm (4.7") in diameter and 2 mm (0.08") in thickness. Not be enclosed in a jewel case, inflexible cardboard sleeve or a window envelope.

93 Discs Standards for Letter-Size Pieces Containing Discs (CDs or DVDs): Each enveloped disc must meet the basic standards for machinable letters and meet the characteristics listed above. Discs in mailpieces made of the minimum basis weight paper must be inserted into a protective sleeve.

94 Discs Standards for Letter-Size Pieces Containing Discs (CDs or DVDs): When discs are presented in folded self-mailers: The folded self mailers must be prepared from paper stock of at least 75 lb (free of groundwood unless coated). Any folds or perforations must be parallel to the address. The mailpiece must meet tabbing requirements.

95 Barcode Clearances Barcode clearances must be maintained on letter-size and flat-size pieces that have barcodes appearing through windows. These clearances must be maintained between the barcode and any other printing, window edge or label edge. POSTNET barcodes must maintain a 1/25" clearance above and below the barcode and a 1/8" clearance to the left and right sides of the barcode throughout the full range of insert motion. Intelligent Mail barcodes must maintain a.028" clearance above and below the barcode and 1/8" clearance to the left and right sides of the barcode throughout the full range of insert motion.

96 Markings In addition to the basic price marking, if the barcode has been applied in the lower right corner, the marking AUTO is also required. The AUTO marking may be printed or produced in the following locations: As part of the postage. Directly below the postage. To the left of the postage. In the line directly above the address. Two lines above the address. To the left of the barcode clear zone.

97 Tabbing Tabs, wafer seals, cellophane tape, or permanent glue (continuous or spot) may be used as sealing materials. Tabbing materials: Must not interfere with the recognition of the barcode, price markings, postage information, or delivery or return addresses. Must be tight against the edge of the mailpiece. A maximum 1/16" overhang is recommended.

98 Tabbing Tabs, wafer seals, cellophane tape, or permanent glue (continuous or spot) may be used as sealing materials. Translucent paper tabs should be made of paper with a minimum 40-pound basis weight. Opaque paper tabs should be made of a minimum 60-pound basis weight paper with a tear strength of at least 56 grams of force in the machine direction (MD) and 60 grams of force in the cross direction (CD).

99 Tabbing Tabs, wafer seals, cellophane tape, or permanent glue (continuous or spot) may be used as sealing materials. When a barcode clear zone is required, tabs in the barcode clear zone must have a paper face meeting the standards for background reflectance and, if the barcode is not preprinted by the mailer, the standards for acceptance of water-based ink. Vinyl tabs and cellophane tape are prohibited within the barcode clear zone.

100 Tabbing Tabs, wafer seals, cellophane tape, or permanent glue (continuous or spot) may be used as sealing materials. Perforated tabs and plastic wafer seals that have become brittle and do not maintain their sealing strength are unacceptable for automation prices. Perforated tabs are not allowed as closures at the bottom of the mailpiece. Tabs should not contain more than 8 perforations per inch. Tabs with 12 perforations per inch are not allowed at automation prices.

101 Tabbing Folded Self-mailers To qualify for an automation price, folded self-mailers must be tabbed according the DMM. Designing folded self-mailers so that the final folded edge is at the bottom gives you greater flexibility regarding the number of tabs that are required. If you design your mailer with the fold at the top, two tabs are always required on the bottom (1" in from the right and left edges) regardless of the basis weight of the paper.

102 Tabbing Folded Self-mailers To qualify for an automation price, folded self-mailers must be tabbed according the DMM. The minimum basis weights that require only one tab at the top are: A single folded sheet of 28 pound bond or 70 pound book weight paper. Multiple folded sheets prepared from 24 pound bond or 60 pound book weight

103 Tabbing Folded Self-mailers To qualify for an automation price, folded self-mailers must be tabbed according the DMM. In specifically identified formats, a self mailer may have the final fold on the right side (leading edge) of the piece. The left edge and other open edges must be secured with at least one tab or glue line. Additional tabs, seals, glue spots or glue lines may be used

104 Tabbing Booklets To qualify for an automation price, booklets must be tabbed according the DMM. To be eligible for automation prices, booklets must have a(n): Height: not more than 6"or less than 3-1/2". Length: not more than 10-1/2" or less than 5" (some booklet designs have shorter maximum lengths). Thickness: not more than 0.25" or less than 0.009". Weight: not more than 3 ounces. Aspect ratio: within 1.3 to 2.5.

105 Tabbing Booklets To qualify for an automation price, booklets must be tabbed according the DMM. To be eligible for automation prices, tabs on booklets must be at least 1-1/2" in width and must not contain perforations. Booklets with the spine at the top and open at the bottom are nonmachinable regardless of the number of tabs.

106 Tabbing Booklets To qualify for an automation price, booklets must be tabbed according the DMM. Booklets with a simple spine require two tabs on the leading edge and one tab on the trailing edge. Position the lower leading tab 1/2" from the bottom edge. Position the upper tabs within 1" from the top edge.

107 Tabbing Booklets To qualify for an automation price, booklets must be tabbed according the DMM. Booklets with a simple spine on the bottom and a longer front cover that is folded over the inside pages to create a non-perforated internal flap must be sealed inside of the back cover. A continuous glue line along the flap is preferred, however, minimum 1" glue spots are acceptable if placed within 3/4" of the right and left edges.

108 Tabbing Booklets To qualify for an automation price, booklets must be tabbed according the DMM. A booklet with the spine on the bottom (longer) edge and a cover that extends no more than 5/8" beyond the inner pages. A continuous glue line along the cover overhang is preferred, however, minimum 1" glue spots are acceptable if placed within 3/4" of the right and left edges.

109 Tabbing Booklets To qualify for an automation price, booklets must be tabbed according the DMM. Simple spine wallet style booklets: Must have the spine on the bottom (longer) edge and be 4" high. Can weigh no more than 2-1/2 ounces and require one tab on the leading edge and one tab on the trailing edge. Booklets up to 2 ounces require 1-1/2" tabs placed 1-1/4" from the bottom edge. Booklets Over 2 ounces and up to 2-1/2 ounces require 2" tabs placed 3/4" from bottom edge. There is a ±1/8" vertical tolerance for tab placement for both tab sizes.

110 Tabbing Booklets To qualify for an automation price, booklets must be tabbed according the DMM. Light Weight Simple Spine Booklets can weigh no more than.8 ounces and must be at least 5" and no more than 10-1/2" long. The cover must be made of paper with a basis weight of at least 70 lbs. These booklets must be sealed with a 1/2" wide continuous glue line (non-tacky when dry) that is placed within 1/16" of the open ends. The selvege along the open edge must not exceed 1/16".

111 Tabbing Booklets To qualify for an automation price, booklets must be tabbed according the DMM. Mid-Weight Simple Spine Booklets weigh over.8 ounces and no more than 1.6 ounces. Booklets must be at least 5" and no more than 10-1/2" long. The cover must be made of paper with a basis weight of at least 70 lbs. These booklets must be sealed with a 1/2" wide continuous glue line (non-tacky when dry) that is placed within 1/16" of the open ends and one non-perforated tab placed 1/2" from the bottom leading edge. The selvege along the open edge must not exceed 1/16". Minimum tab size is 1-1/2".

112 Tabbing Booklets To qualify for an automation price, booklets must be tabbed according the DMM. Heavy Weight Simple Spine booklets weigh over 1.6 ounces and no more than 3 ounces. Booklets must be at least 5" and no more than 10-1/2" long. The cover must be made of paper with a basis weight of at least 70 lbs. These booklets must be sealed with a 1/2" wide continuous glue line (non-tacky when dry) that is placed within 1/16" of the open ends and two 1-1/2" non-perforated tabs. One tab placed on the leading edge 1/2" from the bottom and one tab placed 1/2" from the top leading edge.

113 Tabbing Booklets To qualify for an automation price, booklets must be tabbed according the DMM. A booklet with the final fold on the bottom (longer) edge and the folded spine on the leading or trailing (shorter) edge requires two tabs on leading edge and one tab on trailing edge. The lower leading tab must be positioned 1/2" from the bottom edge and the upper tabs within 1" from the top edge

114 Tabbing Booklets To qualify for an automation price, booklets must be tabbed according the DMM. Oblong booklets with the spine on the leading (shorter) edge require two tabs on the top edge and one tab on the trailing edge. Position the top tabs 1" from the left and right edge. Position the trailing tab in the middle.

115 Tabbing Booklets To qualify for an automation price, booklets must be tabbed according the DMM. When preparing a booklet with an internal flap, the front of back cover sheet is extended on the trailing edge and folded over the non-recessed internal pages. The flap is sealed inside the opposite cover sheet with a continuous glue line. Place two 1-1/2" non perforated tabs on the top edge 1" from the leading and trailing edges.

116 Automation Flats Length When measuring flats, the length is the physically longer dimension and the height is perpendicular to the length. When determining maximum length and height criteria for flat-sized pieces, polywrap selvages will be included in the measurement. When determining minimum length and height criteria, polywrap selvages will not be included in the measurement.

117 Automation Flats Corners Each flat-size piece must be rectangular, except that flat-size mailpieces may have finished corners that do not exceed a radius of 1/8".

118 Automation Flats Weight The maximum weight limits for automation flats are as follows for: First-Class Mail, 13 ounces. Periodicals, 20 ounces. Standard Mail, less than 16 ounces. Bound Printed Matter, 20 ounces.

119 Automation Flats Flexibility Flat-size pieces must be flexible. Flat-size pieces must be flexible. Boxes, with or without hinges, gaps, or breaks that allow the piece to bend, are not flats. Tight envelopes or wrappers that are filled with one or more boxes are not flats. Further testing is required for flats containing rigid inserts. The testing procedures are outlined on the following slides.

120 Automation Flats Flexibility Flat-size pieces must be flexible. For flats 10" or longer that pass the test and do contain a rigid insert: 1. Place the piece with the length perpendicular to the edge of a flat surface and extend the piece 5" off the surface. 2. Press down on the piece at a point 1" from the outer edge, in the center of the piece's width, exerting steady pressure. 3.Turn the piece around and repeat steps 1 and 2. The piece is flexible if both ends can bend at least 2" vertically without being damaged.

121 Automation Flats Flexibility Flat-size pieces must be flexible. For flats less than 10" long that pass the test and do contain a rigid insert: 1. Place the piece with the length perpendicular to the edge of a flat surface and extend the piece one-half of its length off the surface. 2. Press down on the piece at a point 1" from the outer edge, in the center of the piece's width, exerting steady pressure. 3. Turn the piece around and repeat steps 1 and 2. The piece is flexible if both ends can bend at least 1" vertically without being damaged.

122 Automation Flats Flexibility Flat-size pieces must be flexible. Rigid flat-size mailpieces in paper, polywrap or similar packaging that allows for the pieces to be grasped and inducted into USPS flat-sorting equipment, may qualify for automation prices with USPS approval. Mailers seeking approval for mailpieces under this standard must contact their local Manager, Business Mail Entry for instructions on submitting sample mailpieces to the Pricing and Classification Service Center (PCSC). Approved pieces must be marked Automation Flat.

123 Automation Flats Deflection Automation flat-size mailpieces must meet maximum deflection standards. Automation flat-size mailpieces must also meet maximum deflection standards. For pieces 10" or longer, test deflection as follows: 1. Place the piece with the length perpendicular to the edge of a flat surface and extend the piece 5" off the surface. 2. Turn the piece around 180 degrees and repeat the process. 3. The piece is automation-compatible if it does not droop more than 4" vertically.

124 Automation Flats Deflection Automation flat-size mailpieces must meet maximum deflection standards. For pieces less than 10" long, test deflection as follows: 1. Place the piece with the length perpendicular to the edge of a flat surface and extend the piece one-half of its length off the surface. 2. Turn the piece around 180 degrees and repeat the process. 2. The piece is automation-compatible if it does not droop more than 1" less than the extended length. For example, a piece 8" long would extend 4" off a flat surface. It must not droop more than 3" vertically.

125 Automation Flats Designing Flats Automation flats must be rectanglar, uniformaly thick within 1/4", flexible, and meet DMM deflection and design standards. Clasps, strings, buttons, or like materials, or other protrusions that impede or damage mail processing equipment are prohibited.