art litho printing solutions

Mailing Tips

We constantly update our tips to assist you in your mail piece design. Below are a few tips to help you get started. Check back frequently for updates.

Size

  • If a mailpiece is ¼ inch thick or less, it MUST be rectangular and at least 3 ½ inches high by 5 inches long.
  • The maximum size for most mailpieces is 108 inches in combined length and girth. Parcel Post pieces may measure up to 130 inches in combined length and girth (but will be charged oversized rates).

Thickness

  • All mailpieces MUST be at least .007 inches thick.

Tabbing

  • All letter size automation mailpieces not in an envelope require tabbing.
  • As a general rule, if a mailpiece is open at the top it requires 1 tab. If it is open at the bottom, it requires 2 tabs.
  • You may not use perforated tabs at the bottom of automation mailpieces

Automation

  • Staples are not allowed in letter size self-mailers. If they are used you will be subject to a nonmachinable surcharge.
  • Staples are allowed in automation flat size pieces.
  • Flat size mail does not require tabbing for automation discounts.

Rates

  • There are no “card” rates for presort standard mail. If you have a 4 ¼ x 6 piece you will still pay letter rates.
  • To qualify for mailing at First-Class Mail card rates, a card must be: rectangular, at least 3-½ inches high x 5 inches long x .007 inches thick, and no more than 4-¼ inches high x 6 inches long x .016 inches thick

Sorting

  •  Sorting mail is different for cards, letters, and flats. Flats are the most difficult of all mail to sort. Bundles are required at a minimum of 10 pieces versus automation letters where there is no bundling.
  • A 12 page folded to 8 ½ X 11 falls into the flat category. It does not need to be tabbed or refolded but there are significant savings available if it is folded to 5 ½ X 8 ½ and tabbed. You now have an automation letter and less expensive preparation and postage.

General Rules

  • The Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) has final say over anything a postal clerk tells you!
  • The best way to stay up to date is on the USPS web site (www.usps.com) with the postal bulletins.
  • Find a good Mailpiece Design Analyst (MDA) because if they tell you something is all right to mail and it breaks a postal rule the DMM has final say.

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