Facts

(Please refer to http://pe.usps.gov/text/qsg300/q000.htm for exact guidelines.)

General Letter Mail Dimensions (this includes post cards and newsletters/flyers):

Dimensions Minimum Maximum
Height 3 ½" 6 1/8"
Length 5" 11 ½"
Thickness .007" ¼"

Color:

Certain colored paper does not meet the background reflectance requirement for automated processing. These colors include all dark colors, such as holiday-style red and green, and the darker florescent colors. Colors that work well are white and pastel colors. If you have a question about a color that you'd like to use, we can bring a sample to the mail piece design supervisor for review.

Paper Weight Recommendations:

  • Single Tri Folded Sheet - A minimum weight of 20 pounds can be sealed with 1 tab (USPS recommends 28 pound weight)
  • For Two or More Sheets - A minimum weight of 20 pounds and must be sealed with 2 tabs

Tabbing:

  • If the mail piece is to be folded (bi-fold or tri-fold), it must be designed so that the fold is at the bottom and the tab(s)can be placed at the top.
  • Tabs must be the permanent type, not removable.

Indicia:

  • All mail pieces must have an indicia. Below is a sample of the acceptable indicia format for Standard(Bulk) mail:
  • Automation Compatibility (lowest postage):
    In order to provide enough space for the addressing area including the barcode, please make sure there is a blank space measuring 3 ¾" by 1 ¾" from the lower right bottom corner.

Envelopes for Sealing:

If we are going to seal stuffed envelopes, be sure that the flaps are down so they can run through the machine properly.

Quantity:

The minimum for discounted postage rates is 200 pieces for Standard (bulk) mailings and 500 pieces for First-Class mailings.Please consider providing 5-10 extra mail pieces. Your mailing may run through many pieces of equipment and there is always a chance of jamming.

Mailing Magnets:

In order to make sure that you are able to obtain the lowest postage possible when mailing magnets, please follow the guidelines below:

  • The maximum size of the magnet is 4 ¼ inches in height and 6 inches in length before incurring additional postage fees.
  • The magnet must be right-justified (leading edge) on the mailpiece. If the magnet is enclosed in an envelope it must be secured, right-justified, and inside the envelope.

Nonmachinable Surcharge:

A nonmachinable surcharge will apply to mailings that meet the following criteria:

  1. If the aspect ratio (length divided by height) is less than 1.3 or more than 2.5.
  2. If it is a magnet that does not follow the guidelines listed above,
  3. If it is polybagged, polywrapped or enclosed in any plastic material.
  4. If it has clasps, strings, buttons or similar closure devices.
  5. If it contains items such as pens, pencils or loose keys or coins that cause the thickness of the mailpiece to be uneven.
  6. If it is too rigid (does not bend easily when subjected to a transport belt tension of 40 pounds around an 11-inch diameter turn).
  7. If it is a mailpiece more than 4-1/4 inches high or 6 inches long and the thickness is less than 0.009 inch.
  8. If it is a folded self-mailer and the folded edge is perpendicular to the address and if the piece is not folded and secured according to DMM C810.7.2.
  9. If it is a booklet-type piece and the bound edge (spine) is the shorter dimension of the piece or is at the top (regardless of the use of tabs, wafer seals, or other fasteners).

Never hesitate to contact us at 314-894-7300 if you have questions about your mail piece or any mailing requirements. We're happy to discuss your individual needs.