For Printers:

Here is a summary of mailing requirements for various common mailpieces. These requiresments can be found in a more detailed format in the United States Post Office's Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) which can be found online here. If you have any further questions regarding the requirements for mailpieces, please contact us.


BARCODING:

Every mailpiece must include a mail panel which can hold an address and a barcode (which allows for a discount of approximately 3 cents on postage). A USPC approved Postnet barcode is approximately 3 inches long and 1/4 inch tall. This barcode must be printed AT LEAST 1/2 INCH FROM THE EDGE OF THE MAILPIECE and must be at least 1/8 inch from any other text/art (including verticle lines on postcards). This barcode is printed in black and must be on a solid white (or other very light colored) area (speckles, screened graphics and dark colors tend to cause barcode misreads).

MAILPIECE DIMENSIONS:


Postcards:


Minimum Size:
 3.5" X 5"


Maximum Size (First Class Postcard rate):
 4.25" X 6"


Maximum Size (Presort Standard/Non-Profit Rate):
 6.125" X 11"


4.25" X 6" MUST BE ON AT LEAST .007 STOCK. LARGER POSTCARDS MUST BE ON AT LEAST .009 STOCK.




Letters:





Minimum Size:

 3.5" X 5"


Maximum Size (all rates):

 6.125" X 11"


Maxumum Thickness:

 .25"


Minimum Thickness:

 .009 (on the micrometer)


Maximum Weight:

 First Class (1 lb, with each ounce over one (1)carrying a $0.23 additional postage cost)



Presort Standard/Non-Profit Rates: 3.3 Oz, with overweight pieces (up to 1 lb.) going at Piece/Pound rates)

Flats

Minimum Size: 6.26" tall and/or 11.1" wide.


Maxumum Thickness:

 .25"


Minimum Thickness:

 .009 (on the micrometer)


Maximum Weight:

 First Class (1 lb, with each ounce over one (1)carrying a $0.23 additional postage cost)



Presort Standard/Non-Profit Rates:    3.3 Oz, with overweight pieces (up to 1 lb.) going at Piece/Pound rates)




Tabbing:

                Any folded mailpiece that is going at Letter rates must be wafer sealed. The USPS requires that pieces with an open edge at the top of the selfmailer must be tabbed once and pieces with an open edge on the bottom must be tabbed twice.

                Pieces bound by staples must have stapled edge on the top of the mailside, requiring two tabs. Pieces with the stapled edge down are not in compliance with DMM regulations and are subject to a Non-Machinable Surchage, as well as possible delays in mailing delivery.



Please note that Ink Jet Addressing can not accomodate any full ink coverage on the mail panel or any type of press coating. All postage increases due to mailpiece design/printing will be paid for by printing client, and Data Mail assumes no responsibility.