Dave Girard WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MAILPIECE DESIGN Mailpiece Design Analyst United States Postal Service MDA Customer Service Help Desk MDA@usps.gov or 855-593-6093 1 1 1

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MAILPECE DESIGN IS IT MAILABLE? - MUST BE RECTANGULAR (if < 1/4” thick)* - MUST BE AT LEAST 3.5” HIGH x 5” LONG - MUST BE AT LEAST .007” THICK (7 POINTS) Customized Market Mail does not have to be rectangular Letter-size card stock pieces may have rounded corners up to 1/8” in diameter. 2 4 5

- LOCATION & ORIENTATION OF DELIVERY ADDRESS DETERMINES LENGTH OF LETTER SIZE PIECE 3 1/2” 5" ADDRESS LABEL ADDRESS LABEL 5" 3-1/2” YES NO 3 5 4

PROCESSING CATEGORY WHAT IS THE PROCESSING CATEGORY? IS IT A LETTER, FLAT, PARCEL? Postage costs and Mail Preparation Requirements are different based on the processing category.

IT MAILS AT LETTER RATES*, AND MUST BE PREPARED AS A LETTER PROCESSING CATEGORY YOUR MAILPIECE IS A LETTER IF IT FALLS WITHIN THESE DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT. WEIGHT 3.5 OUNCES IT MAILS AT LETTER RATES*, AND MUST BE PREPARED AS A LETTER *Certain pieces heavier than 3.5 oz are subject to being prepared as letters, but paid as a flat

IT MAILS AT FLAT RATES, AND MUST BE PREPARED AS A FLAT. PROCESSING CATEGORY YOUR MAILPIECE IS A FLAT IF IT EXCEEDS ONE OF THE LETTER SIZE DIMENSIONS AND DOES NOT EXCEED THE MAXIMUM FLAT DIMENSIONS. EXCEPTIONS TO MINIMUM SIZE – EVERY DOOR DIRECT MAIL –LENGTH 10-1/2 INCHES AUTOMATION FLATS – CAN BE AS SMALL AS 5 INCHES BY 6 INCHES ***** FLATS CANNOT BE TOO RIGID AND MUST BE UNIFORMLY THICK (within ¼”) IT MAILS AT FLAT RATES, AND MUST BE PREPARED AS A FLAT.

PROCESSING CATEGORY YOUR MAILPIECE IS A PARCEL IF IT DOES NOT QUALIFY AS A LETTER OR FLAT IT MAILS AT PARCEL RATES, AND MUST BE PREPARED AS A PARCEL.

IT MAILS AT LETTER RATES*, AND MUST BE PREPARED AS A LETTER PROCESSING CATEGORY YOUR MAILPIECE IS A LETTER IF IT FALLS WITHIN THESE DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT. WEIGHT 3.5 OUNCES IT MAILS AT LETTER RATES*, AND MUST BE PREPARED AS A LETTER *Certain pieces heavier than 3.5 oz are subject to being prepared as letters, but paid as a flat

MACHINABILITY – LETTER MAIL PRICE LIST, NOTICE 123 DATED 1-21-2018 IS IT MACHINABLE? -If it is not machinable, it cannot be mailed at automation prices -In addition, it is subject to a 21¢ surcharge in FCM and nonmachinable prices in STD Mail 5 x 7 Mails for 44.8 to 64.6 cents 5 x 7 STD MAIL: 5 DIGIT DSCF to MXD ADC NON-MACHINABLE Mails for 22 to 28.7 cents STD MAIL: AUTO 5-DIGIT DSCF to MXD AADC PRICE LIST, NOTICE 123 DATED 1-21-2018

MACHINABILITY – LETTER MAIL THE NON-MACHINABLE SURCHARGE OR RATES DO NOT APPLY TO: FIRST-CLASS MAIL STANDARD MAIL - CARD RATE PIECES - NON-LETTERS (Flats, Parcels) - PIECES WEIGHING >3.3 OZ - AUTOMATION RATE LETTERS - AUTOMATION RATE LETTERS - ECR LETTERS

MACHINABILITY – LETTER MAIL Effective May 11, 2009, the standards for machinable mail and automation mail became aligned. Machinable mail must meet the physical characteristics of automation mail with the exception of the qualifying barcode. DMM 201.1.1.3

MACHINABLE/AUTOMATION – LETTER MAIL Weight is over 3.0 ounces unless enclosed in an envelope. If over 3 ounces and barcoded, the barcode must be in the address block. DMM 201.3.6

MACHINABLE/AUTOMATION – LETTER MAIL Is polybagged, polywrapped, or enclosed in any plastic material or has an exterior surface that is not made of paper. ANYWHERE IN 46206-0001 U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT xxx City State MAILPIECE DESIGN ANALYST 125 W SOUTH ST INDIANAPOLS IN 46206-9651 DMM 201.3.8 & 201.2.1 New Standards Proposed

MACHINABLE/AUTOMATION – LETTER MAIL For pieces more than 4.25 inches high or 6 inches long, the thickness is less than .009 inches. 6 to 11.5" Long 5 to 6" Long Thickness: .009" to .025" Thickness: .007" - up to .016”for postcards - up to .25 for letters 3.5 to 4.25" High 4.25 to 6.125” High DMM 201.1.1.1

MACHINABLE/AUTOMATION – LETTER MAIL Aspect ratio or length divided by height is less than 1.3 or greater than 2.5. (An aspect ratio of 1.3 and 2.5 is required for automation or QBRM rates.) Unacceptable 5/4=1.25 4" 5" Acceptable 6/4=1.5 4" 6" DMM 201.3.7

Has clasps, strings, buttons, or similar closure devices. MACHINABLE/AUTOMATION – LETTER MAIL Has clasps, strings, buttons, or similar closure devices. DMM 201.3.8

MACHINABLE/AUTOMATION – LETTER MAIL Contains items such as pens, pencils, or loose keys or coins that cause the thickness of the mailpiece to be uneven. RIGID ITEMS ARE PROHIBITED IN PAPER MAILPIECES DMM 201.3.10

MACHINABLE/AUTOMATION – LETTER MAIL Is too rigid (does not bend easily when subjected to a transport belt tension of 40 pounds around an 11-inch diameter turn). MAILPIECES MAY BE SUBMITTED FOR FLEXIBILITY TESTING TO THE PCSC DMM 201.3.12.1

NEW STANDARDS FOR CD/DVD MAILERS EFFECTIVE AUGUST 14, 2008 NEW STANDARDS WERE ESTABLISHED FOR CD/DVD MAILERS ELIMINATING THE NEED FOR PCSC TESTING TESTING STILL REQUIRED FOR PIECES OUTSIDE OF THESE STANDARDS

MACHINABLE/AUTOMATION – LETTER MAIL A folded self-mailer is formed of two or more panels created when a single or multiple unbound sheets of paper are folded together and sealed to form a letter-size mailpiece. 13 14 14

MACHINABLE/AUTOMATION – LETTER MAIL Dimensions Height: 3.5 to 6 inches max Length: 5 to 10.5 inches max Weight: up to 3 ounces Paper basis weight – Book grade (text, offset) Basic Folded Self-Mailer design 70lb min for 1oz mailpiece; 80lb over 1oz up to 3oz Optional elements added basis weight ranges from 80lb to 120lb basis weight increases when piece weight is over 1oz Newsprint paper allowed on quarter-fold design only (55lb min newsprint paper which correlates to 60lb Book weight; 1.5 inch tabs required) 13 14 14

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR AUTO & MACHINABLE FSMs SELF- MAILERS MUST BE SEALED CLOSED TABS, WAFER SEALS, TAPE, GLUE CAN BE USED NUMBER AND LOCATION OF TABS REQUIRED IS BASED ON: WEIGHT OF MAILPIECE NUMBER OF PANELS POSITION OF FOLD TABS ARE NOT ALLOWED ON BOTTOM EDGE STAPLES NOT ALLOWED AS CLOSING DEVICE A clear space must surround a barcode to be readable. The clear space must measure at least 1/25” above and below the barcode and 1/8” to the right or left of the bars and any other printed information, extraneous printing, or window die cuts. 30 35 34

MACHINABLE/AUTOMATION – LETTER MAIL 13 14 14

MACHINABLE/AUTOMATION – LETTER MAIL Flaps are formed when the final exterior panel is folded over and affixed to the unaddressed side of the mailpiece. It is basically a sealing device The folded edge of a flap must be flush with the top edge of the mailpiece and end one inch or more above the bottom edge, and be at least 1-1/2 inches when measured from the top of the mailpiece. Flaps must be secured by a sealing method. Flaps with die-cut shapes must be firmly secured with tabs, glue line, glue spots or elongated glue lines. A 1/8 inch wide continuous glue line that seals the contour of the die-cut is strongly recommended. Flaps on oblong pieces must be at least 5 inches long at the longest point when measured from the leading edge and must end more than one inch from the trailing edge.

MACHINABLE/AUTOMATION – LETTER MAIL

MACHINABLE/AUTOMATION – LETTER MAIL New tabbing requirements for booklet-style letter size pieces effective September 8, 2009 with new options added April 5, 2010. Most of these designs will require 3 seals, 1 ½ inches in diameter with no perforations with 2 inch seals for heavier and longer pieces.

MACHINABLE/AUTOMATION – LETTER MAIL On a simple spine design, the spine forms the bottom edge of the piece. The length or method used to seal the booklet determines the weight of the paper forming the cover.

MACHINABLE/AUTOMATION – LETTER MAIL New Alternatives for Simple Spine Booklets One new design and lighter weight covers which require more stringent gluing and tabbing requirements Continuous, 1/2-inch wide, glue lines must be placed along the entire length of the open edge and end within 1/16-inch of the open ends. The selvage along the open edge must not exceed 1/16 inch. Glue lines must be created with a permanent adhesive that is not tacky when dry.

MACHINABLE/AUTOMATION – LETTER MAIL

MACHINABLE/AUTOMATION – LETTER MAIL Wallet-Style Saddle-stitched spine on bottom One tab leading and trailing edge 4" height only 5.2 to 8 inch length Maximum Weight 2.5 oz. Slide 19 Customers may use this design option after it is published. Check the Postal Bulletin for updates. This piece is smaller in every aspect. Light weight inner pages can be made by some printers and provide an opportunity to add pages while remaining within weight eligibility constraints.

MACHINABLE/AUTOMATION – LETTER MAIL Oblong Booklets have the spine on the leading shorter edge Slide 18 Both front and back covers are extended. The outer (cover) sheet weight is increased in examples sealed with glue closures.

MACHINABLE/AUTOMATION – LETTER MAIL Folded booklets are large mailpieces that are bound and then folded to letter-size. The final fold must be the bottom (longer) edge. The folded spine should be the leading edge, however, if necessary, the spine may be prepared as the trailing edge. The spine on the trailing edge configuration is not recommended. The cover is at least 40-pound paper. The cover is at least 40-pound paper. Folded booklets must be sealed with nonperforated 1.5" tabs.

So What’s NEW?!!

Growing the Mail Volume by Expanding Letter Mail Design What have we done? Laminated Card-Type Letters and Postcards (CSR PS-350) Mailing Letter-size Mailpieces with Magnets at Automation Prices (CSR PS-351) Die-Cut Nonrectangular Enveloped Pieces (TED-C) Non-paper pieces (vellum and plastic envelopes)

Growing the Mail Volume by Expanding Letter Mail Design Laminated Card-Type Letters and Postcards Laminated cards at the automation price April 6, 2009 Federal Register Notice that allowed for a “Grandfather” clause which allowed any mailer who was mailing laminated piece designs at automation card/letter prices prior to the 2009 FRN to continue to mail those designs at the applicable automation prices. This gives unfair treatment against mailers who did not produce these pieces prior to that date We are incorporating a new standard the will eliminate the grandfather clause and make the playing field level for the entire industry (CSR PS-350)

Growing the Mail Volume by Expanding Letter Mail Design Must be made of paper under the laminate Must be a single card type piece (no double cards or folded self-mailers) Must have an Intelligent Mail barcode (IMb) and be part of an IMb Full Service mailing Cannot have any ancillary endorsement (If First-Class Mail must use a Service Type ID to dispose of the mail (STID 260/270))

Growing the Mail Volume by Expanding Letter Mail Design Must have a “one-to-one” cut to tie ration on any perforations If the perforation intersects with an edge, it must do so with a tie Must have rounded corners but not to exceed a radius of .125” Does qualify for First-Class Mail card prices if piece meets all applicable standards for card price If you have unused stock that was eligible under the “Grandfather” clause that does not meet the updated requirements, exceptions will be given The Postal Service reserves the right to rescind this CSR if we discover any operational impacts due to this support ruling

Growing the Mail Volume by Expanding Letter Mail Design Magnets – No Change On These Existing Rules Magnets may not exceed 1/32 inch in thickness The magnetic surface may not exceed 26 square inches (length times height) The magnetic surface may face either the address side or the non-address side Enclosed magnets must be affixed to the contents, wrapped within the contents to prevent excess shifting or fill the mailpiece with no more than ½ inch clearance between the left and right edges of the magnet and the mailpiece edges Magnets permanently attached to, or prepared as, an integral part of unfolded card stock pieces must be located on the leading edge of the mailpiece.

Growing the Mail Volume by Expanding Letter Mail Design Magnets On Automation Card-Type Pieces Same rules apply for thickness and surface area Affixed magnets must be positioned on the address side of the mailpiece Attached magnets must be secured with a minimum of three glue lines, one along the right edge, one along the left edge and on in the center of the magnet and extend to each edge Magnets that are affixed with less than 3 continuous glue lines must be secured under a clear poly material, with a selvage of at least 0.25 inches along all 4 edges of the magnet. The edges of the poly material must be affixed to the mailpiece with an adhesive that fully extends to the outer edges of the poly covering. (CSR-351) The Postal Service reserves the right to rescind this CSR if we discover any operational impacts due to this support ruling

Growing the Mail Volume by Expanding Letter Mail Design TRAIL EDGE DIE-CUT (TED-C) SPECIFICATIONS Height: 3-1/2 inches (min) to 6-1/8 inches (max) Length: *5 inches (min) to *10-1/2 inches (max) Thickness: .009 inches (min) to ¼ inch (max) Aspect Ratio: *1.3 (min) to *2.5 (max) *Cannot use die-cut design to meet minimum length and minimum allowable aspect ratio. Must use die-cut when measuring for maximum length and maximum allowable aspect ratio. Example, if the length of the piece is 4-7/8 inches without the die-cut, then it is nonmailable (minimum 5 inches). If piece is 10 inches without die-cut and the die-cut design makes the piece exceed the 10-1/2 inch maximum, the piece is nonmailable.

Growing the Mail Volume by Expanding Letter Mail Design TRAIL EDGE DIE-CUT (TED-C) SPECIFICATIONS Mailpiece must maintain four 90 degree corners (top left to bottom left, top right to bottom right) Rounded corners are currently being tested Die-cut design MUST only be on trailing edge Die-cut design must start a minimum of 0.3 inches from both the top and bottom edges Die-cut can extend no more than 5/8 inch out from end of pieces (where square corners are located)

Growing the Mail Volume by Expanding Letter Mail Design TRAIL EDGE DIE-CUT (TED-C) REQUIREMENTS Must be a minimum 50 pound paper basis weight (book grade) or equivalent TED-C mailpieces must be IMb Full-Service compliant mailpieces Cannot have any forwarding, return, or address correction service endorsements STID on First-Class Mail pieces (STID 260/270) must convey that the pieces are wasted and no ancillary service endorsement is allowed for Marketing Mail Not eligible for First-Class postcard prices

Growing the Mail Volume by Expanding Letter Mail Design THIS IS A DRAFT OF THE TEMPLATE

Growing the Mail Volume by Expanding Letter Mail Design

Growing the Mail Volume by Expanding Letter Mail Design TRAIL EDGE DIE-CUT (TED-C) TESTING Submit two samples and a letter requesting approval to: Manager Your Local Manager Business Mail Entry They will send to Pricing and Classification Service Center They will determine if the pieces meet the criteria If they do then will request additional pieces (50-100) for testing

Growing the Mail Volume by Expanding Letter Mail Design TRAIL EDGE DIE-CUT (TED-C) EXAMPLES

Growing the Mail Volume by Expanding Letter Mail Design TRAIL EDGE DIE-CUT (TED-C) EXAMPLES

Growing the Mail Volume by Expanding Letter Mail Design NON-PAPER ENVELOPES Non-paper envelopes must have a “clear space showing” of no more then 0.2 inches on left and right of mailpiece during processing Industry had issue because of the tolerance of inserts so mailpiece may have borders on the edge of mailpiece on either side to allow for tolerance due to insertion Borders are eligible if there is 0.2 inches or less of “clear space showing” Borders must be as close to edges as possible and may be printed on the insert or outside on the envelope

Growing the Mail Volume by Expanding Letter Mail Design All borders covered with paper or ink

Growing the Mail Volume by Expanding Letter Mail Design NON-PAPER ENVELOPES Vellum/Poly enveloped letter-size mailpieces will be approved for automation prices on a case by case basis Determination will be from the results of USPS Engineering’s testing of pieces PCSC will issue a letter for the determination Letters will be given case numbers for filed access in “Service Now” There will be a basic CSR addressing that these pieces may be able to qualify for automation letter prices

Growing the Mail Volume by Expanding Letter Mail Design OTHER TYPES OF MAILPIECES Oversized windows on letters (problematic on unaddressed side) Reverse Printing or black/dark envelopes with light printing – (Problematic, but working on update to allow dark envelopes at automation prices) Trademark and Imitation Markings Clarification Mailpieces with through holes (Currently being determined) Other emerging letter-size applications (Alternate designs have been submitted for testing/approval)

The HEART of any mailpiece is the delivery address Standardized Addressing Format The HEART of the design of any mailpiece is the delivery address. Just like the human body, it’s one part that must function correctly. To ensure that happens, the Postal Service has a prescription for a standardized addressing format. Let’s take a look!

NOT BARCODING? – OCR READABILITY ADDRESS SHOULD BE: - Machine printed - Uniform left margin - All upper case characters Publication 25 NOT BARCODING? – OCR READABILITY CPRS 03672 MR S ONEILL PRES SEAN ONEILL INC 4321 MAPLE ST STE 342 OAKTON MD 12345-6789 - STANDARD ADDRESS FORMAT - MACHINE PRINTED ADDRESS - ALL LINES LEFT JUSTIFIED - SIMPLE TYPE STYLE - 10-12 POINT TYPE SIZE - ALL UPPER CASE CHARACTERS - NO PUNCTUATION - USE POSTAL ABBREVIATIONS For successful OCR processing, addresses should be machine printed, with a uniform left margin, and formatted in a manner that allows the equipment to “recognize” the information and find a “match” in its software files. Publication 25

BARCODING – OCR READABILITY RECOMENDATIONS FOR OCR PROCESSING Position of information (Letters). 7 18 17

BARCODING – OCR READABILITY AVOID : GLOSSY/COATED PAPER STOCK - Character/Barcode smear BOLD TYPE - Character/Barcode thickness problem POOR PRINT QUALITY - Character/Barcode voids DARK BACKGROUND COLORS - Poor reflectance between paper/print 18 17 21

BARCODING – ADDRESS BLOCK BARCODES CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS 1/8” to the left and right of the barcode INTELLIGENT MAIL .028” above and below the barcode. Theses clearances are required between the barcode and window or label edges and/or any dark area such as printing or graphics .028” min

BARCODING – ADDRESS BLOCK BARCODES WINDOW ENVELOPES ENTERED AT BARCODED RATES WILL UNDERGO A “TAP TEST” SCOTT JACKSON 1234 EAST DR NEW BEDFORD MA 02740-3461 SCOTT JACKSON 1234 EAST DR NEW BEDFORD MA 02740-3461 FIRST CLASS ZIP+4 US POSTAGE PAID CHICAGO IL PERMIT NO 1 FIRST CLASS ZIP+4 US POSTAGE PAID CHICAGO IL PERMIT NO 1 S782849623867S MAX SMART 86 K ST NW SAN ANTONIO TX 78284-9623 S78284962386 MAX SMART 86 K ST NW SAN ANTONIO TX 78284-9 On the address block window envelopes, a clear space must be maintained between the barcode and any other printing or die cuts throughout the insert’s full range of motion within the envelope. A clear space of at least 1/25” is required above and below the postnet barcode and .028” above and below the IMBC. Also, 1/8” is needed to the right and the left of the barcode as when the insert is moved to its full limits inside the envelope. MAILPIECES THAT DO NOT PASS THE “TAP TEST” WILL BE NOT BE ACCEPTED AT AUTOMATION RATES. 36 35 31

Any questions on letter size mail? Let’s move on to flat size mail!!

IT MAILS AT FLAT RATES, AND MUST BE PREPARED AS A FLAT. PROCESSING CATEGORY YOUR MAILPIECE IS A FLAT IF IT EXCEEDS ONE OF THE LETTER SIZE DIMENSIONS AND DOES NOT EXCEED THE MAXIMUM FLAT DIMENSIONS. ***** FLATS CANNOT BE TOO RIGID AND MUST BE UNIFORMLY THICK (within ¼”) IT MAILS AT FLAT RATES, AND MUST BE PREPARED AS A FLAT.

FLAT SIZE MAIL AND FLEXIBILITY Flat size mail can not be too rigid. If a flat size piece has no rigid insert, place the length parallel to a sharp edge, extend it halfway off the edge and press in the middle of the extended edge. If it flexes one inch without damage, it meets the flexibility requirement. A clear space must surround a barcode to be readable. The clear space must measure at least 1/25” above and below the barcode and 1/8” to the right or left of the bars and any other printed information, extraneous printing, or window die cuts. A clear space must surround a barcode to be readable. The clear space must measure at least 1/25” above and below the barcode and 1/8” to the right or left of the bars and any other printed information, extraneous printing, or window die cuts. 34 35 30

If the flat size piece contains a rigid insert, FLAT SIZE MAIL AND FLEXIBILITY If the flat size piece contains a rigid insert, It needs to be tested in both directions with more flexibilty needed for longer pieces. 7 18 17

FLAT SIZE MAIL AND FLEXIBILITY Flat size mail cannot be too flexible. New deflection standards went into effect June 6, 2010 . These standards require pieces to maintain some rigidity for proper processing.

ADDRESSING STANDARDS Effective March 29, 2009, THERE ARE ADDRESS PLACEMENT AND FORMATTING REQUIREMENTS FOR PERIODICALS, STANDARD MAIL®, BOUND PRINTED MATTER, MEDIA MAIL®, AND LIBRARY MAIL FLAT-SIZE MAIL SENT AT AUTOMATION, PRESORTED OR CARRIER ROUTE PRICES. THERE WERE ALSO RELATED REVISIONS FOR AUTOMATION AND PRESORTED FIRST-CLASS MAIL® FLATS.

ADDRESS PLACEMENT STANDARDS Upper Portion or Top Half The standards require the delivery address to be in the “upper portion” of the mailpiece, also known as the top half. So how do we define the top half?

NEW ADDRESS PLACEMENT STANDARDS ON ENVELOPED OR POLYWRAPPED PIECES, THE TOP IS DEFINED AS EITHER OF THE SHORTER EDGES When the address is on an insert polywrapped with the host piece, the address must remain within the top half throughout processing and delivery.

NEW ADDRESS PLACEMENT STANDARDS ON FOLDED OR BOUND FLATS, THE TOP IS DEFINED WHEN THE FINAL FOLD OR BOUND EDGE IS VERTICAL AND ON THE RIGHT

ADDRESS CHARACTERISTICS MINIMUM SIZE TEXT All presorted and carrier route flats must be addressed using at least 8-point type. Each letter or figure must be at least 0.080 inch high. Flats using an 11-digit POSTNET or an Intelligent Mail barcode may use 6-point type if the address is printed in all capital letters. Each letter or figure must be at least 0.065 inch high.

ADDRESS CHARACTERISTICS SPACING Additional standards for automation pieces only: Address characters cannot overlap. Address lines cannot touch or overlap (0.028-inch clearance preferred). Address elements may be separated by no more than five blank spaces.

BARCODING – ADDRESS BLOCK BARCODES A TAP TEST IS DONE ON FLAT SIZE PIECES AS WELL 1/8” TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT, AND .028” ABOVE AND BELOW THE IMBC MUST BE CLEAR OF THE WINDOW EDGE. MAILPIECE DESIGN ANALYST US POSTAL SERVICE 125 W SOUTH ST RM 323E INDIANAPOLIS IN 46206-9651 S462069651233S A clear space of at least 1/8” is required between the address block and the top and bottom sides of the address window. The clear space must be maintained when the insert is moved to it’s full limits within the envelope. NOTES: _________________________________ _________________________________________

EXCEPT FOR SHORT COVERS Tabbing is not required on flat mail because the bound edge or final fold is positioned so that the right edge is the leading edge during processing. Publication 63 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR AUTO FLATS NO TABBING IS REQUIRED EXCEPT FOR SHORT COVERS Tabbing is not required on flat mail because the bound edge or final fold is positioned so that the right edge is the leading edge during processing. Publication 63 Carts, Unicycles, & Bikes C.U.B. 34

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR FLATS ANY FLAT MUST BE UNIFORM IN THICKNESS – AND BE SMOOTH AND REGULAR IN SHAPE. THE CONTENTS SHOULD BE APPROXIMATELY THE SAME SIZE AS THE ENVELOPE. Inserts must be placed inside to prevent loss during processing. This won’t work! NOTES: _________________________________ _________________________________________

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR FLATS JOEL SCHROEDER US POSTAL SERVICE 500 W CHESTNUT EXPY RM 140 SPRINGFIELD MO 65801-9996 If Mailers wish to use a polywrap covering on any flat, it must use a USPS approved polywrap or polybag. A list of USPS approved polywrap vendors available at https://postalpro.usps.com/polymanufacturerslist New proceedures for Polywrap have been introduced. One sample of the mailpiece is sent to the Mailpiece Design Analyst for approval. Once approved, the mailer must submit a copy of the polywrap certification at the time of the mailing along with the letter from the MDA. Requirements differ based on the design of the mail. To be sure, contact your local Mailpiece Design Analyst. NOTES: _________________________________ _________________________________________

REPLY MAIL BUSINESS REPLY MAIL COURTESY REPLY MAIL 36

REPLY MAIL BUSINESS REPLY MAIL IS REQUIRED TO HAVE THE “FIM” – FACING IDENTIFICATION MARK, AND WE RECOMMEND THE BARCODE BE PRINTED ON THE MAILPIECE. BOTH ARE REQUIRED ON QBRM PIECES. WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND THE FIM AND BARCODE ON COURTESY REPLY MAIL. IN ADDITION, BRM MAIL HAS OTHER FORMAT ELEMENTS THAT ARE REQUIRED “CAMERA READY ARTWORK” FOR REPLY PIECES IS SUPPLIED FREE OF CHARGE BY THE USPS THROUGH THE AUTOMATED BUSINESS REPLY MAIL ONLINE ARTWORK . MDAs CAN STILL PROVIDE ARTWORK WHEN NECESSARY. 36

NO PERMIT OR ANNUAL FEE REQUIRED YOUR CUSTOMER PAYS THE POSTAGE REPLY MAIL COURTESY REPLY MAIL NO PERMIT OR ANNUAL FEE REQUIRED YOUR CUSTOMER PAYS THE POSTAGE The USPS Recommends the use of FIM A and a Delivery-point Barcode on CRM

POSTAGE AND PER/PIECE FEE ($0.84, $0.83) ON RETURNED MAIL REPLY MAIL BASIC BUSINESS REPLY MAIL MUST PAY ANNUAL FEE ($225.00, $235.00) PLUS POSTAGE AND PER/PIECE FEE ($0.84, $0.83) ON RETURNED MAIL POSTCARD = $1.19 ($1.18) 1 OZ = $1.31 ($1.38) BRM must have a ZIP+4 code uniquely assigned for the address and permit number on the mailpiece AND a recommended corresponding ZIP+4 barcode. Delivery-point barcodes are not allowed on BRM

HIGH VOLUME BUSINESS REPLY MAIL MUST PAY ANNUAL PERMIT FEE ($225.00, $235.00) PLUS ANNUUAL ACCOUNTING FEE ($690.00, $710.00) POSTAGE AND PER/PIECE FEE (.098, $.091) ON RETURNED MAIL POSTCARD = $.448 ($.441) 1 OZ = $.568 ($.641) BREAK EVEN POINT IS ABOUT 930 PIECES/YEAR (961 proposed)

QUALIFIED BUSINESS REPLY MAIL (QBRM) YOU NO LONGER PAY ANNUAL FEE YOU ONLY PAY THE ANNUAL ACCOUNTING FEE ($690.00, $710.00) REDUCED POSTAGE AND PER/PIECE FEE (.068, .070) ON RETURNED MAIL FORM 6805 WITH SAMPLES OF BRM PIECE MUST BE SUBMITTED AND APPROVED POSTCARD = $.403 ($.405) 1 OZ = $.553 ($.605) BREAK EVEN POINT IS ABOUT 615 PIECES/YEAR

ADDRESS CHANGE, MOVE UPDATE, CASS/MASS/DPV/LACS, etc. Resources: USPS CONTACTS:   MDA Customer Service Help Desk: 855-593-6093 or MDA@usps.gov             Mailing Requirements for mail preparation, Nonprofit eligibility, Standard Mail eligibility, etc.:                                        ONLINE USPS RESOURCES:  www.usps.com ,  http://pe.usps.gov , http://postalpro.usps.com ADDRESS CHANGE, MOVE UPDATE, CASS/MASS/DPV/LACS, etc. Resources: National Customer Support Center: 800-238-3150 USPS PUBLICATIONS: Postal Bulletin Domestic Mail Manual Federal Register DMM Advisory

PLEASE DON’T MAKE US THE VILLAINS! Check our website at www.usps.com If you are unsure about your design, send it to us for a review and make sure you are not subject to additional postage costs! Check our website at www.usps.com