Mailpiece Design With Pricing in Mind

Mailpiece Design With Pricing in Mind
Today, we will be talking about the impact mailpiece design has on pricing and processing of your mail. Included is insight into how engineering your design to ensure compatibility with Postal Service automation equipment saves dollars, saves time, and makes sense.

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!

Standardized Addressing Format.
MR J BROWN CENTRAL LIBRARY 3915 E CHAIN BRIDGE RD FAIRFAX VA PRESORTED STANDARD U.S.POSTAGE PAID PERMIT 1 NEW YORK NY Standardized Addressing Format A standardized address is a left-justified address that is correctly formatted using standard abbreviations. Uppercase letters are preferred on all lines of the address block. Punctuation may be omitted in the delivery address block with the exception of the hyphen in the ZIP+4 Code. Non-Address Data Line (optional) Non-address data may consist of customer information such as accounting codes, subscription codes, advertising information, logos, Address Change Service keyline/participant codes, etc. Information/Attention Line (optional) This line is used to direct mail to the attention of a specific person or department. Recipient/Company Name (required) The name of the recipient (business or individual). Delivery Address Line (required) The USPS designates the line immediately above the city (Post office), state and ZIP Code as the delivery address lines. The City, State and ZIP Code Line (required) The city (Post office), state and ZIP Code or ZIP+4 Code information is the last line of domestic addressing.

PUB 28 Postal Addressing Standards Best resource for comprehensive
addressing information Available online at Postal Addressing Standards ____________________ Postal Addressing Standards Publication 28, Postal Addressing Standards is the best resource for comprehensive addressing standards. Pub 28 is available online at Next, you’ll need to make some design decisions about the mailpiece on which the address is placed. Publication July 2008

The Postal Service separates all mail into four size categories:
Classification The Postal Service separates all mail into four size categories: Postcards Letters Large envelopes and "flats" Parcels Size and Shape The Postal Service separates all mail into four size categories: cards , letters, large envelopes and "flats" , and parcels. The size and shape of the piece determine the category and the category determines the price. This presentation will cover the physical characteristics for each type of mail. In the letter category we’ll cover self-mailers, booklets, and disc mailers and the tabbing and construction

Categories of Mail Classification Machinable Nonmachinable Automation
Once you’ve determined whether your piece is a postcard, a letter, a flat, or a parcel; the next step is to determine whether it qualifies to be mailed as machinable, nonmachinable, or automation based on the characteristics of the mailpiece. A mailpiece is machinable if it can be sorted on Postal Service processing equipment and meet specific standards, including size, shape, and weight. A mailpiece is nonmachinable if it cannot be sorted by Postal Service equipment. Higher postage prices apply to mailpieces that do not meet machinable standards. Your mailpiece meets automation standards and qualifies for automation prices if it meets the specific addressing, barcoding, and design requirements for the type of piece you’re mailing. For assistance with determining machinability or automation compatibility see your local post office, mailing requirements office, or mailpiece design analyst. IRENE Smith 6449 AMBER ST HARTFORD CT 6060 PRIMACY PKWY STE 201 MEMPHIS TN Presorted U.S. POSTAGE PAID First-Class Mail Permit No. 1 Washington, DC

POSTCARDS - APPLIES TO FIRST-CLASS ONLY
Minimum Size 3-1/2” x 5” .007” thick Maximum Size 4-1/4” x 6” .016” thick SHOW TEMPLATE A postcard must fall within these dimensions and must be made of unfolded paper or card stock and be of uniform thickness and cannot have an attachment that is not totally adhered to the card surface. If it exceeds 4-1/4 X 6, even though it may look like a “postcard” it is now a 1 oz letter. A card that does not the standards in 1.2 must not bear the words "Postcard" or "Double Postcard." There isn’t a postcard designation for Standard Mail, if you’re mailing Standard Mail, you’re going to pay the same rate for a 3-1/2 X 5 postcard as you will for a 6-1/8 X 11-1/2 letter weighing up to 3.3 oz. If you’re mailing postcards it may actually cost you less to put a .29 stamp on them and put them in the mail than you’ll pay buying a permit and doing the sortation that’s required for Standard Mail. 7

lightweight and washable
Postcards Two Format Options Vertical option with or without rule Right half of card dedicated to address and postal information. Text and copy can extend to the right side above the delivery address. PHILIP STRINGHAM 1760 W 2100 S SALT LAKE CITY UT OLD NAVY 1234 MAIN ST OREM UT 84058 great prices. perfect gifts. Performance Fleece keeps you really warm plenty of colors great for the outdoors lightweight and washable a superior product Item of the Week half-zip pullover CLOTHING CO. Presorted First-Class Mail U.S. Postage Paid Permit #1 1-800-OLD NAVY 4-3/4 X 5/8” You may want to leave off the line dividing the card to accommodate the address block barcode.

Design Tip Indicia may be in the upper right corner of the mail piece or of the address area Point out the options for permit imprint indicia placement. 5.3.4 Indicia Placement on Mailpiece Permit imprint indicia must read in the same direction as the delivery address on the mailpiece. The indicia must not encroach on reserved space (e.g., ACS participant code, delivery point barcode) if such a standard applies and can be placed in one of these four positions: a. Upper right corner of the mailpiece. b. Upper right corner of the address area. c. To the right of the address on an address label. d. To the right of the address on an insert appearing through a window envelope. Indicia Here

Automation Postcards HORIZONTALLY DIVIDED POSTCARDS MESSAGE GOES HERE
For horizontally divided postcards, the address side of the card must be divided into an upper portion and a lower portion, with or without a horizontal rule. The portion of the address side that does not contain the delivery address is the message area. The delivery address, postage, and any USPS marking or endorsement must appear within the portion containing the delivery address. As an alternative, when the delivery address appears within the lower portion, it is permissible for the postage, return address, and any USPS marking or endorsement to appear in the upper portion. The portion bearing the delivery address must be at least 1-1/2 inches high (measured from the top or bottom edge of the card, as applicable, right edge to left edge inclusive). For cards claimed at the Presorted rate, nondelivery address information may extend into the portion containing the delivery address only if it appears above the address block and if the information is shaded or surrounded by a border that has at least 1/8 inch clearance between the delivery address block and the border. Mailers may choose not to shade or border the nondelivery address information if there is at least 1/8 inch of clear space around the delivery address block. For cards claimed at the automation rate, the standards for automation-compatible mail in Physical Standards for Automation Letters and Cards and Barcode Placement, must be met. MAIL PIECE DESIGN ANALYST US POSTAL SERVICE 380 W 33rd ST RM 4503 NEW YORK NY FIRST-CLASS US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT 1234 ANYTOWN US DELIVERY ADDRESS AREA AT LEAST 1-1/2” HIGH If address block barcoded, entire address block and barcode must be at least 5/8” from the bottom edge. HORIZONTALLY DIVIDED POSTCARDS

Double Postcard – applies to First-Class only
Postcards Double Postcard – applies to First-Class only Consists of two attached cards, one of which is designed to be detached by the recipient and returned by mail as a single card; DMM The outgoing double postcard mails at the postcard rate. Incoming reply postcard receives the postcard rate. We’re seeing an increased volume of double postcards because of their economy. An good example are motor vehicle registration reminders that have been redesigned into double postcards, thereby saving significant postage dollars. Go over BRM format – refer to Notice 67 – Intelligent Mail Barcode required in May 2011 7

Letters

Reference: DMM Section 201.1.1.c
Shape Matters Letters must be rectangular, with four square corners and parallel opposite sides Exception: Letter-size pieces made of card stock may have “Finished Corners” that do not exceed a maximum radius of .125” For a letter-size design to be considered automation compatible, it must be rectangular in shape. Not only is this important for automation, but note that all mail ¼” inch or less in thickness and non-rectangular in shape is considered non-mailable. As information, a square is a rectangle so it is mailable as a letter. Unfortunately, letter-size squares present a different problem, which we will discuss later in a few slides. Now like postcards, your letter-size card designs can contain slightly rounded or finished corners with a maximum radius of 1/8” inch. Again a good tool that can be used to verify compliance is on of your credit cards. Next slide. Reference: DMM Section c 13

PRESORTED FIRST- CLASS
Window Envelopes 1/8” Clearance PRESORTED FIRST- CLASS MAIL US POSTAGE PAID CLEVELAND OH PERMIT NO 10 SALLY SM 23200 CHA BEACHWO MATT HELM 67 GLEN ALLEN PKWY SOLON OH SALLY SMITH 23200 CHAGRIN BLVD STE 15 BEACHWOOD OH A clear space of at least 1/8” is required between the address block and the top, bottom, and side edges of the address window. The clear space must be maintained when the insert is moved to its full limits in each direction within the envelope.

TAP TEST

Physical Standards for Letters
USE TEMPLATE WAIT UNTIL NEXT SLIDE TO TALK ABOUT ASPECT RATIO

Address Placement on Letters
Determines which side is length & which is width The length is the side parallel to the address JEAN PETERSEN 123 BEAUTY LN PAGEANT ARCHIE LEACH 387 PARK CREEKE LN PARK CITY UT USA USA The location and orientation of the delivery address on letter-size mail establishes which dimensions of the piece are the length and the height. This is important because a letter size piece has an aspect ratio requirement. Aspect ratio prevents letter size pieces from being too long and narrow or square, both of which don’t run on our automated equipment. Aspect ratio is determined by dividing the height into the length – it needs to fall between 1.3 to If the aspect ratio falls outside of this range, the piece is nonmachinable. IN THE NEXT SLIDE YOU’LL ALSO SEE HOW THE ADDRESS PLACEMENT COULD MAKE THE PIECE NONMAILABLE ALL TOGETHER. .49 .36 MS IONA HAUSELINGFYRMM WADDABUNCHA REALTORS INC 735 SELDEMHOMES AVE SALT LAKE CITY UT MR IGOT GADGETS 234 GIZMO ST SALT LAKE CITY UT 4

Address Orientation Letters Height Length Height Length 6” Inches
Example 1 Example 3 6” Inches Height 1/8” Thick 9” Inches - Length Height The next important characteristic is the orientation of the delivery address on your proposed design. In the previous slide, I provided the minimum and maximum dimensions for a letter. What I did not tell you was how to determine the processing category (is it a letter, a flat or a parcel) of your proposed design. For determining the processing category, the length is defined as the longest dimension regardless of address placement and the height is considered the dimension that is perpendicular to the length. Now how you orient the delivery address on the design will not change it’s processing category (if it started off as a letter it will remain a letter), but it can impact the design’s rate eligibility and/or mailability. When you place the delivery address on the design, the dimension that runs parallel with the delivery address is considered the length and the dimension running perpendicular is the height. Let’s look at the examples on this slide to obtain a better understanding of what I am trying to say. In example 1, you will note that the design’s longest dimension is 9” inches with a perpendicular side of 6” inches and it’s thickness is 1/8” inch. Based on these dimensions, the proposed design falls into the letter processing category. Now let’s look at the two examples that contain lines representing different address orientations for this design. Example 2 shows the delivery address orientated parallel to the design’s longest dimension and therefore neither the length or height of the design changes with respect to mailability or rate eligibility. Unfortunately, example 3 show the delivery address oriented parallel to the design’s shorter dimension. In this case for mailability and rate eligibility purposes, the length is now considered 6” inches and the height is considered 9” inches. As a result, this letter would be considered non-machinable. Example 2 Length Height References: DMM Section (Processing Categories) & (Address Placement Causing Mail to be Non-Mailable and Non-Machinable) Length 18

Reference: DMM Section 201.1.1.d
Aspect Ratio 6 ÷ 6 = 1 1/8 inch thick SQUARE HEAD 123 HOME ST PANAMA CITY FL Height 6 inches Remember when I told you previously that a letter-size square shape was considered rectangular and mailable, but presented different automation compatibility concerns? What I was referring to was this. In addition to being rectangular in shape, the letter-size design must also afford an acceptable Aspect ratio. The Aspect ratio is determined by dividing the length of the design by it’s height. The result must fall between 1.3 to In the case of a square shape, such as say 5” inches x 5” inches, the Aspect ratio afford would be (obtain audience input). That’s correct. The Aspect Ratio of a square will always be “1” , which falls outside of the necessary perimeters for automation compatibility. This means that a letter-size square is mailable, but considered non-machinable. An easy way to verify the Aspect Ratio for your designs is to obtain and use the Postal Service’s Notice 3A template. Next slide. Length 6 inches The result of the length of a design being divided by it’s height must fall between 1.3 to 2.5 (inclusive). Reference: DMM Section d 19

(Position address block in this area)
Letters BARCODE CLEAR ZONE 50% of Length 33% of Height RETURN ADDRESS AREA POSTAGE AREA OCR READ AREA (Position address block in this area) 2-3/4” 5/8” 1/2” OCR READ AREA The area scanned by the Optical Character Reader is: - 1/2” from the left of the mailpiece to - 1/2” from the right side of the mailpiece - 5/8” from the bottom edge up to /4” from the bottom edge. Return address information should NEVER be in the OCR READ AREA. Return addresses should always be in the top third and left half and always at least 2 3/4” from the bottom edge. BARCODE CLEAR ZONE 4-3/4”

Address Block Barcode Read Area Conventional Lower Right
Letters Barcode Positioning Options Barcode Clear Zone 5/8” from bottom 4-¾ from right Address Block Barcode above or below address Within 4” from bottom ½” clearance right and left Separation between the barcode and top line or bottom line of the address block must < 5/8” Leftmost bar < 10-1/2” from right edge of piece  Leftmost edge of address block at 10 ½” (10.500”) max. from right edge of envelope 1/2” (0.500”) 1/2” (0.500”) While the material, background and print color play a significant role in our whether our automated equipment is successful in reading the print or barcode appearing on your design, another important element deals specifically with the positioning of the mailer applied barcode on your design. As with the POSTNET barcode, you have the same options regarding how to print the Intelligent Mail® barcode on your letter-size design. The barcode can either be printed within the lower right conventional barcode clear zone or as part of the address block. If printing the barcode within the lower right conventional barcode clear zone, you will note that the horizontally right most bar of the barcode must be positioned between 3-1/2” inches to 4-1/4” inches from the lower right edge and that Vertically, the barcode must be within the area between 3/16 inch and 1/2 inch, both measured from the bottom edge of the piece If you print the barcode within the delivery address block (either directly above or below the delivery address), the barcode must be positioned so that the right most bar of the barcode is positioned at least ½” inch away from the right edge, the left most bar is positioned at least ½” away from the left edge and is no more than 10-1/2” inches away from the right edge, the bottom of the barcode and address block must be at least 5/8” inch away from the bottom edge and the top of the barcode can be no more than 4” inches away from the bottom edge. As information these barcode positioning requirements are the same for postcards. Next slide. Reference: DMM Section Address Block Barcode Read Area 4” Conventional Lower Right Barcode Clear Zone 5/8” (0.625”) 4 ¾ (4.750”) Reference: DMM Section 21

Some fonts are too small to be read successfully.
Best font size is 10 or 12 points. This is an 8 point font. This is a 10 point font. This is a 12 point font. This is an 8 point font. This is a 10 point font. This is a 12 point font. See how small the 8 point font is? Well our OCR can’t read it either! Characters must be at least .08” high for optical scanning. If you use an 8 point font, with mixed upper and lower case letters, the lower case letters are invisible to the scanner. 41

Print Reflectance Difference
First, the amount of light that is reflected by the background paper is measured. Next, the amount of light that is reflected by the ink is measured. Then, the ink measurement is subtracted from the paper measurement. The difference must be equal to or greater than 30%. (PRD) A special machine called a Reflectance Meter is used to measure how much light bounces back from paper and ink in the red and green light spectra. White and light colored paper bounce back almost all of the available light. White paper will typically give a reflectance reading of 76% to 84%. Black or dark ink will absorb most of the light and very little will bounce back. Black ink will normally give a reflectance reading of 4% to 8%. After both readings are taken, the ink reading is subtracted from the paper reading. The difference, called the Print Reflectance Difference, or PRD, must be at least 30%. The PRD of black ink on white paper will normally be 70% or more. What is PRD?

Print Contrast National Postal Forum 810 Mount Vernon PL NW Washington DC Sufficient contrast between the print and the background must be apparent to be successfully processed on the Optical Character Reader (OCR) or Barcode Scanner (BCS). The lighter the background and the darker the print the better the chance for automation compatibility. Although a white background is preferred, pastels and a number of other light colors are acceptable. A black envelope with a white delivery address (reverse printing) is not acceptable for OCR processing.

Nonmachinable Criteria – DMM 101.1.2
Letters Nonmachinable Criteria – DMM Has an aspect ratio (length divided by height) of less than 1.3 or more than 2.5. Is polybagged, polywrapped, or enclosed in any plastic material. or has an exterior surface made of a material that is not paper. Windows in envelopes made of paper do not make mailpieces nonmachinable. Attachments allowable under applicable eligibility standards do not make mailpieces nonmachinable (labels, stickers, release cards or perforated pockets) Has clasps, strings, buttons, or similar closure devices. Is too rigid (does not bend easily when subjected to a transport belt tension of 40 pounds around an 11-inch diameter turn). Magnets, business cards, etc. are not allowable attachments on letter mail – they must be permanently attached to, or prepared as, an integral part of unfolded cardstock pieces. Magnet may face address or nonaddress side. First-Class Mail nonmachinable surcharge remains .20 cents Standard mail has a separate rate category for nonmachinable mail that can be as much as .33/.34 cents more than machinable mail.

Nonmachinable Criteria – DMM 101.1
LETTERS Nonmachinable Criteria – DMM 101.1 For pieces more than 4-1/4 inches high or 6 inches long, the thickness is less than .009 inch. Has a delivery address that is parallel to the shorter dimension of the mailpiece. Contains odd shaped items such as pens, pencils, keys or coins. Self-mailer that is not prepared according to Booklet that is not prepared according to 26

Panels - created when sheets of paper are folded
Folded Self Mailers Height: 3.5" min, 6" max Length: 5" min, 10.5" max Weight - 3oz max Panels - created when sheets of paper are folded Flaps – Flaps are used for closure of Mailpiece Closure Methods – Glue or Tabbed

Panels 2 Panels are a single sheet folded once in half (bifold)
3 Panels one sheet folded twice (trifold) 4 Panels -Two nested sheets folded once in half -One sheet folded three times -One sheet quarter folded; two folds perpendicular Panels must be equal or nearly equal in size

Flaps Non-address side flaps As shown: Lead edge is to the
left, Trail edge is to the right

Sealing Methods DMM Tab Glue -Continuous -Spot -Elongated

Closure Method - Tabs Non-Perforated Tabs 2- 3 tabs required based on Mailpiece design Placement – either at top or on lead/trail edge within 1” of adjacent edge(s) Tabs must be tight against the mailpiece

Closure Method - Glue Continuous Glue Line - 1/8” wide to within 1/4” of each edge Glue Spots - 3/8” diameter spots based on Mailpiece design / weight Elongated Glue Lines - 1/8” W x 1/2” L or 1/4” W x 1/2" L or 1/8” W x 1” L lines based on Mailpiece design / weight

FSM Reference Material
DMM – 15 Folded Self-Mailer Decision Tree Design Matrix found at :

Folded Booklets

Booklets HEIGHT: NOT MORE THAN 6” OR LESS THAN 3.5”HIGH
LENGTH: NOT MORE THAN 10.5” OR LESS THAN 5” LONG (SOME BOOKLETS WITH SHORTER MAXIMUM LENGTHS) THICKNESS: NOT MORE THAN 0.25” OR LESS THAN 0.009” THICK WEIGHT: NOT MORE THAN 3 OUNCES. ASPECT RATIO: WITHIN 1.3 TO 2.5 TABS:NON-PERFORATED, # OF TABS DEPENDENT ON DESIGN-MINIMUM TAB SIZE 1.5” SPINE MUST BE AT THE BOTTOM OR LEADING EDGE

Booklets may be designed with the spine or final fold at the bottom or on the leading edge.
I’ve included slides of three of the most common booklet designs. I thought it would be helpful to go through a few to illustrate how paper weight, sealing method, and maximum and minimum size requirements vary between the various designs. When developing the new booklet standards, Postal Headquarters tested pieces submitted by mailers over a 2-year time frame to determine what design changes would reduce jams and damage to the mailpiece. They also had to consider the impact the new standards would have on the mailing industry. The required minimums are incremental changes which will help to reduce the jams and damage to the mailpiece. The recommended paper weights and tab size (e.g., 2” when 2.5 oz or more ) give the booklet more of a chance of processing with less, and in some cases, no jams or damage. This is a good point for mailers to consider when choosing between using the minimum required or recommended minimum paper weight or tab size. Maximum weight for booklets is 3 ounces. A letter size piece weighing more than 3 ounces must be prepared in a sealed envelope. 3.6 Heavy Letter Mail (over 3 ounces) 9-8-09] Heavy letter mail (letter-size pieces over 3 ounces) must be prepared in a sealed envelope, may not contain stiff enclosures, and must have an 11-digit delivery point POSTNET or an Intelligent Mail barcode with a routing code in the address block (see ).

Simple-Spine Booklet: DMM 201.3.16.5
Spine on bottom (longer) edge Place two tabs on leading edge and one on trailing edge: Position lower leading tab 0.5 inch from bottom edge Position upper tabs 1 inch from top edge May use 50-pound – 5” to 9”; 60-pound paper recommended Must use 60-pound on pieces over 9” up to 10.5” long READ SLIDE Mailers should take note of the different minimum paper weight requirements that apply based on the size of the mailpiece. Tests showed the weight of the paper had a major impact on the amount of jams and damage to the mailpiece.

Perfect Bound Booklet Spine on bottom (longer) edge; non-perforated inner flap on top (upper edge) Perfect bound or saddle stitched with a continuous glue line along flap preferred, minimum 1” glue spots acceptable if placed within ¾” of right and left edges: Must use 80-pound paper Speaker: This design is of a booklet which has cover pages that are longer than the interior pages. Frequently, the ends of the cover pages are folded down to form a perforated flap, which generally includes a coupon or information the recipient wants to keep. The new standards require that this flap be folded to the inside of the booklet and that it must not be perforated. During the tests the engineers observed booklets with this design with flaps that were perforated and folded to the outside of the booklet. They observed many of these flaps that did not stay sealed down, which allowed other mailpieces to get caught under the flap. Additionally, many times the perforations burst during processing. In addition to nonperforated flaps that must be folded to the inside, this design can be perfect bound or saddle stitched. The top open edge must be sealed or secured closed. We prefer the top open edge be sealed with a continuous glue line along the flap. But, mailers are allowed to use glue spots instead of a continuous glue line. If glue spots are used, there must be at least two glue spots which each must be a minimum of 1” in diameter and be placed along the top edge within ¾” of the right and left edges. This design must use a minimum of 80 pound paper for the cover of the booklet. The maximum length is 9.5”.

Folded Booklet (“Quarter-Fold”) Exhibit DMM 201.3.16.8
Final fold on bottom (longer) edge; spine folded on leading edge Place two tabs on leading edge and one on trailing edge: Position lower leading tab 0.5 inch from bottom edge Position upper tabs 1 inch from top edge May use 40-pound; 50-pound paper recommended Folded Booklet Two tabs on leading edge; one tab on trailing edge. Position lower leading tab 0.5 inch from the bottom edge. Position upper tabs 1 inch from the top edge. Three 1.5” nonperforated tabs 40-pound 5” to 10.5” long Final fold on the bottom (longer) edge, with the folded spine on the leading or trailing (shorter) edge While the mailing standards allow the folded spine to be on the leading or trailing edge, booklets with the folded spine on the trailing edge tested less successfully when the height of the booklet exceeded 5 inches. We suggest placing the folded spine on the leading edge when the height will be more than 5 inches. Maximum Weight – 3 oz. Maximum Height – 6 inches Maximum Length – 10.5 inches Cover paper weight – 40 Lb

Spine-Right Booklet (Oblong) DMM 201.3.16.7
Spine on leading (shorter) edge Place two tabs on top edge and one on trailing edge: Position top tabs no more than 1 inch from left and right edge Position trailing tab no lower than the middle May use 60-pound; 70-pound paper recommended Must use 70-pound on pieces over 9 inches long

Flats We have discussed the applicable standards and recommendations for creating postcards and letter-size designs that can be successfully processed on Postal automated equipment. Lets turn our attention now to reviewing and understanding the standards and related recommendations for designing flat-size designs for automation success. Next slide. Reference: 43

Dimensional Standards - Automation
Flats Dimensional Standards - Automation Maximum weight First-Class 13 oz. Periodicals 20 oz. Standard <16 oz. Bound 20 oz. Printed Matter Thickness .009” minimum 3/4” maximum 12 “ max. Height When it comes to flat-size dimensional requirements, one important thing to remember is that they vary depending on whether the mail is trying to qualify for automation or not. In general, non-automation flats must exceed on or more of the maximum dimensions for letters while not exceeding the maximum dimensions identified in this slide. As you can see in this slide, the minimum dimensions for automation flats are different. For automation flat rate eligibility, the minimum height is 5” inches and the minimum length is 6” inches. The minimum thickness for automation flats is .009” inches. Another thing to remember is that unlike postcards and letters, the orientation of the delivery address on flats have no bearing on identifying the height or length of the design. The length will always by the longest dimension and the height will be the dimension that runs parallel to the length. Next slide. Reference: DMM Section (Dimensions) & (Maximum Weights) 5” min. 6” min. 15” max. Reference: DMM Section (Dimensions) & (Maximum Weights) Length 44

All flats must be flexible, uniformly thick, and rectangular in shape.
If the mailpiece isn’t flexible or uniformly thick or rectangular in shape, it becomes a parcel. All flats must be flexible, uniformly thick, and rectangular in shape. The longest dimension is the length on a flat May have finished corners not exceeding radius of (1/8”) Flats don’t require tabbing.

Flats I’ll touch more on the flexibility and deflection requirements in the next slides. Automated flats may be a minimum height of 5 inches and minimum length of 6 inches.

Reference: DMM Section 301.1.3
Flexibility Like postcards and letters, flat-size designs also need to be flexible enough to be successfully processed through Postal automated equipment. This slide shows how to perform the flexibility test on all flats. Go over the procedures listed below: All flats 1. Place the piece with the length parallel to the edge of a flat surface and extend the piece halfway off the surface. 2. Press down on the piece at a point 1 inch from the outer edge, in the center of the piece's length, exerting steady pressure. 3. The piece is not flexible if it cannot bend at least 1 inch vertically without being damaged. 4. The piece is flexible if it can bend at least 1 inch vertically without being damaged and it does not contain a rigid insert. No further testing is necessary. 5. Test the piece according to 1.3b. or 1.3c. below if it can bend at least 1 inch vertically without being damaged and it contains a rigid insert. If your flat design contains any rigid items, additional flexibility testing is required. Section 301 of our Domestic Mail Manual or DMM provides all of the specifics with respect to flat-size flexibility including step by step testing procedures with pictures. Next slide. Reference: DMM Section Reference: DMM Section 47

Reference: DMM Section 301.1.6
Deflection While automation flats need to be flexible (as we discussed on the last slide), they can not be too flimsy. This slide shows the testing procedures and deflection standards necessary for flats that are 10” inches or longer. Go over the following testing procedures: For pieces 10 inches or longer 1. Place the piece with the length perpendicular to the edge of a flat surface and extend the piece 5 inches off the surface. Turn the piece around 180 degrees and repeat the process. 2. The piece is automation-compatible if it does not droop more than 3 inches vertically. Note that for flats that less than 10” inches in length, the maximum droop cannot exceed two inches less than the amount of length extended over the edge You can find the specific details for deflection along with a step by step testing method with pictures in section 301 of our DMM. Next slide. Reference: DMM Section Reference: DMM Section 48

Address Positioning Top Half Top Half Bound edge on right Cannot read
John Doe 123 Main St Anywhere, USA 12345 Top Half John Doe 123 Main St Anywhere, USA 12345 Anywhere, USA 12345 John Doe 123 Main St Can be left or right justified, or centered Can face left or right Bound edge on right Another important element for successfully designing flats is placing the delivery address in the proper location. Due to the deployment of new flat sorting equipment, the Postal Service implemented revised address placement standards for flats in March of This slide shows some examples of how to position the delivery address on a catalog style flat-size design. (go over the examples in the slide at this point). We have also published Poster 182 that provides a more in-depth listing of examples for reference including envelopes, flat-size cards and designs enclosed in polywrap. These revised standards apply to all classes of flat mail except for First-Class flats. Additionally, understand that mail not bearing the delivery address properly oriented will be subject to the corresponding First-Class postage rate. Next slide. Reference: DMM Section Anywhere, USA 12345 123 Main St John Doe Cannot read upside down Bound edge on right Reference: DMM Section 49

The delivery address must be in the top half of the mailpiece
REFER TO FLATS POSTER HANDOUT. Mailers may place the address parallel or perpendicular to the top edge but not upside down as read in relation to the top edge. The "top" is the upper edge of the mailpiece when the bound or final folded edge is vertical and on the right side of the piece For Carrier Route (or Enhanced Carrier Route) saturation pieces, the "top" of the mailpiece is either of the shorter edges

Barcode Placement - Flats
Like postcards and letters, our flat sorting equipment also needs to be able to locate and read the mailer applied barcode. Now as you will notice with this slide, the available location for applying the mailer applied barcode on flats is far less restrictive than the standards for postcards and letters. In general, the mailer applied barcode can appear anywhere on the flat-size design so long as it as it is positioned more than 1/8” inch away from any edge. Next slide. Reference: DMM Section (Applying One Barcode) Reference: DMM Section (Applying One Barcode) 51

What is Intelligent Mail®?
A technology that will support future generations of postal products, services, and associated features. A technology platform made possible by the suite of Intelligent Mail barcodes. Intelligent Mail is a technology that will support future generations of postal products, services, and associated features. Intelligent Mail is a technology platform made possible by the suite of Intelligent Mail barcodes. Intelligent Mail barcodes have been developed for mailpieces, trays, sacks and containers. These barcodes carry more information, and enable more services than barcodes used earlier. Intelligent Mail barcodes allow for identifying the mailer as well as uniquely identifying each mailpiece, tray or sack and container in a mailing. Intelligent Mail allows you to receive information about your mailings that wasn’t available with the POSTNET barcode.

Allows Mail Processing Equipment to automatically route mailpieces
Intelligent Mail Barcodes The IMb barcode is a vehicle for enabling services (on LETTERS and FLATS). Allows Mail Processing Equipment to automatically route mailpieces Allows for tracking of mailpieces through the mailstream Data available through the IMb Tracing® program Allows mailers to qualify for automation prices When we compare the IMb and the POSTNET barcode we can see some similarities. The IMb shares data fields with the POSTNET and PLANET Code barcodes. They have a similar footprint, but the IMb has a much greater data capacity. The IM barcode allows mail processing equipment to automatically route mailpieces; it allows for tracking of mailpieces through the IMb Tracing program and it allows mailers to qualify for automation prices.

The IMb replaces both the POSTNET barcode and the PLANET Code.
IMb Barcodes IMb Tracing allows mailers to uniquely identify and receive mail processing data for outgoing mailings and incoming reply mailpieces. The IMb replaces both the POSTNET barcode and the PLANET Code. The POSTNET barcode routes the mailpiece during postal processing. The PLANET Code provides tracking information and is used in conjunction with the POSTNET barcode to provide mailers with the date, time and location that outgoing IMb Tracing mail was inducted at a Postal facility. In addition, the date, time, location, and sort operation at which a mailpiece was processed at a Postal facility is also provided by this service. IMb Tracing allows mailers to uniquely identify and receive mail processing data for outgoing mailings and incoming reply mailpieces. The IMb replaces both the POSTNET barcode and the PLANET Code. The IMb has more data capacity and contains both the tracking and routing information in one barcode.

IMb Full Service Let's review the differences between Basic and Full-Service: The Basic option requires an Intelligent Mail barcode on mailpieces. The barcode data does not need to be unique. The use of Intelligent Mail tray and container barcodes is optional, as is the use of electronic documentation. For the Full-Service option, the IM™ tray barcode is required on tray and sack labels, and the IM™ container barcode is required on container placards. In addition, electronic documentation is required. When transitioning from Basic to Full-Service, each of these items may be implemented as the mailer is ready. Start-the-Clock data and Full-Service ACS™, which is automated address correction at no additional charge, are available only with Full-Service. Start-the-Clock at no charge and automated address corrections at no charge are available for the Full-Service option if all electronic documentation requirements are satisfied. 55

Ex: 6449 Amberview Ct., Memphis, TN 38141834649
What is Intelligent Mail®? Intelligent Mail Full Service Requirements Barcode ID Ex: 00 for No OEL Service Type ID Ex: 300 for First-Class Mail ® Mailer ID Ex: USPS® assigned Serial Number Ex: Routing Code Ex: 6449 Amberview Ct., Memphis, TN Apply Intelligent Mail barcodes on letter and flat mailpieces Populate ALL fields in the barcode Barcode ID Service Type ID Mailer ID Serial Number Routing Code With the Basic option, it’s pretty simple. Mailers must use the IMb on letter-size and flat-size mailpieces in place of the POSTNET barcode. Mailers must populate all the fields in the barcode and the data must be numeric. Under the Basic option, mailers are not required to uniquely number the mailpieces. Mailers may choose to populate the Serial Number field of the IMb with zeroes, but all fields must be populated. 56

Data Fields in the IMb – Use the MID
MIDs are acquired and managed through the Mailer ID service on the Business Customer Gateway. The MID is a 6- or 9-digit number assigned by the Postal Service® based primarily on documented historic mail volume. A 6-digit MID may be issued based on annual volume of 10 million pieces. A single 9-digit MID may be issued regardless of annual volume. Additional 9-digit MIDs may be issued based on annual volume in increments of one million pieces. 6-digit Mailer IDs begin with a 0 – 8 9-digit Mailer IDs begin with a 9 The Mailer ID is acquired and managed through the Mailer ID service on the Business Customer Gateway. The MID is issued based primarily on documented historic mail volume. A 6-digit MID is issued based on annual volume of 10 millions piece and the first 9-digit MID is issued regardless of annual volume. An additional 9-digit MID is issued based on annual volumes in increments of one million pieces. The Business Customer Gateway system currently allows a Mailer to request five (5) six-digits and ten (10) nine-digit MIDs. Requests for more than five six-digit MIDs are considered an exception to the rule and must be requested through the Business Mail Entry Unit (BMEU) or Mailpiece Design Analyst (MDA) and forwarded to the Help Desk. All exception requests are handled by the Manager, Business Mail Acceptance, and United States Postal Service Headquarters. Requests for additional MIDs must be submitted in writing, identifying the issue or justification for requesting additional MIDs and how they will be implemented into mailing processes. All 6-digit MID begin with digits 0 through 8. All 9-digit MIDs begin with the number 9. 57

Intelligent Mail Full Service Option
Unique Intelligent Mail® barcodes on mailpieces, trays, sacks and containers Electronic mailing Information which identifies mail owner and mail preparer must be submitted using: Mail.dat® Postal Wizard Mail.XML® Now, let’s discuss the Full-Service Option. The first requirement for the Full-Service Option is to apply a unique Intelligent Mail® barcode on your mailpieces. The Intelligent Mail® barcode must remain unique for 45 days from the day the mail is inducted into the Postal Service™. Mailers are required to apply a unique Intelligent Mail® tray barcode on tray and sack labels. In addition, mailers are required to apply a unique Intelligent Mail® container barcode on placards (labels) affixed to pallets, all purpose containers (APCs), and other rolling stock. Mailers are also required to submit their mailing information electronically. This mailing information includes the details of the Intelligent Mail® barcodes applied to mailpieces, trays, sacks, and containers, and the nesting relationships between these items. This electronic documentation, or eDoc, is used for business mail verification, acceptance, and induction processes. Mailers are required to use the FAST® (Facilities Access & Shipment Tracking) system to schedule appointments for drop shipment mailings (except for mailings entered at a DDU). Intelligent Mail barcode Intelligent Mail tray barcode Intelligent Mail container barcode

Benefits of Full Service
Full-Service provides customers with: An additional per piece discount on every Full-Service mailpiece. Address correction information at no additional cost for Full-Service mailpieces, providing Change of Address (COA) information and Nixie (undeliverable-as-addressed) information. The ability to track service performance through reports and scan information. Container, tray and mailpiece visibility. Annual permit fees waived when 90 percent or more of cumulative annual mailings consist of Full-Service mail. The opportunity to use the same permit at any location via our Mail Anywhere program.

IMb Specifications F A T D For Letters and Flats
Height-modulated barcode Encodes 31 digits of data into 65 bars Uses 4-State symbology Full bar, Ascender, Tracker, and Descender Key Barcode Tolerances Overall length between and inches Overall height between and inch Vertical clear zone at least inch The POSTNET™ and PLANET® barcodes are 2-state barcodes as they only have two height bars – tall and short. The Intelligent Mail® Barcode, formerly called the 4-state customer barcode, consists of 4 different height bars. The Intelligent Mail bars are named as follows: Ascender Descender Full Tracker They are referred to as ADFTs. This information is used in encoding and decoding the IM™ barcode. Other key tolerances of the barcode such as the bar width and pitch are also similar to the POSTNET and PLANET Code barcodes. 60

Maximum dot matrix spacing must not exceed 0.010 inch.
A minimum clear zone of inch between the left and right edges of the barcode is required. A minimum clear zone of inch above and below the barcode is required. A clear zone must be placed around the barcode to ensure that optical readers can locate and read the barcode. A minimum clear zone of inch is required above and below the Intelligent Mail® barcode and inch on the left and right side of the barcode. Excessive ink application can cause a bar to exceed its maximum dimension and prevent successful barcode interpretation. Excessive or extraneous ink should not cause any bar to exceed the specified dimensions. Insufficient ink application, common with inkjet and dot matrix printers, can cause a bar to fail minimum dimensions and prevent successful barcode interpretation. Insufficient ink and voids should not cause a bar to fail minimum specified dimensions. Ideally, inkjet printing, dot matrix printing, or any other similar printing process should yield dots that touch or overlap. If the dots do not touch, the space between them must not exceed inch. Maximum dot matrix spacing must not exceed inch. 0.010 61

Barcode: Number of Bars 65
Bar Width: ± inch Horizontal Pitch :22 ± 2 bars per inch Height of Full Bar: ± inch Vertical Barcode Clearance Min: inch Voids Max: inch

Intelligent Mail barcode requires an encoding algorithm
Bar-for-bar image Can not be determined visually, requires conversion with algorithms To encode or decode the IMb visit the RIBBS website & choose IMb encoder/decoder. Simply type in the 4 state state symbology A (ascender),F (full), T(tracker) and D (descender). See example below: To complete all information relevant to the Intelligent Mail barcode for mailpieces, we would like to remind you that the POSTNET and PLANET Code require image-based fonts, and do not require encoding algorithms like the Intelligent Mail barcode. The POSTNET barcode can be visually determined by using the comparison along with simple mathematical calculations. Conversely, the Intelligent Mail barcode does require a conversion using algorithms. INTELLIGENT MAIL BARCODE EXAMPLE: DADTATFFAFFTTTAFTAFDADFDDDDDTAFFDAAFFDAFDDFFTADFTFTTFDAAFTFTADTTT

Intelligent Mail® Small Business Tool
The IMsb tool is a new, free online tool specifically designed for small-volume mailers It’s a web based program. No software or downloads required. The tool creates unique Intelligent mail barcodes for address labels or mail pieces. Electronic postage statements are automatically created. The IMsb tool is a free web based tool specifically designed for small mailers. The tool enables small business users to do the following: Upload and validate their address list Print their addresses with unique Intelligent Mail barcode on labels, directly on envelopes or on inserts for window envelopes. Create unique container barcodes (tray or sack labels) Create electronic postage statements and qualification reports and submit them electronically to the acceptance unit 64 64

Maximum mailing size less than 10,000 pieces per mailing.
Class of Mail: First-Class Mail® Standard Mail® Processing Category: Cards Letters Flats Size of Mailing: Maximum mailing size less than 10,000 pieces per mailing. Maximum yearly volume less than 250,000 pieces per permit. Addresses affixed to: Labels (1-inch, 1.33-inch, 2-inch) Envelopes (No. 6 ¾, No. 7, No. 10) Inserts placed in window envelopes Mail Merge option Permit Type: Permit Imprint Precanceled Stamps Postage Meter This table displays the various requirements mailers must meet in order to use the IMsb tool for their mailings. The IMsb tool can be used for: First Class and Standard Mail, cards, letters and flats. Mailings may be up to 9,999 pieces. A mailer may mail less than 250,000 pieces annually. A mailer may use a permit imprint permit, precanceled stamps or postage meter. 65 65

Customer Benefits Using the IMsb tool is FREE!
The tool supports DSCF rates and all automation presort discounts. Full-Service piece discount The annual fee will be waived if all mailings are submitted as Full Service! Address list is cleansed Validates addresses within the database are accurate. Address cleansing is not move update. Reduces amount undeliverable mail The Intelligent Mail for Small Business (IMsb) tool is free! IMsb mailers will receive automation and the full service discounts. The tool supports the DSCF rates as well as all automation presort discounts. Postalone! does not require a customers annual presort fee be paid for Full –Service mailings. PostalOne will validate it’s a full service mailings and will not require an override of the expired fee. DMM The tool cleanses the addresses list. Customers have the ability to remove duplicates from the list. 66 66

Business Customer Gateway ®
Contact your local BMEU manager for additional information. Customers can access the current IMsb user guide located on the left hand side in the blue bar on every screen throughout the tool. The guide can also be located on RIBBS. At Intelligent Mail Services/Guides & Specs/Intelligent Mail for Small Business Mailers User Guide (PDF). Customers can contact their local BMEU manager for additional information. There is also a IMsb Tool user guide that can be found on the every screen in the Imsb tool. The guide is also posted on the RIBBS website. The guide can be found at Intelligent Mail Services - Guides & Specs and in the middle of the page under Important Links “Mail for Small Business Mailers User Guide”. 67 67

Every Home. Every Address. Every Time. 5/16/2018
Provide the small and medium size businesses and companies the opportunity to use a mailing product to promote their business. 68 68 68 68

5/16/2018 Where is EDDM a good fit? Businesses interested in targeting geographic areas Retailers Auto dealerships and services Restaurants Dry cleaners Local health clinics Real estate agents Schools And more… Good for acquisition programs, branding, information sharing Businesses such as….. 69 69 69

For small and medium size businesses or companies.
5/16/2018 For small and medium size businesses or companies. Fast and easy No Mailing list 17.5 cents a mail piece* Eddm was developed to provide a fast and easy way to advertise and reach customers at a low cost for just 16 cents a piece. The joy of this particular service is that you do not have to purchase a Mailing list “STORY” * 70 70 70 70 70

Every Door Direct Mail address label Regular mail address label
5/16/2018 Definition: An efficient and affordable service for businesses that want to target specific areas in their local market without requiring names and addresses on the mail pieces. The Customer can print the simplification address right on the mail piece or on a label that can be affixed on to the mail piece. New, simpler Every Door Direct Mail address label Regular mail address label 71 71 71 71

EDDM Retail Requirements
5/16/2018 EDDM Retail Requirements 200 piece minimum* 5,000 maximum per mailer, per zip code, per day Per Piece weight up to 3.3 oz Approved Retail Indicia No Permit required No names or addresses required There is a 200 piece min. and 5000 max. for mailing each day per office- you can mail less then 200 pieces if you choose a route with less than 200 stops for ex. If a route has only 160 deliveries the customer only pays for those stops. * Less than 200 allowed if number of deliveries for the route or PO Box section is less than 200. 72 72 72

EDDM Retail must be Standard Mail flats
5/16/2018 EDDM Retail must be Standard Mail flats Must be at least .007” thick Approx. equal to 3 pieces of standard copy paper Dimension greater than ONE of the following: 10 1/2 inches long OR 6 1/8 inches high OR Length is always the longest dimension There are only 2 issues to be concerned with and that is the thickness of the mail piece and the size. 73 73 73

A) Must have EDDM Retail indicia printed on mail pieces.
5/16/2018 A) Must have EDDM Retail indicia printed on mail pieces. B) Simplified address printed directly on the mail piece OR printed on a Mailing Label C) Acceptable Mailing Label Format at Retail: -The three labels identify the mail piece as EDDM. -Official look. -The labels A) Most common generic B) If the customer already have a permit inprint # C) Postage meter-if you own or rent a postage meter indicia printed directly on each mail piece. 74 74 74

To obtain a permit/authorization: Apply at your local Post Office.
BMEU Option To obtain a permit/authorization: Apply at your local Post Office. The application is available online at about.usps.com/forms/ps3615.pdf Prepare your printed mailpieces: Mailpieces and bundle makeup must be prepared in accordance with the current U.S. Postal Service® mailing standards. Please contact your local mail service provider or printer for guidance.

*********ECRWSSEDDM****
Postal Customer City, State 5-Digit ZIP Code Residential Customer PO Box Holder Acceptable Every Door Direct Mail label options for entry at Business Mail Entry Units (BMEU): “Postal Customer” for all active deliveries (business and residential). “Residential Customer” for residential deliveries. “PO Box Customer” for PO Box™ deliveries. City, State, and 5-Digit ZIP Code™ are recommended but not required. “EDDM” must be included after “ECRWSS” on the label of pieces greater than 10.5” and up to and including 11.5” in length submitted at a BMEU.

Every Door Direct Mail Indicia Example:
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID CITY, STATE PERMIT NO. XXX ECRWSS All mailpieces must contain “ECRWSS” in the address area or within or below the permit indicia.

https://www.usps.com/business/business-solutions.htm Useful Resources
5/16/2018 Useful Resources Small Business Support Center Order a Kit Here are several resources that you can access to get more information. * 78 78 78

REPLY MAIL

FIRST-CLASS MAIL PERMIT NO 1234 SANTA ANA CA
Reply Mail The three types of reply mail are Courtesy, Meter, and Business Reply. 0.32 PLACE STAMP HERE B AC ABC INDUSTRIES 1234 S MAIN ST WASHINGTON DC NO POSTAGE STAMP NECESSARY POSTAGE HAS BEEN PREPAID BY ABC INDUSTRIES 1234 S MAIN ST WASHINGTON DC Courtesy Reply Mail (CRM) Meter Reply Mail The three types of reply mail are Courtesy, Meter, and Business Reply. NECESSARY NO POSTAGE IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES BUSINESS REPLY MAIL FIRST-CLASS MAIL PERMIT NO SANTA ANA CA POSTAGE WILL BE PAID BY ADDRESSEE ABC INDUSTRIES 1234 S MAIN ST WASHINGTON DC Business Reply Mail (BRM) 52 35

IMb Requirements for Reply Mail
Business Reply Mail Qualified Business Reply Mail Any QBRM letters and cards that mailers distribute will be required to bear an IMb QBRM is only a postcard and letter (up to 2 oz.) product Permit Reply Mail Any PRM letters and flats that mailers distribute, regardless of method, will be required to bear an IMb The Postal Service is proposing that the use of IMb would be required for all Business Reply Mail letters that qualify for Qualified Business Reply Mail prices, and Permit Reply letters by January 2013. Current Proposals: For Qualified Business Reply Mail Any QBRM letters and cards that mailers distribute will be required to bear an IMb. QBRM is only a postcard and letter (up to 2 oz.) product For Permit Reply Mail Any PRM letters and flats that mailers distribute, regardless of method, will be required to bear an IMb

Artwork USPS offers online artwork capabilities for PostalOne! users via the Automated Business Reply Mail (ABRM) tool at: The ABRM tool can provide artwork for letter and card-size pieces of domestic Reply Mail ABRM can be used to produce: Courtesy Reply Mail (CRM) Business Reply Mail (BRM) Qualified Business Reply Mail (QBRM) Mailpiece Design Analysts may be able to assist with other artwork requests. Customers in need of Mailpiece Design assistance may contact the MDA Support Center by dialing or sending a request via to Envelope Manager and Dazzle software used by USPS Available for purchase by contacting manufacturer at Endicia.com To assist mailers transition from the POSTNET barcode to the Intelligent Mail barcode, the USPS offers online artwork capabilities for PostalOne! users via the Automated Business Reply Mail (ABRM) tool at: The ABRM tool can provide artwork for letter and card-size pieces of domestic Courtesy Reply Mail (CRM), Business Reply Mail (BRM), and Qualified Business Reply Mail (QBRM). Mailpiece Design Analysts may be able to assist with other artwork requests. Customers in need of Mailpiece Design assistance may contact the MDA Support Center by dialing or sending a request via to Envelope Manager and Dazzle software used by USPS to generate artwork. This software is available for purchase by contacting manufacturer at Endicia.com

Provided to mailers at no charge
Notice 3-S This template is used to determine the size, shape, aspect ratio, and thickness requirements for letter processing. Provided to mailers at no charge This template is used to determine the size, shape, aspect ratio and thickness requirements for letter-size mailings. Shape Based Pricing- The shape of a mailpiece impacts the prices you pay for First-Class Mail letters, large envelopes (Flats) and packages (parcels). Shape is important to you because the cost of handling each mail shape-letters, large envelopes and packages – varies widely. It is also important to you because it affects how you position your message or product. This tool is used is also used by Mailpiece Design Analysts and acceptance personnel at BMEUs and DMUs, and it is provided to mailers at no charge.

Notice 67 Multi-purpose template used to determine the automation compatibility of letter-size mailpieces. Will evaluate: Delivery address area Address & window clearances Address print characteristics Address block barcode clearances Lower right barcode placement Reply Mail guidelines Provided to mailers at no charge Notice 67 (April 2011) is a template used by mailers and USPS personnel to ascertain automation compatibility of letter-size mailpieces. It will provide guidelines for address location and readability, barcode location, and the Facing Identification Mark (or FIM) for reply mailpieces. This template is available to mailers at no charge.

Automation Barcode Gauge Template (Item #04A)
Measures barcode length skew, pitch, clear zones, and bar parameters of the Intelligent Mail® barcodes & FIM Latest version produced 2012, Revision - Provided to mailers at no charge The automation barcode gauge, Item 04A, is used by Mailpiece Design Analysts and acceptance personnel at BMEUs and DMUs. This tool provides a quick and easy way to make a visual inspection of barcodes. This template will measure barcode length, skew, pitch, clear zones and bar parameters of POSTNET™ and Intelligent Mail® barcodes. The most current version of the Item 04A was produced in December 2009 (Rev. G). This template is available to mailers at no charge. 85

Resources: POSTAL EXPLORER (http://pe.usps.gov)
Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) Section 201 – Cards/Letters Section 301 – Flats DMM Advisory (Pending Changes & Clarifications) Receive alerts (send request to & type Subscribe on the “RE” line RIBBS ( Intelligent Mail Services Address Quality Products MOVE Update As with postcards and letters, the are also other considerations to keep in mind when creating flat-size designs. One major consideration is maintaining a uniform thickness. Flat-size mailpieces must be uniformly thick so that any bumps, protrusions, or other irregularities do not cause more than 1/4-inch variance in thickness. When determining variance in thickness, exclude the outside edges of a mailpiece (1 inch from each edge) when the contents do not extend into those edges. Also, exclude the selvage of any polywrap covering from this determination. Mailers must secure nonpaper contents to prevent shifting of more than 2 inches within the mailpiece if shifting would cause the piece to be non-uniform in thickness or would result in the contents bursting out of the mailpiece. Another important consideration involves the use of polywrap coverings. If you plan to use polwrap or poly bags, make sure that you purchase the material from an approved vendor listed on our RIBBS website. You will also want to ensure that you adhere to our seam and overhang (selvage) standards. Next slide. 86

DMM Advisory Pricing and Classification — keeping you informed about the prices and mailing standards of the United States Postal Service. To subscribe to the DMM Advisory, send an to Simply indicate "subscribe" in the subject line.

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