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Small Flat Odd-Shaped Items in Envelopes at Automation Letter Prices
Updated September 2008
PS-328 (201.3.10)
This Customer Support Ruling (CSR)
describes the preparation of letter-size automation compatible envelopes that contain
coins, tokens, or similar small flat odd-shaped items.
This ruling does not pertain to items thicker than a U.S. nickel.
Subject to
Domestic Mail Manual (DMMŪ) standards for automation, small flat odd-shaped
items are permitted in automation-compatible letter-size envelopes when they are
firmly affixed to a component in the mailpiece and wrapped within the contents
so that the contour of the mailpiece is streamlined.
In addition, small flat odd-shaped
items prepared in envelopes may be mailed at automation letter prices if the item
is firmly affixed to one of the components and the mailpiece is prepared under the
following conditions:
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Sufficient additional material such as letters, response cards, envelopes, or advertising
matter is included in the envelope to ensure that the mailpiece is streamlined for
automated processing.
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When a closed-panel window envelope is used and the item is visible through the
window, a second wrapping may be used to cover the item. This second covering
is in addition to the window panel material and may be made of cellophane or a similar
see-through substance. The mailpiece must
have sufficient additional contents that the entire mailpiece remains streamlined
for automation processing.
The effect of including additional
material or coverings to streamline the mailpiece meets the intent of wrapping the
item within the contents. Small flat odd-shaped
items cannot be placed in a position that would obscure the address or barcode.
When any envelope contains loose
coins, tokens or similar small flat odd-shaped items that are not affixed to a component
within or if the inclusion of such items results in the mailpiece not being streamlined,
the mailpiece does not qualify for automation letter prices.
It may be mailed, but is subject to the nonmachinable surcharge for First-Class
Mail letters or the nonmachinable prices for Standard Mail letters.
Sharon Daniel
Manager
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