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Small Flat
Odd-Shaped Items in Envelopes at Automation Letter Prices
Updated
September 2008
PS-328 (201.3.9)
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:
- 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.
- 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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