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Quick Service Guide 201b
Discount Letters and Cards
Using Tabs, Wafer Seals, and Glue Strips
January 2006
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Overview
Unenveloped letter-size mailpieces prepared for automation rate mailings
must be secured (tabbed) to prevent an open edge from jamming high-speed
processing equipment. Standards for tabbing are based on basis weight
of paper stock used and the location of the folded or bound edge. As
an alternative to tabs or wafer seals, the open edge of the length of
the mailpiece may be continuously glued or spot glued. Continuous glue
or spot glue is permissible with single-sheet self-mailers and cards.
Physical Standards (210.3.10)
Number and location of tabs or wafer seals are specified for particular
types of letter-size mail. In all cases, additional tabs may be used.
Tabs, wafer seals, cellophane tape, or permanent glue (continuous or
spot) must not interfere with recognition of the barcode, rate marking,
postage identification, or required address information. In all cases
additional tabs or seals may be used. Cellophane tape is not acceptable
within the barcode clear zone. Tabs or wafer seals placed in the barcode
clear zone must contain a paper face meeting the standards for background
reflectance and, if the barcode is not preprinted by the mailer, the
standards for water-based ink.
Adequate adhesion is required.
Basis weight: the minimum basis weight standards vary, depending on
the construction of the mailpiece (see reverse) and the sheet size
below.
Letter-Size Folded Self-Mailers (201.3.14.2)
Folded edge (top or bottom) must be parallel to the longest dimension
(length) and address of the mailpiece.
With one tab or wafer seal: folded edge at bottom of mailpiece, tab
or wafer seal in middle of top edge of mailpiece.
- Single folded sheet, sealed with one tab or wafer seal, minimum
basis weight: 28 pounds (17 by 22 inches by 500 sheets) or 70 pounds
(25
by 38 inches by 500 sheets).
- Two or more sheets, sealed with one tab or wafer seal, minimum
basis weight: 24 pounds
(17 by 22 inches by 500 sheets) or 60 pounds (25 by 38 inches
by 500 sheets).
With two tabs or wafer seals: minimum basis weight 20 pounds
(17 by 22 inches by 500 sheets) if folded edge is at top or
bottom of the
mailpiece.
Tabs or wafer seals must be placed within 1 inch of the right
and
left edges of mailpiece (see reverse).
With folded edge on right (leading) edge: left (trailing) edge
secured with at least one tab or a glue line; additional
tabs may be required
based on trim size and basis weight. Pieces 7 or more inches
in length must be secured at top and bottom edges and be
preapproved by the USPS.
Letter-Size Booklet-Type Mailpiece (201.3.13.3)
The bound edge (spine) must be at the bottom and parallel to the longest
dimension (length) and the address of the mailpiece, unless preapproved
by the USPS. The mailpiece must be tabbed (secured) in one of two ways:
- Top (unbound edge) must have at least two tabs or wafer seals
placed within 1 inch of the right and left edges (see reverse).
- The right (leading) and left (trailing) edges must be secured
with tabs or wafer seals placed within 1 inch of the top right and
top
left edges of the mailpiece.
Cover must have a minimum basis weight of 20 pounds.
With spine on right (leading) edge: minimum basis weight 20-pound
bond paper. Address must be parallel to longest dimension (length)
and unbound
left (trailing) edge must be tabbed (secured):
- If no more than 4-1/4 inches high and 6 inches long, one tab
or wafer seal in middle of trailing left edge.
- If more than 4-1/4 inches high and 6 inches long, two tabs
or wafer seals within 1 inch of top and bottom edges.
Postcard (201.3.13.4)
Minimum basis weight 75 pounds or greater. Double postcards must have
folded edge at the top or bottom. The open edge must be secured with
one tab in the middle.
Flat-Size Booklet-Type Mailers (301.3.8.4)
The contents of the mailpiece prepared in sleeves or other wrappers must
be sufficiently secure in the sleeve or wrapper to stay in place during
processing. If material bearing the delivery information or barcode for
the mailpiece is enclosed in a partial wrapper, that wrapper must be
sufficiently secure to prevent the contents from shifting and obscuring
the delivery address or barcode.
For the specific DMM standards applicable to this category of mail,
consult the DMM sections referenced above and the general sections within
each
DMM module.
Placement of Tabs and Wafer Seals
Specifications for Automation-Compatible
Letter-Size Mailpieces
Double Postcard
Tabs 1
(middle)
Folded Edge Top or Bottom
Sheets Single
Basis Weight 75 lb.
Folded Self-Mailer
Tabs 2
(start < 1 inch from edges)
Folded Edge Top or Bottom
Sheets Single
Basis Weight 20 lb.
Folded Self-Mailer
Tabs 1
(middle)
Folded Edge Bottom
Sheets Multiple
Basis Weight 24 lb.
Folded Self-Mailer
Tabs 1
(middle)
Folded Edge Bottom
Sheets Single
Basis Weight 28 lb.
Folded Self-Mailer1
Tabs 1
(middle)
Folded Edge Right
Sheets Single
Basis Weight 75 lb.
Folded Self-Mailer
(Invitation Fold)
Tab Address
Label
Folds Top
and Bottom
Sheets Multiple
Basis Weight 20 lb.
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Folded Self-Mailer
(Continuous Glue Strip)
Open Edge Top
Folded Edge Bottom
Sheets Single
Basis Weight 20 lb.
Booklet
Tabs 2
(start < 1 inch from edges)
Spine Bottom
Sheets Multiple
with Cover
Basis Weight 20 lb. (Cover)
Folded Booklet
Tabs 2
(start < 1 inch from edges)
Spine Top
Folded Edge Bottom
Sheets Multiple
with Cover
Basis Weight 20
lb. (Cover)
Folded Booklet
Tabs 2
(start < 1 inch from top edge)
Spine Top
Folded Edge Bottom
Sheets Multiple
with Cover
Basis Weight 20
lb. (Cover)
Booklet
Tabs 2
(start < 1 inch from top and bottom edges)
Spine Right
(open edge left)
Sheets Multiple
with Cover
Basis Weight 24
lb. (Cover)
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1. Pieces 7 inches or longer must be sealed on the top and bottom;
the middle tab is optional (201.3.13.2c).
An 8-1/2 x 11 inch sheet of 20, 24, or 28 pound paper folded once to
8-1/2 x 5-1/2 inches does not meet the minimum thickness of 0.009 inch
for an automation-compatible letter.
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