![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Quick Service Guide 201Commercial Letters and CardsPhysical Standards for Commercial Letters and CardsMay 12, 2008 Overview![]()
Mailpieces are classified by shape and by the way they are prepared. These classifications are based on how efficiently mailpieces can be processed on Postal Service equipment. The Postal Service classifies letters and cards into one of three categories: machinable, nonmachinable, and automation. For the purposes of determining mailability or machinabilty, the length is the dimension parallel to the address as read (601.1.4). Machinable Letters and Cards (201.1.0)![]() If you prepare your letters and cards so that they have an accurate address and can be processed on Postal Service equipment, your mail is "machinable" and eligible for "presort" rates. Machinable mailpieces must meet specific standards, including size, shape, and weight. Maximum weight: First-Class Mail, machinable letters and Standard Mail machinable letters: 3.3 ounces, Periodicals letters: 3.5 ounces. Machinable letters must not meet any of the nonmachinable characteristics (201.2.0). Dimensions:
Nonmachinable Letters (201.2.0)![]() Maximum weight: First-Class Mail and Periodicals nonmachinable letters 3.5 ounces; Standard Mail nonmachinable letters; 3.3 ounces.
Dimensions: see machinable letters and cards above. Examples of a nonmachinable letter include:
Additional restrictions apply to self-mailers and booklets. Automation Letters and Cards (201.3.0)![]() If your letter-size mailpiece is machinable and displays the correct delivery point barcode or Intelligent Mail barcode, you may qualify for lower, "automation" rates. A letter or card meets automation standards and qualifies for automation rates if it meets the specific addressing, barcoding, and design standards. For additional information, see:
Maximum weight:
Shape: rectangular. Aspect ratio (length divided by height): 1.3 to 2.5 (201.3.3). Dimensions:
Length is the dimension parallel to the address as read (601.1.3). All letter-size reply cards and envelopes (business reply, courtesy reply, and meter reply mail) provided as enclosures must meet the physical standards for automation letters and cards in 201.3.14. Quick Service Guides![]() First-Class Mail See Quick Service Guides: 230c Machinable Letters and Cards 230d Automation Letters and Cards Standard Mail See Quick Service Guides: 240d Enhanced Carrier Route Letters Periodicals See Quick Service Guides: 707f Barcoded (Automation) Letters 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.
|