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Quick Service Guide
201
November 7, 2011 Printer-Friendly PDF
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).
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” prices. 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: Maximum weight: First-Class Mail and Periodicals nonmachinable letters 3.5 ounces; Standard Mail nonmachinable letters; less than 16 ounces. Examples of a nonmachinable letter include: If your letter-size mailpiece is machinable and displays the correct delivery point barcode or Intelligent Mail barcode, you may qualify for lower, “automation” prices. A letter or card meets automation standards and qualifies for automation prices 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 (201.3.4). Dimensions: Length is the dimension parallel to the address as read (601.1.3). All letter-size reply cards and envelopes (Business Reply Mail, Courtesy Reply Mail, and meter reply mail) provided as enclosures must meet the physical standards for automation letters and cards in 201.3.17. First-Class Mail See Quick Service Guides: 230b Nonmachinable Letters 230c Machinable Letters and Cards 230d Automation Letters and Cards Standard Mail See Quick Service Guides: 240a Nonmachinable Letters 240b Machinable Letters 240c Automation Letters 240d Carrier Route Letters Periodicals See Quick Service Guides: 707d Nonbarcoded Letters 707f Barcoded (Automation) Letters Back to Top
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