ARCHIVED QSG - JAN 25, 2015
USPS Homepage Skip navigation     USPS Home | Postal Explorer Home
Section divider line
 

Quick Service Guide 201f

Commercial Parcels

Designing Parcels for Automated Processing

January 25, 2015
Printer-Friendly PDF

Related QSGs

Section divider line

240h, Standard Mail Machinable Parcels

250, Parcel Select

260b, Bound Printed Matter Irregular and Machinable Parcels

Physical Standards (201)

Section divider line

Minimum weight: 6 ounces except under 201.7.5.2.

Standard Mail: maximum weight is less than 16 ounces.

Bound Printed Matter: maximum weight is 15 pounds.

Parcel Select: maximum weight is 35 pounds (25 pounds for books and other printed matter).

Dimensions: 6 to 34 inches long, 3 to 17 inches high, and 1/4 to 17 inches thick. Parcels 1/4 inch thick must be at least 3-1/2 inches high and 6 inches long.

For an overview of the physical standards for commercial parcels, see Quick Service Guide 201e.

Eligibility Standards

Section divider line

Parcels are nonmachinable if they meet any of the criteria in 201.8.5.

An Intelligent Mail package barcode is required for all commercial mailpieces that include an extra services barcode and on all parcels claiming presort or destination entry pricing.

Standard Mail and Package Services barcodes must be prepared with the address and barcode placed squarely onto the largest surface area of the parcel except when the shape and contents require specific orientation for stability during processing. The barcode should be placed immediately adjacent to the delivery address and no closer than 1/2 inch from the edge of the parcel.

Acceptable Container (601.4.0)

Section divider line

Use sturdy materials to withstand handling.

Size must be adequate to contain items and provide space for cushioning material:

Cushioning (601.3.0)

Section divider line

Cushioning absorbs shock and vibration of handling. Combinations of cushioning materials are most effective. Cushion items separately.

Closure and Sealing (601.3.0)

Section divider line

Mail Preparation

Section divider line

First-Class Package Service: A surcharge applies for parcels with the following characteristics:

Standard Mail parcels:

All Standard Mail parcels, except Standard Mail Marketing parcels mailed as product samples, except those using detached address labels (DAL) and those bearing simplified addresses, must bear an Intelligent Mail package barcode (IMpb) prepared under 708.5.0. Standard Mail parcels may optionally use an IMb in lieu of an IMpb when parcels which are presorted and containerized in 5-digit sacks or other approved containers prepared to the 5-digit level, provided each parcel bears a unique IMb that cannot be reused for 45 days. In situations where the IMb is used in lieu of the IMpb, a Mail.dat or Mail.XML file will be accepted in lieu of a Shipping Service File.

Parcels must be prepared and marked under applicable standards for machinable parcel preparation:

Physical Standards for Automation-Compatible Parcels

This graphic shows the placement of a return address in the upper left corner of a package, the placement of an optional carrier release instructions under the return address, the placement of a delivery address in the center of a package, the placement of a parcel barcode to the left of the address, the placement of postage in the upper right of a package, the placement of an Extra Service label between the return address and postage area, and the placement of endorsements and markings under the postage area.

Packaging and Sealing

This graphic shows three packages with the use of pressure-sensitive filament tape, reinforced Kraft paper tape and Kraft paper tape.

Container (see page one for details):

Cushioning:

Sealing (see page one for details):

 

Back to Top
ARCHIVED QSG - JAN 25, 2015
ARCHIVED QSG - JAN 25, 2015