E070 Mixed Classes

Summary

E070 describes the standards where one class of mail can be combined, attached, or enclosed with a different class of mail.

1.0 Basic Information

1.1General

When mail of a higher class is enclosed with mail of a lower class, the postage on the entire piece or package is charged at the rate of the higher class, except under 2.0 through 7.0.

1.2Concealing Higher Classes

A mailer is subject to a fine if the mailer knowingly conceals letters or other mail of a higher class (or rate) in mail sent at a lower class (or rate) without paying the correct postage on the enclosures (18 USC 1723).

2.0 Attachments of Different Classes

2.1First-Class Mail or Standard Mail

Letters or other pieces of First-Class Mail or Standard Mail may be placed in an envelope and attached to the address side of a Periodicals, Standard Mail, or Package Services piece. Combination envelopes or containers with separate parts for the two classes of mail may be used.

2.2Rate Qualification

If a Periodicals, Standard Mail, or Package Services host piece qualifies for:

a. A presort discount, a First-Class Mail or Standard Mail attachment is eligible for the comparable First-Class Mail or Standard Mail presort rate. The attachment need not meet the volume standard that would apply if mailed separately.

b. An automation rate, a First-Class Mail or Standard Mail attachment is eligible for the comparable First-Class Mail or Standard Mail rate. The attachment need not meet the volume standards that would apply if mailed separately. An automation rate may not be claimed for an attachment unless a similar automation rate is claimed for the host piece. If the attachment makes the host piece incompatible with automation standards, neither the host piece nor the attachment qualifies for an automation rate.

c. A carrier route rate, a First-Class Mail or Standard Mail attachment is eligible for the comparable First-Class Mail or Standard Mail rate if every host piece for which the carrier route rate is claimed has a Standard Mail attachment. The attachment need not meet the volume standard that would apply if mailed separately. A carrier route rate may not be claimed for an attachment unless a similar rate is claimed for the host piece.

d. A destination entry rate (DDU, DSCF, DADC, or DBMC), a Standard Mail attachment is eligible for the comparable destination entry rate. The attachment need not meet the volume standard that would apply if mailed separately. A rate including a destination entry discount may not be claimed for an attachment unless a similar rate is available and claimed for the host piece.

3.0 Enclosure in Periodicals Publication

3.1All Enclosures

Except under 3.2, all enclosures mailed with a bound publication must be bound into the publication or securely affixed to a page of the publication. Enclosures mailed with an unbound publication must be combined with, and inserted within, the publication. Subject to payment of the applicable postage, separate and independent pieces of nonincidental First-Class Mail and pieces of Standard Mail may be mailed as enclosures with Periodicals publications.

3.2Loose Enclosure

A loose enclosure may be mailed with a bound Periodicals publication only if:

a. The enclosure and the Periodicals materials are totally enclosed in an envelope or plastic or paper wrapper; or the enclosure and the Periodicals materials are inside a sleeve and the enclosures are inserted within the publication and held by tension or secured to prevent separating from the publication while in the mail.

b. For Standard Mail matter, the total weight of all enclosed material is less than 16 ounces.

c. The publication and the enclosure are prepared so that any permit imprint on the enclosure is not visible to USPS employees.

d. If enclosed in a plastic wrapper or polybag, the Periodicals publication is the top or bottom piece, faces out, and its title is visible.

e. The enclosure is not addressed.

4.0 Enclosure in Standard Mail and Package Services Parcels

4.1First-Class Mail

Letters or other pieces of First-Class Mail may be enclosed in pieces of Standard Mail and Package Services. Postage at the appropriate First-Class rate must be paid for each piece of First-Class Mail, except incidental First-Class attachments or enclosures under 5.0.

4.2Standard Mail

Standard Mail may be enclosed in a Package Services parcel mailed at Package Services rates or under E030. Postage at the applicable First-Class Mail or Standard Mail rate must be paid on this matter, unless excepted by the standards in E700.

5.0 Incidental First-class Attachment or Enclosure

An incidental attachment or enclosure must be closely associated with or related to the piece to which it is attached or in which it is enclosed; must be secondary to that piece; must not encumber postal processing; and must require First-Class postage if mailed separately. Incidental First-Class matter may be enclosed in or attached to Periodicals matter, Standard Mail merchandise (including books but excluding merchandise samples), and Package Services matter. The attached or enclosed incidental matter may be mailed at the applicable postage rate of the host piece with which it is attached or enclosed. Incidental First-Class matter includes a bill for the product or publication, a statement of account for past purchases, and a personal message or greeting included with a product, publication, or parcel.

6.0 Combined Mailing of Media Mail and Bound Printed Matter

6.1Machinable Parcels

A mailer may combine into one parcel separate and distinguishable pieces of Media Mail and Bound Printed Matter for the same addressee, if these combined pieces form a regular machinable parcel as defined in C050.

6.2Presorted Rates

Presorted rates may be claimed, subject to the applicable preparation standards. If presorted rates are claimed on both subclasses, the mail must be prepared under the standards for Bound Printed Matter in M722.

7.0 Express Mail and Priority Mail Drop Shipments

7.1Standards

The Express Mail or Priority Mail shipment and the enclosed mail must meet all corresponding eligibility and preparation standards.

7.2Enclosed Mail

The mail enclosed in an Express Mail or Priority Mail pouch must consist either entirely of single-piece rate matter or entirely of presorted matter that is part of the same mailing, unless an exception is granted by the RCSC.

DMM Issue 58 (8-10-03)

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