April 30, 2009

May 11 Pricing Change – First-Class Mail and Standard Mail Machinable Letters

We are changing the mail preparation standards for First-Class Mail and Standard Mail machinable letters as published in the January 29 Federal Register. Beginning May 11, machinable letters must meet all of the standards for automation letters, except for the barcode requirement. This change will enable us to process more machinable mail on automated letter sorting machines, especially unenveloped pieces like booklets and folded self-mailers. When these pieces lack adequate tabs or seals they frequently become damaged or jam the letter-sorting equipment.

Our changes include the following:

• All folded self-mailers and booklets mailed at the machinable prices must be sealed with tabs, tape, glue spots, or glue lines. Follow the tabbing instructions in Quick Service Guide 201b, Using Tabs, Wafer Seals, and Glue Spots.
• The maximum weight for machinable and automation letter-size booklets and folded self-mailers is 3 ounces.
• Letters closed with staples and letters without closures are nonmachinable and eligible only for the nonmachinable prices.

On September 8, 2009, new tabbing and construction standards for machinable and automation letter-size booklets become effective. To learn more about the new standards, visit Postal Explorer and click on “Federal Register Notices.” Scroll down to the notice titled, “New Standards for Letter-Sized Booklets.”