243 Physical Characteristics

243.1 Weight Limit

The weight limit is 4 pounds.

243.2 Dimensions

243.21 Envelopes and Packages

1. Minimum length and height: 5–1/2 inches x 3–1/2 inches.
2. Minimum depth (thickness): .007 inch.
3. Maximum length: 24 inches.
4. Maximum length, height, depth (thickness) combined: 36 inches.

243.22 Rolls

1. Minimum length: 4 inches.
2. Minimum length plus twice the diameter combined: 6–3/4 inches.
3. Maximum length: 36 inches.
4. Maximum length plus twice the diameter combined: 42 inches.

243.23 Cards

Unenclosed cards exceeding the size limits for postcards are admissible at the First-Class Mail International rate if they do not exceed 4–3/4 inches x 9–1/4 inches.

243.24 Nonmachinable Surcharge

A $0.17 per-piece surcharge is applied to a First-Class Mail International item if it has one or more of the following characteristics:

1. Has any dimension that exceeds the acceptable standard dimension — i.e., if length exceeds 11–1/2 inches, or if height exceeds 6–1/8 inches, or if thickness exceeds 1/4 inch.
2. Has an aspect ratio (length divided by height) of less than 1.3 or more than 2.5.
3. Is polybagged, polywrapped, or enclosed in any plastic material.
4. Has clasps, strings, buttons, or similar closure devices.
5. Contains items such as pens, pencils, or loose keys or coins that cause the thickness of the mailpiece to be uneven.
6. Is too rigid (does not bend easily when subjected to a transport belt tension of 40 pounds around an 11–inch diameter turn).
7. For pieces more than 4–1/4 inches high or 6 inches long, the thickness is less than 0.009 inch.
8. Has a delivery address parallel to the shorter dimension of the mailpiece.
9. For self–mailers with a folded edge perpendicular to the address, the piece is not secured according to DMM 201.
10. For booklet–type pieces, the bound edge (spine) is the shorter dimension of the piece or is at the top, regardless of the use of tabs, wafer seals, or other fasteners.