The Postal Service is reminding customers that metallic mercury and devices containing metallic mercury are always prohibited in the mail stream.
This includes antique items such as thermometers, barometers, blood pressure monitors and similar devices.
Quick Service Guide > 201 Quick Service Guide Overview 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 (601.1.1.2). Machinable Letters and Cards (201.1.0) To be “machinable” and eligible for “presort” prices, letters and cards must have an accurate address and be able to be processed on Postal Service equipment. Machinable mailpieces must meet specific standards, including size, shape, and weight. Maximum weight: First-Class Mail, machinable letters and USPS Marketing Mail machinable letters: 3.5 ounces, Periodicals letters: 3.5 ounces. Machinable letters must not meet any of the nonmachinable characteristics (201.2.0). Dimensions: Nonmachinable Letters (201.2.0) Maximum weight: First-Class Mail and Periodicals nonmachinable letters 3.5 ounces; USPS Marketing Mail nonmachinable letters; less than 16 ounces. Examples of a nonmachinable letter include: Automation Letters and Cards (201.3.0) Letter-size mailpieces that are machinable and display the correct delivery point barcode or Intelligent Mail barcode 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 (201.3.7). Dimensions: Length is the dimension parallel to the address as read (601.1.1.2). 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. Quick Service Guides First-Class Mail See Quick Service Guides: 230a Nonmachinable Letters 230b Machinable Letters and Cards 230c Automation Letters and Cards USPS Marketing Mail See Quick Service Guides: 240a Nonmachinable Letters 240b Machinable Letters 240c Automation Letters 240d Carrier Route Letters Periodicals See Quick Service Guides: 207c Nonbarcoded Letters 207e Barcoded (Automation) Letters | |