Postal Explorer

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.

230d Quick Service Guide

Commercial - First-Class Mail Nonautomation Flats

Physical Standards (201)

Maximum weight: 13 ounces.

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

Prices and Fees (233.1.0)

For a complete list of commercial First-Class Mail prices, see Notice 123–Price List.

Annual presort mailing fee applies.

Content (233.2.0)

First-Class Mail is required for personal correspondence, handwritten or typewritten material, and bills or statements of account. It may also be used for any mailable item, including advertisements and lightweight merchandise.

Eligibility Standards (233.3.0)

Mailings of 500 or more addressed pieces, sorted and marked as described below. All pieces must fit within flat-size processing category (201).

Each piece must include a complete delivery address with correct ZIP Code or ZIP+4 Code.

Addresses on all pieces must be updated within 95 days before mailing through a USPS-approved address update tool (e.g., ACS, NCOALink, or the appropriate ancillary service endorsement under 507.1.0). For an overview of the First-Class Mail Move Update standards, see Quick Service Guide 602a.

A certified process (233.3.5) must be used within 12 months before mailing to ensure accuracy of 5-digit ZIP Codes.

Pieces that are rigid, nonrectangular, or not uniformly thick must be prepared as parcels and pay parcel prices (283.1.2).

Mailers can apply Repositionable Notes. See 202.7.0.

Postage Payment and Documentation (234)

Precanceled stamp (604.3.0), meter (604.4.0), or permit imprint (604.5.0).

Additional standards apply to mailings of nonidentical-weight pieces.

Documentation:

Postage statement: PS Form 3600-FCM.
Supporting documentation: required unless correct price is affixed to each piece or unless each piece is of identical weight and separated by price when presented for acceptance; documentation generated by PAVE-certified software (or printed in standardized format).

Mail Preparation (235)

Marking on each piece in the postage area (202.3.0): “Presorted (or PRSRT) First-Class.”

Use 2-inch tray labels (235.4.0).

Flat trays capped (green side up) and secured with two straps (235.3.0).

Enter and Deposit (236)

Mailing entered at an acceptance point designated by USPS.

Traying Sequence (235.5.0)

5-Digit

Trays: Optional, full tray or 50 piece minimum only to the same 5-digit ZIP Code; less-than-full trays not permitted.

Labels: For Line 1, use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code on mail.

Price: Presorted

3-Digit

Trays: Optional, full tray or 50 piece minimum only to the same 3-digit ZIP Code prefix; less-than-full trays not permitted.

Labels: For Line 1, use L002, Column A, for destination facility.

Price: Presorted

ADC

Trays: Optional, full tray or 50 piece minimum only to the same ADC (see L004); less-than-full trays not permitted.

Labels: For Line 1, use L004, Column B, for destination facility.

Price: Presorted

Mixed ADC

Trays: Required for any remaining bundles placed in mixed ADC trays; only one less-than-full tray permitted.

Labels: For Line 1, use L201. For mail originating in 3-digit ZIP Codes in Column A, use “MXD” followed by city/state/3-digit ZIP Code in Column C.

Price: Presorted

For flats, a full tray is defined as one that contains at least a single stack of pieces lying flat that reaches bottom of handholds, but no more than can be contained in tray with lid secured in place with two straps. Total weight of tray must not exceed 70 pounds.