Physical Standards (201)
Maximum weight: less than 16 ounces.
For an overview of the physical standards for commercial parcels, see Quick Service Guide 201e.
Prices and Fees (243.1.0)
For a complete listing of commercial USPS Marketing Mail prices, see Notice 123–Price List.
Destination discounts apply to mail prepared as prescribed by USPS and addressed for delivery within service area of destination NDC/ASF, SCF (5-digit and SCF), or delivery unit (5-digit only) (246).
Annual presort mailing fee applies.
Content (243.2.0)
Pieces are eligible if not required to be mailed at First-Class Mail prices or not authorized for Periodicals prices. Nonprofit prices require specific authorization (703.1.0).
Eligibility Standards (243.3.0)
Mailings of 200 or more addressed pieces (or 50 pounds of addressed pieces), sorted and marked as described below. Machinable parcels (201.7.5) and nonstandard parcels (201.7.6) may be combined in the same mailing only in 5-digit containers.
Each piece must include a complete delivery address with correct ZIP Code or ZIP+4 code.
A certified process must be used at least once a year to ensure accuracy of 5-digit ZIP Codes.
Detached address labels (DALs) or detached marketing labels (DMLs) may be used with merchandise samples and Marketing parcels under 602.4.0.
Mail prepared using an extra service must bear a return address and an ancillary service endorsement that results in the return of the mailpiece if undeliverable (243.4.4).
Addresses on all pieces must be updated within 95 days before mailing through a USPS-approved address update method (e.g., ACS, NCOALink, or the appropriate ancillary service endorsement (except Forwarding Service Requested) under 507.1.5.3). For an overview of the Move Update standards, see Quick Service Guide 230a.
USPS Marketing Mail nonstandard parcels must bear an Intelligent Mail package barcode (IMpb) and an Intelligent Mail matrix barcode (IMmb). Mailpieces not meeting this requirement will be assessed the Package Quality Noncompliance Fee (see ) as outlined in Publication 199 available on PostalPro at https://postalpro.usps.com.
Postage Payment and Documentation (244)
Precanceled stamp (604.3.0), meter (604.4.0), or permit imprint (604.5.0).
Documentation:
Additional standards apply to mailings of nonidentical-weight pieces.
Mail Preparation (245)
Marking on each piece in the postage area (202.3.0):
- Regular: “Marketing” or “MKTG” or “MKT”, “Standard” or “STD”, “Presorted USPS Marketing” or “PRSRT MKTG” or “PRSRT MKT”, “Presorted Standard” or “PRSRT STD.”
- Nonprofit: “Nonprofit Organization,” “Nonprofit Org.,” or “Nonprofit.”
Note: Both markings (e.g., Mktg or STD) are acceptable in the same mailing.
For use of detached address labels with merchandise samples more than 5 inches wide (high) or 1/4 inch thick, or nonuniform in thickness, see 602.4.0.
Enter and Deposit (246)
Mailing entered at an acceptance point designated by USPS.
Sacking Sequence— for Nonstandard Parcels (245.11.4) |
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5-Digit/scheme Sacks: Optional, but required for 5-digit price; 10-pound minimum except at DDU/S&DC entry, which has no minimum. Labels:Line 1: For 5-digit scheme sacks, use L606, Column B. For 5-digit sacks, use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code destination on pieces. Line 2: “STD NONSTD 5D SCH” or “STD NONSTD 5D”. Price: 5-digit |
SCF Sacks: 10 pound minimum. Labels: Line 1, use L051, Column B. For Line 2, use “STD NONSTD SCF.” Price: 3-digit | Mixed Sacks: Required, no minimum. Labels: Line 1, use “MXD WKG.” Line 2, use “STD NONSTD WKG.” Price: Mixed |
Bundling not permitted except for bundles of carrier route irregular parcels under 245.12.0. For DDU and DSCF price eligibility and preparation see DMM 240. |
