260b Quick Service Guide

Commercial - Bound Printed Matter Nonstandard and Machinable Parcels

Physical Standards (201)

Minimum weight nonstandard parcels: none.

Minimum weight machinable parcels: None.

Maximum weight: 15 pounds.

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

Prices and Fees (263.1.0)

For a complete listing of Bound Printed Matter prices — see Notice 123Price List.

The presorted and Carrier Route Bound Printed Matter price is charged per pound from 1 through 15 pounds. Any fraction of a pound is considered a whole pound. Destination entry discounts apply to mail prepared as prescribed by USPS and addressed for delivery within service area of destination SCF or delivery unit (DDU) (266).

No annual mailing fee.

Content (263.2.0)

Bound Printed Matter is typically catalogs, directories, books, and other printed material that weigh up to 15 pounds and meet specific eligibility standards in 263.2.0. Contents must:

Eligibility Standards (263.4.0)

Eligible mailings must meet the following minimum pieces:

Mailings of 300 or more pieces, sorted, and marked as described below. Machinable parcels (201.7.5) and nonstandard parcels (201.7.6) may not be combined in the same mailing.

Each piece must include complete delivery address with correct ZIP Code or ZIP+4 Code. Return address required for pieces with ancillary service endorsement or extra services.

For Presorted prices, a certified process must be used at least once a year to ensure accuracy of 5-digit ZIP Codes.

For the Carrier Route price, carrier route information must be updated using a CASS-certified process within 120 days before the mailing (263.4.0).

Destination entry discounts apply to mail prepared as prescribed by USPS and addressed for delivery within service area of destination SCF or delivery unit (DDU) (266.2.0).

Carrier Route priced parcels must bear a unique Intelligent Mail package barcode, including a postal routing code, prepared under 204.2.0.

Presorted-priced parcels must bear an Intelligent Mail package barcode (IMpb) and an Intelligent Mail matrix barcode (IMmb) as outlined in 204.2.0. Mailpieces not meeting this requirement will be assessed the Package Quality Noncompliance Fee (see Notice 123Price List.) as outlined in Publication 199 available on PostalPro at https://postalpro.usps.com.

Postage Payment and Documentation (264)

Permit imprint (604.5.0).

Postage statement: PS Form 3605-R .

Mail Preparation (265)

Markings (202.3.0):

Pieces must be separated by zones when presented unless authorized under 705.2.0.

Parcels must include a unique Intelligent Mail package barcode with a postal routing code, prepared under 204.2.0.

Enter and Deposit (266)

Generally at the Post Office where permit is held.

Preparation

 

 

Sacking Sequence for Nonstandard Parcels (265.8.2)

Bundling and sacking sequence for bound printed matter irregular parcels less than 10 pounds.

5-Digit/Scheme

Sacks: Required at 20 pounds, smaller volumes not permitted.

Labels: Line 1: For 5–digit scheme sacks, use L606, Column B. For 5-digit sacks, use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code on mail. Line 2: For 5-digit scheme sacks, use “PSVC NONSTD 5D SCH.” For 5-digit sacks, use “PSVC NONSTD 5D.”

3-Digit

Sacks: Required at 20 pounds, smaller volumes not permitted.

Labels: For Line 1, use L002, Column A. For Line 2, use “PSVC NONSTD 3D.”

SCF

Sacks: Optional at 20 pounds, smaller volumes not permitted.

Labels: For Line 1, use L051, Column B. For Line 2, use “PSVC NONSTD SCF.”

Mixed

Sacks: Required; no minimum.

Labels: For Line 1, use “MXD WKG.” For Line 2, use “PSVC NONSTD WKG.”

Sacking Machinable Parcels (265.8.3)

Sacking machinable parcels not claiming DNDC prices.

5-Digit/Scheme 2

Sacks: Required; minimum 10 addressed pieces or 20 pounds, smaller volumes not permitted.

Labels: Line 1: For 5-digit scheme sacks, use L606, Column B. For 5-digit sacks, use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code on mail.

Line 2: For 5-digit scheme sacks, use “PSVC MACH 5D SCH.” For 5-digit sacks, use “PSVC MACH 5D.”

Mixed

Sacks: Required; no minimum.

Labels: For Line 1, “MXD WKG.” For Line 2, use “PSVC MACH WKG.”

1. For 5-digit scheme sacks, use “PSVC MACH 5D SCH;” for 5-digit sacks, use “PSVC MACH 5D.”

2. All possible 5-digit scheme bundles must be prepared before preparing 5-digit sacks.

 

Palletizing Machinable Parcels (705.8.10.6)

Palletizing machinable parcels.

5-Digit Scheme

Optional at 250 pounds.

Labels: For Line 1, use L606, Column B. For Line 2, use “PSVC MACH 5D SCH.”

5-Digit

Required at 500 pounds. Optional at 250 pounds.

Labels: For Line 1, use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code on mail. For Line 2, use “PSVC MACH 5D.”

Mixed

Optional at 250 pounds.

Labels: For Line 1, use "MXD WKG." For Line 2, use “PSVC MACH WKG.”