First Class / Marketing Mail Flats

• In order to meet the requirements for classification as a First-Class Flat, envelopes must satisfy the USPS mailing requirements.
• They should possess at least one dimension that exceeds either 6-1/8 inches in height, 11-1/2 inches in length, or 1/4 inch in thickness.
• However, they must maintain dimensions within the limits of 12 inches in height by 15 inches in length and no thicker than 3/4 inch.
• It’s important to note that the generous maximum size for a flat offers ample space to accommodate a significant volume of material within the envelope.
• It’s essential to consider that weight often impacts postage costs, with heavier items incurring higher postage rates, particularly for First-Class Mail.

First Class Flats, including letters, have a weight limit of 13 ounces. Exceeding this weight limit will result in higher postage rates.

While there is no aspect ratio requirement for flats, they must conform to a rectangular shape, defined as having four right-angle corners with no more than a 0.125 radius, and parallel opposite sides. It’s worth noting that a square, characterized by all four sides being of equal length, is considered a machinable flat.

It’s essential for First Class Flats to adhere to USPS addressing standards, ensuring recipient addresses are correctly placed and legible. Proper addressing is a fundamental step to guarantee accurate and timely mail delivery.

To qualify for valuable automation discounts, mailers are required to affix the Intelligent Mail Barcode (IMB) to their First Class Flats. Barcoding significantly contributes to automated sorting and processing, potentially leading to additional postage savings.

First Class Flats are known for their prompt and efficient delivery. While delivery times may vary depending on factors such as distance and local postal processing, First-Class Mail, in general, is recognized for its reliable and relatively swift delivery service.

The Presort First-Class Mail service falls under the “market dominant” category of USPS services, which encompasses essential mail services regulated to ensure affordability and universal access for all customers. This category is dedicated to ensuring that vital mail services remain accessible and reasonably priced for everyone.

• To meet the criteria for classification as a Marketing Mail Flat, envelopes must adhere to USPS mailing standards:
• Have at least one dimension exceeding either 6-1/8 inches in height, 11-1/2 inches in length, or 1/4 inch in thickness.
• Stay within the dimensions of 12 inches in height by 15 inches in length and no thicker than 3/4 inch.

USPS Marketing Mail machinable letters have a maximum weight limit of 16 ounces (1.0 pound).

• Note that Marketing Mail Flats allow for 16 ounces while first class flats are limited to 13 ounces.

While there is no aspect ratio requirement for flats, they must conform to a rectangular shape, defined as having four right-angle corners with no more than a 0.125 radius, and parallel opposite sides. It’s worth noting that a square, characterized by all four sides being of equal length, is considered a machinable flat.

To qualify for reduced postage rates, mailers must presort their Marketing Mail flat size pieces according to USPS guidelines. Presorting involves organizing the mail by destination ZIP code, with the level of presorting determining the postage rate. The more extensive the presorting, the lower the postage rate.

Addresses on Marketing Mail flat size mail pieces must adhere to USPS addressing standards, ensuring proper placement and legibility. The placement of the address must be in the upper half of the mail piece.

Nonprofit organizations seeking nonprofit postage rates must obtain nonprofit authorization from USPS and adhere to nonprofit mail requirements.

To further qualify for automation rates, mailers may need to apply barcodes to their mail pieces, which enhances automated sorting and processing.

To qualify for nonprofit mail rates, an organization must meet certain criteria set by the USPS and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Generally, eligible organizations include charitable, religious, educational, scientific, and certain other nonprofit entities that have been granted tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Non-profit organizations must also obtain non-profit authorization from the USPS to qualify for non-profit postage rates. This authorization ensures compliance with USPS regulations and eligibility for reduced rates. Nonprofit mailings require a nonprofit mailing permit, which organizations must obtain from the USPS. This permit allows the organization to access the nonprofit postage rates and ensures compliance with USPS regulations.

Nonprofit mail can encompass various types of printed materials, such as newsletters, fundraising solicitations, promotional materials, and informational brochures. However, certain restrictions and guidelines apply, and the mail must primarily serve the nonprofit organization’s mission. Nonprofit mail cannot contain matter that is required to be mailed as First-Class Mail®.

One of the primary benefits of nonprofit mail is the significantly reduced postage rates it offers compared to regular Standard Mail or Marketing Mail rates. Nonprofit organizations can save a substantial amount on postage costs when using this service.

Nonprofit mail is typically sent in bulk quantities, meaning organizations must meet minimum quantity thresholds to qualify for the reduced rates. The specific thresholds can vary, so organizations should check with the USPS for the most up-to-date requirements. To further maximize cost savings, non-profit organizations can qualify for automation discounts by using barcodes and meeting automation requirements. These discounts contribute to lower postage costs for nonprofit mailings.

Nonprofit mail must adhere to USPS addressing and formatting standards. This includes proper addressing, placement of the nonprofit indicia or endorsement, and meeting size and weight requirements. The USPS requires nonprofit mailers to maintain high address quality standards, which include accurate addressing and address standardization. By adhering to these standards, nonprofits can reduce undeliverable mail and improve the effectiveness of their campaigns.

While nonprofit mail may have slightly longer delivery times compared to First-Class Mail due to its bulk nature, it often receives expedited processing and delivery, ensuring that important messages and appeals reach recipients promptly. Timely delivery is crucial for non-profit organizations seeking support and engagement.

One of the primary benefits of Presort is reduced postage rates. Mailers can significantly reduce their postage costs compared to regular First-Class Mail rates by presorting their mailings.

Presorted mail often receives expedited processing and delivery, which can be advantageous for time-sensitive mailings. Mail is entered at the closest destination inside the USPS.

The presorting process also requires mailers to improve address quality by standardizing addresses and ensuring accuracy. This can help reduce undeliverable mail and improve delivery rates.

Mailers may also qualify for automation discounts by using barcodes and meeting automation requirements, further reducing postage costs.

This category includes mail services that are considered essential and have limited competition. Market dominant mail services are subject to price regulation by the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) to ensure they are provided at affordable and uniform rates.

• Examples of market dominant mail services include First-Class Mail, Standard Mail (now called Marketing Mail), and Periodicals.

Competitive Class mail consists of services that face competition from private carriers and other delivery service providers. These services are not subject to the same price regulation by the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) as the Market Dominant Class of mail. Pricing for Competitive Class services is typically determined by market forces and competition.

• Examples of CompetitiveClass mail services include: Priority Mail, Ground Advantage, Marketing Mail, and Parcel Select.