Letter Commingling

Marketing Mail letter size mail pieces must meet the following size specifications:

• Minimum Size: 3-1/2 inches in height (vertical) by 5 inches in length (horizontal).
• Maximum Size: 6-1/8 inches in height by 11-1/2 inches in length.
• The thickness of the letter-sized mail piece must be at least 0.007 inch (7 mils) but no more than 1/4 inch (0.25 inch).

The aspect ratio of the mail piece, which is the length divided by the height, must be within the range of 1.3 to 2.5. In other words, the length should be no more than 2.5 times the height, and no less than 1.3 times the height.

The maximum weight for USPS Marketing Mail machinable letters is 3.5 ounces (0.2188 pound).

To qualify for reduced postage rates, mailers must presort their Marketing Mail letter size pieces according to USPS guidelines. Presorting involves sorting the mail by destination ZIP code, and the level of presorting determines the postage rate. The more presorted the mail is, the lower the postage rate.

Addresses on Marketing Mail letter size mail pieces must be formatted according to USPS addressing standards, including correct placement and legibility.

If the mailer is a nonprofit organization seeking nonprofit postage rates, they must have nonprofit authorization from the USPS and comply with nonprofit mail requirements.

To further qualify for automation rates, mailers may need to apply barcodes to their mail pieces. Barcoding helps with 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.

• Rectangular in shape
• At least 3-1/2 inches high x 5 inches long x 0.007 inch thick
• No more than 6 inches high x 9 inches long x 0.016 inches thick Should your mailpiece not conform to these dimensions, it will be categorized as a letter, incurring letter-size postage rates.

Postcards usually have a picture or illustration on one side and a blank or lightly printed area on the other side for the sender to write a message. The address of the recipient is typically printed on this side as well.

USPS offers a lower postage rate for postcards compared to standard letters. This makes postcards an economical choice for sending short messages or greetings through the mail.

Postcards are typically sent as First-Class Mail and are subject to the delivery standards associated with First-Class Mail.

Senders have the freedom to choose or create their own postcard designs, allowing for personalization and creativity in their messages.

A double card, also known as a double-stamped card or double postcard, comprises two connected cards, one of which is intended to be separated by the recipient and sent back through the mail as a single card. In the case of a double reply card, the sender composes a message on one card and sends it, while the recipient effortlessly removes the unused card and sends it back as a response, all without the necessity of affixing additional postage.

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.

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.