1. COST SAVINGS THROUGH MAILPIECE DESIGN
Name
ALG 1.5
Darwill 15
Graftek/Brown 8
Debbie D’Alessandro
ALG Worldwide Logistics
S Suburban PCC Industry Co-Chair

2. Objectives: Avoid the common mistakes that increase postage
Letters, Flats, and Self-Mailers
Learn additional ways to save money on mailings

3. COMMON LETTER MISTAKES: NONMACHINABLE CHARACTERISTICS
ASPECT RATIO: must be between 1.3 and 2.5
If a piece is 5”x8”, with the address parallel to the short edge, then the aspect ratio is 5/8 or .625 and is non-machineable. If the address is parallel to the long edge, the aspect ratio is 8/5, or Square pieces have an aspect ration of 1, and are non machinable

4. COMMON LETTER MISTAKES: NONMACHINABLE CHARACTERISTICS
Mail pieces over 4-1/4 inches high, or 6 inches long
Must be at least .009 inches THICK

5. COMMON LETTER MISTAKES: NONMACHINABLE CHARACTERISTICS
Pieces polywrapped, or with clasps,
string, or not made of paper
Pieces that contain
odd-shaped contents
Pieces that are too rigid

6. AUTOMATION LETTERS Must be flexible
CD’s or OK as long as they are secured so as not to move more than ½” in any direction.
Do not enclose in jewel case or inflexible protective sleeve
Height must be at least 5.5” high
Length between 7.25 and 9.75
See DMM for more information

7. AUTOMATION LETTERS Additonal Considerations: Paper Stock Opacity
Dark Fibers
Print Contrast
** For First Class mail, pay attention to weight!!

8. AUTOMATION FLATS Flexibility: must pass tests in DMM 201.4.3
Uniform Thickness
Rectangular
Deflection: Need to pass Droop test in DMM
Size

9. AUTOMATION FLATS
Addressing Requirements

10. AUTOMATION FLATS
Addressing Requirements

11. Booklets & Self-Mailers
Construction dictates the number and size of tabs
No perforated tabs
2 or 3 based on mailpiece design
Up to 1 oz., 1” tab
Over 1 oz., 1.5” tab

12. Booklets & Self-Mailers
On tri-fold, mailing panel cannot be on final fold
Paper weight
Up to 1 oz, 70# book
Over 1 oz, 80# book
Folding
Maximum panels: 12
Final fold MUST be on bottom or lead edge

13. Booklets & Self-Mailers
Horizontal fold
No closer than 1” to trail edge
Vertical fold
No closer than 1” to bottom edge
1.5” min flap
5” min flap Die-cut
Flaps
On non-addressed side only
Extend from top 1.5” minimum
Extend from lead edge 5” minimum
Additional closure configurations are allowed
Glue or tabs?
Which is the required option for your mailpiece?

14. TEMPLATES

15. Booklets Verify your mailpiece meets the current standards!
Contact an MDA

16. Contact an MDA Call 1-855-593-6093 or Send an email to MDA@usps.gov
Verify your mailpiece meets the current standards!
Call or
Send an to
Monday through Friday 7:00AM - 5:00PM Central Time
Webinars to ask questions or provide feedback about the new MDA help process:
Webinar Dates: Monday through Friday, August 18, 2014, through September 18, 2014
Time: 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Eastern Time
Meeting Number:
Log On:   

17. TEMPLATES

18. TEMPLATES

19. GAUGES

20. 2014 USPS Promotions Emerging Technology Promotion
August 1 – September 30, 2014
Incorporate Near Field Communication or AR into your mailpiece
Color Print In First-Class Mail Transactions Promotion
August 1 – December 31, 2014
Connect with your customers using color print marketing and consumer messaging in your bills, statements, and invoices.
Mail Drives Mobile Commerce Promotion
November 1 – December 31, 2014
Mail that includes a mobile barcode or print/mobile technology that can be scanned by a mobile device and gives them an easy way to purchase a product via a mobile-optimized website

21. Where to get help MailPiece Design Analyst PE.USPS.COM RIBBS.USPS.GOV
Call or send an to
PE.USPS.COM
RIBBS.USPS.GOV
Notice 123/Rate Calculator
Local Postal Customer Council’s (PCC’s)

22. Alternative Production Options
Digital Print
Smart Inserting/Selective binding
Three “C’s” of mailing
Co-palletization
Commingle
Co-mailing

23. Full Service IMB Discounts
$0.001 per piece for Standard mail
$0.003 per piece for First Class mail
Permit fee waived at 90% full service compliance
WHERE TO GET HELP:
PE.USPS.COM
Printer and/or Mail House
Local PCC’s
Unique numbering for all mail pieces, trays, and pallets
Electronic Documentation