Postal Rule Changes
Check our Postal Rule Changes page often to stay abreast of upcoming changes and their implementation.
New Deflection Standards for Flat-Sized mailpieces go into effect January, 2010 Current standards permit up to a 4-inch drop for pieces at least 10 inches long. The new standards will allow only a 3-inch drop for pieces at least 10 inches long. To check your mailpiece, place it on a flat surface with the long edge perpendicular to the edge and the short edge extending out 5 inches. The short edge of the mailpiece must drop not more than 3 inches below the surface on which the mailpiece rests. For more information, please see the USPS final rule Federal Register (74 FR 15380-15484), New Standards for Domestic Services.
New standards for letter-sized booklets go into effect September 8, 2009
On September 8, 2009, both the construction requirements and tabbing rules for letter-sized booklets will change. Booklets not complying with the new standards will not be eligible for machinable or automation letter prices. See the complete details of the new standards here: http://pe.usps.gov/FRN/Booklets.pdf
New address standards for Commercial Flat-Size mail.
We are still seeing flats that do not meet the new address standards. While the Postal Service has been fairly lenient in providing one-time exceptions, they are under no obligation to continue to do so. Penalties for non-compliance can be severe, ranging up to payment of full First-Class price for the entire mailing. If you have any doubts regarding the compliance of your mailpiece, please give us a call and we will be happy to check it for you.