P.O. Box 12008 Salem, OR 97309
1-800-752-4081

Mailing standards

Mailing Standards

By designing your mail pieces to Postal Service standards your mailing can qualify for more and greater discounts.

SOME BASIC STANDARDS:

  • First Class Postcards – minimum size is 3 1/2″ high by 5″ long and .007″ thick; maximum size is 4 1/4″ high by 6″ long and .016″ thick
  • Letters – minimum size is 3 1/2″ high by 5″ long and .007″ thick; maximum size is 6 1/8″ high by 11 1/2″ long and .25″ thick.
  • Flats – must be rectangular but NOT square and meet the following size requirements:
    • Height – minimum 5″; maximum 12″
    • Length – minimum 6″; maximum 15″
    • Thickness – minimum .009″; maximum 3/4″
    • Note – These are only general size and thickness requirements. Please check with our mailing specialists for exceptions and special rules for your mailing.
  • Tabbing – to receive the lowest rates from the Postal Service, selfmailers (small booklets and other folded items) require one or more “tabs” on the open edge to prevent their jamming in Postal Service equipment. Placement is determined by the size and type of mailing.
  • Indicia – the indicia is the equivalent of a postage stamp and includes the type of mailing, postal permit number and post office that issued the permit.