Outline of all of the latest USPS postal specifications for self-mailers (pieces that mail without envelopes), including:
1. Size dimensions of a self-mailer
2. Weight of a self-mailer
3. Paper weight specifications
4. Thickness of a self-mailer
5. Tabbing requirements
6. Folding specifications
7. Addressing requirements
This presentation lists all of the latest USPS requirements for mailing self-mailers.
2. So What has Changed?
Dimension
Weight & Thickness
Closure Method
Fold Style/Orientation
Flaps
Panels
Address Placement
3. Basic Design Elements
Dimension
Height – 3.5” to 6” max
Length – 5” to 10.5” max
Weight – up to 3 ounces
Paper cover basis weight -- Book grade (Text, Offset):
Basic Folder Self-Mailer Design
70# minimum for 1 oz. mail-piece; 80# min. over 1 oz. up to 3 oz.
Optional Elements added
Basis weight ranges from 80# to 120#
Basis weight increases when piece weight is over 1oz.
Attachment must be affixed to panel
Newsprint paper allowed on Quarter-Fold design only
55# minimum paper, 1.5 inch tabs required
4. What closure is required?
Tabs
Up to 1 ounce mailer needs two 1” tabs
Mailers over 1 ounce need two 1.5” tabs
If using perforations or inserts;
Under 1oz. Use 1.5” tabs
Over 1oz. Use 2” tabs
Glue
Continuous glue line
1/8 inch wide
Glue spots
3/8 inch diameter, 3 to 4 spots
Elongated glue lines
1/8 inch wide, 3 to 4 lines
5. Folding Examples
Fold Style / Orientation
Horizontal - final fold at bottom edge to non-address side
Vertical - final fold to the right of mail address panel
Oblong is a common name for this fold style
These are only representative illustrations of potential designs.
6. Quarter-Fold Design
Two folds perpendicular
create a quarter-fold mail
piece
Folds must be at the lead
and bottom edge
Single layer attachment
or reply envelope
allowed within
Paper basis weight – 70#
min, 80# if over 1oz.
Newsprint requires 55# min which
correlates to 60# book weight
These are only representative illustrations of potential designs.
9. What closure is required?
Panels
Each folded section of a sheet is a separate panel
Both sides of the panel count as one and the same panel
Equal – nearly equal size; varied fold styles with panels of
different sizes, short panels covered by full-size panel(s)
Internal partial panels count toward # panels allowed
Final fold panel creates non-address side of mail-piece by
folding from bottom to top, or lead to trail edge
11. Address Placement
Addressing in the mid to left position is
preferred.
Addresses must be on the center panel.
Perforations must be on the non-
addresses side.
12. Summary
New Requirements:
Dimension: Height: 6” max and Length: 10.5”
max
Weight: Up to 3oz max
Paper Basis Weight: based on design and
weight: Minimum 70# and higher
Closure method options – based on design and
weight: Tabs: 2 or 3 non-perforated tabs
13. Intelligent Mail Barcode (IMB)
Implementation Date – January 27, 2013
Postnet Barcode Sample –
IMB Barcode sample –
Advantages
More capability with similar footprint
Tracking of mail
Information contained within barcode
Mailer ID
Service type
Unique Serial # for each mailing
Delivery point information
Qualified Business Reply Mail and Permit Reply Mail must have the IMB
14. Postage Rate Increase
Effective January 27, 2013
First Class Letter up $0.01 to $0.46
First Class Postcard up $0.01 to $0.33
Shipping Services Increase 4%
Bulk Mail Services Increase 2.6%