FAQ & Mailing Information
At Mailing Services Plus, we've done our best to create a Web site that anticipates and satisfies our customers' needs. With that goal in mind, we've compiled a list of frequently asked questions. If you do not find an answer to your question here, contact us at 610-692-9427 or information@mailingservicesplusinc.com
Question: Our mailer normally mails as a flat, but now it costs too much, what can we do?
Answer: Switch to a 5 x 11 1/2 or 6 x 9 Envelope Click Here for More Information!
Effective May 14, 2007, the First Class
rates will be calculated using a combination of weight AND shape.
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First Class Mail Single Piece CURRENT
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First Class Mail Single Piece Effective May 14, 2007
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Weight oz.
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Letters
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Flats
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Parcels
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Weight oz.
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Letters
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Flats
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Parcels
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1
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0.39
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0.52
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0.52
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1
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0.41
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0.80
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1.13
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2
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0.63
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0.63
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0.63
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2
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0.58
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0.97
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1.30
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3
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0.87
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0.87
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0.87
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3
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.075
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1.14
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1.47
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4
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1.11
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1.11
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1.11
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3.5*
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0.92
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1.31
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1.64
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Additional Ounce: 0.24
Nonmachinable Surcharge: 0.13
Postcard: 0.24
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Additional Ounce: 0.17
Nonmachinable Surcharge: 0.17
Postcard: 0.26
* Weights over 3.5 are subject to flat-size rates.
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Mail for Less Under the New Postage Rates
The USPS wants to encourage mail that is designed according to their "Letter" shape dimensions. In the above chart, you can see that a 2 ounce mailpiece must pay $0.63 in postage under the current rates. Under the new rates, you will pay only $0.58 in postage to put the same 2 ounces into the mail if the shape of the piece meets "Letter" specs. A 2 ounce "Flat" will be charged $0.97. See design examples by clicking here.
Postal Specifications Chart
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First Class
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Post Cards
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Letters
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(All Classes)
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Auto
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Flats
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MIN
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MAX
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MIN
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MAX
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MIN
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MAX
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Height
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3.5"
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4.25"
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3.5"
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6.125"
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6"
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12"
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Length
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5"
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6"
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5"
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11.5"
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6"
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15"
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Thickness
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.007"
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.016"
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.009"
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.25"
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.009"
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.75"
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Tip:
Mail length is the dimension that parallels the lines of the delivery address. Rectangular shape, with a height-to-length ration of between 1.3 and 2.5. 100% of the mailing must be delivery point bar-coded to qualify for automated rates. Flats can be either zip + 4 bar-coded or delivery point bar-coded. Minimum thickness for letters measuring 4.24" x 6" or less is .007"
Question: Can we put a postage stamp on to make it look more like First Class Mail?
Answer: Yes! We can automatically apply Postage Stamps in house
Question: Will my mailer need to be wafer sealed / tabbed? If so can you apply clear tabbs?
Answer: Yes we can apply clear tabbs, See below for more information on when a wafer seal is needed.
Tabs & Wafer Seals
Self-Mailers prepared for automation rate mailings must be tabbed (secured) to prevent an open edge from jamming high-speed processing equipment. Construction of the mail piece plays an important role in determining automation compatibility. Standards for tabbing are based on basis weight of paper stock used and the location of the folded or bound edge. As an alternative to tabs or wafer seals, the open edge of the length of the mailpiece may be continuously glued or spot glued. Tabs are not required on flats but may be necessary or advisable to meet other preparation standards.
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Booklet
Tabs 2 (start < or = 1 inch from edges)
Spine Top
Fold Bottom
Sheets Multiple with Cover
Basis Weight 20 lb. (Cover)
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Booklet
Tabs 2 (start < or = 1 inch from the edges)
Spine Bottom
Sheets Multiple with Cover
Basis Weight 20 lb. (Cover)
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Booklet
Tabs 2 (start < or = 1 inch from top edge)
Spine Top
Fold Bottom
Sheets Multiple with Cover
Basis Weight 20 lb. (Cover)
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Booklet
Tabs 2 (start < or = 1 inch from top and bottom edges)
Spine Right
Sheets Multiple with Cover
Basis Weight 24 lb. (Cover)
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Double Card Tabs 1 (middle)
Fold Top or Bottom
Sheets Single
Basis Weight 75 lb
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Folded Self-Mailer
Tabs 1 (middle)
Fold Bottom
Sheets Multiple
Basis Weight 24 lb.
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Folded Self-Mailer
Tabs 1 (middle)
Fold Right
Sheets Single
Basis Weight 75 lb.
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Folded Self-Mailer
Tabs 2 (start < or = 1 inch from edges)
Fold Top
Sheets Single or Multiple
Basis Weight 20, 24 or 28 lb.
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Folded Self-Mailer
Tabs 2 (start < or = 1 inch from edges)
Fold Top or Bottom
Sheets Single
Basis Weight 20 lb.
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Folded Self-Mailer (Continuous Glue Strip)
Glue Strip Top Edge
Fold Bottom
Sheets Single
Basis Weight 20 lb.
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Folded Self-Mailer (Invitation Fold)
Tabs 1 (center of overlap)
Fold Top or Bottom
Sheets Multiple or Single
Basis Weight 20 lb.
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Folded Self-Mailer (Invitation Fold)
Tabs Address Label
Fold Top and Bottom
Sheets Single
Basis Weight 20 lb.
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Folded Self-Mailer
Tabs 1 (middle)
Fold Bottom
Sheets Single
Basis Weight 28 lb.
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Letter-Size Folded Self-Mailers
Fold (top or bottom) must be parallel to the longest dimension (length) and address of the mailpiece
- With one tab or wafer seal: folded edge at bottom of mailpiece, tab or wafer seal in middle of top edge of mailpiece.
- Single folded sheet, sealed with one tab or wafer seal, minimum basis weight: 28 pounds (17 by 22 inches by 500 sheets) or 70 pounds (25 by 38 inches by 500 sheets).
- Two or more sheets, sealed with one tab or wafer seal, minimum basis weight: 24 pounds (17 by 22 inches by 500 sheets) or 60 pounds (25 by 38 inches by 500 sheets).
- With two tabs or wafer seals: minimum basis weight 20 pounds (17 by 22 inches by 500 sheets) if folded edge is at top or bottom of the mailpiece. Tabs or wafer seals must be placed within 1 inch of the right and left edges of mailpiece.
- With fold on right (leading) edge: left (trailing) edge secured with at least one tab or a glue line, additional tabs may be required based on trim size and basis weight. Pieces 7 or more inches in length must also be secured at top and bottom edges and be pre-approved by the USPS.
Cards
Minimum basis weight of 75 pounds or greater. Double postcards not sealed on all edges must have folded edge at the top or bottom. The open edge must be secured with 1 tab in the middle.
Flat-Size Booklet-Type Mailpieces
The contents of the mail piece prepared in sleeves or other wrappers must be sufficiently secured in the sleeve or wrapper to stay in place during processing. If material bearing the delivery information or barcode for the mail piece is enclosed in a partial wrapper, that wrapper must be sufficiently secure to prevent the contents from shifting and obscuring the delivery address.
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