Read This Before You Plan Your Next Mailing!!!

USPS logoWhat: The United States Postal Service is implementing new address placement and formatting requirements for Periodicals, Standard Mail, Bound Printed Matter, Magazines, Media Mail, and Library Mail flat-size pieces sent at automation, presorted, or carrier route rates.
 
Why:  The USPS is converting to new technology, the Flats Sequencing System (FSS), which will automate delivery sequencing for flat-size mail.  Currently, carriers manually sort flats in delivery order. By reducing the carriers' time sorting mail, the new technology will increase efficiency and allow carriers to deliver mail earlier in the day.
 
When: Effective March 29, 2009
 
Consequences: If your mail does not comply with the new requirements it will not qualify for Automation or Presorted rates.  You may also have to pay additional postage or correct and re-enter your mail.

New Addressing Formats:
  • Addresses must be 8-pt or larger (if piece has a POSTNET or Intelligent Mail barcode with a delivery point routing code, then 6-pt in all capital letters is acceptable)
  • Address characters cannot overlap, but they may touch
  • Address lines may not touch or overlap
  • Address elements may be separated by no more than five blank spaces
New Standards for Address Placement:
  • Address must be located in the top half of mail pieces
  • Address can be parallel or perpendicular to the top edge (not upside down)
  • Address must be 1/8th from any edge
  • Addresses that straddle the midpoint of vertically oriented pieces may not meet new standards
Enveloped or Polywrapped Pieces:
  • Top of mail piece must be one of the two shorter edges
  • Address must be entirely within the top half
  • Address cannot read upside down in relation to the top edge
  • Address may cross the midpoint, if placed within 1 inch of the top edge
  • Postage must appear to the right or to the right and above the address 
     
Bound or Folded Pieces:
  • Address must appear in the top half when the spine is on the left
  • Address must be located in the top half when the spine is on the left
  • Address must read upside down or vertically for magazines (spine to the left)

For further information contact: Carrie Witt 202-268-7279

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