This past weekend, the US Postal Service announced another major change in mailpiece standards. In this case, placement of tabs on a folded self-mailer (FSM).
Unsure of what a folded self-mailer is? Here is the USPS definition:
A folded self-mailer is formed of panels that are created when one or more unbound sheets of paper are folded together and sealed to make a letter-size mailpiece. The number of sheets in the mailpiece and the number of the times the sheets are folded determine the number of panels. Sheets that are bound by one or more staples are not considered folded self-mailers even when all other preparation recommendations are met.
So what are the new requirements? Below are the physical characteristics of a folded self-mailer that will fall within machinable costs (meaning less expensive).
The maximum height for all automation and machinable FSMs is 6 inches and the maximum length is 10 1⁄2 inches, with a maximum thickness of 1⁄4 inch. The maximum weight of three ounces is applicable to all mailpieces prepared without envelopes. The paper basis weight for folded self-mailers is based on book-grade paper unless otherwise specified and varies depending on the total weight of the mailpiece and/or optional elements that are incorporated in the design. The final fold must be at the bottom for all designs except oblong style pieces. For oblong-style FSMs the final fold is on the leading edge. Tabs cannot be placed on the bottom open edge of an oblong-style FSM. A minimum of two tabs will be required to seal all FSMs when tabs are used as the sealing method. Tabs used as seals may not have perforations. Glue may be used as an alternate sealing method when applied according to the standards for FSMs.
After January 5, 2013, folded self-mailers that do not meet these requirements will be assessed postage as follows: First-Class Mail® and Standard Mail® customers will pay nonmachinable prices; Periodical mailers will pay nonbarcoded prices.
So there you have it! But don’t worry, if you forget these new standards, we gotcha covered!
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