Dahlonega's Mail Distribution &

Database Management Specialists

New Standards for Letter-Sized Mailpieces

• As of May 11, 2009, machinable non-automated pieces must carry two tabs (already a requirement for their automated counterparts). Additionally, these mailpieces must weigh no more than 3.0 ounces, vs the previous 3.3 ounce limit.

• Effective September 9, 2009, the USPS will no longer allow perforated tabs. This popular tab style makes mailpieces easier to open, but causes problems with USPS machinery, and is therefore being disallowed.

New Address / Layout Requirements for "Flat" Mailpieces

Be sure to share this with your designer!

• Effective March 29, 2009, the address of a "flat" mailpiece must reside on the top half of the mailpiece. For enveloped or polywrapped pieces, and all saturation Carrier Route pieces, the "top" of the mailpiece is either of the shorter edges. For pieces that are not enclosed in envelopes or polywrap, the "top" is the upper edge when the bound edge (or the final fold) is vertical and on the right side of the piece.

Once you choose a top edge, measure halfway down the piece, and that's the top half. Your address must be entirely within the top half.

The address can be placed on the front or the back of the mailpiece. The address may be parallel or perpendicular ot the top edge, but not upside-down as read in relation to the top edge. A perpendicular address can face to the left or the right. The title of your mailpiece must be displayed prominently, not covered with the delivery address.

Mail which does not comply with these, or other USPS standards, will be subject to additional postage surcharges.

Move Update Now In Effect

All mailing lists must be updated every 95 days!

• The new requirements, which became effective November 23, 2008, require businesses to update their bulk-mailing lists every 95 days. This applies to both First Class Mail and Standard Mail. For example, a mailing entered into the Postal Service network on December 1 must bear addresses that were updated no earlier than August 28. Mailers who have mailings that are not compliant with Move Update will be fined 7 cents per piece for the entire mailing. You can get your list into compliance by calling Business Mailing Services and letting us send your list off for updating.

  Reminder . . . A First Class stamp now costs 44 cents.