Effective August 14, 2008, the Postal Service™ is adding new optional mailing standards describing mailpiece characteristics for automation letters with compact discs (CDs) and digital video discs (DVDs).
Currently, disc distributors who plan to mail discs in letter-size envelopes at automation letter prices submit 50 samples of their mailpieces to the Pricing and Classification Service Center (PCSC) for analysis and coordination of testing. Mailpieces that conform to these new standards will qualify for automation letter pricing if they meet all other requirements for automation letters. Letters without barcodes that meet the new standards will not be considered too rigid and will qualify for machinable letter pricing if they do not have any other nonmachinable characteristics. Additional testing will not be required.
These standards do not apply for reusable mailpieces (two-way mailers). Customers who seek approval for automation prices for reusable mailpieces (two-way mailers) or for new mailpiece designs not meeting these new standards may contact their local manager, Business Mail Entry, who will coordinate additional analysis and testing. Mailpieces previously approved in writing by the USPS® for automation prices continue to qualify for those prices even if they do not meet the new optional standards.
Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®)
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200 Commercial Mail Letters and Cards
201 Physical Standards
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3.0 Physical Standards for Automation Letters and Cards
3.1 Basic Standards for Automation Letters and Cards
[Revise text of 3.1 as follows:]
Letters and cards claimed at automation letter prices and at Standard Mail Enhanced Carrier Route prices must meet the standards in 3.0. Unless prepared as a self-mailer, booklet, or postcard under 3.13.2 through 3.13.4, each mailpiece must be a sealed envelope (the preferred method) or, if unenveloped, must be sealed or glued along all four sides. All references in 3.0 to paper basis weight are based on measured weight for 500 17-inch by 22-inch sheets. Envelopes, or letter-size mailpieces sealed along all four sides, must be made of paper with a minimum 16 pounds basis weight or equivalent. See 3.3 for additional standards for mailpieces with disc enclosures.
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[Renumber current 3.3 through 3.14 as new 3.4 through 3.15, and add new 3.3 as follows:]
3.3 Standards for Letter-Size Pieces Containing Discs (CDs or DVDs)
3.3.1 Basic Standards for Discs in Envelopes
Letter-size mailpieces containing a single disc and meeting the standards in 3.3.2, 3.3.3, and 3.11 are considered automation-compatible. Mailpieces with one enclosed disc not meeting these standards must be tested and approved for automation-compatibility.
3.3.2 Disc Size and Placement
Position the disc symmetrically at the vertical centerline and as near to the top edge of the mailpiece as is practical. Secure the disc to prevent it from shifting more than
1/2 inch in any direction. The maximum disc size is:
a. 120 mm (4.7 inches) in diameter.
b. 2 mm (0.08 inch) in thickness.
3.3.3 Dimensions and Shape Standards for Automation-Compatible Enveloped Letters Containing Discs
Each enveloped letter must meet the basic standards for machinable letters in 201.1 and have the following characteristics:
a. Height, not more than 6 inches or less than 5.5 inches high.
b. Length, not more than 9.75 inches or less than 7.25 inches long.
c. Thickness, not more than 0.25 inch or less than 0.009 inch thick.
d. Weight, not more than 3 ounces.
e. A piece up to 8 inches long must be made of paper with a minimum 28-pound basis weight or equivalent.
f. A piece over 8 inches long (up to 9.75 inches long) must be made of paper with a minimum 32-pound basis weight or equivalent.
g. Discs in mailpieces made of the minimum basis weight paper must be inserted into a protective sleeve.
3.3.4 Dimensions and Shape Standards for Automation-Compatible Folded Self-Mailers Containing Discs
Each folded self-mailer must meet the basic standards for machinable letters in 201.1 and have the following characteristics:
a. Height, not more than 6 inches or less than 5.5 inches high.
b. Length, not more than 9.75 inches or less than 7.25 inches long.
c. Thickness, not more than 0.25 inch or less than 0.009 inch thick.
d. Weight, not more than 3 ounces.
e. Be prepared from paper stock meeting the industry standard for a basis weight of 75 pounds or greater, with none less than 71.25 pounds (measured weight for 500 25- by 38-inch sheets). The stock must be free from groundwood unless coated with a substance adding to the stock’s ability to resist an applied bending force.
f. Any folds or perforations in the mailpiece must be parallel to the address.
g. Must meet the tabbing requirements for pieces prepared with folds or perforations parallel to the address provided in DMM 201.3.14.
3.3.5 Unacceptable Characteristics for Automation-Compatible Letter-Size Pieces With Discs
Discs in letter-sized envelopes and folded self-mailers may not be enclosed in:
a. Packaging such as plastic “clamshells,” plastic “jewel cases,” or inflexible cardboard sleeves.
b. Window envelopes.
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We will incorporate these revisions into the next printed version of the DMM and into the monthly update of the online DMM available via Postal Explorer® at http://pe.usps.com.
\uF8E7 Mailing Standards,
Pricing and Classification, 8-14-08
