Standard Mail® flats are the only type of mailpiece that can be used with Every Door Direct Mail™ (EDDM) Retail, and also are one of the more popular mailpieces used with EDDM entered through Business Mail Entry Units (BMEUs).
When deciding whether flats conform to mailing standards, keep in mind that the length of a flat-size mailpiece is its longest dimension and the height is the dimension perpendicular to its length. The following criteria can be used to determine eligibility of flat-sized mailpieces:
n Rectangular with four square corners or finished corners that do not exceed a radius of 1/8 inch (see Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) 301.1.1).
n One of the following: more than 11.5 inches long, more than 6 1/8 inches high, or more than 1/4 inch thick (see DMM 301.1.1). (Note: If an 8 1/2 x 11 piece is folded in half, the final dimensions would not be a flat-sized piece.)
n Not more than15 inches long, 12 inches high, or 3/4 inch thick (see DMM 301.1.1).
n Orientation of the address does not matter, i.e., whether the address is applied parallel to the long or short side of the piece. However, the address must be in the top half of the piece (see DMM 302.2.0).
For more information, go to www.usps.com/everydoordirectmail
or refer to DMM 301.1, Commercial Flats: Physical Standards for Flats, and DMM 601.1, Mailability: General Standards.
— Shipping Products,
Domestic Products, 6-2-11
