Effective March 5, 2012, the Postal Service™ will revise Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) throughout various sections to consolidate and centralize most of the bundling standards for letters, flats, and parcels in a new section 601.2.0. We will also relocate and consolidate current packaging and cushioning standards into renumbered section 601.3.0. This revision represents a repositioning of current standards.
Bundle integrity is crucial to protecting the presort preparation. If bundles break open in transit or processing, pieces may be damaged and will require individual piece sortation, which would reduce processing efficiency and might delay visibility and receipt of the mail. As a reminder, flats bundles that are not shrinkwrapped must be prepared with two straps, one encircling the length of the bundle, and one encircling the girth of the bundle.
Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM)
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200 Commercial Letters and Cards
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230 First-Class Mail
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235 Mail Preparation
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2.0 Bundles
[Revise the title and text of 2.1 as follows:]
2.1 General
A bundle is a group of addressed pieces, for a presort destination, secured together as a unit. See 601.2.0 for bundling standards.
[Delete 2.2 through 2.8 in their entirety.]
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240 Standard Mail
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245 Mail Preparation
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2.0 Bundles
[Revise the title and text of 2.1 as follows:]
2.1 General
A bundle is a group of addressed pieces, for a presort destination, secured together as a unit. See 601.2.0 for bundling standards.
[Delete 2.2 through 2.10 in their entirety.]
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300 Commercial Flats
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330 First-Class Mail
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335 Mail Preparation
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2.0 Bundles
[Revise the title and text of 2.1 as follows:]
2.1 General
A bundle is a group of addressed pieces, for a presort destination, secured together as a unit. See 601.2.0 for bundling standards.
[Delete 2.2 through 2.8 in their entirety.]
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5.0 Preparation of Nonautomation Flats
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5.4 Bundling and Labeling
[Revise the introductory text of 5.4 as follows:]
Except under 601.2.14, bundling is required before traying. A bundle must be prepared when the quantity of addressed pieces for a required presort level reaches a minimum of 10 pieces. Smaller volumes are not permitted except under 601.2.12 and for mixed ADC bundles. Preparation sequence, bundle size (except allowed under 601.2.12), and labeling:
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6.0 Preparation of Automation Flats
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6.5 First-Class Mail Required Bundle-Based Preparation
6.5.1 Bundling and Labeling
[Revise the introductory text of 6.5.1 as follows:]
Preparation sequence, bundle size (except as allowed under 601.2.12), and labeling:
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340 Standard Mail
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345 Mail Preparation
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2.0 Bundles
[Revise the title and text of 2.1 as follows:]
2.1 General
A bundle is a group of addressed pieces, for a presort destination, secured together as a unit. See 601.2.0 for bundling standards.
[Delete 2.2 through 2.13 in their entirety.]
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360 Bound Printed Matter
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365 Mail Preparation
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2.0 Bundles
[Revise the title and text of 2.1 as follows:]
2.1 General
A bundle is a group of addressed pieces, for a presort destination, secured together as a unit. See 2.2, 2.3, and 601.2.0 for bundling standards.
[Delete 2.2 through 2.5 in their entirety.]
[Renumber current 2.6 as new 2.2 and revise the text as follows:]
2.2 Preparing Bundles
Bundles of flat-size pieces must be secure and stable subject to the following:
a. If placed on pallets, the specific weight limits in 705.8.9.
b. If placed in sacks, the specific applicable weight limits in 5.0, 6.0, 7.0, and 601.2.0.
c. If bundles are prepared for entry as unsacked, nonpalletized bundles under 366.6.2 or 366.6.3, the weight limits and other standards in 601.2.10.
[Delete current 2.7 in its entirety.]
[Renumber current 2.8 as new 2.3 and revise the text as follows:]
2.3 Bundle Sizes
Each logical bundle (the total group of pieces for a bundle destination) of Bound Printed Matter (BPM) must meet the applicable bundle size standards in 5.0, 6.0, 7.0, or 705.8.0. Each physical bundle should be at least the minimum bundle size. The size of each physical bundle may, however, contain fewer pieces than the bundle minimum if the thickness of the piece is too large to create a stable bundle (see 601.2.12). Unless otherwise noted, the maximum weight for bundles in sacks is 20 pounds. Except for mixed ADC bundles and for carrier route bundles in sacks, each physical bundle of BPM must contain at least two pieces. For carrier route BPM prepared in sacks, there may be one loose piece to a carrier route, provided that all other bundles to that carrier route destination contain at least two addressed pieces, and that the total group of pieces to that carrier route meets the carrier route price eligibility minimum in 363. Bundles prepared on pallets must meet the additional bundling requirements under 705.8.0.
[Delete current 2.9 through 2.12 in their entirety.]
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370 Media Mail and Library Mail
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375 Mail Preparation
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2.0 Bundles
[Revise the title and text of 2.1 as follows:]
2.1 General
A bundle is a group of addressed pieces, for a presort destination, secured together as a unit. See 601.2.0 for bundling standards.
[Delete 2.2 through 2.8 in their entirety.]
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400 Commercial Parcels
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440 Standard Mail
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445 Mail Preparation
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2.0 Bundles
[Revise the title and text of 2.1 as follows:]
2.1 General
A bundle is a group of addressed pieces, for a presort destination, secured together as a unit. See 601.2.0 for bundling standards. Bundling is permitted only for Marketing parcels mailed at carrier route prices.
[Delete 2.2 through 2.10 in their entirety.]
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[Renumber current 2.11 as new 2.2 and revise the title and introductory text as follows:]
2.2 Facing Slips—Carrier Route Mail
All facing slips used on carrier route bundles must show this information:
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[Revise renumbered item 2.2b as follows:]
b. Line 2: Content, followed by carrier route type and route number (e.g., “STD MKTG LOT CR R 012”).
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460 Bound Printed Matter
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465 Mail Preparation
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2.0 Bundles
[Revise the title and text of 2.1 as follows:]
2.1 General
A bundle is a group of addressed pieces, for a presort destination, secured together as a unit. See 2.2, 2.3, and 601.2.0 for bundling standards.
[Delete 2.2 through 2.5 in their entirety.]
[Renumber current 2.6 as new 2.2 and revise the title and text as follows:]
2.2 Bundle Sizes for Irregular Parcels
Mailers must prepare unsacked, nonpalletized bundles of irregular parcels for DDU entry according to 601.2.10, and as follows:
a. For Presorted irregular parcels, under 5.2 for parcels weighing less than 10 pounds and 5.3 for parcels weighing 10 pounds or more.
b. For carrier route irregular parcels, under 6.2 for parcels weighing less than 10 pounds and 6.3 for parcels weighing 10 pounds or more.
[Delete current 2.7 through 2.11 in their entirety.]
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470 Media Mail and Library Mail
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475 Mail Preparation
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2.0 Bundles
[Revise the title and text of 2.1 as follows:]
2.1 General
A bundle is a group of addressed pieces, for a presort destination, secured together as a unit. See 601.2.0 for bundling standards.
[Delete 2.2 through 2.8 in their entirety.]
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600 Basic Standards for All Mailing Services
601 Mailability
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[Renumber current 2.0 as new 3.0.]
[Add new 2.0 as follows:]
2.0 Bundles
2.1 Definition of a Bundle
Mailers assemble pieces available for different presort destinations into groups. A bundle is a group of addressed pieces secured together as a unit. The term bundle does not apply to pieces grouped loose in trays.
2.2 Arranging Pieces in a Bundle (“Facing”)
Except as noted in 2.7, all pieces in a bundle must be “faced” (arranged with the addresses in the same read direction), with an address visible on the top piece.
2.3 Preparing Bundles of Letters
Cards and letter-size pieces are subject to these bundling standards:
a. The maximum thickness for bundles of carrier route mail is 4 inches. The maximum thickness for other bundles is 6 inches.
b. Mailings consisting entirely of card-size pieces (i.e., pieces not larger than 6 by 4-1/4 by 0.016 inches) must always be prepared in bundles.
c. Bundles must be prepared for: mail in all less-than-full trays, mail in 3-digit carrier routes trays, nonmachinable letters, and nonbarcoded Periodicals letters.
d. For mailings consisting entirely of card-size pieces and mail in less-than-full trays, mailers must secure bundles with rubber bands, elastic strapping, flat plastic strapping, or string. Elastic strapping must be approved by USPS Engineering.
e. Bundles of automation or machinable letters are not required to have an optional endorsement line or a bundle label when placed into a correctly labeled tray.
f. Bundles up to 1 inch thick must be secured with appropriate banding placed once around the girth (narrow dimension). Bundles over 1 inch thick must be secured with at least two bands, one around the length and one around the girth.
2.4 Exception to Bundle Preparation—Full Trays
In mailings not entirely of card-size pieces, mailers need not prepare bundles when placing mail in a full tray (when applicable for the class and shape of mail) when none of the mail in that tray would have been more finely sorted if bundled. For example, mail in a full ADC tray need not be bundled if it would have all been prepared in ADC bundles to the same destination.
2.5 Securing Bundles of Flats
Bundles must be able to withstand normal transit and handling without breakage or injury to USPS employees, and are subject to the following requirements:
a. Bundles must be secured with banding, shrinkwrap, or shrinkwrap plus one or more bands. Banding includes plastic bands, rubber bands, twine/string, and similar material. Use of wire or metal banding is not permitted.
b. When one band is used, it must be placed tightly around the girth (narrow dimension).
c. Bundles over 1 inch high must be secured with at least two bands or with shrinkwrap. When double banding is used to secure bundles, encircle the length and girth of the bundle at least once. Additional bands may be used if none lies within 1 inch of any bundle edge.
d. Banding tension must be sufficient to tighten and depress the edges of the bundle. Loose banding is not allowed.
e. When twine/string is used to band bundles, the knot(s) must be secure so the banding does not come loose during transit and processing.
f. Bundles on pallets must be secure and stable, and are subject to 2.9 and the specific weight limits in 705.8.0.
2.6 Address Visibility for Flats and Parcels
Mailers preparing presort bundles of flats or parcels must ensure that the delivery address information, barcoded pressure-sensitive bundle labels, optional endorsement lines, carrier route information lines, or carrier route facing slips on the top mailpiece in each bundle are visible and remain readable by the naked eye. Mailers can avoid obstructing visibility by using clear, smooth strapping tightly secured around the bundle. Clear strapping with a transparency rated 52% when tested using ASTM D1746 - 09, Standard Test Method for Transparency of Plastic Sheeting, methods meet readability needs. This standard does not apply to the following:
a. Customized MarketMail.
b. Bundles placed in or on 5-digit or 5-digit scheme (L001) sacks or pallets.
c. Bundles placed in carrier route and 5-digit carrier routes sacks.
d. Bundles of mailpieces at carrier route prices entered at a destination delivery unit (DDU).
e. Bundles of Standard Mail flats prepared in letter trays.
2.7 Counterstacking Flats or Parcels in Bundles
Bundles of pieces of saddle-stitched pieces and pieces with one edge or corner thicker than the others may be prepared by counter-stacking under these conditions:
a. Counter-stacking should be used only to create bundles of more uniform thickness that are more likely to maintain their integrity during transportation and processing.
b. All pieces must have addresses facing up and be divided into no more than four approximately equal groups, with each group rotated 180 degrees from the preceding and succeeding group(s); prepare as few groups as possible to create a bundle of uniform thickness.
c. When pieces are nonuniform in thickness because they are thicker in the center instead of along an edge or corner, counter-stacking is not likely to result in a bundle of uniform thickness. Instead of counter-stacking such pieces, limit the height of the bundle to 3 to 6 inches to ensure the bundle will stay together during normal transit and handling.
2.8 Preparing Bundles in Sacks
In addition to the standards in 2.5 through 2.7, mailers must prepare bundles placed in sacks as follows:
a. The maximum weight for all bundles is 20 pounds.
b. Measure bundles at the lowest point to determine the bundle height.
c. Except for multi-carrier routes bundles, a bundle that exceeds the maximum height by less than the thickness of a single piece meets the standard.
d. Bundles of pieces with covers of “coated stock” (glossy covers) that are not individually enclosed in an envelope or mailing wrapper are subject to these conditions:
1. Bundles secured with rubber bands, twine, string, or only shrinkwrap must not exceed 3 inches in height.
2. Bundles secured with shrinkwrap plus plastic straps, or with at least two plastic straps, must not exceed 6 inches in height.
e. Bundles of pieces with covers of “uncoated stock” are subject to these conditions:
1. Bundles must not exceed 8 inches in height (recommended maximum height is 6 inches).
2. “Uncoated stock” refers to nonglossy paper covers and also to pieces with coated covers that are individually enclosed in an envelope, polybag, or mailing wrapper of uncoated stock.
2.9 Preparing Bundles on Pallets
In addition to general bundling standards in 2.1, bundles on pallets must meet the following standards:
a. Bundles must be secured with appropriate banding, shrinkwrap, or shrinkwrap supplemented by one or more bands. Banding includes plastic bands (recommended), rubber bands, and twine or similar material.
b. If only banding is used, banding material must be applied at least once around the length and once around the girth; wire and metal strapping are prohibited. Use tension sufficient to tighten and depress the edges of the bundle so that pieces do not slip out of the banding during transit and processing.
2.10 Additional Standards for Unsacked Bundles Entered at DDU Facilities
Mailers may enter unsacked, nonpalletized bundles of Standard Mail or Bound Printed Matter (BPM) flats or irregular parcels (BPM only) at destination delivery units (DDUs) if all the following conditions are met:
a. The maximum weight for a bundle is 40 pounds; the maximum number of bundles per carrier route is one bundle for each 10 pounds (or increment) of mail for that route, as follows:
1. Mailers must make the fewest number of bundles possible, up to the 40-pound maximum, while maintaining bundle integrity. To determine the maximum number of bundles for a route, divide the total weight of mail for that route by 10 and round up to the next whole number.
2. Mailers may balance the weight of the bundles across the maximum number of bundles. For example, if there are 36 pounds of mail for a carrier route, the maximum number of bundles for that route is four, which may be in four 9-pound bundles.
b. Mailers must enter bundles at DDUs according to the appropriate deposit and entry standards (for example, 346 for Standard Mail flats).
2.11 Pieces with Simplified Address
For mail prepared with a simplified address, pieces must be prepared in bundles of 50 when possible. If bundles of other quantities are prepared, the actual number of pieces must be shown on the facing slip. Bundles must be secure and stable subject to weight limits in 705.8.0 if placed on pallets, and weight and height limits in 2.8 if placed in sacks.
2.12 Bundles with Fewer Than the Minimum Number of Pieces Required
A bundle may be prepared with fewer than the minimum number of pieces required without loss of price eligibility under either of these conditions:
a. A greater number of pieces would exceed the maximum physical size for a bundle and the total number of pieces for that presort destination meets the minimum volume standard.
b. The pieces constitute the “last bundle” for a presort destination and previously prepared bundles met the minimum volume standard.
2.13 Labeling Bundles
Unless excepted by standard, the presort level of each bundle must be identified either with an optional endorsement line under 708.7.0 or with a barcoded pressure-sensitive bundle label. On letter-size mail, place the bundle label in the lower left corner of the address side of the top piece in the bundle. On flat-size mail, place the label anywhere on the address side of the top piece in the bundle. Bundle labels must not be obscured by banding or shrinkwrap. The following colors and characters apply to bundle labels as applicable (not all presort levels apply to all classes of mail):
a. Firm (Periodicals use only), blue Label F.
b. 5-digit scheme presort level, red Label 5 SCH.
c. 5-digit presort level, red Label 5.
d. 3-digit scheme presort level, green Label 3 SCH.
e. 3-digit presort level, green Label 3.
f. ADC presort level, pink Label A.
g. Origin mixed ADC presort level, tan Label X or OEL.
h. Mixed ADC presort level, tan Label X.
2.14 Identifying Carrier Route Information
Bundles for individual carrier routes, rural routes, highway contract routes, Post Office box sections, or general delivery units must be prepared with facing slips under 2.15, optional endorsement lines under 708.7.0, or carrier route information lines under 708.6.0. These standards apply to Carrier Route Periodicals, Enhanced Carrier Route Standard Mail, Parcel Select Lightweight parcels, and Carrier Route Bound Printed Matter mailings.
2.15 Facing Slips—Carrier Route Bundles
All facing slips used on carrier route bundles must show this information:
a. Line 1: Destination city, two-letter state abbreviation, and 5-digit ZIP Code.
b. Line 2: Content (as appropriate to the class), followed by carrier route type and route number (e.g., “STD FLTS CR R 012”).
c. Line 3: City and two-letter state abbreviation of the origin Post Office.
[Renumber current 3.0 as new 4.0.]
3.0 Packaging
3.1 General
[Revise the introductory text of renumbered 3.1 as follows:]
Mailers must package mailpieces to withstand normal transit and handling without breakage or deterioration of content, package breakage, injury to USPS employees, or damage to other mail. See 3.2 through 3.8 for specific types of items. Mailers must follow these additional standards for packaging:
[Revise item 3.1a as follows:]
a. Cushion (see 3.9) fragile items to withstand handling in processing, transportation, and delivery.
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[Delete the reference number and title of current 4.0, Cushioning, Closure, and Reinforcement in their entirety.]
[Renumber current 4.1 as new 3.9.]
[Revise the title and text of renumbered 3.9 as follows:]
3.9 General Cushioning Standards
Loose-fill cushioning must overfill the container before closure to hold the item and prevent its movement to an outside surface of the container. When multiple items are inside a single mailing container, mailers must cushion items to protect them from each other as well as from external forces. Do not package high-density heavy items with fragile items unless extreme care is taken to separate them from each other. Mailers must adequately stabilize heavy items within the package.
[Delete current 4.2, Multiple Items Within Container, in its entirety.]
[Renumber current 4.3 as new 3.10 and revise the title and text as follows:]
3.10 Tape and Tape Size
Cellophane and masking tape may not be used for closure or reinforcement of packages but may be used to augment closures on envelopes or to cover staples. Paper tape must be at least 60-pound basis weight kraft. The adhesives on gummed tapes must be adequately activated before application and firmly applied with the tape extending at least 3 inches over the adjoining side of the box. Except for pressure-sensitive filament tape, tapes used for closure and reinforcement should be at least 2 inches (or 48 mm metric) wide. Nonreinforced plastic tapes must be at least as strong in the cross direction as in the machine (long) direction.
[Delete current 4.4, Paper Tape, and 4.5, Tape Size, in their entirety.]
[Renumber current 4.6 through 4.8 as new 3.11 through 3.13.]
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700 Special Standards
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705 Advanced Preparation and Special Postage Payment Systems
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8.0 Preparing Pallets
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8.5 General Preparation
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8.5.8 Counter-Stacking—Sacked and Palletized Mail
[Revise the introductory text of 8.5.8 as follows and delete items a through f in their entirety.]
Bundles of flats and other pieces of nonuniform thickness may be prepared by counter-stacking under conditions in 601.2.7.
8.5.9 Address Visibility
[Revise the text of 8.5.9 as follows:]
See 601.2.6 for address visibility requirements for bundles of flats or parcels on pallets.
8.5.10 Labeling Bundles
[Revise the text of 8.5.10 as follows:]
Unless excepted by standard, the presort level of each bundle (other than carrier route bundles) must be identified either with an optional endorsement line or with a barcoded pressure-sensitive bundle label. See 601.2.13 for more information on labeling bundles.
8.5.11 Securing Bundles on Pallets
[Revise the text of 8.5.11 as follows:]
Bundles must withstand normal transit and handling without breaking and without causing injury to USPS employees or damage to USPS equipment. Mailers must meet the standards in 601.2.9 when preparing and securing bundles on pallets.
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707 Periodicals
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19.0 Bundles
[Revise the title and text of 19.1 as follows:]
19.1 General
A bundle is a group of addressed pieces, for a presort destination, secured together.
See 601.2.0 for bundling standards.
[Delete 19.2 through 19.15 in their entirety.]
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We will incorporate this revision into the next update of the online DMM, which is available via Postal Explorer® at http://pe.usps.com.
— Product Classification,
Pricing, 2-9-12
