U S POSTAL SERVICE MAIL

ADDRESSING FOR SUCCESS

· Specific Format (Exhibit 1)

The following is recommended in the sequence and position indicated for addressing to insure efficient handling and delivery by the U S Postal Service:

DOMESTIC ADDRESS FORMAT

 
 

INTERNATIONAL ADDRESS FORMAT

You will get the best possible service if you:
· CAPITALIZE EVERYTHING IN THE ADDRESS
· Type rather than write all addresses
· Use 2 letter state abbreviations (Exhibit 2)
· Eliminate all punctuation (except the hyphen between ZIP Code and plus four)
· Use common abbreviations (Exhibit 3)
· Use Zip + 4 Codes

Make sure the place where you want the mail delivered appears on the line immediately above the city, state and zip code line.

                                123 W MAIN ST STE 400 or P O BOX 125

If both the street address and the P O Box are on the same line, the mailpiece will be delivered to the
P O Box.
 

Address Placement

Envelopes
Placement of the address on the face of an envelope should conform to USPS specifications as shown on Exhibit 1.

Labels
Labels for use on parcels, packages or large envelopes must be addressed according to the recommended format in Exhibit 1. Improperly prepared labels will be returned to you for correction and/or completion. Labels that are applied must be parallel to the bottom edge of the envelope to be processed by the USPS on automation equipment.
 

ENCLOSURES

· Correspondence
Mail of any kind for transport by the U S Postal Service should be enclosed in an appropriate envelope or parcel and sealed. The types of enclosures determine the mailing classification.

· Non-mailables
The following are samples of non-mailables in envelopes:

- Paper Clips          - Metal Pieces
- Glass Chips         - Sand
- Pins                        - Pens or Pencils

In addition to jamming and/or damaging the mailing machines, these items can also cause serious injury to Mail Center employees.
 

The following are also classified as non-mailables and may be returned to sender:

Envelopes and Cards if pieces are less than:
3 1/2" in height
or
5" in length
or
.007" in thickness (thickness of a post card)

All foreign countries also impose various restrictions depending on country and item(s) being mailed.

It is recommended that when mailing questionable items to U S or foreign destinations, the mailer should call Postal Services for assistance.

· Window Envelope Enclosures
Enclosures that are designed so that the address appears in a window should not be stapled to prevent movement of the address from window view. If the addressed enclosure does not properly fit the window, use an envelope without a window.

ENVELOPES

· Sizes and Types
The size of the envelope should properly accommodate the contents. In the US Postal System there are two categories of envelopes: letter size and flats.

Letters, non-letters and barcoded flats are rated differently by the USPS. To assure the best rate, call Mail Services for size and rates before preparing the mailpiece. Use light colored envelopes for legibility and please avoid brilliant colors.

· Post Cards
The following dimensions are the maximum and minimum size for post cards.

        Height:           3 1/2" Min           4 1/4" Max
        Length:          5" Min                 6" Max
        Thickness:     .007" Min             .016" Max
 

Letter Size
Letter size mail must be rectangular in shape for automated processing by USPS.

To ensure prompt and efficient processing of First Class mail, it is recommended that all envelopes and cards:

a) Have an aspect ratio of width (height) to length between 1 to 1.3 and 1 to 2.5 inclusive. See Mail Services for envelope template if you are not sure of sizing.

b) Be sealed or secured on all four edges so that they can be handled by machines.

c) Meet the following dimensions for automated processing by USPS:

            Height: 3 1/2" Min             6 1/8" Max
            Length: 5" Min                 11 1/2" Max
            Thickness* .007 Min         1/4" Max
            * Firmly compressed
            ** Card Stock should not exceed .016"

Note:  Maximum thickness for automated processing is 1/4".  Mail that does not meet automated processing size may not qualify for discounted rates.  Letter size envelopes (up to 6 1/8" X 11 1/2") over 1/4" thick will be returned to originator for re-enveloping.
 

 Non Letter (Flats)
Non letter size envelopes are larger than the maximum letter size, but not larger than 12" high by
15" long and 3/4" thick.

International Letter Size Envelopes
Mail in letter size envelopes for delivery to foreign countries should be placed in "International" Envelopes. These envelopes have a red and blue border which assures proper posting of international rates and avoid return for insufficient postage. Since the red and blue bordered envelope indicates air mail to a foreign country, these envelopes should not be used for mailings in the United States.

Green Bordered - Used only for First Class Mail

Plain White or Manila - Can be used for all other classes of mail. These should be marked to show proper class of mail, i.e., First or Third Class.

Padded - These envelopes contain a cushioned lining to provide a degree of safety for mailing small and fragile merchandise.

Priority - Should be used for First Class mail weighing over 13 ounces and up to 70 pounds, or any other mail under 13 ounces requiring expedited delivery. Priority Mail provides two day service between major metropolitan areas. This service
is not guaranteed.
 

THE VARIOUS CLASSES OF MAIL AND USPS SPECIAL SERVICES

The cost of mailing varies with each classification.

· Oversize/Underweight Mail
First Class, Standard A and International Letter Class Mail weighing one ounce or less is non-standard* if it exceeds any of the following size standard limits:

6 1/8" in height
or
11 1/2" in length
or
1/4: in thickness
or Its aspect ratio (length divided by height) does not fall between 1 to 1.3 and 1 to 2.5 inclusive.
 

* There is an additional charge on each piece of mail that is found to be non-standard.

In addition, pieces which are less than the following dimensions are non-mailable in the U S Postal Service and will be returned to you.

3 1/2" in height
or
5" in length
or
.007" in thickness (thickness of a postcard)

• First Class Mail
  Any mailable matter may be mailed as First Class Mail. The following examples are considered First Class matter and must carry postage at First Class or Priority Mail rates.

(a) Matter wholly or partially handwritten or type-written (including identical copies prepared by automatic typewriter), originals or carbons, invoices, (except when accompanying the matter to which they relate), postal cards, post cards.

(b) Matter sealed against postal inspection.

(c) Bills and statements of account .

(d) Price lists with written-in figures changing items or prices.

(e) Blank printed forms filled out in writing, including canceled or un-canceled checks.

(f) A computer printout may or may not be First Class matter. It depends on the content. Contact Mail Services for additional information.

(g) If you are not sure if it is First Class, ask us!

(h) Discounted rates are available for 500 or more pieces.
 

• Priority Mail
  All First Class mail exceeding 13 ounces and not exceeding 70 pounds is considered priority mail and at the option of the mailer, any mail weighing 13 ounces or less. There is no minimum weight limitation.

Mail services provides free Priority supplies: cardboard and Tyvek envelopes, boxes and stickers.

Use Priority Mail when 2 to 3 day service is desired.

Note: Priority Mail is a 2 to 3 day service between 64 major markets i.e. Atlanta to Dallas or Chicago to New York. When using Priority Mail we recommend use of priority envelopes available at no charge from Mail Services.
 

• Standard Mail (A)
  The following is considered Standard Mail (A) Matter:

- Circulars                  - Catalogs
- Booklets                   - Newsletters
- Merchandise             - Product Samples
- Photographs             - Printed Matter

Each piece of Standard Mail (A) must be less than 16 ounces. Anything heavier must be mailed as Standard Mail (B) or Priority mail. Reduced rates are available for mailing of 200 or more pieces or a mailing of 50 lbs.

The standards for size and surcharge for single piece third class mail weighing one ounce or less are the same as for First Class.

• Standard Mail (B) (Parcel Post)
  The following is considered Standard Mail (B) Matter:
   

Þ Packages or Parcels	Þ Sound Recordings	Þ Books
Þ Library Materials	Þ Merchandise	Þ Films
Þ Bound Printed Matter	Þ Computer Media	Þ Video Tapes

Each piece of Standard Mail (B) must not exceed 70 pounds in weight and a maximum size of 108" in length and girth combined.

A number of quantity discounts are available for mailings of 200 or more pieces. Call the Mail Center for information.

There are three sub-categories of standard mail (B)   that might save postage. They are:

- Special Standard Mail (B) (Known as "Book Rate", but not just for books)
- Library
- Bound Printed Matter (Known as "Catalog Rate")

Call Mail Services for qualifying items and postage rates.

• Oversize/Underweight Mail
  First Class, Standard A and International Letter Class Mail weighing one ounce or less is non-standard* if it exceeds any of the following size standard limits:

6 1/8" in height
or
11 1/2" in length
or
1/4: in thickness

or Its aspect ratio (length divided by height) does not fall between 1 to 1.3 and 1 to 2.5 inclusive.
 

* There is an additional charge on each piece of mail that is found to be non-standard.

In addition, pieces which are less than the following dimensions are non-mailable in the U S Postal Service and will be returned to you.

3 1/2" in height
or
5" in length
or
.007" in thickness (thickness of a postcard)

• Special Services
  Accountable Mail includes all Certified, Registered, Insured and Overnight Courier mail. Do not place critical mail for these categories in the campus mail.

Certified Mail - provides you with a mailing receipt and a record of delivery is maintained at the recipient's post office for two years. A return receipt provides you with proof of delivery and can be obtained for an additional fee. Certified mail service is available only for First Class Mail. No insurance coverage is provided. A numbered label and completed receipt must be affixed. These labels can be obtained from postal services.

Registered Mail - the registered mail system is designed to provide added protection for valuable mail. Postage insurance may be purchased to cover articles valued up to $25,000. Registered mail is the most secure mail the Postal Service offers. It incorporates a system of receipts to monitor registered articles from the point of acceptance to delivery. Return receipt and restricted delivery services are available for additional fees. Added security may delay delivery by 24 - 48 hours.  Registered mail must be brought to the Post office by the mailer, postage can be applied in advance by the mailroom if you wish.

Insured Mail - you can obtain payment for domestic mail that has been lost, rifled or damaged by having it insured. You can buy insurance up to $5,000 for Standard (A) and Standard (B) mail. It is also available for merchandise mailed at the Priority mail or First Class mail rates. Express Mail includes $500.00 insurance at no extra charge.

Return Receipts -A return receipt is your proof of delivery. It is available for insured mail, certified, registered and domestic Express mail shipments. The return receipt identifies the article number, who signed for it and the date it was delivered. It is not necessary to utilize a return receipt on all certified or registered mailings. Be certain to identify your department name on any return receipts so we can route them back to you.

Delivery Confirmation - Delivery Confirmation provides two exceptional services:  proof of when your article was mailed and 24-hour internet or telephone access to the delivery time, date, and zip code.  Delivery Confirmation can only be used with Priority Mail and Standard Mail (B) services.

            THIS REFERENCE CHART SHOWS WHICH SPECIAL POSTAL SERVICES ARE COMPATIBLE WITH VARIOUS CLASSES OF MAIL

* Registered option is available with or without postal insurance. Items without provable value do not require insurance.  Registered mail must be brought to the Post Office by the mailer, postage can be applied by the mailroom.
** Applies to 1st Class/Priority Mail that contains merchandise.
*** Express mail containing merchandise is insured at no cost up to $500.00.
 

A. Return receipt at time of mailing:
    (To whom delivered, date, and addressee's address if different).

    Return Receipt Optional Service Available With Certified, Registered, Insured (Over $50.00 Value)
    C.O.D. And Express Mail

B. Return receipt for merchandise.
    (To Whom delivered, date and addressee's address if different).

C. Return receipt after mailing:
    (Up to two years after mailing)

D. Restricted delivery:
    (Will be delivered only to addressee or persons authorized in writing to receive mail.)

Express Mail
Express Mail is an extremely reliable and fast delivery service available from the US Postal Service. It reaches all major markets in the U S and 84 foreign countries. Express Mail provides shipment of letters, documents and other mailable items and carries document reconstruction insurance at no additional cost. You may mail up to 70 pounds. This can be delivered seven days a week at no extra charge.

Do not place critical mail for this service in the campus mail system. In order to make that day's mailing, mail for this service must be delivered to Mail Services by 3:00 P.M.

Global Priority
The U.S. Postal Service also offers Global Priority Services, which offers the best value for international delivery. Global Priority is treated as Expedited service (handled with Express Mail) within the U.S.P.S. Global Priority is for correspondence and packages that are extremely important but not urgent. Global Priority has flat rate envelopes or items can be sent in their own packaging weighing up to 4 pounds. Global Priority delivers shipments to select countries worldwide. To ensure that your specific
country receives delivery, call Postal Services for the country listing.

International Mail
Most items are mailable to foreign countries. However, there are certain restrictions. It is important that mailers contact Postal Services to determine the proper classification and documentation required.

If customs regulations are not followed and documentation is not exact, the item will be impounded by customs until the addressee makes arrangements for clearance and the payment of whatever duties required for the release of the item. Custom rules apply the same whether mail is sent by USPS or other couriers.

Custom forms are to be filled out and signed by the individual or department responsible for the mail.

For letter size items, use the special Tyvek Red/Blue border envelopes. They will enhance service and help the Mail Center separate them from Domestic mail.

The last line of any foreign address should be the country name spelled out in capital letters, in English.
 

REPLY MAIL

• BUSINESS REPLY MAIL (BRM)
  BRM service enables mailers to receive First Class mail by paying postage only on the mail which is returned. We guarantee payment of the appropriate First Class postage plus a handling charge per piece. All business reply postage and handling charges are billed back to the using departments. Contact the Bulk Mail Unit at (610)519-4022 for information on BRM.

ADDRESSING FOR SUCCESS AND STANDARD ADDRESS ABBREVIATIONS

• Type or machine-print all address information.
• Make sure print is clear and sharp.
• Ensure address characters don't touch or overlap.
• Black ink on a white background is best.
• Maintain a uniform left margin.
• Use upper-case letters
• Omit all punctuation
• Include floor, suite and apartment numbers whenever possible.
• Put the city, state and ZIP Code or ZIP + 4 code in that order on the last line. If there's not enough room, you can put the ZIP Code or ZIP + 4 code alone on the bottom line.
• Use standard two-letter state abbreviations.
• When using window envelopes, make sure the complete address is always visible, even when the insert moves.
• Leave one or two spaces between words and between the state abbreviation and ZIP Code or ZIP + 4 code.

STANDARD ADDRESS ABBREVIATIONS

TWO-LETTER STATE AND POSSESSION ABBREVIATIONS (Exhibit 2)
 

                                                        EXHIBIT 3
 
 

STANDARD ADDRESS ABBREVIATIONS

HOW TO MEASURE A PARCEL
1. Measure the longest side.
2. Measure distance around parcel at its thickest part.
3. Add both measurements.

                                                               EXHIBIT 4
 

ENDORSEMENTS

Ancillary service endorsements are used by mailers to request an addressee’s new address and to provide the USPS with instructions on how to handle undeliverable-as-addressed pieces. The endorsements consist of one keyword: “Address,” “Forwarding,” “Return,” or “Change,” followed by the two words “Service Requested.” The endorsements are the same for all classes of mail, but the treatment and cost differ by class of mail. Use of an ancillary service endorsement on a mailpiece obligates the mailer to pay any applicable charges for forwarding, return, and separate address notification charges.

Proper placement of the endorsement is required. If the endorsement cannot be seen or understood, you might not receive the service requested. A return address must be used and placed in the upper left corner of the address side of the mailpiece or the upper left corner of the addressing area. If a return address is a multiple delivery address, it must show a unit designation (e.g., apartment number). The endorsement and return address must read in the same direction as the delivery address.

An endorsement must be printed in no smaller than 8-point type, and it must stand out clearly against its background. Brilliant colored envelopes and reverse printing are not permitted. There must be a 1/4-inch clear space around (above, below, and both sides) the endorsement.

Any printing (including an endorsement or return address) on upgradeable letter-size First-Class Mail or Standard Mail (A) must not interfere with the delivery address lines within the OCR read area.

The endorsement must be placed in one of these four positions:
1. Directly below the return address.
2. Directly above the delivery address area (which includes the delivery address block and any related
    nonaddress elements such as a barcode, keyline, or optional endorsement line).
3. Directly to the left of the postage area and below any rate marking.
4. Directly below the postage area and below any rate marking.

*For Standard Mail, if undeliverable, a 1oz piece will cost .80 and a 2oz piece will cost $1.36 when returned with the new address or reason for nondelivery.
 

                                                                        Fees                                    Fees                                             Fees
Mailer Endorsement                                        Priority Mail and                 Standard Mail (A)                         Standard Mail (B)
and USPS Action                                             First-Class Mail                  BULK MAIL                                 PARCEL POST

Address Service Requested 1
Forwarding and return. New address
notification provided.

Months 1 through 12: mailpiece                     Forwarding at                      Forwarding at                             Forwarded locally at no charge; out of
forwarded; separate notice of new                  no charge.                             no charge.                                   town as postage due.
address provided; address
correction fee charged.

Months 13 through 18: mailpiece                    No charge.                             Weighted fee charged.2              Return postage charged at appropriate
returned with new address attached.                                                                                                             single-piece rate.

After 18 months or if undeliverable:                No charge.                             Weighted fee charged.2             Returned if undeliverable or if addressee
mailpiece returned with reason for                                                                                                                refused to pay postage due. Forwarding
nondelivery attached.                                                                                                                                    (where attempted) and return postage
                                                                                                                                                                     charged at appropriate single-piece rate.

Forwarding Service Requested
Forwarding and return. New address
notification provided only for return.

Months 1 through 12: mailpiece                     No charge.                             No charge.                                 Forwarded locally at no charge; out of
forwarded.   town as postage due.

Months 13 through 18: mailpiece                   No charge.                             Weighted fee charged.2             Return postage charged at appropriate
returned with new address attached.                                                                                                           single-piece rate.

After 18 months or if undeliverable:               No charge.                             Weighted fee charged.2             Returned if undeliverable or if addressee
mailpiece returned with reason for                                                                                                               refused to pay postage due. Forwarding
nondelivery attached.                                                                                                                                   (where attempted) and return postage
                                                                                                                                                                    charged at appropriate single-piece rate.

Return Service Requested
No forwarding, only return. New
address notification provided.

Mailpiece returned with new address             No charge.                             Single-piece First-Class             Return postage charged at appropriate
or reason for nondelivery attached.                                                              Mail or Priority Mail rate           single-piece rate.

Change Service Requested                       Manual                                  Manual                                     Manual
No forwarding or return. New                        notice:                                    notice:                                       notice:
address notification provided.                       $0.50 each.                            $0.50 each.                               $0.50 each.
                                                                    

                                                                     Automated                             Automated                               Automated
Separate notice of new address or
reason for nondelivery provided;
mailpiece disposed of by USPS.                    $0.20 each.                             $0.20 each.                             $0.20 each.
                                                                  See footnote 3.                        See footnote 1.                         See footnote 1.

Temp—Return Service Requested
Pieces returned with new address or             No charge.                              N/A                                          N/A
reason for nondelivery attached. If
temporary change of address, pieces
forwarded; no separate notice of new
temporary change of address provided.

1Valid for all mailpieces including Address Change Service (ACS) participating mailpieces.
2Weighted fee is the appropriate Single-Piece First-Class or Priority Mail rate multiplied by 2.472 and rounded up to the  next
  whole cent.
3Option available only via electronic Address Correction Service (ACS) and only for First-Class Mail and Priority Mail
  pieces containing perishable matter that bear the endorsement “Perishable” and the proper ACS codes. Not available for mail
  with special services (e.g., certified or registered mail), for Priority Mail containing non-perishable matter, or for any mail that
  contains live animals.