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When the USPS introduced shaped-based pricing in 2007, our customers needed a way to send their large mailpieces for discounted rates, too. Post Masters listened, and had implemented a way for our customers to save money on Flats.
What is Eligible
In order to qualify for the First Class Presort product for Flats, your mailpiece be what the USPS calls a Machinable Flat. For this criteria, the Length is the longest dimension of the mailpiece, regardless of address placement, and the height is perpendicular to the length. The dimensional criteria is as follows:
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Minimum
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Maximum
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Length
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6 inches
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15 inches
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Height
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5 inches
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12 inches
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Thickness
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9/1000 inch
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3/4 inch
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Weight
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13 ounces
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Additionally, in order to qualify as a Flat, it must exceed one of the maximum dimensions for a letter:
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Must exceed one of these Letter dimensions:
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Length
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11 1/2 inches
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Height
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6 1/8 inches
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Thickness
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1/4 inch
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Machinability
In addition to the size requirement, a Machinable Flat must also meet these requirements:
Uniform Thickness – there can be no more than a 1/4 inch variation in thickness across the mailpiece.
Flexibility – Flats must be flexible in order to be processed on automated sorting equipment. When a mailpiece is placed on a flat surface with one half of its height extending over the edge and pressure is applied at a point one inch in from the outer edge of the piece, it must be able to bend a minimum of one inch without damage.
If the flat contains a rigid insert and is ten inches long or longer, put the mailpiece on a flat surface with five inches of its length extending over the edge. Exerting pressure on a point one inch from the end of the mailpiece, it must bend a minimum of two inches without damage. Turn the mailpiece around and repeat the test with the other end.
If the flat contains a rigid insert and is less than ten inches long, put the mailpiece on a flat surface with half of its length extending over the edge. Exerting pressure on a point one inch from the end of the mailpiece, it must bend a minimum of one inch without damage.
Rigidity - In addition to the flexibility requirement, Flats cannot be too flimsy. For flats up to 10 inches long, the flat is placed on a surface with one-half of its length extending over the edge. The flat cannot droop more than one inch less than the extended length. For example, if the flat is 8 inches long, 4 inches is extended over the edge, and the flat cannot droop more than three inches. This test must be performed again, turning the flat around first.
Flats over 10 inches long are tested similarly. The flat is placed on a surface with 5 inches of its length extending over the edge. The flat cannot droop more than 4 inches. This test must be performed again, turning the flat around first.
Closure Devices – The flat must be free of any strings, clasps, staples or other closure devices that can interfere with the processing of the mail.
Address Characteristics
The address must be printed in at least an 8 point font size. While automation mail allows for address as small as 6 point, there is no guarantee that any flat we process will get barcoded, so using the 8 point minimum font size allows for greatest flexibility. Sans-serif fonts are preferred, in all capital letters.
Characters in the address block must not overlap. The lines of an address block cannot touch or overlap. While handwriting is not expressly prohibited, all of these characteristics must be met in order to qualify for discounted postage.
Move Update
The delivery address on every mailpiece you provide to Post Masters must have been updated within the previous 95 days with a valid USPS Move Update method. |
