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UAMS Department of Public Safety : Operations Support Services : Preparing Bulk Mail for Shipping

reparing Bulk Mail for Shipping

Preparing Bulk Mail for Shipping
  • Must have a minimum of 200 pieces of mail
  • All pieces must be addressed to locations within the United States
  • All pieces must be the same weight
  • The content of the mail must be generic in nature
  • The mail must be placed entirely in zip code order
  • A return address (necessary for Non-Profit discounted rates)
  • Submit an Bulk Mail Job Request.

Common Mistakes or Problems with Bulk Mail

  • The mail is sorted by ZIP code only in each tray, rather than sorted from beginning to end
  • Out of state mail not sorted by ZIP code
  • Less than 200 pieces of mail in the bulk
  • Mail addressed to locations outside of the United States

Return Mail Endorsement (optional)

  • Return Service Requested — mail piece will be returned showing forwarding address even if a forwarding order is on file. (Return Mail postage applies)
  • Address Service Requested — Mail piece will be forwarded if forwarding order is one file, a photocopy showing the new address will be returned to you. (A service charge of 60¢ applies). If no forwarding order is on file, mail piece will be returned. (Return Mail postage applies)
  • Without any endorsement the mail will not be forwarded or returned.

Permit Imprint Indicia Markings used on address labels or bulk mail as a substitute for stamps. (optional)

  • An indicia printed on the mailpiece helps speed processing of outgoing bulk mailing.
    This feature is optional, but if included it must have the following applicable markings:
    • Non-Profit Organization
    • Standard Mail, or
    • First-Class Mail
    • US Postage Paid
  • Permit Number (Contact Mail Processing if unsure of the permit number)
  • City and State

If your mail does not meet all of the above conditions you will likely be contacted and presented with the option of correcting the problem or having the mail sent out as first-class mail (if possible).

Postcard Mail Qualification

Postcard Dimensions

  • Minimum of 3.5” height by 5” length
  • Maximum of 4.25” by 6” (Larger sizes are considered oversized – see below)
  • Minimum length 30% greater than its height
  • No less than .007 inches thick (Approximately 40 lb. bond or 55 lb. cover)

Oversize Postcard Dimensions

  • Maximum of 6” height by 11.5” length
  • Minimum length 30% greater than its height
  • Maximum length 150% greater than its height
  • Minimum of .009 inches thick (Approximately 48 lb. bond or 80 lb. cover

If a postcard mailing consists of pieces that do not meet the requirements as detailed above, it may be assessed an additional 17¢ per piece surcharge or declined bulk mail rates and be sent out at regular first-class postage rate.

Difficulties with Gloss Paper or Card Stock

Although high gloss card stock or paper has some desirable qualities, it does present problems when used for bulk mailings. The Mail Processing Services prefers that gloss paper not be used for these mailings. If your department plans to use a gloss finish paper, please be aware of the following.

Printing

Very high gloss materials do not hold the ink very well. In these situations, the Mail Processing Services may be unable to address the mail pieces at all.

Barcodes

Because the ink used to print barcodes easily smears or smudges on gloss paper, the Mail Processing Services can not ensure printing of readable barcodes with the addresses element on all mail pieces.

Without the barcodes, the mail piece can still be sent out, but the U.S. Postal Service will require that an area of the mail piece be reserved for their own barcoding machines. This area is a strip 5/8” high across the entire bottom edge of the mail piece. Please be sure to leave this area clear when using gloss finish paper. Failure to do so may result in the mail piece failing to qualify for the discounted rate and incurring up to an additional 4¢ surcharge per piece.

Postcard Thickness

When preparing a postcard bulk mailing, the thickness of the mailpiece must meet the minimum requirements for postcard mailings. (.007 inches for regular postcards or .009 inches thick for over-sized postcards) Be sure to request the proper paper thickness when having your cards printed. If you have any questions regarding the preparation of your bulk mail, please contact one of our bulk mail officers at 501-296-1419.

We also offer other mail services such as folding, tabbing, and addressing of large mail jobs.

Mail Processing Center
Comments or Suggestions? Contact IT Development.
Comments or Suggestions? Contact IT Development.
Department of Public Safety
4301 W. Markham Street, Slot #730, Little Rock, AR 72205
Phone: (501) 526-5000
Campus Operations Call Center • Phone: (501) 526-0000 • 24 hours a day / 7 days a week