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.
