Move Update Overview
The Move Update Standard is a means of reducing the number of mailpieces in a mailing that require forwarding or return by the periodic matching of a mailer's address records with customer-filed change-of-address orders received and maintained by the Postal Service. Mailers who claim presorted or automation prices for First-Class Mail or Standard Mail must demonstrate that they have updated their mailing list within 95 days
before the mailing date. The Postal Service offers four preapproved methods: Address Change Service (ACS), National Change of Address Linkage System (NCOALink), FASTforward, and ancillary service endorsements except for Forwarding Service Requested. Alternative methods that require separate approval also are offered for First-Class Mail mailings. Mailers must use one of the preapproved or alternative methods to meet the Move Update Standard
The Move Update Standard is met when an address used on a mailpiece in a mailing for any class of mail is updated with an approved method and the same address is used in a First-Class Mail or Standard Mail mailing within 95 days after the address has been updated. Except for mail bearing an alternative address format, addresses used on all pieces claiming Standard Mail rates will be required to meet the Move Update standard.
Automation Letters and Cards
If your letter-size mailpiece is machinable and displays the correct delivery point barcode or Intelligent Mail barcode, you may qualify for lower, "automation" rates. A letter or card meets automation standards and qualifies for automation rates if it meets the specific addressing, barcoding, and design standards.
Maximum weight:
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First-Class Mail automation letters: 3.5 ounces. |
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Periodicals automation letters: 3.5 ounces. |
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Standard Mail automation letters and Enhanced Carrier Route letters: 3.5 ounces. |
Shape: rectangular. Aspect ratio (length divided by height): 1.3 to 2.5
Dimensions:
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Minimum: 3-1/2 inches high, 5 inches long, and either 0.007 inch thick if not more than 4-1/4 inches high and 6 inches long; or 0.009 inch thick if more than 4-1/4 inches high or 6 inches long, or both. |
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Maximum for First-Class Mail card rates: 4-1/4 inches high, 6 inches long, and 0.016 inch thick. |
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Maximum for letters and other cards: 6-1/8 inches high, 11-1/2 inches long, and 1/4 inch thick. |
All letter-size reply cards and envelopes (business reply, courtesy reply, and meter reply mail) provided as enclosures must meet the physical standards for automation letters and cards
Priority Mail
Priority Mail offers 2-3 day service to most domestic destinations and is often used to expedite matter mailable as First-Class Mail, Periodicals, or Standard Mail. Priority Mail envelopes and boxes are available at no additional cost at post offices.
Machinable Letters and Cards
If you prepare your letters and cards so that they have an accurate address and can be processed on Postal Service equipment, your mail is "machinable" and eligible for "presort" rates. Machinable mailpieces must meet specific standards, including size, shape, and weight.
Maximum weight: First-Class Mail, machinable letters and Standard Mail machinable letters: 3.3 ounces, Periodicals letters: 3.5 ounces.
Machinable letters must not meet any of the nonmachinable characteristics.
Dimensions:
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Minimum: 5 inches long, 3-1/2 inches high, and 0.007 inch thick. |
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Maximum for First-Class Mail card rates: 6 inches long, 4-1/4 inches high, and 0.016 inch thick. |
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Maximum for letters and other cards: 11-1/2 inches long, 6-1/8 inches high, and 1/4 inch thick. |
* Rectangular, with four square corners and parallel opposite sides. Letter-size, card-type mailpieces made of cardstock may have finished corners that do not exceed a radius of 1/8 inch.
Nonmachinable Letters
Maximum weight: First-Class Mail and Periodicals nonmachinable letters 3.5 ounces; Standard Mail nonmachinable letters; 3.3 ounces.
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Presorted First-Class Mail letters are subject to a nonmachinable surcharge if they meet any of the characteristics in Machinable Letters and Cards. The nonmachinable characteristics do not apply to pieces mailed at card rates. |
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Standard Mail letters that weigh 3.3 ounces or less and have one or more of the nonmachinable characteristics in 201.2.1 are subject to the nonmachinable letter rates in 243.1.2. |
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Standard Mail letters that weigh more than 3.3 ounces and are prepared as nonmachinable letters are mailable at Not Flat-Machinable rates.
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Dimensions: see machinable letters and cards above.
Examples of a nonmachinable letter include:
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It has an aspect ratio (length divided by height) of less than 1.3 or more than 2.5 (a square envelope has an aspect ratio of 1, making it nonmachinable). |
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It is more than 4-1/4 inches high or more than 6 inches long and is less than 0.009 inch thick. |
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It has clasps, strings, buttons, or similar closure devices. |
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It is too rigid. |
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It has a delivery address parallel to the shorter side of the mailpiece. |
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It contains items such as pens, pencils, or keys that create an uneven thickness. |
Additional restrictions apply to self-mailers and booklets.
Source: www.usps.gov
Machinable Letters and Cards (201.1.0 )
Nonmachinable Letters (201.2.0 )
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