Mailpiece Design
The USPS processes 100 million pieces of mail daily with the use of an OCR, Optical Character Reader. Since the OCR "reads" the address, placement of information on the face of the mailpiece is critical.
Improper placement of a single item could cause a loss of postage discounts, a delay in delivery, or even the return of the mailpiece(s) to the college.
Envelope Layout
Mail Services has OCR templates that can be placed over a mailpiece to insure it meets postal guidelines. Before printing a new mailpiece, it is advisable to make sure it meets USPS guidelines. Do not assume that the printer knows the USPS guidelines. Please call Ron Corll at extension 1391 for this service. Stock that does not meet USPS guidelines may have to be discarded.
Addressing Guidelines
After insuring your mailpiece layout meets USPS guidelines, apply the following guidelines for addressing a mailpiece:
- Use simple sans serif type with uniform stroke thickness.
- Type or machine-print in dark ink on a light background with a uniform left margin.
- Use uppercase characters throughout the address.
- Left-justify every line in the address block.
- Use two-letter state abbreviations.
- Use one space between city and state, two spaces between state and ZIP + 4 code.
- Use appropriate ZIP + 4 code (if unknown, use 5-digit ZIP code).
JOHN DOE
JONSON MANUFACTURING
500E MAIN ST STE 222
KANSAS CITY MO 64100-1234
Self Mailers
Self-mailers are unenveloped mailpieces that must be tabbed (secured) to prevent an open edge from jamming high speed processing equipment.
As an alternative to tabbing, the open edge of the mailpiece may be continuously or spot glued.
Tabs are not required on flats, but may be necessary to meet other preparation standards.
Specifications for tabbing and paperweight of mailpiece follows:
Please note that ALL self-mailers with a top/bottom fold must be parallel to the longest dimension with the folded edge at the bottom of the mailpiece. Use of less than 2 tabs requires a heavier paper.
