Nov 10 2009
Is it a Leter? Flat ? Parcel?
Shape-based pricing has been in place since 2007. Nevertheless, questions about some pieces are still common. Notice 123, Price List, provides graphics on the minimum and maximum size for shape-based pricing for both domestic and international mailing. A piece that is letter size, or appears to be letter size, could be too thick or have other characteristics requiring it to be classified as a large envelope (flat) or a parcel.
When is a flat not a flat?
Most flats “begin” when one dimension (length, height or thickness) exceeds a maximum letter-size dimension without exceeding a maximum flat-size dimension. Here are some examples:
- A piece 10 inches (length) x 6 1/2 inches (height) x 1/4 inch (thickness) is a flat because the height is more than 6 1/8 inches.
- A piece 12 inches x 5 inches x 1/10 inch is a flat because the length is more than 11 1/2 inches.
- A piece 6 inches x 4 inches x 1/2 inch is a flat because the thickness is more than 1/4 inch.
To provide more options for mailers, and because our primary flats sorting equipment can efficiently process some letter-size pieces, those pieces may qualify as automation flats, at the mailer's option. Automation flats do not necessarily have to have any one dimension exceed a letter-size minimum
dimension. The minimums for automation flats are 6 inches (length) x 5 inches (height) x 0.009 inch (thickness).
Automation flats, however, have additional requirements than just size. They must be relativelyflexible, but not too flimsy, and be within uniform thickness parameters.
In the past several years, we have been coordinating the standards for nonautomation flats so that they are almost similar to those for automation flats, except for the presence of a barcode. This move is in alignment with the recent coordination of machinable and automation letters. Currently, the main differences between nonautomation flats and automation flats are these:
- Minimum sizes allowed.
- Deflection standards apply only to automation flats, until January 2010.
- The presence or lack of a barcode matching delivery address.
First-Class Mail, Bound Printed Matter, and Standard Mail flat-size pieces will pay parcel prices when any of the following criteria are met:
- Not uniformly thick.
- Does not pass the flexibility text in DMM 301.1.3.
- If polywrapped, does not use USPS-approved polywrap.
Standard Mail pieces also may be eligible to mailed at NFM prices until May 2010.
*From MailPro Sept/Oct 2009 Issue.
