Postal Changes 2013

The USPS has done it again. Price increases and more regulations for bulk mail to help reduce costs and waste. The Postal Service has announced a 4% overall increase while bulk mail letters and flats are increasing at a rate of 2.5%. This applies to presort first class, presort standard and non-profit rates.

Self Mailer regulations have changed. Self Mailers are letter size mail that does not go in an envelope  Now final folds will have to be at the bottom only. You will also need two tabs at the top instead of one which will increase mailing services slightly. Quarter fold (parallel fold) brochures or flyers will need to be on a minimum of 70# text or 28# bond paper stock.

Self Mailer letter size requirements have a new maximum size. Instead of 6.125 x 11.5 it has decreased to 6 x 10.5. This will allow less jamming and lost mail in the USPS equipment. It also  means less real estate for your design. Make sure you reduce your piece because if you use the old size it will be considered a flat. Cost for a flat is much higher in postage and it takes longer through the mail stream because it is not automated.