6-4.1 One of two batch types may be chosen:
- Fixed.
- Floating.
6-4.2 Fixed Batch. Choose a suitable maximum batch size of 10 or more pieces. Divide the pieces in each required (or authorized optional) destination sortation level into batches of that size. The last batch size may contain fewer pieces when necessary to complete the sortation level. A batch may not be split between containers.
Example:
In a carrier route presort mailing, a mailer establishes a batch size of 20 pieces and has 45 pieces for a particular carrier route. The pieces for that carrier route are listed on the manifest in three batches, as follows:
- Two batches of 20 pieces.
- One batch of 5 pieces.
However, a carrier route with fewer than 20 pieces is listed in a single batch of 10 to 19 pieces. As a general rule, choose the fixed batch size so that at least half of the batches are of the established batch size.
Exception: When a scheme sort exists, documentation standards require the listing of each 5-digit or 3-digit ZIP Code within the scheme. When this occurs, there may be more than one batch of less than the fixed size for that scheme.
6-4.3 Floating Batch. The size of each batch may correspond to the number of pieces for a destination sortation level or the number of pieces in an individual package. However, the batch size may not exceed 300 pieces or the contents of a single tray or sack, whichever is less.
Exception: In letter-size automation or machinable mailings, a batch may exceed 300 pieces but may not exceed one tray.
Example:
One batch may be prepared in one of the following ways:
- All the pieces for a 3-digit package.
- All the packages for any single 3-digit ZIP Code area placed in the same tray or sack.
- All mail for any single 3-digit/scheme ZIP Code placed in the same tray.
If the pieces in a single destination sortation level must be placed in two or more trays or sacks, the pieces in each tray or sack must be listed as separate batches.
