HOW THE NEW FIRST-CLASS MAIL RATES MAY APPLY TO YOUR MAIL

The Postal Service now has separate First-Class Mail rate categories for the different mail shapes: postcards, letters, flats (large envelopes) and parcels (packages). The following information is provided to explain how the prices apply to the most common mail shape - "letters."

The new First-Class Mail price structure provides opportunities to obtain lower rates as you find ways to reconfigure mailpiece content into mail shapes that reduce postal processing costs as well as decrease your material costs. Emphasizing shape has also allowed us to reduce the additional-ounce rate. For letters over 1 ounce, and flats over 6 ounces, the prices today are lower than before May 14.

Keep in mind, determining the processing category of a mailpiece (letter, flat or parcel) depends solely on the physical dimensions of the piece without regard to address placement. This has been the standard for a number of years. When initially measuring a mailpiece to determine the rate category, the longest of the three dimensions is generally considered the length. If the mailpiece is a "letter," you then consider the placement of the delivery address; only then does address placement determine whether the piece is mailable, and whether it is a machinable or nonmachinable letter.

For a mailpiece to be eligible for First-Class Mail letter rates, it must be at least 3½ inches by 5 inches by 0.007-inch thick, and no more than 61/8 inches by 11½ inches by 0.25-inch thick. If the mailpiece falls within these dimensions, it is classified as a letter. After the mailpiece is determined to be a letter, it is then determined if it is mailable. The location and orientation of the delivery address now establishes which dimensions are the length and the height. The length is the dimension parallel to the address as read, and must be at least 5 inches. The height is the dimension perpendicular to the length, and must be at least 3½ inches. If not, the piece is nonmailable. If the length is at least 5 inches, and the height is at least 3½ inches, the piece is mailable at letter rates. Next divide the length by the height. If the result is between 1.3 and 2.5 inclusive, the letter is within "aspect ratio." If the letter is also flexible and uniformly thick, it is a "machinable letter."

For example, a mailpiece measuring 6 inches by 9 inches and less than 1/4-inch thick is classified as a letter. If this letter is prepared with the address parallel to the 9-inch measurement, the mailpiece is a machinable letter (has an aspect ratio of 1.5). If the same letter is prepared with the address parallel to the 6-inch measurement, it is still classified a letter; however, this letter would not be within aspect ratio (0.6666), and is therefore a nonmachinable letter - subject to the 17-cent nonmachinable surcharge in addition to the appropriate letter-rate postage.

Size isn't the only factor to consider. Also consider physical characteristics. Letter-rate pieces may be subject to the 17-cent nonmachinable surcharge due to other nonmachinable characteristics (see below). Also keep in mind, the weight limit for letters is 3.5 ounces (3.3 ounces for presort rate). Letter-size pieces weighing more than 3.5 ounces are subject to the rates for flats.

Regardless of weight, a letter-size piece is considered nonmachinable and would be subject to the 17-cent nonmachinable surcharge if it has one or more of the following characteristics:

• An aspect ratio of less than 1.3 or more than 2.5 (most prevalent on letters with the address parallel to the shorter measurement).

• Pieces which are rigid or contain odd-shaped contents such as loose keys, coins or tokens that cause the thickness to be uneven (nonuniform).

• Measures more than 4¼ inches high, or 6 inches long, and thickness is less than 0.009 inch.

• Is polybagged, polywrapped or enclosed in any plastic material.

• Clasps, strings, buttons or similar closure devices.

• Self-mailer with a folded edge perpendicular to the address not folded and secured (e.g., tabbed).

• Booklet with the bound edge (spine) along the top of the piece (length) or along the shorter dimension not secured (tabbed).

Pieces classified as a postcard eligible for the card rate, and flats or parcels, are never subject to the 17-cent nonmachinable surcharge.

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Frequently asked questions on all classes of mail and extra services can be found at usps.com/ratecase.