What is the definition of “uniform thickness” for flats? If a flat is not uniformly thick, would it have to be mailed as a parcel, or NFM?

All flats must be uniformly thick so that any bumps, protrusions or other irregularities do not cause more than 1/4-inch variance in thickness. The outer edges of the mailpiece (up to 1 inch) would not be considered when measuring variance in thickness. Also, if the contents are significantly smaller than the envelope, wrapper or sleeve, they must be secured to prevent shifting of more than 2 inches within the mailpiece. Flat-size pieces not meeting the uniform thickness standard must be mailed as either Not Flat-Machinable pieces or as parcels.

With separate rate categories for irregular parcels, machinable parcels and NFM pieces, is there a residual shape surcharge (RSS)?

No, the RSS is discontinued.

What is the new NFM category?

We created the Not Flat-Machinable category for pieces that previously qualified as automation flats by virtue of the UFSM 1000 guidelines (which no longer exist). Many of these pieces were handled as parcels, especially at delivery. Since such pieces do not meet the processing specifications of the AFSM 100 for flats, they no longer qualify as Standard Mail flats.

What is the required preparation for NFM pieces?

There is no bundling for most NFMs. Mailers prepare pieces as follows:

• NFMs weighing less than 6 ounces optional 5-digit/scheme, 3-digit, ADC and mixed ADC containers.
• NFMs weighing 6 ounces or more optional 5-digit/scheme, optional ASF, BMC and mixed BMC containers.

Note: NFMs weighing 6 ounces or more are not eligible for 3-digit rates, and pieces prepared in ASF/BMC containers qualify for the ADC rate. To give mailers access to deeper discounts, we also allow 5-digit rates for 5-digit bundles placed directly on pallets. In addition, the DDU-entry rate is available for NFMs sorted to 5-digit destinations. There is no minimum quantity for 5-digit NFMs entered at a DDU.

Is there a barcode discount available for machinable parcels?

No, the value of the barcode is factored into the rate and a 5-cent surcharge would apply to all parcels and NFM pieces that are not barcoded, unless the parcels are placed into 5-digit containers.

I see there are new barcode requirements for all the parcel categories. Can I use the same barcode on all parcels to avoid the 5-cent surcharges?

• On irregular parcels (regardless of weight) — and Not Flat-Machinable pieces weighing less than 6 ounces — either a 5-digit UCC/EAN Code 128 or a POSTNET barcode is acceptable.
• On any machinable parcels and Not Flat-Machinable pieces weighing 6 ounces or more, a 5-digit UCC/EAN Code 128 must be used.

Will extra services (formerly special services) be available for use with Standard Mail parcels and NFMs?

Electronic option Delivery Confirmation, bulk insurance and return receipt for merchandise are available with the irregular and machinable parcel categories. Only electronic option Delivery Confirmation service is available with Not Flat-Machinable pieces (NFMs).

Are there changes to Standard Mail Nonprofit
mailings?

Nonprofit prices (categories) and incentives continue to mirror those of commercial Standard Mail.

Package Services

Are there any changes to Parcel Post?

The significant change to Parcel Post and Parcel Select is the revision of the minimum balloon rate from 15 pounds to 20 pounds, for parcels measuring larger than 84 inches in combined length and girth.

Is there still a barcode discount for Parcel Select parcels?

No. The new prices reflect the savings, and barcodes will be required on machinable Parcel Select-DBMC parcels. Barcodes facilitate efficient verification and processing and are necessary for no-fee electronic Delivery Confirmation service. The majority of Parcel Select parcels are barcoded by mailers and consolidators. Machinable Parcel Select-DBMC parcels that do not bear a barcode would be subject to Intra-BMC/ASF rates.

Does dimensional-weight pricing apply to Packages Services mail?

No.

I see there is now a surcharge for Standard Mail ECR flats mailed with detached address labels (DALs). Is there a similar surcharge for Bound Printed Matter (BPM) flats and irregular
parcels mailed with DALs?

No.

MailPro
News for Mailing Professionals

Applying the appropriate barcode on your Standard Mail parcels can save you 5 cents each.