Most people don’t realize just how many rules and regulations the USPS has in place for mailing. It’s not something you have to think about when sending a birthday card, but when it comes to commercial mail, following postal standards is essential.
Why Do Postal Standards Matter?
The USPS processes an enormous amount of mail every day using complex sorting equipment designed to handle specific sizes, weights, and formats efficiently. If your mail piece doesn’t meet USPS regulations, it could cause issues in the sorting process, leading to higher costs, slower delivery, or even rejection.
Here are just a few things that need to be considered when preparing a mailing:
- Self-mailers must be securely sealed—how many tabs are required, and where should they be placed?
- Mailpiece Size Restrictions – What’s the maximum size for a booklet? The minimum for a postcard?
- Postage must be paid before your mail is accepted – What payment methods are available, and which one works best for you?
- Non-Traditional Mailpieces – Can you affix a magnet? Is a round mailpiece even allowed?
These details may seem small, but they make a big difference in whether your mail qualifies for the rates and delivery speed you expect.
The USPS Domestic Mail Manual
If you really want to dive into the details, all postal regulations can be found in the 1,000 page document “Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service Domestic Mail Manual”—USPS Domestic Mail Manual.
Most businesses don’t have the time to sort through all those pages. That’s where having a knowledgeable mailing partner makes all the difference.
Let Allied Handle the Details
Our team at Allied specializes in navigating USPS regulations so you don’t have to. We take care of the details to make sure your mailing is compliant, cost-effective, and delivered on time.
Have a mailing project coming up? Let’s talk. We’ll help you get it right the first time.
