08/16/2011

USPS Offers Handy Mailing Templates

The USPS offers a couple of templates that are useful for verifying that the letter-sized pieces you're mailing meet USPS requirements for size, shape, and address placement. 

• Notice 3A—Letter-Size Mail Dimensional Standards Template. This is a white plastic card used to quickly determine that a mailpiece fits the dimensions for letter-size mail and doesn't exceed the maximum thickness. Laying a piece against the template shows whether it has the proper aspect ratio (length divided by height) for automated processing. The template helps you avoid the mistake of not realizing that a mailpiece's size, shape or thickness will result in higher postage.
• Notice 67—Automation Letters Template. This  clear plastic overlay is used to assure that the address block of a mailpiece is positioned so that the USPS OCR equipment can read it. It also shows the "barcode free zone" that you must avoid in case USPS applies a barcode during processing.

Both are available from the Business Mail Entry Office nearest you and from larger post offices.