Please note the changes posted below for processing letter-size booklets. There are changes in tabbing requirements and size and design of mail pieces. Fold can no longer be at the top of the mail piece to qualify for automation rates.

The Postal Service has established new standards to improve processing and handling of automation compatible letter-size booklets. There are changes to tab size and location, paper weight and dimensions.

Booklets are mailpieces with a bound edge and include sheets fastened with at least two staples in the manufacturing fold (saddle-stitched), perfect bound, pressed-glued, or joined together by another binding method that is automation-compatible and produces an end where pages are attached. In general, booklets are open on three sides before sealing, like a book, and must be uniformly thick. Large, bound booklets that are folded for mailing, also called “quarter-fold” booklets, qualify for automation and machinable prices if the final mailpiece remains nearly uniform in thickness.

To improve the productivity of processing booklets and to decrease damage to mailpieces, the new standards require that booklets have three, 1 1/2-inch tabs placed on the sides of the mailpiece. For larger or heavier booklets, the USPS recommends 2-inch paper tabs. Glue spots or a continuous glue line may be used to seal booklets designed with pages that are shorter than the cover.

In addition, under the new standards, to minimize tab failure, tabs used to seal booklets paying automation or machinable prices may not be perforated. Tabs with perforations are easily broken, do not maintain their integrity, and are damaged in transport prior to entering the mailstream. Therefore, only solid tabs made of plastic, vinyl, translucent paper, opaque paper, or cellophane tape will be acceptable.

The allowable dimensions are changing for booklets. The maximum size for booklets is changing from 6 1/8 by 11 1/2 inches to 6 x 10 1/2 inches. The paper basis weight for booklets is changing from 50- to 60-pound paper to 50- to 70-pound paper.

The minimum size, thickness and piece weight for booklets are not changing. Although the current maximum weight of 3 ounces will not change and is applicable to all mailpieces prepared without envelopes, to improve machinability, the Postal Service recommends that 3-ounce booklets be no longer than 9 inches.

Beginning Sept. 8, booklets that do not comply with the new standards will not be eligible for machinable or automation letter prices. Nonmachinable booklets will be assessed a surcharge (for First-Class Mail), pay nonmachinable prices (for Standard Mail), or pay nonbarcoded prices (for Periodicals).

Final requirements for letter-size booklets mailed at automation and machinable letter prices can be found in the April 15 Federal Register, “New Standards for Letter-Size Booklets,” available on Postal Explorer at pe.usps.com. Customers requiring additional information can contact their local manager of Business Mail Entry.

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