| Click here
to view placement of tabs and wafer seals.
Self-Mailers
prepared for automation rate mailings must be tabbed (secured) to
prevent an open edge from jamming high-speed processing equipment.
Construction of the mailpiece plays an important role in determining
automation compatibility. Standards for tabbing are based on basis
weight of paper stock used and the location of the folded or bound edge.
As an alternative to tabs or wafer seals, the open edge of the length of
the mailpiece may be continuously glued or spot glued. Tabs are not
required on flats but may be necessary or advisable to meet other
preparation standards.
|
| Letter-Size Folded
Self-Mailers |
Fold (top or bottom) must be
parallel to the longest dimension (length) and address of the mailpiece.
With one tab or wafer seal: folded edge at bottom of mailpiece, tab or
wafer seal in middle of top edge of mailpiece.
- Single folded sheet, sealed
with one tab or wafer seal, minimum basis weight: 28 pounds (17 by
22 inches by 500 sheets) or 70 pounds (25 by 38 inches by 500
sheets).
- Two or more sheets, sealed
with one tab or wafer seal, minimum basis weight: 24 pounds (17 by
22 inches by 500 sheets) or 60 pounds (25 by 38 inches by 500
sheets).
With two tabs or wafer seals:
minimum basis weight 20 pounds (17 by 22 inches by 500 sheets) if folded
edge is at top or bottom of the mailpiece. Tabs or wafer seals must be
placed within 1 inch of the right and left edges of mailpiece.
With fold on right (leading)
edge: left (trailing) edge secured with at least one tab or a glue line,
additional tabs may be required based on trim size and basis weight.
Pieces 7 or more inches in length must also be secured at top and bottom
edges and be pre-approved by the USPS.
|
| Cards |
Minimum basis weight of 75
pounds or greater. Double postcards not sealed on all edges must have
folded edge at the top or bottom. The open edge must be secured with 1
tab in the middle.
|
| Flat-Size Booklet-Type
Mailpieces |
| The contents of the mail piece
prepared in sleeves or other wrappers must be sufficiently secured in
the sleeve or wrapper to stay in place during processing. If material
bearing the delivery information or barcode for the mailpiece is
enclosed in a partial wrapper, that wrapper must be sufficiently secure
to prevent the contents from shifting and obscuring the delivery
address. |
Mailers should consult their
mailhouse or local Post Office to verify tabbing specifications while
still in the design phase.
|
