First Class Postcard Facts

MAXIMUM SIZE: Not to exceed 4.25” x 6”. Your piece will fall into the letter category if it exceeds the maximum size, which means it will cost you more to mail.

MINIMUM SIZE: Not to be below 3.5” x 5”.

MINIMUM THICKNESS:
1. .007 inch (if no more than 4-1/4" high and 6" long)
2. .009 inch (if more than 4-1/4" high or 6" long or both).
3. Maximum thickness .016 inch.

Postcards which meet the size requirements are eligible for FIRST-CLASS POSTCARD RATES. Use them for appointment reminders, event announcements or any quick message that can be conveyed in a small amount of space.

A double postcard (two attached postcards) also qualifies for the FIRST-CLASS POSTCARD RATE, as long as one of the cards is a mail-back reply device for your recipient. The folded edge must fall below the address and tabbed at the top. If it isn't it will be deemed nonmachinable and additional charges will apply. Contact your CSR to confirm eligibility.

There is a MINIMUM OF 500 PIECES to qualify for first class automated mailing.

Postcard Template Click HERE for pdf file

Letter Facts

MAXIMUM SIZE: Do not exceed 6-1/8 x 11-1/2. Any larger takes the piece into flat category, which adds considerably to your postage rate!

MINIMUM THICKNESS: .007 inch (if no more than 4-1/4" high and 6" long)
.009 inch (if more than 4-1/4" high or 6" long or both).

MAXIMUM THICKNESS: .25 inch.

A "letter" can be an envelope package, a self-mailer folded brochure or even a card—just as long as it's within the minimum size of 5” x 3.5” and maximum size of 11.5” x 6.125”.

There is a MINIMUM OF 500 PIECES to qualify for a first class automated mailing.

There is a MINIMUM OF 200 PIECES to qualify for a standard automated mailing.

Letter Template - Click HERE for pdf file
Self Mailer Template Click HERE for pdf file
No. 10 Envelope Template - Click HERE for pdf file

Flat

A "flat" can be a self-mailer, folded brochure, a large envelope package or even a big postcard--as long as it's within the minimum size of 6” x 6” (see exceptions) and maximum size of 12” x 15” and its thickness is not over 3/4".

What Makes a Non-Standard First Class Mail Piece

A piece of First-Class mail weighing one ounce or less is non-standard if it exceeds any of the following size limits:

1. Its length exceeds 11-1/2 inches
2. Its height exceeds 6-1/8 inches
3. Its thickness exceeds 1/4 inch
4. Its aspect ratio (length divided by height) does not fall between 1.3 and 2.5 inclusive. For example, a piece measuring 4" long by 4" high would have an aspect ratio of 1, which would make it non-standard. A piece 8" long by 5" high would have an aspect ratio of 1.6, which would be standard.

Nonmachinable Criteria

A letter-size piece is nonmachinable if it has one or more of the following characteristics (see new DMM C010.1.1) for how to determine the length, height, top, bottom, and sides of a mailpiece):

1. If the aspect ratio (length divided by height) is less than 1.3 or more than 2.5.
2. If it is polybagged, polywrapped, or enclosed in any plastic material.
3. If it has clasps, strings, buttons, or similar closure devices.
4. If it contains items such as pens, pencils, or loose keys or coins that cause the thickness of the mailpiece to be uneven.
5. If it is too rigid (does not bend easily when subjected to a transport belt tension of 40 pounds around an 11-inch diameter turn).
6. If it is a mailpiece more than 4-1/4 inches high or 6 inches long and the thickness is less than 0.009 inch.
7. If is is a First Class piece weighing 1-ounce or less and having a nonmachinable characteristic subject to the 1-ounce letter rate .41 plus .17 surcharge.
8. If it is a First Class letter weighing less than 1-ounce and having a nonmachinable characteristic subject to the applicable additional ounce rate.
9. If it weighs more than 3.5 ounces
10. If it is a booklet with the bound edge (spine) along the top of the piece (length) or along the shorter dimension and is not secured (tabbed).

Business Reply Mail: requires a reply permit at the post office and they will furnish the artwork.

Courtesy Reply Mail: does not require a special permit. Recipient must use a First class stamp.