Letter-size pieces weighing more than 3.5 ounces are subject to the rates for large envelopes (flats). Also remember that the weight limit for letters is 3.5 ounces (3.3 ounces for presort rate). Letter-rate pieces may be subject to the $0.17 nonmachinable surcharge due to other nonmachinable characteristics (see below). The physical characteristics of the mailpiece also determine how a mailpiece is classified and priced. The First-Class Mail nonmachinable surcharge applies to all letters up to 3.5 ounces. If the same letter is prepared with the address parallel to the 6-inch measurement, it is still classified a letter however, this letter would not be within the required aspect ratio (0.6666), and is therefore a nonmachinable letter subject to the $0.17 nonmachinable surcharge in addition to the appropriate letter-rate postage. If this letter is prepared with the address parallel to the 9-inch measurement, the mailpiece is a machinable letter with an aspect ratio of 1.5.
For example, a mailpiece measuring 6 inches by 9 inches and less than 1/4 inch thick is classified as a letter. If the letter is also flexible and uniformly thick, it is classified and priced as a “machinable letter” and is subject only to the applicable letter rate based on weight. Or use Notice 3-S, First-Class Mail Shape- Based Pricing Template. If the result is between 1.3 and 2.5 inclusive, the letter is within aspect ratio and is not subject to the nonmachinable surcharge, if it has no other nonmachinable characteristics. Next, to determine if the piece is within “aspect ratio,” divide the length by the height. If the length is at least 5 inches and the height is at least 3–1/2 inches, the piece is mailable at letter rates. The height is the dimension perpendicular to the length, and must be at least 3-1/2 inches. The length is the dimension parallel to the address as read, and must be at least 5 inches. The location and orientation of the delivery address now establishes which dimensions are the length and the height. After the mailpiece is determined to be a letter, then determine if it is mailable. If the mailpiece falls within these dimensions, it is classified as a letter.ġ. For a mailpiece to be eligible for First-Class Mail letter rates, it must be at least 3-1/2 inches by 5 inches by 0.007-inch thick, and no more than 6-1/8 inches by 11–1/2 inches by 1/4-inch thick. This has been the standard for a number of years. For letters over 1 ounce and large envelopes over 6 ounces, the prices today are lower than before May 14, 2007.ĭetermining the processing category of a mailpiece (letter, large envelope, or package) is dependent solely on the physical dimensions of the piece without regard to address placement.
Emphasizing shape has also allowed us to reduce the additional-ounce rate. The First-Class Mail price structure provides opportunities for customers to obtain lower rates if they can reconfigure mailpiece contents into mail shapes that reduce postal processing costs. The following information is provided to clarify how the prices apply to the most common mail shape - “letters.” We now have separate First-Class Mail rate categories for the different mail shapes: postcards, letters, large envelopes (flats), and packages.
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