Postage Costs & Design Guidelines

In addition to meeting the size requirements, your piece must also meet the aspect ratio requirements, or it will be assessed a surcharge.

Aspect Ratio Calculator

The aspect ratio cannot be less than 1.3 or more than 2.5.

Height:
Length:

Postcard Max. (h)4 1/4" x (l)6" (first class only)
Letter Max. (h)6 1/8" x (l)11 1/2"
Flat Max. (h)12" x (l)15"


Postcards  
  minimum maximum
length 5" 6"
height 3.5" 4.25"
thickness 0.007" 0.016"
FIRST CLASS
NON-PROFIT
 
Single Piece
(Non-Automation)
Presorted
(Automation)
Presorted
(Non-Automation)
Presorted
(Automation)
1 oz.
$.280
$.230
$.245
$.172
Letters  
  minimum maximum
length 5" 11.5"
height 3.5" 6.125"
thickness 0.007" 0.25"
FIRST CLASS
STANDARD/BULK
NON-PROFIT
 
Single Piece
(Non-Automation)
Presorted
(Automation)
1 oz.
$.44
$.382
2 oz.
$.61
$.507
3 oz.
$.78
$.632
3.3 oz.
$.95
$.757
$.270
$.172
> 3.3 oz.
For pieces weighing more than 3.3 ounces, each piece is subject to a per piece rate and a per pound rate.
Large Envelopes (Flats)  
  minimum maximum
length 6.125" 15"
height 11.5" 12"
thickness 0.25" 0.75"
FIRST CLASS
STANDARD/BULK
NON-PROFIT
 
Single Piece
(Non-Automation)
Presorted
(Automation)
1 oz.
$.88
$.702
2 oz.
$1.05
$.872
    
3 oz.
$1.22
$1.042
$.496
$.362
> 3.3 oz.
For pieces weighing more than 3.3 ounces, each piece is subject to a per piece rate and a per pound rate.

Postage Types

Mailing First Class vs. Standard (Bulk) Rate
When your mailing is time sensitive, First-Class Mail is your best choice. It is generally delivered in 3-5 days nationally and 1-3 days locally.

U.S. Bulk Rate, known as Standard Mail, offers lower postage rates but has a longer delivery time. Typically you can expect delivery in 10-14 days nationally. The USPS will not forward or return mail if the mailing address is incorrect.

Standard Size Postcards at Bulk Rate Prices
It is rarely cost-effective to do so and many actually cost more than mailing this size card at the First Class postcard rate. Bulk rate only offers discounts from the higher letter rate and does not offer lower postage for Postcard size pieces.

Lower Postage rates for Non Profit Organizations
Non Profit groups can apply to the U.S. Postal Service for approval to mail at special Non Profit postage rates. This class of mail is a lower priced Bulk Mail rate with the same delivery timeframe.

How to Pay Less Postage

A letter-size mail piece is not machinable if it fails to meet any of these characteristics:

  1. The weight exceeds 3.3 ounces (unless prepared as an automation rate letter).
  2. The aspect ratio is between 1.3 and 2.5
  3. The package is not shrink-wrapped, poly-wrapped, or enclosed in any plastic material.
  4. The package has clasps, strings, buttons, or similar closure devices.
  5. It must bend easily when subjected to belt tension of 40 pounds around and 11-inch diameter turn (to test, see if it bends at least an inch when bent over the side of a table).
  6. For pieces more than 4.25 inched high or less that 6 inches long, the thickness must be more than .009 of an inch.

If it does not meet these requirements, each package mailed could receive a surcharge of $0.17 per unit!

The key to getting the lowest postage rate is to ensure the package can run through the USPS automated mailing equipment. The two major factors that determine whether a project is deemed "machinable" are the use of shrink wrap and the package's aspect ratio.

Shrink-wrap does not work with automated mailing equipment. Your package must be closed using wafer seals, tabs, or glue strips. In addition, the use of these closing options can also affect whether your package is machinable.

The key to navigating the postal regulation changes is to work with an experienced vendor. For help in getting your message safely to your end-user for the lowest postal rate possible and in pristine condition, contact Platinum Graphics, Inc.