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Services: Mail Services > General Automated Mail Guidelines

The Indicia BULK RATE is phased out by the Post Office, and will not be used by US Press Direct. These samples are not to scale, but shown for content only. The nonprofit indicia must have the Post Office approved permit number for nonprofit organizations (NOT U.S. Press Direct). The permit information may not be printed in less than 4 point type. If PRSRT STD or Nonprofit indicia contains special handling instructions ("Priority", "Express", "Overnight"), then "PRSRT STD" must be boldfaced, and 3/8" must be left clear around the indicia (does not apply to postcard sized mail).

• All mail pieces (not 4x6 postcards) will have a return address in the left uppermost corner of the mail piece. It will not exceed 33% of the height nor 50% of the length of the mail piece.
• All mail pieces will have a clear zone at the bottom of the piece. This will be 5/8" high as measured from the bottom of the piece, and 4 3/4" as measured from the right hand side of the piece.
• Letter-size mail (not 4x6 postcards) will have a clear zone, completely free of printing, 1/2" on the left and right margins of the mail piece.
• The addressing area must be white, with no ink coverage. The address area must be a minimum of 2.5" tall by 3.75" wide on regular mail pieces.
• Folded Mail pieces: The closed fold (not the opening!) is at the bottom of the address area to allow for a single tab at the top of the mailing.
• First Class mail pieces: Generally, the move update "Return Service Requested" will be on First Class mail only. It may be placed immediately below the return address, immediately above the delivery address, or immediately below the indicia (preferred).
• All pieces with a move update require a return address.
• Letter-size First Class Mail or single-piece-rate third class: Mail exceeding 1/4" in thickness (or) it’s length exceeds 11 1/2" (or) it’s height exceeds 6 1/8" (or) the following formula: length divided by height = <1.3 or >2.5, then surcharges will apply. We must contact the Post Office prior to printing.
• Catalogs: When held with the bound or folded edge to the right, the address will be placed in the upper right hand corner perpendicular to the bottom edge. This area (2 3/4" as measured from the bottom edge of the catalog) must be a clear zone so it can be processed by our mailing system.

Services: Mail Services > Postcards Mail Panel Orientation

The following examples are designed to illustrate the location of clear zones on your mail job.

Clear Zones are indicated in white

• A move update "Return Service Requested" is required on 4x6 postcards and optional on 6x8 postcards. It may be placed immediately below the return address, immediately above the delivery address, or immediately below the indicia (preferred)
• All pieces with a move update require a return address

Indicia for types automated mail postcards

• Cards larger than 4x6 are charged the standard mail First Class rate unless sent Bulk Rate
• Nonprofit indicia must have the Post Office approved nonprofit permit number
• If your 6x8 postcard has a "First Class" indicia, contact your account manager.

Services: Mail Services > Mail Piece Clear Zones

The following examples are designed to illustrate the location of clear zones on your mail job.

Clear Zones are indicated in white

• A move update "Return Service Requested" is required on 4x6 postcards and optional on 6x8 postcards. It may be placed immediately below the return address, immediately above the delivery address, or immediately below the indicia (preferred)
• All pieces with a move update require a return address

Services: Mail Services > Regular Mail Panel Orientation

The following examples are designed to illustrate the location of mailing panels on your mail job.

Half Fold and 5.5" x 8.5" Catalog

Double Parallel Fold

Tri Fold

Barrel Fold

8.5" x 11" Catalog

Services: Mail Services > Mail Database Export Examples

The following examples are designed to help you submit your database export files. If you follow it carefully, you will avoid many of the common errors that often hinder database export files.

Correct

• All eight fields are separated and arranged in the correct order
• If you are providing Zip Code +4 all digits must be in the same field
• Zip Code + 4 is optional. 5 digit zip codes are acceptable
• Required fields are: Address, City, State, and Zip

Wrong

• City, State, and Zip Codes must be in separate fields

Wrong

• Address Line 1 field should be for main street address only
• Address Line 2 field should be for Apt. and suite #'s only

The example below shows two (2) deliverable address and the post office will not deliver these pieces. Only include one (1) deliverable address.

Services: Mail Services > Mail Authorization Guidelines

Please review the following Mail Authorization Guidelines. Prior to the purchase of your order you must accept these terms.

• Your database mailing form and mailing disks must arrive at U.S. Press Direct no later than five days before your job is scheduled to ship (additional charges may apply for merging lists and multiple mailings).
• The print quantity you order must be at least 10% higher than the quantity of addresses used on your mailing list.
• U.S. Press Direct will use your mailing list to determine your actual postage cost and will notify you of the postage cost once all the factors have been determined.
• Prior to mailing your order, you must send a cashier’s check, certified check, or money order in the amount of the postage cost and made payable to the POSTMASTER, VALDOSTA, GEORGIA.
• U.S. Press Direct will print one of the following Valdosta, Georgia indicia on your mailing order.
  

  -	First Class Presort Indicia
  -	Presort Standard Indicia