Postal Standards - The Graphic Design: Reference and Specification - page 123

letters , postcards , periodicals (cont.)
Bulk Rate: Discounted rates are available for large mailings with an average two- to nine-
day delivery within the continental U.S. Presorting and other preparatory work is required,
as well as a permit number and an annual mailing fee. Minimums and size requirements
vary depending on the pieces being mailed.

•StandardMail:Aminimumof200piec-
es or 50 lb. (22.68 kg) per mailing is
required. Pieces must weigh less than
16 ounces (453.592 gm).

•PresortedLibraryMail:Aminimumof
300 pieces is required. Pieces must
meet size and weight requirements for
Library Mail: Up to 108 inches (2743
mm) combined length and distance
around the thickest part; up to 70 lb.
(31 .752 kg).

•FirstClassMail:Aminimumof500
pieces per mailing is required. Pieces
must meet size and weight require-
ments for first class mail: Up to 13
ounces (368.543 gm).

•PresortedMediaMail:Aminimumof
300 pieces is required. Pieces must
meet size and weight requirements for
Media Mail: Up to 108 inches (2743
mm) combined length and distance
around the thickest part; up to 70 lb.
(31 .752 kg).

•ParcelPost:Aminimumof50pieces
per mailing is required. Pieces must
meet size and weight requirements for
Parcel Post: Up to 130 inches (3302
mm) combined length and distance
around the thickest part; up to 70 lb.
(31 .752 kg).

•CarrierRouteBoundPrintedMatter:
A minimum of 300 pieces is required.
Pieces must meet weight requirements
for Carrier Route bound Printed Matter:
Up to 40 lb. (18.144 kg).

packages
Bound Printed Matter: Catalogs, directories, and other permanently bound sheets of
promotional or editorial material qualify for this rate category. Delivery ranges two to nine
days. Weight limit is up to 15 lb. (6.804 kg) per piece.

Library Rate: Special, discounted rate for educational groups, nonprofit organizations, and
other qualifying institutions.

Media Mail (also called Book Rate): Cost-efficient way to mail books, sound recordings,
videotapes, printed music as well as CDs, DVDs, and disks. Media mail cannot
contain advertising. Weight limit is up to 70 lb. (31 .752 kg). Delivery ranges from two
to nine days.

Parcel Post: Includes boxes, tubes, and rolls. Most economic option for mailing small
and large packages weighing up to 70 lb. (31 .752 kg) and measuring up to 130 inches
(330.2 mm) in combined length and distance around the thickest part.

Parcel Select: Discounted rate for large volumes of package shipments.