Booklets and Slim Jims

July 17, 2009

The Postal Service has developed new mailing standards for booklets and folded booklets mailed at automation and machinable letter prices. 

Due to the price increases associated with mailing flat-size catalogs last year (2008), letter-size catalogs have become more popular. These types of letter-size booklets and folded booklets are often called Slim Jims. Unfortunately, many Slim Jims will jam letter automation equipment or become significantly damaged during processing. To avoid these problems, Slim Jims frequently run on postal flat-sorting equipment, where they process without significant problems, but at greater cost. To correct this situation, the Postal Service has developed new automation preparation standards for letter-size booklets and folded booklets that more accurately represent which pieces can run on primary letter-sorting equipment.

Considerations:

·      Additional tabs (3) on each piece with specific placements

·      Size of the tabs will increase to 1.5”

·      USPS is no longer accepting perforated tabs

·      New paper stock requirements for basis weight and heavier covers 

·      Change of booklet size maximum from 6-1/8” x 11-1/2” to 6” x 10-1/2”

·      Maximum weight of 3.0 ounces 

Note: There are no changes to self-mailers (constructed of one continuous single sheet of paper) which are acceptable with one and/or two tabs under this new ruling.

This new requirement will be effective September 8th 2009. All pieces that are not prepared for letter size automation processing will be subject to the non-automation per piece rate.

This notice provides advance information about the mail preparation changes to help Trend customers plan for future mailings. Please feel free to contact your sales representative for information regarding your mailing.