NEW ADDRESS REQUIREMENTS Where Do I Place My Postage And Return Address? Place them in relation to the delivery address as it is read, just like you do today. The postage should appear to the right or upper right of the delivery address, and the return address should appear to the upper left of the delivery address. The very best place for the return address is at least 1 inch above and 1 inch to the left of the delivery address. If your delivery address won’t allow enough room for the postage and return address, move it to another position within the top half. Remember, there are multiple options. When Do These Changes Take Effect? Mailings must comply no later than March 29, 2009. Why Are These Changes Needed? Clear, legible addresses ensure accurate sorting, redirection, and delivery; enable high-speed processing; and minimize service delays. Consistent address placement is needed to take advantage of new flats processing technology and will significantly increase efficiency, which helps keep postage prices affordable. What Happens If My Mail Doesn’t Comply? Your mail must meet the published standards to qualify for Standard Mail prices, including the new address requirements. If the standards are not met, you may pay additional postage or correct and re-enter your mail. Where Can I Find More Information? You can access the May 7 Federal Register notice on Postal Explorer at pe.usps.com. Click on “Federal Register” in the left frame, and scroll down to the entry titled, “New Address Requirements for Automation, Presorted, and Carrier Route Flat-Size Mail.” If you have questions about a particular mailpiece, your local Mailpiece Design Analyst can help. To find an Analyst, enter your ZIP Code in the lookup tool on Postal Explorer (click on “Postal Locator” in the left frame, then “Mailpiece Design Analyst”). The Domestic Mail Manual also is available on Postal Explorer and provides all of the mailing standards and pricing options for Standard Mail flats. We will add the new address requirements to Domestic Mail Manual chapter 302 when they take effect in March 2009. Flats Dimensions 12" max. 6-1/8" min. 15" max. 11-1/2" min. Length Height Minimum* Maximum Length 11-1/2 inches 15 inches Height 6-1/8 inches 12 inches Thickness 1/4 inch 3/4 inch * Nonautomation flats exceed at least one of these dimensions. Automation flats must be at least 5 inches high and 6 inches long. For flats, length is the longest dimension. 34 2 of 2
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