Postal Information

Standard Domestic Mailpiece Specs

Letters

• Maximum thickness is 1/4".
• Minimum size is 5" long x 3 1/2" high.
• Maximum size is 11 1/2" long x 6 1/8" high.
• Maximum weight is 3 1/2 oz.

Postcards

• Max thickness is 0.016" (or 16pt paper).
• Minimum size is 5" long x 3 1/2" high.
• Maximum size is 6" long x 4 1/4" high.
• Anything smaller than 3 1/2" tall, 5" long, or 0.007" thick can’t be mailed.

Large Envelopes

• Maximum thickness is 3/4".
• Minimum size is 11 1/2" long x 6 1/8" high.
• Maximum size is 15" long x 12" high.

Download our Mail Standards Template

To learn more, visit the Postal Explorer.

The Intelligent Mail® barcode (IMb), formerly referred to as the 4-State Customer barcode, is used to sort and track letters, cards and flats and offers greater versatility by allowing many services to be requested and embedded within one barcode. The Intelligent Mail barcode combines the data of the existing POSTNET™ and the PLANET Code® barcodes, as well as other data, into a single barcode. 

The Postal Service is promoting use of the IMb because it expands the ability to track individual mailpieces and provides customers with greater visibility into the mailstream.

Benefits of the Intelligent Mail® barcode?

Lets mailers consolidate information and create much cleaner mailpieces with more space available for other messages and graphics.

Increases the amount of information contained on individual mailpieces, handling units (trays and sacks), and containers. This information can be used to request services and add visibility (tracking data) to mailpieces to enhance mail value.

It allows for participation in multiple USPS service programs with a single barcode.

IMb services can be applied to:

• First-Class Mail®
• Standard Mail®
• Periodicals – when participating in Onecode Confirm and OneCode ACS

Unlock the Power of IMb! Learn how Intelligent Mail® barcodes can streamline your mailing.

Get Details Here!

n this era of technology, you may think direct mail is “yesterday’s medium” for targeting customer and prospects. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Many statistics show that people still love getting mail. So here are a few tips for making direct mail work for your customers:

A combined effort. To reap the most from direct mail, use it as part of an integrated marketing program with electronic mediums such as emails and QR codes.

No black hole. Of all the direct mail elements, the mailing list is the most critical. Make sure it’s up to date, and consider using a service to help gather and maintain important demographic information about a target audience.

Find the right format. There are several direct mail formats, from simple postcards to pricey three-dimensional packages. Each is successful when it’s properly matched to the target audience.

Better barcodes. Intelligent Mail® barcodes (IMb™) represent the U.S. Postal Service’s next generation of mail services, features and products. They let your customers consolidate info, enhance mailpieces and save money.

Don’t forget envelopes! They’re a great direct mail tool, especially for fundraising, giveaways or response-based offers. Let Western States help you find the envelope that maximizes your customers’ results. Contact Us to learn more.

EMA Certified Postal Partners

Our Postal Partners are Here to Help... Western States has the answers to all things USPS-related, thanks to these employees who completed the Envelope Manufacturers Association's Postal Partners Program and are recognized as expert postal resources in our industry. We proudly have 32 certified Postal Partners—ready and willing to assist you. Just one more way we're here to help your business grow. To reach one, please call us at (800) 558-0514 or contact us here.