Preparing Outgoing US Mail

Information

This standard applies to all outgoing U.S. mail, from individual pieces to large mailings. This is designed to achieve maximum postal discounts wherever possible.

Mail Processing Deadline

Have your mail ready for processing at Printing and Distribution by 3pm. All US mail is processed the same day it is received, but note that mail received after 3pm can not be guaranteed for discounted postage.

Addressing

Use proportional fonts such as Courier, and all capital letters for the mailing address, with no punctuation. Example:

JOHN DOE
CITY OF PORTLAND
1120 SW FIFTH AVE SUITE 1616 
PORTLAND OR 97204

Construction

Address must be at least 5/8ths of an inch from, and parallel with, the bottom of the mailing piece. Avoid staples, and excessive use of graphics on the address face.

Paper Selection

Self-mailer single sheets should use 70lb paper. Multiple sheets should be 70lb bond for the first sheet and 20lb bond for the remainder. Use white or lightly colored paper. Tab it shut on the top with the fold on the bottom.

Ancillary Service Endorsements

Ancillary endorsements 59.33 KB

(US Postal Service "Quick service guide" document)