USPS raises piece minimum for standard mail bundles

The U.S. Postal Service has published in the Federal Register a final rule that will raise Standard mail five-digit bundle minimums from 10 to 15 pieces for mail pieces that weigh less than 5 ounces and are thinner than three-quarters of an inch.

Mailings presented for verification and acceptance as of Aug. 1 must comply.

The USPS said the change will increase processing efficiencies, reduce the overall production of bundles of certain Standard mail flat-size pieces and decrease overall USPS piece and bundle-handling costs.

Most mailers agree that it will reduce bundle-handling costs for the USPS and mailers.

Also, the USPS hopes to publish a proposed rule in the Federal Register by the end of the year that would permit co-palletization and co-mailing of mixed classes of flat-size mail.

This change will let Periodicals, Standard mail pieces and Bound Printed Matter flats to be placed on the same pallets or in the same bundles. This would leave the USPS with fewer pallets and bundles to handle and let mailers get deeper drop-ship discounts with existing rates. The USPS hopes to implement this rule in July 2004.