This section contains useful information to consider when your project must be mailed. Remember, The Whitley Printing Company specializes in fulfillment and mailing, so be sure to contact your Whitley representative if you have particular questions.
If a mailpiece is ¼-inch thick or less, it MUST be rectangular and at least 3½ inches high by 5 inches long. (Length is the side parallel to the address. Height is perpendicular to the length.) All mailpieces MUST be at least 0.007″ thick. (An index card is thick enough.)
The maximum size for most mailpieces is 108 inches in combined length and girth. Parcel post pieces may measure up to 130 inches in combined length and girth (distance around the thickest part of the package), but will be charged oversized rates.
Regardless of the mailpiece’s size, the maximum mailable weight is 70 pounds.
Your mailpiece’s shape can determine the rate you pay. In some instances, certain shapes — like squares and tubes — are charged a higher rate because those pieces must be processed manually. Generally, mailpieces that are ¼ inch thick or less MUST be rectangular. Pieces more than ¼ inch thick don’t have to be rectangular.
Letters must be rectangular and have angular (90 degree) corners. Letter-size, card-type cardstock mailpieces may have finished corners that don’t exceed a radius of ⅛ inch.
Naturally, you want your mailpiece to be attention-getting. However, an odd-shaped mailpiece may not only cost more to design and print, but could potentially be non-mailable (i.e., a round postcard) or subject to a higher rate. First-class mail letters and standard mail letters that are square, rigid, or unusually shaped are subject to higher rates.
Your Whitley representative can help you with your mailing questions, or consult the USPS Web site for more details.