March 24, 2011

Folded Self-Mailer Study Nearing Completion

Collaborating with the mailing industry, we implemented a Lean Six Sigma test study in April 2009 with the goal of finding a balance between design innovation and machinability of folded self-mailers (FSM).

Valuable feedback has resulted in the USPS™ and test study participants taking another look at the potential updated mailing standards for the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM^®) that were presented to mailers for review. A revised framework — with industry input incorporated — will be presented to test study participants in the near future.

We expect to share proposed rule changes via a Federal Register notice in early summer, with an expected effective date sometime in 2012.

For now, it’s business as usual for mailers until updated FSM standards are effective. We’ll use DMM Advisory to let you know when these changes will be implemented.