ARCHIVED QSG - APR 17, 2011
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Quick Service Guide 401a

Commercial Parcels

Designing Parcels for Automated Processing

April 17, 2011
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Related QSGs

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440a, Standard Mail Machinable Parcels

450, Parcel Select

460, Bound Printed Matter Irregular and Machinable Parcels

Physical Standards (401)

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Minimum weight: 6 ounces except under 401.1.5.2.

Standard Mail: maximum weight is less than 16 ounces.

Bound Printed Matter: maximum weight is 15 pounds.

Parcel Select: maximum weight is 35 pounds (25 pounds for books and other printed matter).

Dimensions: 6 to 34 inches long, 3 to 17 inches high, and 1/4 to 17 inches thick. Parcels 1/4 inch thick must be at least 3-1/2 inches high and 6 inches long.

For an overview of the physical standards for commercial parcels, see Quick Service Guide 401.

Eligibility Standards

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Parcels are nonmachinable if they meet any of the criteria in 401.2.5.

Machinable parcels must bear the correct readable GS1-128 routing barcode under 708.5.0, or Intelligent Mail package barcode.

Barcoded discount: Package Services (Parcel Select, Bound Printed Matter, Media Mail, and Library Mail) barcoded discount pieces must meet the standards in 708.5.0.

Package Services barcodes may be combined with Delivery Confirmation or Signature Confirmation and insurance barcode.

Standard Mail barcodes may be combined with electronic Delivery Confirmation and insurance.

Standard Mail and Package Services barcodes must be prepared with the address and barcode placed squarely onto the largest surface area of the parcel except when the shape and contents require specific orientation for stability during processing. The barcode should be placed immediately adjacent to the delivery address and no closer than 1/2 inch from the edge of the parcel.

Acceptable Container (601.3.0)

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Use sturdy materials to withstand handling.

Size must be adequate to contain items and provide space for cushioning material:

Cushioning (601.4.0)

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Cushioning absorbs shock and vibration of handling. Combinations of cushioning materials are most effective. Cushion items separately.

Closure and Sealing (601.4.0)

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Mail Preparation

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Barcodes:

First-Class Mail: Unless prepared in 5-digit/scheme containers or paid at a single-piece price, presorted parcels are subject to a surcharge if:

Standard Mail Parcels and Not Flat-Machinables: Unless prepared in a carrier route or 5-digit/scheme containers, Standard Mail parcels and Not Flat-Machinable pieces are subject to a surcharge if:

Not Flat-Machinable pieces weighing 6 ounces or more and machinable parcels do not bear a
GS1-128 routing barcode or Intelligent Mail package barcode.

The GS1-128 routing barcode is required when used on all other parcels.

Parcels must be prepared and marked under applicable standards for machinable parcel preparation:

For pallet preparation, see 705.8.0.

For combined mailings of Standard Mail and Package Services parcels, see 705.6.0.

Physical Standards for Automation-Compatible Parcels

This graphic shows the placement of a return address in the upper left corner of a package, the placement of an optional carrier release instructions under the return address, the placement of a delivery address in the center of a package, the placement of a parcel barcode to the left of the address, the placement of postage in the upper right of a package, the placement of an Extra Service label between the return address and postage area, and the placement of endorsements and markings under the postage area.

GS1-128 Barcode

For GS1-128 barcode specifications and placement, see 708.5.2.1.

If the barcode is printed on the delivery address label and in close proximity to the address, the ZIP Code or ZIP+4 code information below the barcode may be omitted. If the barcode is printed on a separate label, the ZIP Code or ZIP+4 code preceded by the word “ZIP” must be printed between 1/8 inch and 1/2 inch below the barcode.

This graphic shows a UCC/EAN Code 128 Barcode with the placement of a ZIP Code 1/4 inch under the barcode.

Postal routing codes must meet the technical specifications in the GS1-128; see 708.5.2.1.

Packaging and Sealing

This graphic shows three packages with the use of pressure-sensitive filament tape, reinforced Kraft paper tape and Kraft paper tape.

Container (see page one for details):

Cushioning:

Sealing (see page one for details):

 

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ARCHIVED QSG - APR 17, 2011
ARCHIVED QSG - APR 17, 2011