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The DMM and the IMM provide information on addressing standards and endorsements required for each class of mail and service. Special markings are also required for certain restricted items. Contact a business mail entry unit for guidance (see DMM G042 for addresses).
As a rule, the following markings are permitted on the outside of a mailing container:
• Return and delivery addresses.
• Ancillary service endorsements for address correction, forwarding, etc.
• Special service endorsements.
• Class of mail marking.
• Handling instructions.
Each package must show a delivery address on the mailing container or on a label affixed to the container. In addition, a return address must be placed in the upper left corner of the container (or address label). The addresses should meet postal address format standards. Publication 28, Postal Addressing Standards, provides detailed information about address formats and requirements.
Inside the mailing container, the names and addresses of the sender and addressee and a description of the enclosed items should be included. This precaution can aid in the delivery of a parcel if the addresses on the outside of the container become unreadable or the items become separated from the container.
The various ancilliary service endorsements for address correction service and the return and forwarding of parcels are fully described in DMM module F. These endorsements must be placed below the return address in the upper left corner or as allowed in DMM M012.
The class of mail marking is required for all classes of letters, parcels, and flat-size mail except First-Class Mail with postage affixed (under 13 ounces). Mailpieces that have Standard Mail or Package Services postage affixed but are not marked as such are processed at the higher, First-Class Mail rate as postage-due mail.
The class marking must be placed in the area to the left of the postage and above the delivery address, as shown in the illustrations at right.
All markings for any special service requested must be placed above the delivery address and to the right of the return address. Special services include the following:
• Certified mail.
• Collect on delivery (COD).
• Delivery confirmation.
• Insured mail.
• Registered mail.
• Restricted delivery.
• Return receipt.
• Return receipt for merchandise.
• Signature confirmation.
Approved markings that give handling instructions based on the contents of the package are listed in Exhibit 5-1.6, along with guidelines for using these markings. The markings must be placed in the area below the postage but above the addressee's name.
Exhibit 5-1.6
| Marking | Use |
| FRAGILE | Only on packages containing items that can break (such as glass and electrical appliances) |
| PERISHABLE | Only on packages containing items that can degrade or decompose rapidly (such as meat, produce, plants, and certain chemical samples) |
|
DO NOT BEND or DO NOT FOLD |
Only on packages containing items protected with stiffeners |
Obsolete markings (from previous mailings or on reused boxes or containers) must be entirely removed or completely obliterated prior to mailing.
Containers with improperly identified contents are not acceptable, as noted in the following examples:
• A parcel marked "Bleach" that actually contains clothing is not acceptable.
• A parcel marked "ART SUPPLIES" that actually contains a flammable liquid is not acceptable, even if the liquid is technically an art supply like paint thinner. The potential danger of the liquid's flammability must be identified through the proper external markings required by 49 CFR and DMM C023.
Extraneous information (such as order numbers) that can be confused with ZIP Codes may not be printed immediately under the last line of the address.
If other markings are used, such as advertising messages and company logos, they must be placed in areas that do not conflict with the essential information areas described in 5-1.
Any required address, marking, or endorsement placed on the outside of a mailing container should be made with a waterproof material that cannot be rubbed off or smeared. The lettering must be sharp and readable at a distance of 30 inches.
Marking methods and container surfaces must allow application and retention of adhesive stamps, postage meter impressions, and postal endorsements made by hand stamp, ballpoint pen, or number 2 pencil. Address labels and, particularly, outside envelopes must be firmly sealed and attached to containers, with no more than 1/8-inch separation between the ends of the envelope and the container.
A container that does not meet these marking requirements and has caused previous mail processing problems is not acceptable for mailing.