Third class bulk mail
Third-class bulk mail, also known as bulk mail or standard mail, is a type of mail service offered by the United States Postal Service (USPS) for sending large quantities of mail at a discounted rate. Here are some key facts about third-class bulk mail:
Eligibility: To qualify for third-class bulk mail rates, you must meet certain requirements:
- The mailpiece must weigh 3.5 ounces or less.
- The mailpiece must be rectangular in shape and have a maximum size of 11.5 inches long, 6.125 inches wide, and 0.25 inches thick.
- The mailpiece must be addressed to a single address or a batch of addresses.
- The mailpiece must be sent to a single destination or a batch of destinations.
Benefits:
- Discounted rates: Third-class bulk mail rates are significantly lower than first-class mail rates.
- Convenience: You can prepare and mail your bulk mail in batches, making it easier to manage large volumes of mail.
- Flexibility: You can choose from various mail formats, such as letters, flats, and parcels.
Preparation requirements:
- Use a USPS-approved mailpiece design: Your mailpiece must meet specific design requirements, including font sizes, colors, and layout.
- Use a USPS-approved barcode: You must affix a USPS-approved barcode to each mailpiece to facilitate sorting and tracking.
- Sort and bundle mail: Sort your mail by zip code or carrier route and bundle it in groups of 50-100 pieces.
- Use a permit imprint: You must use a permit imprint to pay for your bulk mail postage.
Postage rates: Third-class bulk mail rates vary depending on the weight and size of your mailpiece, as well as the distance it's being sent. Here are some general rate ranges:
- Letters (1 oz or less): $0.20-$0.30 per piece
- Flats (1 oz or less): $0.20-$0.30 per piece
- Parcels (1 oz or less): $2.50-$5.00 per piece
Tips and best practices:
- Plan ahead: Allow plenty of time to prepare and mail your bulk mail to ensure timely delivery.
- Use a mail preparation service: Consider hiring a mail preparation service to help you prepare and mail your bulk mail.
- Verify your mailpiece design: Make sure your mailpiece design meets USPS requirements to avoid delays or rejections.
- Track your mail: Use a tracking service to monitor the delivery status of your bulk mail.
By following these guidelines and best practices, you can successfully send your third-class bulk mail at a discounted rate and reach your target audience efficiently.