**POSTAL SERVICE**

**39 CFR Part 111**

**New Standards for Letter-Size Booklets and Folded Self-Mailers**

**AGENCY:** Postal Service.

**ACTION:** Proposed rule.

**SUMMARY:** On March 14, 2008, we published in the *Federal Register*
(Volume 73, Number 51, pages 13812-13813) an advance notice of our
intent to develop new mailing standards for folded self-mailers and
booklets mailed at automation and machinable letter prices. In that
advance notice, we provided justification for these changes, announced a
two-phase testing initiative, and reported the results of the first
phase of testing. We invited comments from customers and asked that they
suggest alternative booklet designs that could improve mailpiece
performance.

The following proposed rule is based on the results of completed
testing. We propose revisions to tab size, tab location, paper weight,
and dimensions for folded self-mailers and booklets mailed at automation
or machinable letter prices.

**DATES:** We must receive your comments on or before **\[INSERT 30 days
from date of publication\].**

**ADDRESSES:** Mail or deliver written comments to the Manager, Mailing
Standards, U.S. Postal Service, 475 L\'Enfant Plaza SW, Room 3436,
Washington DC 20260-3436. You may inspect and photocopy all written
comments at USPS Headquarters Library, 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW, 11^th^
Floor N, Washington DC between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

**FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:** Susan Thomas, 202-268-7268.

**SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:**

Many folded self-mailers and booklets mailed at automation and
machinable letter prices do not process successfully on letter-sorting
machines. Unenveloped pieces tend to double feed and jam resulting in
damage to the equipment and the mail. These problems and the resulting
loss of machine time make it necessary to process some types of folded
self-mailers and booklets on flat sorting equipment or in manual
operations. Typically these operations are slower and more labor
intensive resulting in higher processing costs. To improve efficiency,
the USPS® worked with customers to test multiple mailpiece designs and
arrived at revised standards that improve automation processing.

In addition to the controlled testing of 400 specially-manufactured
mailpieces, in phase two of the testing our Engineering Department also
evaluated 124 live mailings and tested 70 sample mailings provided by
customers to determine optimal size, thickness, cover stock, tab style,
tab strength, tab location and binding. Several customers actively
participated and were present to observe the tests. When a mailpiece was
nonmachinable, customers were encouraged to resubmit modified pieces for
additional testing and evaluation.

We are sensitive to the current economic climate and the effect these
changes may have on the mailing community. Based on the results of our
tests we identified incremental opportunities for improvement while
preserving as many mailpiece design options as possible. Our proposed
standards and the resulting changes to folded self-mailer and booklet
designs will make it possible to sort this type of mail on automation
letter sorting equipment. These changes align with our operational goals
to increase delivery point sequencing of letter mail in an effort to
control costs and improve service. We will continue to monitor folded
self-mailer and booklet performance in the automation mailstream and
update the requirements as needed to reduce jams and mailpiece and
machine damage. Revised standards for postcards and letter-sized cards
will be issued in a subsequent *Federal Register* notice.

**Overview of Comments**

We received five comments in response to our advance notice. All the
commenters expressed concern that tabs without perforations would make
mailpieces hard to open.

Enveloped letters are sorted at a rate of 10 pieces per second on
automation equipment. Tabbed folded self-mailers and letter-size
booklets do not process like enveloped letters. Our tests revealed that
tabs with perforations are easily broken and do not maintain their
integrity while being transported or during automated letter sorting.
Folded self-mailers and booklets may be damaged if the seals used as
closures fail during high-speed processing. To minimize these issues, we
concluded that tabs on folded self-mailers and booklets may not be
perforated. We will continue to accept tabs without perforations made of
plastic, vinyl, translucent paper, opaque paper and cellophane tape
closures.

**Summary of Changes and Implementation**

The following proposed changes to the design of folded self-mailers and
booklets will make it possible to process them in the automated letter
mailstream. References to paper weights are for book-grade paper unless
otherwise specified. A conversion table to other paper grades is
included in DMM® Exhibit 201.3.2.

Examples of folded self-mailer and booklet designs are:

-   A folded self-mailer is a single continuous sheet of paper folded to
    create a letter-size mailpiece.

-   Booklets consist of multiple sheets of paper. Multiple sheets may be
    folded together to form a letter-sized booklet. Booklets may be
    perfect bound or permanently fastened with staples or another method
    that creates a uniformly thick mailpiece. Bound booklets may be
    folded for mailing if the final mailpiece remains uniform in
    thickness.

-   We are proposing the use of tabs with no perforations. Tab size is
    dictated by the design of the mailpiece. Booklets need three 1-1/2
    inch tabs and folded self-mailers need two 1-inch tabs. For larger
    and heavier booklets, we recommend 2-inch paper tabs.

-   Glue spots or a continuous glue line may be used to seal some folded
    self-mailer and booklet designs.

-   We will continue the current maximum weight of 3 ounces. However,

> 3-ounce booklets are processed with the least amount of damage when
> the final trim size is reduced to 9 inches in length.

**Booklets**

-   Maximum size: 6 inches high by 10-1/2 inches long by 0.25 inches
    thick.

-   Cover stock: 40 pound minimum basis weight for some designs: 60- or
    70-pound minimum for pieces longer than 9 inches. Lighter paper is
    more easily damaged in processing. We strongly recommend the use of
    70-pound paper as cover stock on mailpiece designs that approach
    maximum letter-size dimensions. The use of paper that is 10 pounds
    heavier than the required minimum basis weight is recommended for
    better performance.

**Optional Booklet Preparation** --- **Oblong**

Oblong booklets must be prepared with a spine on the leading edge.
Booklets with a spine on the trailing edge are not machinable.

**Folded Self-Mailers**

Changes include:

-   A new definition of folded self-mailers which limits pieces to those
    made from one continuous sheet of paper.

-   Maximum size: 6 inches high by 10-1/2 inches long by 0.25 inches
    thick.

-   Paper stock from 50 to 70 pounds, depending on the design of the
    mailpiece.

-   Increased size, placement, and number of tabs.

**Nonmachinable Pieces**

A nonmachinable price (for Standard Mail®), a surcharge (for First-Class
Mail®), or a nonbarcoded price (for Periodicals) applies to booklets and
folded self-mailers that do not comply with the proposed standards and
are too small to be mailed at flats prices. Such pieces are not eligible
for automation or machinable letter prices.

**Implementation**

We propose to implement these standards in May 2009, concurrent with the
Mailing Services price change.

Although the Postal Service is exempt from the notice and comment
requirements of the Administrative Procedure Act \[5 U.S. C. of 553 (b),
(c)\] regarding proposed rulemaking by 39 U.S.C. 410(a), we invite
public comments on the following proposed revisions to *Mailing
Standards of the United States Postal Service,* Domestic Mail Manual
(DMM), incorporated by reference in the *Code of Federal Regulations.*
See 39 CFR 111.1.

**List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 111:**

Administrative practice and procedure, Postal Service.

Accordingly, 39 CFR 111 is proposed to be amended as follows.

**PART 111  \[AMENDED\]**

1\. The authority citation for 39 CFR Part 111 continues to read as
follows:

**Authority:** 5 U.S.C. 552(a); 39 U.S.C. 101, 401, 403, 404, 414, 416,
3001-3011, 3201-3219, 3403-3406, 3621, 3622, 3626, 3632, 3633, and 5001.

2\. Revise the following sections of *Mailing Standards of the United
States Postal Service,* Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) as follows:

\* \* \* \* \*

***Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service,*** **Domestic
Mail Manual (DMM)**

**\* \* \* \* \***

## 200 Commercial Mail Letters and Cards 

## 

## 201 Physical Standards 

## 

**1.0 Physical Standards for Machinable Letters and Cards**

**1.1 Physical Standards for Machinable Letters**

\* \* \* \* \*

#### 1.1.3 All Machinable Letters 

*\[Revise the first sentence of 1.1.3 as follows:\]*

All pieces of First-Class Mail and Standard Mail machinable letters must
meet the standards for automation-compatible letters in 201.3.0. \* \*
\*

## \* \* \* \* \*

## 3.0 Physical Standards for Machinable Letters and Cards 

## 

### *\[Revise text of 3.1 as follows:\]*

### 

### 3.1 Basic Standards for Automation Letters and Cards 

Letters and cards claimed at any machinable or automation card or letter
price or Standard Mail Enhanced Carrier Route letter price must meet the
standards in
[3.0](http://pe.usps.gov/text/dmm300/201.htm#wp1042622%23wp1042622).
Unless prepared as a folded self-mailer, booklet, or postcard under
[3.15](http://pe.usps.gov/text/dmm300/201.htm#wp1042746%23wp1042746)
through
[3.1](http://pe.usps.gov/text/dmm300/201.htm#wp1054858%23wp1054858)7,
each machinable or automation letter must be a sealed envelope (the
preferred method) or, if unenveloped, must be sealed or glued completely
along all four sides. Machinable and automation pieces must not be
sealed with tabs on the bottom edge.

*\[Delete current 3.4 through 3.6 in their entirety.\]*

*\[Renumber current 3.2 through 3.3 as new 3.4 through 3.5.\]*

*\[Add new 3.2 and new 3.3 as follows:\]*

**3.2 Paper**

Mailpieces must be constructed from high tear strength paper stock. All
references in
[3.0](http://pe.usps.gov/text/dmm300/201.htm#wp1042622%23wp1042622) to
paper basis weight are for book-grade paper unless otherwise stated. The
conversion table in Exhibit 3.2 provides a paper basis weight
cross-reference. The paper basis weights are based on the weight of 500
sheets of 17 x 22 inch bond-grade paper, 25 x 38 inch sheets of
book-grade paper, and 20 x 26 inch sheets of cover-grade paper.

**Exhibit 3.2 Paper Basis** Weight Conversion Table

  -------------------- --------------------------- -----------------------
  **Paper Basis Weight                             
  Conversion Table**                               

  **If you use Book    **Then you can use Bond     **Or Cover paper weight
  paper weight of**    paper weight of**           of**

  40 pound             16 pound                    22 pound

  50                   20                          27

  55                   22                          30

  60                   24                          33

  70                   28                          40

  75                   30                          41

  80                   31                          44

  90                   36                          50

  100                  40                          56

  110                  44                          60

  128                  50                          70
  -------------------- --------------------------- -----------------------

### 

### 

### 3.3 Static and Coefficient of Friction 

Letter-sized machinable and automation mailpieces must be made of paper
material with the following characteristics:

a.  Static charge of less than 2 KV when tested using test method ASTM
    D4470.

b.  Kinetic coefficient of friction between 0.26 and 0.34 when tested as
    paper to same paper using test method ASTM D 4917.

*\[Revise heading and text of renumbered 3.4 as follows:\]*

**3.4 Dimensions and Shape**

Each machinable or automation letter-sized piece must be rectangular
(see 1.1.1) and, except folded self-mailers and booklets, must meet the
following standards:

a.  Height: not more than 6-1/8 inches or less than 3-1/2 inches high.

b.  Length: not more than 11-1/2 inches or less than 5 inches long.

c.  Thickness: not more than 0.25 inch or less than 0.009 inch thick.

d.  Dimensions and shape standards for folded self-mailers see 3.15; for
    booklets, see 3.16.

**\*** *\* \* \* \**

*\[Renumber current 3.7 through 3.13 as new 3.8 through 3.14 and add new
3.6 as follows:\]*

**3.6 Maximum Weight, Machinable and Automation Letters and Cards**

a.  Booklets and folded self-mailers --- 3 ounces.

b.  Machinable enveloped letters and cards --- 3.3 ounces.

c.  Automation enveloped letters and cards --- 3.5 ounces (see 3.7 for
    pieces over 3 ounces.)

*\[Renumber current 3.14.4 as new 3.7 and revise as follows:\]*

**3.7 Heavy Letter Mail (over 3 ounces)**

Heavy letter mail (letter-size pieces over 3 ounces) must be prepared in
a sealed envelope, may not contain stiff enclosures, and must have a
POSTNET or an Intelligent Mail barcode with a delivery point routing
code in the address block (see 202.5.0).

\* \* \* \* \*

*\[Revise renumbered 3.12 as follows:\]*

### 3.12 Tabs, Tape, and Glue 

Tabs on booklets must be at least 1-1/2 inches in diameter. Tabs on
folded self-mailers must be at least 1-inch in diameter. The tab
placement standards in 3.15 and 3.16 are subject to 1/4-inch variance in
either direction. Tabs may be made of opaque paper, translucent paper,
vinyl or plastic and must not contain perforations. Cellophane tape may
also be used as a closure. The following standards also apply:

a.  Translucent paper tabs should be made of paper with a minimum of
    40-pound basis weight.

b.  Opaque paper tabs should be made of a minimum of 60-pound basis
    weight paper with a tear strength of at least 56 grams of force in
    the machine direction (MD) and 60 grams of force in the cross
    direction (CD).

c.  Tabs in the barcode clear zone must have a paper face meeting the
    standards for background reflectance and, if the barcode is not
    preprinted by the mailer, the standards for acceptance of
    water-based ink.

d.  Vinyl tabs and cellophane tape closures are not acceptable within
    the barcode clear zone.

e.  Tabs must be tight against the edge of the mailpiece. A maximum

> 1/32-inch overhang is recommended.

f.  Two-inch opaque paper tabs are strongly recommended for booklets
    over 2.5 ounces.

g.  Glue spots may be used in lieu of tabs on some folded self-mailer
    designs (see 3.15.4). and must be placed within 3/4 inch of the open
    edges (see Exhibit 01.3.12.g)

> **Exhibit 201.3.12.g Glue Spot Placement**
>
> ![](media/image1.wmf){width="2.0133858267716533in"
> height="1.8751968503937009in"}

h.  Continuous glue lines may be used as cover-to-cover seals on some
    designs (see 3.15.4 and 3.16.4). and must be placed along the entire
    length of the open edge and end no more than 3/4 inch from the open
    ends (see Exhibit 201.3.12.h)

![](media/image2.png){width="1.8958333333333333in"
height="1.5416666666666667in"}**Exhibit 201.3.12.h Glue Line Placement**

*\* \* \* \* \**

*\[Renumber current 3.14.1as new 3.15 and revise title and text as
follows:\]*

### 3.15 Folded Self-mailers

### 

#### 3.15.1 Definition 

A folded self-mailer is a single, continuous sheet of paper with no
binding, folded to create a letter-size mailpiece.

**3.15.2 Paper Weight**

Folded self-mailers generally must be made of paper with a minimum 50
pound basis weight or equivalent. The minimum basis weight is higher for
some designs (see exhibit 3.15.4).

**3.15.3 Physical Standards for Folded Self-mailers**

Folded self-mailers must meet the following standards:

a.  Height: not more than 6 inches or less than 3.5 inches high.

b.  Length: not more than 10.5 inches or less than 5 inches long.

c.  Thickness: not more than 0.25 inch or less than 0.009 inch thick.

d.  Weight: not more than 3 ounces.

e.  Aspect ratio: within 1.3 to 2.5 (see 201.3.1).

**3.15.4 Folded Self-mailer Design and Sealing**

Additional tabs or seals may be used. Do not place tabs or seals on the
bottom edge of the mailpiece (see exhibit 3.15.4).

Exhibit 3.15.4 Folded Self-Mailer Design

+-----------+--------------+------+------+-----------+----------------+
| > **If    |              | *    | *    | **Mailers | **And seal the |
| > the     |              | *And | *The | must seal | mailpiece at   |
| > final   |              | the  | c    | the piece | these          |
| > fold    |              | le   | over | with...** | locations**    |
| > is...** |              | ngth | s    |           |                |
|           |              | is.  | tock |           |                |
|           |              | ..** | must |           |                |
|           |              |      | be   |           |                |
|           |              |      | at   |           |                |
|           |              |      | le   |           |                |
|           |              |      | ast. |           |                |
|           |              |      | ..** |           |                |
+-----------+--------------+------+------+-----------+----------------+
| > ![](m   | > On the     | 5"   | 70-p | Two 1"    | One tab or     |
| edia/imag | > leading    | to   | ound | non-      | glue spot on   |
| e3.wmf){w | > (shorter)  | 1    |      | p         | top edge; one  |
| idth="0.9 | > edge, with | 0.5" |      | erforated | tab or glue    |
| 402777777 | > no other   | long |      | tabs or   | spot on        |
| 777778in" | > folds      |      |      | glue      | trailing edge. |
| > hei     |              |      |      | spots, or | Position the   |
| ght="0.89 |              |      |      | c         | tabs or glue   |
| 583333333 |              |      |      | ontinuous | spots in the   |
| 33334in"} |              |      |      | glue line | center of each |
|           |              |      |      |           | edge. Or use   |
|           |              |      |      |           | continuous     |
|           |              |      |      |           | glue line to   |
|           |              |      |      |           | seal along the |
|           |              |      |      |           | entire         |
|           |              |      |      |           | trailing edge. |
+-----------+--------------+------+------+-----------+----------------+
| >         | > On the     |      |      |           |                |
| ![](media | > leading    |      |      |           |                |
| /image4.w | > (shorter)  |      |      |           |                |
| mf){width | > edge, with |      |      |           |                |
| ="0.95in" | > an         |      |      |           |                |
| > hei     | >            |      |      |           |                |
| ght="1.02 | intermediate |      |      |           |                |
| 708333333 | > fold on    |      |      |           |                |
| 33333in"} | > the        |      |      |           |                |
|           | > trailing   |      |      |           |                |
|           | > edge       |      |      |           |                |
+-----------+--------------+------+------+-----------+----------------+
| > ![](m   | > On the     | 5"   | 70-p | Two 1"    | One tab or     |
| edia/imag | > leading    | to   | ound | non-      | glue spot on   |
| e5.wmf){w | > (shorter)  | 1    |      | p         | top edge; one  |
| idth="1.0 | > edge, with | 0.5" |      | erforated | tab or glue    |
| 020833333 | > an         | long |      | tabs or   | spot on the    |
| 333334in" | >            |      |      | glue      | edge of the    |
| > hei     | intermediate |      |      | spots, or | flap. Position |
| ght="0.99 | > fold on    |      |      | c         | the top tab or |
| 791666666 | > the        |      |      | ontinuous | glue spot near |
| 66667in"} | > trailing   |      |      | glue line | the end of the |
|           | > edge       |      |      |           | flap. Position |
|           |              |      |      |           | the tab or     |
|           |              |      |      |           | glue spot on   |
|           |              |      |      |           | the edge of    |
|           |              |      |      |           | the flap in    |
|           |              |      |      |           | the center. Or |
|           |              |      |      |           | use continuous |
|           |              |      |      |           | glue line to   |
|           |              |      |      |           | seal the       |
|           |              |      |      |           | entire open    |
|           |              |      |      |           | edge (flap).   |
+-----------+--------------+------+------+-----------+----------------+
| > ![](m   | > On the     | 5"   | 70-p | Two 1"    | One tab on     |
| edia/imag | > bottom     | to   | ound | non-      | leading edge;  |
| e6.wmf){w | > (longer)   | 1    |      | p         | one tab on     |
| idth="1.0 | > edge, with | 0.5" |      | erforated | trailing edge. |
| 145833333 | > no other   | long |      | tabs or   | Position the   |
| 333334in" | > folds      |      |      | c         | tabs no more   |
| > hei     |              |      |      | ontinuous | than 1 inch    |
| ght="0.95 |              |      |      | glue line | from top edge. |
| 763888888 |              |      |      |           | Or use         |
| 88889in"} |              |      |      |           | continuous     |
|           |              |      |      |           | glue line to   |
|           |              |      |      |           | seal the       |
|           |              |      |      |           | entire top     |
|           |              |      |      |           | edge.          |
+-----------+--------------+------+------+-----------+----------------+
| > ![](m   | > On the     | 5"   | 50-p | Two 1"    | One tab on     |
| edia/imag | > bottom     | to   | ound | non-      | leading edge;  |
| e7.wmf){w | > (longer)   | 1    | for  | p         | one tab on     |
| idth="1.1 | > edge, with | 0.5" | 8.5" | erforated | trailing edge. |
| 145833333 | > an         | long | x    | tabs or   | Position the   |
| 333333in" | >            |      | 11"  | c         | tabs no more   |
| >         | intermediate |      | sh   | ontinuous | than 1 inch    |
| height="0 | > fold on    |      | eets | glue line | from top edge. |
| .9375in"} | > the top    |      | fo   |           | Or use         |
|           | > edge       |      | lded |           | continuous     |
|           | > (Tri-Fold) |      | to   |           | glue line to   |
|           |              |      | 3    |           | seal the       |
|           |              |      | .66" |           | entire top     |
|           |              |      | x    |           | edge.          |
|           |              |      | 8.5" |           |                |
|           |              |      |      |           |                |
|           |              |      | 70-p |           |                |
|           |              |      | ound |           |                |
|           |              |      | for  |           |                |
|           |              |      | all  |           |                |
|           |              |      | ot   |           |                |
|           |              |      | hers |           |                |
+-----------+--------------+------+------+-----------+----------------+
| > ![](m   | > On the     | 5"   | 70-p | Two 1"    | One tab on     |
| edia/imag | > bottom     | to   | ound | non-      | leading edge;  |
| e8.wmf){w | > (longer)   | 1    |      | p         | one tab on     |
| idth="1.1 | > edge, with | 0.5" |      | erforated | trailing edge. |
| 416666666 | > an         | long |      | tabs or   | Position the   |
| 666666in" | >            |      |      | c         | tabs no more   |
| > hei     | intermediate |      |      | ontinuous | than 1 inch    |
| ght="0.93 | > fold on    |      |      | glue line | from top edge. |
| 680555555 | > the top    |      |      |           | Or use         |
| 55556in"} | > edge.      |      |      |           | continuous     |
|           | > (4-panel   |      |      |           | glue line to   |
|           | > folded)    |      |      |           | seal the       |
|           |              |      |      |           | entire top     |
|           |              |      |      |           | edge.          |
+-----------+--------------+------+------+-----------+----------------+
| > ![](m   | > On the top | 5"   | 70-p | Two 1"    | Two tabs on    |
| edia/imag | > (longer)   | to   | ound | non-      | the edge of    |
| e9.wmf){w | > edge, with | 1    |      | p         | the flap.      |
| idth="1.0 | > a first    | 0.5" |      | erforated | Position the   |
| 743055555 | > fold on    | long |      | tabs or   | tabs no more   |
| 555556in" | > the bottom |      |      | c         | than 1 inch    |
| > hei     | > (longer)   |      |      | ontinuous | from the left  |
| ght="0.79 | > edge       |      |      | glue line | and right      |
| 166666666 |              |      |      |           | edge. Or use   |
| 66666in"} |              |      |      |           | continuous     |
|           |              |      |      |           | glue line to   |
|           |              |      |      |           | seal along     |
|           |              |      |      |           | edge of the    |
|           |              |      |      |           | flap.          |
+-----------+--------------+------+------+-----------+----------------+
| > ![](    | > On the     | 7"   | 50-p | Two 1"    | One tab on     |
| media/ima | > bottom     | to   | ound | non-      | leading edge;  |
| ge10.png) | > (longer)   | 1    |      | p         | one tab on     |
|           | > edge, with | 0.5" |      | erforated | trailing edge. |
|           | > a first    | long |      | tabs      | Position the   |
|           | > fold on    |      |      |           | tabs no more   |
|           | > the        |      |      |           | than 1 inch    |
|           | > leading    |      |      |           | from top edge. |
|           | > (shorter)  |      |      |           |                |
|           | > edge       |      |      |           |                |
+-----------+--------------+------+------+-----------+----------------+
| > ![](    | > On the     | 7"   | 50-p | Two 1"    | One tab on     |
| media/ima | > bottom     | to   | ound | non-      | leading edge;  |
| ge11.png) | > (longer)   | 1    |      | p         | one tab on     |
|           | > edge, with | 0.5" |      | erforated | trailing edge. |
|           | >            | long |      | tabs      | Position the   |
|           | intermediate |      |      |           | tabs no more   |
|           | > folds on   |      |      |           | than 1 inch    |
|           | > the        |      |      |           | from top edge. |
|           | > leading    |      |      |           |                |
|           | > (shorter)  |      |      |           |                |
|           | > edge and   |      |      |           |                |
|           | > the top    |      |      |           |                |
|           | > (longer)   |      |      |           |                |
|           | > edge       |      |      |           |                |
+-----------+--------------+------+------+-----------+----------------+

#### 

#### *\[Renumber current 3.14.2 as new 3.16 and revise as follows:\]*

#### 

#### 3.16 Booklets

#### 

**3.16.1 Definition**

Booklets are multiple sheets of paper. Multiple sheets may be folded
together to form a letter-sized booklet. Booklets may be perfect bound
or permanently fastened with staples or another method that creates a
uniformly thick mailpiece. Bound booklets may be folded for mailing if
the final mailpiece remains uniform in thickness.

#### 3.16.2 Paper

#### **Booklet covers generally must** be made with a minimum paper basis weight of 60-pounds or equivalent. Minimum basis weights are higher for some designs (see 3.16.4). 

#### 

#### 

#### 3.16.3 Physical Standards for Booklets 

Booklets must meet the following standards:

a.  Height: not more than 6 inches or less than 3.5 inches high.

b.  Length: not more than 10.5 inches or less than 5 inches long.

c.  Thickness: not more than 0.25 inches or less than 0.009 inches
    thick.

d.  Weight: not more than 3 ounces.

e.  Aspect ratio: within 1.3 to 2.5 (see 201.3.1).

**3.16.4** **Booklet** **Design and Sealing**

Booklets may be designed with the spine or fold at the bottom or on the
leading edge and applicable sealing (see exhibit 3.16.4).

**Exhibit 3.16.4 Booklet Design**

+----------------+-------+---------+---------+---------+--------------+
| **If the spine |       | **And   | **The   | **      | **And place  |
| or final fold  |       | the     | cover   | Mailers | the tabs in  |
| is...**        |       | length  | stock   | must    | these        |
|                |       | is...** | must be | seal    | lo           |
|                |       |         | at      | the     | cations...** |
|                |       |         | lea     | piece   |              |
|                |       |         | st...** | wi      |              |
|                |       |         |         | th...** |              |
+----------------+-------+---------+---------+---------+--------------+
| ![](media/i    | Spine | 5" to   | 5       | Three   | Two tabs on  |
| mage12.wmf){wi | or    | 9" long | 0-pound | 1.5"    | leading      |
| dth="0.9375in" | fold  |         |         | non-    | edge; one    |
| he             | on    |         |         | per     | tab on       |
| ight="0.697222 | the   |         |         | forated | trailing     |
| 2222222222in"} | b     |         |         | tabs    | edge.        |
|                | ottom |         |         |         | Position     |
|                | (lo   |         |         |         | lower        |
|                | nger) |         |         |         | leading tab  |
|                | edge  |         |         |         | 0.5 inch     |
|                |       |         |         |         | from the     |
|                |       |         |         |         | bottom edge. |
|                |       |         |         |         | Position     |
|                |       |         |         |         | upper tabs 1 |
|                |       |         |         |         | inch from    |
|                |       |         |         |         | the top      |
|                |       |         |         |         | edge.        |
+----------------+-------+---------+---------+---------+--------------+
|                |       | Over    | 6       |         |              |
|                |       | 9", up  | 0-pound |         |              |
|                |       | to      |         |         |              |
|                |       | 10.5"   |         |         |              |
|                |       | long    |         |         |              |
+----------------+-------+---------+---------+---------+--------------+
| ![](media      | Final | 5" to   | 4       | Three   | Two tabs on  |
| /image13.png){ | fold  | 10.5"   | 0-pound | 1.5"    | leading      |
| width="1.45833 | on    | long    |         | non-    | edge; one    |
| 33333333333in" | the   |         |         | per     | tab on       |
| he             | b     |         |         | forated | trailing     |
| ight="1.048611 | ottom |         |         | tabs    | edge.        |
| 1111111112in"} | (lo   |         |         |         | Position     |
|                | nger) |         |         |         | lower        |
|                | edge, |         |         |         | leading tab  |
|                | with  |         |         |         | 0.5 inch     |
|                | the   |         |         |         | from the     |
|                | f     |         |         |         | bottom edge. |
|                | olded |         |         |         | Position     |
|                | spine |         |         |         | upper tabs 1 |
|                | on    |         |         |         | inch from    |
|                | the   |         |         |         | the top      |
|                | le    |         |         |         | edge.        |
|                | ading |         |         |         |              |
|                | or    |         |         |         |              |
|                | tra   |         |         |         |              |
|                | iling |         |         |         |              |
|                | (sho  |         |         |         |              |
|                | rter) |         |         |         |              |
|                | edge  |         |         |         |              |
+----------------+-------+---------+---------+---------+--------------+
| ![](media      | Spine | 5" to   | 6       | Three   | Two tabs on  |
| /image14.wmf){ | on    | 9" long | 0-pound | 1.5"    | top edge;    |
| width="1.00277 | the   |         |         | non-    | one tab on   |
| 77777777778in" | le    |         |         | per     | trailing     |
| he             | ading |         |         | forated | edge.        |
| ight="0.822916 | (sho  |         |         | tabs    | Position top |
| 6666666666in"} | rter) |         |         |         | tabs 1 inch  |
|                | edge  |         |         |         | from left    |
|                |       |         |         |         | and right    |
|                |       |         |         |         | edge.        |
|                |       |         |         |         | Position     |
|                |       |         |         |         | trailing tab |
|                |       |         |         |         | in the       |
|                |       |         |         |         | middle.      |
+----------------+-------+---------+---------+---------+--------------+
|                |       | Over    | 7       |         |              |
|                |       | 9", up  | 0-pound |         |              |
|                |       | to      |         |         |              |
|                |       | 10.5"   |         |         |              |
|                |       | long    |         |         |              |
+----------------+-------+---------+---------+---------+--------------+
| ![](media      | Spine | 5" to   | 8       | Con     | Perfect      |
| /image15.png){ | on    | 9" long | 0-pound | tinuous | bound or     |
| width="1.18055 | b     |         |         |         | saddle       |
| 55555555556in" | ottom |         |         | glue    | stitched     |
| hei            | (lo   |         |         | line or | with a       |
| ght="0.875in"} | nger) |         |         | glue    |              |
|                | edge, |         |         | spots   | continuous   |
|                | non-  |         |         |         | glue line    |
|                | perfo |         |         |         | along flap   |
|                | rated |         |         |         | preferred,   |
|                | inner |         |         |         | minimum      |
|                | flap  |         |         |         | 1inch glue   |
|                | on    |         |         |         | spots        |
|                | top   |         |         |         | acceptable   |
|                | (u    |         |         |         | if placed    |
|                | pper) |         |         |         | within ¾     |
|                | edge  |         |         |         | inch of      |
|                |       |         |         |         | right and    |
|                |       |         |         |         | left edges.  |
+----------------+-------+---------+---------+---------+--------------+

*\[Renumber current 3.14.3 as new 3.17.\]*

*\[Renumber current 3.14.4 as new 3.7.\]*

*\[Renumber current 3.15 as new 3.18.\]*

**\* \* \* \* \***

We will publish an appropriate amendment to 39 CFR 111 if our proposal
is adopted.

**Neva R. Watson**,

*Attorney, Legislative.*

\[END DOCUMENT\]