Bulk Mail Large Envelope Sort Guides

Address placement on mail pieces

The following standards apply to enveloped, Standard Mail, Bound Printed Matter, Media Mail, and Library Mail flats mailed at presorted or automation prices:

  • The entire delivery address must be in upper right corner of piece, 1/2" from leading edge and 1 1/2" from top for pieces in horizontal orientation and on right-hand side of upper half of mail piece in vertical orientation.
  • If a vertical address will not fit entirely within the top half, the address may cross the midpoint if it is placed within 1 inch of the top edge.

Presorted large envelope (flat) mailings

This section gives the steps for ordinary sortation of flat mail. This preparation must be used for pieces that are non-upgradeable; it also may be used for upgradeable pieces.

Requirements for presorted large envelope (flat) mailings

  • 200 or more identical pieces are required
  • Sorted into ascending ZIP Code order according to the following instructions

Five Digit/Sort - Step 1

  • Postal Services sorts all the pieces into ZIP Code order.
  • Pieces are grouped or stacked them according to the first 3 digits of their ZIP Codes.
  • When there are 15 or more pieces to the exact same 5-digit ZIP Code, they are banded into a package or packages. The maximum thickness of each package is 4 inches.
  • Each package is labeled  with a red label "D."
  • Remaining mail sorted in step 2.

five digit/sort

Three Digit/Sort - Step 2

  • When there are 15 or more pieces (up to 4 inches thick) to the same 3-digit ZIP Code prefix, they are banded into packages.
  • Each package is labeled with a green label "3."
  • Remaining mail sorted in step 3.

three digit/sort

ADC Sort - Step 3

  • When there are 15 or more pieces (up to 4 inches thick) to the same ADC, they are banded into packages.
  • Each package is labeled with a pink label "A."
  • Remaining mail sorted in step 4.

ADC sort

Mixed ADC Sort - Step 4

  • Remaining pieces are sorted into groups up to 4 inches thick.
  • Each package is labeled with a tan label "MXD."

mixed ADC sort

Finished

  • Questions regarding bulk mail preparation should be directed to 837-2322.
  • When the mailing is sent via PERMIT 1555, two wide rubber bands are placed around each bundle, and are delivered to USPS by Postal Services.