STANDARD MAIL (THIRD CLASS BULK)

Printed matter weighing less than 16 ounces may be sent as Standard Mail. For this standard, printed matter means paper on which words, letters, characters, figures, images or any combination not having the character of a bill or statement of account or of actual or personal correspondence and are reproduced by any process other than handwriting or typewriting.

Computer-prepared material is considered printed matter. It is not considered to have the character of actual or personal correspondence. Computer generated signatures are acceptable for Standard Mail pieces, if computer printed on each mailing piece (not photocopies). Pen or ink signatures make the piece First Class, not bulk.

Standard Mail is not sealed against postal inspection. Regardless of physical closure, the mailing of articles at Standard Mail rates of postage is consent by the mailer to postal inspection of the contents.

Campus Mail Service or Publications will go over your mailing pieces before it is printed to make sure it conforms to Post Office mail preparation requirements. Contact Mail Services at 271-4335.

Each standard mail (third class) bulk mailing must consist of a minimum of 200 pieces or 50 pounds. All pieces in the mailing must be identical in size, weight, content and color. The mailing must be zip-code sorted and separated into trays according to Post Office requirements before it is brought to the Mail Service department to be processed.

All standard bulk mailing must arrive in the mailroom in either postal letter trays or flat tubs. Tubs and trays are available from the mailroom.

Standard mail must include:

• 200 or more pieces.
• Proper return address:
      Missouri Western State University
      (Department)
      4525 Downs Drive
      St Joseph MO 64507-2294

The proper format of Non-Profit Permit indicia must be on each piece. (permit 32)

The piece design must meet all Post Office requirements, please check with Mail Services before printing.

One sheet flyers will need to be taped at the open edge and also on the right side to help them run through the postal sorting equipment. Please do not use staples.

The wording "Return Service Requested" needs to be printed on each piece 1/4" below the return address. This wording keeps us in compliance with the post office regulations about updating our mailing list. It is the cheapest way without the purchasing of equipment and software. The piece will be returned with the new address or reason for non-delivery attached. The charge for the return will be "Single Piece Rate"...which means returned at first class rate not bulk.

If you are using an outside mailing source and sending mail at the "enhanced carrier route" rates, please ask your vendor about the mailing regulations. These differ from what we use on campus.