Presort: bundles, trays, pallets and labeling lists

What is considered bulk mail at the post office?

Bulk mail is a quantity of mail prepared for reduced postage prices, such as a presorted mailing of catalogs that USPS verifies.5Publication 32: Glossary of Postal TermsPDF page 32“Broadly, the term can designate quantities of mail prepared for mailing at reduced postage prices such as a presorted mailing of catalogs that requires verification.”USPS original Business mail discounts need at least 500 pieces of First-Class Mail, or 200 pieces or 50 pounds of USPS Marketing Mail, per mailing.6Election Mail Permit Based SolutionsPDF page 1“To qualify for business mail postage discounts, a minimum number of pieces is required per mailing: … 500 pieces for First-Class Mail … 200 pieces (or 50 pounds of mail) for USPS Marketing Mail”USPS original

What does presorted First-Class Mail mean?

Presorted First-Class Mail is a price category for a First-Class Mail mailing of at least 500 addressed pieces, sorted and prepared to mailing standards.3Publication 32: Glossary of Postal TermsPDF page 182“A nonautomation price category for a First-Class Mail mailing that consists of at least 500 addressed mailpieces and is sorted and prepared according to mailing standards.”USPS original As First-Class Mail, it carries bills, statements of account and other matter that must generally be mailed First-Class.7USPS Report on Form 10-K, fiscal year 2025PDF page 7“First-Class Mail includes: letters, postcards, bills or statements of account, and payments.”USPS original8PRC: Mail Classification Schedule through July 12, 2026 (docx, converted to HTML with mammoth)“Matter containing personal information, partially or wholly handwritten or typewritten matter, or bills or statements of account must be mailed by First-Class Mail service, unless: (1) it is mailed by Priority Mail Express service or Priority Mail service, (2) it meets the USPS Marketing Mail or Periodicals mail preparation requirements for incidental First-Class Mail attachments or enclosures, or (3) it is otherwise exempt under title 39, United States Code.”USPS original Its pieces need not bear a barcode, though presorted, barcoded pieces can get automation prices, which are generally lower.3Publication 32: Glossary of Postal TermsPDF page 182“This mail is not required to bear a barcode.”USPS original9Publication 32: Glossary of Postal TermsPDF page 26“A price category for mail that is presorted and prebarcoded and that meets addressing, readability, and other requirements for mail that can be processed on automated equipment. … Automation prices are generally lower than prices for single-piece mail or nonautomation presorted mail.”USPS original

How do I get presorted First-Class Mail prices?

A mailer pays the annual First-Class Mail mailing fee, then brings mailings of at least 500 pieces to a Business Mail Entry Unit, where a postal facility accepts bulk mail.6Election Mail Permit Based SolutionsPDF page 1“Annual Mailing Fee - Regardless of the postage payment method, both First-Class Mail and USPS Marketing Mail mailing permits require an annual mailing fee to be paid. … 500 pieces for First-Class Mail … All business mail must be brought to a Business Mail Entry Unit (BMEU).”USPS original10Publication 32: Glossary of Postal TermsPDF page 34“The area of a postal facility where mailers present bulk, presorted, and permit mail for acceptance.”USPS original As of October 4, 2026, the fee is $390 at each office of mailing, and it allows every First-Class Mail price.11Notice 123: Price List (effective October 4, 2026)“Notice 123 • Effective October 04, 2026 … | First-Class Mail Presort, per office of mailing | $390.00 |”USPS original8PRC: Mail Classification Schedule through July 12, 2026 (docx, converted to HTML with mammoth)“An annual mailing fee is required to be paid at each office of mailing by any person who mails at presorted or automation prices (1505.2). Payment of the fee allows the mailer to mail at any First-Class Mail price.”USPS original Each mailing needs a postage statement, and the mailer needs a mailing permit for the way it pays postage, as paying for postage explains.6Election Mail Permit Based SolutionsPDF page 1“Postage statements must be submitted for all business mailings as specified by the standards for the class of mail and the prices claimed. … A mailing permit grants permission to use a certain postage payment method for commercial (business) mailings.”USPS original

How does USPS bulk mail work?

The mailer groups the pieces by ZIP Code, carrier route or walk sequence, so the mail bypasses some USPS sorting operations.3Publication 32: Glossary of Postal TermsPDF page 182“A form of mail preparation, required to bypass certain postal operations, in which the mailer groups pieces in a mailing by ZIP Code or by carrier route or carrier walk sequence (or other recommended separation).”USPS original In general, the finer the sort, the lower the price.3Publication 32: Glossary of Postal TermsPDF page 182“In general, the finer the sortation, the lower the price (e.g., Standard Mail pieces sorted by the same 5-digit ZIP Code such as 20008 are considered more finely sorted than pieces for the same 3-digiti ZIP Code prefix such as 200 and thus receive a lower price).”USPS original A presorted mailing generally carries documentation of its presort, which USPS compares with the mail to verify the postage claimed.12DMM 203: Basic Postage Statement, Documentation, and Preparation Standards“Generally, documentation is required from a mailer when a mailing is presented to the USPS as follows: … Documentation describes the preparation, price levels, and content of the mailing; details the volume and postage data; and, by comparison with the actual mailing it describes, supports the claims contained on the postage statement accompanying the mailing and allows the USPS to verify its accuracy.”USPS original

What do I need to do to secure bundles (strapping)?

Bundles of flats need two or more cross-strapped bands, or shrinkwrap with one or more cross-strapped bands, around the bundle's length and girth.12DMM 203: Basic Postage Statement, Documentation, and Preparation Standards“Bundles must be secured with two or more cross-strapped bands or shrink-wrapped with one or more cross-strapped bands that encircle the length and girth of the bundle at least once. Banding includes plastic bands, and similar material. Using twine/string, rubber bands, wire, or metal banding is not allowed.”USPS original Twine, string, rubber bands, wire and metal banding are not allowed, and bands must be tight enough to depress the bundle's edges.12DMM 203: Basic Postage Statement, Documentation, and Preparation Standards“Bundles must be secured with two or more cross-strapped bands or shrink-wrapped with one or more cross-strapped bands that encircle the length and girth of the bundle at least once. Banding includes plastic bands, and similar material. Using twine/string, rubber bands, wire, or metal banding is not allowed. … Banding tension must be sufficient to tighten and depress the edges of the bundle. Loose banding is not allowed.”USPS original Letter bundles up to 1 inch thick need one band around the girth, and thicker ones need at least two.12DMM 203: Basic Postage Statement, Documentation, and Preparation Standards“Bundles up to 1 inch thick must be secured with appropriate banding placed once around the girth (narrow dimension). Bundles over 1 inch thick must be secured with at least two bands, one around the length and one around the girth.”USPS original

What are the size and weight limits for a pallet of mail?

A mail pallet measures 48 by 40 inches, and a loaded pallet weighs at most 2,200 pounds and stands at most 77 inches high.13DMM 705: Advanced Preparation and Special Postage Payment Systems“Pallets must measure 48 by 40 inches and must allow four-way entry by forklift trucks and two-way entry by pallet jacks. … The maximum weight (mail and pallet) is 2,200 pounds. … The maximum height of a single pallet (mail and pallet) is 77 inches for bundles, parcels, sacks, flat trays, or pallet boxes, or 77 inches or 12 layers of trays (whichever occurs first) for letter trays.”USPS original Stacked pallets, two to six tiers high, may weigh no more than 2,200 pounds together and stand no more than 84 inches.13DMM 705: Advanced Preparation and Special Postage Payment Systems“Pallets may be stacked two to six tiers high if: … The combined gross weight of the stacked pallets (pallets, top caps, and mail) does not exceed 2,200 pounds. … The combined height of the stacked pallets and their loads does not exceed 84 inches.”USPS original

Do I need certified presort software for a bulk mailing?

Presort documentation must come from software certified under PAVE or MAC, USPS's software certification programs, or be prepared as standardized documentation.12DMM 203: Basic Postage Statement, Documentation, and Preparation Standards“Documentation must be produced by software certified under the Presort Accuracy Validation and Evaluation (PAVE) program or the Manifest Analysis and Certification (MAC) program, appropriate for the accompanying class of mail and price claimed, or the documentation must be prepared as standardized documentation.”USPS original14Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Termspage 177“A voluntary certification program in which USPS tests vendors’ presort software to determine its accuracy in sorting address information according to postal requirements and in producing standardized documentation.”USPS original15Publication 32: Glossary of Postal TermsPDF page 134“A voluntary certification program in which USPS tests vendors’ manifest software to determine its accuracy in calculating postage and fees and producing listings of mailpieces, facsimile postage statements, and other documentation meeting applicable standard.”USPS original Bundle reallocation, an optional way to build pallets, requires PAVE-certified presort software.13DMM 705: Advanced Preparation and Special Postage Payment Systems“Mailers must use PAVE-certified presort software to prepare mailings using bundle reallocation. … (Bundle reallocation is optional, but if performed, it must be done for the complete mailing job.)”USPS original

What is the difference between copalletizing and commingling mail?

Copalletizing puts mail from two or more separately produced mailings together on pallets, while commingling merges dissimilar mail into one mailing.16Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Termspage 50“To combine and present together on pallets mail from two or more different or separately generated production streams.”USPS original17Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Termspage 45“To integrate dissimilar mail (such as subscriber and nonsubscriber copies, machinable and irregular parcels) into the same mailing.”USPS original Unlike a combined mailing, a commingled mailing needs 150 pieces per ZIP Code to get 5-digit prices.18Mail.xml Technical Specifications R65.0.0.0 page 33“The only noted difference between commingled and combined mailings is that for a commingled mailing, the USPS requires a minimum of 150 pieces per zip code to achieve five-digit postal rates, whereas a combined mailing has no such requirement.”USPS original

A presort sorts a mailing by presort level, the degree to which its pieces share a ZIP Code, carrier route or processing facility.3Publication 32: Glossary of Postal TermsPDF page 182“The degree to which mail is sorted by ZIP Code or ZIP Code ranges or carrier routes to the mail processing facility or delivery unit that serves the delivery address of the mail.”USPS original The principal levels run from firm and carrier route, the finest, through 5-digit, 3-digit and sectional center facility, or SCF, to mixed.3Publication 32: Glossary of Postal TermsPDF page 182“The principal presort levels, starting with the finest level, include: (a) firm, (b) carrier route, (c) 5-digit, (d) 5-digit scheme, (e) merged 5-digit, (f) merged 5-digit scheme, (g) 3-digit, (h) unique 3-digit, (i) 3-digit scheme, (j) origin/optional 3-digit(s), (k) SCF, (l) origin/optional SCF, (m) ADC/AADC, (n) ASF/NDC, (o) DNDC, (p) DSCF, (q) NDC presort, (r) ONDC presort, (s) mixed (NDC, ADC, AADC, etc.), and (t) residual (pieces, bundles, sacks).”USPS original Mailers generally sort to the finest level first and finish each level before the next.1DMM 245: USPS Marketing Mail, Mail Preparation (July 2026)“Generally, presort is performed sequentially, from the lowest (finest) level to the highest level, to those destinations specified by standard and is completed at each level before the next level is prepared.”USPS original

Pieces for one presort destination travel in a handling unit: a bundle, sack, tray or tub.19A Guide to Full Servicepage 46“The term ‘handling unit’ describes the equipment (bundles, sacks, trays, and tubs) used to carry mailpieces that have been sorted to a price level for a ZIP Code destination.”USPS original Handling units ride in containers such as pallets, gaylords and all-purpose containers.20A Guide to Full Servicepage 47“The term ‘mail container’ covers the pallets, Gaylord’s, and all-purpose containers (APC), etc. which carry sets of handling units.”USPS original Each container carries a label that names its destination, its contents and its origin.21Publication 32: Glossary of Postal TermsPDF page 116“A strip of paper or cardstock (machine-printed singly or in multiples) used to identify mail in containers by showing destination line (office of distribution and ZIP Code), content line (mail class or product, mail processing category, sortation level, and barcoding), and origin line (city and state entry Post Office or mailer’s name and city and state of mailer).”USPS original Full-Service is the automation option that pairs a unique barcode on every piece, tray and container with electronic documentation.22Publication 685: Publication for Streamlined Mail Acceptance for Letters and FlatsPDF page 15“The Postal Service offers the mailing industry two options for automation discounts: Basic Service and Full-Service. … Full-Service combines the use of unique barcodes on each container, tray and mailpiece with electronic submission of postage statements and documentation.”USPS original Its mailings must use Intelligent Mail tray labels on all trays and sacks.12DMM 203: Basic Postage Statement, Documentation, and Preparation Standards“Intelligent Mail Tray labels must be used on all trays and sacks for mailings entered under the full-service automation option”USPS original

Labeling Lists are USPS's lists of 3- and 5-digit ZIP Codes and the destinations their containers are labeled to.4PostalPro: Labeling Lists“The Labeling Lists Data Product assists mailers with presorting mail by providing active, originating 3- and 5-digit ZIP Code™ data, along with their destination locations, for labeling purposes.”USPS original The mailer combines pieces whose ZIP Codes share a destination in a list and labels their container to it.23Labeling Lists Technical Guidepage 2“Subject to the standards for the price claimed, pieces for the 3-digit ZIP Code prefixes shown in Column A must be combined and labeled to the corresponding ADC destination shown in Column B.”USPS original The lists change often, and USPS publishes each change in the Postal Bulletin.4PostalPro: Labeling Lists“Labeling lists change frequently. … Updates to the Labeling Lists are also published in the Postal Bulletin.”USPS original

Certified presort software sorts the addresses and produces the documentation that supports the postage statement.14Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Termspage 177“A voluntary certification program in which USPS tests vendors’ presort software to determine its accuracy in sorting address information according to postal requirements and in producing standardized documentation.”USPS original12DMM 203: Basic Postage Statement, Documentation, and Preparation Standards“Documentation describes the preparation, price levels, and content of the mailing; details the volume and postage data; and, by comparison with the actual mailing it describes, supports the claims contained on the postage statement accompanying the mailing and allows the USPS to verify its accuracy.”USPS original Mailers and consolidators also combine or copalletize mailings, so mail that misses the pallet minimums alone may meet them together.24Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Termspage 47“A mailing agent who aggregates mailings into a single mailing, especially plant-verified drop shipment (PVDS) mailings, prepared by individual mailers and cleared at the origin office.”USPS original13DMM 705: Advanced Preparation and Special Postage Payment Systems“A mailer who cannot meet the minimum palletization standards without copalletizing, combining, or commingling mixed price mailings might still qualify if the total copalletized, combined, or commingled mailing meets minimum pallet standards.”USPS original A mailer may carry the containers privately to a postal facility nearer their destination, a drop shipment that often earns a lower price.25Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Termspage 69“Typically the movement of a mailer’s product on private (nonpostal) transportation from the point of production to a postal facility located closer to the destination of that product. … The pieces in a mailer’s drop shipment mailings frequently receive a reduced price or discount based on mail class or product.”USPS original

A presort level says how much of their address the pieces in a bundle or container share.3Publication 32: Glossary of Postal TermsPDF page 182“The degree to which mail is sorted by ZIP Code or ZIP Code ranges or carrier routes to the mail processing facility or delivery unit that serves the delivery address of the mail.”USPS original The levels for USPS Marketing Mail letters are these:

• Carrier route: all pieces go to the same city route, rural route, highway contract route, Post Office box section or general delivery unit.1DMM 245: USPS Marketing Mail, Mail Preparation (July 2026)“all pieces for delivery to the same city route, rural route, highway contract route, Post Office box section, or general delivery unit.”USPS original
• 5-digit: all pieces share one 5-digit ZIP Code.1DMM 245: USPS Marketing Mail, Mail Preparation (July 2026)“the delivery address on all pieces includes the same 5-digit ZIP Code.”USPS original
• 3-digit: all pieces have ZIP Codes that begin with the same three digits.1DMM 245: USPS Marketing Mail, Mail Preparation (July 2026)“the ZIP Code in the delivery address on all pieces begins with the same three digits”USPS original
• SCF: pieces for two or more 3-digit areas served by the same sectional center facility or local processing center.1DMM 245: USPS Marketing Mail, Mail Preparation (July 2026)“the separation includes pieces for two or more 3-digit areas served by the same sectional center facility (SCF)/local processing center (LPC)”USPS original
• Mixed: pieces for the service areas of more than one SCF or local processing center.1DMM 245: USPS Marketing Mail, Mail Preparation (July 2026)“the pieces are for delivery in the service area of more than one SCF/LPC.”USPS original

First-Class Mail letters and cards have no carrier route level: their levels run from 5-digit to mixed.26DMM 235: Commercial First-Class Mail, Mail Preparation“*5-digit:* the delivery address on all pieces includes the same 5-digit ZIP Code. … *Mixed:* the pieces are for delivery in the service area of more than one SCF, etc.”USPS original In general, the finer the level, the lower the price.3Publication 32: Glossary of Postal TermsPDF page 182“In general, the finer the sortation, the lower the price (e.g., Standard Mail pieces sorted by the same 5-digit ZIP Code such as 20008 are considered more finely sorted than pieces for the same 3-digiti ZIP Code prefix such as 200 and thus receive a lower price).”USPS original From July 12, 2026, a presorted First-Class Mail automation letter up to 3.5 ounces costs $0.621 at 5-digit, $0.672 at 3-digit and $0.707 at mixed.27Federal Register: New Mailing Standards for Domestic Mailing Services Products (91 FR 33030, Jun 2, 2026)“The price adjustments and DMM revisions are scheduled to become effective on July 12, 2026.”USPS original8PRC: Mail Classification Schedule through July 12, 2026 (docx, converted to HTML with mammoth)“| **Maximum Weight (ounces)** | **5-Digit ($)** | **3-Digit ($)** | **Mixed ($)** | … | 3.5 | 0.621 | 0.672 | 0.707 |”USPS original A nonautomation machinable letter costs $0.674 at 3-digit and $0.721 at mixed.8PRC: Mail Classification Schedule through July 12, 2026 (docx, converted to HTML with mammoth)“| 3.5 | 0.674 | 0.721 |”USPS original An automation postcard costs $0.453 at 5-digit, $0.478 at 3-digit and $0.495 at mixed.8PRC: Mail Classification Schedule through July 12, 2026 (docx, converted to HTML with mammoth)“| not applicable | 0.453 | 0.478 | 0.495 |”USPS original

A scheme lets a mailer put pieces for two or more 5-digit or 3-digit areas in one bundle or container.28Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Termspage 199“Typically, a scheme sort lets mailers combine pieces addressed to two or more 5-digit or 3-digit ZIP Code areas in the same bundle or container rather than a separate bundle or container for each different ZIP Code.”USPS original Labeling lists name the schemes, such as L012, which groups 5-digit ZIP Codes so their letters can share a tray at 5-digit automation prices.29Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Termspage 86“The five-digit ZIP Code groupings are identified in the City State product or a specified labeling list.”USPS original30Labeling Lists Technical Guidepage 4“L012: 5-Digit ZIP Scheme Combination … 5-digit ZIP Scheme Combinations labeling list will enable qualification for 5-digit automation prices for letters by providing grouping of ZIP Codes to combine mailings that would appear in a single tray.”USPS original

Until July 12, 2026, First-Class Mail, USPS Marketing Mail and Periodicals had prices for pieces sorted to an area distribution center, or ADC.27Federal Register: New Mailing Standards for Domestic Mailing Services Products (91 FR 33030, Jun 2, 2026)“The price adjustments and DMM revisions are scheduled to become effective on July 12, 2026. … The Postal Service will remove ADC/AADC rates for First-Class Mail, USPS Marketing Mail, and Periodicals and replacing with 3-Digit rates.”USPS original23Labeling Lists Technical Guidepage 2“L004 describes the service area by individual 3-digit ZIP Code prefix for mail destined to an area distribution center (ADC).”USPS original On that date USPS replaced them with 3-digit prices and renamed mixed ADC, pieces for more than one ADC, to Mixed.27Federal Register: New Mailing Standards for Domestic Mailing Services Products (91 FR 33030, Jun 2, 2026)“The Postal Service will remove ADC/AADC rates for First-Class Mail, USPS Marketing Mail, and Periodicals and replacing with 3-Digit rates. … In addition, nomenclature will be revised to label ``Mixed ADC'', ``Mixed AADC'', and ``Mixed NDC'' as ``Mixed'' for First-Class, USPS Marketing Mail, and Periodicals.”USPS original31Publication 32: Glossary of Postal TermsPDF page 140“(1) A presort level in which all pieces in the bundle or container are addressed for delivery within the service areas of more than one area distribution center (ADC).”USPS original USPS still publishes L004, the labeling list that groups 3-digit ZIP Code prefixes by ADC, with no changes for November 1, 2026.32Labeling List Changes Effective November 1, 2026PDF page 3“L004 3-Digit ZIP Code Prefix Groups - ADC Sortation … No Changes to L004”USPS original33Labeling List Changes Effective November 1, 2026PDF page 1“Mailers are expected to label according to these revised lists for mailings inducted on or after the November 1, 2026, effective date through December 31, 2026, expiration date.”USPS original

A level needs the volume its standard sets, such as 150 pieces for a 5-digit tray of USPS Marketing Mail automation letters.1DMM 245: USPS Marketing Mail, Mail Preparation (July 2026)“5-digit/scheme: optional, but required for 5-digit price (150-piece minimum); overflow allowed.”USPS original The mixed tray takes the rest, with no minimum.1DMM 245: USPS Marketing Mail, Mail Preparation (July 2026)“Mixed: required (no minimum); group pieces by SCF when overflow pieces from SCF trays are placed in mixed rays. For Line 1 labeling: use “MXD WKG.””USPS original Pieces without the volume for any destination are residual mail, which usually does not qualify for a presort price.1DMM 245: USPS Marketing Mail, Mail Preparation (July 2026)“Residual mail lacks the volume set by standard to require or allow preparation to a particular destination, and usually does not qualify for a presort price.”USPS original

A handling unit is the bundle, sack, tray or tub that carries pieces sorted to one price level and ZIP Code destination.19A Guide to Full Servicepage 46“The term ‘handling unit’ describes the equipment (bundles, sacks, trays, and tubs) used to carry mailpieces that have been sorted to a price level for a ZIP Code destination.”USPS original A bundle is a group of addressed pieces secured together as a unit.12DMM 203: Basic Postage Statement, Documentation, and Preparation Standards“A bundle is a group of addressed pieces secured together as a unit.”USPS original Its pieces face the same way, with an address visible on the top piece.12DMM 203: Basic Postage Statement, Documentation, and Preparation Standards“all pieces in a bundle must be “faced” (arranged with the addresses in the same read direction), with an address visible on the top piece.”USPS original

Letters go in letter trays with sleeves.12DMM 203: Basic Postage Statement, Documentation, and Preparation Standards“Letter-size mailings must be prepared in letter trays with sleeves.”USPS original Flats go in flat trays under lids, green side up for First-Class Mail and white side up for Periodicals and USPS Marketing Mail.12DMM 203: Basic Postage Statement, Documentation, and Preparation Standards“Each tray must be covered (with the green side of the lid facing up for First-Class Mail and the white side facing up for Periodicals and USPS Marketing Mail).”USPS original Sacks carry flats, parcels and loose mail.34Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Termspage 197“(1) A container generally used to transport flat-size mail, parcels, and loose pack mail.”USPS original A tray or a sack and its contents may weigh no more than 70 pounds.12DMM 203: Basic Postage Statement, Documentation, and Preparation Standards“The weight of a tray and its content must not exceed 70 pounds. … The weight of a sack and its content must not exceed 70 pounds.”USPS original

Unless excepted, a bundle that is not a carrier route bundle shows its presort level by an optional endorsement line or a barcoded label.13DMM 705: Advanced Preparation and Special Postage Payment Systems“Unless excepted by standard, the presort level of each bundle (other than carrier route bundles) must be identified either with an optional endorsement line or with a barcoded pressure-sensitive bundle label.”USPS original An optional endorsement line is a set of printed characters on the top line of the address block that names the bundle's sortation level.35Mailer's Technical Advisory Committee - Best Practices for ACS™page 44“A series of specific printed characters on the top line of the address block that identifies the sortation level of a bundle and may contain an ACS participant code.”USPS original Each level's bundle label has its own color and characters.12DMM 203: Basic Postage Statement, Documentation, and Preparation Standards“The following colors and characters apply to bundle labels as applicable (not all presort levels apply to all classes of mail):”USPS original

A container carries a set of handling units: a pallet, a gaylord or an all-purpose container.20A Guide to Full Servicepage 47“The term ‘mail container’ covers the pallets, Gaylord’s, and all-purpose containers (APC), etc. which carry sets of handling units.”USPS original A pallet measures 48 by 40 inches, holds 2,200 pounds and takes a forklift from all four sides.13DMM 705: Advanced Preparation and Special Postage Payment Systems“Pallets must be made of high-quality material that can hold loads equal to a gross weight of 2,200 pounds. … Pallets must measure 48 by 40 inches and must allow four-way entry by forklift trucks and two-way entry by pallet jacks.”USPS original Each loaded pallet is held with two or more straps or bands, stretch or shrink plastic, or both.13DMM 705: Advanced Preparation and Special Postage Payment Systems“Securing with at least two straps or bands of appropriate material. … Wrapping with stretchable or shrinkable plastic. … Securing with at least two straps or bands of appropriate material and wrapping with stretchable or shrinkable plastic.”USPS original A pallet of trays needs the plastic, since straps alone are not permitted.13DMM 705: Advanced Preparation and Special Postage Payment Systems“Each pallet of trays must be secured with stretchable or shrinkable plastic. The use of straps or bands alone is not permitted.”USPS original

For Periodicals, USPS Marketing Mail, Parcel Select and Package Services, a destination with enough mail must get a pallet.13DMM 705: Advanced Preparation and Special Postage Payment Systems“The following standards apply to Periodicals, USPS Marketing Mail, Parcel Select, and Package Services, except Parcel Select mailed at DSCF and DDU prices:”USPS original The threshold is 500 pounds of bundles, sacks, flat trays or parcels, or 72 linear feet or six layers of letter trays.13DMM 705: Advanced Preparation and Special Postage Payment Systems“Mailers must prepare a pallet to the required sortation level(s) for the class of mail when a mailing contains 500 or more pounds of bundles, sacks, flat trays, or parcels or 72 linear feet or six layers of letter trays for the destination.”USPS original A pallet in one mailing holds at least 250 pounds of bundles, parcels or sacks, with exceptions.13DMM 705: Advanced Preparation and Special Postage Payment Systems“In a single mailing, the minimum load per pallet is 250 pounds of bundles, parcels, or sacks, except as provided in items 2 through 4 below.”USPS original Pallets for a destination delivery unit's own service area have no minimum.13DMM 705: Advanced Preparation and Special Postage Payment Systems“There is no minimum load for pallets entered at a destination delivery unit (DDU) or destination sorting and delivery center (DS&DC) if the mail on those pallets is for that unit‘s service area.”USPS original

Palletizing First-Class Mail is optional, under the standards or a local customer/supplier agreement.13DMM 705: Advanced Preparation and Special Postage Payment Systems“First-Class Mail palletization is optional, but mailers using this option must prepare pallets in the sequence listed below and complete each required level before preparing the next optional or required level. … Mailers may palletize First-Class Mail according to a local customer/supplier agreement”USPS original A customer/supplier agreement is a joint agreement with one mailer at one location that sets palletization rules and entry points for its First-Class Mail.38Mail.dat Technical Specifications R65.0.0.0page 174“The CSA is a joint agreement created with a specific mailer at a specific location that defines palletization rules and entry locations for that mailer’s First-Class volume.”USPS original With the origin plant manager's approval, the mailer may use all-purpose containers or other USPS-approved containers.13DMM 705: Advanced Preparation and Special Postage Payment Systems“When available and with approval by the plant manager of the origin facility, mailers may use all-purpose containers (APCs) or other USPS-approved containers.”USPS original

A logical pallet is the mail for one destination and presort level, however many physical pallets hold it.39Guide to eInductionpage 11“A logical pallet is created in the eDoc for a given destination and presort level.”USPS original1DMM 245: USPS Marketing Mail, Mail Preparation (July 2026)“For pallets, 2,800 pounds of mail may be destined to an SCF/LPC (letters and flats) or SCF/RPDC (parcels) destination, and these would form the “logical” SCF pallet, but the mail is placed on two SCF pallets, each weighing 1,400 pounds because of the 2,200-pound-maximum pallet-weight requirement.”USPS original For example, 2,800 pounds for one SCF form one logical SCF pallet, placed on two physical pallets of 1,400 pounds each.1DMM 245: USPS Marketing Mail, Mail Preparation (July 2026)“For pallets, 2,800 pounds of mail may be destined to an SCF/LPC (letters and flats) or SCF/RPDC (parcels) destination, and these would form the “logical” SCF pallet, but the mail is placed on two SCF pallets, each weighing 1,400 pounds because of the 2,200-pound-maximum pallet-weight requirement.”USPS original Full-Service electronic documentation, or eDoc, identifies both physical and logical containers.20A Guide to Full Servicepage 47“Two types of Full-Service mailing containers are identified in e-docs: physical and logical.”USPS original

A tray or sack label has three lines: a destination line, a content line and an origin line.21Publication 32: Glossary of Postal TermsPDF page 116“A strip of paper or cardstock (machine-printed singly or in multiples) used to identify mail in containers by showing destination line (office of distribution and ZIP Code), content line (mail class or product, mail processing category, sortation level, and barcoding), and origin line (city and state entry Post Office or mailer’s name and city and state of mailer).”USPS original Line 1 holds only what the standard specifies, including a facility prefix such as SCF.12DMM 203: Basic Postage Statement, Documentation, and Preparation Standards“Line 1 must contain only the information specified by standard, including the appropriate destination facility prefix (e.g., “SCF”).”USPS original Line 2 shows the class and processing category of the mail.12DMM 203: Basic Postage Statement, Documentation, and Preparation Standards“This line must show the class and processing category of the mail in the tray and other information as specified by standards.”USPS original Line 3 shows the entry Post Office's city and state, or the mailer's name and location.12DMM 203: Basic Postage Statement, Documentation, and Preparation Standards“Line 3 must show the city and state of the entry Post Office, or the mailer’s name, and the city and state of the mailer’s location.”USPS original

Line 1 of a scheme or facility container comes from a labeling list.23Labeling Lists Technical Guidepage 2“Subject to the standards for the price claimed, pieces for the 3-digit ZIP Code prefixes shown in Column A must be combined and labeled to the corresponding ADC destination shown in Column B.”USPS original The mailer finds the pieces' ZIP Codes in Column A and labels the container to the destination in Column B.23Labeling Lists Technical Guidepage 2“Subject to the standards for the price claimed, pieces for the 3-digit ZIP Code prefixes shown in Column A must be combined and labeled to the corresponding ADC destination shown in Column B.”USPS original For example, L005 gives the SCF destinations for letters.44Labeling Lists Technical Guidepage 3“L005 describes the service area by individual 3-digit ZIP Code prefix for First-Class, USPS Marketing Mail, and Periodical letters mail destined to a sectional center facility (SCF).”USPS original Mailers are expected to label by the lists in effect when the mail is inducted.33Labeling List Changes Effective November 1, 2026PDF page 1“Mailers are expected to label according to these revised lists for mailings inducted on or after the November 1, 2026, effective date through December 31, 2026, expiration date.”USPS original

A mixed tray of USPS Marketing Mail automation letters shows MXD WKG on Line 1 in place of a list destination.1DMM 245: USPS Marketing Mail, Mail Preparation (July 2026)“Mixed: required (no minimum); group pieces by SCF when overflow pieces from SCF trays are placed in mixed rays. For Line 1 labeling: use “MXD WKG.””USPS original

Each pallet carries two labels, one on each of two adjacent sides.13DMM 705: Advanced Preparation and Special Postage Payment Systems“Two labels must be affixed to each pallet, one on each adjacent side, and must be visible, including on multiple stacked pallets.”USPS original Pallet labels are pink for Periodicals and white for the other classes.13DMM 705: Advanced Preparation and Special Postage Payment Systems“Pallet labels must be pink for Periodicals and white for First-Class Mail, USPS Marketing Mail (including Heavy Printed Matter), Package Services, and Parcel Select.”USPS original A label bearing an Intelligent Mail container barcode goes on the outside of the shrinkwrap or plastic.13DMM 705: Advanced Preparation and Special Postage Payment Systems“Labels bearing Intelligent Mail container barcodes must be placed on the outside of the shrinkwrap or plastic.”USPS original

Presort Accuracy Validation and Evaluation, or PAVE, is a voluntary USPS program that tests vendors' presort software for accurate sorting and documentation.14Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Termspage 177“A voluntary certification program in which USPS tests vendors’ presort software to determine its accuracy in sorting address information according to postal requirements and in producing standardized documentation.”USPS original Documentation from PAVE-certified software counts as standardized documentation, the report that supports the postage statement.12DMM 203: Basic Postage Statement, Documentation, and Preparation Standards“Documentation produced by PAVE-certified or MAC-certified software is considered standardized documentation.”USPS original47Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Termspage 212“A report that shows a complete breakdown of a mailing, including piece counts by price, that supports the claims on the postage statements accompanying the mailing.”USPS original Manifest Analysis Certification, or MAC, is the same kind of program for manifest software, testing how accurately it calculates postage and fees.15Publication 32: Glossary of Postal TermsPDF page 134“A voluntary certification program in which USPS tests vendors’ manifest software to determine its accuracy in calculating postage and fees and producing listings of mailpieces, facsimile postage statements, and other documentation meeting applicable standard.”USPS original

A multi-line optical character reader, or MLOCR, is equipment a mail service provider uses to apply barcodes and presort mail.35Mailer's Technical Advisory Committee - Best Practices for ACS™page 44“Equipment used by mail service providers that applies a barcode and presorts mail, enabling the mail owner to take advantage of automation discounts.”USPS original Mail sorted on an MLOCR or barcode sorter, with standardized documentation, need not be grouped by 3-digit prefix in SCF trays.12DMM 203: Basic Postage Statement, Documentation, and Preparation Standards“If a mailing is prepared using an MLOCR/barcode sorter and is submitted with standardized documentation, then pieces do not have to be grouped by 3-digit ZIP Code prefix (or by 3-digit scheme, if applicable) in SCF trays, or by SCF in mixed trays.”USPS original MLOCR mailings often fill several trays for one destination, and the mailer cannot tell which tray holds a given piece.19A Guide to Full Servicepage 46“MLOCR-origin and Continuous Presort mailings often have physical handling units with the same presort level and ZIP Code destination. … Since mailers can’t identify which of the units a given mailpiece is sorted into, they group them into one ‘logical handling unit’, and associate the pieces to it.”USPS original The mailer's eDoc then groups those trays as one logical handling unit.19A Guide to Full Servicepage 46“Since mailers can’t identify which of the units a given mailpiece is sorted into, they group them into one ‘logical handling unit’, and associate the pieces to it.”USPS original

A mailer who combines Periodicals publications, or copalletizes Periodicals or USPS Marketing Mail flats, must reach the finest presort level for the whole mailing.13DMM 705: Advanced Preparation and Special Postage Payment Systems“To combine more than one Periodicals publication on pallets, the mailer must merge and presort copies of all the publications into common bundles to achieve the finest presort level for the combined mailing. … To copalletize different Periodicals flat-size publications, the mailer must consolidate on pallets all independently sorted bundles for each publication to achieve the finest presort level for the mailing. … To copalletize different USPS Marketing Mail flat-size mailings, the mailer must consolidate on pallets all trays or bundles from each mailing to achieve the finest presort level for the mailing”USPS original With bundle reallocation, some bundles may not reach the finest pallet level possible.13DMM 705: Advanced Preparation and Special Postage Payment Systems“may not always result in all bundles being placed on the finest pallet level possible.”USPS original A mailer who cannot meet the pallet minimums alone may still qualify if the copalletized, combined or commingled mailing meets them.13DMM 705: Advanced Preparation and Special Postage Payment Systems“A mailer who cannot meet the minimum palletization standards without copalletizing, combining, or commingling mixed price mailings might still qualify if the total copalletized, combined, or commingled mailing meets minimum pallet standards.”USPS original

A combined mailing merges and sorts together pieces of the same class, usually paid by two or more postage payment methods.48Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Termspage 43“(1) A mailing in which individually addressed mailpieces of the same mail class and generally of the same price category are merged and sorted together, usually using two or more postage payment methods.”USPS original Copalletizing keeps each mailing's independently sorted bundles and consolidates them on shared pallets.16Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Termspage 50“To combine and present together on pallets mail from two or more different or separately generated production streams.”USPS original13DMM 705: Advanced Preparation and Special Postage Payment Systems“To copalletize different Periodicals flat-size publications, the mailer must consolidate on pallets all independently sorted bundles for each publication to achieve the finest presort level for the mailing.”USPS original Commingling merges dissimilar mail into one mailing, and needs 150 pieces per ZIP Code for 5-digit prices.17Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Termspage 45“To integrate dissimilar mail (such as subscriber and nonsubscriber copies, machinable and irregular parcels) into the same mailing.”USPS original18Mail.xml Technical Specifications R65.0.0.0 page 33“The only noted difference between commingled and combined mailings is that for a commingled mailing, the USPS requires a minimum of 150 pieces per zip code to achieve five-digit postal rates, whereas a combined mailing has no such requirement.”USPS original

A consolidator is a mailing agent who aggregates mailings prepared by individual mailers and carries them to a destination facility.24Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Termspage 47“A mailing agent who aggregates mailings into a single mailing, especially plant-verified drop shipment (PVDS) mailings, prepared by individual mailers and cleared at the origin office. … The consolidator then transports the aggregated mailing for entry at a destination facility such as a sectional center facility.”USPS original In third-party copalletization, mail moves from each origin mailer's plant to the consolidator's plant.49Mail.dat Technical Specifications R65.0.0.0page 181“The third-party Copal process (also known as external copalletization) is defined as an operation where mail is moving from the origin mailers mailing facility to a consolidators mailing facility for consolidation.”USPS original The consolidator's eDoc must show which bundle or tray is on which pallet.49Mail.dat Technical Specifications R65.0.0.0page 181“Third party Copal requires knowing exactly which piece is in which bundle or tray and which bundle or tray is on which pallet to populate the consolidator submission successfully.”USPS original Postage for copalletized flat-size Periodicals is paid at the consolidator's site.13DMM 705: Advanced Preparation and Special Postage Payment Systems“Postage for copalletized mailings of flat-size Periodicals must be paid at the consolidator‘s site.”USPS original

Authorized mailers may combine USPS Marketing Mail, Bound Printed Matter and Periodicals flats in one mailing, bundled on pallets.13DMM 705: Advanced Preparation and Special Postage Payment Systems“Authorized mailers may combine USPS Marketing Mail flats, Bound Printed Matter flats, and Periodicals flats in a single mailing as follows: … Mailers must prepare pieces in bundles on pallets.”USPS original USPS processes these combined mailings to USPS Marketing Mail service standards.13DMM 705: Advanced Preparation and Special Postage Payment Systems“The Postal Service processes combined mailings of USPS Marketing Mail, Bound Printed Matter, and Periodicals flats to the service standards of USPS Marketing Mail.”USPS original In Mail.dat, an industry-defined database of linked files, such a mailing is a co-mailing.50A Guide to Full Servicepage 45“Mail.dat is an industry-defined database structure consisting of files linked by key fields.”USPS original51Mail.dat Technical Specifications R65.0.0.0page 185“A .seg Class Defining Preparation value of 6 = Std/Bound Printed Matter/Periodicals Co-Mailings indicates the mailing contains several of the following: Standard Mail, Package Services, and Periodicals.”USPS original

Copalletized and combined mailings need specific authorization from Business Acceptance Solutions when the standards require it.13DMM 705: Advanced Preparation and Special Postage Payment Systems“Copalletized, combined, or mixed-price level palletized mailings of letter-size or flat-size pieces must be prepared under the standards for the class of mail, subject to specific authorization by Business Acceptance Solutions when required.”USPS original The written request must arrive at least 30 days before the first mailing.13DMM 705: Advanced Preparation and Special Postage Payment Systems“The request must be received at least 30 days before the first mailing and include the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the mail owner and of the firm or person preparing the mail”USPS original

A virtual sack is a group of bundles sorted to the sack level in the eDoc and sent to a consolidator to be copalletized.52A Guide to Full Servicepage 22“Sorts bundles to the sack level (the ‘virtual sack’);”USPS original53A Guide to Full Servicepage 20“The e-documentation indicates at the virtual sack level which bundles will be sent to a consolidator for copalletization;”USPS original A tray or virtual sack marked for copalletization that no consolidator eDoc places on a pallet is an Unlinked Copal error.54Publication 685: Publication for Streamlined Mail Acceptance for Letters and FlatsPDF page 95“An Unlinked Copal Error is logged when a tray/virtual sack is marked for copalletization at origin but no eDoc is submitted with the tray/virtual sack on a pallet.”USPS original The consolidator must link those trays or sacks to their containers within 14 days of the original eDoc's mailing date.55Publication 685: Publication for Streamlined Mail Acceptance for Letters and FlatsPDF page 29“It is a requirement that the consolidator provide documentation within 14 days of the mailing date of the original eDoc to properly identify the linkage of the trays or sacks to the container.”USPS original Above the error threshold, USPS removes the Full-Service discount from the pieces in those handling units.56Publication 685: Publication for Streamlined Mail Acceptance for Letters and FlatsPDF page 30“For handling unit errors, the assessment applies to all Full-Service pieces nested to the handling units with errors above the error threshold. … The assessment amount is equal to the removal of the Full-Service discount”USPS original

A mailer whose pallets keep failing load-integrity standards after notice is suspended from the pallet program.13DMM 705: Advanced Preparation and Special Postage Payment Systems“A mailer is suspended from the pallet program if the mailer’s pallets continue to fail to meet the minimum load integrity levels after being notified and allowed to make changes.”USPS original

If the documentation does not let USPS verify a mailing, the postmaster may require more information.12DMM 203: Basic Postage Statement, Documentation, and Preparation Standards“The postmaster of the office of mailing may require additional information if the documentation submitted does not allow the corresponding mailing to be verified.”USPS original Failing to provide it is reason for USPS to refuse the mailing.12DMM 203: Basic Postage Statement, Documentation, and Preparation Standards“Failure to provide information is sufficient reason for the USPS to refuse a mailing.”USPS original

Illegible tray and sack labels are not acceptable.12DMM 203: Basic Postage Statement, Documentation, and Preparation Standards“Illegible labels are not acceptable.”USPS original In Mail.dat, a container record without a valid labeling list effective date fails with a Date Data Type Error, as Labeling Lists explains.57Mail.dat Technical Specifications R65.0.0.0PDF page 370“Date Data Type Error: Presort Labeling List Effective Date must be a valid date formatted as YYYYMMDD in the .csm file.”USPS original