Alternative Designs
Alternative Designs is a set of USPS requirements that lets non-rectangular TED-C letters mail at automation letter prices.PostalPro: Alternative Designs“The USPS and the mailing industry have worked together to create requirements that will allow for the mailing of non-rectangular TED-C letter-size pieces at the automation letter prices.”USPS original A TED-C letter is a letter-size piece with a die-cut that extends past its conventional trailing edge.TED-C (Trailing Edge Die-Cut) Letters - Frequently Asked QuestionsPDF page 1“TED-C mailpieces are letter-size pieces that have a die-cut that extends past the conventional trailing edge of the mailpiece.”USPS original Mailers check a design with the TED-C Letters Template and need no pre-approval.TED-C (Trailing Edge Die-Cut) Letters - Frequently Asked QuestionsPDF page 1“Mailers may use the TED-C Letters Template, available on PostalPro at: https://postalpro.usps.com/alternative_designs/ted_c_template, to determine if their mailpiece meets USPS requirements for TED-C mailability. … No, as of February 1st, 2023, mailers are no longer required to obtain pre-approval from the Pricing & Classification Service Center (PCSC) to mail TED-C letters.”USPS original
What it is
USPS mailing standards require machinable letter and postcard priced pieces to be rectangular, with four square corners and parallel opposite sides.Trailing Edge Die-Cut (TED-C) Process for Eligibility at Automation Letter PricesPDF page 1“Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) 201.1.1c provides that machinable letter and postcard priced mailpieces must be, “Rectangular, with four square corners and parallel opposite sides”.”USPS original USPS and the mailing industry wrote the TED-C requirements so that non-rectangular letters can still mail at automation letter prices.PostalPro: Alternative Designs“The USPS and the mailing industry have worked together to create requirements that will allow for the mailing of non-rectangular TED-C letter-size pieces at the automation letter prices.”USPS original
TED-C stands for Trailing Edge Die-Cut.TED-C (Trailing Edge Die-Cut) Letters - Frequently Asked QuestionsPDF page 1“TED-C (Trailing Edge Die-Cut) Letters”USPS original The die-cut extends past the conventional trailing edge of the piece.TED-C (Trailing Edge Die-Cut) Letters - Frequently Asked QuestionsPDF page 1“TED-C mailpieces are letter-size pieces that have a die-cut that extends past the conventional trailing edge of the mailpiece.”USPS original That edge is a line drawn from the upper left corner to the lower left corner.Trailing Edge Die-Cut (TED-C) Process for Eligibility at Automation Letter PricesPDF page 1“The conventional trailing edge is defined by a line drawn from the upper left corner to the lower left corner.”USPS original
Only Full-Service First-Class Mail letters and USPS Marketing Mail letters can mail as TED-C letters.TED-C (Trailing Edge Die-Cut) Letters - Frequently Asked QuestionsPDF page 1“Only Full-Service First-Class Mail letters and USPS Marketing”USPS original Each needs an Intelligent Mail barcode in its address block and must meet the TED-C physical standards.TED-C (Trailing Edge Die-Cut) Letters - Frequently Asked QuestionsPDF page 1“Mail® letters with an address block Intelligent Mail® barcode (IMb) that meet the TED-C physical standards are eligible for automation prices.”USPS original TED-C letters are authorized only for automation letter prices.Trailing Edge Die-Cut (TED-C) Process for Eligibility at Automation Letter PricesPDF page 3“TED-C pieces are only authorized for automation letter prices.”USPS original
Since February 1, 2023, mailers need no pre-approval from the Pricing and Classification Service Center to mail TED-C letters.TED-C (Trailing Edge Die-Cut) Letters - Frequently Asked QuestionsPDF page 1“No, as of February 1st, 2023, mailers are no longer required to obtain pre-approval from the Pricing & Classification Service Center (PCSC) to mail TED-C letters.”USPS original They may use the TED-C Letters Template to check that a piece meets the requirements.TED-C (Trailing Edge Die-Cut) Letters - Frequently Asked QuestionsPDF page 1“Mailers may use the TED-C Letters Template, available on PostalPro at: https://postalpro.usps.com/alternative_designs/ted_c_template, to determine if their mailpiece meets USPS requirements for TED-C mailability.”USPS original USPS encourages mailers to send TED-C designs to a Mailpiece Design Analyst for review.TED-C (Trailing Edge Die-Cut) Letters - Frequently Asked QuestionsPDF page 1“However, mailers are encouraged to submit requests for TED-C design reviews to a Mailpiece Design Analyst at MDA@usps.gov.”USPS original Mailpiece Design Analysts are USPS employees trained to answer questions about mailpiece design.Mailer's Technical Advisory Committee - Best Practices for ACS™page 44“Postal employees specially trained to answer your questions regarding mail piece design.”USPS original
How it works
The TED-C Letters Template is a two-page document that a mailer prints and lays a piece on.TED-C (Trailing Edge Die-Cut) Letters - Frequently Asked QuestionsPDF page 2“The letter template is a two-page document.”USPS original Its first page explains the zones on USPS letter-sorting machines.TED-C (Trailing Edge Die-Cut) Letters - Frequently Asked QuestionsPDF page 2“Page one includes information pertaining to the zones on USPS letter-sorting machines.”USPS original The four zones stand for the machines' sensors.TED-C (Trailing Edge Die-Cut) Letters - Frequently Asked QuestionsPDF page 2“The four zones represent the sensors on the machines, or where the lights are placed.”USPS original The machines time the sensor images to find the start and end of each piece.TED-C (Trailing Edge Die-Cut) Letters - Frequently Asked QuestionsPDF page 2“The machines are timed by the sensor images to determine the start and end of the mailpiece.”USPS original The second page shows the zones at scale and where the die-cut may and may not extend.TED-C (Trailing Edge Die-Cut) Letters - Frequently Asked QuestionsPDF page 2“The actual template on page two shows the zones at scale and indicates where the die-cut can extend and where it cannot.”USPS original
Checking a piece against the printed template.
- Print the template to scale, at actual size.TED-C (Trailing Edge Die-Cut) Letters - Frequently Asked QuestionsPDF page 2“On your printer make sure to “print to scale” or “actual” size.”USPS original
- Check that the 6-inch line on the printout measures 6 inches.Trailing Edge Die-Cut (Ted-C) Letters TemplatePDF page 2“MEASURE THIS LINE AFTER PRINTING - IT MUST MEASURE 6 INCHES”USPS original
- Place the piece's lower-left corner on the template and align its bottom edge with the line.TED-C (Trailing Edge Die-Cut) Letters - Frequently Asked QuestionsPDF page 2“Place the lower-left corner of the mailpiece on the template and align the bottom edge with the line.”USPS original
- Check that the die-cut's lower boundary is at least 5/16 inch from the bottom edge.TED-C (Trailing Edge Die-Cut) Letters - Frequently Asked QuestionsPDF page 2“Ensure die-cut extension’s lower boundary is at least 5/16” from the bottom edge of the mailpiece.”USPS original
- Check that the die-cut extends no more than 5/8 inch from the conventional trailing edge.TED-C (Trailing Edge Die-Cut) Letters - Frequently Asked QuestionsPDF page 2“Ensure the die-cut extension does not extend more than 5/8” from the conventional trailing (left) edge of the mailpiece.”USPS original
- Check that no part of the die-cut extends into the piece, right of that edge.TED-C (Trailing Edge Die-Cut) Letters - Frequently Asked QuestionsPDF page 2“Also ensure that no portion of the die-cut extends into the mailpiece (right of the conventional trailing edge).”USPS original
- Check that the die-cut covers more than 1 inch vertically.TED-C (Trailing Edge Die-Cut) Letters - Frequently Asked QuestionsPDF page 2“Ensure that the die-cut vertically covers at minimum more than 1” of space.”USPS original
- Check that some part of the die-cut extends into Zone B or Zone C.TED-C (Trailing Edge Die-Cut) Letters - Frequently Asked QuestionsPDF page 2“Ensure that some part of the die-cut extension extends into Zones B or C.”USPS original
- Place the piece's upper-left corner on the template and align its top edge with the line.TED-C (Trailing Edge Die-Cut) Letters - Frequently Asked QuestionsPDF page 2“Place the upper-left corner of the mailpiece and align the top edge with the line.”USPS original
- Check that the die-cut's upper boundary is at least 5/16 inch from the top edge.TED-C (Trailing Edge Die-Cut) Letters - Frequently Asked QuestionsPDF page 2“Ensure the die-cut extension’s upper boundary is at least 5/16” from the top edge of the mailpiece.”USPS original
Size and weight
A TED-C letter must fit the dimensional limits that USPS Engineering Tests set.Trailing Edge Die-Cut (TED-C) Process for Eligibility at Automation Letter PricesPDF page 1“Non-rectangular TED-C mailpieces must meet the following dimensional criteria as determined by USPS Engineering Tests:”USPS original
| Measure | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 3 ½ inches | 6 1/8 inchesTrailing Edge Die-Cut (TED-C) Process for Eligibility at Automation Letter PricesPDF page 1“Height: 3 ½ inches (min.) to 6 1/8 inches (max.)”USPS original |
| Length | 5 inches | 10 ½ inchesTrailing Edge Die-Cut (TED-C) Process for Eligibility at Automation Letter PricesPDF page 1“Length: 5 inches (min.) to 10 ½ inches (max.)”USPS original |
| Thickness | 0.009 inch | 0.25 inchTrailing Edge Die-Cut (TED-C) Process for Eligibility at Automation Letter PricesPDF page 1“Thickness: 0.009 inch (min.) to 0.25 inch (max.)”USPS original |
| Aspect ratio | 1.3 | 2.5Trailing Edge Die-Cut (TED-C) Process for Eligibility at Automation Letter PricesPDF page 1“Aspect Ratio: 1.3 (min.) to 2.5 (max.)”USPS original |
| Weight | 2.5 ouncesTrailing Edge Die-Cut (TED-C) Process for Eligibility at Automation Letter PricesPDF page 1“Max Piece Weight: 2.5 ounces”USPS original |
The maximum length and maximum weight differ from the standards for other automation letters.TED-C (Trailing Edge Die-Cut) Letters - Frequently Asked QuestionsPDF page 1“Note that the maximum length (10.5”) and maximum piece weight (2.5 oz.) for TED-C mailpieces are modified from regular automation letter standards.”USPS original
The die-cut
The die-cut must be part of the piece itself, not an attached extension.Trailing Edge Die-Cut (TED-C) Process for Eligibility at Automation Letter PricesPDF page 2“The die-cut design must be integral to the mailpiece and not be an attached extension.”USPS original It must be only on the trailing edge, the left edge of the piece.Trailing Edge Die-Cut (TED-C) Process for Eligibility at Automation Letter PricesPDF page 1“Die-cut must be only on the trailing (left) edge.”USPS original It must extend away from the conventional trailing edge, further left.Trailing Edge Die-Cut (TED-C) Process for Eligibility at Automation Letter PricesPDF page 2“The die-cut design must extend away from (further left of) the conventional trailing edge.”USPS original The piece must still keep four 90-degree corners.Trailing Edge Die-Cut (TED-C) Process for Eligibility at Automation Letter PricesPDF page 1“Mailpiece must maintain four 90-degree corners.”USPS original
A die-cut only in Zone A, only in Zone D, or only in those two zones does not qualify for automation prices.Trailing Edge Die-Cut (Ted-C) Letters TemplatePDF page 1“To qualify for automation prices, a Die-Cut extension cannot be only in ZONE A or ZONE D or only in both ZONES A and D.”USPS original
The die-cut may show in the emails that Informed Delivery sends its recipients.TED-C (Trailing Edge Die-Cut) Letters - Frequently Asked QuestionsPDF page 2“Yes, the die-cut may be visible in emails provided to Informed Delivery® recipients.”USPS original USPS recommends that the die-cut extend into Zone C.Trailing Edge Die-Cut (TED-C) Process for Eligibility at Automation Letter PricesPDF page 2“It is recommended that the die-cut design should extend in ZONE C.”USPS original
Rules
all TED-C mailpieces must be part of a Full-Service mailing and possess an Intelligent Mail® Barcode (IMb) in the address block.TED-C (Trailing Edge Die-Cut) Letters - Frequently Asked QuestionsPDF page 1“all TED-C mailpieces must be part of a Full-Service mailing and possess an Intelligent Mail® Barcode (IMb) in the address block.”USPS original
Every TED-C letter must be in a Full-Service mailing and must carry an Intelligent Mail barcode in its address block.
The IMb cannot be placed in the barcode clear zone in the lower-right corner of the address side of the mailpieces.TED-C (Trailing Edge Die-Cut) Letters - Frequently Asked QuestionsPDF page 1“The IMb cannot be placed in the barcode clear zone in the lower-right corner of the address side of the mailpieces.”USPS original
The barcode must not sit in the barcode clear zone, the lower-right corner of the address side.
When measuring for minimum length and minimum aspect ratio, you cannot include the die-cut design.Trailing Edge Die-Cut (TED-C) Process for Eligibility at Automation Letter PricesPDF page 1“When measuring for minimum length and minimum aspect ratio, you cannot include the die-cut design.”USPS original
The piece must meet the minimum length and minimum aspect ratio without counting the die-cut.
When measuring for maximum length and maximum aspect ratio, the die-cut design must be included.Trailing Edge Die-Cut (TED-C) Process for Eligibility at Automation Letter PricesPDF page 1“When measuring for maximum length and maximum aspect ratio, the die-cut design must be included.”USPS original
The die-cut must be counted when measuring the maximum length and maximum aspect ratio.
Must be in a sealed envelope or sealed along all open edges or be a single card.Trailing Edge Die-Cut (TED-C) Process for Eligibility at Automation Letter PricesPDF page 1“Must be in a sealed envelope or sealed along all open edges or be a single card.”USPS original
A TED-C letter must be a sealed envelope, a piece sealed along all open edges, or a single card.
All envelopes must be made of paper with a minimum 50 pounds paper basis weight (Book grade) or equivalent.Trailing Edge Die-Cut (TED-C) Process for Eligibility at Automation Letter PricesPDF page 1“All envelopes must be made of paper with a minimum 50 pounds paper basis weight (Book grade) or equivalent.”USPS original
Envelopes must be paper of at least 50-pound basis weight, book grade, or an equivalent.
Window envelopes must meet requirements in DMM 601.6.3 and ensure there is at least 1/2“ between the bottom edge of the window and bottom edge of the envelope, and must have a clearance of 5/8” between the left edge of the window and the conventional trailing edge of the mailpiece.Trailing Edge Die-Cut (TED-C) Process for Eligibility at Automation Letter PricesPDF page 1“Window envelopes must meet requirements in DMM 601.6.3 and ensure there is at least 1/2“ between the bottom edge of the window and bottom edge of the envelope, and must have a clearance of 5/8” between the left edge of the window and the conventional trailing edge of the mailpiece.”USPS original
A window envelope must meet USPS's window standards. It must leave at least 1/2 inch below the window and 5/8 inch between the window and the conventional trailing edge.
To ensure die-cut visibility for Informed Delivery® recipients, the leftmost edge of the die-cut extension must be in Zone C of the TED-C Letter Template.TED-C Mailpieces & Informed Delivery®PDF page 1“To ensure die-cut visibility for Informed Delivery® recipients, the leftmost edge of the die-cut extension must be in Zone C of the TED-C Letter Template.”USPS original
For the die-cut to show in Informed Delivery, its leftmost edge must be in Zone C of the template.
What goes wrong
A mailing of pieces that miss the TED-C requirements pays nonmachinable letter prices.Trailing Edge Die-Cut (TED-C) Process for Eligibility at Automation Letter PricesPDF page 3“Pieces not meeting the TED-C requirements that are presented as a mailing will be charged nonmachinable letter prices.”USPS original A piece that reaches the 5-inch minimum length only with its die-cut is nonmailable.Trailing Edge Die-Cut (TED-C) Process for Eligibility at Automation Letter PricesPDF page 1“For example, if the piece is 4 ½” in length without the die-cut, and with the die-cut design allows the piece to meet the 5” minimum length, the piece is non-mailable”USPS original A piece whose die-cut takes it past 10 ½ inches loses automation letter prices and pays the nonmachinable letter price.Trailing Edge Die-Cut (TED-C) Process for Eligibility at Automation Letter PricesPDF page 1“if the piece is 10 1/8” without the die-cut and the die-cut design makes the piece exceed the 10 ½” maximum, the piece is not eligible for automation letter prices and must be paid at the applicable nonmachinable letter price”USPS original
Residual pieces in a TED-C mailing pay the applicable residual letter prices.Trailing Edge Die-Cut (TED-C) Process for Eligibility at Automation Letter PricesPDF page 2“Residual pieces will be charged at the applicable residual letter prices.”USPS original
A TED-C mailing is not eligible for automation prices if it includes any of these pieces:TED-C (Trailing Edge Die-Cut) Letters - Frequently Asked QuestionsPDF page 1“Additionally, a TED-C mailing is not eligible for automation prices if it includes:”USPS original
- First-Class Mail single-piece lettersTED-C (Trailing Edge Die-Cut) Letters - Frequently Asked QuestionsPDF page 1“First-Class Mail® Single-Piece Letters”USPS original
- First-Class Mail cards at postcard pricesTED-C (Trailing Edge Die-Cut) Letters - Frequently Asked QuestionsPDF page 1“First-Class Mail® Cards at Postcard Prices”USPS original
- folded self-mailersTED-C (Trailing Edge Die-Cut) Letters - Frequently Asked QuestionsPDF page 1“Folded Self-Mailers”USPS original
- bookletsTrailing Edge Die-Cut (TED-C) Process for Eligibility at Automation Letter PricesPDF page 2“Booklet mailpiece”USPS original
- flat-size piecesTED-C (Trailing Edge Die-Cut) Letters - Frequently Asked QuestionsPDF page 1“Flat-Sized Mailpieces”USPS original
- First-Class Mail letters with a Secure Destruction STID in the Intelligent Mail barcodeTED-C (Trailing Edge Die-Cut) Letters - Frequently Asked QuestionsPDF page 1“First-Class Mail® Letters with a Secure Destruction STID in the Intelligent Mail® Barcode (IMb)”USPS original
A piece whose die-cut ends outside Zone C may still be acceptable to mail, but Informed Delivery recipients may not see the die-cut.TED-C Mailpieces & Informed Delivery®PDF page 1“If the die-cut extension's leftmost edge is not in ZONE C, it may be acceptable to mail, but there may not be any visibility of the die-cut in Informed Delivery® for recipients.”USPS original
Terms
- TED-C letterTED-C (Trailing Edge Die-Cut) Letters, trailing edge die-cut (TED-C) letter-size mailpieces, TED-C mailpieces, Trailing Edge Die-Cut (TED-C) Automation Letters, TED-C, Trailing Edge Die-Cut
- TED-C mailpieces are letter-size pieces that have a die-cut that extends past the conventional trailing edge of the mailpiece.TED-C (Trailing Edge Die-Cut) Letters - Frequently Asked QuestionsPDF page 1“TED-C mailpieces are letter-size pieces that have a die-cut that extends past the conventional trailing edge of the mailpiece.”USPS original
- conventional trailing edge
- The conventional trailing edge is defined by a line drawn from the upper left corner to the lower left corner.Trailing Edge Die-Cut (TED-C) Process for Eligibility at Automation Letter PricesPDF page 1“The conventional trailing edge is defined by a line drawn from the upper left corner to the lower left corner.”USPS original
- TED-C Letters TemplateTED-C Letter Template, Trailing Edge Die-Cut (Ted-C) Letters Template, LETTER MAIL TED-C INSPECTION TEMPLATE
- Template with instructions for Trailing Edge Die-Cut (Ted-C) Letters.PostalPro: Alternative Designs“Template with instructions for Trailing Edge Die-Cut (Ted-C) Letters.”USPS original
- DIE-CUT MEASUREMENT ZONES
- The four zones represent the sensors on the machines, or where the lights are placed.TED-C (Trailing Edge Die-Cut) Letters - Frequently Asked QuestionsPDF page 2“The four zones represent the sensors on the machines, or where the lights are placed.”USPS original
- automation priceautomation rate
- 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.Publication 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
- nonmachinable
- The incapacity of a mailpiece to be sorted on mail processing equipment because of size, shape, content, or address legibility. Such mail must be processed manually and may be subject to a surcharge or higher price.Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Termspage 146“The incapacity of a mailpiece to be sorted on mail processing equipment because of size, shape, content, or address legibility. Such mail must be processed manually and may be subject to a surcharge or higher price.”USPS original
- aspect ratio
- The dimension of a mailpiece expressed as a ratio of length (the direction parallel to the address) divided by height. For example, a postcard 5-1/2 inches long by 3-1/2 inches high has an aspect ratio of 1.57. An aspect ratio between 1.3 and 2.5, inclusive, is required for automation compatibility. For First-Class Mail letters, aspect ratio determines whether a nonmachinable surcharge applies.Publication 32: Glossary of Postal TermsPDF page 22“The dimension of a mailpiece expressed as a ratio of length (the direction parallel to the address) divided by height. For example, a postcard 5-1/2 inches long by 3-1/2 inches high has an aspect ratio of 1.57. An aspect ratio between 1.3 and 2.5, inclusive, is required for automation compatibility. For First-Class Mail letters, aspect ratio determines whether a nonmachinable surcharge applies.”USPS original
- Full-Service Intelligent MailFS, Full-Service, Full-Service Intelligent Mail option
- One of two Intelligent Mail offerings that requires a maximum 31-digit Intelligent Mail barcode comprising five fields: the Barcode ID, Service Type Identifier, Mailer ID, Serial Number, and Routing Code. The Full-Service Intelligent Mail option requires unique mailpiece barcodes, the use of Intelligent Mail barcodes on tray labels or container placards, electronic documentation, and the use of Facility Access and Shipment Tracking to schedule appointments for the entry of mailings.Publication 32: Glossary of Postal TermsPDF page 96“One of two Intelligent Mail offerings that requires a maximum 31-digit Intelligent Mail barcode comprising five fields: the Barcode ID, Service Type Identifier, Mailer ID, Serial Number, and Routing Code. The Full-Service Intelligent Mail option requires unique mailpiece barcodes, the use of Intelligent Mail barcodes on tray labels or container placards, electronic documentation, and the use of Facility Access and Shipment Tracking to schedule appointments for the entry of mailings.”USPS original
- barcode clear zone
- A rectangular area in the lower right part of a letter-size mailpiece that must be kept free of printing and symbols, except for the barcode itself. This requirement allows automated processing machines to read or apply a barcode.Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Termspage 23“A rectangular area in the lower right part of a letter-size mailpiece that must be kept free of printing and symbols, except for the barcode itself. This requirement allows automated processing machines to read or apply a barcode.”USPS original
- Mailpiece Design AnalystMDA
- Postal employees specially trained to answer your questions regarding mail piece design.Mailer's Technical Advisory Committee - Best Practices for ACS™page 44“Postal employees specially trained to answer your questions regarding mail piece design.”USPS original
Documents
Technical Specifications
User Guides
Fact Sheets
- TED-C Mailpieces & Informed Delivery®June 20, 2024
Tech Guides
- Trailing Edge Die-Cut (Ted-C) Letters TemplateJune 27, 2023
FAQs
Contacts
Requests for TED-C design reviews go to a Mailpiece Design Analyst at MDA@usps.gov.Trailing Edge Die-Cut (TED-C) Process for Eligibility at Automation Letter PricesPDF page 3“Requests for design reviews must be submitted to a Mailpiece Design Analyst (MDA) at MDA@usps.gov”USPS original
Sources
- PostalPro: Alternative DesignsUSPS original
- TED-C (Trailing Edge Die-Cut) Letters - Frequently Asked QuestionsUSPS original
- Trailing Edge Die-Cut (TED-C) Process for Eligibility at Automation Letter PricesUSPS original
- Mailer's Technical Advisory Committee - Best Practices for ACS™USPS original
- Trailing Edge Die-Cut (Ted-C) Letters TemplateUSPS original
- TED-C Mailpieces & Informed Delivery®USPS original
- Publication 32: Glossary of Postal TermsUSPS original