Mailing Services

Postage imprints—sometimes called “permit imprints” or “indicia”—are printed in the upper right corner of a mail piece. A convenient alternative to postage stamps and metering, they may be used for large First-Class and Standard A mailings and other qualified bulk mailings. They may not be used on single-piece mailings.

First Class mail requires a minimum of 200 domestic pieces for a permit imprint or indicia.

First Class
U.S. Postage PAID
State College, PA
Permit #1

Presorted First Class mail requires the following for a permit imprint or indicia:

• Minimum of 500 domestic pieces.
• Return address required on the mail panel.
• Endorsement required.

Presorted
First Class
U.S. Postage PAID
State College, PA
Permit #1

Profit Standard A mail requires the following for a permit imprint or indicia:

• Minimum of 200 domestic pieces.
• The return address must be visible.

PRSRT STD
U.S. Postage
PAID
State College, PA
Permit #1

Nonprofit Standard A mail requires the following for a permit imprint or indicia:

• A minimum of 200 domestic pieces.
• A return address must be visible.
• “The Pennsylvania State University” is required in the return address.

Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
State College, PA
Permit #1

Circulars, booklets, catalogs, newsletters, corrected proof sheets, farm and factory products, photographs, keys, and other merchandise and printed matter that are not required to be sent First Class can be sent via Standard A Mail. Postage imprints may be used for large Standard A mailings.

Single-piece Standard A Mail weighing 1 ounce or less is classified as nonstandard if it has a length that is less than 1.3 times its height or more than 2.5 times its height or if it exceeds any of the following:

• Height: 6-1/8”
• Length: 11-1/2”
• Thickness: 1/4”

In addition to the applicable postage and fees, a surcharge is assessed on each piece of nonstandard mail that exceeds any of these standards.

Nonprofit standard mail is available to qualifying nonprofit organizations. To qualify, the mailing must meet the following requirements:

• All pieces in the mailing must be identical.
• The mailing must weigh at least 50 lbs. or contain at least 200 pieces.
• The mailing must be prepared according to USPS regulations. Mailing & Addressing can do this for you for an additional fee.

Using our top-of-the-line Kirk-Rudy inkjet addressing system, we can print addresses and delivery-point bar codes directly on your mail pieces. Inkjetting is fast and cost-effective, giving your mailing a professional look. Upon request, addresses can be printed at 600 dpi, and you can choose from various fonts.

Address files can be provided in various formats (Excel, Word, WordPerfect, FileMaker Pro) and can be sent electronically or supplied on disk. For more information, contact the Premail and List Verification Office at 814-867-3437 

We can help you cut down on the amount of returned mail you get—and pay for—each time you send out a mailing. At your request, we will verify your mailing list by updating ZIP Codes, eliminating duplicate addresses, and correcting inaccurate address information. Contact us today to initiate a job order or get a price estimate.

Premail and List Verification Office
108G Hostetter Business Services Building
(Behind the Flower Gardens, next to the Housing and Food Services Building)
Phone: 814-867-3437
Fax: 814-863-4914
Angela Bires, co-ordinator
Jonathan Ishler, co-ordinator 

Premail Services verifies customer mail list files and databases utilizing CASS-certified software to correct address information and perform zip code sorting according to Postal Service requirements. We can maintain and update database files for distribution via U.S. mail or campus mail. Our team of Customer Service Representatives is available to consult with you on your publication, production, and distribution needs. Contact us to initiate a job order, get price estimates, or inquire about the production status of your project.

By following the mail piece design guidelines below, you’ll help ensure prompt mailing delivery.

We can also review your mail piece to ensure it meets the relevant guidelines. Please contact us early in the design process—we’ll be happy to help! Contact us at 814-865-7544 for more information.

FOLDED MAIL PIECES (HALF- AND TRI-FOLDS)

• Multiple Sheets

  20 lb. bond paper (17” x 22”) minimum = two tabs needed
  
  24 lb. bond paper (17” x 22”) minimum = one tab needed

• Single Sheets

  28 lb. bond paper (17” x 22”) minimum = one tab needed
  
  20 lb. bond paper (17” x 22”) minimum = two tabs needed

Thickness

A mail piece must be at least .009” thick to be processed in an automation mailing.

Closures

• Mail pieces with clasps, strings, buttons, and similar closures cannot be processed in automation mailings.
• Although staples can be used in bindings, they should not be used to seal mail pieces.

Letter-size Mail Pieces

Letter-size mail pieces that are folded and not enclosed in envelopes must be designed so that the open end is at the top and the folded end is at the bottom. A tab must be used on the open end. This will ensure that the mailing qualifies for automated mail rates and keeps the mail piece from tearing during processing.