TABBING RULES

Part 1: Specifications for Automation-Compatible Letter-Size Mail pieces

Double Postcard

Tabs 1 (middle)

Folded Edge Top or Bottom

Sheets Single

Basis Weight 75 lb.

Folded Self-Mailer

Tabs 3 (left and
open edges)

Folded Edge Right

Sheets Single

Basis Weight 75 lb.

Folded Self-Mailer

Tabs 2 (start 1 inch
from edges)

Folded Edge Top or Bottom

Sheets Single

Basis Weight 20 lb.

Folded Self-Mailer

(Invitation Fold)

Tab Address Label

Folds Top and Bottom

Sheets Multiple

Basis Weight 20 lb.

Folded Self-Mailer

Tabs 1 (middle)

Folded Edge Bottom

Sheets Multiple

Basis Weight 24 lb.

Folded Self-Mailer

(Continuous Glue Strip)

Open Edge Top

Folded Edge Bottom

Sheets Single

Basis Weight 20 lb.

Folded Self-Mailer

Tabs 1 (middle)

Folded Edge Bottom

Sheets Single

Basis Weight 28 lb.

An 8-1/2 x 11 inch sheet of 20, 24, or 28 pound paper folded once to 8-1/2 x 5-1/2 inches does not meet the minimum thickness of 0.009 inch for an automation-compatible letter.

For additional information, please go to http://pe.usps.gov/text/qsg300/Q201b.htm

Part 2: Specifications for Automation-Compatible Letter-Size Booklets

If The Spine Or Final Fold Is...

Length

Cover
Stock

Sealing

Tab In These Locations

Simple Spine

Spine or final fold on the bottom (longer) edge.

5'' to 9'' long

Over 9'', up to 10.5'' long

50 #

60 #

Three 1.5'' non-
perforated tabs

Two tabs on leading edge; one tab on trailing edge. Position lower leading tab 0.5 inch from the bottom edge. Position upper tabs within 1 inch from the top edge.

Simple Spine

Spine on bottom; longer front cover folded over inside pages to create a nonperforated inner flap sealed within top edge.

5" to 9.5'' long

80 #

Continuous

glue line or glue spots

Perfect bound or saddle stitched, flap sealed inside, continuous glue line along flap preferred, minimum 1 inch glue spots acceptable if placed within ¾ inch of right and left edges.

Simple Spine

Spine on the bottom (longer) edge, Cover extends no more than 1/2 inch beyond inner pages.

5" to 9.5'' long

80 #

Continuous

glue line or glue spots

Perfect bound or saddle stitched with a continuous glue line along the 1/2 inch cover overhang preferred, minimum 1 inch glue spots acceptable if placed within ¾ inch of right and left edges.

Folded

Final fold on the bottom (longer) edge, with the folded spine on the leading or trailing (shorter) edge.

5" to 10.5'' long

40 #

Three 1.5'' non- perforated tabs

Two tabs on leading edge; one tab on trailing edge. Position lower leading tab 0.5 inch from the bottom edge. Position upper tabs within 1 inch from the top edge.

Oblong

Spine on the leading (shorter) edge.

5'' to 9'' long

Over 9'', up to 10.5'' long

60 #

70 #

Three 1.5'' non- perforated tabs

Two tabs on top edge; one tab on trailing edge. Position top tabs 1 inch from left and right edge. Position trailing tab in the middle.