Proposed New Rules for Mailing ‘Slim Jims’ Are In
The U.S. Postal Service’s proposed new rules for mailing letter-size catalogs, aka “slim-jims,” at automation or machinable letter prices have been published on the Federal Register. As per the public hearing process that follows, mailers have until Jan. 28 to mail in their comments on the proposed new rules.
The revised guidelines are to make the mini-catalogs more compatible with USPS’ new mail sorter equipment — which it has rolled out as it prepares for the May 2009 implementation of the new Intelligent Mail Barcode (IMB) system, a new 65-bar code which will ultimately replace the POSTNET and PLANET barcodes now in place. The USPS is saying these changes will reduce the risk of jams on its next generation flat sorters. (To see Multichannel Merchant’s recent coverage of the proposed changes click here).
The USPS says that through automation it can pass along more favorable rates to bulk mailers. As such mailers will need to design their booklets to the USPS’ specifications.
Among the proposed revisions, the USPS is imposing the use of tabs with no perforations. Some mailers have said this will make it harder for recipients to open the booklets, causing pages to tear more easily, etc., and resulting in lower open rates.
Some mailers are also troubled by the requirement that booklets must have three 11⁄2-inch tabs and folded self-mailers two 1-inch tabs. Larger and heavier booklets will be required to have 2-inch paper tabs. Some mailers fear the larger (non-perforated) tabs will make it harder for recipients to open the books — so they won’t open them.
In addition to changes to tab size and tab location, the proposal also includes changes to paper weight and dimensions.
Currently slim jims can have a single perforated tab in the center of the cover – but the problem is the corners of the pages can get caught in the machines. Placing two tabs closer to the corners helps prevent the pages from getting caught.
I have no doubt that it’s a bummer when of one of these big machines jams.
I also have no doubt that if the booklets are pain to open, people will toss them in the trash.
The USPS will continue the current maximum weight of 3 ounces. “However, 3-ounce booklets are processed with the least amount of damage when the final trim size is reduced to 9 inches in length,” it states in the proposal.
The proposed rule change comes after several months of testing, in which mailpieces of various sizes, types and designs were run on the equipment, mainly to test jam rates.
Mailers can send their comments to:
Manager, Mailing Standards
U.S. Postal Service
475 L’Enfant Plaza SW., Room 3436
Washington, DC 20260–3436
And you can check out the proposed ruling by clicking here.
