Tabbing Requirements For Direct Mail

Self-Mailers prepared for automation rate mailings must be tabbed (secured) to prevent an open edge from jamming high-speed processing equipment.

Construction of the mail piece plays an important role in determining automation compatibility. Standards for tabbing are based on basis weight of paper stock used and the location of the folded or bound edge. As an alternative to tabs or wafer seals, the open edge of the length of the mail piece may be continuously glued or spot glued. Tabs are not required on flats but may be necessary or advisable to meet other preparation standards.

Double Postcard

Tabs: 1 (middle)
Folded Edge: Top or Bottom
Sheets: single
Basis Weight: 75 lb.

This graphic shows a double postcard as described in the text.

Folded Self-Mailer

(Invitation Fold)
Tab: Address Label
Folds: Top and Bottom
Sheets: Multiple
Basis Weight: 20 lb.

This graphic shows a folded self-mailer (invitational fold) basis weight 20 pounds as described in the text

Folded Self-Mailer

Tabs: 2 (starts < 1 inch from Edges)
Folded Edge: Top or Bottom
Sheets: Single
Basis Weight: 20 lb.

This graphic shows a folded self-mailer basis weight 20 pounds as described in the text.

Folded Self-Mailer

(Continuous Glue Strip)
Open Edge: Top; Folded Edge: Bottom
Sheets: Single
Basis Weight: 20 lb.

This graphic shows folded self-mailer (continuous glue strip) basis weight 20 pounds as described in the text

Folded Self-Mailer

Tabs: 1 (middle)
Folded Edge: Bottom
Sheets: Multiple
Basis Weight: 24 lb.

This graphic shows a folded self-mailer basis weight 24 pounds as described in the text.

Booklet - New Standards 9/8/09

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

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

Folded Self-Mailer

Tabs: 1 (middle)
Folded Edge: Bottom
Sheets: Single
Basis Weight: 28 lb.

This graphic shows a folded self-mailer basis weight 28 pounds as described in the text.

Folded Booklet

Spine on the leading (shorter) edge

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.

Folded Self-Mailer

Tabs: 3 (left and open edges)
Folded Edge: Right
Sheets: Single
Basis Weight: 75 lb.

This graphic shows a folded self-mailer basis weight 75 pounds as described in the text.

Download PDF of 9/8/09 Postal Requirements For Mailing Letter Size Booklets