Standard Packages & Page Breaks
Introduction
Precise weight management is crucial for ensuring mail pieces meet postal regulations, qualify for the correct rate categories, and are processed efficiently. This document provides an overview of page break points based on commonly used weights of paper stock, ink coverage, envelope type, inserts, and other mailing components.
Purpose
The purpose of this document is to support accurate job setup, cost estimation, and mailing efficiencies by offering general guidelines for component-based weight calculations. While the figures presented are based on industry standards, actual results may vary due to fluctuations in materials. Therefore, we require a physical test in the production environment for final validation.
What are Page Breaks?
Page breaks matter as every sheet of paper adds weight to a mail piece. Postage rates (especially for USPS First-Class Mail) are based on weight categories - typically in 1-ounce increments (e.g., 1oz, 2oz, 3oz, etc.).
If a document or letter has too many pages, the final mail piece could shift into a higher postage category, costing more money and adding difficulty with the reconciliation of final reporting.
Who is this guide for?
This guide can be an essential resource for first time customers. It can help customers understand the formatting of their documents for seamless production, ultimately improving efficiency, and reducing errors across all mail pieces.
Consistent page break standards help ensure:
- Accurate page counts
- Accurate postage estimates and final costs
- Easier handling for mailing equipment
Standard Package Names & Page Breaks
20# 8.5x11 Plain Paper
Package | Page Rage |
|---|---|
LETTER | 1-6 |
LETTERHW | 7-9 |
LETTER6X9 | 10-18 |
FLAT | 19-74 |
OVERSIZED | 75+ |
***Additional Inserts may alter the final page breaks at a customer/job level
24# 8.5x11 Plain Paper
Example: https://dfsmail.freshdesk.com/a/tickets/207607
Package | Page Rage |
|---|---|
LETTER | 1-6 |
LETTERHW | 7-9 |
LETTER6X9 | 10-15 |
FLAT | 16-62 |
OVERSIZED | 63+ |
***Additional Inserts may alter the final page breaks at a customer/job level
Additional Packages that may be used
Foreign Packages
Package Name |
|---|
LETTER-FOREIGN |
LETTER6X9-FOREIGN |
FLAT-FOREIGN |
OVERSIZE-FOREIGN |
Certified
- Certified packages can vary depending on the package setup.
- DCA = LETTER, LETTER-CERT, LETTER-FOREIGN
- LETTER exists for pieces that fail to qualify as certified.
- FOREIGN exists for pieces that are noted as foreign.
- Parathon isn't fully automated and uses a mix of packages that do not include Certified.
- Account Services prefers to include CERTIFIED in package names, when possible, like the DCA scenario above.