ASK THE EXPERT: Elizabeth Lombard on Postal Regulations

[JZEE795]

Small bubble mailers-are they considered an envelope or a flat? (assuming they are less than 1/4")

[KarenKacz]

If they are smaller than 6 1/8" x 11 1/2" and LESS than 1/4" thick - they can go as a letter.

[PB-Elizabeth]

Hello JZEE795!

Good question!

To Karen's point (in her response to your question), if the bubble mailer is NO GREATER than 6 1/8 x 11 1/2 x 1/4" and no greater than 3.5 ounces, then it would be considered a LETTER. 

However, if that bubble mailer is bigger than the 6 1/8" high, or bigger than 11 1/2", long or bigger than 1/4" thick  (I know, you said "assuming less then 1/4" but I had to keep myself honest here! ) , or bigger than 3.5 ounces, then the bubble mailer must be rated as a flat or a parcel.

Elizabeth

[PB-Elizabeth]

Thanks Karen!

Please let me clarify....

6 1/8" high x 11 1/2" long  x 1/4" thick and 3.5 ounces weight are the maximum dimensions for single-piece First-Class Mail letters.

Elizabeth