• Do not use staples. If necessary, use scotch tape. You may want to redesign your envelopes to better accommodate the contents. MTS is available to help with ideas regarding envelope sizes.
  
  
• Use a proportional font. Courier or Courier New –10 –12 point – Upper case letters read at a very high level. Do not use Bold, extended, condensed, Italic, Stylized, Script or older dot matrix fonts or fonts under 10 points. These types and sizes of fonts are not automation compatible and delivery service can be adversely affected.
  
  
• When applying labels please be sure they are printed in a PROPORTIONAL FONT such as Courier 12 point. Also, be sure to apply the labels straight and level in the same address location as described above.
  
  
• A "Clear Zone" on the bottom ¼" right side of the envelope needs to be on all mail so the MLOCR can spray an 11 digit Delivery Point Barcode on the mailpiece.
  
  
• All mail must weigh not more than 2 oz. and be less than ¼" thick to qualify for automation rates. Over 2 oz., postage and services will increase.
  
  
• Hand written mail cannot be automated through the use of the MLOCR.
  
  
• Colored backgrounds cause the MLOCR camera difficulty in reading the address.
  
  
• All return addresses must be higher than 2¼" above bottom of the of envelope.
  
  
• Please keep all other writing out of the window address area of the envelope. (Examples: Lines under the address elements, Acct. numbers, or any other text showing in the window address area of the envelope).  The additional text in this area confuses the camera and causes it to reject the mailpiece.
  
  
• Please take care to insure that the address does not "shift" out of the window of the envelope when tapped on a flat surface horizontally or vertically. Insuring this MAY require redesigning your envelope or statement form to qualify the piece for automation.
  
  
• Please be sure to change impact printer ribbons often so the text is printed crisp and clear. Please also check to insure that your impact printer is printing all characters completely.
  
  
• Do not write any handwritten notes on the outside of the envelope in or around the address area.
  
  
• Envelopes must be sealed.
  
  
• Keep all pre-stamped or pre-postaged mail separate from mail to be postaged.

We hope you will find these tips helpful in reducing your postage costs – please call with any additional questions on your First Class Mail or any other Standard (aka Third Class) mail projects your may have.