Guidelines for Using Flat Rate Mailing Envelopes
by Michelle Jones
The Post Office will USUALLY accept coupon-packed flat rate envelopes. However, we're getting some reports from members that the PO has started requesting the envelope actually be FLAT for mailing. Flat rate should mean a flat cost, no matter what the weight, as long as it fits; not that the envelope must be FLAT!
Important Update: (August 2014) A few days ago, one of our volunteers was told by her local post office that "THINGS HAVE CHANGED". It appears that some (but not all) POs are now requesting coupons be sent in Priority Mail 14.5 x 11.5 flexible paper envelopes instead of the Flat Rate 9 x 12 cardboard envelopes like we have always used. The reason is they want those to remain flat enough to fit through a thin mail slot. And, they may also request a form be filled out as well (PS Form 2976 dated July 2013), which is available at the PO. - Thank you T.M. for sending us this update!!!
Important Update: (August 2014) A few days ago, one of our volunteers was told by her local post office that "THINGS HAVE CHANGED". It appears that some (but not all) POs are now requesting coupons be sent in Priority Mail 14.5 x 11.5 flexible paper envelopes instead of the Flat Rate 9 x 12 cardboard envelopes like we have always used. The reason is they want those to remain flat enough to fit through a thin mail slot. And, they may also request a form be filled out as well (PS Form 2976 dated July 2013), which is available at the PO. - Thank you T.M. for sending us this update!!!
It was suggested that they use the flat rate boxes instead, which can hold many more coupons, and yes they cost more too.
I believe the problem can be solved by making sure the Flat Rate Mailing Envelopes can be sealed without extra tape. That's what we do, and they always go through just fine.
Yes, sometimes this means we have to send two envelopes instead of one, but it's a small price to pay to help our military families overseas.
The instructions on the Flat Rate Mailing Envelopes read:
"Any amount of material may be enclosed, as long as the envelope is not modified, and the contents are entirely confined within the envelope with the adhesive provided as the means of closure."
Yes, sometimes this means we have to send two envelopes instead of one, but it's a small price to pay to help our military families overseas.
The instructions on the Flat Rate Mailing Envelopes read:
"Any amount of material may be enclosed, as long as the envelope is not modified, and the contents are entirely confined within the envelope with the adhesive provided as the means of closure."
