Bulk Mail
Large-volume mailings sent at discounted USPS rates under a bulk mail permit, requiring presorting by ZIP code and meeting minimum piece counts.
Bulk mail (officially USPS Marketing Mail for advertising and Periodicals for magazines/newspapers) allows businesses and organizations to send large quantities of mail at rates significantly lower than retail First-Class postage. Minimum volume requirements typically start at 200 pieces or 50 pounds per mailing.
To qualify for bulk rates, mailers must obtain a permit from their local Business Mail Entry Unit (BMEU), pay an annual mailing fee, and presort their mail by ZIP code to USPS specifications. Deeper discounts are available for mail presorted to the carrier route, 5-digit ZIP, 3-digit ZIP, or SCF level.
Bulk mailers must also process their address lists through CASS-certified software and run NCOA (National Change of Address) processing to keep addresses current. Failure to comply can result in the mailing being rejected or surcharged.