This month e-Tips focuses on postal changes.

On September 8th, 2009 the United States Postal Service is making some significant changes to the standards for Letter-Sized Booklets.

The good news is that HBP has the equipment and people in place to make this a smooth transition for you.

• The maximum weight decreases from 3.3 oz. to 3 oz.
• Spine must be bottom or lead edge (cannot be trailing edge-see below).
• The final size cannot exceed 6" high x 10.5" long. To date the maximum size has been 6 1/8" x 11 1/2".
• This affects booklets (slim-jims, any perfect bound or stitched letter size booklet, not folded self-mailers).
• Also important to note is that in addition to requiring 3 non-perforated tabs and the new position of the tabs (2 on the leading edge and 1 on the trailing edge), booklets will require 1.5" tabs. Most organizations have used 1" tabs.

the spine or final fold is…	And the length is…	The cover stock must be at least…	Mailers must seal the piece with…	And place the tabs in these locations…
Spine or fold on the bottom (longer) edge	5" to 9" long	50-pound	Three 1.5" non- perforated tabs	Two tabs on leading edge; one tab on trailing edge. Position lower leading tab 0.5 inch from the bottom edge. Position upper tabs 1 inch from the top edge.
	Over 9", up to 10.5" long	60-pound
Final fold on the bottom (longer) edge, with the folded spine on the leading or trailing (shorter) edge	5" to 10.5" long	40-pound	Three 1.5" non- perforated tabs	Folded Booklet Two tabs on leading edge; one tab on trailing edge. Position lower leading tab 0.5 inch from the bottom edge. Position upper tabs 1 inch from the top edge.
Spine on the leading (shorter) edge	5" to 9" long	60-pound	Three 1.5" non- perforated tabs	Two tabs on top edge; one tab on trailing edge. Position top tabs 1 inch from left and right edge. Position trailing tab in the middle.
	Over 9", up to 10.5" long	70-pound
Spine on bottom (longer) edge, non-perforated inner flap on top (upper) edge	5" to 9.5" long	80-pound	Continuous glue line or glue spots	Perfect bound or saddle stitched with a continuous glue line along flap preferred, minimum 1inch glue spots acceptable if placed within ¾ inch of right and left edges.