Large or Bulk Mailings

Bulk Mail is the term used to describe large mailings and is prepared using a Permit Imprint (Indicia). Bulk mail requires minimum quantities of mail to be prepared for a specific class of mail in order to qualify for postage discounts. For instance, First- Class mail requires a minimum or 500 pieces while non-profit mail requires 200 pieces to qualify for discounts. 

Bulk mail uses a Permit imprint (Indicia) and must be prepared according to USPS guidelines to receive postage discounts.

Metered mail is not bulk mail.

Preparing your Mailing - Lettershop

Lettershop services are the activities required to prepare mail to be presented to the post office. These include:  addressing, inserting, tabbing, postal pre-sorting and fulfillment. Lawler Direct is Penn’s strategic lettershop provider for processing large mailings. A trusted University provider for more than 15 years, Lawler Direct provides cost-effective lettershop services and guidance to Penn clients for preparing their mailings in accordance with postal requirements, as well as pick-up of client-prepared mailings on campus.

A list of other Penn Preferred Suppliers who assist with these mailings may be found on the Print and Interactive Communications Website.. When working with an external supplier for addressing the mail pieces, please take the necessary steps to ensure that the electronic transfer of the mailing list is done  in a secure manner.

Preparing your Mail - Penn Mail Services

What you need to know to prepare for your mailing:

• All mailings of 100 pieces or greater will be assessed a sorting and distribution per piece fee of $0.22.
• Any department planning a large volume intramural mailing must contact Penn Mail Services at least one week prior to its desired delivery date.
• Whether large mailings are first class or intramural, we ask that all departments use the USPS mail tubs provided by Penn Mail Services in preparation for pickup. Cardboard boxes tend to break in transit and are not suitable for heavy mailings. Please notify Penn Mail Services at least three days prior to your mailing to coordinate delivery of tubs and special pick-up. Depending on the size of your mailing, a small service fee may be assessed.
• If your department has partnered with an external printer to prepare and deliver your large mailing, the printer should contact Penn Mail Services three business days prior to scheduling delivery of the large mailing at Penn Mail Services.
• Penn Mail Services needs the following information:
  • The number of mail pieces expected;
  • The name of the person who contracted the job; and
  • The University department with corresponding budget code and desired completion date.