USPS bulk mail means sending direct mail items in large quantities to get discounted rates from the Post Office. The bulk mail rates start at $0.545 for presorted First-Class Mail and rise based on different factors, like how many items you send, where you drop off the pieces, and which mailing class you select. 

The requirements for sending bulk mail under every mailing class might also differ. However, you always need a commercial mailing permit to send bulk mailers. It is a necessary permit to send promotional flyers, newsletters, or even billing statements. Bulk mail discounts can dramatically reduce your total mailing costs. This blog will help you understand all the USPS bulk mail requirements and costs. We will also discuss a solution that can help you automate your bulk mail campaigns.

Below, we discuss more about the same! Let’s begin.

Different Types of USPS Bulk Mail and Postage Prices

When we say “bulk mail,” it usually means USPS Marketing Mail, formerly known as Standard Mail and Third-Class Mail.

This option helps individual and commercial mailers both to avail of highly-discounted prices. But, USPS Marketing Mail is not the only bulk mailing service offered by USPS.

There are several other ways of availing the USPS bulk mail rates in 2026, and they are:

• Presorted First-Class Mail
• Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM)
• Nonprofit Mail
• Bound Printed Matter

Periodical Class, Parcel Select, and Media Mail also offer discounts on bulk mailing.

All of these options offer variable bulk mail costs and have different restrictions. Also, they have distant features, which is why you need to understand them in-depth before making a decision.

Before we get to the bulk mail rates, you should know a few terms related to presorting mail:

Presorting is sorting all the items according to ZIP codes before taking them to the USPS for mailing. The different types of presorting methods are:

• 5-digit sorting: It is a presorting type wherein all mailing addresses have the same ZIP codes (the first five digits). The ZIP+4 codes may be different.
• 3-digit sorting: The 3-digit sorting method enables mailers to group mailpieces that have ZIP codes starting with the same three numbers.
• AADC: AADC stands for Automated Area Distribution Center. It is the process of grouping mail items going to the service areas of the same AADC. There is also something called “Mixed AADC,” where you group the items destined for service areas of different AADCs.

Apart from the presorting methods, the rates also depend on where you drop your mail items.

• DNDC: DNDC stands for Destination Network Distribution Center. A bulk mailer can take their items to a DNDC to get lower postage rates.
• DSCF: DSCF stands for Destination Sectional Center Facility. You can get even lower rates by dropping off your items at this USPS facility.

Presorted First-Class Mail

Presorted First-Class Mail has all the same features as regular First-Class Mail. All First-Class Mail deliveries are completed within one to five business days. You can also use additional services like Certified Mail and Registered Mail. But, you can only mail items weighing up to 13 ounces.

First-Class Mail prices also depend on the dimensions of your mailpieces. Oddly shaped and oversized items can cost you a lot more than those that meet the USPS requirements.

This mailing option is one of the most expensive ones after Priority Mail. Thus, mailers opt for Presorted First-Class Mail, which allows them to take advantage of its features while availing of bulk rates.

As the name goes, mailers need to preserve their items before mailing them via USPS. They can get the presorting process done by themselves or hire presort services.

Some items that you can send via the presorted First-Class Mail option are:

• Postcards
• Typewritten or handwritten materials
• Bills, invoices, and account statements
• Checks
• Personalized mail, etc.

Furthermore, you need to mail at least 500 items at once to qualify for sending presorted First-Class Mail. Yet, there are no monthly or yearly minimum volume requirements that you need to fulfill to use this option.

Plus, you don’t need to send all these 500 items to the same ZIP code. The USPS counts all the mailpieces, irrespective of where they are going.

Coming to presorted First-Class Mail costs, there are three categories in which these rates are divided, i.e., postcards, letters, and flats.

Find below the current bulk mail rates for each of these categories for sending letters/postcards weighing under 1 oz:

For Postcards: 

Automation			Non-Automation / Machinable Presorted
5-Digit	AADC	Mixed AADC
0.420	0.445	0.462	0.468

For Letters:

	5-Digit	AADC	Mixed AADC
Automation	$0.593	$0.641	$0.672
Non-automation	–	$0.644	$0.686

Non-automation and Non-machinable
3-Digit	5-Digit	Mixed AADC
$0.939	$0.813	$1.088

For Flats:

Automation				Non-automation
3-Digit	5-Digit	AADC	Mixed AADC	Presorted
$1.235	$0.970	$1.331	$1.355	$1.488

Source: USPS 

*Last updated in February 2026

USPS Marketing Mail

If your company sends out mail items like flyers, newsletters, circulars, catalogs, etc., in large volumes, you should opt for USPS Marketing Mail.

It is an excellent way to advertise your brand with direct mail at the most affordable prices. However, please note that the USPS Marketing Mail service only works within the US.

As a mailer, you need to fulfill any of the below requirements to qualify:

• The mailing should consist of at least 200 items
• The mailing should weigh at least 50 pounds altogether

All your items need to be identical for you to become eligible. Furthermore, you can only send mail pieces that weigh less than 1 pound or 16 ounces.

How much is bulk postage for USPS Marketing Mail?

The postage price depends on the mail size, weight, and destination. Please make sure that your letters do not measure more than 6.125″ x 11.5″ x 0.25″. For flats, the maximum dimensions are 12″ x 15″ x 0.75″.

If your flats cannot bend or exceed the above dimensions, they are parcels. You can send these parcels via the Parcel Select Lightweight or USPS Marketing Mail parcel service. These are the prices:

For commercial letters: (Letters weighing 3.5 oz. or less per piece price) 

3.5 oz or less	Automation			Machinable
Entry point	5-Digit	AADC	Mixed AADC	AADC	Mixed AADC
None	$0.372	$0.407	$0.433	$0.407	$0.439
DSCF	0.355	0.390	–	0.390	–

Source: USPS 

*Last updated in February 2026

For commercial flats: (4 oz. or less per piece price)

3.5 oz or less	Automation				Non-automation
Entry point	5-Digit	3-Digit	AADC	Mixed AADC	5-Digit	3-Digit	AADC	Mixed AADC
None	$0.770	$0.986	$1.101	$1.185	$0.869	$1.046	$1.110	$1.220
DSCF	0.732	0.948	1.063	–	0.831	1.008	1.072	–

Source: USPS 

*Last updated in February 2026

USPS Nonprofit Marketing Mail 

Non-profit organizations that come under any of the categories below can also avail of the USPS nonprofit bulk mail rates 2026:

• Veterans
• Scientific
• Religious
• Agricultural
• Educational
• Labor
• Fraternal
• Philanthropic
• National and state political parties

All nonprofit Mail rates are much lower than the commercial rates. PACS, local party committees, and political candidates are not counted as nonprofits.

Hence, they cannot get the USPS bulk mail rates for nonprofits and should apply for the commercial rates.

If you are a non-profit firm, you can fill out the PS Form 3624 and apply for free.

The bulk mail pricing for USPS Marketing Mail items depends on various factors, like whether they are machinable and eligible for automation discounts. Plus, the rates depend on the entry point (drop-off location) where you take your items for mailing. Find below the rates:

For nonprofit letters: ( Letters weighing 3.5 oz. or less per piece price)

3.5 oz or less	Automation			Machinable
Entry point	5-Digit	AADC	Mixed AADC	AADC	Mixed AADC
None	$0.178	$0.213	$0.239	$0.213	$0.245
DSCF	0.161	0.196	–	0.196	–

Source: USPS 

*Last updated in February 2026

For nonprofit flats: (4 oz. or less per piece price)

3.5 oz or less	Automation				Non-automation
Entry point	5-Digit	3-Digit	AADC	Mixed AADC	5-Digit	3-Digit	AADC	Mixed AADC
None	$0.503	$0.719	$0.834	$0.918	$0.602	$0.779	$0.843	$0.953
DSCF	0.465	0.681	0.796	–	0.564	0.741	0.805	–

Source: USPS 

*Last updated in February 2026

The rates for parcels start as little as $1.602 and range up to $4.296.

 Also Read: Direct Mail ROI Calculator

Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM)

The USPS EDDM service enables companies to send their marketing items to every household in an area or ZIP code. You may even cover more than one ZIP code in one mailing.

EDDM works well for businesses that want to promote their products or services in specific localities. For example, if you are a restaurant and want to advertise yourself in your local neighborhoods, you can conduct EDDM campaigns.

Local businesses, politicians, real estate agents, etc., can also benefit from EDDM campaigns.

The minimum volume requirement for sending EDDM is 200 pieces per mailing. Hence, it also comes under the bulk mail category.

Your EDDM items should at least measure 6.125” x 11.5” and not exceed 12” x 15”. The USPS allows companies to send Marketing Mail flats only up to 3.3 ounces under EDDM.

There are two types of EDDM services: EDDM Retail and EDDM BMEU (Business Mail Entry Unit).

In the case of EDDM Retail, you need to drop the mail items at a Post Office. But, if you are using EDDM BMEU, you may drop them off at a regional facility to avail of lower rates.

Currently, the cost of sending flats via EDDM Retail USPS Marketing Mail starts at $0.247 per piece.

Bound Printed Matter

The Bound Printed Matter mailing option is for businesses that send bound printed materials like catalogs. It is the most economical way to send such heavy marketing materials, especially those weighing more than 16 ounces.

But, those items that weigh less than 1 pound are charged the minimum one-pound price. Therefore, you can instead opt for USPS Marketing Mail for items that weigh so little.

Find below some requirements that you need to fulfill to send Bound Printed Matter:

• You cannot send blank printed pages, like stationery
• The pages should have at least 90% printing (typewriting and handwriting do not count)
• You cannot send personalized items
• All pages must be bound by spiral binding glue, stitching, staples, or other permanent fastenings

Please note: Like USPS Marketing Mail and EDDM, Bound Printed Matter is also restricted to domestic mail. However, you can use this option to send items to US possessions, Puerto Rico, and military addresses.

Find below some things about Bound Printed Matter:

• There is no minimum volume requirement to mail your items through this option, although you can bag attractive discounts on mailing 300 pieces or more
• You cannot send items weighing more than 15 pounds or 240 ounces. Also, flats cannot weigh more than 20 ounces if you want to be eligible for barcoding discounts
• The girth and length of your mailpieces cannot measure more than 108” combined
• Bound Printed Matter rates depend on the mail weight, size, drop-off point, destination, and mailing volume

Bounded Printed Matter Pricing 

The postage prices for BPM depend on the mailpiece’s weight, size, mailing volume, and the distance it will travel. 

Flats 

Single-piece retail rates for a BPM flat start from around $2.46. But you can bring that rate down to $1.43 per piece if you presort and mail in bulk (300+) pieces. 

Parcels 

The prices are significantly higher than flat as the mailing distance heavily impacts the rates. 

If you are mailing up to 299 items, the rate for one flat-sized mailpiece weighing one ounce is $2.46. But, if you mail in bulk, the rate drops to $1.431 (depending on where you drop off your items).

The rates of parcels are higher and significantly depend on where your items are going.

Which Factors Affect the USPS Bulk Mail Rates?

Since there’s no flat rate for bulk mail, USPS uses a dynamic pricing matrix to calculate the pricing. You must understand these factors to have a better prediction of your campaign costs. 

Weight and Shape 

This is the first thing you must keep in mind when estimating the cost. It determines whether the USPS sorting machines are capable of processing it. Besides, the postal service classified mailers into three categories categories strictly (Letters, Flats (large envelopes), and Parcels). Commercial First-Class letters generally weigh up to 3.5 ounces without increasing the rates. However, Marketing Mail uses a different method where the price increases if your mailpiece crosses 4 ounces. 

Mailing Volume 

Next, you must hit the baseline of each mailing class to avail bulk mail prices (500 pieces for First-Class Mail and 200 for Marketing Mail). Interestingly, higher volumes will give you even bigger discounts. So, sending large quantities at once could be more cost-effective than sending in multiple batches. 

Distance

First-Class Mail typically offers a flat price regardless of where it goes domestically. However, prices vary with USPS Marketing Mail and Periodicals. Above all, the prices depend on the distance between the drop-off point and the final destination. USPS uses the zone system to divide the country into 9 zones. So, the further your mail travels through the USPS network, the more you pay for the postage.

How to Apply For a Bulk Mailing Permit

You don’t need a mailing permit to conduct EDDM campaigns, but you will need one to run bulk mail operations internally. How do we get the permit? Why is it so important? Well, this permit is your licence to claim discounted bulk rates.

Here’s what you need to do: 

Complete the PS Form 3615

You must fill out the Mailing Permit Application and Customer Profile form and submit it to the local Post Office or a USPS service location. This location will become your base to drop off all your mailings. 

Pay for the Annual Mailing Fees 

USPS charges an annual mailing fee of $265 to keep your bulk mail privileges active. This is a mandatory fee for commercial mailing classes. 

Pay for the Permit Imprint Authorization Fees 

Most businesses sending bulk mailings are more likely to print a postage block instead of attaching stamps to individual envelopes. So, it is necessary to pay for the one-time permit imprint authorization fee of $265 to use this service.

What Qualifies as Bulk Mail?

Individuals or businesses cannot bring a large box of mailers to the Post Office and ask for a discount. USPS clearly defines bulk mail by volume and mail classes. So, one must sort and prepare their mailers in advance. Eligibility requirements include; 

1. Minimum Quantity:  Each First-Class bulk mail consignment should have a minimum of 500 mailpieces, and Marketing Mail with 200 pieces of identical collaterals.
2. Identical Pieces: All your mailpieces must be identical in weight and size. The mailings will only qualify for bulk mail when they are uniform throughout the envelopes.
3. USA Only: You can only send bulk mailings within the USA and American territories. This type of mail cannot go outside the country.
4. Consistent Addressing: Every postal address must be presented in the same direction and legibly typed or printed.
5. Meet Non-Profit Requirements: USPS has very stringent requirements for non-profit bulk mail.

What Is the Difference Between First Class and Marketing Mail?

The main differences between the two postal services are speed, price, mail forwarding options, and mail return service availability.

First-Class Mail

First-Class Mail is a premium mailing service that prioritizes speed and reliability. It is the ideal service for sending letters, postcards, and small packages weighing up to 13 ounces.

Delivery times can be up to one to five days, and added benefits, such as mail forwarding and return services if the recipient updates their address, can be expected. Most senders prefer this mailing service for time-sensitive materials like statements, invoices, or personal correspondence.

Marketing Mail

Marketing Mail (previously known as Standard Mail) is ideal for businesses sending bulk mail campaigns at discounted rates.

You should prefer this mailing service for marketing materials like newsletters, flyers, brochures, postcards, and catalogs. To qualify for marketing mail rates, the sender must presort the mail and meet specific size and weight requirements. USPS doesn’t prioritize Marketing Mail like First-Class Mail, so reaching your recipients may take a bit longer. Careful prior planning might be necessary to execute successful marketing campaigns. The maximum weight could be 16 ounces, and the minimum is 200 mailpieces.

Common Mistakes in Bulk Mailing Businesses Often Make

Sending Less Than the Minimum Mailpiece Requirement

USPS has strict guidelines for providing bulk mail rates to senders sending over 200 (Marketing Mail) mailpieces. You won’t qualify for the discounted rates if you send anything less than this number.

Trying to Mail to International Locations

USPS bulk mail service is only available within the United States. You can mail items outside the country at discounted rates. It will automatically disqualify you from using the bulk mail service.

Not Meeting Minimum Mailing Dimensions

USPS won’t provide the bulk mail rate if your mailpiece dimensions are non-uniform and do not meet the minimum dimensional requirement. You must follow these minimum dimensions in all your mailings:

• 3.5” inches
• 5.0” inches
• 0.007” inches

Improper Sorting

Bulk mail orders must be sorted correctly by bundles, destination, or ZIP codes. USPS won’t be able to deliver your mailings to the correct destination if you ignore specific sorting and containerization. Adhere to the presort requirements for the particular mail class and discount you seek.

How Can Businesses Optimize Their Bulk Mail Strategy With PostGrid?

Bulk mailing can help companies save a lot and send out their items in a more effective manner. You can pre-plan and prepay your mailing costs, thus, keeping your campaign costs under control.

But, it can be daunting to qualify for bulk mailing due to tasks like presorting items, adding IMBs, and dropshipping.

PostGrid’s Print & Mail API can help you prepare your high-volume mail from an online dashboard. There’s no need to fill out any permit forms or pay annual fees. PostGrid offers affordable and reasonable pricing for all types and sizes of businesses. The API handles everything from validating addresses to presorting your mail to avail bulk mail discounts.

Our API can help you prepare your mailing and conduct direct mail campaigns of any size. Also, we offer affordable and reasonable pricing for all types and sizes of businesses. You don’t need to pay any monthly fees or commit anything. Mail when you want, where you want, and how much you want!

Want to get started with your bulk mailing campaigns at low costs and with no manual effort?

Sign up now to access the USPS bulk mail rates.