In the spring of 2008, the USPS proposed changes for the regulations on tabbed media. While the changes weren't set in stone, it was obvious that then (as it is now) that some modification of the current rules were eminent. Now that they've passed the deadline for feedback from mailers throughout the country, their proposed changes will probably take place in May 2009.
The proposed changes, like most changes in regulation, were in answer to a few problems they were experiencing while processing tabbed media. Some of those include:
1 - Tabs coming off of thick or unevenly folded products, while traveling through Postal Sorting Equipment
2 - Mailing pieces opening up in the sorting equipment (and tabs were originally designed to keep this from happening).
One of the major culprits are thicker booklet mailers. Many of these pieces were originally mailed as flats but when the rate for flat mail increased, people simply folded this media in half and turned them into letter sized pieces. Of course, these products are very bulky and not friendly to USPS equipment.
Because of these problems, the Post office began analyzing problems associated with all mailing pieces going through their sorting equipment, and came up with a new proposal for tab placement. You can see the specifics of the proposal at this link:
http://pe.usps.com/Booklets_and_Folded_SelfMailers.pdf
Here are just a few of the changes that you may have to make to the production of mail:
- No more perforated tabs - That is an easy enough change to deal with, but it can make clear tabs harder to use.
- Use of 1 1/2 inch tabs for booklet media - Most suppliers already offer these tabs right now, although the price will drop if the volumes increase. So it might seem expensive at first, but the new proposal will make it cheaper.
- Tabbing on multiple sides of the mailing piece - This is probably going to be the most difficult change to deal with for many mail houses. Many manufacturers already have dual tabbing head that will fit on the same tables using single tabs now. And bump/turn hardware will allow people to apply tabs on multiple sides of a mailing piece. Check with your sales reps to see what kind of options they have available.
Now the big question is this: What can you do right now to prepare for these changes?
Obviously, if you will need new equipment, then it's better to start collecting your bids from sales reps now. Remember that these regulations will apply to everyone. So there might be a slight shortage of equipment as companies rush to comply with the new rules. The last thing you want is to have to tell your clients that you have to wait for new equipment before you can send their jobs out.
Another good step to take is to make your employees aware of the upcoming changes, and ask for suggestions on how to position any new equipment you'll need (or on how to rearrange the equipment you already have).
And of course, you should contact your supply vendors so that you're sure they'll have the proper tabs in stock. You might even order some early and make sure your equipment will handle them properly.
Any changes in regulation can be disruptive and difficult for mailers to adjust to. But the more you prepare for them, the less impact they'll have on your workflow. If you have any questions, just send us an email or call us at 800-398-5786.
Rick Krieger is the owner of Addresser Based Systems, keeping their customers on the cutting edge of Mailroom Equipment and Address Printers. Contact them at http://www.AddresserBasedSystems.com
