US postal regulations require certain types of mail pieces to
be tabbed. This helps to prevent an open edge from jamming in high-speed
processing equipment. In certain situations, a mail piece can be mailed
without a tab, but may incur a non-automation surcharge in the
process.
Construction of the mail piece plays an important role in determining
automation compatibility. Standards for tabbing are based on the basis
weight of paper stock used and the location of the fold or bound edge.
There are many examples. Here we have shown two of the common examples.
Double tabbing (shown below left) is required when your fold is at the top of the address
area, your mailer will require 2 tabs. Single tabbing (shown below right) is required when
your fold is at the bottom of the address area, it will require 1 tab.
Not sure what your mail piece will require? Contact us and we will be happy to assist you!
