a written date, where the date is not the date of the card but gives information as to when something will occur or has occurred.

(ix) Printed cards or coupons that, by having a signature attached, are converted into personal communications, such as receipts and orders. (This does not apply to Christmas or similar printed greeting cards.)

(x) Identical communications entirely in print, except the name of the sender, sent by several persons to the same addressee.

(3) The term letters includes all letters whether they are old or have previously passed through the mail, sent singly or in packages. Exception: Packages of letters, bills, and statements prepared at a central office of a concern that provides service at some other place, each bearing proper postage at the first-class rate and mailed to the post office at that place for local delivery, and packages of letters remailed unopened to the same addressee, may be sent at other than the first-class rate of postage.

(4) Two or more persons or firms, or a person acting as the agent of two or more persons or firms, may not mail in one envelope to a mutual customer the bills, statements of account, or other letters of the persons or firms. No two firms that are distinct entities may send their letters in one envelope even though they are affiliated or jointly owned.

(5) Applications for automobile, drivers', and other licenses are letters when sent for the purpose of obtaining a license. The application of each individual or company constitutes a separate letter. Applications of various persons may not be mailed in one package by a compensated representative of the applicants unless the package is endorsed on the outside to show the number of applications enclosed and enough postage is paid to cover the first-class rate on each application. Agents of the licensing authority may receive applications and forward them to any other office in a package with postage paid at the first-class rate computed on the bulk weight of the package.

(6) Sealed matter includes mail of any class so wrapped as not to be easily examined, except second-, third-, or fourthclass matter sealed subject to postal inspection. (See §§ 126.2, 134.8, and 135.7.)

(b) Postal and post cards-(1) Postal cards. A postal card is a card supplied

by the Department with a postage stamp printed or impressed on it, for the transmission of messages. A double postal card consists of two attached cards, each of which has printed or impressed thereon a postage stamp of the first-class rate for postal cards denomination, and one of which may be detached by the receiver and returned by mail as a reply.

(2) Post cards. Post cards are privately printed mailing cards for the transmission of messages. They may not be larger than the size fixed by the Convention of the Universal Postal Union in effect and of approximately the same form, quality and weight as postal cards. A double post card consists of two attached cards, each of which is subject when mailed to the first-class postage rate for post cards, and one of which may be detached by the receiver and returned by mail as a reply. The cardboard used for single and double post cards may be of any light color that does not prevent legible addresses and postmarks from being placed thereon. Brilliant colors must not be used. Single post cards and each part of double post cards must conform to the following specifications in order to qualify for mailing at the first-class postage rate for post cards (see § 131.1):

(i) Size, shape, and ratio. Not larger than 44 by 6 inches, not smaller than 3 by 44 inches. Must be rectangular in shape. A ratio of width (height) to length of less than 1 to 1.414 (1 to the square root of 2) is not recommended. (See 131.3(b) and § 134.3 (b) of this chapter.)

(ii) Quality, weight, and thickness. An unfolded and uncreased piece of cardboard of approximately the quality and weight of a postal card; thickness not less than 0.006 or more than 0.0095 of an inch; and the cardboard to be uniform in thickness and as near 0.0090 as possible.

(3) Restrictions upon the use of double postal and post cards. The users of both double postal and post cards which conform to the specifications stated in subparagraphs (2) (1) and (2) (ii) of this paragraph must comply with the following rules:

(i) Double cards must be folded before mailing. The first half must be detached when the reply half is mailed for return.

(ii) The reply portion of a double card must be used for reply purposes only. It must not be used to convey a message to

the original addressee of the double card, to cover up the message on the original portion, or to send statements of account.

(iii) Double cards must be prepared so that the address on the reply portion is on the inside when the double card is mailed.

(iv) Plain stickers or seals or a single wire stitch may be used to fasten the edges, provided they are so fixed that the inner folds of the cards can be readily examined.

(v) Enclosures are prohibited.

(4) Additions, attachments and other alterations to single and double postal and post cards. The users of both single and double postal and post cards which conform to the specifications stated in subparagraphs (2) (i) and (2) (ii) of this paragraph must comply with the following limitations:

(i) The face of the card may be divided by a vertical line, the left half to be used for the message and the right half for the address only.

(ii) The message on a single card, or on the first portion of a double card, may occupy the space to the left of the vertical line and the entire back of the card.

(iii) Labels may be affixed by adhesive for the purpose of showing the address and the return address. Cards bearing other attachments are nonmailable as postal cards or post cards.

(iv) Numbers used for accounting purposes may be shown on a shaded background below the address. Holes which do not eliminate any letters or numbers may be punched in either the address or message portion of the card. A vertical tearing guide may divide the face of the card. However, mailing of cards having one or more of these four characteristics must meet all of the following conditions:

(a) The mailing must consist of not less than 200 cards which are identical as to size and weight.

(b) The addresses on the cards must include ZIP Code numbers.

(c) Postage must be paid in cash by permit imprints (see Part 144 of this chapter); by meter stamps (see Part 143 of this chapter); or by precanceled stamps (see Part 142 of this chapter).

(d) The mailer must separate the cards to the finest extent possible and sack them in the manner prescribed by § 134.4 (c).

(v) It recommended that all cards having a thickness less than 0.0085 of an inch meet all of the conditions in sub

paragraphs (4) (iv) (a), (b), (c), and (d) of this paragraph.

(5) Cards other than postal and post cards. Matter which is in the form of a single or double card but which does not conform to the specifications for a single or double post card stated in subparagraphs (2) (i) and (2)(ii) of this paragraph is not a single or double post card within the meaning of title 39, United States Code, sections 4251(c) and 4253 (a) (3), and may not be mailed at the first-class postage rate for post cards. Nonconforming mailable matter in the form of single or double cards is not subject to the rules and restrictions provided in subparagraph (3) and subparagraph (4) of this paragraph; it is subject when mailed to postage at the first-class letter rate or at the applicable third-class rate according to its classification as first- or third-class matter; and it must not bear the words "Post Card" or "Double Post Card". Single or double cards conforming to the specifications stated in subparagraphs (2) (i) and (2) (ii) of this paragraph which are entirely in print, and which do not bear the words "Post Card" or "Double Post Card", if otherwise mailable, may at the option of the mailer be mailed at the applicable third-class postage rate instead of the first-class postage rate for post cards. See § 131.3 and § 134.3 of this chapter for a listing of physical characteristics which cause cards of any kind to be nonmailable.

(6) Postal and post cards as enclosures. Stamps on postal and post cards enclosed in outer wrappers may not apply as postage on the mailing piece.

(c) Business reply mail—(1) Purpose. Specially printed business reply cards, envelopes, cartons, and labels may be distributed for use by mailer in sending mail to the distributor without prepayment of postage.

(2) Permit. (i) A permit to distribute business reply cards, envelopes, cartons, and labels is required. An application on Form 3614, "Application to Distribute Business Reply Cards, Envelopes, and Labels", must be submitted at the post office where the mail will be returned. There is no charge for the permit. If matter bearing the business reply imprint is distributed from a central office to be returned to branches or dealers in other cities, one permit obtained from the post office where the central office

is located may be used to cover all the business reply mail.

(ii) On receipt of the application, the postmaster will complete the permit portion of the form and deliver it to the applicant. The application portion of the form will be filed in the post office by the permit number. Permits issued at each post office will be numbered consecutively starting with No. 1 for the first permit. Each post office will keep an alphabetical card record of each permit.

(3) Postage. (i) Postage is collected on each piece of business reply mail at the time it is delivered. Postage due stamps for the amount due will be affixed to the mail or to Form 3582-A, "Postage Due Bill." The stamps will be canceled and delivered to the addressee with the mail when he pays the amount due. Business reply mail will not be mixed with other mail in direct packages or sacks for individuals or concerns. (ii) The amount to be collected, which may not include fees for any special services, is computed as follows:

(a) Post cards. The rate for post cards on air post cards, whichever is applicable, plus 2 cents each. (See § 131.1 and § 136.1 of this chapter.) Cards that do not conform to the specifications for post cards (see § 131.2(b) (1)) are subject to the postage chargeable under subparagraph (3) (i) (b) of this paragraph.

(b) Envelopes and packages. (1) Weight of piece not over two ounces; First-class or airmail rate of postage, whichever is applicable, plus 2 cents each. (See §§ 131.1 and 136.1 of this chapter.)

(2) Weight of piece over two ounces: First-class or airmail rate, whichever is applicable, plus 5 cents each. (See §§ 131.1 and 136.1 of this chapter.)

(4) Form of imprint address. Any photographic, mechanical, or electronic process, or any combination of such processes, other than handwriting, typewriting, or handstamping, may be used to prepare the address side of business reply cards, envelopes, cartons, or labels. The address side must be prepared both as to style and content in one of the following forms without the addition of any matter other than a return address:

Style and content for domestic airmail. Use alternating red and blue parallelograms for the border.

(5) Distribution. Business reply cards, envelopes, cartons, and labels may be distributed:

(i) In any quantity for return by surface or airmail. When prepared by the distributor for return by surface mail, business reply mail may not be accepted for return by air unless postage is fully prepaid at the airmail rate.

(ii) To any post office in the United States and its Territories and possessions, including military post offices overseas; except in the Canal Zone, where they may not be returned without prepayment of postage. They should not be sent to any foreign country.

(iii) In any manner except by deposit

ing in receptacles provided by patrons for receipt of mail.

(6) Responsibility of distributor. The distributor guarantees payment on delivery of postage on returned business reply mail. Any concern distributing business reply cards, envelopes, cartons or labels under one permit for return to its branches or dealers, guarantees to pay postage on any returns refused by any authorized addressee.

[26 F.R. 11539, Dec. 6, 1961, as amended at 32 F.R. 2703, Feb. 9, 1967; 32 F.R. 15021, Oct. 31, 1967; 32 F.R. 15587, Nov. 9, 1967; 33 F.R. 12279, Aug. 31, 1968. Redesignated at 31 F.R. 15350, Dec. 8, 1966]

§ 131.3

Weight and size limits.

(a) Weight. Each piece may weigh not more than 70 pounds.

(b) Size. Each piece may measure not to exceed 100 inches in length and girth combined. See § 135.3 (b) of this chapter for instructions on how to measure.

(c) Shape, ratio, and sealing for envelopes, cards, and self-mailers. The following standards apply to envelopes, cards, and self-mailers having postage paid thereon at the first-class postage rate:

(1) Pieces less than 3 inches in width (height) or 44 inches in length are nonmailable.

(2) Pieces having shapes other than rectangular are nonmailable.

(3) Pieces having a ratio of width (height) to length of less than 1 to 1.414 (1 to the square root of 2) are not recommended.

(4) Pieces which are not sealed or secured on all four edges so that they may be handled by machines are not recommended.

(5) Cards having a thickness of less than 0.006 of an inch are nonmailable. [33 F.R. 12280, Aug. 31, 1968]

§ 131.4 Payment of postage. Postage may be paid by:

(a) Adhesive stamps.

(b) Stamped cards or envelopes.

(c) Meter stamps.

(d) Permit imprints.

[26 F.R. 11541, Dec. 6, 1961. Redesignated at 31 F.R. 15350, Dec. 8, 1966]

§ 131.5 Mail sent by members of U.S. Armed Forces.

(a) Letters sent postage collect. Letters sent by soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines in the United States military service located in the United States or other places where United States domes

tic mail service operates, addressed to places in the United States, may be dispatched for collection on delivery, under the following conditions:

(1) The address side of the letter must be marked "Soldier's Letter," "Airman's Letter," "Sailor's Letter," or "Marine's Letter," as appropriate.

(2) Under the marking, the letter must bear the signature and official designation, either with facsimile handstamp or in writing, of a commissioned officer to whose command the soldier or airman belongs, or of a surgeon or chaplain at a hospital where he is; and in the Navy and Marine service, of a commissioned officer attached to the vessel on which the member is serving or an officer commanding a hospital or detachment ashore where he is.

(3) Postage, at single rate for each ounce or fraction, is collected on delivery.

(b) Letters sent free. (1) Any personal letter mail, including post cards, in the usual and generally accepted form, and sound-recorded communications having the character of personal correspondence, may be mailed free of postage under following conditions: (i) When mailed by:

(a) Any member of the U.S. Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard) at any U.S. military post office in Vietnam and contiguous waters, as defined by regulations of the Department of Defense.

(b) Any member of the U.S. Armed Forces hospitalized in a facility under the jurisdiction of the Armed Forces of the United States as the result of disease or injury incurred as a result of military service or operations in Vietnam and contiguous waters, and air space thereover.

(ii) When mailed to:

(a) Any place within the United States, including Puerto Rico or any other possession of the United States, where the domestic mail service operates. (b) Any Army and Air Force or Navy post office.

(iii) When such mail bears:

(a) In the upper right corner of the address side, in the handwriting of the sender, the word "FREE", and

(b) In the upper left corner of the address side the name of the sender, his service number, grade, and complete military address.

(2) Letter mail, post cards, and soundrecorded communications sent free under the conditions in subparagraph (1) of

(a) Vessels not regular mail carriers. Letters for delivery in the United States, carried by vessels not regularly employed in carrying the mail, are charged double rate of postage, to cover the fee paid to the vessel. The postage may be collected at the office of delivery or prepaid with United States postage stamps.

(b) Vessels operating over post road. Letters and packages carried from one port to another in the United States over a water route that is wholly a post road by law, in a private ship or vessel, are charged single rate of postage. If part of the water route is not a post road, double rates of postage are charged.

(c) Delivery by the master of a vessel. Wholly unpaid printed matter delivered to the post office by the master of a vessel arriving from a foreign port and not regularly engaged in carrying mail, is

Category 1

(1) For delivery of publications other than weeklies at office or original entry by its letter carriers.

(2) For delivery of publications other than weeklies by the letter carriers at a different post office than the office of original entry within the delivery limits of which the headquarters or general business office of the publisher is located (except that the pound rates from the office of mailing apply if they are higher)

(8) For delivery of weekly publications to addressees residing within the county where published from all offices within or without the county including the office of original entry. (4) For delivery of all publications, of whatever frequency, through post office boxes or general delivery, and for delivery by rural or star route carriers, at an office of original entry which has letter carrier service.

(5) For delivery of all publications of whatever frequency, by whatever services are provided, at an office of original entry which does not have letter carrier service.

(6) For delivery of all publications, of whatever frequency to addressees residing within the county where published, from all offices within or without the county, other than the office of original entry.

Rates

Publications issued more frequently than weekly: 1 cent per copy

Publications issued less frequently than weekly:

Copies weighing 2 ounces or less: 1 cent per copy

Copies weighing more than 2 ounces: 2 cents per copy

1.4 cents per pound or fraction of a pound. (This rate will be changed to 1.5 cents beginning Jan. 1, 1970.) 0.2 cent per minimum charge per piece.

NOTE: The 1.4 cents per pound and 2 cents minimum charge also apply to copies of publications of whatever frequency mailed at an office of additional entry located within the county where published and entered, to addressees residing within the county, for delivery at all offices within or without the county including the office of additional entry by whatever delivery services are provided.