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UCI Division of Finance and Administration

Bulk Mail

All bulk mailings are typically handled by an outside vendor or a mailing house. The mailing house will sort the mail by ZIP code, prepare the required paperwork, and deliver it to the Post Office.

You can either coordinate with a mailing house through Distribution Services or contract directly with a mailing house. If you choose to work directly with a mailing house, your mail piece must still be reviewed by Distribution Services to ensure it meets the U.S. Postal Service’s regulations for Marketing Nonprofit Bulk Mail or Presort Bulk Mail.

Recharge rates apply, please review our mail recharge page for additional details.

Benefits

→ Reduced postage cost of mailing
→ Avoid attaching individual stamps
→ Save time and labor

Bulk Mail Marketing vs. Presorted First-Class Mail

Bulk mail can be categorized into two primary types: USPS Marketing Mail (Bulk Mail Marketing) and Presorted First-Class Mail (Bulk Mail Presort). Each serves different mailing needs, primarily differing in cost, speed, and services. Below is a detailed comparison to clarify these distinctions.

Features USPS Marketing Mail (Bulk Mail Marketing) Presorted First-Class Mail (Bulk Mail Presort)
Purpose Used for advertisements, promotions, and general mass mailings. Used for important documents, invoices, statements, and personalized mail.
Delivery Speed Slower (typically 3–10 days). Faster (typically 1–5 days, like regular First-Class Mail).
Minimum Mailing Quantity 200 pieces (or 50 pounds). 500 pieces.
Postage Cost Lower (cheaper than First-Class Mail). Higher than Marketing Mail but lower than standard First-Class rates.
Content Restrictions Cannot contain personal, confidential, or transactional information. Can include sensitive and personalized information.
Return Services Not included by default; extra services required for returns. Free forwarding and return services if undeliverable.
Forwarding Not included unless paid separately. Included for free, like regular First-Class Mail.
Mailing Permit Required? Yes, requires a permit imprint. Yes, also requires a permit imprint.
Nonprofit Discounts Available for qualifying organizations. No nonprofit rates available.
Best Used For: Businesses and organizations sending mass marketing materials at a low cost. Companies or institutions sending time-sensitive or personalized mail that needs quick delivery and return services.

If the goal is low-cost mass advertising, USPS Marketing Mail is ideal:

    • Flyers
    • Postcards
    • Newsletters
    • Catalogs
    • Promotional letters

 If faster delivery and return handling are required, First-Class Mail is crucial for selecting the most cost-effective and efficient mailing option:

    • Invoices
    • bills
    • renewal notices

Local Mailing Houses:

Inland Group OCDM Main Graphics
Contact: Nadia Ruiz
Phone: 714-522-3979 ext. 155
www.inlandgroupLLC.com		 Contact: Melissa Bacon
Phone: 714-444-4412
ocdm.com		 Contact: Tracy Harvard
Phone: 1-949-788-6100 x124
MainGraphics.net

Does your bulk mail qualify for presorting?

Another option for bulk mail is presorting. The requirements are as follows:

      1. 500 piece minimum
      2. Return address required on mail panel
      3. Endorsement required
Does your bulk mail qualify for nonprofit?

Bulk mail also can be classed as Nonprofit. Nonprofit rates are lower than regular bulk mail and have strict U.S. Postal Service content and design requirements.

      1. 200 piece minimum
      2. Each piece must contain identical materials to ensure uniform weight: the same envelope size and same materials inside
      3. Each piece must weigh less than 16 ounces
      4. No personal correspondence, promotional material or advertisements may be enclosed
      5. No pieces may be mailed to foreign countries
What are the requirements for Standard (Bulk) Mail?
  1. Mail must be prepared according to U.S. Postal Service guidelines
  2. Mail must be made of printed pieces identical in content, size, and weight
  3. Mail must weigh less than 1 pound (16 ounces) per piece
  4. Mail must contain only domestic addresses that are certified as deliverable
  5. Mail must consist of a minimum of 200 addressed pieces (or 50 pounds). Higher quantities (800-1000+ pieces) are more cost effective
  6. Mail must have a permit imprint indicia in the upper right corner of the envelope or self-mailer
  7. Mail must be sorted and bundled in Zip code order according to strict U.S. Postal Services guidelines
  8. Nonprofit mailings have additional content and design requirements, including specific return address formats
Steps for Bulk Mail Request
  1. To initiate a bulk mail request, contact Mail Services with a sample of your artwork, your KFS account number, and a contact person for the mailing.
  2. Once the information is received, Mail Services will assign a job number.
  3. Provide the job number to your mailing house to begin the bulk mail process.
  4. If you are using an external mailing house, have them contact Distribution Services to request authorization letters for using UCI’s permit before submitting the mailing to the Post Office.

Glossary

→ Indicia: A postal marking used rather than a stamp or a regular cancellation on each item in bulk mail.

→ Standard Mail: Another term that the U.S. Postal Service uses to define bulk mail.

Quick Links

Mail Recharge Page

Inland Group Mailing House

OCDM Mailing House

Main Graphics

Contact Us

UCI Distribution Services

Distribution Services Team
mailservices@uci.edu

Mail Distribution Facility
19182 Jamboree Road
Irvine, CA 92612
949-824-6734

Long-Term Storage Facility
19148 Jamboree Road
Irvine, CA 92612
949-824-4735

Business Hours
Monday-Friday, 6:45 a.m.-3:45 p.m. (Closed 12 p.m.-1 p.m.)
Closed on university holidays.