Understanding Periodicals Mailing
How periodicals are processed, priced, and prepared — practical knowledge for publishers.
How Periodicals Are Processed
Periodicals mail follows a specific processing path through the USPS that differs from other mail classes. Understanding this path helps publishers prepare their mailings correctly and avoid costly delays or postage adjustments.
Entry at the BMEU
Periodicals are entered at a Business Mail Entry Unit (BMEU) — the same facility used for Marketing Mail and other presorted mailings. At the BMEU, the mailing is verified against the documentation (PS Form 3541, the Postage Statement) submitted by the mailer. The USPS checks piece counts, weight samples, and sortation accuracy.
Sortation Requirements
Periodicals must be presorted to qualify for discounted rates. The USPS requires sorting to progressively finer levels — from Mixed ADC (the coarsest level) down to carrier-route (the finest). The finer your sort, the lower your per-piece rate. Automation-compatible pieces (with Intelligent Mail barcodes) qualify for additional discounts.
Delivery Standards
The USPS targets delivery of Periodicals within 2–9 days depending on distance. Local mailings (within the same SCF area) are typically delivered in 2–3 days. Cross-country mailings may take 7–9 days. Unlike First-Class Mail, there is no service guarantee for Periodicals delivery speed.
Zone-Based Pricing Explained
One of the most complex aspects of Periodicals postage is zone-based pricing. Unlike most other mail classes where you pay a flat rate per piece, Periodicals postage includes a per-pound component that varies by zone — meaning how far the mail is traveling.
How Zone Pricing Works
The USPS divides the country into zones (1–9) based on distance from the entry point of the mailing
Zone 1 is the closest (local) and Zone 9 is the farthest (cross-country)
The advertising portion of your publication's weight is charged at the zone rate — higher zones cost more
The editorial portion is charged at a flat (non-zoned) pound rate — the same regardless of distance
This means that publications with a high advertising ratio and a national audience will pay significantly more in zone charges than publications with mostly editorial content distributed locally. This is an important factor when evaluating whether Periodicals is the right mail class for your publication.
The Advertising/Editorial Split
Every Periodicals mailing requires you to calculate the percentage of your publication that is advertising versus editorial content. This split directly affects your postage cost because advertising pounds are charged at the higher zone rate, while editorial pounds are charged at the flat rate.
What Counts as Advertising?
Any content that promotes the sale of a product or service, lists prices, or includes a call to action to purchase. This includes paid display ads, classified ads, house ads for the publisher's own products, and advertorial content that promotes a specific business.
What Counts as Editorial?
News articles, opinion columns, letters to the editor, comics, puzzles, poetry, fiction, event listings (if not paid), and similar content that serves the reader rather than promoting a business.
How to Calculate the Split
Measure the total column inches (or square inches) of advertising and editorial content in the issue. Divide advertising inches by total inches to get the advertising percentage. This percentage is applied to the weight of each copy to determine how many pounds are billed at the advertising rate versus the editorial rate.
Markup Rules & Preparation
"Markup" in the Periodicals context refers to how pieces are labeled, sorted, and bundled for USPS acceptance. Proper markup is essential — incorrect preparation can result in your mailing being rejected or assessed additional postage.
Addressing Requirements
- • Each piece must have an Intelligent Mail barcode (IMb) for automation rates
- • Addresses must be CASS-certified and NCOA-processed within 95 days of mailing
- • The publication title, issue date, and frequency must appear on the front cover
- • The known office of publication address must be printed inside each issue
Bundling & Container Requirements
- • Pieces must be sorted into bundles (trays or sacks) by ZIP code, SCF, ADC, or carrier route
- • Each bundle must meet minimum piece counts to qualify for that sortation level
- • Bundles are placed into USPS sacks or trays with colored tags indicating the sortation level
- • Palletized mailings can qualify for additional drop-ship discounts
Postage Statements
- • PS Form 3541 (Postage Statement) must accompany every Periodicals mailing
- • The statement reports piece counts, weights, sortation levels, and the ad/editorial split
- • Electronic submission through PostalOne! is available and preferred for regular mailers
- • Inaccurate statements can result in postage adjustments, penalties, or loss of mailing privileges
Practical Tips for Publishers
Keep Your Ad Percentage Below 75%
If advertising exceeds 75% of your publication, the USPS may reclassify it as Marketing Mail — which means higher postage and potential loss of your Periodicals authorization.
Clean Your Subscriber List Regularly
Run NCOA processing before every mailing. USPS requires it within 95 days, but doing it fresh for each issue minimizes wasted copies and keeps you compliant.
Consider Drop-Shipping for National Distribution
If your publication mails nationally, transporting copies to regional USPS facilities (drop-shipping) can significantly reduce zone charges on advertising pounds.
Use Automation-Compatible Formats
Ensure your publication is formatted for automated processing — correct barcode placement, readable addresses, and compliant dimensions. Automation rates are significantly lower than non-automation rates.
Track Your Mailing Calendar
Missing your stated publication frequency can jeopardize your Periodicals authorization. If you need to change your frequency, file an amended application before the change takes effect.
File PS Form 3526 on Time
The annual Statement of Ownership must be filed by the October 1 deadline and published in your publication. Failure to file can result in loss of Periodicals privileges.
Cornerstone Handles Periodicals Mailings
From PS Form 3541 preparation to sorting, bundling, and BMEU entry — we manage the entire Periodicals mailing process. We'll calculate your ad/editorial split, prepare your postage statement, process your list through NCOA, and deliver your mailing to the USPS ready to go.
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