USPS to Ban Rubber Bands on Magazine Bundles Come July
Published Date: 3/12/2025
Rule
Summary
Starting July 1, 2025, the Postal Service is changing how bundles of flats (like magazines and newspapers) must be secured. If you send 500 or fewer flats at certain locations, you can skip bundling and just use trays. All other bundles need stronger straps or shrink-wrap, and rubber bands or string are mostly banned to keep mail safe and reduce damage. These changes help save time and money by cutting down on broken bundles.
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
No Bundles Needed for Small Flat Mailings
If you enter flat mailings of 500 or fewer pieces at the Business Mail Entry Unit (BMEU), you are not required to prepare bundles and may place those pieces loose in flat trays. This exemption takes effect July 1, 2025 and applies only to mailings of 500 or fewer flat-sized pieces entered at the BMEU.
New Two-Strip or Shrink-Wrap Rule for Bundles
Starting July 1, 2025, all bundles of flats must be secured with two or more cross-strapped bands or be shrink-wrapped with one or more cross-strapped bands. The rule prohibits use of string, rubber bands, wire, or metal banding for securing bundles except as otherwise allowed.
Coated-Cover Bundles Must Use Two Straps and Height Limit
Bundles of pieces with glossy or 'coated stock' covers that are not individually enclosed must be secured with at least two plastic straps or with shrinkwrap plus two plastic straps, and such bundles must not exceed 6 inches in height. This requirement takes effect July 1, 2025.
Limited Exception for First-Class Flat Banding
Rubber bands and twine/string are not permitted for securing bundles except that First-Class Mail flats placed in flat tubs may continue to use rubber bands or string if the flats will not be processed on bundle/package sorting machines. This exception is effective July 1, 2025.
One-Strip Option for Exceptional Dispatch Newspapers
Newspapers placed in a flat tray and entered as exceptional dispatch may use only one strap around the middle to avoid damage. This one-strap allowance is part of the rule effective July 1, 2025.
Multi-Carrier Route Bundles Need Two Straps or Shrinkwrap
Multi carrier route bundles for USPS Marketing Mail Enhanced Carrier Route must be secured with at least two cross-strapped bands (one around the length and one around the girth) or be shrink-wrapped with one or more cross-strapped bands. This standard is effective July 1, 2025.
Flat Trays May Be Nested and Pallet-Shrinkwrapped
Flat trays used in First-Class Mail, USPS Marketing Mail, or Periodicals flat-size mailings may be nested into each other on a pallet without lids, and the pallet may then be shrink-wrapped. This palletizing option is effective July 1, 2025.
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Key Dates
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