USPS Rolls Out Shape Labels for Letters and Parcels
Published Date: 11/20/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The Postal Service is updating its mailing rules to use shape-based labeling lists for letters, flats, and parcels starting February 1, 2026. This change affects businesses and mailers who send items through USPS, helping packages get sorted faster and more accurately. You can share your thoughts by December 22, 2025, but no big cost changes are expected.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
New Labeling Formats and Minimums
The proposal revises specific labeling formats and minimum presort quantities for SCF/LPC/RPDC separations, including SCF required at 72 pieces (optional at 24 pieces minimum in some cases), 5-digit or 3-digit trays required for price at full tray or 50-piece minimum, a 20-addressed-piece minimum for some SCF barcoded flats, and a 10-pound minimum for certain SCF sacks. These labeling lines specify exact Line 1 and Line 2 wording and references (for example, use L016, Column B for flats and L051, Column B for parcels).
USPS Adopts Shape-Based Labeling
The Postal Service is proposing shape-based labeling lists for SCF letters, flats, and parcels that take effect February 1, 2026. The change is meant to help packages be sorted faster and more accurately and is aimed at businesses and mailers who use USPS. The agency is accepting comments through December 22, 2025, and says no big cost changes are expected.
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Key Dates
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