Bulk Mail (Standard Mail)

Last Updated: July 17, 2026 1:15:04 PM PDT

Bulk mail (Standard Mail) offers significant postage discounts but requires strict adherence to USPS regulations. Review this section for non-profit eligibility rules, mandatory formatting guidelines, and sorting procedures required to maintain the university's bulk-mailing privileges and avoid costly noncompliance penalties.

Eligiblity Requirements

A bulk mailing must:

contain at least 200 pieces
contain identical pieces
match in size, weight, and content
be sorted in ascending ZIP code order

Important: Noncompliance with the Move Update process will result in a 7-cent-per-piece penalty. Review the USPS Quick Service Guide for more information.

Pro-Tip: Before designing and printing your mailing material, contact Jorge Espinoza at (858) 246-2488 to assure compliance. Materials that do not meet standards will not receive the discounted rate.

Important Compliance Notice

Failure to comply with USPS regulations may delay mail delivery, remove discount eligiblity, and/or result in USPS penalty charges

Classes of Standard Mail

NOTE: While bulk mail reduces the cost of mailing 200+ pieces, the USPS does not consider it priority mail. Delivery may be delayed up to 5 days.

Class	Description
Standard Non-Profit	Material directly related to the university’s mission and meets IRS and USPS non-profit requirements.
Regular Standard	Material does not meet non-profit eligibility. Rates are higher than non-profit but lower than First Class.
Standard Pre-Canceled Stamps	A pre-canceled stamp is used instead of bulk-mail indicia. Stamps must be purchased in rolls of 3,000 or 10,000. Unused stamps cannot be returned.
First Class	Mailings with a minimum of 200 identical pieces. Receives no postage discount.
First Class Presort	Mailings with a minimum of 500 identical pieces. Receives a discount from the USPS.

Other Bulk Mail Requirements

Return Address Format

Your return address must follow this exact university format.

Line 1	SENDER'S NAME
Line 2	DEPARTMENT NAME [and Phone Number]
Line 3	UC SAN DIEGO
Line 4	9500 GILMAN DR MC [Mail Code]
Line 5	LA JOLLA CA 92093-[Mail Code]