• Window envelope users, we will set up your file so that additional fields, such as the Intelligent Mail Barcode, will be visible through the window envelope. These additional fields must be printed on your letter in order to receive the bulk rate discount.  
• Address labels users, we will need to set up your file as well so that the additional fields may be printed on the address labels. It may be more beneficial for our address labels customers to simply let us print the addresses on your letters and/or postcards.

• BULK MAIL is located on the mezzanine floor of our facility.
• Hours of operation: 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM - Monday through Friday. Please remember we are closed on official UAB holidays.

Our bulk mail department prepares larger quantities of mail for mailing at a reduced postage rate. Bulk mail pieces must have a minimum of 200 pieces.  All pieces in the mailing must have the same processing category; meaning, the mailing must be all letters, all flats, or all machinable parcels, etc. One of the first things needed to prepare a bulk project is a mailing list. It is highly recommended you send the list prior to the delivery of the mail pieces. This give us the opportunity to provide any necessary feedback on the quality of your list as well as make corrections and process the list to ensure a timely completion of the mailing. The preferred format for the list is Excel or a .CSV file with each component in separate columns.

 You can also purchase mailing lists from us.

For mailing assistance call: 205.934.4595 or email: bulkmail@uab.edu

TIPS

• When mailing a mail piece such as a magazine where the back page is in full color, it would be helpful to leave a blank white box so that the address can be printed in the box. This will eliminate the need to use peel & stick labels to apply the addresses, as well as save on the labor and printing cost of labels.
• Variable Data Printing (VDP) is a type of digital printing in which data such as text, images, or even addresses may be changed from one piece to the next, without stopping or slowing down the printing process using information from a database. When using VDP to personalize letters, it is best to use window envelopes for mailing so that the variable data shows through the window.
• When printing envelopes for a job such as invites, it’s a requirement by USPS that the return address be printed on the front on the envelope in order to qualify for the bulk rate discount. We have found that customers like to have the address printed on the back flap and that is fine. However, if the address is printed on the back flap, we must mail the job 1^st class rate.