Technically "DO NOT BEND" automatically means non-machinable surcharge. We need to mark items "DO NOT FOLD". A certain radius of bending occurs in the automated machinery. Most bending problems are due to human handling and, yes, each individual post office clerk seems to have their own interpretation.
jobi01: Actually the language in the DMM (Domestic Mail Manual) of the USPS concerning "Do Not Bend" marked on packages does not imply any form of surcharge fees. The part of the DMM was struck out some years ago although a few clerks hold on to it. "Do not bend" doesn't mean automatic parcel rates like the forementioned clerk in Albany thought.
"DO NOT BEND" has various interpretations and the problem is that USPS website search function brings up a number of obsolete "hits" about that statement. I believe this Postal Bulletin reference from 2007 adequately identifies the current regulation about use of the "DO NOT BEND" designation:
For those interested in demonstrating the "flexibility test", it is illustrated on pages 3-5 at this link as Exhibit 2.2a through 2.2c:
I'm sure these "junk mail" items were mailed in the 10s or 100s of thousands. However, I suspect even though they use the "DO NOT BEND" reference, they never paid any kind of a surcharge for it; in fact, they probably got a sizable discount on the high volume mailing:
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Posted 01/01/2013 5:15 pm
