If your EDDM prep process still includes a big bag of rubber bands, you're not "old school." You're just setting yourself up for a friendly conversation at the counter.
As of July 2025, USPS guidance no longer permits rubber bands, twine, or string for securing bundles of flats (with narrow exceptions that don't apply to typical EDDM flats). Instead, USPS requires cross-strapped banding (usually plastic strapping) or shrink-wrap + cross-strapped banding.
Key takeaways#
- Rubber bands/twine/string are not permitted to secure bundles of flats under USPS guidance (post-July 2025).
- EDDM pieces are flats, and EDDM prep requires bundling in stacks of 50-100.
- Use two cross-strapped bands (one around the length, one around the girth) so the bands cross on the top and bottom of the bundle.
- Facing slips go on top of the bundle, under the straps.
What changed (and why you should care)#
USPS published updated standards requiring bundles of flats to be secured with:
- two or more cross-strapped bands, or
- shrink-wrap with one or more cross-strapped bands
...and specifically calling out rubber bands/twine/string as not permitted for flats bundling (with limited exceptions).
Why USPS made the change#
The short version: bundles break open in processing. Broken bundles = delays, missorts, and unhappy postal employees. Cross-strapping is less likely to fail under handling and transport.
What "cross-strapped" actually means#
Cross-strapping means your bundle is secured in both directions:
- Band #1 goes around the length (longest dimension) of the bundle.
- Band #2 goes around the girth (shorter dimension) of the bundle.
When done right, the two bands cross on the top and bottom of the bundle.
Acceptable ways to secure EDDM bundles#
- Plastic strapping (polypropylene or similar) with two cross straps
- Shrink wrap + at least one cross-strap band (follow USPS guidance; many mailers still use two straps for safety)
Not acceptable (for flats bundles)#
- Rubber bands
- String, twine
- Metal banding/wire
EDDM bundling: the practical, correct workflow#
This workflow aligns with Retail EDDM preparation and current flats-bundling expectations.
Step 1: Build bundles in stacks of 50-100#
- Standard EDDM Retail bundle size is 50 to 100 pieces.
- Keep every piece in a bundle facing the same direction.
Step 2: Put the facing slip on top (under the straps)#
- Place the facing slip on top of the bundle.
- The facing slip needs to be visible and secured -- easiest way is under the straps.
Step 3: Cross-strap the bundle#
- Strap once around the length, once around the girth.
- Pull tight enough that the bundle is stable, but don't crush the edges.
Step 4: Keep routes separated like your campaign depends on it (it does)#
Separate bundles by route, and keep them in route order so acceptance is fast:
- Route A bundles together
- Route B bundles together
- etc.
Common reasons EDDM bundles get rejected#
- Rubber bands used on flats bundles
- Only one strap (not cross-strapped)
- Facing slip is loose, missing, or unreadable
- Bundles are not in the 50-100 range (or counts don't match paperwork)
- Bundles mixed across routes
Frequently Asked Questions#
Do I really need to change if my Post Office "still accepts rubber bands"?#
Yes. Even if a local office let it slide before, USPS standards changed and enforcement tends to spread (usually right before your deadline).
Can I use shrink wrap instead of strapping?#
Shrink wrap can be acceptable if it's combined with cross-strapped bands per USPS guidance. Don't assume shrink wrap alone is enough.
Does this apply to EDDM Retail and BMEU?#
This is a bundles of flats rule, so it applies broadly to flats bundle prep, which includes EDDM flats.
Official USPS resources#
- PostalPro -- Securing Bundles of Flats: https://postalpro.usps.com/securing-bundles
- USPS Postal Bulletin update (bundling rule details): https://about.usps.com/postal-bulletin/2025/pb22672/html/updt_001.htm
- QSG 140 (EDDM Retail prep basics, bundles of 50-100): https://pe.usps.com/cpim/ftp/manuals/qsg300/Q140.pdf