USPS Newsletter Preparation Guidelines

The United States Postal Service was founded in 1775.

The United States Postal Service has a set of guidelines for all designers and other media professionals who create newsletters for Postal Customer Council (PCC) members and other postal employees. This is to prevent misuse of the USPS symbol and brand.

Publications

PCC newsletters and other mailings must be consistent in theme and tone with the PCC mission. They must not defame or otherwise cast aspersion on the United States Postal Service (USPS). They are not allowed to use USPS intellectual property without expressed permission, which may be sought through the USPS Rights and Permissions Department.

Advertising

In general, advertising of individuals, vendors and nonpostal businesses is not permitted in PCC mailings. The definition of "advertisement" according to the USPS ranges from sales slogans to other commentary not designed to promote the Postal Service. However, this ban does not apply to acknowledgment of sponsors and donations.

Symbol

The PCC logo may be used under these four conditions: first, only by PCC members; second, only on PCC newsletters, letterhead and other mailings; third, the Postal Service retains the right to information about its use; and fourth, according to specific placement and size guidelines. For newsletters, it may be on the cover, on the left or right interior page or on the back cover, and it may be placed flush left, flush right or in the center.

References

• United States Postal Service: Postal Service Postal Customer Council Graphic Guidelines

Resources

• USPS: Rights and Permissions