Which characteristic would categorize an article as a non-machinable piece?

Which characteristic would categorize an article as a non-machinable piece?

• A. Exceeding the weight of 25lbs
• B. Having an irregular shape
• C. Being heavier than 16oz
• D. Being enclosed in cardboard

Answer: (B)

An article is categorized as a non-machinable piece primarily due to its irregular shape. Postal services typically utilize machines to automate the processing of mail items, and these machines are designed to handle standard-sized and shaped mail. When an item has an irregular shape—such as being uneven, odd-shaped, or not conforming to standard dimensions—it cannot be processed by these machines effectively. This results in manual handling, which is a defining characteristic of non-machinable mail. In contrast, while weight and being enclosed in cardboard might affect postage rates or handling processes, they do not specifically define an item as non-machinable based on the postal service's standards. Items over a certain weight or enclosed in cardboard can still have standard shapes and dimensions that allow for machine processing, therefore not classifying them outright as non-machinable.

An article is categorized as a non-machinable piece primarily due to its irregular shape. Postal services typically utilize machines to automate the processing of mail items, and these machines are designed to handle standard-sized and shaped mail. When an item has an irregular shape—such as being uneven, odd-shaped, or not conforming to standard dimensions—it cannot be processed by these machines effectively. This results in manual handling, which is a defining characteristic of non-machinable mail.

In contrast, while weight and being enclosed in cardboard might affect postage rates or handling processes, they do not specifically define an item as non-machinable based on the postal service's standards. Items over a certain weight or enclosed in cardboard can still have standard shapes and dimensions that allow for machine processing, therefore not classifying them outright as non-machinable.