Postal Reform Effects Minimized for Graphic Arts

Direct Mail and Catalogs

Direct mail and catalogs fall into the postal category of Standard Mail, which actually encompasses a wide range of printed products. Direct mail advertising accounts for about 90% of the Standard Mail volume.

Standard Mail grew at a healthy 10% rate between 1980 and 1988. Though growth has slowed considerably since then, Standard Mail volume nevertheless increased from 14.8 billion to almost 54 billion pieces between 1980 and 2005. In 2005, Standard Mail became the postal class with the largest volume, surpassing even First Class Mail.