A correct way of preparing correspondence simplifies and makes sorting procedures faster and more effective, optimizing the delivery service. Follow our advice when you are about to prepare your mail for sending.

Choosing the right format

Choose the envelope size most suitable for the content of the shipment. In particular, we recommend the following formats:

• DL format: 110 x 220 mm

• C5/6 format: 114 x 229 mm

• C6 format: 114 x 162 mm

• C5 format: 162 x 229 mm

• C4 format: 229 x 324 mm

You can also send magazines and publications made up of sheets that are not bound or have inserts. Although unwrapped shipments are also accepted, it is recommended to wrap them in heat-shrink cellophane, close along all sides and apply a label that shows the recipient's address; the label must have a minimum size of 4.0 x 8.5 mm and must be well fixed to the shipment (directly to the contents or to the cellophane wrapping) and positioned at the bottom right parallel to one of the longer sides.

Let's print the address

Once you have chosen the "packaging" of the shipment, you need to print and position the address.

To make the preparation of your correspondence easier and quicker, you will find the BUSTOMETER attached. This tool will allow you to quickly check whether you have positioned and printed the address correctly and whether you have respected the standards required by the Postal and Philately Service.

Positioning of the address

First, position the block with the recipient's data in the bottom right corner of the shipment, remembering to leave the areas around the block free of writing, marks or stamps; the sender's block must be positioned at the top left.

Characters

To print the address:

• use characters (fonts) without “embellishments” (the “pedestal” of fonts such as Times New Roman);

• choose the so-called “stick characters” (Helvetica, Arial, Lucida Console, OCR2-B) with a size between 10 and 14 points;

• avoid italic, gothic, bold, giant or graphic characters;

• Always prefer the UPPERCASE character printed in black ink. The line spacing must be single or equal to 1.5 and the alignment to the left.

Writing the address correctly

Let's look at some simple rules that concern in detail the composition of the address and the specific cases.

The address must be composed of a minimum of 3 lines and a maximum of 6 lines.

Each line is dedicated to specific information, as indicated in the following:

When writing the address remember to:

- always include the mandatory lines and follow the recommended order;

- use capital letters;

- avoid punctuation, underlining and special characters;

- indicate the house number after the street name, never before.

Locality and ZIP Code

As regards the indication of the locality and ZIP code, remember to:

- check the wording of the locality published in the “Postal Code” guide and associate the precise ZIP code relating to the locality

For direct shipments to the 41 cities divided into postal zones, use the specific ZIP code associated with the street and house number of the recipient

If your correspondence is addressed to a rural community not present in the guide, insert the ZIP code and the name of the Municipality to which the hamlet belongs

* TOVERÈ is a Fraction of the Municipality of Amalfi not present in the Postal Code guide.

Some specific cases

1. If your correspondence is addressed to a PO Box, it is necessary to indicate the wording “CASELLA POSTALE” followed by a number of up to 5 digits.

CARTOGRAFICA VERDI

CASELLA POSTALE 19123

00173 ROMA RM

2. If your correspondence is addressed to a Foreign State, remember to indicate the State in a specific line (ROW OF THE FOREIGN STATE), which will follow all the other information; the name of the country should preferably be indicated in Italian

UNIVERSITAT KONSTANZ

UNIVERSITATSTRASSE 10

78464 KONSTANZ

GERMANY

Attention: the Foreign Country Line should not be used if the correspondence is directed:

- In Italy (the country should not be indicated)

- to the Republic of San Marino and the Vatican City.

LORENZO MAGNI

ST. PETER'S SQUARE

00120 VATICAN CITY