A method for printing information on a print medium, such as a mailpiece, that includes determining a thickness of the medium while it is being transported toward a print head, such as an ink jet print head, causing the distance between the top surface of the medium the print head when the medium is located below the print head to be within a specified range based on the determined thickness, and printing the information on the print medium. Also, an apparatus includes a printing station having a print head, a transport mechanism for transporting the medium toward the printing station, and a thickness measuring mechanism. The apparatus is structured to cause the distance between the top surface of the medium and a portion of the print head when the medium is located below the print head to be within a specified distance range based on the thickness of the medium.