Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for applying labels to documents, such as mail pieces is provided. According to one aspect, a method and apparatus are provided for applying labels to documents, wherein labels are serially peeled from a liner along the width of the liner and then transported toward a document by a label transport. The labels are conveyed along the transport so that a short side of the label is the leading edge. In addition a method and apparatus are provided wherein labels are applied by removing a first label from a web, conveying the label along a label path to a staging position and then conveying the label toward a document path where the label is adhered to a document.