The post office claims that at least 10% of all standard mail is undeliverable because of inadequate addresses. In addition, the USPS estimates that 17% - 20% of all house-holds move each year. The USPS provides several methods for improving the accuracy of your database.

 

NCOA (National Change of Address) This USPS database contains approximately 110 million address changes and is updated biweekly. The NCOA database can be used before the initial mailing of the list to update individual addresses.

 

ASR (Address Service Requested) ASR provides the mailer with up to four options on how they want the USPS to handle undeliverable mail. An endorsement line will be added to your address data.

 

ACS (Address Correction Service) For a nominal fee the mailer can receive an electronic file from the USPS for undeliverable mail. An endorsement line must be added to the address data.

 

Standard Mail for the purpose of postal rates is broken into two formats:

FLATS: 6 1/8" x 11 1/2" or larger
LETTERS: 6 1/8" x 11 1/2" or less

Rates are then based on size, weight, physical characteristics (including the “droop” criteria) and then whether the piece is prepared for non-automation, automation or carrier route. The lowest rates are in the carrier route category. Automated vs. Non-Automated? Automation saves the USPS money and they provide a discount to mailers that automate. Automation requires the piece to be addressed with the correct zip code to enable proper barcoding. To qualify the list must be “cleaned” and updated in accordance with USPS regulations. While the “letter rate” is lower than the “flat rate” to claim this rate the piece must meet letter size criteria and be tabbed in a fashion to meet the postal automation standards.

 

NOTE: All mailing specifications and rates are subject to change by the USPS. Request the latest information from your account executive or your USPS representative.