USPS Mailing Tips - HeadLogix-MailObjects/Forum GitHub Wiki
Important
Permit Imprint Registration Docufree or Headlogix must provide a company permit imprint number for an MSP CRID under their own USPS gateway account. This is a mandatory requirement for system integration.
2.1 USPS Container Type Matrix
| Mail Class | Processing Category | USPS Container Type |
|---|---|---|
| First-Class Mail | Letter-size | Letter tray (with sleeve) |
| Flat-size | Flat tray (with green lid) | |
| Parcel | Sack (Green) | |
| Priority Mail | All Categories | Sack (Orange) |
| Periodicals | Letter-size | Letter tray (with sleeve) |
| Flats/Parcels | Sack (Brown) | |
| Standard Mail | Letter-size | Letter tray (with sleeve) |
| Flat/Parcel | Sack (White) |
To qualify for commercial permit imprint discounts, the entire mailing must meet the following piece counts:
- First-Class Mail: 500 pieces (200 for single-piece fallback).
- USPS Marketing Mail™: 200 pieces (or 50 lbs).
- Bound Printed Matter: 300 pieces.
- Parcel Select: 50 pieces.
Note
Presort Logic: Presort must be performed sequentially from the finest level (5-Digit) to the highest level (Mixed ADC). Each level must be exhausted before moving to the next.
- Automation: Requires 100% barcoding with an Intelligent Mail barcode (IMb) and correct delivery point routing.
- Machinable: Must meet specific USPS physical standards for automated sorting equipment.
- 5-Digit: Pieces sharing the same 5-digit ZIP.
- 3-Digit: Pieces sharing the first 3 digits of the ZIP.
- ADC / AADC: Pieces sharing an Area Distribution Center.
- Mixed ADC: The final catch-all level for residual mail.
4.1 ACS (Address Correction Service) - Preferred for Billing
- OneCode ACS: Efficient and low-cost; uses the IMb.
- Full-Service ACS: Lowest fees; requires full-service technical compliance.
- Traditional ACS: Highest fees; used for legacy manual processes.
- Pros: No license fees; no minimum volume; no special certification required.
4.2 NCOA (National Change of Address) - Preferred for Marketing
- Mechanism: Pre-mailing list cleansing against the USPS database.
-
Requirements: * Minimum of 100 unique addresses.
- Expensive license fees.
- Requires proof of certification to the USPS.
- Address Service Requested: Forwarded (months 1-12); returned with new address (months 13-18).
- Return Service Requested: Piece returned immediately with the new address attached.
- Change Service Requested: Piece disposed of by USPS; electronic notice sent to sender.
- Face-All Rule: All mailpieces must face the same direction in the tray.
- Full Tray Rule: Trays must be filled to capacity (approx. 500 letters for a 2ft tray) before an overflow tray is started.
- Weight Limits: First-class letters must not exceed 3.5 oz.
- Permit Maintenance: Permit accounts must be verified every 2 years to remain active.
| Category | Requirements / Technical Details |
|---|---|
| Mailing Preparer (Agent) | • One CRID per Location • Multi MID9 for Containers and Handling Unit Barcodes • One Permit for OB (Outbound Mailing) per Location • One EPS Account per Permit |
| Mailing Owner | • One CRID per Location (for PO BOX or Headquarter Office Address) • Multi MID9 for Mailpiece Barcodes • One Permit for (Q)BRM (Business Reply Mail) • One EPS Account per Permit • One Permit for Outbound Mailing (Optional) |
| USPS Mailing Definitions | • Automation: Requires DeliveryPoint in IMb barcodes • Non-Automation: IMb contains only 9-digit Zipcode • Full Services: Requires Unique Serial Numbers in IMb barcodes • Basic Service: Uses static Serial Number in IMb barcodes • Mixed Mailing: Combination of Basic + Full Services • Special Note: A MailPiece can be Non-Automation Presorted (or Non-Presorted) and still qualify for Full Services • Commingle Mailing: Combination of different Mailing Owners • Combined Mailing: Combination of different Mail Classes (First-Class, Standard/Marketing, Periodical, etc.) • Consolidated Mailing: Copalletizing trays or bundles into different pallets |
