602 Addressing

1.0 Elements of Addressing

1.1 Clear Space

A clear space must be available on all mail for the address, postage (permit imprint, postage stamp, or meter stamp), postmarks, and postal endorsements.

1.2 Delivery Address

The delivery address specifies the location to which the USPS is to deliver a mailpiece. Except for mail prepared with detached address labels under 4.0, the piece must have the address of the intended recipient, visible and legible, only on the side of the piece bearing postage.

1.3 Address Elements

All mail not bearing a simplified address must bear a delivery address that contains at least the following elements in this order from the top line:

a. Intended recipient’s name or other identification.

b. Private mailbox designator (“PMB” or alternative “#”) and number if the mailpiece is addressed to a commercial mail receiving agency (CMRA) address.

c. Street and number. (Include the apartment number, or use the Post Office box number, or general delivery, or rural route or highway contract route designation and box number, as applicable.)

d. City and state (or state abbreviation). The city is any acceptable mailing name for the 5-digit ZIP Code serving the intended recipient as shown in the USPS City State Product.

e. ZIP Code where required:

1. ZIP Codes are required on Priority Mail Express, commercial First-Class Mail, First-Class Package Service, Periodicals, Standard Mail, Package Services and Parcel Select mailpieces, all mail sent to military addresses within the United States and to APO and FPO addresses, official mail, Business Reply Mail, and merchandise return service mail.

2. Unless required above, ZIP Codes may be omitted from single-piece price First-Class Mail (including Priority Mail), single-piece price Standard Post, and pieces bearing a simplified address.

1.4 Complete Addresses

1.4.1 Complete Address Definition

A complete address has all the address elements necessary to allow an exact match with the current USPS ZIP+4 Product to obtain the finest level of ZIP+4 code for the delivery address. A complete address may be required on mail at some automation prices.

1.4.2 Complete Address Elements

A complete delivery address includes:

a. Addressee name or other identifier and/or firm name where applicable.

b. Private mail box designator and number (PMB 300 or #300).

c. Urbanization name (Puerto Rico only, ZIP Code prefixes 006 to 009, if area is so designated).

d. Street number and name (including predirectional, suffix, and postdirectional as shown in USPS ZIP+4 Product for the delivery address or rural route and box number (RR 5 BOX 10), highway contract route and box number (HC 4 BOX 45), or Post Office box number (PO BOX 458), as shown in USPS ZIP+4 Product for the delivery address). (“PO Box” is used incorrectly if preceding a private box number, e.g., a college mailroom.)

e. Secondary address unit designator and number (such as an apartment or suite number (APT 202, STE 100)).

f. City and state (or authorized two-letter state abbreviation). Use only city names and city and state name abbreviations as shown in USPS City State Product. Contact the National Customer Support Center (see 509.1.0) for more information about the City State Product.

g. Correct 5-digit ZIP Code or ZIP+4 code. If a firm name is assigned a unique ZIP+4 code in the USPS ZIP+4 Product, the unique ZIP+4 code must be used in the delivery address.

1.5 Return Addresses

1.5.1 Purpose for Return Address

The return address tells the USPS where the sender of a mailpiece wants it returned if the piece cannot be delivered.

1.5.2 Return Address Elements

The return address contains elements corresponding to those for the delivery address. A return address is required in specific circumstances (see 1.5.3). If the sender’s name is not included in the return address, another clear designation (apartment, suite, or room number) is required to ensure proper handling of ancillary services and/or return of the piece. ZIP Codes (5-digit or ZIP+4) are required in the return address of all mail on which postage is paid with precanceled stamps or company permit imprint, and in the sender’s return address on Periodicals mail when “Address Service Requested” is specified. Official mail (penalty mail) also requires a ZIP Code in the return address.

1.5.3 Required Use of Return Addresses

[1-27-13] The sender’s domestic return address must appear legibly on:

a. Mail of any class bearing a printed ancillary service request or an ancillary service request embedded within an Intelligent Mail barcode.

b. Official mail.

c. Mail paid with precanceled stamps (except Standard Mail pieces weighing 13 ounces or less and bearing a mailer's postmark in accordance with 604.3.4).

d. Matter bearing a company permit imprint.

e. Priority Mail (including Critical Mail).

f. Periodicals in envelopes or wrappers.

g. Standard Post.

h. Package Services (except unendorsed Bound Printed Matter).

i. Parcel Select.

j. Registered Mail.

k. Insured mail.

l. Collect on delivery (COD) mail.

m. Certified Mail if a return receipt is requested.

n. Priority Mail Express if a return receipt is requested. The return address on the Priority Mail Express label meets this standard.

o. Detached addressed labels (DALs).

1.5.4 Postmark

An endorsement directing return to point of mailing (postmark) is not honored.

1.6 Ancillary Services

The USPS uses the return address to provide ancillary services requested by the mailer (e.g., “Return Service Requested”). The return address on any mailpiece endorsed for an ancillary service must identify where the piece is to be returned and where the mailer is prepared to pay applicable postage and fees for pieces returned or for ancillary service provided at the mailer’s request. A domestic return address must be placed in the upper left corner of the address side of the piece or the upper left corner of the addressing area.

1.7 Attachment of Different Class

If the names and addresses of the sender and intended recipient do not appear on both the host and attachment, the sender’s name and address must be placed on one piece and the recipient’s name and address on the other. Combination containers that have inseparable parts or compartments are mailable with the names and addresses on only one.

1.8 ZIP Codes

1.8.1 Purpose of ZIP Code

The ZIP (Zone Improvement Plan) Code system is a numbered coding system that facilitates efficient mail processing. The USPS assigns ZIP Codes. All Post Offices are assigned at least one unique 5-digit ZIP Code. Larger Post Offices may be assigned two or more 5-digit ZIP Codes (multi-5-digit ZIP Code offices). Separate 5-digit ZIP Codes are assigned to each delivery unit at these offices.

1.8.2 ZIP+4 - A Complete ZIP Code

The most complete ZIP Code is a nine-digit number consisting of five digits, a hyphen, and four digits, which the USPS describes by its trademark ZIP+4. The correct format for a numeric ZIP+4 code is five digits, a hyphen, and four digits. The first five digits represent the 5-digit ZIP Code; the sixth and seventh digits (the first two after the hyphen) identify an area known as a sector; the eighth and ninth digits identify a smaller area known as a segment. Together, the final four digits identify geographic units such as a side of a street between intersections, both sides of a street between intersections, a building, a floor or group of floors in a building, a firm within a building, a span of boxes on a rural route, or a group of Post Office boxes to which a single USPS employee makes delivery.

1.8.3 Numeric Delivery Point Barcode

A numeric equivalent of a delivery point barcode (DPBC) consists of five digits followed by a hyphen and seven digits as specified in 708.4.2.4. The numeric equivalent is formed by adding three digits directly after the ZIP+4 code.

1.9 Additional Addressing Standards by Class

Basic addressing standards are in the Prices and Eligibility section for each class of mail.

Back to Top

2.0 Restrictions

2.1 Dual Address

Mail with a dual address (both a street address and a Post Office box number) is delivered to the address immediately above the city and state (or to the Post Office box if both the street address and Post Office box are on the same line). If a ZIP+4 code or 5-digit ZIP Code is used, it must correspond to the address element immediately above the city and state (or with the Post Office box number in the address if both the street address and Post Office box are on the same line). These restrictions also apply to return addresses on mail (for more information, see Publication 28, Postal Addressing Standards).

2.2 More Than One Post Office

Mail with the name of more than one Post Office in the delivery address or return address is not acceptable for mailing.

2.3 Mail Addressed to CMRAs

Mail sent to an addressee at a commercial mail receiving agency (CMRA) must be addressed to their private mailbox (“PMB” or “#”) number at the CMRA mailing address.

Back to Top

3.0 Use of Alternative Addressing

3.1 General Information

3.1.1 Use

[7-28-13] Alternative addressing formats may be used as described in 3.2 through 3.4.

3.1.2 Prohibited Use

[1-27-13] Alternative addressing formats may not be used on:

a. Priority Mail Express pieces.

b. Mail with any ancillary service endorsement under 507.1.1 through 507.1.8, except as allowed for First-Class Mail, First-Class Package Service parcels, or Priority Mail under 507.1.5.1b.

c. Periodicals intended to count as subscriber or requester copies to meet the applicable circulation standards.

d. Mail addressed to an overseas military Post Office under 703.2.2.

e. The following extra services:

1. Registered Mail.

2. Certified Mail.

3. Insured mail.

4. Return receipt.

5. Restricted delivery.

6. Return receipt for merchandise.

7. Signature Confirmation.

8. Collect on delivery (COD).

3.1.3 Treatment

[7-28-13] Mail with an occupant or an exceptional address format is delivered as addressed and is not forwarded. Such mail is treated as undeliverable only when the address is incorrect or incomplete or when the mail cannot be delivered for another reason related solely to the address (e.g., a vacant building), as shown in Exhibit 1.4.1. Periodicals publishers are notified when a mailpiece with an occupant or exceptional address format is undeliverable for solely address-related reasons. Mail with a simplified address format is distributed to all deliveries on a route or to Post Office boxholders. Undeliverable mail with any alternative addressing format is disposed of as waste under 507.1.9.1, except for First-Class Mail, First-Class Package Service parcels, and Priority Mail under 507.1.5.1b.

3.2 Simplified Address

3.2.1 Conditions for General Use

[1-27-13] The following conditions must be met when using a simplified address on commercial mailpieces:

a. The simplified address format (“Postal Customer” or one of the optional formats in 3.2.1a..1. through 3.2.1a..3.) must be used on mail when complete distribution is made to each family (household residence) or boxholder on a rural or highway contract route, and to Post Office boxes in offices without city carrier service. The following also apply:

1. Mailers may use a more specific address, such as “Rural Route Boxholder,” for mail intended to all boxholders on a rural route, followed by the name of the Post Office and state.

2. Mailers may use “Residential Customer” to indicate that delivery is desired to residential addresses only.

3. Use of the word “Local,” instead of the Post Office and state name, is optional; however the Postal Service recommends using the Post Office, state and ZIP Code for mail not dropshipped directly to a destination delivery unit.

4. See 3.2.2 for governmental mail and 703.6.0 for Congressional mail.

b. Standard Mail, Periodicals, and Bound Printed Matter flat-size mailpieces (including Standard Mail pieces allowed as flats under 3.2.1c.), Standard Mail Product Samples mailed at saturation (Every Door) prices, and Periodicals irregular parcels for distribution to a city route or to Post Office boxes in offices with city carrier service may bear a simplified address, but only when complete distribution is made under the following conditions:

1. Mailers must use the simplified address “Postal Customer” when complete distribution is intended to all active deliveries (residential and business) on any designated city route.

2. Mailers may use a more specific address, such as “PO Boxholder” when delivery is intended to all active Post Office boxes.

3. Mailers may use “Residential Customer” to indicate that delivery is intended only to all active residential deliveries.

4. When preparing mail to routes with 100 percent business deliveries, mailers may use "Business Customer" to indicate that delivery is intended to all active business deliveries.

5. Use of the word "Local," or the Post Office and state name, is optional; however the Postal Service recommends using the Post Office, state and ZIP Code for mail not entered at or dropshipped directly to a destination delivery unit.

6. See 3.2.2 for governmental mail and 703.6.0 for Congressional mail.

c. Standard Mail flats with simplified addresses (also known as "Every Door Direct Mail" or "EDDM") must have one dimension larger than a letter-size maximum dimension, except under 301.2.2.2. Standard Mail pieces, when mailed under conditions in 301.2.2.2 and delivered by city route delivery or Post Office Box delivery in offices with city route delivery, are considered to be flats and are charged postage for Standard Mail saturation flats. Letter-size pieces that meet the size standards in 301.2.2.2 and that are delivered by rural or HCR routes may be mailed (when entered at a BMEU) as letters or flats with simplified addresses, at the mailer's option. See 140 for more information about entering EDDM pieces (EDDM-Retail) at Retail locations.

3.2.2 Use—Governmental Mailers

When distribution is to be made to each active possible delivery on city carrier routes or to each Post Office boxholder at a Post Office with city carrier service, the addressee’s name; mailing address; and city, state, and ZIP Code may be omitted from the address only on pieces mailed as official matter by agencies of the federal government (including mail with the congressional frank prepared under 703.6.0); any state, county, or municipal government; and the governments of the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and any U.S. territory or possession listed in 608.2.0. The requirement for distribution to each stop or Post Office boxholder may be modified for congressional mail under 703.6.0. The following also applies:

a. Only these forms of address may be used instead of the addressee’s name and address:

1. “Postal Customer” (delivery desired at all addresses).

2. “Residential Customer” (delivery desired at residential addresses only).

3. “Business Customer” (delivery desired at business addresses only).

b. At least 10 days before the mailing date, the mailer must submit a sample mailpiece and the following information to the entry office postmaster (in response, the mailer receives a mailing schedule that must be followed):

1. Proposed mailing date.

2. Total number of pieces being mailed.

3. Method of postage payment.

4. Names of all city delivery Post Offices to receive any of the mailing and the number of pieces for each.

3.2.3 Mail Preparation

Mailers must prepare letter-size pieces in trays. Mailers must prepare flat-size pieces and irregular parcels in carrier route bundles in sacks or directly on pallets. Bundles, sacks, or trays may be placed on 3-digit, 5-digit, or 5-digit scheme pallets under 705.8.10. In addition to the required simplified address, each bundle must bear a facing slip showing the desired distribution (for example, 5-digit ZIP Code and route number) or the top piece of each bundle must include the route number and ZIP Code. Mailers may obtain delivery statistics for routes as described in 509.1.0. The following also applies:

a. All pieces must be in the same processing category.

b. Mailers must mark pieces according to 102, 202, 302, or 402.

c. Mailers must prepare all pieces for the same carrier route in bundles of 50, so far as practicable. If the pieces are bundled in quantities other than 50, mailers must show the actual number of pieces on the facing slip or on the top piece of the bundle.

d. If selective distribution is desired, the mailer must include enough pieces to cover the routes selected.

3.2.4 Postage

[1-27-13] Postage must be paid with permit imprint, meter indicia, precanceled stamps, or other authorized methods not requiring cancellation, according to the standards for the class of mail. Postage for pieces mailed as EDDM-Retail flats must be as described in 144.

3.2.5 Address Designation

Only the address designations in 3.2.1 or 3.2.2 may be used. Other designations (e.g., “Food Buyer,” “Voter”) are not permitted.

3.3 Occupant Address

3.3.1 Use of Occupant Address

The occupant address format (“Postal Customer” or “Occupant,” “Householder,” or “Resident”) may be used to address mail selectively to a rural route and box number, a specific street number, or a specific Post Office box number without using the addressee’s name:

Example
POSTAL CUSTOMER
2711 ORDWAY ST NW APT 204
WASHINGTON DC 20008-5036

3.4 Exceptional Address

3.4.1 Use of Exceptional Address

The exceptional address format (“Jane Doe or Current Resident” or “Jane Doe or Current Occupant”) may be used on any mail except mail types listed in 3.1.2. The word “Current” is optional. The order of the words may be reversed (e.g., “Current Resident or Jane Doe” rather than “Jane Doe or Current Resident”).

3.4.2 Placement

The exceptional address format must be placed in the address block, with the following exceptions:

a. If all the current resident/occupant information cannot be placed on the first or second line of the address, the exceptional address format may be placed no more than 3/4 inch above the address block.

b. If an optional endorsement line (OEL) is used, the mailer may elect to place the exceptional address format above the OEL. In these cases, the exceptional address format must be at least 1/2 inch, but not more than 3/4 inch, above the optional endorsement line. If a window envelope is used with an OEL, the exceptional address information may be printed either in the area on the insert showing through the window or on the envelope above the window.

Back to Top

4.0 Detached Address Labels (DALs) and Detached Marketing Labels (DMLs)

4.1 DAL and DML Use

4.1.1 Definitions

For these standards, item(s) refers to the types of mail described in 4.1.2 through 4.1.4. DALs in their basic form may be used by mailers as an optional method of addressing and printing of postage indicia on the DALs instead of printing addresses and postage on the items mailed with the DALs. DMLs are types of DALs, but also include advertising. For purposes of standards in 4.0, the term “DALs” (or “DAL”) will be used to mean both DALs and DMLs, unless a standard specifically states that it applies only to DMLs.

4.1.2 Periodicals or Standard Mail Flats Saturation Mailings

Saturation mailings of unaddressed Periodicals or Standard Mail flats may be mailed with detached address labels (DALs). For this standard, saturation mailing means a mailing sent to at least 75% of the total addresses on a carrier route or 90% of the residential addresses on a route, whichever is less. Deliveries are not required to every carrier route of a delivery unit. Saturation flats mailings presented with DALs that are not automation-compatible and barcoded do not qualify for saturation prices. Instead they may be entered at the Periodicals basic carrier route price or the Standard Mail basic Enhanced Carrier Route price. This standard (for automation-compatible barcoded DALs) does not apply to DALs with simplified addressing.

4.1.3 Standard Mail Marketing Parcels—Product Samples

[1-27-13] DALs or DMLs must be used with Standard Mail Marketing parcels mailed at targeted Product Sample prices and may be used with parcels mailed at saturation Product Sample prices.

4.1.4 Bound Printed Matter

Unaddressed pieces of Bound Printed Matter may be mailed with DALs when:

a. The mail is prepared on 5-digit pallets meeting the standards in 705.8.0, except that for flat-size mail, separate 5-digit pallets of carrier route and Presorted price mail are not required. The destination delivery unit (DDU) is determined using the Drop Shipment Product under the provisions for the DDU price in 366.3.0 through 366.6.0 or 466.3.0 through 466.6.0. The mail may not be prepared on pallets when the Drop Shipment Product indicates that the delivery unit that serves the 5-digit pallet destination cannot handle pallets. For such delivery units, mail with DALs must be prepared in sacks. The trays or cartons of DALs must be prepared under 4.3, placed on the same pallet as the pieces, and must be stretch-wrapped together as one unit.

b. The mail is prepared in 5-digit sacks and entered at the destination delivery unit. The destination delivery unit is determined by using the Drop Shipment Product under the provisions for the DDU price in 366.3.0 through 366.6.0 or 466.3.0 through 466.6.0. DALs must be bundled under 4.3 and presented to the destination delivery unit with the accompanying items to be distributed with the DALs.

4.1.5 Alternative Addressing Format

DALs may have alternative addressing formats under 3.0, subject to the applicable standards.

4.1.6 Documentation

When requested by the USPS, DAL mailers must provide documentation to establish that the applicable distribution standards in 4.1.2 through 4.1.4 are met.

4.1.7 Extra Services

Items mailed with DALs may not be combined with any extra service.

4.2 Label Preparation

4.2.1 Label Construction

Each DAL must be made of paper or cardboard stock that is not folded, perforated, or creased, and that meets these measurements:

a. Between 3-1/2 and 5 inches high (perpendicular to the address).

b. Between 5 and 9 inches long (parallel to the address).

c. At least 0.007 inch thick, except under 4.2.1d..

d. If more than 4-1/4 inches high or more than 6 inches long, must be at least 0.009 inch thick.

e. Must have an aspect ratio (length divided by height) from 1.3 to 2.5, inclusive.

4.2.2 Addressing

[1-27-13] The address for each item must be placed on a DAL, parallel to the longest dimension of the DAL, and may not appear on the item it accompanies. The DAL must contain the recipient’s delivery address and the mailer’s return address. In addition, if DALs accompany saturation mailings of Periodicals or Standard Mail flats, a correct Intelligent Mail barcode with an 11-digit routing code must be printed on each DAL except when using a simplified address.

4.2.3 Ratio

Only one DAL may be prepared for each accompanying item, and only one item may be identified for delivery per DAL (a single DAL may not be prepared to deliver one each of different accompanying items or multiples of the same item).

4.2.4 Required Information

The following words must appear in bold type at least 1/8 inch high on the front of each DAL: “USPS regulations require that this address label be delivered with its accompanying postage-paid mail. If you should receive this label without its accompanying mail, please notify your local postmaster.” The title or brand name of the item (which may include an illustration of the item) must also appear on the front or back of the DAL to associate it with the accompanying item.

4.2.5 Other Information

In addition to the information described in 4.2.2 and 4.2.4, and an indicium of postage payment, only official pictures and data circulated by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children may appear on the front of a DAL. Advertising may appear on a DML, under the following conditions:

a. The DMLs must meet the physical characteristics for DALs under 4.2.1 and have a correct Intelligent Mail barcode with an 11-digit routing code (see 708.4.0).

b. The advertising must not obstruct or overlap any of the required elements on the front of a DML.

c. The advertising must be to the left of the delivery address and placed to maintain required clear spaces around the address and postage payment (see 202 and 1.0).

4.3 Mail Preparation

4.3.1 Notice to Delivery Office

Each delivery office to receive a DAL mailing must be notified in writing at least 10 days before the requested delivery period. To ensure that the delivery office can readily relate the notice to the cartons containing the corresponding items, a copy of that letter must be enclosed with the DALs unless the initial notice and the cartons used for the DALs and items each conspicuously bears a mailing identification number. The letter must contain the following information:

a. Name and telephone number of mailer or representative.

b. Origin Post Office of mailing.

c. Expected mailing date.

d. Description of mailing.

e. Number of addressees for each 5-digit ZIP Code.

f. Number of DALs per carton or bundle.

g. Number of items per carton or bundle.

h. Expected delivery period (range of dates).

i. Requested action for excess or undeliverable DALs or items (see 4.4).

4.3.2 Basic Standards for DALs

[1-27-13] The DALs must be presorted, counted, and prepared by 5-digit ZIP Code delivery area. Only DALs for the same 5-digit area may be placed in the same carton, sack, or tray. DAL mailings claimed at carrier route basic or walk-sequence prices must be further prepared under the corresponding standards. Mailers must prepare DALs as bundles in sacks or in cartons, unless prepared in trays under 4.3.7 when mailed with saturation flats or with Product Samples. Different size cartons may be used in the same mailing, but each must be filled with dunnage as necessary to ensure that the DALs retain their orientation and presort integrity while in transit. Each carton of DALs must bear a label showing the information in 4.3.5 unless a mailing identification number is used (see 4.3.1). Multiple containers of DALs must be numbered sequentially (“1 of __,” “2 of __,” etc.).

4.3.3 Basic Standards for Items Distributed With DALs

[1-27-13] Except for bundles of saturation flats or Product Samples placed directly on pallets under 4.3.7, the items to be distributed with DALs must be placed in cartons or prepared in bundles placed in sacks, subject to the standards for the price claimed. A label bearing the content description information in 4.3.5 must be affixed to each carton, sacked bundle, or pallet unless a mailing identification number is used (see 4.3.1). Cartons of items (including those on pallets) may be of different sizes but must be filled with dunnage as necessary to ensure the integrity of the items while in transit. The gross weight of each carton or sack must not be more than 40 pounds.

4.3.4 Combined Cartons

Both the DALs and the accompanying items may be enclosed in the same carton when sent to a small volume 5-digit ZIP Code area. If packed together, these standards apply:

a. The DALs must be bundled and labeled under 4.3.2 and placed on top of the items.

b. The carton must be packed with dunnage to ensure the integrity of the contents while in transit.

c. The gross weight of the carton must not exceed 40 pounds.

d. The exterior of the carton must be labeled under 4.3.5 and marked “DALs ENCLOSED” in letters not less than 1/2 inch high.

4.3.5 Container Labels

Sacks, cartons, and pallets of DAL mail must be labeled under the preparation standards for the price claimed. A second label must be affixed to each carton or sacked bundle to provide the following information (unless a mailing identification number is used under 4.3.1):

a. Delivery Post Office name and 5-digit ZIP Code delivery area.

b. Title, brand name, or other description of the items.

c. Name and telephone number of the mailer or representative.

d. Number of labels or items in the carton, as applicable.

e. Instructions to open and distribute either the DALs with matching items or the items with matching DALs, as appropriate.

4.3.6 Optional Tray and Bundle Preparation

[1-27-13] Mailers may prepare DALs in letter trays according to 245.6.0 when DALs are used in mailings of saturation flats or Product Samples. Bundles of saturation flats and bundles of Product Sample parcels to be distributed with DALs may be prepared on 5-digit (and 5-digit scheme under L606 for parcels) pallets under 4.3.7. Do not use pallets when the Drop Shipment Product indicates the delivery unit that serves the 5-digit pallet destination cannot handle pallets. For such delivery units, mail with DALs must be prepared in cartons or sacks. The tray(s) of corresponding DALs must be placed on top of the accompanying pallet of flats, and the pallet contents must be secured with stretchwrap to avoid separation in transportation and processing. All containers must be labeled according to 4.3.5.

4.3.7 Optional Container Preparation

[1-27-13] Bundles of flats, bundles of Product Samples, and cartons or sacks of items may be placed on pallets meeting the standards in 705.8.0. Cartons or trays of DALs must be placed on pallets with the corresponding items under 4.3 and 705.8.0. The USPS plant manager at whose facility a DAL mailing is deposited may authorize other containers for the portion of the mailing to be delivered in that plant's service area.

4.4 Disposition of Excess or Undeliverable Material

4.4.1 Excess Material

The letter required under 4.3.1 must either request that the delivery office contact the mailer (or representative) about excess DALs or items, or provide instructions for their treatment. (If the mailer does not provide information about excess DALs or items, such material is disposed of as waste by the USPS.) The mailer must choose one of the following options for each DAL mailing and the items:

a. Disposal of any excess material as waste.

b. Return of the excess material to the mailer, postage due at the applicable single-piece price under 4.5.

c. Holding of the excess material for pickup by the mailer (or representative). If pickup is not made within 15 calendar days of the notice to the mailer, the material is returned to the mailer postage due.

d. Holding of the excess material while additional DALs or items are supplied (as applicable). If additional material is not supplied within 15 days of the notice to the mailer, the excess material is returned to the mailer postage due. Additional material must be sent prepaid to the delivery Post Office as First-Class Mail, Priority Mail, or Priority Mail Express.

4.4.2 Undeliverable DAL

Ancillary service endorsements are not permitted. A DAL that is undeliverable as addressed is handled under 507.1.1 through 507.1.9 for the applicable class of mail. The accompanying item is treated as specified by the mailer under 4.4.1.

4.5 Postage

4.5.1 Prices

DAL mailings are not eligible for automation prices, but the pieces may qualify for carrier route prices, subject to applicable standards. Mailers must pay a surcharge for each DAL used with Standard Mail flats. See Notice 123—Price List for prices.

4.5.2 Postage Computation and Payment

[1-27-13] Postage is computed based on the combined weight of the item and the accompanying DAL. If the number of DALs and items mailed is not identical, the number of pieces used to determine postage is the greater of the two. No postage refund is allowed in these situations. In addition, these methods of postage payment apply:

a. Periodicals flats must be prepaid. A notice of entry must appear in the upper right corner of the DAL.

b. Standard Mail flats and parcels (at the applicable postage) and Bound Printed Matter pieces must be paid by permit imprint, which must appear on each DAL.

c. A surcharge applies to each DAL (including DMLs) used in a Standard Mail flats mailing and to each DAL (or DML) used with pieces mailed at Standard Mail Product Sample saturation parcel prices.

4.5.3 Returns

Postage for excess or undeliverable DALs that are properly endorsed or for items being returned is computed at the single-piece price (First-Class Mail, Priority Mail, or Package Services) applicable to the combined weight of the DAL and the accompanying item, regardless of whether both are returned. The total amount due for returned material, which includes the return postage and the applicable address correction fee for each DAL or item returned, is collected when the material is returned to the mailer.

4.5.4 Additional Items

Postage for additional material (DALs or items) mailed to the USPS under 4.4.1d must be prepaid as First-Class Mail, Priority Mail, or Priority Mail Express, subject to the eligibility standards for the price claimed and the conditions in 4.5.2.

Back to Top

5.0 Move Update Standards

5.1 Basic Standards

The Move Update standard requires the periodic matching of a mailer's address records with customer-filed change-of-address orders maintained by the USPS. Each address, except for mail bearing an alternative address format (under 3.0), in a mailing at commercial First-Class Mail presorted or automation prices, First-Class Package Service presorted parcel prices, Standard Mail, or Parcel Select Lightweight prices is subject to the Move Update standard and must meet these requirements:

a. Each address and associated addressee used on the mailpieces in a mailing must be updated within 95 days before the mailing date, with one of the USPS-approved methods in 5.2.

b. The Move Update standard is met when an address used on a mailpiece in a mailing at any class of mail is updated under 5.2, and the same address is used in a First-Class Mail, First-Class Package Service, Standard Mail, or Parcel Select Lightweight mailing within 95 days after the address has been updated.

5.2 USPS-Approved Methods

[1-27-13] The following methods are authorized for meeting the Move Update standard:

a. Address Change Service (ACS).

b. National Change of Address Linkage System (NCOALink). This includes both pre-mail NCOALink processing systems and the physical mailpiece processing equipment system: National Change of Address Linkage System Mail Processing Equipment (NCOALink MPE). See the NCOALink page (NCOALink MPE Solutions) on ribbs.usps.gov for more information on the MPE application.

c. Applicable ancillary service endorsements under 507.1.5.1 or 507.1.5.3, except “Forwarding Service Requested.”

d. For First-Class Mail, and First-Class Package Service only: Mailer Move Update Process Certification and USPS-approved alternative methods for mailers with legitimate restrictions on incorporating USPS-supplied change-of-address information into their mailing lists. The National Customer Support Center (see 608.8.1 for address) administers and approves both Mailer Move Update Process Certification and alternative methods.

5.3 Mailer Certification

The mailer's signature on the postage statement certifies that the Move Update standard has been met for each address in the corresponding mailing presented to the USPS.

Back to Top

6.0 ZIP Code Accuracy Standards

6.1 Basic Standards

Except for mail bearing a simplified address, addresses used on pieces in a mailing at commercial First-Class Mail, First-Class Package Service presorted parcel, Standard Mail, Parcel Select Lightweight, and Bound Printed Matter presorted and carrier route prices are subject to the ZIP Code accuracy standard and must meet these requirements:

a. Each address and associated 5-digit ZIP Code on the mailpieces in a mailing must be verified and corrected within 12 months before the mailing date with one of the USPS-approved methods in 6.2.

b. If an address used on a mailpiece in a mailing at one class of mail and price is verified and corrected with an approved method, the same address may be used during the following 12 months to meet the ZIP Code accuracy standard required for mailing at any other class of mail and price.

6.2 USPS-Approved Methods

The following methods meet the ZIP Code accuracy standard:

a. For computerized lists, Coding Accuracy Support System (CASS)-certified address matching software and current USPS City State Product, within a mailer's computer systems or through an authorized service provider.

b. For manually maintained lists or small computerized lists, options include the following:

1. Surveys of addressees on mailer's address list inquiring about the accuracy of ZIP Code information.

2. Any mailing list service in 507.8.0.

3. An authorized service provider.

4. CASS-certified matching software.

5. USPS Web site www.usps.com.

6.3 Mailer Certification

The mailer's signature on the postage statement certifies that the ZIP Code accuracy standard has been met for each address in the corresponding mailing presented to the USPS.

Back to Top