Z

absentee balloting materials Postcard applications, ballots, voting instructions, and envelopes sent through the mail without postage prepayment. This public service enables U.S. expatriates, members of the Armed Forces in active service, and the U.S. Merchant Marine (and their spouses and dependents) to apply for registration and to vote when absent from the place of voting residence. PC

accelerated reply mail ARM Origin Caller Service provided for barcoded reply mail at a postal facility other than the one to which the caller’s mail is actually addressed. Reply mail from the caller’s customers is captured on processing equipment programmed to include the unique ZIP+4 barcode assigned to the caller as part of the scheme sort at selected processing and distribution centers. The captured mail is held out for either immediate pickup by the caller or reshipment by USPS via Priority Mail Express service to the facility to which the caller’s mail is addressed. (Compare with destination Caller Service.) SS

accountable mail Mail that requires the signature of the addressee or addressee’s agent upon receipt to provide evidence of delivery or indemnification for loss or damage. Accountable mail includes Priority Mail Express service and Special Service mail such as Certified Mail, Collect on Delivery, Insured Mail for more than $200, Registered Mail, Return Receipt, and Signature Confirmation. RE

accountable materials Certain items of inherent monetary value. These include postal items such as International Reply Coupons, postage stamps, philatelic products, Stamped Envelopes and Stamped Cards, blank Postal Money Order forms, or any unsold item awaiting destruction. Accountable materials also include service items provided to the general public on half of certain federal agencies such as migratory bird hunting and conservation stamps. (See also stamp credit.) RE

accounting service center ASC An accounting and disbursing facility that provides accounting support for postal activities. Each ASC specializes in one or more functions: Minneapolis, MN, payroll; San Mateo, CA, accounts payable, assets, and Centralized Account Processing System (CAPS); and St. Louis, MO, Postal Money Orders, customer insurance claims and inquiries for lost or damaged mail, processing PS Form 1412, Daily Financial Report, travel vouchers, and reconciliation of stock shipments. FI

Address Change Service ACS™ An automated address correction process that provides to participating mailers a data file containing change-of-address and undeliverable-as-addressed information. ACS is used in conjunction with Ancillary Service endorsements Change Service Requested and Address Service Requested. Three ACS products are available: (a) traditional ACS, in which the mailer modifies the address block to include an ACS Participant Code (#B) and optional keyline; (b) OneCode ACS, in which the mailer requests ACS using the Intelligent Mail barcode; and (c) Full Service ACS, in which the mailer uses the Intelligent Mail barcode and also presents mail that qualifies for Full Service discounts. Fees charged for ACS vary by mail class, mail shape, and mail product. (See also Move Update.) AM

address correction service A system of Ancillary Service endorsements that enables a mailer to obtain an addressee’s new (forwarding) address if it is actively on file with USPS or the reason for nondelivery for an undeliverable-as-addressed mailpiece. This service is available alone using the Change Service Requested endorsement or as part of other Ancillary Service endorsements such as Address Service Requested in which the mail is forwarded and a separate notice of the new address is provided to the sender. AM

Address Element Correction AEC A process that identifies and revises incomplete or incorrect computerized address files and then attaches ZIP+4 and carrier route codes. It entails computer matching address records that cannot be coded using CASS-Certified address matching software. AEC can correct or add missing address elements (e.g., directionals like N or NW or street suffixes like AVE or DR) and return a standardized address along with information identifying the correction. AM

Address Management Services AMS A stand-alone Special Service available for a fee that mailers use to correct name and address lists, to correct occupant lists, to sort mailing list addresses to the finest possible ZIP Code level, or to sort mailing lists on cards by 5-digit ZIP Code. The Special Service includes address management products such as software and database files (e.g., Delivery Point Validation (DPV)). USPS also provides address changes to election boards and voter registration commissions. AM

Address Matching System Application Programming Interface AMS API Software used to develop address matching software. AMS API gives access to USPS matching logic that can be used to verify the accuracy of ZIP+4 returns. AMS API may be integrated within a manufacturers’ product and redistributed by the manufacturer. AM

Address Service Requested An Ancillary Service endorsement printed on mail by the sender that directs USPS to forward undeliverable-as-addressed mail and provide the sender notice of the new address. If no change-of-address order is on file or the time period for forwarding has expired, the piece is returned to the sender with the reason for nondelivery attached. Fees charged can vary by mail class and product. AM

Address Sequencing An Address Management Service in which address cards are arranged in order of delivery for city routes, rural routes, highway contract routes, and Post Office Box sections. For a qualifying mailer, address cards with either blank cards added (for missing addresses) or cards containing missing and new addresses may be added. Electronic Address Sequencing service is available for mailers who can electronically submit address files for sequencing. AM

Adjusted Service Commitment exclusion period ASC exclusion period The time during the year (the holiday mailing season in December) when service measurement results for Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail Express International, and 3- to 5-day First-Class Mail services are not factored into the cumulative year-to-date scores for service products. During the exclusion period, performance data is available to guide management and is included in the externally reported corporate performance but is not factored into Pay for Performance. FI

Administrative Support Manual ASM A directive that contains policy and procedures for various administrative and support functions. These include postal organization, audits and investigations, communications, relations with other organizations, facilities and equipment, support services, supply management, and information resources. It is one of the policy manuals. CO

Adult Signature A Competitive Ancillary Service that requires the recipient of the mailpiece to be 21 years of age or older. The service has two options: (a) Adult Signature Required, in which anyone 21 years of age or older at the delivery address may sign for the mailpiece; and (b) Adult Signature Restricted Delivery, which requires the signature of the addressee or an authorized agent of the addressee, either of which is 21 years of age or older. PC

Advanced Computing Environment ACE A systematic and cost-effect approach to manage information technology (IT) infrastructure by centralizing acquisition, development, and maintenance. ACE includes applications and data, information technology services, and information technology infrastructure, along with technical information, design rules, configuration details, and procedures appropriate to transition from centralized to distributed computing. IT

Advanced Facer Canceler System 200 AFCS 200 A major upgrade to the Advanced Facer Canceler System with Optical Character Reader (AFCS/OCR) that retains all the functionality of the AFCS/OCR and adds image-based indicia detection, a switchback module that switches trail-oriented mail to lead orientation, a POSTNET barcode printer, and a two-tier 12-bin stacker module. The AFCS 200 faces and cancels collection mail, reads barcodes on prebarcoded mail, and identifies by OCR and prints a POSTNET barcode on mail that is not already barcoded. Most mail from an AFCS 200 can bypass the Delivery Bar Code Sorter/Output Subsystem (DBCS/OSS) and flow directly to a DBCS. EN

Advanced Facer Canceler System with Optical Character Reader AFCS/OCR A machine with many components that culls, faces, and cancels through a series of automated operations First-Class Mail letter-size pieces received primarily from collection mail. The machine first culls or removes pieces that are too thick, too stiff, too long, or too tall. It then reads the indicia area to edge, face, and cancel the remaining letter mailstream and sorts the letters into one of seven stackers (six accept stackers and one bypass (reject) stacker). Two of the accept stackers (lead and trail) are for facing identification mark (FIM) mail, two are for mail local to the processing facility, and two are for outgoing mail. The FIM mail is taken from the AFCS/OCR directly to a delivery bar code sorter (DBCS). The local and outgoing mail is taken to a DBCS/OSS to have the POSTNET barcode printed and for further sorting. EN

Advance Notification A system that transmits information from mail.dat and PostalOne! data via Facility Access and Shipment Tracking (FAST) system to business mail entry units and processing facilities about the name of the mailing, approximate size, induction location, and approximate induction date. IM

Advance Notification and Tracking System An Internet-based application that facilitates the delivery and tracking of qualified Standard Mail pieces and Periodicals pieces with specific in-home delivery windows. It also provides mailers with delivery performance reports and data for each mailing. DE

AEC II® Service An enhancement to Address Element Correction that identifies and corrects nonmatching addresses using the computer program Delivery Force Knowledge™. The addresses are submitted, via AEC II, to delivery units to resolve address elements or determine the existence of the addresses. AM

alternate access channel A customer access point to postal products and services other than through a traditional postal facility such as a Post Office staffed by employees. Alternate access channels include Automated Postal Center kiosks; contract postal units; online services such as Click-N-Ship service at usps.com; Stamps on Consignment sold through commercial outlets such as drug stores and grocery stores; Stamps by Mail service; and USPS Approved Shipper. Also called alternative retail service. RP

Alternate Postage Payment Method for Greeting Cards An experimental product that provides a means by which individuals can mail greeting cards without affixing postage. The company producing the cards pays postage through a two-stage process. First, at least 50 percent of the postage is paid to USPS based on the company's reports of how many cards are sold to customers. Once cards are sold to individual customers, this payment is retained by USPS regardless of whether the cards are also mail. The remainder of the postage is collected based on scans of the Intelligent Mail barcodes printed on the card envelopes. MS

Alternate Work Schedule AWS A program for eligible, full-time FLSA exempt employees that allows them to work extended days during each 2-week pay period to meet the full-time requirements of their positions in fewer than the usual 10 days. The expectation is that participants will generally work a minimum of 40 hours each week, subject to their status as FLSA-exempt employees. HR

American Postal Workers Union, AFL-CIO APWU The labor union that is the exclusive bargaining representative of all employees in the bargaining unit for which it has been recognized and certified at the national level. APWU members are in the following bargaining units: clerk, maintenance, material support, and motor vehicle. The Information Technology/Accounting Service Center bargaining unit is also represented by the APWU but with a separate agreement. HR

AM Standard Operating Procedures AMSOP A national program that standardizes morning delivery office procedures and management processes. It includes training in functional tools and data systems, audits of work processes and schedules, reviews of equipment utilization, and use of the Integrated Operating Plan to coordinate handoffs between delivery units and mail processing facilities. DE

Ancillary Service (1) Formally, an optional Special Service purchased for a fee in addition to the postage applicable to the mail class or product. These optional services vary in nature, and most may be purchased only for specific mail products or mailpiece shapes. Ancillary Services include Address Correction Service; Applications and Mailing Permits; Business Reply Mail service, Merchandise Return Service, and Bulk Parcel Return Service; Certified Mail; Certificate of Mailing; Collect on Delivery; USPS Tracking; Insurance; Parcel Airlift Service; Registered Mail; Return Receipt; Restricted Delivery; Shipper-Paid Forwarding; Signature Confirmation; Special Handling; and Stamped Envelopes, Stamped Stationery, and Stamped Cards. (2) Informally, forwarding, return, disposal, or address correction service provided by USPS for undeliverable-as-addressed (UAA) mail. The mail class or product determines the availability of a service and any charge if and when the service is rendered. (See also Extra Service and International Ancillary Service.) SS

ANKLink® An enhancement to NCOALink software that allows authorized licenses to acquire 30 months of limited change-of-address data beyond the 18-month period of complete data available through NCOALink software. Although ANKLink software does not return the new address as done by NCOALink software, it indicates customer moves for addresses that have occurred in months 19 to 48, along with the move effective date. Although never written out, the initials ANK represent “Address Not Known.” AM

Annual Compliance Determination ACD A report issued by the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) in response to the Annual Compliance Report submitted by USPS to the PRC. The PRC determines whether any price or fee in effect during the year under review were not in compliance with applicable provisions and whether any service standards were not met. GC

Annual Compliance Report ACR A report submitted by USPS to the Postal Regulatory Commission under the Postal Act of 2006 that presents an analysis of costs, revenue, pricing, and quality of service for all products. For market dominant products, the report also presents measures of customer satisfaction and information about discounts and market tests. GC

Annual Performance Plan A concise list of corporate targets for the coming year. All federal agencies, including USPS, are required to publish annual performance targets by the Government Performance and Results Act of 1993 (GPRA). The Annual Performance Plan is incorporated in the Comprehensive Statement on Postal Operations. SP

Annual Performance Report A document that publishes USPS results against its major annual corporate targets for the year. All federal agencies, including USPS, are required to publish annual results by the Government Performance and Results Act of 1993 (GPRA). The Annual Performance Report is incorporated in The Comprehensive Statement on Postal Operations. SP

Annual Report A document that presents by fiscal year financial data with statements of operations, balance sheets, and statements of cash flows. It contains an overview of the business, describes risk factors, and contains data and statistics such as mail volume and revenue by class and service, number of employees, number of postal facilities, and number of delivery points. FI

appropriation Public funds set aside by Congress as reimbursement for USPS costs for performing certain purposes. USPS is authorized to receive appropriations for (a) public service costs incurred by providing a maximum effective degree of universal mail service; and (b) revenue foregone for providing free mailings to the blind and to overseas voters. GC

area distribution center ADC A mail processing facility that receives and distributes mail destined for specific ZIP Code ranges. An ADC is one of the points within the national distribution network as is defined by the first three digits of the ZIP Code of the Post Offices it serves MP

à remettre en main propre (French) An endorsement used for international restricted delivery. The piece is marked A REMETTRE EN MAIN PROPRE or the equivalent in a language known in the destination country. The service, which requires delivery to the addressee in person, is not available from USPS. Mailpieces with this endorsement are stamped “Restricted Delivery.” IN

arrow lock A special type of brass and steel security lock installed in street collection boxes, storage boxes, apartment boxes, banks of apartment house mailboxes, cluster boxes such as neighborhood delivery and collection box units, and other postal mail-receiving receptacles. The name of the lock comes from an image of an arrow stamped below “U.S. Mail” on the reverse side. A special arrow lock key is used to access the lock. DE

arrow lock key A distinctively shaped key used by carriers to open mail-receiving receptacles such as street collection boxes and panels of apartment house mailboxes equipped with an arrow lock. The bow (top of the key) is stamped with an image of an arrow below “U.S.P.S.” Arrow keys are accountable property and are subject to strict controls. DE

ASF (1) A presort level in which all pieces in the bundle or container are addressed for delivery in the service area of the same auxiliary service facility (ASF). (2) An abbreviation used on mail container labels that identifies the contents as ASF mail (i.e., the ZIP Codes on the mail are served by the ASF). PC

aspect ratio The dimension of a mailpiece expressed as a ratio of length (the direction parallel to the address) divided by height. For example, a postcard 5-1/2 inches long by 3-1/2 inches high has an aspect ratio of 1.57. An aspect ratio between 1.3 and 2.5, inclusive, is required for automation compatibility. For First-Class Mail letters, aspect ratio determines whether a nonmachinable surcharge applies. PC

attachment (1) A letter or other piece of mail placed in an envelope and affixed to the address side of another mailpiece (host piece). The attachment can be of the same mail class as the host or, where permitted, of another class such as an enveloped First-Class Mail piece attached to the outside of a Package Services parcel. The price for the attachment depends on the mail class of the host piece and whether the attachment is incidental to (i.e., closely associated with) the host piece. (2) A ride-along piece attached to an individual copy of Periodicals mail. (3) A repositionable note. (4) Stickers, pressure-sensitive release cards, or similar items on the outside of a mailpiece if permitted by mailing standards. (See also incidental attachment, mixed classes, and nonincidental attachment.) (Compare with enclosure.) PC

fautomated area distribution center AADC An automated mail processing facility that receives and distributes mail destined for specific ZIP Code ranges. An AADC is one of the points within the national distribution network as defined by the first three digits of the ZIP Code of the Post Offices it serves. MP

Automated Business Mail Processing System ABMPS A system that translates the address on a customer’s Business Reply Mail piece into a barcode consisting of a series of small vertical bars printed in the lower right corner of the mailpiece. The system enables identification and sorting by high-speed automated equipment. EN

Automated Enrollment System AES A computer-based training enrollment network with links between the Technical Training Center in Norman, OK, and the Material Distribution Center and the postal employee development centers. HR

Automated Package Processing System APPS An automated parcel and bundle sorting system that uses a carousel-type cross belt sorter subsystem capable of processing 9,500 pieces per hour. The system incorporates automatic package singulation, address recognition, and online remote video coding. A data system collects detailed information about each package such as package type, size, and weight. Systems are equipped with one or two feed systems and configured with 100-, 150-, or 200-output bins. EN

Automated Postal Center® APC® A self-service kiosk that allows customers to mail letters, flats, and packages; buy stamps and some Special Services; and mail international letters. It also offers ZIP Code and tracking lookup and provides information on different services. This equipment is generally located in Post Office lobbies and in some locations provides customers 24-hour access. RP

Automatic Density Analysis Profile Technique ADAPT A computerized program that counts the amount of mail (by volume and bin destination) processed on letter sorting machines. Densities are calculated for each bin, based on the accumulated volume processed, to determine sort schemes. EN

Automatic Tray Handling System ATHS An enhancement to the Automated Flats Sorting Machine 100 (AFSM 100) that improves productivity by automatically exchanging full mail trays with empty ones, applying tray labels to the replacement trays, sweeping the AFSM 100 full trays after operation, and reloading empty trays. EN

auxiliary rural carrier An employee who serves an auxiliary rural route (a route not designated as a regular rural route). Normally, the position is filled with the temporary assignment of a substitute rural carrier, rural carrier associate, or rural carrier relief. The designation auxiliary rural carrier applies only to such carriers hired before 1981. DE

balloon price A dimensional-based price that is charged for bulky lightweight Priority Mail (zones 1 through 4), Standard Post, and Parcel Select pieces weighing less than 20 pounds and measuring more than 84 inches but no more than 108 inches in combined length and girth. Postage is calculated at the appropriate 20-pound rate. Also called balloon rate. PC

barcode BC A series of vertical bars and spaces that represent any numerical series, most often a ZIP Code for the delivery address on a mailpiece. Barcodes are used on individual mailpieces as well as labels on larger units such as trays, sacks, and pallets containing mailpieces or containers containing larger units such as sacks or trays on pallets. The barcode facilitates automated processing by barcode readers and scanners. Barcodes used for postal processing include Intelligent Mail, POSTNET, PLANET, Code 39, USS Code 128, and GS1-128. EN

Barcode Certification A program that evaluates manufacturers' printers, computer software, and computer systems that produce a barcode in order to certify that the barcode meets required USPS dimensional specifications. AM

barcode sorter BCS A computerized machine that sorts letter-size mail by using a barcode reader to interpret an imprinted barcode. This machine consists of a mail feed and transport unit, barcode reader, stacker module, and associated electronic equipment that can sort into a large number of separations. EN

bargaining unit An organized group of employees found appropriate for representation by Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA) and voted on by employees who are represented by a labor union in their dealings and negotiations with management for wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment. Also called collective bargaining unit. HR

bargaining unit employee A career or noncareer employee who is represented by a labor organization (union) that negotiates with USPS for wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment. Bargaining unit employees include city carriers, clerks, information technology employees (Information Technology/Accounting Service Center), machinists (tool-and-die), mail handlers, maintenance employees, motor vehicle operators, nurses, postal police officers, and rural carriers. Transitional employees are noncareer bargaining unit employees. HR

basic marking A marking on the face of a mailpiece that shows the mail class name (e.g., “First-Class”) or product name (e.g., “Media Mail”) or authorized abbreviation that must be printed or produced as part of; directly below; or to the left of the permit imprint, meter imprint, or postage stamp. The basic marking when combined with any price-specific marking indicates to USPS the service level to be provided and price category claimed. PC

Board of Governors BOG The group that directs the exercise of the powers of USPS. Nine governors are appointed by the President of the United States, with the advice and consent of the Senate. The remaining members are the postmaster general (appointed by the governors) and the deputy postmaster general (appointed by the governors and the postmaster general). The board directs and controls the expenditures and reviews the practices and policies of USPS. GC

Bound Printed Matter BPM A Package Services product weighing not more than 15 pounds that consists of permanently bound sheets of which at least 90% are printed with advertising, promotional, directory, or editorial matter (or a combination of such matter). Examples include book, catalog, and telephone directory. PC

BOUND PRINTED MATTER The Bound Printed Matter product marking that is used on the face of a mailpiece to indicate to USPS the service level to be provided and, when combined with other price-specific markings, to show the product or price category claimed. The marking can also be abbreviated BPM. PC

boxholder firm A customer who has an assigned box/caller or phantom box number. The customer’s incoming mail must be regularly distributed by name on the primary or secondary distribution operation(s) or the box section primary. If the mail is distributed to a number series separation on the box primary case, it is not a direct boxholder firm. MP

BPM The authorized Bound Printed Matter product marking abbreviation that is used on the face of a mailpiece to indicate to USPS the service level to be provided and, when combined with other price-specific markings, to show the product or price category claimed. The marking can also be represented with BOUND PRINTED MATTER. PC

Breakthrough Productivity Initiative BPI A nationwide program that identifies, documents, and replicates operational process improvements to standardize operations, increase efficiency, and reduce costs. The savings are used as a component of the field budget allocation. FI

bulkie (informal) A regular-size envelope that contains an object making the mailpiece nonmachinable (such as a pen, film roll, or thermometer). The envelope must be culled to protect both mailpiece and mail processing equipment. Also called heavy or slug. MP

bulk mail Specifically, mail that is rated for postage in a mailing partly by weight (by bulk) and partly by volume (by number of pieces). The term often refers to Standard Mail service, which has such a price structure and, in the past, displayed the class marking BULK RATE (or abbreviation BLK. RT.) in the permit imprint indicia. Broadly, the term can designate quantities of mail prepared for mailing at reduced postage prices such as a presorted mailing of catalogs that requires verification. PC

Bulk Parcel Return Service BPRS A service that allows high-volume mailers of Standard Mail machinable parcels that are either undeliverable-as-addressed or opened and returned without payment of additional postage by addressees to be routed to designated postal facilities. A BPRS mailer can pick up the returned parcels from the designated facilities or have them delivered by USPS. The mailer pays an annual permit fee, and a flat-rate price per piece is deducted from an advance deposit account for each returned parcel. PC

bulk rate (informal) The postage price for mailpieces that are part of a large mailing and meet minimum volume and preparation requirements. The term is most often applied to Standard Mail mailings, which usually consist of a per piece price plus a per pound price and which formerly used in the postage indicia the marking BULK RATE (or abbreviation BLK. RT.). The term comes from the concept of weighing and rating mail in bulk as part of the postage computation. PC

bundle (1) A group of addressed mailpieces assembled, faced in the same direction, and secured together by means such as rubber bands or shrinkwrap to make up a basic unit of bulk or presorted mail for processing. Pieces in the bundle are within the same sortation level (e.g., all pieces in the bundle are destined for the same 5-digit ZIP Code or same 3-digit ZIP Code prefix). Bundles are placed into mail processing containers like trays or sacks or onto pallets. The term does not apply to pieces grouped or prepared loose in trays. (Formerly called package.) (2) To assemble individual mailpieces having a common destination point and to tie together to maintain the facing and of the delivery addresses of the pieces and the integrity of the common destinations. MA

business collection route A city route where mail is collected by a carrier from street boxes and from mail chutes and receiving boxes in buildings located within business areas. Carriers can also collect single-piece price mail from large businesses if the mail does not require verification. Routes are usually motorized because of the volume of mail collected and the number of stops made. DE

Business Customer Gateway A single, unified landing point on usps.com to access USPS online offerings. It consists of products that support Intelligent Mail, including the PostalOne! system, the Facility Access and Shipment Tracking system, Customer Label Distribution System, and Mailer IDs, as well as customer service and products for designing and preparing mail and for tracking and reporting, IM

business mail acceptance BMA The process of receiving mail from mailers for induction into the mailstream and establishing and maintaining business mailing accounts, verifying the preparation and eligibility of the mail, assessing proper postage, and charging the mailer’s business account with the correct postage for each mailing. Business mail acceptance generally takes place in a business mail entry unit or a detached mail unit. MA

Business Service Network BSN A nationwide group of trained specialists that supports the largest postal customers and serves as a single point of contact for resolving service issues, providing information, and handling requests. The BSN is positioned to increase customer satisfaction and revenue growth and retention by working with mail processing, transportation, delivery, mail acceptance, and other functions to improve service mainly for managed accounts. SA

bypass mail (1) Metered mail, permit imprint mail, and official mail arriving at a Post Office that does not require preparation before outgoing distribution. (2) Mail made up directly to delivery routes by mailers that can bypass the distribution cases. (3) Mail improperly entered into the mailstream without verification of preparation and postage payment. MA

cage (1) A secure, enclosed area in a Post Office or postal facility, separated from the rest of the workroom, where Registered Mail pieces and other accountable mail are kept. (2) The secure finance area in a delivery unit where accountable mail and keys are signed out by carriers before they leave the unit to begin mail delivery. DE

California Climate Action Registry CCAR A clearinghouse for organizations to register voluntarily their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. A founding member, USPS has committed to measure, verify, and report its GHG emissions annually to CCAR. USPS is also a member of CCAR’s sister agency, the Climate Registry. SU

Caller Service A stand-alone Special Service that provides an optional delivery service for a fee at a Post Office to customers with large volumes of mail, to customers needing multiple separations, or to customers who need a Post Office Box number address when no Post Office Boxes are available. Caller Service can be provided as destination Caller Service or origin Caller Service. PC

CardStore.com An online usps.com service that enables a customer to create and pay for customized greeting cards and similar mailpieces. After the data files are received, the cards are printed, addressed, stamped, sorted with other CardStore cards ordered by customers, and presented by a contracted firm to USPS for sorting and delivery. Also called CardStore. (See also Click2Mail.com and Premium Postcard.com.) US

career appointment A personnel action for a position without time limit requiring the completion of a probationary period that confers full employee benefits and privileges. The term can apply to (a) new employees, (b) former employees who are reinstated, (c) employees transferring from federal agencies, and (d) current employees who choose to transfer to or from the rural carrier craft. HR

Carrier Alert A community service program started in 1981 in which a carrier attempts to detect possible illness or accident suffered by the customer (e.g., elderly persons or persons with disabilities). When alerted by an accumulation of mail, the carrier reports the matter through management to local social service agencies for appropriate follow-up. This service is provided jointly with private agencies and USPS, the National Association of Letter Carriers, and the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association. DE

carrier route CR (1) The addresses to which a carrier delivers mail. In common usage, carrier route includes city routes, rural routes, highway contract routes, Post Office Box sections, and general delivery units. (2) A presort level in which all pieces in the bundle or container are addressed for delivery to the same city route, rural route, highway contract route, Post Office Box section, or general delivery unit. (3) A price category available for some mail classes or products prepared at a carrier route presort level. PC

Carrier Route product An address management file that contains reference data that mailers need in order to apply carrier route codes to address records. Addresses containing carrier route codes can then be presorted to the carrier route level. AM

Carrier Sequence Barcode Sorter CSBCS An automated machine that sorts an individual carrier’s mail, allowing the mail to go directly from the automation equipment in delivery sequence to the carrier for delivery to postal customers. The CSBCS is a smaller BCS designed for delivery units with 10 or more routes. These machines are being phased out. EN

case (1) A piece of equipment that contains labeled separations into which clerks or carriers manually sort letters, flats, or irregular parcels. Cases are designed to allow flexible configuration of the separations, and they can be expanded by attaching additional cases (wing cases) on either side. (2) To sort mail into a case. To place letter and flat mail into the separations of a carrier case. (3) To place flat mail in delivery sequence outside a case using the delivery order shown for the letter mail. MP

case label (1) A long strip of heavy paper, cardboard, or other material that shows names or numbers and individual addresses assigned to a carrier route. It is placed below the separations on the carrier case. (2) A tag of heavy paper or cardboard on a clerk distribution case that shows Post Office, state, ZIP Code, or other designation. It is placed above the case separation or box as a distribution guide. Also called header or label strip. MP

catalog Specifically, Bound Printed Matter consisting entirely of advertising. The term is also applied more generally to mailpieces of any mail class, especially Standard Mail pieces, mainly consisting of mail-order advertising. PC

Centralized Account Processing System CAPS A postage payment system that business mailers can use to fund permit imprint, Business Reply Mail service, Merchandise Return Service, postage due, USPS Corporate Accounts, and Address Element Correction. CAPS is an electronic alternative to presenting checks and cash for postage and fees at multiple Post Offices. CAPS offers two account types: a centralized trust fund account using electronic funds transfer to the CAPS bank prior to mailing and a centralized debit account in which a customer designates a debit-enabled bank account for postage charges. FI

Centralized Postage Payment CPP A postage payment system that allows publishers of authorized Periodicals publications entered at three or more Post Offices to pay postage at the Pricing and Classification Service Center rather than through individual accounts maintained at each entry Post Office if they meet certain requirements concerning multiple plants and/or multiple publications at multiple sites. MA

Certified Mail™ A Special Service that provides the sender with a mailing receipt and, upon request, electronic verification that an article was delivered or that a delivery attempt was made. A fee is charged for the service in addition to postage. Customers can retrieve the delivery status at usps.com; through a 1-800 telephone number; or by bulk electronic file transfer for mailers who provide an electronic manifest to USPS. No insurance coverage is provided with the service. USPS maintains a record of delivery (which includes the recipient’s signature) for a specified period of time. Customers may obtain a delivery record by purchasing Return Receipt service at the time of mailing, or they may request delivery information after mailing. PC

Change-of-Address Forms Processing System CFPS A Postal Automated Redirection System subsystem that automates the data entry of change-of-address forms by optical scanning of the information submitted by customers. AM

Change Service Requested CSR An Ancillary Service endorsement printed on mail by the sender that directs USPS to handle undeliverable-as-addressed mail according to the option selected by the sender: (a) Option 1, the mail is disposed of; (b) Option 2, the mail is forwarded if a change-of-address order is on file and a notice of the new address is provided to the sender or the mail is disposed of if it cannot be forwarded. AM

Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee CSAC A group of individuals (non-USPS employees) appointed by the postmaster general to evaluate proposals for postage stamp subjects and to recommend those subjects to be adopted for postage stamps and postal stationery. Established in 1957, the CSAC includes designers, historians, educators, and philatelists with backgrounds related to the subjects and stamp design. ST

City Delivery Variance CDV An online management tool that analyzes employee complement, workhours, productivity, workload, routes, and delivery. CDV calculates actual versus earned variances against standardized target productivity expectation and trends the performance down to the unit level. CDV uses integrated data from the Delivery Operations Information System (DOIS), eFlash, and WebCoins to identify savings opportunity in a relevant and actionable performance management platform. DE

City State An address management ZIP Code file that includes the city, county, and Post Office name associated with each identified ZIP Code. It can be used to validate the city name and ZIP Code that is part of a mailing address and to link to other address management products. Also called City State File. AM

Civil Service Retirement System CSRS One of two federally administered retirement plans under which USPS employees are covered. CSRS is considered a defined benefit, contributory retirement system because employees share in the expense of the annuities to which they become entitled. Employees under CSRS pay no Social Security taxes other than Medicare tax, and make a contribution to the plan based on a percentage of their gross income. USPS puts an additional amount into the plan based on a percentage of employee income. Most eligible career employees hired on or after January 1, 1987, are covered by the Federal Employees Retirement System. HR

class marking Required wording or corresponding abbreviation that appears on the face of the mailpiece to identify a mail class (e.g., STANDARD MAIL or the authorized abbreviation STD) or a product (e.g., Standard Post or the authorized abbreviation SP). The class marking indicates the level of service to be provided and, when combined with any required price-specific marking, the price claimed and eligibility for processing on automation equipment. Also called basic marking or product marking. PC

Click-N-Ship® CNS An online USPS shipping application through usps.com that enables customers to print shipping labels with postage from their own computers. Additional functionalities include an address book, shipping history, batch label capability, integration with the Shipment Confirmation Acceptance Notification (SCAN) form, multiple payment options, and linking to scheduling a pickup. US

Click2Mail.com An online usps.com service managed by a licensee that enables a customer to design, address, and pay for customized mailings of cards, letters, or flats. After the data files are received, the mailpieces are printed, addressed, sorted, and presented by a contracted firm to USPS for further sorting and delivery. Also called Click2Mail. (See also CardStore.com and PremiumPostcard.com.) US

CMM® (1) An abbreviation used on mail container labels that identifies the contents as Customized MarketMail pieces. (2) A price-specific marking that is combined with the required basic class marking to indicated eligibility for the Standard Mail Customized MarketMail price. The price-specific marking can also be represented with CUST MKTMAIL or CUSTOMIZED MARKETMAIL. PC

cobundling An alternative preparation method for First-Class Mail pieces that allows the combining of flat-size automation price and Presorted price pieces within the same bundle under the single minimum bundle size requirement. MA

Code of Federal Regulations CFR A codification of the rules published in the Federal Register by executive departments and agencies of the federal government. USPS regulations found in the Domestic Mail Manual and International Mail Manual, are incorporated by reference in title 39 of the code. Title 39 presents USPS regulations for governance that include the Board of Governors, Post Office services, organization and administration, restrictions on the private carriage of letters, personnel, postage programs, procurement, debt obligations and Postal Money Orders, environment, and rules of procedure and practice. Title 39 also contains regulations for the Postal Regulatory Commission and regulations for market dominant and competitive products. (See also Mail Classification Schedule.) GC

Coding Accuracy Support System CASS™ A certification process offered to mailers, service bureaus, and software vendors that standardizes addresses in address lists and improves the accuracy of matching each standardized address to the proper delivery point code, ZIP+4 code, 5-digit ZIP Code, and carrier route code. CASS certification provides a common platform to measure the quality of address matching software and to diagnose and correct software problems. Only software and products can be CASS certified. Addresses run through CASS-certified software are accurately said to be CASS processed. AM

coil A roll of postage stamps one stamp wide (usually in quantities of 50, 100, 3,000, or 10,000) produced in a long single row with a straight edge on parallel sides and perforations or diecuts on the other two sides. The coil format enables the mechanical application of affixing stamps to large-volume mailings and dispensing stamps from vending machines. The term coil is derived from the action of winding long strips into rolls. ST

collect To pick up from customers or collection boxes letters, flats, and parcels that are to be entered into the mailstream as mail for processing and subsequent delivery. It is the opposite function of deliver, which is the transfer of mail from USPS to customers. DE

collection (1) The pickup of prepaid letters, flats, and lightweight parcels from street collection boxes, Post Office lobby drops, and other public deposit points. This operation is usually scheduled to meet mail processing and dispatch requirements. (2) The term also applies broadly to the pickup of prepaid letters, flats, and parcels from business and residential customers in the course of mail delivery. DE

collection box A four-footed, free-standing blue-painted street box that is used by the public to deposit outgoing prepaid letters, flats, and lightweight parcels. It has a rounded top and a protective opening cut in near the top that pivots to open and close to receive and protect the items. Each box is secured with special security lock called an arrow lock. The box has a uniform appearance and a nationwide identification system that shows USPS logo, type of service, and collection times provided at each box. In addition to the standard size box, there are larger boxes for high-volume areas, a Priority Mail Express box, and a relay box. (See also high density collection box and jumbo collection box.) DE

Collection Point Management System CPMS A Web-based management tool that supervisors use to monitor collection schedules and maintain the facilities information. This system lets district, area, and national users review and track collection point information nationally. CPMS directly impacts External First-Class Measurement (EXFC). DE

Collect on Delivery COD A Special Service for mailers who need to mail an article for which they have not received payment from the addressee. The amount due the mailer sending the article is collected from the addressee either in cash or by a personal check, and USPS returns the amount due to the mailer. The fee for mailing COD articles is in addition to postage. PC

Combined Input/Output Subsystem (CIOSS) CIOSS An extension of the Delivery Barcode Input/Output Subsystem (DIOSS) sorter that incorporates additional components for use in Postal Automated Redirection System (PARS) processing. These operations are essentially made up of image lift of PARS and Carrier Intercept mailpieces for analysis by PARS (Lift Mode) and subsequent application of forward labels to these pieces in a second operation (Label Mode). CIOSS can also perform all letter mail sort operations that DIOSS and Delivery Bar Code Sorter (DBCS) systems perform, up to and including delivery point sequencing (DPS) operations. EN

combined mailing (1) A mailing in which individually addressed mailpieces of the same mail class and generally of the same price category are merged and sorted together, usually using two or more postage payment methods. A combined mailing can also consist of nonidentical-weight permit imprint mailpieces or pieces with different prices of postage affixed. (2) A Periodicals mailing that merges copies or bundles of copies of different publications to achieve the finest presort level possible or to reduce the total Outside-County postage. Each publication in a combined mailing must be authorized (or pending authorization) to be mailed at Periodicals prices. (3) A permit imprint parcel mailing that can contain Standard Mail, Package Services, and Parcel Select pieces. (4) Creation of one parcel from separate and distinguishable pieces of Media Mail and Bound Printed Matter for the same addressee, if the combined pieces form a regular machinable parcel. MA

commercial price (1) A general term that distinguishes postage prices such as presorted or automation prices available to mailers who meet various preparation requirements and minimum volumes versus retail prices (i.e., single-piece prices) available to the public and not requiring special preparation or minimum volumes. (2) Commercial Base and Commercial Plus prices. PC

competitive products A category of postal products and services (commonly referred to as shipping services) for which similar products and services are offered by private sector carriers. Pricing changes occur annually, and USPS is free to price competitive products as long as they cover their costs, are not subsidized by market dominant products (also known as mailing services), and make an appropriate contribution to institutional costs. Competitive products include Priority Mail Express service, Priority Mail service, Parcel Select service, Parcel Return Service, Premium Forwarding Service, and most international mail products except First-Class Mail International service, which is categorized as a market dominant product. (Compare with market dominant products.) GC

Competitive Products Fund A statutory accounting construct established in the U.S. Treasury by 39 USC 2011 through which are deemed to flow all of the costs and revenues of competitive products. It is a revolving USPS fund without fiscal year limitation for the payment of costs attributable to competitive products and all other costs incurred by USPS to the extent allocable to competitive products. USPS deposits into the fund revenues from competitive products, amounts received from USPS-issued obligations, interest and dividends earned on investments of the fund, and any other receipts to the extent allocable to competitive products. The official name is Postal Service Competitive Products Fund. (See also competitive products.) GC

complete address An address that has all the address elements necessary to allow an exact match with the current USPS ZIP+4 and City State files to obtain the finest level of ZIP+4 and delivery point codes for the address. It is normally a standardized address and contains three required address lines in order from top to bottom: recipient line (personal name or organizational name), delivery address line (street address), and last line (city, state, and ZIP Code line). It can also include an optional attention line above the recipient line. AM

Computerized Forwarding System CFS A centralized, computerized address label-generating operation that performs address correction services and forwards or returns undeliverable-as-addressed (UAA) mail that cannot be processed in the Postal Automated Redirection System. Data to support CFS is derived from the change-of-address information supplied by customers as well as information in address databases. AM

Computerized On-Site Data Entry System CODES A computerized data entry system that uses portable computers to record data for the In-Office Cost System and other statistical programs that are designed to attribute costs to and report revenue, pieces, and weight for each mail class and product. CODES also provides administrative processing and telecommunications. FI

concentration and convoy CON-CON (1) The concentration (amassing at specific points) and convoy (transport) of Registered Mail pieces under controlled conditions. The pieces are dispatched by air to and/or from designated airports with the CON-CON program. (2) A lockable rectangular container made of heavy-duty plastic used to transport Registered Mail pieces originating at a CON-CON point. MP

Confirm® A subscription-based stand-alone Special Service that provides an authorized subscriber with data electronically collected from the scanning of specially barcoded mailpieces as they pass through automated mail processing operations. Confirm service lets mailers receive near real-time processing data and determine estimated delivery information electronically to track their outgoing and incoming mail. The acronym originally signified Computerized Online Notification for Inbound Reply Mail when the service was first launched for incoming mail only. PC

Consolidator A mailing agent who aggregates mailings into a single mailing, especially plant-verified drop shipment (PVDS) mailings, prepared by individual mailers and cleared at the origin office. The consolidator then transports the aggregated mailing for entry at a destination facility such as a sectional center facility. MA

consumer commodity A hazardous material that is packaged and distributed in a quantity and form intended or suitable for retail sale and designed for consumption by individuals for their personal care or household use purposes. This term can include certain drugs or medicines. Not all hazardous material permitted to be mailed as a limited quantity can qualify as a consumer commodity. PC

container (1) Generally, anything that may be used for mailing letters, flats, or merchandise such as envelopes, rolls and tubes, boxes, and crates. (2) Any mail transport equipment used to hold more than one mailpiece. The term includes a sack, pouch, hamper, nutting truck, basket, letter tray or flats tray and a variety of boxes and carts. (3) Mail transport equipment used to move mail in a postal facility or between authorized postal facilities. This equipment includes the Amtrak container, network distribution center over-the-road (NDC-OTR) container, NDC in-house container, CON-CON container, multipurpose containers (eastern region mail container and general purpose mail container), and wire container. MP

Contract Access Retail System CARS A USPS-provided mailing system that incorporates the essential retail functions of a contract postal unit along with automated daily accounting and reporting to enable performance-based contracts and analysis of transaction types. RE

contract postal unit CPU A postal unit that is a subordinate unit within the service area of a main Post Office. It is usually located in a store or place of business and is operated by a contractor who accepts mail from the public, sells postage and supplies, and provides selected Special Services (e.g., Postal Money Order or Registered Mail). Also called contract branch, contract station, and community Post Office unit. RE

contribution Revenue per piece minus attributable cost per piece. The difference between the revenue earned from a mail class and the volume-variable costs for that mail class. For example, if a mail class earns $1.5 billion and its volume-variable costs are $1 billion, the mail class covers its costs and the difference of $500 million is the contribution made by that mail class to USPS costs of operating. FI

Corporate Business Customer Information System CBCIS An integrated system that provides revenue and volume data by compiling actual postage payment and volume data from financial systems such as Postal One! system, Official Mail Accounting System (OMAS), National Meter Account Tracking System (NMATS), and Electronic Marketing Reporting System (EMRS). SA

Corporate Customer Contact CCC An organization that provides technology-assisted guidance and information for USPS products and services through a toll-free call center infrastructure that centralizes customers calls. CR

cost ascertainment group CAG A method that classifies Post Offices according to volume of revenue generated. CAG A-G offices have 950 or more revenue units; CAG H–J offices have 190 to 949; CAG K offices have 36 to 189; and CAG L offices have fewer than 36. Formerly, Post Offices were classified as first-, second-, third-, and fourth-class offices. FI

cost center A postal facility that reports financial transactions through one of the approved revenue systems. Each cost center is assigned a 10-digit number (6-digit finance number plus 4–digit unit ID). Cost centers report their financial activity each day that they are scheduled to be open for business. FI

counterfeit (1) A forged stamp, other official or authorized form of postage (e.g., a Stamped Card or Information-Based Indicia), or a Postal Money Order or other item, including identification documents and official filings, intended to be sold as genuine and deceive postal authorities. (2) To make for use or sale a fraudulent reproduction of a postage stamp, other official or authorized form of postage, Postal Money Order, or similar postal items of value. IS

counterstack To build a stable bundle of flats or other pieces of nonuniform thickness by first dividing the pieces into approximately equal groups with addresses face up and rotating each group 180 degrees from the preceding and succeeding groups as the groups are placed on top of each other. Counterstacking stabilizes bundles placed on pallets and creates bundles that take up less space in mailing containers. MA

Cradle to Cradle certification C2C A scientifically based process and system of certification that establishes 39 specific criteria to assess the environmental attributes of inputs and outputs used in manufactured goods. Most Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, and ReadyPost packaging and other products are Cradle to Cradle certified. “C2C Certification” is a protected term of McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry (MBDC). SU

craft A designation used to classify various related employee positions within a broader group that is a bargaining unit represented by a union. The craft is determined by the type of work performed and the similarity of duties and responsibilities shared by the employees such as those in the clerk craft or the maintenance craft. HR

Critical Mail A category of Priority Mail that is available for automation-compatible letters and flats bearing an Intelligent Mail barcode. Critical Mail is charged a flat rate across all destination zones regardless of weight, with separate prices for letters and flats. USPS-produced Critical Mail envelopes are required. Mailers must have a customer commitment agreement and mail more than 5,000 Priority Mail and Critical Mail pieces during a calendar year. SH

critical entry time CET (1) For mailers, the latest time that a reasonable amount of a mail class or product can be received at the platform at designated induction points in the postal network for it to be processed and dispatched in time to meet service standards (i.e., the latest time when mail can be presented to postal operations of Day Zero processing). (2) For USPS, the latest time that committed mail can be received in an operation and still be processed before clearance time to meet the service standard for mail processing, dispatch, and final delivery. MP

cross-docking A dock transfer that entails transporting mail that has not and will not be processed in the facility. Mail or equipment may be transported directly between two vehicles, between a vehicle and a staging area, or between two staging areas. The staging areas may be on the platform or inside the facility. MP

cull (1) To remove nonletter mail (such as small parcels, rolls, and odd-shaped material) from letter mail (and nonmachinable mailpieces from machinable and automation pieces) by hand or machine. During culling, specials (such as accountable mail) and flats are segregated from other letter mailpieces. (2) To remove mail from containers such as sacks or trays for the first time before it enters the mailstream. MP

Customer Experience Measurement CEM A survey system that measures the end-to-end experience of doing business with USPS and how customers view service quality. It aims to improve understanding of where customer expectations are not met so effective improvements can be made. CEM replaced Customer Satisfaction Measurement. CA

Customer ID CID A repository of customer name and address data that is used to match and cross-reference customer data across many customer-facing USPS systems. It assigns a unique 10-digit ID number to every business entity or individual person at an address who uses a service of USPS. SA

customer mail receptacle Every letterbox or other receptacle intended or used for the receipt or delivery of mail on any city delivery route, rural delivery route, highway contract route, or other mail route is designated an authorized depository for mail within the meaning of 18 USC 1702, 1705, 1708, and 1725. Door slots and nonlockable bins or troughs used with apartment house mailboxes are not letterboxes within the meaning of 18 USC 1725 and are not private mail receptacles for the standards for mailable matter not bearing postage found in or on private mail receptacles. The post or other support is not part of the receptacle. DE

Customer Registration ID CRID A number up to 15 digits long that is created by the Customer Registration system in the Business Customer Gateway that uniquely identifies a customer at a location and connects the customer’s company information by physical address across multiple applications and to any account established for the customer. A CRID is associated with every customer regardless of permit number or Mailer ID and is confidentially treated like an account number. IM

Customer Service Staffing Opportunity Model CSSOM A performance management tool developed to improve operational efficiency by identifying earned workhours and complement. The user can drill down from the national level to just a finance number. Managers can identify offices with opportunity in Customer Service staffing using various reports that show workhour variances and trends in current and projected workloads. RE

Customer Service Variance CSV An electronic management tool using nationally established factors that helps align and optimize staffing to changes in customer transactions in Post Office retail lobbies. CSV uses automated data sources such as Facilities Database (FDB), End of Run (EOR), eFlash, Retail Datamart (RDM), Address Management System (AMS) and WebCOINS. RE

customer/supplier agreement CSA A written notice that confirms, for a commercial mailer, the origin-entry preparation requirements and the acceptance window times necessary for mail to be considered entered into the postal network on Start-the-Clock Day Zero (Day-0). Day-0 represents the date a mailpiece enters the mailstream and the date when the clock starts for purposes of service performance measurement. A CSA typically includes a schedule of transportation times, mail containerization specifications, designated postal mail facility entry locations, and time-sensitive mail entry instructions. MA

Customized Postage A Special Service that is a product/service provided by authorized PC Postage vendors that allows customers to personalize and print postage with photographs or other graphics that are reviewed by the vendors and determined to comply with USPS policy. PT

data conversion operator DCO An employee at the remote encoding center (REC) who views images of unreadable addresses transmitted to the REC from a processing facility and keys in the appropriate information to resolve the address so that the mailpiece can be processed. MP

DDU (1) A presort level in which all pieces or all pieces in the bundle or container are addressed for delivery within the service area of the same destination delivery unit (DDU) and entered by the mailer at that facility. (2) A price category or discount available for some mail classes or products prepared at a DDU presort level. Some mail classes or products require further sortation by carrier line of travel or walk sequence. PC

deadhead (1) To unload the mail from a vehicle then drive the empty vehicle back to its point of origin or to another point without picking up any more mail. (2) To retrace part of a route without delivering mail, such as along a street with houses on one side only. (3) To travel over a part of the line of travel of a route on which no deliveries are made. TR

Delivery Bar Code Sorter/Output Subsystem DBCS/OSS A version of the Delivery Bar Code Sorter (DBCS) system modified with a high-speed ink jet printer (IJP) and interface to the decision storage unit (DSU) that allows the printing of POSTNET barcodes on ID-tagged mail that has been coded by back-end processes such as remote computer reader (RCR) or recognition (REC) keying. The DBCS/OSS supports all other operations performed by the standard DBCS system, up to and including delivery point sequencing (DPS) operations. EN

Delivery Bar Code Sorter Input/Output Subsystem DIOSS A multifunction letter mail processing system based on the Delivery Bar Code Sorter (DBCS) with additional components for optical character recognition (OCR) and image lift to the Input Subsystem (IPSS) as well as supporting Output Subsystem (OSS) capabilities to spray barcodes on back-end processed mail. This system can perform all operations of the standard DBCS, up to and including delivery point sequencing (DPS) operations. EN

Delivery Confirmation™ DC or DelCon A Special Service that provides information about the date and time an article was delivered or, if delivery was attempted but not successful, the date and time of the delivery attempt. USPS Tracking included in all Priority Mail and Standard Post) service is available only at the time of mailing, and no record is kept at the office of mailing. Two service options are available: (a) an electronic option for mailers who apply identifying barcodes to each piece, submit an electronic file, and retrieve delivery status information electronically; or (b) a retail option for mailers who purchase the service at an Automated Postal Center (APC) or affix a USPS-provided barcoded label and retrieve delivery status via usps.com or by telephone. (See also Signature Confirmation™.) PC

delivery point DP (1) A single mailbox or other place to which mail is delivered. A street address does not necessarily represent a single delivery point because a street address such as one for an apartment building may have several delivery points. (2) A specific set of digits between 00 and 99 assigned to every address that is combined with the ZIP+4 code to provide a unique identifier for every delivery address. The DP is encoded within the POSTNET or Intelligent Mail barcode. AM

delivery point barcode DPBC A general term for a POSTNET barcode that contains the nine digits of the ZIP+4 code plus two digits, which are generally the last two digits of the primary street address number (or Post Office Box, etc.). The barcode can also be formed from firm (unique) 5-digit ZIP Codes and individual (unique) ZIP+4 codes. The DPBC allows automated sortation of letter mail to the carrier level in walk sequence. The term is not used for an Intelligent Mail barcode containing a delivery point code. EN

delivery point code DPC In mail processing and address management, the finest depth of code to which a mailpiece can be sorted by its address. It is usually the 11–digit numeric code formed from the ZIP+4 code and the last two digits of the primary street address number (or Post Office Box, etc.) and represented by the delivery point barcode. The DPC can also be a firm (unique) 5-digit ZIP Code or an individual (unique) ZIP+4 code. AM

delivery point sequence DPS (1) The arrangement of mail into delivery order by using the delivery point code and other data elements. (2) An automated process of sorting mail by carrier routes into delivery order, eliminating the need for carriers to sort the mail manually in the delivery unit prior to their departure to the routes. (3) The sort plan or scheme in which letter mail is sorted to walk sequence for carrier routes using barcode sorting equipment such as the delivery bar code sorter. Depending on the barcode sorting equipment, DPS typically entails two or three passes to reach walk sequence order. (4) To sort mail into delivery order using this automated process. MP

Delivery Point Validation DPV® An address management product that identifies whether a ZIP+4 coded address is currently represented in USPS delivery file as a known address record. The DPV product enables users to confirm known USPS address as well as identify potential addressing issues that could hinder delivery. AM

Delivery Sortation Management Automation Research Tool DSMART An Internet-based application that provides consolidated analysis of letter mail quality by comparing counts of mail through final pass automation equipment with the Address Management System database and Delivery Point File in order to improve address quality. AM

Delivery Type An address management database file that identifies the types of deliveries made to each ZIP Code (i.e., street addressed delivery, rural addressed delivery, PO Box delivery, general delivery, military ZIP Code, unique ZIP Code, and other or nonactive delivery). It also includes state abbreviation and county name and number. AM

Department of State mail Certain types of personal mail transmitted by the U.S. Department of State to authorized U.S. citizens who are employees of the federal government stationed abroad. Authorized mailers pay domestic postage prices and are not subject to foreign customs clearance standards. Some Department of State branch Post Offices are designated as Diplomatic Post Offices in the address line. IN

designation/activity code DAC The combination of the two-digit designation code that indicates an employee’s type of position and workforce designation followed with the one-digit activity code that indicates functional area in which the employee is assigned. FI

destination area distribution center price DADC price A Periodicals price for pieces properly prepared and entered by the mailer at the area distribution center (ADC) or other postal facility designated as an ADC that serves the delivery address on the mail. The mailer receives the lower price because of the reduction in USPS transportation and distribution costs. PC

destination delivery unit DDU The delivery unit or other postal facility designated by USPS as a delivery unit where a mailer enters mail destined for addresses served by the carriers of the unit. Mail entered correctly at a DDU may be eligible for a DDU discount or price. MP

destination delivery unit price DDU price Periodicals, Parcel Select, and Bound Printed Matter prices for pieces properly prepared and entered by the mailer at the delivery unit that serves the delivery address on the pieces. The mailer receives the lower price because of the reduction in USPS transportation and distribution costs. PC

destination entry (1) The deposit of plant-verified drop shipment mail by the mailer at a postal facility such as a delivery unit, sectional center facility, or network distribution center that serves the delivery address of the mail. (2) A price category or discount for certain types of mail. PC

destination entry discount A postage reduction from a base price for mail that a mailer transports directly to a postal facility. Generally, the closer the facility is to the final delivery, the deeper the discount or lower the price. Also called drop shipment discount to underscore the act of depositing mail at a postal facility where USPS processes the mail for delivery within the service area of the facility. PC

destination entry price A postage price lower than the related nonentry price for mail that a mailer transports directly to a postal facility. Generally, the closer the facility is to the final delivery, the lower the price. Also called drop shipment price to underscore the act of depositing mail at a postal facility where USPS processes the mail for delivery within the service area of the facility. PC

destination network distribution center discount DNDC discount A Standard Mail discount for pieces properly prepared and entered by the mailer at the network distribution center or other postal facility designated as an NDC that serves the delivery address on the pieces. The mailer receives the discount because of the reduction in USPS transportation and distribution costs. PC

destination network distribution center price DNDC price Periodicals, Parcel Select, and Bound Printed Matter prices for pieces properly prepared and entered by the mailer at the network distribution center or other postal facility designated as an NDC that serves the delivery address on the pieces. The mailer receives the lower price because of the reduction in USPS transportation and distribution costs. PC

destination sectional center facility discount DSCF discount A Standard Mail discount for pieces properly prepared and entered by the mailer at the sectional center facility (SCF) or other postal facility designated as an SCF that serves the delivery address on the pieces. The mailer receives the discount because of the reduction in USPS transportation and distribution costs. PC

destination sectional center facility price DSCF price Periodicals, Parcel Select, and Bound Printed Matter prices for pieces properly prepared and entered by the mailer at the sectional center facility (SCF) or other postal facility designated as an SCF that serves the delivery address on the pieces. The mailer receives the lower price because of the reduction in USPS transportation and distribution costs. PC

Diplomatic Post Office DPO A designated USPS civilian Post Office that falls under the jurisdiction of the postmaster of either New York or San Francisco. These facilities are operated and managed by the Department of State to serve overseas personnel at U.S. embassies and consulates. Department of State mail addressed to a DPO shows in the last line address information “DPO” and the appropriate two-letter state abbreviation (AA, AE, or AP), followed by the ZIP+4 or 5-digit ZIP Code. IN

directional An address element that indicates a geographic directional name such as N, S, E, W, NE, NW, SE, and SW. A directional can be either to the left of the street name such as E HOOVER ST (termed a predirectional) or to the right of the street name or street name suffix such as BAY DR W (termed a postdirectional). AM

directive A policy statement; regulation; set of guidelines, procedures, or standards; reference work; or similar material issued by the appropriate functional organization. It serves to direct or guide field organizations or the public. USPS directives include policy manuals, the Postal Bulletin, and any numbered handbook or publication, as well as kits, labels, management instructions, notices, posters, signs, and tags. CO

direct mail Another name for advertising mail sent to targeted markets. Direct mail can be any mail class or product, but it is usually prepared as Standard Mail pieces. Direct mail can be the primary advertising and sales vehicles for a business, or it can supplement and enhance other forms of advertising and sales activities. MS

dismount route A city route on which at least 50% of the possible deliveries are made by dismount delivery to the door, vertical improved mail rooms, neighborhood delivery and collection box units, or delivery centers. If the dismount deliveries are less than 50% of the total possible deliveries of the route, the route is classified according to the majority of the delivery type such as curbline or park and loop. DE

Distributed Data Entry and Distributed Reporting DDE/DR A group of software applications used to process payroll and payroll-related transactions by remote video display terminals, which are linked to the mainframe at the Minneapolis Accounting Service Center (ASC). The sites are also equipped with printers for transmitting system-generated application reports, replies to local inquiries, and reports normally mailed from the ASC. FI

distribution The sorting of mail into pigeonhole cases, trays, sacks, machine bins, or pouches in order to group pieces with a common destination for transportation to the Post Office of address. It may be done by manual, mechanized, or automated means. The term is also applied to the distributed mail itself. MP

DNDC (1) A presort level in which all pieces in the bundle or container are addressed for delivery within the service area of the same destination network distribution center (DNDC) and entered by the mailer at that facility. (2) A price category or discount available for some mail classes or products prepared at a DNDC presort level. PC

domestic mail Mail transmitted within, among, and between the United States; its territories and possessions; Army Post Offices (APOs) and Fleet Post Offices (FPOs); and mail for delivery to the United Nations, NY. Mail exchanged between the United States and the Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia is also treated as domestic mail. Domestic mail is classified by size, weight, content, service, and other factors. (Compare with international mail.) GC

Domestic Mail Manual DMM® The directive that contains the basic standards governing domestic mail services; descriptions of the mail classes and services and conditions governing their uses; and standards for price eligibility and mail preparation. Domestic mail is classified by size, weight, content, service, and other factors. It is one of the policy manuals. The official title and styling of the document is Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual. PC

Do Not Mail A movement proposing state or federal legislation that, if passed, would prevent companies from mailing direct mail to specific addresses identified in a database similar to the National Do Not Call Registry implemented in 2004 that gives consumers an opportunity to limit the telemarketing calls they receive. GR

double card A Stamped Card or commercially produced postcard that consists of two attached cards mailed out as a single unit of which one card is designed to be detached by the recipient and returned by mail as a single card. PC

drop-and-pick D&P An appointment unique to destination network distribution center drop shipments of bedloaded Parcel Select mail, in which USPS waives the driver unload responsibility and allows a shipper to leave the vehicle for USPS unloading (up to 18 hours from the time of appointment or arrival, whichever is later). Once the unload process is complete, the shipper must retrieve the trailer(s) within 1 business day (or, with USPS permission within 48 hours). MP

drop shipment Typically the movement of a mailer’s product on private (nonpostal) transportation from the point of production to a postal facility located closer to the destination of that product. The pieces in a mailer’s drop shipment mailings frequently receive a reduced price or discount based on mail class or product. USPS also provides drop shipment service for mailings via Priority Mail Express service or Priority Mail service. MA

Drop Shipment Management System DSMS A program that enables authorized users to build consolidated loads of palletized plant-verified drop shipment (PVDS) mail from multiple jobs and mailing locations and to create electronically consolidated PS Form 8125-CD, Plant-Verified Drop Shipment (PVDS) Consolidated Verification and Clearance — DSMS. The form does not bear an acceptance employee signature or origin Post Office round stamp date. DSMS shipments are limited to Periodicals, Standard Mail, and Bound Printed Matter mailings that are verified during the production process at the mailer’s plant by acceptance clerks at a detached mail unit. MA

Drop Ship Product An address management database containing information that mailers need in order to take mailings directly to network distribution centers, sectional center facilities, area distribution centers, or destination delivery units. These files are available through the Facility Access and Shipment Tracking Web site. AM

DSCF (1) A presort level in which all pieces in the bundle or container are addressed for delivery within the service area of the same destination sectional center facility (DSCF) and entered by the mailer at that facility. (2) A price category or discount available for some mail classes or products prepared at a DSF presort level. PC

DSF2 An Address Management Service that is used to check mailing address accuracy, identify address types, and obtain walk sequence statistics. It represents an upgrade to the superseded service called Delivery Sequence File. The DSF2 database is the most complete USPS address database available, containing every deliverable mailing address in the United States. It is used to verify that address lists are correct and complete, identify business versus residential addresses, recognize commercial mail receiving agencies, provide walk sequence numbers and postal codes, identify seasonal addresses, detect addresses vacant for more than 90 days, and categorize addresses by delivery type (e.g., curb, door slot, box). DSF2 processing includes address standardization that may be used to apply for CASS qualification. AM

dual appointment An appointment to more than one position, only one of which may be to a position in the career workforce. Dual appointments improve the opportunity of career part-time employees and noncareer employees who provide relief or leave replacement service on rural routes and in small Post Offices. HR

eastern region mail container ERMC A wheeled multipurpose mail container for smaller, bulk-loaded items that is an adaptation of the general purpose mail container (GPMC). Unlike the GPMC, it is equipped with an interior plastic liner, a full-height web door, and a spring-loaded integral towbar and coupler pin for automatic towing. MP

eAwards An application for nominating and processing most employee recognition awards. Policy validations are performed in the system, and approved requests are automatically processed by the Accounting Services. eAwards also provides managers award tracking and report viewing capability HR

eFlash An operating reporting management system that, on a weekly basis, reports data from delivery, mail processing, customer service, and other functions. The system captures various types of payroll data such as work hours, leave, and pay by function as well as non-payroll data such as revenue, first handling pieces, total possible deliveries, and vehicle accidents. This data is collected by individual Post Offices and then summarized at various organization levels including a national level report. FI

eFleetCard A Web-based application to manage the costs of operating a fleet of over 220,000 vehicles. Each vehicle has its own assigned credit card used to purchase fuel, oil, repairs, and other necessary products and services. All credit card transactions are transmitted to the eFleetCard system. TR

Electronic Address Sequencing EAS An option that allows mailers to submit address lists to USPS in electronic format rather than on address cards. USPS arranges the submitted addresses in carrier route delivery, with additional services such as inserting missing addresses or new addresses. The submitted address lists must contain at least 90 percent — but not more than 110 percent — of the total possible deliveries in a 5-digit ZIP Code. (See also Address Sequencing service and Computerized Delivery Sequence (CDS).) AM

electronic documentation eDoc (1) Information about a mailing such as postage statements and qualification reports that is submitted electronically to USPS using mail.dat, Web Services, or Postage Statement Wizard. (2) Under the Full-Service Intelligent Mail option, data files transmitted for generating postage statements in the PostalOne! system along with other required documentation. The data files describe the nested mail that shows how mailpieces are linked to trays, sacks, and other containers. It is an Internet component of PostalOne! that gives mailers a secure electronic means to submit required financial documentation of a mailing that simplifies calculating postage, checking balances in the mailer’s account, and viewing reports and histories. IM

Electronic Individual Development Plan eIDP An online tool that helps employees in certain positions assess their developmental needs and create a more structured way to pursue career goals. eIDP gives the employee and employee’s manager an opportunity to establish objectives that support the goals. HR

Electronic Mail Improvement Reporting eMIR A Web-based system for reporting irregularities in the preparation of mail presented to USPS (e.g., unreadable barcodes and bundles that fall apart). Mailers benefit with online access to report information, ready access to digital images of problem mailpieces, and feedback to improve the quality of future mailings. MP

Electronic Postmark EPM® An auditable time-and-date stamp service offered by authorized service providers under license by USPS. The EPM can verify the authenticity of a document or file sent electronically, providing trusted proof of content as of a specific point in time. IT

Electronic Publication Watch ePUBWATCH A Web-based Periodicals complaint tracking and resolution system that replaces the paper-based Publication Watch system in Post Offices with a delivery unit computer. A registered publisher can enter a subscriber’s postal-related complaint, request an electronic publication watch, or request USPS assistance through the completion of a complaint resolution form. (See also Publication Watch.) MA

Electronic Service Requested A printed Ancillary Service endorsement available for mailers participating in Address Change Service (ACS) that directs USPS to handle undeliverable-as-addressed mail as defined in the mailer’s profile or Intelligent Mail barcode (IMb). Endorsed mailpieces must be capable of Postal Automated Redirection System (PARS) or Computerized Forwarding System (CFS) processing. PARS or CFS identifies the ACS request (either Address Service Requested or Change Service Requested) in the OneCode ACS or Full Service ACS Intelligent Mail barcode (IMb) or, for traditional ACS, in the mailer’s ACS Participant Code profile. OneCode ACS and Full Service ACS mailers can alter service requests with a valid Service Type ID (STID) in the IMb. The STID takes precedence over the instructions in a mailer’s profile. AM

Electronic Uncoded Address Resolution Service eUARS A Web-based interface that corrects uncoded change-of-address (COA) records that do not match a delivery point in the Address Management System database. It can also be used to correct mailer address files in conjunction with Address Element Correction. AM

Electronic Verification System eVS® A highly automated method that allows a parcel shipper to document and pay postage for parcel mail transmitting electronic manifest files to USPS. Postage is electronically deducted from the shipper’s postage payment account. USPS samples parcels generally at entry into the postal network rather than origin at the shipper’s plant to reconcile differences between postage claimed in the manifest files and postage computed from the sampling. MA

Employee Personnel Action History EPAH The historical repository for all electronically generated personnel actions. Data goes back to 1971 for payroll retirement history and to 1989 for personnel actions such as promotions, reassignments, and pay for performance. HR

encoded mail Mail that bears a barcode representation of its destination ZIP+4 Code. Mail handled on mail processing equipment (MPE) that may or may not have a barcode representation of its correct ZIP+4 is read and analyzed by recognition systems such as optical character readers or remote encoding equipment that can resolve or correct the destination ZIP Code of the piece. The MPE systems can apply the resolved or corrected destination barcode once it is made available by the recognition systems, resulting in an encoded piece. Mailers can also preprint the barcode on the piece to avoid the encoding steps required for automation. EN

Enhanced Postal Service Sales Report ePSSR An alternative method to the Financial Performance Report that uses data from the Corporate Business Customer Information System for reporting commercial revenue from large business customers, generally designated as managed accounts with mailing sites at more than one location. This method reallocates revenue from sites where mail is entered, back to the area or district where the business customer maintains its corporate headquarters (or where the relationship with the managed account is located). Any revenue for mail from these customer sites (managed or unmanaged) that may have come through a mail service provider is also reallocated back to the mail owner. Revenue from unmanaged accounts is not reallocated and is reported for the site where the mail is entered. SA

Enterprise Energy Management System EEMS A tracking system that consolidates facility energy information into one location, measures and verifies building equipment and system performance in real time, and monitors and controls building systems locally and remotely. EEMS helps identify improvement opportunities, reduce cost and consumption, increase efficiency, and improve energy planning. SU

Enterprise Resource Management System eRMS A system that provides a consistent and standardized approach to handle incoming calls for unscheduled absences and to assist in managing scheduled and unscheduled absences. eRMS provides real time data and report management functions to supervisors. HR

eRetire An online application that enables employees within 5 years of retirement to view and print their annuity estimate. eRetire also lets retirement eligible employees print a retirement application package or have one sent to their address of record. The application also lets retiring employees schedule retirement counseling sessions. HR

error (stamp) A stamp that displays one or more production problems such as a missing or incorrect color, an inversion of the design, or double printing. Also, a stamp with a design that contains an error such as a misspelling or incorrect information that is consistent throughout a printing run. Similar to a freak. ST

Every Door Direct Mail™ EDDM An easy-to-use service designed mainly for local businesses such as auto dealers, banks, hardware stores, real estate agencies, restaurants, and supermarkets to send geographically targeted advertising mail to every household or business on a postal delivery route. The service uses a simplified address such as “Postal Customer” in place of a complete delivery address and is available for both city and rural routes at specified carrier route price categories for certain types of Standard Mail, Periodicals, and Bound Printed Matter. MS

Executive Development Continuum A comprehensive program designed to meet the varied and changing needs of executives. Following a standardized foundation experience, the program is tailored to the specific knowledge and skills that individual executives need to maximize benefits to the individual and the organization. HR

exigent rate case A price-setting provision under the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act that allows USPS, under extraordinary or exceptional circumstances, and in an expedited manner, to adjust the prices of market dominant products beyond the limitation of the price cap that uses the Consumer Price Index. GC

Extra Service A designation for an Ancillary Service that generally provides a specific additional service when applied to a mail class or product. Extra Services include Certified Mail, Collect on Delivery (COD), Confirm, USPS Tracking, Insured Mail, Registered Mail, Restricted Delivery, Return Receipt, Return Receipt for Merchandise, Signature Confirmation, and Special Handling. Not all Ancillary Services, which are part of the broader designation Special Services, are considered Extra Services. SS

Extra Territorial Office of Exchange ETOE An office or facility administered by or in connection with a postal operator outside its national territory on the territory of another country for commercial purposes. While the outbound U.S. market is fully liberalized, USPS does not accept inbound dispatches originating from ETOEs overseas. Additionally, U.S. government policy prohibits the use of UPU documents and customs forms on ETOE dispatches. IN

Facilities Data Base FDB The consolidated and centralized source of comprehensive information about all facilities that integrates data from many internal sources such as the Address Management System and Facility Management System. It lists all authorized facilities with information such as name, address, physical features, and products and services offered. RE

Facility Access and Shipment Tracking FAST® An electronic system that commercial mailers use to schedule drop shipment appointments online and to notify USPS of those shipments. Mailers can track their drop shipments, receive advance notification of redirections, submit and manage recurring appointment requests online, and have joint scheduling capabilities. MP

facing identification mark FIM A pattern of vertical bars and spaces used by automated postal equipment such as a facer-canceler to identify, orient, and separate certain types of mail. It is printed to the left of the indicia, along the top edge of a letter or card and is used to identify Business Reply Mail, automation-compatible courtesy reply envelopes, metered reply mail, Information-Based Indicia or PC Postage mail, and other designated types of mail. Different combinations of bars represent different types of mail. EN

FASTforward® A USPS-licensed automated system that compares addresses on live mailpieces with current change-of-address orders on file as the pieces are sorted on automated processing equipment. If a match occurs, the new address is sprayed on the piece so that it can be delivered directly to the new address rather than forwarded from the old address. The FASTforward application interfaces with USPS-approved automation systems such as multiline optical character readers and remote video encoding operations. (See also Postal Automated Redirection System (PARS).) AM

Federal Employees Health Benefits FEHB An employer-sponsored group health insurance program for federal employees, retirees, former employees, family members, and former spouses. The FEHB program assists federal employees and eligible family members with expenses of illness and accident, and is paid for through employee and employer contributions. USPS is required to use FEHB. HR

Federal Employees Retirement System FERS A three-tiered federal retirement system consisting of a defined benefit plan, Social Security, and the Thrift Savings Plan that operates like a 401(k). Employees pay full Social Security taxes and a small contribution to the Basic Benefit Plan. In addition, USPS puts an amount equal to 1% of an employee’s basic pay each pay period into a Thrift Savings account. Almost all new employees hired after December 31, 1986, are covered by FERS. (See also Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS).) HR

Federal Register FR A daily weekday publication distributed by the Office of the Federal Register in which certain U.S. government documents must be published. USPS uses the Federal Register to publish proposed rules for public comment, final rules on various regulations including pricing, and various other types of notices. GC

Federal Standard Requisitioning and Issue Procedures FEDSTRIP A system of processing government agency requisitions for supplies from the General Services Administration (GSA). The FEDSTRIP address is a six-character code identifying the agency to which goods and billings are sent. Items to be requisitioned are identified by a 13–digit National Stock Number (NSN). SM

finance number An assigned six-digit number that identifies an installation or project for processing its financial data. The first two digits are a state or project code; the next four are uniquely assigned from 0001 through 9999 to each installation in alphabetic order. The finance number is used to measure and allocate cost and revenue to various cost centers. FI

Finance Number Control Master FNCM A database that contains organizational hierarchy information for financial processing and reporting. It maintains and controls organization structure information needed by various applications. It also is a master reference source of information needed to edit and validate accounting transactions and generate financial reports. FI

Financial Performance Report FPR An accounting period report available in the Accounting Data Mart. The FPR shows items such as current period and year-to-date actual, plan, and same period last year revenue and expense. It segregates activities by categories such as revenue, salary and benefits, and supplies and services. The report is updated daily and is not final until the monthly status reflects that the period is closed. The FPR replaced the Postal Service Financial Report (PSFR). FI

firm mailing book for accountable mail PS Form 3877, Firm Mailing Book for Accountable Mail, a multipage bound book that contains individual sheets with several spaces on each sheet to enter multiple article numbers for accountable mail such as Certified Mail, COD, Priority Mail Express, and Insured Mail pieces. The use of the book or electronic facsimiles eliminates the need to generate individual mailing receipts for each article. MA

FIRST-CLASS The First-Class Mail class marking that is used on the face of a mailpiece to indicate to USPS the service level to be provided and, when combined with other price-specific markings, to show the product or price category claimed. The marking can also be represented with FIRST-CLASS MAIL. PC

First-Class Mail® FCM A mail class that includes all matter wholly or partly in writing or typewriting, all actual and personal correspondence, all bills and statements of account, and all matter sealed or otherwise closed against inspection. First-Class Mail comprises six products: (a) single-piece letters/postcards, (b) presorted letters/postcards (nonmachinable, machinable, and automation prices), (c) flats (single-piece, presorted, and automation prices), (d) parcels (retail, Commercial Base, and Commercial Plus prices), (e) outbound single-piece First-Class Mail International, and (f) inbound single-piece First-Class Mail International. Any mailable matter may be sent by First-Class Mail service. First-Class Mail service is a market dominant product. PC

first-day-of-issue office (philatelic) An officially designated Post Office that provides first-day-of-issue postmarks, which include city and state, on the day the stamp is first issued. It is generally the only office in the country that places the stamps on sale on the first day of issue, with national sales at all other Post Offices the following day. ST

five-digit barcode A POSTNET barcode with a single field of 32 bars consisting of a frame bar, a series of 25 bars that represents the correct 5-digit ZIP Code for the address on the piece, 5 bars that represent the correction digit, and a final frame bar. The term is not used for Intelligent Mail barcodes. Can also be written as 5-digit barcode. EN

five-digit scheme (1) A presort level in which all pieces in the bundle or container are addressed for delivery within the same grouping of two or more five-digit ZIP Code areas. The five-digit ZIP Code groupings are identified in the City State product or a specified labeling list. (2) Mail processed as a single scheme rather than individually for each five-digit ZIP Code. The five-digit ZIP Code grouping is determined by specific schemes and varies by type of mail and container. Can also be written as 5-digit scheme. PC

Five-Digit ZIP An address management product that, in conjunction with the City State product, provides 5-digit ZIP Code data that can be appended to computerized mailing lists via address-matching software. It contains