4 Steps of Commingling:

1. Collection and Preparation

The process begins with Modern Litho preparing and confirming that your letter rate standard and nonprofit direct mail pieces meet USPS standards for size, weight, and addressing.

Our approved commingling service partner then steps in to collect mail from Modern Litho and multiple other companies. This centralized collection is the first step in merging these separate mailings into one cohesive mail stream.

2. Sorting and Processing

Once collected and merged, high-speed sorting equipment organizes the mail according to ZIP codes and other USPS criteria, such as delivery routes. This advanced sorting ensures that each mail piece is processed efficiently, laying the groundwork for further cost savings.

During this step, Intelligent Mail barcodes (IMb) are applied to each piece. These barcodes enable tracking throughout the postal system, providing transparency and allowing our customers to monitor the delivery progress of their mailings.

3. Presorting and Bundling

Next, the mail is presorted to meet USPS bulk mailing requirements. This presorting is crucial as it qualifies the combined mail for significant postage discounts. The mail is then bundled based on its destination, optimizing the delivery sequence and ensuring that bundles arrive at the correct distribution locations.

4. USPS Delivery

The final step in the commingling process involves delivering the presorted and bundled mail to USPS entry points closest to the final destinations. These entry points are often Sectional Center Facilities (SCFs) or Network Distribution Centers (NDCs). By delivering the mail directly to these facilities, the process bypasses several intermediate steps, speeding up delivery times.

Benefits of Commingling:

Cost Savings
One of the most compelling advantages of commingling is the cost savings it offers. By combining smaller mailings from multiple organizations into a single mail stream, businesses can qualify for USPS bulk discounts that are typically reserved for large-volume mailers. These discounts can range from 10-20% annually, making commingling a cost-effective choice for companies looking to maximize their marketing and direct mail budgets.

Faster Delivery
Commingled mail often reaches its destination 2-4 days faster than standard processing. By bypassing intermediate processing facilities and delivering directly to SCFs or NDCs, the mail stream moves more quickly through the USPS network. This accelerated delivery time is especially beneficial for time-sensitive mailings, such as promotional offers, event invitations, or fund-raising campaigns.

Improved Efficiency
Commingling allows organizations to reduce the workload and logistics by outsourcing the complex sorting and preparation processes to specialized service partners. Modern Litho partners with United Business Mail (UBM) to handle sorting, barcoding, and other preparation as required to enter direct mail into the commingling mail stream. UBM processes over 2.5 billion standard class letter mail pieces per year.

Enhanced Tracking and Accountability
With Intelligent Mail barcodes applied to each mail piece, businesses gain enhanced tracking capabilities. This added layer of accountability allows companies to monitor the status of their mailings in real time, providing insights into delivery timelines and ensuring that campaigns reach their intended recipients on schedule.

Greater Reach for Smaller Mailers
Traditionally, smaller mailings did not qualify for the same discounts as large-volume mailers. However, commingling levels the playing field by combining mail from various sources. This allows smaller businesses and nonprofits to access the same cost-saving opportunities as larger organizations, making direct mail a more viable and competitive marketing channel.

The Value of Commingling for Letter Rate Standard and Nonprofit Mailings:
Commingling direct mail is more than just a cost-saving strategy; it’s a way to optimize the entire mailing process. By merging mail from multiple companies, commingling enables businesses to qualify for bulk discounts, accelerate delivery times, and streamline their direct mail marketing spends.

For nonprofits, every dollar saved on postage can be redirected towards fulfilling their mission. Similarly, businesses using letter rate standard mail can enhance their return on investment by reducing postage costs and ensuring timely delivery. Commingling transforms the economics of direct mail by lowering costs and boosting delivery efficiency, making it an invaluable tool for both commercial and nonprofit entities.

If you're looking to maximize the impact of your direct mail campaigns while minimizing costs, consider the benefits of commingling. At Modern Litho, we’re committed to helping you navigate these strategies to achieve the best results for your business. Contact us to learn more about how commingling can transform your mailing approach today!

*NOTE that Modern Litho’s commingling services are applicable to letter rate standard and nonprofit mailings only.

Check out our marketing guides:

The Nonprofit Marketer’s Guide to Donor Reengagement

The New Direct Mail Marketer’s Guide