USPS addresses quality and move requirement changes effective 1/21/18
USPS ADDRESS QUALITY AND MOVE UPDATE REQUIREMENTS FOR 2018
The USPS is making strong efforts to reduce the amount of returned mail going forward and will change the requirements for address quality and move updates effective January 21, 2018.
Returned mail is costly for everyone. There a few simple steps you can take to ensure your print marketing dollars are not wasted on bad address information.
Here’s the deal:
In order to receive USPS discounts, every address in a sorted or bulk mailing coming from a mailer including will require one of the following:
- NCOA¹ list processing
- Ancillary Endorsement²
- “Or current resident” verbiage added to each addressee
See “Methods of Meeting USPS Address Quality and Move Update Requirements”
Let’s first define what a qualified “sorted” or “bulk mailing” looks like.
- First Class- 500 pieces or more
- USPS Marketing Mail (regular and nonprofit) – 200 pieces or 50 lbs. whichever is met first.
- Periodicals – 100 pieces or more. Periodical mailings are now subject to these requirements.
We recommend using the NCOA process to keep your addresses up to date and list compliant with USPS requirements.
How much does that cost?
Compared to returned or forwarded mail on every mailing, a small price. Trust us, you have more to gain from keeping your database updated and the NCOA process is actually a very effective tool to help you do that!
Modern Litho’s fee for NCOA processing is for $15 per mailing. If requested, we will also return a file with the bad addresses ($15) and/or a file with the cleaned list ($15) to you. So, for all three services, a total charge of $45, assuming you only submit one list per mailing initially.
We also accept lists that have already been run through the NCOA process if you would prefer to handle that directly. Just provide proof of the certification when sending your mailing list to your Customer Service Representative.
The USPS only requires a mail list be NCOA processed four times per year. Keep that in mind, especially if you do more frequent mailings.
YOU ARE WELCOME TO REACH OUT WITH ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS. WE’RE HERE AND WE’RE READY TO HELP – ALWAYS.
800-456-5867 OR CONTACT US!
- What is NCOA?
The NCOALink Product is a secure dataset of approximately 160 million permanent change-of-address (COA) records consisting of the names and addresses of individuals, families and businesses who have filed a change-of-address with the USPS®. https://ribbs.usps.gov/index.cfm?page=ncoalink
We’re moving! How do I submit a change of address with the USPS? Go to: USPS.com/move
- What are ancillary endorsements?
Ancillary service endorsements are used by mailers to request an addressee’s new address and to provide the USPS with instructions on how to handle undeliverable-as-addressed pieces. The endorsements consist of one keyword: “Electronic,” “Address,” “Return,” “Change,” or “Forwarding,” followed by the two words “Service Requested.” The endorsements are the same for all classes of mail, but the treatment and cost differ by class of mail. Use of an ancillary service endorsement on a mail piece obligates the mailer to pay any applicable charges for forwarding, return, and separate address notification charges. https://pe.usps.com/text/qsg300/Q507.htm#ep1032546