Start-The-Clock

In last week's e-tip, we discussed mail tracking and how it relates to Intelligent Mail® (IM). If you'll recall, we told you that just because you are using the Intelligent Mail barcodes (IMb's), that does not mean you will automatically get tracking information on your mail. Tracking your mail requires subscribing to and using the USPS® Confirm® service. This week, as promised, we will elaborate on the Start-The-Clock portion of mail tracking.

It's in the Mail

For purposes of tracking the time it takes for mail to be transported, processed and delivered, it is important to know when the mailpiece actually enters the USPS mailstream. In Intelligent Mail, the USPS defines this as "Start-The-Clock." This is the point at which the mailer, or mail service provider, turns the mail over to the USPS, and is when the clock starts ticking for purposes of delivery service performance measurement. This is considered "Day Zero" for measurement purposes. At the point when the mail is verified and accepted, the USPS scans the Intelligent Mail barcode on the container label, thus providing the data for Start-The-Clock.

Start-the-Clock data

There are two types of start-the-clock data or "feedback". The first type of feedback is the day zero or day one for drop-shipped, origin-entered, plant-loaded mail (USPS transported mail) and Bulk Mail Entry Unit (BMEU) entered mail. The second type of data feedback to full-service customers is the pallet-induction scan (container visibility), which occurs at specific USPS facilities that have the capability to scan pallets. Both types of data are transmitted via Mail.XML® messages.

Obtaining the Data

The start-the-clock data for all Intelligent Mail mailings is made available to the USPS for use in internal service performance measurements. Mailers submitting Intelligent Mail Full Service qualified mailings are eligible to receive the start-the-clock data for their own mailings. Mail service providers may also access the start-the-clock data for mailings they have prepared. Start-the-clock data is available for First-Class®, Periodicals, Standard Mail® (with the exception of saturation carrier route mail) and Bound Printed Matter mail.

Both the start-the-clock data and the Full Service container visibility scan data are available in an online report or through electronic data interchange in XML format. Details about the online reports are available in the User Access to Electronic Mailing Information and Reports. Information regarding the Mail.XML data distribution may be found in the Postal Service Mail.XML Technical Specification. The online reports are accessed through the Business Customer Gateway. The online reports may also be downloaded in an Excel or CSV format.

For more information regarding Start-The Clock, you may access A Guide to Intelligent Mail for Letters and Flats.