Saturday, May 25, 2013
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USPS Network Optimization Updates

The United States Postal Service recently announced plans to revamp their network of processing facilities to optimize the use of these facilities and close down a number of facilities with the ultimate goal of reducing costs. At the same time, the USPS also proposed modifications to delivery standards for certain classes of mail. The USPS has now consolidated all the information regarding these proposals at one web site.

Network facility changes

The USPS is proposing that upwards of 252 processing facilities be closed. These facilities are detailed on a study list. Also available is a list of these facilities with the drop ship site key codes, as well as the list showing where the mail currently being processed at these facilities would be routed. The process for studying these proposed changes is called the Area Mail Processing (AMP) study, and this process is expected to take approximately five months to complete.

Service Standard Changes

As part of this consolidation, the USPS is proposing modifications to the current delivery standards. These changes essentially involve the elimination of overnight service for First-Class and Periodicals mail. These modifications are needed so that the reduction in the number of processing facilities will not impact service. The proposed changes are as follows:

 

usps, delivery, service, standards

 

What it means for mailers

So, what does all this mean for mailers? Until facilities start to close, there is no immediate impact for mailers. Once facilities start to close, mailers will need to make sure their mailing software is updated with the most recent postal destination data updates. This includes data such as Labeling Lists, destination drop ship data files (including re-directions), and so forth. This includes both presort and post-presort software applications. Mailers will also need to pay close attention to the changes in the service standards and monitor mail delivery so that any necessary adjustments can be made to mailing schedules. Stay tuned for future updates as this situation progresses.

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