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Mail barcode. There is also a limitation relative to the separation between the barcode and the top line or bottom line of the address block. For barcodes printed on documents using window envelopes, a clear space must be maintained when the document or insert is moved to its full limits in each direction within the envelope. This is often referred to as the “tap test.” Many document generation and addressing software solutions include functionalities to assist mailers in meeting these requirements. The MERLIN program verifies First-Class Mail, Standard Mail, and Periodicals mail against Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) standards. One of several verifications is barcode readability. Results that fall below the minimum threshold may not be eligible for the postage rate in which the mailing was entered. MERLIN provides diagnostic reports so that mailers can improve mail quality as applicable. According to USPS Publication 28, Postal Addressing Standards, minimum size point type fonts apply; the point type may be slightly smaller if the mailpieces bear a POSTNET or Intelligent Mail barcode and the address is printed in all capital letters. Delivery addresses for letter-size mailpieces must be within the optical character read area. Address placement criteria also applies to commercial flats. On all Periodicals, Standard Mail, Bound Printed Matter, Media Mail and Library Mail flats mailed at presorted, automation or carrier route prices, mailers must place the delivery address parallel or perpendicular to the top edge on the front or the back of the mailpiece and within the top half of the mailpiece. That doesn’t mean that the mailpiece must be addressed in landscape, but rather, when positioned in portrait for the purposes of preparation and processing, the address must then be in the top half of the piece.
If these standards for flats are not met, the mailer may be required to pay additional postage, or correct and re-enter the mailing. For example, an automation-price Standard Mail flat-size mailing that does not meet the standards would pay automation First-Class Mail flats prices appropriate for the weight of the pieces, resulting in a significantly increased postage spend. I would be remiss in not mentioning the Intelligent Mail barcode. While the Postal Service recently postponed the retirement of the POSTNET barcode, use of only the Intelligent Mail barcode to qualify for automation discounts will eventually occur. It is with this barcode that the USPS will gain total visibility of pieces within the mail stream, as well as capture and grade mailers’ address quality data. To that end, mailer implementation of procedures and solutions to ensure compliance of postal regulations will become increasingly more important. Customer satisfaction is certainly a critical factor in building and maintaining a business, but that should not preclude an owner’s responsibility to monitor and carefully guard the bottom line. Quality control to ensure correct addresses is a win-win for mailers as they benefit in multiple financial ways — and simultaneously support and protect their valued customers by keeping them happy. Elizabeth Lombard, CMDSM, CMDSS, MDP, MDC, EMCM is National Postal-Carrier Manager, Pitney Bowes Inc.
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MARCH-APRIL 2011 a www.MailingSystemsTechnology.com