New Mailing Information
I have several things that mailers need to know that are coming up. They are:
Standard Mail Move Update Postponed – The USPS has extended implementation of the Standard Mail and First Class Presort Move Update noncompliance charge from May 11, 2009 to January 4, 2010. The charge applies to Standard Mail and First Class Presort mailings that fail to fully comply with the Move Update standards. Delaying implementation allows extra time for the USPS to provide Standard Mail and First Class Presort customers with additional feedback from their new postage verification systems. This does not relieve mailers of their obligation to comply with the Move Update standard if they intend to claim automation or Presort prices. In plain language what this means is the USPS does not have their equipment and systems in place in order to implement the noncompliance charges. Mailers still need to clean up their lists and are required to sign a form 6014 Certification of Move Update Compliance. What this means for you is that you will not be charged a fine for noncompliance until January 4, 2010. This applies to nonprofit mail as well. As of January 7, 2010 the noncompliance charge will be 7 cents per piece for mailings that do not comply with the Move Update standards. That does not mean 7 cents for just the bad addresses, it means you could be charged 7 cents noncompliance charge for the entire mailing. Mailing 5000? That could mean an additional $350.00 in postage. A noncompliance report will not be given to you until after your mail has been delivered. In other words, you will not have the option of picking up the mail and correcting your list because you won’t know until after your mail has gone. I am sure you see how important compliance is in dollars and cents.
Intelligent Mail barcode (IMB) incentive of 0.3 cents will be available November 29, 2009 for automation letters and flats prepared and mailed using the full-service option. As of now, our local Post Office is not prepared to implement full service. Mailers who opt for full service must submit documents electonically and our Post Office is not equipped to accept electronic documentation. Hopefully, the USPS will have the system in place by November 29, 2009. At Burns Mailing & Printing, Inc. we are using the Intelligent Mail barcode. It speeds delivery of our customers mail and we will be ready when the incentives are available.
Saturation Incentives: To encourage volume growth and continued use of saturation Standard Mail letters and flats, the Postal Service implements an incentive program for saturation mailers who increase their saturation letters or flats volume. This increase can result from growth in total mailed volume or a growth within a defined market. Mailers wishing to participate must submit a letter requesting participation to their district manager, business mail entry no later than June 11, 2009.
