Postal Affairs Blog

PLEASE be sure to get your comments posted on the revised USPS proposal on Intelligent Mail^®. This proposal consists of detailed and revised mailing standards that will be required in May 2009 in order to get the lowest postage rates on automation flats and letters.

Send your comments today, easily, right from our web page:
Click here to provide feedback directly to the USPS

A pdf of the complete proposal is accessible from the feedback page.  More information can be found at our Intelligent Mail Resources page here.

Don’t forget, review the technical documents that were just released to the USPS RIBBS Site here

Let me know if you have any questions, comments, or concerns you would like passed along to the USPS.

Best wishes,
Lisa

From an email communication from the USPS National Customer Support Center:

Release 2 (V1R2M0) of the Intelligent Mail barcode encoders has been posted on RIBBS at http://ribbs.usps.gov/onecodesolution/. 

The program code from the earlier Release 1 (V1R1M0) has not been changed; therefore, you do not have to download or install V1R2M0 if you have no issues with the current V1R1M0 level.  In the current release, the User Guides have been updated to correctly refer to the Intelligent Mail barcode name, and further describe the barcode fields.  The Java distribution now includes a package name for easier integration into existing applications and the Java samples have been improved for operation in multi-threading applications.

The following encoder packages are new in the current release:

• HP-UX on Itanium
• HP-UX on PA_RISC
• Mac OS X on Power and Intel
• Solaris on Intel
• Solaris on SPARC

Release 3 (V1R3M0) of the Intelligent Mail fonts has also been posted on RIBBS at http://ribbs.usps.gov/onecodesolution/.  This release provides new compact fonts which complement the existing standard-height fonts available in V1R2M0.  If you are already using an existing font successfully, it is not necessary to replace it with the new compact font.

The new compact fonts are designed for mailers who want to achieve overall barcode height close to the specification minimum of 0.125″.  The scalable TrueType and Postscript Type 1 compact fonts should be used at 14pt, as compared to 16pt for the standard-height fonts, to render compact Intelligent Mail barcodes with a height of 0.126″ and a length of 23.83 bars per inch.

The AFP, TrueType, and Postscript Type 1 compact fonts also include a fixed-width “space” character to improve compatibility with various products used for font management.  In addition, DCF is supported by the new AFP compact font.

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Best wishes,

Lisa

Back today after exhibiting at National Postal Forum, which could have easily been called Intelligent Mail Questions Postal Forum.  Questions, many remaining unanswered, were many, almost all revolving around Intelligent Mail Implementation.

Things Mailers need to do RIGHT NOW:

Get a USPS Mailer ID!  Access all the info you need here.
Determine how you want to use your Mailer ID in order to maximize the benefits.

Plan for how to fulfill the Intelligent Mail barcode Container Label and Pallet Placard requirements. 

COMMENT on the Federal Register notice, and the new technical requirements and guides that have been published!  Last day for comments is May 30th – do not delay!  You can comment easily right from the Intelligent Mail Feedback Link from Postal Info menu on this page.  As was proven by the last IMB go around, your comments do count! 

Let me know if I can address any specific IMB implementation questions for you,

Best wishes,
Lisa

The USPS has posted some much-anticipated documentation in support of Intelligent Mail.  Go to the RIBBS Rapid Information Bulletin Board page here:  http://ribbs.usps.gov/.
In the left navigation column, you can access the guides by clicking on the Intelligent Mail Barcodes link and scrolling down to the bottom to access the guides.  Access them directly here:
http://ribbs.usps.gov/fullserviceguides

Posted right now are the following guides:

Guide to Electronic Documentation and Appointments for Full-Service Mailings
http://ribbs.usps.gov/files/fullserviceguides/edocguideforfullservicev1.pdf

Go beyond PostalOne! Get answers to technical questions on the proposed full-service option implementation of Intelligent Mail barcodes. Find out what are the changes required to existing electronic documentation solutions needed to support mailings seeking full-service prices. Learn how to populate electronic documentation files and how to create or update electronic appointments to comply with the full-service option.

PostalOne! System Mail.dat Technical Guide for Full-Service
http://ribbs.usps.gov/files/fullserviceguides/fullservicemaildattechnicalguidevFS1.pdf

Mail.dat is an industry-defined database structure consisting of files linked by key fields. Learn how you can use Mail.dat to submit electronic information for full-service mailings.

Wizard Web Service Software Development Reference Guide
http://ribbs.usps.gov/files/fullserviceguides/fullservicewwsguidevFS10.pdf

The Wizard Web Service (WWS) application enables secure electronic submission of mailing information to the Postal Service using eXtensible Markup Language (XML) messaging technology. Learn more about using WWS for communicating with the PostalOne! system for full-service.

Full Service FAST Web Services Technical Guide
http://ribbs.usps.gov/files/fullserviceguides/fullservicefastwebservicestechnicalguidev1.pdf

Learn details on how to create appointments for Full-Service mailings using Web Services.

Frequently Asked Questions
http://ribbs.usps.gov/files/fullserviceguides/imbarcode_faqs.pdf

A collection of frequently asked questions and answers pertaining to the Intelligent Mail barcode and the services it enables. Get the answers to why, how, and when the Intelligent Mail barcode should be used. Get an overview of the benefits and requirements of the Intelligent Mail barcode through the perspective of automation discounts, special services, basic and full-service options. Learn about the process of obtaining Mailer ID and the tools available to create and validate Intelligent Mail barcodes.

Lots of reading to do!
Best wishes,
Lisa

Window Book has received approval from the USPS on our latest-specification Intelligent Mail barcoded Pallet Placards, Tray Tags, and Sack Tags.  This means that mailers can utilize and produce DAT-MAIL’s 10/24 Tray and Sack Transitional Tags and the barcoded Pallet Placards at any time, either for USPS Seamless Acceptance Pilot testing, or for any Intelligent Mail testing or live jobs. 

Contact me with any questions, or for general information,
Best wishes,
Lisa

There is a great little hidden gem out there on the web for folks who want to keep up with MTAC, the Mailer’s Technical Advisory Committee.  MTAC meets at USPS HQ several times a year, and now you can access the General Session minutes, as well as the actual Power Point presentations that were used in the sessions, at the USPS RIBBS website.  This one is worth bookmarking:
http://ribbs.usps.gov/mtac.html

Click on the Meeting Minutes link, and access a word doc with the minutes and links to the presentations.  This is a great way to disseminate summary information.

Explore the other links to learn more about MTAC; and to access final reports and other information that can be critical to mailers. 

Best wishes,
Lisa

Per the DMM Advisory, Today’s Federal Register notice contains the USPS final rules that will change the addressing standards for commercial flat-size mail.  The new standards are effective March 29, 2009, and require mailers to place delivery addresses in the top half of all Periodicals, Standard Mail, and Package Services flats mailed at automation, presorted, or carrier route prices. Additional standards relate to address characteristics and apply to all commercial flat-size pieces.

Access the rules here [PDF] | [HTML]

It is imperative that mailers review these new requirements and prepare for the changes.  These requirements will be crucial to the success of the FSS (Flats Sequencing) equipment deployment.  The USPS will also be publishing a new Quick Service Guide shortly.

Let me know if you have any questions on these final rules,
Best wishes,
Lisa

Out with the rates, and in with the prices. 

The USPS no longer refers to postage “rates” – the buzzword now is “prices”.  Since prices will now be changing on an annual basis, the USPS has given their website pricing page a permanent home:
http://www.usps.com/prices/welcome.htm
This is a valuable resource portal to bookmark for future reference.  Be sure to scroll all the way to the bottom so you can see exactly how much info is present, and access the great links at the bottom of the page.  The old reliable Ratefold is now packaged as New Prices Notice 123. 

In addition to new prices, look for a new information box in the Mailer section of most of the Postage Statements – Move Update Method.  Mailers will be required to check off one of the options listed when filling out their statements. 

Window Book users, you have the unique benefit of being able to run two price lists simultaneously.  No worries about updating on Sunday, or only being able to process one set of prices at a time.  Mailers using DAT-MAIL or Post Master are able to control the rates simply with the mail date used.  Enter a mailing date on your statements as May 11 or prior-you will automatically get current prices.  enter a mailing date May 12 or after – new rates will be used.  Simple!

Take a look at the new statements, and let me know if you have any questions -
Best wishes,
Lisa

Mailers were very happy to hear one MTAC report, regarding plastic pallets.  Mailers have been facing challenges posed by the wooden mail pallets the USPS has been distributing.  The wooden pallets can weigh up to 60-70lbs, skewing tare weights and posing safety problems for mail handlers.  The USPS announced that they have purchased and are testing a half million new plastic pallets, that are both lighter and less expensive than the older plastic pallets.  Real-world testing, including some pallets implanted with GPS devices, is being conducted with these pallets right now. 

A new, non-MTAC workgroup has been formed to study long term ideas for MTE (Mailer Transport Equipment) such as pallets.  It was explained that participation outside of the usual MTAC participants, such as Fed-Ex, necessitated the non-MTAC status of this cooperative effort. 

Mailers can help these efforts and make containerization issues improve for everyone with a few simple culture changes.  First and foremost, only use MTEs for the purpose of moving the mail.  Re-purposing of postal pallets, hoarding, and other misuse is not only illegal, but it makes things difficult for all mailers in the long run.  Support USPS efforts to begin to track and control MTEs, even though it may not be “the way we’ve always done it”  Bypassing systems to get equipment via personal connections takes away from the system the USPS is trying to build.  Do a MTE Roundup in your plant, and use up existing inventory, and return excess inventory. 

The USPS listened to complaints about the wooden pallets, and they are trying to make things better.  Let’s work together on this.

Best wishes,
Lisa

There was a great write up in the IDEAlliance newsletter on Mail.XML, which I am going to reproduce for you here:

Mail.XML 3.0 was recently released in record time under the leadership of IDEAlliance® and excellent collaboration between the industry and USPS.

What does Mail.XML™ do?
The core focus of Mail.XML is communication between industry members and from industry to the final mail processing and delivery organization that delivers the mail to the end consumer, e.g., USPS.

Mail.XML enables the process for eDropShip for the USPS and the industry which will result in removing all paper 8125s from the business process for electronically identified shipment and containers. USPS and industry, together, are moving towards a more efficient communication method through XML technology.

Mail.XML increases business function specific to B2B (Business to Business) communication within the industry that supports automation and enables cost avoidance and higher profits through improved competence and effectiveness of communication. It is designed to increase efficiency and lower costs by removing many manual data entry processes and enables quick near real time communication between business partners.

Mail.XML currently supports container and shipment-based appointment scheduling, pick-up and drop-off business processes.

Mail.XML identifies different business entities responsible for performing different services such as quality of mailing, address correction, and delivery confirmation on a mailing.

In the next few versions of Mail.XML, the focus will move towards other mailing supply chain channels, such as payment, automated verification, enabling first, second, and third party communication and incorporating presort planning, printing, and distribution processes. For more information go to http://www.maildat.org/

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We recognize the important role this new direction will play in the future, and are working to support it in our products.

Let me know if you have any questions on Mail.XML, and I will try to help.

Best wishes,
Lisa