National PCC Week, Success!

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1 FOCUS ON BUSINESS October 2012 Vol. 20 No. 3 Newsletter for the Postal Customer Council of Kentuckiana National PCC Week, Success! The Kentuckiana PCC enjoyed a very successful 2012 National PCC Day here in Louisville at the Main Post Office on Wednesday, September 19th. The Postmaster General s pre-recorded video was very informative and provided updates on where the USPS is now and where the USPS is going in the future. Postal Customer Council of Kentuckiana P.O. Box Louisville, KY IN THIS ISSUE PCC Week IMB Info Self Mailer Info Thank you to all USPS and PCC Board Members who helped to make the event so educational and informative. Thank you to Mark Hale, with Onsite Management Group for presenting both of the education seminars focusing on Mail Center Operations. We also want to thank Jeffrey Williamson, Vice President of Pricing from Washington for joining us and presenting a very interactive question and answer session. Next year s National PCC Week will be held September 16-20, Please make plans to join us for some fun but most importantly, education sessions that help to keep you apprised to changes that affect your company and the industry. Speaking of Changes. Significant USPS rules changes are on the horizon for implementation for January, In this issue of Anita Corder the Kentuckiana PCC Newsletter, you will find information on Folded Self-Mailers, Postnet Barcodes, IMb Barcodes and Package Barcodes that may affect you. Please plan on attending the next PCC General Meeting scheduled for November 15th where we will be presenting information on these very important and timely subjects as well as providing you access to the Bulk Mail Entry Unit s experts who will be present and available to answer your specific questions. Best Regards, Anita

2 2012 PCC Board of Directors: President Secretary Keith Ballard Ron Miller, Retired Fulfillment Concepts United States Postal Service Phone (502) Phone (502) Co-Chair - Industry Treasurer Anita Corder Joe Warren United Mail, LLC Gannett Direct Marketing Phone (502) Phone (502) Fax (502) jwarren@gdms.com acorder@united-mail.com Co-Chair - Postal Alisa Zanetti U. S. Postal Service Phone (502) Cell (502) alisa.m.zanetti@usps.gov Any Changes? Send any changes you have to your business such as mailing address, address, phone numbers, etc. so that we can update our database. Changes should be ed to kerry.starks@pcusa.org In addition, if you have employees that are no longer with your company and still receiving the PCC Newsletter, let us know so their names can be deleted from our database. Thanks! Directors: Director of Membership Director of Programs/Education Debbie Maupin Regina Green Scot Mailing & Shipping Central Business System Phone (502) Phone (502) debbie.maupin@scotmailing.com rgreen@cbsedge.com Director of Communications US Postal Service Advisor Kerry Starks Ron Burch Presbyterian Church USA US Postal Service Phone (502) Phone (502) kerry.starks@pcusa.org ronald.x.burch@usps.gov PCC Website

3 DMM Advisory September 14, 2012 The effective date for the Folded Self-Mailers (FSM) revised standards is drawing near January 5, The final rule Federal Register was published on December 1, Additional FSM reference materials including graphic illustrations are on RIBBS under the Folded Self-Mailers web page at Business Mail Entry employees and Mailpiece Design Analysts can also help answer questions on the revised FSM standards. The revised standards are intended to provide mailers more mailpiece design options, while balancing design innovation and machinability to improve the overall supply chain. Although the revised standards are not effective until January 5, 2013, the Postal Service encourages mailers to begin the transition now. Key points in the revised standards include: The final fold must be on the bottom, for oblong pieces, the final fold is on the leading edge. When tabs are used as the sealing method, a minimum of two are required. Tabs cannot be placed on the bottom edge of oblong pieces. New language added about glue as a sealing method. New language added about a variety of optional elements that can be incorporated in the FSM design such as attachments, loose enclosures, perforations, and die-cuts. The Domestic Mail Manual (DMM ) is available on Postal Explorer (pe.usps.com). To subscribe to the DMM Advisory, send an to dmmadvisory@usps.com. Simply indicate subscribe in the subject line.

4 Intelligent Mail Package Barcode Frequently Asked Questions What is the Intelligent Mail Package Barcode (IM pb)? The Intelligent Mail Package Barcode (IM pb) is the Postal Service s next generation tracking barcode for parcels and Extra Services. It uses the same industry-standard GS1-128 symbology as the current Confirmation Services barcode but with several enhancements. How does it work? Similar to the current Confirmation Services tracking barcode, the IMpb may be applied to all domestic parcels and other mail pieces for tracking or where an Extra Service has been purchased. The IMpb includes customer account (Mailer ID), ZIP Code routing, and payment channel information, and denotes the mail class and service combination of the mail piece. The IMpb is tracked throughout our network, providing enhanced visibility to customers. The product (mail class) only IMpb may be applied to packages with no Extra Services to receive partial tracking information. When will the IMpb be required? Effective January 22, 2012, The IMpb is required for PC Postage customers. Also, customers claiming presort or destination entry prices, except Standard Mail, must use an IMpb, legacy tracking barcode, or Extra Services barcode. To provide time to modify their systems, customers were afforded a transition period until July 2, 2012 initially, then extended to July 31, 2012 to meet this requirement. The IMpb will be required for all tracking and Extra Services barcodes, and all First-Class Package Services, Parcel Select, Parcel Select Light Weight, Bound Printed Matter, Media Mail, and Library Mail parcels to claim presort and destination entry pricing effective January 7, This excludes Standard Mail. What types of incentives does the Postal Service offer to encourage IMpb use? Commercial customers 1 for certain products will receive end-to-end tracking including confirmation of delivery (Delivery Confirmation) at no charge. Also, an IMpb or trackable barcode is now tied to presort and destination entry pricing. Initially, customers may use the IMpb or the existing Confirmation Services or Extra Services barcode formats to qualify for end-to-end tracking at no charge. Effective January 7, 2013, commercial customers must adopt the IMpb and its corresponding file formats for all tracking and Extra Services barcodes. How is the IMpb different from the current Confirmation Services / Extra Services barcode format? The main differences between the IMpb and the current barcodes used for Confirmation Services and Extra Services are that the IMpb: Uses just one barcode symbology, GS1-128 Supports a 6-digit or 9-digit Mailer ID Uses a 3-digit Service Type Code to identify the exact mail class and Extra Service combination Supports different barcode layouts across payment channels (retail, commercial, online) Offers simplified service banner text 2 o USPS SIGNATURE TRACKING # for signature items. o USPS TRACKING # for all others. Can the Mail Owner/Service Provider assign the Serial Numbers? Yes. Mail Owners/Service Providers are responsible for assigning the unique serial number for IMpb, Confirmation Services and Extra Services barcodes. How long must the barcode serial number remain unique? Serial numbers must remain unique for 180 days. How do mailers benefit from using the IMpb? The IMpb provides several benefits to customers. In addition to free tracking 1 for some products, the IMpb accommodates either a 6-digit or 9-digit MID and serial numbers up to 14 digits long. This means large shippers have more flexibility to maintain barcode uniqueness. The 3-digit Service Type Code within the IMpb identifies the product and service combinations, allowing for more granular and accurate reporting and measurement. Many new products and presort and destination entry discounts require the use of the IMpb barcode. Also, the new file format allows customers to link packages to Intelligent Mail Tray and Intelligent Mail Container barcodes (IMtl and IMcb) which increase visibility for nested pieces as they travel through the network. Can I use the same Mailer ID I use for letters and flats for the IMpb? Yes, except Electronic Verification System (evs) customers. evs customers must use MIDs specific for this program to avoid potential billing or reconciliation issues. For other programs utilizing Intelligent Mail package barcodes, the same mailer ID may be used as that used for letters and flats. The IMpb correct barcode constructs must be used for 6-digit and 9-digit MIDs, respectively. 1 Does not include Package Services (Bound Printed Matter, Media Mail, Library Mail) or Standard Mail parcels. 2 Except Certified Mail, Registered Mail, Adult Signature, Parcel Return Service, COD, and Open & Distribute Products Product Information Copyright USPS July 2012 Shipping Information Systems All Rights Reserved

5 Intelligent Mail Services Helping You Make Smarter Business Decisions. Know Where Your Mail Is Improve Customer Service, Predict Cash Flow, Avoid Collection Calls, Make Better Fee-Waiver Decisions, Track Vendor Performance The ability to track the status of your mail with IMb Tracing will help you provide better service to your customers. When they call, you ll have the information you need to respond more quickly and more accurately. And, with tracking information available to your customers as well, you ll receive fewer customer inquiries. Knowing where your mail is will help your finance department monitor and predict payments more easily. This will help you avoid collection calls, re-billing, or having to cancel and then reinstate accounts. And, you ll make better fee-waiver decisions. All resulting in improved cash flow, reduced costs, and improved customer service. You ll also be able to monitor hand-off of your mail to the Postal Service from third-parties such as mail consolidators or logistics providers helping you to track vendor performance and manage risks. Pinpoint Delivery Dates Optimize Staffing, Coordinate Marketing Campaigns, Improve Telemarketing With Service Measurement enabled by Intelligent Mail services, you ll be able to pinpoint delivery dates of your billing statements and your direct mail campaigns. You ll then be able to determine the best in-home dates based on response, optimize callcenter staffing, and improve effectiveness of telemarketing follow-up. You ll also be able to coordinate multichannel marketing campaigns for the greatest ROI. Receive Mail Feedback Improve Target Marketing, Increase ROI, Learn More About Your Concepts, Test Creative Concepts Reaching the right recipients at the right time is only possible with clean address lists. With the Intelligent Mail Full-Service option, you ll receive feed-back about your address quality - free, automated address correction Information. Improved mailing lists mean Improved ROI because mail that goes to the wrong address is a missed opportunity and an avoidable cost PRIMACY PKWY STE 201 MEMPHIS TN The Intelligent Mail Full -Service option also provides extra data capacity to use as you wish. Perhaps to test the effectiveness of different offers or creative concepts. Or, to leverage life triggers. IMb - Simplified with Added Value To increase the value of Full -Service Intelligent mail, the annual mailing fees for permits are waived when all postage statements contain 90 percent or more Full-Service pieces. Using Intelligent Mail barcodes and edocumentation provides access to einduction. This streamlined mail entry process eliminates the need for paper documents. Seamless Acceptance, an automated verification process will provide Full-Service mailers efficiencies across the supply chain, preparation and payment flexibility and standardized acceptance and verification processes. JANE DOE 6449 AMBERVIEW CV MEMPHIS TN Benefits of Full-Service Lowest automation discount price Address Correction Service for Full- Service Mailpieces FIRST-CLASS MAIL AUTO U.S. POSTAGE PAID NEW YORK, NY7 PERMIT NO. 1 Start-the-Clock (STC) Visibility Date/Time USPS took possession of mail Visibility Container, Tray Induction and Processing Scans Mail Owner, Mail Preparer and 3rd party provider Future: Bundle Scans Mail Quality Reporting Piece Scans with IMb Tracing

6 Frequently Used Numbers General Information Zip Code Information Rates and Product Line Information Hours of Operation Passport Information Vacation Holding of Mail Residential Customer Services Consumer Affairs/Complaint & Suggestions/Insured Claims Business Customer Services Express & Priority Mail Services Corporate Account Status Express Mail Complaints Bulk Mailings Bulk Mail Applications/Permits Human Resources Hiring Information welcome.htm Employment Verification Postal Service Employment Code Mail Processing Operations Postal Inspection Service Louisville Post Offices Anchorage Carriers, Anchorage Retail Services, Baxter Carriers, Baxter Retail Services, Buechel Carriers, Buechel Retail Services, Camp Taylor Carriers, Cherokee Carriers, Cherokee Retail Services, Downtown Post Office Fern Creek Carriers, Fern Creek Retail Services, Fourth Street Post Office, Highview Carriers, Iroquois Hikes Point, Jeffersontown Lyndon Main Post Office Retail, Martin Luther King, Jr. P. O / Middletown Okolona, Pleasure Ridge Park, St. Matthews, Shelby, Shively, Standiford Retail,

7 Intelligent Mail Services Increase the Value of Your Mail Effective January 2013 eligibility for automation prices is limited to the use of mailpieces with the Intelligent Mail barcode: letters, flats, postcards, QBRM (Business Reply Mail) and Permit Reply Mail. Here s how you can join thousands of mailers who have used the IMb on billions of mail pieces. There are two options for the use of IMb Basic and Full Service. Introduction to Basic is fairly simple. Full Service has additional requirements such as electronic documentation to list one. Helping You Comply in January 2013 Two Intelligent Mail Options Mail/Mail Containers Basic a Full-Service Mailpieces IMb is required Unique IMb is required Trays Pallets IM tray barcode on labels is optional IM container barcode on placards is optional Unique IM tray barcode on labels is required Unique IM container barcode on placards is required a The Intelligent Mail Basic option will enable compliance with January 2013 requirements and starts you on the road to Full Service. Electronic documentation is optional with Intelligent Mail Basic. Facts About the Intelligent Mail barcode Holds all routing, sorting and additional services information in one barcode Enables unique identity of individual mailpieces Offers OneCode ACS at less cost than traditional ACS Opens up more real estate on the envelope for marketing messages Allows customers to take advantage of the lowest price offerings in January 2013 Apply the IMb to these mail classes and processing categories: First-Class Mail letters and flats Standard Mail letters and flats Periodicals letters and flats Bound Printed Matter flats Business and Permit Reply Mail Services available with the Basic option b Manual address correction Traditional ACS OneCode ACS (automated address correction information) IMb Tracing (for mail tracking) Manual address correction with IMb Tracing OneCode ACS with IMb Tracing Or no services b May have multiple Service Type IDs within a single mailing. Each service has a fee and separate Service Type ID. Intelligent Mail barcode Benefits Reach the right recipients at the right time with automated address correction information provided by OneCode ACS. Improve response rates, drive revenue and reduce undeliverable-as-addressed (UAA) mail. Receive Full-Service ACS with the Intelligent Mail Full Service option at no charge. Track your mail with IMb Tracing. Provide better customer service, predict payments and avoid collection calls. Monitor performance of mail consolidators and logistics providers with IMb Tracing mail tracking. Improve the environment with reduced UAA mail and by using electronic postage statements and payments. Resources: Postal Service District Business Mail Entry (Find yours at: PostalOne! Help Desk ( or postalone@usps.gov) Postal Service Mailpiece Design Analyst (Contact the MDA Support Center at or your request to mda@usps.gov) RIBBS Website at: DMM Advisory: To subscribe to the DMM Advisory or to send comments and suggestions, us at: dmmadvisory@usps.com. Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) at: March 2012

8 Postal Customer Council of Kentuckiana P.O. Box Louisville, KY FIRST CLASS MAIL POSTAGE & FEES PAID U.S.P.S. PERMIT NO. G-10 USPS Trivia Contest Bring completed answers to the PCC General Meeting on 11/15/12 to be entered in a special prize raffle drawing. Q-Who played the postman on the popular hit show Cheers? A-John Ratzenberger or Shelley Long Q-Who worked at the post office in MIB II? A-Tommy Lee Jones or Will Smith Q-Who played the postman in the post-apocalyptic move The Postman from 1997? A-Kevin Costner or Mel Gibson Q-What comic strip character was retired from the postal service? A-Mr Wilson-(Dennis the Menace) or Dagwood-(Blondie) Name: Company: