April 9, 2010

PS Form 8125 — Plant-Verified Drop Shipment (PVDS) Verification and Clearance

We have realigned our business mail acceptance processes to be more consistent throughout our vast network. A significant effort was centered on the correct completion of PS Form 8125, Plant-Verified Drop Shipment (PVDS) Verification and Clearance. PS Form 8125 assures that the contents presented at a destination entry office match what was accepted at an origin entry office.

We have thousands of suppliers who bring drop shipments to our facilities, additionally bringing non-postal forms, such as bills of lading, and request a USPS® signature. These non-postal forms are not uniform in content or appearance. It is critical that PS Form 8125 be used as the only documentation evidencing receipt of mail by the Postal Service™ for destination entry drop shipments. It is the only form for destination entry mailings familiar to all mailers and every business mail entry facility.

To maintain nationwide consistency, USPS policy is to accept PS Form 8125 as the only form that postal employees may sign to acknowledge receipt of destination entry shipments. If mailers require a signed receipt, they may submit a second copy of the PS Form 8125, which will be signed by the USPS employee and returned to the driver after the drop shipment has been received. For mailers who use electronic processes such as eVS® where hard copy forms are not required, a separate process will be established.

As postal employees continue to implement standardized business mail acceptance processes, we appreciate the support of the mailing community. It's important that mailers and the Postal Service continue to work together and support consistency nationwide.