November 25, 2008

Move Update – Reminder

On November 23, we expanded the Move Update requirement from First-Class Mail automation- and presort-price mailings to include all Standard Mail mailings. The minimum frequency of Move Update processing also changed from 185 days to 95 days prior to mailing. If an address used on a mailpiece in a mailing at one class of mail is updated, the same address may be used during the following 95 days in another mailing, even if it’s another class of mail.

Customers must certify on their postage statements which Move Update method they used. First-Class Mail customers who do not use a USPS-approved Move Update method are subject to single-piece prices, like they are today. For Standard Mail customers, we’ve established a transition period, which will run to May 2009. During this time, customers who are not compliant must select a USPS-approved Move Update method and use it on future mailings. After the transition period, noncompliant Standard Mail mailings will be charged 7 cents per piece.

We are also developing a verification process using live samples from the mailing. Initially, we will share the results of the verifications and work with customers to improve mail addressing quality. Beginning in May, we will use this information to assess additional postage on noncompliant mailings.

Quick Service Guide 230a provides an overview of the Move Update standards, and additional information is available on ribbs.usps.gov (click “Move Update”). Please contact your business mail entry manager if you have questions.