Postal Service Moves to Improve Address Quality for Mailing Industry

New Data File to Identify “Vacant” Addresses

Every accurate address enables the U.S. Postal Service to provide more efficient mail processing and helps mailers avoid wasted expense. In 2004, more than 9.7 billion pieces of mail were sent to undeliverable addresses of which over 600 million pieces were sent to “vacant” addresses—a house, apartment, office, or building not occupied for at least 90 days. To reduce that unwanted mail, the Postal Service has developed a new data table that is used with address matching software which helps mailers determine when they may be sending to vacant addresses.

The new “no-stat” and “vacant” tables are available through Coding Accuracy Support System address matching software (CASS Certified™) as part of the Delivery Point Validation (DPV™) product. The tables are simple to use and can help mailers save on production and postage costs by reducing undeliverable-as-addressed (UAA) mail. If an address is flagged as vacant, the recommended course of action is to remove that address from the mailing until it becomes occupied again.

By utilizing CASS Certified™ software, mailers can standardize addresses and obtain the correct ZIP + 4® assignments and associated delivery point codes (DPC). CASS Certified™ software using DPV™ logic can determine if the ZIP + 4® coded address is recognized as a valid delivery within the USPS delivery network, further strengthening the quality and deliverability of address lists. Additionally, CASS Certified™ software is necessary for mailers claiming presorted, carrier route, and automation rates. The use of this software is the first step in effectively managing overall mailing costs and obtaining eligibility for postage incentives.

To learn more, mailers can contact their DPV™ product vendor to learn whether these new tables are incorporated in their products. If mailers are using a service bureau to process address lists, ask that provider to use these tables during processing. The release of the “no-stat” and “vacant” tables is another example of the Postal Service’s ongoing commitment to address quality and helping the mailing industry make effective and efficient use of the mail.