Overview
Title
Addressing Standards
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The Postal Service wants to change the rules about how they handle addresses to make sure mail gets to the right place, but some people think this could cost more money for small businesses who send mail. They're asking for people to tell them what they think about these changes by July 1, 2021.
Summary AI
The Postal Service is proposing a revision to its previous proposal to amend the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) in various sections related to addressing. These changes aim to update the standards for ZIP Code and carrier route accuracy, and align database product cycles with other mailing products for consistency. The revisions seek to clarify proposals from the initial rule and incorporate feedback from the mailing industry, with an effective implementation date proposed for July 1, 2021. Public comments are invited on these proposed changes.
Abstract
The Postal Service is revising its pending proposal to amend Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM[supreg]) in various sections of Addressing, to update addressing standards.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document at hand is a proposed revision from the United States Postal Service (USPS) concerning changes to the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM). It focuses on updating the standards for ZIP Code and carrier route accuracy. Although part of a routine updating process, these changes include modifying how address updates are handled, with a proposed effective date of July 1, 2021. The USPS has opened this proposal to public comments until March 24, 2021, inviting feedback to finalize the adjustments.
Summary of the Proposal
The USPS proposal aims to revise existing addressing standards to improve the accuracy and efficiency of mail processing. An essential aspect of the proposal is to align the database product cycles, promoting consistency across all mailing products. This change is intended to lead to a more streamlined process, reducing the reliance on outdated address information and eliminating certain inefficiencies.
Significant Issues and Concerns
One of the primary concerns, based on industry feedback, is the potential increase in costs for lower volume mailers. This arises because these mailers might need to update their address lists more frequently than they currently do, thereby incurring higher service fees. Additionally, the document suggests a 60-day period for address matching, but many commenters advocate for 95 days to match existing standards, which the proposal does not address.
Another issue stems from the instruction for mailers to update their systems with the latest data "as soon as practicable." This rather vague language could lead to confusion and inefficiency, as mailers might be uncertain of compliance expectations. Furthermore, there are calls for extending the comment period, suggesting that stakeholders need more time to evaluate the implications of these changes thoroughly.
Impact on the Public and Specific Stakeholders
For the general public, the proposed changes could eventually lead to more accurate and timely mail delivery. Enhanced addressing standards mean fewer mailpieces are delayed or lost due to incorrect addresses. However, this benefit comes with a concern that some smaller mailers might pass on their increased processing costs to customers.
Specific stakeholders, such as small volume mailers and those using outdated systems, could face challenges if the revisions are implemented as proposed. They might need to invest in more frequent updates to their mailing lists or adapt to newer technology, which could be burdensome. However, larger commercial mailers or those already aligned with frequent updates may benefit from the streamlined processes and potentially improved service reliability.
Conclusion
While the intention behind these changes is sound, promoting accuracy and consistency, there are valid concerns that need addressing. Ensuring that the transition is as smooth as possible, with clear guidance on compliance and enough time for adaptation, remains critical. Clear communication and considerate planning from USPS could alleviate potential hardships and ensure that benefits are maximized for all involved parties.
Issues
• The document proposes changes to addressing standards which could impose cost increases for lower volume mailers, as noted by comments from the mailing industry, but does not offer a solution to mitigate these costs.
• Several comments requested an extension of the comment period, indicating there may be insufficient time for industry stakeholders to fully evaluate the proposed changes.
• The move to monthly updates requires mailers to update systems 'as soon as practicable', a vague directive that could lead to misunderstandings regarding compliance timelines.
• The document does not address suggestions to extend the 60-day requirement for address matching to 95 days, creating potential conflict with existing Move Update Standards.
• There may be an overlap and redundancy as Exhibit 9.3.1 involves the 'last permissible use' date, yet mailers are advised to use data as soon as practicable.
• While the document acknowledges feedback from the mailing industry, there is a lack of detail on how these comments influenced the final proposal.
• The technical language surrounding ZIP Code accuracy and CASS certification could be simplified to make the proposal more accessible to non-expert stakeholders.