GLOSSARY

A Folding technique where a mail piece is folded with two or more parallel folds, creating a zigzag pattern like an accordion. Used in direct mail to present information sequentially, often for brochures or letters.

A USPS service providing mailers with electronic change-of-address or undeliverable-as-addressed data for recipients, captured in Computerized Forwarding System (CFS) units. Requires specific endorsements and CASS-certified addresses. 

A USPS ancillary service that provides a recipient's new address (if moved) or reason for non-delivery, triggered by endorsements like "Address Service Requested" or "Return Service Requested" on mail pieces. 

The process of applying recipient names and addresses to mail pieces, either by printing directly (e.g., inkjet), applying labels, or using window envelopes. Critical for deliverability and personalization. 

Markings on mail pieces (e.g. " Forwarding Service Requested") instructing the USPS on handling undeliverable mail, such as forwarding, returning, or discarding with address correction. 

A USP facility that processes and distributes mail for specific ZIP code ranges, as listed in DMM labeling list L004. Used in presort and destination entry programs. 

The ratio of a mail piece's length (parallel to the address) to its height. For automation compatibility, it must be between 1.3 and 2.5 (e.g., a 5.5 x 3.5-inch postcard has an aspect ratio of 1.57).

An AADC with advanced automation equipment, such as multiline optical character readers (MLOCRs) and barcode sorters, to process automation-compatible mail efficiently. 

Mail pieces designed to meet USPS standards for automated processing, including size, shape, address readability, and barcode placement, qualifying for discounted postage rates. 

A machine-readable pattern of vertical bars and spaces encoding data, typically a ZIP Code or delivery point, used for automated sorting. Types include POSTNET, Intelligence Mail Barcode (IMB), and GS1-128.

A rectangular area in the lower right of a letter-size mail piece, free of printing except for the barcode, ensuring readability by automated equipment. 

The specific area within the barcode clear zone where the barcode must be printed, defined by the leftmost bar and bottom edge positions. 

A high-speed, computer-controlled USPS machine that sorts mail based on imprinted barcodes, enhancing processing efficiency. 

A label on mail tray or sack with a barcode identifying contents (e.g., ZIP Code or sortation level), used for automated USPS processing. 

Executing multiple computer tasks (e.g., address printing or data selection) in a single run, optimizing mail production workflows. 

A promotional document included with a customer's bill, also called a statement stuffer, to maximize mailing space and engagement. 

A promotional card or insert bound into magazine or catalog during production, ensuring it stays secure, unlike a loose blow-in. 

A reply card, often in magazines, where readers circle numbers to request information, designed as a self-mailer with a response form. 

Printing that extends to the edge of a mail piece requires a slightly larger design to account for trimming, common in postcards or brochures. 

A loose promotional card inserted into a publication during assembly, designed to attract attention and encourage response. 

A printer's proof, typically in blue ink, used to review and correct direct mail materials before final production.

A USPS mail class for heavy, non-urgent printed materials (e.g., catalogs, books) up to 15 pounds, offering lower rates than parcel select. 

An additional offer included in a product shipment to encourage further purchases or engagement. 

A multi-page mail piece detailing an offer, including product descriptions, benefits, pricing, and a call-to-action often used in direct mail campaigns. 

A small insert (roughly dollar-bill-sized) included in a mailing to provide extra incentives, bonuses, or reasons to respond. 

Larger quantities of identical mail pieces sent at reduced postage rates, requiring presorting and permit or stamp. Includes USPS Marketing Mail (minimum 200 pieces or 50 pounds) or First-Class Mail presorted (minimum 500 pieces).

A USPS facility (now Network Distribution Center, NDC) processing bulk mail, such as packages and Marketing Mail, for regional distribution. 

A USPS facility where mailers submit bulk, presorted, or permit imprint mail for acceptance, equipped with platform and staging areas. 

A pre-addressed card included in a mailing, with postage paid by the mailer, to simplify customer responses. 

A pre-addressed envelope, with postage paid by the mailer, included to facilitate customer responses. 

A USPS service allowing permit holders to receive First-Class or Priority Mail responses, with postage and feed paid only for returned pieces. 

An ISO 216 standard envelope (162mmx229mm) that holds an A4 letter folded in half or an A5 postcard, commonly used in direct mail. 

The process of receiving, opening, and processing incoming mail responses (e.g., orders, donations), including data entry and banking, often at a fulfillment center. 

A message (e.g., headline or sentence) urging the recipient to take specific action, such as ordering or responding to an offer. 

An outer envelope containing multiple mail pieces sent to one address for distribution. Often used in B2B mailing. 

Mail sorted by the mailer to specific carrier routes, bypassing primary or secondary USPS sorting, qualifying for discounted postage. 

A USPS "Coding Accuracy Support System" process verifying that mailing lists match the USPS address database, ensuring ZIP+4 accuracy. 

Adhesive address labels printed by a Cheshire machine, applied to mail pieces for high-volume addressing.

An area on a mail piece that must remain free of design elements to allow automated sorting, as specified by USPS or other postal services. 

Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black, the four ink colors used in color process printing to produce a wide range of colors in mail pieces. 

Combining multiple mailers' pieces (e.g., catalogs) into one mailing to share postage costs and quality for USPS discounts.

Combining mail trays from different mailers on one pallet, sorted by ZIP Code, to achieve USPS postage discounts. 

Merging presorted mail from multiple mailers into a single stream, sorted by ZIP code or carrier route, to lower postage costs. 

Pre-addressed mail pieces (e.g., envelopes) provided for customer responses, where the sender pays postage, unlike BRM.

Cleaning and updating mailing lists to remove duplicates, correct errors, and ensure deliverability using tools like CASS or NCOA. 

Removing duplicate addresses from mailing lists to prevent sending multiple mail pieces to the same recipient. 

A barcode including the ZIP+4 code plus two digits (often the last two of the street address) for precise sorting and delivery.  

A USPS service confirming an address is deliverable, beyond ZIP+4 verification, ensuring mail reaches the intended recipient. 

The final USPS facility where mail is sorted by delivery route and delivered, offering discounts for direct mailer drop-off. 

A USPS program where mailers transport mail to a postal facility closer to the delivery point (e.g., DSCF or DDU) for discounted rates. 

A USP facility where mailers enter mail directly, qualifying for postage discounts based on proximity to delivery.

A USPS facility closer to the delivery point where mailers enter mail for postage discounts. 

A precision cutting process using a custom metal die to create unique shapes (e.g., windows, edges) on envelopes or postcards. 

A printing method (e.g., xerography) that transfers digital images directly to paper, enabling variable data printing and short runs. 

Printing addresses directly onto mail pieces using inkjet or laser printers, avoiding labels for professional look and automation compatibility. 

The official USPS online resource outlining mailing standards, including mail classes, preparation, and postage rates. 

A postcard with a perforated reply card, allowing recipients to return a portion for responses or orders. 

The scheduled date when a mailing is delivered to the USPS or a private carrier for processing. 

Transporting mail from mail house or printer to a USPS facility closer to the destination, qualifying for postage discounts. 

A USPS program for saturation mailing, delivering targeted to all addresses in a carrier route without individual addressing. 

Vertical bars near the top right of a mail piece, used by USPS machines to identify specific mail types like BRM or CRM.

A USPS mail class for fast delivery (1-5 days) of letters and packages, including forwarding and return services, ideal for urgent mail. 

Mail pieces larger than letter-size but not exceeding 12 inches high, 15 inches long, or 0.75 inches thick, like catalogs, often automation-compatible. 

Folding a mail piece to hide sensitive information visible through an envelope window ensuring privacy. 

Handling responses to a mailing, including order processing, shipping, and customer service, often outsourced mail shops. 

Printing multiple jobs on the same press sheet to reduce costs, used for similar direct mail pieces like postcards.  

A printed marking on a mail piece showing postage paid, including the mail class and permit number, used instead of a stamp. 

High-speed printing that sprays ink to apply addresses or barcodes directly onto mail pieces, ideal for personalization. 

The automated or manual process of placing components (e.g., letters, reply-cards, BRE) into envelopes or packages during production. 

A USPS barcode consists of 65-bars with Barcode ID, Service Type ID, Mailer ID, Serial Number, ZIP Code, and Delivery Point to enhance processing, tracking and delivery accuracy.

Mail pieces meeting USPS size standards for letters up to 6.125 inches high, 11.5 inches long, 0.25 inches thick), eligible for automation rates. 

A professional sourcing mailing lists, matching mailers with targeted lists based on demographics or interests. 

Dividing mailing lists into groups based on criteria (e.g., location, purchase history) for tailored campaigns. 

Using a database to create personalized labels, letters, or envelopes.

Matching addresses on a mail piece insert(s) to the outer envelope, ensuring personalization. 

A prepaid mailing method that uses a postage meter to print the sufficient amount of postage onto envelopes. It ensures that the correct amount of postage is paid, improve accuracy, and save money.

A USPS database updating mailing lists with new addresses of moved individuals or businesses. 

A USPS requirement to update addresses within 95 days using NCOA or ACS for automation discounts. 

Mail pieces that cannot be processed automatically due to size, shape, or rigidity, incurring surcharges. 

A USPS mail class with discounted rates for authorized nonprofits, typically for Marketing Mail.

A USPS machine scanning printed addresses to apply barcodes or sort mail automatically. 

Applying a new address label over an existing one to correct addressing. 

Include three classes of mail: Bound Printed Matter, Media Mail, and Library Mail. Proper packaging is essential to protect the contents, present items professionally, and comply with shipping regulations.

A pre-printed USPS indicia for postage paid via a mailer's permit. 

A plastic bag for mailing catalogs or magazines, often with printed addresses. 

A unique web address (e.g., www.example.com/john) for tracking responses in personalized campaigns. 

A presorted mail service is the most affordable to send mail in bulk. It is an ideal service for high mail volumes mail to save shipping costs and organize the mailing process.

A USPS mail class of expedited delivery (1-3 days), with tracking and insurance. 

A scannable barcode linking to digital content, used to track engagement. 

A single-piece mailer (e.g., postcard, brochure) without an envelope, meeting USPS standards. 

The former name for USPS Marketing Mail, used for bulk mailing. 

Using adhesive tabs to secure self-mailers or booklets for USPS compliance. 

Printing customized text or images on each mail piece for personalization. 

An envelope with a window showing the recipient's address, reducing errors. 

A digital printing process using toner for high-quality, or variable data printing. 

A nine-digit postal code for precise delivery point identification.