Glossary

Automation Discount
A reduced postage rate for mail pieces with a complete address and barcode that also meet other requirements for processing on automated equipment.

Barcode Clear Zone
A rectangular area in the lower right part of a letter-size mailpiece that must be kept free of printing and symbols, except for the barcode itself. This requirement allows automated processing machines to read or apply a barcode.

CASS (coding accuracy support system)
Improves the accuracy of delivery point codes, ZIP Codes, and carrier route information on mail pieces. CASS provides a common platform to measure the quality of address matching software and useful diagnostics to correct software problems.

Fastforward
A USPS-licensed automated system that updates addresses by identifying names and addresses for which current change-of-address (COA) orders are on file. FASTforward is available in two applications. The Mailing List Correction application updates computerized name and address mailing lists before mailpiece creation. The MLOCR/RVE application provides an "on-piece" address correction during mail processing before deposit into the mailstream.

First-Class Mail
A class of mail that includes all matter wholly or partly in writing or typewriting, all actual and personal correspondence, all bills and statement of account, and all matter sealed or otherwise closed against inspection.

Flat-Size Mail
A mailpiece that exceeds one of the dimensions for letter-size mail (11-1/2 inches long, 6-1/8 inches high, 1/4 inch thick) but that does not exceed the maximum dimension for the mail processing category (15 inches long, 12 inches high, 3/4 inch thick). Dimensions are different for automation rate flat-size mail eligibility.

Letter-Size Mail
A mail processing category of mailpieces, including cards, that do not exceed any of the dimensions for letter-size mail (that is, 11-1/2 inches long, 6-1/8 inches high, 1/4 inch thick).

Nonmachinable
The incapacity of a mailpiece to be sorted on mail processing equipment because of size, shape, content, or address legibility. Such mail must be processed manually.

Planet Code
A Planet Code represents the assigned unique number of a mail piece. It can also contain other information designated by the mailer. Planet codes are used primarily to track the delivery timing of outbound mail and to track the approach arrival of inbound mail. Those tracking inbound mail (like payments or other response types) often include information in the code to represent client number or dollar value. Although the tracking offers proof of mailing, it cannot substantiate the actual delivery – it can only assume delivery to the actual recipient was made.

Post Card
Length: minimum 5 " / maximum 6",
Height: minimum 3-1/2" / maximum 4-1/4",
Thickness: minimum 0.007" / maximum 0.016"

Standard Mail
A class of mail consisting of mailable matter that is not mailed as First-Class Mail or entered as Periodicals. Matter formerly classified as third-class mail is referred to as Standard Mail. The unmodified term Standard Mail applies to both former third-class mail and former fourth-class mail.