Understanding Postal: Biggest Rate Case Threat? Regulatory Changes

Today, the Postal Service allows mailers to use software to provide a ZIP + 4 code, if the address is valid within a range of addresses. When there’s an empty point within this range, it means there’s no deliverable address at that point.

As of Aug. 1, all addresses must be deliverable at what’s called the “primary” level, or house number. For multi-occupant buildings, the primary address consists of the base unit for that complex. Cycle L certification also will require a ZIP + 4 code only be assigned if the primary number can be validated against the delivery point validation (DPV) file. If the primary address can’t be verified, no ZIP + 4 can be returned, and the vendor will be required to use only a five-digit ZIP code. Pieces that can’t be coded with a ZIP + 4 code won’t be eligible for automation rates.