11/23/08 - To alleviate UAA (Undeliverable As Addressed) mail, the USPS will require that all presorted mail be run through NCOA (National Change Of Address) or other approved move update method once every 95 days in order to receive the largest postage discount. George Dean has the latest software to process NCOA in a timely and cost effective manner.

3/29/09 - New standards for address placement on flat-size mail. Address placement will be required to be on the top half of the flat-size mailpiece. The postage must appear to the right or upper right and the return address (if used) must appear to the upper left of the delivery address.

5/11/09 - Mailers will have three barcode options: the Full-Service Intelligent Mail® barcode, the Basic Intelligent Mail^® barcode and the current POSTNET^TM barcode. When the next price changes are announced, it will include two prices: one for Basic Intelligent Mail^® barcode and POSTNET^TM, and a proposed lower price for Full-Service Intelligent Mail^® barcode that is likely to take effect in the fall of 2009.

Intelligent mail is a comprehensive, integrated plan designed to revolutionize all aspects of how the Postal Service accepts, processes and transports mail by using the Intelligent mail system. Intelligent mail uses advanced barcode technology and supporting systems, processes and equipment to enable mail pieces, trays and containers with Intelligent Mail^® barcodes to be tracked as they travel through the postal network, from acceptance to delivery.**

May 2011 - The POSTNET^TM barcode will no longer be accepted by the USPS.

Plan Early
Considering postage cost is a major part of designing a direct mail campaign, non-standard pieces can quickly drive costs out of control. In order to qualify for the best automated/machinable postal rate your mailpeices must meet specific standards including size, shape and weight. You can determine if your mail qualifies as machinable if the aspect ratio is between 1.3 - 2.5. The aspect ratio is derived by dividing length by height. The length is the dimension that is parallel to the mailing address. If the number falls within the desired aspect range your letter conforms for maximum discount.

Here are some standards that will help you achieve the maximum bang for your buck in postage:

When designing a mail campaign, get the professionals at George H. Dean involved early in the planning process. We have the best people ready to help you with the latest regulations to make sure your project is successful. Whether designing for maximum impact or maximum postage savings we can help meet your goal.

Intelligent Mail^® Barcode (IMB)
** Watch for a future newsletter devoted to IMB and how it may be a benefit to your projects. George Dean will start using IMB in the near future.