In January 2009, mailers will be required to use Intelligent Mail barcodes to access automation prices for letters and flats. To access automation prices, mailers will be required to meet one of two options using Intelligent Mail barcodes. The first option, referred to as "Full Service" Intelligent Mail, will require the use of unique Intelligent Mail barcodes applied to letter and flat mailpieces, trays, sacks, and containers, such as pallets, and the submission of electronic mailing documentation. The second option, or "Basic" Intelligent Mail, will only require mailers to apply Intelligent Mail barcodes on mailpieces and not on trays and containers. Automation prices will no longer be available for the use of the POSTNET barcode. This Federal Register notice provides advance information to help mailers understand the mail preparation requirements when using Intelligent Mail barcodes and offers insight into the additional information that will be available to mailers that comply with these requirements.

Move Update – Looking Ahead

The Move Update standard currently applies to mailings of First-Class Mail. Effective November 23, 2008, the minimum frequency for Move Update will change from 185 days to 95 days prior to the date of mailing and the Move Update standard will also be required for all Standard Mail.

In order to comply with the Move Update standard, mailers must update an address used on a mail piece in a mailing for any class of mail with an approved method.  Customers can also meet the Move Update standard if the same address is used in a First-Class Mail or Standard Mail mailing within 95 days after the address has been updated. Except for mail bearing an alternative address format, addresses used on all pieces claiming Standard Mail rates will be required to meet the Move Update standard.