Randy Weiler, SPC’s Director of Postal Affairs and Logistics, is here to help you navigate the labyrinth of the USPS. What does it take to efficiently move your projects through the USPS system? What efficiencies can you gain from SPC’s lettershop expertise? Who determines postal increases?

Every month, Randy fields your burning questions about mail and postal affairs in a Q&A format. You can email him at askrandy@specialtyprintcomm.com or post a question via Facebook or Twitter using the hashtag #AskRandyUSPS. We post the questions and his answers each month both here on the SPC blog and on social media. To see a full list of questions that Randy has answered, check the Ask Randy Index.

1) What is Seamless Acceptance and why is it important to SPC and our customers?

Seamless Acceptance leverages the scanning of Intelligent Mail barcodes on mailpieces, trays, sacks and containers by USPS mail processing equipment (MPE) and handheld scanning devices. These are then reconciled to the mailer electronic documentation (eDoc) to confirm proper mail preparation for the discounts claimed and postage paid. Mail is verified by reviewing data within the eDoc, the comparison of eDoc to MPE scans, and the comparison of eDoc to scans from sampling. These three verification types provide a complete view of mail preparation.

Benefits of Seamless Acceptance

• Longer mail production cycle
• Standardized acceptance and verification process is performed electronically and reduces overall complexity
• Auto-finalization gives eDoc submitters control over postage payment
• Allows for improved feedback and identification of trends
• Trend-based quality measurements means that mail preparers are not penalized for a problem with a single mailing
• Control over release timing
• Flexibility with mail preparation

2) What is the status of the USPS moving to a five-day delivery?

The idea of the USPS potentially moving to five-day delivery has been floating around for quite some time now. Proponents suggest that it will help trim USPS costs in the face of decreasing letter delivery, without sacrificing significant service. But given the importance of package delivery to the USPS at the moment, and the ongoing consumer desire to receive packages ASAP, I personally feel a five-day delivery concept has been sidelined for now.

3) Can I put a “please deliver by” date range on a mail piece?

There are no applicable standards in the DMM that prohibit the inclusion of an in-home delivery date on a mailpiece. Without an explicit prohibition, a date is allowed as long as it doesn’t interfere with postal markings or elements. It does not affect the mailing in any way since there is no guarantee associated with those dates.

4) Do you prefer thin crust or deep dish pizza?

Answer: Thin crust

Randy Weiler
Director Postal Affairs and Logistics