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hamper - A canvas-lined tub supported by a steel and wood frame, used to transport bulk, bundled, and sacked mail (from 440 to 800 pounds) between postal operations.

handbook - A USPS directive that documents the procedures needed to implement USPS policy stated in manuals.

hand-stamped cancellation - A cancellation on postage stamps that is applied manually (rather than mechanically with a canceling machine) on mailpieces that are nonmachinable or do not meet USPS dimensions. It includes the standard cancellation with killer bars, the circular cancellation without killer bars, the first-day-of-issue cancellation, the bull's eye cancellation, and the pictorial cancellation. (Also see first-day-of-issue office.)

hang the rack - (See dress the rack.)

hards - (informal) Mail laid aside pending instructions on proper dispatch. (Also called selects.)

hash - (informal) Mail that is not required to be ready for close connections and not in sufficient quantity to warrant a definite separation. (Also called layover mail and house mail.)

hazardous material - Any article or substance designated by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) as being capable of posing an unreasonable risk to health, safety, and property during transportation.

header - (See case label.)

head-out - The starting point of a mail run or trip.

Headquarters - The national USPS unit that directs administration, policy, and operations. It is located at 475 L'Enfant Plaza, SW, Washington, DC 20260-0001. (Compare with area and district.)

heavy - (informal) (See bulkie.)

highway contract route (HCR) - A route of travel served by a postal contractor to carry mail over highways between designated points. Some HCRs include mail delivery to addresses along the line of travel. Formerly called star route.

highway contract route transportation pay cycle (HCR-TPC) - A 28-day (4-week) period that forms one-thirteenth of the fiscal year. It begins on a Saturday and ends at the close of business on the Friday 28 days (4 weeks) later.

hit - (informal) To postmark mail with a hand-stamped cancellation.

holdout - Mail held for handling and dispatch and for businesses that receive a large volume of mail.

horizontal bars - A series of uniform, wide bars, parallel to the length of the mailpiece, printed immediately below the no postage necessary endorsement on the right side of business reply mail.

hot case - (informal) A special distribution case in a delivery unit for last-minute sorting of mail. The letter carrier collects this mail before leaving for his or her route. (Also called end case and final case.)

hot house - (informal) An area used to separate and dispatch preferential mail. (Also called hot spot.)

hot mail - (informal) (See preferential mail.)

hot stamp - (informal) Stamp ink that contains a substance that becomes luminescent when passed through a facer-canceler. (Also see luminescent indicia detector and tagging.)

house mail - (informal) (See hash.)

Hub and Spoke Program (HASP) - For surface mail, primarily for 2-day committed mail. The HASP includes a central point ("hub") where mail for a group of offices ("spokes") can be unloaded from a series of incoming trips, massed according to their intended destination, and then sent on to that destination on another trip. Savings are realized because each trip does not have to drive to each individual office or "spoke" to drop off just a portion of its total load capacity.

identical piece - An individual mailpiece that has the same mail

I

idle vehicle time - The period during a scheduled tour when a vehicle is inactive.

improperly returned - Mail erroneously returned to the sender.

incoming mail - Mail received by a postal facility, most commonly for distribution and delivery within the delivery area of the receiving facility. (Also see destinating mail.) (Compare with outgoing mail.)

incoming mail processing center (IMPC) - A mail processing facility that serves as a hub for incoming mail that destinates at other processing or delivery facilities in its service area.

Incoming Secondary Sorting Program (ISSP) - A computer program used to analyze and plan cost-effective changes to secondary sorting operations performed on incoming mail in large postal facilities, using a multiposition letter sorting machine.

indemnity claim - A customer request for reimbursement filed for loss or damage to an item mailed by insured mail, collect on delivery, registered mail (with postal insurance), or Express Mail.

indicia - Imprinted designation on mail that denotes postage payment (e.g., permit imprint).

industrial trailer - A platform trailer (3 feet wide and 7 feet long) with two fixed and two swivel casters and end racks. It is used generally at postal terminals to move sacked mail between operations and can be coupled with other trailers to form a train drawn by an electric tractor.

information service center (ISC) - A facility that houses one or more accounting, computer operations, or software support centers.

information system - An engineered arrangement of computers, communications facilities, software code, and data designed to support the USPS business process.

information systems service center (ISSC) - A software design and support facility that provides support for postal activities. (Formerly called a postal data center.)

Information Technology (IT) - A package of equipment and/or systems related to data and/or communications that can be used as an enabler of USPS process reengineering.

Infrastructure Tool Kit (ITK) - A standardized suite of software products based on the business needs of the Postal Service and the planned direction of the Postal Computing Environment. This suite of products, called the USPS Infrastructure Tool Kit (ITK), is intended to institutionalize a core set of integrated commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) products across all USPS facilities for use in all development, support, and maintenance activities.

insert - A letter, card, or similar item placed inside another mailpiece (host piece).

Inspection Service - The federal law enforcement agency of the USPS that investigates criminal acts against the mails and misuse of the postal system; protects mail, postal funds, and postal property; and conducts internal audits. It is headed by the chief inspector.

insured mail - A service that provides indemnity coverage for a lost, rifled, or damaged article, subject to the standards for the service and payment of the applicable fee.

integrated retail terminal (IRT) - A microcomputer used at retail windows to weigh items, calculate postage and fees, and perform postal accounting functions.

interline movement - Mail moving between origin and destination by connecting schedules of more than one air, highway, or rail carrier. (Also see intermodal.)

intermodal - The use of two or more modes of transportation to move mail from origin to destination. (Also see interline movement.)

Internal Web - The Web site containing information accessible by postal personnel only (http://blue.usps.gov).

International Business Reply Service (IBRS) - In international mail, a service that allows envelopes and postcards to be distributed in certain foreign countries for return without postage prepayment to the original sender in the United States. (Compare with business reply mail.)

International Electronic Post (INTELPOST) - A facsimile message service available, at certain large post offices, between the United States and more than 40 foreign countries. A black-and-white image of the original (hard copy) document is printed and delivered to the addressee either the same day or the next day. INTELPOST is a USPS trademark.

international exchange office (IEO) - A post office or airport mail center/facility authorized to exchange international mail and military mail, both air and surface, with another country.

international mail - Mail originating in one country and destinating in another. It is classified as Postal Union Mail (that is, letters and cards (LC) and other articles (AO)), postal parcels, and Express Mail International Service.

International Mail Manual (IMM) - The USPS manual that contains classification regulations and other requirements for mailing between the United States and other countries.

International Merchant Purchase Authorization Card (IMPAC) - The official name for the VISA credit card used to purchase expense items, capital property, and vehicle parts.

International Package Consignment Service (IPCS) - (See Global Package Link.)

International Priority Airmail (IPA) - An international service for all mail items except postal parcels. This service is designed to be 1 day faster than regular airmail, provided that mailers meet minimum volume and sortation requirements. It is available to all countries except Canada. International Priority Airmail is a USPS trademark. (Also see Priority Mail.)

international reply coupon - A coupon that is exchangeable for postage (representing the minimum postage on an unregistered air letter) at post offices in member countries of the Universal Postal Union. The coupon is sold by post offices worldwide.

International Standard Book Number (ISBN) - A publication number issued by the Library of Congress that identifies a specific book or other nonperiodical.

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) - A publication number issued by the Library of Congress that identifies a specific periodical (such as a Periodicals publication).

International Surface Air Lift (ISAL) - A bulk mailing service for fast, economical international delivery of any periodical publication, advertising mail, catalog, other printed matter, or a small packet. Mail is airlifted directly to the country of destination or routed through key distribution centers. (Also see surface airlift mail.)

irregular parcel - A mail processing category for a parcel that does not meet the dimesions of a machinable parcel.

irregular parcels and pieces (IPP) - Parcels that do not meet the dimensional criteria of machinable parcels and other parcels that cannot be processed by parcel sorters (for example, a noncaseable flat, small cube or fragile parcel, paper or sleeve-wrapped catalog, and sackable roll, tube, or film).

Jiffy bag - A padded mailing envelope that is sold in various sizes by post

J

jog - To hit or shake a handful of mailpieces against a hard surface to align their edges. (Also see edge.)

jogger - A vibrating machine that aligns the edges of vertically stacked mailpieces.

jointly addressed mail - Mail designated for more than one addressee (for example, "Mr. and Mrs. John Doe"), neither of which may control delivery of mail addressed to the other.

Jx - (French) Abbreviation for journaux (newspapers).

keyboard - The 20-key, two-row, piano-type keyboard on the multiposition

K

keyboard sort - To sort mail by operating the keyboard of equipment such as the multiposition letter sorting machine.

keyline - Optional mailer information printed in or above the address or in the lower left corner of the envelope. The information in a keyline identifies the mailpiece and its presort level. Under some postage payment systems, the keyline is a required line that contains specific information about the mailpiece.

keys and identification devices - A separate rate category for keys and identification cards or tags that bear or have attached instructions to return the pieces and a guarantee of postage payment on delivery.

killer bars - The parallel lines that extend to the right of the circular postmark for canceling the postage stamp so that it cannot be reused. The lines are part of most standard machine and hand-stamped cancellations.

known office of publication - The business office of a Periodicals publication that is in the city where the original entry for Periodicals mailing privileges is authorized.

label - A strip of paper (printed singly or in multiples) that shows destination,

L

label carrier - A card or paper stock of varying sizes that serves as the backing for an adhesive label that shows the delivery address. It may be affixed to the cover of the publication or inserted inside a polybag mailer.

Label Printing Center (LPC) - A large facility at the material distribution center in Topeka, KS, that prints sack and tray labels, case labels, facing slips, and scheme cards.

labor distribution code (LDC) - A two-digit code designating personnel costs for specific activities at all postal organizations and installations. (Also see activity code and designation code.)

Labor Utilization Report (LUR) - A report that reflects employee current pay period and year-to-date financial data about hours worked; types of leave taken; and hours, salaries, and benefits paid. The data is classified by USPS functional area, with each area subdivided by labor distribution code; it is available at various organizational levels (that is, finance number through national format).

LA lock (LA) - A common lock for mailbags and Parcel Post sacks. The lock is U-shaped and is made of brass or steel. The words U.S. Mail are engraved on the front of the lock. It was developed by a mail equipment official named Burton Andrus; the acronym stands for Lock Andrus.

lawn crossing - The practice of taking a shortcut across the customer's lawn during delivery; it is permitted unless it is hazardous or the customer objects.

layover mail - (See hash.)

lead facilitator (LF) - The lead facilitator for a postal reengineering project core team is usually a hired contractor who has a broad experience in reengineering and in the subject matter of the reengineering. The LF provides the day-to-day technical direction for the project core team in accomplishing the tasks in a reengineering methodology.

leaner - (informal) (See adjustable platform stool.)

leave - Authorized absence (such as annual or sick leave) from official duty.

less-than-full tray - A tray that contains mail for a single destination that was not preceded by a full tray for that destination. Less-than-full trays may be prepared only if permitted by the standards for the rate claimed.

letter - According to the Private Express Statutes, a message directed to a specific person or an address and recorded in or on a tangible object. Also a shortened way to refer to letter-size mail.

letter carrier - A USPS employee who delivers and collects mail on foot or by vehicle in a prescribed area. The term usually refers to a city carrier rather than to a rural carrier or highway contract carrier. (Compare with carrier.)

letter case - (See case.)

letter chute - (See mailchute.)

letter jacket - A durable envelope used for registered mail letters.

letter package - A box, packet, or thick envelope that is larger in size and/or heavier in weight than an ordinary business letter and is paid for at the letter class rate of postage. It can be exclusively correspondence in combination with other mailable items. The weight limit for letter packages is 4 pounds to all countries, except for registered letter packages to Canada, which can weigh up to 66 pounds.

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).

letter sorting machine (LSM) - A large mechanized machine that can sort letters into as many as 277 bins. Operators physically read the address and then manually enter an extraction code, via keyboard, based on their memory of the sort scheme loaded into the machine's computer software. (Also see multiposition letter sorting machine.)

letter tray - A flat cardboard or plastic container for sorted letter-size mail that can hold several hundred letters. Various kinds and sizes of trays are used in place of sacks or pouches for transporting mail within and between major postal facilities. Certain rate categories, especially automation rates, require the use of trays. (Compare with flats tray.)

letter tray transporter - A cart, with skeletal frames, used to transport plastic letter trays in plant and between postal facilities.

letters and cards (LC) - A category of international mail that consists of ordinary letters containing personal correspondence; letter packages containing correspondence and/or other mailable items; postcards and postal cards, and aerogrammes. The LC designation is derived from the French term lettres and cartes.

Library Mail - A Standard Mail subclass for items sent to or from or exchanged between academic institutions, public libraries, museums, and other authorized organizations. Books, sound recordings, academic theses, and certain other items may be mailed at the Library Mail rate if properly marked.

line haul charge - The fee based on the distance and quantity (weight or space occupied) of mail transported by highway or rail between two points. This charge is distinguished from the terminal charge for loading and unloading mail.

line-of-travel (LOT) sequence - A presort for Enhanced Carrier Route rates in which mailpieces are arranged by ZIP+4 codes in the order in which the route is served by the carrier. The mailpieces are sequenced in delivery order.

live mail - The mail in USPS custody that is being processed, transported, or delivered. (Compare with dead mail.)

loading conveyor - (See conveyor.)

Loan, Transfer, and Training System (LTATS) - A payroll software application that provides for the keyboard entry of loan, transfer, and training data via Form 1236-A, Weekly Loan, Transfer, and Training Hours. It is used to produce the Loan, Transfer and Training Hours Report.

lobby - The public area for conducting postal business in a post office, post office station, or post office branch. To enhance corporate identity, it is maintained according to established postal guidelines (for example, painting or redecorating).

lobby director - An employee who assists customers in retail units during peak periods by directing them to self-service if appropriate, determining service needs, or assisting with package preparation and forms.

lobby sweep - A procedure to reduce customer waiting time whereby a postal employee dispenses information, forms and notified mail articles to customers in line at a post office.

local buying - The authority to buy and pay for day-to-day operational needs locally (for example, at the post office level without approval from a purchasing and materials service center).

local collection box - A street letterbox where local mail can be deposited for local delivery with the local postmark.

local mail - Mail addressed for delivery within the postal area of the post office where the piece is mailed.

local postmark - A cancellation that a post office without mail processing operations applies to postage stamps, if requested by the mailer. It shows the city, state, and ZIP Code of the post office.

local service air carrier - A regional air carrier that provides local, short-haul service to supplement mail trunkline operations of larger air carriers.

lock - A device used to seal registered mail and other valuable mail shipments and for locking surface pouches of First-Class Mail.

lockbox - (obsolete) (See post office box.)

lock holder - A small canvas bag that hangs on the sorting rack and holds surplus locks.

log - (informal) A very heavy parcel. (Also called truck.)

long-life vehicle (LLV) - A city delivery van with an aluminum body that can carry 1,000 pounds of cargo. It is designed to last 24 years.

loop - (See park and loop.)

loose in the mails - Material separated from the addressed envelope, container, or wrapper in which it was mailed.

loose-loaded parcels - Parcels loaded into a trailer or van without being enclosed in sacks or containers. (Compare with bedloaded bundles.)

loose-pack sack - A No. 2 sack (for flats) or a No. 3 sack (for letters or flats) that contains untied, faced, and stacked mail for dispatch.

loose sack - A sack, pouch, or irregular mailpiece transported outside an air container at a specific transportation rate.

LTRS - A code used on mail container labels that identifies the contents as letter-size mail.

luminescent indicia detector (LID) - A device on the facer-canceler that detects luminescent material in the ink on postage stamps and meter stamps. This allows automated facing and canceling of mail. (Also see hot stamp.)

luminescent ink - Indicia or stamp ink that contains light-reflecting additives (such as phosphor) that allow a facer-canceler machine to face and cancel letter-size mail.

MACH - A code used on mail container labels that identifies the contents as

M

machinable - The capacity of a mailpiece to be sorted by mail processing equipment. (Compare with nonmachinable.)

machinable parcel - A mailpiece that is of the correct size and weight to be safely sorted by mail processing machinery such as a parcel sorting machine.

machine readable - The capability of a delivery address being interpreted electronically by automated mail processing equipment.

made-up mail - Fully processed mail ready for dispatch and transportation.

mail - Any mailable matter that is accepted for mail processing and delivery by the USPS. Also, the sum total of the mail at any time that is in USPS custody. To deposit a mailable item in a collection box or present the item (or a mailing for large quantities of mailpieces) at a post office or business mail entry unit. (Also see mailstream.)

mailback service - A service available to servicers and dealers of philatelic covers at a fee set by the Philatelic Fulfillment Service Center. It is generally permitted on pictorial, standard, or certain first-day-of issue cancellations on envelopes, postal cards, or other memorabilia.

mailbag - A general term for a sack or pouch.

mailbox - Any private receptacle or container used by customers to receive mail either at their residence or at the curbside.

mailchute - A glass-fronted tube with a mailslot on each floor of a tall building. Letters are dropped for collection through the chute into a box on the ground floor.

mail class - The classification of domestic mail according to content (for example, personal correspondence versus printed advertising). It is codified in the Domestic Mail Classification Schedule.

mail condition report - A system of reports that identifies and monitors problems in mail processing within a postal facility. It supports the development of resources necessary to meet the demands of fluctuating mail volume and service commitments.

mail count - An enumeration (in pieces or pounds) of the amount of mail sorted or handled.

mail cover - A record of information on the outside (cover) of any mailpiece. It is kept to locate a fugitive, protect national security, or obtain evidence of a crime punishable by a prison term exceeding 1 year. This record is one of the few ways information on mail may be disclosed outside the USPS, and its use is lawful only if authorized by postal regulations. (Compare with cover.)

mailer - An entity that prepares and/or presents a mailing to the USPS. In some cases, a mailer is the agent for the actual owner of the mail.

Mailers Technical Advisory Committee (MTAC) - A group of mailing industry representatives and USPS officials that provides technical information, advice, and recommendations about postal services, programs, regulations, and requirements. The members represent associations of large and small commercial mailing organizations, related mailing services, and various industry groups.

mail fraud - A scheme to get money or other assets from a postal customer by offering a product, service, or investment opportunity that does not live up to its claims. Prosecutors must prove that the claims were intentionally misrepresented and that the mails were used to carry out the scheme. (Also see fraud order.)

Mailgram - A hard-copy message transmitted electronically by Western Union and delivered by the USPS. Mailgram is a trademark of Western Union. Effective August 17, 2006, the Postal Service and Western Union terminated Mailgram service. (Also see serving post office.)

mail handler - An employee who loads, unloads, and moves mail; cancels postage stamps; and performs other duties related to the moving and processing of mail.

mailing - A group of mailpieces within the same mail class and mail processing category that may be sorted together under the appropriate standards. Also, the action of depositing or presenting mail at a post office.

mailing agent - A private third party that engages in a principal-agent relationship to mail bulk mail.

mailing list - A group of names and addresses to which mailpieces in the corresponding mailing are addressed.

mailing list service - A USPS service available for a fee that mailers use to correct name and address lists, to correct occupant lists, or to sort mailing lists on cards by 5-digit ZIP Code. The USPS also provides address changes to election boards and voter registration commissions.

mailing statement - (obsolete) (See postage statement.)

mailpiece - A single addressed article of mail, usually a letter, flat, card, or parcel. (Compare to piece.)

Mailpiece Quality Control (MQC) - A self-paced training program available to anyone who wants to learn more about mailpiece sizes, proper addressing, barcoding requirements, and other USPS regulations. The information in this self-study course will prove helpful to mailers, printers, and businesses that design mailpieces and present them to the USPS for processing and delivery.

mailpouch - (See pouch.)

mail preparation unit - A unit in which specific tasks are performed to facilitate the flow of mail to distribution or dispatch operations.

mail priority - The preference that private carriers such as airlines give to mail as compared with other cargo.

mail processing - An integrated group of subfunctions required to sort and distribute mail for dispatch and eventual delivery. The principal subfunctions are culling, edging and stacking, facing and canceling, sorting, tying, pouching, bundling, sacking, and traying. (Also see advanced facer-canceler, barcode clear zone, bundle, cancel, cull, and face.)

mail processing category - One of five designations for mail (flat-size mail, letter-size mail, machinable parcel, outside parcel, and irregular parcel), based on physical dimensions (height, length, and thickness) and on weight.

mail processing equipment - Machinery and related apparatus used to perform distribution of mail and other functions such as canceling and culling. This includes automated and mechanized machinery as well as distribution cases. (Compare with mail transport equipment.)

Mail Processing Work Credit System (MPWCS) - A part of the Management Operating Data System that measures the efficiency of distribution and nondistribution separations.

mail receptacle - A privately owned mailbox or a USPS collection box or other container used to receive or deposit mail.

mail recovery center (MRC) - A postal facility designated only to receive and attempt to return undeliverable and unforwardable mail of obvious value. Unpaid mail without a return address is also sent to one of these facilities. (Also see forward and undeliverable as addressed.) Formerly called dead letter office, dead letter branch, or dead parcel branch.

mailsack - (See sack.)

mail stop order - An order issued by the USPS Judicial Officer that directs the post office of delivery to return to the sender any mail responding to a false representation or lottery scheme.

mailstream - The total live mail at any time in a USPS mail processing function. Also a mailing industry term that describes the assembly line production of mailpieces in a highly automated plant.

mail transport equipment (MTE) - Containers used for mail processing or transportation within or between facilities by the USPS, its customers, or contractors. These include general purpose mail containers, tray carts, bulk mail center containers, platform trucks/trailers, hampers, special purpose containers, in-plant and surface trays, pallets, sacks, and pouches. (Also see nutting truck.) (Compare with mail processing equipment.)

mail transport equipment service center (MTESC) - A field installation designated to receive, store, ship, examine, sort, pack, and condemn mailbags. It also issues, stores, and ships locks for mailbag equipment.

main post office (MPO) - The primary postal facility in a city where the post office uses subordinate post office stations or post office branches. It provides complete postal services to a specified geographic area. (Formerly called general post office.)

main stock - All postage stamps and postal stationery, nonpostal stamps, and philatelic products received by a post office but not yet consigned to the main office window unit or to window clerks.

make up - To prepare mail for mail processing. To separate and group mail for dispatch.

Managed Mail Program (MMP) - A distribution system that masses mail at a mechanized or automated area distribution center (ADC) for receipt and five-digit distribution within the ADC area. The system identifies, on first handling, First-Class Mail that cannot make next-day delivery owing to destination distance; the system also eliminates a secondary sorting for this mail so that it can be airlifted to the destination plant for processing during nonrush hours the next day. (Also see airlift.)

managed mail (MM) tray- A stackable cardboard or plastic container with an enclosing cardboard sleeve and plastic strap that is used to transport letter mail to or between post offices.

management instruction (MI) - A brief, time-sensitive directive that is codified to show the relationship to one of the six policy manuals. It is issued by Headquarters and has replaced regional instructions.

Management Operating Data System (MODS) - A system used with the Postal Source Data System that provides local postal management with information on the relationship between workloads and actual hours versus planned hours.

management review board (MRB) - A select group of stakeholders in the outcome of a USPS business process reengineering. It is the directing body of a reengineering body composed of peers of the executive sponsor. The MRB members are selected by the executive sponsor to represent their functions or processes that will be impacted by the reengineering. The MRB members meet on a periodic basis to hear the progress and reports of the project core team.

management sectional center (MSC) - (obsolete) (See sectional center facility.)

Manifest Mailing System (MMS) - A postage payment system that enables the USPS to accept and verify permit imprint mailings that contain nonidentical-weight and/or nonidentical-rate pieces of the same mail class (except Periodicals) and same mail processing category. These pieces are prepared by the mailer according to certain standards.

manifold book - A document (Form 3854, Manifold Registry Dispatch Book) that contains perforated forms to track registered mail items.

Manpower Scheduling and Staffing Program (MSSP) - A computer program that helps postmasters improve mail processing. The program obtains cost savings by matching mail volume and scheduling and staffing through the use of Post Office Schedular and by methods improvement and other production control techniques.

manual - A directive that contains USPS policy. The former Postal Service Manual was reissued into these six subject manuals: Administrative Support Manual (ASM); Domestic Mail Manual (DMM); Employee and Labor Relations Manual (ELM); Financial Management Manual (FMM); International Mail Manual (IMM); and Postal Operations Manual (POM).

manual distribution - The sortation of mail into cases by hand as opposed to mechanized means (such as a letter sorting machine) or automated means (such as a multiline optical character reader).

marginal marking - Any notation or printing on the selvage of a sheet of postage stamps that can include the USPS copyright notice, plate number, control marking, informational inscription, or USPS slogan.

Mark II - (See facer-canceler.)

marking - Words or abbreviations printed on a mailpiece that show the class or service of a rate paid. (Also see endorsement.)

markup - A mailpiece that is undeliverable as originally addressed. It must be endorsed to show the next address for attempted delivery or other disposition, such as return to sender. (Also see Computerized Forwarding System II and undeliverable as addressed.)

mass - To combine mail from identical separations on a number of distribution cases (for example, combining the mail for ZIP Code 20001 from five different distribution cases).

massing point - A selected post office or point where mail is combined for dispatch.

massing scheme - (See state dispatch list.)

material distribution center (MDC) - A postal supply center that stocks retail supplies and equipment, forms and directives, spare parts, and expendable items.

maximum size standards - The greatest size (length, height, and thickness) and weight as determined by mail class and subclass. In international mail, these standards may vary by country.

M-bag - A special direct sack for mailers who wish to send printed matter to a single addressee in other countries.

mean time to repair (MTTR) - A statistical record of the average time required to repair an item, such as a piece of equipment or a component.

mechanical reject - In mail processing, a mailpiece that a sorting machine cannot handle for a physical reason, such as a machine malfunction. (Compare with read reject.)

merchandise return service - A service whereby an authorized company provides a customer with a special mailing label to return a shipment without prepaying postage. The company pays the return postage and a transaction fee.

merchandise sample - A Standard Mail (A) piece that is more than 5 inches wide, 5 inches high, or 1/4 inch thick, or is nonuniform in thickness.

meter reply mail (MRM) - A preprinted return envelope, card, or label provided by a meter license holder as a courtesy to customers on which the postage is prepaid as a meter impression. (Compare to business reply mail and courtesy reply mail.)

meter stamp - A postage imprint (either on meter tape or as a direct impression) applied in the upper right corner of the envelope, address label, or tag. The type, size, and style of the imprint must be fixed when the postage meter is approved for manufacture by the USPS. For letter-size mail, the imprint must be set in fluorescent ink.

meter tape - The USPS-approved tape on which metered postage is imprinted.

metered mail - Any mail class (except Periodicals) with postage printed by a USPS-approved postage meter.

metered postage - Postage printed by a mechanical or electronic imprinter directly onto the mailpiece or onto gummed tape or labels affixed to the mailpiece. It may be used on all mail classes except Periodicals.

Methods Improvement Program - Standard Operating Procedures (MIP-SOP) - A delivery program that helps managers identify and correct inefficient practices. The program stipulates procedures to achieve service goals and minimize daily operating costs.

Micro Mark - A retrofit to the Mark II facer-canceler that replaces the old vacuum tube electronics with solid state and microprocessor electronics.

migratory-bird hunting and conservation stamp - A nonpostal stamp required by federal law for hunting ducks, geese, etc. This type of stamp is sold on behalf of the Department of the Interior by large post offices and by post offices where justified by customer demand. (Also called bird stamp and duck stamp.)

military mail - Domestic mail and international mail that bears a U.S. military delivery address or return address and that, in some stage of its transmission, is in the possession of the Department of Defense.

military ordinary mail (MOM) - A category for Department of Defense official mail sent at Periodicals or Standard Mail rates that requires faster service than sealift transportation to, from, and between military post offices. This mail is moved by surface transportation to a gateway facility and from there by air at a specific transportation rate and service standard. (Compare to parcel airlift.)

military post office (MPO)- A branch of a U.S. civil post office, operated by the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps to serve military personnel overseas or aboard ships. (Also see army post office and fleet post office.)

military post office cancellation - (See cancellation.)

minimum size standard - The smallest dimensions permitted for all mailable matter or for a specific mail processing category or specific rate. (Also see aspect ratio and nonstandard size mail.)

mint set - A folder that contains all the commemorative stamps or definitive stamps and postal stationery issued during a calendar year. The set contains a brief description of each stamp subject.

miscoded/miszipped mail - Mail with an incorrect ZIP Code as part of the delivery address.

missent/misdirected mail - Mail that has not been dispatched according to official schemes, schedules, or special orders. (Compare with error.)

missort/missorted mail - Mail incorrectly distributed. To distribute mail to the wrong separation or bin. (Also see throwback.)

mixed class - A mailing containing more than one class of mail. With certain exceptions, the postage on the entire piece or package is charged at the rate of the higher class.

mobile post office - A trailer unit equipped to handle all major postal needs as an emergency or temporary replacement post office.

mobile vehicle repair facility (MVRF) - A 40-foot van equipped as a one-bay garage that goes to postal facilities to service vehicles.

money order - (See postal money order.)

motorist mailchute - (See snorkel collection box.)

motorized carrier - A letter carrier who uses a vehicle to deliver mail. The route is called a motorized or mounted route.

motor vehicle operator (MVO) - A craft employee hired primarily to drive postal vehicles.

mounted route - A city route on which the letter carrier drives a vehicle to deliver the mail rather than walk as done on a foot route.

multicommodity machine (MCM) - A vending machine that has the capability to dispense multiple varieties of postal commodities.

Multiline Accuracy Support System (MASS) - A tool (similar to the Coding Accuracy Support System) that accesses and checks the address-matching software used by customers' multiline optical character readers.

multiline optical character reader (MLOCR) - An optical character reader that reads and interprets more than one line of the delivery address on a mailpiece.

Multiple Entry Point Payment System (MEPPS) - A procedure that simplifies postage payment and documentation for mailings generated by computer-supported mailer systems.

multiposition flat sorting machine (MPFSM) - A machine that mechanically sorts flats by ZIP Code. Using four operators, it distributes between 10,000 and 13,500 pieces per hour into one of one hundred bins or stackers.

multiposition letter sorting machine (MPLSM) - A letter sorting machine that consists of a paneled mainframe with multiple operator consoles (typically 12) and 277 bins. It has the capability of processing 43,200 faced letter-size mailpieces per hour.

MXD - An abbreviation used on mail container labels that identifies the contents as mixed mail for different destinations processed at a single facility (such as for multiple ADCs).

national account manager (NAM) - A USPS employee who establishes

N

National Air and Surface System (NASS) - A computerized system operated at the St. Louis Accounting Service Center and 23 distribution networks offices to produce dispatch and labeling information for all mail classes. It is used by mail processing facilities. (Also see accounting service center.)

National Bulk Mail System (NBMS) - A network of 21 highly mechanized bulk mail centers (BMCs) and 10 auxiliary service facilities (ASFs) linked together and to other postal facilities by a transportation network. Each BMC or ASF processes originating and destinating bulk mail for a specific geographic area. (Compare with general mail system.)

National Change of Address (NCOA) - An address correction service that the USPS provides to mailers through USPS licensees. The licensees match mailing lists submitted to them on tape or disk against change-of-address information for the entire country from all Computerized Forwarding System units. If a match is made, NCOA can correct the address before it is printed on a mailpiece.

National Customer Support Center (NCSC) - A USPS organization that provides information, services, and products (for example, zone charts, directories, software programs, testing of ZIP+4 code or delivery point code address matching software) that are designed to improve the quality of addressing for mailings that qualify for certain rates.

National Deliverability Index (NDI) - An index that allows mailers to compare deliverability factors among several address lists prior to purchase or lease. It identifies and scores seven factors deemed critical for optimum mail processing and delivery.

National Network Service Center (NNSC) - The USPS data processing facility in Raleigh, NC, that serves as a laboratory for the development of business subsystems and as a national support center for computer networks.

National Postal Forum - A conference of postal management, major business mailers, and suppliers of postal products and systems who discuss common problems and solutions and also changes in mailing standards and mailing technologies. It is held biannually in Washington, DC.

National Stock Number (NSN) - (See FEDSTRIP.)

National Test Administration Center (NTAC) - A Headquarters unit that manages USPS testing of external applicants for hire and USPS personnel for promotion. It is located in Alexandria, VA.

National Workhour Report (NWR) - A report, which is generated on a pay period and accounting period basis, that uses workhours from individual employee pay records, including adjustments, and transferred, loaned, and training hours from Form 1236-A, Weekly Loan, Transfer & Training Hours. The report displays data by function and labor distribution code (LDC), which includes the following: the actual hours worked compared with the operating budget plan, the year-to-date performance, and the same-period-last-year (SPLY) performance. It is produced on various levels (for example, post offices through national summaries).

National Workhour Reporting System (NWRS) - The labor expense functional reporting system that consists of the National Workhour Report and the Labor Utilization Report.

neighborhood delivery and collection box unit (NDCBU) - A centralized unit of more than eight individually locked compartments sized to accommodate the delivery of magazines, merchandise samples, and several days' accumulation of mail. In addition, collection mail may be deposited in a designated compartment. (Also see cluster box unit.)

night differential - The 10 percent compensation added to an employee's base hourly rate for work time between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.

nixie - A mailpiece that cannot be sorted or delivered because of an incorrect, illegible, or insufficient delivery address. A nixie clerk specializes in handling this mail. (Also see undeliverable as addressed.)

noncity delivery office (NCD) - A post office with no city delivery service.

nonlocal - Outgoing mail destined for a postal area outside the post office where the piece is mailed. (Also called out of town.)

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.

nonmachinable outside (NMO) - A parcel or mailpiece that, because of size, weight, or other characteristic, cannot be sorted by mechanized mail processing equipment and must be handled manually. The parcel is called an outside because it cannot be placed in a sack or other mailing container.

nonmailable articles and substances - Anything that, by statute, "may kill or injure another, or injure the mails or other property." There are some exceptions to this rule that allow otherwise unmailable items to be mailed.

nonmailable written, printed, and graphic matter - Matter that would be otherwise mailable that includes certain solicitations, lottery and certain advertising matter, and matter using any fictitious name, title, or address in conducting any scheme or device in violation of law. The solicitations may be either in guise of bills, invoices, or statements of account, or they may deceptively imply federal connection, approval, or endorsement.

nonmail services - Postal services that do not include delivery of mailpieces (for example, providing mailing list service for a fee or selling a postal money order).

nonpersonnel unit - A small nonstaffed post office station or post office branch that is served by a rural carrier in quarters provided by a contractor, which also provides custodial and security support. This facility provides, on a self-service basis, essential customer services such as the collection and delivery of mail and the sale of postage stamps.

nonpostal stamp - A stamp that is sold by the USPS as an agent of other federal agencies (for example, the migratory-bird hunting and conservation stamp). Although U.S. Savings Stamps were once accepted as postal funds, this type of stamp is now solely redeemable by the U.S. Treasury.

Nonprofit rate - A preferred rate for a Periodicals publisher authorized as a nonprofit organization.

Nonprofit Standard Mail - A subclass of Standard Mail that is available only to qualified organizations specified by U.S. statute.

nonreadable mail - Mail whose address cannot be deciphered by an optical character reader.

nonsalable stock - Stamp stock that is damaged, detached, or obsolete, or stamp coil remnanats that are insufficient for vending.

nonstandard size mail - Except for Priority Mail, any piece of First-Class Mail weighing 1 ounce or less and not claimed at a card rate that exceeds certain size limits. This type of mail incurs a surcharge. (Also see aspect ratio.)

no office (NO) - A notation on mail schedules and in listing points traversed by highway contract routes that indicates that the point has no post office.

nutting truck - A wheeled container that is used to move or store small quantities of mail within a postal facility. The container, which consists of a platform and two slatted ends to restrain loads, can be moved by hand or by tractor. It was named for its designer, Elijah Nutting. (Also see mail transport equipment.) (Also called platform truck or trailer, float, or tram.)

obliterator - A device used for cancellation that can include the validator,

O

occupant address - An alternative addressing format that uses on one of four designations (that is, postal customer, occupant, householder, or resident) rather than an addressee name at a specific street address or post office box number, or rural route and box number; and post office, state, and ZIP Code. (Compare with exceptional address and simplified address.)

OCR read area - A rectangular area on the address side of the mailpiece that is 1/2 inch from the left and right edges of the mailpiece, 5/8 inch from the bottom edge, and 2-3/4 inches from the bottom edge. (Also see optical character reader.)

officer in charge (OIC) - A career postal employee appointed temporarily to fill a postmaster vacancy, usually for no longer than 180 days.

office time - The amount of time that a letter carrier spends in the delivery unit casing mail and performing other administrative duties before leaving to deliver mail or after returning from the route.

official mail - Mail authorized by federal law to be sent by government officials without postage prepayment. It includes franked mail sent by members of Congress and penalty mail sent by U.S. Government agencies.

Official Mail Accounting System (OMAS) - An automated system that provides for entry of data from postage statements for official mail used by federal agencies. The USPS bills the agencies according to OMAS data, and post offices get credit for the revenue. Agencies use data from OMAS to monitor their postage costs.

official personnel folder (OPF) - A folder maintained for each USPS employee that contains documents reflecting the official status, salary, benefits, and service or work performance of the employee.

On-Line File Maintenance (OFM) - A payroll software application for updating employee master records for specific data found in source documents. Examples include address changes, allotments, and health benefits.

On-Line Query (OLQ) - A software application that accesses employee master records through video display terminals. (See Computerized Remote Postage Meter Resetting System.)

On-Site Meter Setting - A program under which a USPS employee sets a postage meter at a mailer's office.

on-the-clock/off-the-clock - A designation that describes the duty status of a USPS employee (that is, on duty or off duty).

opening unit - An operational area within a mail processing facility where pouches, sacks, and containers of mail are received from arriving dispatches and are opened and prepared for distribution.

open transit - Mail from one country to another, usually in small quantities, sent to the United States for processing and dispatching. (Also called à découvert.)

optical character reader (OCR) - An automated mail sorting machine that interprets the address information on a letter-size mailpiece and sprays the corresponding ZIP Code information onto the piece as a barcode. The OCR consists of a mail feed unit, transport unit, stacker modules, computer with a control system, video monitor, and printer.

optional endorsement line (OEL) - A series of specific printed characters on the top line of the address block that identifies the sortation level of a package or bundle and may contain an ACS participant code. The OEL is used in place of package labels.

Optional Procedure Mailing System (OP) - A method of verifying and accepting First-Class Mail and Standard Mail consisting of identical- or nonidentical-weight pieces by comparing a mailer's financial, production, and other business records instead of using standard weight verification procedures. (Compare with Manifest Mailing System.)

ordinary - Shortened designation for ordinary mail.

ordinary mail - Any class of domestic mail that is accorded standard dispatching and handling. This excludes Express Mail and Priority Mail Service as well as mail with an extra service (for example, Certified Mail, collect on delivery, Delivery Confirmation, insured mail, Registered Mail, Signature Confirmation, and special handling).

original entry - The post office where a publisher submits the application for Periodicals mailing privileges for a qualified publication. The publication may be mailed there or at another post office for which the publisher holds an additional entry authorization. (Also see exceptional dispatch.)

original mailing office - The post office where the authorization for Nonprofit Standard Mail rates is filed.

originating mail - Outgoing mail and local mail that enter the mailstream (that is, the point of origin) for mail processing and delivery. (Compare with destinating mail.)

origin bulk mail center (OBMC) Presort rate - A rate available for Standard Mail (B) Parcel Post that is properly prepared and entered by the mailer at a BMC or other designated postal facility.

Origin Destination Information System (ODIS) - An information system by which data on mail volume, service standard analysis, and other mail characteristics are collected, developed, and reported in a variety of formats for USPS management.

origin facility - The point of entry used by mailer presenting a mailing.

other articles (AO) - A category of international mail that consists of the various classes of printed matter (i.e., regular printed matter, books and sheet music, and publishers' periodicals), matter for the blind, and small packets (e.g., lightweight merchandise shipments). The AO designation is derived from the French term autres objets.

outgoing mail - Mail sorted within a mail processing facility that is dispatched to another facility for additional processing or delivery. (Also called originating mail.) (Compare with incoming mail.)

outsert - Mailing industry term for an external attachment.

outside - A mailpiece that cannot be placed into a sack or container because of size, weight, shape, or contents.

outside parcel - A mail processing category for a mailpiece that exceeds the dimensions for machinable parcel or a high density item (other than a book or printed matter).

overage - The dollar amount above the accountable amount shown on Form 1412-A at the conclusion of a retail vending credit examination.

over-carry - Airlifted mail carried beyond the point of scheduled dispatch.

overflow tray - A less-than-full tray that contains pieces remaining after preparation of full trays for the same destination. Overflow trays may be prepared only if allowed by the standards for the rate claimed.

Overnighter, The - A shipping container (box, tube, or envelope) that the USPS provides at no extra cost to Express Mail customers. The Overnighter™ is a USPS trademark.

oversized rate - Parcel Post rate for pieces exceeding 108 inches but not more than 130 inches in combined length and girth.

over-the-road container (OTR) - A container used within the National Bulk Mail System for transporting surface preferential mail by truck or railroad. Also, a container that moves between a bulk mail center (BMC) and its associate postal facilities as opposed to a container used exclusively in the BMC.

package - A group of addressed pieces assembled and secured together to make up a basic unit of bulk mail for processing purposes. (Also see bundle.

P

pallet - A reusable platform on which mail is stacked to be moved as a single unit. Pallets are made of rigid material designed for four-way forklift entry and capable of handling loads of up to 65 cubic feet and 2,200 pounds. A USPS pallet measures 48 by 40 inches. (Also see copalletize and top cap.)

palletization - A process of preparing mail on a pallet under specific standards for transportation. (Also see copalletize.)

palletize - To prepare mail on a pallet for transportation.

pane - One quarter of a full sheet of postage stamps (for example, 50 stamps of a sheet of 200). Full sheets are perforated and cut into panes before shipment to post offices. This process allows for easier distribution and sale.

paper rack - (See sorting rack.)

par avion - (French) International term for airmail.

parcel - Mail that does not meet the mail processing category of letter-size mail or flat-size mail. It is usually enclosed in a mailing container such as a carton. (Also see irregular parcel and machinable parcel.)

parcel airlift (PAL) - A service that provides air transportation for parcels on a space-available basis to or from military post offices outside the contiguous 48 states.

parcel locker - A unit that is installed alongside neighborhood delivery and collection box units or in conjuction with post office boxes in a retail facility that is used for parcel delivery.

Parcel Post - A subclass of Standard Mail with rates based generally on weight and zone.

parcel sorting machine (PSM) - A large machine with an input station controlled by a computer that sorts and discharges parcels from transport trays to primary and secondary positions.

park and loop - A delivery method in which the letter carrier parks the vehicle and walks out and back over one or more streets, delivering mail away from and looping back to the vehicle. (Also called loop.)

pay period - A period that comprises 2 service weeks, beginning on Saturday and ending 2 weeks later on Friday. (Also see service day and service week.)

penalty mail - Official mail sent without postage prepayment by officers of the executive and judicial branches of the U.S. government, by departments and agencies of the U.S. Government, and by specifically authorized individuals. Agencies then reimburse the USPS for the penalty mail service they receive. The term comes from the endorsement "Penalty for Private Use" printed on the mail. (Compare to franked mail.) (Also see Official Mail Accounting System.)

periodical publication - Printed matter (a magazine, newspaper, or other publication) that is issued on a regular, stated basis.

Periodicals - A class of mail consisting of magazines, newspapers, or other publications formed of printed sheets that are issued at least four times a year at regular, specified intervals (frequency) from a known office of publication. Periodicals usually must have a legimate list of subscribers and requesters.

perishable matter - An item (such as produce, live animal, or live plant) that can deteriorate in the mail and thereby lose value, create a health hazard, or cause a nuisance or disturbance under ordinary mailing conditions. Such matter usually requires special packaging. (Compare with hazardous matter and restricted matter.)

permit - Any authorization required for specific types of preparation or postage payment. Specifically, an authorization to mail without postage affixed by using indicia or an imprint. Payment is made against an advance deposit account that is established with the USPS for postage and services.

permit imprint - Printed indicia, instead of an adhesive postage stamp or meter stamp, that shows postage prepayment by an authorized mailer. (Also see permit.)

philatelic center - A retail outlet or designated location in a postal lobby that sells select stamp stock of various plate number positions and a complete line of philatelic products for stamp collectors. (Also called Postique, which is a USPS trademark.)

Philatelic Fulfillment Service Center - A postal unit that supplies philatelic product orders (stamps and other products) by subscription or mail/telephone order. It also handles orders for personalized imprinted stamped envelopes and applies the first-day-of-issue stamp and other special cancellations. It is located in Kansas City, MO.

philately - The collection and study of the postage stamp and postal stationery for pleasure and profit.

pickup service - A service available for a fee from designated post offices for Parcel Post (if scheduled); Priority Mail at single-piece rates; and certain types of Express Mail.

pickup table - (See facing table.)

pictorial cancellation - (See hand-stamped cancellation.)

pie cart/pie rack - (informal) (See tray cart.)

piece - An individually addressed mailpiece. This definition also applies when piece is used in eligibility standards. Quantities indicated for optional or required sortations always refer to pieces unless specifically excepted.

piece count - A calculation of mail volume that provides the actual number of mailpieces processed. It is generated by machine meter, machine printouts, or actual counts. If these methods are not feasible, the weights, number of containers, or linear feet of mail are multiplied by a national conversion factor to determine the number of mailpieces.

piece rate - In bulk mail, the postage charged for each mailpiece in addition to the pound rate charge, if applicable, for the entire mailing.

pigeonhole - One opening or section for sorting mail into a distribution case.

piggyback - To move a single tractor-trailer onto a special rail flatcar. (Also called trailer-on-flatcar service.)

plant loading/plant load operation - An operation in which the USPS provides mail transportation for bulk mail from the mailer to a downstream facility, bypassing the local post office. (Also see facility bypass.)

plant-verified drop shipment (PVDS) - A procedure that enables origin verification and postage payment for shipments transported by the mailer from the mailer's plant to destination post offices for USPS acceptance as mail. PVDS is typically used for mailings for which a destination entry discount is claimed.

plate block - The block rows of postage stamps, two rows wide, in a pane next to the selvage that contains the number(s) of the plate(s) used to print the stamps. Generally a block of four stamps, it may be larger if the pane of stamps includes more than four designs.

platform acceptance unit (PAU) - (See business mail entry unit.)

platform truck or trailer - (See nutting truck.)

pocket - (See bin.)

Point of Sale System (POS) - The electronic system used at retail facilities to record sales and payment transactions.

pool case shipment - Standard Mail (B) that is postage paid, addressed (with ZIP Code), destined for a sectional center facility, and packed in containers that can be moved with lift trucks or similar mail handling equipment.

point of purchase promotions (POP) - Elements of promotional campaigns for products and services sold at retail that are prominently and timely displayed in lobby and counter areas.

portable post office boxes - Post office boxes secured in a frame for central point delivery in business buildings.

POS ONE - New point-of-service system that will replace the 63,200 aging and obsolete integrated retail terminals (IRTs) with state-of-the-art Pentium processors. It is not a stand alone system; it will be the source of retail marketing, financial, and operations information used throughout the Postal Service. It will also be a primary tool for delivering USPS product and service information to customers.

POS ONE controller/terminal - This system is installed at all POS ONE sites not qualifying for AOI. The controller/terminal will be externally identical to the regular POS ONE terminal and will perform all POS ONE functions, but in addition will house the centralized POS ONE files and perform the other POS-related functions of the AOI server. All POS ONE terminals will be connected to the POS ONE controller/terminal, but non-POS ONE terminals will be connected to the controller/terminal.

POS ONE unit - Based on Intel PC architecture and will be configured with hardware components including the following: modular scale, customer and clerk displays, integral debit/credit authorization, signature capture, slip printer for imprinting money orders, MICR reader for checks, and a barcode scanner.

postage - Payment for delivery service that is affixed or imprinted to a mailpiece, usually in the form of a postage stamp, permit imprint, or meter impression.

Postage and Mailing Center (PMC) - Self-service equipment that allows a customer to weigh, rate, and buy postage in the form of a single stamp. The stamp is nondenominational until the time of purchase. Some machines also offer electronic change of address.

postage due mail - Mail on which additional postage is collectable on final delivery. (Also called shortpaid mail.)

postage meter - A mechanical or electromechanical device that can print one or more denominations of an authorized postage indicia. It is available for lease only from designated manufacturers. (Also see metered mail.)

postage stamp - A gummed or self-adhesive paper stamp affixed to mail as payment for postal services. Types of stamps include definitive stamp (regular-issue stamp), special-issue stamp, and commemorative stamp. (Compare with metered postage.)

postage statement - Documentation provided by a mailer to the USPS that reports the volume of mail being presented and the postage payable or affixed, and certifies that the mail meets the applicable eligibility standards for the rate claimed.

postage validation imprinter (PVI) - A computerized printing device that attaches to an integrated retail terminal to produce a postage label similar to a meter stamp strip. This label may contain a barcoded destination ZIP Code that is compatible with automated mail processing equipment.

Postal Answer Line (PAL) - An automated telephone service that provides recorded messages about rates and mail classes, international mail, special services, business mail, retail hours and locations, mail fraud and security, and other general postal topics.

postal area ZIP Code - All ZIP Code assignments other than unique ZIP Codes. This category includes ZIP Codes assigned to postal facilities, post office box sections, caller service, vertical improved mail units in buildings, and delivery units. ZIP Code is a USPS trademark.

Postal Bulletin - A biweekly USPS publication that announces instructions and changes in policy and standards. It has been issued by Headquarters since 1880 and sent to all postal units; it is also available to public subscribers. The notices are in force for 1 year unless they revise permanent standards or specify a different time frame.

postal business center (PBC) - A USPS unit that helps the small- and medium-volume mailer learn about postal products and services.

postal card - A blank mailing card sold by the USPS (as distinguished from a commercial postcard) with a printed or impressed postage stamp.

Postal Career Executive Service (PCES) - A staffing category that develops and maintains a group of employees for key management positions. There are two levels in PCES: Level I includes district, area, and Headquarters executives, and Level II consists of USPS officers, including vice presidents.

postal center - A free-standing enclosed unit that contains post office box modules (100 to 300 boxes). The center has a collection receptacle and a stamp vending machine, and it may have parcel lockers.

postal code - Adelivery code used by a foreign country (as compared with ZIP Code used in the United States).

postal commodity machine (PCM)- Equipment that dispenses postage stamps, retail products, and stamped envelopes. This type of retail equipment is used in post office lobbies, shopping malls, and other self-service vending locations. (Also see self-service postal center.)

Postal Computing Environment (PCE) - Includes applications and data, information technology services, and information technology infrastructure. It includes technical information, design rules, configuration details, and procedures appropriate to guide the transition from centralized to distributed computing. It contains rules and procedures that are intended to improve postal computing in a distributed processing environment. In its entirety, it provides a framework for designing business applications and building IT infrastructure.

Postal Customer Council Program (PCC) - A national program that provides mailers with a forum for exchanging ideas for improved mail service and discussing new and existing USPS products, programs, regulations, and procedures. (Formerly known as mail users councils.)

postal data center (PDC) - (obsolete) (See information systems service center.)

postal/distribution/retail clerk - A USPS employee who separates incoming mail and outgoing mail according to established schemes, or serves the public at a postal retail location.

postal employee development center (PEDC) - Field units located in specific postal facilities that provide areawide training and development support services for all USPS personnel on a continuing basis. They are equipped with self-instructional material and audiovisual equipment for scheme training and other professional development.

Postal Forum - (See National Postal Forum.)

postal funds - All monies received or controlled by USPS personnel (including contractors who handle these funds) in any manner while performing their duties.

postal money order - A nonmail service provided for a fee for transmitting money. Domestic money orders are sold and redeemed at all post offices, and international money orders are issued to addresses in those countries whose postal administrations have agreements with the USPS.

Postal Numeric Encoding Technique (POSTNET) - The barcode system used on letter-size and flat-size mailpieces for encoding the delivery point information and ZIP+4 code information. (Also see delivery point barcode.)

Postal Operations Manual (POM) - This directive details the internal operations of post offices, including retail and customer service; collection and delivery service; mail processing and transportation; fleet management; and special services and supplemental mail services. It is one of six USPS policy manuals.

Postal Rate Commission (PRC) - An independent federal agency that makes recommendations on USPS requests for changes in postal rates and mail classifications. The five commissioners are nominated by the President and approved by the U.S. Senate.

Postal Reorganization Act - The statute that requires postal rates and fees to "provide sufficient revenues so that the total estimated income and appropriations . . . will equal as nearly as practicable total estimated costs." (Public Law 91-375, signed August 12, 1970.)

postal routed network (PRN) - The internal postal network that enables electronic transmission of data within the Postal Service.

Postal Service Manual - (obsolete) The manual containing all USPS regulations that was reorganized and republished as six subject-based policy manuals.

Postal Service schedule (PS) - The wage structure that applies to USPS craft employees.

Postal Service Training and Development Institute (PST&DI) - (See Management Academy.) (Formerly known as postal training center.)

Postal Source Data System (PSDS) - An electronic data processing network that gathers operational and administrative data (such as mail volume and labor hours) from large post offices. It gathers the data with little or no manual intervention, processes it at a central site data center, and then disseminates information.

postal stationery - Postal cards, aerogrammes, and stamped envelopes. (Formerly called stamped paper.)

Postal Union Mail - Mail that is governed by the regulations of the Convention of the Universal Postal Union. It includes lettres et cartes (LC) and autres objets (AO). (Also see colis postaux and Express Mail International Service.)

postal vehicle service (PVS) - A service operated by employees of the local post office to transport mail between post office branches, post office stations, and terminals.

postal zone - A geographic measurement that is based on the distance between units of the earth's area 30 minutes square. This data is generally used when computing postage on zone-rate mail (such as Parcel Post) between USPS facilities including military post offices. (Also see zone.)

postcard - A privately printed mailing card. (Compare to stamped card.)

poste restante (PR) - (French) International mail sent to general delivery.

PostiqueTM - A USPS trademark. (See philatelic center.)

postmark - A postal cancellation imprint on letters flats and parcels. The imprint shows date and the name, state, and ZIP Code of the post office or sectional center facility that accepted custody of the mailpiece. (Also see backstamp.)

postmarking stamp - A handstamp used to cancel postage on mail and for imprinting (in black ink) the date and city, state, and ZIP Code. (Also see facer-canceler.) (Compare with all-purpose dating stamp.)

postmaster - The manager in charge of a post office. (Compare with officer in charge.)

postmaster general (PMG) - The chief executive officer of the USPS who is named by and serves at the pleasure of the Board of Governors. As a member of the Board, this officer appoints the deputy postmaster general jointly with the Board.

POSTNET - (See POSTal Numeric Encoding Technique.)

post office (PO) - The basic organizational unit of the USPS. Generally, each post office has primary responsibility for collection, delivery, and retail operations in a specific geographic area. Each year, these units are categorized by revenue and mail volume.

post office box - A locked box, located in the post office lobby or other authorized place, that customers may rent for delivery of their mail. (Formerly called lock box.)

post office box service - A premium service (or alternate delivery) that consists of delivery to post office boxes rented to customers for a fee (as opposed to general delivery or firm holdout service, which is provided at no charge). (Compare with caller service.)

post office branch - A unit of a main post office that is outside the corporate limits of the city or town of the main post office. (Compare with post office station.) (Also called classified branch.)

Post Office Schedular (POSKED) - A computer program that simulates staffing schedules according to mail availability and operating variables. The program derives base staffing level and reporting schedules to evaluate the result of process changes.

post office station - A unit of a main post office that is within the corporate limits of the city or town of the main post office. (Compare with post office branch.)

pouch - A container identified by its leather neck strap with a closing latch and eye near the opening (unlike a sack, which is tied). It is generally used for First-Class Mail and registered mail; a special blue and orange pouch is used for Express Mail. Also, the term is used to indicate one unit making up a direct pouch labeled to another unit. In mail processing and dispatch functions, to place mailpieces in pouches. (Also see mail transport equipment.) (Also called mailpouch.)

pouch-on - To prepare a pouch of First-Class Mail for another post office.

pouch rack - (See sorting rack.)

practice card - A piece of stiff paper or cardboard that contains a dummy scheme item, with the delivery address on one side and the route number of the letter carrier on the bottom.

precancel - To cancel postage stamps or stamped envelopes before mailing. The USPS sells precanceled postage to mailers of Presorted (including automation rate) First-Class Mail and Standard Mail (A). If authorized, bulk mailers may precancel their own postage.

precanceled stamp - A postage stamp canceled by marking across the face before it is sold to mailers for use with bulk mailings. Also, a stamp designated by the USPS as a precanceled stamp without cancellation marks. Mailpieces with these stamps do not go through a canceling machine at the time of mail processing. Precanceled postage is an optional postage payment method for mailings at Presorted and automation First-Class Mail rates and at all Presorted Standard Mail (A) rates. (Also see precancel.)

preferential mail - Mail that receives preferential handling. This includes Express Mail, international airmail, First-Class Mail, Priority Mail, Periodicals, special delivery, and special handling. (Also called hot mail.)

preferred rate - A postage rate maintained, through congressional appropriations, at a level lower than the regular rate for the same mail class or service. These rates are available only to qualified organizations and individuals (for example, free matter for the blind and other handicapped persons). (Also called nonprofit rate and special rate.)

presort - The process by which a mailer prepares mail so that it is sorted to the finest extent required by the standards for the rate claimed. Generally, presort is performed sequentially, from the lowest (finest) level to the highest level, to those destinations specified by standard and is completed at each level before the next level is prepared. Not all presort levels are applicable to all mailings.

Presort Accuracy Validation and Evaluation (PAVE) - A voluntary program in which the USPS tests vendors' presort software and hardware products to determine their accuracy in sorting address information according to USPS standards and producing standardized supporting documentation.

presort levels - Terms used for presort levels are defined as follows:
• firm: all pieces for delivery at the business address shown on the top piece of a package or bundle.
• carrier route: all pieces for delivery on the same city route, rural route, highway contract route, post office box section, or general delivery unit. • 5-digit: the delivery address on all pieces includes the same 5-digit ZIP Code.
• 5-digit scheme: the 5-digit ZIP Codes identified in the USPS City State File and processed by the USPS as a single scheme and that, subject to standard, may be presorted together as a single group. The 5-digit scheme sort is always optional.
• 3-digit: the ZIP Code in the delivery address on all pieces begins with the same three digits.
• 3-digit scheme: the ZIP Code on the delivery address on all pieces begins with one of the 3-digit prefixes processed by the USPS as a single scheme and that, subject to standard, may be presorted together as a single group.
• entry SCF 3-digit(s): the ZIP Code in the delivery address on all pieces begins with one of the 3-digit prefixes processed at the postal facility in whose service area the mailer is located.
• SCF: the separation includes pieces for two or more 3-digit areas served by the same SCF.
• ADC/AADC: all pieces are addressed for delivery in the service area of the same ADC or AADC.
• ASF/BMC: all pieces are addressed for delivery in the service area of the same ASF or BMC.
• DSCF: pieces sorted to and entered at the destination SCF. (Also see plant-verified drop shipment.)
• DDU: pieces sorted to and entered at the destination delivery unit.
• BMC Presort: pieces sorted to BMCs if machinable or BMC/ASF if nonmachinable. Entered at a facility (other than BMC) that accepts bulk mail.
• OBMC Presort: pieces sorted to BMCs if machinable or BMC/ASF if nonmachinable. Entered at a BMC.
• mixed (BMC, AADC, etc.): the pieces are for more than one presort destination.
• residual [pieces/packages/sacks]: mail that is left over after completion of a presort sequence. Residual mail lacks the volume set by standard to require or permit package or bundle preparation to a particular destination. (Also called nonqualifying or working mail.)

Presorted First-Class Mailing - A nonautomation rate category for a mailing that consists of at least 500 addressed mailpieces and is sorted and prepared according to USPS standards. This mail does not bear a barcode.

presorted mail - A form of mail preparation, required to bypass certain postal operations, in which the mailer groups pieces in a mailing by ZIP Code or by carrier route or carrier walk sequence (or other USPS-recommended separation).

Presorted Standard - The postage rate for Standard Mail (A) pieces that are part of a mailing and that meet minimum volume and preparation requirements.

primary - The first sorting operation for outgoing mail or incoming mail. (Compare with secondary and tertiary.)

primary case - A case used for the initial or primary sorting of letter-size mail.

printed matter - Paper on which words, letters, characters, figures, or images (or any combination of them) not having the character of a bill or statement of account, or of actual or personal correspondence, have been reproduced by any process other than handwriting or typewriting. In international mail, this is a classification that includes books and sheet music, publishers' periodicals, and regular printed matter (all printed matter other than the aforementioned types). (Compare with Bound Printed Matter.)

Priority Mail - First-Class Mail that weighs more than 13 ounces and, at the mailer's option, any other mail matter weighing 13 ounces or less. Priority Mail provides expedited delivery. Any mailable matter may be sent as Priority Mail. Priority Mail is a USPS trademark.

Private Express Statutes - U.S. laws that give the USPS exclusive right, with specific exceptions, to carry letters for compensation. Regulations under these statutes are published in title 39 of the Code of Federal Regulations parts 310 and 320, as amended by final rules published in the Federal Register. (Also see alternative delivery.)

probationary period - The initial trial period of employment for career USPS employees. For bargaining unit employees, the probationary period is the first 90 calendar days; for nonbargaining unit employees, the period is the first 6 months. During this period, access to the grievance or adverse action appeal systems is not granted.

process expert - Supplies information to the postal reengineering project core team that is useful in the analysis of the subject reengineering. Process experts can be process stakeholders, survey teams, line and staff workers and supervisors, and process managers.

processing and distribution center/facility (P&DC/F) - A central mail facility that processes and dispatches part or all of both incoming mail and outgoing mail for a designated service area. It also provides instructions on the preparation of collection mail, dispatch schedules, and sorting plan requirements to mailers. The facility is usually a sectional center facility or a general mail facility, but it can also be a dedicated mail processing facility without a station or branch.

processing category - (See mail processing category.)

procurement service office (PSO) - (obsolete) (See purchasing and materials service center.)

Productivity Information Reporting System (PIRS) - A computer program used by the bulk mail centers that tracks workload, workhours, and productivity.

Program for Alcoholic Recovery (PAR) - (obsolete) (See Employee Assistance Program.)

prohibited matter - Any material that is illegal to mail because it can kill or injure an individual or damage other mail. This includes certain poisons and controlled substances and certain flammable or hazardous matter.

prohibitory order - A USPS order requested by the addressee of a pandering advertisement that directs the sender to make no further mailing to that addressee.

project manager (PM) - For each postal reengineering project core team there is a project manager (PM). The PM is selected by the executive sponsor to administer the activities of the reengineering. The PM will be the day-to-day postal resource placed full time on the team, bridging the gap from the team to the executive sponsor.

public service appropriations - Formerly, the annual appropriations by Congress for public service costs incurred in providing nationwide postal service. This subsidy was ended in fiscal year 1983. (See revenue forgone appropriations.)

publication watch - A method of determining the reason for delayed delivery or nondelivery of periodicals, newspapers, and other subscription materials. The addressee completes Form 3721, Publication Watch, to verify originating and destinating information.

Public Web - The Web site containing postal information accessible by anyone, postal or public (http://www.usps.gov).

publishers' periodicals - Publications that qualify as domestic Periodicals rate publications and are mailed to a foreign address. It is one of three classifications for international printed matter.

pull - To remove sorted mail from distribution cases and other containers for transport to the next point of handling. (Also called sweep.)

pull racks - To take mailbags from the sorting rack for dispatch. Also, to close and lock all sacks and pouches containing mail on sorting racks, usually at the end of each trip or working tour. (Also called skin the rack.)

purchasing and materials service center (PMSC) - A center reporting to headquarters that manages purchasing and supply activities for an area through subordinate offices. (Formerly called procurement service office.)