3-2 Program Elements

3-2.1 An effective QC program identifies potential or actual system failures at the earliest possible stage in mail preparation and documentation.

3-2.2 A QC program must ensure that the MMS meets the following standards:

1. Postage rate tables and zone charts in the system are accurate and can be updated as necessary.
2. Piece weights are accurate. (For predetermined weight systems, piece weights must be updated whenever piece weight factors change.)
3. Procedures are established to ensure that the scale manufacturer’s operating, calibrating, and maintenance instructions are followed. Each scale must be tested for accuracy with standard test weights before use each day.
4. Identification numbers are unique within the same mailing.
5. Pieces subject to nonmachinable and nonbarcoded surcharges are identified.
6. All pieces are listed on the appropriate manifest and directed to the proper staging area or vehicle.
7. All requirements for requested extra services are met.
8. Pieces of different classes (unless you are authorized to combine Standard Mail and Package Services machinable parcels) or processing categories are physically separated and matched with the corresponding manifest summary and postage statement when taken to the Postal Service for verification and acceptance.
9. Pieces qualify for the class, processing category, and levels of presort reported on the manifest as stated in the DMM and IMM.
10. Mailings are correctly sorted when required for the rate requested. The contents of packages, sacks, trays, and pallets are properly labeled.
11. Actual samples from mailings are compared with the corresponding documentation.
12. Manifest summary totals agree with the numbers reported on the postage statement before these documents are submitted to the Postal Service.