Customers report they typically receive scan records for less than 60 percent of their PLANET-coded flat mailpieces. USPS analysis largely attributes this to the following reasons:

1. A notable amount of flat mail bypasses processing equipment and does not get scanned. The USPS does not process flat-size mail on automated equipment for five-digit ZIP Codes that have less than 10 carrier routes, or that do not have sufficient densities to meet automation processing thresholds, or that cannot be processed with automation to meet delivery schedule windows. In these situations, the standard operating procedure in the field is to send five-digit bundles directly to the delivery units. It should be noted that all carrier route bundles always bypass automation and therefore would not receive scans.

2. A number of smaller plants do not have automated flats equipment. Three-digit and five-digit presorted mail for their service areas will not be scanned. Most basic presorted mail for these areas will receive an upstream scan.

The Confirm service is only relevant for automation-rate flat mailings. The table below uses national average data and arrives at an expected scan rate for automation flats that is close to the 60 percent rate reported by mailers.

For individual mailings, however, the expected scan rate will depend on destination area and on the percentage of the mailing that is five-digit presorted. For some mailings the expected scan rate could be 80 percent or more, while for others it could be substantially below 60 percent.

To enable mailers to predict and evaluate scan rates for their individual mailings (or for ZIP Code areas), the USPS is providing location-specific information on the Confirm Web site www.planetcodes.com. These are the most current lists developed, based upon equipment placement and sort plans. These lists will be updated periodically, so please reference the Confirm Web site for the latest lists:

• A list of five-digit ZIP Codes for which five-digit presorted mail is typically not processed on automated flat sorting equipment. This list is available under hyperlink Non-automation 5-Digit.

• A list of sectional center facilities (SCFs) that do not have automated flat sorting equipment. This list is available under hyperlink Non-automated SCF.

• The automation equipment inventory list describing the inventory of AFSM-100, FSM-1000, and FSM-881 machines across the nation. This list is available under hyperlink Flat Automation Equipment Inventory.

With this information, both mailers and the USPS will be better able to evaluate whether the scan rate for a particular mailing or area is about what would be expected or sufficiently below expectations to indicate a need for further investigation.

To ensure accuracy, please report any anomalies noted in the lists to the National Customer Support Center at 1-800-238-3150.