Move Update Method

The NCOA^Link process improves mailpiece deliverability by providing mailers with current, standardized, delivery point-coded addresses for individual, family and business moves.

New address information is obtained from COA orders filed by postal customers. If a match is made with the name and old address information in the NCOA^Link file, then the move information — new address or undeliverable status — is made available to update the address record.

The full NCOA^Link product contains approximately 160 million records or four years worth of COAs and is available to Full Service Provider licensees. The limited NCOA^Link product contains approximately 60 million records or 18 months worth of COAs and is available to Limited Service Provider and End User licensees.

In addition to COA information, NCOA^Link also utilizes return codes to provide explanations of match and non-match status:

• Return codes that indicate that a match was obtained are accompanied by a new address or undeliverable status such as moved, left no address, or no such number.
• Return codes that indicate a match was not obtained provide the reason a match could not be made to the NCOA^Link file.

The analysis of return codes can help mailers determine the deliverability of specific address records in their files.

NCOA^Link provides the following benefits:

• Reduces UAA mail and mailer’s costs by providing the most current address information for matches made to the NCOA^Link file.
• Decreases “re-mailings” after address correction notices are received from a previous mailing, since the address correction is applied prior to the mailing.
• Provides the opportunity for faster product/service marketing through accurate mail delivery.

Why bother checking for accuracy of your address list? Accurate and updated addresses are required to obtain Automation and Presort prices for First-Class Mail and all Standard Mail prices after Nov. 23. Also, consider these statistics:

• 14 percent of Americans change addresses annually.
• 43 million people move each year.
• One out of every six families moves each year

How many of these people are your customers or members?

When you buy or rent a list, make sure it was processed through Coding Accuracy Support System certified address-matching software and NCOA^Link within 95 days of your projected mailing dates. If you are not sure, ask the vendor.

Customers with questions regarding Move Update should contact the Post Office where they enter their mailings. To learn more about NCOA^Link and to see listings of NCOA^Link service providers, go to ribbs.usps.gov and click NCOA^Link in the left navigation bar.