Move Update Requirements
Effective November 23, 2008, the Postal Service is increasing its effort to improve the percentage of deliverable mail by revising the Move Update Standards.
The Move Update requirement, simply put, is a way for you to update your mailing list if someone moves. While this was optional in the past, you will now be required to update your mailing list every 95 days. This is beneficial to you as your mail will be more likely to reach the intended target. In addition, these requirements now apply to mail sent at first class presort rates and standard rates (includes non profit rates).
Reason's for the Move Update Requirements:
- Over 45 million people move each year. This is equivalent to the entire states of New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
- Over 9 billion pieces of mail were Undeliverable as Addressed (UAA) in 2004.
- More than 6 billion pieces of mail were thrown away (the usual treatment for standard mail with no endorsement that is undeliverable) in 2004.
- 75% of undeliverable mail could be fixed by running NCOA prior to the mailing.
- Standard mail accounts for 63% of all undeliverable mail.
- Undeliverable mail cost the post office over $1.86 billion to forward or dispose of.
What do I need to do?
In order to remain compliant, there are 2 ways to update your addresses: NCOA and Ancillary Endorsements.
- NCOA will update the addresses before we send the mailing out. Rescigno's Mailing Solutions will send you a list containing all updated addresses so that you can update them in your list. NCOA will also look back 4 years to find anyone who has moved and filled out a Change of Address form at the post office.
- NCOA will need to be run if the addresses have not been updated in the past 95 days using either NCOA or an Ancillary Endorsement.
- If you choose to use the Ancillary Endorsements, we recommend "Address Service Requested." This endorsement will forward the mailpiece onto the addressee and return a mailing slip to you with the updated address.
- Please note that in order to update your list through NCOA, you will need to have your first and last name fields in separate columns. Rescigno's can separate these fields out for you. Please see our List Tips section for more information.
- If you have already been using the "Address Service Requested" or ran NCOA yourself prior to a mailing, click HERE to fill out PS Form 6014. This form is required to submit with your mailing to show that you have updated your list.
Coming Soon - The Intelligent Mail Barcode can be used to receive your address updates electronically by incorporating the ACS (Address Change Service). Rescigno's Mailing Solutions is working with the post office to implement this new and improved barcode.
