USPS Moving Beyond Confirming Delivery
Some packages entering the postal mailstream now are displaying a new Intelligent Mail Package Barcode (IMpb) format. A banner that reads “USPS TRACKING #” is located above the barcode.
“Employees should be aware of this new wording on the IMpb,” says Jim Cochrane, vice president, Product Information. “We’re sending a strong statement that the Postal Service intends to compete in the package delivery market by moving beyond confirming delivery to providing robust end-to-end tracking visibility on all products.”
The IMpb helps USPS increase efficiency and add value to its package product line through improved handling and enhanced visibility — contributing to the USPS core business strategy of competing for more package business (Link, 12/7/10).
The “USPS Tracking #” will appear above all package and extra services barcodes except those used for Certified Mail, Registered Mail, and Open and Distribute products.
source: USPS
USPS To Hold Public Meeting On Consolidation of Fox Valley and South Surburban Illinois P & DCs
AREA MAIL PROCESSING (AMP) FEASIBILITY STUDY
Fox Valley, IL P&DC to South Suburban, IL P&DC
Date: 5/19/10
Area Mail Processing (AMP) is the consolidation of mail processing operations from one or more postal facilities to other facilities to improve operational efficiency and/or service.
An AMP study was initiated to evaluate the transfer of originating mail processing operations from the Fox Valley, IL Processing and Distribution Center (P&DC) with those performed at the South Suburban, IL P&DC. The initial results of this study support the business case for consolidation.
This study, currently in review at United States Postal Service Headquarters and its Area Office, is subject to change.
A public meeting will be held to share the initial results of the study and allow members of the community to ask questions and provide feedback. The public’s input will be considered prior to a final decision.
The meeting will be held on Thursday, June 3, at Waubonsee Community College, Route 47 at Waubonsee Drive, Sugar Grove, IL 60554 at 7:00 pm.
Below are preliminary highlights from the feasibility study:
1. Business Case:
Proposed annual savings in the draft AMP feasibility study are approximately $1,552,397.
2. Postal Employees:
Due to the consolidation, a net decrease of approximately 40 positions is projected. All
reassignments will be made in accordance with collective bargaining agreements.
3. Local Customer Considerations:
Services that are currently available from the Fox Valley facility will continue to be available to
customers.
• Collection box pick-up times will not change as a result of the AMP.
• Retail services will remain the same.
• Business mail acceptance will remain the same.
• A local postmark will be available for stamped First-Class Mail.
• Delivery of mail to residences and businesses will not change as a result of the AMP.
4. Commercial Mailers:
• Mailers who presort mail will continue to receive applicable postage discounts.
• Mailers who drop ship mailings will continue to deposit them at the Fox Valley facility.
Comments may be sent to:
CONSUMER AFFAIRS MANAGER
CENTRAL ILLINOIS DISTRICT
6801 W 73RD ST
BEDFORD PARK IL 60499-9631
All comments must be postmarked by June 18, 2010.
USPS: Mailers Show Success in Printing Intelligent Mail Barcode
Readability Threshold to Be Raised, As Planned
WASHINGTON — According to verifications performed by the U.S. Postal Service since January 2009, 95 percent of mailings with the Intelligent Mail barcode (IMb) are quality, readable barcodes, enabling the commercial mailers who print them to receive the benefits that Intelligent Mail Full Service has to offer: mail tracking and address correction information.
It’s this success in printing the Intelligent Mail barcode that has given the Postal Service the confidence to move ahead with previously published plans to raise the Intelligent Mail barcode readability threshold to 90 percent, according to Thomas G. Day, senior vice president, Intelligent Mail and Address Quality.
“The industry has consistently improved in its ability to print the Intelligent Mail barcode,” said Day. “The fact that more than 95 percent of the mailings being verified are passing the 90 percent threshold means that our customers are doing an even better job of printing the IMb as they are with printing the POSTNET barcode,” said Day. “The change in the threshold is consistent with the trends we have seen in overall mailer performance.”
This new threshold took effect March 15, the target date previously announced to the industry.
Mailings that meet the 90 percent barcode readability threshold are eligible for automation prices. The barcode readability threshold for IMb aligns with the barcode readability threshold for the POSTNET barcode.
In May 2009, the barcode readability threshold for mail using an Intelligent Mail barcode was established at 70 percent. At that time, the plan to raise the threshold in November 2009 to 80 percent and in March 2010 to 90 percent was communicated to the mailing industry. In November 2009, the Postal Service raised the threshold to 80 percent.
For more information about Intelligent Mail Full Service or barcode readability thresholds, visit ribbs.usps.gov.