MAILERS+4:FAQ:Address Check

← MAILERS+4 FAQ

CASS Certificate Expiration Date

I ran Address Check and printed my CASS certificate a week ago, is it still good if I mail it this week?

A CASS certificate is good for 90 days for a Carrier Route based mailing, 180 days (6 months) for an Automation mailing and 1 year on a Non-Automation mailing.

The expiration date countdown starts from the "date list processed" as shown in Section B of the CASS certificate

File Export to Word

I want to print my labels from Microsoft Word...what data do I need to get a barcode?

These are the 3 fields you need to have MAILERS+4 provide the data for:

• ZIP Code - 5 characters
• Plus 4 - 4 characters
• Delivery Point Code (DPBC) - 3 characters

Microsoft Word is not Delivery Point Certified with the USPS, so to be sure to use the DPBC MAILERS+4 provides.

Empty, Formatted Delivery Point Field

I formatted a Delivery Point Code field but there is no data in it. Why?

Address Check is the feature that appends the Delivery Point Code to your file. Be sure to format the delivery point code field (DPBC) before you run Address Check. The DPBC field should be formatted as a 3 character field. If address check CASS Certifies the record, MAILERS+4 will populate the DPBC field.

Address Errors

How can I find out what kind of address errors I have?

You can insert a field in your database (database modify) and format it to "Address Error" under File- Format Fields. When you run Address Check, the records in error will have a letter code in the Address Error field. Refer to the manual, appendix B for detailed explanation of the error codes.

CASS certified

Do all the pieces in my list have to be CASS certified?

Only Automation pieces need to be CASS certified. Non-Automation pieces do not need to be CASS certified. MAILERS+4 prints an IMB (Intelligent Mail Barcode) on the CASS certified Automation pieces. Non-Automation pieces will not get an IMB, but they will still be eligible for Non-Automation postal discounts.

Indexing

What is "Index Before Address Check" in Address Check feature?

MAILERS+4 will processes your list in ZIP Code order instead of natural order. Processing in ZIP Code greatly increase the speed. The only disadvatage of processing in ZIP Code order is if you stop or cancel the Address Check process, it will have to re-start from the beginning.

Walk Sequence Certify

Can MAILERS+4 "Walk Sequence certify" my mailing list?

Walk Sequenced mail gets the best discount. It is used to saturate a neigborhood. MAILERS+4 cannot Walk Sequence certify a list. It can Presort a list that has valid Walk Sequence codes. The List Services department can supply you with a list that is Walk Sequence certified.

For more information on Walk Sequence mailing lists visit: Saturation Lists.

LACS

What is LACS?

LACS (Locatable Address Conversion System) is a dataset of converted addresses that primarily arise from the implementation of the 911 system, which commonly involves changing rural-style addresses to city-style addresses. It also contains existing city-style addresses that have been renamed or renumbered.

"Split List"

What is "Split List" in the address check results?

The Split List option in the Address Check results screen is used to export your lists into one of three new lists. The first are records coded to ZIP+4 level. The second is for records coded to the 5-Digit ZIP level and the last is only records with errors. Use this feature when you want a file with only ZIP+4 coded records, 5-digit ZIP coded records or records with Address Check errors.

Address Changed to a Different Address

When I run my file through the Address Check it changed one of my addresses to a completely different address. Why?

When processing your file through the Address Check function, MAILERS+4 checks your address against the USPS National Database. In some instances the street name has been changed. MAILERS+4 will code your address to the new street name and add the correct ZIP+4 code.

Validating ZIP Code 12345

Why will Address Check validate any address line information to ZIP Code 12345?

Of the 43,000 ZIP code numbers used, about 2,500 are Unique ZIPs. A unique ZIP code is assigned to a company or organization. In this case, ZIP Code 12345 is assigned to General Electric. The USPS rule is that any information on the address line is acceptable when coding an address to a unique ZIP Code.

DPV

What is DPV?

Delivery Point Verification (DPV) identifies whether a ZIP + 4® coded address is currently represented in the USPS® delivery file as a known address record. DPV allows users to confirm known USPS addresses as well as identify potential addressing issues that may hinder delivery.

Address Error field "W"

What does the value of "W" mean in the Address Error field in Address Check?

The value of "W" means that this address was found in the USPS Early Warning System (EWS) . The EWS file includes addresses that will be added to the USPS ZIP+4 Code master file in the coming months, such as housing developments and new construction. EWS ensures that addresses not on the USPS master file will not be eliminated or coded inaccurately. The USPS updates their EWS file weekly. To get the most current EWS file, click the "Download latest EWS File" button in the Address Check options screen before you run Address Check. You will need and Internet connection for this to operate. It is recommend you check for EWS file update every week to ensure that you have the latest data.

"S" Error Code

What does the error code of “S” stand for and how can I correct it?

The error code of “S” means “Suite Error.” Either the suite is out of range or a suite is missing from the input address. The USPS does not require that the suite be verified with the address to validate and qualify for Automation rates so you have the option of omitting suite errors by doing the following:

1. Go to “Tools” and “System Options”
2. Click the “Program Options” tab
3. Under “Address Check” click the radio button “Ignore Suite Errors”
4. Then rerun the address check and the “S” error codes will not appear

"V" Error Code

What does the “V” error code mean?

The “V” error code means that the record is marked as a “Vacant” address. The mail carrier of this address has determined that the address has not been occupied for at least 90 days.

Combine Range and Address Field Option

What is the Combine range and Address field option in Address Check?

Use this feature when you have the street number and street name is separate fields. Selecting this option enables the software to combine the street number and street name fields together. Format your street number field as number in the Advanced Address Options tab. Also format the street name field as Delivery Address.

EWS File

What is the EWS file?

The EWS (Early Warning System) file is a list that includes addresses that will be added to the USPS ZIP+4 Code master file in the coming months, such as housing developments and new construction. EWS ensures that addresses not on the USPS master file will not be eliminated or Address coded inaccurately. The USPS updates their EWS file weekly.

No ZIP Codes in Database

I do not have ZIP Codes in my database; can I still process my file in MAILERS+4?

Although you have a better chance of verifying an address in MAILERS+4 with a ZIP Code, you can still process your list. If you have a valid Address, city and state the software can append the ZIP Code and plus 4 to your database.

Required Fields

What fields are required to run address check in MAILERS+4?

Either thehe address, city, and state, or address and Zip Code fields are required and must be formatted to run the address check.

Append USPS Preferred City

How do I append the USPS preferred city name to my database?

There is a function on the “Address Options” screen to append the USPS preferred city name to your records. Select the “Use USPS Preferred City Names” radio button under the “Processing Options.” This option will only change the city name if the input city is incorrect or has an acceptable city name in the original record.

FSS Scheme Sortation

What is an “FSS Scheme” sortation?

Flats Sequencing System (FSS) is the latest generation mail - sortation system being deployed by the United States Postal Service to automate the sorting of flat - sized mail into delivery sequence order at high speeds.

FSS is a fully integrated two - pass system consisting of several major components. The key components of the system include:

1. automatic high speed feeders
2. a dolly induction system
3. carousel sorter
4. tray staging
5. integrated tray converters
6. a standalone mail prep sub-system.

FSS machines are equipped with a self - contained staging and material handling system; at the end of pass - one sorting an automatic sweep occurs and all trays are returned to the feed area in correct order for immediate pass - two sequencing. At the end of the second pass, mail is automatically swept, placed into street trays, and discharged onto mail transport equipment that will be dispatched to the dock, and ultimately loaded onto trucks destined for the delivery units. (Source: USPS), https://ribbs.usps.gov/flat/documents/FSS_FAQs/FSS_FAQs.pdf

DPV Vacant and No-Stat Result Codes

What steps do I need to take to get the Result codes for the DPV Vacant and No-Stat records?

The process is easy. Just follow these 4 simple steps:

1. Create a field in your list by using the “Database” and “Modify” feature if you are using a .dbf file. (If you are using another file type you can open your file in the appropriate database manager.)
2. Name the field “Result” and give it 50 characters in length. Make sure it’s a character type.
3. Click the “Format” button on the left toolbar and format this field as “Result Code” on the “Others” tab.
4. Run address check and any records that are “Vacant” will return a result code of AS16 or AS17.

Parsing Full Names

How do I parse the full names in my file into their separate components?

To parse full names in your file using the “Name Parse” function, you must format each of the components separately under the “Name Parse” tab in “Format Fields:” Prefix; First Name; Middle Name; Last Name; Suffix; and Gender. If your database is missing these fields, you can add them by using the “Modify” feature under the “Database” menu in MAILERS+4 if you are using a .dbf file (other file types require you open in a database manager and add these fields prior to opening in MAILERS+4). After this is done, go to “Name Parse” under the “List” menu. You will have the option to case the names using “Auto” to keep existing upper case letters; “Upper/Lower” to only upper case the first letter of each word; and “Upper” to convert text fields to all upper case letters. You also have the option to mark and delete vulgar words in the file. The “Gender” field can return the following properties when running name parse.

M	Male
F	Female
N	Neutral (Pat, Chris, Terry)
U	Unknown
V	Vulgar