If you’ve ever learned a new language, you quickly realize that much can be lost in translation. Understanding the lingo of the US Postal Service is practically a language in and of itself. Because we send mail on behalf of our clients, we are often immersed in that language. As we want to be sure that we are always communicating clearly, we figured a quick summary of common terms might be helpful.
TRACKING:
Tracking a mailing is unique to a mail item that has an assigned tracking number. Both Certified and Priority mail are assigned a tracking number by USPS. That number can be entered into the USPS website and the mailing’s physical location can usually be ascertained – unless USPS loses it (and this does happen, as you know all too well). Tracking histories can look a bit different from mail piece to mail piece simply due to inconsistencies in scanning practices at any specific post office. When comparing the two Certified Mail pieces below, it is easy to see that the second mail piece received some very specific scans in the beginning that the first mail piece did not. While we are continuously working with the USPS to improve these practices, there will likely always be some inconsistencies.
TRACING:
Tracing is relevant to a standard piece of First Class mail. This is similar to a piece of mail that you would simply put a stamp on and drop in a mailbox. Our First Class mail is processed with multiple types of scanning codes. that allows the mail pieces to be traced as they move through the USPS. Using our services, you can tell when our post office receives a piece of mail from us, when it is in transit and often when it is delivered to the recipient post office. While you can’t tell when a First Class piece of mail is delivered, you can monitor it to know that it is in the mail and progressing. Logical Delivery Event, as shown below, means that the mail piece was on a truck and the truck was in the neighborhood of the delivery address, according to GPS data for that truck. Thus, “delivery expected” but not confirmed because that particular mail piece did not have the added service of Certified or Priority.
DESTINATION MANAGED MAIL PROGRAM
Destination SCF Processing means that the “Destination Sectional Center Facility” is processing that piece of mail. Destination MMP Processing means that the ” Destination Managed Mail Program” is processing that piece of mail. In short – that mail piece has been received near the destination address and is being processed for final delivery.
MAIL PROCESSING TIME CHANGE ALERT ––
Beyond language challenges there are occasionally process changes. One of those was recently implemented for Aggregated Mail. Historically, the cut off time for Aggregated Mail was Wednesday and Friday at 12:00 a.m. That cut off time is now Tuesday and Thursday afternoon at 2:00.
Also, as always, outgoing mail is sent from Northern California. This can affect your delivery times based on destination.
As always, if you ever have any questions about our services, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are happy to help unravel the often confusing mail lingo.
EDEX Information Systems, Inc.
866-Get-EDEX
209-223-3461
support@edexis.com