Coding Accuracy Support System (CASS) To Include Delivery Point Validation (DPV) Effective August 2007

The USPS Board of Governors announced approval of the Shaped Based Pricing initiative effective May 14, 2007.  All of the changes recommended by the Postal Rate Commission were accepted except for 3 items that were sent back for review or delay. (See - SD Postal News Flash) There is a lot of information and some confusion regarding this massive change in how and what the USPS charges for mailing services. To help you get through the maze of information, we thought that it would be useful to go through the details.

Where the former certification process required validation for a “range” of numbers on a block, the new system requires validation of the actual address number as being correct before the software assigns a Zip+4 number. Some software manufacturers have cautioned that because of the greater quantity of data required to validate at the street address level, they will be delivering updates on DVD instead of CD. This may require an upgrade to a DVD optical drive, additional RAM and perhaps the need for additional hard drive space.

 

LACSLink Locatable Address Conversion System (link) will be part of the DPV upgrade

 

An additional level of address update is provided by The Locatable Address Conversion System (LACS). This service provides mailers an automated method of obtaining new addresses when a 911 emergency system has been implemented. 911 address conversions normally involve changing rural-style addresses to city-style addresses, but in some instances conversions may result in the renaming or renumbering of existing city style addresses.

Once the address is standardized and the ZIP+4 Code applied, an attempt is made to match the address against the LACS file. If an exact match is made with the old address information on the LACS file, the record is updated resulting in improved deliverability.

 

Why is there a change?

 

“Annually, the USPS handles over 1.72 billion pieces that are undeliverable as addressed (UAA) at a cost of $1.86 billion. As a result, mailers incur additional costs, lose touch with millions of potential customers, and lose sales.”, accord to the USPS. The improved accuracy provided by DPV & LACSLink should provide for a significant reduction in this cost.

 

Will I have to pay more for my annual software update subscription?

 

Postalsoft users will have to pay a one time fee to upgrade their software and the annual renewal will increase. Satori Software is not increasing their pricing.  It is our understanding that all of the other major software vendors are also increasing their prices.

 

What should I do now?

 

The USPS advises, “Don’t wait until this new requirement becomes effective in August 2007—get started improving your address lists now! The time is right to fix UAA addresses by using ZIP + 4 CASS/LACSLink /DPV certified address-matching software to correct the lists today!” We couldn’t agree more! If you are interested in saving money on your postage and you mail over 2,000 pieces a month, you will be pleased to know that automated mail solutions are a cost effective alternative for you to hedge against the pending increase in postage and postage handling costs. Call or email us at San Diego Postal and Shipping Equipment.

Useful Links

 

CASS – Coding Accuracy Support System

 

DVP – Delivery Point Validation

 

LACS – Locatable Address Conversion System