AccuZIP'S CASS™ Cycle O Update - Enhancements and Valuable Features

Making Informed Mailing Decisions with AccuZIP CASS Certified Products

Your dedicated team at AccuZIP has been diligently working on the new CASS Cycle O update, bringing a range of exciting enhancements to your AccuZIP CASS Certified products and services. This article highlights the Cycle O-specific feature improvements and introduces valuable information available in the "dpvnotes_" column in AcuZIP6, empowering you to make better decisions about your mailing strategies.

Identifying Address Quality with DPVNOTES_ Column Values

AccuZIP6's "dpvnotes_" column offers essential insights into address quality, enabling you to optimize your mailing campaigns. Here are the Cycle O-specific values that help you evaluate the quality of an address:

PB – PBSA Record Types:

The USPS® provides approximately 6,400 offices nationwide with the option of using a PBSA (Private Business Street Address) as an alternative to a traditional P.O. Box-style address. PBSA addresses are constructed using the street address of the Post Office where the P.O. Box is physically located. The DPVNOTES_ column will display "PB" for all PBSA record types.

BX – PO Box-Only ZIP Codes:

AccuZIP CASS Cycle O logic now automatically identifies PO Box-Only ZIP Codes. PO Box-Only ZIP codes represent areas where mail delivery is exclusively through P.O. Boxes. These codes are assigned to addresses that solely utilize a PO Box for mail reception. The DPVNOTES_ column will display "BX" for all PO Box-Only ZIP Code record types.

DN – Door Not Accessible:

The DN note signifies addresses where mail carriers encounter difficulties in delivering packages that cannot fit into the mailbox due to challenges with door accessibility. This could include situations where the doorway is obstructed or inaccessible, preventing the carrier from safely delivering the package. The DPVNOTES_ column will display "DN" for all Door Not Accessible record types.

NS – No Secure Location:

The NS note indicates that although the door is accessible, the carrier is unable to leave the package at the address due to security concerns. This could be due to the absence of a secure location to leave the package or specific instructions from the recipient or property owner to refrain from leaving packages unattended. The DPVNOTES_ column will display "NS" for all No Secure Location record types.

ND – Non-Delivery Days:

The ND note indicates that certain addresses have designated non-delivery days, which means mail carriers do not make deliveries on those specific days. This commonly applies to businesses that are closed on specific days of the week, such as Saturdays or Sundays. In these cases, the mail carrier will skip delivering mail to those addresses on the designated non-delivery days.

Non-delivery days can also apply to addresses with limited delivery schedules. This includes locations such as seasonal residences, vacation homes, or properties with irregular occupancy. For instance, a cabin in a remote area may only receive mail delivery during certain months of the year when it is regularly occupied. The DPVNOTES_ column will display "ND" for all No Non-Delivery Day record types. You would then review the “dpvnotes_” column for the X1 – X7 values to determine the non-deliverable days.

• X1 - Non Delivery Day Monday
• X2 - Non Delivery Day Tuesday
• X3 - Non Delivery Day Wednesday
• X4 - Non Delivery Day Thursday
• X5 - Non Delivery Day Friday
• X6 - Non Delivery Day Saturday
• X7 - Non Delivery Day Sunday

PO – PO Box Throwback:

The PO Box Throwback Table integration in AccuZIP's system helps identify addresses where mail delivery is directed to the customer's PO Box instead of the street address. This feature allows mailers to accurately sort and route mail, ensuring it reaches the intended recipients without delays or misdeliveries. By leveraging this integration, mailers can improve addressing accuracy and enhance the overall efficiency of their mailing campaigns.

NOSTAT

NOSTAT Reason codes provide valuable insights into addresses that do not meet the criteria for DPV (Delivery Point Validation) confirmation. By understanding these codes, mailers can identify specific issues with address deliverability and take appropriate actions. Here is an expanded explanation of each NOSTAT Reason code:

01 - Internal Drop Address:

This code signifies addresses that do not receive mail delivery directly from the USPS. Instead, mail is delivered to a drop address that services these locations. It is crucial to recognize these addresses to ensure accurate routing and delivery.

02 - New Construction or Unoccupied Address:

Addresses marked with this code indicate new construction sites or properties that are temporarily unoccupied. Delivery services may not have been established for these addresses, or they may be in rural, CDS (Central Delivery System), or HCR (Highway Contract Route) areas that are currently unoccupied for more than 90 days. Mailers should verify the delivery status of such addresses before sending mail.

03 - Address Does Not DPV Confirm:

This code highlights addresses that are not confirmed as valid through DPV. In such cases, the 'Y' (yes) value in the DPV 'A' table should be set to 'N' (no), and all other table values should be left blank. It is important to review and correct these addresses to ensure accurate mail delivery.

04 - College/Military Zone or Similar Zone:

This code indicates addresses located within college or military zones or other similar zones that have specific delivery protocols. Understanding these zones helps mailers adapt their mailing strategies accordingly and ensures proper delivery to these specialized areas.

05 - Address No Longer Deliverable or Not Rented:

This code applies to addresses that are no longer eligible for delivery. It includes addresses on R777 – R779 routes, addresses where a PO Box has never been rented or has been declared unrentable, or addresses with a NOSTAT reason not covered by other codes. Mailers should exclude these addresses from their mailing lists to avoid unnecessary delivery attempts.

06 - Address Requires Secondary Information:

Addresses marked with this code require additional secondary information to ensure accurate delivery. Secondary information may include apartment numbers, suite numbers, floor numbers, or any other specific details necessary for proper address identification. Mailers should ensure that they have collected and included the required secondary information for these addresses.

By understanding and utilizing the NOSTAT Reason codes, mailers can refine their mailing lists, reduce undeliverable mail, and optimize their overall mailing efficiency. Regularly reviewing and updating addresses with NOSTAT codes can help improve deliverability and reduce wasted resources.

Enhanced DPV (Delivery Point Validation)

Enhanced DPV (Delivery Point Validation) Codes provide detailed information about the confirmation status of address components necessary for a valid delivery point. Understanding these codes can help mailers assess the accuracy and completeness of their address data. Here is an expanded explanation of each Enhanced DPV Code:

Y - Address DPV Confirmed:

This code indicates that the address has been DPV confirmed for both the primary and secondary numbers necessary to determine a valid delivery point. A "Y" code assures mailers that the address is accurate and can be reliably delivered.

D - Address DPV Confirmed for Primary Number Only:

When an address receives a "D" code, it means that only the primary number has been DPV confirmed. The secondary information, if provided, was missing or incomplete. Mailers should review the missing secondary information and update their records to ensure accurate delivery.

S - Address DPV Confirmed for Primary Number, but Secondary Information Unconfirmed:

An "S" code indicates that the primary number of the address was DPV confirmed, but the secondary information provided was not confirmed. This could happen when a trailing alpha character is dropped to make a DPV match or when secondary information is required but not confirmed. Mailers should review and validate the secondary information to improve address accuracy.

N - Primary Number Failed to DPV Confirm:

The "N" code signifies that the primary number of the address failed to DPV confirm. This indicates that the primary number provided does not match a valid delivery point. Mailers should carefully review and validate the primary number to ensure accurate address information.

R - Address Confirmed but Assigned to Phantom Route:

If an address receives an "R" code, it means that the address has been confirmed, but it has been assigned to a phantom route,

specifically R777 or R779. These phantom routes are typically used to identify NOSTAT (non-delivery) records. Mailers should be cautious with addresses assigned to phantom routes, as delivery to these addresses may not be possible. There are situations where more than one Enhanced DPV Return Code may be valid for a single address. In cases where this occurs, the Enhanced DPV Return Code “R” takes precedence over the others. The following sides will show examples of these.

Understanding these Enhanced DPV Codes helps mailers identify the completeness and accuracy of their address data. By reviewing and addressing addresses with incomplete or unconfirmed components, mailers can improve the deliverability of their mail and reduce undeliverable-as-addressed (UAA) mail volume. Regularly validating addresses using DPV ensures that mail reaches the intended recipients efficiently and reduces wasted resources on undeliverable mailings.

CRRT Column: R777 - R779 refers to phantom routes used by the United States Postal Service (USPS) to identify non-delivery addresses. These routes are specifically designated for addresses that are considered undeliverable.

Understanding the implications of R777 - R779 routes helps mailers identify addresses that fall under this category and adjust their mailing strategies accordingly.

Non-Delivery and NOSTAT Records:

Addresses assigned to R777 - R779 routes are known as NOSTAT records, meaning they are not counted as possible delivery statistics on a carrier's route. NOSTAT records represent addresses where USPS does not deliver mail due to various reasons.

Undeliverable Addresses:

Addresses on R777 - R779 routes may include addresses that are vacant, abandoned, or have specific circumstances preventing mail delivery. This could include properties undergoing construction, properties in remote or inaccessible areas, or addresses associated with non-deliverable entities such as college zones or military zones.

Mailing Considerations:

When mailers encounter addresses assigned to R777 - R779 routes, it is crucial to review and assess the deliverability of such addresses. Mailing to addresses on these routes may result in undeliverable mail and wasted resources. Removing these addresses from mailing lists or implementing alternative delivery strategies, such as contacting the intended recipients directly, can help improve mailing efficiency.

Address Verification and Data Management:

Regular address verification and data management practices are essential to identify addresses associated with R777 - R779 routes. By regularly updating and validating address databases, mailers can ensure accurate targeting, reduce undeliverable mail volume, and optimize their overall mailing campaigns.

By understanding R777 - R779 routes and appropriately managing addresses falling under this category, mailers can enhance the accuracy and effectiveness of their mailing efforts. It enables them to focus their resources on deliverable addresses, reduce undeliverable mail, and improve the overall success rate of their campaigns.

Single Trailing Alpha:

The concept of a Single Trailing Alpha on a Primary Number pertains to specific address scenarios where a primary number ends with a single alphabetic character. Understanding this scenario and its implications is crucial for accurate address validation and delivery point sequencing. Here's an expanded explanation of the Single Trailing Alpha on a Primary Number:

Numeric Primary Number with a Single Trailing Alpha:

In certain address formats, the primary number consists of numerals, and it may be followed by a single alphabetic character. For example, an address like "13430A 35th Ave" has a primary number of "13430A" where "A" represents the single trailing alpha.

Impact on DPV Confirmation:

When a primary number with a Single Trailing Alpha is processed for DPV (Delivery Point Validation) confirmation, specific rules apply. If the primary number does not DPV confirm when considering the ZIP + 4 match, the Single Trailing Alpha character is dropped from the primary number to attempt DPV confirmation.

"S" Code for DPV Confirmation:

If the primary number successfully DPV confirms after dropping the Single Trailing Alpha, it is indicated by an "S" code. The "S" code signifies that the secondary information or the trailing alpha was dropped to achieve the DPV match. The returned primary number should be the one resulting from the ZIP + 4 match, which includes the trailing alpha if it contributes to a valid DPV confirmation.

The exception to Dropping Single Trailing Alpha:

An exception to dropping the Single Trailing Alpha occurs when the primary number matches a "pattern" in the ZIP + 4 data. For example, if the input address is "13430A 35th Ave," and the ZIP + 4 record contains a primary number range from 13430A to 13430F, dropping the Single Trailing Alpha is not allowed. In this case, the software should retain the original primary number with the trailing alpha, and if the address does not DPV confirm, return the appropriate DPV code.

Ensuring Address Accuracy:

When dealing with addresses featuring a Single Trailing Alpha on a Primary Number, mailers should carefully follow the DPV rules and guidelines to achieve accurate address validation. Ensuring that the primary number aligns with the USPS database and retains the appropriate trailing alpha, when necessary, helps maintain address accuracy and proper delivery point sequencing.

By understanding and correctly managing addresses with a Single Trailing Alpha on a Primary Number, mailers can ensure accurate address validation, improve delivery success rates, and reduce undeliverable-as-addressed (UAA) mail. Adhering to USPS guidelines and best practices in address validation ensures optimal efficiency in mail processing and enhances the overall effectiveness of mailing campaigns.

Military Addresses:

AccuZIP has expanded its support for military address types by incorporating two additional categories: UMR (United Mail Room) and OMC (Official Mail Center). This enhancement reflects AccuZIP's commitment to meeting the unique needs of military mailers and ensuring accurate processing and delivery of mail within military installations and bases.

• CMR (Consolidated Mail Room): CMR refers to a centralized mailroom within a military installation or base where mail is collected and distributed to individuals or units. It serves as a central point for processing and delivering mail to various addresses within the installation.
• PSC (Postal Service Center): PSC represents a designated postal facility within a military installation responsible for handling and processing mail. It serves as a centralized location for mail sorting, distribution, and related postal services for military personnel and their families.
• UNIT: "UNIT" is a general term used in military addressing to indicate a specific military unit or organization. It is typically followed by a numerical or alphanumeric designation that identifies the particular unit or organization to which the addressee belongs.
• UMR (United Mail Room): UMR refers to a mailroom facility that serves multiple units or organizations within a military installation. It consolidates mail operations and is responsible for receiving, sorting, and distributing mail to various units or organizations within the installation.
• OMC (Official Mail Center): OMC represents a designated mail center within a military installation responsible for handling official and governmental mail. It is specifically dedicated to processing mail related to official military functions, administrative communications, and other official correspondence within the military structure.

Cross-State Address Support:

Cross-state addresses refer to situations where a single ZIP code covers multiple states or where a city name may be associated with multiple states within the same ZIP code. Understanding cross-state addresses is essential for accurate address validation and ensuring mail is correctly routed to the intended recipients. Here's an expanded explanation of cross-state addresses:

Multiple States within the Same ZIP Code:

In certain cases, a single ZIP code can span across multiple states. This occurs when a particular geographic area shares the same postal code, despite being located in different states. For example, a ZIP code might serve a town or city that straddles a state border, resulting in addresses from both states falling within the same ZIP code.

Addressing Challenges and Considerations:

Cross-state addresses can present challenges in terms of accurately associating the correct state with a given ZIP code. Mailing to cross-state addresses requires careful consideration to ensure the address includes the appropriate city and state information. It is important to validate the accuracy of the city and state details based on the ZIP code and ensure proper alignment to prevent mail misdelivery.

Address Verification and Data Management:

For mailers, maintaining accurate address databases is crucial when dealing with cross-state addresses. It is essential to regularly validate and update address information, ensuring it aligns with the correct state for the associated ZIP code. This helps prevent potential mailing errors and ensures mail is delivered to the correct state, enhancing overall mailing efficiency.

Importance of City/State Accuracy:

Accurate city and state information is critical for cross-state addresses to prevent mail from being misrouted or delayed. Incorrectly associating an address with the wrong state can result in delivery issues and inefficiencies in mail processing. Therefore, mailers should pay close attention to the specific city and state information associated with a given ZIP code when preparing mailings.

By understanding cross-state addressing nuances and adhering to USPS guidelines, mailers can ensure the accuracy of cross-state addresses, minimize delivery errors, and optimize the efficiency of their mailings. Accurate city and state association with the corresponding ZIP codes plays a vital role in ensuring mail reaches the intended recipients in the appropriate state, regardless of ZIP code overlaps or shared city names across states.

TotalDPS Support:

TotalDPS (Total Delivery Point Sequencing) refers to an alternative method of sequencing delivery point codes for address records, particularly those that would otherwise have conflicting 11-digit ZIP codes. The objective of TotalDPS is to provide a more concise and accurate way of assigning delivery point codes, ensuring efficient mail processing and delivery. Here's an expanded explanation of TotalDPS:

Delivery Point Sequencing (DPS):

Delivery Point Sequencing (DPS) is a process used by the USPS to organize mail for efficient delivery. It involves assigning unique delivery point codes to individual addresses within a ZIP code to determine the order in which mail carriers deliver the mail. DPS enables streamlined sorting and routing of mail within a specific geographic area.

Conflicting 11-Digit ZIP Codes:

In some cases, multiple addresses within the same ZIP code may have conflicting 11-digit ZIP codes, leading to sequencing challenges. Conflicting ZIP codes occur when different addresses share the same primary 5-digit ZIP code but have different additional digits that help identify a specific delivery point. Resolving these conflicts is crucial for accurate mail sequencing and delivery.

TotalDPS Calculation:

TotalDPS provides an alternative approach to computing delivery point codes for address records with conflicting 11-digit ZIP codes. The TotalDPS calculation aims to assign unique and non-conflicting codes to each address, ensuring proper sequencing. This process eliminates conflicts and ensures mail carriers can accurately sequence and deliver mail to individual addresses without confusion or errors.

Eligibility for TotalDPS Calculation:

Not all address records are eligible for TotalDPS calculation. Typically, only records with specific record types, such as "R" and "S," are considered for TotalDPS. Other record types retain their calculated delivery point codes using existing rules. The USPS and mailing software, such as AccuZIP, implement TotalDPS calculations based on the designated record types to optimize mail sequencing.

Benefits of TotalDPS:

TotalDPS streamlines mail processing by resolving conflicting 11-digit ZIP codes and assigning unique delivery point codes to each address. This eliminates sequencing ambiguities, enhances delivery efficiency, and reduces the likelihood of misrouted or delayed mail. TotalDPS ensures that mail carriers can quickly and accurately sort and deliver mail to the intended recipients based on the assigned delivery point codes.

By utilizing TotalDPS calculations, AccuZIP enables mailers to optimize the sequencing and delivery of their mail. This results in improved accuracy, faster delivery, and enhanced overall efficiency in mail processing. The use of TotalDPS helps streamline mail operations, reduce delivery errors, and enhance the overall effectiveness of mailing campaigns.

In summary, the latest CASS Cycle O update by AccuZIP introduces significant improvements to their CASS Certified products and services. A notable enhancement is the addition of the "dpvnotes_" column, which offers valuable insights into address quality. This column displays various codes such as PB, BX, DN, NS, ND, and PO, which indicate specific characteristics and considerations related to address delivery. Here is a comprehensive list of values that may appear in the "dpvnotes_" column for any given address:

These codes help mailers evaluate address quality, identify specific issues, and make informed decisions to optimize their mailing strategies. AccuZIP's CASS Cycle O update empowers users to enhance address accuracy, streamline mail delivery, and achieve greater efficiency in their overall mailing operations.

The new AccuZIP6 update also introduces support for two new military address types, UMR (United Mail Room) and OMC (Official Mail Center). These address types cater to the unique needs of military mailers, ensuring accurate processing and delivery of mail within military installations and bases.