New USPS Move Update Regulations

The USPS will be updating the current ‘Move Update’ regulations effective November 23rd, 2008. The update will affect both non-profit and for-profit mail as well as First Class and Standard Class mail.

They are changing the time period by which a ‘Move Update’ needs to occur — it will now be within 95 days of the mail date. Previously, it was 185 days.

All mailers will need to fill out a 6014 form at the time of processing to show your mail house. You should also supply proof that a ‘Move Update’ did occur.

A ‘Move Update’ is usually done via what’s called NCOAlink during which the mail file is updated with any changes of address that have been filed with the post office.

This is an attempt by the USPS to decrease the amount of “Undeliverable As Addressed” mail they handle each year. In 2004, UAA amounted to 9.7 billion pieces of mail, which resulted in $2 billion dollars of extra costs for them.

If this regulation is not complied with, there will be a penalty imposed by the post office. This is what our USPS rep told us:

“For First Class, the mailing will be charged at the single piece rate.  For Standard, it has not been decided yet.  A seven cent penalty has been discussed but is not written in stone.”

If you have any questions about the new ‘Move Update’ regulations, please contact Matt Cote: matt (at) ballantine.com

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