Open Forum

  • 1.  Large Volume EDDM

    Posted 05-11-2017 04:09 PM

    Hello mailing world -
    We have a client who is insistent on using EDDM for 100,000 pieces.
    I am trying to find a way to create this with the EDDM tool without having to enter all the ZIP codes, CR and qty's.  I was hoping to be able to export the data from the EDDM tool once I selected the ZIP codes and CR's.
    Who has done EDDM mailing of this size that can help me through the process?  I have spoken to 4 different USPS people, and nobody knows enough to do a BMEU EDDM mailing. I can't even find a way for my client to pay with their own permit... it seems as though I must use our permit?
    There has to be a way to figure this out?... and I am relying on all of you experts to help me :)
    Thanks in advance!

    Kerry



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    Kerry Hannify
    Director of Quality and Operational Initiatives
    Data-Mail, Inc.
    Newington CT
    860-666-0399
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  • 2.  RE: Large Volume EDDM

    Posted 05-12-2017 10:00 AM
    Hi Kerry,

    While I cannot be much help with importing the routes and counts, we have done large EDDM mailings for several of our clients using their permit indicia. As best we can tell, the only way to create the USPS EDDM statements and facing slips is to manually enter the information using the USPS website, and then printing out the hard copies. In order to use a client's Permit Account, we prepare the mailing as normal, using a 3602, and bring the entire mailing to our BMEU. Our BMEU does require us to schedule an appointment in advance of the Drop Ship. The mail is weight verified and paid for at the BMEU, and we then have Drop Shipment forms prepared for each individual 5-digit zip code Post Office that will receive the EDDM mail. Sometimes, this can be 20-25 individual Post Offices, with 20-25 individual deliveries to each. We can spend an entire day delivering mail to local Post Offices through out the Twin Cities Metro area.

    If there is a way to simplify the route importation and paper work for each EDDM 5-digit and CR, I too would be interested.

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    Scott Smith
    Owner
    Lone Oak Companies, Inc.
    Eagan MN
    651-681-0052
    ssmith@...
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Large Volume EDDM

    Posted 05-12-2017 12:07 PM

    143.1.1
    Standard Mail flats with simplified addresses (under     602.3.0) may be mailed under conditions in 140 as EDDM-Retail flats or as commercial mail under 240 and 602.3.0.

    602.3.2.1.b
    Standard Mail, Periodicals, and Bound Printed Matter flat-size mailpieces (including Standard Mail pieces allowed as flats under 3.2.1c), Standard Mail Product Samples mailed at saturation (Every Door) prices, and Periodicals irregular parcels for distribution to a city route or to Post Office boxes in offices with city carrier service may bear a simplified address, but only when complete distribution is made under the following conditions:

    502.3.2.1.c
    Standard Mail flats with simplified addresses must have one dimension larger than a letter-size maximum dimension, except under 201.5.2.2. Simplified addressed pieces, when mailed under conditions in 201.5.2.2, are considered to be saturation flats. See 243.6.7 for pricing eligibility. Letter-size pieces that meet the size standards in 201.5.2.2 and that are addressed to rural routes may be mailed as letters or flats with simplified addresses at the mailer's option. 


    201.5.2.2.c
    If the piece is also entirely within letter-size dimensions under 201; the piece must bear an "EDDM" marking directly after the "ECRWSS" marking required in 202.3.5c.

    Those are the     pertinent sections that allow you to do "EDDM" on your permit. Technically EDDM is the retail name of the service. "Saturation flats with simplified addressing" (or something like that) is the BMEU term.

    It's been a while since I've process mail on a daily basis. I think we copy the data from the postal site into Excel and do some manipulation to get a file we can import into BCC. We then process the entire job as 1 list putting in as many DDUs as we want.

    With your permit (or your customer's -- doesn't matter) you can even drop at BMEU or SCF if you want (less discount of course). There are different requirements for the "address panel" on the piece if you don't do DDU drop. Another difference with using your permit versus true EDDM is that you can drop unlimited amounts at a DDU. True retail EDDM is limited to 5,000 pieces per day with 50-100 pieces per bundle. See 203.3.10 and 203.3.11 for information on your requirements. If you are going to flood a DDU with pieces give them a call a couple of days before so they can prepare some space for you.

    Good luck.

     



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    Doug Kiley
    Lynx Group, Inc.
    Salem OR
    (503) 588-9339
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Large Volume EDDM

    Posted 05-15-2017 05:06 PM
    The most efficient way to create large EDDM mailings is to use an AIC products from RIBBS on the USPS website. National ZIP Code and carrier route information is available using the Delivery Statistics  Address Information Systems product. Unlike the EDDM Online Tool, the data is downloadable in a number of formats.

    RIBBS Website: https://ribbs.usps.gov/index.cfm?page=address_info_systems

     PDF Info: https://ribbs.usps.gov/addressing/documents/tech_guides/pubs/AIS_VIEWER_USER.PDF


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    Robert Dixon
    Director, Prod. Technology Innovation
    U.S. Postal Service
    Washington DC
    (202) 268-2308
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    Original Message