Glossary of Direct Mail Lingo

Address Block: The space required for the address and the barcode in order to receive automation postage discounts.

Automation Compatible Mail: Mail that can be scanned and processed by automated mail processing equipment such as a barcode sorter.

Barcode Clear Zone: A rectangular area in the lower right part of a letter-sized piece of paper that must be kept free of printing and symbols, except for the barcode itself.

Bulk Mail: The term is generally used to describe presorting mail including Presorted First-Class Mail and Standard Mail.

Business Reply Envelope: An envelope used by mailers for their customers to mail back, with the postage paid by the mailer only on the envelopes actually returned. A Business Reply Mail (BRM) permit is required.

CASS: Coding Accuracy Support System: A service that improves the accuracy of matching to delivery point codes, ZIP+4 codes, 5 digit ZIP codes, and carrier route codes on mail pieces. CASS sets a standard to measure the quality of address matching software and to diagnose and correct software problems. Any mailing claimed at an automation postage rate is required to be produced from address lists properly matched and coded with CASS-certified address matching methods.

Carrier Route Presort Mail: Mail sorted by carrier route to qualify for discount postage rates. The mail requires no primary or secondary distribution.

Destination Entry Discount: A postage discount for depositing mail at specific postal facilities that are closer to the final destination of the mail.

Flat-Size: A mail piece that exceeds 11-1/2″ in length, 6-1/8″ high, 1/4″ thick, but does not exceed the maximum dimension of 15″ long, 12″ high and 3/4″ thick.

Indicia: Imprinted designation on mail that denotes postage payment (e.g., permit imprint).

Letter-Size: Length: min. 5 ” – max. 11-1/2″, Height: min. 3-1/2″ – max. 6-1/8″, Thickness: min. 0.007″ – max. 1/4″

Mailing Permit: Permission to mail at bulk (presorted) rates.

NCOA: National Change of Address: An address correction service that matches mailing lists against change-of-address information for the US. This electronic process returns your database with the moved addresses flagged for correction and is used to comply with the USPS regulation required for mailing First Class at discounted postage rates. An address list must be updated every 6 months or 180 days. There is usually a charge for this service.

Non-machineable: The inability of a mail piece to be sorted on mail processing equipment because of size, shape, content, or address legibility. Such mail must be processed manually and could be subject to a surcharge.

Non-Profit Class: A subcategory of Standard Class. A mailer must apply with the USPS for the ability to mail at Non-Profit postage rates.