On Nov. 23, two address quality initiatives will become effective increase the minimum frequency of Move Update processing from 185 days to 95 days prior to mailing and expand the Move Update standards from First-Class Mail automation-rate and presort-rate mailings to include all Standard Mail mailings.

For mailers to be ready for the Move Update requirements, they must begin using addresses that were updated within the previous 95 days. For example, a mailing entered on Nov. 23 must bear addresses that were updated no earlier than Aug. 20.

Move Update standards provide options for customers to reduce the number of mailpieces that require forwarding, return or disposal by periodically matching address records with customer-filed change-of-address orders.

The Postal Service makes the following Move Update options available to help meet the needs of mailers. Each mailer may need to experiment with several options to determine the most effective method or combination of methods to update addresses in different mailing situations.

• NCOA^Link  

• FASTforward  
• ACS
• OneCode ACS
• Ancillary Service Endorsements
• Alternative Methods (First-Class Mail Only)

To help mailers make informed decisions as to which method works best for their business, a series of articles have been featured in the PCC Insider. We now take a look at the post-mailing method of ancillary service endorsements.

Ancillary service endorsements are one method of meeting the Move Update requirement. The ancillary service endorsements process consists of printing one of the four variations directly onto the envelope or the mailpiece. When a mailpiece is undeliverable-as-addressed (UAA), the ancillary service endorsement is the instruction provided by the mailer on how they want the mailpiece handled if it cannot be delivered as addressed. Because ancillary service endorsements are manual operations, they are also the most costly and least effective way to maintain address lists for customer change-of-address.

Change Service Requested

Change Service Requested provides you with the new address or the reason why the mailpiece could not be delivered. The mailpiece is not returned.

This endorsement is practical for mailers who want to keep their address databases current by receiving the new address information or the reason for non-delivery but don't need the piece returned.

Return Service Requested

Return Service Requested is the endorsement to use when you always want the mailpiece back. UAA mailpieces are returned with a new address or the reason for non-delivery. This endorsement does not provide forwarding, only return. 

Address Service Requested

Address Service Requested provides forwarding and return service, as well as a separate notice of the new address, which helps you mail to the new address the next time you mail. It is available for all classes of mail.

Temp-Return Service Requested

This is valid for First-Class Mail only. If no change-of-address order is on file, the mailpiece is returned with reason for non-delivery. If a permanent change-of-address order is on file, the mailpiece is returned with the new address or reason for non-delivery attached. If a temporary change-of-address order is on file, the mailpiece is forwarded to the temporary address and no separate notice of temporary address is provided.

When in doubt about which ancillary service endorsement to use on your mailing, first ask yourself this question: How do I want UAA mailpieces handled? Use the correct ancillary service endorsement from the start to be absolutely sure that the Postal Service will treat your mail as you wish. For complete information about ancillary service endorsements, see Domestic Mail Manual section 507.1.5.1.