Mailing Tips

Rejected Mailings:
Your post office can reject a mailing for a number of reasons. Some common mistakes:

• Expired CASS certification – Always check the date at the bottom of your PS Form 3553 CASS Report. Since CASS certification of an address is valid only for 6 months, the date at the bottom of the PS Form 3553 is 6 months after the least-recently-certified address in your mailing list. If any of the addresses in your mailing were verified more than 6 months before the mailing, your mailing can be rejected.
• CASS certification for Enhanced Carrier Route mailings – Although regular mailings require CASS certification once every 6 months, carrier route mailings must be certified once every 3 months. If you submit any addresses that were not verified within the past 3 months, the post office can reject your mailing.
• No barcode, wrong barcode or incorrect barcode placement – A delivery point barcode is required for all pieces in an automated mailing. A standard POSTNET® barcode is not acceptable for automation-compatible mail. The barcode should be placed either above or below the delivery address.
• Presorting errors – The USPS has strict regulations concerning presorting for automation discounts. Simply printing your addresses in ZIP code order does not qualify your mailing for bulk mail rates.
• Incorrect AUTOCR or ECRLOT endorsements – Pieces being mailed at Enhanced Carrier Route rates must have these endorsements on them. If they are missing, or if you put these endorsements on pieces that don’t qualify, the post office can reject your mailing.
• Stapling your mailpiece – Stapled pieces are not accepted for automation mailings because they harm the Postal Service’s equipment. If you are mailing anything other than envelopes, use adhesive labels to seal them.

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