DPV is Coming!

Gird your loins!

We're sure you have it circled in red on your calendar - August 1st is the implementation date for CASS Cycle L...just when you we're getting used to CASS Cycle K.

OK, we'll admit that a new CASS release isn't that exciting, even to us. We know that each new CASS cycle is something that "the guys at the mailhouse" worry about. That's us. You got through I, J, and K without losing sleep - what's the big deal about L? More letters, I'm afraid - DPV.

First of all, let's provide some definitions. CASS stands for "Coding Accuracy Support System", and is the software we use to attach ZIP+4 to your address files. The Postal Service has to certify software to meet the CASS standard, so we're not just slapping 4 digits at the end of each Zip code willy-nilly. An accurate ZIP+4 is the first step to getting your automation discounts and, trust us on this, you want automation discounts. The software does a few more things than appending ZIP+4, but that's the main thing.

Postal Service officials tend to have a lot of time on their hands, so they tinker with the standards, titling each tinkering a Cycle. The 12th version of this is the infamous Cycle L due out August 1. Up until now, ZIP+4 has been assigned based on a block range. If an address is on a block that exists, it will get a ZIP+4 whether the address exists or not. Not any more. The new CASS will require us to verify the existence of the actual address using Delivery Point Validation, or as it's known best, DPV. This is what changes on August 1st.

And, yes, we, "the guys at the mailhouse" will take care of it for you. We know the rules, we follow the rules. You should simply be aware that some of your addresses may not longer qualify for postal discounts they have gotten up to this point. We urge you to get a copy of your mailing list to us so we can do an analysis. If your qualification rate drops, we might be able to help you fix some of the addresses using some of our state-of-the-art tools. But please don't wait. Call you customer service rep today to arrange an analysis. It's free, it's painless, and you might just end up with a better list.

Don't be a victim of CASS Cycle L!!

ProList Makes House Calls!

Invite a Postal Expert in Today!

Maybe you couldn't get to our May seminar, maybe you couldn't get your entire staff to the seminar, or maybe you just have questions about your specific mail that you need answered. We can help!

We have been meeting with many of our clients, and a few folks who aren't clients...yet. We have been reviewing their mail pieces, mailing lists, and mailing practices to make suggestions on how to fine tune their operations. We'd be happy to do the same for you. Call Randy Shingler at ProList (301-924-4545 x1093) and arrange for your own Mailing Practices Analysis. If you're doing everything right you'll get the peace of mind that comes with knowing that it's right. If there are postage savings opportunities (and there almost always are) you'll learn about them. It's just like a seminar - but without breakfast and tailored specifically to your company's needs. To arrange your own "personal postal seminar", just give us a call at 301-924-4545 ext. 1093.