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Mail Piece Endorsements
Return to News Items June 29, 2007Ancillary Service Endorsements (ASE) are a few simple words you can use on your mail piece to not only clean your database, but tell the USPS what to do with your undeliverable-as-addressed mail.
The endorsements consist of one keyword: "Address," "Return," "Change," or "Forwarding," followed by the words "Service Requested." The endorsements are the same for all classes of mail, but the treatment and cost differ by class of mail.
Choose the wrong endorsement, or the wrong placement, and it can end up costing more than you expected. Proper placement on your mail piece is crucial (see graphic at end of this story). Because if it cannot be seen - or you've accidentally used wording other than what the USPS requires - you probably won't get the service you wanted.
Here is the wording for each endorsement, the service you can expect, and the cost.
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED The mail piece will not be forwarded, just returned with new address notification or reason for nondelivery provided. Free for first class. The appropriate single-piece first class or priority mail rate is charged for standard mail.
FORWARDING SERVICE REQUESTED Your mail piece will be forwarded to the new address and you'll be provided with notification of the new address for returns only. Months 1-12: mail piece forwarded. Sent for no additional charge for first class and standard mail. Months 13-18: mail piece returned with new address at no charge for first class; the weighted fee* will be charged for standard mail. After 18 months or if undeliverable at any time: mail piece will be returned with reason for nondelivery attached. Free for first class, weighted fee charged for standard mail.
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED No forwarding or return. New address notification provided. The USPS will send you a separate notice of the new address or reason for nondelivery, and will dispose of the mail piece. First class: electronic notice is .06 each. Standard: manual notice is .50, electronic notice is .25.
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Forwarding and return. New separate address notification provided. Months 1-12: Your mail piece will be forwarded and a separate notice of the new address provided, address correction fee charged. Months 13-18: Mail piece will be returned with the new address attached. A weighted fee will be charged for Standard mail. After 18 months or if undeliverable at any time: mail piece returned with reason for nondelivery attached. A weighted fee will be charged for Standard mail.
IF YOU USE NO ENDORSEMENT First class mail will receive same action as with "Forwarding Service Requested." Undeliverable Standard mail will be disposed of by USPS.
*Weighted fee is the appropriate single-piece first class or priority mail rate for the piece plus the nonmachinable surcharge if it applies, multiplied by 2.472 and rounded up to the next whole cent.
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