The FASTforwardSM system contains more than 16 million permanent change-of-address (COA) records filed with the Postal Service by relocating customers who have their mail forwarded to their new address. These COA records reflect a six month period related to the move-effective date the customer provided. The FASTforwardSM COA data is updated weekly.
* The new address supplied by the relocating Postal customer must be ZIP+4 codeable to qualify for addition to the FASTforwardSM file. All customer addresses submitted to a FASTforwardSM client are processed by Coding Accuracy Support System (CASS) certified ZIP+4/DPC Licensee software and coded where possible. However, new address (forwarded to) information is provided only when a FASTforwardSM match to the customer name and address is attained. The provision of COA information is controlled by strict name and address matching logic.
FASTforwardsm
The United States Postal Service has revised their FASTforward program to retire the Mailing List Correction (MLC) portion of the program. It will be replaced by NCOALink which will reduce costs and improve security for mailers. This part of the program corrects mailing lists by comparing them to the USPS change of address (COA) files through a special software license. The FASTforward MLOCR portion of the program in which the actual mail piece is reviewed as it goes through the USPS multi-line optical character readers remains part of the program. This is the part of the program that requires the use of a FASTforward envelope.
Multi-line Optical Character Readers:
* The FASTforwardSM application interfaces with commercial mail-processing equipment, such as multiline optical character readers (MLOCRs). Any new address provided by FASTforwardSM as a result of a match is appended with the ZIP+4/DPC information along with a text representation of the new (forward to) delivery address. This returned information is sprayed on the mailpiece in the barcode clear zone by the MLOCR system.
* Space must be provided on the envelope for the two lines of the new address to be sprayed on the mailpiece. The window of an envelope for the two lines may not be lower than 5/8" from the bottom. The advantage is that the mailings can continue to be mailed at discount rates.
* Mail Evaluation, Readability and look-up Instruments (MERLINs) will automate mail acceptance procedures in Bulk Mail Entry Units (BMEU) and shorten mail verification time.
* MERLIN can simultaneously handle verification functions, which have been performed manually. It will verify mailpiece characteristics, meter identification and date, endorsements and rate markings, barcode readability, address accuracy, tray label accuracy, Carrier Routes, Presort makeup, weight and piece counts.
* Diagnostic reports are automatically generated and customers’ mailing information can be stored electronically for later retrieval.
* MERLIN will provide customers feedback to help improve mail preparation to qualify for discounts. The automated system is capable of evaluating both letter and flat mail (6,000 letters or 4,000 flats per hour).
Qualified Business Reply Mail
Participating in Qualified Business Reply Mail:
* QBRM provides an automated method for sorting, counting, and rating BRM. The processing of your mail on automated equipment presents an excellent opportunity for increasing efficiency, improving service, and protecting postal revenues.13
* Besides meeting the standard BRM format requirements, you must meet the following additional QBRM requirements:
* Prebarcode your QBRM pieces. You are assigned a unique ZIP+4 code and corresponding barcode that identify the customer and the category of mail.
* Use FIM C. A camera-ready positive is available at no charge from the Postal Service.
* Provide samples of your BRM pieces to a mailpiece design analyst early in the design process. To make sure that your pieces achieve the best quality, allow time for changes before.
