Chicago Postal Customer Council Postal FAQs- Chicago PCC

CPCC

P.O. Box 7737

Chicago, Illinois

60680-7737

312-983-8444

Postal FAQs

1. How can I contact my local Postal Customer Council?

The address for the Chicago Postal Customer Council is PCC, P.O. Box 7737,
Chicago, IL 60680-7737. To locate other PCC's, visit the National PCC web site at: www.national.pcc.usps.com

2. Who can I call for accurate Postal information?

You may call the Business Service Network at 312-983-8440 and a Customer Service Representative will answer your question(s) or refer you to the appropriate department.

3. Where can I deposit my bulk mailings?

You may deposit bulk mailing(s) at the Business Mail Entry Unit, 433 W. Polk St, (2 blks east of Canal St.) - Dock Doors 1-5 and 93-98.

4. Who can assist me with designing my mailpiece to ensure it meets postal specs?

The Mailpiece Design Analyst (MDA) can assist you with the design and automation compatibility requirements. In Chicago, the MDA is Ruth Laurent at 312-983-8464.

5. How can I find a ZIP Code?

You can find a ZIP Code on the www.usps.com

or use a ZIP Code directory located at all post offices.

6. Does the US Postal Service have a website?

Yes, you may log on to www.usps.com

for rates, ZIP Codes, Direct Mail assistance and other postal related information.

7. What resources does the USPS have for small businesses?

The Postal Service has a Consultation Center located at 211 S. Clark St., Loop Post Office, Chicago, IL 60604. We also have a Small Business Specialist, Cindy McLin, 312-983-8378 who is located at 433 W. Harrison St., Chicago, IL 60607. Also, Ms. McLin can conduct onsite consultations at your business or meet with you at the Consultation Center at the Loop Post Office. Her hours are Mon- Fri., 9 am. to 4 pm.

8. How do I qualify for discounted mail rates?

If you meet the volume requirements a person or company can qualify for discounted mail rates. You must have specified quantities and do some additional work i.e. (presorting by ZIP Code) so that your mail is easier for the Postal Service to handle.

89. What do I need to consider when I want to mail?

Things to consider when you use the USPS are: Speed - i.e., Delivery expectation, Cost, Shape & Weight of the Mailpiece
Extra Services? i.e., Insurance, Delivery or Signature Confirmation, Destination of the article

10. I am considering mailing at discounted rates. Where do I begin and what is the process?

You begin by visiting your local Business Mail Entry office or local associate post office to discuss your plans and needs. The BME office offers information and training for new mailers. If preparing your mail with a workshare program according to postal standards is not your cup of tea, (it can be labor intensive), then you may consider using a Mail Service Provider.

11. Why do I need to periodically check my address list I use for mailing?

You can achieve better results and avoid wasting postage on undeliverable mailpieces.

12. How can I check the accuracy of my address list?

The USPS offers ways to check your list or you may use a Mail Service Provider for list maintenance.

Checking List Accuracy Through the Postal Service:

Address List Correction Service. You can submit a printout of your address list to the USPS and any changes will be marked. There is a fee for this service, which is available through your Address Management Systems office.

Checking List Accuracy Through a Mail Service Provider:

CASS-certified software. This service will take your computerized list and run it through special software that standardizes the addresses, corrects the ZIP Codes and any spelling mistakes and adds the ZIP + 4 codes.

National Change of Address (NCOA). A licensed vendor will run your mailing list through special software that updates addresses for your customers who have filed a change of address with the USPS. You clean up your list before you mail.

13. Does the Postal Service sell address lists?

No, the Postal Service does not sell address lists.

14. If I purchase an address list, will I receive correct addresses?

Not all purchased or rented lists have addresses that are correct, checked, updated or
Certified. To make sure you are receiving a list with accurate addresses, ask your vendor
about the list's National Deliverability Index (NDI), which rates the percentage of addresses
in that list that are deliverable. The NDI rating allows you to compare the quality of
addresses from several lists and to choose the one that has the highest accuracy rating.
KEEP IN MIND - Your address list is only as good as your last upgrade.

15. What is Online Mailing Services?

The Postal Service offers several online services that combine the speed of the Internet
with the effectiveness of traditional mail. Online services allow you to select or design a
mailpiece and enter addresses or upload an address list. Your mailpieces are printed,
prepared and delivered in as few as one or two days. For more information or to get
started, go to www.usps.com/mailingonline

16. How do I obtain Non-profit rates?

Organizations apply for authorization to mail at Nonprofit Standard Mail rates by
submitting PS Form 3624, "Application to Mail at Nonprofit Standard Mail Rates" and the
post office where the organization intends to mail. For information about nonprofit rate
eligibility, see Publication 417, online at http://pe.usps.com

or pick up a copy at your local post office.

17. What is a Mail Service Provider?

A Mail Service Provider is a vendor that specializes in creating and preparing mail.
i.e. Presort Bureau, Letter Shops, Address List Vendors, Printers and Publishers
and Parcel Consolidators. A list of some of these companies are located in Customer
Outreach Committee tab in this PCC Web page.

18. Where do I go for information on Periodical mailing?

Your local Business Mail Entry office will be able to assist you.

19. Is there a comprehensive guide or booklet that can answer most of my mailing and postal questions?

Yes, there are currently two booklets available. One is the DMM 100, "A Customer's
Guide to Mailing", the other is DMM 200, "A Guide to Mailing for Businesses and
Organizations". These booklets may be obtained at your local BMEU office or Associate
Post Office.