Glossary of Terms

A series of vertical bars and spaces that represent a numeric designation such as a ZIP code or package identification code. The barcode facilitates automated processing by barcode readers and scanners.

A heavy paperboard with a cloth covering that is used for hardback binding of books.

Mail that is generally rated for postage partly by weight and partly by the number of pieces in the mailing. A rate discount is given based on the mail preparation work done by the mailer and the place of mail deposit.

(1) The range of addresses assigned to one carrier for the delivery of mail. This can include city routes, rural routes, and highway contract routes. (2) A discounted postage rate available for all pieces to the same city route, rural route, highway contract route, post office box section, or general delivery unit.

Created by the U.S. Postal Service to ensure the accuracy of software programs used by service bureaus to check addresses and code mailings for delivery.

A company that will maintain lists for list owners. Services may include: updating the list, merge/purge, data overlays and preparing the list for mailing or rentals.

A consolidator accepts mail for deposit within a particular type of delivery service. By grouping together mail from more than one company, consolidators are often able to obtain higher volume discounts than an independent mailer.

Machine for accurately cutting stacks of paper to desired dimensions…can also be used to crease. Also trims out final bound books’ top size (soft cover).

The matching of two or more lists that contain the same names or addresses but where one list adds additional data such as demographics or geographics to the other.

An instruction given to remove an element from a layout.

Reduced postage rates offered to mailers in exchange for higher standards of mail preparation, sortation, and destination entry.

A company that will assemble and insert the various printed elements of a direct mail piece, label, sort, tag and deliver the mailings to the post office for mailing. The lettershop will provide the mailer with written proof of delivery to the U.S. Postal Service.

The ongoing process of keeping a mailing list up-to-date by adding, editing and deleting data.

The classification of domestic mail according to content (e.g. personal correspondence, which must be mailed as First-Class Priority Mail or Express Mail).

A group of mailpieces within the same mailing service and mail processing category that may be sorted together under the appropriate standards. Also, the action of depositing or presenting mail at a post office.

Class of mail (that is, Express Mail, First-Class Mail, Standard Mail, Periodicals, and Package Services). The classification of domestic mail is based mainly on content (such as personal correspondence versus printed advertising).

Postal employees located in larger cities that specialize in helping customers with the design of their mailpieces.

Any class of mail except Periodicals with postage printed by a Postal Service approved postage meter.

The smallest dimensions allowable for all mailable matter. Except for keys and identification items, a mailpiece less than 1/4 inch thick must be rectangular and meet the minimum criteria listed below; otherwise, it is nonmailable and is returned to sender:
..At least 5 inches long
..At least 3 1/2 inches high
..At least .007 inch thick

A class of mail consisting of authorized magazines, newspapers, or other publications formed of printed sheets that are issued at least four times a year at regular, specific intervals from a known office of publication.

Printed indicia, used in place of an adhesive postage stamp or meter stamp, that shows postage prepayment by an authorized mailer.

Payment for delivery service that is affixed or imprinted onto a mailpiece, usually in the form of a postage stamp, permit imprint, or meter impression.

Documentation provided by a mailer to the Postal Service that reports the volume of mail being presented and the postage payable or affixed, and that certifies that the mail meets the applicable eligibility and addressing standards for the rate claimed.

Stamps canceled by printing across the face before they are sold to mailers for bulk mailings. Also, a stamp designated by the Postal Service as a precanceled stamp without cancellation marks. These stamps are used for Presorted First-Class Mail, Standard Mail, and Nonprofit Standard Mail.

A nonautomation rate category for a mailing that consists of at least 500 addressed mailpieces and is sorted and prepared according to Postal Service standards. This mail is not required to include a barcode.

Discounted postage rates. In exchange for lower postage rates, mailers sort their mail using the ZIP code destinations on the mailpieces.

Impression from composed type or blocks, taken for checking and correction, from a lithographic plate to check accuracy of layout, type matter, tone and color reproduction.

A container generally used to transport flat-size mail, parcels, and loose-piece mail.

Mail sent using retail rates.

A proofreader’s symbol that is usually written in the copy margin, that indicates that the copy, which was marked for correction, should be left as it was.