The United States Postal Service’s® Response to Understanding This Year’s Peak Season
This article appeared in the December 2021 edition of NPSOA Magazine Welcome to the highly anticipated peak holiday season for the United States Postal Service! For many mailers, this season comes with a lot of unknowns and anxieties. This year, the USPS® introduced the Business Intelligence Capacity Model, or BICM, program to help mitigate concerns… Read: The United States Postal Service’s® Response to Understanding This Year’s Peak Season »
A New USPS® Program Could be Coming to a Post Office Near You in 2022
A program that has been piloted in Texas could expand in 2022. USPS Connect Local® offers same or next-day delivery to local addresses that are serviced by USPS. The pilot program has shown great promise in executing quick deliveries. “This is the first time in the history of the organization that we’ve piloted this type… Read: A New USPS® Program Could be Coming to a Post Office Near You in 2022 »
A January Price Change is Coming
USPS® shipping prices are expected to change on Jan. 9, 2022. The USPS submitted a request with the Postal Regulatory Commission to enact price changes that would raise the prices of many postal goods and services. Retail price increases include: Standard Priority Mail Flat Rate® (PMFR) Envelope, Legal Size PMFR Envelope, PMFR Padded Envelope, and… Read: A January Price Change is Coming »
Episode 52 – Industry Corner Podcast
Episode 51 – Industry Corner Podcast
Highlights from the 11.10.21 USPS Industry Update
On Nov. 10, 2021, the USPS® released an Industry Update announcing new competitive pricing and two new mail products. The Market Competitive price increase is scheduled to go into effect on Jan. 9, 2022, if it is approved first by the Postal Regulatory Committee. This is a 60-day notice, which is slightly better than the… Read: Highlights from the 11.10.21 USPS Industry Update »
Quality Data Ensures Your Mail Will Make it to Homes During the Holiday Rush
Address data has the power to make or break your deliverability goals. Ensuring your data is complete, correct, and current is one way you can make sure your holiday mail is reaching your target audience on time and as cost-effective as possible. With the United States Postal Service® (USPS®) urging customers to begin their holiday… Read: Quality Data Ensures Your Mail Will Make it to Homes During the Holiday Rush »
PDF + JDF = ADF: The Formula for Print and Mail Optimization Success
This is a guest article from Solimar Systems, a valued BCC Software partner. Workflow automation, already growing steadily in significance on print shop floors, has transcended the ‘nice to have’ bracket into the essential territory. Every print shop faces challenges where eliminating touchpoints, adjusting to decreased staffing levels and managing production remotely has become the… Read: PDF + JDF = ADF: The Formula for Print and Mail Optimization Success »
USPS® Working Hard to Improve Service Performance Ahead of Holiday Rush
The USPS released performance scores from the first three weeks of the fourth quarter that showed a positive uptick in postal business. The service performance scores reflect the changes that were put in place on October 1, 2020, as part of the Postal Service’s™ 10-year plan, Delivering for America. “As we continue to improve service… Read: USPS® Working Hard to Improve Service Performance Ahead of Holiday Rush »
Episode 50 – Industry Corner Podcast
USPS® Announces that the Implementation of CASS™ Cycle O Has Been Rescheduled for August 2023
CASS Cycle O Implementation Rescheduled to August 2023 The Coding Accuracy Support System (CASS) measures the accuracy of address matching software based on rules defined by the Postal Service. USPS is actively working with the mailing industry to perform a new testing cycle referred to as CASS Cycle O. The Postal Service has determined that… Read: USPS® Announces that the Implementation of CASS™ Cycle O Has Been Rescheduled for August 2023 »
Here Comes the Holiday Rush
Mailers expect the holiday season to be busy, but what if we could make the busy season a little bit easier? With Covid prompting many unknowns, we think any reprieve is welcome. Every Door Direct Mail®, or EDDM®, gives mailers the confidence knowing they are sending their holiday catalogs and promotions to every address in… Read: Here Comes the Holiday Rush »
October 4th-8th is Customer Service Appreciation Week!
We are so grateful for our customer support team members who go above and beyond every day to ask our favorite question, “How Can We Help?” Our support team is comprised of experts with a complex knowledge of BCC Software solutions, as well as the mailstream and USPS® regulations. All Support team members are USPS… Read: October 4th-8th is Customer Service Appreciation Week! »
With the USPS Raising Prices Again, It’s More Important Than Ever to Know Where Your Mail Is.
This article appeared in the September 2021 edition of NPSOA Magazine. The USPS® price increase scheduled for the 2021 holiday season is right around the corner. The price adjustment, similar to that of 2020, will be put in place to help offset the high handling costs caused by increased shipping demand during the holidays. The… Read: With the USPS Raising Prices Again, It’s More Important Than Ever to Know Where Your Mail Is. »
Episode 49 – Industry Corner Podcast
Episode 48 – Industry Corner Podcast
Episode 47 – Industry Corner Podcast
Why Integrate Your Print and Mail Optimization Software? Big Savings.
This is a guest article from Solimar Systems, a valued BCC Software partner. Frequent readers of the BCC Software eBulletin won’t be surprised that Solimar Systems and BCC Software have been working together for years. Announced as a strategic partnership in 2015, this relationship has produced compelling results for our common customers. As August marks… Read: Why Integrate Your Print and Mail Optimization Software? Big Savings. »
USPS Proceeds with August Rate Increases
In a decision issued on July 19, 2021, the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) endorsed the United States Postal Service’s call for higher prices on letters, advertising mail, and publications, in hopes of ensuring long-term financial health for the organization. The USPS believes that its prices for market-dominant products and services will increase by approximately 6.9… Read: USPS Proceeds with August Rate Increases »
USPS® Releases 2020 Household Diary Study
Each year, the USPS publishes the Household Diary Study (HDS) as a way to measure the types and volumes of mail sent and received within the mail system, track trends in mail usage over time, and compare mail usage by household’s demographic characteristics. This year’s report is the 34th of its kind to be published… Read: USPS® Releases 2020 Household Diary Study »
An Overview of Recent OIG RISC Report on Informed Delivery and Informed Visibility
This article appeared in the July 2021 edition of NPSOA Magazine. On June 8, 2021, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) released the RISC Report on Marketers’ Perceptions of Informed Delivery and Informed Visibility. This report sought to inform the USPS® of marketers’ perceptions of Informed Delivery (ID) and Informed Visibility (IV), two programs aimed… Read: An Overview of Recent OIG RISC Report on Informed Delivery and Informed Visibility »
Top 3 Considerations For a Successful MIS and Web-to-Print Search
This is a guest article from Print Reach Software, a valued BCC Software partner. Are you spending too much on an old workflow that really isn’t up to speed? Or are you generally looking at how your business can profit from a new MIS or W2P system? Why not let us help take some weight off your… Read: Top 3 Considerations For a Successful MIS and Web-to-Print Search »
Episode 46 – Industry Corner Podcast
BCC Software™ Announces Leadership Changes
New President Christopher O’Brien joins BCC Software as Chris Lien Transitions to Executive Vice President Role ROCHESTER, NY – July 7, 2021: Christopher O’Brien has been named the new President of BCC Software effective June 29, 2021. He replaces Chris Lien, who has led BCC Software over the past twelve years. Prior to joining BCC… Read: BCC Software™ Announces Leadership Changes »
Phase Two of Network Rationalization
This article appeared in the June 2021 edition of NPSOA Magazine. Phase two of the United States Postal Service’s® “Network Rationalization” is set to be completed this year. During this phase, the USPS® hopes to make the organization leaner by re-organizing roles and equipment within the network. Eighteen mail sorting facilities across the country are… Read: Phase Two of Network Rationalization »
An Update on 2021 and 2022 USPS® Promotions
As June comes to a close, we are now halfway through 2021’s USPS promotions. On May 28th, the 2022 promotions were filed with the Postal Regulatory Committee (PRC). Below are two tables outlining the 2021 Promotions and comparing them to the proposed 2022 promotions. These promotions represent an opportunity for mailers to integrate direct mail… Read: An Update on 2021 and 2022 USPS® Promotions »
Episode 45 – Industry Corner Podcast
Mailing and Shipping Solutions Center (MSSC) to Merge With the PostalOne! Helpdesk
June 21, 2021 Mailing and Shipping Solutions Center (MSSC) to Merge With the PostalOne! Helpdesk Effective July 1, 2021, the external PostalOne! Helpdesk will merge into the Mailing & Shipping Solutions Center (MSSC). Customers will need to contact the MSSC with any PostalOne! issues. The current PostalOne! help desk number of 1-800-522-9085 will automatically forward… Read: Mailing and Shipping Solutions Center (MSSC) to Merge With the PostalOne! Helpdesk »
First Scan Data is Now Available within Track N Trace®
What is a first scan? Why the change? A first scan is the earliest physical scan that is received for a mailpiece though the USPS IV-MTR system. Customer and partner interviews revealed a need to understand when tracking initiates for a particular mailpiece. Customers can now determine when a particular mailpiece has been “seen” by… Read: First Scan Data is Now Available within Track N Trace® »
Bill to End Prohibition-Era Ban Gains Bipartisan Support
A ban put forth by the U.S. Postal Service® during the Prohibition-era has once again been deemed outdated by lawmakers from both sides of the aisle. Jackie Speier (D-CA) and Dan Newhouse (R-WA), along with 17 other co-sponsors, introduced the USPS® Shipping Equity Act, their solution to decades of the USPS prohibiting the shipment of… Read: Bill to End Prohibition-Era Ban Gains Bipartisan Support »
Douglas Tulino Appointed to Deputy Postmaster General
On May 12, 2021, the USPS® announced Douglas Tulino as the new Deputy Postmaster General (DPMG), effective immediately. Deputy Postmaster General is the second-highest position in the Postal Service. Prior to assuming this position, Tulino had over four decades of USPS experience, most recently in the role of Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer,… Read: Douglas Tulino Appointed to Deputy Postmaster General »
Where’s My Document?
This is a guest article from Racami, a valued BCC Software partner. Print and mail producers have been answering questions about document status forever, and now the questions extend to include digital messages. It’s no longer acceptable to answer clients an hour or two later, after physically searching through the production facility. Common client questions include: “When… Read: Where’s My Document? »
Top 3 Considerations For a Successful MIS and Web-to-Print Search
This is a guest article from Print Reach, a valued BCC Software partner. Are you spending too much on an old workflow that really isn’t up to speed? Or are you looking in general as to how your business can profit from a new MIS or W2P system? Why not let us help take some… Read: Top 3 Considerations For a Successful MIS and Web-to-Print Search »
Preparing for Seamless Acceptance
This article appeared in the May 2021 edition of NPSOA Magazine. You may have heard about Seamless Acceptance and thought it only applied to large mailers. While that has been true to this point, with the May 1 deadline for mailers with an authorized Detached Mail Unit (DMU) and July 1 deadline for mailers who… Read: Preparing for Seamless Acceptance »
Mail Sorting Consolidation Planned to Boost Postal Efficiency
Eighteen mail sorting facilities across the country are scheduled to be consolidated by November 2021 in hopes of boosting efficiency. Postmaster General DeJoy believes closing the facilities is financially necessary for the USPS®’s 10-Year Plan in which the organization hopes to fiscally break even in 10 years. However, there are speculations that these closures will… Read: Mail Sorting Consolidation Planned to Boost Postal Efficiency »
Mail Manager Security Update
Effective 4/22/2021, Mail Manager customers who upgrade to version 03.11.40.02 will have updated encryption when transferring files to Track N Trace (TNT). What Changed?In a continued effort to make security is our highest priority, BCC has upgraded this file transfer method to ensure your mailings are highly secure while maintaining seamless integration between Mail Manager… Read: Mail Manager Security Update »
BCC Architect Canada
A Primer on the Board of Governors and Postmaster General
This article appeared in the April 2021 issue of NPSOA Magazine. The Board of Governors of the United States Postal Service® serves in a similar capacity to a board of directors at a public organization. The Board meets regularly to direct the Postal Service, monitor the budget and expenditures, review organizational best-practices, construct long-term plans,… Read: A Primer on the Board of Governors and Postmaster General »
Dissecting the USPS’ ‘Delivering for America’ Plan
On March 23, 2021, the United States Post Office® held a press conference to introduce “Delivering for America,” their ten-year plan to modernize their network and achieve financial stability. They hope to transform their current, archaic processes and operate with a positive net income beginning as soon as FY2023. If achieved, this would reverse the… Read: Dissecting the USPS’ ‘Delivering for America’ Plan »
Automation of Postal is the Trend in 2021
This is a guest article from Crawford Technologies, a valued BCC Software partner. Postal Processing is one of the most expensive and error-prone parts of a production workflow. This year, 2021, it is when you need to spend time automating! Last year, 2020, was tough for many of us and our organizations. Manual steps and… Read: Automation of Postal is the Trend in 2021 »
Episode 44 – Industry Corner Podcast
Episode 43 – Industry Corner Podcast
Industry Alert: Waiver of January 2021 Mailer Scorecard Assessments
In an Industry Alert posted on February 11, 2021, the USPS announced the following: Waiver of January 2021 Mailer Scorecard Assessments As a result of the extraordinary circumstances experienced during the 2020 peak mailing period, our partners in the mailing industry have seen negative impacts to their Mailer Scorecards which may have caused assessments. Therefore,… Read: Industry Alert: Waiver of January 2021 Mailer Scorecard Assessments »
Track N Trace: The Solution for Mailing Uncertainty
This article appeared in the March 2021 issue of NPSOA Magazine. Millions of Americans requested mail-in ballots for the 2020 presidential and senate elections- a record-breaking number prompted by the COVID-19 health crisis. With the unprecedented requests came a great deal of unknown. There was uncertainty about the integrity of mail-in voting and the Post… Read: Track N Trace: The Solution for Mailing Uncertainty »
Getting Control of Your Postal Process
This is a guest article from Racami, a valued BCC Software partner. Not so long ago, producing a mailing meant printing addresses on labels, applying the labels, and taking the pieces to the Post Office. That was about it. Today, the requirements are far more stringent from a postal standpoint and for achieving measurable results.… Read: Getting Control of Your Postal Process »
How to Identify Good Candidates for Your W2P Storefront
This is a guest article from Print Reach, a valued BCC Software partner. What are the benefits of a W2P System? I’m sure you’ve all read an article or 10. Maybe you’ve made your own list of how it can save your staff time. If you have that list, put it in a drawer, that… Read: How to Identify Good Candidates for Your W2P Storefront »
Episode 42 – Industry Corner Podcast
A Look at USPS® Promotions for 2021
The USPS® is again offering six different opportunities for marketers, printers, and mailers to receive discounts on postage by utilizing their promotions in 2021. The available promotions include Tactile, Sensory, and Interactive Mailpiece Engagement; Emerging and Advanced Technology; Earned Value; Personalized Color Transpromo; Mobile Shopping; and Informed Delivery. These promotions are expected to increase the… Read: A Look at USPS® Promotions for 2021 »
Creating a Blueprint for Success: Challenges and Opportunities for the Print and Mail Industry in 2021
This is a guest article from Solimar Systems, a valued BCC Software partner. The Print Industry is rapidly changing. Economic pressures, new working requirements, and changes in print buyer demands are reshaping the space in which print providers operate. Here, Drew Sprague, President, Mary Ann Rowan, Chief Experience Officer, and Jonathan Malone-McGrew, Senior Director of Engagement… Read: Creating a Blueprint for Success: Challenges and Opportunities for the Print and Mail Industry in 2021 »
Update on Seamless Acceptance Incentive
Seamless Acceptance supports electronic documentation (eDoc) and Intelligent Mail barcodes (IMbs) on mailpieces, containers, and handling units. This means that commercial bulk mail no longer needs to be verified in-person by a mail clerk. Instead, the IMbs ensure the proper postage is present and that the mail is allowable in the mailstream. When it is confirmed… Read: Update on Seamless Acceptance Incentive »