Starting next August 1, 2007, (the CASS Cycle L), the USPS has informed software vendors to change the method in which a ZIP Plus 4 code is assigned. ZIP Plus 4 records can only be assigned when the primary number information (house number) properly matches the USPS ZIP Plus 4 database.
Software vendors will accomplish this primary number validation through the use of Delivery Point Validation™ or DPV.
So, thinking about your impact… here are things I am hearing…
- ZIP Plus 4 coding rates will be lower (how much lower depends on your work now)
- Records not ZIP Plus 4 coded will most likely fall out of automation rates–thus higher postage if you mail them. But, why would you mail a record with an invalid primary house number?
- How do you fix the primary house number?
- Do you change the practice of your data entry to double-check the house number, or automate the entry validation?
Are there other challenges that no one has mentioned or discovered yet? Share your concerns and questions… and I will attempt to gather some responses and comments on them…
Either way… start your engines now and begin planning for next August.
I am finally getting around to testing DPV. You mention that the USPS will require matching primary number to DPV before ZIP+4 can be assigned and automation disounts taken. My early testing show that there are records with return codes of “S” & “D” which indicate missing or not confirmed secondary information. Do you feel that the USPS will continue to allow Zip+4 assignment and automation discounts when DPV indicates a problem with secondary information?