# eDoc: Mail.dat, Mail.XML and postage statements

Mailers describe a mailing to USPS with [electronic documentation](https://postalref.com/products/edoc.md), or eDoc, an electronic postage statement they send to PostalOne!, the USPS system that records mailing transactions.[^1][^2] Small mailers make it in one of two USPS web tools, Postal Wizard or the IMsb Tool.[^1][^3] Mailers with presort software send it as Mail.dat files or Mail.XML messages.[^1]

Updated November 5, 2026. 64 sources.

## Questions

### What is eDoc for USPS mailings?

[eDoc](https://postalref.com/products/edoc.md), short for electronic documentation, is an electronic postage statement that may also carry barcode information and qualification reports for a mailing.[^1] It replaces the hardcopy statement and reports.[^1] USPS requires it for [Full-Service](https://postalref.com/guides/full-service.md) and for [Seamless Acceptance](https://postalref.com/products/seamless-acceptance.md), which automates the entry and verification of commercial mailings from their eDoc, barcodes and scans.[^1][^4]

### What is the difference between Mail.dat and Mail.XML?

Mail.dat stores a whole mailing as a database of linked files, uploaded together; Mail.XML sends mailing information to PostalOne! as separate web service messages.[^5][^6][^7] In Mail.XML the mailer supplies the copies and pieces at each price level, while Mail.dat calculates them from the raw data in its files.[^8] The two work together: a mailer can keep Mail.dat as its database and use Mail.XML between businesses, as the [technical specifications](https://postalref.com/products/usps-technical-specifications-for-mail-dat-and-mail-xml.md) describe.[^7]

### Can I submit a USPS postage statement online without presort software?

Yes: Postal Wizard, a free online tool in the Business Customer Gateway, takes postage statement information typed into web forms and submits it to the PostalOne! Dashboard.[^1][^6][^9] It needs a gateway account with an active mailing permit, and separate software must make the Intelligent Mail barcodes.[^9] The [IMsb Tool](https://postalref.com/products/edoc.md), a free online tool for small-volume mailers preparing their own Full-Service mailings, creates the barcodes too.[^1][^6]

### What does UPD mean on a PostalOne! postage statement?

`UPD`, USPS Processing Due, means PostalOne! has received a file and the postage statement is available for USPS to process.[^10] If the mailing needs verification, USPS starts it from the Dashboard; if not, USPS finalizes the statement.[^10] The [Mail.dat technical specification](https://postalref.com/products/usps-technical-specifications-for-mail-dat-and-mail-xml.md) lists every postage statement status with the action USPS takes.[^11]

### Do I have to test in TEM before sending eDoc to production?

Yes: mailers must pass testing in the [Test Environment for Mailers](https://postalref.com/products/test-environment-for-mailers.md) before they submit Mail.dat files in production.[^12] Mail.dat and Mail.XML users both go through TEM, and USPS streamlines it for users of TEM-certified software.[^3] For Mail.XML, mailers using software USPS has pre-approved are not required to test in TEM, though they may.[^13]

### What does By/For mean in eDoc?

By/For names who prepared a mailing and whom it was prepared for: the mail preparer is the By, and the mail owner is the For.[^14][^15][^1] The eDoc for a Full-Service mailing must name both, but a mail owner with fewer than 5,000 pieces need not be named, except in nonprofit mailings.[^16] USPS makes Full-Service data available to each party based on these names, as [eDoc](https://postalref.com/products/edoc.md) explains.[^15]

### What is a Mail.dat Job ID?

A Job ID is the mailer's own name for a Mail.dat job: a unique alphanumeric field of up to 8 characters, kept in the Header file.[^17][^18] It must stay unique in PostalOne! for 13 months, and it finds the job's postage statement on the Dashboard.[^18][^19] USPS also gives each job a Mailing Group ID, its own tracking number.[^17]

### Where can I find PostalOne! release notes?

USPS posts PostalOne! release notes on PostalPro, on a Releases page for each month's deployments.[^20] The October 2026 page, for one, has notes for PostalOne! release 64.1.1.0 on October 4 and 64.1.2.0 on October 18, 2026.[^20] Release notes give PostalOne!'s planned and actual software updates.[^21]

## How it fits together

A postage statement must go with every business mailing.[^22] It reports the mail presented and certifies that the mail meets the standards for the prices claimed.[^23] [eDoc](https://postalref.com/products/edoc.md) sends the statement and its supporting documentation, such as qualification reports, to PostalOne! electronically.[^1] PostalOne! is the USPS system that records mailing transactions, receives payments and keeps mailing data.[^2] For a permit imprint mailing, USPS acceptance staff finalize each statement to debit the [postage account](https://postalref.com/guides/paying-postage.md) for the full amount.[^24]

Small mailers enter a statement in one of two web tools, Postal Wizard or the IMsb Tool.[^1][^3] Presort software writes Mail.dat files or Mail.XML messages instead.[^1] DTAC, a member-driven group of mailing industry leaders, maintains both formats.[^12][^25][^7] The [technical specifications](https://postalref.com/products/usps-technical-specifications-for-mail-dat-and-mail-xml.md) add what PostalOne! requires of each.[^26][^10] Mail.XML software is built from the service descriptions and message schemas USPS posts on its [current WSDLs](https://postalref.com/products/current-web-service-description-languages-wsdls.md) page.[^27][^28]

An eDoc can name its parties: the one that submits it, and the mail owner and mail preparer, called By/For.[^1] A [Full-Service](https://postalref.com/guides/full-service.md) eDoc must name both, though a mail owner with fewer than 5,000 pieces need not be named outside nonprofit mailings.[^16] Under Full-Service, USPS makes data available to the mail owner and preparer based on those names.[^15]

Software that writes Mail.dat or Mail.XML is approved in the [Test Environment for Mailers](https://postalref.com/products/test-environment-for-mailers.md) before it moves to the production environment.[^29] Production takes the transactions for postage payment from customers USPS approved in TEM.[^29] PostalOne! changes in numbered releases, and each technical specification names the release and format versions it covers.[^12]

## Postage statements

A postage statement reports the type and volume of mail, the postage method, the processing category and the total weight.[^23] It also certifies that the mail meets the standards for the prices claimed.[^23] A qualification report lists how a mailing was presorted, by price category and sortation level.[^30] Statement data can be sent electronically or on hardcopy USPS forms.[^23]

eDoc reaches PostalOne! by these methods:

- Postal Wizard, a web tool, takes postage statement information the mailer enters by hand into online forms.[^9]
- The IMsb Tool, a web tool for small-volume mailers, builds a Full-Service mailing and submits its statement automatically.[^1][^31]
- Mail.dat, written by presort software, stores complete information about a mailing as a database.[^1][^6]
- Mail.XML, also from presort software, sends messages to PostalOne! through web services.[^1][^7]

From Mail.dat files, PostalOne! generates these reports, among others, and shows them to the mailer:[^25]

- Postage statements and qualification reports.[^25]
- Reconciliation reports, which show how much mail was planned and how much was mailed.[^32]
- eInduction reports, which show each container's payment status before it reaches the entry facility.[^33] [eInduction](https://postalref.com/guides/full-service.md) verifies the payment and preparation of mail containers from their eDoc, barcodes and handheld scans.[^3]

Acceptance clerks check those statements and reports against the physical mail.[^25] USPS tracks each Mail.dat job, Mail.XML mailing group and Postal Wizard statement by a Mailing Group ID.[^17]

Each statement on the Dashboard has a status that shows its stage and the action USPS takes next.[^11] Among the statuses are these:

| Status | Meaning |
| --- | --- |
| `UPD` | A file has been received and a postage statement is available for processing.[^10] |
| `PEN` | The statement is pending finalization.[^10] |
| `FIN` | The statement has been finalized.[^11] |
| `FAI` | The statement failed verification.[^11] |
| `REW` | A verification issue sent the mailing back to the mailer for correction or rework.[^10] |
| `CAN` | The mailer canceled the statement.[^11] |
| `EST` | The postage is an estimate from preliminary data, not an actual postage statement.[^11] |

A statement charges its postage to the permit holder.[^34] A ghost permit is a record USPS sets up in PostalOne! to name another party on the statement, such as a mail owner authorized for Nonprofit USPS Marketing Mail prices.[^35][^36]

- **postage statement**, also called mailing statement: “Documentation provided by a mailer to USPS that reports the type and volume of mail being presented, type of postage method used, processing category of the mail, total weight of the mailing, and other required information and certifies that the mail meets the applicable eligibility standards for the prices and fees claimed. Postage statement data can be submitted electronically or on hardcopy using official USPS forms or approved mailer facsimiles of those forms.”[^23]
- **PostalOne! reports**: “The PostalOne! System uses the Mail.dat files to generate postage statements, qualification reports, reconciliation reports, eInduction reports and other reports for customers who have presented mailings to the Postal Service and displays that generated information back to the customers.”[^25]
- **USPS Processing Due**, also called UPD: “A file has been received and a postage statement is available for processing (USPS Processing is Due).”[^10]
- **Finalized**, also called FIN: “The postage statement has been finalized.”[^11]
- **ghost permit**, also called GH, ghost permit type: “a record set up by the Postal Service in the PostalOne! Database to designate parties on the postage statement that are not the permit holder”[^35]
- **Mailing Group ID**: “Mailing Group ID is a unique USPS tracking sequence number.”[^17]
- **qualification report**: “A detailed listing of presort makeup of a mailing by price category and sortation level that is part of the documentation required for certain mail classes and products.”[^30]
- **Electronic Documentation**, also called eDoc, Electronic Documentation of Mailing Information, electronic document, electronic mailing documentation: “an electronic postage statement that may also contain specific information about a mailing such as barcode information and qualification reports”[^1]
- **Postal Wizard**, also called PW, PSW, Postage Statement Wizard: “a tool that provides a secure way to submit postage statements online”[^24]
- **PostalOne!**, also called PostalOne! system: “the information management system that provides an electronic linkage between a customer’s mailing information and the Postal Service’s business mail acceptance and induction processes. It produces postage statements and supporting documentation.”[^37]

## Mail.dat files

A Mail.dat job is a set of files, each with its own record type, and USPS extracts the postage statement and documentation from them.[^5] Every file in a set shares one eight-character name plus a three-character extension.[^25] The name joins the User License Code, unique to each licensed user, and a File Set ID the user chooses.[^25]

The files a reader meets first describe the mailing from the top down:

- The Header file introduces the job, holds its Job ID and counts the records in each file.[^38][^18]
- The Segment file separates parts of a mailing that need different processing.[^18]
- The Mailpiece Unit file describes the physical mailpiece, such as its dimensions.[^38]
- The Container Summary file describes each pallet, sack or tray: its level, destination, entry point and contents.[^39]
- The Container Quantity and Package Quantity files give the contents of each container and each package.[^39]
- The Piece Detail file, or the Piece Barcode file in its place, describes each mailpiece for Full-Service.[^40][^41]

Large jobs are often split into production units presented for acceptance over several days or weeks.[^35] PostalOne! gets the original file first, then an update for each portion.[^35][^42]

The PostalOne! Mail.dat Client validates the files at the mailer's site and uploads them.[^43] Its File Validator checks that required fields are filled and in the correct character format.[^44] In batch mode, the client validates and uploads files without a person, started by the RunBatchUpload script or on a schedule.[^45] Batch mode also downloads Status Receipt files, which show each file's stage in PostalOne!.[^45]

- **Header Record**, also called HDR, Header: “The Header file is an introduction to the entire Mail.dat. It identifies who created the file, what version of the mail.dat standard was used (ensuring compatibility with other users), and when the file was created.”[^38]
- **Job ID**: “The Job ID is a unique, 8-character maximum, alpha-numeric field in the Mail.dat file that is user-defined and managed.”[^17]
- **Segment Record**, also called SEG, Segment File: “The Segment file is used to identify all of those addresses within presort that are considered as a group.”[^38]
- **Mailpiece Unit**, also called MPU, Mailpiece Unit File, Mail Piece Unit Record: “The Mailpiece Unit file contains the physical description of the whole mailpiece in terms of physical attributes, such as dimensions and ad percentages.”[^38]
- **Container Summary Record**, also called .csm, Container Summary, Container Summary Record File, Container Summary File: “The Container Summary file identifies each container, its level, its destination, the point of entry and the contents in terms of rates, copies, pieces and weight.”[^39]
- **Container Quantity**, also called CQT, Container Quantity Record: “The Container Quantity file supplies quantitative details about the content of each container.”[^39]
- **Package Quantity Record**, also called PQT, Package Quantity: “The Package Quantity file presents a finer level of detail defining the quantity, rate, weight, and package destination for every package in a container.”[^39]
- **Piece Detail Record**, also called PDR, Piece Detail: “The Piece Detail Record provides information for full-service at the mailpiece level for each individual mailpiece.”[^40]
- **Piece Barcode Record**, also called PBC, Piece Barcode: “The Piece Barcode Record provides select information for full-service at the mailpiece level for each individual mailpiece.”[^46]
- **RunBatchUpload**: “Executes batch verification and upload for all files in the repository folder. Add file names to process selected files.”[^47]

## Mail.XML messages and WSDLs

Mail.XML sends a mailing as request messages, which carry container, mailpiece and postage information.[^48] PostalOne! answers each request with a response message.[^48] An Accept response lets the mailer send the rest of the mailing group's messages.[^48] A Reject response carries a return code and a description of the errors.[^48] Mail.XML can also update some details of a mailing faster than Mail.dat, within rules USPS sets.[^7]

Mail.XML messages fall into six sets, and each set has its own schema module.[^48] eDoc uses two of them: `mailxml_mm.xsd` for mailing messages and `mailxml_sc.xsd` for supply chain messages.[^49] Transportation messages for [FAST](https://postalref.com/products/fast.md), the system for appointments at USPS facilities, have a module of their own.[^48][^50]

Developers must build Mail.XML software on the WSDL files and XML Schema Definition files, or XSDs, that USPS provides.[^27][^28] USPS posts them for each environment and Mail.XML version on the [current WSDLs](https://postalref.com/products/current-web-service-description-languages-wsdls.md) page.[^28] A WSDL definition file is an XML-based document that automates the details of communication between applications.[^51] With pull, the mailer's software sends a request and gets a response; with push, USPS sends data without a request.[^28] Container Status Query Request messages let a mailer check that its containers passed validation before and after induction.[^52]

- **mailxml_mm.xsd**: “This module contains all the mailing messages (eDoc) with their attributes, elements, and complex types that are unique to these messages.”[^49]
- **mailxml_sc.xsd**: “This module contains all the supply chain messages (Cross-functional container-based and other Mail.dat/mail.XML update functions) with their attributes, elements, and complex types that are unique to these messages.”[^49]
- **mailxml_tm.xsd**: “This module contains all the transportation (or FAST) messages with their attributes, elements, and complex types that are unique to these messages.”[^48]
- **Container Status Query Request and Response messages**, also called Container Status Query Request Message: “Status checking allows mailers to view the status of any given container(s) and ensure that the container is validated during the preinduction and post-induction process”[^52]
- **Current Web Service Description Languages**, also called Current Web Service Description Languages (WSDLs), Current Web Service Description Language (WSDLs), WSDL definition file: “an XML-based document that automates the details involved in communication between applications”[^51]
- **Mail.XML request messages**: “Mail.XML request messages are used to submit mailing information to PostalOne!”[^48]
- **Web Services Description Language**, also called WSDL, Web Service Description Languages: “WSDL (Web Services Description Language) is an XML-based language for describing Web services and how to access them.”[^28]
- **Mail.XML Pull**, also called Mail.XML Pull (Customer Invokes USPS Web Service), Mail.XML pull messages: “Web Services Pull model by which acustomer sends a Web Services based Mail.XML Request message invoking USPS Web Services to pull data in XML format through a Mail.XML Web Service method.”[^53]
- **Mail.XML Push**, also called Mail.XML Push (USPS Invokes Customer Web Service), Push messages, Full-Service PostalOne! Push Data, Push Subscription: “Web Services Mail.XML Push model by which the USPS invokes a customer’s Web Service method/URL and pushes XML data to the customer Web Service when the data is available or a notification is sent tothe customer by the USPS that customer’s data is available for download.”[^53]

## Mail owner and mail preparer

The mail owner decides what a mailpiece says, benefits from the mailing and pays for its postage, directly or through a mail service provider.[^54] A mail service provider acts for one or more mail owners, who pay it for mailing services.[^54] When it prepares their mail, it is the mail preparer in a By/For relationship.[^14]

The eDoc submitter is the mailer who submitted the electronic documentation for the mailing.[^55] A permit or publication number can name a party, and so can its [Mailer ID](https://postalref.com/products/mid.md), the field in Intelligent Mail barcodes that identifies a mailer.[^15][^56][^57] A party's [Customer Registration ID](https://postalref.com/products/crid.md), a USPS number that identifies a business at one location, can name it too.[^58]

> eDoc submitters of Full Service mailings are required to accurately identify the Mail Owner and Mail Preparer in the eDoc.[^16]

**Must.** Whoever submits the eDoc for a Full-Service mailing must name the mail owner and the mail preparer correctly.

A mail service provider may ask to use a JACKPOT CRID/MID to name mail owners that each have fewer than 5,000 pieces.[^16] It must mail 90% of its eligible volume as Full-Service.[^16] A JACKPOT CRID/MID can name only mail owners, never the eDoc submitter or the mail preparer.[^59]

- **By/For**, also called BF: “the mail service provider is acting on behalf of the mail owner, creating a By/For relationship: the mail is prepared by the mail service provider, for the mail owner.”[^14]
- **JACKPOT CRID/MID process**: “MSPs who prepare mailings that include mail owners with less than 5,000 pieces per owner and are meeting 90% FullService of eligible volume, may request authorization to use a JACKPOT CRID/MID for identification of this volume.”[^16]
- **Mail Owner**, also called MO: “the business entity, organization, or individual who makes business decisions regarding the mailpiece content, directly benefits from the mailing, and ultimately pays for the postage on the mailpiece directly or by way of a Mail Service Provider”[^54]
- **Mail Service Provider**, also called MSP, Mailing Service Providers, Mailing Agent: “a business entity, organization, or individual acting on behalf of one or more Mail Owners by providing mailing services for which the Mail Owners compensate the Mail Service Provider.”[^54]
- **eDoc submitter**: “the mailer who submitted the electronic documentation for the mailing”[^55]

## PostalOne! environments and releases

PostalOne! runs in separate environments, each with its own WSDLs.[^28] TEM, preproduction and production each have their own Mail.dat Client download.[^43][^29]

- The Test Environment for Mailers is part of the software approval process before production.[^29]
- The production environment takes transactions for postage payment from customers USPS approved in TEM.[^29]
- The preproduction environment holds pre-release software for testing with production data.[^29]
- The Customer Acceptance Testing environment, or CAT, holds the WSDLs for an upcoming release, open only to mailers USPS selects for its certification phase.[^60][^28]

The preproduction environment typically opens one month before a release reaches production and TEM.[^29] USPS posts each month's release notes on a PostalPro Releases page, such as October 2026 Releases.[^20] Release 65.0 deploys on January 3, 2027, and covers Mail.dat versions 25-1 and 26-1.[^12] It adds Mail.XML version 29.2.[^26]

USPS also keeps a Known Issues List for PostalOne! and the [Enterprise Payment System](https://postalref.com/products/enterprise-payment-system.md).[^61]

- **October 2026 Releases**: “Release information for October 2026 deployment.”[^20]
- **January 2027 Releases**: “Release information for January 2027 deployment.”[^62]
- **Known Issues List**: “A list of the PostalOne! System and Enterprise Payment System (EPS) Known Issues”[^61]
- **Test Environment for Mailers**, also called TEM, Testing Environment for Mailers, TEM (Testing Environment for Mailers): “The Test Environment for mailers (TEM) is a test platform designed to allow mailers to test their ability to submit electronic mailing information such as Full Service (FS) mailings to the Postal Service.”[^13]
- **Production Environment**, also called PROD, Production: “This environment will be used by all customers that have been approved in the TEM environment by the USPS to start sending the transaction/messages.”[^26]
- **Preproduction Environment**: “This environment will contain pre-release software and is intended for mailer testing software development testing with production data.”[^29]

## What goes wrong

The [Mail.dat Client](https://postalref.com/products/usps-technical-specifications-for-mail-dat-and-mail-xml.md) moves each file to a folder for validated, failed or rejected files.[^45] It rejects files the Header file does not list and files that are not standard Mail.dat files.[^45] A computer can run a client for each environment, and USPS warns to process production jobs in production.[^43]

Resending an original job fails once PostalOne! holds its Job ID, so the mailer sends updates instead.[^35] To send the original again, the mailer deletes the job.[^35] PostalOne! deletes a job only when none of its statements is in a listed status, such as `FIN`.[^11] A clerk may finalize and then reverse the statements to allow it.[^11] Container and tray barcodes from a deleted job cannot be reused for 45 days.[^11]

Files can fail to transfer because of a permit.[^35] The mailer then checks with USPS that the permit, or the ghost permit, is at the same finance number as the permits that pay for the job's statements.[^35] A finance number is the six-digit number of a Post Office or facility, and each permit is established under one.[^63] In Mail.dat, the finance number's ZIP Code is in the Mailer Postage Account record.[^35]

A statement that fails verification shows `FAI`, and USPS enters on the Dashboard what happened to it, such as rework or additional postage.[^11]

A Mail.XML request that fails validation gets a Reject response, and the mailer must fix the data and resend it.[^48] A request invalid against the XSD files gets fault `403`, which the [current WSDLs](https://postalref.com/products/current-web-service-description-languages-wsdls.md) page lists.[^64]

By/For checks log an error when the owner of 5,000 or more pieces goes unnamed, or when the owner is also the preparer.[^16] They also log one when the owner named is a mail service provider.[^16] A mail service provider that names itself as owner of small volumes gets error `7140`, which [eDoc](https://postalref.com/products/edoc.md) explains.[^16]

## Index: 115 entries

### Program (1)

- [JACKPOT CRID/MID process](https://postalref.com/guides/edoc.md#by-for)

### Systems (15)

- [Container Status Query Request and Response messages](https://postalref.com/guides/edoc.md#mail-xml)
- [File Validator](https://postalref.com/products/usps-technical-specifications-for-mail-dat-and-mail-xml.md#terms)
- [Mail.XML Pull](https://postalref.com/guides/edoc.md#mail-xml)
- [Mail.XML Push](https://postalref.com/guides/edoc.md#mail-xml)
- [Mail.XML request messages](https://postalref.com/guides/edoc.md#mail-xml)
- [Postal Wizard](https://postalref.com/guides/edoc.md#statements)
- [PostalOne!](https://postalref.com/guides/edoc.md#statements)
- [PostalOne! Mail.dat Client](https://postalref.com/products/usps-technical-specifications-for-mail-dat-and-mail-xml.md#terms)
- [Preproduction Environment](https://postalref.com/guides/edoc.md#releases)
- [Production Environment](https://postalref.com/guides/edoc.md#releases)
- [Receipt Poller](https://postalref.com/?q=Receipt%20Poller)
- [RunBatchUpload](https://postalref.com/guides/edoc.md#mail-dat)
- [Test Environment for Mailers](https://postalref.com/products/test-environment-for-mailers.md)
- [Testing Environment for Mailers (TEM) Using Mail.XML](https://postalref.com/products/test-environment-for-mailers.md#mail-xml)
- [Wizard Web Service](https://postalref.com/?q=Wizard%20Web%20Service)

### Files (25)

- [Certificate of Mailing Bulk Record](https://postalref.com/?q=Certificate%20of%20Mailing%20Bulk%20Record)
- [Certificate of Mailing Detail Record](https://postalref.com/?q=Certificate%20of%20Mailing%20Detail%20Record)
- [Certificate of Mailing Header Record](https://postalref.com/?q=Certificate%20of%20Mailing%20Header%20Record)
- [Certificate of Mailing Special Fee Record](https://postalref.com/?q=Certificate%20of%20Mailing%20Special%20Fee%20Record)
- [Component Characteristics Record](https://postalref.com/?q=Component%20Characteristics%20Record)
- [Container Quantity](https://postalref.com/guides/edoc.md#mail-dat)
- [Container Summary Record](https://postalref.com/guides/edoc.md#mail-dat)
- [Current Web Service Description Languages](https://postalref.com/products/current-web-service-description-languages-wsdls.md)
- [Electronic Documentation](https://postalref.com/products/edoc.md)
- [Header Record](https://postalref.com/guides/edoc.md#mail-dat)
- [Mail.dat](https://postalref.com/products/edoc.md#terms)
- [Mail.dat or MAIL.XML](https://postalref.com/?q=Mail.dat%20or%20MAIL.XML)
- [Mail.xml](https://postalref.com/products/edoc.md#terms)
- [Mailpiece Unit](https://postalref.com/guides/edoc.md#mail-dat)
- [mailxml_tm.xsd](https://postalref.com/guides/edoc.md#mail-xml)
- [New and Proposed Prices - January 2020](https://postalref.com/?q=New%20and%20Proposed%20Prices%20-%20January%202020)
- [Package Quantity Record](https://postalref.com/guides/edoc.md#mail-dat)
- [Piece Barcode Record](https://postalref.com/guides/edoc.md#mail-dat)
- [Piece Detail Record](https://postalref.com/guides/edoc.md#mail-dat)
- [postage statement](https://postalref.com/guides/edoc.md#statements)
- [PostalOne! reports](https://postalref.com/guides/edoc.md#statements)
- [Segment Record](https://postalref.com/guides/edoc.md#mail-dat)
- [Status Receipt files](https://postalref.com/products/usps-technical-specifications-for-mail-dat-and-mail-xml.md#terms)
- [Web Services Description Language](https://postalref.com/guides/edoc.md#mail-xml)
- [XML Schema Definition](https://postalref.com/?q=XML%20Schema%20Definition)

### Identifiers (3)

- [Electronic Confirmation Acceptance Notification](https://postalref.com/?q=Electronic%20Confirmation%20Acceptance%20Notification)
- [ghost permit](https://postalref.com/guides/edoc.md#statements)
- [User License Code](https://postalref.com/products/usps-technical-specifications-for-mail-dat-and-mail-xml.md#terms)

### Documents (64)

- [April 2020 Releases](https://postalref.com/?q=April%202020%20Releases)
- [April 2021 Releases](https://postalref.com/?q=April%202021%20Releases)
- [April 2023 Releases](https://postalref.com/?q=April%202023%20Releases)
- [April 2025 Releases](https://postalref.com/?q=April%202025%20Releases)
- [April 2026 Releases](https://postalref.com/?q=April%202026%20Releases)
- [August 2020 Releases](https://postalref.com/?q=August%202020%20Releases)
- [August 2021 Price Change and Release Information](https://postalref.com/?q=August%202021%20Price%20Change%20and%20Release%20Information)
- [August 2025 Releases](https://postalref.com/?q=August%202025%20Releases)
- [August 2026 Releases](https://postalref.com/?q=August%202026%20Releases)
- [CVE-2021-44228 - log4j 2 Vulnerability Mitigation](https://postalref.com/?q=CVE-2021-44228%20-%20log4j%202%20Vulnerability%20Mitigation)
- [December 2020 Releases](https://postalref.com/?q=December%202020%20Releases)
- [December 2022 Releases](https://postalref.com/?q=December%202022%20Releases)
- [December 2024 Releases](https://postalref.com/?q=December%202024%20Releases)
- [February 2020 Releases](https://postalref.com/?q=February%202020%20Releases)
- [February 2021 Releases](https://postalref.com/?q=February%202021%20Releases)
- [February 2023 Releases](https://postalref.com/?q=February%202023%20Releases)
- [February 2025 Releases](https://postalref.com/?q=February%202025%20Releases)
- [February 2026 Releases](https://postalref.com/?q=February%202026%20Releases)
- [January 2020 Releases (Includes Price Change Information)](https://postalref.com/?q=January%202020%20Releases%20(Includes%20Price%20Change%20Information))
- [January 2021 Releases (Includes Price Change Information)](https://postalref.com/?q=January%202021%20Releases%20(Includes%20Price%20Change%20Information))
- [January 2023 Releases](https://postalref.com/?q=January%202023%20Releases)
- [January 2024 Releases](https://postalref.com/?q=January%202024%20Releases)
- [January 2025 Releases](https://postalref.com/?q=January%202025%20Releases)
- [January 2026 Releases](https://postalref.com/?q=January%202026%20Releases)
- [January 2027 Releases](https://postalref.com/guides/edoc.md#releases)
- [July 2020 Releases](https://postalref.com/?q=July%202020%20Releases)
- [July 2021 Releases](https://postalref.com/?q=July%202021%20Releases)
- [July 2022 Releases (July 2022 Price Change)](https://postalref.com/?q=July%202022%20Releases%20(July%202022%20Price%20Change))
- [July 2023 Releases](https://postalref.com/?q=July%202023%20Releases)
- [July 2024 Releases](https://postalref.com/?q=July%202024%20Releases)
- [July 2025 Releases](https://postalref.com/?q=July%202025%20Releases)
- [July 2026 Releases](https://postalref.com/?q=July%202026%20Releases)
- [June 2020 Releases](https://postalref.com/?q=June%202020%20Releases)
- [June 2021 Releases](https://postalref.com/?q=June%202021%20Releases)
- [June 2022 Releases (July 2022 Price Change)](https://postalref.com/?q=June%202022%20Releases%20(July%202022%20Price%20Change))
- [June 2023 Releases](https://postalref.com/?q=June%202023%20Releases)
- [June 2026 Releases](https://postalref.com/?q=June%202026%20Releases)
- [Known Issues List](https://postalref.com/guides/edoc.md#releases)
- [Mail.dat to SKU Mapping](https://postalref.com/?q=Mail.dat%20to%20SKU%20Mapping)
- [Mail.XML to SKU Mapping](https://postalref.com/?q=Mail.XML%20to%20SKU%20Mapping)
- [March 2020 Releases](https://postalref.com/?q=March%202020%20Releases)
- [March 2021 Releases](https://postalref.com/?q=March%202021%20Releases)
- [March 2023 Releases](https://postalref.com/?q=March%202023%20Releases)
- [March 2025 Releases](https://postalref.com/?q=March%202025%20Releases)
- [March 2026 Releases](https://postalref.com/?q=March%202026%20Releases)
- [May 2021 Releases](https://postalref.com/?q=May%202021%20Releases)
- [May 2022 Releases](https://postalref.com/?q=May%202022%20Releases)
- [May 2024 Releases](https://postalref.com/?q=May%202024%20Releases)
- [May 2026 Releases](https://postalref.com/?q=May%202026%20Releases)
- [November 2020 Releases](https://postalref.com/?q=November%202020%20Releases)
- [November 2024 Releases](https://postalref.com/?q=November%202024%20Releases)
- [November 2025 Releases](https://postalref.com/?q=November%202025%20Releases)
- [October 2020 Releases](https://postalref.com/?q=October%202020%20Releases)
- [October 2022 Releases](https://postalref.com/?q=October%202022%20Releases)
- [October 2023 Releases](https://postalref.com/?q=October%202023%20Releases)
- [October 2024 Releases](https://postalref.com/?q=October%202024%20Releases)
- [October 2025 Releases](https://postalref.com/?q=October%202025%20Releases)
- [October 2026 Releases](https://postalref.com/guides/edoc.md#releases)
- [September 2020 Releases](https://postalref.com/?q=September%202020%20Releases)
- [September 2022 Releases](https://postalref.com/?q=September%202022%20Releases)
- [September 2023 Releases](https://postalref.com/?q=September%202023%20Releases)
- [September 2024 Releases](https://postalref.com/?q=September%202024%20Releases)
- [September 2025 Releases](https://postalref.com/?q=September%202025%20Releases)
- [September 2026 Releases](https://postalref.com/?q=September%202026%20Releases)

### Roles (3)

- [eDoc submitter](https://postalref.com/guides/edoc.md#by-for)
- [Mail Owner](https://postalref.com/guides/edoc.md#by-for)
- [Mail Service Provider](https://postalref.com/guides/edoc.md#by-for)

### Terms (4)

- [By/For](https://postalref.com/guides/edoc.md#by-for)
- [Finalized](https://postalref.com/guides/edoc.md#statements)
- [Logical Pallet](https://postalref.com/?q=Logical%20Pallet)
- [USPS Processing Due](https://postalref.com/guides/edoc.md#statements)

## Sources

[^1]: [Electronic Documentation (eDoc) Fact Sheet](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2023-12/eDoc%20Fact%20Sheet%2020231229%20(1).pdf#page=1), PDF page 1: “eDoc is an electronic postage statement that may also contain specific information about a mailing such as barcode information and qualification reports. … eDoc allows mailers to electronically submit mailing information to the PostalOne!® application that were traditionally provided by hardcopy postage statements and qualification reports. … Postal Wizard (Web-based) … Intelligent Mail Small Business Tool (IMsb) (Web-based) … The IMsb Tool is a free online tool designed specifically for small-volume mailers that mail fewer than 49,999 pieces per mailing, submitted at a BMEU, who want to prepare their own Full-Service mailings. … Mail.dat (Presort software required) … Mail.XML (Presort software required) … All mailers are encouraged to submit their postage statements electronically, but eDoc is a requirement for Full-Service Intelligent Mail® and Seamless Acceptance. … The Postal Wizard application is a free, online tool that can be used for basic or FullService mailings up to 9,999 pieces. … Identify Mail Owner and Mail Preparer (By/For) … Submit Postage Statement Information & Supporting Documentation like Qualification Reports electronically … Identify party submitting eDoc … an electronic postage statement that may also contain specific information about a mailing such as barcode information and qualification reports”

[^2]: [Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Terms](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2016-04/pub32_glossary.pdf#page=174), page 170: “An integrated electronic system that records mailing transactions, receives payments, and simplifies record keeping and the retrieval of mailing data.”

[^3]: [PostalPro: Electronic Documentation (eDoc)](https://postalpro.usps.com/mailing/edoc): “Postal Wizard is an online tool that gives small-volume mailers a secure, electronic means for submitting postage statements and simplifies calculating postage, checking balance and fees, and viewing mailing reports and mailing history. … Mail.dat® and Mail.XML® users must go through TEM processing (Testing Environment for Mailers). … Traditional TEM certification can take weeks, but USPS offers a streamlined process to TEM-certified software users. … The electronic Induction (eInduction) process simplifies the induction of drop shipments and expedited plant load mailings by leveraging existing eDoc, Intelligent Mail Container barcode (IMcb), and handheld scanner technologies to verify payment and preparation of commercial mail containers.”

[^4]: [PostalPro: Seamless Acceptance](https://postalpro.usps.com/mailing/seamless-acceptance): “Seamless Acceptance automates the entry and verification of commercial mailings by leveraging electronic documentation, Intelligent Mail barcodes (IMbs), and information collected from handheld sampling devices and mail processing equipment scans.”

[^5]: [A Guide to Full Service](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2018-03/AGuidetoFullService.pdf#page=51), page 45: “Mail.dat is an industry-defined database structure consisting of files linked by key fields. … Each file has its own record type. … The USPS extracts data from the files to create the postage statement and required documentation.”

[^6]: [Electronic Documentation (eDoc) Fact Sheet](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2023-12/eDoc%20Fact%20Sheet%2020231229%20(1).pdf#page=2), PDF page 2: “All Mail.dat files are submitted at one time through a Client Application to be processed … Mailer manually enters information into online forms in Postal Wizard, a USPS tool available via the Business Customer Gateway (BCG) … Creates an IMb for printing on mailpieces and tray/sack labels … Stores complete information about a mailing as a database”

[^7]: [Mail.xml Technical Specifications R65.0.0.0 ](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-10/eDoc-XML-Tech_Spec.pdf#page=19), page 19: “PostalOne! allows customers to submit electronic documentation through the use of Mail.XML messages. … Mail.XML is an XML-based DTAC specification for web services. … Mailers using Mail.dat can continue to use it as a database, but can use Mail.XML for communication and automation of business to business processing. … Many of these messages are used to interact with the mailing supply chain via web services for a number of important functions including FAST, Full Service data distribution, and electronic documentation. … With Mail.XML, mailers can also update certain information about their mailings more quickly and more efficiently than Mail.dat, though there are certain rules and restrictions that will be discussed later in this document.”

[^8]: [Mail.xml Technical Specifications R65.0.0.0 ](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-10/eDoc-XML-Tech_Spec.pdf#page=20), page 20: “In Mail.XML, the mailer provides the numbers of copies and pieces for each price level directly and there is less round-off error. … Mail.dat calculates from the raw data in several Mail.dat files the copies and pieces at each price level in the qualification report and the postage statements.”

[^9]: [Postal Wizard Fact Sheet](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2024-08/Postal%20Wizard%20Fact%20Sheet.2024.08.20v2.pdf#page=1), PDF page 1: “Postal Wizard creates the electronic postage statement and submits it to the PostalOne! Dashboard … Users must have a USPS Business Customer Gateway (BCG) Account with an … active mailing permit linked to their BCG account. … Separate software is required to generate Intelligent Mail barcodes (IMb) … Mailer manually enters postage statement information into online forms in Postal Wizard”

[^10]: [Mail.dat Technical Specifications R65.0.0.0](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-10/USPS_Mail_dat_Tech_Spec.pdf#page=94), page 94: “A file has been received and a postage statement is available for processing (USPS Processing is Due). … If verification is required, look up the statement on the Dashboard, and initiate verification. … If no verification is required, finalize the postage statement. … This section contains the field validations the PostalOne! System enforces for Mail.dat file submissions, separated by the record containing the field(s). … The postage statement is pending finalization. … A verification issue has been identified and the mailing has been returned to the mailer for correction or rework.”

[^11]: [Mail.dat Technical Specifications R65.0.0.0](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-10/USPS_Mail_dat_Tech_Spec.pdf#page=93), page 93: “The postage statement statuses and the expected action from the Postal Service unless otherwise stated are listed in the table below. … The postage statement has been finalized. … The postage statement failed verification. … A mailer canceled the postage statement. … The postage is an estimate based on preliminary postage data, not an actual postage statement. … The system will allow the deletion of a Mail.dat job only in the cases where there are no postage statements in the statuses: PAV, AVW, FAI, PAS, PEN, COM, FIN, FPP, and UPD. … The postal clerk may finalize and then reverse the postage statements in order to allow the deletion of the job. … Any time a container is part of a deleted job, the IM barcodes (container or tray) cannot be reused for 45 days from the time the delete transaction was submitted. … Look up the statement on the Dashboard and enter the disposition of the failed statement, such as whether it was sent to rework, additional postage collected, and so on.”

[^12]: [Mail.dat Technical Specifications R65.0.0.0](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-10/USPS_Mail_dat_Tech_Spec.pdf#page=12), page 12: “Mailers must successfully complete testing Mail.dat in the Test Environment for Mailers (TEM), before files can be submitted in the Production Environment. … DTAC is a member driven organization who has focused on driving advances in postal and transportation technologies across the supply chain. … January 2027 65.0 25.1.1.0, 26.1.1.0 … This technical specification discusses Mail.dat versions 25-1 and 26-1 which support the full-service option. … Deployment Date: January 3rd, 2027”

[^13]: [PostalPro: Testing Environment for Mailers (TEM) Using Mail.XML](https://postalpro.usps.com/certifications/testing-environment-mailers-tem-using-mailxml): “Full-Service mailers using Mail.XML eDoc submission. … Although not required, mailers using software pre-approved by USPS may choose to test their ability to submit electronic mailing information by using the Test Environment for Mailers (TEM). … The Test Environment for mailers (TEM) is a test platform designed to allow mailers to test their ability to submit electronic mailing information such as Full Service (FS) mailings to the Postal Service.”

[^14]: [A Guide to Full Service](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2018-03/AGuidetoFullService.pdf#page=64), page 58: “When this situation occurs, the mail service provider is acting on behalf of the mail owner, creating a By/For relationship: the mail is prepared by the mail service provider, for the mail owner. … the mail service provider is acting on behalf of the mail owner, creating a By/For relationship: the mail is prepared by the mail service provider, for the mail owner.”

[^15]: [By/For Relationship in Electronic Documentation Fact Sheet](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2020-09/By_For%20Fact%20Sheet.9.10.2020.pdf#page=1), PDF page 1: “Full-Service Requirement: Mailing Agent (By) and Mail Owner (For) information must be identified … Data is made available to the Mail Owner and Mail Preparer based on the By/For information provided in the electronic documentation. … provided through a Mailer ID (MID), Customer … Registration ID (CRID), Permit Number, or”

[^16]: [JACKPOT CRID/MID Process for Mail Service Providers](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2024-08/8.12.24%20v8%20Jackpot%20CRID-MID%20Process%20Document.pdf#page=1), page 1: “eDoc submitters of Full Service mailings are required to accurately identify the Mail Owner and Mail Preparer in the eDoc. … Exception: Mail owner information does not have to be provided when a mail owner is presenting fewer than 5,000 pieces in a Full-Service IMb mailing. … This exception is not applicable to nonprofit mailings where the mail owner must be identified for every mailpiece claiming the nonprofit rate. … MSPs who prepare mailings that include mail owners with less than 5,000 pieces per owner and are meeting 90% FullService of eligible volume, may request authorization to use a JACKPOT CRID/MID for identification of this volume. … An error is generated when the Mail Owner is not identified (in mailings of 5,000 or more pieces), when the Mail Owner and Mail Preparer are the same, or when the Mail Owner has been identified as a Mail Service Provider (MSP). … Currently, Mail Service Providers often profile volumes that meet the less than 5,000 piece By/For Exception as themselves being the Mail Owner. … This causes By/For error code 7140 (Mail Owner and Mail Preparer are the same entity) to be logged.”

[^17]: [Electronic Mailing Information and Reports Guide](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2018-03/ElectronicMailingInfoReportsGuide.pdf#page=20), page 19: “The Job ID is a unique, 8-character maximum, alpha-numeric field in the Mail.dat file that is user-defined and managed. … Mailing Group ID is a unique USPS tracking sequence number. … The USPS creates this tracking ID for a Mail.dat job, for a Mail.XML mailing group, and for a Postage Statement Wizard postage statement.”

[^18]: [Mail.dat Technical Specifications R65.0.0.0](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-10/USPS_Mail_dat_Tech_Spec.pdf#page=62), page 62: “The Job ID is the key field contained in the Header File. … The Job ID field in the header must be unique within the PostalOne! System for 13 months. … The Segment File separates parts of a mailing that require different processing.”

[^19]: [How to Submit Mail.dat Files to PostalOne!](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2023-10/How%20to%20Submit%20Mail.dat%20Files%20to%20PostalOne.v4_10.25.2021_0.pdf#page=20), page 20: “Locate the job’s postage statement by entering the Job ID and appropriate date criteria.”

[^20]: [PostalPro: October 2026 Releases](https://postalpro.usps.com/October2026Releases): “Release information for October 2026 deployment. … PostalOne! Release 64.1.1.0 Release Notes … October 4, 2026 Release … October 18, 2026 Release … PostalOne! Release 64.1.2.0 Release Notes”

[^21]: [A Guide to Full Service](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2018-03/AGuidetoFullService.pdf#page=7), page 1: “Refer to the PostalOne! Release Notes for planned and actual software updates.”

[^22]: [Election Mail Permit Based Solutions](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2022-07/2022.07.22_Election%20Mail%20Permit%20Based%20Solutions_v1.pdf#page=1), PDF page 1: “Postage statements must be submitted for all business mailings as specified by the standards for the class of mail and the prices claimed.”

[^23]: [Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Terms](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2016-04/pub32_glossary.pdf#page=170), PDF page 170: “Documentation provided by a mailer to USPS that reports the type and volume of mail being presented, type of postage method used, processing category of the mail, total weight of the mailing, and other required information and certifies that the mail meets the applicable eligibility standards for the prices and fees claimed. … Postage statement data can be submitted electronically or on hardcopy using official USPS forms or approved mailer facsimiles of those forms. … Documentation provided by a mailer to USPS that reports the type and volume of mail being presented, type of postage method used, processing category of the mail, total weight of the mailing, and other required information and certifies that the mail meets the applicable eligibility standards for the prices and fees claimed. Postage statement data can be submitted electronically or on hardcopy using official USPS forms or approved mailer facsimiles of those forms.”

[^24]: [A Guide to Full Service](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2018-03/AGuidetoFullService.pdf#page=63), page 57: “USPS acceptance personnel will finalize each postage statement to debit the account for the full amount of postage required. … a tool that provides a secure way to submit postage statements online”

[^25]: [Mail.dat Technical Specifications R65.0.0.0](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-10/USPS_Mail_dat_Tech_Spec.pdf#page=43), page 43: “To successfully conduct business electronically in the PostalOne! System, the Mail.dat files sent via the Internet must be in the mailing industry format maintained in the DTAC specification for Mail.dat. … The PostalOne! System uses the Mail.dat files to generate postage statements, qualification reports, reconciliation reports, eInduction reports and other reports for customers who have presented mailings to the Postal Service and displays that generated information back to the customers. … Postal Service acceptance clerks review the generated qualification reports and postage statements together with the physical mail in the mail verification and acceptance process. … The file name consists of eight alphanumeric characters plus a 3-character file-specific extension. … The file name component is the User License Code, a four-digit alphanumeric code unique to Mail.dat licensed user and the File Set ID a four digit alphanumeric identifier designated by licensed user.”

[^26]: [Mail.xml Technical Specifications R65.0.0.0 ](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-10/eDoc-XML-Tech_Spec.pdf#page=23), page 23: “The purpose of this Technical Specification is to supplement the DTAC Mail.XML and to provide Mail.XML users with specific information regarding the USPS implementation. … January 2027 Release 65 Mail.XML 28.1* Mail.XML 28.2* Mail.XML 29.0 Mail.XML 29.1 Mail.XML 29.2** … Note: The version(s) flagged with double asterisk (**) are new versions planned for implementation with the release date. … This environment will be used by all customers that have been approved in the TEM environment by the USPS to start sending the transaction/messages.”

[^27]: [How to Submit Mail.XML Files to PostalOne!](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2023-10/How%20to%20Submit%20Mail.XML%20Files%20to%20PostalOne.v4_10.25.2021.pdf#page=9), page 9: “When programming to create Mail.XML software, developers must use USPS-provided Web Services Description Language (WSDL) and XML schema document and templates (XSD).”

[^28]: [PostalPro: Current Web Service Description Languages (WSDLs)](https://postalpro.usps.com/mailing/current-wsdls): “This ZIP file contains the Web Services Description Language (WSDL) and XML Schema Definition (XSD) files for Mail. … The links for downloading WSDLs are defined by the environment, Mail.XML version and message type. … A pull message occurs when the client sends a request and a subsequent response is delivered to the client. … Push messages in a client/server application are defined as sending data to a client without the client requesting it. … WSDL (Web Services Description Language) is an XML-based language for describing Web services and how to access them. … These WSDLs are for the upcoming release and are accessible and available only for the selected mailers who participate in USPS CAT certification phase.”

[^29]: [Mail.dat Technical Specifications R65.0.0.0](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-10/USPS_Mail_dat_Tech_Spec.pdf#page=13), page 13: “This environment is part of the software approval process for all mailers prior to moving into the production environment. … This environment will be used by all customers that have been approved in the TEM environment by the USPS to start sending Mail.dat transactions for postage payment. … This environment will be available typically one month prior to Production and TEM release using a different client download from both TEM and Production. … This environment will contain pre-release software and is intended for mailer testing software development testing with production data.”

[^30]: [Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Terms](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2016-04/pub32_glossary.pdf#page=190), PDF page 190: “A detailed listing of presort makeup of a mailing by price category and sortation level that is part of the documentation required for certain mail classes and products.”

[^31]: [Intelligent Mail® for Small Business (IMsb) Fact Sheet](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-10/IMsb%20Tool%20Fact%20Sheet%20October%202026_0.pdf#page=1), PDF page 1: “Electronic postage statement and qualification reports submitted automatically.”

[^32]: [Mail.xml Technical Specifications R65.0.0.0 ](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-10/eDoc-XML-Tech_Spec.pdf#page=121), page 121: “After the customer goes through the process of printing and delivering the mail to the USPS, the Reconciliation report is created that shows how much mail was planned and how much was mailed.”

[^33]: [Guide to eInduction](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-08/375_Guide-to-eInduction_1.pdf#page=30), page 29: “PostalOne! eInduction reports provide real time status on eInduction containers. … It allows mailers to determine the payment status of their containers before arrival at the entry facility (pre-induction).”

[^34]: [Mail.xml Technical Specifications R65.0.0.0 ](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-10/eDoc-XML-Tech_Spec.pdf#page=54), page 54: “This is the permit charged for the postage statement.”

[^35]: [Mail.dat Technical Specifications R65.0.0.0](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-10/USPS_Mail_dat_Tech_Spec.pdf#page=87), page 87: “A ghost permit is a record set up by the Postal Service in the PostalOne! Database to designate parties on the postage statement that are not the permit holder. … For example, the mail owner authorized for nonprofit Standard Mail. … a record set up by the Postal Service in the PostalOne! Database to designate parties on the postage statement that are not the permit holder … Large mailing jobs are often split into smaller production units, then produced and presented for acceptance incrementally (along with supporting documentation) over several days or even weeks. … The system must receive an original Mail.dat file before any update can be received and processed. … A Mail.dat job was submitted successfully; however, upon resending the file, the transfer fails because the job has already been submitted under that specific Job ID. … When transferring Mail.dat files, once an original Mail.dat job was transferred successfully, only send subsequent updates to that job. … To send the original again, delete the job. … If files cannot be transferred due to an issue with the ZIP Code+4 or a permit, verify with the Postal Service that the permit, or in some cases the ghost permit, exists at the same finance number (ZIP Code) as the permits used to pay for the postage statements in the job. … The finance number ZIP Code is in the Mailer Postage Account record.”

[^36]: [Intelligent Mail® Package Barcode (IMpb) ACS™ Technical Guide](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2024-02/IMpb_ACS_Technical_Guide.pdf#page=3), page 3: “On January 22, 2017, Standard Mail® underwent a name change and was rebranded as USPS Marketing Mail™”

[^37]: [Guide to eInduction](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-08/375_Guide-to-eInduction_1.pdf#page=8), page 7: “the information management system that provides an electronic linkage between a customer’s mailing information and the Postal Service’s business mail acceptance and induction processes. It produces postage statements and supporting documentation.”

[^38]: [Mail.dat Technical Specifications R65.0.0.0](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-10/USPS_Mail_dat_Tech_Spec.pdf#page=39), page 39: “The Header file is an introduction to the entire Mail.dat. … Most importantly, it identifies the total file record count for each file type. … The Mailpiece Unit file contains the physical description of the whole mailpiece in terms of physical attributes, such as dimensions and ad percentages. … The Header file is an introduction to the entire Mail.dat. It identifies who created the file, what version of the mail.dat standard was used (ensuring compatibility with other users), and when the file was created. … The Segment file is used to identify all of those addresses within presort that are considered as a group.”

[^39]: [Mail.dat Technical Specifications R65.0.0.0](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-10/USPS_Mail_dat_Tech_Spec.pdf#page=40), page 40: “The Container Summary file identifies each container, its level, its destination, the point of entry and the contents in terms of rates, copies, pieces and weight. … Pallets, sacks, and trays are containers. … The Container Quantity file supplies quantitative details about the content of each container. … The Package Quantity file presents a finer level of detail defining the quantity, rate, weight, and package destination for every package in a container.”

[^40]: [Mail.dat Technical Specifications R65.0.0.0](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-10/USPS_Mail_dat_Tech_Spec.pdf#page=70), page 70: “The Piece Detail Record provides information for full-service at the mailpiece level for each individual mailpiece.”

[^41]: [Mail.dat Technical Specifications R65.0.0.0](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-10/USPS_Mail_dat_Tech_Spec.pdf#page=41), page 41: “The Piece Barcode files is used as an alternative to the PDR file.”

[^42]: [Mail.dat Technical Specifications R65.0.0.0](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-10/USPS_Mail_dat_Tech_Spec.pdf#page=88), page 88: “For each portion of the job, the mailer produces the incremental portion, presents it for acceptance, and sends an UPDATE to the Mail.dat file.”

[^43]: [Mail.dat Technical Specifications R65.0.0.0](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-10/USPS_Mail_dat_Tech_Spec.pdf#page=14), page 14: “The PostalOne! Mail.dat Client Software is used to validate and upload Mail.dat files to the PostalOne! System. … By doing most of the validation at the mailers site, it can reduce the workload of the servers and improve end-to-end processing time. … Currently, there are separate versions of the program for the TEM and Production Environments. … Mailers can install multiple versions of the PostalOne! Mail.dat Client on a computer to support multiple environments. … Care should be taken to process production jobs in the Production environment.”

[^44]: [Mail.dat Technical Specifications R65.0.0.0](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-10/USPS_Mail_dat_Tech_Spec.pdf#page=23), page 23: “The File Validator checks your Mail.dat files to ensure that all required fields are populated and contain the correct character format.”

[^45]: [Mail.dat Technical Specifications R65.0.0.0](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-10/USPS_Mail_dat_Tech_Spec.pdf#page=27), page 27: “The PostalOne! Mail.dat Client can be used to validate and upload Mail.dat files using an unattended batch mode. … The RunBatchUpload batch file or script file will do this when run by another program such a Commercial Mail.dat manipulation program or a scheduler. … The Status Receipt files provide information about which stage of the PostalOne! Process each Mail.dat file is in. … In all cases, Mail.dat files will be moved from an input folder to one of three output folders, one for files that successfully validate, another for files that fail validation and another that are rejected prior to validation. … Files are placed in the rejected folder if there are files that are not listed in the HDR file, files that are not recognized as standard Mail.dat files (HDR, SEG, SEG, etc.) or files that are identified as a nonsupported Mail.dat spec.”

[^46]: [Mail.dat Technical Specifications R65.0.0.0](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-10/USPS_Mail_dat_Tech_Spec.pdf#page=71), page 71: “The Piece Barcode Record provides select information for full-service at the mailpiece level for each individual mailpiece.”

[^47]: [Mail.dat Technical Specifications R65.0.0.0](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-10/USPS_Mail_dat_Tech_Spec.pdf#page=35), page 35: “Executes batch verification and upload for all files in the repository folder. Add file names to process selected files.”

[^48]: [Mail.xml Technical Specifications R65.0.0.0 ](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-10/eDoc-XML-Tech_Spec.pdf#page=21), page 21: “Mailers submit request messages to send container information, mailpiece information, and postage information. … Mailers will receive a response message from PostalOne! after they submit a request message. … After an Accept response is received, the mailer may continue submitting the remaining messages within that mailing group. … A ReturnCode and corresponding ReturnDescription, which describes the errors in the data, are provided in the response. … Mail.XML messages are grouped into six sets: … The underlying schemas have been modularized to reflect these distinct message sets. … This module contains all the transportation (or FAST) messages with their attributes, elements, and complex types that are unique to these messages. … Mail.XML request messages are used to submit mailing information to PostalOne! … Mailers will receive a Reject response if the request message that was submitted did not validate and upload successfully. … The mailer must then update the data based on the error messages that were provided and resubmit.”

[^49]: [Mail.xml Technical Specifications R65.0.0.0 ](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-10/eDoc-XML-Tech_Spec.pdf#page=22), page 22: “With the breakdown of the XSD into multiple schemas, eDoc functionality will be covered by two modules: mailxml_mm.xsd and mailxml_sc.xsd. … This module contains all the mailing messages (eDoc) with their attributes, elements, and complex types that are unique to these messages. … This module contains all the supply chain messages (Cross-functional container-based and other Mail.dat/mail.XML update functions) with their attributes, elements, and complex types that are unique to these messages.”

[^50]: [A Guide to Full Service](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2018-03/AGuidetoFullService.pdf#page=24), page 18: “Make appointments with the Facility Access and Shipment Tracking (FAST) system; and”

[^51]: [Informed Visibility® Mail Tracking & Reporting (IV®-MTR) Mail.XML Guide](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-09/MTR_MailXMLGuide_v3.1.pdf#page=35), page 35: “A WSDL definition file is an XML-based document that automates the details involved in communication between applications. … an XML-based document that automates the details involved in communication between applications”

[^52]: [Mail.xml Technical Specifications R65.0.0.0 ](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-10/eDoc-XML-Tech_Spec.pdf#page=53), page 53: “Status checking allows mailers to view the status of any given container(s) and ensure that the container is validated during the preinduction and post-induction process”

[^53]: [A Guide to Full Service](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2018-03/AGuidetoFullService.pdf#page=82), page 76: “Web Services Pull model by which acustomer sends a Web Services based Mail.XML Request message invoking USPS Web Services to pull data in XML format through a Mail.XML Web Service method. … Web Services Mail.XML Push model by which the USPS invokes a customer’s Web Service method/URL and pushes XML data to the customer Web Service when the data is available or a notification is sent tothe customer by the USPS that customer’s data is available for download.”

[^54]: [Quick Step Guide to Mailer Identifier (MID) and/or CRID Acquisition](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2018-03/QuickStepGuidetoMailerIdentifier(MID)CRIDAcquisition.pdf#page=1), page 1: “the business entity, organization, or individual who makes business decisions regarding the mailpiece content, directly benefits from the mailing, and ultimately pays for the postage on the mailpiece directly or by way of a Mail Service Provider … a business entity, organization, or individual acting on behalf of one or more Mail Owners by providing mailing services for which the Mail Owners compensate the Mail Service Provider.”

[^55]: [Guide to eInduction](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-08/375_Guide-to-eInduction_1.pdf#page=53), page 52: “This view is available to both the mailer who submitted the electronic documentation for the mailing (eDoc submitter) and the mail owner. … the mailer who submitted the electronic documentation for the mailing”

[^56]: [A Guide to Full Service](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2018-03/AGuidetoFullService.pdf#page=52), page 46: “Permit Number/Permit ZIP+4/Permit Type or publication number”

[^57]: [PostalPro: Mailer Identifier (MID)](https://postalpro.usps.com/mailing/mailer-id): “The Mailer Identifier (MID) is a field within the Intelligent Mail barcode that is used to identify mailers.”

[^58]: [CRID Management](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2021-11/CRID%20Management%20Fact%20Sheet.v1_0.pdf#page=1), PDF page 1: “A Customer Registration Identification number (CRID) is a USPS-generated numeric code of up to 15 digits that uniquely identifies a business at a specific location. … CRIDs are used to identify eDoc submitters, mail preparers, and mail owners within eDoc”

[^59]: [JACKPOT CRID/MID Process for Mail Service Providers](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2024-08/8.12.24%20v8%20Jackpot%20CRID-MID%20Process%20Document.pdf#page=2), page 2: “The JACKPOT CRID/MID is never to be used to identify an eDoc Submitter or a Mail Preparer and can only be used to identify mail owners.”

[^60]: [Informed Delivery Mail.dat Mailer Guide](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2025-06/Informed%20Delivery%20Mail.dat%20Mailer%20Guide%20v7.0%206-13-2025.pdf#page=8), page 8: “The CAT (Customer Acceptance Testing) environment is available to mailers for testing the submission of campaigns via eDoc and, since it does have an interface with Program Registration, it also allows mailers to test the application of the ID promotion discount on postage statements for eDoc submitted campaigns.”

[^61]: [PostalPro: Known Issues List](https://postalpro.usps.com/knownissues): “A list of the PostalOne! System and Enterprise Payment System (EPS) Known Issues”

[^62]: [PostalPro: January 2027 Releases](https://postalpro.usps.com/January2027Releases): “Release information for January 2027 deployment.”

[^63]: [Mail Growth Incentives FAQs](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-06/MGI%20FAQ%20Guide%20June%202026.pdf#page=17), page 17: “A USPS finance number is a six-digit number that identifies a United States Postal Service (USPS) Post Office or facility. … A Permit is established under a specific Post Office's Finance Number.”

[^64]: [Mail.xml Technical Specifications R65.0.0.0 ](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-10/eDoc-XML-Tech_Spec.pdf#page=270), page 270: “403 Request XML is invalid against the XSDs”

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Unofficial. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the United States Postal Service. This is https://postalref.com/guides/edoc as Markdown.