Full-Service, Seamless Acceptance and eInduction

What is Full-Service Intelligent Mail?

Full-Service Intelligent Mail is the USPS automation option that combines unique barcodes on every container, tray and piece with electronic postage statements and documentation.1Publication 685: Publication for Streamlined Mail Acceptance for Letters and FlatsPDF page 15“The Postal Service offers the mailing industry two options for automation discounts: Basic Service and Full-Service. … Full-Service combines the use of unique barcodes on each container, tray and mailpiece with electronic submission of postage statements and documentation.”USPS original First-Class Mail, Periodicals and USPS Marketing Mail letters and flats at automation or carrier route prices can qualify, and so can Bound Printed Matter flats.1Publication 685: Publication for Streamlined Mail Acceptance for Letters and FlatsPDF page 15“First-Class Mail (cards, letters, and flats), Periodicals (letters and flats), and USPS Marketing Mail (letters, and flats) meeting eligibility requirements for automation or carrier route prices (except for USPS Marketing Mail Enhanced Carrier Route saturation flats), and Bound Printed Matter (BPM) presorted or carrier route barcoded flats, are potentially eligible for FullService incentives.”USPS original USPS Marketing Mail Enhanced Carrier Route saturation flats do not qualify.1Publication 685: Publication for Streamlined Mail Acceptance for Letters and FlatsPDF page 15“First-Class Mail (cards, letters, and flats), Periodicals (letters and flats), and USPS Marketing Mail (letters, and flats) meeting eligibility requirements for automation or carrier route prices (except for USPS Marketing Mail Enhanced Carrier Route saturation flats), and Bound Printed Matter (BPM) presorted or carrier route barcoded flats, are potentially eligible for FullService incentives.”USPS original

What are the requirements for Full-Service mail?

A Full-Service mailing needs a unique barcode on every container, tray and piece, and its postage statement and documentation sent to PostalOne! electronically as eDoc.1Publication 685: Publication for Streamlined Mail Acceptance for Letters and FlatsPDF page 15“Ensure all containers, handling units and mailpieces have an appropriate unique barcode: IMcb, IMtb, or IMb.”USPS original5Publication 685: Publication for Streamlined Mail Acceptance for Letters and FlatsPDF page 16“Use an approved electronic method to transmit a postage statement and mailing documentation to the PostalOne! system:”USPS original The mailer also needs a Customer Registration ID and appointments in the Facility Access and Shipment Tracking system for its shipments to USPS processing facilities.5Publication 685: Publication for Streamlined Mail Acceptance for Letters and FlatsPDF page 16“Submission of eDoc requires mailers to register on the Business Customer Gateway (BCG) and obtain a Customer Registration ID (CRID), used to identify the mailer in Postal Service systems. … Schedule appointments through the Facility Access and Shipment Tracking (FAST) system for any mailer shipments to origin and destination entry points at Postal Service processing facilities.”USPS original Each piece's Service Type ID marks it as Full-Service, and its barcode stays unique for 45 days across all mailers.6PostalPro: Full-Service Report Testing: Service Type Identifier (STID) Errors“The STID defines the mailpiece as full-service or basic (non-automation) and is also used to determine the disposition of undeliverable-as-addressed (UAA) mail and the form of address correction that a mailer desires if any.”USPS original7Publication 685: Publication for Streamlined Mail Acceptance for Letters and FlatsPDF page 25“It is a requirement of Full-Service to keep barcodes unique for 45 days across all mailers and mailings on containers, handling units, and pieces.”USPS original

What is the Full-Service discount?

As of July 12, 2026, the Full-Service discount is $0.005 a piece for First-Class Mail, USPS Marketing Mail and Periodicals, and $0.001 for Bound Printed Matter flats.8PRC: Mail Classification Schedule through July 12, 2026 (docx, converted to HTML with mammoth)“(Revisions Through July 12, 2026) … Subtract $0.005 for each automation letter or automation postcard that complies with the requirements for the Full-service Intelligent Mail option. … Subtract $0.005 for each automation letter that complies with the requirements for the Full-service Intelligent Mail option. … Subtract $0.005 for each barcoded or Carrier Route letter or flat that complies with the requirements for the Full-service Intelligent Mail option. … Subtract $0.001 for each presorted or Carrier Route barcoded flat that complies with the requirements for the Full-service Intelligent Mail option.”USPS original A mailer claims it at the time of mailing, on pieces that meet the Full-Service requirements.9PostalPro: Full-Service Assessments“As a reminder, to submit a mailing as Full-Service, and claim the per piece discount, the following requirements must be met:”USPS original2Publication 685: Publication for Streamlined Mail Acceptance for Letters and FlatsPDF page 17“Mailers are given the Full-Service discount at the time of mailing. After the electronic postage statement is finalized in PostalOne!, verifications are performed on the eDoc to ensure Full-Service requirements are met.”USPS original A mailer whose eligible mail is at least 90 percent Full-Service, and whose mail is 75 percent eligible, pays no annual presort mailing or destination entry fees.10DMM 705: Advanced Preparation and Special Postage Payment Systems“Mailers who present automation or presort mailings (of First-Class Mail cards, letters, and flats, USPS Marketing Mail letters and flats, or Bound Printed Matter flats) that contain 90 percent or more full-service eligible mail as full-service, and 75 percent of their total mail is eligible for full-service incentives, are eligible for the following exceptions to standards: … Annual presort mailing or destination entry fees, as applicable, do not apply to mailings entered by mailers who meet both the 90-percent and 75-percent full-service thresholds for qualified full-service mailings, as specified in 23.3.1.”USPS original

What happens when USPS finds errors in a Full-Service mailing?

When a month's errors for one check exceed its threshold, USPS bills a Full-Service assessment that removes the discount from the pieces in error above it.9PostalPro: Full-Service Assessments“Assessments are generated at the electronic documentation (eDoc) submitter Customer Registration ID (CRID) level when there are errors that exceed the established thresholds for a calendar month. … The assessments result in the removal of the Full-Service discount on those pieces in error above the established thresholds.”USPS original2Publication 685: Publication for Streamlined Mail Acceptance for Letters and FlatsPDF page 17“Full-Service errors are identified as being postage-assessment eligible when the total pieces in error for a specific metric have exceeded an established error threshold.”USPS original The Mailer Scorecard shows the errors as they add up, updated daily and measured against the thresholds.11PostalPro: Mailer Scorecard“This aggregated data is updated daily, measured against established thresholds.”USPS original The eDoc submitter pays the assessment or requests a review within 10 business days after the 11th of the following month.12Publication 685: Publication for Streamlined Mail Acceptance for Letters and FlatsPDF page 88“eDoc Submitters can either pay or request review of a postage assessment within 10 business days after the 11th of the month.”USPS original

What is eInduction?

eInduction is a USPS process that links scans of container barcodes to the mailer's eDoc, so USPS can confirm postage was paid before it accepts a container.13Publication 685: Publication for Streamlined Mail Acceptance for Letters and FlatsPDF page 37“eInduction links scans from Intelligent Mail Container Barcodes to eDoc information, allowing the Postal Service to verify that postage was paid prior to accepting a mailer shipped container. … The electronic Induction (eInduction) process streamlines the preparation and induction (how and where the mail physically enters the Postal Service mailstream) of drop shipments and expedited plant load mailings.”USPS original It covers drop shipments and expedited plant load mailings, and it replaces their paper forms and manual reconciliation at the entry facility.13Publication 685: Publication for Streamlined Mail Acceptance for Letters and FlatsPDF page 37“The electronic Induction (eInduction) process streamlines the preparation and induction (how and where the mail physically enters the Postal Service mailstream) of drop shipments and expedited plant load mailings. … eInduction eliminates the need for paper PS Forms 8125, 8017, and 8125-C, and the need for manual reconciliation at the entry facility.”USPS original In an expedited plant load, USPS verifies mail and receives its postage at the mailer's plant, before the mailer carries it to a destination facility.14Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Termspage 79“An authorized verification and receipt of postage payment for mailable matter at the mailer’s plant, prior to the mailer’s transport of the shipment to a destination postal facility.”USPS original

What is USPS Seamless Acceptance?

Seamless Acceptance is a USPS process that automates the entry and verification of commercial mailings with electronic documentation, Intelligent Mail barcodes and scans from handheld devices and mail processing equipment.15PostalPro: 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.”USPS original Seamless Acceptance is for Full-Service mailers that take part in eInduction.15PostalPro: Seamless Acceptance“Seamless Acceptance is for Full-Service Mailers participating in eInduction.”USPS original Their postage statements finalize on their own on the mailing date in the electronic documentation.16Seamless Acceptance: Mailer Fact SheetPDF page 1“The statement will be auto-finalized on the postage statement Mailing Date (Mailer's Mailing Date identified in eDoc), which allows mailers greater control over postage payment.”USPS original

How is the Seamless incentive calculated?

The Seamless Acceptance Incentive is a mailing's eligible pieces times a per-piece amount, and only pieces that qualify for Full-Service are eligible.17Seamless Acceptance Incentive Fact SheetPDF page 1“The total number of eligible pieces multiplied by $0.001 or $0.002 will be the total Seamless Incentive for a given mailing.”USPS original18Seamless Acceptance Incentive FAQsPDF page 1“Pieces must qualify for Full-Service in order to qualify for the Seamless incentive.”USPS original As of July 12, 2026, the amount is $0.002 for First-Class Mail, USPS Marketing Mail and Periodicals, and $0.001 for Bound Printed Matter flats.8PRC: Mail Classification Schedule through July 12, 2026 (docx, converted to HTML with mammoth)“(Revisions Through July 12, 2026) … Subtract $0.002 for each piece eligible for Seamless Acceptance and prepared under the Full-Service Intelligent Mail option. … Subtract $0.001 for each piece eligible for Seamless Acceptance and prepared under the Full-Service Intelligent Mail option.”USPS original A First-Class Mail or Marketing Mail statement must earn at least $2.00, and a Periodicals or Bound Printed Matter statement at least $1.00.17Seamless Acceptance Incentive Fact SheetPDF page 1“Minimum Incentive must be $2.00 … Minimum Incentive must be $1.00”USPS original

What does Start-the-Clock mean?

Start-the-Clock is the recorded date and time a mailpiece enters the mailstream, usually captured by scanning a container or mailpiece barcode.19Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Termspage 213“The recorded date and time when a mailpiece enters the mailstream, usually captured by scanning a container or mailpiece barcode.”USPS original Full-Service mailers get it free with their other scan data, but only after the acceptance unit finishes verification and debits the postage.20A Guide to Full Servicepage 3“Visibility into mailings – with Start-the-Clock and tracking via barcode scan;”USPS original21A Guide to Full Servicepage 1“Container, tray, bundle, and piece scan data that is available for free for Full-Service mailings;”USPS original22A Guide to Full Servicepage 71“Start-the-clock information will not be made available to customers until the unit has completed any verification activities and processed the postage statement for account debiting.”USPS original Start-the-Clock feedback goes only to trays and containers that hold at least one Full-Service piece.22A Guide to Full Servicepage 71“Start-the-clock feedback will only be distributed for handling units and containers containing at least one Full-Service piece within a mixed mailing.”USPS original

In a Full-Service mailing, every container, tray and piece carries its own unique Intelligent Mail barcode.1Publication 685: Publication for Streamlined Mail Acceptance for Letters and FlatsPDF page 15“Ensure all containers, handling units and mailpieces have an appropriate unique barcode: IMcb, IMtb, or IMb.”USPS original The mailer sends the postage statement and mailing documentation to USPS's PostalOne! system electronically, as eDoc.5Publication 685: Publication for Streamlined Mail Acceptance for Letters and FlatsPDF page 16“Use an approved electronic method to transmit a postage statement and mailing documentation to the PostalOne! system:”USPS original Sending eDoc takes a Customer Registration ID, the number that identifies the mailer in USPS systems.5Publication 685: Publication for Streamlined Mail Acceptance for Letters and FlatsPDF page 16“Submission of eDoc requires mailers to register on the Business Customer Gateway (BCG) and obtain a Customer Registration ID (CRID), used to identify the mailer in Postal Service systems.”USPS original USPS gives the Full-Service discount at the time of mailing and verifies the eDoc after the postage statement is finalized.2Publication 685: Publication for Streamlined Mail Acceptance for Letters and FlatsPDF page 17“Mailers are given the Full-Service discount at the time of mailing. After the electronic postage statement is finalized in PostalOne!, verifications are performed on the eDoc to ensure Full-Service requirements are met.”USPS original

The Mailer Scorecard adds up a month's verification errors, updates them daily and measures them against thresholds.11PostalPro: Mailer Scorecard“This aggregated data is updated daily, measured against established thresholds.”USPS original Errors over a threshold lead to Full-Service Assessments, which remove the Full-Service discount from the pieces in error above it.9PostalPro: Full-Service Assessments“The assessments result in the removal of the Full-Service discount on those pieces in error above the established thresholds.”USPS original

eInduction checks containers at the dock: it links scans of container barcodes to the eDoc to confirm postage was paid before USPS accepts them.13Publication 685: Publication for Streamlined Mail Acceptance for Letters and FlatsPDF page 37“eInduction links scans from Intelligent Mail Container Barcodes to eDoc information, allowing the Postal Service to verify that postage was paid prior to accepting a mailer shipped container.”USPS original It handles drop shipments and expedited plant load mailings.13Publication 685: Publication for Streamlined Mail Acceptance for Letters and FlatsPDF page 37“The electronic Induction (eInduction) process streamlines the preparation and induction (how and where the mail physically enters the Postal Service mailstream) of drop shipments and expedited plant load mailings.”USPS original Seamless Acceptance is for Full-Service mailers that use eInduction.15PostalPro: Seamless Acceptance“Seamless Acceptance is for Full-Service Mailers participating in eInduction.”USPS original It reconciles scans from mail processing equipment and handheld samples to the eDoc, and finalizes postage statements on its own.23Publication 685: Publication for Streamlined Mail Acceptance for Letters and FlatsPDF page 59“Mailpiece scans collected from Mail Processing Equipment (MPE) and samples from hand-held scanning devices are reconciled to the mailer eDoc to confirm proper mail preparation for the discounts claimed and postage paid.”USPS original16Seamless Acceptance: Mailer Fact SheetPDF page 1“The statement will be auto-finalized on the postage statement Mailing Date (Mailer's Mailing Date identified in eDoc), which allows mailers greater control over postage payment.”USPS original

Full-Service mailers also get scan data at no added cost, such as Start-the-Clock, part of mail tracking.21A Guide to Full Servicepage 1“Container, tray, bundle, and piece scan data that is available for free for Full-Service mailings;”USPS original20A Guide to Full Servicepage 3“Visibility into mailings – with Start-the-Clock and tracking via barcode scan;”USPS original Mailers whose Full-Service quality stays high can earn Full-Service Certification.24Full-Service Certification Standardspage 4“FSC is a voluntary certification offered to mailers that have provided consistent, high quality mailings to the USPS.”USPS original USPS also certifies software vendors whose products support Full-Service and eInduction mailings.25PostalPro: Certified Full-Service Software Vendors“The software vendors listed below have successfully certified their Full-Service software products with the Postal Service™.”USPS original26PostalPro: eInduction Certification“The USPS offers an eInduction certification for software vendors that support eInduction mailings.”USPS original

Full-Service is open to First-Class Mail cards, letters and flats, Periodicals and USPS Marketing Mail letters and flats at automation or carrier route prices.1Publication 685: Publication for Streamlined Mail Acceptance for Letters and FlatsPDF page 15“First-Class Mail (cards, letters, and flats), Periodicals (letters and flats), and USPS Marketing Mail (letters, and flats) meeting eligibility requirements for automation or carrier route prices (except for USPS Marketing Mail Enhanced Carrier Route saturation flats), and Bound Printed Matter (BPM) presorted or carrier route barcoded flats, are potentially eligible for FullService incentives.”USPS original Bound Printed Matter presorted or carrier route barcoded flats qualify too, and USPS Marketing Mail Enhanced Carrier Route saturation flats do not.1Publication 685: Publication for Streamlined Mail Acceptance for Letters and FlatsPDF page 15“First-Class Mail (cards, letters, and flats), Periodicals (letters and flats), and USPS Marketing Mail (letters, and flats) meeting eligibility requirements for automation or carrier route prices (except for USPS Marketing Mail Enhanced Carrier Route saturation flats), and Bound Printed Matter (BPM) presorted or carrier route barcoded flats, are potentially eligible for FullService incentives.”USPS original The other option, basic automation, also earns automation prices but no Full-Service discount.27Mailer's Technical Advisory Committee - Best Practices for ACS™page 42“Mailpieces that carry an IMb and receive automation pricing, but do not receive Full-Service discounts.”USPS original Its barcodes need not be unique or sent in eDoc.1Publication 685: Publication for Streamlined Mail Acceptance for Letters and FlatsPDF page 15“In a Basic Automation mailing, the IMb is not required to be unique and does not have to be submitted via eDoc.”USPS original

To take part in Full-Service, a mailer meets these requirements:1Publication 685: Publication for Streamlined Mail Acceptance for Letters and FlatsPDF page 15“To participate in Full-Service, a mailer must meet the following requirements:”USPS original

• Every container, tray and piece has a unique barcode.1Publication 685: Publication for Streamlined Mail Acceptance for Letters and FlatsPDF page 15“Ensure all containers, handling units and mailpieces have an appropriate unique barcode: IMcb, IMtb, or IMb.”USPS original
• Mail entered at a processing facility's dock goes on pallets or approved containers when it meets minimum volumes.1Publication 685: Publication for Streamlined Mail Acceptance for Letters and FlatsPDF page 15“Utilize pallets or approved alternate containers whenever a mailing is entered at the dock of a Postal Service processing facility and meets minimum container/pallet volume requirements under DMM 705.8”USPS original
• The mailer gets a Customer Registration ID and sends its postage statement and documentation to PostalOne! electronically.5Publication 685: Publication for Streamlined Mail Acceptance for Letters and FlatsPDF page 16“Submission of eDoc requires mailers to register on the Business Customer Gateway (BCG) and obtain a Customer Registration ID (CRID), used to identify the mailer in Postal Service systems. … Use an approved electronic method to transmit a postage statement and mailing documentation to the PostalOne! system:”USPS original
• The eDoc names the Mailer ID, the Service Type ID, the mail owner and preparer, and the entry facility.5Publication 685: Publication for Streamlined Mail Acceptance for Letters and FlatsPDF page 16“Accurately include the following required information in the eDoc: … By/For identification for Mail Owner and Mail Preparer.”USPS original
• Shipments to USPS processing facilities have FAST appointments.5Publication 685: Publication for Streamlined Mail Acceptance for Letters and FlatsPDF page 16“Schedule appointments through the Facility Access and Shipment Tracking (FAST) system for any mailer shipments to origin and destination entry points at Postal Service processing facilities.”USPS original

The Service Type ID in each piece's barcode marks the piece as Full-Service or basic.6PostalPro: Full-Service Report Testing: Service Type Identifier (STID) Errors“The STID defines the mailpiece as full-service or basic (non-automation) and is also used to determine the disposition of undeliverable-as-addressed (UAA) mail and the form of address correction that a mailer desires if any.”USPS original A piece's barcode is unique by its Mailer ID, serial number and mail class.28A Guide to Full Servicepage 11“The uniqueness of a mailpiece IMb is determined by the six or nine-digit MID, the six or nine-digit serial number, and the piece’s class, indicated by the STID.”USPS original Full-Service barcodes stay unique for 45 days across all mailers and mailings.7Publication 685: Publication for Streamlined Mail Acceptance for Letters and FlatsPDF page 25“It is a requirement of Full-Service to keep barcodes unique for 45 days across all mailers and mailings on containers, handling units, and pieces.”USPS original

Mailers that meet the Full-Service criteria can receive these benefits:25PostalPro: Certified Full-Service Software Vendors“By meeting the Full-Service criteria, you can receive:”USPS original

• The best commercial prices and the largest discounts.25PostalPro: Certified Full-Service Software Vendors“The best commercial prices and the largest discounts available”USPS original
• No annual presort mailing or destination entry fees, when they meet two Full-Service thresholds.10DMM 705: Advanced Preparation and Special Postage Payment Systems“Annual presort mailing or destination entry fees, as applicable, do not apply to mailings entered by mailers who meet both the 90-percent and 75-percent full-service thresholds for qualified full-service mailings, as specified in 23.3.1.”USPS original
• Visibility and tracking of mailings at no cost.25PostalPro: Certified Full-Service Software Vendors“No cost visibility/tracking of your mailings”USPS original
• Address correction at no cost.25PostalPro: Certified Full-Service Software Vendors“No cost address correction”USPS original

The fee exception covers automation and presort mailings of First-Class Mail, USPS Marketing Mail and Bound Printed Matter flats.10DMM 705: Advanced Preparation and Special Postage Payment Systems“Mailers who present automation or presort mailings (of First-Class Mail cards, letters, and flats, USPS Marketing Mail letters and flats, or Bound Printed Matter flats) that contain 90 percent or more full-service eligible mail as full-service, and 75 percent of their total mail is eligible for full-service incentives, are eligible for the following exceptions to standards:”USPS original A mailer qualifies when it sends 90 percent or more of its Full-Service-eligible mail as Full-Service and 75 percent of its total mail is eligible.10DMM 705: Advanced Preparation and Special Postage Payment Systems“Mailers who present automation or presort mailings (of First-Class Mail cards, letters, and flats, USPS Marketing Mail letters and flats, or Bound Printed Matter flats) that contain 90 percent or more full-service eligible mail as full-service, and 75 percent of their total mail is eligible for full-service incentives, are eligible for the following exceptions to standards:”USPS original When a mailing falls under those thresholds, the annual mailing fee is due, and the mailing's verification date becomes the permit fees' renewal date.10DMM 705: Advanced Preparation and Special Postage Payment Systems“If any mailing falls under the 90-percent and 75-percent full-service thresholds for qualified full-service mailings, the annual mailing fee will be due and the mailing verification date will become the renewal or anniversary date of the permit fees.”USPS original

USPS uses three kinds of verification to assess mail preparation.35A Guide to Full Servicepage 10“The USPS uses three different verifications to get an accurate assessment of mail preparation:”USPS original eDoc verification reviews the data in the eDoc.35A Guide to Full Servicepage 10“eDoc verification – reviewing data in the eDoc;”USPS original Census verification compares the eDoc with scans from mail processing equipment, and sampling verification compares it with scans from handheld sampling.23Publication 685: Publication for Streamlined Mail Acceptance for Letters and FlatsPDF page 59“Mail is verified through the comparison of eDoc to MPE scans (called census verification) and the comparison of eDoc to scans from sampling (called sampling verification).”USPS original The Full-Service checks come from the eDoc alone.36Publication 685: Publication for Streamlined Mail Acceptance for Letters and FlatsPDF page 20“This error is derived from eDoc only.”USPS original

USPS sets each threshold through a periodic statistical analysis of all mailings in a period.41Publication 685: Publication for Streamlined Mail Acceptance for Letters and FlatsPDF page 93“The Postal Service sets these error thresholds through a periodic statistical analysis of quality for all mailings in a defined time period.”USPS original Each is at least one standard deviation from the mean error rate of all eDoc submitters' Customer Registration IDs.41Publication 685: Publication for Streamlined Mail Acceptance for Letters and FlatsPDF page 93“The Postal Service determines both the mean (average) and the standard deviation for each error type at the eDoc submitter CRID level. The error threshold for each error type was set to at least one standard deviation from the mean.”USPS original Move Update compliance is checked by census verification on mail processing equipment.42Publication 685: Publication for Streamlined Mail Acceptance for Letters and FlatsPDF page 14“The Postal Service has updated the verification of Move Update compliance to census verification using Mail Processing Equipment (MPE).”USPS original

The Mailer Scorecard keeps each program's results on its own tab:

• Electronic Verification: Full-Service and Move Update results.3Publication 685: Publication for Streamlined Mail Acceptance for Letters and FlatsPDF page 94“Full-Service verification data is located on the Electronic Verification tab of the Mailer Scorecard.”USPS original38Publication 685: Publication for Streamlined Mail Acceptance for Letters and FlatsPDF page 95“Move/Update verification data is located on the Electronic Verification tab of the Mailer Scorecard.”USPS original
• eInduction: results for containers entered through eInduction.38Publication 685: Publication for Streamlined Mail Acceptance for Letters and FlatsPDF page 95“eInduction verification data is located on the eInduction tab of the Mailer Scorecard.”USPS original
• Seamless / Automated Verifications: census and sampling results.23Publication 685: Publication for Streamlined Mail Acceptance for Letters and FlatsPDF page 59“The results of these Seamless Acceptance verifications are aggregated over a 1-month period, measured against established error thresholds, and displayed in the Mailer Scorecard under the Seamless Tab.”USPS original43Full-Service Automated Verification Fact Sheetpage 2“Effective June 27, 2021, the Seamless tab on the Mailer Scorecard will be renamed Seamless / Automated Verifications.”USPS original
• Mail Irregularities: problems found in processing after acceptance.42Publication 685: Publication for Streamlined Mail Acceptance for Letters and FlatsPDF page 14“Mail that is identified as having issues during normal postal processing after acceptance will be recorded and reported to the Mail Scorecard in the Mail Irregularities tab.”USPS original

Results reach the Scorecard 48 hours after the postage statement is finalized.44Publication 685: Publication for Streamlined Mail Acceptance for Letters and FlatsPDF page 18“There is a 48-hour delay between electronic postage statement finalization to the time that data becomes available on the Mailer Scorecard and mail quality reports.”USPS original A month's results become final on the 10th day of the following month.45Request a Review of a Postage AssessmentPDF page 1“The results of verifications performed on mailings throughout the calendar month are finalized on the 10th day of the following month.”USPS original On the 11th, the Mail Entry Postage Assessment report opens in the Business Customer Gateway.46Publication 685: Publication for Streamlined Mail Acceptance for Letters and FlatsPDF page 87“On the 11th of the following month, the Mail Entry Postage Assessment report is available for review in the Business Customer Gateway.”USPS original No additional postage is assessed when the amount due is under $500 across Full-Service, eInduction and Seamless or Automated Verifications, and under $50 for Move Update.45Request a Review of a Postage AssessmentPDF page 1“If the percentage of errors is below the established threshold or if the additional postage due is less than $500 cumulative across Full-Service, eInduction, and Seamless/Automated Verifications, and less than $50 for Move Update, then no additional postage is assessed.”USPS original

eInduction lets USPS confirm at the entry facility that a container's postage was paid, in place of paper PS Forms 8125, 8017 and 8125-C.13Publication 685: Publication for Streamlined Mail Acceptance for Letters and FlatsPDF page 37“eInduction links scans from Intelligent Mail Container Barcodes to eDoc information, allowing the Postal Service to verify that postage was paid prior to accepting a mailer shipped container. … eInduction eliminates the need for paper PS Forms 8125, 8017, and 8125-C, and the need for manual reconciliation at the entry facility.”USPS original A mailer's Customer Registration ID is activated for it through the FAST help desk.13Publication 685: Publication for Streamlined Mail Acceptance for Letters and FlatsPDF page 37“Call the FAST help desk at 1.877.569.6614, or e-mail the help desk at FAST@usps.gov, to begin the CRID activation process.”USPS original Each container carries a unique Intelligent Mail container barcode, and its eDoc marks it as eInduction.53Publication 685: Publication for Streamlined Mail Acceptance for Letters and FlatsPDF page 38“Include IMcb for each container. The IMcb must be unique for 45 days from the electronic postage statement mailing date. … Using the eInduction indicator field.”USPS original

USPS checks eInduction containers at two points.54Publication 685: Publication for Streamlined Mail Acceptance for Letters and FlatsPDF page 42“The Postal Service performs eInduction verifications at the following two points:”USPS original At sites with Surface Visibility scanners, dock employees learn at once about unpaid, misshipped and duplicate containers.55Publication 685: Publication for Streamlined Mail Acceptance for Letters and FlatsPDF page 41“At sites enabled with Surface Visibility scanners, the dock employee receives immediate feedback about unpaid, misshipped, and duplicate containers within the appointment.”USPS original They reconcile those containers with paper forms or return them to the mailer.55Publication 685: Publication for Streamlined Mail Acceptance for Letters and FlatsPDF page 41“Containers with these errors are reconciled with paper documentation or returned to the mailer.”USPS original Rejected containers are not logged on the Mailer Scorecard and are not assessed.54Publication 685: Publication for Streamlined Mail Acceptance for Letters and FlatsPDF page 42“Rejected containers are not logged on the Mailer Scorecard, do not impact error thresholds, and are not subject to assessment.”USPS original At other sites, every container is accepted, and USPS systems check payment, entry location and duplicates after the FAST appointment closes.56Publication 685: Publication for Streamlined Mail Acceptance for Letters and FlatsPDF page 43“Postage payment, entry location, and IMcb duplicates are checked by Postal Service systems following FAST appointment closeout per 4-3.3.”USPS original

Six post-induction verifications then run on every accepted container.56Publication 685: Publication for Streamlined Mail Acceptance for Letters and FlatsPDF page 43“Postal Service systems perform six post-induction verifications on all accepted eInduction containers.”USPS original Failures count against the eDoc submitter's monthly error threshold.56Publication 685: Publication for Streamlined Mail Acceptance for Letters and FlatsPDF page 43“Verification failures are logged as errors and count against the eDoc submitter’s monthly error threshold.”USPS original The thresholds run from 0.00% for payment errors to 1.05% for misshipped containers.57Publication 685: Publication for Streamlined Mail Acceptance for Letters and FlatsPDF page 96“Payment 0.00% A Payment Error is logged when the postage statements for a scanned container are not in a FIN or FPP status. … Misshipped 1.05% A Misshipped Error is logged when the container is scanned at an incorrect entry location, per the Mail Direction File.”USPS original For mailers in Seamless Acceptance, undocumented container errors are logged but not assessed.58Publication 685: Publication for Streamlined Mail Acceptance for Letters and FlatsPDF page 44“For mailers participating in Seamless Acceptance, eInduction Undocumented Errors are logged but containers are not subject to assessment.”USPS original

A mailer that can't finalize its postage statement two hours before entry may request an eInduction Continuous MID.53Publication 685: Publication for Streamlined Mail Acceptance for Letters and FlatsPDF page 38“Mailers who cannot generate a finalized electronic postage statement two hours before container entry may request approval for an eInduction Continuous MID.”USPS original With it, containers enter before the eDoc arrives.53Publication 685: Publication for Streamlined Mail Acceptance for Letters and FlatsPDF page 38“Once approved, mailers may enter any container with the approved MID in the IMcb prior to the receipt of electronic documentation.”USPS original

Seamless Acceptance reconciles scans from mail processing equipment and handheld samples to the eDoc.23Publication 685: Publication for Streamlined Mail Acceptance for Letters and FlatsPDF page 59“Mailpiece scans collected from Mail Processing Equipment (MPE) and samples from hand-held scanning devices are reconciled to the mailer eDoc to confirm proper mail preparation for the discounts claimed and postage paid.”USPS original Equipment scans let it check almost every mailpiece for quality problems.66Publication 685: Publication for Streamlined Mail Acceptance for Letters and FlatsPDF page 65“Using information from the MPE for verification allows Seamless Acceptance to check almost every mailpiece for quality problems.”USPS original A handheld sample adds what equipment can't collect, such as postage payment method, piece weight and mail class.67Publication 685: Publication for Streamlined Mail Acceptance for Letters and FlatsPDF page 64“These characteristics include information about the postage payment method, piece weight, nonprofit eligibility, mailpiece content, mail class, and processing category of the mailing.”USPS original A complete sample is one container, three of its handling units and 30 pieces.67Publication 685: Publication for Streamlined Mail Acceptance for Letters and FlatsPDF page 64“A complete sample includes one container, three handling units from that container, and 30 pieces from the container (10 pieces from each handling unit).”USPS original

Every Full-Service mailing entered at a Business Mail Entry Unit, the USPS unit that verifies and accepts bulk mail, goes through Automated Verifications.68A Guide to Full Servicepage 101“Business Mail Entry Unit (A specialized USPS organization responsible for receiving, verifying, and accepting business (bulk) mail)”USPS original69Publication 685: Publication for Streamlined Mail Acceptance for Letters and FlatsPDF page 55“All Full-Service mailings entered at a Business Mail Entry Unit (BMEU) are verified using automated sampling and verification processes.”USPS original It differs from Seamless Acceptance in two ways: undocumented pieces are not assessed, and statements do not finalize on their own.69Publication 685: Publication for Streamlined Mail Acceptance for Letters and FlatsPDF page 55“Automated Verification differs from Seamless Acceptance in that undocumented is not currently an assessable metric and auto-finalization does not occur.”USPS original Seamless Acceptance is required for Full-Service mailers with a Detached Mail Unit, a Business Mail Entry Unit at the mailer's plant.68A Guide to Full Servicepage 101“Detached Mail Unit (A BMEU located at a mailer’s mail production plant)”USPS original23Publication 685: Publication for Streamlined Mail Acceptance for Letters and FlatsPDF page 59“Participation in Seamless Acceptance is required for mailers with FullService eligible mail that have a DMU.”USPS original At a Business Mail Entry Unit, it is the mailer's choice.23Publication 685: Publication for Streamlined Mail Acceptance for Letters and FlatsPDF page 59“Mailers submitting Full-Service Mail at a BMEU have the option to enroll in Seamless Acceptance.”USPS original Once a Customer Registration ID enrolls, it cannot opt out.23Publication 685: Publication for Streamlined Mail Acceptance for Letters and FlatsPDF page 59“Once a CRID is enrolled in Seamless Acceptance there is no ability to “opt out.””USPS original

A Seamless mailer sends over 90 percent of its eligible volume as Full-Service.70Publication 685: Publication for Streamlined Mail Acceptance for Letters and FlatsPDF page 60“Be sent by a mailer who is mailing over 90 percent of their eligible volume as Full-Service.”USPS original It uses eInduction for origin entry and destination entry drop shipments verified at a Detached Mail Unit.16Seamless Acceptance: Mailer Fact SheetPDF page 1“for DMU-verified origin entry or destination entry-drop shipments”USPS original

Each census check has its own error threshold for the month, such as .3% for undocumented pieces.51Seamless Acceptance: Mailer Fact SheetPDF page 2“For Seamless Acceptance mailings, the Postal Service uses error thresholds for all verifications plus undocumented pieces identified by MPE and Sampling. … IMb was scanned and cannot be found on any eDoc .3%”USPS original Sampling checks of postage, weight and mail characteristics use a Postage Adjustment Factor instead.51Seamless Acceptance: Mailer Fact SheetPDF page 2“Postage Payment Method or Postage Affixed amount on the piece is different than what was identified in the eDoc PAF – 1.05 … Scan does not match what was submitted in the eDoc submission PAF – 1.05”USPS original The factor applies the error rate from handheld samples to the month's mailings.51Seamless Acceptance: Mailer Fact SheetPDF page 2“Postage Adjustment Factor (PAF) is a method to apply an error rate determined from handheld scanner samplings to the entire population of”USPS original USPS collects postage for sampling errors only after a mailer exceeds the factor more than 3 times in a rolling 12 months.51Seamless Acceptance: Mailer Fact SheetPDF page 2“USPS will only collect postage for sampling errors when a mailer has exceeded PAF more than 3 times in a rolling 12month period.”USPS original

PostalOne! finalizes a Seamless mailer's postage statements on the mailing date in the eDoc.71Publication 685: Publication for Streamlined Mail Acceptance for Letters and FlatsPDF page 62“The postage statements are finalized by the PostalOne! system on the Postage Statement Mailing Date that was submitted in the eDoc at which point balance checks are performed.”USPS original The mailer must keep enough postage funds in its accounts for that.71Publication 685: Publication for Streamlined Mail Acceptance for Letters and FlatsPDF page 62“It is the responsibility of the mailer to ensure that their account contains sufficient postage funds for all Permit numbers they submit for auto-finalization.”USPS original

Seamless eDoc submitters also earn the Seamless Acceptance Incentive on pieces that qualify for Full-Service.17Seamless Acceptance Incentive Fact SheetPDF page 1“The Seamless Incentive provides an incentive to electronic documentation (eDoc) submitters for adoption of the Seamless Acceptance program.”USPS original18Seamless Acceptance Incentive FAQsPDF page 1“Pieces must qualify for Full-Service in order to qualify for the Seamless incentive.”USPS original Any active permit imprint, precanceled stamp or meter permit in good status, regular or nonprofit, may pay for a mailing that earns it.18Seamless Acceptance Incentive FAQsPDF page 1“Any active Permit Imprint, Pre-canceled Stamps or Metered (regular or non-profit) permit in good status may be utilized of payment.”USPS original Periodicals letters and flats earned $0.001 a piece in September 2024, the same as Bound Printed Matter flats.17Seamless Acceptance Incentive Fact SheetPDF page 1“All eligible Periodicals letters and flats and BPM flats will continue to receive a $0.001 incentive. … Product Solutions September 2024”USPS original

Full-Service mailers get container, tray, bundle and piece scans as their mail is inducted, processed and sent on.73A Guide to Full Servicepage 8“Full-Service mailers have access to container, tray, bundle, and piece-level indications when their mail is inducted, processed, or en route.”USPS original The data is free for Full-Service mailings.21A Guide to Full Servicepage 1“Container, tray, bundle, and piece scan data that is available for free for Full-Service mailings;”USPS original A container, tray or bundle with a non-unique barcode or an invalid mail owner gets no Full-Service feedback.74A Guide to Full Servicepage 5“Full-Service feedback will not be provided for a bundle, handling unit, or container that has a non-unique barcode or an invalid mail owner.”USPS original

Start-the-Clock reports when USPS received the mail for processing at a mail processing facility.22A Guide to Full Servicepage 71“The report provides information on when the mail is inducted (received by the Postal Service) for mail processing at a USPS mail processing facility.”USPS original USPS releases it only after the acceptance unit finishes verification and debits the postage.22A Guide to Full Servicepage 71“Start-the-clock information will not be made available to customers until the unit has completed any verification activities and processed the postage statement for account debiting.”USPS original Start-the-Clock feedback goes only to trays and containers holding at least one Full-Service piece.22A Guide to Full Servicepage 71“Start-the-clock feedback will only be distributed for handling units and containers containing at least one Full-Service piece within a mixed mailing.”USPS original

Day 0 is the date the clock starts for service performance measurement.19Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Termspage 213“Start-the-Clock Day Zero is the date when the clock starts for service performance measurement.”USPS original For drop shipments, USPS finds Day 0 by comparing the actual entry time with nationally standardized critical entry times.22A Guide to Full Servicepage 71“Start-the-Clock (Day 0) determination is calculated by comparing the Actual Entry Time (AET) to the nationally standardized Critical Entry Times (CETs).”USPS original A critical entry time is the latest time mail can reach the platform at an induction point and still be processed and dispatched in time to meet service standards.75Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Termspage 52“(1) For mailers, the latest time that a reasonable amount of a mail class or product can be received at the platform at designated induction points in the postal network for it to be processed and dispatched in time to meet service standards (i.e., the latest time when mail can be presented to postal operations of Day Zero processing).”USPS original

Data Distribution sends this data to the mail owner and the mail preparer that the eDoc's By/For relationship names.76Mail.xml Technical Specifications R65.0.0.0 page 37“The dissemination of the data is referred to as full-service Data Distribution. The recipients for the Data Distribution are determined according to the By/For relationship defined in the MailXML job submission.”USPS original Each can receive it or name someone else to receive it.77A Guide to Full Servicepage 65“Data for most of the above services can be provided to the mail owner or someone they designate and it may also be provided to the mail preparer or someone they designate; however it cannot be provided to both the primary and their designate.”USPS original

Full-Service Certification is a voluntary USPS certification for mailers that send consistent, high-quality mailings.24Full-Service Certification Standardspage 4“FSC is a voluntary certification offered to mailers that have provided consistent, high quality mailings to the USPS.”USPS original A mailer applies after at least 90 days of Full-Service mailings.24Full-Service Certification Standardspage 4“A mailer must submit Full-Service mailings for at least 90 days before applying for FSC.”USPS original The Standard level asks it to meet the Full-Service quality thresholds with 90% or more Full-Service eligible volume.78Full-Service Certification Standardspage 5“Achieve established full-service quality thresholds … Maintain 90% or higher FS eligible volume on the Mailer Profile of the Mailer Scorecard”USPS original The Platinum level, for mail service providers, adds total quality management standards.79PostalPro: Platinum Full-Service Certification“For mail service providers (MSPs) who achieve established full-service quality thresholds and meet total quality management standards.”USPS original USPS reviews certified mailers quarterly, and no less than annually.24Full-Service Certification Standardspage 4“Certified mailers will be reviewed by the USPS to determine continued eligibility quarterly, but no less than annually.”USPS original

USPS lists the vendors that certified their Full-Service software products, with each package's submission method and mail class.25PostalPro: Certified Full-Service Software Vendors“The software vendors listed below have successfully certified their Full-Service software products with the Postal Service™. … We identify if the software is Cloud based or On Premise, the method of submission to the Postal Service, and the class of mail the software supports.”USPS original eInduction Certification is for software vendors whose products support eInduction mailings.26PostalPro: eInduction Certification“The USPS offers an eInduction certification for software vendors that support eInduction mailings.”USPS original Mailers using eInduction-certified software may complete a simplified testing program before onboarding.26PostalPro: eInduction Certification“Mailers using an eInduction certified software product may complete a simplified testing program prior to onboarding to eInduction.”USPS original

• Errors over a threshold remove the Full-Service discount from the pieces in error above it, only once per piece.2Publication 685: Publication for Streamlined Mail Acceptance for Letters and FlatsPDF page 17“Only pieces over an error threshold are eligible for assessment and the assessment is equal to the Full-Service discount claimed on the piece eligible for assessment. … Mailpieces may only lose the Full-Service discount once even if they are eligible for assessment in multiple error types.”USPS original
• An assessment neither paid nor sent for review within 10 business days is overdue, with payment due immediately.80Publication 685: Publication for Streamlined Mail Acceptance for Letters and FlatsPDF page 91“Assessments that are neither paid nor submitted for review within 10 business days are set to overdue. A reminder email is sent to the eDoc submitter with payment due immediately.”USPS original
• Mailer IDs are not available for use until 48 hours after activation.81Publication 685: Publication for Streamlined Mail Acceptance for Letters and FlatsPDF page 19“Mailers should note that MIDs are not available for use until 48 hours after activation.”USPS original
• Two pieces with the same Mailer ID and serial number are non-unique when their Service Type IDs indicate the same class.37Publication 685: Publication for Streamlined Mail Acceptance for Letters and FlatsPDF page 26“If the same MID and Serial Number are used on two mailpieces with two different STIDs that indicate the same class of mail (for example First-Class STIDs 314 and 320), those pieces will be flagged as non-unique.”USPS original
• A scanned barcode that matches no eDoc is an undocumented error in Seamless Acceptance.82Seamless Acceptance Undocumented Mail Fact SheetPDF page 1“If no match is found to an eDoc, the piece is reported as an undocumented error.”USPS original
• A container whose postage statement is reversed while it arrives may be held at the destination facility.83Guide to eInductionpage 12“This could result in containers being held at the destination facility.”USPS original
• A Seamless statement that can't finalize for lack of funds is finalized by hand after 14 days, once funds are added.84Publication 685: Publication for Streamlined Mail Acceptance for Letters and FlatsPDF page 63“After the 14-day auto-finalization period, the mailing must be manually finalized by a Postal Service Acceptance Employee after funds have been added.”USPS original
• Mailers are not charged for errors caused by a USPS system issue, such as a PostalOne! delay in posting eDoc.85A Guide to Full Servicepage 86“Mailers will not be responsible for postage assessments on an exceeded threshold for any errors that were caused by a Postal Service system issue (e.g. a PostalOne! delay in posting submitted eDoc).”USPS original