Mail entry: facilities, drop shipment and appointments

What is a business mail entry unit?

A Business Mail Entry Unit is the area of a postal facility where mailers present bulk, presorted and permit mail for acceptance.1Publication 32: Glossary of Postal TermsPDF page 34“The area of a postal facility where mailers present bulk, presorted, and permit mail for acceptance.”USPS original It includes dedicated platform space, office space and a staging area on the workroom floor.1Publication 32: Glossary of Postal TermsPDF page 34“The BMEU includes dedicated platform space, office space, and a staging area on the workroom floor.”USPS original PostalPro's District Business Mail Entry Locator gives the contact information for each district's office.5Newspaper Mail Preparation & EntryPDF page 3“You can find contact information at the PostalPro District Business Mail Entry Locator: https://postalpro.usps.com/ppro-tools/business-mail-entry.”USPS original

What is USPS bulk mail acceptance?

Bulk mail acceptance, which USPS calls business mail acceptance, is how USPS receives, verifies and charges postage for business mailings before they enter the mailstream.6Publication 32: Glossary of Postal TermsPDF page 32“bulk mail acceptance (See business mail acceptance (BMA).)”USPS original1Publication 32: Glossary of Postal TermsPDF page 34“The process of receiving mail from mailers for induction into the mailstream and establishing and maintaining business mailing accounts, verifying the preparation and eligibility of the mail, assessing proper postage, and charging the mailer’s business account with the correct postage for each mailing.”USPS original The process verifies the mail's preparation and eligibility, assesses its postage and charges the mailer's business account.1Publication 32: Glossary of Postal TermsPDF page 34“The process of receiving mail from mailers for induction into the mailstream and establishing and maintaining business mailing accounts, verifying the preparation and eligibility of the mail, assessing proper postage, and charging the mailer’s business account with the correct postage for each mailing.”USPS original It generally takes place at a Business Mail Entry Unit or a Detached Mail Unit.1Publication 32: Glossary of Postal TermsPDF page 34“Business mail acceptance generally takes place in a business mail entry unit or a detached mail unit.”USPS original

Where do I enter my Periodicals mail?

Periodicals mail usually goes to the Post Office that serves the ZIP Code of the publication's Known Office of Publication.7Newspaper Mail Preparation & EntryPDF page 1“that services the ZIP Code of your Known Office of Publication (KOP). This is usually where you will bring your mail.”USPS original A publisher may also mail at additional offices, where USPS sets up additional entry permits.7Newspaper Mail Preparation & EntryPDF page 1“However, you may also choose to mail at additional mailing offices, and USPS will set up additional entry permits at those locations.”USPS original The mail can also be verified and paid for at the entry office, then drop-shipped with a PS Form 8125 or eInduction.7Newspaper Mail Preparation & EntryPDF page 1“Mail must be verified and paid for at the entry office and then drop-shipped by the mailer using a PS Form 8125 or eInduction.”USPS original

What is the difference between Exceptional Dispatch and overnight delivery for Periodicals?

Exceptional Dispatch carries copies to nearby Post Offices without another entry authorization; Overnight Periodicals enters time-sensitive issues when the Business Mail Entry Unit is closed.5Newspaper Mail Preparation & EntryPDF page 3“The Exceptional Dispatch Program allows mailers to deliver mailings to nearby post offices, at the mailer’s expense and risk, … without an additional entry authorization or additional mailing form filings.”USPS original8Overnight PeriodicalsPDF page 1“The Overnight Periodicals Program allows mailers to enter mailings of time-sensitive Periodicals publications to a Destination Post Office™ at times when the BMEU is closed.”USPS original In both, the mailer carries the copies itself, for local distribution in zones 1 and 2.5Newspaper Mail Preparation & EntryPDF page 3“The Exceptional Dispatch Program allows mailers to deliver mailings to nearby post offices, at the mailer’s expense and risk,”USPS original9Exceptional DispatchPDF page 1“The provision for Exceptional Dispatch is intended for local distribution (zones 1 and 2) of publications with total circulation of no more than 25,000 and is not to be used to circumvent additional entry standards.”USPS original8Overnight PeriodicalsPDF page 1“Overnight Drop Periodicals mailings are transported by the mailer and are intended for short-haul local distribution (Zones 1 and 2) to improve the delivery time of the publication.”USPS original Exceptional Dispatch is meant for circulations of no more than 25,000, and Overnight Periodicals for 500,000 or fewer copies a fiscal year.9Exceptional DispatchPDF page 1“The provision for Exceptional Dispatch is intended for local distribution (zones 1 and 2) of publications with total circulation of no more than 25,000 and is not to be used to circumvent additional entry standards.”USPS original8Overnight PeriodicalsPDF page 1“Mail 500,000 or fewer copies per fiscal year”USPS original

Do I need a PS Form 8125 to drop ship mail?

Yes, a drop shipment entered at a plant or delivery unit needs a PS Form 8125, unless the mailer uses eInduction.10Newspaper Mail Preparation & EntryPDF page 2“An PS 8125 is required for drop shipments entered at a plant or delivery unit if you are not using eInduction.”USPS original The form proves to the entry facility that the mail was verified and paid for at origin.11PostalPro: Drop Shipment Management System (DSMS)“This form provides proof to the entry facility that the mail being presented by the mailer or mailer’s agent was verified and paid for at origin.”USPS original eInduction replaces the paper form with electronic documentation, and Exceptional Dispatch needs no form at all.12Guide to eInductionpage 6“In doing so, eInduction eliminates the need for paper PS Forms 8125 and 8017 and manual reconciliation at the entry facility.”USPS original10Newspaper Mail Preparation & EntryPDF page 2“However, an 8125 is not required when utilizing Exceptional Dispatch.”USPS original

Do I need an appointment to drop ship mail?

Yes: a drop shipment to a USPS processing facility or a service hub needs a FAST appointment.4Guide to eInductionpage 17“Mailers dropping at both SV and Non-SV USPS Processing Facilities and Hubs must schedule appointments through the Facility Access and Shipment Tracking (FAST) online system.”USPS original13Service Hubs and Facilities Fact SheetPDF page 1“FAST appointments will be required for dropping at Hubs, and appointment windows will also vary by facility”USPS original So does mail a Detached Mail Unit verified that the mailer carries to a USPS plant.14A Guide to Full Servicepage 5“The USPS requires appointments be made using FAST for origin-entered mail verified at a DMU and transported to a USPS plant by the mailer, and for drop ship mail.”USPS original A drop at a destination delivery unit isn't booked in FAST; any appointment with one is made by telephone.4Guide to eInductionpage 17“Mailers dropping at destination delivery units (DDUs) do not schedule appointments.”USPS original14A Guide to Full Servicepage 5“Appointments with Destination Delivery Units (DDUs) must be made via telephone.”USPS original

What is a critical entry time?

A critical entry time is the latest time mail can reach a USPS facility's platform and still be processed in time to meet service standards.15Publication 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 Every service hub has a critical entry time of 1600.13Service Hubs and Facilities Fact SheetPDF page 1“The Critical Entry Time (CET) for all Hub facilities will be 1600”USPS original A critical acceptance time is the matching cutoff for presenting mail for verification and processing that day.15Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Termspage 52“The latest time that mail can be presented to an acceptance unit for verification for Day Zero processing.”USPS original16A Guide to Full Servicepage 101“Critical Acceptance Time – ‘cut-off’ time by which mail must be received for acceptance and processing that day.”USPS original

What discount do mailers get for entering mail closer to its destination?

A destination entry price is lower than the related nonentry price, and generally the closer the entry facility is to delivery, the lower the price.3Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Termspage 63“A postage price lower than the related nonentry price for mail that a mailer transports directly to a postal facility. Generally, the closer the facility is to the final delivery, the lower the price.”USPS original The mailer gets the lower price because USPS saves transportation and distribution costs.3Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Termspage 63“The mailer receives the lower price because of the reduction in USPS transportation and distribution costs.”USPS original Mail prepared for a service hub and dropped there gets the destination sectional center facility rate.13Service Hubs and Facilities Fact SheetPDF page 1“Mail prepped according to the guidelines for Hubs will receive the DSCF rate for dropping at a Hub facility”USPS original

Entry is the point or facility where a mailer presents mail to USPS for acceptance and processing.17Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Termspage 77“The point or facility where a mailer presents items or, in some cases, verified mail to USPS for acceptance and subsequent processing as mail.”USPS original Acceptance verifies the mail's preparation and eligibility, assesses its postage and charges the mailer's account.1Publication 32: Glossary of Postal TermsPDF page 34“The process of receiving mail from mailers for induction into the mailstream and establishing and maintaining business mailing accounts, verifying the preparation and eligibility of the mail, assessing proper postage, and charging the mailer’s business account with the correct postage for each mailing.”USPS original It generally takes place at a Business Mail Entry Unit, an area of a postal facility.1Publication 32: Glossary of Postal TermsPDF page 34“Business mail acceptance generally takes place in a business mail entry unit or a detached mail unit. … The area of a postal facility where mailers present bulk, presorted, and permit mail for acceptance.”USPS original Or it takes place at a Detached Mail Unit, an area in the mailer's own facility where postal employees verify and accept mail.18Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Termspage 64“An area in a mailer’s facility where postal employees perform mail verification, acceptance, dispatch, and other postal functions.”USPS original

From there, mail is entered at the local Post Office or taken to a destination entry facility as a drop shipment.19Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Termspage 154“(1) To be the point of production or creation of intended mail, whether presented for entry at the local Post Office or taken to a destination entry facility as a drop shipment.”USPS original A drop shipment travels on the mailer's own transportation to a facility closer to its destination.2Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Termspage 69“Typically the movement of a mailer’s product on private (nonpostal) transportation from the point of production to a postal facility located closer to the destination of that product.”USPS original In plant-verified drop shipment, USPS verifies the mail and takes payment at origin before the mailer carries it.20Publication 32: Glossary of Postal TermsPDF page 168“A procedure that enables origin verification and postage payment for shipments transported by the mailer from the mailer’s plant to destination postal facilities for acceptance as mail.”USPS original The Drop Shipment Management System consolidates that paperwork for many jobs and locations in electronic files.11PostalPro: Drop Shipment Management System (DSMS)“The Drop Shipment Management System (DSMS) program allows authorized users to streamline the Plant-Verified Drop Shipment (PVDS) process through consolidating PVDS documentation from multiple jobs and mailing locations in electronic files.”USPS original eInduction verifies drop shipment containers with electronic documentation and handheld scanners instead of paper forms.12Guide to eInductionpage 6“eInduction leverages existing electronic documentation (eDoc), Intelligent Mail container barcode (IMcb - a barcode with greater data capacity), and handheld scanner technologies to verify payment and preparation of commercial mail containers. … In doing so, eInduction eliminates the need for paper PS Forms 8125 and 8017 and manual reconciliation at the entry facility.”USPS original

Destination entry is the deposit of that mail at a delivery unit, sectional center facility or network distribution center that serves its addresses.21Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Termspage 62“(1) The deposit of plant-verified drop shipment mail by the mailer at a postal facility such as a delivery unit, sectional center facility, or network distribution center that serves the delivery address of the mail.”USPS original A service hub is a cross-dock facility that carries mail on to the delivery units it serves.22PostalPro: Service Hubs and Facilities“If a facility is identified as a Hub, it will serve as a cross-dock facility for destinating volume that is properly prepared and entered at the Hub location. … The Hub will transport mail to the downstream delivery units that the Hub services.”USPS original The closer the facility is to delivery, the lower the price generally is.3Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Termspage 63“A postage price lower than the related nonentry price for mail that a mailer transports directly to a postal facility. Generally, the closer the facility is to the final delivery, the lower the price.”USPS original The Drop Ship Product, a database available through FAST, tells mailers where to take each mailing.2Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Termspage 69“An address management database containing information that mailers need in order to take mailings directly to network distribution centers, sectional center facilities, area distribution centers, or destination delivery units. … These files are available through the Facility Access and Shipment Tracking Web site.”USPS original

FAST gives postal facilities advance notice of drop shipment and origin-entered mailings, through the appointments mailers make in it.23PostalPro: Facility Access and Shipment Tracking (FAST®)“The Facility Access and Shipment Tracking (FAST®) system allows mailers to provide advanced notification of drop shipment and origin entered mailings into postal facilities. … To make an appointment, log in to your FAST account.”USPS original A critical entry time is the latest time mail can arrive and still meet its service standards.15Publication 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 A Periodicals publication enters at its office of original entry or at an additional entry office.19Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Termspage 154“The Post Office where a publisher submits the application for Periodicals mailing privileges for a qualified publication. The publication may be mailed there or at another Post Office for which the publisher holds an additional entry authorization.”USPS original Mail entered at a Post Office is processed at its entry facility, such as the sectional center facility serving that office.17Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Termspage 77“The mail processing facility (e.g., sectional center facility) that serves the Post Office at which the mail is entered by the mailer.”USPS original

A Business Mail Entry Unit is the area of a postal facility where mailers present bulk, presorted and permit mail.1Publication 32: Glossary of Postal TermsPDF page 34“The area of a postal facility where mailers present bulk, presorted, and permit mail for acceptance.”USPS original It has dedicated platform space, office space and a staging area on the workroom floor.1Publication 32: Glossary of Postal TermsPDF page 34“The BMEU includes dedicated platform space, office space, and a staging area on the workroom floor.”USPS original A critical acceptance time is the cutoff by which mail must reach acceptance to be processed that day.16A Guide to Full Servicepage 101“Critical Acceptance Time – ‘cut-off’ time by which mail must be received for acceptance and processing that day.”USPS original

A Detached Mail Unit brings acceptance to the mailer: postal employees verify, accept and dispatch mail in an area of the mailer's facility.18Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Termspage 64“An area in a mailer’s facility where postal employees perform mail verification, acceptance, dispatch, and other postal functions.”USPS original In a plant load, USPS accepts high-volume mailings at the plant and carries them directly to the processing destination.20Publication 32: Glossary of Postal TermsPDF page 168“An operation in which USPS accepts highvolume mailings at a mailer’s plant rather than a business mail entry unit and provides postal transportation from the plant directly to the processing destination in order to bypass handling otherwise required at one or more postal facilities including the local Post Office.”USPS original That skips handling at one or more postal facilities, including the local Post Office.20Publication 32: Glossary of Postal TermsPDF page 168“An operation in which USPS accepts highvolume mailings at a mailer’s plant rather than a business mail entry unit and provides postal transportation from the plant directly to the processing destination in order to bypass handling otherwise required at one or more postal facilities including the local Post Office.”USPS original Since November 2014, keeping on-site acceptance or USPS transportation has required preparing 75% of eligible mail as Full-Service.14A Guide to Full Servicepage 5“Starting in November 2014, mailers wishing to maintain their on-site acceptance and/or transportation provided by the Postal Service have been required to prepare 75% of their eligible mail volume as Full-Service Intelligent Mail.”USPS original

A Customer Supplier Agreement is USPS's written notice of how a mailer prepares First-Class Mail it enters at origin.24A Guide to Full Servicepage 36“A CSA is a written notice of First Class mail origin-entry preparation requirements for a commercial mailer.”USPS original Mailers whose origin-entered mail a Detached Mail Unit verifies may have one.24A Guide to Full Servicepage 36“A CSA may be created for mailers who have their origin entered mail verified at a Detached Mail Unit (DMU).”USPS original PostalOne! Transportation Management Systems let a mailer assign trays to surface or air transportation in its own plant.25Mail.dat Technical Specifications R65.0.0.0page 13“The Transportation Management functions of the PostalOne! System provides users with the ability to make surface and air transportation assignments, and to route mail in the mailers own plant.”USPS original24A Guide to Full Servicepage 36“Mailers with a PostalOne! Transportation Management System can “dynamically assign” handling units (i.e., trays) to transportation routes.”USPS original

A drop shipment moves a mailer's product on private transportation from its point of production to a postal facility closer to its destination.2Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Termspage 69“Typically the movement of a mailer’s product on private (nonpostal) transportation from the point of production to a postal facility located closer to the destination of that product.”USPS original Its pieces often get a reduced price or discount, depending on the mail class or product.2Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Termspage 69“The pieces in a mailer’s drop shipment mailings frequently receive a reduced price or discount based on mail class or product.”USPS original USPS also offers drop shipment by Priority Mail Express or Priority Mail.2Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Termspage 69“USPS also provides drop shipment service for mailings via Priority Mail Express service or Priority Mail service.”USPS original In Priority Mail Open and Distribute, mailers send other classes of mail to delivery units and processing facilities by Priority Mail.26Publication 199: Intelligent Mail Package Barcode (IMpb) Implementation Guide for Confirmation Services and Electronic Payment Systemspage 113“Priority Mail Open and Distribute (PMOD) allows mailers to expedite the transportation of other classes of mail to delivery units and mail processing facilities using Priority Mail.”USPS original

In plant-verified drop shipment, USPS verifies the mail and takes postage at origin.20Publication 32: Glossary of Postal TermsPDF page 168“A procedure that enables origin verification and postage payment for shipments transported by the mailer from the mailer’s plant to destination postal facilities for acceptance as mail.”USPS original USPS employees verify it at a Detached Mail Unit in the mailer's plant or at the origin Post Office's Business Mail Entry Unit.27DMM 705: Advanced Preparation and Special Postage Payment Systems“Mailings are verified at origin by USPS employees assigned to a detached mail unit (DMU) at a mailer’s plant or at the business mail entry unit (BMEU) at the origin Post Office serving the mailer’s plant. The shipments are then released for transportation to destination USPS facilities.”USPS original The mailer then carries the mail to destination facilities.20Publication 32: Glossary of Postal TermsPDF page 168“A procedure that enables origin verification and postage payment for shipments transported by the mailer from the mailer’s plant to destination postal facilities for acceptance as mail.”USPS original27DMM 705: Advanced Preparation and Special Postage Payment Systems“Mailings are verified at origin by USPS employees assigned to a detached mail unit (DMU) at a mailer’s plant or at the business mail entry unit (BMEU) at the origin Post Office serving the mailer’s plant. The shipments are then released for transportation to destination USPS facilities.”USPS original Mailings that claim a destination entry discount or price typically use it.20Publication 32: Glossary of Postal TermsPDF page 168“PVDS is typically used for mailings claiming a destination entry discount or price.”USPS original An expedited plant load is verification and payment at the mailer's plant, before the mailer carries the shipment to a destination facility.28Publication 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

Outside USPS Ship, a plant-verified drop shipment of packages must come with a PS Form 8125 whose barcode carries an Electronic File Number.29Publication 199: Intelligent Mail Package Barcode (IMpb) Implementation Guide for Confirmation Services and Electronic Payment Systemspage 37“A PS Form 8125 with a barcode containing an Electronic File Number must accompany all non-USPS Ship Plant Verified Drop Shipments presented for distribution at a postal facility.”USPS original That number identifies the transmission of the packages' electronic manifest.30Publication 199: Intelligent Mail Package Barcode (IMpb) Implementation Guide for Confirmation Services and Electronic Payment Systemspage 474“Electronic File Number uniquely identifies the transmission of an electronic manifest, and must be unique for a period of 120-days.”USPS original

A consolidator is a mailing agent who combines plant-verified mailings from individual mailers into one mailing.31Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Termspage 47“A mailing agent who aggregates mailings into a single mailing, especially plant-verified drop shipment (PVDS) mailings, prepared by individual mailers and cleared at the origin office.”USPS original It then carries the combined mailing to a destination facility, such as a sectional center facility.31Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Termspage 47“The consolidator then transports the aggregated mailing for entry at a destination facility such as a sectional center facility.”USPS original The Drop Shipment Management System builds consolidated loads of palletized mail with electronically created PS Forms 8125-CD.2Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Termspage 69“A program that enables authorized users to build consolidated loads of palletized plantverified drop shipment (PVDS) mail from multiple jobs and mailing locations and to create electronically consolidated PS Form 8125-CD, Plant-Verified Drop Shipment (PVDS) Consolidated Verification and Clearance — DSMS.”USPS original eInduction does away with the paper PS Form 8125 and the manual check at the entry facility.12Guide to eInductionpage 6“In doing so, eInduction eliminates the need for paper PS Forms 8125 and 8017 and manual reconciliation at the entry facility.”USPS original

Destination entry is the deposit of plant-verified mail at a postal facility that serves the mail's delivery addresses.21Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Termspage 62“(1) The deposit of plant-verified drop shipment mail by the mailer at a postal facility such as a delivery unit, sectional center facility, or network distribution center that serves the delivery address of the mail.”USPS original Mailers enter it at these kinds of facility:

• A network distribution center, a highly mechanized and automated processing facility formerly called a bulk mail center.33Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Termspage 143“A highly mechanized and automated mail processing facility formerly designated as a bulk mail center.”USPS original
• A sectional center facility, the processing and distribution center for Post Offices in an area defined by the first three digits of their ZIP Codes.34Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Termspage 201“A postal facility that serves as the processing and distribution center (P&DC) for Post Offices in a designated geographic area as defined by the first three digits of the ZIP Codes of those offices.”USPS original
• A delivery unit, where a mailer enters mail for the addresses its carriers serve.21Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Termspage 62“The delivery unit or other postal facility designated by USPS as a delivery unit where a mailer enters mail destined for addresses served by the carriers of the unit.”USPS original
• A service hub, which cross-docks properly prepared mail to the delivery units it serves.22PostalPro: Service Hubs and Facilities“If a facility is identified as a Hub, it will serve as a cross-dock facility for destinating volume that is properly prepared and entered at the Hub location. … The Hub will transport mail to the downstream delivery units that the Hub services.”USPS original

A destination entry price is lower than the related nonentry price, and generally lower the closer the facility is to delivery.3Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Termspage 63“A postage price lower than the related nonentry price for mail that a mailer transports directly to a postal facility. Generally, the closer the facility is to the final delivery, the lower the price.”USPS original Periodicals and Bound Printed Matter have prices for entry at the sectional center facility or delivery unit serving the address.35DMM 207: Periodicals“[7-12-26] The advertising and nonadvertising portions may be eligible for DSCF and DDU pound prices based on the entry facility and the address on the piece.”USPS original36DMM 266: Bound Printed Matter, Enter and Deposit“Destination entry prices apply to Presorted and carrier-route Bound Printed Matter (BPM) that is deposited at a destination sectional center facility (DSCF)/local processing center (LPC) or destination delivery unit (DDU)/sorting and delivery center (S&DC) as specified below.”USPS original Parcel Select has prices for entry at the delivery unit, a designated destination hub or the sectional center facility.37Notice 123: Price List (effective October 4, 2026)“| DDU | DHUB | DSCF |”USPS original38PRC: Mail Classification Schedule through July 12, 2026 (docx, converted to HTML with mammoth)“DHub – Entered at a designated destination hub facility, or other equivalent facility”USPS original3Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Termspage 63“Periodicals, Parcel Select, and Bound Printed Matter prices for pieces properly prepared and entered by the mailer at the sectional center facility (SCF) or other postal facility designated as an SCF that serves the delivery address on the pieces.”USPS original21Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Termspage 62“Periodicals, Parcel Select, and Bound Printed Matter prices for pieces properly prepared and entered by the mailer at the delivery unit that serves the delivery address on the pieces.”USPS original USPS Marketing Mail, called Standard Mail before January 22, 2017, has lower prices for entry at the sectional center facility or delivery unit.39Intelligent Mail® Package Barcode (IMpb) ACS™ Technical Guidepage 3“On January 22, 2017, Standard Mail® underwent a name change and was rebranded as USPS Marketing Mail™”USPS original3Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Termspage 63“A Standard Mail discount for pieces properly prepared and entered by the mailer at the sectional center facility (SCF) or other postal facility designated as an SCF that serves the delivery address on the pieces.”USPS original21Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Termspage 62“A Standard Mail discount for pieces properly prepared and entered by the mailer at the delivery unit that serves the delivery address on the pieces.”USPS original37Notice 123: Price List (effective October 4, 2026)“Entry at designated center, facility, unit or other equivalent facility. (DSCF = LPC for letters/flats or DSCF = RPDC for parcels, DDU = SDC)”USPS original The mailer gets the lower price because USPS saves transportation and distribution costs.3Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Termspage 63“The mailer receives the lower price because of the reduction in USPS transportation and distribution costs.”USPS original

Periodicals, Parcel Select, Bound Printed Matter and USPS Marketing Mail once also had lower prices for entry at the network distribution center.3Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Termspage 63“Periodicals, Parcel Select, and Bound Printed Matter prices for pieces properly prepared and entered by the mailer at the network distribution center or other postal facility designated as an NDC that serves the delivery address on the pieces. … A Standard Mail discount for pieces properly prepared and entered by the mailer at the network distribution center or other postal facility designated as an NDC that serves the delivery address on the pieces.”USPS original Since July 12, 2026, presorted and carrier route Bound Printed Matter has been priced by entry at origin, sectional center facility or delivery unit.40Federal Register: New Mailing Standards for Domestic Mailing Services Products (91 FR 33030, Jun 2, 2026)“DATES: Effective July 12, 2026. … Price Restructure for BPM Flats and Parcels Presorted and Carrier Route … This will eliminate the pound pricing and piece prices would apply in weight increments from 1 to 15 pounds based on entry of None (Origin), DSCF, or DDU.”USPS original Since that date, Periodicals destination entry pound prices are for the sectional center facility and delivery unit.35DMM 207: Periodicals“[7-12-26] The advertising and nonadvertising portions may be eligible for DSCF and DDU pound prices based on the entry facility and the address on the piece.”USPS original The price list effective October 4, 2026 has no network distribution center price for any class.37Notice 123: Price List (effective October 4, 2026)“Notice 123 • Effective October 04, 2026 … Entry at designated center, facility, unit or other equivalent facility. (DSCF = LPC for letters/flats or DSCF = RPDC for parcels, DDU = SDC) … | DDU | DHUB | DSCF |”USPS original

A service hub takes only direct 5-digit and carrier route containers, and mail prepared to its guidelines gets the destination sectional center facility rate.22PostalPro: Service Hubs and Facilities“Hubs will accept direct cross-dock containers only of 5-Digit ZIP, 5-Digit Carrier Route (non-FSS zones) pallets, bundles, sacks or containers of Standard, Periodical, Bound Printed Matter, and Parcels.”USPS original13Service Hubs and Facilities Fact SheetPDF page 1“Mail prepped according to the guidelines for Hubs will receive the DSCF rate for dropping at a Hub facility”USPS original The Drop Ship Product is the database that tells mailers which facility to take each mailing to.2Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Termspage 69“An address management database containing information that mailers need in order to take mailings directly to network distribution centers, sectional center facilities, area distribution centers, or destination delivery units.”USPS original Its files are on the FAST website, and each service hub's hours of operation are in FAST and the Mail Direction File.2Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Termspage 69“These files are available through the Facility Access and Shipment Tracking Web site.”USPS original13Service Hubs and Facilities Fact SheetPDF page 1“Hours of Operation will vary by facility, and will be available in FAST and published in the Mail Direction File (MDF)”USPS original

FAST gives a postal facility advance notice of a drop shipment or origin-entered mailing.23PostalPro: Facility Access and Shipment Tracking (FAST®)“The Facility Access and Shipment Tracking (FAST®) system allows mailers to provide advanced notification of drop shipment and origin entered mailings into postal facilities.”USPS original Customers register for FAST through the Business Customer Gateway.23PostalPro: Facility Access and Shipment Tracking (FAST®)“To access FAST, customers must register through the Business Customer Gateway.”USPS original Mailers create appointments that tell USPS where and when to expect pallets.42A Guide to Full Servicepage 38“Mailers create e-appointments or stand-alone contents that let the USPS know where and when to expect pallets, to support eInduction and Full-Service validation.”USPS original A recurring appointment is a preapproved drop shipment delivered to a destination facility at least once a week, on the same time and days.43Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Termspage 187“A preapproved drop shipment mailing delivered to a destination facility with a frequency of at least once a week on the same time and day(s).”USPS original A late appointment is a vehicle arriving more than 30 minutes after its scheduled drop shipment appointment.44Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Termspage 113“The arrival of a mailer’s vehicle carrying mail that is more than 30 minutes after the scheduled drop shipment appointment time at any destination entry office.”USPS original

Mail a Detached Mail Unit verified that the mailer carries to a USPS plant needs a FAST appointment too.14A Guide to Full Servicepage 5“The USPS requires appointments be made using FAST for origin-entered mail verified at a DMU and transported to a USPS plant by the mailer, and for drop ship mail.”USPS original A drop at a destination delivery unit isn't booked in FAST; any appointment with one is made by telephone.4Guide to eInductionpage 17“Mailers dropping at destination delivery units (DDUs) do not schedule appointments.”USPS original14A Guide to Full Servicepage 5“Appointments with Destination Delivery Units (DDUs) must be made via telephone.”USPS original

A critical entry time is the latest time mail can arrive at an induction point and still be processed in time for its service standard.15Publication 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 Every service hub's critical entry time is 1600.13Service Hubs and Facilities Fact SheetPDF page 1“The Critical Entry Time (CET) for all Hub facilities will be 1600”USPS original A publisher on Exceptional Dispatch drops mail at an agreed secure location and keeps a critical entry time.9Exceptional DispatchPDF page 1“Publishers will drop the mail in an agreed upon secure location and maintain a Critical Entry Time in order to receive timely delivery.”USPS original The last transportation from the origin office that can reach the destination facility by its critical entry time is the last chance dispatch.44Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Termspage 113“The final transportation leaving the origin office that can deliver mail to the destination facility in time to make the service standard commitment (i.e., at or before the critical entry time of the destinating facility.)”USPS original

A Periodicals publication's office of original entry is the Post Office where its publisher applied for Periodicals mailing privileges.19Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Termspage 154“The Post Office where a publisher submits the application for Periodicals mailing privileges for a qualified publication. The publication may be mailed there or at another Post Office for which the publisher holds an additional entry authorization.”USPS original The publication's Known Office of Publication, its business office, is in that office's city.47Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Termspage 111“The business office of a Periodicals publication that is in the city where the original entry for Periodicals mailing privileges is authorized.”USPS original Additional entry is presenting the publication at another authorized Post Office.48Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Termspage 7“Presenting a Periodicals mailing at an authorized Post Office other than the office of original entry.”USPS original Periodicals mailers must file mailing forms electronically, with their own software or USPS Postal Wizard.5Newspaper Mail Preparation & EntryPDF page 3“Periodicals mailers are required to file mailing forms electronically using proprietary software or USPS Postal Wizard.”USPS original

Exceptional Dispatch is the publisher's own delivery of a Periodicals mailing to a Post Office other than its entry offices.49Publication 32: Glossary of Postal TermsPDF page 82“The delivery of a Periodicals mailing by the publisher to a Post Office other than the office of original entry or additional entry.”USPS original The entry office's postmaster may authorize it, at the publisher's own expense and risk.9Exceptional DispatchPDF page 1“The Postmaster of an entry Post Office™ may authorize a publisher to deliver copies of a Periodicals publication, at the publisher’s own expense and risk, by Exceptional Dispatch to other Post Offices.”USPS original It is meant for local distribution in zones 1 and 2, for publications with a total circulation of no more than 25,000.9Exceptional DispatchPDF page 1“The provision for Exceptional Dispatch is intended for local distribution (zones 1 and 2) of publications with total circulation of no more than 25,000 and is not to be used to circumvent additional entry standards.”USPS original Copies may claim destination sectional center facility or delivery unit prices when they meet USPS standards.9Exceptional DispatchPDF page 1“Copies of Periodicals publications deposited under Exceptional Dispatch may be eligible for and claimed at the destination sectional center facility (DSCF) or destination delivery unit (DDU) prices if standards in DMM 207.29.0 are met”USPS original Postage statements go to PostalOne! by 11:00 A.M. after each drop.9Exceptional DispatchPDF page 1“Postage statements must be submitted to PostalOne! no later than 11:00 A.M. after the Exceptional Dispatch drop occurs.”USPS original

The Overnight Periodicals Program lets mailers enter time-sensitive Periodicals at a destination Post Office when the Business Mail Entry Unit is closed.8Overnight PeriodicalsPDF page 1“The Overnight Periodicals Program allows mailers to enter mailings of time-sensitive Periodicals publications to a Destination Post Office™ at times when the BMEU is closed.”USPS original The mailer carries the mail for short-haul local distribution in zones 1 and 2.8Overnight PeriodicalsPDF page 1“Overnight Drop Periodicals mailings are transported by the mailer and are intended for short-haul local distribution (Zones 1 and 2) to improve the delivery time of the publication.”USPS original Requests go to the Mailing Shipping Solutions Center.8Overnight PeriodicalsPDF page 1“All requests for authorizations for Overnight Drop of Time-Sensitive Periodicals must be submitted to the Mailing Shipping Solutions Center at 1-877-672-0007 or email MSSC@usps.gov who will notify:”USPS original A publication must meet these criteria to be considered:8Overnight PeriodicalsPDF page 1“Periodicals Eligible to be considered as Overnight Periodicals must meet the following eligibility criteria:”USPS original

• Its account holds the funds before each mailing is deposited.8Overnight PeriodicalsPDF page 1“Funding for mailings must be in the account prior to deposit of the mailing”USPS original
• It mails 500,000 or fewer copies a fiscal year.8Overnight PeriodicalsPDF page 1“Mail 500,000 or fewer copies per fiscal year”USPS original
• It mails 10,000 or fewer copies per postage statement.8Overnight PeriodicalsPDF page 1“Mail 10,000 or less copies per postage statement”USPS original
• At least 50% of its mailed copies are at In-County prices.8Overnight PeriodicalsPDF page 1“At least 50% or more mailed copies at the In-County prices”USPS original
• It mails weekly or more often.8Overnight PeriodicalsPDF page 1“Mail at a frequency of weekly or more often.”USPS original
• It is enrolled in the Alternate Marked-Copy program.8Overnight PeriodicalsPDF page 1“Be enrolled in the USPS Alternate Marked-Copy program.”USPS original
• It sends postage statements and eDoc electronically to a PostalOne! Business Mail Entry Unit office.8Overnight PeriodicalsPDF page 1“Electronic submission by the mailer of postage statements and piece-level supporting documentation (eDoc) to a PostalOne! BMEU office.”USPS original

A mailing that enters the mailstream without verification and postage payment through a Business Mail Entry Unit or Detached Mail Unit is a bypass mailing.1Publication 32: Glossary of Postal TermsPDF page 34“A mailing that enters the mailstream without proper verification of preparation and postage payment through a business mail entry unit or a detached mail unit.”USPS original

A copy of PS Form 8125 delays acceptance at destination, which needs the original, signed, round-dated form.50Drop Ship Checklist for MailersPDF page 1“Presenting a FORM 8125 COPY will delay the acceptance of the mailing. … Mailers must present the ORIGINAL, SIGNED, ROUND-DATED Form 8125 at the Destination Entry.”USPS original

A service hub refuses letters and any mailing that needs a bundle sort.22PostalPro: Service Hubs and Facilities“Hubs will not accept: letters, FSS prepared mail, or any mailing that requires a bundle sort operation.”USPS original

USPS Ship compares where a package is first scanned with the entry facility its manifest claims.51Guide to USPS Shippage 7“USPS Ship validates the location at which a package is first scanned on any USPS equipment is correct based on the entry discount and entry location claimed in the manifest for any destination entry prices claimed.”USPS original A first scan at neither that facility nor a site downstream of it logs a Misshipped error.52USPS Ship Misshipped Tech SheetPDF page 1“If the ZIP Code of the first scan event does not match the expected dropship location nor any downstream sites, then a Misshipped error is logged.”USPS original USPS Ship then reprices the package as Ground Advantage Full Network and charges the higher of that price and the manifested one.52USPS Ship Misshipped Tech SheetPDF page 1“When a Misshipped error is logged, USPS Ship will also reprice the package as Ground Advantage Full Network. … The higher of the two prices will be charged, so that the shipper does not potentially receive a discount for a Misshipped package.”USPS original The charge goes to the shipper's Enterprise Payment Account when the package is delivered.51Guide to USPS Shippage 7“Postage for Census, including Census Attribute and Mis-shipped Verification, is aggregated upon package delivery and charged to the EPA.”USPS original53Guide to USPS Shippage 6“USPS Ship transactions are applied to the customer’s Enterprise Payment Account (ACH Debit or Pre-funded account) on the day the manifest is processed.”USPS original

USPS Ship replaced eVS, whose customers had to move to it or to USPS APIs by February 2025.54PostalPro: Electronic Verification System (eVS®)“eVS has been replaced with USPS Ship.”USPS original55eVS to USPS Ship Migration Tech Sheetpage 1“eVS customers must migrate to USPS Ship or USPS APIs by February 2025.”USPS original Under eVS, each mis-shipped delivery unit parcel paid the difference between its manifested postage and the USPS Ground Advantage single-piece price.56Publication 205 Electronic Verification System (eVS®) Business and Technical Guidepage 39“Parcels deposited by an eVS shipper at an incorrect entry facility are termed “mis-shipped” parcels and are handled as follows:”USPS original57Publication 205 Electronic Verification System (eVS®) Business and Technical Guidepage 40“Each mis-shipped destination delivery unit (DDU) parcel is charged the difference between the manifested postage and the USPS Ground Advantage single-piece price, as defined in the Domestic Mail Manual.”USPS original eVS's Destination Entry Eligibility Report summarized the destination entry packages not deposited at their correct entry facility.58Publication 205 Electronic Verification System (eVS®) Business and Technical Guidepage 55“Provides a summary, based on manifest data, of the destination entry packages that were not deposited at the correct entry facility according to the Mail Direction File.”USPS original

Exceptional Dispatch agreements are not guaranteed: they depend most on whether the local office has the staff to accommodate the request.10Newspaper Mail Preparation & EntryPDF page 2“Exceptional Dispatch agreements are not guaranteed, they depend on a number of factors; most importantly if the local office has the availability and staffing to accommodate your request.”USPS original A denied publisher may appeal to the Director of the Pricing and Classification Service Center.10Newspaper Mail Preparation & EntryPDF page 2“If the request is denied, you may appeal the decision to the Director, Pricing and Classification Service Center.”USPS original Exceptional Dispatch may not be used for publications mailed under the Centralized Postage Payment System or plant-verified drop shipment.9Exceptional DispatchPDF page 1“Exceptional Dispatch may not be used for publications authorized to be mailed under the Centralized Postage Payment System or under the plant-verified drop shipment postage payment system.”USPS original