Bulk Parcel Return Service
Bulk Parcel Return Service, or BPRS, is a USPS service that returns a high-volume mailer's machinable USPS Marketing Mail parcels to designated postal facilities.Publication 32: Glossary of Postal TermsPDF page 32“A service that allows high-volume mailers of Standard Mail machinable parcels that are either undeliverable-as-addressed or opened and returned without payment of additional postage by addressees to be routed to designated postal facilities.”USPS original It covers parcels USPS can't deliver as addressed and parcels addressees open and remail.PostalPro: Bulk Parcel Return Service“Bulk parcel return service (BPRS) allows mailers of large quantities of Standard Mail machinable parcels that are either undeliverable-as-addressed or opened and remailed by addressees to be returned to designated postal facilities.”USPS original The mailer collects the parcels or has USPS deliver them, and pays for each one returned.PostalPro: Bulk Parcel Return Service“The mailer has the option of picking up all returned parcels from a designated postal facility at a predetermined frequency specified by the USPS or having them delivered by the USPS in a manner and frequency specified by the USPS. … For this service a mailer pays an annual permit fee and a per piece charge for each parcel returned.”USPS original
What it is
BPRS is a return service for bulk mailers of machinable parcels.PostalPro: Bulk Parcel Return Service“Bulk mailers of Standard Mail machinable parcels.”USPS original A machinable parcel is a mailpiece whose size, shape and weight let mail processing machinery sort it safely.Publication 32: Glossary of Postal TermsPDF page 124“A mailpiece that is of the correct size, shape, and weight to be safely sorted by mail processing machinery such as a parcel sorting machine.”USPS original
The parcels go out as USPS Marketing Mail.Parcel Labeling Guidepage 30“The outbound shipping label (available only on USPS Marketing Mail) must conform to the general labeling rules described in Section 2 of this document with either “Return Service Requested - BPRS” or “Address Service Requested - BPRS” endorsement.”USPS original On January 22, 2017, Standard Mail took the name USPS Marketing Mail.Intelligent 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 original
An addressee who opens a BPRS parcel can send it back without paying more postage.Publication 32: Glossary of Postal TermsPDF page 32“A service that allows high-volume mailers of Standard Mail machinable parcels that are either undeliverable-as-addressed or opened and returned without payment of additional postage by addressees to be routed to designated postal facilities.”USPS original The mailer pays instead: an annual permit fee, and a per piece charge for each parcel returned.PostalPro: Bulk Parcel Return Service“For this service a mailer pays an annual permit fee and a per piece charge for each parcel returned.”USPS original
How it works
The mailer first gets a BPRS permit from each Post Office where its parcels will return.PostalPro: Bulk Parcel Return Service“To obtain a BPRS permit, a mailer must send a written request to the postmaster at each post office where parcels are to be returned.”USPS original Its parcels then go out with a BPRS endorsement on the label, such as Return Service Requested - BPRS.Parcel Labeling Guidepage 30“The outbound shipping label (available only on USPS Marketing Mail) must conform to the general labeling rules described in Section 2 of this document with either “Return Service Requested - BPRS” or “Address Service Requested - BPRS” endorsement.”USPS original That endorsement is an ancillary service endorsement, wording on the address side that tells USPS how to handle undeliverable-as-addressed mail.Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Termspage 15“A specified marking (wording) on the address side of a mailpiece added by a mailer to request an Ancillary Service that directs USPS how to handle undeliverable-as-addressed (UAA) mail and provide any corresponding address correction service.”USPS original
A parcel USPS can't deliver as addressed, or one the addressee opens and remails, goes to a designated postal facility.PostalPro: Bulk Parcel Return Service“Bulk parcel return service (BPRS) allows mailers of large quantities of Standard Mail machinable parcels that are either undeliverable-as-addressed or opened and remailed by addressees to be returned to designated postal facilities.”USPS original The mailer picks up the returned parcels there at a frequency USPS sets, or USPS delivers them in a manner it specifies.PostalPro: Bulk Parcel Return Service“The mailer has the option of picking up all returned parcels from a designated postal facility at a predetermined frequency specified by the USPS or having them delivered by the USPS in a manner and frequency specified by the USPS.”USPS original
USPS deducts the charge for the returned parcels from the mailer's advance deposit account.PostalPro: Bulk Parcel Return Service“Payment for the returned pieces is deducted from an advance deposit account.”USPS original That account holds funds USPS keeps to pay for the mailer's future services, such as postage due mail.Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Termspage 11“A liability account into which a mailer deposits funds that are maintained by USPS to pay for future services used by the mailer such as permit imprint mailings, Business Reply Mail pieces, postage due mail, or Periodicals.”USPS original
A Shipping Services File is the electronic file holding all of a shipment's manifest and payment information.Publication 199: Intelligent Mail Package Barcode (IMpb) Implementation Guide for Confirmation Services and Electronic Payment Systemspage 474“The electronic file containing all manifest and payment information.”USPS original Its ancillary service endorsement field has a code for BPRS, E, meaning Address Service-BPRS.Publication 199: Intelligent Mail Package Barcode (IMpb) Implementation Guide for Confirmation Services and Electronic Payment Systemspage 204“‘E’ = Address Service-BPRS”USPS original USPS marks that field for future use, and it defaults to spaces.Publication 199: Intelligent Mail Package Barcode (IMpb) Implementation Guide for Confirmation Services and Electronic Payment Systemspage 204“Future Use Default is spaces”USPS original
Getting a permit
The written request for a BPRS permit goes to the postmaster at each Post Office where parcels will return.PostalPro: Bulk Parcel Return Service“To obtain a BPRS permit, a mailer must send a written request to the postmaster at each post office where parcels are to be returned.”USPS original It includes these items:PostalPro: Bulk Parcel Return Service“The request must include the following:”USPS original
- Payment of the annual BPRS permit fee.PostalPro: Bulk Parcel Return Service“Payment for the annual BPRS permit fee.”USPS original
- Documents for each delivery point about machinable parcels first mailed at USPS Marketing Mail prices. They show at least 10,000 received in the past 12 months, or grounds to expect 10,000 returned in the next 12.PostalPro: Bulk Parcel Return Service“Information pertinent to each requested delivery point that documents either the receipt of at least 10,000 machinable parcels originally mailed at Standard Mail rates during the past 12 months, or that there are reasonable grounds to expect at least 10,000 machinable parcels originally mailed at Standard Mail rates will be returned during the next 12-month period.”USPS original
- A description of the returned parcels, such as their size and packaging.PostalPro: Bulk Parcel Return Service“A description of the returned parcels (e.g., piece size and packaging).”USPS original
- How often and where the mailer wants the parcels picked up or delivered.PostalPro: Bulk Parcel Return Service“A statement of the desired frequency and location of the parcel pickup or delivery point.”USPS original
- Sample documents the mailer will use to count the parcels returned each day to each location.PostalPro: Bulk Parcel Return Service“Sample documentation that will be used to substantiate the number of parcels returned daily to each location.”USPS original
- Sample labels made to DMM 4.0, with instructions, if the mailer will supply labels for returning opened parcels.PostalPro: Bulk Parcel Return Service“If labels will be furnished for returning opened parcels, sample labels prepared in accordance with DMM 4.0 along with instructions for their use.”USPS original
- A written agreement to pay the per piece fee for each returned parcel from a central advance deposit account.PostalPro: Bulk Parcel Return Service“A written statement agreeing to pay the per piece fee for each returned parcel from a centralized advance deposit account.”USPS original
Prices
The held sources give no amounts for the annual permit fee or the per piece charge.
The labels
BPRS uses two labels, the outbound label and an optional label.Parcel Labeling Guidepage 30“There are two labels associated with Bulk Parcel Return Service (BPRS): outbound and optional.”USPS original The outbound label is the parcel's shipping label, under the general parcel label rules.Parcel Labeling Guidepage 30“The outbound shipping label (available only on USPS Marketing Mail) must conform to the general labeling rules described in Section 2 of this document with either “Return Service Requested - BPRS” or “Address Service Requested - BPRS” endorsement.”USPS original The mailer may enclose the optional label in the parcel, for use after the addressee opens it.Parcel Labeling Guidepage 30“The optional BPRS label may be enclosed in the outbound shipment for use after the package has been opened and adhere to the following specifications in addition to the general labeling rules described in Section 2 of this document.”USPS original
The optional label has no Service Icon Block or Service Banner.Parcel Labeling Guidepage 30“Optional BPRS labels do not support a Service Icon Block or Service Banner.”USPS original If it doesn't print the customer's return address, it must leave space for the customer to write one.Parcel Labeling Guidepage 30“If the return address is not preprinted on the label, space must be provided for the customer to enter a return address.”USPS original Its additional information segment may carry shipment details, branding and logos that don't interfere with its required elements.Parcel Labeling Guidepage 31“This segment may be used for specific shipment or shipper information including branding and logos if it does not interfere with any of the required elements of the optional BPRS label.”USPS original
Above the delivery address, the optional label shows the BPRS legend.Parcel Labeling Guidepage 30“Above the delivery address the label must display the BPRS legend.”USPS original The legend has three lines:
- Line 1 must read
BULK PARCEL RETURN SERVICE, in capital letters at least 3/16 inch tall.Parcel Labeling Guidepage 30“Line 1: The first line of the legend must read “BULK PARCEL RETURN SERVICE” in capital letters at least 3/16 inches in height.”USPS original - Line 2 must give
PERMIT NUMBERorPERMIT NO., the permit number, and the issuing Post Office's city, state and ZIP Code.Parcel Labeling Guidepage 30“Line 2: The second line of the legend must include the text “PERMIT NUMBER” or “PERMIT NO.” followed by the actual permit number and the name of the issuing Post Office (city and state) in capital letters and Post Office ZIP Code.”USPS original - Line 3 should give the name and street or Post Office box address of the permit holder or merchant.Parcel Labeling Guidepage 30“Line 3: The last line of the legend should include the name and delivery address (street or Post Office box number) of the permit holder or merchant.”USPS original
A box of at least 1 point should border the whole legend, with 1/16 inch between the box and the text.Parcel Labeling Guidepage 30“The entire legend should be bordered by a minimum 1-point box with 1/16 inch clearance between the box and text.”USPS original
The delivery address should name the postage due unit, in four lines:Parcel Labeling Guidepage 30“The delivery address itself should be formatted as follows:”USPS original
POSTAGE DUE UNITParcel Labeling Guidepage 30“Line 1: The text “POSTAGE DUE UNIT””USPS originalU.S. POSTAL SERVICEParcel Labeling Guidepage 30“Line 2: The text “U.S. POSTAL SERVICE””USPS original- The postage due unit's delivery address line.Parcel Labeling Guidepage 30“Line 3: The delivery address line for the postage due unit”USPS original
- The postage due unit's city, state and ZIP Code, at the Post Office that authorized the BPRS permit.Parcel Labeling Guidepage 30“Line 4: The city, state and ZIP Code of the postage due unit at the Post Office where the BPRS permit is authorized”USPS original
Rules
To obtain a BPRS permit, a mailer must send a written request to the postmaster at each post office where parcels are to be returned.PostalPro: Bulk Parcel Return Service“To obtain a BPRS permit, a mailer must send a written request to the postmaster at each post office where parcels are to be returned.”USPS original
A mailer must write to the postmaster of every Post Office that is to receive its returned parcels.
The outbound shipping label (available only on USPS Marketing Mail) must conform to the general labeling rules described in Section 2 of this document with either “Return Service Requested - BPRS” or “Address Service Requested - BPRS” endorsement.Parcel Labeling Guidepage 30“The outbound shipping label (available only on USPS Marketing Mail) must conform to the general labeling rules described in Section 2 of this document with either “Return Service Requested - BPRS” or “Address Service Requested - BPRS” endorsement.”USPS original
The shipping label on a BPRS parcel must follow the general parcel label rules and must carry one of the two BPRS endorsements. Only USPS Marketing Mail parcels can use it.
Optional BPRS labels require a postage guarantee imprint defined in Section 2.2.Parcel Labeling Guidepage 30“Optional BPRS labels require a postage guarantee imprint defined in Section 2.2.”USPS original
The optional label must carry a postage guarantee imprint.
As with all labels, the Intelligent Mail package barcode segment requirements must be adhered to as described in Section 2.4 above; furthermore, commercial mailers must also include ZIP+4 in the IMpb using constructs C01 and C05 described in Section 5.2.1.Parcel Labeling Guidepage 31“As with all labels, the Intelligent Mail package barcode segment requirements must be adhered to as described in Section 2.4 above; furthermore, commercial mailers must also include ZIP+4 in the IMpb using constructs C01 and C05 described in Section 5.2.1.”USPS original
The optional label must carry an Intelligent Mail package barcode that meets the rules for every parcel label. A commercial mailer must also include the ZIP+4 in that barcode, using constructs C01 and C05.
The return address of the customer using the label to mail the parcel back to the permit holder must appear in the upper left-hand corner of the label.Parcel Labeling Guidepage 30“The return address of the customer using the label to mail the parcel back to the permit holder must appear in the upper left-hand corner of the label.”USPS original
The return address of the customer sending the parcel back must appear in the label's upper left corner.
The delivery address must be located at least 3/16 inch below the “BULK PARCEL RETURN SERVICE” legend and must also meet the requirements in Section 2.3.3 above.Parcel Labeling Guidepage 31“The delivery address must be located at least 3/16 inch below the “BULK PARCEL RETURN SERVICE” legend and must also meet the requirements in Section 2.3.3 above.”USPS original
The delivery address must sit at least 3/16 inch below the BPRS legend, and it must meet the general rules for a delivery address.
The “USPS MARKETING MAIL” or “USPS STANDARD MAIL” class endorsement must be printed in 1/4 inch uppercase letters and placed below the postage guarantee endorsement.Parcel Labeling Guidepage 30“The “USPS MARKETING MAIL” or “USPS STANDARD MAIL” class endorsement must be printed in 1/4 inch uppercase letters and placed below the postage guarantee endorsement.”USPS original
The optional label must print USPS MARKETING MAIL or USPS STANDARD MAIL in capital letters 1/4 inch tall, below the postage guarantee endorsement.
Below the indicia a minimum of three (3) horizontal bars are required; the bars must be uniform in length, at least 1 inch long, at least 1/16 inch thick and evenly spaced.Parcel Labeling Guidepage 30“Below the indicia a minimum of three (3) horizontal bars are required; the bars must be uniform in length, at least 1 inch long, at least 1/16 inch thick and evenly spaced.”USPS original
The optional label must have at least three horizontal bars below the indicia. They must be the same length, evenly spaced, at least 1 inch long and at least 1/16 inch thick.
What goes wrong
Shipper Paid Services is an ACS option that lets parcel mailers pay forwarding or return postage through their ACS account.PostalPro: Bulk Parcel Return Service“Shipper Paid Services is an ACS fulfillment option that allows parcel mailers to receive an electronic address correction and pay forwarding or return postage via their ACS account rather than charging the customer.”USPS original As of January 21, 2024, it isn't available with BPRS for USPS Marketing Mail parcel shippers.Traditional ACS™ with Shipper Paid Services Technical Guidepage 11“Note: Shipper Paid Service used in conjunction with Bulk Parcel Return Service is not available for the Marketing Mail parcel shipper at this time. … January 21, 2024 v 1.9”USPS original
On that date, USPS also didn't recommend the Address Service Requested - BPRS endorsement with BPRS for those shippers.Traditional ACS™ with Shipper Paid Services Technical Guidepage 9“Note: “Address Service Requested – BPRS” used in conjunction with Bulk Parcel Return Service is not recommended for the Marketing Mail parcel shipper at this time.”USPS original The label rules of December 2024 still list it as one of the two outbound endorsements.Parcel Labeling Guidepage 30“The outbound shipping label (available only on USPS Marketing Mail) must conform to the general labeling rules described in Section 2 of this document with either “Return Service Requested - BPRS” or “Address Service Requested - BPRS” endorsement.”USPS originalParcel Labeling GuidePDF page 1“Version 3 Release 5 December 2024”USPS original
Terms
- Bulk Parcel Return ServiceBPRS
- Bulk parcel return service (BPRS) allows mailers of large quantities of Standard Mail machinable parcels that are either undeliverable-as-addressed or opened and remailed by addressees to be returned to designated postal facilities.PostalPro: Bulk Parcel Return Service“Bulk parcel return service (BPRS) allows mailers of large quantities of Standard Mail machinable parcels that are either undeliverable-as-addressed or opened and remailed by addressees to be returned to designated postal facilities.”USPS original
- USPS Marketing MailSM, Marketing Mail, Standard Mail, Standard Mail (USPS Marketing Mail)
- A class of mail that weighs less than 16 ounces.Appendix C: ACS™ Product Code Information and Detailspage 5“A class of mail that weighs less than 16 ounces.”USPS original
- Machinable ParcelMP
- A mailpiece that is of the correct size, shape, and weight to be safely sorted by mail processing machinery such as a parcel sorting machine.Publication 32: Glossary of Postal TermsPDF page 124“A mailpiece that is of the correct size, shape, and weight to be safely sorted by mail processing machinery such as a parcel sorting machine.”USPS original
- Undeliverable as AddressedUAA, UAA mail
- mail that the USPS cannot deliver as addressed and must be forwarded to the addressee, returned to the sender, or discarded depending on the authorized treatment for that mail class and/or specific instructions provided by the mailer through ancillary service requestsMailer's Technical Advisory Committee - Best Practices for ACS™page 29“mail that the USPS cannot deliver as addressed and must be forwarded to the addressee, returned to the sender, or discarded depending on the authorized treatment for that mail class and/or specific instructions provided by the mailer through ancillary service requests”USPS original
- permitmailing permit
- Any authorization required for specific types of preparation or postage payment. Specifically, an authorization to mail by using indicia or an imprint in place of stamps or meter impressions. Payment is made against an advance deposit account that is established with USPS for postage and services. Other types of mail, such as Business Reply Mail, service require the use of imprints.Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Termspage 161“Any authorization required for specific types of preparation or postage payment. Specifically, an authorization to mail by using indicia or an imprint in place of stamps or meter impressions. Payment is made against an advance deposit account that is established with USPS for postage and services. Other types of mail, such as Business Reply Mail, service require the use of imprints.”USPS original
- advance deposit account
- A liability account into which a mailer deposits funds that are maintained by USPS to pay for future services used by the mailer such as permit imprint mailings, Business Reply Mail pieces, postage due mail, or Periodicals. Also called trust fund account.Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Termspage 11“A liability account into which a mailer deposits funds that are maintained by USPS to pay for future services used by the mailer such as permit imprint mailings, Business Reply Mail pieces, postage due mail, or Periodicals. Also called trust fund account.”USPS original
- Ancillary Service EndorsementASE
- a post-mailing, on-piece printed endorsement used to instruct the Postal Service regarding the appropriate disposition, upon determining that it is Undeliverable-asAddressed (UAA): Address Service Requested, Change Service Requested, Return Service Requested.Move Update Methods Requirements Fact Sheetpage 1“a post-mailing, on-piece printed endorsement used to instruct the Postal Service regarding the appropriate disposition, upon determining that it is Undeliverable-asAddressed (UAA): Address Service Requested, Change Service Requested, Return Service Requested.”USPS original
- Address Service RequestedASR, AS
- An Ancillary Service endorsement printed on mail by the sender that directs USPS to forward undeliverable-as-addressed mail and provide the sender notice of the new address. If no change-of-address order is on file or the time period for forwarding has expired, the piece is returned to the sender with the reason for nondelivery attached. Fees charged can vary by mail class and product.Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Termspage 9“An Ancillary Service endorsement printed on mail by the sender that directs USPS to forward undeliverable-as-addressed mail and provide the sender notice of the new address. If no change-of-address order is on file or the time period for forwarding has expired, the piece is returned to the sender with the reason for nondelivery attached. Fees charged can vary by mail class and product.”USPS original
- Return Service RequestedRSR, Return Service Request
- An Ancillary Service endorsement printed on mail by the sender that directs USPS to return undeliverable-as-addressed mail with the new address or the reason for nondelivery attached. Fees charged can vary by mail class and product.Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Termspage 193“An Ancillary Service endorsement printed on mail by the sender that directs USPS to return undeliverable-as-addressed mail with the new address or the reason for nondelivery attached. Fees charged can vary by mail class and product.”USPS original
- Shipping Services FileSSF, Shipping Service Files
- The electronic file containing all manifest and payment information.Publication 199: Intelligent Mail Package Barcode (IMpb) Implementation Guide for Confirmation Services and Electronic Payment Systemspage 474“The electronic file containing all manifest and payment information.”USPS original
Documents
Sources
- Publication 32: Glossary of Postal TermsUSPS original
- PostalPro: Bulk Parcel Return ServiceUSPS original
- Parcel Labeling GuideUSPS original
- Intelligent Mail® Package Barcode (IMpb) ACS™ Technical GuideUSPS original
- Publication 199: Intelligent Mail Package Barcode (IMpb) Implementation Guide for Confirmation Services and Electronic Payment SystemsUSPS original
- Traditional ACS™ with Shipper Paid Services Technical GuideUSPS original
- Appendix C: ACS™ Product Code Information and DetailsUSPS original
- Mailer's Technical Advisory Committee - Best Practices for ACS™USPS original
- Move Update Methods Requirements Fact SheetUSPS original