Quick Answer
USPS Full-Service is a preparation option using electronic documentation and Intelligent Mail data for qualifying mailings. USPS determines the applicable requirements, scan visibility, and any postage adjustments based on the specific mailpiece, class, preparation, and current standards. Mail Movers reviews the applicable requirements for a project.
Full-Service vs. Basic Mail: What's the Difference?
USPS preparation options have different documentation and data requirements. Basic and Full-Service preparation can involve different barcode, electronic-documentation, and address-quality processes; USPS determines the applicable conditions and adjustments for each mailing.
| Feature | Basic Mail | Full-Service Mail |
|---|---|---|
| Barcode type | Depends on preparation | IMb for qualifying cards, letters, and flats |
| Documentation | Depends on mailing | Electronic documentation when required |
| Address validation | Depends on mailing | Applicable USPS standards reviewed |
| Change of address | Depends on mailing | Applicable USPS standards reviewed |
| Postage adjustment | Depends on mailing | USPS review required |
| Presort preparation | Depends on mailing | USPS review required |
| Piece-level scan data | Depends on mailing | Availability varies by USPS scan events |
| Delivery information | Depends on mailing | Not a delivery guarantee |
| PostalOne! submission | Depends on mailing | Used when required by USPS |
The Six Requirements for Full-Service Certification
Full-Service preparation has USPS requirements that apply to qualifying mailings. Mail Movers reviews and handles the applicable steps with you; requirements are not assumed to apply to every mailing.
Intelligent Mail Barcodes (IMb)
For cards, letters, and flats, a qualifying piece-level IMb can encode routing, mailer ID, and a serial number. IMpb is the distinct barcode for packages. USPS determines applicable documentation and scan visibility for the mailing.
Electronic Documentation
Electronic documentation requirements, including PostalOne! or Mail.dat submission, depend on the specific mailing and current USPS standards. A provider can prepare applicable documentation for qualifying mailings.
CASS-Certified Addresses
Address-quality processing, including CASS and delivery-point validation where applicable, is reviewed under the standards for the mailing. It can help identify address issues but does not guarantee a postage adjustment or delivery outcome.
NCOA Processing
Move Update and NCOA processing requirements depend on mail class, preparation, and current USPS standards. Applicable timing is reviewed for the mailing.
Automation-Compatible Preparation
Mail must be sorted, bundled, and trayed to USPS automation specifications — correct orientation, facing, and sortation sequence — so it can be processed by USPS optical character readers and barcode sorters without manual intervention.
Mailer ID (MID)
A USPS Mailer ID may be used for qualifying Full-Service mailings. The applicable barcode and documentation requirements are reviewed for each job rather than assumed for every client or mailpiece.
How Much Does Full-Service Save on Postage?
Full-Service preparation can involve several USPS review factors. The table below summarizes the preparation areas; eligibility and any postage adjustment are determined for the specific mailing.
| Discount Type | Mail Class | Savings | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Service preparation | Qualifying classes | USPS review required | Mailpiece, documentation, and current standards reviewed |
| Presort preparation | Qualifying classes | USPS review required | Sortation and entry reviewed for the mailing |
| Destination entry | Qualifying classes | USPS review required | Eligible destination entry and mailing conditions |
| Address-quality processing | Applicable classes | USPS review required | Applicable address-quality standards reviewed |
Project-Specific Mailing Review
USPS postage, eligibility, and preparation depend on mail class, piece characteristics, address quality, sortation, entry, and current standards. Request a review for your proposed mailing instead of relying on a generalized savings example.
How Intelligent Mail Barcode (IMb) Tracking Works
A qualifying card, letter, or flat can carry a 65-bar Intelligent Mail barcode (IMb); IMpb is the distinct barcode for packages. USPS scan events can create visibility for qualifying mail, but scan availability and timing vary and do not create a delivery guarantee.
Induction Scan
When your mailing is accepted at a USPS Business Mail Entry Unit (BMEU), the containers are scanned and the mailing is registered in PostalOne!. This confirms USPS has taken possession of your mail.
Processing Facility Scans
As mail moves through Sectional Center Facilities (SCFs) and Delivery Distribution Centers (DDCs), IMb barcodes are scanned by automated sorting equipment. Each scan creates a timestamped event showing location and processing status.
Carrier Route Scan
At the destination Delivery Unit (DU), mail is sorted to individual carrier routes. This scan confirms your mail has reached the local post office serving your recipients.
Delivery Scan
For mailings enrolled in Informed Delivery, USPS scans mailpieces at the point of delivery and sends recipients a digital preview of their incoming mail. This scan also confirms final delivery.
Who Should Use Full-Service Mail?
Full-Service may be an appropriate preparation option for organizations whose specific mailing meets USPS conditions. A project review can determine whether it is appropriate for:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is USPS Full-Service Certification?
USPS Full-Service is a preparation option for qualifying mailings that uses electronic documentation and Intelligent Mail data. USPS determines the applicable requirements, scan visibility, and any postage adjustments for the specific mailpiece, class, preparation, and entry.
What is the difference between Full-Service and Basic mail?
Basic and Full-Service preparation have different USPS documentation and data requirements. Full-Service can use unique piece-level IMb data and electronic documentation for qualifying mailings; USPS determines the applicable preparation, adjustments, and available scan data for the job.
How much does Full-Service mail save on postage?
Any Full-Service adjustment depends on USPS class, mailpiece, preparation, entry, and current standards. Mail Movers reviews those factors and provides a project-specific quote rather than promising a per-piece or campaign-wide savings amount.
What is an Intelligent Mail barcode (IMb)?
An Intelligent Mail barcode (IMb) is a 65-bar USPS barcode for cards, letters, and flats. It can encode routing information, a mailer ID, and a serial number for qualifying mailpieces. IMpb is the distinct Intelligent Mail package barcode used for packages. Scan events and Full-Service requirements depend on the mailing and current USPS standards.
What is PostalOne! and how does it relate to Full-Service?
PostalOne! is a USPS electronic documentation system used for qualifying mailings. Required data and submission methods depend on the mailing and current USPS standards; electronic documentation can support postal review and acceptance when applicable.
Do I need to be Full-Service Certified to use Full-Service mail?
A mailer can work with a provider to review Full-Service preparation. The provider can prepare applicable barcodes and electronic documentation for a qualifying mailing, but USPS conditions determine whether Full-Service requirements and adjustments apply.
What is CASS and NCOA, and why are they required for Full-Service?
CASS (Coding Accuracy Support System) standardizes mailing addresses, and NCOA (National Change of Address) processing can update addresses for people and businesses that filed a change-of-address form. USPS address-quality and Move Update requirements depend on the mail class and preparation; Mail Movers reviews applicable processing for each mailing.
What types of mail qualify for Full-Service?
Full-Service availability depends on USPS mail class and current preparation standards. It may be relevant to qualifying First-Class presort, Marketing Mail, Periodicals, or Bound Printed Matter. Standalone invoices, statements, bills, municipal tax bills, and utility bills use First-Class Mail and are not eligible for Marketing Mail; ask us to review other mailings.
Related Resources
What Is Presort Mail?
Learn how USPS presort discounts work for First-Class and Marketing Mail — and how Full-Service stacks on top.
What Is Marketing Mail?
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What Is EDDM?
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