What are move update standards?

In order to reduce the amount of returned and forwarded mail, the USPS requires that certain types of mail have addresses updated before mailing.

When are the new standards affective?

New move update standards go into affect November 23, 2008. 

What are the new standards?

Mailing lists must be processed through an approved Move Update process within 95 days of mailing. This applies to all standard mail as well as automation-rate and presort-rate first class mail.

How does Cole Information ensure I am in compliance with these standards?

Each month, Cole loads a new database for our online products.  Before the data is loaded, it has been run through National Change of Address (NCOA) processing. This allows us to update the addresses of people that have filled out a change of address form at the post office. We are providing you with the NCOA reports through a link on our website.  The USPS’ website instructs you to retain this report for 2 years.

In order to be compliant, and to make sure as much of your mail is delivered as possible, you should download an updated list each time you mail. 

If you don’t want to create a new list each time you mail, be sure to download the NCOA report. It will have the NCOA date for your list.  As long as you don’t mail your list after 95 days from the date NCOA was run, you will be in compliance.

For more information, please follow this link:

http://www.usps.com/mailpro/2008/mayjune/page5.htm