Resources / Glossary

USPS direct-mail terms,defined in plain language.

Every confusing acronym you'll meet in direct mail. No marketing fluff.

CASS
Coding Accuracy Support System — USPS standard for validating and standardizing mailing addresses.
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NCOA
National Change of Address — USPS database of recent moves used to update mailing lists before print.
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EDDM
Every Door Direct Mail — USPS service that delivers your mail to every household on a selected carrier route.
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Carrier route
The geographic territory served by a single USPS letter carrier; the unit of selection in EDDM.
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EDDM Retail Indicia
The pre-printed postage marking on EDDM mail that replaces a stamp.
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First-Class Mail
USPS premium mail class with the fastest delivery and the highest rates.
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Standard Mail (Marketing Mail)
USPS bulk class for promotional mail; cheaper than first-class, slower delivery.
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