Big Changes to 5-Digit Mail

Tuesday, Jun 28th 2022

One of the less advertised changes USPS enacted this month was a drastic shift in the way 5-digit schemes are created. (A 5-digit scheme is a group of multiple ZIP codes that all have the carriers collect their mail at the same location.) Previously, the individual offices would report these co-processing sites to headquarters, and now headquarters is doing the calculations themselves. This means the number of ZIP codes  that are “schemed” together grew significantly this month (the number more than doubled). Unfortunately, not all entry locations were notified of this change.

5-digit schemes are listed in Labeling List L012. Pieces headed to all the ZIP codes in the scheme are combined into the same tray, and together count toward the minimum 150 pieces for 5-digit rates. If you have trouble at mail entry due to these changes, ensure that the facility’s MERLIN machine has been updated. The DMM reference for this change is available in a recent edition of the Postal Bulletin.