Address Element Correction (AEC) —A process that identifies and revises incomplete or incorrect computerized address files and then attaches ZIP+4 and carrier route codes. It involves computer matching address records that cannot be coded using CASS-certified address matching software.
Airport Mail Center/Airport Mail Facility (AMC/AMF) —A postal facility at an airport that receives, concentrates, transfers, dispatches, and distributes mail transported by air.
Alternate Mailing System (AMS) —A procedure, authorized by the manager, Business Mailer Support, that provides methods for accepting permit imprint mail to ensure proper postage payment and mail preparation without verification by weight.
Ancillary Service —Forwarding, change, return, or address correction service included within a mail class. Depending on the mail class, these services are performed at a charge or at no additional charge, if and when the service is actually provided. Also see forward.
Ancillary Service Endorsement —A marking used by a mailer to request the new address of an addressee and to provide the USPS with instructions on how to handle mail that is undeliverable as addressed. Also see address correction service.
Additional Entry (AE) —A Post Office other than the office of original entry where a publisher is authorized to mail a Periodicals publication.
Address Change Service (ACS) —An automated process that provides change-of-address information to participating mailers who maintain computerized mailing lists. The information is captured in Computerized Forwarding System (CFS) units and sent to mailers on electronic media, which reduces the volume of manual change-of-address notices
Address Correction Service — A system of ancillary service endorsements that allows mailers to obtain the addressee’s new (forwarding) address or the reason for nondelivery.
Area Distribution Center (ADC) —A mail processing facility that receives and distributes mail destined for specific ZIP Codes. ADCs and their associated ZIP Codes are in DMM labeling list L004.
Army Post Office (APO) —A branch of a designated USPS civilian Post Office, which falls under the jurisdiction of the postmaster of either New York City or San Francisco, that serves either Army or Air Force personnel. Also see Military Post Office (MPO).
Aspect Ratio —The dimension of a mailpiece expressed as a ratio of length divided by height (for letters and cards, length is the dimension parallel to the address as read). For example, a postcard 5-1/2 inches long by 3-1/2 inches high has an aspect ratio of 1.57. An aspect ratio between 1.3 and 2.5, inclusive, is required for automation compatibility.
Automated Area Distribution Center (AADC) —A distribution center that uses multiline optical character readers (MLOCRs), barcode sorters, and other equipment designed for processing automation-compatible mail. Also see area distribution center (ADC).
Automation-Compatible Mail —Mail that can be scanned and processed by automated mail processing equipment such as a barcode sorter.
Automation Price —A postage discount offered to mailers who barcode their mailpieces and meet addressing, readability, and other requirements for processing on automated equipment.
Auxiliary Service Facility (ASF) —A mail processing facility, that has its own service area and serves as a satellite processing hub for a particular network distribution center (NDC).