Glossary of Postal Terms Transmittal Letter

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Publication 32

July 2013 Transmittal Letter

A. Purpose. This glossary defines the most widely used words and phrases unique to, or with special meaning within, the United States Postal Service?. It includes terms related to products and services, delivery and mail processing operations, automation technology, and strategic programs that boost productivity and improve the customer experience. This glossary does not, however, present comprehensive descriptions or furnish precise legal definitions such as those in 39 U.S.C and 39 C.F.R. If the glossary definition of a term contradicts the definition of the same term in another official and current Postal ServiceTM directive, the directive definition supersedes the glossary definition.

B. Questions and Comments. Questions and comments, including suggestions for revisions or additions of terms, can be sent to:

PolicyNet@

or

PUBLICATION 32 EDITOR BRAND AND POLICY US POSTAL SERVICE 475 L'ENFANT PLZ SW RM 4646 WASHINGTON DC 20260-3101

C. Cancellations. All previous issues of Publication 32 are obsolete.

D. Effective Date. This publication is effective July 2013.

Samuel M. Pulcrano Vice President Corporate Communications

Contents

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Format and Organization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4

Acronyms and Abbreviations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4

Alphabetization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Capitalization. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Forms and Publications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Trademarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4

Postal Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

List of Acronyms/Abbreviations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239

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Publication 32

Introduction

Publication 32, Glossary of Postal Terms, first appeared in 1974, and has been updated several times since then to reflect the introduction of new products and services, as well as advances in mail processing and delivery operations. The current edition is the result of a year-long effort by subject matter experts from every function within the Postal Service. These experts added hundreds of new entries, including terms related to the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act of 2006. Many existing terms were also updated when appropriate. Most obsolete terms were deleted, but some that might still appear in print were retained and cross-referenced to the current term.

Format and Organization

This online edition departs from the traditional dictionary-style design of previous editions. The tabular format facilitates searches and lays the foundation for possible new features in future editions. Each entry in the table can consist of up to five separate elements as shown in the sample illustration and explained by the following keys.

Sample Glossary Entries

Term AADC

Acronym / Abbreviation

abandoned mail

Definition

(1) A presort level in which all pieces in the bundle or container are addressed for delivery in the service area of the same automated area distribution center (AADC). (2) An abbreviation used on mail container labels that identifies the contents as automated area distribution center mail (i.e., the ZIP Codes on the mail are served by the AADC).

CrossReference (Compare with ADC.)

(See unclaimed mail.)

Function PC

PC

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