In an effort to reduce the amount of undeliverable mail, the USPS has mandated as of November 23, 2008, that all automation discount mail (First Class and Standard Presort) must be processed through the NCOA (National Change of Address) database.

NCOA is a consolidated file of information that contains approximately 160 million permanent changes-of-address (COAs) filed with the USPS. These COAs are retained on the file for a four-year period, and the file is updated weekly.

The practical effect is this: An additional step has now been added to each First Class and Standard mailing project. In the past, NCOA processing was voluntary. It is now required.

The change primarily impacts Standard Presort mail, which in the past has been discarded by the USPS if undeliverable (unlike First Class Presort, which is returned to the sender). Now, with mandatory NCOA processing, the USPS expects many more Standard Presort pieces of mail to reach their intended destination, reducing waste.

VIA is fully compatible with the new NCOA regulations. To answer any questions about this change in NCOA or related direct mail questions, please call 800-VIA-5990 and ask for Barbara Romano.