presort levels

presort levels - Terms used for presort levels are defined as follows: 

• firm:  all pieces for delivery at the business address shown on the top piece of a package or bundle. 

• carrier route:  all pieces for delivery on the same city route, rural route, highway contract route, post office box section, or general delivery unit. [m2]• 5-digit:  the delivery address on all pieces includes the same 5-digit ZIP Code. 

• 5-digit scheme:  the 5-digit ZIP Codes identified in the USPS City State File and processed by the USPS as a single scheme and that, subject to standard, may be presorted together as a single group. The 5-digit scheme sort is always optional. 

• 3-digit:  the ZIP Code in the delivery address on all pieces begins with the same three digits. 

• 3-digit scheme:  the ZIP Code on the delivery address on all pieces begins with one of the 3-digit prefixes processed by the USPS as a single scheme and that, subject to standard, may be presorted together as a single group. 

• entry SCF 3-digit(s):  the ZIP Code in the delivery address on all pieces begins with one of the 3-digit prefixes processed at the postal facility in whose service area the mailer is located. 

• SCF:  the separation includes pieces for two or more 3-digit areas served by the same SCF. 

• ADC/AADC:  all pieces are addressed for delivery in the service area of the same ADC or AADC. 

• ASF/BMC:  all pieces are addressed for delivery in the service area of the same ASF or BMC.

• DSCF:  pieces sorted to and entered at the destination SCF. (Also see plant-verified drop shipment.) 

• DDU:  pieces sorted to and entered at the destination delivery unit. 

• BMC Presort:  pieces sorted to BMCs if machinable or BMC/ASF if nonmachinable. Entered at a facility (other than BMC) that accepts bulk mail. 

• OBMC Presort:  pieces sorted to BMCs if machinable or BMC/ASF if nonmachinable. Entered at a BMC. 

• mixed (BMC, AADC, etc.):  the pieces are for more than one presort destination. 

• residual [pieces\/packages\/sacks]:  mail that is left over after completion of a presort sequence. Residual mail lacks the volume set by standard to require or permit package or bundle preparation to a particular destination. (Also called nonqualifying or working mail.)