The @USPS OIG completed the first-ever audit of the Postal Automated Redirection System (PARS). PARS has improved mail forwarding rates over time, but challenges remain.
Here are some ways you can lessen the Financial Impact of Undeliverable Mail.
1. Real-Time Address Updates (Beyond USPS NCOA)
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USPS’s NCOA database only captures official COA requests. Best to use a provider with 48-month NCOA data, especially when you are unsure of the maintenance of your mailing list.
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Use ACS – and use the results from prior mailings. This will provide additional COA’s that NCOALink cannot provide, as well as information on other reasons for non-delivery. Plus, get this information already in electronic format AND a week earlier than physical returns.
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Many people don’t file COAs, or only do so late.
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Use a provider who can tap into alternate data sources (utilities, credit bureaus, subscription services) to identify recent moves that USPS hasn’t captured yet.
2. Mail Return Monitoring & Analysis
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When USPS returns mail as UAA (Undeliverable-As-Addressed) or NRM (No Record Mail), analyze those returns to:
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Identify patterns (e.g., bad formatting, wrong ZIP codes)
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Flag addresses that consistently fail
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Recommend corrections or deactivations
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3. Proactive Address Hygiene
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Before mail is sent, we run lists through:
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Address standardization tools (e.g., correcting “St” to “Street”)
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Delivery Point Validation (DPV)
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Residential Delivery Indicator (RDI) checks
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This prevents bad addresses from entering the UAA mailstream to begin with.
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4. Return Mail Suppression & Filtering
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We can filter out undeliverable records or flag addresses with high risk before mailing, saving print and postage costs.
5. Fallback Communication Triggers
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When physical mail fails and PARS can’t redirect it, providers can:
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Notify the business
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Automatically trigger email, SMS, or call follow-ups to reach the customer
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Update CRMs to prevent future bad mailings
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When PARS falls short, GrayHair can fill critical gaps in address management and prevent the waste, delays, and costs associated with undeliverable mail. Questions? Contact GrayHair today.
https://www.uspsoig.gov/
