Items that are returned must be packed to ensure adequate protection during transit. Items are returned to the designated facility (MDC or Repair) using the mail system or TMSP and must include an Electronic Return Program (ERP) return label, a computer-generated tag that eliminates the manual recording of information at field sites, which is available on the Postal Service’s intranet (at the depot repair operations site) at http://crf.usps.gov/asp/ofc_entry_tab.asp.
The ERP must also be used to obtain and print the appropriate address labels used for the return of repairable items to destinations (ship-to address). The ERP generates addresses other than the Topeka MDC that reduce handling and transportation costs by eliminating the Topeka MDC as an intermediary destination. Addresses may vary on occasion for a given item, resulting from the available amount of stock on hand and need to repair the item. Procedures are in place to ensure that these items are processed correctly at the receiving point, proper credits are given, and one-for-one returns are generated, when appropriate.