Effective October 25, 2007, we are revising the following sections and appendices of Publication 205, Electronic Verification System Business and Technical Guide, to provide additional information on how parcel mailers and shippers apply for and receive approval to manifest parcel mail using the electronic verification system (eVS). We are making minor amendments to chapters 2, 3, 4, and 6, and to Appendix A and Appendix G.
Also, for stylistic consistency throughout the publication, we are using initial capitalization for the terms “Electronic File Number,” “Header Record,” and “Package Identification Code.” (However, in the revision text published in this article, we are not noting each separate instance of these minor grammatical revisions.)
The sections below have further descriptions of the revisions to Publication 205.
With the growing mailer interest in eVS, we are including more information about the steps that a mailer must take to begin manifesting parcel mail under eVS. As a consequence, we have expanded the descriptions of the application and testing processes in section 1-3 of Publication 205 to clarify the sequence of events required to receive approval for eVS. eVS applicants must complete the four major steps as shown in the new Exhibit 1-3.1 to receive that approval and begin using eVS for postage payment.
Each eVS applicant must establish a new permit account by completing PS Form 3615, Mailing Permit Application and Customer Profile, and paying any required annual mailing fee at the administering district Business Mail Entry Unit. This new permit number must appear in all manifest file header records and must be linked to a postage payment debit account — Centralized Account Processing System (CAPS) debit account — for automatic payment each time a postage statement is generated after eVS successfully processes the mailer’s transmitted manifest files. A permit imprint number in a header record that is not registered for eVS and not properly linked will cause the manifest files to fail.
A permit number registered for eVS may not be used for non-eVS mail. This restriction ensures that eVS financial transactions remain separate from non-eVS financial transactions related to the same CAPS account. Additionally, this restriction enables the eVS mailer to reconcile financial transactions for various types of mailings prepared using different Postal Service payment systems.
As a fully automated system, eVS requires a CAPS debit account for postage payment. Postage payment occurs each time a postage statement is generated from successfully processed eVS manifest files. The postage statement transaction for a withdrawal is recorded and can be viewed in the eVS mailer’s CAPS account. The eVS applicant designates a debit-enabled bank account for postage charges. The bank account is debited for the day’s total postage on the next bank business day.
To apply for a CAPS account, the eVS applicant accesses the CAPS Web site at http://caps.usps.gov and clicks on Forms, completes the appropriate CAPS forms online, prints hardcopies, signs the forms, and mails the forms to the CAPS Service Center (the address is noted on the Forms page at the CAPS Web site). The following forms are available at the CAPS Web site:
- PS Form 6001, Centralized Account Processing System (CAPS) Account Application.
- PS Form 6002, Accounts and Services to Be Paid Through CAPS.
- PS Form 6003, Centralized Account Processing System (CAPS) Electronic Funds Transfer Authorization Agreement.
Processing a CAPS application requires 10–14 days. Account number, password, electronic file transfer (EFT) instructions, and other U.S. Postal Service (USPS) information are provided by mail. Other information about CAPS is available on the CAPS Web site at http://caps.usps.gov.
Each eVS applicant must also obtain a master Mailer ID (a number similar to the master DUNS number previously required for eVS and still used by eVS mailers authorized to manifest under eVS before August 11, 2007). A master Mailer ID must be requested from Postal Service Confirmation Services Support at the National Customer Support Center, using the new “eVS/PRS Mailer ID Application” included in Appendix B. A master Mailer ID is required for the 22-digit Electronic File Number that appears in every header record for all eVS manifest files; it also identifies the mailer in the Product Tracking System, in eVS, in PostalOne!, and in two sampling databases.
Two new applications — “eVS Pre-Application Profile” and “eVS/PRS Mailer ID Application” — are added to Appendix B. These applications guide an eVS applicant through the steps for setting up necessary financial accounts and obtaining the required master Mailer ID. Before an applicant can test eVS files, the Postal Service must create mailer profiles — using these accounts and the master Mailer ID — in Postal Service databases, including Account Management Delivery Confirmation (AMDC) for the Product Tracking System and databases for eVS, PostalOne!, and the sampling systems. At the same time, the applications present important information about the applicant’s mailing sites and mail classes used.
Appendix C now includes descriptions and links to Postal Service forms required for the eVS application process except the online forms required to establish the postage payment debit account.
Publication 205, Electronic Verification System Business and Technical Guide
1 The Basics
* * * * *
1-3 eVS Participation
[Revise 1-3 to read as follows:]
1-3.1 Step 1: Mailer Account Numbers
To participate in eVS, an applicant must first have or establish a new permit imprint account, a postage payment account, and a master Mailer ID account, using the Electronic Verification System Pre-Application Profile (see Appendix B):
a. Permit Imprint Account. The eVS applicant must have or establish a single permit account number for eVS at the administering district business mail entry unit closest to the mailer’s corporate office. To apply for the new permit imprint account number, the applicant uses PS Form 3615, Mailing Permit Application and Customer Profile (see Appendix C). The Post Office where the business mail entry unit is located is generally considered the Post Office of Account for the eVS mailer. No two eVS mailers may use the same permit imprint number. The PostalOne! Help Desk coordinates the assignment of permit imprint account numbers unique to the eVS program. The following requirements apply to an eVS permit imprint account:
(1) Abbreviations or Aliases. The permit imprint indicia on all eVS mail must display the name, abbreviation, or alias reported to the Postal Service for the permit imprint account. The mailer’s company name shown on PS Form 3615 and entered into the PostalOne! database is the name that appears in the mailer’s eVS account and in the sampling databases. The same name is required to appear in the permit imprint indicia on the mailing label. When applying for the new permit, the mailer must include company aliases and abbreviations to be used as alternative names in the permit imprint indicia. For example, Acme Enterprise Solutions may prefer to display “AES” in the permit imprint indicia rather “Acme Enterprise Solutions.”
(2) File Transmissions. Both the permit imprint account number and the corresponding 5-digit ZIP Code™ of the issuing Post Office (termed the “Post Office of Account” or “permit ZIP Code”) must appear in the header records of all eVS manifest files.
(3) Postage Payment Link. The permit imprint account number must be linked to the mailer’s postage payment debit account — a Centralized Account Processing System (CAPS) debit account as described in 1-3.1b — for automatic payment each time a postage statement is generated from the successful eVS processing of manifest file records.
(4) Exclusive eVS Use. The permit imprint number registered for eVS must be used for all eVS mailings. An eVS permit number may not be used for non-eVS mail. This restriction ensures that eVS financial transactions remain separate from non-eVS financial transactions related to the same CAPS account. Additionally, this separation by permit number helps the eVS mailer to reconcile financial transactions for various types of mailings prepared under different Postal Service payment systems. The exclusive eVS permit account number may appear as part of the permit imprint indicia as specified and illustrated in section 1-5.
(5) Annual Mailing Fees. The mailer must pay all applicable presort or destination entry mailing fees as required by the DMM at the administering district business mail entry unit (the Post Office of Account) where the eVS permit imprint account is held. The annual mailing fees are paid only at the Post Office of Account. Payment of annual mailing fees is not required under eVS at each Post Office serving a destination entry postal facility where eVS mail is deposited.
b. Postage Payment Account. The mailer must have or establish a PostalOne! postage payment debit account. This account is used for automatic funds withdrawal each time a postage statement is generated by eVS from the eVS mailer’s transmitted manifest files. The permit account number registered in eVS is linked to the postage payment account (CAPS account) in PostalOne! to handle the funds withdrawal.
The postage statement transaction for the withdrawal is recorded and can be viewed in the eVS mailer’s CAPS account. The eVS applicant designates a debit-enabled bank account for postage charges. The bank account is debited for the total day’s postage on the next bank business day.
(1) PS Form 6001, Centralized Account Processing System (CAPS) Account Application, is the application for establishing a national CAPS account. All eVS applicants without a CAPS account or wanting a separate CAPS account must complete and submit this form to obtain a CAPS account.
(2) PS Form 6002, Accounts and Services to be Paid Through CAPS, is the form for listing the local account numbers that the eVS applicant wishes to link to the CAPS account. All eVS applicants must complete and submit this form with information to link their unique eVS permit account number to their CAPS debit account.
(3) PS Form 6003, Centralized Account Processing System (CAPS) Electronic Funds Transfer Authorization Agreement, is the form for authorizing the Postal Service to debit the customer’s bank account. All eVS applicants must complete this form to establish the debit account required for eVS.
c. Mailer Identification Numbers. The eVS applicant must have or obtain a unique master Mailer ID from the Postal Service for all manifest file transmissions and, if desired, obtain additional Mailer IDs for parcel records in the manifest files. The master Mailer ID identifies the applicant in eVS, PostalOne!, and sampling databases. Additional Mailer IDs can be used to designate the applicant’s mail facilities, distribution centers, or divisions within the company; or the Mailer IDs can be used to designate clients.
The eVS applicant requests a unique master Mailer ID and additional Mailer IDs from Postal Service Confirmation Services Support at the National Customer Support Center, using eVS/PRS Mailer ID Application (see Appendix B). eVS mailers using DUNS numbers previously registered and certified with the Postal Service before August 11, 2007, may continue using those numbers as Mailer IDs. The following requirements apply to eVS Mailer IDs:
(1) File Transmission. A master Mailer ID registered to a mailer for eVS must be used in the Electronic File Number (see Appendix A) in the header record of every eVS manifest file transmitted by the mailer. No other Mailer ID may be used for eVS manifest files transmitted by that mailer.
(2) Shared Services Master Mailer ID. A shared services master Mailer ID is a Mailer ID registered to a mailer and certified for eVS and also registered to the same mailer and certified for a non-eVS service such as Delivery Confirmation. A shared services master Mailer ID may be used for sending eVS and non-eVS files and receiving data from the Postal Service for such shared services file types. Shared services master Mailer IDs, however, may not be used in the Package Identification Codes (PICs) of either eVS mail or non-eVS mail. To facilitate reconciling transmission data, the eVS mailer should request separate master Mailer IDs for the different file types.
(3) Package Identification Code. Mailer IDs used in the Package Identification Code (PIC) (see Appendix A) in the manifest file detail records and the associated parcel barcodes printed on the mailing labels require the following:
(a) Master Mailer ID. A master Mailer ID registered and certified only for eVS file transmissions and not for any other service may also be used in the PICs in the manifest file detail records and the associated parcel barcodes printed on the mailing labels.
(b) Shared Services Master Mailer ID. A master Mailer ID registered and certified for transmitting eVS files and other file types such as Delivery Confirmation may not be used in the PICs in the detail records for eVS mail and for non-eVS mail.
(c) Parcel Mailer IDs. eVS applicants and current eVS mailers can request additional Mailer IDs for PICs for identifying mailer processing facilities, distribution centers, mailer divisions within a company, or even mailer clients. Parcel Mailer IDs certified for eVS, and identified in the database as “labels only” mailer IDs, may not be used for non-eVS mail. Mailer IDs not certified for eVS but certified for other services such as Delivery Confirmation may not be used for eVS mail. This requirement helps mailers and the Postal Service identify all mail handled under eVS, and it eliminates potential issues with reconciling unmanifested eVS and non-eVS parcels.
Exhibit 1-3.1
eVS Application Steps
Step 1: Mailer Account Numbers
|
a. Account Numbers. Determine account numbers needed in Postal Service databases by completing eVS Pre-Application Profile (see Appendix B).
|
b. New Permit Number. Obtain new permit imprint account number by completing PS Form 3615, Mailing Permit Application and Customer Profile (see Appendix C).
|
c. CAPS Account. Obtain or link an exiting CAPS account to new permit account by completing these forms from the CAPS Web site at http://www.caps.usps.gov:
(1) PS Form 6001, Centralized Account Processing System (CAPS) Account Application.
(2) PS Form 6002, Accounts and Services to Be Paid Through CAPS.
(3) PS Form 6003, Centralized Account Processing System (CAPS) Electronic Funds Transfer Authorization Agreement.
|
d. Mailer ID. Request a master Mailer ID and additional parcel Mailer IDs (for internal divisions or mailer clients) by completing eVS/PRS Mailer ID Application (see Appendix B).
|
Step 2: Mailing Information and Computer Access
|
a. eVS Profile in Product Tracking System. Establish eVS profile for file and barcode certification testing by completing PS Form 5051, Confirmation Services — Electronic Option Application (see Appendix C).
|
b. File Transfer. Set up eVS file transfer mechanism with Postal Service and receive logon and password by completing PS Form 1357–S, Request for Computer Access (see Appendix C).
|
c. eVS PostalOne! Web Page. Receive logon ID and password to view mailer’s PostalOne! eVS Web page by completing PS Form 1357–C, Customer Request for Web Access (see Appendix C).
|
d. Mailing Information. Provide information about your mailing operations to help Postal Service determine required support by completing Electronic Verification System Application (see Appendix B).
|
Step 3: Certification and Quality Assurance
|
a. Software. Develop or obtain software meeting eVS file specifications for manifesting parcels and producing parcel barcodes.
|
b. File and Label Format. Achieve eVS file and barcode format and content certification by completing PS Form 5052, Printer Certification Submission (see Appendix C).
|
c. File and Label Content. Complete eVS file and label content evaluation by submitting eVS Level 1 Evaluation Order Form at
http://ribbs.usps.gov/mac.htm.
|
d. Quality Assurance. Develop and administer quality assurance for accurate mail production, postage payment, mail classification, and file transmissions (see chapter 5).
|
Step 4: Mailing Test and Service Agreement
|
a. Mailing Test. Conduct a successful test transmitting eVS manifest files for actual mailings.
|
b. Mailing Agreement. Enter into an eVS manifest mailing agreement (see Appendix D).
|
1-3.2 Step 2: Mailing Information and Computer Access
After obtaining or establishing the necessary accounts and paying applicable permit and annual mailing fees, the applicant must do the following:
a. Computer Access and eVS Profile. Complete and submit PS Form 1357-C, Customer Request for Web Access (see Appendix C). This request is used to receive a logon ID and password needed to view the future eVS mailer’s own eVS account in PostalOne! A separate PS Form 1357-C must be submitted for each company representative requiring access to the mailer’s eVS account. Along with other information about the mailer such as the master Mailer ID and permit number, an eVS account is created in both the production and development environments once PS Form 1357-C is received and processed. After the eVS account is established, the mailer can view the eVS Monthly Account and Sampling Summary and related reports. Signed originals of PS Form 1357-C must be mailed to the PostalOne! Help Desk or included with the PS Form 1357-S and PS Form 5051 mailed to Confirmation Services Support.
b. Computer Access and File Transfer. Complete and submit PS Form 1357-S, Request for Computer Access, to set up the file transfer mechanism with the Postal Service. Access is via a logon ID and password, unique to each eVS mailer, provided by the Postal Service. PS Form 1357-S is not required if the applicant plans to use Electronic Data Interchange (EDI). An applicant interested in EDI can contact Confirmation Services Support for information.
c. Account Management Delivery Confirmation (AMDC) Customer Profile. Complete and submit PS Form 5051, Confirmation Services — Electronic Option Application. This is an administrative application for establishing a customer profile, with contact information in the Account Management Delivery Confirmation (AMDC) database. The following two elements are critical:
(1) Master Mailer ID. The creation of the mailer’s profile in AMDC cannot be completed without this number. A master Mailer ID can be obtained using the eVS/PRS Mailer ID Application described in 1–3.1c (see Appendix B).
(2) File Testing Mechanism. Although the creation of the mailer’s profile in AMDC can be completed without this information, file testing cannot occur until the transfer mechanism is completed using PS Form 1357-S and the mailer has received a logon ID and password. The certification profile in AMDC is used to preset the eVS certification status to pending for testing files and label barcodes. When the certification status is pending, transmitted test files flow to Confirmation Services Support at the National Customer Support Center for review and to the PostalOne! development server for posting in the mailer’s eVS account:
(a) Unregistered Mailer ID. An eVS manifest file header record containing a master Mailer ID not registered in AMDC cannot be processed for eVS by the Product Tracking System and causes the file to fail.
(b) Registered Mailer ID in Pending Status. An eVS manifest file header record containing a master Mailer ID registered in AMDC but in a pending status cannot be processed for eVS production but can be processed for eVS testing. A pending status in AMDC indicates that required file testing and certification have not taken place or have not been successful.
(c) Registered Mailer ID in Certified Status. An eVS manifest file header record containing a master Mailer ID registered in AMDC and having a certified status is processed through eVS production for postage payment.
d. eVS Manifest Application. Complete and submit the comprehensive Electronic Verification System Application (see Appendix B). The application solicits mailer information for determining the projected level of file testing and estimated range of postal resources needed to help the applicant meet all eVS requirements for manifesting. The application collects the following information:
(1) General information about the applicant’s company.
(2) Postal Service account information including permit account number, CAPS account, and Mailer IDs.
(3) Parcel products used by the applicant.
(4) Acceptance points for mail verification.
(5) Mailer sort facilities for mail preparation.
(6) Entry facilities for mail deposit.
(7) Quality control processes.
(8) Manifest system capabilities.
1-3.3 Step 3: Certification and Quality Control
After completing the applications and all required forms, the applicant must do the following:
a. Software. Develop or obtain computer software that meets eVS electronic file specifications for manifesting parcels and the barcode specifications for producing accurate and scannable barcodes printed on the parcel mailing labels.
b. File and Label Certification. eVS file and label certification consists of two related but independent testing processes:
(1) eVS Confirmation Services Certification. The eVS Confirmation Services Certification process checks the format of eVS electronic files and barcode labels. If the applicant has been previously certified to transmit Confirmation Services manifests for Delivery Confirmation and to generate the corresponding UCC/EAN 128 Code barcoded labels, minimal changes are required to meet eVS file and label format specifications. The eVS applicant is required to generate eVS files using the format and coding in Appendix A and Appendix G, and to transmit them through the transmission account established using PS Form 1357-S. The eVS application is also required to print two types of barcode labels corresponding to the Package Identification Codes in the manifest files: eVS barcode labels with Delivery Confirmation (using Service Type Code 01 or 02 as appropriate to the mail class) and eVS barcode labels without any Extra Service (using Service Type Code 56) as specified and illustrated in chapter 3.
(2) eVS File and Label Evaluation. The eVS Evaluation process checks rate calculations, entry and destination ZIP Codes, and the application of zones for zone-rated mail, as well as individual coding and coding configurations as specified in Appendix A and Appendix G. Label content is also checked to ensure that rate and class markings, ancillary service endorsements, and other markings meet the standards in the DMM.
c. Quality Assurance. Develop and administer effective quality assurance procedures to ensure the integrity and accuracy of the mailer’s mail production, postage payment, mail classification, and file transmissions as described in Chapter 5.
1-3.4 Step 4: Mailing Test and Service Agreement
After meeting all requirements to participate in eVS, the mailer must do the following to receive Postal Service approval to manifest parcel mail using eVS:
a. Mailing Test. Complete a test during which eVS manifest files are transmitted and mailings are made to determine the accuracy of the mailer’s system. File and label evaluation and certification must be completed before mailing tests are permitted. In most cases, mailings are presented under both existing plant-verified drop shipment and eVS procedures. The length of a test can vary, based on the issues identified. The test allows the prospective eVS mailer and the Postal Service to resolve potential issues and to monitor the effectiveness of quality control procedures. The type of test depends on whether the prospective eVS mailer is already manifesting parcel mail:
(1) Manifest Mailer. For a mailer already manifesting parcel mail, the Postal Service coordinates a parallel test run. During the test period, mailings are deposited and accepted using both eVS and existing plant-verified drop shipment (PVDS) procedures. Postage payment continues under existing processes, and the mailer continues to produce required postage statements, manifests, and PS Forms 8125 during the test.
(2) Non-manifest Mailer. For a mailer not manifesting parcel mail, the Postal Service coordinates testing procedures before actual mailings are deposited and postage withdrawn from the mailer’s postage payment account.
b. Mailing Agreement. Enter into an eVS Manifest Mailing Agreement with the Postal Service (see Appendix D for a sample agreement). Once the mailer meets the requirements and testing for eVS, an eVS manifest mailing agreement is prepared between the mailer and the Postal Service. The agreement contains the terms and conditions for preparing and presenting eVS mailings to the Postal Service.
* * * * *
2 Electronic Files and Manifests
2-1 eVS File and Manifest Structure
* * * * *
2-1.4 Header Record
[In the second sentence of the first paragraph, revise the text by changing “the mailer’s corporate ID number (or DUNS number), the mailer’s permit account number” to “the mailer’s master Mailer ID, the mailer’s permit imprint account number,” to read as follows:]
***The Header Record contains the mailer’s master Mailer ID, the mailer’s permit imprint account number, and the 5–digit ZIP Code of the Post Office of Account corresponding to the permit account number.
* * * * *
2-1.5 Detail Record 1
[Revise the first two paragraphs of 2-1.5 to read as follows:]
Each Detail Record 1, which is 200 bytes long, contains information about an individual parcel under the Header Record in the electronic manifest. Information about the parcel includes mail class, destination ZIP Code, postage amount, weight, processing category, rate and destination rate indicators, zone, postal routing barcode, Extra Services such as Delivery Confirmation, and any discount or surcharge.
Detail Record 1 contains a 22-digit Package Identification Code (PIC) that identifies the parcel and includes either the mailer’s master Mailer ID (or another Mailer ID registered for the mailer) or the Mailer ID of the mailer’s client. The PIC must remain unique for a 12-month period from first use. The Postal Service is exploring shortening that period to 6 months and will announce any change to this policy through the Postal Bulletin.
* * * * *
3 Barcode Requirements
3-1 Barcode Symbology and Use
* * * * *
[In the third sentence of the second paragraph, revise the text by changing “customer ID number or DUNS number” to “Mailer ID,” to read as follows:]
***In addition, each PIC must contain a Mailer ID that is unique to the mailer or the mailer’s client.
* * * * *
3-6 Barcode Elements
3-6.1 Integrated Barcodes
* * * * *
[In the “Data” column of Exhibit 3-6.1, revise the text by changing “Customer ID or DUNS Number” to “Mailer ID.”]
* * * * *
[Revise the title and text of 3-6.6 to read as follows:]
3-6.6 Mailer ID
A Mailer ID provided by the Postal Service or a DUNS number previously authorized for eVS before August 11, 2007, must be used in the barcode to identify the mailer or the mailer’s client. A Mailer ID can uniquely identify a mailer’s business at specific geographical locations, divisions within a mailer’s business, or clients of the mailer. Mailers or their clients who need to obtain Mailer IDs must complete the “eVS/PRS Mailer ID Application” (see Appendix B), or they can contact Confirmation Services Support via eVS@usps.gov.
* * * * *
3-7 Calculating MOD 10 Check Digits
3-7.1 Calculation
* * * * *
[In the “Description” column Exhibit 3-7.1, revise the text by changing “DUNS Number” to “Mailer ID”.]
* * * * *
4 Postage Verification and Adjustment
* * * * *
4-3 Postage Adjustments
* * * * *
4-3.2 Unmanifested Confirmation Services Parcels
[In the second sentence of the first paragraph, revise the text by changing “9-digit mailer ID or DUNS number” to “Mailer ID,” to read as follows:]
***These unmanifested Confirmation Services parcels are linked in databases to eVS mailers through the Mailer ID within the 22-digit Package Identification Code (PIC) on the mailing label affixed to the parcels.
* * * * *
6 eVS Reports
* * * * *
6-3 Reports
* * * * *
6-3.5 Manifest Summary Report
[In the second sentence, revise the text by changing in two places “DUNS number” to “Mailer ID,” to read as follows:]
***The report shows the 22-digit Electronic File Number, transmission date, mailing date in the Header Record, total number of parcel records accepted and processed, total manifest postage declared in the mailer’s manifest file, any invalid Service Type Code (STC), any invalid Mailer ID (a Mailer ID used by the mailer but not registered in the mailer’s account), and duplicate Package Identification Codes (PICs).***
* * * * *
6-3.10 Postage Statement Summary Report
* * * * *
[Replace the second paragraph of 6-3.10 with the following two paragraphs, to read as follows:]
Each time the mailer sends a transmission file containing one or more manifests successfully processed by PostalOne!, the PostalOne! Wizard Web Service (WWS) generates a separate postage statement, by processing category, for each class or subclass of mail in that transmission file. For example, if the transmission file contains four successfully processed manifests for four destination entry facilities, and each manifest contains machinable Parcel Select parcels, machinable Standard Mail parcels, and irregular Standard Mail parcels, then WWS generates three postage statements: one for the machinable Parcel Select parcels, one for the machinable Standard Mail parcels, and one for the irregular Standard Mail parcels.
The total amount on each postage statement — which is the amount recalculated by eVS using the codes and parcel weights in the mailer’s manifest files — is then automatically withdrawn from the mailer’s postage payment account. Withdrawals can be verified by checking the transaction amounts in the postage payment account with the amounts on the generated postage statements. This arrangement allows the mailer to trace each transaction in the postage payment account to a successfully generated postage statement. The Postage Statement Summary Report is accessed from the hyperlink “Postage Statement Summary” and the hyperlinks in lines 1b and 1c on the Monthly Account Summary section.
* * * * *
[Delete chapter 7 — the information previously included there has been included with the revision to section 1-3.]
Appendix A, eVS Electronic File Layout
Content and Explanation
[Revise the first two paragraphs to read as follows:]
This appendix contains the flat file layout for the Header Record, Detail Record 1, and Detail Record 2 of the electronic manifest file. Detail Record 2 is currently not available for eVS mailings. Substantive changes since the previous edition of Publication 205 appear in bold lettering and underlined.
Since August 11, 2007, eVS mailers who require new or additional mailer or customer identification numbers must request Mailer IDs from Confirmation Services Support at the National Customer Support Center, using the “eVS/PRS Mailer ID Application” in Appendix B. eVS mailers authorized before August 11, 2007, to use DUNS numbers issued by Dun & Bradstreet may continue to use those numbers as Mailer IDs in their manifest file records. For purposes of uniformity, the term “Mailer ID” is introduced and refers either to a Mailer ID issued by the Postal Service or to a DUNS number previously authorized for an eVS mailer. The following fields use Mailer IDs:
a. Header Record Electronic File Number (EFN) (record positions 004–025).
b. Detail Record 1 Package Identification Code (PIC) (record positions 005–026).
c. Detail Record 1 Client ID/DUNS Number (positions 122–130).
d. Detail Record 2 Package Identification Code (PIC) (record positions 003–024).
* * * * *
Header Record
Mailers creating eVS electronic manifests need to be especially careful to observe the following data elements for each Header Record:
[In each item in this section, revise the text by changing “in the file” to “in the transmission file” (the phrase occurs at the end of each item except item c, where it occurs in the middle of the last sentence), and revise item b by changing “9-digit DUNS number” to “Mailer ID,” to read as follows:]
a. Electronic File Type (position 003). This type is always “5” for eVS files. The Electronic File Type will be the same in every Header Record in the transmission file.
b. Electronic File Number (positions 004–025). This 22–digit unique number identifies the electronic manifest file with the 2-digit application identifier “91”; 2–digit Service Type Code “50”; Mailer ID unique to the mailer transmitting the manifest file; an 8-digit fixed length sequential number unique for 12 months from date of first use; and a 1-digit MOD 10 check digit. The Electronic File Number will vary for each Header Record in the transmission file.
c. Entry Facility ZIP Code (positions 040–044). This 5–digit number is the 5-digit ZIP Code of the Post Office where mail is presented by the mailer. The Entry Facility ZIP Code can vary for each Header Record in the transmission file, but more than one Header Record may have the same Entry Facility ZIP Code.
d. Permit Account Number (positions 045–054). This 10–digit number includes leading zeros and the permit imprint account number used exclusively for eVS that is linked to the postage payment account. For example, permit 12 is presented as 0000000012. The Permit Account Number will be the same for every Header Record in the transmission file.
e. Post Office of Account ZIP Code (positions 057–061). This 5-digit number is the 5-digit ZIP Code of the Post Office that maintains the permit account linked to the mailer’s postage payment account. The Post Office of Account ZIP Code will be the same for every Header Record in the transmission file.
f. Unique Developer ID Code (positions 078–080). The 3–character designation will be provided to each software vendor upon successfully completing the Postal Service file certification process. The Unique Developer ID Code will be the same for every Header Record in the transmission file.
g. Shipping/Manifesting Software’s Product Version Number (positions 081–088). The 8-character designation provided by the software developer. Changes made to approved Product Versions must be reported to the Postal Service and may require recertification. The Shipping/Manifesting Software’s Product Version Number will be the same for every Header Record in the transmission file.
Header Record — Electronic File Record Format Version 1.4
[Revise the heading text for “Changes” to read as follows:]
Changes: Changes since the previous issue of this publication are indicated with bold and underlined text.
* * * * *
Record Positions 004–025, Electronic File Number (EFN)
[Revise Description column and Content Rules and Limitations column by changing “Customer ID or DUNS number” to “Mailer ID.”]
* * * * *
Record Positions 075–077, USPS Electronic File Version Number
[Revise Contents Rules and Limitations by removing the word “Change:” and by unbolding text and removing the underlining.]
* * * * *
Detail Record 1 — Electronic File Record Format Version 1.4
[Revise heading text for “Changes” to read as follows:]
Changes: Changes since the previous issue of this publication are indicated in bold and underlined.
[Revise Detail Record 1 fields with bold underlined text by unbolding and removing the underlining and by deleting the word “Change” in the Content Rules and Limitations column in the following record positions: 003–004; 038–044; 045; 046–054; 055; 056; 057–058; 071–075; 082–086; 089–093; 096–100; 101–105; 106–110; 111–115; 116–121; 161–162; 163–169; 170–171; 172–173; 174–180; 181–189; 190–198; 199; and 200.]
* * * * *
Record Positions 005–026, Package Identification Code (PIC)
[Revise Description column by changing “Customer ID or DUNS number” to “Mailer ID”; and Content Rules and Limitations column by changing “Customer ID/DUNS numbers” to “Mailer ID.”]
* * * * *
Record Positions 122–130, Client ID/DUNS number
[Change field name from “Client ID/DUNS Number” to “Client Mailer ID”; revise Description column by changing “Client ID or DUNS number” to “Mailer ID.”]
* * * * *
Record Positions 161–162, Discount or Surcharge Type
[Change “D3 — Presort BMC discount (Inter-BMC Parcel Post)” to “D3 — BMC Presort discount (Inter-BMC Parcel Post)”; change “D9 — Presort BMC discount with Machinable parcel barcode discount” to “D9 — BMC Presort discount with Machinable parcel barcode discount.”]
* * * * *
Detail Record 2 — Electronic File Record Format Version 1.4
[Revise heading and text to read as follows:]
Record Positions 003–024, Package Identification Code (PIC)
[Revise Description column by changing “Customer ID or DUNS number” to “Mailer ID”; and Content Rules and Limitations column by changing “Customer ID/DUNS numbers” to “Mailer ID.”]
* * * * *
[Revise the heading and introductory text of Appendix B to read as follows:]
Appendix B, eVS Applications
Completion and Submission
This appendix presents copies of three applications used to expedite creating mailer accounts in Postal Service databases and to obtain information for implementing eVS:
a. eVS Pre-Application Profile. This application guides the eVS applicant on how to obtain a new permit account number used exclusively for all eVS mailings. It describes the steps for establishing and linking a Centralized Account Processing System (CAPS) debit account for postage payment. Further, the application explains how to request a Mailer ID from the Postal Service for eVS file transmissions and parcel barcodes. Other information requested by this application identifies the file transmission method and activation of sampling equipment at Postal Service facilities. Establishing the necessary accounts is important and must occur before the applicant can move forward in the eVS application process.
b. eVS/PRS Mailer ID Application. This application requests information needed by the Postal Service in order to provide Mailer ID to an eVS applicant. Mailer IDs are used in the Electronic File Number of every eVS manifest file transmission header record and in the Package Identification Code (PIC) of individual parcel detail records.
c. eVS Application. This comprehensive application solicits basic information needed to carry out eVS testing and implementation. The application requests information on classes of mail to be mailed, company processing sites and distribution centers to be used for eVS mailings, and quality control measures to be managed.
eVS applicants can request copies of these applications by sending an e–mail message to eVS@usps.gov. Forms must be completed electronically and returned to the PostalOne! Help Desk at eVS@usps.gov.
[Note: In the online version, we will insert the new applications.]
* * * * *
[Revise the heading and introductory text of Appendix C to read as follows:]
Appendix C, Postal Service Forms
Completion and Submission
Appendix C contains descriptions and links to all Postal Service forms for the eVS application process except the online forms required to establish the postage payment debit account.
a. PS Form 1357-C, Customer Request for Web Access. This form is used to provide the eVS applicant with a logon ID and password for accessing PostalOne! A separate PS Form 1357-C must be submitted by each eVS applicant staff member needing access to PostalOne! The form requires the name and signature of the staff member as well as the name and signature of the Information Technology systems administrator of the company. The name of the application to be entered on the form is “eVS PostalOne!” The completed signed form is mailed to:
POSTALONE HELP DESK
US POSTAL SERVICE
6060 PRIMACY PKWY STE 201
MEMPHIS TN 38188-0001
Find the latest edition of PS Form 1357-C at www.usps.com/forms/_pdf/ps1357c.pdf.
b. PS Form 1357-S, Request for Computer Access. This form is used to establish the internet account for transmitting eVS files to the Postal Service and to obtain the needed logon and password for the transmissions. The completed signed form is mailed to:
CONFIRMATION SERVICES SUPPORT
US POSTAL SERVICE
6060 PRIMACY PKWY STE 201
MEMPHIS TN 38188-0001
Find the latest edition of PS Form 1357-S at www.usps.com/forms/_pdf/ps1357s.pdf.
c. PS Form 3615, Mailing Permit Application and Customer Profile. This form is used to obtain the exclusive eVS permit account number and to pay for any required annual mailing fee for First-Class Mail Presort, Standard Mail, Parcel Select, Presorted Media Mail, Presorted Library Mail, and Destination Entry Bound Printed Matter. The one-time fee for the permit imprint authorization is currently $175.00, and each annual mailing fee is also $175.00. PS Form 3615 and payment must be submitted to the district administering Business Mail Entry Unit designated to handle the eVS mailer’s monthly account and committed to provide support to the mailer as necessary.
Find the latest edition of PS Form 3615 at www.usps.com/forms/_pdf/ps3615.pdf.
d. PS Form 5051, Confirmation Services Electronic Option Application. This form is used to establish the customer profile in the Account Management Delivery Confirmation (AMDC) database. On receipt of a completed form, the Postal Service sends the eVS applicant certification test kits. For the type of service requested, the eVS applicant checks the box for Electronic Verification System. The form is submitted to Confirmation Services Support at the National Customer Support Center. To expedite the creation of the eVS accounts, the applicant should include PS Form 1357-C and PS Form 1357-S at the time PS Form 5051 is mailed to Confirmation Services Support.
Find the latest edition of PS Form 5051 at www.usps.com/forms/_pdf/ps5051.pdf.
e. PS Form 5052, Printer Certification Submission. This form is used to document the printer generating the barcode samples submitted for testing and evaluation. The original signed PS Form 5052 and barcode labels (which correspond to files transmitted through the Product Tracking System) are mailed to Confirmation Services Support.
Find the latest edition of PS Form 5052 at www.usps.com/forms/_pdf/ps5052.pdf.
* * * * *
Appendix G, Service Type Codes and Rate Ingredient Tables
* * * * *
Table G-8
Discount and Surcharge Type Codes
(Detail Record 1 Positions: 161–162)
[Revise Discount or Surcharge Code D3 and D9 by changing “Presort BMC Discount” to “BMC Presort Discount.”]
* * * * *
Table G-10
eVS Valid Rate Ingredient Combinations
* * * * *
Table G-10b
Priority Mail
[Revise the last six rows of Table G-10b to read as follows. Note: In this article, the revised text is shown in bold merely for emphasis.]
* * * * *
We will incorporate these revisions into the fully revised edition of Publication 205, which will be dated October 25, 2007, and will soon be available on both the internal and external corporate Web sites as follows:
(The direct URL for the Postal Service PolicyNet Web site is http://blue.usps.gov/cpim.)
— Business Mailer Support,
Customer Service, 10-25-07
