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Postal Service: Processing of ZIP + 4 Letters Receiving Postage Discounts

GGD-88-5 Published: Oct 16, 1987. Publicly Released: Oct 16, 1987.
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Highlights

In response to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the U.S. Postal Service's (USPS) processing of letters that receive a ZIP + 4 postage discount, to determine the amount of: (1) discounted mail the automated equipment bypassed or rejected; and (2) revenue USPS lost in the form of discounts on such mail.

Recommendations

Recommendations for Executive Action

Agency Affected Recommendation Status
United States Postal Service The Postmaster General should direct Division Managers/Postmasters to periodically count the amount of ZIP + 4 mail that automated mail processing centers are receiving at all entry points to increase the volume of ZIP + 4 mail receiving automated processing to carrier routes.
Closed – Implemented
USPS will periodically count ZIP + 4 mail to more fully utilize automated mail processing equipment.

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Topics

Government Operations
Cost controlMail delivery problemsMail transportation operationsMechanizationPostal ratesPostal serviceData automationGovernment informationPostal service employeesRevenue loss