Did you know metered mail MUST be sent with a print date if account information is enclosed in the envelope?

For those interested here is some interesting stuff about regulations of the US Postal Service:


Meter Date (604.4.6)

The date format used in the indicia is subject to the following conditions.

• Complete Date. Mailers must use a complete date for the following:

1. All First-Class Mail, Priority Mail, and Priority Mail Express pieces.

AND, here is the wording for First-class mail:

All mailable matter can be mailed as First-Class Mail. Some things MUST be mailed as First-Class Mail (or Priority Mail), including:

• Handwritten or typewritten material
• Bills, statements of account or invoices, credit cards
• Personal correspondence, personalized business correspondence
• All matter sealed or otherwise closed against inspection.

Oh, do you want the references? Just in case you'd like to check my facts:

http://pe.usps.com/text/qsg300/q604c.htm

http://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/604.htm#xd_604_4_6

http://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/604.htm#xd_604_4_6_2

http://pe.usps.com/businessmail101/classes/standard.htm

http://pe.usps.com/businessmail101/classes/firstClass.htm

If anyone is receiving bills, account information or checks in envelopes NOT stamped with a metered date you can use the below link to report them to the USPS:

http://ehome.uspis.gov/fcsexternal/default.aspx

Oh, and if you're interested, the Pitney Bowes meter used by Ellora's Cave is: 0003217049

Just in case anyone was interested. 

Sincerely,

Data-miner and database programmer