Technology & Research

U.S. Postal Service (USPS) Resources

DMM Advisory
DMM®Advisory is an electronic message board that provides business mailers with updates to USPS mailing standards and prices, information about USPS Web tools, and helpful reminders about mailing issues. You will find this information an excellent supplement to the MailPro newsletter. Archived issues can be viewed at pe.usps.com/dmmadvisory.asp.

To receive the DMM®Advisory, send an email to DMMAdvisory@usps.com.

Domestic Mail Manual (DMM)
Published once a year, it contains rates, mailing standards, and eligibility for domestic mailing services. It is a “must have” for every printer mailer.

Credit card orders may be faxed to 202-512-2233. DMM is available at no charge on the Postal Explorer website. The online version is fully searchable and features fly-out menus, cross-reference links, and an extensive subject index. You can also download a digital copy.

Here’s a quick tutorial on the new DMM.

International Mail Manual (IMM)
Published once a year, the IMM contains rates, prohibitions, restrictions and information on mail services to foreign countries. Any printer regularly mailing to foreign destinations should have this publication. The cost is $21 annually. Credit card orders may be faxed to 202-512-2233. IMM is available at no charge on the Postal Explorer website. You can also download a digital copy.

National Customer Support Website
The National Customer Support Website is particularly useful for mailers looking for more information on:

• Intelligent Mail barcodes and services
• Business mail acceptance issues and local contacts
• USPS products and services that assist mailers with enhancing address quality
• Options for Meeting Move Update standards
• Information about the Mailers’ Technical Advisory Committee (MTAC)

Postal Customer Council (PCC)
Postal Customer Councils (PCCs) are designed to improve communications between USPS customers and managers. There are more than 200 local Postal Customer Councils with approximately 100,000 members across the nation. Regular meetings, educational programs, mailer clinics, and seminars keep members abreast of the latest USPS developments.

Printer mailers are encouraged to get involved with their metropolitan PCC, if one exists. Costs are minimal; search here for your PCC contact. There is also information on how to work with your local post office to start a PCC.

Postal Explorer Website
The Postal Explorer Website is an important source of USPS business mailer information. It provides free access to the following publications and tools:

• Domestic Mail Manual (DMM)
• International Mail Manual (IMM)
• Quick Service Guides
• Business Rate Calculators
• Price List
• Customer Support Rulings
• Postal Addressing Standards
• Nonprofit Standard Mail Eligibility
• An Introduction to Mailing for Businesses and Organizations
• Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail

Here’s a quick tutorial on Postal Explorer.