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Philatelic United States Postal Service (USPS) Postal Abbreviations, Acronyms, Terms, and MODS Operations Numbers by Douglas Boynton Quine in a definition list format (over 1,840 text acronyms and over 910 numeric codes). This list is based upon acronyms observed in USPS press releases, the USPS Domestic Mail Manual, USPS Postal Bulletin, USPS Memo to Mailers, USPS Glossary of Postal Terms (pub. 32), philatelic publications, and personal communications from web site visitors including Terri Biasi. In cases where definitions were not provided (or incomplete), I've compiled information from a wide variety of sources. I welcome further additions, corrections, and comments: e-mail the webmaster: [webmaster]. Note, some of the MODS operations codes have changed significantly; the 1999 entries are undated while the updates are marked with (2003) at the end of the entry.

[postal connections store]Postal Connections: Movies, Books, Games, Music

Movies, books, games, and music for adults and children with a postal connection. This Amazon.com shop illustrates and offers such items as the 1936 Bella Logusi movie "Postal Inspector", the children's "Post Office Book", a variety of music CDs (including the Beatles singing "Please Mr. Postman") and even a Playmobile "Post Office" to introduce the younger generation to the post.


USPS Abbreviations Glossary A-L

USPS Abbreviations Glossary M-Z (select the letter)

M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y |Z

USPS Abbreviations Glossary - Numeric


USPS Abbreviations Glossary M-Z (below)

-M-

M-36
Facer-Canceler
M-36 System
M-36 Facer-Canceler with Model 500B Edger-Feeder
MACA
Months After Contract Award
MACH number
4 digit number identifying PSDS input device [MODS report abbreviation]
MAD
Maintenance Analysis Document
MAN
Metropolitan Area Network
MAPAC
Military Assistance Program Address Code (MAPAC)
Mark II
Facer-Canceler (year 1958)
MARS
Maintenance Activity Reporting and Scheduling System
MASC
Minneapolis Accounting Service Center (1993 processes all Statements of Accounts, and National Budget and Financial Accounting system reports)
MASS
Multiline Accuracy Support System
MAX
Mailer's Address Quality Support System
MBD
Mail Bag Depository
MBP
Management By Participation
MC
Mail Centre (UK, 2006)
MCM
Multicommodity Machine
MCO
Maintenance Capable Office (facility with stockroom and maintenance staff)
MCRS
Mail Condition Reporting System
MCVM
Multi-Commodity Vending Machine
MDA
Mailpiece Design Analyst
MDC
Material Distribution Center
MDC
Materiel Distribution Center (Topeka, KS)
MDCD
Mobile Data Collection Device (scan barcodes for Delivery Confirmation and EMM tracking at MSP)
MDCE
Materiel Distribution Center, Somerville
MDCW
Materiel Distribution Center, Topeka
MDEC
Manual Data Entry Centre [UK, may be similar to the US Remote Coding Centre]
MDIMS
Material Distribution/Inventory Management System (USPS database contains ordering information/history regarding supply of repair parts, equipment and supplies to support internal facilities)
MDP
Mail Design Professional (2004)
MDP
Mailpiece Design Professional (USPS professional certification program, 2005)
MECH
Mechanized [MODS report abbreviation]
MEDICI
Mails Electronic Data Interchange and Customs Integration (group of posts)
MEP
Mail Exit Point
MEPPS
Multiple Entry Point Payment System
MERLIN
Mail Evaluation Readability Lookup Instrument [new 1999]
MERLIN
Mailing Evaluation Readability and Lookup Instrument [new 1999, fully deployed 2004]
MES
Mail Equipment Shop [supplies PO Box keys]
META
Method for Evaluating Technology Alternatives [1987-]
MFP
Multi-Factor Productivity
MFSA
Mailing and Fulfillment Service Association
MH
Mail Handler [MODS report abbreviation]
MHTS
Mail History Tracking System (web-based application which enables USPS to tell if there are errors and, if so, exactly where in each tray the missorted, missequenced and missent letters are located. 1 hour after completing the DPS second pass - the final sortation for DPS mail - MHTS produces a report that lets maintenance, processing operations and delivery units know the number of errors, if any, and where they are in each letter carrier's tray. 2007-)
MI
Management Instruction
MIA
Miami, Florida abbreviation (in USPS ink jet printer test cancellation)
MIARAP
Modified Interim Alternate Route Adjustment Process (2009)
Micro Mark
Mark II Facer-Canceler with microprocessor controls (year 1987)
MICT
Mail Isolation Control and Tracking (USPS after 2001 anthrax attacks)
MID
Mailer ID (6 digits for IMB)
MIDAS
Mil International Dispatch & Accountability System
MIP-SOP
Methods Improvement Program - Standard Operating Procedures
MIRS
Mail Item Retrieval System
MITF
Mailing Industry Task Force [2002 task force which reported on ways to help USPS and industry operate with maximum efficiency]
MITS
MTAC Issue Tracking System [USPS]
MKS
MKS is a vendor of Software System Administration tools
MKS
[? master spare parts kit component]
MKS
Manual Keying Stations on Martin Marietta DBCS's
MLNA
Moved Left No Address (return to sender auxiliary marking 2018)
MLO
Mechanised Letter Office (UK)
MLOCR
Multiline Optical Character Reader
MLOCR-A
Multiline Optical Character Reader version A
MLOCR-B
Multiline Optical Character Reader version B with national address database
MLOCR/CS
Multiline Optical Character Reader/Channel Sorter
MLOCR/ISS
Multi Line Optical Character Reader/ Input SubSystem for RBCS
MLPCO
Mechanised Letter and Parcels Concentration Office (UK)
MLSS
MLSS = Mechanised Letter Sorting System (Hong Kong, 1990)
MM Tray
Managed Mail Tray
MMA
Mail Moves America (lobby against Do Not Mail lists, 2008)
MMA
Major Mailers Association
MMO
Maintenance Management Orders (from E&TS to field)
MMP
Managed Mail Program
MMS
Mail Management System (USPS database contains mailing addresses ranging from internal postal offices to external government offices, used to manage mailing lists and allow high speed printing of mailing labels)
MMS
Manifest Mailing System
MMSSC
Minneapolis Management Support Service Center
MNPDC
Minneapolis Postal Data Center
MNS
Management Network Services
MO
Money Order and Savings Bank (UK)
MOA
Memorandum of Agreement
MOAA
Mail Order Association of America
MOD
Management Operating Data system [work hours and workload management]
MODS
Management Operating Data System [work hours and workload management]
MOG
Micro Ordinateur de Guichet (French integrated retail terminal including check printer - enhanced GAPA)
MOL
Mailing OnLine
MOM
Military Ordinary Mail
MOO
Money Order Office (UK)
MOS
Metal on silicone (type of integrated circuit)
MOSC
Management Operations Support Center
MOSC
Minneapolis Operations Service Center
MOTSC
Maintenance Overhaul and Technical Service Center
MOU
Memorandum of Understanding
MOWS
Main Office Window Service [like "MOWS Trenton NJ Sept 12, 2023"]
MOWU
Money Order Window Unit
MP1
International Money Order Form
MPA
Magazine Publishers of America
MPA
[Mail Processing Area? in annual report]
MPA
Mailer Postage Account record (2008, IMB program)
MPBCS
Mail Processing Bar Code Sorter (generation before DBCS)
MPC
Mail Processing Center
MPC
Mail Processing Characteristic [for tray label barcodes]
MPE
MPE Test Utility (2004 Sisco Windows software test utility)
MPF
Mail Processing Facility
MPFSM
Multi-Position Flats Sorting Machine
MPFSM 775
Multi Position Flats Sorting Machine with 4 operators in a row
MPFSM 781
Multi Position Flats Sorting Machine 775 modified to FSM 881
MPFSM 881
Multi Position Flats Sorting Machine in 2+2 operator configuration
MPI
Mail Processing Infrastructure (2003 funding LAN successor for Remote Encoding; completed by 2007)
MPLSM
Multi-Position Letter Sorting Machine
MPO
Main Post Office
MPO
Military Post Office
MPO
Mobile Post Office
MPOO
Manager of Post Office Operations (USPS / Dept of Defense)
MPS
Military Postal Service (according to https://www.letsgo-europe.com/Germany/military/mail.html, private individuals and organizations can mail letters and packages to other military postal addresses within the European theater free of charge through the Military Postal System (MPS). Packages must weight 70 pounds or less and have a combined length and girth measurement of 100 inches or less. In order to take advantage of the free postage, the sender must write "MPS" in the upper right hand corner in place of postage stamps)
MPSA
Military Postal Service Agency (2010, US)
MPTQM
Mail Preparation Total Quality Management program
MPU
Mail Piece Unit record (2008, IMB program)
MPWCS
Mail Processing Work Credit System
MQA
Mail Quality Analysis (started Jan. 2000) program
MQC
Mail Quality Control
MQC
Mailpiece Quality Control (preferred version?)
Mr. ZIP
[USPS Trademark for ZIP code promotional character]
MRAC
Manager, Revenue Assessment and Control [USPS Headquarters]
MRB
Management Review Board
MRB
Material Review Board
MRC
Chamberlain MRC [manufacturer of USPS equipment]
MRC
Mail Recovery Center (dead letter offices in St. Paul MN and Atlanta GA)
MRD
Minimum Bar-Space Reflectance Difference [tray label specification]
MRDF
Mail Run Data File [information about mail piece for inserters - e.g. Pitney Bowes]
MRM
Meter Reply Mail (CRM with meter indicia)
MRO
Maintenance, Repair, and Operating
MRS
Merchandise Return Service
MS
Microsoft Corporation
MSASM
Multi-Selection Automatic Sorting Machine (UK)
MSC
Management Sectional Center (manages all post offices within ZIP range)
MSD
Musculoskeletal disorders (e.g. repetitive stress disorders)
MSDP
Maintenance Skills Development Program (2003)
MSDS
Material Safety Data Sheet
MSF
Maintenance Support Facility (MSO which provides support technicians to field sites)
MSP
Mail Services Provider (Postal Customer Council website, 2006)
MSP
Managed Service Point (tracking barcode scanning points for letter carriers, 2005)
MSS
Maintenance Selection System
MSSM
Medium Speed Sorting Machine (UK)
MSSP
Manpower Scheduling and Staffing Program
MST
Mailing Systems Technology magazine
MSU
Modular Sorting Unit (CFS-Flats)
MT
Maintenance Technician (DBCS)
MT
Mechanized Terminal (CFS)
MTA
Modification and Test Agreement
MTAC
Mailers' Technical Advisory Committee
MTBF
Mean Time Before Failure
MTBF
Mean Time Between Failures
MTC
Managing through Challenges communication plan (USPS emergencies, 2004)
MTE
Mail Transport Equipment
MTEC
Mail Transport Equipment Center
MTEC3
Mail Transport Equipment Configuration Control Committee
MTEL
Mail Transport Equipment Labeling System (2004 "license plates" for surface visibility initiative)
MTEOR
Mail Transport Equipment Online Ordering system
MTESC
Mail Transport Equipment Service Center (23 in 2006)
MTESS
Mail Transport Equipment Support System (software, redesigned 2003)
MTS
Managerial Training System (at W. F. Bolger Management Academy and others)
MTSC
Maintenance Technical Support Center (Norman, OK)
MTT
(UK, advanced OCR, 2006)
MTTR
Mean Time To Repair
MUM
Miszipped Unzipped Mail
MUST
Management and Union Solution Teams
MVO
Motor Vehicle Operator
MVP
Bell and Howell tabletop Mail Verifier Plus
MVRF
Mobile Vehicle Repair Facility
MVS
Motor Vehicle Service
MWO
Maintenance Work Orders (from E&TS to field)
MXD
[abbreviation on Mixed State Mail]

-N-

NAIC
National Address Information Center [support facility in Memphis, Tenn.]
NAICS
North American Industry Classification System (a United States government system for classifying industries by a six-digit code which since 1997 is gradually replacing the 4 digit Standard Industrial Classification, SIC)
NALC
National Association of Letter Carriers [a USPS postal union]
NAM
National Account Manager
NAO
National Audit Office (UK)
NaOCl
Sodium hypochlorite
NAPCS
North American Product Classification System
NAPS
National Association of Postal Supervisors
NAPUS
National Association of Postmasters of the United States
NARS
National Accident Reporting System
NAS
National Academy of Sciences (USA)
NASS
National Air and Surface System
NAVS
New Address Verification System (2008?)
NAVSUP
Navy Supply Systems Command
NB
ZIP+4 nonpresort Barcoded rate category abbreviation on letter mail key line
NBC
Nuclear, Biological, or Chemical (terrorist threat)
NBMS
National Bulk Mail System
NBS
National Budget System
NC
Numerical Control [tapes for automation]
NCD
Network Communications Division (manages ITSC & NISSC in 1991+)
NCD
Non-City Delivery office
NCED
National Center for Employee Development (formerly TTC)
NCLR
National Council of La Raza
NCMEC
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
NCOA
National Change Of Address system
NCOALink
(move update product to help mailers comply with the Move Update requirement to qualify for First-Class Mail automation and pre-sort discounts; replacing National Change of Address and FASTforward products - Oct 1, 2004)
NCR
National Cash Register (manufacturer of early USPS postage meters and postal kiosks)
NCR
National Customer Rulings program [USPS]
NCR
Non Compliance Report [USPS records uninstalled engineering changes]
NCSC
National Customer Support Center (USPS, Memphis)
NCSO
National Central Sorting Office (Dublin, Ireland)
NDACU
Neighborhood Delivery And Collection Unit (heard in 2004; see NDCBU)
NDCBU
Neighborhood Delivery and Collection Box Unit
NDC
Network Distribution Center (2010, was BMC)
NDG
National Distribution Guide (Canada Post, similar to USPS DMM)
NDI
National Deliverability Index
NDSS
National Directory Support System
NEC
National Electrical Code (safety standard)
NEC
Nippon Electric Company (manufacturer)
NEG
Negative [MODS report abbreviation]
NEI
US National Export Initiative (2010)
NEMA
National Electrical Manufacturers Association
New Orleans Mail Restoration Program
(handling vacant house mail after Hurrican Katrina - ended May 2008 - now encouraging mailers to use Vacant Table in CASS software)
NEXT
?
NFM
Not Flat Machinable [item that cannot be processed on the ASFM 100 flat sorting machines]
NFPA
National Fire Prevention Association
NGMPS
Next Generation Mail Processing Solution (USPS research solicitation 2008, placed on hold due to economy, 2009)
NHLI
National Hispana Leadership Institute
NHS
National Health Service (UK)
NIA
Network Integration and Alignment (2002 - program to examine which postal facilities remain viable)
NIB
?
NICC
National Inventory Control Center (Topeka, Kansas)
NIIN
National Information Interchange Network
NIIN
National Item Identification Number
NIOSH
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
NIS
National Information System
NISDC
National Information Systems Development Center
NISH
formerly the National Industries for the Severely Handicapped
NISSC
National Information Systems Support Center, Raleigh, NC (reports to NCD)
NIST
National Institute of Standards and Technology (USA)
NIXIE
[nondeliverable mail]
NJF
New Jersey Facility [obsolete name for DVD]
NJI&BMC
New Jersey International & Bulk Mail Center [formerly NYB&FMC]
NLP
National League of Postmasters
NLRB
National Labor Relations Board
NMICS
National Maintenance Information and Control System
NMO
Non Machinable Outside (BMC mail category)
NMR
No Mail Receptacle (return to sender)
NMT
Non-Mechanized Terminal (CFS)
NNA
National Newspaper Association
NNSC
National Network Service Center
NO
No Office
NOA
National Ordering Agreement
NOA
Nature of Action code (for Notification of Personnel Actions)
NOC
National Operations Center (USPS, 2004)
NOMAR
National Organization for Mexican American Rights
NOREC
No Record (return to sender endorsement, 2014)
NOV
Notice of Violation [from Environmental Protection Agency]
NP4000
National Presort (Dallas, Texas) 4000 (UK)
NP4000 LSM
National Presort (Dallas, Texas) 4000 letter sorting machine (UK)
NPA
National Performance Assessment
NPDES
National Pollution Discharge Elimination System [from Environmental Protection Agency]
NPF
National Postal Forum
NPI
National Presort Inc. (Texan vendor of NP4000 to UK)
NPM
National Postal Museum, Smithsonian Institution
NPMHU
National Postal Mail Handlers Union
NPOMH
? National Postal Mail Handlers Union
NPOMH/LIUNA
? National Postal Mail Handlers, Watchmen, Messengers and Group Leaders Division of the Laborers' International Union of North America
NPPC
National Postal Policy Council
NPV
Net Present Value [in cost models]
NQI
National Quality Index
NQR
Nuclear Quadrupole Resonance
NRLCA
National Rural Letter Carriers' Association
NS#
No Such Number (return to sender)
NSA
Negotiated Services Agreement [USPS variable rate experiment starts Nov 2002 with Capital One Services, Inc]
NSA
No Such Address (return to sender)
NSC
Network Distribution Center (USPS redesigned BMC 2009)
NSCM
National Stamp Collecting Month [annual event]
NSF
Not Sufficient Funds (bounced check)
NSG
National Standardization Guide (standardize mail processing procedures)
NSL
National Suppliers List [USPS Procurement & Supply]
NSN
National Stock Number [USPS]
NSN
No Such Number (return to sender)
NSS
No Such Street (return to sender)
NSTA
National Safe Transit Association
NSX
(unknown return to sender code)
NTAC
National Test Administration Center
NTIA
National Telecommunications and Information Administration
NTIS
National Technical Information Service (an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce)
NWR
National Workhour Report
NWRS
National Workhour Reporting System (by Labor Distribution Codes)
NYB&FMC
New York Bulk and Foreign Mail Center [obsolete, now NJI&BMC]
NYI&BMC
New York International & Bulk Mail Center [now NJI&FMC]
NYPDC
New York Postal Data Center (functions transfer to MASC, SIMSC, SLIISC, WBISSC in 1993)

-O-

O3
Ozone
OAI
Office of Automation Integration
OASDI
Old Age and Survivors Disability Insurance
OAT
Office Advanced Technology (USPS)
OBD
Overall Block Diagram
OBMC
Origin Bulk Mail Center
OBRA
Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act [of 1985 ...]
OBSS Case
One Bundle Sliding Shelf Case
OCA
Office of Consumer Advocate (US Postal Rate Commission NOT USPS)
OCR
Optical Character Reader
OCR
Optical Character Recognition
OCR V2
Optical Character Reader, version 2 (UK)
OCR V3
Optical Character Reader, version 3 (UK)
OCR VCS
Optical Character Reader Video Coding System (UK) = RBCS
OCR VCS MTT
(UK, advanced OCR, 2006)
OCR/BCR/VCS
Optical Character Reader/ Barcode reader/ Video Coding System (USPS for APPS)
OCR/CS
Optical Character Reader/Channel Sorter
OCR/VCS
Optical Character Reader/ Video Coding System (UK new program, RBCS)
OCR/VCS MTT
(UK, advanced OCR, 2006)
OCRA
Office of Classification & Rates Administration
OCS
One Code Solution (new name for 4 state customer barcode USPS 2006)
OCT
Office of Communications and Technology [USPS]
ODIS
Origin-Destination Information System
OEE
Overall Equipment Effectiveness
OEI
Office Efficiency Indicator (2009)
OEL
Optional Endorsement Line
OEM
Original Equipment Manufacturer
OEMA
Optional Equipment Maintenance Allowance [i.e. automobile]
OFCCS
Optical Fiber Communication and Control System [fiber optic cable]
OFM
On-Line File Maintenance
OGE
Office of Government Ethics (USA)
OIC
Officer In Charge
OIG
Officer of the Inspector General USPS
OKS
Operator Keying Station for Delivery Bar Code Sorter (DBCS)
OLQ
On-Line Query
OLR
On Line Reference [in TOPS]
OMAS
Official Mail Accounting System
OMB
Office of Management and Budget
OMC
Observations of Mail Condition (by Postal Inspection Service)
OMM
Official Mail Manager (DOD)
OMM
? Operational Maintenance Manual [requires DBCS TOPS documentation]
OMR
Optical Mark Reader
OMRS
Optical Mark Reader System
OMS
Operator Maintenance System [DBCS- obsolete, see TOPS]
OMSS
Organizational Management Staffing System
OMX
Origin Mixed ADC Mail
OND
Over-nite Delivery
ONDC
Origin Network Distribution Center (2010, was OBMC)
ONO
?
OP
Optional Procedure mailing system
OP2
Canadian phosphor lithographic ink (1972 Ottawa trials per PMSC 30/54)
OP4
Canadian phosphor gravure ink (1972 Ottawa trials per PMSC 30/54)
OPER
Operation [MODS report abbreviation]
OPF
Official Personnel File
OPM
Office of Personnel Management (US Government)
OPN
Operation [MODS report abbreviation]
OPTEX
Optional Program for Examinations [hiring]
ORM
[DOT hazardous material authorization marking preceding type indicator]
ORPES
On-Rolls and Paid Employee Statistics [reports from USPS Corporate Data Base]
OSHA
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
OSHA I&I
Occupational Safety and Health Administration Injuries and Illnesses report
OSS
Output SubSystem for RBCS (or DBCS)
OSS BCS
Output SubSystem on Bar Code Sorter for RBCS (or DBCS)
OSW
(type of machine in Computer Forwarding System CFS)
OT
Overtime [MODS report abbreviation]
OSTP
Office of Science Technology Planning
OTR
Over The Road container
OTS
Office of Technical Support (USPS Procurement)
OVIS
Optical reader Video Integrated System by AEG (Netherlands 1993, RBCS)
OVO
Outward Vouching Office (UK)
OWCP
Office of Workers' Compensation Programs
OWCP
Office Workers' Compensation Programs

-P-

P&DC
Processing and Distribution Center (180 in 2004; 269 in 2006 before END implemented)
P&DF
Processing and Distribution Facility (89 in 2004; smaller than a P&DC)
P&MMSC
Procurement and Materiel Management Service Center
P.L. 109-435
Public Law 109-435 [PAEA - Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act signed December 20, 2006 as P.L. 109-435 merging the House Bill (H.R. 22) and the Senate bill (S. 662)]
P&SD
Procurement and Supply Department [USPS]
P/LA
Printer/ Label Applicator for Computer Forwarding System (CFS)
PAEA
Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act signed December 20, 2006 as P.L. 109-435 merging the House Bill (H.R. 22) and the Senate bill (S. 662)
PAF
Postal Address File (UK, 2008, interfaces to CRAMP)
PAGE
Periodicals Accuracy, Grading, and Evaluation (PAGE) Program (new to DMM in March 2002)
PAL
Parcel Air Lift mail service [military space available mail] (according to per https://www.letsgo-europe.com/Germany/military/mail.html, from APO weight up to 30 pounds, and measurement up to 60 inches in combined length and girth airlifted to final US destination) Compare with SAM which airlifts only to port of entry
PAL
Postal Advertising Label (New Zealand Post creates for private concerns, 2004)
PAL
Postal Answer Line
PAR
Parcels [MODS report abbreviation]
PAR
Postage Adjustment Record (in Mail.dat, 2007)
PAR
Program for Alcoholic Recovery
PARS
Postal Automated Redirection System (planned for 2003 to automatically handle Undeliverable As Addressed mail similar to the FastForward system)
PARS II
Postal Automated Redirection System phase II (2006 with upgraded cancellation and doubles detectors)
PAS
Postage Assessment System (consists of scales, scanners to assess postage for items shipped from Material Distribution Centers and to sort parcels)
PAS
Postal Addressing Standards
PASS
Postal Application and Scheduling System (2001, employment test system)
PAT
Process Activated Training
PAU
Platform Acceptance Unit
PAVE
Presort Accuracy Validation and Evaluation system
PB
Pitney Bowes (vendor to USPS of products including postage meters)
PB
Postal Bulletin
PBC
Postal Business Center
PBCS
Package Bar Code Sorter
PBCS
Package Bar Code Sorting [System]
PBM
Postal Booklet Machine
PBM-2
Postal Booklet Machine (coins only model)
PBM-6
Postal Booklet Machine (coins and bill accepting model)
PBSM
Postal Booklet and Stamp Machine
PBV
Performance Based Verification (MERLIN Upgrade 2008)
PBX
Private Branch Exchange (telephone network within a facility)
PC
Personal Computer
PC
Printed Circuit (electronics circuit board)
PC-CTAPS
Personal Computer - City Time and Attendance Processing System [non-PSDS]
PC-LTATS
PC-Loan, Transfer, and Training System [now includes FON codes]
PCAOB
Public Company Accounting Oversight Board
PCB
Printed Circuit Board
PCC
Postal Concentration Center [Miami, FL gathers APO/FPO mail]
PCC
Postal Customer Council
PCCAC
Postal Customer Council Advisory Committee
PCD
Process Control Division (of Engineering & Tech Support, Landover MD runs CFS)
PCE
Postal Computing Environment
PCES
Postal Career Executive Service
PCI
Product Configuration Identification
PCK
Postal Corporation of Kenya
PCM
Postal Commodity Machine [vending machine]
PCM
Procurement Contracting Manual [USPS Procurement & Supply]
PCO
Parcels Concentration Office (UK)
PCR
Polymerase Chain Reaction (DNA test)
PCR
Print Contrast Ratio (evaluation of text and barcode print quality)
PCS
Pieces [MODS report abbreviation]
PCS
Process Control System (~ 2005)
PCS
Production Control System (USPS FSS video, 2008)
PCSC
Pricing and Classification Service Center (2004, NYC)
PCT
Percent [MODS report abbreviation]
PDA
Personal Digital Assistant (e.g. Palm Pilot)
PDC
Postal Data Center (i.e. NYPDC, Minneapolis PDC)
PDC
Processing and Distribution Center (180 in 2004)
PDC/F
Processing and Distribution Center/Facility
PDF
Processing and Distribution Facility (89 in 2004; smaller than a P&DC)
PDO
Parcel Delivery Office (UK)
PDO
Parcel District Office (UK, replaced HPO after 1986)
PDO
Postman's Delivery Office (UK)
PDO
Postman's District Office (UK)
PDP
[Digital Equipment Corporation mini computer]
PDQit
(hybrid mail competitor to Royal Mail, UK, 2008) [perhaps abbreviation for "Pretty Darn Quick it"]
PDR
Piece Detail Record (2008, IMB program full service option)
PDR
Preliminary Design Review
PDS
Premise Distribution Systems (part of BWS/PDS)
PDU
Package Drop Units (accept prepaid packages up to 20 x 14 x 10 inches - any time 24/7. PDU units will advertise Click-N-Ship, PC Postage, postage meters, Merchandise Return services and USPS.com. Additional units will be deployed to the top PC Postage, Click-N-Ship and eBay revenue Post Offices. Outdoors at at 25 locations in Los Angeles and South Florida - 60 day test starts September 2004)
PEA
Permanent Electronic Address (Brazil)
PEG
Program Evaluation Guide (Postal Service Safety and Health)
PEN
Postal Service Private Electronic Network (telephone - obsolete)
PEN2000
Postal Service Private Electronic Network (telephone - FTS2000 for USPS)
PEP
Post Exposure Prophylaxis (antibiotic treatment after exposure to biohazard)
PES
Performance Evaluation System
PES
Private Express Statutes (together with "Universal Service Obligation" and "Exclusive Mailbox Access" rule = USPS postal monopoly)
PETE
Priority End To End (time performance self evaluation system, used in conjunction with EXFC)
PFM
Postal Furnished Material
PFS
Premium Forwarding Service [USPS temporary forwarding service: 2 year experiment started in 2005 that uses Priority Mail to forward mail to residential customers away from their main address for two weeks up to one year. Customers pay an enrollment fee of $10 plus a weekly per-shipment charge of $10; program permanent in 2008]
PFSC
Premium Forwarding Service Commercial
PFY
Postal Fiscal Year (13 four week accounting periods=364 days)
PGC
Promotion Graphics Council (part of GCA)
PHD
Para Hydroxy Phenyl (green phosphor ÒLettalite B1Ó used on UK stamps & barcodes)
PHG
Postman Higher Grade (UK)
PHOP
Postage in the Hands Of the Public
PHQ
Postal Headquarters (UK)
PIA
Poste d'Indexation Automatique (French coding desk with automatic feed and IJP)
PIAP
Poste d'Indexation Automatique Presort (French coding desk made by HB)
PIB
Poste d'Indexation de Bureau (compact French coding desk)
PIC
Package Identification Code (barcode; USPS pub. 109)
PIN
Personal Identificantion Number (password)
PINCODE
Postal Index Number code (India's ZIPcode)
PiP
Pricing in Proportion (UK 2006, postage fees increased for oversize items)
PIP
Pricing In Proportion (UK 2006, postage fees increased for oversize items)
PIR
Post-Implementation Review [GAO report 2007]
PIRS
Productivity Information Reporting System
PIS
Poste d'Indexation de Simplifie (compact hand fed French coding desk with dot matrix printer)
PIV
Personal Identification Verification (identity card system) ~ 2005
PIVMS
Powered Industrial Vehicle Management System
PKR
Personal Knowledge Required [bad address but the carrier knows how to deliver]
PKWY
Parkway (Street Suffix)
PL&R
Postal Laws and Regulations
PL 109-435
Public Law 109-435 [PAEA - Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act signed December 20, 2006 as P.L. 109-435 merging the House Bill (H.R. 22) and the Senate bill (S. 662)]
PLA
[see P/LA]
PLANET
PostaL AlphaNumeric Encoding Technique (USPS special services 3 of 5 barcode acronym)
PLD
Postal Logistics Directory
PM
Postmaster
PM
Procurement Manual
PM
Program Manager
PMB
Private Mail Box
PMC
Postage and Mailing Center [field beta test as of 1992 NPF]
PMG
Postmaster General
PMI
Priority Mail International (to 190 countries with 6 to 10 day average delivery, USPS, 2007)
PMOD
Priority Mail Open and Distribute (2009)
PMP
Participative Management Plan
PMPC
Priority Mail Processing Center
PMPPC
Priority Mail Postal Processing Center
PMSC
Purchasing and Materials Service Center
PMU
Phosphor Meter Unit [measurement of phosphorescence and fluorescence intensity on stamps and meter indicia for facing mail]
PNU
Pli Non Urgent (France)
PO
Post Office
PO
Purchase Order
POB
[entity requiring delivery of DBCS TOPS documentation]
POC
Posted Out of Course (UK)
POD
Post Office Department [see USPOD]
POIS
Processing Operations Information System [2002]
POL
Post Office Online
POM
Postal Operations Manual
POOC
Posted Out Of Course (UK)
POOM
Post Office Operations Manager
POP
Point Of Purchase promotions
POP
Post Office Preferred (European standardized envelopes for automation)
POPOS
Post Office Point of Sale (UK)
Portable conveyer model 89
portable (culling) conveyer for flats processing
Portable conveyer model H
portable inclined conveyer for unloading trucks
Portable conveyer model L
portable conveyer for unloading trucks
POS
Point Of Sale (terminal)
POS
Point Of Service (terminal)
POS ONE
Point Of Service (terminal at retail postal units)
POSKED
Post Office Scheduler
POSP
Post Office Sort Plan (UK sort plan generator replaced by CRAMP)
Post ECS
United States Postal Service Electronic Courier Services (secure data transmission) March 2000
PostalOne!
(replacing PERMIT system - 2004)
POSTCON
Postal Container (or APC: work horse wheeled mail container in postal facilities)
Postique
[Postal product sales shop- USPS Trademark]
POSTNET
POSTal Numeric Encoding Technique (USPS acronym for mail sorting barcode)
POUNC
Post Office Users National Council (UK)
PP
Parcel Post
PP
Pay Period [MODS report abbreviation]
PPC
Procurement Policy Committee
PPCS
Production Planning and Control System
PPI
Printed Postage Impression (UK 2006, according to Scott Stamp Monthly)
PPL
Parts Provisioning List
PPP
publishing and print planning (for instance: PPP software is tested through the PAGE program)
PPP
Window Book's Postal Package Partner (delivery-confirmation and manifest software for domestic Priority mail, Parcel Post and 1st Class mail using the USPS Manifest program and the USPS Electronic Delivery and Signature Confirmation programs)
PQ
Postal Quarter [of Fiscal Year]
PR
Poste Restante [general delivery mail, Italian]
PRA
Postal Regulatory Act of 1970 (created United States Postal Service - USPS - from the US Post Office Department)
PRA
Postal Reorganization Act
PRAR
Postal Revenue Activity Report
PRAR
Postal Revenue and Activity Reporting
PRC
Postal Rate Commission
PRC
Postal Regulatory Commission [2007]
PRC IDIQ
?
PRD
Portal Radiation Detector (US Postal Inspection Service / US Customs in 2004)
PRD
Print Reflectance Difference
PREF
Preferential Mail [MODS report abbreviation]
Presort
[USPS Proposed Trademark]
Presort Bundle Label codes
3 = 3 digit ZIP code presort (one SCF - green label with black letter)
5 = 5 digit ZIP code presort (one post office - red label with black text) per DMM M020 section 1.3
A = ADC presort (pink label with black letter)
CR = Carrier Route presort (purple label with white letters)
D = 5 digit ZIP code presort (one post office - red label with black text)
F = Firm presort (one corporation - blue label) - periodicals only per DMM M020 section 1.3
MS = Mixed State presort (beige label with black text)
S = ? State presort (one state - orange label with black text)
X = miXed ADC presort (tan label) per DMM M020 section 1.3
Priority Mail
[USPS Proposed Trademark]
PRM
Parcel Reply Mail [business reply for parcels]
PRN
Postal Routed Network
PRS
Parcel Return Service (USPS, 2003 = merchandise return service ... 2019)
PS
Postal Service schedule
PS-53C
Small Stamp Machine
PS-Form 50
'Notification of Personnel Action' (in 2008)
  • code 580 'Appointment to Regular' Nature Of Action Code Reference Number on PS-Form 50 'Notification of Personnel Action'
  • code 881 'FEGLI change' Nature Of Action Code Reference Number on PS-Form 50 'Notification of Personnel Action'
  • code 997 Contractual increase (as a RCA) Nature Of Action Code Reference Number on PS-Form 50 'Notification of Personnel Action'
PSA
(American) Parcel Shippers Association
PSA
Public Service Announcement
PSAC
Public Service Alliance of Canada (union)
PSC
Parcel Sorting Carriage (UK)
PSC
Postal Service Center [mail center category in DMM 122.812]
PSDS
Postal Service Data System
PSDS
Postal Source Data System [since 1960's replaced by TACS in 2003)]
PSE
Postal Support Employee (2012 USPS labor contract)
PSF
Postal Service Fund (under PAEA)
PSFR
Postal Service Financial Report
PSFR
Postal Service Financial Reporting
PSI
Pounds per Square Inch (pressure)
PSIG
Pounds per Square Inch Gauge (i.e., above atmospheric pressure)
PSIN
Postal System Identification Number [supplies order ID number]
PSM
Parcel Sorting Machine
PSM
Postal Service Manual [obsolete, see POM]
PSN
Postal System Number [equipment order ID number]
PSO
Postman's Sorting Office (UK)
PSO
Postman's Sub Office (UK)
PSO
Procurement Service Office [obsolete]
PS&P
Products, Services, and Publications guide (2006)
PSRHBF
Postal Service Retiree Health Benefits Fund
PSS
Postal Supply Schedule
PSSR
Postal System Sales Report
PST&DI
Postal Service Training and Development Institute
PSTN
Postal Satellite Training Network
PSU
Primary Sampling Units
PSW
PostalOne! Postage Statement Wizard (2008)
PTPH
Projected Total Piece Handling [MODS report abbreviation]
PUAS
Postal Union of the Americas and Spain [western hemisphere and Spain]
PVC
Postal Vending Console
PVC-1A
Postal Vending Console pedestal mount for PS-53C, PBM, and SCC-3
PVDS
Plant Verified Drop Shipment (postage payment system)
PVI
Postage Validation Imprinter [stamp printer used by postal clerks]
PVI
Postal Validation Imprinter [postage printer for IRT]
PVS
Postal Vehicle Service

-Q-

Q TIME
Queue time at PDC for report transmission to an office [MODS report abbreviation]
QA
Quality Assurance
QAD
Quality Assurance Division (USPS)
QBRM
Qualified Business Reply Mail (automation compatible cards and envelopes with FIM C, unique ZIP+4 barcode, and meet other USPS specifications)
QC
Quality Control
QPP
Quality Processes Professional (USPS PCC professional certificate, 2006)
QSI
Quality Step Increase
QWL
Quality of Working Life (employee program) [MODS report abbreviation]

-R-

R&D
Research and Development
R71-1
USPS Rate Case filed 1971
R74-1
USPS Rate Case filed 1974
R76-1
USPS Rate Case filed 1976
R77-1
USPS Rate Case filed 1977
R78-1
USPS Rate Case filed 1978
R80-1
USPS Rate Case filed 1980
R83-1
USPS Rate Case filed 1983
R84-1
USPS Rate Case filed 1984
R87-1
USPS Rate Case filed 1987
R90
USPS Rate Case filed 1990
R94
USPS Rate Case filed 1994
R97-1
USPS Rate Case filed 1997
R2000-1
USPS Rate Case filed 2000
R2001-1
USPS Rate Case filed 2001
R2006-1
USPS Rate Case filed May 3, 2006
RA
Research Announcement
RAA
Revenue Assurance Analyst
RAM
Random Access Memory (computer)
RAM
Reliability, availability, and maintainability (quality)
RAMS
Retail Access Management System (GIS tool to identify post office locations)
RAP
Retail Analysis Program
RAPD
Regional Accountable Paper Depositories
RARC
Risk Analysis Research Center (USPS OIG, 2009)
RAPS
Rural Adjustment Processing System
Rb
Minimum Bar Reflectance [on tray label barcodes]
RBCS
Remote Bar Coding System [was RVE]
RBMC
Return Bulk Mail Center
RBR
Robbery Burglary Retail (USPS security system 2003)
RCA
Revenue Cost Analysis [2002]
RCA
Rural Carrier Associate
RCB
Report Control Block (2004 software)
RCC
Rates and Classification Center
RCC
Regional Consignment Centre (UK)
RCCS
Rural Carrier Cost System (within CCS)
RCD
Retirement Computation Date (expected retirement date)
RCM
Reliability Centered Maintenance (2005, match equipment maintenance to usage levels)
RCR
Remote Computer Reader for RBCS [OCR system ongoing procurement]
RCR
Rural Carrier Relief (substitute rural carrier)
RCRA
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act [from Environmental Protection Agency]
RCS
Reply Card Scanning (PLANET code based future system)
RCS
Robot Containerization Systems (developed by ABB) ~ 2005
RCSC
Rates and Classification Service Center
RCT
Rigid Captive Tray (USPS FSS video, 2008)
RCU
Retail Consolidation Unit computer [collects accounting & sales data from IRTs]
RDB
Reference Database [for TOPS]
RD
Road (Street Suffix)
RDC
Regional Distribution Center (2005, multiple product sorting center; 71 expected as of 2006 after END is implemented)
RDI
Residential Delivery Indicator (2003, data product)
RDM
Retail Data Mart (2004 access to EDW business information)
RDU
Return Delivery Unit
RE(PS)
Royal Engineers Postal Section (UK)
REC
Remote Encoding Center (15 in 2006 before END implemented; predict 5 to 8 afterwards)
REDI
Rapid Equipment Deployment Inventory program [new 1991]
REDRESS
Resolve Employment Disputes, Reach Equitable Solutions Swiftly [an Alternate Dispute Resolution Process]
REDRESS II
REDRESS with addition of optional mediation (2002)
REF
Refused (?) (return to sender)
REG
Region [MODS report abbreviation]
RES
Remote Encoding System (manual encoding replaces Imaging Processing Subsystem for unreadable mail, 2008-2010)
Return To Sender codes
ANK = Attempted Not Known (return to sender)
DEC = Deceased (?) (return to sender)
DIS = (unknown return to sender code)
FOE = Forwarding Order Expired (return to sender)
FWD = Forward
IA = Insufficient address (return to sender)
ILL = Illegible (?) (return to sender)
NMR = No Mail Receptacle (return to sender)
NS# = No Such Number (return to sender)
NSA = No Such Address (return to sender)
NSN = No Such Number (return to sender)
NSS = No Such Street (return to sender)
NSX = (unknown return to sender code)
REF = Refused (?) (return to sender)
RTS = Return To Sender (return to sender)
TA = Temporarily Away (?) (return to sender)
UAA = Undeliverable As Addressed (return to sender)
UNC = Unclaimed (?) (return to sender)
UTF = Unable To Forward (return to sender)
VAC = Vacant (return to sender)
RF
Reporting Frequency [MODS report abbreviation]
RFD
Rural Free Delivery
RFID
Radio Frequency Identification [active devices like toll booth transponder; passive devices like small product tags]
RFP
Request For Proposal
RFQ
Request For Quotation
RFS
Remote Forwarding System (first seen on USPS labels in 2020)
RHB
Retiree Health Benefit
RIA
Robotics Industries Association (see ANSI-RIA)
RIBBS
Rapid Information Bulletin Board System (USPS)
RIHD
Requested In Home Date
RIP
Recognition Improvement Program
RLB
Returned Letter Branch (UK)
RLO
Returned Letter Office (UK)
RLS
Returned Letter Section (UK)
RM
Room (mailing address abbreviation)
RMAC
Remittance Mail Advisory Committee (2009)
RMIS
Rail Management Information System
RNDC
Return Network Distribution Center (2010 was RBMC)
RNMC
Regional Navy Mail Center (Norfolk VA)
ROA
Roanoke, Virginia abbreviation (in 2003 USPS ink jet printer test cancellation)
ROI
Region Of Interest (in OCR and document image analysis)
ROI Estimator
Return On Investment estimator (USPS software to help marketers understand the cost-effectiveness of a mail program, 2004)
ROM
Read Only Memory
ROM
Rough Order of Magnitude
RPC
Regional Processing Center [new naming convention, 2005]
RPG
Run Plan Generator
RPMG
Regional Postmaster General
RPMS
Real-Time Performance Management System [DBCS down loads processing statistics]
RPN
RePositionable Note (April 2002 - PostIt - 3M trademark - is involved in a 1 year direct mail test)
RPO
Railway Post Office
RPP
Respiratory Protection Programs [to comply with 29 CFR 1910.134]
RPW
Revenue, Pieces, Weight system [Official mail payment sampling system]
RR
Rural Route
Rs
Minimum Space Reflectance [between tray label barcodes]
RSC
Railway Sorting Carriage (UK)
RSO
Railway Sub Office (UK)
RSS
Residual Shape Surcharge (~ 2006)
RTAPS
Rural Time and Attendance System
RTS
Return to Sender (see "Return To Sender codes" for code list)
RVE
Remote Video Encoding [obsolete term, see RBCS]
RVES
Remote Video Encoding System [obsolete term, see RBCS]
RWPO
RailWay Post Office (UK)

-S-

S. 662
Senate Bill 662 [PAEA - Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act signed December 20, 2006 as P.L. 109-435 merging the House Bill (H.R. 22) and the Senate bill (S. 662)]
S&H
Safety and Health
S/SIS
Sales/Service Information System
S/T
Source/Type Code [MODS report abbreviation]
S/W
? software
S-AMS
Surface - Air Management System (also SAMS) [2002]
S3
Sales Support Solution (2003) (USPS launch April 2004: S3 replaces 5 systems: STARS/Account Management, Financial Activity Tracking System, Sales Marketing and Revenue Tracking System, Web Account Revenue Plan and Account Net)
SA ??
Supporting Annexes (66 in 2006 before END implemented)
SADI
Supplier Automated Database on the Internet (USPS database stores data provided by prospective suppliers about what service or commodity they provide and what area of the country they service)
SAFR
Standard Accounting For Retail
SAIC
Science Applications International Corporation (vendor)
SAM
Space Available Mail [military airlift mail] - (according to per https://www.letsgo-europe.com/Germany/military/mail.html, from APO addresses: packages up to 70 pounds, and up to 100 inches in combined length and girth, airlifted to the United States port of entry and trucked to or railed to the package's final destination); compare with PAL which airlifts all the way to destination
SAM
Surface Air Management System (SAM) was fully deployed in 2001, replacing the Air Contract Data Collection System as the USPS mail assignment engine
SAMS
Stockroom Analysis and Measures System (USPS database contains issue, receipt, and adjustment transaction data from field maintenance offices to monitor field maintenance inventory)
SAMS
Surface Air Management System [2002]
SAPMG
Senior Assistant Postmaster General
SAR
Secondary Address Readers (2003 - 2004)
SASP
Seamless Acceptance and Service Performance (2008)
SASS
Surface-Air Support System [June, 2001]
SASWYB
Semi-Automatic Scan-Where-You-Band (1999) for the express purpose of scheduling mail reservations on commercial airlines
SATO
Scheduled Airline Ticket Office [government travel]
SAVE
Standardized Acceptance and VErification procedures
SBCS
Sack Bar Code Scanner
SBM
Stamps By Mail
SBOC
Station and Branch Optimization and Consolidation (2009)
SBP
Scan Based Payment (... 2019 ...)
SC
Sorting Carriage (UK, within Railway Post Office)
SCA
Scientific Content Analysis (linguistic lie detector technique)
SCAN
Shipment Confirmation Acceptance Notice (2006) - a new PC Postage feature lets online shippers, and their customers, know their packages have been picked up and are on their way. When mailers go online to ship packages, they can create PS Form 5630, Shipment Confirmation Acceptance Notice, at the end of the transaction. This form has one barcode that links all of the packages in the shipment. The mailer can bring the packages to the USPS retail window, USPS back dock, or give them to their letter carrier. The USPS verifies the total number of packages and scans a single barcode from the PS Form 5630. Every package in the shipment receives an "Acceptance" event from the Post Office. The "Package Accepted Event" is important to online shippers because it triggers the release of funds associated with auctions on sites such as eBay, as well as confirming to customers that their shipments have entered the USPS network. For more information about SCAN go to:https://blue.usps.gov/marketing/packageservices/
SCC
Small Currency Changer
SCC
Sorter Control Computer [DBCS, BCS]
SCC
System Control Console [RBCS]
SCC-3
Small Currency Changer Model
SCD
Saving Certificate Division (UK)
SCF
Sectional Center Facility (covers a 3 digit ZIPcode) - Itemized in DMM 122.63
SCM
Stamp Cancelling Machine (UK)
SCM
Supply Chain Management
SCOA
Self-service Change of Address [terminal]
SCRDB
Symptom-Cause-Remedy Database [for TOPS]
SCRMS
Supply Chain Relationship Management System (2008)
SDC
State Distribution Center - Itemized in DMM 122.63
SDCS
Structured development system
SDSL
Single-line Digital Subscriber Line (1.5 Mbps high speed Internet access on telephone wires)
SDN
Stamp Distribution Network [telephone stamp orders, Kansas City, MO]
SDO
Scheduled Day Off
SDO
Stamp Distribution Office
SDO
Sub District Office (UK, within London)
se
standard error
SEC
Securities and Exchange Commission (stock regulatory agency)
SECAP
Societe d'Etude et de Construction d'Appareils de Precision (French manufacturer, purchased by Pitney Bowes)
SEG
Segregator (UK machine to separate packets - parcels - from letters)
SEI
Street Efficiency Indicator (2009)
SEM
Search Engine Marketing
Semi-automatic Strapping Machine
operator straps containers or bundles; machine welds
SEPOMEX
Servico Postal Mexicano (Mexican Post)
SERP
Software Evaluation and Recognition Program (Canada Post, similar to USPS CASS)
SES
Senior Executive Service (postal and government executives)
SES
Shared Energy Savings program (2006)
SFAP
Standard Field Accounting Procedures
SFAS
Standard Field Accounting System
SFC
Standard Field Computer
SFRC
Short Form Research Contract
SFS
Stamp Fulfillment Services
SHA
Secure Hash Algorithm
Shingler Modification
improves Model 500 throughput for M-36 and Mark II (year 1987)
SHP
Subsequent Handling Pieces [MODS report abbreviation]
SIC
Standard Industrial Classification (a United States government system for classifying industries by a four-digit code which since 1997 is gradually being replaced by the 6 digit North American Industry Classification System, NAICS)
SIC
Stepwise Improvement Classification (training method in Siemens OCR Adaptive Read system)
SIDS
Self Inking Date Stamps (UK)
SIGNAL
Type of Error [MODS report abbreviation]
SIS
Sack Induction Station (for BMC Sack Sorters) replaced by BDSIS on 12-19-91
SIS
Short Interval Scheduler
SixPLSM
Six Position Letter Sorting Machine (UK, officially Interim Letter Sorting Machine)
SLA
State Licensing Agency [for permits]
SLB
Street Letter Box (collection box)
SLIAC
St. Louis International Accounts Center
SLISSC
St. Louis Information Systems Service Center (1993 responsible for SPADS & TIMES)
SLOCR
Single Line Optical Character Reader
SLVS
? [seems to be some kind of mail container]
SMASC
San Mateo Accounting Service Center
SMC
Saturation Mailers Coalition
SMDC
[entity requiring delivery of DBCS TOPS documentation]
SMISC
San Mateo Information Service Center (1993 responsible for processing VMAS and postage meters)
SMO
Software Modification Orders (from E&TS to field)
SMOSC
San Mateo Operations Service Center
SMP
Simplified Mailing Process tool (2011 online interactive resource)
SMSA
Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area
SMT
Specialized Maintenance Training
SMW
System Manager Workstation (on the UFSM 1000 on which the Ops sets up mail sortation plans and maintenance runs diagnostics)
SNAPS
Strategic National Automated Purchasing System (USPS database contains information on requisitions, solicitations, and awards, including address, line item info on goods or services, supplier information and delivery information)
SNFC
Semi-National Forwarding Code (UK)
SOA
Statement of Account
SOARS
Statement Of Account Report System
SOARS/SFAP
Statement Of Account Report System/ Standard Field Accounting Procedures
SOHO
Small Office / Home Office
SOL
Solicitation ?? (guess: truncation of contracting term for RFP)
SOMS
Supplier Order Management System (2008)
SOO
Statement Of Objectives (2004)
SOP
Standard Operating Procedures
SOURCE
Source (or origin) of mail [MODS report abbreviation]
SOW
Statement Of Work
SOX
Sarbanes-Oxley Act
SP
scan information [feeds PCS per USPS FSS video ~ 2006]
SP/BS
Small Parcel and Bundle Sorter
SPADS
Service Performance Analysis Daily System
SPBS
Small Parcel and Bundle Sorter
SPC
Statistical Programs Coordinator
SPF
Shipper Paid Forwarding
SPFSM
Single Position Flats Sorting Machine
SPLSM
Single Position Letter Sorting Machine
SPLY
Same Period Last Year [data comparisons]
SPO
Serving Post Office
SPR
Small Parcels and Rolls [also IPP]
SPS
Statistical Programs Specialist
SPSC
Statistical Programs Service Center
SPSO
Scale Payment Sub-Office (UK agency post office)
SPYPA
Synthesized Phosphor (UK yellow phosphorescence trial ended in 1975)
SRF
Separate Reporting Facility [MODS report abbreviation]
SS/A
Shared Services / Accounting
SSIS
Sales/Service Information System
SSIS
Schedules and Schemes Information System
SSIU
Singulate-Scan-Induction Unit (2002-2003 system to separate packages and parcel mail, dimension, weigh, read barcode at BMC)
SSIU
Singulation Scan Induction Unit (2006, Lockheed Martin OCR for USPS parcel sorting systems)
SSIU
Singulator-Scan-Induction Unit (2002-2003 system to separate packages and parcel mail, dimension, weigh, read barcode at BMC)
SSK
Self Service Kiosk [mail weighing and postage vending]
SSL
Secure Socket Layer (secure computer connection on Internet)
SSL
Standard Shipping Label (specification due 2004, for USPS POS ONE systems)
SSL
Strategic Stocking Location (2006 national initiative for USPS spare parts delivery within 50 miles of warehouse in 2 hours with coverage 365 days / 24 hours)
SSM
Small Stamp Machine
SSO
Salaried Sub-Office (UK crown post office)
SSP/APC
Self Service Platform - Automated Postal Center (2004, market trial of kiosk)
SSPC
Self Service Postal Center
SSUTA
Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement
ST
Sorting Tender (UK, part of RPO)
ST
Source/Type Code [MODS report abbreviation]
ST
Special Tooling
ST
Street (Street Suffix)
ST/BR
Station or Branch [MODS report abbreviation]
ST/STE
Special Tooling/ Special Test Equipment
STaCS
Supervision, Translation & Control System (UK)
STC
Service Type Code (data within barcode; USPS pub. 109)
STC
Surface Transfer Center (replacement for HASPs?)
STC
Surface Transportation Center [2007 GAO report]
STE
Special Test Equipment
STE
Suite (mailing address abbreviation - Secondary Unit Designator; type of residential or commercial unit mail is sent to)
STG
Stamps To Go A licensed agreement with USPS through American Bank Note (ABN) and the supplier to sell stamps at the supplier s retail establishments.
STID
Service Type ID (on IMB)
STS
Supervisory Training System (at W. F. Bolger Management Academy and others)
SUP
Supervisory [MODS report abbreviation]
SUPV
Supervisory [MODS report abbreviation]
SV
Sacs Vides [(empty mail bags) international mail category - see IMM]
SV
Surface Visibility (replaced TIMES, 2007)
SVM
Stamp Vending Machine
SVP
Senior Vice-President
SWYB
Scan Where You Band

-T-

T TIME
Transmission Time of Reports from PDC [MODS report abbreviation]
T&A
Time and Attendance System [MODS report abbreviation]
T&C
Terms and Conditions [contractual]
T&D
Training and Development
TA
Temporarily Away (?) (return to sender)
TAB
Technology Advisory Board [aids USPS in long range technology programs]
TABS
Top And Bottom Sorter (for NMO in BMC)
TACS
Time and Attendance Collection System [2003, USPS information platform product]
TANS
Transportation And Networks
TAPPI
Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry [paper standards group]
TARL
Technical Analytical Research Library [USPS technical reports]
TARS
Training Activities Reporting System [records data from PEDC's]
TATOM
Tracking and Tracing of Overseas Mail (UK)
TATS
Track and Trace Scanner (2006 RFP) for SPBS
TB
3 digit ZIP+4 Barcoded rate category abbreviation on letter mail key line
TBD
To Be Determined
TCMAS
Third Class Mail Analysis System [mail delivery reporting system]
TDD
Training and Development Department [includes Field Programs Training Branch]
TDP
Technical Data Package
TDP
Technical Drawing Package
TDS
Tailored Delivery Service (UK: cuts 2nd delivery of day, 2006)
TDS
Tailored Delivery System (UK: cuts 2nd delivery of day, 2006)
TDSN
Time-Definite Surface Network (2008)
TDSS
Transportation Decision Support System
TDY
Temporary Duty (job assignment away from office)
TE
Transitional Employee ... temp (USPS, 2008)
Telescoping Conveyer model FR
Fixed conveyer within truck unloads
Telescoping Conveyer model FT
Fixed conveyer unloads mail from trucks
Telescoping Conveyer model TT
Movable conveyer unloads mail from trucks
TEM
Test Environment for Mailers (USPS testbed for IMB mailer system qualification, 2009)
TFP
Total Factor Productivity
The Overnighter
[USPS Express mail Trademark]
TIM
Ticket-Issue Machines Ltd (manufacturer)
TIME
Time in Hours and Hundredths (1375 = 1:45 pm) [MODS report abbreviation]
TIMES
Transportation Information Management Evaluation System is a USPS data collection system designed to track highway contractor performance as well as measure the utilization of the truck transportation network
TIN
Taxpayer Identification Number [social security or employer identification number]
TISR
? Technical Information Statistical Report [USPS technical reports]
TL
Transmittal Letter
TL
Truck Load [see also LTL]
TLA
Three Letter Abbreviation (Royal Mail, drives the need for this list)
TMDC
Topeka Materiel Distribution Center
TMO
Traffic Management Office
TMO
Transportation Management Office [obsolete]
TMS
Transportation Management System
TMS
Tray Management System
TMSC
Transportation Management Service Center
TNT
TNT N.V., the holding company of TNT and Royal TPG Post is based in the Netherlands. TNT N.V. evolved from the 1996 merger of PTT Post, the national postal service of the Netherlands and TNT (Thomas Nationwide Transport), the worldwide transport and logistics company founded in Australia in 1946.
TNT
Trinitrotoluene (explosive) 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene
TO
Travelling Office (UK)
TO-BE
Activity model showing process after change (compare with AS-IS)
TOFC
Trailer On Flat Car
TOFC
Trailer On Flat Car service
TOP2000
? USPS Flats sorting system [historical sequence is FSM -> AFTS -> TOP2000 -> FSS]
TOPS
Total Organization Productivity Support [~ 1992, was Operator Maintenance System]
TOPS
Transportation Optimization Planning and Scheduling system (2004, mail transportation planning program)
TPA
TerePhthalic Acid (violet phosphor ÒLettalite B3Ó used on UK stamps & barcodes)
TPAC
Technology Program Area Committee [directs technology planning at corporate level]
TPG
Royal TPG Post, Netherlands
TPH
Total Piece Handlings [MODS report abbreviation]
TPH/FHP
Ratio of Total Piece Handlings to First Handling Pieces [MODS report abbreviation]
TPH/HR
Total Piece Handlings per clerk/mail handler work hour [MODS report abbreviation]
TPO
Transfer Post Office
TPO
Traveling Post Office (UK)
TPP
Technology Innovations Professional (USPS PCC professional certificate, 2006)
TQ
Total Quality (Management)
TQM
Total Quality Management
TR
Transaction type (i.e. 7X, AX) [MODS report abbreviation]
TRACS
TRAnsportation Cost System [1990 program for transportation cost estimation]
TRANSFORMA
Transporting and Sorting Machine (Europe, early Marchand & Andriesen)
TRC
Technology Resources Center (Arthur D. Little & USPS)
TRD
Technology Resources Department (USPS)
TRIPOS
Traffic Recording Installations in Parcel Office Systems (UK)
TRLR
Trailer (Secondary Unit Designator; type of residential or commercial unit mail is sent to)
TSCA
Toxic Substance Control Act [from Environmental Protection Agency]
TSLC
Technology Solution Life Cycle process
TSM
Tray Sorting Machine
TSO
Town Sub-Office (UK)
TSP
Thrift Savings Plan
TT
[see Telescoping Conveyer model TT]
TTC
Technical Training Center (Norman, OK)
TTMS
Transit Time Management System
TTO
Tractor Trailer Operator
TTOE
Touch Tone Order Entry (USPS database contains daily order records from USPS field offices for items to be filled from Material Distribution Centers. Uses a catalog of items and a database of customers. Orders are transmitted to MDIMS system)
TTWG
Technology Transfer Working Group
TWX
Telex

-U-

U.S. Mail
[USPS Trademark]
UAA
Undeliverable As Addressed (return to sender)
UAA UBBM
Undeliverable As Addressed Unendorsed Bulk Business Mail (must discard)
UARS
Uncoded Address Resolution System (2003 beta test)
UBBM
Unendorsed Bulk Business Mail
UCC
Uniform Commercial Code
UDAS
Universal Decision Analysis System (2004)
UFF
Universal Flats Feeder
UFL
UnFunded Liabilities (2009)
UFSM 1000
Upgraded Flat Sorting Machine 1000 (new name for AFF/OCR upgraded AFSM 1000; completed in 2003)
UFTS
Universal Flats Transport Stacker
UHP
Ultra-high-pressure sterilization
UI
User Interface
UKIP
United Kingdom Independence Party [seeks to get UK out of the EU - European Union]
UL
Underwriters Laboratories
Umove
Siemens FastForward enhancement to remove UAA standard class mail before submission to USPS (2008)
UMPS
Union Management Pairs program
UMRA
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
UMS
University Mail Service
UMS
Utility Management System (2008)
UNC
Unclaimed (?) (return to sender)
UNDP
United Nations Development Program
United States Postal Service
[since 1971 USPS Trademark]
UNITS
Units for mail conversion rates (pounds, sacks, ..) [MODS report abbreviation]
UNTS
Units for mail conversion rates (pounds, sacks, ..) [MODS report abbreviation]
UPCE
Union of Postal Communication Workers (Canada)
UPF
Universal Postal Frankers Ltd (manufacturer)
UPS
Uninterruptable Power Supply
UPS
United Parcel Service
UPU
Universal Postal Union [international postal service coordinating organization]
USA
Universal System of Addressing
USC
United States Code
USDA
United States Department of Agriculture
USFGMD
Motorola U.S. Federal Government Markets Division of Columbia, MD: vendor of IMDAS scanner
USO
Universal Service Obligation (2008)
USPOD
United States Post Office Department [before 1971, see USPS since 1971]
USPS
United States Postal Service [since 1971, see USPOD before 1971]
USPSUQC
United States Postal Service Uniform Quality Control (Office)
USS
Uniform Symbology Specifications
UST
Underground Storage Tank program [prevent environmental contamination]
USV
Universal Stamp Vendor [print postage strips, made by Chamberlain Gard 1991]
UTF
Unable To Forward (return to sender)
UTS
Universal Transport System [2004, expanded version of Tray Management System]
UV
Ultraviolet [light]
UVVC
Unit Volume Variable Cost

-V-

V2
OCR V2, Optical Character Reader, version 2 (UK)
V3
OCR V3, Optical Character Reader, version 3 (UK)
VAC
Vacant (return to sender)
VACIS
ehicle and Cargo Inspection System (2008, gamma-ray imaging system made by SAIC)
VAP
Volume Arrival Profile
VARS
Vending Activity Reporting System
VAS
Value Added Service (special postal service like certified or registered)
VAX
[Digital Equipment Corporation mini computer]
VCS
Video Coding System (UK new program, RBCS made by French, complete in 1995)
VCS
Video Coding System (USPS 2004; manual system also called Video Keying System)
VDSL
Very high-data-rate Digital Subscriber Line (Internet access on telephone wires)
VDT
Video Display Terminal
VDT
Visual Display Unit (USPS 2004)
VER
Voluntary Early Retirement
VERA
Voluntary Early Retirement Authority
VESS
Vending Equipment for Sales and Services (stamp vending machines)
VFC
Vertical Flats Casing
VFS
Ventilation and Filtration Systems (2003: USPS Anti-Biohazard Systems)
VGA
(computer monitor with 640x480 resolution)
VICOMA
VIdeo-COdeer MAschine (Netherlands, video coding systems)
VIM
Vertical Improved Mail
VIM
Vertically Integrated Mail
VIP
Vehicle Improvement Program (USPS database contains contract records on the purchases of all non-mail hauling vehicles for the Postal Service)
VMAS
Vehicle Management Accounting System
VMF
Vehicle Maintenance Facility
VN/BV
Verification Note/Bulletin of Verification
VOB
Voice of the Business
VOC
Voice of the Customer
VOE
Voice of the Employee
VOIS
Vehicle Operations Information System (2006)
VOL
Volume of mail [MODS report abbreviation]
VP
Vice President
VPO
Village Post Office A supplier-owned or leased facility, similar to a CPU, but offering fewer services (i.e., stamp sales, pre-paid packaging, and possibly PO Boxes) - introduced in 2011, 136 as of Jan 2013
VPP
Voluntary Protection Plan (2003, OSHA sponsored safety program with recognition awards)
VPP
Voluntary Protection Program (Comprehensive Report to Congress)
VRC
Variable Rate Coil (postage stamp)
VRE
Volume Reduction Equipment (~ 2005)
VTAP
Vehicle Tracking Analysis and Performance System (trailer tracking inventory system deployed in 2001)

-W-

WABCR
Wide Area Bar Code Reader
WACA
Weeks After Contract Award
WAN
Wide Area Network
WAND
Worldwide Advanced Network Distribution (UK, 2006)
WASC
Western Area Supply Center
WBISSC
Wilkes Barre Information Systems Service Center (1993 responsible for philatelic and VESS)
WBS
Work Breakdown Structure [pricing]
WC
Work Credit [MODS report abbreviation]
WC/HR
Work Credits per clerk/ mail handler work hour [MODS report abbreviation]
WCD
Weekly Computerized Delivery sequence (CDS) product (2006)
WCO
World Customs Organization
WebBATS
Web Box Activity Tracking System (2004, web based system to track PO box utilization; may expand for customer renewals on-line)
WebCoInS
Web Complement Information System (tool to track authorized and actual complement = staffing)
WebEIS
Web Executive Information System
WebEMIS
Web Environmental Management Information System
WEC
World Environment Center
WEEK
Week of the accounting period (1, 2, 3, or 4) [MODS report abbreviation]
WEI
Office of Workplace Environment Improvement (founded 1998, office merged into EAP/WEI in 2003)
WFOV
Wide Field Of View camera (2003 replacement for WABCR reads IBI, POSTNET, and PLANET codes; 9,000 installed)
WHM
Work Hour Management
WKG
Working
WKLD
Workload unit [MODS report abbreviation]
WKLD/HR
Workload units per clerk/ mail handler work hour [MODS report abbreviation]
WNET
Western Network (9 western cities)
WOS
Retail Data Mart Window Operations Survey (2005, retail transaction data used to calculate required staffing levels)
WRM
Word Recognition Module
WRU
Weighing and Rating Unit
WS
Walk Sequence rate category abbreviation on letter mail key line
WSS
Walk Sequence Saturation rate category abbreviation on letter mail key line (2024)
WT
Weight [MODS report abbreviation]
WWS
Wizard Web Service
WYSIWYG
What You See Is What You Get (computer display matches printed version)

-X-

XLA
Express Delivery and Logistics Association
XML
eXtensible Markup Language (content rich Internet browser language)

-Y-

Y2K
Year 2000
YTD
Year To Date

-Z-

ZAP
Zone Analysis Program (USPS certification, 2004)
ZB
5 digit ZIP+4 Barcoded rate category abbreviation on letter mail key line
ZIP
Zone Improvement Plan [USPS Trademark]
ZIP
Zone Improvement Program [USPS Trademark]
ZIP
Zoning Improvement Plan [USPS Trademark]
ZIP Code
Zone Improvement Program code [USPS Trademark]
ZIP+4
Zone Improvement Program (plus sector/segment) 9 digit ZIP code [USPS Trademark]
ZMT
ZIP Mail Translator
ZN
ZIP+4 Nonpresort rate category abbreviation on letter mail key line
ZP
ZIP+4 Presort rate category abbreviation on letter mail key line

United States Postal Service Abbreviations Glossary A - L

United States Postal Service Abbreviations Glossary M - Z (here)

United States Postal Service Abbreviations Glossary Numeric


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