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 M-Z (select the letter)
M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y |Z
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 M - Z (here)
|