USPS Abbreviations Glossary A-L by Douglas Boynton Quine

United States Postal Service (USPS) Abbreviations Glossary A-L

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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: . 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: 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 (select the letter)

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L

USPS Abbreviations Glossary M-Z

USPS Abbreviations Glossary - Numeric

USPS Abbreviations Glossary A-L

-A-

A Field: 32 bar POSTNET code representing 5 digit ZIP code
A-E: Architect-Engineer services
A/P: Accounting Period
AA: APO code for Armed Forces Americas
AAA: Automated Airline Assignment
AADC: Automated Area Distribution Center
AAFES: Army and Air Force Exchange Service (military overseas post offices)
AAR: Advanced Address Recognizer for OCR [1991 RFP for 1995]
AB Field: 69 bar POSTNET code (an A field + B field) representing 9 digit ZIP code
AB' Field: 79 bar POSTNET code (an A field + B' field) representing 11 digit ZIP code
ABA: American Banking Association [for funds transfer]
ABC: Activity Based Costing [2002]
ABC: Advanced Bar Code: 62 bar POSTNET code representing 11 digit ZIP [see DPBC]
ABC: Audit Bureau of Circulations Inc. (for 2nd class permit audits)
ABC Group: Automation and Bar Code Group
ABCD: Accelerated Business Communication Delivery [1965]: same day city business delivery if mail is delivered to the postal service in the morning per https://eng.lacity.org/docs/sporders/1965/so10624.pdf section 6
ABE: Automated Barcode Evaluator
ABMPS: Automated Business Mail Processing System
ABN: American Bank Note [prints stamps]
ABSU: Automatic Bundle Separation Unit (USPS FSS video, 2008)
AC: actual count
ACA: After Contract Award (2004)
ACA: Associate Contractor Agreement
ACDCS: Air Contract Data Collection System [USPS transportation contracts system]
ACE: Advanced Computing Environment (2003 IT upgrade including Microsoft Outlook email)
ACFS: Advanced Computerized Forwarding System
ACH: Automated Clearinghouse (funds transfer)
ACL: Address Correction Letter test [Wilmington DE, Apr '92, printed CFS address changes]
ACR: Annual Compliance Report
ACS: Address Change Service
ACSS: Air Contract Support System
ACT: Air Contract Transportation tag
ACT: Automation Compatible Tray [for AFSM-ai, 2005 and FSS, 2007; allows automatic loading onto the flats mail feeder ledge per USPS FSS video]
ADAPT: Automatic Density Analysis Profile Technique
ADC: Area Distribution Center
ADEPT: Acquisition for Desktop Extended Processing Equipment
ADJ: Adjustment (plus or minus) [on a report]
ADNE: Address Does Not Exist [Delivery Force Knowledge address update, 2005]
ADP: Accountable Paper Depository
ADP: Automated Data Processing
ADSL: Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (up to 1.5 Mbps high speed Internet access on telephone wires)
ADVANCE: Advanced Mail Tracking & Reporting System for Standard Mail & Periodicals [notification and tracking service]
AE: additional entry
AE: APO code for Armed Forces Europe (soldiers deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan also use AE)
AEC: Automated Element Correction [address correction subsystem 2003]
AECII: Automated Element Correction II [address correction subsystem 2005]
AEG: Allgemein Elektricitat Gesellschaft (vendor to USPS; acquired by Siemens, renamed Dematic)
AEP: Affirmative Employment Program
AES: Automated Enrollment System [for Management Academy courses]
AFA: After First Article approval
AFC: advanced facer-canceller
AFCM: Automatic Fine Cull Machine
AFCS: Advanced Facer Canceller System [ECA/ AEG] (faces letter mail by locating the stamp, meter, or indicia. AFCS also cancels letter mail, sprays an identification (ID) tag, lifts the image, and sorts letter mail to a set of bins for further processing)
AFCS-DD: Advanced Facer Canceller System Doubles Detector (2004)
AFCS-IJC: Advanced Facer Canceller System InkJet Canceller
AFCS/ISS: Advanced Facer Canceller System with Input Sub System
AFF: Automated Flats Feeder (for FSM)
AFF/OCR: Automated Flats Feeder and Optical Character Reader modification (upgrade for AFSM 1000 completed in 2003; renamed AFSM as UFSM)
AFP: Advanced Flats Processor (USPS, on hold 2009)
AFP: Association for Financial Professionals
AFS: Advanced Flats Sorter [renamed AFSM for deployment between 2000 and 2002]
AFSM: Advanced Flats Sorting Machine [obsolete]
AFSM: Automated Flats Sorting Machine [2002]
AFSM 100: Advanced Flats Sorting Machine [deployment between 2000 and 2002 replacing FSM881 at a ratio of 1 to 2.5]
AFSM 100: Automated Flats Sorting Machine [USPS Emergency Preparedness Report 2002]
AFSM-ai: Advanced Flats Sorting Machine with automatic induction [feeder, 2005]
AFTL: Automatic Flats Tub Lidder ~ 2005
AFTU: Automatic Flats Tub Unlidder ~ 2005
AFV: Alternative Fuel Vehicle
AHMR: Apartment House Mail Receptacle
AI: Address Interpretation (UK, 2006)
AI: Artificial Intelligence
AI: Automatic Induction (e.g. for AFSM feeder)
AIC: Account Identifier Code [charge numbers]
AIC: Akaike Information Criteria (character recognition in Siemens OCR Adaptive Read system)
AIIEPPS: Automated Inbound International Expedited Product Processing System~ 2005
AIM: Asset and Identification Management program [pilot 1989; nationwide starts 1991]
AIM: Automatic Identification Manufacturers [barcode standards group]
AIS: Address Information System
AISO: Address Information System Office (?) [Office of Operations Services]
ALF: Automatic Letter Facing and Cancelling Machine (UK)
ALF/SEG: (UK)
Alhambra Modification: Separates FIM and meter mail on Micro Mark Facer/Canceler
ALP: Advanced Leadership Program (since 1998, 4 week program)
ALPS: Automatic Log sheet Preparation System (UK) [computes productivity for manual keying stations]
ALS: Advanced Letter Sorter [future]
AM: Account Management (finance)
AM: Address Management
AM: ante meridian (before noon in time)
AMC: Airport Mail Center
AMC: Airport Mail Centre (UK, Hong Kong)
AMC/F: Airport Mail Center/Facility (79 in 2006 before END implemented and transition to ATC)
AMEE: Association for Mail Electronic Enhancement
AMF: Airmail Field [uncommon]
AMF: Airport Mail Facility
AMK: Automated Mailing Kiosk (Return kiosk system at airports to mail home TSA prohibited personal items, 2005)
AMO: Area Maintenance Office
AMOT: Alternate Methods Of Transportation
AMP: Advanced Management Program (at W. F. Bolger Management Academy and others)
AMP: Area Mail Processing
AMPC: Area Mail Processing Center
AMPS: Automated Meter Posting System
AMS: Address Management System
AMS: Alternate Mailing Systems
AMS2: Address Management System phase 2
AMS3: Address Management System phase 3
AMSOP: AM Standard Operating Procedures
AMTES: Area Mail Transport Equipment Specialists
AMU: Address Management Unit (UK, 2008)
ANK: Attempted Not Known (return to sender)
ANP: After Notice to Proceed
ANSI: American National Standards Institute
ANSI-RIA: American National Standards Institute - Robotics Industries Association (e.g. safety standards)
AO: Administrative Official
AO: Associate (Post) Office
AO: Autres Objets; All Other [international mail category - see IMM]
AOG: Aircraft on Ground [aircraft awaiting repair parts]
AOI: associate office infrastructure
AOS: Advice of Shipment (for shipments from SDOs)
AP: Accounting Period
AP: APO code for Armed Forces Pacific
APARS: Accounts Payable Accounting and Reporting System
APC: All Purpose Container (rolling container to move mail trays at post office; often known as POSTCON)
APC: Automated Postal Center (USPS consumer stamp printing machine kiosk with PB IBIP indicia (Dallas got first unit in 2004
APC: Automated Processing Centres (UK)
API: Application Program Interface (standard software interface to a computer program)
APMG: Assistant Postmaster General
APMG: Associate Postmaster General
APO: Army (Air Force) Post Office
APPS: Automated Package Parcel Sorter [(also) Lockheed-Martin 2002 award for $300 million USPS 2004-2005 deployment]
APPS: Automated Package Processing System [Lockheed-Martin 2002 award for $300 million USPS 2004-2005 deployment]
APQC: American Productivity and Quality Center (spearheading the creation, design and administration of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award)
APS: Address Program Support Office [Office of Operations Support]
APS: Adjustment Processing System
APT: Advanced Postal Teller
APT: Apartment (Secondary Unit Designator - type of residential or commercial unit mail is sent to)
APT: Automated Postal Teller
APWU: American Postal Workers Union
AR: Account Representative
ARM: Accelerated Reply Mail
ARO: After Receipt of Order
ARS: Address Recognition System [2002]
ARSWS: Address Readability Specialist Work Stations [1992 NPF]
ARU: Address Recognition Unit [Arthur D. Little planned OCR for 1997]
AS-IS: Activity model (showing current process; compare with TO-BE)
ASC: Accounting Service Center (i.e. MASC and St. Louis Accounting Service Center)
ASCII: [a magnetic tape standard - EBCDIC is the another]
ASD: Automated Seamless Dispatch (? acronym used)
ASDRM: Auto Dispatch System for Registered Mail
ASF: Administrative Support Facility; Auxiliary Service Facility
ASF: Auxiliary Service Facility
ASM: Administrative Support Manual [USPS]
ASM: Automatic Sorting Machine (UK) [NP4000 will replace]
ASME: American Society of Mechanical Engineers
ASN: Advanced Shipping Notice (Oct 1 2001 required)
ASP: Associate Supervisor Program (since 1996, 16 week program)
ASS: Automated Sequence Sorting (UK Royal Mail)
ASYS: Air System Services [USPS air Transportation Services Contract for domestic mail on scheduled aircraft; replaced by CAIR in 2003]
ASYS-R: Air System Services - Regional [USPS air Transportation Services Contract; air transportation of domestic mail on scheduled aircraft; scheduled to end in May 2003]
ATC: Airport Transfer Center (60 or 70 expected after END implemented and transition from AMC)
ATE: Automatic Test Equipment
ATF: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms
ATHS: Automated Tray Handling System (Siemens Dematic a $127 million contract in 2003)
ATLAS: Automatic Tray Label Assignment System (2004, replaces PASSPORT, supports EDL)
ATM: Automatenmarken (European coin fed machines which print stamps on demand)
ATM: Automatic Teller Machine (USA banks)
ATP: Authority to Participate Vouchers (federal food coupons)
ATP: Authority To Proceed
ATS: Automatic Tray Sleever ~ 2005
ATU: Automatic Tray Unsleever ~ 2005
AUTO: Automation [abbreviation for reports]
Automatic Strapping Machine: Wraps straps around containers or bundles and welds them
Automatic Strapping System: Straps and welds containers or bundles
AVE: Avenue (Street Suffix)
AVP: Area Vice President
AVSEC: Aviation SECurity (marking on 2002 airmail items)
AVTRS: Automated Vehicle Time Recording System [determines vehicle usage by badge reader]

-B-

B Field: 37 bar POSTNET code adding zone and +4 to existing 5 digit ZIP code
B&P: Bid and Proposal
B' Field: 47 bar POSTNET code adding zone, +4, and street to existing 5 digit ZIP code
BA: Basic rate category abbreviation on letter mail key line
BAARS: Bulk Mail Acceptance and Accounting Reporting System [enhancement is BRAVIS]
BAPO: Base Army Post Office (UK)
BBH: B we Bell Howell (vendor)
BBM: Bulk Business Mail
BC: Barcode
BC: British Commonwealth and Foreign Parcel Office (UK, was I&FPP)
BCG: Business Customer Gateway (USPS portal 2009)
BCM: Booklet/Coil Vending Machine
BCR: Bar Code Reader
BCS: Bar Code Sorter
BCS/OSS: Bar Code Sorter/ Output SubSystem for RBCS
BCSI: Business Customer Satisfaction Index [USPS plan to implement in 1992]
BDS: Biohazard Detection System (since October, 2001) - preferred version
BDS: Biological Detection System (since October, 2001)
BDS-DC: Biohazard Detection System Dual-collection (connected to two AFCS, 2008)
BDSIS: Belt Drive Sack Induction Station (for BMC Sack Sorters) replaced SIS on 12-19-91
BDMA: Belgian Direct Mail Association
BDT: Business Development Team (Apr 2006)
BEA: Bureau of Economic Analysis
BEP: Bureau of Engraving and Printing
BFP: Bulk Flats Processor (2008 system to prepare flats bundles for processing on FSS and AFSM systems)
BFPO: British Forces Post Office (UK)
BHC: Bulk Handling Centre (UK)
BIS: Bulk Insured Services
BITE: Built In Test Equipment
BITS: Base Information Transfer System [US military address change system]
Blk. Rt.: Bulk Rate
BLS: Bureau of Labor Statistics
BLVD: Boulevard (Street Suffix)
BMA: Bulk Mail Acceptance
BMAP: BiDirectional Mapping [2002]
BMAU: Bulk Mail Acceptance Unit
BMBF: German Federal Ministry for Education and Research
BMC: Bulk Mail Center (21 in 2006 before END implemented)
BMC: Bulk Mail Center Container
BMC-MSC: Bulk Mail Center- Management Sectional Center
BME: Business Mail Entry
BMEU: Business Mail Entry Unit
BO: Branch Office (UK)
BOB: Business Opportunities Bulletin (USPS Purchasing and Material Management Information Systems database stores data about pending procurements. This includes synopsis, solicitation, and supporting documents for download by prospective suppliers.
BOG: Board of Governors [USPS Board of Directors appointed by the President of the USA]
BOI: Board of Inspection [USPS group to approve production modifications after QA]
Box R: Retired Military Personnel
BP: Bulk Posting (UK)
BPA: Basic Pricing Agreement
BPA: Business Publications Audit of Circulation Inc. (for 2nd class permit audits)
BPCS: British Post Consultancy Service [sets up postal operations for other countries]
BPI: Breakthrough Productivity Initiatives [2002]
BPI: Business Process Improvement
BPM: Bound Printed Matter
BPMA: British Postal Museum and Archive (UK)
BPRS: Bulk Parcel Return Service
BQM: Back Quality Mark - usually a double headed arrow in a rectangular box with either one or two dates and mail centre code (UK, 2008)
BR: Branch [MODS report abbreviation]
BRAVIS: Bulk Revenue And Volume Information System [enhancement of BAARS]
BRC: Business Reply Card
BRE: Business Reply Envelope
BRM: Business Reply Mail
BRMAS: Business Reply Mail Accounting System
BRPW: Bulk Revenue Pieces and Weights
BSA: Bank Secrecy Act
BSN: Business Service Network (USPS 2004)
BTMC: Bell Telephone Manufacturing Co (manufacturer)
BTS: U. S. Department of Transportation Bureau of Transportation Statistics
BTU/SF/YR: British Thermal Unit/Square Foot/Year [energy use]
BV: Bulletin of Verification
BWS: Building Wire Standardization
BWS/PDS: Building Wire Standardization/ Premise Distribution Systems
BYU: Bayou (Street Suffix)

-C-

C: Composite Operation [MODS report abbreviation]
C Field: 52 bar POSTNET code representing 9 digit ZIP code
C' Field: 62 bar POSTNET code representing 11 digit ZIP code
C-M P&DC: Curseen-Morris P& DC (formerly Brentwood P&PC, Washington DC, named after postal workers Joseph Curseen Jr. and Thomas Morris Jr. who were killed by anthrax in 2001)
C40: POSTEC Letter Coding Desk (UK)
C4SC: Customer 4 State Code (customer applied 4 state barcode, 2006)
CAA: Clean Air Act [from Environmental Protection Agency]
CAC: Corrective Action Code (address list, 2006 ; works with CARL)
CAC: Customer Advisory Council
CAD: Computer Aided Design
CAD/CAM: Computer Aided Design/ Computer Aided Manufacturing
CADA: Commercially Available Decentralized Acquisition (2002 alternative to FAST and REDI procurement)
CADAM: Computer Aided Design And Manufacturing [USPS required CAD format]
CADD: Computer Aided Design and Drafting
CADR: Computer Assisted Delivery Revision (UK optimizer for carrier routes)
CAG A-D -: Cost Ascertainment Grouping [category of post office]
CAG A-G -: Cost Ascertainment Grouping [category of post office]
CAG A-L -: Cost Ascertainment Grouping [category of post office]
CAIR: Commercial Air transportation system contract (2003, were ASYS)
CAIR-03: Commercial Air transportation system contract (2003, were ASYS)
CAKT: Computer Assisted Keyboard Training
CAM: Computer Aided Manufacturing
CAN-SPAM: Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography and Marketing Act (US Congress considering, 2003)
CAO: Change of Appointing Office - personnel term used for transferred employee: person is reassigned and CAO (obsolete?)
CAP: Corporate Automation Plan
CAPS: Centralized Account Payment System (possibly incorrect translation in POSTCOM, 2008) (retiring in 2019)
CAPS: Centralized Accounting Processing System (retiring in 2019)
CAPS: Centralized Automated Payment System (retiring in 2019 per details below)
CAPS: Centralized Automatic Payment System (retiring in 2019)
CAR: Consumer Affairs Representative
CARL: Corrective Action Required List (address list, 2006 ; works with CAC)
CAROUSEL: (White Carousel System: USPS database contains order numbers, item numbers, quantity and locations of stock to be shipped to internal customers)
CARS: Change-of-Address Record Server (2004)
CARS: Contract Access Retail System mailing system for Contract Postal Units (CPU) to weigh, meter, and calculate postage on mail pieces. Only CPUs under a Performance-Based percentage payment contract that do not have Post Office boxes or sell postal money orders qualify for a CARS mailing system.
CARS CPU: Contract Post Office with a USPS Contract Access Retail System
CAS: Case Analysis System
CASS: Coded Accuracy Support System [2002]
CASS: Coding Accuracy Support System
CASS/CRIS: Coding Accuracy Support System for Carrier Route Information System Matching
CAST: Computer Assisted Scheme Training
CASTR: Carrier Automated Street Tray Rack cart (USPS FSS video, 2008)
CAT: Category [MODS report abbreviation]
CAT: Critical Acceptance Time
CAT: Curbline Access Test
CAT: Customer Acceptance Testing (USPS / industry internal preproduction test of IMB system before TEM)
CBD: Commerce Business Daily
CBDS: Collection Box Decontamination System
CBIT: Computer Based Interactive Training
CBMS: Collection Box Management System (tool monitors collection performance)
CBO: Congressional Budget Office
CBP: Customs and Border Protection (US government)
CBS: Capital Budget System
CBT: Computer Based Test [administered by NTAC]
CBT: Computer Based Training [obsolete - see CBIT]
CBU: Cluster Box Units
CCC: Classification Currents Communicator (newsletter)
CCC: Corporate Customer Contact
CCCS: City Carrier Cost System (within CCS)
CCID: Container Content ID (2006 for EPD)
CCITT: [FAX image transfer protocol]
CCM: Coalition of Catalog Mailers
CCS: Carrier Cost System (includes CCCS and RCCS)
CD-ROM: Compact Disk - Read Only Memory
CDB: Corporate Data Base
CDC: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
CDO: Counter District Office (UK, was HPO before 1986)
CDPOM: City Delivery Pivoting Opportunity Model (2009)
CDR: Critical Design Review
CDRH: Center for Devices and Radiological Health
CDS: Circular Date Stamp
CDS: Computerized Delivery Sequence (file)
CEM: Customer Experience Measurement (2009 USPS survey)
CEO: Chief Executive Officer
CET: Critical Entry Time
CFC: Culler Facer Canceller (UK Royal Mail) (not colour facer canceller)
CFL: Civilian Labor Force (statistics)
CFO: Chief Financial Officer
CFPA: Coaching For Performance and Accountability
CFPS: Change of Address Forms Processing System (scanner in PARS, 2007)
CFR: Code of Federal Regulations
CFS I: Computerized Forwarding System I
CFS II: Computerized Forwarding System II
CFS II/PLA: Computerized Forwarding System II/ Printer Label Applicator
CFS/CMU: Computerized Forwarding System/ Centralized Markup Unit
CFS/FFT: Computerized Forwarding System/ Flats Forwarding Terminal
CH₂O: Paraformaldehyde
CICA: Competition in Contracting Act
CIIS: Comprehensive-Interactive Information Strategy
CIH: Certified Industrial Hygienist
CIM: Contract Interpretation Manual (USPS-NPMHU)
CIMA: Canadian International Mail Association
CIN: Content Identification Number (IMB program, 2008)
CIN: Content Identifier Number (on bar coded tray labels)
CIPS: Customer Initiated Payment System (PLANET code based future system)
CIS: Corporate Information System
CIS: Criminal Investigation System (2003 USPS)
CLASS: Computerized Labeling and Address Sequence System
CLEC: Continuing Local Exchange Carrier (telephone company)
CLF: Civilian Labor Force
CLIN: Contract Line Item Number [pricing]
CLK: Clerk [MODS report abbreviation]
ClO₂: Chlorine dioxide
CLPC: Computerized Label Printing Center
CLSM: Compact Letter Sorting Machine (BTMC machine used in Netherlands)
CM: see C-M P&
CMA: commercial mailing agent
CMC: Category Management Center (2004, e.g. USPS Automation CMC, Merrifield, Virginia)
CMIS: Commitment Management Information System (upcoming track & trace for customers in 1999)
CMM: Customized MarketMail (2004 custom shaped - non-rectangular - marketing mail dropped directly at DDU)
CMO: Chief Marketing Officer (postmaster responsibility to community)
CMP: Career Management Program (since 1999)
CMP: Crisis Management Plan (2004)
CMPA: Canadian Magazine Publishers Association
CMR: Consolidated Mail Room - military base APO incoming mail PO boxes per https://www.letsgo-europe.com/Germany/military/mail.html e.g. GERMAN APO ADDRESS FORMAT is:
CMRA: Commercial Mail Receiving Agency (private mail box)
CMRA: Commercial Mail Receiving Agent (private mail box)
CMRS: Computerized (Remote Postage) Meter Resetting System
CMS: Complement Management and Selection [bidding system in HRIS]
CMS: Complement Management System [~ 1983, job bidding system in HRIS]
CMU: Centralized Markup Unit (CFS).
CNET: Christmas Dedicated Network of postal aircraft
CNG: Compressed Natural Gas [for motor vehicles]
CO: Contracting Officer
COA: Change Of Address
COARS: Change-of-Address Reporting System (in PARS) Postal Rate Commission Testimony 2005
COARS: Change-of-Address Research System (in PARS) Postal Rate Commission Testimony 2005
COB: Close Of Business
COBIT: Control Objectives for Information and related Technologies
COD: Collect On Delivery
CODES: Computerized On-site Data Entry System
COLA: Cost Of Living Adjustments
COLA: Cost Of Living Allowances
COMPASS: Computerized Procurement and Supply System
CON: Console [MODS report abbreviation]
CON-CON: Concealed Container [2002]
CON-CON: Concentration and Convoy of Registered Mail
CONFIRM: Computerized On-line Notification For Inbound Reply Mail (PLANET code based 1999 system)
CONV: Conversion Rate [MODS report abbreviation]
COO: Chief Operating Officer
COOP: Continuity Of Operations Plans (US Postal Inspection Service)
COP: Continuation Of Pay [disability]
COR: Carrier Optimal Routing (2003 USPS carrier route travel optimization computer program)
COR: Contracting Officer Representative
COR: Contracting Officer's Representative
COSC: Computer Operations Service Center
COTS: Commercial-Off-The-Shelf
CP: Carrier Route Presort rate category abbreviation on letter mail key line
CP: Colis Postaux [international mail category - see IMM]
CPF: Competitive Products Fund (under USPS PAEA reorganization, 2007)
CPHQ: Command Postal HeadQuarters (Allied Expeditionary Air Force, 1944)
CPI: Consumer Price Index [cost of living]
CPNS: Customer Preferred Name System
CPO: Community Post Office - a contract unit that provides postal services in small communities where an independent Post Office has been discontinued
CPP: Centralized Postage Payment system
CPS: Contractor Performance System (USPS Purchasing and Material Management Information Systems WEB based application that allows purchasing personnel within the federal government to have access. It allows purchasing personnel to evaluate suppliers contract performance and is shared among the subscribed agencies.)
CPU: Contract Postal Unit (post office inside retail establishment) - a supplier-owned or supplier-leased facility operated by the supplier, under contract to the Postal Service, to provide postal services to the public at Postal Service prices
CPUT: Contract Postal Unit Technology is a Web-based application that calculates the correct payment each month by the USPS to a Contract Postal Unit based upon the supplier's CPU contract
CQR: Container Quantity Report (2008, IMB program)
CR: Carrier Route
CR: Character Reader [OCR] subsystem
CRA: Cost Revenue Analysis (~ 2005)
CRAMP: Computerised Routing for Automated Mail Processing (UK 1992 sort plan generator)
CRF: Central Repair Facility
CRID: Customer Registration ID (10 digits for IMB program)
CRIS: Carrier Route Information System
CRM: Character Recognition Module
CRM: Courtesy Reply Mail
CRM: Customer Relationship Management
CRS: Catalog Request Service (~ 2005)
CRS: Congressional Reporting Service
CRSS: Civil Service Retirement System
CRT: Cathode Ray Tube
CS&DS: Customer Service and Sales Districts
CSA: Candidate Supplemental Application (in USPS employee application process)
CSA: Carbazole Sulphonic Acid (blue phosphor ÒLettalite B2Ó used on UK stamps & barcodes)
CSA: Customer / Supplier Agreement (USPS, 2008)
CSAC: Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee (selects stamp designs)
CSB: Customer Service Branch [at each postal data center]
CSBCS: Carrier Sequence Bar Code Sorter
CSC: Consumer Service Card
CSD: Customer Service District
CSDD: Customer Service District Designee
CSF: Consumer Service Facility (195 in 2006 before END implemented)
CSI: Customer Satisfaction Index [Opinion Research Corporation]
CSM: Customer Satisfaction Measurement (survey)
CSM-B: Customer Satisfaction Measurement - business (survey)
CSM-EVM: Customer Satisfaction Measurement - event based (survey)
CSM-R: Customer Satisfaction Measurement - residential (survey)
CSMDS: Customer Services Management Data System
CSMPC: Customer Service Mail Processing Center (2009)
CSOCR: Code Sort Optical Character Reader
CSP: Corporate Succession Planning
CSR: Container Summary Record (2008, IMB program)
CSR: Customer Support Ruling (2007)
CSRDF: Civil Servant Retirement and Disability Fund
CSRDF: Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund
CSRS: Civil Service Retirement System
CST: Code Sort Translator (UK converts keystrokes to dot codes and dotcodes to addresses)
CT: Computed Tomography
CT: Court (Street Suffix)
CTC: Celebrate The Century (1999 stamp series)
CTHO: Christmas Terminal Handling Operation (e.g. temporary warehouse setup to handle USPS parcels for the holidays, Atlanta, 2006)
CTO: Chief Technology Officer
CTS: Culler - Tiler - Singler (UK)
CTT: Comprehensive Tracing and Tracking [for Express Mail]
CTUS: Customs Territory of the United States
CUPW: Canadian Union of Postal Workers
cv: coefficient of variance
CWA: Clean Water Act [from Environmental Protection Agency]
CWU: Communications Workers Union (UK)

-D-

D/S: Drop Ship
D&CR: Contract Postal Unit Design and Construction Requirements
DAASC: Defense Automatic Address System Center (Inquiry System)
DACA: Days After Contract
DADC: Destination Area Distribution Center (for periodicals)
DAISY: Data Acquisition Information System (UK)
DAL: Detached Address Label
DAR: Decision Analysis Report (e.g. FSS, 2009)
DAR: Detailed Analysis Report (2008)
DAS: Density Analysis System
DAT: Dedicated Air tracking System
dB: decibels (measure of sound level)
DBA: Doing Business As (Fictitious business name for sole proprietor)
dBA: a-weighted decibels (measure of sound level weighted to approximate the frequency response of the human ear)
dBC: c-weighted decibels (measure of sound level using an absolute scale)
DBCS: Delivery Bar Code Sorter
DBCS-EC: Delivery Bar Code Sorter Expanded Capability (2002-2003 can handle flimsy and heavy letter mail)
DBCS-ED: Delivery Bar Code Sorter Expanded Capability (2002-2003 can handle flimsy and heavy letter mail) - possible typo for DBCS-EC
DBCS/OSS: Delivery Bar Code Sorter/ Output SubSystem
DBD: Detailed Block Diagram
DBMC: Destination Bulk Mail Center
DCD: Document Control Division [headquarters]
DCN: Design Change Notification
DCO: Data Conversion Operator (RBCS video encoding operator 2002)
DCS: Data Collection Site [MODS report abbreviation]
DCS: Direct Connect System [transports letters from the AFCS directly to a DBCS/OSS - planned for year 2004]
DCT: Data Collection Technician
DD: Doubles Detector (on AFCS-DD, 2004)
DDC: Delivery Distribution Center
DDE: Dynamic Data Exchange [for CBIT]
DDE/DR: Distributed Data Entry and Distributed Reporting
DDU: Destinating Delivery Unit
DDU: Destination Delivery Unit
DEC: Deceased (?) (return to sender)
DEC: Digital Equipment Corporation
DEC: Division Environmental Coordinator [USPS]
DelCon: Delivery Confirmation (USPS trace and track service)
DEPS: Drop Entry Point System [introduced through FAST on June 4, 2006]
DESK: (UK)
DFC: Directions For Conducting [examinations by NTAC]
DGS: Document Generator System [for contracting officers/ USPS Procurement & Supply]
DHHS: Department of Health and Human Services
DHL: courier service founded in 1969 by Adrian Dalsey, Larry Hillblom and Robert Lynn (D, H, and L) as a service shuttling bills of lading between San Francisco and Honolulu. Deutsche Post World Net acquired DHL in 2002. Through the purchase of Airborne Express in 2003, DHL became the third largest express service provider in the U.S.
DHS: Department of Homeland Security
DIB: Digital Inserter Base
DIME: Dual Independent Map Encoding [census & ZIP+4 directory]
DIOSS: Delivery Bar Code Sorter Input / Output SubSystem (the ultimate DBCS upgrade available in 2001 including DBCS/OCR/ISS/OSS)
DIOSS: Delivery Bar Code Sorter Input Subsystem / Output SubSystem (the ultimate DBCS upgrade available in 2001 including DBCS/OCR/ISS/OSS)
DIOSS-EC: Delivery Bar Code Sorter Input Subsystem / Output SubSystem Expanded Capability (future DBCS upgrade including DBCS/OCR/ISS/OSS with ability to handle heavier mail)
DIS: [abbreviation on Area Distribution Center (ADC) mail]
DIS: (unknown return to sender code)
DITA: Datapost Inland Tracking and Tracing (UK)
DIVA: Distributeur de Vignettes dÓAffranchisement (French self service stamp dispenser)
DJDE: [Xerox print format]
DKS: Distribution Key Share
DL/PB: Dead Letter/ Parcel Branch [USPS]
DLA: Defense Logistics Agency
DLL: Dynamic Link Library [for CBIT]
DLMA: Phosphor manufactured by Derby Luminescents of Enfield (mixture of CSA and para amino benzophenone makes a blue-green flash followed by blue phosphorescence)
DM: Direct Mail
DM: District Manager
DMCS: Domestic Mail Classification Schedule [defines mail requirements and rates]
DMD: [support facility in Washington DC]
DMM: Domestic Mail Manual (USPS)
DMU: Detached Mail Unit
DN: Distribution Networks
DNA: Deoxyribonucleic acid
DNDC: Destination Network Distribution Center (2010 was DBMC)
DNET: Daytime Dedicated Network of postal aircraft
DNM: Do Not Mail
DNO: Distribution Networks Office
DNO: Distribution Networks Operations
DO: Delivery Office (UK, 2006)
DOB: Date of Birth
DOIS: Delivery Operations Information System (August 2000 Board meeting)
DOJ: Department of Justice
DOL: Department of Labor
DOT: Department of Transportation
DOV: Dispatch of Value (SCF to DDU delivery with DPS mail)
DPARS: Delivery Performance Achievement and Recognition System (2004 productivity tool based upon top quartile performers)
DPB: Delivery Point Bar Code (62 bar POSTNET representing 11 digit ZIP) - mail industry
DPBC: Delivery Point Bar Code (62 bar POSTNET representing 11 digit ZIP) - was ABC
DPC: Destination Processing Center [new naming convention for inbound mail processing center, 2005; as of 2006, after END is implemented expect 258 LPC / DPC total]
DPF: Delivery Point File
DPMG: Deputy Postmaster General
DPO: Designated Post Office
DPO: Diplomatic Post Office (2009)
DPP: Day of Pay Period (1-14) [MODS report abbreviation]
DPP: Delivery Point Packaging [2002 RFP to sequence flats and first class mail into one package for each delivery point]
DPRC: Dual Pass Rough Cull System "Barney"
DPRCS: Dual Pass Rough Cull System "Barney"
DPS: Delivery Point Sequence
DPS: Delivery Point Sequencing
DPV: Delivery Point Validation (a new feature in 2002 for address hygiene)
DPV: Delivery Point Verification (a new feature in 2002 for address hygiene)
DPWN: Deutsche Post World Net (2008)
DQI: Distribution Quality Improvement program (2004- uses commercial databases to improve remote computer reader encode rates)
DRDC: Destination Regional Distribution Center (2006)
DRS: Directory Retrieval System
DRS: (EEO) Dispute Resolution Specialist
DSAS: Drop Shipment Appointment System (replaced by FAST in 2005)
DSAT: Diagnostic Service Analysis Testing
DSCF: Destination Sectional Center Facility
DSF: Delivery Sequence File [from NAIC]
DSI: DSI: Driver Safety Instructor
DSIS: Decision Support Information System
DSL: Digital Subscriber Line (high speed Internet access on telephone wires such as ADSL, HDSL, SDSL, VDSL)
DSMART: Delivery Sortation Management Automation Research Tool (USPS software 2007)
DSMS: Drop Ship Management System [2002]
DSU: Decision Storage Unit [for RBCS]
DSU: Directory Search Unit [for AAR, future]
DUBCS: Delivery Unit Bar Code Sorter [obsolete term, see DBCS]
DUSPK: Delivery Unit Spare Parts Kit
DVD: Dominick V. Daniels Facility [Newark's GMF & SDC, formerly NJF]
DVED: Direct View Encoding Desk
DVRS: Diversity Reporting System
DVT: Documentation Verification Team [USPS]
DYNAMO: Dynamic Network Mails Operation [UK, records collection times at mail boxes]

-E-

E&TS: Engineering & Technology Support department (USPS HQ)
E&TSD: Engineering & Technology Support Department (USPS HQ)
E-COM: Electronic Computer Originated Mail [obsolete USPS Registered Trademark]
e-VS: Electronic Verification System (2003, for postage payment of FedEx SmartPost parcels delivered by USPS - 2005)
E40: POSTEC Automatic Letter Sorting Machine (4 rows like DBCS) (UK)
EA/PS: [? prototype version of RBCS]
EAA: Enhanced Airline Assignment (2006)
EAD: Earliest Available Date (2004)
eaGLe: Excellence in Accounting through the General Ledger program (2003, to replace 20 year old GL)
EAP: Emergency Action Plan (2004)
EAP: Employee Assistance Program
EAP/WEI: Employee Assistance Program / Workplace Environment Improvement (offices merged 2003)
EAPBX: Electronic Automatic Private Branch Exchange [data transmission internal communications network]
EAPWEI: see EAP/WEI
EAS: Executive and Administrative Schedule [upper labor grade levels]
EASC: Eastern Area Supply Center
EBCDIC: [a USPS magnetic tape standard based on IBM - ASCII is the another]
EBR: Employee Badge Reader [for time keeping through PC-CTAPS, RPMS, or DSIS]
eBuy: USPS e-purchasing system (2003)
ECA: ElectroCom Automation [vendor to USPS, division of AEG]
ECB: Engineering Change Board
ECCO: Electronic Cash Registers at Counters (UK)
ECDBCS: (see DBCS-EC)
ECI: Employment Cost Index
ECP: Efficient Component Pricing
ECR: Electronic Cash Register (UK machine)
ECR: Enhanced Carrier Route (~ 2005)
ECR: Environmental Compliance Review
ECRWSS: Enhanced Carrier Route Walking Sequence Saturation (2011)
ECRWSSEDDM: Enhanced Carrier Route Walking Sequence Saturation Every Door Direct Mail (2024)
ECS: Electronic Commerce Services (secure data transmission)
ECS: Electronic Courier Services (secure data transmission) March 2000
EDC: Engineering and Development Center (Merrifield, Virginia)
EDCI: Electronic Data Interchange
EDDM: Every Door Direct Mail (2011 saturation direct mail ... 2019 ... 2024)
EDED: Employee Development and Education Division [of TDD]
Edger-Feeder model 500: Edger-Feeder
Edger-Feeder model 501A: Model 500 with low level mail alert, stripper, shingler
EDI: Electronic Data Interchange (USPS pub. 109)
EDIT: Engineering Data Isolation Technique
EDL: Enhanced Distribution Label (2004 for sack tracking)
EDMS: Equipment Data Management System [USPS Procurement & Supply]
eDoc: Electronic Documentation mail submission tool (Mail.dat/Mail.XML) ... 2019
EDP: Executive Development Program
EDS: Electronic Data Systems (vendor to USPS)
EDW: Enterprise Data Warehouse (2003 for Confirm tracking)
EEO: Equal Employment Opportunity
EEOC: Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
eFMS: Electronic Facilities Management System - performs retail mapping to ensure that Contract Postal Units are located in the most needed and convenient sites to provide retail customers access to postal services
EFT: Electronic Funds Transfer
EI/QWL: Employee Involvement/ Quality of Work Life [USPS Glossary]
EI/QWL: Employee Involvement/ Quality of Working Life
EIC: Earned Income Credit
eIDEAS: Employee Ideas (Time and Attendence Collection System))
EIRS: Equipment Inventory Reporting System
EIS: Executive Information System
eLEARNING: (distance learning platform)
ELM: Employee and Labor Relations Manual
ELSIE: Electronic Letter Sorting and Indicating Equipment (UK original SPLSM)
EM: Express Mail
EMA: Emergency Management Activity
EMA: Envelope Manufacturers Association [industry trade association]
EMA: Equipment Maintenance Allowance [i.e. mileage for private car]
EMCA: Express Mail Corporate Account
EMCM: Executive Mail Center Management certification course (first USPS professional certification course)
eMIR: electronic Mail Improvememt Reporting system [reports problem packages to mailers, 2004]
EMIS: Express Mail International Service
EMM: Express Mail Manifesting
EMMS: Express Mail Military Service
EMRDF: Electronic Mail Run Data File [information about mail piece for inserters - e.g. Pitney Bowes]
EMRS: Electronic Marketing Reporting System (Express Mail Usage Tracking)
EMS: Environmental Management Systems
EMS: Express Mail (International) Service
ENCOMPASS: (partial) Computerized Procurement and Supply System(USPS Purchasing and Material Management Information Systems database provides national reporting against COMPASS data, with the exception of solicitations)
END: Evolutionary Network Development
EOM: End Of Message [MODS report abbreviation]
EOS: Employee Opinion Survey
EPA: Environmental Protection Agency
EPCD: Entry Point Clearance Document (container based: also known as e8125)
EPD: Entry Point Discount (2006 with CCID)
EPM: Electronic Post Mark
EPO: Entry Post Office
ePOBOL: Enterprise Post Office Boxes Online (2018 ... 2019 ...)
EPP: Emergency Preparedness Plan
EPPML: Extensible Postal Product Model and Language (XML schema for standardized definition of postal products by Pitney Bowes, 2007)
EPS: Enterprise Payment System (launch 2018 ... 2019). EPS supports multiple payment options, including mobile check deposit, offers more reporting features, and allows customers to manage multiple USPS business functions under one account. Replacing CAPS in 2019 as described below.
ePUBWATCH: Electronic Publication Watch system (2003, complaint tracking and resolution system for periodical mail)
ERM: Employee Resource Management
ERM: Enterprise Risk Management (2005)
ERM: Envelope Reflectance Meter (version III in 2008)
ERMC: Eastern Region Mail Container
eRMS: enterprise Resource Management System (automated tracking of sick leave)
ERP: Enterprise Resource Planning
ERP: Expanded Return Program (bulk return of dead letter mail to companies)
ERRP: Ergonomic Risk Reduction Process (2002)
ESDS: Electro-Static Discharge Sensitive
ESP: Electronic Sort Processor
ESP: Entry Schedule for Periodicals (tracks periodicals on-time service)
ESP: Ergonomic Strategic Partnership (April 4, 2003)
EtO: Ethylene oxide
ETC: Electronic Time Clock system [1989 update for manual time card offices]
ETOE: Extraterrestrial Office of Exchange (in Comprehensive Report to Congress)
ETOE: Extraterritorial Office of Exchange
ETU: Engineering Technical Unit
EUARS: Electronic Uncoded Address Resolution Service (2008 ? changed words)
eUARS: Electronic Unencoded Address Resolution Service (2007 ? changed words)
eUARS: Electronic Unencoded Address Resolution System (2003)
EV: Electric Vehicle
EVA: Economic Value Added (financial performance figure, affects pay-for-performance calculations)
EVPN: Enhanced Virtual Private Network (AT&T phone system for USPS, 2007)
eVS: Electronic Verification System (2003, for postage payment of FedEx SmartPost parcels delivered by USPS - 2005 ... 2019)
EWS: Early Warning System (USPS 2004 patent alerts mailers to newly created streets and addresses within CASS)
EXFC: External First-Class Measurement System [Price Waterhouse first class mail on-time delivery reporting system]
Express Mail: USPS overnight mail [USPS Registered Trademark]
EXSEL: Excess Serviceable Equipment Listing [USPS Procurement & Supply]
EZF: Expert ZIP+4 Finder (ZIP Code/ZIP+4+2 address lookup system enables users to search for addresses and obtain matches from the USPS national address database; address matching logic accommodates misspellings, abbreviations, aliases, inaccurate address components - including wrong ZIP Codes - and peculiar local conventions)
EZR: Expanded ZIP Retrofit [allows 4 keystrokes for ZIP+4 sorts on MPLSM)

-F-

F&CPP: Foreign and Colonial Parcel Post (UK, later I&FPP, now BC&FP)
FAA: Federal Aviation Authority
FAB: Feature And Benefit
FAP: Flats Automation Project (UK, 2009)
FAR: Federal Acquisition Regulation
FARM: Flats Automation Requirements Model [2002]
FAST: Facility Access and Shipment Tracking system (manages drop ship appointments, 2005)
FAST: Facility Access Shipment and Tracking system (another translation of above)
FAST: Forecasted Annually Shipped Timely (centralized procurement system)
FAT: First Article Test
FAT: Foot Access Test
FBO: Federal Business Opportunities (replaces CBD in 2004)
FCC: Federal Communications Commission
FCM: First Class Mail
FCPC: First Class Phone Card
FCT: Facer Canceler Table (UK) [replaces ALF/SEG]
FD: 5 Digit rate category abbreviation on letter mail key line
FDC: First Day Cover
FECA: Federal Employees' Compensation Act
FEDR: Feeder Enhanced Destacking Retrofit (Comprehensive Report to Congress)
FEDR: Feeder Enhancement Destacking Retrofit (2003-2004 for AFSM 100)
FEDSTRIP: Federal Standard Requisitioning and Issue Procedures
FEGLI: Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance [death benefits]
FEHB: Federal Employee Health Benefits
FEHBP: Federal Employee Health Benefits Program
FEMA: Federal Emergency Management Agency
FERS: Federal Employee Retirement System
FET: Field Effect Transistor (type of integrated circuit)
FFAD: Flats Feeder Assist Device (2004)
FFB: Federal Financing Bank
FFM: Flats Forwarding Module (CFS-Flats)
FFP: Firm Fixed Price
FFT: Flats Forwarding Terminal (in Computerized Forwarding System)
FFV: Flexible Fuel Vehicle
FHP: First Handling Pieces
FHP/HR: First Handling Pieces per clerk/ mail handler work hour [MODS report abbreviation]
FHWA: Federal Highway Administration [regulates mailbox support sizes for auto safety]
FICA: Federal Insurance Contributions Act [social security]
FICS: Flats ID Cost Sort (Comprehensive Report to Congress)
FICS: Flats Identification Coding System (2004, ID tag for flats without POSTNET on AFSM 100)
FICS: Flats Identification Code Sort system (2005, ID tag for flats without POSTNET on AFSM 100)
FIM: Facing Identification Mark
FIPS: Federal Information Processing Standard county codes
FIRES: Flat Interim Remote Encoding System (2003)
First Class Mail: [USPS Registered Trademark]
FL: Floor (mailing address abbreviation)
Flats Canceler model 15: (year 1987)
FLSA: Fair Labor Standards Act
FLTS: Flats
FMBCR: Flat Mail Bar Code Reader [Flats WABCR]
FMC: Flat Mail Cart [for AFSM 100]
FMLA: Family and Medical Leave Act
FMM: Financial Management Manual
FMO: Field Maintenance Office(s)
FMOCR: Flat Mail Optical Character Reader
FMPCS: Fixed Mechanization Process Control System [Scio Systems' hardware/ software system that controls USPS sack, parcel, and large parcel sorting machines; timeshare conveyor systems; container routing (towline) systems; and specialized induction systems in USPS Chicago & Springfield 1992]
FMT: Flat Mail Tray (USPS FSS video, 2008)
FN: First-class Nonpresort rate category abbreviation on letter mail key line
FOB: Free On Board [freight/shipping delivered at no charge to]
FOE: Forwarding Order Expired (return to sender)
FOIA: Freedom Of Information Act
FON: Functional Operation Number (merged with LDCs for MODS and NWRS reporting)
Form 3541-N: 2nd class special & classroom rate (mailing statement)
Form 3541-R: 2nd class special regular & agriculture rate (mailing statement)
Form 3553: CASS/MASS certification statement
Form 3600-N: 1st class nonprofit (mailing statement)
Form 3600-PC: 1st class stamped / metered (mailing statement)
Form 3600-R: 1st class permit (mailing statement)
Form 3602-N: 3rd class nonprofit permit (mailing statement)
Form 3602-PC: 3rd class stamped/ metered (mailing statement)
Form 3602-PVN: 3rd class plant verified nonprofit permit (mailing statement)
Form 3602-PVPC: 3rd class plant verified stamped or metered (mailing statement)
Form 3602-PVR: 3rd class plant verified permit (mailing statement)
Form 3602-R: 3rd class permit (mailing statement)
Form 3605-PC: Priority mail meter (mailing statement)
Form 3605-R: Priority mail permit (mailing statement)
Form 3608-PC: 4th class meter (mailing statement)
Form 3608-R: 4th class permit (mailing statement)
Form 3615: Mailing Permit Application and Customer Profile (12/2002) [current precancel use permit]
Form 3620: Permit To Use Precanceled Stamps or Envelopes (12/1979) [precancel use permit before PS Form 3615 ?]
FP: Presorted First-class rate category abbreviation on letter mail key line
FPA: Foreign Postal Administration
FPARS: Flats Postal Address Redirection System (PARS for flats; tested in Boston Feb 2008; reroutes flats with wrong name at address)
FPI: Functional Process Improvement
FPO: Field Post Office [UK]
FPO: Fleet Post Office [Navy & Marines]
FPR: Funded Procurement Request
FPS: Foreign Postal Settlement system (2010)
FR: [see Telescoping Conveyer model FR]
FR: Federal Register
FRA: Field Replaceable Assembly
FRCS: Federal Reserve Communications System [for funds transfer]
FREBO: Field Real Estate and Buildings Office (obsolete)
FREQ: Frequency Code [MODS report abbreviation]
FRES: Flat Remote Encoding System (2004)
FRIP: Flats Recognition Improvement Program (2004 - 2009...)
FRU: Field Replaceable Unit [in equipment]
FSA: Flexible Spending Account
FSC: Facilities Service Center
FSC: Forest Stewardship Council (environmental compliance ratings)
FSM: Flat Sorting Machine [also see MPFSM]
FSM 881: Flat Sorting Machine model 881
FSM 1000: Flat Sorting Machine model 1000 (handles flats which cannot be processed on FSM 881)
FSO: Facilities Service Offices
FSS: Flat Sequencing System [Comprehensive Report to Congress]
FSS: Flats Sequencing System [2002 RFP to sequence flats]
FT: [see Telescoping Conveyer model FT]
FT: Flats Terminal (CFS-Flats)
FTC: Federal Trade Commission
FTF: Friend to Friend - PLANET code program allows mailing coupons to friends for free
FTP: File Transfer Protocol (USPS pub. 109)
FTS: Federal Telecommunications System (see PEN)
FY: Fiscal Year

-G-

GAAP: Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
GAO: General Accounting Office (until July 2004)
GAO: Government Accountability Office (after July 2004)
GAO: Government Accounting Office (incorrect, correct title is Government Accountability Office)
GAPA: Guichet d'Affranchisement Postale Automatique (French integrated retail terminal)
GAPP: Global Air Parcel Post
GBF/DIME: Geographic Base File/ Dual Independent Map Encoding [census & ZIP+4]
GBS: Global Business System (made up of 3 smaller systems: GBS-D, GBS-D, IRS) [2007]
GBS-D: Global Business System Dispatch (part of GBS) [2007]
GBS-R: Global Business System Receipt (part of GBS) [2007]
GCA: Graphic Communications Council (developers of MAIL.DAT mailpiece information exchange format)
GCA: Greeting Card Association
GCW: Gross Combined Weight
GEM: Global Express Mail (USPS to 190 countries, 2006)
GEPS: Global Expedited Package Service
GFY: Government Fiscal Year (365 days)
GHG: Greenhouse Gas (emissions)
GIS: Geographical Information System
GIST: Greeting, Inquiring, Suggesting, Thanking service initiative [1991]
GL: General Ledger
GLS: Global Logistics Systems (subsidiary of UK Royal Mail)
GM: General Manager
GMF: General Mail Facility
GMFSPK: General Mail Facility Spare Parts Kit
GMHS: General Mail Handling Systems
GMS: General Mail System
GPC: General Purpose Container
GPL: Global Package Link
GPM: Global Priority Mail for parcels up to 4 pounds (USPS to 190 countries, 2006)
GPMC: General Purpose Mail Container
GPO: General Post Office
GPO: Government Printing Office
GPRA: Government Performance and Results Act
GPS: Global Positioning Satellite
GPS: Global Positioning System
GSA: General Services Administration
GSM: Gibbons Stamp Monthly (UK)
GTS: Diners Club Government Travel System
GUI: Graphical User Interface [e.g. Macintosh and Windows]
GXG: Global Express Guaranteed (USPS partnership with FedEx to 190 countries, 2006)

-H-

H: [see Portable conveyer model H]
H.R. 22: House Resolution 22 [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)]
Hamper Dumper: Transfers loose collection mail in hampers to any hopper type conveyer
HAO: Host Adminsitrative Office USPS
HASP: Hub And Spoke Program (14 facilities in 2006 before END implemented)
HASP: Hub And Spoke Project terminal [truck to truck transfer program]
HAZMAT: Hazardous Material
HB: Hotchkiss-Brandt (manufacturer)
HCAP: Highway Corridor Analytic Program (USPS and IBM, 2008)
HCR: Highway Contract Route
HCR-TCP: Highway Contract Route Transportation Pay Cycle
HDQ: Headquarters [USPS]
HDSL: High-bit-rate Digital Subscriber Line (1.5 Mbps high speed Internet access on telephone wires)
HEPA: High-Efficiency Particulate Air (air filtration category)
HJR: House Joint Resolution (Congress)
HM1: [French Sorting Machine modular construction 32 - 256 boxes]
HMS: [French Sorting Machine modular construction simplified 32 - 160 boxes]
HNAM: Hidden Markov Model (character recognition in Siemens OCR Adaptive Read system)
HPO: Head Post Office (UK - is CDO, LDO or PDO since 1986)
HPO: Highway Post Office
HQ: Headquarters [USPS]
HQO: Headquarters Originator [used to designate source of documentation]
HR: Human Resources
HR 22: House Resolution 22 [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)]
HRIS: Human Resources Information System
HSCB: High Security Collection Box (~ 2003)
HSCBU: High Security Cluster Box Unit (Comprehensive Report to Congress)
HSIU: High Speed Induction Unit (at BMU with barcode readers, 2007)
HSSM: High Speed Sorting Machine (UK)
HVAC: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
HWAI: Hand Written Address Interpretation, it runs with the RCR
HWDC: Heathrow World Distribution Centre (UK, 2008

-I-

I&FPP: Imperial and Foreign Parcel Post (UK, was F&CPP, then I&FPP, now BC&FP)
I&I: Occupational Safety and Health Administration Injuries and Illnesses report
IA: Insufficient address (return to sender)
IAFCS: Integrated Advanced Facer Canceler System
IAPO: International Association of Privacy Officers
IARAP: Interim Alternate Route Adjustment Process (2009)
IAS: International Accounting System
IAW: In Accord With [statement of work]
IBA: Ion Beam Applications company (irradiates mail for USPS)
IBD: Intermediate Block Diagram
IBI: Information Based Indicia barcode (since 1998)
IBIP: Information Based Indicia Program
IBI-RP: Information Based Indicia Revenue Protection
IBM: International Business Machines (vendor to USPS)
IBRS: International Business Reply Service
IBSS: Information Business Systems Solutions
IBU: International Business Unit
ICAPS: International Centralized Automated Payment System probably retiring in 2019 like CAPS
ICC: Interstate Commerce Commission
ICFR: Internal Controls over Financial Reporting
ICG: Internal Control Group (2003)
ICOA: Internet Change Of Address (USPS / Imagitas strategic alliance program started Nov. 2001)
ICS: ID code sortation (allows BCS to sort using flourescent ID tages as well as POSTNET barcode)
ICS: ID Tag Code Sort
ICS: Identification Code Sort
ICU: Image Control Unit (IPU/IPSS) for RBCS [enhances connection from ISS to IPU]
ID: Identification
IDCS/CT: Identification Code Sort / Code Track (1998 award to Siemens to use ID tag barcode and POSTNET barcode for tracking and sorting)
IDE: Internet Engineering Design
IDIQ: Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity contract (open purchase order)
IDLH: Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health [see RPP and 29 CFR 1910.134]
IDR: Integrated Dispatch and Receipt (2005)
IDS: ID Code Sortation
IDS: Integrated Data System (collects mail processing data in a facility; upgraded in 2002)
IE: Industrial Engineering
IED: Improvised Explosive Device
IEEE: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers [professional & standards group]
IEMP: Integrated Emergency Management Plan (2004)
IEO: International Exchange Office
IEPP: Integrated Emergency Preparedness Plan (2004)
IFB: Invitation For Bid
IG: Inspector General (USPS)
II: [see CFS II]
II: [see Mark II Facer-Canceler]
II: [see OSHA I&I]
IJC: Ink Jet Canceller (on AFCS-IJC, 2004)
IJP: Ink Jet Printer
IJP: Ink Jet Printing
ILL: Illegible (?) (return to sender)
ILS: In Line Scale (~ 2005)
iLSM: intelligent Letter Sorting Machine (UK, 2008)
ILSS: Integrated Logistics Support System
ILV: Integrated Video/ OCR System (AEG 1992)
ILV: Integrierte Automatische Lese-und Videocoderanlage (Germany 1989, RBCS)
IMAG: International Mailers Action Group (2006)
IMAQ: Intelligent Mail and Address Quality group in USPS (new, Feb 2003; Tom Day is senior VP of group as of Jan, 2008)
IMb: Intelligent Mail Barcode (4 state barcode USA)
IMB: Intelligent Mail Barcode (4 state barcode USA 2007)
IMB: International Mail Branches (USPS)
IMbA: Intelligent Mail barcode Accounting (... 2018 ... 2019 ...)
IMbcs: Intelligent Mail container barcode (2009)
IMBs: Intelligent Mail Barcodes (2009)
IMC: Image Capture Unit
IMC: International Mail Centre (Hong Kong, 2006)
IMcb: Intelligent Mail Container Barcode (21 character barcode meeting GS1-128 specification including valid mailer ID and unique serial number, USPS 2009)
IMD: Intelligent Mail Device (30,000 scanners installed by 2007)
IMDAS: Intelligent Mail Data Acquisition System
IME: In-Mail-Equivalency (the amount a marketer can spend per direct mail piece to equal a stated on-line advertising click cost) 2007
IMF: Incoming Mail Facility
IMHS: Integrated Mail Handling System (e.g. IMHS dumper is the mail container dumper at BMC)
IM: Intelligent Mail
IMM: International Mail Manual [USPS]
IMMS: Intelligent Mail Measurement System
IMP: Integrated Mail Processor (UK Royal Mail & New Zealand: single unit CFC to sorter, 1996)
IMPAC: International Merchant Purchase Authorization Card
IMPC: Independent Mail Processing Center [i.e. North Metro Ga.]
IMPex: IMP reduced version (UK)
IMPEX: IMP reduced version (UK)
IMR: Intelligent Mail Range record (2008, IMB program)
IMsB: Intelligent Mail small business Tool (2018 ... 2019 ...)
IMtbs: Intelligent Mail tray (?) barcode (2009)
IMU: Intelligent Mail University (2008)
INET: ? Internet Wang address / network (Wang product)
INTELPOST: International Electronic Post [USPS Registered FAX Trademark]
INV: Inventory [MODS report abbreviation]
IOB: Inventory Operation Branch (of NICC)
IOCS: In-Office Cost System
IOS: Interoperability Specifications (data transmission among automation equipment sets (2004)
IOSS: Input/ Output Subsystem for Remote Bar Code System (RBCS) including ISS, ICU, IPU, DSU, SCC, OSS
IPA: International Pilot's Association
IPA: International Priority Airmail service
IPA/ISAL: International Priority Airmail /International Surface Air Lift service
IPC: International Postal Corporation (a cooperative association of 23 national postal operators in Europe, North America, Asia Pacific and accounting for 80% of the world's mail in 2007
IPCS: International Package Consignment Service
IPP: In-Person Proofing at Post Offices Program (2004, identity confirmation for digital certificate)
IPP: Irregular Parcels and Pieces
IPR: In-Process Review (review requirements with USPS to avoid rejections of deliverables)
IPS: In Plant Support (analyst)
IPS: Inward Primary Sorting (UK)
IPSIM: Interactive Postal Simulator [obsolete]
IPSS: Image Processing SubSystem for RBCS including ICU, SCC, DSU IPU & Audit
IPU: Image Processing Unit for RBCS
IRBC: Information Rich Barcode [proposed 3 state barcode]
IRM: Integrated Resource Management
IRMD: Information Resource Management Department (of ITSC)
IRS: Internal Revenue Service (USA federal tax department)
IRS: International Reconciliation System (part of Global Business System) [2007]
IRT: Integrated Retail Terminal (replaced by POS ONE, 2004)
IRT/BCA: Integrated Retail Terminal/ Bank Card Acceptance
ISAL: International Surface Air Lift
ISBN: International Standard Book Number
ISC: Information Service Center
ISC: International Service Centers (5 as of 2006 before END implemented)
ISIC: International Standard Industrial Classification (United Nations Statistical Office's version of USA's SIC and NAICS codes)
ISS: Input SubSystem
ISS: International Symbology Specification (USPS pub. 109) for barcode
ISS AFCS: Input SubSystem for Advanced Facer Canceler System [future procurement]
ISS MLOCR: Input SubSystem for MLOCR [future procurement]
ISS RBCS: Input SubSystem for RBCS [future procurement]
ISSC: Information Systems Service Center
ISSN: International Standard Serial Number
ISSP: Incoming Secondary Sort Program
IT: Information Technology
ITA: US Commerce Department International Trade Administration (2010)
ITC: Integrated Tray Converter (FSS)
ITIL: Information Technology Infrastructure Library
ITK: Infrastructure Tool Kit
ITSC: IRMD Telecommunications Support Center (field units of NISSC)
ITSC Chicago: regional IRMD Telecommunications Support Center
ITSC Memphis: regional IRMD Telecommunications Support Center
ITSC Philadelphia: regional IRMD Telecommunications Support Center
ITSC San Bruno: regional IRMD Telecommunications Support Center
ITSC Windsor: regional IRMD Telecommunications Support Center
IVR: Interactive Voice Response
IVS: Inward Vouching Office (UK)

-J-

JCAM: Joint Contract Administration Manual (5th edition in 2004 for USPS-NALC)
JIFFI: Job Instruction File Format for Industry (created by GCA, 1999)
JIT: Just In Time
JSA: Job Safety Analysis (report)

-K-

KBS: Knowledge Based System [in TOPS for DBCS launch]
KBS/OLR: Knowledge Based System/ On Line Reference [in TOPS for DBCS launch]
KCE: Knowledge Centered Environment
KPER: Keyer Performance Evaluation Review [remote encoding perfomance measuring software]
KPI: Keystrokes Per Image [video encoding 2002]
KPG: Kahala Posts Group (2010: international alliance of national posts of Australia, China, France, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Spain, UK, and USA)
KSA: Knowledge, Skill, or Ability [USPS career guide]

-L-

L: [see Portable conveyer model L]
L&DC: Logistics and Distribution Center (priority mail processing center ; possibly also used as temperory facility when another facility is being renovated; 11 in 2006 before END implemented with 258 LPC / DPC expected afterwards)
L-mail: Letter Mail (hybrid mail from l-mail.com, 2004)
L-O-T: Line Of Travel (delivery sequence)
LA: Lock Andrus (lock or key)
LACS: Locatable Address Conversion System (converts from RR to "911 addressing" street name addresses, 2004)
LACS^LINK: Locatable Address Conversion LINK for address correction (USPS, 2004)
LAM: Lock Assembly Machine(robotic machine that operates on software integrated circuits that sends and receives data from the computer to a signal controller interface (to make Arrow locks))
LAMM: Late arrival managed mail (per JKB)
LAMPS: Labor And Management Partners
LAN: Local Area Network
LC: Lettres et Cartes (international letters and cards)
LCD: Liquid Crystal Display
LCD: Local Consignment Deport (UK)
LCTS: Low Cost Tray Sorter (2002)
LD: Lethal Dose
LDC: Labor Distribution Code (of National Work hour Reporting System)
LDO: Letter District Office (UK, was HPO before 1986)
LDU: Level Distribution Unit for Delivery Bar Code Sorter (DBCS - Martin Marietta)
LF: Lead Facilitator
LID: Luminescent Indicia Detector
LIS: Letter Information Sample (UK mail sample in LIS)
LIS: Letter Information System (UK system until 1989 for mail quality sampling)
LLV: Long Life Vehicle (Grumman)
LMCSS: Letter Mail Code Sort System (Cincinnati 1971) USPS put 'IBM card' style barcode patterns on the backs of envelopes for sortation which can best be seen with UV light and later put black tall / short bar patterns on the front of the envelopes for sortation
LMI: Logistics Management Institute
LMLM: Letter Mail Labeling Machine (white label applicator to cover incorrect barcodes)
LMRI: Letter Mail Readability Index
LMS: Learning Management System (2003, web based learning)
LOT: Line-of-Travel
LPC: Label Print Center (in Topeka, makes bar coded tray labels)
LPC: Label Printing Center (in Topeka, makes bar coded tray labels)
LPC: Local Processing Center [outbound, new naming convention, 2005]
LPD: Local Parcel Depot (UK)
LPS: Local Property and Supply System (USPS Purchasing and Material Management Information Systems database contains local site inventory, property, and purchasing records.)
LQM: Linear quality mark (UK 2008)
LREP: Letter Recognition Enhancement Program
LSA: Libre Service d'Affranchisement (French self service weighing & labeling machine)
LSM: Letter Sorting Machine (UK, 2006, automated barcode sorting machine, e.g. NP4000)
LSM: Letter Sorting Machine (USA, ~1970-1990, mechanized manual data entry letter sorting machine, e.g. SPLSM, MPLSM)
LSS: Lean Six Sigma (2008)
LSSK: Local Site Spares Kit
LTATS: Loan, Transfer, and Training System [now includes FON codes]
LTL: less-than-truckload (e.g. FedEx National LTL, a new long-haul less-than-truckload service (2007)
LULAC: League of United Latin American Citizens
LUR: Labor Utilization Report

United States Postal Service Abbreviations Glossary A - L (here)

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