How is 2nd class mail sorted

The process of sorting 2nd Class Mail, also known as Standard Mail, has evolved over the years to become more efficient and automated. Here's an overview of the current process:

Collection and Transportation

  1. Mail is collected from post offices, mailboxes, and businesses by mail carriers.
  2. The mail is transported to a Mail Processing and Distribution Center (P&DC) or a Sectional Center Facility (SCF).

Sorting and Processing

  1. Upon arrival at the P&DC or SCF, the mail is unloaded and fed into a sorting machine, such as an Automated Processing Machine (APM) or a Flat Sequencing System (FSS).
  2. The mail is scanned and sorted using Optical Character Reader (OCR) technology, which reads the addresses and sorts the mail based on zip codes, carrier routes, and other criteria.
  3. The sorted mail is then bundled into larger groups, called "trays," which are labeled with the destination zip code and carrier route information.

Automated Processing

  1. The trays are then fed into an Automated Package Processing (APP) machine, which sorts the mail by zip code and carrier route.
  2. The APP machine uses a combination of OCR and barcode scanning to read the addresses and sort the mail.
  3. The sorted mail is then placed into larger containers, called "totes," which are labeled with the destination zip code and carrier route information.

Manual Sorting

  1. Some mail may require manual sorting, such as mail with incorrect or incomplete addresses, or mail that cannot be read by the OCR technology.
  2. Mail that requires manual sorting is sorted by trained postal workers, who use a combination of manual sorting machines and hand-sorting techniques.

Delivery

  1. The sorted mail is then transported to a local post office or delivery point, where it is sorted again by carrier route and delivered to the final destination.
  2. Mail carriers deliver the mail to the recipient's mailbox or doorstep.

Technology and Innovations

  1. The United States Postal Service (USPS) is continually investing in new technologies and innovations to improve the efficiency and accuracy of the 2nd Class Mail sorting process.
  2. Examples of these innovations include the use of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analytics to optimize sorting routes and reduce errors.

Overall, the sorting process for 2nd Class Mail involves a combination of automated and manual processes, with a focus on efficiency, accuracy, and cost savings.