How is mail screened

Mail screening, also known as mail sorting or mail processing, is the process of sorting and categorizing mail to ensure it reaches its intended destination efficiently and accurately. Here's an overview of how mail is typically screened:

1. Mail Collection: Mail is collected from post offices, mailboxes, and businesses, and transported to a mail processing facility.
2. Sorting Machines: Mail is fed into automated sorting machines, which use various technologies to sort the mail. These machines can read addresses, recognize barcodes, and use optical character recognition (OCR) to identify the recipient's address.
3. Optical Character Recognition (OCR): OCR technology reads the addresses on the mailpieces and converts them into a digital format. This allows the machines to recognize and sort the mail accurately.
4. Barcode Scanning: Many mailpieces have barcodes, such as POSTNET or Intelligent Mail barcodes, which contain information about the recipient's address. The machines scan these barcodes to verify the address and sort the mail accordingly.
5. Sorting: The mail is then sorted into different categories based on the address information. This includes:
   • Zip Code Sorting: Mail is sorted by zip code to ensure it reaches the correct regional sorting facility.
   • Carrier Route Sorting: Mail is sorted by carrier route, which is a specific geographic area served by a particular mail carrier.
   • Delivery Point Sequencing: Mail is sorted in the order it will be delivered to the recipient's address.
6. Hand Sorting: Some mail may require manual sorting, such as:
   • Special Handling: Mail that requires special handling, such as certified mail, registered mail, or mail with unusual sizes or shapes.
   • Address Correction: Mail with incorrect or incomplete addresses may be sorted manually to ensure it reaches the correct recipient.
7. Tracking and Monitoring: Mail is tracked and monitored throughout the sorting process to ensure it is delivered efficiently and accurately.
8. Delivery: The sorted mail is then transported to local post offices or delivery centers, where it is delivered to the recipient's mailbox.

In addition to these steps, mail screening may also involve various quality control measures, such as:

• Address Correction: Mail with incorrect or incomplete addresses may be corrected or returned to the sender.
• Mailpiece Inspection: Mailpieces may be inspected for damage, tampering, or other issues that could affect delivery.
• Security Screening: Mail may be screened for security threats, such as suspicious packages or mail with unusual contents.

Overall, mail screening is a complex process that involves a combination of automated and manual sorting techniques to ensure mail is delivered efficiently and accurately.