What is return mail processing center

A Return Mail Processing Center (RMPC) is a facility that specializes in processing and handling returned mail, also known as undeliverable mail. The center is typically operated by a postal service or a private company that provides mail processing services.

The primary function of an RMPC is to sort and categorize returned mail into different types, such as:

  1. Undeliverable as Addressed (UAA): Mail that cannot be delivered due to incorrect or incomplete addresses.
  2. Return to Sender (RTS): Mail that is being returned to the sender because it was not deliverable.
  3. Dead Mail: Mail that is no longer deliverable due to the recipient's death or relocation.

The RMPC uses various methods to process returned mail, including:

  1. Automated sorting machines: These machines use optical character recognition (OCR) and barcode scanning to sort and categorize mail.
  2. Manual sorting: Human sorters review and categorize mail that cannot be processed by machines.
  3. Data processing: The RMPC uses data processing systems to update mailing lists and notify senders of undeliverable mail.

The RMPC may also provide additional services, such as:

  1. Address correction: The center can correct addresses and forward mail to the correct recipient.
  2. Mail forwarding: The center can forward mail to the recipient's new address.
  3. Data cleansing: The center can update mailing lists and remove undeliverable addresses.

The benefits of using an RMPC include:

  1. Improved mail delivery: By processing returned mail, the RMPC helps to reduce the number of undeliverable pieces of mail and improves the overall efficiency of the mail delivery system.
  2. Cost savings: The RMPC can help reduce the cost of sending mail by identifying and correcting address errors before mail is sent.
  3. Increased accuracy: The RMPC's automated sorting and data processing systems help to reduce errors and improve the accuracy of mail delivery.

In the United States, the United States Postal Service (USPS) operates several RMPCs across the country. Private companies, such as Pitney Bowes and Satori, also offer RMPC services to businesses and organizations.