Does every mailing need NCOA?

Commercial mailers generally must meet Move Update standards for applicable classes. Ask your mail preparation partner which method and timing apply to the specific job.

Presort Mailing Explained

A print buyer's guide to presort mailing.

Presort mailing groups addressed mail according to USPS preparation rules before entry. Deeper, accurate sorting can qualify a mailing for lower postage because it reduces USPS handling. The workflow usually includes address validation, applicable Move Update processing, barcoding, documentation, and placement into the correct trays or sacks.

Presort is how bulk mail earns lower postage: pieces are sorted to USPS standards before induction. Done right, it saves money. Done wrong, it delays mail and burns budget.

Updated July 18, 2026 · Reviewed by DIS Direct production team

Address processing before presort

CASS validates addresses against USPS data. NCOA Link catches moves. Presort software groups pieces into the trays and bundles USPS expects. Skip a step and the postage you quoted may not be the postage you pay.

Commingling and optimization

High-volume programs sometimes combine qualified mail to reach deeper sortation levels. Whether that helps depends on the volume, mail class, destination mix, and entry plan.

Why buyers should care

If your quote assumes a postage rate that requires a sort level you cannot actually achieve, the “savings” were never real. Demand a preparation plan, not just a unit price.

Sources

Primary references. Postage and product rules change, so confirm current USPS rates and standards before you mail.

USPS Postal Explorer: Notice 123 (Price List)Postage prices by class and preparation; confirm effective date.
USPS PostalPro: NCOALinkOfficial NCOALink product overview for change-of-address updating.
USPS Postal Explorer: Move Update Quick Service GuideMove Update standard summary for commercial mail prices.
USPS Postal Explorer: mailing standardsDMM references for sortation and preparation.

Frequently asked

Does every mailing need NCOA?: Commercial mailers generally must meet Move Update standards for applicable classes. Ask your mail preparation partner which method and timing apply to the specific job.