National Change of Address Linkage (NCOALink) System

The National Change of Address Linkage (NCOALink) option is available only through companies licensed by the Postal Service to offer this service. The mailer's computerized list is matched with official Postal Service customer-provided permanent COA orders received from individuals, families, and businesses within the past 4 years or 18 months based on the license acquired. These official records are updated and provided to NCOALink licensees' weekly or monthly based on the license acquired. NCOALink system provides mailers with ZIP+4® codes plus two extra digits for delivery point barcoding. Before using the list processed through NCOALink, the mailer must apply the address changes. By using NCOALink prior to mailing, the mailer greatly reduces the possibility that items sent by First-Class Mail service will be undeliverable as addressed (UAA), and that reduces the cost for both the mailer and the Postal Service for rehandling those mailpieces. The First-Class Mail discount (for both Presorted and automation rates) is at least $50 per thousand and can be as high as $95 per thousand. The NCOALink system also provides mailers with documentation showing that a list was updated on a given date and that the Move Update requirements have been met if the address for which a move is indicated is updated.

Effective Nov. 23, 2008 all mailings qualifying for presorted discount rates must meet one of the following every 95 days: NCOA, Ancillary Endorsement, Simplified/Occupant/Resident.

Effective Jan. 4, 2010 any mailing not meeting this requirement will be assessed an additional cost of 7 cents per piece for the entire mailing.

More Than 44 Million Americans Change Their Addresses Each Year

Many of them are good customers of yours — customers you value and who are important enough for you to use First-Class Mail® service. But not all of them told you they moved.
If you want to keep these customers, you have to make sure your mail reaches them. That’s why it’s good business to update your address lists now.
The Postal Service is committed to increasing customer value. That’s one of the key goals of our Transformation Plan. And we’re doing that by working with customers to make sure databases are updated frequently and accurately to improve the overall accuracy of address information. But that’s not all. By analyzing customer business processes, we can identify ways to help optimize those processes. That’s where Move Update comes in. It’s one of a number of great ways to help you reach your customers in an efficient and cost-effective way.
This publication describes the five options for updating addresses on your mailing list and answers mailers’ commonly asked questions.

Updating Reduces Waste
Every mailpiece, regardless of class, has two things in common: the intended recipient and the address. When both are accurate and complete, the mailpiece can be delivered quickly and easily.
If either the recipient has moved or the address is incorrect or missing an important addressing element, then the mailpiece could become undeliverable-as-addressed (UAA) mail — a waste of time, effort, and money for both mailers and the Postal Service.

Contact All Needs Computer for your complete NCOA needs.