An optional information line is a line above the postal address on mail in the United States. The lines are usually seen on bulk mail to indicate the sorting and separation that allows the mail to have a lower postal rate.
Examples of bulk mail that have information lines include First-Class Mail, periodicals, USPS Marketing Mail, and bound printed matter.
Possible optional information lines include the optional endorsement line (OEL), an address change service (ACS) participant code, carrier route information, and a mailer's keyline.
Optional endorsement line
Examples of OEL include:
| type | example |
|---|---|
| Carrier route for periodicals (basic) | * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * CAR-RT LOT**C-001 |
| Enhanced carrier route USPS Marketing Mail (basic) | * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ECRLOT**C-001 |
| all to same 3-digit ZIP Code prefix | * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 3-DIGIT 771 |
| bound printed matter | * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * CAR-RT SORT**C-001 |
Carrier route information
The carrier route information specifies which route at that Post Office handles the mail. The route consists of a type or prefix followed by a three-digit number. Route prefixes and types are:
- "B" for "post office box section"
- "C" for "carrier route"
- "G" for "general delivery unit"
- "H" for "highway contract route"
- "R" for "rural route"
The number after the prefix on some mail may consist of the last two digits of the ZIP Code followed by the 3-digit route number.
References
- ^ "Quick Service Guide 708: Optional Information Lines". United States Postal Service. 2017-04-03. Retrieved 2017-05-01.
- ^ "708 Technical Specifications". Domestic Mail Manual. United States Postal Service. 2017-04-03. Retrieved 2017-04-30.
External links
- Adams, Cecil (1983-07-29). "What does "CAR-RT PRESORT" mean on junk mail?". The Straight Dope. Sun-Times Media. Retrieved 2017-05-01.