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
The United States Postal Service (USPS), also known as the Post Office, U.S. Mail, or Postal Service, is an independent agency of the executive branch of the United States federal government responsible for providing postal service in the U ...
, 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:
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
A post office box (commonly abbreviated as P.O. box, or also known as a postal box) is a uniquely addressable lockable box located on the premises of a post office.
In some regions, particularly in Africa, there is no door to door delivery ...
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
External links
* {{cite web , url = http://www.straightdope.com/columns/read/169/what-does-car-rt-presort-mean-on-junk-mail , title = What does "CAR-RT PRESORT" mean on junk mail? , first = Cecil , last = Adams , author-link = Cecil Adams , work =
The Straight Dope , date = 1983-07-29 , publisher =
Sun-Times Media
Sun-Times Media Group (formerly Hollinger International) is a Chicago-based newspaper publisher.
History
Sun-Times Media Group was founded in 1986 under the name ''American Publishing Company'', as a holding company for Hollinger Inc.'s Americ ...
, access-date = 2017-05-01
Identifiers
Mail sorting
Postal addresses in the United States
United States Postal Service