UCLA’s high-speed, automated mail metering machines count and meter outgoing mail, and recharge your postage costs to the departmental recharge ID that you include on your outgoing mail. If you do not include a valid recharge ID, Mail, Document & Distribution Services (MDDS) will attempt to contact you to obtain it. If they are unable to contact you, they will return the mail to your department with a card requesting the recharge ID.
You can help speed delivery of your outgoing mail by using typewritten or machine-readable fonts on your envelopes whenever possible to allow the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) optical address reading equipment to more easily read your mail.
The USPS recommends the following address format on all mail going to U.S. destinations:
- Name or attention line
- Company
- Suite or apartment number
- Delivery address
- City, state, and ZIP code
Sample:
JANE L MILLER
MILLER ASSOCIATES
STE 2006
1960 W CHELSEA AVE
ALLENTOWN PA 18104
Prepare your mail
List the following information on the envelope:
- Attach your return address label with Recharge ID number to the top left corner
- Attach your recipient address label in the center
Additional address guidelines from the USPS:
- Use all capital letters, at least 10-point type and simple fonts.
- Don't use commas or periods.
- Don't place any information below the city, state and ZIP code line, including a logo, a slogan or an attention line.
- Use black ink on white or light paper.
- Don't use reverse type (white printing on a black background).
- Include all important information when using address labels.
- Use address windows with at least 1/8-inch clearance around the address.
- Use one space between city and state and two spaces between state and ZIP code.
Note: Mail processing machines have trouble reading crooked or slanted information. Be sure your labels are straight.
