Commingling mail, often referred to as "presort mailing" or "mail commingling," is a process used by businesses and mail service providers to optimize and streamline the delivery of bulk mail. It involves combining mail pieces from multiple clients or customers into a single mailing pool before they are sorted and prepared for delivery by the postal service.

The primary goal of commingling mail is to take advantage of postal discounts offered to mailers who can present the postal service with pre-sorted and pre-barcode labeled mail. By grouping mail pieces from different sources together and sorting them according to postal regulations, businesses can achieve lower postage rates compared to sending individual mailings separately.

Here's how the commingling mail process typically works:

1. Collection and Aggregation: Mail pieces from different clients or customers are collected and aggregated at a mail service provider's facility. These mail pieces can include letters, postcards, catalogs, and other promotional materials.

2. Presorting: The collected mail pieces are then presorted according to postal regulations. This involves organizing the mail pieces by ZIP codes or postal zones to ensure that they are presented to the postal service in a sequence that aligns with the most efficient delivery routes.

3. Barcode Application: Barcodes that represent the correct sorting order for each mail piece are applied to the envelopes or labels. These barcodes help the postal service's automated sorting systems process the mail more efficiently.

4. Bundling: The mail pieces are bundled together based on their sorting order, and these bundles are prepared for delivery to the appropriate postal facilities.

5. Submission to Postal Service: The bundled and presorted mail is submitted to the postal service for final processing and distribution. Because the mail is already presorted and barcoded, the postal service can process it more quickly and accurately, resulting in potential postage discounts.

Benefits of Commingling Mail:

• Cost Savings: The primary benefit of commingling mail is the potential for significant postage savings. Postal discounts are offered for presorted and pre-barcoded mail, making bulk mailings more cost-effective.

• Faster Delivery: Presorted and barcoded mail is processed more efficiently by postal sorting systems, which can lead to faster delivery times.

• Automation Efficiency: Commingled mail is better suited for automated processing, reducing the likelihood of manual errors and delays.

• Reduced Handling: Commingling reduces the need for individual mailings, minimizing the handling and processing required for each separate mailing.

• Environmental Impact: Streamlining the mail process can contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing the overall volume of mail and the resources required for its processing.

It's important to note that commingling mail requires adherence to strict postal regulations and guidelines to ensure accurate sorting and delivery. Many businesses choose to work with experienced mail service providers that specialize in commingling and have the necessary infrastructure to optimize the process while complying with postal standards.