FAST to Replace USPS' DSAS
The U.S. Postal Service's Network Operations Management division has announced the replacement of the Drop Shipment Appointment System with the Facility Access and Shipment Tracking system.Mailers currently use DSAS to schedule drop-ship appointments at USPS facilities.
FAST starts a phased national deployment in June, with all areas phased in over six months. It offers a simplified scheduling process and lets customers provide detailed information about their appointments.
The USPS said that when facilities understand customer requirements in advance, they can offer appointment slots based on their capacity.
A key reason for this change involves Department of Transportation rules that took effect last year cutting the number of hours truck drivers may work.
The USPS will encourage mailers to participate in the new system by offering preferred status to mailers meeting FAST requirements, which include offering data about their mailings as well as appointment request information. The USPS plans to use the data to improve dock processes and personnel scheduling.
DSAS users register for FAST through PostalOne, a software system for business mailers that links a customer's mailing information electronically with USPS acceptance, verification and payment systems. Mailers log on to PostalOne at www.usps.com/postalone and follow instructions to create a new account. For mailers who have a PostalOne account, FAST registration begins with a call to the PostalOne Customer Care Center at 800/522-9085.
Melissa Campanelli covers postal news, CRM and database marketing for DM News and DMNews.com. To keep up with the latest developments in these areas, subscribe to our daily and weekly e-mail newsletters by visiting www.dmnews.com/newsletters
