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Postage $aver Changelog

What's new in Postage $aver 11.1.10

May 17, 2020
  • Postal Updates:
  • Updated for May and June USPS routing changes required for mail sent on or after June 1, 2020. (May be used before then).
  • Software changes
  • New Features:
  • Software can now directly print addresses with or without barcodes on labels or on mail pieces. Separators can be automatically added between trays or between bundles and sacks, and can choose whether to print rejected addresses so those pieces can be corrected, if necessary, and sent by regular mail. Wording like "OR CURRENT RESIDENT" can also be automatically added. And, Optional Endorsement Lines (OELs) are automatically added where required.
  • Sack numbers are now included in Mail Preparation Instructions report.
  • Postal Option Changes:
  • Software can now include leftover nonbarcoded pieces in a mailing of barcoded Marketing Mail letters.
  • Periodical flats can now be prepared in either tubs (flat trays) or sacks.
  • Software now supports the DSCF rate for Marketing Mail 5-digit trays mailed from the post office with the same 5-digit zip, the post office is where the mailer's permit is held, if the entire mailing has fewer than 2,500 pieces, and it is the only bulk mailing sent by that mailer on that day. (DMM 246.4.2.1b) .
  • On Periodical letters, removed a restriction that did not allow an additional ADC tray to be started after an ADC tray is full unless the additional tray could be filled.
  • Error Checking and Reporting:
  • For each rejected address, the Rejected Pieces list in the Mail Preparation Instructions report now shows the address' location in the mailing list file both before and after sorting, so it can be more easily located.
  • Military addresses are rejected if using the "or current resident" Move Update method, per USPS rule.
  • Fixed bug where missing leading zeros are automatically added to zip+4, which worked if one or two zeros were missing, but not if all three were missing.
  • Error checking now rejects addresses with -0000 or -9999 as zip+4, as these are never valid and USPS will reject the piece.
  • Fixed bug in Rejected Pieces list where the reported record number was one number too low on. csv and tab-separated files that have column titles in the first row.
  • Fixed bug where the Rejected Pieces list could print off the bottom of the page.
  • Operating Changes:
  • Mailing list file is now saved before reports are printed, for smoother operation.
  • If mailing list file cannot be saved (for example, if it is open in another application), user can now fix the problem and retry, or proceed to print reports and labels, without starting over.
  • The column headings for columns automatically added to .csv and tab-separated files now say tray or sack, and bundle or group, as applicable, rather than just assuming tray and group. Same change made for separate file created under second option of "how to save sorting info".
  • Other Bugs Fixed:
  • Fixed bug where crash could occur when scrolling on customer selection list on statement information screen (Windows only).
  • Fixed bug where customer selection list was not in alphabetical order (Mac only).
  • Fixed bug where the sorted Excel file could have extra blank records added to the end of the file.
  • Fixed a bug that prevented entering a weight of over 16 ounces for Periodical Parcels.
  • Fixed various other minor issues.

New in Postage $aver 11.1.9 (Mar 11, 2020)

  • Updated for March and April USPS routing changes required for mail sent on or after April 1, 2020. (May be used before then)

New in Postage $aver 11.1.7 (Nov 21, 2019)

  • Postal Updates:
  • Updated for November and December USPS routing changes required for mail sent on or after December 1, 2019. (May be used before then).
  • Added new DSCF pricing exception for Denver 800 and Denver 808 SCFs.
  • Software changes:
  • Corrected bug that caused incorrect bundle count in Mail Preparation Instructions for Periodical Class.
  • Corrected bug that could cause Help not to function if Acrobat was not default pdf reader on user's system.
  • Added missing Roboto font files to Mac installer.
  • Made various cosmetic improvements that do not affect functionality.

New in Postage $aver 11.1.6 (Sep 12, 2019)

  • Postal Updates:
  • Updated for September and October USPS routing changes required for mail sent on or after October 1, 2019. (May be used before then). Includes addition of new Sectional Center Facility for Colorado Springs.
  • Software changes :
  • Improved print quality of barcode on tray and sack tags.
  • Corrected a bug that caused wrong page of user guide to appear when Get Help button is clicked from some screens.
  • Corrected a bug that could prevent reports from printing if an unreadable character was included in the zip code or delivery point code. (Mac version only).
  • Fixed various other minor, uncommon bugs.

New in Postage $aver 11.1.5 (Sep 12, 2019)

  • Postal Updates:
  • Updated for July and August USPS routing changes required for mail sent on or after August 1, 2019. (May be used before then).
  • Software changes:
  • For precanceled stamps for First Class presort, the statement form now allows the default stamp value to be overridden, to account for USPS shortage of First Class presort precanceled stamps for postcards.
  • Fixed bug that affected the Column Identification dropdown lists when using large .dbf format files.

New in Postage $aver 11.1.4 (May 15, 2019)

  • Updated for May and June USPS routing changes required for mail sent on or after June 1, 2019. (May be used before then).
  • Updated form 3605 to June revision – no changes except for date.

New in Postage $aver 11.1.3 (Mar 11, 2019)

  • Updated for postage rate changes and postage form changes effective 1/27/19. Updated for postal routing changes required 2/1/19.

New in Postage $aver 11.1.1 (Jan 7, 2019)

  • Postal Updates:
  • Updated for November and December USPS routing changes required for mail sent on or after December
  • 1, 2018. (May be used before then).
  • Added Secure Destruction option for First Class flats, per USPS update effective
  • Software changes
  • Moved parcels (except for periodical class parcels) from Postage Saver Pro to Postage $aver for Parcels
  • (new product).
  • Added support for Bound Printed Matter flats mailings with fewer than 300 pieces ("nonpresorted"
  • Pricing)
  • Corrected a minor bug that caused warnings to flash when going backwards in the preparation wizard.
  • Corrected a bug that caused a one-line offset for merge files when saving sorting information as a
  • Separate file.
  • Corrected a bug that occurred when reading dBase (.dbf) files with more than 8 columns.
  • Fixed non-functional ? icon on some builds. ? icon now connects to web help page.
  • Corrected spelling error on Column Identification screen.

New in Postage $aver 10.1.5 (Sep 18, 2018)

  • Updated for September and October USPS routing changes required for mail sent on or after October 1,
  • 2018. (May be used before then).
  • Corrected minor issues on Error Check report.
  • Improved tag barcode print resolution in Mac version.

New in Postage $aver 10.1.4 (Jul 20, 2018)

  • Postal Updates :
  • Updated for July and August USPS routing changes required for mail sent on or after August 1, 2018. (May be used before then).
  • Software changes:
  • Corrected a bug that only affected mailings of Bound Printed Matter irregular parcels weighing less than 10 pounds. For this category, bundles are made before sacking but Postage $aver incorrectly turned off the "thickness" setting, so whatever was in that setting previously was used for bundle preparation.

New in Postage $aver 10.1.3 (May 23, 2018)

  • Postal Updates
  • Updated for May and June USPS routing changes required for mail sent on or after June 1, 2018. (May be used before then).
  • Software changes:
  • If the user selects "Informed Delivery tracking" on the Extra Services screen, Postage Saver will now provide the complete 20-digit USPS tracking number for each piece, instead of just the serial number. The tracking number (which includes the serial number) can be used to identify each specific mailpiece in the Informed Delivery tracking report provided by USPS.
  • Updated the error messages shown when there are not enough valid records in a user's file for the type of mail the user is trying to prepare, to show that the problem can sometimes be invalid delivery point codes or invalid user-provided serial numbers, in addition to invalid zip codes.
  • Corrected a bug where Optional Endorsement Lines (OELs) were sometimes added to the user's file even though the user selected "using bundle stickers instead of OELs".
  • Corrected a bug that caused the header line to be removed from the user's file when using tab-delimited or bar-delimited files.
  • Corrected that caused tab-delimited and bar-delimited files to be listed as comma-delimited format on the Column Identification screen. (This affected only the wording on the screen, not the operation of the software.)

New in Postage $aver 10.1.2 (Mar 15, 2018)

  • Postal Updates:
  • Updated for March and April USPS routing changes required for mail sent on or after April 1, 2018. (May be used before then).
  • Software changes:
  • The full range of sequence numbers for each tray or sack is now shown on the tag, in addition to the total number of pieces.
  • If the user has specified a job ID on the Mailer Information screen, the job ID is included in the file name for each report printout. (This is the name that appears in the print queue and is the default file name if saving the printout to .pdf). (Windows only)
  • Some long file names extended into other text on the Column Identification screen and on the front page of the Mail Preparation Instructions. Long names are now cut short so that this does not happen.
  • Cursor on the main screen now changes when it is over the mailbox and the question mark, to show that these work as buttons that can be clicked.
  • For Access files, Postage Saver now checks to make sure that the fields selected for OELs and for barcodes are text fields. (Windows only)
  • Corrected a misspelling on the Mail Preparation Instructions for Periodical Class mailings.

New in Postage $aver 10.1.1 (Jan 22, 2018)

  • Postal Updates:
  • Updated for revised postage prices, effective January 21, 2018. (May NOT be used before then)
  • Updated for new postage statement forms, effective January 21, 2018. (May NOT be used before then)
  • Updated for January and February USPS routing changes required for mail sent on or after February 1, 2018. (May be used before then).
  • IMB Tracing now called “Informed Visibility” Tracing.
  • Software changes:
  • For a video walk through of major changes, please see savepostage.com/update
  • Barcoding Changes:
  • Postage $aver Pro now includes barcoding for letters and flats, without using Smart Barcoder.
  • The barcode serial number range is now printed on the front of the Mail Preparation Instructions report.
  • The barcode serial number type automatically changes to “unique on for each barcode” from “unique for the entire mailing” if full-service barcodes are selected and the mailing has more than 10,000 pieces.
  • Wording Changes (changes that just affect how things are labeled, not how the software operates):
  • The Sort Menu is now called “Prepare Your Mailing”.
  • The Sort Wizard is now called “Preparation Wizard”.
  • The Verification Report is now called the “Error Report”.
  • The Field Identification screen is now called the “Column Selection” screen, and fields are referred to as “columns” throughout.
  • The sort order number is now called the “sorting sequence” number.
  • Main Screen Changes:
  • The progress indicator on the main screen now shows more detail.
  • A new message board has been added.
  • The Preparation Wizard can now be started by clicking the blue mailbox in the center of the screen, as well as from the menu.
  • The File menu now includes features to backup and restore all settings.
  • The File menu now includes a feature to change the registration name and registration code.
  • For Postage $aver Lite users, the File menu now includes a feature to upgrade to Postage $aver Pro.
  • The main screen is now immediately visible for Mac users. (It has always been that way for Windows.)
  • Mailer Information Screen Changes:
  • The mailer’s zip code is now required, and is used to determine which major sorting centers serve the mailer’s area.
  • The screen now shows which 3-digit areas are served by the mailer’s Sectional Center Facility (SCF) sorting center. Trays and sacks sorted to those 3-digit areas may be eligible for additional postage discounts when the mailing is submitted at the SCF.
  • The city and state of the post office of mailing are now automatically filled in if a sorting center is selected.
  • The Job ID will be printed on the Mail Preparation Report, the Price Qualification Report and the tray/sack tags (formerly just the Price Qualification Report).
  • The screen now includes a list of options for the Move Update requirement, if the mailing categories selected by the user require Move Update compliance. Each option is explained. The correct Move Update box is marked on the postage statement based on the user’s selection.
  • Periodical Settings Screen Changes:
  • For in-county pricing, Postage $aver will now look up all zip codes in a county. Any recipient with a zip code in the county will be counted as in-county, without needing to manually mark a column in the mailing list file. Additional recipients located in the county, but served by a post office outside of the county, can still be manually added.
  • Extra Services Screen Changes:
  • For barcoded letters and flats, this screen now shows all address change service options, along with the corresponding required envelope markings, and the effect of each.
  • The USPS Service Type Identification Code is now shown for the selected address change service option.
  • Tag Style and Font Screen Eliminated:
  • This screen is no longer needed due to USPS’ elimination of the old style tray/sack tags.
  • The option to add a cutting line around the tags (for non-perforated stock), and the setting for the starting tray/sack serial number, have been moved to the Preferences screen.
  • Column Selection Screen Changes (formerly called the Field Identification screen):
  • Column names will be saved and will automatically be selected if the next file opened has matching column names.
  • Column names will be saved when postage statement settings for a specific customer are saved, and will be retrieved when that customer’s statement information is retrieved.
  • “Backspace” buttons have been added that clear each individual column selection.
  • A zip4 column no longer must be selected for nonbarcoded mailings and parcel mailings, since those mailings only require 5-digit zip codes.
  • A column to save Optional Endorsement Lines (OELs) will be required to be selected for bundled mailings, unless the user checks the box that indicates that USPS bundle stickers will be used instead.
  • When the software is “guessing” which columns should be used, it will give priority to the name of the column, if available, over the format of the content.
  • The sort order number is now called the “sorting sequence” number.
  • For comma-separated (.csv) and tab-delimited (.tab, .txt) files, for columns that are not already in the file, the user can select whether to add them at the end of each record. This occurred automatically in the past, but can now be turned off by the user.
  • A warning was added to clarify that the address column can be used for barcoding when running files for demo purposes only, and cannot be used for actual mailings. Cass-certified delivery point codes are required for USPS acceptance of barcoded mailings.
  • Columns for information to be saved in Microsoft Access files are now checked for sufficient length before leaving this screen.
  • Mail Preparation Instructions Report changes:
  • User can specify that each tray/sack starts on a new page. (option on Preferences screen)
  • User can specify that zip code listings are condensed to an entire 3-digit zip, where the 3-digit zip is not split between two trays or bundles. (option on Preferences screen)
  • The “rejected pieces” report now checks for delivery-point codes in each record for barcoded mailings, and checks for barcode serial numbers if user has selected that serial numbers will be provided by the user.
  • For barcoded mailings, the serial number range is now printed on the front of the Mail Preparation Instructions report.
  • Mailer ID, Job ID and file name are printed on the front of the Mail Preparation Instructions report.
  • Operating Improvements:
  • Screens are larger. Scroll bars are added when necessary, for screens that are set for high magnification.
  • If the user doesn’t complete a required field and clicks OK or Next, the software will post a warning message (as it always has) and then will flash the field that needs attention.
  • The first line of a .csv or .tab file is now recognized as a list of column names if it includes the word “Postal”. Previously, only the word “Zip” was recognized.
  • The sorting sequence number is now added to the columns saved for .csv and .tab files.
  • Postage $aver will fill in missing leading zeroes in zip codes, zip4, and delivery point codes, after checking to be sure that all leading zeroes in the file are missing.
  • Delivery Point codes that have three digits will be assumed to include a check digit (rather than being an error) if all final digits match the calculation for check digits.
  • The company name field for the tray/sack tags is now picked up automatically from the Statement Information screen instead of being entered separately.
  • The Error Report (formerly the Verification Report) is now based on the user’s selections on the Mailing Categories screen. For example, a zip code missing the last four digits is not shown as an error if the user has selected mailing options that do not require nine-digit zips.
  • A lower minimum is allowed for the maximum sack weight for Periodical Class mailings. The minimum allowed varies with the weight of the piece.
  • Entering an incorrect (or blank) update code no longer deletes the registration name and registration code, so that the correct update code can be entered later without needing to re-enter the registration name and registration code.
  • A warning has been added when a file appears to contain no valid records. Previously, the user was returned to the main screen with no explanation.
  • The user can select either Postage $aver Pro or Lite when running the software as a demo.
  • Additional Changes for the Mac version:
  • The main screen now opens when the program starts.
  • A minimize button has been added to each screen.
  • The software now remembers what folder was opened last.
  • A bug has been fixed that sometimes caused the list of files to disappear from the “open file” window, when in “detail” mode.

New in Postage $aver 9.1.3 (Sep 12, 2017)

  • Updated for September and October USPS routing changes and zone charts required for mail sent on or after 10/1/17. (May begin using before then.)
  • Change the wording "First Class Parcels" to "First Class Package Service - Commercial" to reflect USPS wording change.
  • Updated "Here's how much you saved" section on Mail Preparation Instructions to reflect USPS price increase for First Class Package Service Retail parcels. Since Commercial parcel prices were not changed, this means a greater savings for bulk First Class parcel mailers compared to retail.
  • Fixed a bug that caused a small number of Excel files to become corrupted.

New in Postage $aver 8.11.2 (Sep 8, 2014)

  • Updated for revised postage statement forms effective 9/7/14.
  • Updated for USPS routing changes and zone charts required by 10/1/14. (May begin using them at any time before that date.)

New in Postage $aver 8.11.1 (Sep 8, 2014)

  • Updated for USPS routing changes and zone charts required by 8/1/14. (May begin using them at any time before that date.)
  • Now prepares Parcel Select Lightweight parcels. This category is used by commercial mailers to send machinable or irregular parcels, under 16 ounces. (Commercial mailers are not allowed to use Standard Class for these parcels, except for "marketing parcels", however nonprofit mailers can and should continue to use Standard Class for parcels.)
  • New .pdf user guide, accessible through the Instructions/Help menu and through the Help button on many screens.
  • Corrected bug that was not allowing special rule for DSCF entry discounts for AADC trays where the ADC/AADC and SCF serve identical areas.
  • Updated references to USPS rule sections (DMM sections) that are printed in the header of the price qualification report, to match recent DMM reorganization.

New in Postage $aver 8.10.5 (Apr 23, 2014)

  • Updated for USPS routing changes and zone charts required by 5/1/14. (May begin using them at any time before that date.)
  • Postage $aver will automatically select IMB tray/sack tags whenever barcoded mail is selected, per USPS rule change, regardless of what type of tag is specified on the Tag Style and Font screen.
  • Added option to turn off origin 3-digit trays/sacks where not required.
  • Added option to turn off FSS Facility sacks where not required.
  • Postage $aver now recognizes header lines (lines with just field names) at the top of tab-separated text files, and leaves those lines in place.
  • Postage $aver now automatically recognizes the correct fields in files that have been processed by ListCleanup.com.
  • Corrected bug that ignored selection of 24 pc/sack minimum for Periodical Class flats FSS Facility sacks.
  • Corrected Optional Endorsement Line wording for FSS bundles.

New in Postage $aver 8.10.4 (Jan 21, 2014)

  • Updated for postage price increases effective 1/26/14.
  • Updated for revised postage statement forms effective 1/26/14.
  • Add new required Flats Sequencing System (FSS) sort level for standard and periodical class flats.
  • Updated for USPS routing changes and zone charts required by 1/31/14. (May begin using them at any time before that date.)
  • Corrected extra blank page that sometimes printed before qualification report and tray/sack tags.
  • Corrected mis-numbered pages in mail preparation instructions report for periodicals.

New in Postage $aver 8.10.3 (Oct 15, 2013)

  • Updated for USPS routing changes and zone charts required by 10/31/13. (May begin using them at any time before that date.)
  • Improved print quality for gray areas of postage statements.
  • Redesigned statement information entry to show entire front page of statements, and to allow user entry of most optional fields.
  • Changed print sizes on Mail Preparation Instructions report to reduce paper use.

New in Postage $aver 8.10.2 (Oct 15, 2013)

  • Updated for USPS routing changes and zone charts required by 7/31/13. (May begin using them at any time before that date.)
  • Significantly faster saving of large Excel (.xlsx) files.
  • Excel files are now read as you see them, so it should no longer be necessary to change Excel column format to "text" to avoid dropping leading zeroes.
  • Extra blank row added to Excel files when sorting no longer occurs.
  • If you save your sorting information in a separate file of just sorting data, and you let Postage $aver automatically name the file as p$sort1.txt, that file will now be automatically saved in your My Documents folder rather than the Postage $aver folder.

New in Postage $aver 8.10.1 (Oct 15, 2013)

  • Updated for USPS routing changes required by 4/30/13. (May begin using them at any time before that date.)
  • For Standard Class mail, DSCF entry discounts are now provided for ADC and AADC trays/sacks when the service area of the ADC or AADC matches the service area of the SCF where the mail is submitted.
  • For Periodical Class mail, DDU entry discounts for in-county pieces and outside-county containers will now be provided for 5-digit and 5-digit scheme trays/sacks, when the tray/sack destination matches the 5-digit zip or scheme of the post office of mailing.

New in Postage $aver 8.9.4 (Oct 15, 2013)

  • Updated for new postage prices effective 1/28/13.
  • Updated for new postage statement forms effective 1/28/13.
  • Updated for USPS routing changes required by 1/31/13. (May begin using them at any time before that date.)
  • Includes new 24-or-72 minimum pieces per sack option for Periodical Class flats.
  • Periodical Class zone charts now are automatically updated with each software update.
  • Removed obsolete reference to "FastFwd" move update method.
  • Locked out button for selecting obsolete Postnet barcoding.

New in Postage $aver 8.9.3 (Oct 15, 2013)

  • Updated for USPS routing changes required by 10/29/12. (May begin using them at any time before that date.)
  • Updated for additional USPS routing changes required by 12/29/12. (May begin using them at any time before that date.)
  • User can now enter specific weight for any mailing, or can still just check the minimum weight category where applicable. If weight is entered, weight-per-piece and total weight will be printed on postage statement.
  • Users may add a cutting box around each tag on the tray/sack tag printout, by checking a box on the Tag Style and Fonts screen in the Settings menu.
  • Periodical Class mailers can now add Frequency of Publication, Publication Number, Edition/Code and Issue Date for printing on the postage statement. Entries are on the Periodicals Settings screen in the Settings menu.
  • For very heavy periodicals flats, weight of sacks are now limited to 70 pounds max regardless of whether 24-piece minimum is met, per USPS advice.
  • Window background colors are now uniform regardless of system default settings, to improve visibility for some users.
  • Updated to be compatible with new Church Windows SQL-based software release.

New in Postage $aver 8.9.2 (Oct 15, 2013)

  • Updated for USPS routing changes required by 7/29/12. (May begin using them at any time before that date.)
  • Updated for additional USPS routing changes required by 8/29/12. (May begin using them at any time before that date.)
  • Updated for optional new June versions of USPS postage statements.
  • Corrected bugs that caused problems reading some dBase files.

New in Postage $aver 8.9.1 (Oct 15, 2013)

  • Updated for USPS routing changes required by 3/31/12. (May begin using them at any time before that date.)
  • Updated for additional USPS routing changes required by 5/29/12. (May begin using them at any time before that date.)
  • Changed the wording on sack tags for Marketing Parcels, per USPS change.
  • Allows periodical flats OMX and MXD sacks to be split below 24-pc minimum needed for other sack levels.
  • Corrected bug that caused one-penny rounding difference on some Form 3541 front page calculations.
  • Corrected bug that allowed some zip codes with too few digits to be accepted.
  • Corrected bugs that caused some Excel files to become corrupted.

New in Postage $aver 8.8.5 (Feb 3, 2012)

  • Updated with the latest USPS changes.
  • Now includes new USPS Marketing Parcels category.