The objective of the Hub network is to allow mail to be destination entered for downstream delivery units, thus allowing customers to enter closer to destination for a service benefit. It will also reduce transportation costs for both the mailers and the Postal Service.

Presort Preparation: Anything currently eligible to be dropped at a Destination Delivery Unit (DDU) can be dropped at a Hub, but will receive the Hub (DSCF) discount:

• Flats
  • Bundles on merged 5-digit scheme or 5-digit scheme carrier route pallets prepped according to the L001 are eligible for Hub drops
  • Bundles on 5-digit scheme pallets prepped according to the L007 are NOT eligible for Hub drops
• Parcels
  • 5-digit pallets and 5-digit scheme pallets prepped according to the L606 are eligible for Hub drops

Hub Discount: Mail prepped according to the guidelines for Hubs will receive the DSCF rate for dropping at a Hub facility

Dropping at Hubs: The Critical Entry Time (CET) for all Hub facilities will be 1600.

• Hours of Operation will vary by facility, and will be available in FAST and published in the Mail Direction File (MDF)
• FAST appointments will be required for dropping at Hubs, and appointment windows will also vary by facility
• Service Standards will be aligned with the current SCF drop standards by mail class

Hub Implementation: A phased-in approach will be used for deployment of Hub facilities.

Hubs will accept direct cross-dock containers only of 5-Digit ZIP, 5-Digit Carrier Route (non-FSS zones) pallets, bundles, sacks or containers of Standard, Periodical, Bound Printed Matter, and Parcels.

Hubs will not accept: letters, FSS prepared mail, or any mailing that requires a bundle sort operation.