Service Hubs and Facilities

The general role of Hubs in the current network will be to serve as down-flow mail facilities similar to our Network Distribution Centers (NDCs), Area Distribution Centers (ADCs) and Sectional Center Facilities (SCFs). If a facility is identified as a Hub, it will serve as a cross-dock facility for destinating volume that is properly prepared and entered at the Hub location. The Hub will transport mail to the downstream delivery units that the Hub services. 

Who are Service Hubs and Facilities for?

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.

Parcels

Parcels

Periodicals

Periodicals

Standard Mail

Standard Mail

Description

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. 

Featured Resources

Fact Sheets
Service Hubs and Facilities Fact Sheet

This document provides general information on the purpose and requirements for service hubs.

Contact Lists
Service Hubs and Facilities Locations

This document provides a list of service hub facilities, includes area, district, NASS, site, locale key, and start date.

Tech Guides
eInduction SV Facilities List

This document contains SV-enabled induction facilities in CSV format.

Data Files
01/01/2014
FAST® Origin Entry Facilities

This origin entry spreadsheet lists all origin entry facilities as of January 2014.

Fact Sheets
07/01/2011
Creating FAST® Appointments for Mixed Periodicals

This document provides an overview of FAST® appointments for mixed periodicals.

Data Files
02/28/2019
Facility File

This document is an excel spreadsheet that contains facility contact information and important updates.

Related Products

Facility Access and Shipment Tracking (FAST®)

The Facility Access and Shipment Tracking (FAST®) system allows mailers to provide advanced notification of drop shipment and origin entered mailings into postal facilities. FAST provides business mail owners, preparers, and schedulers enhanced visibility of their scheduled mailings at each facility. To make an appointment, log in to your FAST account.

Contact

For questions, please email ncsc.servstan@usps.gov or call 1-800-238-3150.