An overview of some of the most commonly used acronyms used by the Postal Service.
This year’s opening session at the National Postal Forum (NPF) featured line dancing, outstanding country music and cowboy hats. Some might think this is a lot at 8 a.m., but it is exactly what we would expect in Nashville, Tenn., from the USPS® and industry attendees.
During the informative and lively opening keynote, my head swirled with TLAs (three letter acronyms), and countless other shorthand terminology used throughout our industry. In this blog post, I will cover some key terms to help understand the United States Postal Service (USPS) and its current strategy.
- RPDC (Regional Processing and Distribution Center)
RPDCs are large-scale USPS facilities designed to streamline mail and package processing across regions. They serve as central hubs for sorting and distributing mail, aiming to improve efficiency and reduce transportation costs. The USPS plans to establish approximately 60 RPDCs nationwide as part of its “Delivering for America” initiative. Click on the image to the right to view an interactive map of the RPDC locations. - LPC (Local Processing Center)
LPCs handle the final-stage processing of mail before it reaches local delivery points. They receive mail from RPDCs and sort it for specific delivery routes, ensuring timely and accurate distribution. (What are the Postal Service’s plans for the new network? – USPS OIG) - SDC (Sorting and Delivery Center)
SDCs are facilities where mail is sorted for the final time and organized for carrier routes. They combine aspects of processing and local delivery preparation to streamline “last mile” operations. - MARS (Matrix Regional Sorter)
MARS is a high-speed sorting machine being deployed in USPS facilities. This technology allows for faster, more accurate sorting of mailpieces by destination, supporting improved processing times and accuracy. - DFA (Delivering for America)
DFA is the USPS’s 10-year strategic plan aimed at achieving financial sustainability and service excellence. Initiatives under DFA include infrastructure upgrades, operational reforms, and fleet modernization. - NSA (Negotiated Service Agreement)
NSAs are customized agreements between the USPS and individual customers (often large mailers) that provide tailored pricing or services in exchange for volume commitments or specific mailing practices. At this year’s keynote, Juan Nadal, vice president of strategic sales, encouraged the USPS’s shipping customers to explore NSAs to uncover value and lock in negotiated rates—without hidden surcharges. - NGDV (Next Generation Delivery Vehicle)
These are the future delivery trucks for the USPS, designed with improved ergonomics and safety features, and the capability for electric or traditional powertrains. They are designed specifically for the increasing volume of package deliveries and the wide range of conditions the vehicles will encounter. - COTS (Commercial Off-the-Shelf) Vehicles
COTS vehicles are standard, commercially available vehicles that the USPS purchases directly from manufacturers with little or no modification—like standard delivery vans—to quickly supplement its fleet. The USPS plans to procure a total of 21,000 COTS electric vehicles (EVs), including 9,250 from Ford, depending on market availability and operational feasibility. (U.S. Postal Service Unveils First Postal Electric Vehicle Charging Stations and Electric Delivery Vehicles) - BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle)
BEVs are fully electric vehicles with no internal combustion engine, part of the USPS’s strategy to lower emissions and operating costs. - ICE (Internal Combustion Engine)
ICE vehicles are traditional vehicles powered by gasoline or diesel engines, which still make up a significant portion of the USPS delivery fleet. - Delivery Units
In USPS terminology, Delivery Units refer to post offices, stations, branches, or carrier annexes that have mail delivery functions. These facilities are where mail carriers pick up mail for delivery to homes and businesses.
One last acronym was delivered to us via a fast-paced and lively promotional video: OG PMG, or original postmaster general. This, of course, is none other than Benjamin Franklin himself, who was the first PMG of the United States. For information on NPF 2026, please visit our events page. If you have questions about the USPS, please contact one of our experts at Tension.
