What action should you take with a mailpiece that has an invalid address?

• A. Attempt address correction through ACS or mark as undeliverable and Return to Sender as appropriate.
• B. Delete the piece and shred.
• C. Deliver to the nearest address on file.
• D. Ignore and leave at counter.

Answer: (A)

When a mailpiece comes with an invalid address, the proper approach is to work through official channels to fix or return it. The first step is to attempt address correction through Address Correction Service (ACS). This service checks for a valid forward or new address and, if a correctable address is found, the mailpiece can be forwarded to the updated address. If ACS cannot provide a usable address, the item should be marked undeliverable and returned to the sender as appropriate.

This process protects the recipient’s privacy and follows postal policy, ensuring mail isn’t discarded or misdelivered. It also keeps the sender informed when a piece cannot reach the intended addressee. If there’s no return address or no forwardable information, the mail is handled according to the standard undeliverable/return procedures rather than being guess-delivered, shredded, or ignored.

So, the best action is to use ACS to correct the address, or return the piece to the sender if correction isn’t possible.