The ABCs of Postal Acronyms: ECRWSS, ECRLOT, and ECRWSH Explained

Unravel the mystery of postal acronyms ECRWSS, ECRLOT, and ECRWSH! Discover what they mean and how they impact your mailbox.

The ABCs of Postal Acronyms: ECRWSS, ECRLOT, and ECRWSH Explained
Photo by Sigmund / Unsplash

Navigating the world of postal mail can sometimes feel like you're deciphering a secret code. And if you've ever taken a closer look at some of the mail in your mailbox, you might've spotted a few curious acronyms printed on them.

via USPS (pdf)

Let's unravel the mystery behind three such acronyms: ECRWSSEDDM, ECRLOT, and ECRWSH. Each of these is subtly different but has the ultimate goal of ensuring efficient and on-time delivery of postal mail. By the end of this post, not only will you be a postal acronym pro, but you'll also discover ways to declutter your mailbox. So, let's dive in!

ECRWSSEDDM: Your Local Business Pal

ECRWSSEDDM stands for Extended Carrier Route Walking Sequence Saturation – Every Door Direct Mail. Phew, that's a mouthful, isn’t it? In simpler terms, it means local businesses, like that cute bakery down the street, can send promotional mail to everyone in your neighborhood. They don’t even need to know your name! For merchants, it's an enticing marketing channel for them to say, “Hey, come check us out,” but it also produces unwanted mail that residents cannot opt out of.

ECRLOT: Sequenced and Sorted

person standing beside stroller
Photo by Victória Kubiaki / Unsplash

Next up is ECRLOT, which is short for Enhanced Carrier Route Line of Travel. Imagine your mail carrier's daily route. Now, think of a pile of letters perfectly sequenced in the exact order of that route. That's what ECRLOT does—it organizes mail in the delivery order, making the mail carrier's job a tad easier. Businesses choose the approach because it can result in cost savings for their direct mail marketing.

ECRWSH: High-Density Huddle

Last but not least, ECRWSH stands for Enhanced Carrier Route Walk Sequence High Density. It's a bit of a superstar in the postal world because it refers to mailings that target almost every household in a particular area. When businesses have a lot to share with many residents, ECRWSH helps them do it efficiently.

Unsubscribing from "Junk" Mail

Now, while some of this mail can be exciting (who doesn't love a good coupon?!), it might sometimes feel like your mailbox is brimming with unsolicited offers. If you're looking to simplify and declutter, Mel can be your new best friend. By helping you unsubscribe from junk mail and opt-out of postal mail that doesn't spark joy, Mel aims to give your mailbox (and you!) some much-needed breathing space.

wedding invatation card
Photo by micheile henderson / Unsplash

So there you have it, my dears—three acronyms demystified! The next time you see them, you'll know exactly what they mean. And remember, if your mailbox is getting a bit too crowded, there's always a way to opt-out and make room for the mail that truly matters. 💖