What is a USPS Postal Qualified Wholesaler (PQW)? What should I look for in a USPS PQW? How can I locate a USPS PQW? These are just some of the questions I hear daily from US businesses and I will cover these aspects in this article.

A USPS Postal Qualified Wholesaler (PQW) is a distinction awarded to very few commercial mailers in the United States. This designation provides reassurance to companies that this company (PQW) has undergone a rigorous vetting process with the United States Postal Service. Conveys a level of confidence that the PQW’s operational processes are fully compliant with all United States Postal Service data and mail preparation requirements. The PQW must undergo a rigorous selection process, meet certain volume requirements, and demonstrate the ability to prepare manifests and transmit the appropriate electronic data to USPS acceptance facilities.

Qualified USPS postal wholesalers have access to bulk mailing products offered by the USPS that are not available to the general public. In essence, a PQW levels the playing field for many small business shippers, allowing them access to discounts that are typically reserved only for the largest shippers in the country.

USPS PQWs will have access to several levels of service, including:

• USPS International Priority Airmail (3-7 day transit time) – This service is perfect for business shippers looking to send time-sensitive items abroad. Typical senders using this service would send invoices, statements, financial documents, and e-retailers. This is the perfect service for companies selling products on eBay and Amazon to ensure timely delivery of their customers’ orders and save a significant amount of shipping costs.
• USPS International Surface Airlift (Transit time 7-14 days) – This service is perfect for mail companies that have less urgent material that is sent internationally. This is a perfect service for companies that send out applications, magazines, newsletters and newspapers.

What should you look for in a qualified USPS postal wholesaler? While there are several PQWs in the United States, only a couple of them fit the following recommended criteria:

Rentals, Rentals, Rentals

When selecting a qualified postal wholesaler, you should ensure that you select one that has multiple locations. Disaster recovery is becoming increasingly important in today’s global economy. Working with a PQW that has locations spread across the United States will ensure that your mail moves regardless of your local situation, as was realized on the US East Coast during Hurricane Sandy when most of the US East Coast. The ability to mail your material, even during natural disasters, is a great way to stay ahead of your competition.

software integration

Working with a PQW that integrates directly with your current software platform just makes sense. For eCommerce businesses using Endicia, Shipstation, Shipworks, Sellercloud, Teapplix, and all other order management systems out there; you should not have to switch to another software platform to use that PQW’s service. It is the responsibility of the PQW to integrate directly with your software application. If they don’t integrate with your current application, use a different PQW.

Creation of shipping control documents online

Today, using paper documents as evidence of your shipment with that PQW is inconvenient and ridiculous today. A shipping department shouldn’t shut down because they didn’t realize they used their last preprinted shipping control document. Make sure your PQW can provide you with a customer username and password so you can create your shipping control documents and view your past shipping history online. In today’s electronic age, if your PQW doesn’t have this basic feature, you need to find a different one.

Volume, Volume, Volume

Be sure to ask your PQW how often they send shipments to the USPS International Classification Center (ISC). Not all PQWs have the same volume, some may only drop mail off at an International Sorting Center once or twice a week. Make sure the PQW drops off mail at the USPS ISC at least once a day. Some PQWs send mail several times during the day to the ISCs. The more frequently your mail is delivered to the ISCs, the faster your mail will reach its final destination.

How do I place a PQW?

Start with your USPS Global Account Manager, they are experts in international mail solutions and will be able to help you through the selection process. If you are not familiar with your Global Account Manager, ask your USPS Shipping Solutions Specialist for their contact information. Knowing that your PQW has an active and healthy relationship with their USPS representatives speaks volumes about their ability to provide the services you are seeking.