PS Form 3587 is the paperwork that turns your stack of postcards into an actual USPS EDDM Retail mailing. The USPS EDDM tool usually generates it for you, but understanding what's on it will save you from the most common acceptance problems: mismatched counts, wrong drop-off office, and "wait... what's a CRID?"
Key takeaways#
- PS Form 3587 is required for EDDM Retail and must be completed and signed by the mailer.
- It's two pages: page 1 is summary + certification; page 2 lists the ZIP + routes + piece counts.
- Most fields are pre-filled if you generate it via the USPS EDDM tool -- but you still need to verify accuracy.
- USPS acceptance usually checks: bundle count, facing slips, weight, indicia/addressing, and totals.
What PS Form 3587 is (in plain English)#
- It's the EDDM Retail mailing statement.
- It documents:
- who the mailing is for
- where you're dropping it
- how many bundles/pieces you're entering
- what you owe (or what you already paid)
- the carrier routes included
Official form (PDF): https://about.usps.com/forms/ps3587.pdf
Who fills out what?#
You (the mailer / agent) typically fills:#
- Mailer name/address/phone
- CRID (Customer Registration ID)
- Mailing date
- Bundle counts and piece counts
- Weight of a single piece
- Signature + printed name + phone
USPS fills:#
- arrival date/time stamp
- acceptance verification fields
- any adjusted postage figures
- USPS employee signature(s) and dates
Field-by-field: what to put where#
Field label on PS Form 3587 | What it means | Who fills it | Common mistakes |
|---|---|---|---|
Name and Address of Individual or Organization for Which Mailing is Prepared | The business/organization being mailed for | You | Using a different name than what's in your USPS account |
Customer Registration I.D. (CRID) | Your USPS account identifier | You | Leaving blank; mixing up CRID vs permit number |
Name and Address of Mailing Agent (if other than mailer) | If an agency/mail house is acting for the mailer | You (if applicable) | Filling when not applicable (or leaving blank when an agent is involved) |
Post Office of Mailing | The DDU / Post Office responsible for the routes | Tool (verify) / You | Showing up at the wrong office |
Processing Category (EDDM Flats) | Confirms this is EDDM Retail flats | Tool | Editing it (don't) |
Mailer's Mailing Date | Date you're entering the mail | You | Using a date that doesn't match drop-off |
Total # of Bundles | Total bundles across all routes | You | Doesn't match the physical bundles you brought |
Total # of Pieces per Bundle | Typical bundle size (often 50-100) | You | Entering a number that doesn't match the actual bundle sizes |
Weight of a Single Piece | Weight per mailpiece in ounces | You | Guessing; not weighing a real piece |
Type of Postage (EDDM Retail Indicia / Metered / Meter Strip) | How postage is being evidenced/paid | You / Tool | Selecting the wrong method vs how you're actually paying |
Entry / Price / # of Pieces / Total Postage | The postage breakdown for the mailing | Tool (verify) | Totals not matching the route counts on page 2 |
Signature of Mailer or Agent | Legal certification that info is accurate | You | Forgetting to sign (yes, it happens) |
Page 2: route listing (the part that must match reality)#
Page 2 is basically a grid of:
- 5-digit ZIP Code
- Route Number
- # of Mailpieces
Your job is to ensure:
- every route you selected is listed
- each route's piece count matches the bundles for that route
- the sum of all route counts matches the "Total Number of Pieces" on page 1
If those numbers don't reconcile, USPS can reject the mailing or require you to rework it.
What USPS typically checks at acceptance (so you can pass quickly)#
At retail acceptance, USPS often verifies:
- Correct drop-off location (DDU for the routes selected)
- Bundles are in 50-100 stacks with facing slips
- Bundles are secured under straps (and not falling apart)
- A sample bundle is weighed to confirm:
- piece weight (Retail max is 3.3 oz)
- total piece counts are plausible
- Indicia + simplified address formatting appear correct
Mini checklist: don't walk in without this#
- Bundles prepared by route (50-100 per bundle)
- Facing slips printed and attached (secured under straps)
- PS Form 3587 printed
- Counts reconcile (facing slips / bundles / PS Form 3587)
- Payment method ready (online receipt or pay at counter)
Frequently Asked Questions#
Do I need PS Form 3587 if I paid online?#
Yes -- you still need the form for acceptance and verification.
Is PS Form 3587 only for Retail?#
Yes -- PS Form 3587 is for EDDM Retail. BMEU entry uses different documentation and permit payment.
Where do I get the form?#
Best option: generate it through the USPS EDDM Online Tool when you build your order.
Official USPS resources#
- PS Form 3587 PDF: https://about.usps.com/forms/ps3587.pdf
- USPS EDDM Online Tool: https://eddm.usps.com/eddm/select-routes.htm
- QSG 140 (requires PS Form 3587 + payment methods + bundling basics): https://pe.usps.com/cpim/ftp/manuals/qsg300/Q140.pdf
- EDDM User Guide (tool workflow + forms): https://www.usps.com/business/pdf/every-door-direct-mail-user-guide.pdf