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An often overlooked detail of PO Boxes is that they are split into multiple, logical sections in the post office, similarly to how city and rural routes are split. This can be the case whether all of the PO Boxes in the post office are in a single contiguous block, or whether they’re physically split into multiple areas. We refer to these splits as “box sections” or “PO box routes”, which are represented as B001, B002, etc.

Due to the way these are split, there is an increased chance there will be fewer than the required 6 pieces going to a particular box section, and as a result, some of these pieces may be placed in a 5-digit or fewer container causing them to be sorted less optimally, often being sent out of town before returning at a later date.

To combat this, many Post Offices prefer the mailer combine all mail going to PO Boxes into a single PO Box route, B001. As this is against the DMM rules, Interlink Circulation does not handle this automatically, however it can be configured for the Post Offices that request it.

How to force all PO Boxes for a zip code together:

1. Select File then Configure list
2. Select the Periodical Mail, or Standard Mail tab (depending on the publication type of your list)
3. Click the Customize Sacks and Tubs… button
4. Select the B001 tab
5. Click the Add… button
6. Enter the 5-digit zip code of the Post Office where the box sections should be collapsed into one
7. Click the OK button
8. Repeat steps 6 and 7 as necessary
9. Click the OK button
10. Click the OK button again to save your changes

This change will take effect after the next issue is closed.