Patent ID: 8244646

Claim:
A computer-implemented method, comprising: processing, by a service provider system comprising one or more computers, delivery history information and at least one of (i) payment clearance information or (ii) payment posting information associated with a plurality of mailpieces mailed from a distribution center to a geographical area to determine a corresponding plurality of delivery times, wherein each of the plurality of delivery times is associated with a respective one of the plurality of mailpieces; determining, by the service provider system, an estimated lead time for subsequent delivery of mailpieces mailed from the distribution center to the geographical area based at least in part on an analysis of the plurality of delivery times; identifying, by the service provider system, a payee; determining, by the service provider system, that the payee is associated with the geographical area for mailpiece delivery; and associating, by the service provider system, the estimated lead time with the payee.