Abstract: A mail sorting process used with a sorting machine where the next successive sort is performed during the sweeping operation of the previous sort. In a first sort, a batch of mailpieces are sorted and directed to a selected first array or group of destination pockets or bins. After the first sort is completed, the mailpieces are swept from the pockets in a sweeping operation. A second sort for sorting a second batch of mailpieces to a selected second array or group of destination pockets is begun during the sweeping operation of the first sort. As such, the sorting process sorts a batch of mailpieces to a group of destination pockets while another group of destination pockets used during a previous sort are being swept.