New Polywrap Standards for Automation-Rate Flat-Size Mail, 48868-48870 [E6-13802]
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48868
Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 162 / Tuesday, August 22, 2006 / Proposed Rules
‘‘§ ’’ and a numbered heading; for
example, § 280.30 How does the
Secretary evaluate an application?
• Could the description of the
proposed regulations in the
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of
this preamble be more helpful in
making the proposed regulations easier
to understand? If so, how?
• What else could we do to make the
proposed regulations easier to
understand?
Send any comments that concern how
the Department could make these
proposed regulations easier to
understand to the person listed in the
ADDRESSES section of the preamble.
Note: The official version of this document
is the document published in the Federal
Register. Free Internet access to the official
edition of the Federal Register and the Code
of Federal Regulations is available on GPO
Access at: https://www.gpoaccess.gov/nara/
index.html.
Regulatory Flexibility Act Certification
The Secretary certifies that these
proposed regulations would not have a
significant economic impact on a
substantial number of small entities.
Small entities affected by these
proposed regulations are small LEAs
applying for Federal funds under this
program. The changes will not have a
significant economic impact on these
LEAs in terms of the cost of applying for
a MSAP grant.
Dated: August 16, 2006.
Morgan S. Brown,
Assistant Deputy Secretary, for Innovation
and Improvement.
cprice-sewell on PROD1PC66 with PROPOSALS
For the reasons discussed in the
preamble, the Assistant Deputy
Secretary for Innovation and
Improvement proposes to amend part
280 of title 34 of the Code of Federal
Regulations as follows:
PART 280—MAGNET SCHOOLS
ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Authority: 20 U.S.C. 7231–7231j, unless
otherwise noted.
Electronic Access to This Document
You may view this document, as well
as all other Department of Education
documents published in the Federal
Register, in text or Adobe Portable
Document Format (PDF) on the Internet
at the following site: https://www.ed.gov/
news/fedregister.
To use PDF you must have Adobe
Acrobat Reader, which is available free
at this site. If you have questions about
using PDF, call the U.S. Government
Printing Office (GPO), toll free, at 1–
888–293–6498; or in the Washington,
DC, area at (202) 512–1530.
You may also view this document in
text or PDF at the following site:
https://www.ed.gov/programs/magnet/
applicant.html.
Jkt 208001
Civil rights, Desegregation, Education,
Elementary and secondary education,
Grant programs-education, Magnet
schools, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements.
§ 280.31
[Amended]
3. Section 280.31 is amended:
A. In the introductory text, by
removing the word ‘‘uses’’ and adding,
in its place, the words ‘‘may use’’.
B. In paragraph (a) introductory text,
by removing the parenthetical ‘‘(25
points)’’.
C. In paragraph (b) introductory text,
by removing the parenthetical ‘‘(10
points)’’.
D. In paragraph (c) introductory text,
by removing the parenthetical ‘‘(35
points)’’.
E. In paragraph (d) introductory text,
by removing the parenthetical ‘‘(5
points)’’.
F. In paragraph (e) introductory text,
by removing the parenthetical ‘‘(15
points)’’.
G. In paragraph (f) introductory text,
by removing the parenthetical ‘‘(10
points)’’.
[FR Doc. E6–13795 Filed 8–21–06; 8:45 am]
1. The authority citation for part 280
continues to read as follows:
Intergovernmental Review
This program is subject to Executive
Order 12372 and the regulations in 34
CFR part 79. One of the objectives of the
Executive order is to foster an
intergovernmental partnership and a
strengthened federalism. The Executive
order relies on processes developed by
State and local governments for
coordination and review of proposed
Federal financial assistance.
This document provides early
notification of our specific plans and
actions for this program.
15:27 Aug 21, 2006
List of Subjects in 34 CFR Part 280
(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 7231–7231j)
BILLING CODE 4000–01–P
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995
These proposed regulations do not
contain any information collection
requirements.
VerDate Aug<31>2005
(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
Number 84.165A Magnet Schools Assistance
Program.)
(f) The Secretary then awards up to 30
additional points based upon the
priority factors in § 280.32.
2. Section 280.30 is revised to read as
follows:
§ 280.30 How does the Secretary evaluate
an application?
(a) The Secretary evaluates an
application under the procedures in 34
CFR part 75 and this part.
(b) To evaluate an application for a
new grant the Secretary may use—
(1) Selection criteria established
under 34 CFR 75.209;
(2) Selection criteria in § 280.31;
(3) Selection criteria established
under 34 CFR 75.210; or
(4) Any combination of criteria from
paragraphs (b)(1), (b)(2), and (b)(3) of
this section.
(c) The Secretary indicates in the
application notice published in the
Federal Register the specific criteria
that the Secretary will use and how
points for the selection criteria will be
distributed.
(d) The Secretary evaluates an
application submitted under this part on
the basis of criteria described in
paragraph (c) of this section and the
priority factors in § 280.32.
(e) The Secretary awards up to 100
points for the extent to which an
application meets the criteria described
in paragraph (c) of this section.
PO 00000
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Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
POSTAL SERVICE
39 CFR Part 111
New Polywrap Standards for
Automation-Rate Flat-Size Mail
Postal Service.TM
ACTION: Proposed rule.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The Postal Service proposes
to require mailers to use polywrap film
meeting one set of specifications when
using polywrap on automation-rate flatsize mailpieces.
DATES: We must receive your comments
on or before September 21, 2006.
ADDRESSES: Mail or deliver written
comments to the Manager, Mailing
Standards, U.S. Postal Service, 475
L’Enfant Plaza SW., Room 3436,
Washington DC 20260–3436. You may
inspect and photocopy all written
comments at USPS Headquarters
Library, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW., 11th
Floor N, Washington DC between 9 a.m.
and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bill
Chatfield, 202–268–7278.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Efficient
processing of automation-rate flat-size
mailpieces enables the Postal Service to
process the substantial volume of
polywrapped pieces on our equipment
without causing jams, multiple feeds,
and missorted mail. Automated flat
E:\FR\FM\22AUP1.SGM
22AUP1
Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 162 / Tuesday, August 22, 2006 / Proposed Rules
sorting machines (AFSM 100) process
the majority of our flat-size mail. We
have moved many of our upgraded flat
sorting machines (UFSM 1000) out of
facilities where we use AFSM 100s. To
improve our ability to process
polywrapped pieces on our primary flatmail processing equipment, we propose
that all polywrap films used on
automation-rate flat-size mail meet our
revised standards. The new standards
would eliminate the current difference
in polywrap specifications for mail
designed for processing on the AFSM
100 and the UFSM 1000.
cprice-sewell on PROD1PC66 with PROPOSALS
Background
In 2001, we ran extensive tests of flatsize mailpieces on our AFSM 100
machines. As a result, we added a
specification for ‘‘blocking’’—the
chemical bonding of films to
themselves—to our polywrap
specifications to help prevent
polywrapped pieces from sticking
together during processing. But this
simple change did not result in a
noticeable improvement in the
performance of polywrapped
mailpieces.
Therefore, we initiated a test program
to more accurately define the polywrap
characteristics best suited to automated
processing of flat-size mail. We
performed complete testing on over 100
types of polywrap submitted by
polywrap manufacturers. We then
selected 46 films (polyethylene,
polypropylene, and shrinkwrap) to test
on the AFSM 100. We processed 500piece test decks and collected extensive
data to evaluate performance. Again,
blocking was the physical attribute that
most influenced processing
compatibility.
As a result of the testing, we propose
revised characteristics for polywrap
materials used on automation-rate flatsize mailpieces. We would remove two
characteristics, tensile strength and
density, because they were irrelevant to
performance. We also would remove the
‘‘USPS AFSM 100 Approved Polywrap’’
endorsement requirement. We would
change the testing protocol to measure
the minimum film-to-metal coefficient
of friction to bring consistency to this
characteristic across all polywrap
manufacturers. We would broaden the
film-to-film coefficient of friction,
which should help mailers in bundling
mailpieces by minimizing the instability
of bundles as they exit their stacking
equipment. While we would not change
the blocking specification, we propose
to change the method to measure
blocking to more closely match the
VerDate Aug<31>2005
15:27 Aug 21, 2006
Jkt 208001
environment that mailpieces undergo
during normal transportation and
storage.
Polywrap Certification Program
Currently, manufacturers requesting
approval of their polywrap materials for
automation-rate flat-size mail provide us
with a certificate stating that their
material complies with the polywrap
specifications for AFSM 100 mailpieces.
After manufacturers provide this
certificate, we include the
manufacturer’s material in the list of
approved polywrap for flat-size
mailpieces mailed at automation
discount rates.
New Test Procedures
To ensure that all manufacturers use
the same criteria in meeting the new
specifications, we have developed
specification USPS–T–3204, ‘‘Test
Procedures for Automatable Polywrap.’’
Manufacturers may obtain the new test
procedures at https://ribbs.usps.gov
(click on ‘‘Polywrap Manufacturers’’ in
the left frame) or by contacting USPS
Engineering at: Engineering, Flat Mail
Technology, U.S. Postal Service, 8403
Lee Hwy, Merrifield VA 22082–8101.
The specification describes exact test
procedures and acceptable values for
polywrap film characteristics. Should
the manufacturer not have the facilities
or experience to conduct each of the test
procedures in USPS–T–3204, the
specification also provides a list of
testing laboratories that have experience
in conducting these tests.
Recertification
Consistent with our current process,
manufacturers would provide an
updated certificate of conformance on
their letterhead to USPS Mailing
Standards after verifying that each
polywrap film meets the new
characteristics. The certificate of
conformance must state the values for
each of the six characteristics.
Implementation
We encourage manufacturers to
certify their polywrap under the new
specifications as soon as possible. We
also encourage mailers to use polywrap
meeting the new specifications on their
mailpieces as soon as practical.
Beginning February 4, 2007, all
polywrap films used on automation-rate
flat-size mailpieces would have to meet
the new standards.
Although we are exempt from the
notice and comment requirements of the
Administrative Procedure Act [5 U.S.C.
of 553(b),(c)] regarding proposed
rulemaking by 39 U.S.C. 410(a), we
PO 00000
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Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
48869
invite public comments on the
following proposed revisions to Mailing
Standards of the United States Postal
Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM),
incorporated by reference in the Code of
Federal Regulations. See 39 CFR 111.1.
List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 111:
Administrative practice and
procedure, Postal Service.
Accordingly, 39 CFR part 111 is
proposed to be amended as follows:
PART 111—[AMENDED]
1. The authority citation for 39 CFR
Part 111 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 5 U.S.C. 552(a); 39 U.S.C. 101,
401, 403, 404, 3001–3011, 3201–3219, 3403–
3406, 3621, 3626, 5001.
2. Amend the following sections of
Mailing Standards of the United States
Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual
(DMM), as explained below:
300
Discount Flats
301
Physical Standards
*
*
*
*
*
3.0 Physical Standards for Automation
Flats
*
*
3.5
Polywrap Coverings
3.5.1
*
*
*
Polywrap Films
[Revise 3.5.1 by changing the
introduction and removing items a and
b to eliminate the distinction between
polywrap used on pieces qualifying for
AFSM 100 and UFSM 1000, as follows:]
Polywrapped flat-size mailpieces
claimed at automation rates must meet
the standards in 3.5. Film approved for
use under 3.5.4 and 3.5.5 must meet the
specifications in Exhibit 3.5.1. If mailers
affix the address label to the outside of
the polywrap, the film does not have to
meet the haze property.
Exhibit 3.5.1
Polywrap Specifications
[Revise Exhibit 3.5.1 by changing the
introduction, eliminating the distinction
between AFSM 100 and UFSM 1000
pieces, removing current properties 4
and 5 and renumbering properties 6
through 8 as properties 4 through 6,
changing the specification and testing
methods for coefficients of friction,
revising the comments for ‘‘blocking,’’
and specifying testing methods
according to USPS specification
T–3204, as follows:]
Effective February 4, 2007, mailers
who polywrap automation-rate flats
must use polywrap that meets all of the
properties in this exhibit.
E:\FR\FM\22AUP1.SGM
22AUP1
48870
Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 162 / Tuesday, August 22, 2006 / Proposed Rules
Property
Requirement
1. Kinetic Coefficient of Friction,
MD.
a. Film on Stainless Steel with No.
8 (Mirror) Finish.
b. Film on Film ..............................
<0.45 .............................................
USPS–T–3204 Section 4.5.2.
0.20 to 0.55 ...................................
USPS–T–3204 Section 4.5.1.
*
*
6. Blocking ....................................
*
*
*
<15 g ............................................. USPS–T–3204 Section 4.5.6 ........
*
*
*
[Delete 3.5.4 to remove the requirement
for markings on polywrap.]
[Renumber current 3.5.5 as new 3.5.4
and revise the title and text to require
polywrap meeting new standards as of
February 4, 2007, as follows:]
cprice-sewell on PROD1PC66 with PROPOSALS
3.5.4 Polywrap on Mailpieces
Effective February 4, 2007, mailers
claiming automation flat rates for
polywrapped pieces must use polywrap
that meets the new specifications in
3.5.1 and is on the new USPS list of
approved materials. Only products
listed on the USPS ‘‘RIBBS’’ Web site
(https://ribbs.usps.gov) may be used on
automation-rate flats.
[Add new 3.5.5 to specify the
certification process for polywrap
manufacturers, as follows:]
3.5.5 Polywrap Certification Process
for Manufacturers
To ensure that all polywrap
manufacturers use the same criteria in
meeting the new specifications, the
Postal Service developed specification
USPS–T–3204, ‘‘Test Procedures for
Automatable Polywrap.’’ This
specification describes exact test
procedures and acceptable values for
polywrap film characteristics. Should
the polywrap manufacturer not have the
facilities or experience to conduct each
of the test procedures in USPS–T–3204,
the specification includes a list of
independent testing laboratories that
have experience in conducting these
tests. Customers may obtain the new test
procedures by contacting USPS
Engineering (see 608.8.1 for address).
Effective February 4, 2007,
manufacturers must submit a letter, on
their letterhead, for each polywrap film
indicating compliance with each of the
specifications in 3.5.1 and the value for
each specification, to USPS Mailing
Standards (see 608.8.1 for address).
Manufacturers are encouraged to submit
the certificate of conformance prior to
February 4, 2007. Upon receipt of the
certificate of conformance, USPS will
list the polywrap film on https://
ribbs.usps.gov. Manufacturers should
VerDate Aug<31>2005
15:27 Aug 21, 2006
Test methods in USPS T–3204
Jkt 208001
*
Neva R. Watson,
Attorney, Legislative.
[FR Doc. E6–13802 Filed 8–21–06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7710–12–P
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
40 CFR Part 52
[EPA–R06–OAR–2005–TX–0027; FRL–8212–
3]
Approval and Promulgation of Air
Quality Implementation Plans; Texas;
Revisions to Chapter 117, Emission
Inventories, Transportation Conformity
Budgets, and 5% Increment of
Progress Plan for the Dallas/Fort
Worth 8-Hour Ozone Nonattainment
Area
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Proposed rule.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The EPA is proposing to
approve revisions to the State
Implementation Plan (SIP) submitted by
the state of Texas for the Dallas/Fort
Worth (DFW) nonattainment area as
meeting 1-hour ozone serious area
requirements. EPA is proposing to
approve the 5% Increment of Progress
(IOP) emission reduction plan, the 2002
base year inventory, and a 2007 motor
vehicle emission budget for the DFW 8hour ozone nonattainment area. EPA is
also proposing to approve a Federal
consent decree concerning the Alcoa
Rockdale plant in Milam County; energy
Frm 00033
Fmt 4702
*
*
To be conducted at 140 degrees
Fahrenheit.
*
follow this process before submitting
the letter certifying compliance with the
specifications:
a. Test each film according to
procedures listed in USPS–T–3204,
‘‘Test Procedures for Automatable
Polywrap Film.’’
b. Test each film gauge and surface
treatment separately.
*
*
*
*
*
We will publish an appropriate
amendment to 39 CFR Part 111 if our
proposal is adopted.
PO 00000
Comment
Sfmt 4702
*
*
efficiency measures implemented
within the DFW 8-hour ozone
nonattainment area; and revisions to 30
TAC, Chapter 117, Control of Air
Pollution From Nitrogen Compounds,
concerning stationary reciprocating
internal combustion engines operating
within the DFW 8-hour ozone
nonattainment area. These revisions
will allow the State of Texas to fulfill
remaining obligations under the 1-hour
ozone standard in the DFW
nonattainment area. These actions are
being taken in accordance with section
110 and part D of the Clean Air Act (the
Act) and EPA’s regulations. The
intended effect of this action is to
approve revisions submitted which
satisfy outstanding 1-hour ozone
obligations for the DFW area and result
in emission reductions within 3 years of
the DFW area’s nonattainment
designation under the 8-hour ozone
standard.
DATES: Comments must be received on
or September 21, 2006.
ADDRESSES: Submit your comments,
identified by Docket No. EPA–R06–
OAR–2005–TX–0027, by one of the
following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://
www.regulations.gov. Follow the on-line
instructions for submitting comments.
U.S. EPA Region 6 ‘‘Contact Us’’ Web
site: https://epa.gov/region6/
r6coment.htm. Please click on ‘‘6PD’’
(Multimedia) and select ‘‘Air’’ before
submitting comments.
E-mail: Mr Thomas Diggs at
diggs.thomas@epa.gov. Please also send
a copy by e-mail to the person listed in
the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
section below.
Fax: Mr. Thomas Diggs, Chief, Air
Planning Section (6PD–L), at fax
number 214–665–7263.
Mail: Mr. Thomas Diggs, Chief, Air
Planning Section (6PD–L),
Environmental Protection Agency, 1445
Ross Avenue, Suite 1200, Dallas, Texas
75202–2733.
Hand or Courier Delivery: Mr. Thomas
Diggs, Chief, Air Planning Section
(6PD–L), Environmental Protection
E:\FR\FM\22AUP1.SGM
22AUP1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 162 (Tuesday, August 22, 2006)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 48868-48870]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-13802]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
POSTAL SERVICE
39 CFR Part 111
New Polywrap Standards for Automation-Rate Flat-Size Mail
AGENCY: Postal Service.TM
ACTION: Proposed rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Postal Service proposes to require mailers to use polywrap
film meeting one set of specifications when using polywrap on
automation-rate flat-size mailpieces.
DATES: We must receive your comments on or before September 21, 2006.
ADDRESSES: Mail or deliver written comments to the Manager, Mailing
Standards, U.S. Postal Service, 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW., Room 3436,
Washington DC 20260-3436. You may inspect and photocopy all written
comments at USPS Headquarters Library, 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW., 11th
Floor N, Washington DC between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through
Friday.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bill Chatfield, 202-268-7278.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Efficient processing of automation-rate
flat-size mailpieces enables the Postal Service to process the
substantial volume of polywrapped pieces on our equipment without
causing jams, multiple feeds, and missorted mail. Automated flat
[[Page 48869]]
sorting machines (AFSM 100) process the majority of our flat-size mail.
We have moved many of our upgraded flat sorting machines (UFSM 1000)
out of facilities where we use AFSM 100s. To improve our ability to
process polywrapped pieces on our primary flat-mail processing
equipment, we propose that all polywrap films used on automation-rate
flat-size mail meet our revised standards. The new standards would
eliminate the current difference in polywrap specifications for mail
designed for processing on the AFSM 100 and the UFSM 1000.
Background
In 2001, we ran extensive tests of flat-size mailpieces on our AFSM
100 machines. As a result, we added a specification for ``blocking''--
the chemical bonding of films to themselves--to our polywrap
specifications to help prevent polywrapped pieces from sticking
together during processing. But this simple change did not result in a
noticeable improvement in the performance of polywrapped mailpieces.
Therefore, we initiated a test program to more accurately define
the polywrap characteristics best suited to automated processing of
flat-size mail. We performed complete testing on over 100 types of
polywrap submitted by polywrap manufacturers. We then selected 46 films
(polyethylene, polypropylene, and shrinkwrap) to test on the AFSM 100.
We processed 500-piece test decks and collected extensive data to
evaluate performance. Again, blocking was the physical attribute that
most influenced processing compatibility.
As a result of the testing, we propose revised characteristics for
polywrap materials used on automation-rate flat-size mailpieces. We
would remove two characteristics, tensile strength and density, because
they were irrelevant to performance. We also would remove the ``USPS
AFSM 100 Approved Polywrap'' endorsement requirement. We would change
the testing protocol to measure the minimum film-to-metal coefficient
of friction to bring consistency to this characteristic across all
polywrap manufacturers. We would broaden the film-to-film coefficient
of friction, which should help mailers in bundling mailpieces by
minimizing the instability of bundles as they exit their stacking
equipment. While we would not change the blocking specification, we
propose to change the method to measure blocking to more closely match
the environment that mailpieces undergo during normal transportation
and storage.
Polywrap Certification Program
Currently, manufacturers requesting approval of their polywrap
materials for automation-rate flat-size mail provide us with a
certificate stating that their material complies with the polywrap
specifications for AFSM 100 mailpieces. After manufacturers provide
this certificate, we include the manufacturer's material in the list of
approved polywrap for flat-size mailpieces mailed at automation
discount rates.
New Test Procedures
To ensure that all manufacturers use the same criteria in meeting
the new specifications, we have developed specification USPS-T-3204,
``Test Procedures for Automatable Polywrap.'' Manufacturers may obtain
the new test procedures at https://ribbs.usps.gov (click on ``Polywrap
Manufacturers'' in the left frame) or by contacting USPS Engineering
at: Engineering, Flat Mail Technology, U.S. Postal Service, 8403 Lee
Hwy, Merrifield VA 22082-8101.
The specification describes exact test procedures and acceptable
values for polywrap film characteristics. Should the manufacturer not
have the facilities or experience to conduct each of the test
procedures in USPS-T-3204, the specification also provides a list of
testing laboratories that have experience in conducting these tests.
Recertification
Consistent with our current process, manufacturers would provide an
updated certificate of conformance on their letterhead to USPS Mailing
Standards after verifying that each polywrap film meets the new
characteristics. The certificate of conformance must state the values
for each of the six characteristics.
Implementation
We encourage manufacturers to certify their polywrap under the new
specifications as soon as possible. We also encourage mailers to use
polywrap meeting the new specifications on their mailpieces as soon as
practical. Beginning February 4, 2007, all polywrap films used on
automation-rate flat-size mailpieces would have to meet the new
standards.
Although we are exempt from the notice and comment requirements of
the Administrative Procedure Act [5 U.S.C. of 553(b),(c)] regarding
proposed rulemaking by 39 U.S.C. 410(a), we invite public comments on
the following proposed revisions to Mailing Standards of the United
States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM), incorporated by
reference in the Code of Federal Regulations. See 39 CFR 111.1.
List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 111:
Administrative practice and procedure, Postal Service.
Accordingly, 39 CFR part 111 is proposed to be amended as follows:
PART 111--[AMENDED]
1. The authority citation for 39 CFR Part 111 continues to read as
follows:
Authority: 5 U.S.C. 552(a); 39 U.S.C. 101, 401, 403, 404, 3001-
3011, 3201-3219, 3403-3406, 3621, 3626, 5001.
2. Amend the following sections of Mailing Standards of the United
States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM), as explained below:
300 Discount Flats
301 Physical Standards
* * * * *
3.0 Physical Standards for Automation Flats
* * * * *
3.5 Polywrap Coverings
3.5.1 Polywrap Films
[Revise 3.5.1 by changing the introduction and removing items a and b
to eliminate the distinction between polywrap used on pieces qualifying
for AFSM 100 and UFSM 1000, as follows:]
Polywrapped flat-size mailpieces claimed at automation rates must
meet the standards in 3.5. Film approved for use under 3.5.4 and 3.5.5
must meet the specifications in Exhibit 3.5.1. If mailers affix the
address label to the outside of the polywrap, the film does not have to
meet the haze property.
Exhibit 3.5.1 Polywrap Specifications
[Revise Exhibit 3.5.1 by changing the introduction, eliminating the
distinction between AFSM 100 and UFSM 1000 pieces, removing current
properties 4 and 5 and renumbering properties 6 through 8 as properties
4 through 6, changing the specification and testing methods for
coefficients of friction, revising the comments for ``blocking,'' and
specifying testing methods according to USPS specification T-3204, as
follows:]
Effective February 4, 2007, mailers who polywrap automation-rate
flats must use polywrap that meets all of the properties in this
exhibit.
[[Page 48870]]
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Test methods in USPS T-
Property Requirement 3204 Comment
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Kinetic Coefficient of Friction,
MD.
a. Film on Stainless Steel with No. 8 <0.45.................. USPS-T-3204 Section
(Mirror) Finish. 4.5.2.
b. Film on Film...................... 0.20 to 0.55........... USPS-T-3204 Section
4.5.1.
* * * * * * *
6. Blocking.......................... <15 g.................. USPS-T-3204 Section To be conducted at 140
4.5.6. degrees Fahrenheit.
* * * * * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[Delete 3.5.4 to remove the requirement for markings on polywrap.]
[Renumber current 3.5.5 as new 3.5.4 and revise the title and text to
require polywrap meeting new standards as of February 4, 2007, as
follows:]
3.5.4 Polywrap on Mailpieces
Effective February 4, 2007, mailers claiming automation flat rates
for polywrapped pieces must use polywrap that meets the new
specifications in 3.5.1 and is on the new USPS list of approved
materials. Only products listed on the USPS ``RIBBS'' Web site (https://
ribbs.usps.gov) may be used on automation-rate flats.
[Add new 3.5.5 to specify the certification process for polywrap
manufacturers, as follows:]
3.5.5 Polywrap Certification Process for Manufacturers
To ensure that all polywrap manufacturers use the same criteria in
meeting the new specifications, the Postal Service developed
specification USPS-T-3204, ``Test Procedures for Automatable
Polywrap.'' This specification describes exact test procedures and
acceptable values for polywrap film characteristics. Should the
polywrap manufacturer not have the facilities or experience to conduct
each of the test procedures in USPS-T-3204, the specification includes
a list of independent testing laboratories that have experience in
conducting these tests. Customers may obtain the new test procedures by
contacting USPS Engineering (see 608.8.1 for address). Effective
February 4, 2007, manufacturers must submit a letter, on their
letterhead, for each polywrap film indicating compliance with each of
the specifications in 3.5.1 and the value for each specification, to
USPS Mailing Standards (see 608.8.1 for address). Manufacturers are
encouraged to submit the certificate of conformance prior to February
4, 2007. Upon receipt of the certificate of conformance, USPS will list
the polywrap film on https://ribbs.usps.gov. Manufacturers should follow
this process before submitting the letter certifying compliance with
the specifications:
a. Test each film according to procedures listed in USPS-T-3204,
``Test Procedures for Automatable Polywrap Film.''
b. Test each film gauge and surface treatment separately.
* * * * *
We will publish an appropriate amendment to 39 CFR Part 111 if our
proposal is adopted.
Neva R. Watson,
Attorney, Legislative.
[FR Doc. E6-13802 Filed 8-21-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7710-12-P
