New Standards for Domestic Mailing Services, 2090-2133 [E7-245]
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Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 10 / Wednesday, January 17, 2007 / Proposed Rules
39 CFR Part 111
New Standards for Domestic Mailing
Services
Postal Service.
Proposed rule; notice of further
rulemaking.
AGENCY:
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ACTION:
SUMMARY: On September 27, 2006, the
Postal Service published a proposal in
the Federal Register (71 FR 56587)
providing new mailing standards to
accompany the R2006–1 price change
proposal currently before the Postal Rate
Commission. In this revised proposal
we respond to the comments we
received, summarize our changes, and
further revise the mailing standards.
Our pricing proposal reflects changes
in operations and the marketplace and
will enhance efficiency, offer more
choices, and ensure that all types of
mail cover their costs. We include
incentives to create mailpieces
compatible with our processing systems
and to deposit flats and parcels closer to
where they are delivered.
Our proposal includes a new ‘‘forever
stamp’’ to make future price changes
more convenient for consumers. The
forever stamp will always equal the
First-Class Mail single piece 1-ounce
letter price, without the addition of
extra postage. We also propose new
shape-based prices for First-Class Mail,
with lower rates for many letter-size
pieces over 1 ounce. Our proposal will
make the Priority Mail flat-rate boxes a
permanent product offering, and we will
add a new 1-pound pricing option for
Express Mail.
For commercial mailers we propose
new sorting options to reduce the
number of trays in a mailing and new
scheme preparations to give mailers
access to lower rates and to better align
flat-size mail preparation with mail
processing. We also add a new
automated Address Change Service to
reduce the costs associated with
undeliverable-as-addressed mail. FirstClass Mail parcel mailers will have new
barcode options, and we propose new
opportunities for mailers to combine
Standard Mail and Package Services
parcels in the same mailing.
Periodicals mailers will have new
incentives to use efficient containers,
and we revise the copalletization
standards as a permanent offering to
encourage more publishers to combine
mailings. We also add new prices for the
editorial portion of a mailing to give
mailers of high-editorial-content
publications access to lower, destination
entry rates.
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We must receive your comments
on or before January 31, 2007.
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.
DATES:
POSTAL SERVICE
Jkt 211001
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Joel
Walker, 202–268–7261.
The Postal
Service’s request in Docket No. R2006–
1 includes mail classification changes,
new pricing structures, and price
changes for most domestic mailing
services. This proposed rule updates the
revisions to Mailing Standards of the
United States Postal Service, Domestic
Mail Manual (DMM) that we would
adopt to implement the R2006–1 price
change proposal. We respond to
comments on our September 27, 2006,
Federal Register proposal (71 FR
56587), summarize major changes from
the first proposal by class of mail and
extra service, update our summary of
the entire proposal, and update our
proposed mailing standards. We invite
your comments on all aspects of our
second proposal.
You can find our September proposal
at www.usps.com/ratecase, along with
side-by-side comparisons of today’s
prices and those that are currently
under review by the Postal Rate
Commission. We also provide helpful
information for mailers on our Web site,
including frequently asked questions,
press releases, and Mailers Companion
articles related to the pricing change.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Overview
Our pricing strategy encourages an
efficient mailstream to keep postage
rates stable and to keep the mail a viable
alternative for everyone. This revised
proposal provides more detail to help
mailers design mailpieces compatible
with our processing systems and gives
our customers the information they
need to make good mailing decisions
and access the lowest rates of postage.
In early February we will publish an
additional Federal Register notice
incorporating comments from this
proposal to ensure mailers have
adequate time to prepare for the new
standards and prices. The updated
notice will provide a comprehensive
view of our proposal at least a month
before the Postal Service Governors vote
on the new prices and an early
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opportunity to update software and
other systems.
Summary of Comments
We received comments on our
mailing standards proposal from
mailers, vendors, associations, and
individuals. We appreciate your
feedback. Of the 351 letters we received,
310 were similar comments on behalf of
three nonprofit organizations that mail
children’s books. The other 41
comments were submitted by twentyeight publishers, printers, and large
mailers; six mailing associations; two
software vendors; two individuals; one
envelope vendor; one small-business
owner; and one Postal Service
employee.
General Comments
Many commenters commended us for
publishing the proposed standards
early, for planning this revised proposal
and an additional notice in February,
and for communicating changes via
DMM Advisory, Mailers Companion,
and other avenues.
Three commenters asked us to
reformat our Federal Register proposal
to provide more context to our mailing
standards and to better highlight what
we are changing. We appreciate this
suggestion, and we added more of the
current DMM text to our revisions—
even if that text did not change—to
provide context. We added a summary
of changes to highlight the differences
between our September proposal and
this revised proposal. We also added
more guidance throughout our mailing
standards to help mailers read through
our document and compare it to the
current DMM.
Twelve commenters expressed
concern about the timeframe for the rate
change. Five commenters requested a
120-day timeframe to prepare software
and other systems; two mailers asked for
a two-year timeframe; and one mailer
asked for a minimum of 90 days.
Commenters cited concerns about the
complexity of the rate case and limited
resources to make the required changes.
The Postal Service Board of Governors
sets the implementation date for the
new prices and related changes. We
published our mailing standards
proposal in the Federal Register early in
the rate change process to help mailers
begin system planning and to allow for
a second, updated proposal. Our
February notice in advance of the
Board’s decision will further help
mailers get ready for the change.
First-Class Mail Comments
Two commenters commended us for
proposing to eliminate First-Class Mail
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automation carrier route rates and for
emphasizing 5-digit and 3-digit
preparation schemes.
Two commenters asked us to change
our preparation requirements for
automation heavy letters. Our
experience and testing indicate that
letter-size pieces over 3 ounces are most
efficiently processed when they are in
envelopes. Self-mailer and booklet-type
pieces weighing over 3 ounces and
letter-size pieces weighing over 3.5
ounces (even when enveloped) often
jam and damage our equipment, the
mailpieces themselves are damaged, and
our mail processing speeds are
significantly reduced. Therefore we will
retain the current requirements.
One commenter suggested we keep
the current rigidity standards for
determining nonmachinable letter-size
pieces. We did not change the definition
of ‘‘rigidity’’ for letters in DMM 201.2.0.
One commenter asked for clarification
on the applicable rate for a rigid lettersize piece. A rigid First-Class Mail
letter-size piece will pay the flat-size
price.
One commenter suggested a
maximum weight of 3.5 ounces for all
letter-size pieces, regardless of class. We
propose to change the weight limit for
all First-Class Mail letter-size pieces to
3.5 ounces. Because the proposed rate
structure does not support a piece/
pound rate for Standard Mail
machinable and nonmachinable letters,
we cannot propose a 3.5-ounce limit for
those pieces.
Two commenters expressed concern
about customers’ and employees’ ability
to determine postage under the new
shape-based pricing for First-Class Mail.
To ensure a smooth transition for both
retail and business mailers, we are
developing an in-depth communications
and training plan to ensure both
employees and customers have the
knowledge they need to determine the
correct postage.
Six commenters asked us to clarify
our definition of a ‘‘full’’ letter tray, and
one commenter requested tolerance
when trays are not quite filled to 85
percent capacity. Vendors commonly set
presort software parameters at 85
percent capacity today, and most
software includes defaults to that
setting. Because fuller trays will help
reduce costs and keep postage rates
stable, we proposed this change to
signal all mailers to set their software
for trays that are at least 85 percent full.
Acceptance personnel will work with
mailers when they identify trays that
appear less than full, as they do today,
so mailers can make adjustments on
future mailings.
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Ten commenters requested
clarification of the no-overflow tray
option for automation letters. One
commenter asked us to emphasize that
presort bureaus likely will not use the
option for combined mailings. Three
commenters asked that we allow mailers
to implement the no-overflow tray
option selectively within a mailing.
We have been working with software
vendors to identify different mail
preparation scenarios and how presort
software will handle them. We
encourage mailers to use the option by
clarifying that pieces moved back to a
higher tray level will count toward the
150-piece requirement for the qualifying
rate level. We acknowledge that the
option may not be realistic in all
mailing environments and emphasize
that it is an option. We have adopted the
commenters’ proposal to allow mailers
to selectively apply the option by 3-digit
or automated area distribution center
(AADC) destinations in any single
mailing, and we modified the standards
to reflect this change.
We received two comments about the
forever stamp. The first commenter
agreed with the standards as proposed
but asked us to change the Domestic
Mail Classification Schedule to be
consistent with the DMM. The Domestic
Mail Classification Schedule is
consistent with the DMM. Forever
stamps will be used like other FirstClass postage stamps. The second
commenter asked us to clarify the use of
forever stamps. Forever stamps may be
used on single-piece mail and may not
be used for discount mailings.
We received three comments about
First-Class Mail parcels. One commenter
suggested we not require 5-digit/scheme
and 3-digit preparation. We have
adopted the suggestion to make 5-digit/
scheme preparation optional to be
consistent with Standard Mail parcel
preparation. A second commenter asked
why we would apply a surcharge to
nonbarcoded First-Class Mail, Standard
Mail, and Parcel Post parcels while
giving a discount to barcoded Media
Mail, Library Mail, and Bound Printed
Matter parcels. Although the rate
structures differ, we are consistent in
our objective to encourage barcodes on
parcels. Whether a customer pays a
surcharge for failing to barcode a parcel
or receives a discount for applying a
barcode, we are providing an incentive
to barcode parcels. A third commenter
said it was not clear from the proposal
if we would process First-Class Mail
parcels on the Automated Package
Processing System (APPS). If a mail
processing facility has an APPS, that
facility will very likely use it to process
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APPS-machinable parcels when they are
not in 5-digit containers.
One commenter noted that the
additional-ounce rate is not the same for
all ounce increments in our proposal.
Presort bureaus will have to separate
pieces that cannot be delivery point
barcoded by weight to ensure correct
postage is paid. The commenter
requested we adjust the pricing proposal
by making the additional-ounce rates
consistent.
The request to adjust the additionalounce prices is outside the scope of our
mailing standards proposal. The
commenter is correct that pieces coded
only with a 5-digit barcode because of,
for example, an incomplete address or
missing address elements, must be
separated by ounce increment or
properly documented to account for
postage.
One commenter asked if we will
update the rate and fee schedules for
Business Reply Mail (BRM) to include
First-Class Mail flats and parcels and
Priority Mail rates above 13 ounces. The
commenter asked us to clarify the FirstClass Mail BRM rate for pieces that
weigh over 3.5 ounces. BRM pays the
per-piece fee plus the applicable FirstClass Mail or Priority Mail rate. The rate
for a letter-size piece over 3.5 ounces is
the First-Class Mail flat-size rate. The
application of the proposed fees for
BRM mirror what is now in place.
Standard Mail Comments
Nineteen commenters disagreed with
or made suggestions regarding the
proposed standards for flat-size mail.
Most of these commenters asked for a
clearer, more objective test for flexibility
to determine whether a piece may be
mailed at flat-size rates. Some
commenters asked us to better describe
the amount of force used during the
flexibility test. In response to these
comments we revised the standards to
change the point where pressure is
applied to 1 inch from the extended
outer edge, and we added a requirement
that the piece must pass the test when
extended from both ends. This new test
more specifically identifies the types of
pieces that will not process efficiently
on our automated flat sorting equipment
or handle efficiently in delivery. We
will advise our employees to use a
steady pressure that stops short of
breaking the mailpiece or its contents.
When they begin to feel resistance due
to rigidity, the pressure should be
stopped at that point.
Three commenters stated that, when
describing the flexibility test, the phrase
‘‘damage to the mailpiece’’ is too
subjective and could be interpreted to
mean even a crease in the binding of a
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magazine or catalog. We do not consider
a crease in the binding to be damage to
the mailpiece. Generally magazines,
catalogs, and similarly bound
mailpieces will meet our flexibility
standards, unless they contain rigid
enclosures or attachments, or they are
placed in rigid packaging. We will
instruct acceptance employees to
exclude ordinary magazines, catalogs,
and similarly bound publications from
the new flexibility test. Mailers should
note that boxes generally are not
acceptable for efficient flats processing
and delivery and would likely fail the
flexibility test.
Several commenters asked us to
clarify the uniform thickness standard
that we proposed to expand to all flatsize mail. In response to these
comments, we relaxed the current
definition and redefined ‘‘uniform
thickness’’ in DMM 301.1.5 to allow for
a variation in thickness up to 1⁄4 inch
with selvage limitations.
Three commenters were concerned
that the deflection test for flimsy
automation flats might be too strict, and
they asked us to clarify the test. In
response to these comments, we revised
the deflection test to allow deflection
(‘‘droop’’) to within 1 inch of the
extended length, with a maximum
deflection of 4 vertical inches. An 8inch-long piece, extended out 4 inches,
could deflect down as far as 3 inches
and still be an automation-compatible
flat. Pieces that fail the deflection test
still may be eligible for nonautomation
flat-size rates. At this time, the
deflection test does not apply to
enhanced carrier route (ECR) flats.
To further clarify the standards for
flexibility and deflection, we are
developing illustrations for the DMM
that show how the tests are applied.
Sixteen commenters requested
clarification about the new Not FlatMachinable category of Standard Mail.
We clarified the definition of a Not FlatMachinable piece as follows:
Not Flat-Machinable pieces are rigid,
with the following dimensions:
1. At least 4 inches high, but not more
than 12 inches high.
2. At least 4 inches long, but not more
than 153⁄4 inches long.
3. At least 0.009 thick, but not more
than 11⁄4 inches thick. (Pieces less than
5 inches long must be over 1⁄4 inch
thick.)
Almost all Not Flat-Machinable pieces
will fall within this definition. But Not
Flat-Machinable pieces are also:
Flexible pieces that are at least 4
inches high, but not more than 12
inches high, with either of the following
dimensions:
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1. Over 15 inches long, but not more
than 153⁄4 inches long.
2. Over 3⁄4 inches thick, but not more
than 11⁄4 inches thick.
Or nonmachinable letter-size pieces
weighing more than 3.3 ounces, unless
they qualify to be mailed at automation
flat-size rates.
We created a decision tree to further
help mailers determine if a piece is Not
Flat-Machinable. We will publish the
decision tree in the DMM Advisory and
in a new Quick Service Guide for Not
Flat-Machinable mail. The DMM
Advisory message board and the Quick
Service Guides are available on Postal
Explorer at pe.usps.com. You can
receive DMM Advisory updates via email by sending a message to
dmmadvisory@usps.com (indicate
‘‘subscribe’’ in the subject line).
One commenter asked us to allow
Bulk Parcel Return Service (BPRS) for
returns of Not Flat-Machinable pieces.
BPRS is available only for Standard
Mail machinable parcels. We are not
proposing to extend BPRS to Not FlatMachinable pieces.
One commenter noted different
preparation standards for NFMs
weighing 6 ounces or more and NFMs
weighing less than 6 ounces, stating that
lighter pieces would be prepared as
flats. Our preparation and labeling
standards will direct NFMs to the
appropriate processing facilities. The
proposed preparation of NFMs 6 ounces
or more mirror the preparation of
Standard Mail machinable parcels that
are efficiently processed at BMCs. The
proposed preparation of NFMs under 6
ounces mirror the preparation of
Standard Mail irregular parcels that are
efficiently processed at ADCs.
One commenter noted that
reconfiguring packaging is not a
solution for rigid pieces that are more
than .75 inch thick. Rigid pieces and
pieces more than .75 inch thick cannot
be processed efficiently on AFSM 100s.
Our pricing proposal encourages mailers
to reconfigure packaging to create
flexible pieces less than .75 inch thick—
for example, by redistributing contents
within longer packaging.
The same commenter asked us to
reassure mailers that our standards will
not change after they invest in new
equipment, and asked us to outline our
plans for the NFM category of mail. We
do not plan to categorize rigid pieces as
flats because these pieces negatively
impact delivery and processing
operations. We will work with mailers
to ensure that their pieces can be
effectively and efficiently processed and
delivered. The goal of the NFM category
over time is to provide financial
incentives to create automated flats or
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machinable parcels. The NFM category
may be temporary if it achieves this
goal.
We received 310 comments opposing
the Not Flat-Machinable prices on
behalf of three organizations that mail
children’s books. These commenters
were concerned with the potential
negative impact on the organizations’
objectives due to the rate increase. This
objection to the new rates is outside the
scope of our mailing standards proposal.
We encourage mailers to reconfigure
their mailpieces to meet the new
standards for automation flats.
Four commenters asked for a lower
minimum weight for Standard Mail
machinable parcels. We will address
their request separately from this rate
case proposal.
Two commenters noted a discrepancy
at the 3-digit level between the
proposed standards for irregular parcels
and the proposed standards for Not FlatMachinable pieces less than 6 ounces.
We revised the proposal to require 3digit sorting for both types of pieces.
One commenter asked us to clarify the
standards for bundling parcels for
destination delivery unit (DDU) entry.
We require bundling only for Standard
Mail irregular parcels mailed at an ECR
rate to sequence carrier route mail in
either line-of-travel or walk-sequence
order.
Two commenters asked us to keep the
processing category name ‘‘irregular
parcels’’ rather than change it to
‘‘nonmachinable parcels.’’ To avoid
confusion for customers, we will retain
the name ‘‘irregular parcels,’’ and we
made the appropriate changes
throughout the standards.
One commenter noted we referenced
the wrong labeling lists for area
distribution center (ADC) and mixed
ADC labeling for irregular parcels. We
appreciate this comment. We corrected
the labeling standards to reference
labeling lists L603 and L604.
As we summarized in First-Class
Mail, six commenters asked for
clarification on our definition of a ‘‘full’’
letter tray, and one commenter
requested some tolerance when trays are
not quite filled to 85 percent capacity.
Vendors commonly set presort software
parameters at 85 percent capacity today,
and most software includes defaults to
that setting. Because fuller trays will
help reduce costs and keep postage rates
stable, we proposed this change to
signal all mailers to set their software
for trays that are 85 percent full.
Acceptance personnel will continue to
work with mailers when they identify
trays that appear less than full, as they
do today, so adjustments can be made
on future mailings.
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Also as summarized in First-Class
Mail, 10 commenters requested
clarification of the no-overflow tray
option for automation letters. One
commenter asked us to emphasize that
presort bureaus likely will not use the
option for combined mailings. Three
commenters asked that we allow mailers
to implement the no-overflow tray
option selectively within a mailing.
We have been working with software
vendors to identify different mail
preparation scenarios and how presort
software will handle them. We
encourage mailers to use the option by
clarifying that pieces moved back to a
higher tray level will count toward the
150-piece requirement for the qualifying
rate level. We acknowledge that the
option may not be realistic in all
mailing environments and emphasize
that it is an option. We have adopted the
commenters’ proposal to allow mailers
to selectively apply the option by 3-digit
or AADC destinations in any single
mailing, and we modified the standards
to reflect this change.
One commenter asked us to allow full
tray preparation for ECR letters to all 5digit destinations, and for pieces
weighing over 3 ounces. In response to
this comment, we simplified the
standards to require the same tray
preparation for all automationcompatible, barcoded pieces up to 3
ounces, regardless of ZIP Code
destination. We retained the 3-ounce
weight limit because our experience and
testing show that heavier pieces
processed sequentially will slow our
processing operations.
Another commenter expressed
concern about allowing mailers to drop
ship ECR letters to DDUs, because we
would likely backhaul this mail to
upstream processing facilities. We
eliminated the DDU entry discount for
Standard Mail letters because we often
do backhaul this mail. We retained a
destination sectional center facility
(DSCF) entry discount for local mailers
of small quantities and for letters with
simplified addresses.
One commenter requested that the
Postal Service not process enhanced
carrier route saturation (ECRWSS) flats
on automated equipment and that we
should not apply the flexibility,
rectangular, and uniform thickness
standards to ECRWSS flats. As a
reminder, current standards require
most mailpieces up to 1⁄4 inch thick to
be rectangular, including ECRWSS flats.
Also, most pieces mailed at ECRWSS
rates are not rigid and would meet the
revised uniform thickness standards
that allow up to 1⁄4 inch variation in
thickness. Nonrectangular, rigid, or
lumpy pieces generally are more
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problematic for our delivery operations.
Therefore, we are retaining similar
physical standards for all flat-size
mailpieces.
Periodicals Comments
Two commenters objected to the
$0.85 Outside-County container rate,
stating that it was too expensive for
many mailers. This objection to the new
rate structure is outside the scope of our
mailing standards proposal.
Two commenters asked us to clarify
how the Outside-County container rate
is applied. We revised the standards in
DMM 707.1.1.3 and 707.1.2.3 to clarify
how the $0.85 rate applies to sacks,
trays, and pallets of Periodicals mail.
Two commenters objected to the
application of the Outside-County
container rate to containers of mixed
class or mixed In-County and OutsideCounty pieces. The commenters would
like us to prorate the charge to reflect
only the percentage of Periodicals
Outside-County mail in that mixed
container. For example, if a sack
contained 50 percent In-County mail
and 50 percent Outside-County mail,
the mailer would pay half of the $0.85
charge for that sack.
The container rate will help us cover
our costs for handling Outside-County
Periodicals mail. Our intent is to
improve efficiency and alleviate
pressure on Periodicals processing
costs. We note that the container rate is
an integral part of the new Periodicals
pricing; we mitigated the price increase
of the piece and pound rates to allow for
the addition of the Outside-County
container rate. To avoid imposing the
Outside-County pricing structure on InCounty Periodicals mail, we revised the
standards to exempt carrier route, 5digit carrier routes, and 5-digit/scheme
containers of mixed In-County and
Outside-County pieces from the
container charge.
Four commenters objected to the
options we proposed for paying the
Outside-County container rate in a
comailing environment. Initially we
proposed that consolidators report the
charge on one publisher’s Form 3541, or
report and pay on one consolidated
statement, Form 3541–C. Three
commenters asked us to allow a
consolidator to prorate the container
charge on each individual postage
statement. The commenters felt that this
method would most accurately allot the
appropriate charge to each mailer and
would avoid a situation where the
consolidator must pay the charge and
bill mailers after the mailing is entered.
One commenter noted possible
ramifications for sales taxes.
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We added a third option to allow
consolidators to prorate the container
charge on each postage statement in the
pool if they electronically submit their
qualification report using Mail.dat. We
provide the new standards and all
options for calculating and paying the
Outside-County container charge in
DMM 707.2.2.7 and 707.16.4.
Two commenters asked us to clarify
our standards for Periodicals
automation flats. The standards for
Periodicals automation flats are
essentially unchanged. We reorganized
the current UFSM 1000 criteria into the
Periodicals standards in the DMM to
reflect that this alternative preparation
for automation flats is still available for
Periodicals mail. This alternative allows
Periodicals mailers to continue to claim
automation rates based on the current
UFSM 1000 criteria. We clarified the
standards in DMM 707.25.3.1 to specify
that they are an exception to the
standards in DMM 301.3.3 for
Periodicals flat-size mail.
One commenter asked us to expand
and clarify the standards for polywrap
seam placement on Periodicals mail.
While we are not changing the
standards for seam placement, we
simplified and clarified the polywrap
standards for all types of automationrate flats, including Periodicals flats, in
a Federal Register notice on January 5,
2007 (72 FR 468).
One commenter requested new
mailing standards to allow comailing of
mixed-class mail. We note the
commenter’s request, and we will
provide the new standards in a separate
rulemaking. Comailing of mixed-class
mail is outside the scope of this
proposal.
Package Services Comments
Three commenters opposed
eliminating the single-piece Bound
Printed Matter (BPM) rate for retail
customers. Our proposal is designed to
simplify options at the retail counter.
Mailers still may use Express Mail,
Priority Mail, Parcel Post, and Media
Mail services in any post office. BPM is
essentially a bulk service, and
customers can mail residual pieces at
nonpresorted BPM rates using PC
Postage, meter postage, and adhesive
stamps. Mailers can deposit
nonpresorted BPM pieces in a collection
box or with their letter carrier.
Priority Mail Comments
Two commenters supported our
overall efforts to align prices with costs
but expressed concern that dimensionalweight pricing may be too complex for
some customers. Dimensional weighting
is an industry-wide practice used by
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UPS, FedEx, DHL, and other postal
administrations such as Canada Post
and Australia Post. Many mailers are
generally familiar with dimensional
weighting. Retail customers can bring
Priority Mail parcels to any post office
and (if necessary) we will weigh,
measure, and compute postage for them.
Our Point of Service (POS) terminals
will determine whether to base the
postage on the actual weight or the
dimensional weight of the piece and
will calculate the correct price.
One commenter suggested that we
clarify what we mean by ‘‘rounding off’’
and ‘‘rounding up’’ when determining
dimensional-weight pricing. We
appreciate this suggestion and added
references in the Priority Mail standards
to the ‘‘Rounding Numerical Values’’
information in DMM 604.8.0.
One commenter expressed concern
that dimensional-weight pricing will
add complexity to retail transactions,
especially in smaller post offices that
lack computerized scales and terminals.
We are developing a comprehensive
communications and training plan to
ensure all employees can efficiently
determine postage for Priority Mail.
mstockstill on PROD1PC61 with PROPOSALS2
Extra Services Comments
Two commenters stated that the
proposed structure for Confirm
eliminates the unlimited use option
and, although the fee declines with
volume, mailers who use Confirm the
most will pay the highest increase. This
objection to the new rate structure is
outside the scope of our mailing
standards proposal.
One commenter asked us to explain
how we would implement the new
Confirm prices and how we would give
credit for existing subscriptions. We are
considering options to provide full
value for customers currently
participating in Confirm. Alternatives
include ‘‘grandfathering’’ current prices
and subscriptions until their scheduled
expirations, or terminating current
subscriptions and crediting forward the
full value of any remaining time and
unused scans associated with those
subscriptions.
Addressing Comments
We received two comments
encouraging us to adopt move update
requirements for other than First-Class
Mail to improve address quality and
reduce undeliverable-as-addressed mail.
We will continue to tighten address
quality standards, but expanding the
move update requirements is not a part
of this proposal.
Several commenters asked that we
move the proposed ZIP+4 requirements
for all letters and flats out of the rate
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14:20 Jan 16, 2007
Jkt 211001
case proposal and handle them in a
separate rulemaking. We wanted to
provide advance notice but will provide
details in a separate rulemaking.
Two commenters asked us to publish
a notice for comment if we ever planned
to expand the use of simplified
addressing for city routes. Simplified
addressing for city routes is outside the
scope of this proposal.
Major Changes Since the September
Proposal
First-Class Mail Changes
We added language to DMM 235.6.0
to clarify that the no-overflow option for
First-Class Mail automation letters
applies to pieces placed in the next tray
level when a tray of 150 or more pieces
can be made. We changed the
application of the no-overflow option in
DMM 235.6.0 to allow mailers to apply
it selectively for letters to 3-digit and
AADC destinations. We clarify that
pieces that move back to a higher tray
level count toward the 150-piece
requirement for the rate level.
We relaxed the flexibility test in DMM
101.2.0 and 301.1.0 for all flat-size mail
to apply pressure within 1 inch of the
extended ends. We modified the
uniform thickness standard in DMM
101.2.0 and 301.1.0 for all flat-size mail
to allow for up to 1⁄4-inch variance in
thickness. We also relaxed the
deflection test in DMM 301.3.0 for
automation flats by allowing deflection
to within 1 inch of the extended length,
with a maximum vertical drop of 4
inches.
We made 5-digit/scheme preparation
optional for First-Class Mail presort
parcels to be consistent with Standard
Mail parcel preparation. We added new
standards in DMM 402.4.3 for placing
POSTNET barcodes on First-Class Mail
parcels. Mailers must place the
POSTNET barcode on the address side,
at least 1⁄8 inch from all edges of the
piece. We revised ADC rate eligibility in
DMM 433.4.3 to include presorted
parcels in 3-digit origin/entry sacks and
parcels in ADC sacks.
Standard Mail Changes
We added an option to allow mailers
to prepare origin entry 3-digit/scheme
trays and sacks for Standard Mail
letters, flats, and parcels. The original
proposal required origin entry 3-digit/
scheme trays for automation letters but
did not provide an option for other
letters or for flats and parcels. Our
revision gives mailers the option to
make separate trays or sacks of mail
when they have even a small quantity
of mail for each 3-digit or 3-digit scheme
ZIP Code area processed by the
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sectional center facility (SCF) servicing
the origin or entry office.
We clarified in DMM 245.7.0 that the
no-overflow option for automation
letters applies to pieces placed in the
next tray level when a full tray or a tray
of 150 or more pieces can be made. We
changed the application of the nooverflow option in DMM 245.7.0 to
allow mailers to apply it selectively for
letters to 3-digit and AADC destinations.
We expanded full-tray preparation in
DMM 245.6.7 for barcoded carrier route
letters (up to 3 ounces) sorted to all
destinations, instead of those ZIP Codes
receiving a DPS sort (ZIP Codes with
‘‘C’’ and ‘‘D’’ indicators in the USPS
City State Product).
We clarified the definition of a Not
Flat-Machinable piece in DMM
401.2.2.2. We clarified in DMM 243.3.0
that mailers must mark nonmachinable
letters over 3.3 ounces that pay Not FlatMachinable rates as ‘‘Not FlatMachinable’’ or ‘‘NFM.’’ We also refer to
these marking requirements in DMM
402.
We relaxed the flexibility test in DMM
301.1.0 for all flat-size mail to apply
pressure within 1 inch of the extended
ends. We modified the uniform
thickness standard in DMM 301.1.0 for
all flat-size mail to allow for up to 1⁄4inch variance in thickness. We also
relaxed the deflection test in DMM
301.3.0 for automation flats by allowing
deflection to within 1 inch of the
extended length, with a maximum
vertical drop of 4 inches.
We revised the standards for sorting
irregular parcels and Not FlatMachinable pieces under 6 ounces to
require 3-digit sorting. We also made 5digit and 5-digit scheme sorting optional
but required for the 5-digit rate for all
Standard Mail parcels and Not FlatMachinable pieces. We removed the
facing and loose packing requirements
for irregular parcels in DMM 445.5.4.3.
We provided alternative labeling
lists—L004 and L009—for irregular
parcels over 2 ounces (except for rolls
and tubes) sorted to ADCs and mixed
ADCs. We corrected the standards for
other irregular parcels labeled to ADCs
and mixed ADCs to reference labeling
lists L603 and L604.
We added new standards in DMM
402.4.3 for the placement of POSTNET
barcodes on Not Flat-Machinable pieces.
Mailers must place the POSTNET
barcode on the address side, at least 1⁄8
inch from all edges of the piece. We also
revised standards to apply the barcoding
requirements for parcels to Not FlatMachinable pieces with parcel barcodes.
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Periodicals Changes
We revised the standards in DMM
707.1.1.3 and 707.1.2.3 to clarify how
the $0.85 Outside-County container rate
applies to trays, sacks, and pallets of
Periodicals mail. We also exempt mixed
containers of In-County and OutsideCounty pieces in carrier route, 5-digit
carrier routes, and 5-digit/scheme
containers from the $0.85 charge.
We added an option to allow
consolidators to prorate the OutsideCounty container charge on each
mailer’s postage statement in a mailing
pool if they electronically submit a
qualification report using Mail.dat. We
provide the new standards and all
options for calculating and paying the
Outside-County container charge in
DMM 707.2.2.7 and 707.16.4. We also
added new requirements for
standardized documentation in 708.1.2.
We reorganized the current UFSM
1000 criteria into the Periodicals
standards in the DMM to reflect that this
alternative preparation for automation
flats is still available for Periodicals
mail. This alternative allows Periodicals
mailers to continue to claim automation
rates based on the current UFSM 1000
criteria. We clarified the criteria for
automation flats in DMM 707.25.3.1 to
specify that these standards are an
exception to DMM 301.3.3 for
Periodicals flat-size mail.
Updated Summary by Class of Mail
mstockstill on PROD1PC61 with PROPOSALS2
Summary of First-Class Mail
Our proposal introduces prices based
on the shape of mail and our relative
costs, with separate prices for letters,
flats, and parcels. As shape becomes
more important, weight becomes less
important, and our proposal reduces
prices for many letter-size pieces over 1
ounce.
The single-piece 1-ounce First-Class
Mail letter price will increase $0.03, to
$0.42, and the single-piece card price
also will increase $0.03, to $0.27. The
additional-ounce price will decrease
$0.04, to $0.20.
We propose a forever stamp to make
future price changes more convenient
for consumers. The postage value of the
forever stamp will equal the First-Class
Mail single-piece 1-ounce letter rate at
any time in the future, without the
addition of extra postage.
Our pricing proposal will eliminate
the nonmachinable surcharge. Instead, a
letter-size mailpiece with
nonmachinable characteristics will pay
the flat-size price. Our additional
handling costs are included in the
proposed 1-ounce flat-size price, so no
surcharge is necessary. To qualify for
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14:20 Jan 16, 2007
Jkt 211001
letter rates, the maximum weight for
letter-size pieces will be 3.5 ounces.
The additional-ounce price for
automation letters will decrease from
$0.237 to $0.155. We will maintain the
150-piece minimum tray preparation
requirement for automation First-Class
Mail letters and cards. Sort levels will
be 5-digit/scheme, 3-digit/scheme, 3digit origin, AADC, and mixed AADC.
We propose a simplified letter mail
preparation for machinable letters,
requiring mailers to sort only to the
origin 3-digit, AADC, and mixed AADC
levels. We propose to eliminate the
carrier route automation preparation
since it provides little value for our
processing operations.
To ensure automated processing of
flat-size mail, we will require all flats to
be rectangular. The physical standards
for automation flats will be the criteria
for AFSM 100 pieces, with new
standards for flexibility. We also
propose to lessen and simplify the
deflection standard.
To help reduce the number of ‘‘air
trays’’ and the overall costs of handling
mail in letter trays, we propose a nooverflow tray option for automation
letters. In addition, to encourage fuller
trays, we propose to change our
definition of a ‘‘full letter tray’’ to one
in which the pieces fill the length of the
tray between 85 percent and 100 percent
full.
The structure for discount parcels
includes new workshare prices. The
proposed rate levels are 5-digit, 3-digit,
ADC, and single piece. To simplify the
preparation of First-Class Mail parcels,
we propose to make the preparation of
5-digit sacks optional. We will require at
least 10 pounds of parcels for 5-digit
sacks, 3-digit sacks, and ADC sacks.
Remaining pieces sorted to a mixed
ADC sack will pay the single-piece
First-Class Mail parcel price.
Barcodes help processing on APPS,
and we will give mailers the option of
applying either a 5-digit UCC/EAN 128
or a POSTNET barcode on presorted
parcels. Unless prepared in 5-digit/
scheme containers or paid at the singlepiece rates, we will apply a surcharge to
all parcels that are not barcoded or
weigh less than 2 ounces, or to
irregularly shaped parcels such as
triangles, tubes, rolls, and similar
pieces.
Summary of Standard Mail
Our proposed prices encourage mail
that is compatible with our operations
and drop shipped closer to its
destination. As in First-Class Mail,
Standard Mail pricing has greater
recognition of shape and reduced
reliance on weight.
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Automation letter sort levels will be
5-digit/scheme, 3-digit/scheme, AADC,
and mixed AADC. We propose a
simplified preparation to allow mailers
of machinable letters to sort only to the
AADC and mixed AADC levels. Mailers
will have the option to prepare origin 3digit trays for automation and
machinable letters.
Nonmachinable letter sort levels will
be 5-digit, 3-digit, ADC, and mixed
ADC. Mailers will have the option to
prepare origin 3-digit trays for
nonmachinable letters. We will replace
the nonmachinable surcharge with a
separate rate structure for
nonmachinable letters up to 3.3 ounces.
Nonmachinable letters over 3.3 ounces
will pay the Not Flat-Machinable rate or
automation flat-size rate, if the pieces
meet the standards for automation flats.
DDU entry rates will not be available
for ECR letters. However, we will allow
DSCF entry rates for DDU entry of some
enhanced carrier route letters, including
letters with simplified addresses and
locally entered small-volume mailings.
We will eliminate ECR automation basic
rates because this preparation has little
value for our mail processing
operations.
To help reduce the number of ‘‘air
trays’’ and the overall costs of handling
mail in letter trays, we propose a nooverflow tray option for automation
letters. In addition, to encourage fuller
trays, we propose to change our
definition of a ‘‘full letter tray’’ to one
in which the pieces fill the length of the
tray between 85 percent and 100 percent
full.
The physical standards for
automation flats will retain most of the
criteria for AFSM 100 pieces, with new
standards for flexibility. This change
will maximize the number of flats we
can process in automated operations
and deliver as flats. We propose to relax
the current deflection standard to better
define the types of pieces we can
currently process on our AFSM 100
automated flat processing equipment.
For consistency, we propose to
increase the maximum size for carrier
route flats so that the same maximum
size applies to all flats, regardless of the
rate paid. We will expand the current
requirements for automation flats to all
flat-size pieces to be rectangular and
uniformly thick. We also provide a new,
relaxed definition of ‘‘uniformly thick’’
to better define the types of pieces we
can process on our automated flat
processing equipment and handle
efficiently at delivery.
Our proposal includes a new Not FlatMachinable classification for rigid flatsize pieces and pieces that are currently
claiming automation flat rates based on
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mstockstill on PROD1PC61 with PROPOSALS2
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Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 10 / Wednesday, January 17, 2007 / Proposed Rules
UFSM 1000 standards. We propose no
bundling for most Not Flat-Machinable
pieces and to have mailers prepare
pieces in 5-digit/scheme, 3-digit, ADC/
bulk mail center (BMC), and mixed
ADC/BMC containers. To simplify the
preparation of Not Flat-Machinable
pieces, we propose to make the 5-digit/
scheme level optional. To give mailers
access to deeper discounts, we propose
5-digit rates for 5-digit bundles prepared
on pallets. In addition, we propose a
DDU entry discount for Not FlatMachinable pieces sorted to 5-digit
destinations when drop shipped
directly to the DDU. There will be no
minimum quantity for Not FlatMachinable pieces drop shipped to
DDUs. Barcodes help processing on
APPS, and we will give mailers the
option of applying either a 5-digit UCC/
EAN 128 or a POSTNET barcode on
pieces under 6 ounces. Unless prepared
in 5-digit/scheme containers, we will
apply a surcharge to all Not FlatMachinable pieces that are not
barcoded.
We propose to eliminate the residual
shape surcharge for Standard Mail
parcels and replace it with a separate
rate structure. We will no longer offer a
$0.03 machinable barcode discount.
Instead, parcel prices will include a
requirement for barcodes. Unless
prepared in 5-digit containers, we will
apply a surcharge to all parcels that are
not barcoded.
We will remove the bundling
requirement for all Standard Mail
irregular parcels except ECR pieces. We
propose to reduce the required
minimum quantity of irregular parcels
in sacks to 10 pounds per sack.
We propose four new options for
mailers to combine parcels. We propose
commingling Standard Mail and
Package Services machinable parcels,
irregular parcels, and the new Not FlatMachinable pieces in 5-digit containers.
We would allow mailers to combine Not
Flat-Machinable pieces under 6 ounces
with irregular parcels in 3-digit, ADC,
and mixed ADC containers. We would
allow mailers to combine Not FlatMachinable pieces weighing 6 ounces or
more with machinable parcels in BMC/
ASF and mixed BMC containers. We
would also allow mailers to combine
Standard Mail parcels, NFMs,
machinable Parcel Select, and BPM
parcels in 3-digit containers to certain
ZIP Codes when entered at designated
SCFs.
The DDU discount currently is
available only for pieces sorted to
carrier routes. To give mailers access to
deeper destination entry discounts, we
will allow a DDU entry discount for
parcels sorted to 5-digit destinations
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14:20 Jan 16, 2007
Jkt 211001
when drop shipped directly to the DDU.
There will be no minimum for the
quantity of parcels drop shipped to a
DDU.
Customized MarketMail is a type of
Standard Mail that allows business
mailers to send distinctive, unusually
shaped advertising pieces to their
customers. Mailers will still have the
option to use Customized MarketMail.
Rates will equal the nonentry 5-digit
rate for Not Flat-Machinable pieces.
Mailers still will have the option of
using detached address labels. To help
cover our handling costs, we propose a
new $0.015 charge for detached address
labels with ECR saturation flat-size
pieces. Mailers who prepare mail with
addresses on their mailpieces will avoid
the new charge.
Summary of Periodicals
Our proposed Periodicals prices
encourage mailers to use pallets rather
than sacks. We also enhance drop ship
incentives to encourage mailers,
including publishers of high-editorialcontent publications, to enter OutsideCounty mail closer to its destination.
Our proposal will also make the
experimental copalletization standards a
permanent option for mailers.
Our pricing proposal includes a new
$0.85 Outside-County container rate.
We will apply the container rate to any
pallet, sack, or tray of Outside-County
Periodicals mail, except for mixed
containers of In-County and OutsideCounty pieces in carrier route, 5-digit
carrier routes, and 5-digit\scheme
containers. We also propose new drop
ship prices based on nonadvertising
pounds, in addition to increased perpiece drop ship discounts.
To encourage fuller letter trays, we
propose to change our definition of a
‘‘full letter tray’’ to one in which the
pieces fill the length of the tray between
85 percent and 100 percent full.
Summary of Package Services
Package Services includes Parcel Post,
Bound Printed Matter, Media Mail, and
Library Mail. Our proposal simplifies
Package Services offerings and
encourages more efficient handling of
parcels.
Parcel Post
Currently, we charge parcels weighing
less than 15 pounds and measuring
more than 84 inches in combined length
and girth the 15-pound rates (‘‘balloon
rate’’). Under our proposal, we will
charge parcels weighing less than 20
pounds and measuring more than 84
inches in combined length and girth the
20-pound rates.
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We will incorporate the current $0.03
barcode discount available for
machinable Parcel Select destination
bulk mail center (DBMC) entry mail into
the price and we will require a barcode.
Nonbarcoded machinable pieces could
claim only the applicable Intra-BMC/
ASF rate.
We do not propose any changes to
mail preparation standards for Parcel
Select.
Bound Printed Matter
We will rename single-piece Bound
Printed Matter ‘‘nonpresorted’’ Bound
Printed Matter, and we will eliminate it
as a retail option. Customers can still
use PC Postage or apply meter postage
or adhesive stamps to nonpresorted
BPM and deposit these pieces in a
collection box or give them to their
letter carrier. We will increase the $0.08
discount from the parcel price for flatsize pieces to $0.16. We will not change
the $0.03 per piece POSTNET barcode
discount for flat-size mail and the $0.03
per piece parcel barcode discount for
machinable parcels.
To reduce sacks, we propose to
require 5-digit/scheme and 3-digit/
scheme bundles and 5-digit/scheme
sacks for presorted flat-size Bound
Printed Matter. We propose to require 5digit/scheme bundles for irregular
parcels that weigh less than 10 pounds
each and 5-digit/scheme sacks for
machinable and irregular parcels.
Media Mail and Library Mail
To reduce sacks, we propose to
require 5-digit/scheme and 3-digit/
scheme bundles and 5-digit/scheme
sacks for presorted flat-size Media Mail
and Library Mail. We propose to require
5-digit/scheme bundles for irregular
parcels and 5-digit/scheme sacks for
machinable and irregular parcels.
Summary of Priority Mail
We continue to offer convenience in
Priority Mail. The USPS-produced flatrate envelope still will pay the 1-pound
price, $4.65 under the proposal,
regardless of weight or destination.
USPS-produced flat-rate boxes will pay
$8.80 under the proposal, regardless of
weight or destination, and will become
a permanent offering. Prices for all
Priority Mail pieces weighing over 25
pounds will decrease for all zones,
many by as much as 20 percent.
Currently, we charge Priority Mail
pieces weighing less than 15 pounds
and measuring more than 84 inches in
combined length and girth the 15-pound
rates (‘‘balloon rate’’). Under the
proposal, we will charge Priority Mail
pieces weighing less than 20 pounds
and measuring more than 84 inches in
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combined length and girth the 20-pound
rates. We will apply the new balloon
rate only to pieces addressed for local
delivery and to zones 1–4.
Priority Mail pieces that exceed 1
cubic foot and are addressed to zones 5–
8 could be subject to a new
dimensional-weight price. We will rate
postage for these pieces at the greater of
their actual weight or their dimensional
weight. In general, if a piece is relatively
light for its size, it may be subject to a
dimensional-weight price. We will
calculate dimensional weight using one
of two formulas, one for rectangular and
one for nonrectangular pieces.
Summary of Express Mail
Express Mail pieces often contain
material that ranges from a half pound
to 2 pounds. Currently, these pieces pay
the 2-pound price. To keep Express Mail
a viable alternative for mailers, the
pricing proposal adds a new 1-pound
price.
The flat-rate envelope will continue to
pay the half-pound price, regardless of
weight.
mstockstill on PROD1PC61 with PROPOSALS2
Summary of Extra Services
Our proposal keeps insured mail
reliable, easy, and affordable. All
insured pieces will have a barcoded
label and receive a delivery scan. We
will not require a signature at delivery
for insured items with an indemnity of
$200 or less.
We propose new prices for Bulk
Parcel Return Service, Business Reply
Mail, Certificate of Mailing, Certified
Mail, Collect on Delivery, Delivery
Confirmation, Bulk Insurance, Express
Mail Insurance, Merchandise Return
Service, Money Orders, Parcel Airlift,
Parcel Return Service, Registered Mail,
Restricted Delivery, Return Receipt,
Return Receipt for Merchandise,
Signature Confirmation, and Special
Handling.
Summary of Other Services
Our proposal seeks to modernize our
services, improve address quality, and
reduce undeliverable-as-addressed mail.
We will decrease the price for
Address Change Service electronic
option for First-Class Mail from $0.21 to
$0.06. We will increase the price for all
other classes of mail from $0.21 to
$0.25. We will decrease the price for
Manual Address Correction Service for
all classes of mail from $0.75 to $0.50.
A new automated option for Address
Change Service will allow First-Class
Mail letters to receive the first two
notices at no charge, then each
additional notice for $0.05 each.
Standard Mail letters will receive the
first two notices at $0.02, then each
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14:20 Jan 16, 2007
Jkt 211001
additional notice for $0.15 each. This
new option will require mailers to use
the new 4-State Customer Barcode.
We propose to change the fee
structure for Confirm service from the
Silver, Gold, and Platinum tiers to a
unit-based structure. Customers will pay
standardized annual fees and purchase
blocks of units that are redeemed for
Confirm scans. Customers can redeem
units at the rate of one unit per FirstClass Mail scan or five units per scan for
any other class of mail. The cost per
block of units declines as volume
thresholds are reached.
We no longer offer on-site meter
services. We eliminate the fees
associated with on-site meter service,
meter resetting, examination, and
checking meters in and out of service.
Individual post office box holders at
different locations may experience
varying price changes as we continue to
align prices with our costs for each
location. Our proposal will also realign
the Caller Service fees.
We propose price changes for Address
Sequencing Service, Mailing List
Service, Permit Imprint fees, Pickup on
Demand service, Premium Forwarding
Service, Shipper Paid Forwarding,
Stamped Cards, Stamped Envelopes,
and all annual mailing fees.
We provide the updated DMM
standards, and how they are applied for
each type of mail, below.
Although we are exempt from the
notice and comment requirements of the
Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C
410 (a)), we invite your 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
Part 111.
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, 414, 3001–3011, 3201–3219,
3403–3406, 3621, 3626, 5001.
2. Revise the following sections of
Mailing Standards of the United States
Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual
(DMM), as follows:
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100 Retail Mail: Letters, Cards, Flats,
and Parcels
101
Physical Standards
1.0
Physical Standards for Letters
1.1 Dimensional Standards for Letters
Letter-size mail is:
*
*
*
*
*
[Renumber item c as item d. Insert
new item c as follows:]
c. Not more than 3.5 ounces.
*
*
*
*
*
1.2 Nonmachinable Criteria
A letter-size piece is nonmachinable if
it has one or more of the following
characteristics (see 601.1.4 to determine
the length, height, top, and bottom of a
mailpiece):
[Renumber items a through i as items
b through j. Insert new item a as
follows:]
a. Is over 3.5 ounces.
*
*
*
*
*
2.0
Physical Standards for Flats
2.1 General Definition
Flat-size mail is:
*
*
*
*
*
[Renumber item c as new item f.
Insert new items c through e as follows:]
c. Flexible (see 2.2).
d. Rectangular.
e. Uniformly thick (see 2.3).
*
*
*
*
*
[Insert new 2.2 through 2.4 as
follows:]
2.2 Minimum Flexibility Criteria for
Rigid Pieces
Flat-size pieces must be flexible. Test
flexibility as follows:
a. For pieces 10 inches or longer:
1. Place the piece with the length
perpendicular to the edge of a flat
surface and extend the piece 5 inches
off the surface.
2. Press down on the piece at a point
1 inch from the outer edge, in the center
of the piece’s width, exerting steady
pressure.
3. Turn the piece around and repeat
steps 1 and 2. The piece is flexible if
both ends can bend at least 2 inches
without being damaged.
b. For pieces less than 10 inches long:
1. Place the piece with the length
perpendicular to the edge of a flat
surface and extend the piece one-half of
its length off the surface.
2. Press down on the piece at a point
1 inch from the outer edge, in the center
of the piece’s width, exerting steady
pressure.
3. Turn the piece around and repeat
steps 1 and 2. The piece is flexible if
both ends can bend at least 1 inch
without being damaged.
E:\FR\FM\17JAP2.SGM
17JAP2
2098
2.3
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 10 / Wednesday, January 17, 2007 / Proposed Rules
Uniform Thickness
Flat-size mailpieces must be
uniformly thick so that any bumps,
protrusions, or other irregularities do
not cause more than 1⁄4-inch variance in
thickness. (Do not consider the selvage
when measuring variance in thickness.)
If the contents are significantly smaller
than the envelope, wrapper, or sleeve,
mailers must secure those contents to
prevent shifting of more than 2 inches
within the mailpiece.
2.4 Flat-Size Pieces Not Eligible for
Flat-Size Rates
Mailpieces that do not meet the
standards in 2.1 through 2.3 are not
eligible for flat-size rates and must pay
applicable parcel rates.
*
*
*
*
*
5.0 Additional Physical Standards for
Priority Mail
*
*
*
*
*
5.2
Two or More Packages
[Revise 5.2 as follows:]
With the exception of USPS-produced
Priority Mail flat-rate envelopes or
boxes, two or more packages may be
mailed as a single parcel if they are
about the same size or shape, are
securely wrapped or fastened together,
and do not exceed the weight or size
limits.
*
*
*
*
*
*
6.4
Nonmachinable Pieces
6.4.1
*
*
*
Nonmachinable Letters
[Revise 6.4.1 as follows:]
Letter-size pieces with one or more of
the nonmachinable characteristics in 1.2
are subject to the applicable postage for
a flat-size piece, based on weight.
[Revise heading and text of 6.4.2 as
follows:]
mstockstill on PROD1PC61 with PROPOSALS2
6.4.2
Nonmachinable Flats
Flat-size pieces that do not meet the
standards in 2.0 are subject to the
applicable postage for a parcel-size
piece, based on weight.
*
*
*
*
*
[Delete 8.0, Additional Physical
Standards for Bound Printed Matter.
Renumber 9.0 and 10.0 as new 8.0 and
9.0.]
*
*
*
*
*
102 Elements on the Face of a
Mailpiece
*
*
*
VerDate Aug<31>2005
*
*
14:20 Jan 16, 2007
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise heading of 3.3 as follows:]
3.3 Mail Markings
[Revise first sentence of 3.3 as
follows:]
Mailers must print the basic required
Package Services subclass marking—
‘‘Parcel Post’’ or ‘‘PP,’’ ‘‘Media Mail,’’ or
‘‘Library Mail’’—on each piece claimed
at the respective rate. * * *
*
*
*
*
*
110
Retail Mail: Express Mail
113
Rates and Eligibility
1.0
Express Mail Rates and Fees
*
*
*
*
*
1.2 Express Mail Rate Application
[Revise 1.2 as follows:]
Except under 1.4, Flat-Rate Envelope,
Express Mail items are charged the 0.5pound rate for items up to 0.5 pound.
Items over 0.5 pound are rounded up to
the next whole pound. For example, if
a piece weighs 0.25 pound, the weight
(postage) increment is 0.5 pound; if a
piece weighs 0.75 pound, the weight
(postage) increment is 1 pound; if a
piece weighs 1.2 pounds, the weight
(postage) increment is 2 pounds.
*
*
*
*
*
Jkt 211001
120
Retail Mail: Priority Mail
123
Rates and Eligibility
1.0
Priority Mail Rates and Fees
*
6.0 Additional Physical Standards for
First-Class Mail
*
3.0 Placement and Content of Mail
Markings
*
*
*
*
1.2 Priority Mail Rate Application
[Revise 1.2 as follows:]
Except under 1.3, 1.4, and 1.5,
Priority Mail rates are charged per
pound; any fraction of a pound is
rounded up to the next whole pound.
For example, if a piece weighs 1.2
pounds, the weight (postage) increment
is 2 pounds. The minimum postage
amount per addressed piece is the 1pound rate. The Priority Mail rate up to
1 pound is based on weight only; rates
for pieces weighing more than 1 pound
are based on weight and zone. Other
charges may apply. See Exhibit 1.3,
Priority Mail Rates.
1.3 Minimum Rate for Parcels to Zones
1–4
[Revise 1.3 as follows:]
Parcels addressed for delivery to
Zones 1–4 (including Local) that weigh
less than 20 pounds but measure more
than 84 inches (but not more than 108
inches) in combined length and girth are
charged the applicable zone rate for a
20-pound parcel (balloon rate).
PO 00000
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Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4702
[Delete 1.6 and 1.7; renumber 1.4 and
1.5 as new 1.6 and 1.7. Insert new 1.4
and 1.5 as follows:]
1.4 Dimensional Weight Rate for LowDensity Parcels to Zones 5–8
Postage for parcels addressed for
delivery to Zones 5–8 and exceeding 1
cubic foot (1,728 cubic inches) is based
on the actual weight or the dimensional
weight (as calculated in 1.4.1 or 1.4.2),
whichever is greater.
1.4.1 Determining Dimensional Weight
for Rectangular Parcels
Follow these steps to determine the
dimensional weight for a rectangular
parcel:
a. Measure the length, width, and
height in inches. Round off (see 604.8.0)
each measurement to the nearest whole
number.
b. Multiply the length by the width by
the height.
c. If the result exceeds 1,728 cubic
inches, divide the result by 194 and
round up (see 604.8.0) to the next whole
number to determine the dimensional
weight in pounds.
1.4.2 Determining Dimensional Weight
for Nonrectangular Parcels
Follow these steps to determine the
dimensional weight for a nonrectangular
parcel:
a. Measure the length, width, and
height in inches at their extreme
dimensions. Round off (see 604.8.0)
each measurement to the nearest whole
number.
b. Multiply the length by the width by
the height.
c. Multiply the result by an
adjustment factor of 0.785.
d. If the final result exceeds 1,728
cubic inches, divide the result by 194
and round up (see 604.8.0) to the next
whole number to determine the
dimensional weight in pounds.
e. If the dimensional weight exceeds
70 pounds, the parcel pays the 70pound rate.
1.5
Flat-Rate Boxes and Envelopes
Any amount of material may be
mailed in a USPS-produced Priority
Mail flat-rate box or flat-rate envelope.
When sealing a flat-rate box or flat-rate
envelope, the container flaps must be
able to close within the normal folds.
Tape may be applied to the flaps and
seams to reinforce the container,
provided the design of the container is
not enlarged by opening the sides and
the container is not reconstructed in any
way.
E:\FR\FM\17JAP2.SGM
17JAP2
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 10 / Wednesday, January 17, 2007 / Proposed Rules
1.5.1 Flat-Rate Boxes—Rate and
Eligibility
Each USPS-produced Priority Mail
flat-rate box is charged $8.80, regardless
of the actual weight of the piece or its
destination. Only USPS-produced flatrate boxes are eligible for the flat-rate
box rate.
1.5.2 Flat-Rate Envelopes—Rate and
Eligibility
Each USPS-produced Priority Mail
flat-rate envelope is charged $4.65,
regardless of the actual weight of the
piece or its destination. Only USPSproduced flat-rate envelopes are eligible
for the flat-rate envelope rate.
*
*
*
*
*
130
Retail Mail: First-Class Mail
133
Rates and Eligibility
1.0
First-Class Mail Rates and Fees
1.1 First-Class Mail Single-Piece Rate
Application
The single-piece rates for First-Class
Mail are applied as follows:
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise the weight limit in item b as
follows:]
b. The letter rate applies to letter-size
pieces that meet the standards in
101.1.1 and weigh 3.5 ounces or less,
and that are not eligible for and claimed
at the card rate.
[Insert new items c and d as follows:]
c. The flat rate applies to flat-size
pieces that meet the standards in
101.2.1 and letter-size pieces with one
or more of the nonmachinable
characteristics in 101.1.2.
d. The parcel rate applies to parcelsize pieces under 101.3.0 and to flat-size
pieces that do not meet the standards in
101.2.0.
*
*
*
*
*
[Delete current 1.9, Nonmachinable
Surcharge, and 1.10, Applicability of
Nonmachinable Surcharge. Renumber
current 1.8 as new 1.9 and revise to
remove references to nonmachinable
surcharge in the first three sentences as
follows:]
mstockstill on PROD1PC61 with PROPOSALS2
1.9
Keys and Identification Devices
Keys and identification devices (such
as identification cards and uncovered
identification tags) that weigh 13 ounces
or less are returned at the applicable
single-piece First-Class Mail parcel rate
plus the fee. Keys and identification
devices that weigh more than 13 ounces
but not more than 1 pound are returned
at the 1-pound Priority Mail rate plus
the fee. Keys and identification devices
weighing more than 1 pound but not
more than 2 pounds are mailed at the 2-
VerDate Aug<31>2005
14:20 Jan 16, 2007
Jkt 211001
2099
pound Priority Mail rate for zone 4 plus
the fee. * * *
*
*
*
*
*
[Renumber current 1.7, Rates for Keys
and Identification Devices, as new 1.10.]
*
*
*
*
*
[Restructure the rate tables in 1.4
through 1.6 into new 1.4 through 1.8 for
separate letter, flat, and parcel rates.]
*
*
*
*
*
Parcels that weigh less than 20 pounds
but measure more than 84 inches (but
not more than 108 inches) in combined
length and girth are charged the
applicable rate for a 20-pound parcel
(balloon rate). The nonmachinable
surcharge does not apply to parcels
mailed at oversized rates or parcels sent
with special handling.
*
*
*
*
*
2.0 Basic Eligibility Standards for
First-Class Mail
1.10 Local and Intra-BMC/ASF
Machinable Parcel Post
2.1
Description of Service
*
*
[Revise 1.10 as follows:]
Rates for parcels that originate and
destinate in the same BMC service area
are in Exhibit 1.12, Local and IntraBMC/ASF Machinable and
Nonmachinable Parcel Post Rates. For
barcode discount, deduct $0.03 per
parcel (50-piece minimum). Parcels that
weigh less than 20 pounds but measure
more than 84 inches (but not more than
108 inches) in combined length and
girth are charged the applicable rate for
a 20-pound parcel (balloon rate).
Regardless of weight, a parcel with any
of the characteristics in 101.7.2 must
pay the rate for a nonmachinable parcel
in 1.11.
2.1.2
*
*
*
Rate Options
[Revise 2.1.2 to add shape-based
reference as follows:]
First-Class Mail offers shape-based
single-piece rates in 1.0.
*
*
*
*
*
150
Retail Mail: Parcel Post
153
Rates and Eligibility
1.0
Parcel Post Rates and Fees
1.1
Rate Eligibility
There are two Parcel Post retail rate
categories: Intra-BMC and Inter-BMC.
Intra-BMC and Inter-BMC Parcel Post
rates are calculated based on the zone to
which the parcel is addressed and the
weight of the parcel. Requirements for
Parcel Post rates and discounts are as
follows:
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise item d as follows:]
d. Parcels that weigh less than 20
pounds but measure more than 84
inches (but not more than 108 inches)
in combined length and girth are
charged the applicable rate for a 20pound parcel (balloon rate).
*
*
*
*
*
1.7 Inter-BMC/ASF Machinable Parcel
Post
[Revise 1.7 as follows:]
For barcode discount, deduct $0.03
per parcel (50-piece minimum). Parcels
that weigh less than 20 pounds but
measure more than 84 inches (but not
more than 108 inches) in combined
length and girth are charged the
applicable rate for a 20-pound parcel
(balloon rate).
1.8 Inter-BMC/ASF Nonmachinable
Parcel Post
[Revise 1.8 as follows:]
Rates include the $3.62
nonmachinable surcharge. Regardless of
weight, a parcel with any of the
characteristics in 101.7.2,
Nonmachinable Parcel Post Standards,
must pay the rate listed in Exhibit 1.9.
PO 00000
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Sfmt 4702
1.11 Local and Intra-BMC/ASF
Nonmachinable Parcel Post
[Revise 1.11 as follows:]
Rates include the $1.85
nonmachinable surcharge. Regardless of
weight, a parcel with any of the
characteristics in 101.7.2,
Nonmachinable Parcel Post Standards,
must pay the rates in Exhibit 1.12.
Parcels that weigh less than 20 pounds
but measure more than 84 inches (but
not more than 108 inches) in combined
length and girth are charged the
applicable rate for a 20-pound parcel
(balloon rate). The nonmachinable
surcharge does not apply to parcels
mailed at oversized rates or parcels sent
with special handling.
*
*
*
*
*
[Delete Chapter 160, Retail Mail:
Bound Printed Matter, in its entirety.
These standards are incorporated into
chapters 360 and 460.]
*
*
*
*
*
200
Discount Mail: Letters and Cards
201
Physical Standards
1.0 Physical Standards for
Machinable Letters and Cards
1.1 Physical Standards for Machinable
Letters
*
E:\FR\FM\17JAP2.SGM
*
*
17JAP2
*
*
2100
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 10 / Wednesday, January 17, 2007 / Proposed Rules
1.1.2 Weight Standards for Machinable
Letters
[Revise 1.1.2 to change the maximum
weight for First-Class Mail machinable
letters to 3.5 ounces as follows:]
The maximum weight for Presorted
First-Class Mail machinable letters is 3.5
ounces (0.2188 pound). The maximum
weight for Standard Mail machinable
letters is 3.3 ounces (0.2063 pound).
*
*
*
*
*
Carrier Route high-density and
saturation rates is 3.5 ounces (0.2188
pound). See 3.13.4 for pieces heavier
than 3 ounces.
*
*
*
*
*
2.0 Physical Standards for
Nonmachinable Letters
*
*
3.3
Placement of Mail Markings
2.1
*
Criteria for Nonmachinable Letters
A letter-size piece is nonmachinable if
it has one or more of the following
characteristics (see 601.1.4 to determine
the length, height, top, and bottom of a
mailpiece):
[Renumber items a through i as items
b through j. Insert new item a as
follows:] a. Is over 3.5 ounces.
*
*
*
*
*
[Delete 2.2.2, Nonmachinable
Surcharge—Letter-Size Pieces.
Renumber 2.2.1 as new 2.2 and revise as
follows:]
The nonmachinable rates in 243.1.5
apply to Standard Mail letter-size pieces
that weigh 3.3 ounces or less and have
one or more of the nonmachinable
characteristics in 2.1.
3.0 Physical Standards for
Automation Letters and Cards
*
*
3.3 Weight Standards for First-Class
Mail Automation Letters and Cards
mstockstill on PROD1PC61 with PROPOSALS2
[Revise 3.3 to change the weight limit
as follows:]
Maximum weight for First-Class Mail
automation letters is 3.5 ounces (0.2188
pound). See 3.13.4 for pieces heavier
than 3 ounces.
3.4 Weight Standards for Standard
Mail Automation Letters
[Revise 3.4 to remove the reference to
automation carrier route mail as
follows:]
Maximum weight for Standard Mail
mailed at automation and Enhanced
VerDate Aug<31>2005
14:20 Jan 16, 2007
Jkt 211001
*
*
*
3.0 Placement and Content of Mail
Markings
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise item b, item b3, and item c to
delete ‘‘AUTOCR.’’]
3.4
3.0 Basic Standards for First-Class
Mail Letters
3.1
Description of Service
*
*
3.1.2
Exceptions to Markings
*
*
*
Rate Options
Exceptions are as follows:
[Revise item a to remove references to
carrier route mail as follows:]
a. Automation Letters. First-Class
Mail and Standard Mail letters do not
require an ‘‘AUTO’’ marking if they bear
a DPBC or a 4-State Customer Barcode
with a delivery point routing code in the
address block or on an insert visible
through a window. First-Class Mail
letters not marked ‘‘AUTO’’ must bear
both the ‘‘Presorted’’ or ‘‘PRSRT’’ and
‘‘First-Class’’ markings. Standard Mail
letters not marked ‘‘AUTO’’ must bear
the appropriate basic marking in 3.3a.
[Revise item b as follows:]
b. Manifest Mailings. The basic
marking must appear in the postage area
on each piece as required in 3.3a. The
two-letter rate category code required in
the keyline on manifest mailing pieces
prepared under 705.2.0, Manifest
Mailing System, meets the requirement
for other rate markings.
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise 3.1.2 as follows:]
First-Class Mail letters offer shapebased single-piece rates in 133.1.0 and
discounted rates in 1.0 for presorted
mailings of 500 or more pieces that
weigh 3.5 ounces or less.
*
*
*
*
*
230 Discount Letters and Cards: FirstClass Mail
4.3 Letters With Nonmachinable
Characteristics
Rates and Eligibility
Rates and Fees for First-Class Mail
1.1
2.3 Additional Criteria for Standard
Mail Nonmachinable Letters
*
*
1.0
Letter-size pieces (except pieces
eligible for and mailed at card rates)
with one or more of the nonmachinable
characteristics in 2.1 are subject to the
rates for flat-size pieces (see 333.1.0).
[Delete 2.3.2, Nonmachinable
Surcharge Not Applied. Renumber 2.3.1
as new 2.3 and revise as follows:]
*
*
233
2.2 Additional Criteria for First-Class
Mail Nonmachinable Letters
*
202 Elements on the Face of a
Mailpiece
postage per addressed piece is that for
a piece weighing 1 ounce.
*
*
*
*
*
[Delete 1.13, Carrier Route
Automation Cards; 1.14, Carrier Route
Automation Letters; and 1.16,
Nonmachinable Surcharge. Renumber
1.15, Summary Presorted, Automation,
and Carrier Route Rates for Cards and
Letters, as new 1.13. Renumber 1.17
through 1.19 as new 1.14 through 1.16.]
*
*
*
*
*
Rate Application
[Revise 4.3 to delete nonmachinable
surcharge as follows:]
Letters with one or more of the
nonmachinable characteristics in
201.2.1 must pay the flat-size rate. In
addition to the standards in 3.0, Basic
Standards for First-Class Mail Letters,
all pieces in a First-Class Mail Presorted
nonmachinable letter-size mailing must
be marked, sorted, and documented
according to 235.5.3, Nonmachinable
Preparation.
[Revise heading of 5.0 to delete
‘‘Carrier Route’’ as follows:]
[Revise 1.1 to add ‘‘letter’’ as follows:]
Postage is based on the letter rate that
applies to the weight of each addressed
piece.
1.2 Rate Computation for First-Class
Mail Letters
[Revise the first sentence in 1.2 to add
‘‘letter’’ as follows:]
First-Class Mail letter rates are
charged per ounce or fraction thereof;
any fraction of an ounce is considered
a whole ounce. For example, if a piece
weighs 1.2 ounces, the weight (postage)
increment is 2 ounces. The minimum
PO 00000
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Sfmt 4702
3.3 Additional Basic Standards for
First-Class Mail
[Revise introductory text in 3.3 as
follows:]
All pieces of presorted First-Class
Mail letters must:
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise the weight in item b as
follows:]
b. Weigh 3.5 ounces or less.
*
*
*
*
*
4.0 Additional Eligibility Standards
for Nonautomation First-Class Mail
Letters
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise heading of 4.3 as follows:]
5.0 Additional Eligibility Standards
for Automation Rate First-Class Mail
Letters
[Revise heading of 5.1 as follows:]
E:\FR\FM\17JAP2.SGM
17JAP2
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 10 / Wednesday, January 17, 2007 / Proposed Rules
5.1 Basic Standards for Automation
First-Class Mail Letters
All pieces in a First-Class Mail
automation rate mailing must:
*
*
*
*
*
[Delete item d2. Move text in item d1
into item d as follows.]
d. Bear a delivery address that
includes the correct ZIP Code, ZIP+4
code, or numeric equivalent to the
delivery point barcode (DPBC) and that
meets the address matching and coding
standards in 5.6, Address Standards for
Barcoded Pieces, and 708.3.0, Coding
Accuracy Support System (CASS).
*
*
*
*
*
[Delete 5.2, Carrier Route Accuracy,
and renumber 5.3 and 5.4 as new 5.2
and 5.3.]
*
*
*
*
*
5.2 Maximum Weight for Automation
Letters
[Revise renumbered 5.2 to change
maximum weight from 3.3 to 3.5 ounces
as follows:]
Maximum weight for First-Class Mail
automation letters is 3.5 ounces (0.2188
pound) (see 201.3.13.4, Heavy Letter
Mail, for pieces heavier than 3 ounces).
mstockstill on PROD1PC61 with PROPOSALS2
5.3 Rate Application—Automation
Cards and Letters
Automation rates apply to each piece
that is sorted under 235.6.0 into the
corresponding qualifying groups:
[Delete item a. Renumber items b
through e as new items a through d and
revise as follows:]
a. Groups of 150 or more pieces in 5digit/scheme trays qualify for the 5-digit
rate. Preparation to qualify for the 5digit rate is optional. Pieces placed in
full 3-digit/scheme trays in lieu of 5digit/scheme overflow trays under
235.6.6 are eligible for the 5-digit rates.
b. Groups of 150 or more pieces in 3digit/scheme trays qualify for the 3-digit
rate. Pieces placed in full AADC trays in
lieu of 3-digit/scheme overflow trays
under 235.6.6 are eligible for the 3-digit
rates.
c. Groups of fewer than 150 pieces in
origin 3-digit/scheme trays and all
pieces in AADC trays qualify for the
AADC rate. Pieces placed in mixed
AADC trays in lieu of AADC overflow
trays under 235.6.6 are eligible for the
AADC rates.
d. Pieces in mixed AADC trays qualify
for the mixed AADC rate, except for
pieces prepared under 5.3c.
*
*
*
*
*
[Delete 5.5 and renumber 5.6 and 5.7
as new 5.4 and 5.5.]
*
*
*
*
*
VerDate Aug<31>2005
14:20 Jan 16, 2007
Jkt 211001
[Delete renumbered 5.4.7, Rural and
Highway Contract Routes. Renumber
5.4.8 as new 5.4.7.]
*
*
*
*
*
234 Postage Payment and
Documentation
*
*
*
*
*
2.0 Postage Payment for Presorted
Letters
*
*
*
*
*
2.2 Affixed Postage for Presorted FirstClass Mail
Unless permitted by other standards
or by Business Mailer Support, USPS
Headquarters, when precanceled
postage or meter stamps are used as the
postage payment method, only one
payment method may be used in a
mailing and each piece must bear
postage under one of these conditions:
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise item b to delete the reference
to the nonmachinable surcharge as
follows:]
b. A precanceled stamp or the full
postage at the lowest First-Class Mail 1ounce rate applicable to the mailing job,
and full postage on metered pieces for
any additional ounces or extra services.
*
*
*
*
*
235
Mail Preparation
1.0
General Definition of Terms
*
*
1.2
Definitions of Mailings
*
*
*
Terms for Presort Levels
1.4 Preparation Definitions and
Instructions
For purposes of preparing mail:
*
*
*
*
[Revise item b as follows:]
b. A full letter tray is one in which
faced, upright pieces fill the length of
the tray between 85% and 100% full.
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise item e to delete the last
sentence.]
*
*
*
*
*
PO 00000
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Sfmt 4702
*
*
*
*
*
2.3 Preparing Bundles
Cards and letter-size pieces are
subject to these bundling standards:
[Revise item a as follows:]
a. The maximum thickness for
bundles is 6 inches.
*
*
*
*
*
[Delete item d and renumber items e
and f as new items d and e.]
*
*
*
*
*
2.8 Labeling Bundles
[Revise the first sentence in the
introductory text to delete the reference
to carrier route bundles as follows:]
Unless excepted by standard, the
presort level of each bundle must be
identified either with an optional
endorsement line under 708.7.0 or with
a barcoded pressure-sensitive bundle
label. On letter-size mail (including
card-size pieces), the bundle label must
be placed in the lower left corner of the
address side of the top piece in the
bundle. Bundle labels must not be
obscured by banding or shrinkwrap. The
following colors and presort characters
apply to bundle labels:
*
*
*
*
*
[Delete 2.9, Use of Carrier Route
Information Lines, and 2.10, Facing
Slips—All Carrier Route Mail.]
*
*
*
*
*
Tray Labels
*
Terms used for presort levels are
defined as follows:
Delete item a and renumber items b
through k as new items a through j.]
*
*
*
*
*
*
Bundles
4.0
Mailings are defined as:
[Revise the second sentence in item a
to remove ‘‘automation carrier route’’ as
follows:]
a. * * * Generally, automation and
nonautomation letters must be prepared
as separate mailings.* * *
*
*
*
*
*
1.3
2.0
2101
*
*
*
*
4.4 Line 2 (Content Line)
Line 2 (content line) must meet these
standards:
*
*
*
*
*
b. Codes: The codes shown below
must be used as appropriate on Line 2
of tray labels.
[Revise the table in item 4.4b to delete
the entries for ‘‘Carrier Route,’’ ‘‘Carrier
Routes,’’ ‘‘General Delivery Unit,’’
‘‘Highway Contract Route,’’ ‘‘Post Office
Box Section,’’ and ‘‘Rural Route.’’]
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
5.0
Preparing Nonautomation Letters
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
[Delete 5.2, Manual Only Option, and
renumber 5.3 and 5.4 as new 5.2 and
5.3.]
5.2
Machinable Preparation
*
*
*
*
*
5.2.2 Traying and Labeling
[Delete item a about labeling the 5digit tray. Renumber items b through d
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as new items a through c. Revise
renumbered item a to reflect the 3-digit
origin tray as follows:]
*
*
*
*
*
a. Separate 3-digit origin trays
required for each origin 3-digit ZIP
Code; one less-than-full tray permitted
for each origin ZIP Code; labeling:
1. Line 1: L002, Column A.
2. Line 2: ‘‘FCM LTR 3D MACH.’’
*
*
*
*
*
5.3
Nonmachinable Preparation
5.3.1 Nonmachinable Bundling
[Delete the second-to-last sentence in
the introductory text to remove the
‘‘manual only’’ option as follows:]
Except as provided in 2.5, Exception
to Bundle Preparation—Full SingleSort-Level Trays, bundling is required
before traying. A bundle must be
prepared when the quantity of
addressed pieces for a required presort
level reaches a minimum of 10 pieces.
Smaller volumes are not permitted
except for mixed ADC bundles.
Preparation sequence, bundle size, and
labeling:
*
*
*
*
*
6.0
Preparing Automation Rate Letters
*
*
*
*
*
mstockstill on PROD1PC61 with PROPOSALS2
6.2 Mailings
The requirements for mailings are as
follows:
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise item b as follows:]
b. First-Class Mail. A single
automation rate First-Class Mail mailing
may include pieces prepared at 5-digit,
3-digit, AADC, and mixed AADC rates.
*
*
*
*
*
6.3 Marking
[Revise 6.3 to delete the carrier route
references as follows:]
All automation rate pieces must be
marked under 202.3.0, Placement and
Content of Mail Markings, and 202.4.0,
Endorsement Placement. Pieces claimed
at an automation rate must bear the
appropriate class marking and, except as
provided in 202.3.0, Placement and
Content of Mail Markings, and 202.4.0,
Endorsement Placement, ‘‘AUTO.’’
Pieces not claimed at an automation rate
must not bear ‘‘AUTO’’ unless singlepiece rate postage is affixed or the
corrective single-piece rate marking
(‘‘SNGLP’’ or ‘‘Single-Piece’’) is applied.
6.4 General Preparation
[Revise 6.4 as follows:]
Grouping, bundling, and labeling are
not generally required or permitted,
except bundling is required in any
mailing consisting entirely of card-size
VerDate Aug<31>2005
14:20 Jan 16, 2007
Jkt 211001
pieces and for pieces in overflow and
less-than-full trays, and grouping is
required under 6.6.
*
*
*
*
*
[Delete 6.6 and 6.7. Renumber 6.8
through 6.10 as new 6.6 through 6.8.]
6.6
Tray Preparation
[Add introductory statement about
overflow trays to 6.6 as follows:]
Instead of preparing overflow trays
with fewer than 150 pieces, mailers may
include these pieces in the next tray
level when a tray of 150 or more pieces
can be made. Mailers must note these
trays on standardized documentation
(see 708.1.2). Pieces that are placed in
the next tray level must be grouped by
destination and placed in the front of
that tray. Mailers may use this option
selectively for 3-digit and AADC ZIP
Codes. This option does not apply to
origin/entry 3-digit/scheme trays.
Preparation sequence, tray size, and
Line 1 labeling:
[Delete items a through c and
renumber items d through g as new
items a through d. Revise renumbered
item a as follows:]
a. 5-digit/scheme (see 1.4e): optional,
but required for 5-digit rate (150-piece
minimum); overflow allowed.
1. For 5-digit scheme trays, use
destination shown in the current USPS
City State Product.
2. For 5-digit trays, use city, state, and
5-digit ZIP Code destination on pieces
(see 4.0 for overseas military mail).
*
*
*
*
*
6.7
Tray Line 2
Line 2: ‘‘FCM LTR’’ and:
[Delete items a through c and
renumber items d through i as new
items a through f as follows:]
a. 5-digit scheme: ‘‘BC 5D SCHEME.’’
b. 5-digit: ‘‘5D BC.’’
c. 3-digit scheme: ‘‘BC 3D SCHEME’’
and, if applicable, as shown in L002,
Column B, followed by the letter ‘‘A,’’
‘‘B,’’ or ‘‘C.’’
d. 3-digit: ‘‘3D BC.’’
e. AADC: ‘‘AADC BC.’’
f. Mixed AADC: ‘‘BC WKG.’’
*
*
*
*
*
240 Discount Letters and Cards:
Standard Mail
243
Rates and Eligibility
1.0
Rates and Fees for Standard Mail
*
*
*
*
*
1.7 Computing Postage for Standard
Mail
*
PO 00000
*
*
Frm 00014
*
Fmt 4701
*
Sfmt 4702
1.7.8 Discount for Heavy Automation
Letters
[Revise 1.7.8 to delete the second-tolast sentence, about automation ECR.]
*
*
*
*
*
[Delete 1.7.10, Discount for Heavy
ECR Basic Automation Letters.]
*
*
*
*
*
3.0 Basic Standards for Standard Mail
Letters
*
*
3.2
Defining Characteristics
*
*
*
3.2.1 Mailpiece Weight
[Revise 3.2.1 as follows:]
All Standard Mail pieces must weigh
less than 16 ounces. The following
weight limits also apply to pieces
mailed at Standard Mail letter rates:
a. Pieces mailed at machinable and
nonmachinable letter rates may weigh
up to 3.3 ounces. Letter-size pieces
weighing more than 3.3 ounces and
prepared as nonmachinable letters are
mailable at Not Flat-Machinable rates
(see 443) and must be marked ‘‘Not FlatMachinable’’ or ‘‘NFM’’ according to
402.2.0, unless they are barcoded and
eligible to be mailed as automation flats
under 301.3.0.
b. Pieces mailed at automation letter
rates or Enhanced Carrier Route highdensity or saturation rates may weigh
up to 3.5 ounces.
*
*
*
*
*
3.3 Additional Basic Standards for
Standard Mail
Each Standard Mail mailing is subject
to these general standards:
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise item e to add a reference to
3.8.1 as follows:]
e. Each piece must bear the
addressee’s name and delivery address,
including the correct ZIP Code or ZIP+4
code (see 3.8.1), unless an alternative
addressing format is used subject to
602.3.0. Detached address labels may be
used subject to 602.4.0.
*
*
*
*
*
4.0
Rate Eligibility for Standard Mail
*
*
*
*
*
4.2 Minimum Per Piece Rates
The minimum per piece rates (the
minimum postage that must be paid for
each piece) apply as follows:
*
*
*
*
*
b. In applying the minimum per piece
rates, a mailpiece is categorized as a
letter based on whether the piece meets
the letter-size standard in 201.1.1.1,
without regard to placement of the
address on the piece, except under these
conditions:
E:\FR\FM\17JAP2.SGM
17JAP2
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 10 / Wednesday, January 17, 2007 / Proposed Rules
[Revise item b1 to delete ‘‘(nonletter)’’
as follows:]
1. If the piece meets both the
definition of a letter in 201.1.1.1 and the
definition of an automation flat in
301.3.0, the piece may be prepared and
entered at an automation flat rate.
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise item b3 by changing the base
rate for Customized MarketMail as
follows:]
3. Pieces mailed as Customized
MarketMail under 705.1.0 must pay the
Regular or Nonprofit Standard Mail 5digit nonentry rates for Not FlatMachinable pieces and must not exceed
3.3 ounces.
[Revise item c to delete the last
sentence, about DDU rates.]
*
*
*
*
*
[Delete 4.4, Residual Shape
Surcharge.]
[Replace ‘‘presorted’’ with
‘‘nonautomation’’ throughout 5.0.]
5.0 Additional Eligibility Standards
for Nonautomation Standard Mail
Letters
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise heading and text of 5.4 to refer
to new AADC and mixed AADC rates,
instead of basic rates, as follows:]
5.4 Machinable Rate Application
Machinable letters are subject only to
AADC and mixed AADC rates.
5.4.1 AADC Rate
The AADC rate applies to qualifying
letter-size machinable pieces (see
201.1.0, Physical Standards for
Machinable Letters and Cards) placed in
origin/entry 3-digit/scheme trays, to
quantities of 150 or more pieces
prepared in AADC trays for a single
AADC, and to pieces placed in mixed
AADC trays in lieu of overflow AADC
trays.
mstockstill on PROD1PC61 with PROPOSALS2
5.4.2 Mixed AADC Rate
The mixed AADC rate applies to
qualifying letter-size machinable pieces
that the mailer prepares in mixed AADC
trays, except for pieces placed in mixed
AADC trays in lieu of overflow AADC
trays (see 245.5.3.2).
[Delete 5.5 and 5.6. Insert new 5.5 as
follows:]
5.5 Nonmachinable Rate Application
Nonmachinable rates in 1.0 apply
only to Standard Mail letter-size pieces
(including card-size pieces) weighing
3.3 ounces or less that have one or more
of the nonmachinable characteristics in
201.2.1. Nonmachinable letter-size
pieces weighing more than 3.3 ounces
are subject to Not Flat-Machinable rates
(see 443), unless they are barcoded and
VerDate Aug<31>2005
14:20 Jan 16, 2007
Jkt 211001
eligible to be mailed as automation flats
under 301.3.0.
5.5.1 5-Digit Rate
The 5-digit rate applies to letter-size
pieces subject to the nonmachinable
rates (see 5.5) prepared in quantities of
150 or more pieces for a 5-digit ZIP
Code and presented in 5-digit trays
under 245.5.0.
5.5.2 3-Digit Rate
The 3-digit rate applies to letter-size
pieces subject to the nonmachinable
rates (see 5.5) prepared in quantities of
150 or more pieces for a 3-digit ZIP
Code and presented in 3-digit trays
under 245.5.0.
5.5.3 ADC Rate
The ADC rate applies to letter-size
pieces subject to the nonmachinable
rates (see 5.5) placed in 3-digit origin/
entry trays and to pieces prepared in
quantities of 150 or more for an ADC
and presented in ADC trays under
245.5.0.
5.5.4 Mixed ADC Rate
The mixed ADC rate applies to lettersize pieces that are subject to the
nonmachinable rates and prepared in
mixed ADC trays.
[Revise heading of 6.0 as follows:]
6.0 Additional Eligibility Standards
for Enhanced Carrier Route Standard
Mail Letters
6.1 General Enhanced Carrier Route
Standards
6.1.1
Optional Preparation
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise 6.1.1 to delete the last
sentence, about automation basic carrier
route.]
6.1.2 Basic Eligibility Standards
All pieces in an Enhanced Carrier
Route or Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier
Route Standard Mail mailing must:
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise item b to delete the second
sentence, about automation basic carrier
route, as follows:]
b. Be part of a single mailing of at
least 200 pieces or 50 pounds of pieces
of Enhanced Carrier Route Standard
Mail. Regular and Nonprofit mailings
must meet separate minimum volumes.
*
*
*
*
*
6.1.3 Maximum Weight for Enhanced
Carrier Route Letters
[Revise 6.1.3 to delete the reference to
automation carrier route as follows:]
Maximum weight for Standard Mail
Enhanced Carrier Route high-density
and saturation pieces: 3.5 ounces
PO 00000
Frm 00015
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4702
2103
(0.2188 pound) (see 201.3.13.4, Heavy
Letter Mail, for pieces heavier than 3
ounces).
6.2
Carrier Route Accuracy
6.2.1
Basic Standards
The carrier route accuracy standard is
a means of ensuring that the carrier
route code correctly matches the
delivery address information. For the
purposes of this standard, address
means a specific address associated
with a specific carrier route code.
Addresses used on pieces claiming
certain rates under 6.2.2 that are subject
to the carrier route accuracy standard
must meet these requirements:
[Revise item a to delete the last
sentence, about ECR automation rate
Standard Mail, as follows:]
a. Each address and associated carrier
route code used on the mailpieces in a
mailing must be updated within 90 days
before the mailing date with one of the
USPS-approved methods in 3.8.2.
*
*
*
*
*
6.3 Basic Rate Enhanced Carrier Route
Standards
*
*
6.3.2
*
*
*
Basic Rate Eligibility
[Revise 6.3.2 to add the option for
groups of 10 or more pieces as follows:]
Basic rates apply to each piece sorted
under 245.6.0 or 705.8.0 in a full carrier
route tray, in a carrier route bundle of
10 or more pieces, or in groups of 10 or
more pieces placed in a 5-digit carrier
routes or a 3-digit carrier routes tray.
*
*
*
*
*
[Delete 6.6, Automation ECR
Standards.]
*
*
*
*
*
7.0 Eligibility Standards for
Automation Rate Standard Mail
*
*
*
*
*
7.3 Rate Application for Automation
Letters
Automation rates apply to each piece
that is sorted under 245.7.0, Preparing
Automation Rate Letters, into the
corresponding qualifying groups:
[Revise items a through d to
accommodate an option to overflow
trays as follows:]
a. Groups of 150 or more pieces in 5digit/scheme trays qualify for the 5-digit
rate. Preparation to qualify for that rate
is optional. Pieces placed in full 3-digit/
scheme trays under 245.7.5 in lieu of 5digit/scheme overflow trays are eligible
for 5-digit rates (see 245.7.5).
b. Groups of 150 or more pieces in 3digit/scheme trays qualify for the 3-digit
rate. Pieces placed in full AADC trays
E:\FR\FM\17JAP2.SGM
17JAP2
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Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 10 / Wednesday, January 17, 2007 / Proposed Rules
under 245.7.5 in lieu of 3-digit/scheme
overflow trays are eligible for 3-digit
rates (see 245.7.5).
c. Groups of fewer than 150 pieces in
origin/entry 3-digit/scheme trays and
groups of 150 or more pieces in AADC
trays qualify for the AADC rate. Pieces
placed in mixed AADC trays under
245.7.5 in lieu of AADC overflow trays
also are eligible for AADC rates (see
245.7.5).
d. Pieces in mixed AADC trays qualify
for the mixed AADC rate, except for
pieces prepared under 7.3c.
*
*
*
*
*
245
Mail Preparation
1.0 General Information for Mail
Preparation
*
*
*
*
*
1.2
Definitions of Mailings
Mailings are defined as:
*
*
*
*
*
b. Standard Mail. Except as provided
in 243.3.6, Residual Volume
Requirement, the types of Standard Mail
listed below may not be part of the same
mailing.
[Delete item b1, about automation
ECR. Renumber items b2 through b8 as
new items b1 through b7.]
*
*
*
*
*
1.4 Preparation Definitions and
Instructions
For purposes of preparing mail:
*
*
*
*
[Revise item b as follows:]
b. A full letter tray is one in which
faced, upright pieces fill the length of
the tray between 85% and 100% full.
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise the last sentence in item e as
follows:]
e. A 5-digit scheme sort for
automation letters yields 5-digit scheme
trays for those 5-digit ZIP Codes
identified in the USPS City State
Product and 5-digit trays for other areas.
Mail prepared using 5-digit scheme sort
must be entered no later than 90 days
after the release date of the City State
Product used to obtain the scheme
information (see 708.3.0, Coding
Accuracy Support System (CASS)). The
5-digit ZIP Codes in each scheme are
treated as a single presort destination
subject to a single minimum volume,
with no further separation by 5-digit ZIP
Code required. Trays prepared for a 5digit scheme destination that contain
pieces for only one of the schemed 5digit ZIP Codes are still considered 5digit scheme sorted and are labeled
accordingly. When standards require 5digit/scheme sort, mailers must prepare
mstockstill on PROD1PC61 with PROPOSALS2
*
VerDate Aug<31>2005
14:20 Jan 16, 2007
Jkt 211001
all possible 5-digit scheme trays, then
prepare all possible 5-digit trays.
[Revise item f to add a new last
sentence as follows:]
f. A 3-digit scheme sort yields 3-digit
scheme trays for those 3-digit ZIP Code
prefixes listed in L003 and 3-digit trays
for other areas. The 3-digit ZIP Code
prefixes in each scheme are treated as a
single presort destination subject to a
single minimum tray volume, with no
further separation by 3-digit prefix
required. Trays prepared for a 3-digit
scheme destination that contain pieces
for only one of the schemed 3-digit areas
are still considered 3-digit scheme
sorted and are labeled accordingly.
When standards require 3-digit/scheme
sort, mailers must prepare all possible 3digit scheme trays, then prepare all
possible 3-digit trays.
*
*
*
*
*
2.0
Bundles
*
*
2.3
Preparing Bundles
*
*
*
Cards and letter-size pieces are
subject to these bundling standards:
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise item c to delete ‘‘and for
Standard Mail pieces where the mailer
has requested ‘manual only’ processing’’
as follows:]
c. Bundles must be prepared for mail
in all less-than-full trays and for
nonmachinable Presorted Standard
Mail.
[Revise item d to delete the second
sentence as follows:]
d. Except under 245.6.7, separator
cards or tic marks may be used instead
of bundling for letter-size pieces in full
5-digit carrier routes trays of Enhanced
Carrier Route Standard Mail. The cards
must be of paper or card stock, at least
0.25 inch higher than the highest pieces
in the mailing, and in front of the
corresponding groups of mail. The tic
mark must be applied during the
mailpiece production process and be
printed on the top edge of the envelope,
to the left of the center line of the
envelope.
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise heading of 5.0 as follows:]
5.0
Preparing Nonautomation Letters
*
*
5.2
Marking
*
*
*
[Revise 5.2 to delete ‘‘AUTOCR’’ in
the last sentence.]
*
*
*
*
*
[Delete 5.3, Manual Only Option.
Renumber 5.4 and 5.5 as new 5.3 and
5.4.]
PO 00000
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Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4702
5.3
5.3.1
Machinable Preparation
Machinable Bundling
Machinable pieces are not bundled,
except for the following (see 2.3):
*
*
*
*
*
[Delete item b. Renumber item c as
new item b.]
5.3.2 Traying and Labeling
[Replace the first sentence in 5.3.2
with new text and delete items a and b.
Renumber items c through e as new
items a through c and revise as follows:]
Instead of preparing overflow AADC
trays with fewer than 150 pieces,
mailers may include these pieces in
mixed AADC trays. Preparation
sequence, tray size, and labeling:
a. Origin/entry 3-digit/scheme
(optional, no minimum); labeling: * * *
*
*
*
*
*
b. AADC (required); 150-piece
minimum (overflow allowed); labeling:
* * *
*
*
*
*
*
c. Mixed AADC (required); no
minimum; labeling: * * *
*
*
*
*
*
5.4
5.4.1
Nonmachinable Preparation
Nonmachinable Bundling
[Revise renumbered 5.4.1 to delete the
fourth sentence, about manual
processing, as follows:]
Except as provided in 2.5, Exception
to Bundle Preparation—Full SingleSort-Level Trays, bundling is required
before traying. A bundle must be
prepared when the quantity of
addressed pieces for a required presort
level reaches a minimum of 10 pieces.
Smaller volumes are not permitted
except for mixed ADC bundles.
Preparation sequence, bundle size, and
labeling:
*
*
*
*
*
5.4.2
Traying and Labeling
[Delete item c and renumber items d
and e as new items c and d. Revise
introductory text and renumbered items
a through c as follows:]
Overflow trays are not allowed.
Preparation sequence, tray size, and
labeling:
a. 5-digit (required); 150-piece
minimum; labeling: * * *
*
*
*
*
*
b. 3-digit (required); 150-piece
minimum (mailers may prepare 3-digit
origin/entry trays with as few as 10
pieces per tray); labeling: * * *
*
*
*
*
*
c. ADC (required); 150-piece
minimum; labeling: * * *
*
*
*
*
*
E:\FR\FM\17JAP2.SGM
17JAP2
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 10 / Wednesday, January 17, 2007 / Proposed Rules
6.0 Preparing Enhanced Carrier Route
Letters
6.1
Basic Standards
[Revise 6.1 to delete ‘‘(Enhanced
Carrier Route automation rate mailings
must be prepared under 7.0)’’ in the
introductory text as follows:]
All mailings and all pieces in each
mailing at Enhanced Carrier Route
Standard Mail and Nonprofit Enhanced
Carrier Route Standard Mail
nonautomation rates are subject to
specific preparation standards in 6.0
and to these general standards:
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise 6.2 by adding a sentence at
the end to require carrier route
information lines on certain pieces
mailed at ECR rates as follows:]
6.2
Marking
Subject to the marking standards in
202.3.0, Placement and Content of Mail
Markings, and 202.4.0, Endorsement
Placement, Enhanced Carrier Route
Standard Mail pieces must be marked
‘‘Presorted Standard’’ (or ‘‘PRSRT
STD’’), and Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier
Route Standard Mail pieces must be
marked ‘‘Nonprofit Organization’’ (or
‘‘Nonprofit Org.’’ or ‘‘Nonprofit’’). All
pieces also must be marked ‘‘ECRLOT’’
for basic rate, ‘‘ECRWSH’’ for high
density rate, or ‘‘ECRWSS’’ for
saturation rate. Pieces in carrier route
mailings under 6.7 must bear carrier
route information lines under 708.8.0.
*
*
*
*
*
6.4
Carrier Route Bundle Preparation
Prepare carrier route bundles of lettersize mail as follows:
[Revise item a as follows:]
a. Mailers must prepare only carrier
route bundles, except under 6.7. Carrier
route bundles are not permitted in full
carrier route trays, except for card-size
pieces.
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise heading and introductory text
of 6.6 as follows:]
mstockstill on PROD1PC61 with PROPOSALS2
6.6
General Traying and Labeling
For all ECR letters over 3 ounces and
all ECR letters that are not automationcompatible and delivery-point
barcoded, prepare trays according to 6.6.
For ECR automation-compatible letters
that are delivery-point barcoded and
that weigh up to 3 ounces, prepare trays
under 6.7. Preparation sequence, tray
size, and labeling:
*
*
*
*
*
[Renumber 6.7 through 6.9 as new 6.8
through 6.10. Insert new 6.7 as follows:]
VerDate Aug<31>2005
14:20 Jan 16, 2007
Jkt 211001
6.7 Traying and Labeling for
Automation-Compatible ECR Letters
Mailers must make full carrier route
and 5-digit carrier routes trays, when
possible, for automation-compatible,
delivery-point barcoded ECR letters that
weigh up to 3 ounces. Except for cardsize pieces, pieces must not be bundled.
Group pieces together by carrier route in
5-digit and 3-digit carrier routes trays. If
pieces for one carrier route do not result
in a full tray, mailers must combine
pieces from at least two routes to make
full 5-digit carrier routes trays, grouping
pieces together by carrier route. If pieces
for multiple carrier routes do not result
in a full 5-digit tray, mailers must
combine pieces from at least two 5-digit
ZIP Codes to make 3-digit carrier routes
trays, grouping pieces together by
carrier route. If pieces fill more than one
tray but do not fill an additional tray,
mailers must place excess pieces in a
tray at the next sortation level.
Preparation sequence, tray size, and
labeling:
a. Carrier route: required; full trays
only, no overflow.
1. Line 1: city, state, and 5-digit ZIP
Code on mail (see 4.0 for overseas
military mail).
2. Line 2: for saturation, ‘‘STD LTR BC
WSS,’’ followed by route type and
number; for high-density, ‘‘STD LTR BC
WSH,’’ followed by route type and
number; for basic, ‘‘STD LTR BC LOT,’’
followed by route type and number.
b. 5-digit carrier routes: required; full
trays only, no overflow, no bundling.
1. Line 1: city, state, and 5-digit ZIP
Code on mail (see 4.0 for overseas
military mail).
2. Line 2: ‘‘STD LTR 5D CR–RT BC.’’
c. 3-digit carrier routes: required;
bundling required in less-than-full trays.
1. Line 1: city, state, and 3-digit ZIP
Code prefix shown in L002, Column A,
that corresponds to 3-digit ZIP Code
prefix on mail.
2. Line 2: ‘‘STD LTR 3D CR–RT BC.’’
*
*
*
*
*
7.0
Preparing Automation Rate Letters
*
*
*
*
*
7.2 Mailings
[Restructure 7.2 to delete the
introductory text and item b. Make item
a the new text as follows:]
All pieces in a mailing must meet the
standards in 201.1.0, Physical Standards
for Machinable Letters and Cards, and
201.3.0, Physical Standards for
Automation Letters and Cards, and must
be sorted together to the finest extent
required for the rate claimed. The
definitions of a mailing and permissible
combinations are in 1.0, General
Information for Mail Preparation.
PO 00000
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Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4702
7.3
2105
Marking
[Revise 7.3 to delete references to
‘‘AUTOCR’’ as follows:]
All Standard Mail automation rate
pieces must be marked under 202.3.0,
Placement and Content of Mail
Markings. Pieces claimed at an
automation rate must bear the
appropriate class marking and ‘‘AUTO,’’
except as provided in 202.3.0. Pieces
not claimed at an automation rate must
not bear ‘‘AUTO’’ unless First-Class
single-piece rate postage is affixed or a
corrective single-piece rate marking
(‘‘Single-Piece’’ or ‘‘SNGLP’’) is applied.
7.4
General Preparation
[Revise 7.4 to delete carrier route
references as follows:]
Grouping, bundling, and labeling are
not generally required or permitted,
except bundling is required in any
mailing consisting entirely of card-size
pieces and for pieces in overflow and
less-than-full trays, and grouping is
required under 7.5.
[Delete 7.5 and 7.6, about carrier route
trays and pieces. Renumber 7.7 through
7.9 as new 7.5 through 7.7.]
7.5
Tray Preparation
[Revise renumbered 7.5 to add
information about overflow trays as
follows:]
Instead of preparing overflow trays
with fewer than 150 pieces, mailers may
include these pieces in the next tray
level when a tray of 150 or more pieces
can be made. Mailers must note these
trays on standardized documentation
(see 708.1.2). Pieces that are placed in
the next tray level must be grouped by
destination and placed in the front of
that tray. Mailers may use this option
selectively for 3-digit and AADC ZIP
Codes. This option does not apply to
origin/entry 3-digit/scheme trays.
Preparation sequence, tray size, and
Line 1 labeling:
[Delete items a through c, about
carrier routes trays. Renumber items d
through g as new items a through d.
Revise renumbered item a to require 5digit/scheme trays for rate as follows:]
a. 5-digit/scheme (see 1.4e): optional,
but required for 5-digit rate (150-piece
minimum); overflow allowed; for Line
1, label as follows:
1. For 5-digit scheme trays, use
destination shown in the current USPS
City State Product.
2. For 5-digit trays, use city, state, and
5-digit ZIP Code destination on pieces
(see 4.0 for overseas military mail).
[Revise renumbered item b to make
origin 3-digit trays optional as follows:]
b. 3-digit/scheme; required (150-piece
minimum except no minimum for
E:\FR\FM\17JAP2.SGM
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Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 10 / Wednesday, January 17, 2007 / Proposed Rules
optional origin/entry 3-digit/scheme(s));
overflow allowed; for Line 1, use L002,
Column B.
*
*
*
*
*
7.6 Tray Line 2
Line 2: ‘‘STD LTR’’ and:
[Delete items a through c, about
carrier routes. Renumber items d
through i as new items a through f and
revise as follows:]
a. 5-digit scheme: ‘‘BC 5D SCHEME.’’
b. 5-digit: ‘‘5D BC.’’
c. 3-digit scheme: ‘‘BC 3D SCHEME’’
and, if applicable, as shown in L002,
Column B, followed by the letter ‘‘A,’’
‘‘B,’’ or ‘‘C.’’
d. 3-digit: ‘‘3D BC.’’
e. AADC: ‘‘AADC BC.’’
f. Mixed AADC: ‘‘BC WKG.’’
*
*
*
*
*
246
Enter and Deposit
*
*
*
*
*
4.0 Destination Sectional Center
Facility (DSCF) Entry
*
*
*
*
*
4.2 Eligibility
[Revise 4.2 to allow pieces placed in
AADC trays in lieu of in 3-digit trays
under 245.7.5 to be eligible for DSCF
rates as follows:]
Pieces in a mailing that meet the
standards in 2.0 and 4.0 are eligible for
DSCF rates under either of the following
conditions:
a. When deposited at a DSCF (or
USPS-designated facility), addressed for
delivery within that SCF’s service area,
and:
1. Placed in a tray labeled to that
DSCF.
2. Placed in a tray labeled to the
DADC that includes that DSCF under
the preparation option in 245.7.5.
3. Placed in a tray labeled to a postal
facility within that DSCF’s service area.
b. When the pieces are prepared with
simplified addresses under 602.3.2 or
mailers hold a mailing permit at the
entry office and deposit only one
mailing (of fewer than 2,500 pieces) per
day. See 5.2 for additional DSCF rate
eligibility for letters.
*
*
*
*
*
5.0 Destination Delivery Unit (DDU)
Entry
mstockstill on PROD1PC61 with PROPOSALS2
*
*
5.2
Eligibility
*
*
*
[Revise 5.2 to reorganize text and
eliminate the DDU entry discount as
follows:]
Letter-size mailpieces are not eligible
for a destination delivery unit (DDU)
discount. Mailers may deposit letter-size
VerDate Aug<31>2005
14:20 Jan 16, 2007
Jkt 211001
300
Discount Mail: Flats
301
Physical Standards
both ends can bend at least 2 inches
without being damaged.
b. For pieces less than 10 inches long:
1. Place the piece with the length
perpendicular to the edge of a flat
surface and extend the piece one-half of
its length off the surface.
2. Press down on the piece at a point
1 inch from the outer edge, in the center
of the piece’s width, exerting steady
pressure.
3. Turn the piece around and repeat
steps 1 and 2. The piece is flexible if
both ends can bend at least 1 inch
without being damaged.
1.0
Physical Standards for Flats
1.5
pieces that meet the standards in 2.0
and 5.0 at a DDU when:
a. Those pieces are addressed for
delivery within that facility’s service
area (enhanced carrier route only).
b. The pieces are placed in properly
prepared and labeled carrier route trays
or 5-digit carrier routes trays, or on
pallets under 705.8.0.
c. The pieces are eligible for and
claimed at a carrier route rate.
*
*
*
*
*
1.1 General Definition of Flat-Size
Mail
Flat-size mail other than that in 3.0,
Physical Standards for Automation
Flats, is:
*
*
*
*
*
[Add an exception for Periodicals
mail in item b as follows:]
b. Not more than 15 inches long, or
more than 12 inches high, or greater
than 3/4 inch thick, except for
Periodicals mail under 707.25.3.
[Replace items c and d with new
items c and d as follows:]
c. Rectangular.
d. Other size or weight standards may
apply to mail claimed at certain rates,
mail addressed to certain APOs and
FPOs, and mail sent by the Department
of State to U.S. government personnel
abroad.
[Revise 1.2 to change the
determination of the length of flats as
follows:]
1.2. Length and Height of Flats
The length of a flat-size mailpiece is
the longest dimension. The height is the
dimension perpendicular to the length.
[Insert new 1.3 through 1.6 as
follows:]
1.3 Shape
Each flat-size piece must be
rectangular. See 2.0 for additional
standards by class of mail.
1.4 Minimum Flexibility Criteria for
Rigid Pieces
Flat-size pieces must be flexible. Test
flexibility as follows:
a. For pieces 10 inches or longer:
1. Place the piece with the length
perpendicular to the edge of a flat
surface and extend the piece 5 inches
off the surface.
2. Press down on the piece at a point
1 inch from the outer edge, in the center
of the piece’s width, exerting steady
pressure.
3. Turn the piece around and repeat
steps 1 and 2. The piece is flexible if
PO 00000
Frm 00018
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4702
Uniform Thickness
Flat-size mailpieces must be
uniformly thick so that any bumps,
protrusions, or other irregularities do
not cause more than 1⁄4-inch variance in
thickness. (Do not consider the selvage
when measuring variance in thickness.)
If the contents are significantly smaller
than the envelope, wrapper, or sleeve,
mailers must secure those contents to
prevent shifting of more than 2 inches
within the mailpiece.
1.6 Flat-Size Pieces Not Eligible for
Flat-Size Rates
Mailpieces that do not meet the
standards in 1.3 through 1.5 are not
eligible for flat-size rates and must pay
applicable rates as follows:
a. First-Class Mail—parcel rates.
b. Standard Mail—Not FlatMachinable or parcel rates.
c. Bound Printed Matter—parcel rates.
[Revise the heading of 2.0 to delete
‘‘Presorted.’’]
2.0 Physical Standards for
Nonautomation Flats
2.1
First-Class Mail
[Revise 2.1 as follows:]
These additional standards apply to
First-Class Mail flat-size pieces:
a. First-Class Mail cannot exceed 13
ounces. First-Class Mail weighing more
than 13 ounces is Priority Mail.
b. Flat-size pieces that do not meet the
standards in 1.3 through 1.5 must be
prepared as parcels and pay the
applicable parcel rate.
2.2
2.2.1
Standard Mail
Basic Physical Standards
[Revise the introductory text as
follows:]
These additional standards apply to
Standard Mail flat-size pieces:
*
*
*
*
*
[Delete item b. Insert new item b as
follows:]
b. Flat-size pieces that do not meet the
standards in 1.3 through 1.5 must be
prepared as parcels or Not Flat-
E:\FR\FM\17JAP2.SGM
17JAP2
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 10 / Wednesday, January 17, 2007 / Proposed Rules
Machinable pieces and pay the parcel or
Not Flat-Machinable rates (see 401).
[Delete Exhibit 2.2.1b, Maximum
Dimensions for Standard Mail Flats.]
*
*
*
*
*
2.3
Bound Printed Matter
2.3.1 General Standards
[Delete item c. Renumber items a and
b as new items b and c. Revise the
introductory text and insert new item a
as follows:]
These additional standards apply to
Bound Printed Matter:
a. Flat-size pieces that do not meet the
standards in 1.3 through 1.5 must be
prepared as parcels and pay the
applicable parcel rate.
*
*
*
*
*
2.4
Media Mail
2.4.1 General Standards
[Delete item c. Renumber items a and
b as new items b and c. Revise the
introductory text and insert new item a
as follows:]
These additional standards apply to
Media Mail:
a. Flat-size pieces that do not meet the
standards in 1.3 through 1.5 must be
prepared as parcels.
*
*
*
*
*
2.5
Library Mail
2.5.1 General Standards
These additional standards apply to
Library Mail:
[Delete item c. Renumber items a and
b as new items b and c. Revise the
introductory text and insert new item a
as follows:]
a. Flat-size pieces that do not meet the
standards in 1.3 through 1.5 must be
prepared as parcels.
*
*
*
*
*
mstockstill on PROD1PC61 with PROPOSALS2
3.0 Physical Standards for
Automation Flats
3.1 Basic Standards for Automation
Flats
[Revise 3.1 as follows:]
Flat-size pieces claimed at automation
rates must meet the standards in 3.0 and
the eligibility standards for the class of
mail and rate claimed. Pieces prepared
with polywrap film must meet the
standards in 3.4.
[Delete 3.2]
[Renumber 3.3. through 3.8 as new 3.2
through 3.7]
[Revise heading of new 3.2 as
follows:]
3.2 Additional Criteria for Automation
Flats
[Revise the heading and text of 3.2.1
as follows:]
VerDate Aug<31>2005
14:20 Jan 16, 2007
Jkt 211001
3.2.1 Address Placement on Folded
Pieces
Mailers must design folded pieces so
that the address is in view when the
final folded edge is at the bottom of the
piece and any intermediate bound or
folded edge is to the right.
3.2.2
Shape and Size
[Revise 3.2.2 to specify the minimum
and maximum dimensions as follows:]
Each flat-size piece must be
rectangular. The following minimum
and maximum dimensions apply to
First-Class Mail, Standard Mail,
Periodicals (except under 707.25.3), and
Bound Printed Matter pieces:
1. Minimum height is 5 inches.
Maximum height is 12 inches.
2. Minimum length is 6 inches.
Maximum length is 15 inches.
3. Minimum thickness is 0.009 inch.
Maximum thickness is 0.75 inch.
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise heading and text of 3.2.4, and
delete Exhibit 3.2.4a, to add new
standards for deflection as follows:]
3.2.4 Maximum Deflection (‘‘Droop’’)
Criteria for Flimsy Pieces
An automation flat-size mailpiece
must be flexible (see 1.4) and must meet
maximum deflection standards. Test
deflection as follows:
a. For pieces 10 inches or longer:
1. Place the piece with the length
perpendicular to the edge of a flat
surface and extend the piece 5 inches
off the surface. Turn the piece around
and repeat the process.
2. The piece is automation-compatible
if it does not droop more than 4 inches.
b. For pieces less than 10 inches long:
1. Place the piece with the length
perpendicular to the edge of a flat
surface and extend the piece one-half of
its length off the surface. Turn the piece
around and repeat the process.
2. The piece is automation-compatible
if it does not droop more than 1 inch
less than the extended length. For
example, a piece 8 inches long would
extend 4 inches off a flat surface. It must
not droop down more than 3 inches.
*
*
*
*
*
[Delete 3.4 to remove the standards
for UFSM 1000 flats. Renumber 3.5
through 3.9 as new 3.4 through 3.8.]
3.4
Polywrap Coverings
[Revise heading and text of
renumbered 3.4.1 as follows:]
3.4.1 Polywrap Films and Similar
Coverings
When mailers use polywrap film or
similar material to enclose flat-size
mailpieces claimed at automation rates,
PO 00000
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Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4702
2107
the material must meet the standards in
3.4. Film approved for use under 3.4.5
must meet the specifications in Exhibit
3.4.1 as follows:
a. Films or similar coverings must
meet all eight properties in Exhibit
3.4.1.
b. If the address label is affixed to the
outside of the polywrap, the haze
property (property 2) does not apply.
*
*
*
*
*
3.4.2 Wrap Direction and Seam
Placement
Wrap direction, seam direction, and
seam placement must follow these
standards:
[Revise item a and the first sentence
in item b as follows:]
a. The wrap direction must be around
the longer axis of the mailpiece, with
the seam parallel to that axis. The longer
axis is always parallel to the length of
the mailpiece.
b. The preferred seam placement is on
the nonaddressed side of the mailpiece.
If the seam is placed on the addressed
side, the seam must not cover any part
of the delivery address and barcode,
postage area, or any required markings
or endorsements. Regardless of seam
placement, the polywrap over the
address area must be a smooth surface
to avoid interference with address and
barcode readability.
3.4.3
Overhang
[Revise 3.4.3 to delete item b and
restructure the text as follows:]
For purposes of the polywrap
standards for overhang (selvage) only,
the top edge of the mailpiece is one of
the two physically longer edges of the
piece, regardless of address orientation
and whether bound or unbound. Any
polywrap overhang (selvage) around the
four edges of the mailpiece (top, bottom,
and left and right sides) must meet these
standards:
a. When the mailpiece contents are
totally positioned at the bottom of the
polywrap, the overhang must not be
more than 0.5 inch at the top of the
mailpiece.
b. When the mailpiece contents are
totally positioned to the left or to the
right side of the polywrap, the overhang
must not be more than 1.5 inches on the
opposite side.
c. The polywrap covering must not be
so tight that it bends the mailpiece.
[Delete 3.4.4. Renumber 3.4.5 as
3.4.4.]
*
*
*
*
*
E:\FR\FM\17JAP2.SGM
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3.7
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 10 / Wednesday, January 17, 2007 / Proposed Rules
Uniformity and Exterior Format
3.7.1 General
[Revise renumbered 3.7.1 to add a
reference to 1.5 in the first sentence as
follows:]
A flat-size mailpiece prepared and
claimed at automation rates must be
uniformly thick (see 1.5). Each flat-size
mailpiece must have a smooth and
regular shape and be free of creases,
folds, tears, or other irregularities not
compatible with automation equipment.
The exterior surface must not have
protuberances caused by prohibited
closures; attachments (except as
provided below); irregularly shaped or
distributed contents; or untrimmed
excess material from the envelope,
wrapper, or sleeve.
*
*
*
*
*
[Delete renumbered 3.7.3 (this
information was relocated to 1.5).
Renumber 3.7.4 as new 3.7.3.]
*
*
*
*
*
302 Elements on the Face of a
Mailpiece
*
*
*
*
*
*
4.2
Applying One Barcode
*
*
*
[Revise 4.2 to delete the second
sentence, about UFSM 1000 mailpieces,
as follows:]
On any flat-size mailpiece claimed at
an automation rate, the barcode may be
anywhere on the address side as long as
it is at least 1⁄8 inch from any edge of
the piece. The portion of the surface of
the piece on which the barcode is
printed must meet the barcode
dimensions and spacing requirements in
708.4.2.5, and the reflectance standards
in 708.4.4. Address block barcodes are
subject to the standards in 4.6a. through
4.6e.
*
*
*
*
*
330
Discount Flats: First-Class Mail
2.1.1 Placement
Mailpieces must be marked under the
corresponding standards to show the
class of service and/or rate paid:
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise items b and b3 as follows:]
b. Other Markings. Mailers may place
rate-specific markings as follows:
*
*
*
*
*
3. If preceded by two asterisks (**),
the ‘‘AUTO,’’ ‘‘PRESORTED’’ (or
‘‘PRSRT’’), ‘‘CUSTOMIZED
MARKETMAIL’’ (or ‘‘CUST MKTMAIL’’
or ‘‘CMM’’), or ‘‘Single-Piece’’ (or
‘‘SNGLP’’) markings also may be placed
on the line directly above or two lines
above the address in a mailer keyline or
a manifest keyline, or it may be placed
above the address and below the postage
in an MLOCR ink-jet printed date
correction/meter drop shipment line.
*
*
*
*
*
2.1.2 Exceptions to Markings
Exceptions are as follows:
*
*
*
*
*
[Delete ‘‘AUTOCR’’ in item b as
follows:]
b. Manifest Mailings. The basic
marking must appear in the postage area
on each piece. The two-letter rate
category code required in the keyline on
manifest mailing pieces prepared under
Jkt 211001
Rates and Eligibility
Rates and Fees for First-Class Mail
1.1
2.1 First-Class Mail and Standard Mail
Markings
mstockstill on PROD1PC61 with PROPOSALS2
Barcode Placement
1.0
*
14:20 Jan 16, 2007
4.0
333
2.0 Placement and Content of Mail
Markings
VerDate Aug<31>2005
705.2.0 meets the requirement for other
rate markings.
*
*
*
*
*
Rate Application
[Revise 1.1 as follows:]
Postage is based on the flat-size rate
that applies to the weight of each
addressed piece.
*
*
*
*
*
4.0 Additional Eligibility Standards
for Nonautomation First-Class Mail
Flats
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise the heading and text of 4.3 as
follows:]
4.3
Nonmachinable Flat-Size Pieces
Flat-size pieces that do not meet the
standards in 301.1.3 through 301.1.5
must be prepared as parcels and pay the
applicable parcel rate.
5.0 Additional Eligibility Standards
for Automation Rate First-Class Mail
Flats
*
*
*
*
*
[Delete 5.2 and renumber 5.3 through
5.6 as new 5.2 through 5.5.]
340
Discount Flats: Standard Mail
343
Rates and Eligibility
*
*
*
*
*
3.0 Basic Standards for Standard Mail
Flats
*
*
*
*
*
3.2
Defining Characteristics
[Revise heading and text of 3.2.1 as
follows:]
PO 00000
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Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4702
3.2.1 Weight, Shape, Flexibility, and
Uniform Thickness
All Standard Mail pieces must weigh
less than 16 ounces. Flat-size pieces that
do not meet the standards in 301.1.3
through 301.1.5 must be prepared as
parcels or Not Flat-Machinable pieces
and pay parcel or Not Flat-Machinable
rates (see 401).
*
*
*
*
*
4.0
Rate Eligibility for Standard Mail
*
*
*
*
*
4.2 Minimum Per Piece Rates
The minimum per piece rates (the
minimum postage that must be paid for
each piece) apply as follows:
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise introductory text in item b
and item b1 as follows:]
b. In applying the minimum per piece
rates, a mailpiece is categorized as a
letter based on whether the piece meets
the letter-size standard in 201.1.0,
without regard to placement of the
address on the piece, except under these
conditions:
1. If the piece meets both the
definition of a letter in 201.1.1.1 and the
definition of an automation flat in
301.3.0, the piece may be prepared and
entered at an automation flat rate.
[Revise item b2 to change the rates for
Customized MarketMail to the NFM
rates as follows:]
2. Pieces mailed as Customized
MarketMail under 705.1.0 must pay
Regular or Nonprofit Standard Mail 5digit nonentry rates for Not FlatMachinable pieces and must not exceed
3.3 ounces.
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise heading and text of 4.4 as
follows:]
4.4 Shape, Flexibility, and Uniform
Thickness
Flat-size pieces that do not meet the
standards in 301.1.3 through 301.1.5
must be prepared as parcels or Not FlatMachinable pieces and pay parcel or
Not Flat-Machinable rates (see 401).
[Revise heading of 5.0 as follows:]
5.0 Additional Eligibility Standards
for Nonautomation Standard Mail Flats
*
*
*
*
*
[Replace 5.3 and 5.4 with new 5.3
through 5.6 as follows:]
5.3 5-Digit Rates for Flats
The 5-digit rate applies to flat-size
pieces:
a. In a 5-digit/scheme bundle of 10 or
more pieces, or 15 or more pieces, as
applicable; properly placed in a 5-digit/
scheme sack containing at least 125
pieces or 15 pounds of pieces.
E:\FR\FM\17JAP2.SGM
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Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 10 / Wednesday, January 17, 2007 / Proposed Rules
b. When palletized under 705.8.0 and
705.10.0 through 705.13.0, in a 5-digit/
scheme bundle of 10 or more pieces, or
15 or more pieces, as applicable.
c. In a 5-digit bundle of 10 or more
pieces, or 15 or more pieces, as
applicable; properly placed in a merged
5-digit/scheme or 5-digit sack under
705.10.0.
5.4
3-Digit Rates for Flats
The 3-digit rate applies to flat-size
pieces:
a. In a 5-digit/scheme bundle of 10 or
more pieces, or 15 or more pieces, as
applicable, or in a 3-digit/scheme
bundle of 10 or more pieces; properly
placed in a 3-digit sack of at least 125
pieces or 15 pounds of pieces.
b. When palletized under 705.8.0 and
705.10.0 through 705.13.0, in a 3-digit/
scheme bundle of 10 or more pieces.
5.5
ADC Rates for Flats
ADC rates apply to flat-size pieces:
a. In a 5-digit/scheme, 3-digit/scheme,
or ADC bundle of 10 or more pieces
properly placed in an ADC sack of at
least 125 pieces or 15 pounds of pieces.
b. In an optional 3-digit/scheme
origin/entry sack.
c. When palletized under 705.8.0 and
705.10 through 705.13, in an ADC
bundle of 10 or more pieces; properly
placed on an ADC pallet.
5.6
Mixed ADC Rates for Flats
Mixed ADC rates apply to flat-size
pieces in bundles that do not qualify for
5-digit, 3-digit, or ADC rates; placed in
mixed ADC sacks or on ASF, BMC, or
mixed BMC pallets under 705.8.0.
*
*
*
*
*
7.0 Additional Eligibility Standards
for Automation Rate Standard Mail
Flats
*
7.2
mstockstill on PROD1PC61 with PROPOSALS2
*
*
*
*
Rate Application
[Revise 7.2 as follows:]
Automation rates apply to each piece
properly sorted into qualifying groups:
a. The 5-digit rate applies to flat-size
pieces in a 5-digit/scheme bundle of 10
or more pieces, or 15 or more pieces, as
applicable.
b. The 3-digit rate applies to flat-size
pieces in a 3-digit/scheme bundle of 10
or more pieces.
c. The ADC rate applies to flat-size
pieces in an ADC bundle of 10 or more
pieces.
d. The mixed ADC rate applies to flatsize pieces in mixed ADC bundles (no
minimum).
*
*
*
*
*
VerDate Aug<31>2005
14:20 Jan 16, 2007
Jkt 211001
345
Mail Preparation
1.0 General Information for Mail
Preparation
*
*
*
*
*
1.3 Terms for Presort Levels
Terms used for presort levels are
defined as follows:
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise items c and k as follows:]
c. 5-digit scheme (bundles and sacks)
for flats meeting the automationcompatibility standards in 301.3.0: the
ZIP Code in the delivery address on all
pieces is one of the 5-digit ZIP Code
areas processed by the USPS as a single
scheme, as shown in L007.
*
*
*
*
*
k. 3-digit scheme bundles for flats
meeting the automation-compatibility
standards in 301.3.0: the ZIP Code in
the delivery address begins with one of
the 3-digit prefixes processed by the
USPS as a single scheme, as shown in
L008.
*
*
*
*
*
1.4 Preparation Definitions and
Instructions
For purposes of preparing mail:
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise item f as follows:]
f. A 5-digit scheme sort for flats
meeting the automation-compatibility
standards in 301.3.0 yields 5-digit
scheme bundles for those 5-digit ZIP
Codes identified in L007 and 5-digit
bundles for other ZIP Codes. When
standards require 5-digit/scheme sort,
mailers must prepare all possible 5-digit
scheme bundles and sacks of flats, then
prepare all possible 5-digit bundles and
sacks. The 5-digit ZIP Codes in each
scheme are treated as a single presort
destination subject to a single minimum
volume, with no further separation
required. Bundles prepared for a 5-digit
scheme destination that contain pieces
for only one of the schemed 5-digit ZIP
Codes are still considered 5-digit
scheme sorted and are labeled
accordingly. Label mailpieces using an
optional endorsement line (OEL) under
708.7.0. Place bundles in appropriate
containers using the OEL ‘‘label to’’ 5digit ZIP Code.
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise item h by replacing
‘‘Presorted’’ with ‘‘nonautomation’’ in
the first sentence.]
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise item n as follows:]
n. A 3-digit scheme sort for flats
meeting the automation-compatibility
standards in 301.3.0 yields 3-digit
scheme bundles for those 3-digit ZIP
Codes identified in L008. When
PO 00000
Frm 00021
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4702
2109
standards require 3-digit/scheme sort,
mailers must prepare all possible 3-digit
scheme bundles of flats, then prepare all
possible 3-digit bundles. The 3-digit ZIP
Codes in each scheme are treated as a
single presort destination subject to a
single minimum volume, with no
further separation by 3-digit ZIP Code
required. Bundles prepared for a 3-digit
scheme destination that contain pieces
for only one of the schemed 3-digit ZIP
Codes are still considered 3-digit
scheme sorted and are labeled
accordingly. Label mailpieces using an
OEL under 708.7.0. Place 3-digit scheme
bundles in 3-digit through mixed ADC
containers, as applicable, using the OEL
‘‘label to’’ 3-digit ZIP Code.
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise 5.0 to change ‘‘presorted’’ flats
to ‘‘nonautomation’’ flats throughout.]
5.0
Preparing Nonautomation Flats
5.1 Basic Standards
All mailings and all pieces in each
mailing at Regular Standard Mail and
Nonprofit Standard Mail nonautomation
rates are subject to specific preparation
standards in 5.2 through 5.9 and to
these general standards (automation rate
mailings must be prepared under 7.0):
[Revise item a as follows:]
a. All pieces must be in the flat-size
processing category.
[Revise item b to delete ‘‘AUTOCR.’’]
*
*
*
*
*
5.3 Bundling and Labeling
[Add a new first sentence to 5.3 and
revise items a and b as follows:]
Mailings consisting entirely of pieces
meeting the automation-compatibility
criteria in 301.3.0 must be prepared in
5-digit scheme bundles for those 5-digit
ZIP Codes identified in L007 and in 3digit scheme bundles for those 3-digit
ZIP Codes identified in L008.
Preparation sequence, bundle size, and
labeling: a. 5-digit/scheme (required),
see definition in 1.4f:
1. For mailings containing only pieces
weighing 5 ounces (0.3125 pound) or
less: 15-piece minimum; red Label 5 or
OEL.
2. For mailings containing any pieces
weighing more than 5 ounces (0.3125
pound): 10-piece minimum; red Label 5
or OEL.
b. 3-digit/scheme (required), see
definition in 1.4n; 10-piece minimum;
green Label 3 or OEL.
*
*
*
*
*
5.7 Sacking and Labeling
Preparation sequence, sack size, and
labeling:
[Revise item a as follows:]
a. 5-digit/scheme (required); scheme
sort required, only for pieces meeting
E:\FR\FM\17JAP2.SGM
17JAP2
2110
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 10 / Wednesday, January 17, 2007 / Proposed Rules
the automation-compatibility criteria in
301.3.0, see definition in 1.4f; 125-piece
or 15-pound minimum; labeling:
1. Line 1: For 5-digit scheme sacks use
L007, Column B. For 5-digit sacks, use
city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code
destination on pieces. (See 4.2 for
overseas military mail).
2. Line 2: For 5-digit scheme sacks,
‘‘STD FLT 5D SCH NON BC.’’ For 5digit sacks, ‘‘STD FLTS 5D NON BC.’’
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise item c as follows:]
c. Origin/entry 3-digits(s) (optional);
one-bundle minimum; labeling:
1. Line 1: L002, Column A.
2. Line 2: ‘‘STD FLTS 3D NON BC.’’
*
*
*
*
*
7.0
Preparing Automation Rate Flats
*
*
*
*
*
[Delete 7.4. Renumber 7.5 through 7.9
as new 7.4 through 7.8.]
7.4
7.4.1
Standard Mail Bundle Preparation
Bundling and Labeling
Preparation sequence, bundle size,
and labeling:
[Revise item a to require 5-digit/
scheme preparation as follows:]
a. 5-digit/scheme (required); see
definition in 1.4f:
1. For mailings containing only pieces
weighing 5 ounces (0.3125 pound) or
less: 15-piece minimum; OEL required.
2. For mailings containing any pieces
weighing more than 5 ounces (0.3125
pound): 10-piece minimum; OEL
required.
[Delete item b. Renumber item c as
new item b and revise to require 3-digit/
scheme preparation as follows:]
b. 3-digit/scheme (required); see
definition in 1.4n; 10-piece minimum;
OEL required.
[Delete item d. Renumber items e and
f as new items c and d.]
*
*
*
*
*
[Delete renumbered 7.4.2. Renumber
7.4.3 and 7.4.4 as new 7.4.2 and 7.4.3.]
mstockstill on PROD1PC61 with PROPOSALS2
7.4.3
Sacking and Labeling
Preparation sequence, sack size, and
labeling:
[Revise item a as follows:]
a. 5-digit/scheme (required); see
definition in 1.4f; 125-piece or 15pound minimum, labeling:
1. Line 1: For 5-digit scheme sacks use
L007, Column B. For 5-digit sacks use
city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code on mail
(see 4.2 for overseas military mail).
2. Line 2: For 5-digit scheme sacks,
‘‘STD FLTS 5D SCH BC.’’ For 5-digit
sacks, ‘‘STD FLTS 5D BC.’’
[Delete item b. Renumber items c
though f as new items b through e.]
*
*
*
*
*
VerDate Aug<31>2005
14:20 Jan 16, 2007
Jkt 211001
[Delete 7.6. Renumber 7.7 through 7.9
as new 7.6 through 7.8. Revise
renumbered 7.6 through 7.8 by
replacing ‘‘presorted’’ with
‘‘nonautomation’’ throughout.]
*
*
*
*
*
7.7 Exception—Automation and
Nonautomation Pieces on Pallets
[Replace ‘‘nonletter’’ with ‘‘flat-size’’
throughout renumbered 7.7.]
*
*
*
*
*
360 Discount Flats: Bound Printed
Matter
[Incorporate the standards for Bound
Printed Matter in 160 into 360. Make
revisions throughout to change singlepiece Bound Printed Matter to
‘‘nonpresorted’’ Bound Printed Matter
and make the following additional
changes:]
363
Rates and Eligibility
1.0 Rates and Fees for Bound Printed
Matter
*
*
*
*
*
[Renumber 1.3 through 1.5 as new 1.4
through 1.6. Insert new 1.3 as follows:]
1.3 Nonpresorted Bound Printed
Matter Rates
Flat-size pieces that do not meet the
standards in 301.1.3 through 301.1.5
must pay the applicable parcel rate
based on weight and zone.
[Revise the heading of renumbered 1.4
as follows:]
1.4 Discount Bound Printed Matter
Rates
*
*
*
*
*
[Insert new 1.4.3 as follows:]
1.4.3
Shape, Flexibility, and Thickness
Flat-size pieces that do not meet the
standards in 301.1.3 through 301.1.5
must be prepared as parcels and pay the
applicable parcel rate based on weight
and zone.
*
*
*
*
*
365
Mail Preparation
1.0 General Information for Mail
Preparation
*
*
*
*
*
1.3
Terms for Presort Levels
Terms used for presort levels are
defined as follows:
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise items c and h as follows:]
c. 5-digit scheme (bundles and sacks)
for flats meeting the automationcompatibility standards in 301.3.0: the
ZIP Code in the delivery address on all
pieces is one of the 5-digit ZIP Code
PO 00000
Frm 00022
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4702
areas processed by the USPS as a single
scheme, as shown in L007.
*
*
*
*
*
h. 3-digit scheme bundles for flats
meeting the automation-compatibility
standards in 301.3.0: the ZIP Code in
the delivery address begins with one of
the 3-digit prefixes processed by the
USPS as a single scheme, as shown in
L008.
*
*
*
*
*
1.4 Preparation Definitions and
Instructions
For purposes of preparing mail:
*
*
*
*
[Revise item c for 5-digit scheme sort
as follows:]
c. A 5-digit scheme sort for flats
meeting the automation-compatibility
standards in 301.3.0 yields 5-digit
scheme bundles for those 5-digit ZIP
Codes identified in L007 and 5-digit
bundles for other ZIP Codes. When
standards require 5-digit/scheme sort,
mailers must prepare all possible 5-digit
scheme bundles and sacks of flats before
preparing 5-digit bundles and sacks.
The 5-digit ZIP Codes in each scheme
are treated as a single presort
destination subject to a single minimum
volume, with no further separation
required. Bundles prepared for a 5-digit
scheme destination that contain pieces
for only one of the schemed 5-digit ZIP
Codes are still considered 5-digit
scheme sorted and are labeled
accordingly. Label mailpieces using an
OEL under 708.7.0. Place bundles in
appropriate containers using the OEL
‘‘label to’’ 5-digit ZIP Code.
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise item g for 3-digit scheme sort
as follows:]
g. A 3-digit scheme sort for flats
meeting the automation-compatibility
standards in 301.3.0 yields 3-digit
scheme bundles for those 3-digit ZIP
Codes identified in L008. When
standards require 3-digit/scheme sort,
mailers must prepare all possible 3-digit
scheme bundles of flats before preparing
3-digit bundles. The 3-digit ZIP Codes
in each scheme are treated as a single
presort destination subject to a single
minimum volume, with no further
separation by 3-digit ZIP Code required.
Bundles prepared for a 3-digit scheme
destination that contain pieces for only
one of the schemed 3-digit ZIP Codes
are still considered 3-digit scheme
sorted and are labeled accordingly.
Mailpieces must be labeled using an
OEL under 708.7.0. Three-digit scheme
bundles are placed in 3-digit through
mixed ADC containers, as applicable,
*
E:\FR\FM\17JAP2.SGM
17JAP2
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 10 / Wednesday, January 17, 2007 / Proposed Rules
using the OEL ‘‘label to’’ 3-digit ZIP
Code.
*
*
*
*
*
5.0
Preparing Presorted Flats
*
*
5.2
Bundling
*
*
b. 3-digit/scheme (required); see
definition in 1.4g; minimum 10 pieces
or 10 pounds, maximum weight 20
pounds; OEL required.
*
*
*
*
*
5.2.2
*
*
*
*
*
7.3.3
*
Bundling and Labeling
[Add a new first sentence to 5.2.2 as
follows:]
For mailings consisting entirely of
pieces meeting the automationcompatibility criteria in 301.3.0, pieces
must be prepared in 5-digit scheme
bundles for those 5-digit ZIP Codes
identified in L007 and in 3-digit scheme
bundles for those 3-digit ZIP Codes
identified in L008. Preparation sequence
and labeling:
[Revise item a to require 5-digit
schemes as follows:]
a. 5-digit/scheme (required); red Label
5 or OEL. See definition in 1.4e.
[Revise item b to require 3-digit
schemes as follows:]
b. 3-digit/scheme (required); green
Label 3 or OEL. See definition in 1.4g.
5.3
Sacking
*
*
5.3.5
*
*
7.0
Preparing Barcoded Flats
*
*
7.3
Bundling
*
*
mstockstill on PROD1PC61 with PROPOSALS2
7.3.2
*
*
*
*
Bundle Preparation
Bundles must be prepared and labeled
in the following sequence:
[Delete items b and d. Renumber item
c as item b and items e and f as items
c and d. Revise item a and new item b
to make 5-digit and 3-digit schemes
required as follows:]
a. 5-digit/scheme: (required); see
definition in 1.4e; minimum 10 pieces
or 10 pounds, maximum weight 20
pounds; OEL required.
VerDate Aug<31>2005
14:20 Jan 16, 2007
Sacking
7.4.1
Sack Preparation and Labeling
Preparation sequence, sack size, and
labeling:
[Revise item a as follows:]
a. 5-digit/scheme (see 1.4e) (required),
minimum 20 addressed pieces; labeling:
1. Line 1: For 5-digit scheme sacks,
use L007, Column B. For 5-digit sacks,
use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code on
mail (see 4.2 for overseas military mail).
2. Line 2: For 5-digit scheme sacks,
‘‘PSVC FLTS 5D SCH BC.’’ For 5-digit
sacks, ‘‘PSVC FLTS 5D BC.’’
[Delete item b and renumber items c
through f as new items b through e.]
*
*
*
*
*
Jkt 211001
Enter and Deposit
1.0
Sacking and Labeling
*
7.4
366
*
Preparation sequence and labeling:
[Revise item a as follows:]
a. 5-digit/scheme (required); see 1.4e;
scheme sort required, only for pieces
meeting the automation-compatibility
criteria in 301.3.0; minimum 20
addressed pieces; labeling:
1. Line 1: For 5-digit scheme sacks,
use L007, Column B. For 5-digit sacks,
use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code on
mail (see 4.5 for overseas military mail).
2. Line 2: For 5-digit scheme sacks,
‘‘PSVC FLT 5D SCH NBC.’’ For 5-digit
sacks, ‘‘PSVC FLTS 5D NON BC.’’
*
*
*
*
*
*
Scheme Bundle Preparation
[Revise 7.3.3 as follows:]
See 1.4c and 1.4g for additional
standards for pieces prepared in scheme
bundles.
Presenting a Mailing
[Revise the heading of 1.1 as follows:]
1.1 Verification and Entry—Presorted,
Carrier Route, Destination Entry, and
Barcoded Mailings
*
*
*
*
*
[Renumber 1.2 through 1.5 as new 1.3
through 1.6. Insert new 1.2 as follows:]
1.2 Verification and Entry—
Nonpresorted Mailings
Nonpresorted rate Bound Printed
Matter is not offered at post offices,
branches, or stations or through Postal
Service carriers, except under 1.2c and
1.2d. Mailers must deposit
Nonpresorted Bound Printed Matter as
follows:
a. At the time and place specified by
the postmaster at the office of mailing.
b. For metered mail, at other than the
licensing post office only as permitted
under 705.18.0, Metered Mail Drop
Shipment.
c. For permit imprint mail, only at the
post office where the permit is held (see
604.5.0).
d. At any post office, branch, or
station or with a Postal Service carrier,
if the correct postage is applied,
including postage for any extra service
elected.
*
*
*
*
*
PO 00000
Frm 00023
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4702
370
2111
Discount Flats: Media Mail
373
Rates and Eligibility
1.0
Rates and Fees for Media Mail
*
*
*
*
*
[Renumber 1.3 through 1.5 as new 1.4
through 1.6. Insert new 1.3 as follows:]
1.3
Shape, Flexibility, and Thickness
Flat-size pieces that do not meet the
standards in 301.1.3 through 301.1.5
must be prepared as parcels.
*
*
*
*
*
375
Mail Preparation
1.0 General Information for Mail
Preparation
*
*
*
*
*
1.3
Terms for Presort Levels
Terms used for presort levels are
defined as follows:
*
*
*
*
*
[Renumber item b as new item c.
Insert new item b for 5-digit scheme sort
as follows:]
b. 5-digit scheme (bundles and sacks)
for flats meeting the automationcompatibility standards in 301.3.0: the
ZIP Code in the delivery address on all
pieces begins with one of the 5-digit ZIP
Code ranges processed by the USPS as
a single scheme, as shown in L007.
*
*
*
*
*
[Renumber items d and f as new items
e and g. Insert new item d for 3-digit
scheme sort as follows:]
d. 3-digit scheme bundles for flats
meeting the automation-compatibility
standards in 301.3.0: the ZIP Code in
the delivery address on all pieces begins
with one of the 3-digit ZIP Code ranges
processed by the USPS as a single
scheme, as shown in L008.
*
*
*
*
*
1.4 Preparation Definitions and
Instructions
For purposes of preparing mail:
*
*
*
*
[Renumber items c through f as new
items e through h. Insert new items c
and d for 5-digit and 3-digit scheme
sorts as follows:]
c. A 5-digit scheme sort for flats
meeting the automation-compatibility
standards in 301.3.0 yields 5-digit
scheme bundles for those 5-digit ZIP
Codes identified in L007 and 5-digit
bundles for other ZIP Codes. When
standards require 5-digit/scheme sort,
mailers must prepare all possible 5-digit
scheme bundles and sacks of flats before
preparing 5-digit bundles and sacks.
The 5-digit ZIP Codes in each scheme
are treated as a single presort
destination subject to a single minimum
*
E:\FR\FM\17JAP2.SGM
17JAP2
2112
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 10 / Wednesday, January 17, 2007 / Proposed Rules
volume, with no further separation
required. Bundles prepared for a 5-digit
scheme destination that contain pieces
for only one of the schemed 5-digit ZIP
Codes are still considered 5-digit
scheme sorted and are labeled
accordingly. Label mailpieces using an
OEL under 708.7.0. Place bundles in
appropriate containers using the OEL
‘‘label to’’ 5-digit ZIP Code.
d. A 3-digit scheme sort for flats
meeting the automation-compatibility
standards in 301.3.0 yields 3-digit
scheme bundles for those 3-digit ZIP
Codes identified in L008. When
standards require 3-digit/scheme sort,
mailers must prepare all possible 3-digit
scheme bundles of flats before preparing
3-digit bundles. The 3-digit ZIP Codes
in each scheme are treated as a single
presort destination subject to a single
minimum volume, with no further
separation by 3-digit ZIP Code required.
Bundles prepared for a 3-digit scheme
destination that contain pieces for only
one of the schemed 3-digit ZIP Codes
are still considered 3-digit scheme
sorted and are labeled accordingly.
Mailpieces must be labeled using an
OEL under 708.7.0. Place 3-digit scheme
bundles in 3-digit through mixed ADC
containers, as applicable, using the OEL
‘‘label to’’ 3-digit ZIP Code.
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise heading of 5.0 as follows:]
5.0
*
5.2
Bundling
*
*
mstockstill on PROD1PC61 with PROPOSALS2
5.2.2
*
*
*
*
*
*
Sacking
*
*
VerDate Aug<31>2005
*
*
14:20 Jan 16, 2007
380
Discount Flats: Library Mail
383
Rates and Eligibility
1.0
Rates and Fees for Library Mail
*
*
*
*
*
[Renumber 1.3 through 1.5 as new 1.4
through 1.6. Insert new 1.3 as follows:]
1.3
Shape, Flexibility, and Thickness
Flat-size pieces that do not meet the
standards in 301.1.3 through 301.1.5
must be prepared as parcels.
*
*
*
*
*
385
Mail Preparation
Jkt 211001
*
1.3
[Add a new first sentence to 5.2.2 as
follows:]
For mailings consisting entirely of
pieces meeting the automationcompatibility criteria in 301.3.0, pieces
must be prepared in 5-digit scheme
bundles for those 5-digit ZIP Codes
identified in L007 and in 3-digit scheme
bundles for those 3-digit ZIP Codes
identified in L008. Preparation
sequence, bundle size, and labeling:
[Revise items a and b to make 5-digit
and 3-digit schemes required as
follows:]
a. 5-digit/scheme (optional, but
required for 5-digit rate); red Label 5 or
OEL. See definition in 1.4c.
b. 3-digit/scheme (required); green
Label 3 or OEL. See definition in 1.4d.
*
*
*
*
*
*
Preparation sequence, sack size, and
labeling:
[Revise item a as follows:]
a. 5-digit/scheme (optional, but
required for 5-digit rate); see 1.4c;
scheme sort required, only for pieces
meeting the automation-compatibility
criteria in 301.3.0; minimum 10
addressed pieces; labeling:
1. Line 1: For 5-digit scheme sacks,
use L007, Column B. For 5-digit sacks,
use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code on
mail (see 4.5 for overseas military mail).
2. Line 2: For 5-digit scheme sacks,
‘‘PSVC FLT 5D SCH NBC.’’ For 5-digit
sacks, ‘‘PSVC FLT 5D NBC.’’
*
*
*
*
*
*
Bundling and Labeling
5.3
Sacking and Labeling
1.0 General Information for Mail
Preparation
Preparing Presorted Flats
*
5.3.2
*
*
*
Terms for Presort Levels
Terms used for presort levels are
defined as follows:
*
*
*
*
*
[Renumber item b as new item c.
Insert new item b for 5-digit scheme sort
as follows:]
b. 5-digit scheme (bundles and sacks)
for flats meeting the automationcompatibility standards in 301.3.0: the
ZIP Code in the delivery address on all
pieces begins with one of the 5-digit ZIP
Code ranges processed by the USPS as
a single scheme, as shown in L007.
*
*
*
*
*
[Renumber items d and f as new items
e and g. Insert new item d for 3-digit
scheme sort as follows:]
d. 3-digit scheme bundles for flats
meeting the automation-compatibility
standards in 301.3.0: the ZIP Code in
the delivery address on all pieces begins
with one of the 3-digit ZIP Code ranges
processed by the USPS as a single
scheme, as shown in L008.
*
*
*
*
*
PO 00000
Frm 00024
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4702
1.4 Preparation Definitions and
Instructions
For purposes of preparing mail:
*
*
*
*
*
[Renumber items c through f as new
items e through h. Insert new items c
and d for 5-digit and 3-digit scheme
sorts as follows:]
c. A 5-digit scheme sort for flats
meeting the automation-compatibility
standards in 301.3.0 yields 5-digit
scheme bundles for those 5-digit ZIP
Codes identified in L007 and 5-digit
bundles for other ZIP Codes. When
standards require 5-digit/scheme sort,
mailers must prepare all possible 5-digit
scheme bundles and sacks of flats before
preparing 5-digit bundles and sacks.
The 5-digit ZIP Codes in each scheme
are treated as a single presort
destination subject to a single minimum
volume, with no further separation
required. Bundles prepared for a 5-digit
scheme destination that contain pieces
for only one of the schemed 5-digit ZIP
Codes are still considered 5-digit
scheme sorted and are labeled
accordingly. Label mailpieces using an
OEL under 708.7.0. Place bundles in
appropriate containers using the OEL
‘‘label to’’ 5-digit ZIP Code.
d. A 3-digit scheme sort for flats
meeting the automation-compatibility
standards in 301.3.0 yields 3-digit
scheme bundles for those 3-digit ZIP
Codes identified in L008. When
standards require 3-digit/scheme sort,
mailers must prepare all possible 3-digit
scheme bundles of flats before preparing
3-digit bundles. The 3-digit ZIP Codes
in each scheme are treated as a single
presort destination subject to a single
minimum volume, with no further
separation by 3-digit ZIP Code required.
Bundles prepared for a 3-digit scheme
destination that contain pieces for only
one of the schemed 3-digit ZIP Codes
are still considered 3-digit scheme
sorted and are labeled accordingly.
Mailpieces must be labeled using an
OEL under 708.7.0. Place 3-digit scheme
bundles in 3-digit through mixed ADC
containers, as applicable, using the OEL
‘‘label to’’ 3-digit ZIP Code.
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise heading of 5.0 as follows:]
5.0
Preparing Presorted Flats
*
*
5.2
Bundling
*
*
5.2.2
*
*
*
*
*
*
Bundling and Labeling
[Add a new first sentence to 5.2.2 as
follows:]
For mailings consisting entirely of
pieces meeting the automation-
E:\FR\FM\17JAP2.SGM
17JAP2
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 10 / Wednesday, January 17, 2007 / Proposed Rules
compatibility criteria in 301.3.0, pieces
must be prepared in 5-digit scheme
bundles for those 5-digit ZIP Codes
identified in L007 and in 3-digit scheme
bundles for those 3-digit ZIP Codes
identified in L008. Preparation
sequence, bundle size, and labeling:
[Revise items a and b as follows to
make 5-digit and 3-digit schemes
required:]
a. 5-digit scheme (optional, but
required for 5-digit rate); red Label 5 or
OEL. See definition in 1.4c.
b. 3-digit scheme (required); green
Label 3 or OEL. See definition in 1.4d.
5.3
Sacking
*
*
5.3.2
*
*
*
Sacking and Labeling
Preparation sequence, sack size, and
labeling:
[Revise item a as follows:]
a. 5-digit/scheme (optional, but
required for 5-digit rate); see 1.4c;
scheme sort required, only for pieces
meeting the automation-compatibility
criteria in 301.3.0; minimum 10
addressed pieces; labeling:
1. Line 1: For 5-digit scheme sacks,
use L007, Column B. For 5-digit sacks,
use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code on
mail (see 4.5 for overseas military mail).
2. Line 2: For 5-digit scheme sacks,
‘‘PSVC FLT 5D SCH NBC.’’ For 5-digit
sacks, ‘‘PSVC FLT 5D NBC.’’
*
*
*
*
*
400
Discount Mail: Parcels
401
Physical Standards
1.0
Physical Standards for Parcels
[Revise the heading of 1.1 as follows:]
1.1
Processing Categories
[Revise the first sentence of 1.1 as
follows:]
USPS categorizes parcels into one of
three mail processing categories:
machinable, irregular, or outside parcel.
These categories are based on the
physical dimensions of the piece,
regardless of the placement (orientation)
of the delivery address on the piece.
*
*
*
*
*
1.5
Machinable Parcels
*
*
*
*
[Delete 1.5.4, Exclusions.]
*
*
*
*
*
mstockstill on PROD1PC61 with PROPOSALS2
*
2.0 Additional Physical Standards by
Class of Mail
2.1
First-Class Mail Parcels
*
*
*
*
*
[Delete 2.1.2 and replace with new
2.1.2 as follows:]
VerDate Aug<31>2005
14:20 Jan 16, 2007
Jkt 211001
2.1.2 Surcharge
Unless prepared in 5-digit/scheme
containers or paid at a single-piece rate,
presorted parcels are subject to a $0.05
surcharge if any of the following
characteristics apply:
a. The parcels weigh less than 2
ounces.
b. The parcels do not bear a UCC/EAN
128 or POSTNET barcode.
c. The parcels are irregularly shaped,
such as rolls, tubes, and triangles.
[Revise the heading of 2.2 as follows:]
2.2 Standard Mail Parcels and Not
Flat-Machinable Pieces
[Revise heading and text of 2.2.1 as
follows:]
2.2.1 Additional Physical Standards
Each piece must weigh less than 16
ounces.
[Revise heading and text of 2.2.2 as
follows:]
2.2.2 Not Flat-Machinable Pieces
Categorize Standard Mail with the
following characteristics as Not FlatMachinable pieces:
a. Not Flat-Machinable pieces are
rigid, with the following dimensions:
1. At least 4 inches high, but not more
than 12 inches high.
2. At least 4 inches long, but not more
than 153⁄4 inches long.
3. At least 0.009 thick, but not more
than 11⁄4 inches thick. (Pieces less than
5 inches long must be over 1⁄4 inch
thick.)
b. Flexible pieces that are at least 4
inches high, but not more than 12
inches high, with either of the following
dimensions:
1. Over 15 inches long, but not more
than 153⁄4 inches long.
2. Over 3⁄4 inches thick, but not more
than 11⁄4 inches thick.
c. Nonmachinable letter-size pieces
weighing more than 3.3 ounces, unless
they qualify to be mailed at automation
flat-size rates.
[Delete 2.2.3 and replace with new
2.2.3 as follows:]
2.2.3 Surcharge
Unless prepared in carrier route or 5digit/scheme containers, Standard Mail
parcels and Not Flat-Machinable pieces
are subject to a $0.05 surcharge if:
a. The machinable or irregular parcels
do not bear a UCC/EAN 128 barcode
(see 708.5.0).
b. The Not Flat-Machinable pieces
weigh 6 ounces or more and do not bear
a UCC/EAN 128 barcode (see 708.5.0).
c. The Not Flat-Machinable pieces
weigh less than 6 ounces and do not
bear a UCC/EAN 128 barcode (see
708.5.0) or POSTNET barcode (see
708.4.0).
PO 00000
Frm 00025
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4702
2.3
2113
Parcel Post
2.3.1 General Standards
These standards apply to Parcel Post:
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise item b as follows:]
b. An item weighing less than 20
pounds but measuring more than 84
inches (but not more than 108 inches)
in combined length and girth is charged
the rate for a 20-pound parcel for the
zone to which it is addressed (balloon
rate).
*
*
*
*
*
402 Elements on the Face of a
Mailpiece
*
*
*
*
*
2.0 Placement and Content of
Markings
2.1 First-Class Mail and Standard Mail
Markings
2.1.1 Placement
Markings must be placed as follows:
*
*
*
*
*
[Renumber item c as new item d.
Insert new item c as follows:]
c. Mark each Not Flat-Machinable
piece ‘‘Not Flat-Machinable’’ or ‘‘NFM,’’
either by including the marking in the
optional endorsement line or by placing
the marking immediately to the left of
or below the postage area.
*
*
*
*
*
4.0 General Barcode Placement for
Parcels
[Revise title of 4.1 as follows:]
4.1
*
UCC/EAN 128 Barcode Location
*
*
*
*
[Revise title of 4.2 as follows:]
4.2 Clear Zone for UCC/EAN 128
Barcode
*
*
*
*
*
[Add new 4.3 for POSTNET barcodes
as follows:]
4.3 POSTNET Barcodes
First-Class Mail parcels and Not FlatMachinable pieces less than 6 ounces
may bear POSTNET barcodes instead of
UCC/EAN 128 barcodes. Pieces bearing
POSTNET barcodes are not eligible to be
mailed using eVS. Place POSTNET
barcodes on First-Class Mail parcels or
Not Flat-Machinable pieces under 4.3.1
through 4.3.3.
4.3.1 General Placement of POSTNET
Barcodes
On any First-Class Mail parcel or
Standard Mail Not Flat-Machinable
piece, the POSTNET barcode may be
anywhere on the address side as long as
it is at least 1⁄8 inch from any edge of
E:\FR\FM\17JAP2.SGM
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Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 10 / Wednesday, January 17, 2007 / Proposed Rules
the piece. POSTNET barcodes must be
printed according to 708.4.0. Address
block barcodes are subject to the
standards in 4.3.2.
4.3.2 POSTNET Barcode in Address
Block
When the POSTNET barcode is
included as part of the address block:
a. Place the barcode in one of these
positions:
1. Above the address line containing
the recipient’s name.
2. Below the city, state, and ZIP Code
line.
3. Above or below the keyline
information.
4. Above or below the optional
endorsement line.
b. Do not print the barcode anywhere
between the address line containing the
recipient’s name and the city, state, and
ZIP Code line.
c. Allow at least 1⁄25 inch clearance
between the barcode and any
information line above or below it. Do
not separate the barcode more than 5⁄8
inch from the top or bottom line of the
address block. Allow at least 1⁄8 inch
clearance between the leftmost and
rightmost bars and any adjacent
printing.
d. If a window envelope is used,
allow at least 1⁄8 inch clearance between
the leftmost and rightmost bars and any
printing or window edge, and at least
1⁄25 inch between the barcode and the
top and bottom window edges. These
clearances must be maintained during
the insert’s range of movement in the
envelope. Covers for address block
windows are subject to 4.3.3.
e. If an address label is used, allow a
clear space of at least 1⁄8 inch between
the barcode and the left and right edges
of the address label, and at least 1⁄25
inch between the barcode and the top
and bottom edges of the address label.
4.3.3
Window Cover
mstockstill on PROD1PC61 with PROPOSALS2
A window cover over the address
block must be a nontinted clear or
transparent material (e.g., cellophane or
polystyrene) that permits the barcode
and its background, as viewed through
the window material, to meet the
reflectance standards in 708.4.4. The
edges of the window cover must be
securely glued to the envelope.
430
Discount Parcels: First-Class Mail
433
Rates and Eligibility
1.0
Rates and Fees for First-Class Mail
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise 1.4 to change heading and text
describing the surcharge as follows:]
VerDate Aug<31>2005
14:20 Jan 16, 2007
Jkt 211001
1.4 Surcharge
Unless prepared in 5-digit/scheme
sacks or paid at the single-piece rates,
presorted parcels are subject to a $0.05
surcharge if any of the following
characteristics apply:
a. The parcels weigh less than 2
ounces.
b. The parcels do not bear a UCC/EAN
128 or POSTNET barcode, under 708.0,
for the ZIP Code of the delivery address.
c. The parcels are irregularly shaped,
such as rolls, tubes, and triangles.
*
*
*
*
*
[Delete 3.4, Nonmachinable Surcharge
for Parcel-Size Pieces. Renumber 3.5
through 3.7 as new 3.4 through 3.6.]
*
*
*
*
*
[Insert new 4.0 to describe Presorted
parcel rates as follows:]
4.0 Rate Eligibility for Presorted FirstClass Mail Parcels
4.1 5-Digit Rate
The 5-digit rate applies to presorted
parcels in a 5-digit/scheme sack
containing at least 10 pounds of parcels.
4.2 3-Digit Rate
The 3-digit rate applies to presorted
parcels in a 3-digit sack containing at
least 10 pounds of parcels.
4.3
ADC Rate
The ADC rate applies to presorted
parcels in a 3-digit origin sack (no
minimum), and to parcels in an ADC
sack containing at least 10 pounds of
parcels.
4.4
Single-Piece Rate
The single-piece rate applies to
presorted parcels in a mixed ADC sack,
with no minimum volume requirement.
434 Postage Payment and
Documentation
*
*
*
*
*
2.0 Postage Payment for Presorted
Parcels
*
*
*
*
*
2.2 Affixed Postage for Presorted FirstClass Mail
Unless permitted by other standards
or by Business Mailer Support, USPS
Headquarters, when precanceled
postage or meter stamps are used as the
postage payment method, only one
payment method may be used in a
mailing and each piece must bear
postage under one of these conditions:
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise item b to remove
‘‘nonmachinable surcharge’’ as follows:]
b. A precanceled stamp or the full
postage at the lowest First-Class Mail 1-
PO 00000
Frm 00026
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4702
ounce rate applicable to the mailing job,
and full postage on metered pieces for
additional ounce(s) or extra services.
*
*
*
*
*
435
Mail Preparation
1.0 General Information for Mail
Preparation
*
*
*
*
*
1.2
Definition of Mailings
[Delete item b. Combine item a and
introductory text as follows:]
A ‘‘mailing’’ is defined as a group of
pieces within the same class of mail and
the same processing category that may
be sorted together and/or presented
under a single minimum volume
mailing requirement under the
applicable standards. Generally, types of
mail that follow different flows through
the postal processing system must be
prepared as a separate mailing.
1.3
Terms for Presort Levels
Terms used for presort levels are
defined as follows:
[Renumber items a through e as new
items b through f. Insert new item a as
follows:]
a. 5-digit scheme for First-Class Mail
parcels: the ZIP Code in the delivery
address on all pieces begins with one of
the 5-digit ZIP Code ranges processed by
the USPS as a single scheme, as shown
in L606.
*
*
*
*
*
1.4 Preparation Definitions and
Instructions
For purposes of preparing mail:
*
*
*
*
[Revise item d as follows:]
d. The required quantity (for example,
‘‘required at 10 pieces’’) means that the
unit must be prepared for the
corresponding presort level whenever
the specified quantity of mail is reached
or exceeded. Smaller quantities may be
prepared only if permitted by the
standards for each rate.
*
*
*
*
*
[Delete item g. Renumber item h as
new item g and revise as follows:]
g. A ‘‘logical’’ presort destination
represents the total number of pieces in
a mailing that are eligible for a specific
presort level based on the required
sortation, but which might not be
contained in a single container (sack or
pallet) due to applicable preparation
requirements or the size of the
individual pieces.
[Delete 2.0, Bundles, and renumber
3.0 through 5.0 as new 2.0 through 4.0.]
*
*
*
*
*
*
E:\FR\FM\17JAP2.SGM
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Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 10 / Wednesday, January 17, 2007 / Proposed Rules
3.0
*
*
authorized by the USPS under 703.1.0
may mail at Nonprofit rates.
Sack Labels
3.4
*
*
*
4.2
Line 2 (Content Line)
Line 2 (content line) must meet these
standards:
*
*
*
*
*
b. Codes: The codes shown below
must be used as appropriate on Line 2
of sack labels.
[Revise the table in renumbered 3.4 to
delete the entries for ‘‘General Delivery
Unit,’’ ‘‘Highway Contract Route,’’ ‘‘Post
Office Box Section,’’ and ‘‘Rural
Route.’’]
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise the heading of renumbered 4.0
as follows:]
4.0
Preparing Presorted Parcels
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise heading and text of 4.3 to
remove bundling requirement as
follows:]
4.3
Bundling
Bundling is not permitted.
4.4
Sacking and Labeling
Preparation sequence, sack size, and
labeling:
[Revise item a as follows:]
a. 5-digit/scheme optional, but
required for 5-digit rate (see definition
in 1.3a); 10-pound minimum, labeling:
1. Line 1: For 5-digit scheme sacks use
L606, Column B. For 5-digit sacks use
city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code on mail
(see 4.3c for overseas military mail).
2. Line 2: For 5-digit scheme sacks,
‘‘FCM PARCELS 5D SCH.’’ For 5-digit
sacks, ‘‘FCM PARCELS 5D.’’
*
*
*
*
*
440
Discount Parcels: Standard Mail
Rates and Eligibility
*
*
4.0
Rate Eligibility for Standard Mail
4.1
mstockstill on PROD1PC61 with PROPOSALS2
443
General Information
*
*
*
[Revise 4.1 to delete reference to
barcode discount and reorganize text as
follows:]
All Standard Mail rates are
discounted rates. These rates apply to
mailings meeting the basic standards in
2.0 through 4.0 and the corresponding
standards for Presorted rates under 5.0
or Enhanced Carrier Route rates under
6.0. Destination entry discount rates are
available under 446.2.0 through 446.5.0
in Enter and Deposit. Pieces are subject
to either a single minimum per piece
rate or a combined piece/pound rate,
depending on the weight of the
individual pieces in the mailing under
4.2 or 4.3. Only organizations
VerDate Aug<31>2005
14:20 Jan 16, 2007
Jkt 211001
Minimum Per Piece Rates
The minimum per piece rates (the
minimum postage that must be paid for
each piece) apply as follows:
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise item b to delete the text that
does not apply to parcels as follows:]
b. In applying the minimum per piece
rates, a mailpiece is categorized as a
parcel based on the standards in 401,
Physical Standards.
[Revise item c to delete the text that
does not apply to parcels and to add 5digit rate mail as eligible for DDU rates
as follows:]
c. Individual Rates. There are separate
minimum per piece rates for each
subclass (Regular, Enhanced Carrier
Route, Nonprofit, and Nonprofit
Enhanced Carrier Route) and within
each subclass for the level of presort
within each mailing. Mailers may claim
discounted rates for destination entry
mailings under 446.2.0 through 446.5.0
in Enter and Deposit. DDU rates are
available for parcels and Not FlatMachinable pieces entered only at 5digit, Enhanced Carrier Route, or
Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route rates.
See 1.0, Rates and Fees for Standard
Mail, for individual per piece rates.
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise the heading and text of 4.4 as
follows:]
4.4
Surcharge
Unless prepared in carrier route
(irregular parcels only) or 5-digit/
scheme containers, Standard Mail
parcels and Not Flat-Machinable pieces
are subject to a $0.05 surcharge if:
a. The machinable or irregular parcels
do not bear a UCC/EAN 128 barcode,
under 708.5.0, for the ZIP Code of the
delivery address.
b. The Not Flat-Machinable pieces
weigh 6 ounces or more and do not bear
a UCC/EAN 128 barcode, under 708.5.0,
for the ZIP Code of the delivery address.
c. The Not Flat-Machinable pieces
weigh less than 6 ounces and do not
bear a UCC/EAN 128 or POSTNET
barcode, under 708.0, for the ZIP Code
of the delivery address.
[Delete 4.5 and renumber 4.6 as new
4.5.]
4.5
Extra Services for Standard Mail
*
*
4.5.2
*
*
*
Eligible Matter
[Revise renumbered 4.5.2 as follows:]
Extra services may be used only with
pieces mailed at machinable or irregular
parcel rates.
PO 00000
Frm 00027
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4702
4.5.3
2115
Ineligible Matter
Extra services (other than certificate of
mailing service) may not be used for any
of the following types of Standard Mail:
[Revise item a as follows:]
a. Pieces entered as letters, flats, or
NFMs.
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise the heading of 5.0 as follows:]
5.0 Additional Eligibility Standards
for Presorted Standard Mail Pieces
*
*
*
*
*
5.2
Rate Application
[Revise 5.2 to add Not FlatMachinable pieces and to note separate
rates as follows:]
Rates for Regular and Nonprofit
Standard Mail apply separately to
machinable parcels, irregular parcels,
and Not Flat-Machinable pieces that
meet the eligibility standards in 2.0
through 4.0 and the preparation
standards in 445.5.0 or 705.8.0,
Preparing Pallets. When parcels and Not
Flat-Machinable pieces are combined
under 445.5.0, all pieces are eligible for
the applicable rates when the combined
total meets the eligibility standards. For
example, when there are 10 pounds of
combined machinable parcels, irregular
parcels, and Not Flat-Machinable pieces
in a 5-digit sack, all pieces are eligible
for the 5-digit rates.
[Delete 5.3 through 5.5. Insert new 5.3
for machinable parcel rates as follows:]
5.3
5.3.1
Rates for Machinable Parcels
5-Digit Rate
The 5-digit rate applies to qualifying
machinable parcels presented:
a. In a 5-digit/scheme (L606) sack
containing at least 10 pounds of pieces.
b. On a 5-digit pallet, according to
standards in 705.8.10.
c. As one or more parcels that mailers
drop ship to a DDU under 446.5.2.
5.3.2
BMC Rate
The BMC rate applies to qualifying
machinable parcels presented:
a. In an ASF or BMC sack containing
at least 10 pounds of parcels.
b. On an ASF or BMC pallet,
according to standards in 705.8.10.
5.3.3
Mixed BMC Rate
The mixed BMC rate applies to
machinable parcels that are not eligible
for 5-digit or BMC rates. Place
machinable parcels at mixed BMC rates
in mixed BMC sacks under 445.5.3.2 or
on mixed BMC pallets under 705.8.10.
[Insert new 5.4 for irregular parcel
rates as follows:]
E:\FR\FM\17JAP2.SGM
17JAP2
2116
5.4
5.4.1
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 10 / Wednesday, January 17, 2007 / Proposed Rules
Rates for Irregular Parcels
5-Digit Rate
The 5-digit rate applies to irregular
parcels (see 401.1.6) presented:
a. In a 5-digit/scheme (L606) sack
containing at least 10 pounds of pieces.
b. On a 5-digit/scheme (L606) pallet,
according to 705.8.10.
c. As one or more parcels that mailers
drop ship to a DDU under 446.5.2.
5.5.4 Mixed ADC Rate
The mixed ADC rate applies to NFM
pieces in mixed ADC or mixed BMC
containers.
*
*
*
*
*
445
Mail Preparation
1.0 General Information for Mail
Preparation
*
*
*
*
*
5.5 Rates for Not Flat-Machinable
(NFM) Pieces
1.4 Preparation Definitions and
Instructions
For purposes of preparing mail:
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise item c to require 5-digit/
scheme sort for rate eligibility as
follows:]
c. A 5-digit/scheme sort for Standard
Mail parcels yields 5-digit scheme sacks
or pallets for those 5-digit ZIP Codes
listed in L606 and 5-digit sacks or
pallets for other ZIP Codes. When
standards require 5-digit/scheme sort,
mailers must prepare all possible 5-digit
scheme sacks, then prepare all possible
5-digit sacks. The 5-digit ZIP Codes in
each scheme are treated as a single
presort destination subject to a single
minimum volume (if required), with no
further separation by 5-digit ZIP Code
required. Sacks or pallets prepared for a
5-digit scheme destination that contain
pieces for only one of the schemed 5digit ZIP Codes are still considered 5digit scheme sorted and are labeled
accordingly.
*
*
*
*
*
5.5.1
2.0
5.4.2
3-Digit Rate
The 3-digit rate applies to irregular
parcels (see 401.1.6) presented:
a. In a 3-digit sack containing at least
10 pounds of parcels.
b. On a 3-digit pallet, according to
705.8.10.
5.4.3
ADC Rate
The ADC rate applies to irregular
parcels (see 401.1.6) presented:
a. In an ADC sack containing at least
10 pounds of parcels, or in an optional
3-digit origin/entry sack.
b. On an ADC pallet, according to
705.8.10.4.
5.4.4
Mixed ADC Rate
The mixed ADC rate applies to
irregular parcels (see 401.1.6) in mixed
ADC containers.
[Insert new 5.5 for Not FlatMachinable rates as follows:]
5-Digit Rate
The 5-digit rate applies to NFM pieces
presented:
a. In a 5-digit/scheme sack containing
at least 10 pounds of pieces.
b. In 5-digit bundles of five or more
pieces on pallets or in pallet boxes
under 705.8.0.
c. As one or more pieces that mailers
drop ship to a DDU under 446.5.0.
5.5.2
3-Digit Rates
The 3-digit rate applies to NFM pieces
presented:
a. In a 3-digit sack containing at least
10 pounds of pieces.
b. On a 3-digit pallet under 705.8.10.
mstockstill on PROD1PC61 with PROPOSALS2
5.5.3
The ADC rate applies to NFM pieces
presented:
a. In an ADC or BMC/ASF sack
containing at least 10 pounds of pieces
or in an optional 3-digit origin/entry
sack.
b. On an ADC or BMC/ASF pallet
under 705.8.10.
14:20 Jan 16, 2007
2.1 Definition of a Bundle
[Revise 2.1 to restrict bundling as
follows:]
Mailers assemble pieces available for
different presort destinations into
groups. A ‘‘bundle’’ is a group of
addressed pieces secured together as a
unit. The term ‘‘bundle’’ does not apply
to unsecured groups of pieces. Bundling
under 445 is allowed only for carrier
route bundles of irregular parcels and 5digit bundles of Not Flat-Machinable
pieces placed on pallets or in pallet
boxes (see 6.0).
*
*
*
*
*
Jkt 211001
5.0
Preparing Presorted Parcels
*
ADC Rate
VerDate Aug<31>2005
Bundles
*
5.3
Preparing Machinable Parcels
*
*
*
5.3.1 5-Digit Sacks
[Revise 5.3.1 to change the
preparation of 5-digit/scheme sacks
containing both machinable and
irregular parcels (or also containing Not
Flat-Machinable pieces) to be that for
machinable parcels, and to require 5-
PO 00000
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Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4702
digit scheme sorting when claiming 5digit rates, as follows:]
Mailers must prepare all possible 5digit/scheme sacks in a mailing that
includes pieces claimed at the 5-digit
rate. If mailers do not prepare all 5digit/scheme sacks when there are 10
pounds or more of mail for a
destination, they may not claim the 5digit rate for any part of the mailing.
Mailers choosing to combine the
preparation of either irregular parcels or
Not Flat-Machinable pieces (see
401.2.2.3) weighing 6 ounces or more
with machinable parcels placed in 5digit/scheme sacks must prepare those
sacks under 5.3.2. Mailers choosing to
combine the preparation of Not FlatMachinable pieces weighing 6 ounces or
more with machinable parcels placed in
ASF, BMC, or mixed BMC sacks must
prepare the sacks under 5.3.2. There is
no minimum for parcels prepared in 5digit/scheme sacks entered at a DDU.
5.3.2
Sacking and Labeling
Preparation sequence, sack size, and
labeling:
[Revise item a to add the requirement
of 5-digit/scheme sorting for pieces
claiming the 5-digit rate as follows:]
a. 5-digit/scheme (optional, but
required for 5-digit rate), see definition
in 1.4c; 10-pound minimum except
under 5.3.1; labeling:
1. Line 1: For 5-digit scheme sacks,
use L606, Column B. For 5-digit sacks,
use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code
destination on pieces (see 4.0 for
overseas military mail).
2. Line 2: For 5-digit scheme sacks,
‘‘STD MACH 5D SCH.’’ For 5-digit
sacks, ‘‘STD MACH 5D.’’
[Delete item b. Renumber items c
through e as new items b through d.]
*
*
*
*
*
5.4
Preparing Irregular Parcels
[Delete 5.4.1 and 5.4.2. Renumber
5.4.3 through 5.4.8 as new 5.4.1 through
5.4.6. Revise heading and text of
renumbered 5.4.1 to restrict bundling of
irregular parcels as follows:]
5.4.1
Bundling
Bundling is not permitted, except for
bundles of carrier route irregular parcels
under 6.0.
*
*
*
*
*
[Delete renumbered 5.4.2 through
5.4.5 and renumber 5.4.6 through 5.4.8
as new 5.4.2 through 5.4.4.]
5.4.2
Required Sacking
[Revise renumbered 5.4.2 to change
the minimum quantity per sack from 15
pounds to 10 pounds and to add NFMs
as follows:]
E:\FR\FM\17JAP2.SGM
17JAP2
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 10 / Wednesday, January 17, 2007 / Proposed Rules
Mailers must prepare a sack when the
quantity of mail for a required presort
destination reaches 10 pounds of pieces.
There is no minimum for parcels
prepared in 5-digit/scheme sacks
entered at a DDU. Mailers choosing to
combine irregular parcels with
machinable parcels and NFMs in 5digit/scheme sacks must prepare those
sacks under 5.3.2. Mailers may not
prepare sacks containing irregular and
machinable parcels to other presort
levels. Mailers may combine irregular
parcels with Not Flat-Machinable pieces
weighing less than 6 ounces in sacks
under 5.4.4.
*
*
*
*
*
5.4.4
Sacking and Labeling
mstockstill on PROD1PC61 with PROPOSALS2
[Revise renumbered 5.4.4 as follows:]
Preparation sequence, sack size, and
labeling:
a. 5-digit/scheme (optional, but
required for 5-digit rate), 10-pound
minimum, except when entered at a
DDU; labeling:
1. For 5-digit scheme sacks, use L606,
Column B. For 5-digit sacks, use city,
state, and 5-digit ZIP Code on mail (see
4.3 for overseas military mail).
2. Line 2: For 5-digit scheme sacks,
‘‘STD IRREG 5D SCH.’’ For 5-digit sacks,
‘‘STD IRREG 5D.’’
b. 3-digit (required); 10-pound
minimum; for irregular parcels only;
labeling:
1. For Line 1, L002, Column A.
2. For Line 2, ‘‘STD IRREG 3D.’’
c. Origin/entry 3-digit(s) (optional); no
minimum; labeling:
1. Line 1: Use L002, Column A.
2. Line 2: ‘‘STD IRREG 3D.’’
d. ADC (required); 10-pound
minimum; labeling:
1. Line 1: L603, Column B. (Use L004
for parcels that weigh at least 2 ounces
and are not rolls or tubes. Do not mix
pieces labeled to L603 with pieces
labeled to L004.)
2. Line 2: ‘‘STD IRREG ADC.’’
e. Mixed ADC (required); no
minimum; labeling:
1. Line 1: L604, Column B. (Use L009
for parcels that weigh at least 2 ounces
and are not rolls or tubes. Do not mix
pieces labeled to L604 with pieces
labeled to L009.)
2. Line 2: ‘‘STD IRREG WKG.’’
[Renumber 6.0 as new 7.0. Insert new
6.0 for preparation of NFM pieces as
follows:]
6.0 Preparing Not Flat-Machinable
Pieces
6.1
Basic Standards
All mailings at Regular Standard Mail
and Nonprofit Standard Mail Presorted
rates for NFM pieces are subject to the
VerDate Aug<31>2005
14:20 Jan 16, 2007
Jkt 211001
general preparation standards in 1.0
through 4.0. Prepare NFM pieces (see
301.2.2.3) according to the standards in
6.0 unless commingled with parcels
under 445.5.0. Mark NFM pieces
according to the standards in 402.2.1.1.
6.2 Bundling
Mailers may make 5-digit bundles of
at least five pieces when placed on
pallets or in pallet boxes under 705.8.0.
No other NFM bundling is permitted.
6.3
Sacking and Labeling
6.3.1 General
Mailers may combine NFM pieces
with parcels in 5-digit/scheme sacks
under 445.5.3. See 6.3.2 for NFM pieces
that weigh less than 6 ounces; see 6.3.3
for NFM pieces that weigh 6 ounces or
more.
6.3.2 NFM Pieces Weighing Less Than
6 Ounces
Preparation sequence, sack size, and
labeling for sacks of NFM pieces that
weigh less than 6 ounces:
a. 5-digit/scheme (optional, but
required for 5-digit rate); see definition
in 445.1.4c; 10-pound minimum, except
when drop shipped to a DDU (no
minimum); labeling:
1. Line 1: For 5-digit scheme sacks,
use L606, Column B. For 5-digit sacks,
use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code
destination on pieces (see 4.0 for
overseas military mail).
2. Line 2: For 5-digit scheme sacks,
‘‘STD NFM 5D SCH.’’ For 5-digit sacks,
‘‘STD NFM 5D.’’
b. 3-digit (required); 10-pound
minimum; labeling:
1. Line 1: Use L002, Column A.
2. Line 2: ‘‘STD NFM 3D.’’
c. Origin/entry 3-digit(s) (optional); no
minimum; labeling:
1. Line 1: Use L002, Column A.
2. Line 2: ‘‘STD NFM 3D.’’
d. ADC (required); 10-pound
minimum; labeling:
1. Line 1: Use L004, Column B.
2. Line 2: ‘‘STD NFM ADC.’’
e. Mixed ADC (required); no
minimum; labeling:
1. Line 1: Use L009, Column B.
2. Line 2: ‘‘STD NFM WKG.’’
6.3.3 NFM Pieces Weighing 6 Ounces
or More
Preparation sequence, sack size, and
labeling for sacks of NFM pieces that
weigh 6 ounces or more:
a. 5-digit/scheme (optional but
required for 5-digit rate); see definition
in 445.1.4c; 10-pound minimum, except
when drop shipped to a DDU (no
minimum); labeling:
1. Line 1: For 5-digit scheme sacks,
use L606, Column B. For 5-digit sacks,
PO 00000
Frm 00029
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4702
2117
use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code
destination on pieces (see 4.0 for
overseas military mail).
2. Line 2: For 5-digit scheme sacks,
use ‘‘STD NFM 5D SCH.’’ For 5-digit
sacks, use ‘‘STD NFM 5D.’’
b. ASF (optional), permitted only for
mail deposited at an ASF to claim
DBMC rate; 10-pound minimum;
labeling:
1. Line 1: L602, Column B. DBMC rate
eligibility determined by Exhibit
446.3.1, BMC/ASF–DMBC Rate
Eligibility.
2. Line 2: ‘‘STD NFM ASF.’’
c. BMC (required); 10-pound
minimum; labeling:
1. Line 1: L601, Column B. DBMC rate
eligibility determined by Exhibit
446.3.1, BMC/ASF–DMBC Rate
Eligibility.
2. Line 2: ‘‘STD NFM BMC.’’
d. Mixed BMC (required); no
minimum; labeling:
1. Line 1: ‘‘MXD’’ followed by L601,
Column B information for BMC serving
3-digit ZIP Code prefix of entry post
office.
2. Line 2: ‘‘STD NFM WKG.’’
*
*
*
*
*
446
Enter and Deposit
*
*
*
*
*
4.0 Destination Sectional Center
Facility (DSCF) Entry
*
*
*
*
*
4.2 Eligibility
Pieces in a mailing that meets the
standards in 2.0 and 4.0 are eligible for
the DSCF rate, as follows:
*
*
*
*
*
[Insert new item c as follows:]
c. When prepared and deposited
under 705.6.3.
*
*
*
*
*
5.0 Destination Delivery Unit (DDU)
Entry
*
*
*
*
*
5.2 Eligibility
[Revise 5.2 to allow 5-digit sacks of
parcels to be entered at DDUs and to
add ‘‘Not Flat-Machinable’’ pieces as
follows:]
Pieces in a mailing that meets the
standards in 2.0 and 5.0 are eligible for
the DDU rate when deposited at a DDU,
addressed for delivery within that
facility’s service area, and prepared as
follows:
a. Irregular parcels in carrier route
bundles sorted to carrier route sacks,
and otherwise eligible for and claimed
at a carrier route rate.
b. One or more parcels or Not FlatMachinable pieces in 5-digit containers.
E:\FR\FM\17JAP2.SGM
17JAP2
2118
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 10 / Wednesday, January 17, 2007 / Proposed Rules
Rates and Eligibility
*
*
*
Discount Parcels: Parcel Post
*
*
*
2.2.2
3.0 Rate Eligibility Standards for
Parcel Post
3.1 Parcel Post and Parcel Select Rate
Eligibility
There are five Parcel Post (including
Parcel Select) rate categories: Intra-BMC,
Inter-BMC, destination bulk mail center
(DBMC), destination sectional center
facility (DSCF), and destination delivery
unit (DDU). Parcel Post mailed at any of
the destination entry rates is called
‘‘Parcel Select’’ (see 456.2.0). Intra-BMC
and Inter-BMC Parcel Post rates and
DBMC Parcel Select rates are calculated
based on the zone to which the parcel
is addressed and the weight of the
parcel. DSCF and DDU Parcel Select
rates are calculated based on the weight
of the parcel.
Requirements for Parcel Post rates and
discounts are as follows:
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise item f as follows:]
f. The barcode discount applies to
Inter-BMC/ASF and Intra-BMC/ASF
Parcel Post machinable parcels (401.1.5)
that bear a barcode under 708.5.0 for the
ZIP Code of the delivery address and are
part of a mailing of 50 or more Parcel
Post rate pieces.
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise item h as follows:]
h. Items weighing less than 20 pounds
but measuring more than 84 inches (but
not more than 108 inches) in combined
length and girth are charged the rate for
a 20-pound parcel for the zone to which
it is addressed (balloon rate).
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
5.0
Standards for Barcode Discounts
5.1
mstockstill on PROD1PC61 with PROPOSALS2
Mail Preparation
Standards for Barcoded Mail
*
*
Enter and Deposit
*
*
2.0
Parcel Select
*
*
*
*
VerDate Aug<31>2005
*
*
*
*
For DBMC rates, pieces must meet the
applicable standards in 2.1 through 2.6
and the following:
*
*
*
*
*
[Renumber items b and c as new items
c and d. Insert new item b as follows:]
b. Machinable parcels must bear a
barcode under 708.5.0 for the ZIP Code
of the delivery address. Nonbarcoded
machinable parcels are eligible only for
the Intra-BMC/ASF rates.
*
*
*
*
*
2.6 Acceptance at Designated SCF—
Mailer Benefit
Mailers may deposit parcels otherwise
eligible for the DBMC rates at an SCF
designated by the USPS for destination
ZIP Codes listed in labeling list L607.
The following standards apply:
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise item b as follows:]
b. Bound Printed Matter machinable
parcels under 466.3.3 and Standard
Mail parcels under 705.6.3 may be
included.
*
*
*
*
*
460 Discount Parcels: Bound Printed
Matter
[Incorporate the standards for Bound
Printed Matter in 160 into 460. Make
revisions throughout to change singlepiece Bound Printed Matter to
‘‘nonpresorted’’ Bound Printed Matter
and make the following additional
changes:]
*
*
*
*
*
465
Mail Preparation
*
*
*
*
*
1.3
Terms for Presort Levels
Terms used for presort levels are
defined as follows:
*
*
*
*
*
[Renumber items c through g as new
items d through h. Insert new item c for
5-digit schemes as follows:]
c. 5-digit scheme (pallets and sacks)
for Bound Printer Matter parcels: the
ZIP Code in the delivery address on all
pieces begins with one of the 5-digit ZIP
Code ranges processed by the USPS as
a single scheme, as shown in L606.
*
*
*
*
*
5.0
14:20 Jan 16, 2007
Jkt 211001
Preparing Presorted Parcels
*
*
*
PO 00000
*
Frm 00030
*
Fmt 4701
*
5.2.4
DBMC Rates
*
[Revise 5.1 as follows:]
The barcode discount applies to InterBMC/ASF and Intra-BMC/ASF Parcel
Post machinable parcels (401.1.5) that
bear a barcode under 708.5.0 for the ZIP
Code of the delivery address and are
part of a mailing of 50 or more Parcel
Post rate pieces.
*
*
*
*
*
456
*
1.0 General Information for Mail
Preparation
455
*
*
5.2 Preparing Irregular Parcels
Weighing Less Than 10 Pounds
*
453
2.2 Rate Eligibility for Parcel Select
Rates
450
*
Sfmt 4702
*
*
*
Required Sacking
[Revise the third sentence in the
introductory text as follows:]
A sack must be prepared when the
quantity of mail for a required presort
destination reaches either 10 addressed
pieces or 20 pounds, whichever occurs
first. Smaller volumes are not permitted
(except mixed ADC sacks). Optional
SCF sacks may be prepared only when
there are at least 10 addressed pieces or
20 pounds, whichever occurs first.
Sacking is not required for 5-digit
bundles when prepared for and entered
at DDU rates. Such bundles may be
bedloaded and may weigh up to 40
pounds. Sacking also is subject to these
conditions:
*
*
*
*
*
5.2.5
Sacking and Labeling
Preparation sequence and labeling:
[Replace items a and b with new item
a as follows. Renumber items c through
f as new items b through e.]
a. 5-digit/scheme (required); labeling:
1. Line 1: For 5-digit scheme sacks,
use L606, Column B. For 5-digit sacks,
use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code on
mail (see 4.3 for overseas military mail).
2. Line 2: For 5-digit scheme sacks,
‘‘PSVC IRREG 5D SCH.’’ For 5-digit
sacks, ‘‘PSVC IRREG 5D.’’
*
*
*
*
*
5.3 Preparing Irregular Parcels
Weighing 10 Pounds or More
*
*
5.3.3
*
*
*
Sacking and Labeling
Preparation sequence and labeling:
[Replace items a and b with new item
a as follows. Renumber items c through
f as new items b through e.]
a. 5-digit/scheme (required); labeling:
1. Line 1: For 5-digit scheme sacks,
use L606, Column B. For 5-digit sacks,
use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code on
mail (see 4.3 for overseas military mail).
2. Line 2: For 5-digit scheme sacks,
‘‘PSVC IRREG 5D SCH.’’ For 5-digit
sacks, ‘‘PSVC IRREG 5D.’’
*
*
*
*
*
5.4 Preparing Machinable Parcels Not
Claiming the DBMC Rates
*
5.4.2
*
*
*
*
Sacking and Labeling
Preparation sequence and labeling:
[Replace items a and b with new item
a as follows. Renumber items c and d as
new items b and c.]
a. 5-digit/scheme (required); labeling:
E:\FR\FM\17JAP2.SGM
17JAP2
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 10 / Wednesday, January 17, 2007 / Proposed Rules
1. Line 1: For 5-digit scheme sacks,
use L606, Column B. For 5-digit sacks,
use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code on
mail (see 4.3 for overseas military mail).
2. Line 2: For 5-digit scheme sacks,
‘‘PSVC MACH 5D SCH.’’ For 5-digit
sacks, ‘‘PSVC MACH 5D.’’
*
*
*
*
*
5.5 Preparing Machinable Parcels
Claiming the DBMC Rates
*
*
5.5.2
*
*
*
Sacking and Labeling
Preparation sequence and labeling:
[Replace items a and b with new item
a as follows. Renumber items c through
e as new items b through d.]
a. 5-digit/scheme (required); labeling:
1. Line 1: For 5-digit scheme sacks,
use L606, Column B. For 5-digit sacks,
use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code on
mail (see 4.3 for overseas military mail).
2. Line 2: ‘‘PSVC MACH 5D
SCHEME’’ or ‘‘PSVC MACH 5D SCH.’’
*
*
*
*
*
466
Enter and Deposit
1.0
Presenting a Mailing
[Revise the heading of 1.1 as follows:]
1.1 Verification and Entry—Presorted,
Carrier Route, Destination Entry, and
Barcoded Mailings
*
*
*
*
*
[Renumber 1.2 through 1.5 as new 1.3
through 1.6. Insert new 1.2 as follows:]
mstockstill on PROD1PC61 with PROPOSALS2
1.2 Verification and Entry—
Nonpresorted Mailings
Nonpresorted rate Bound Printed
Matter is not offered at post offices,
branches, or stations or through Postal
Service carriers, except under 1.2c and
1.2d. Mailers must deposit
Nonpresorted Bound Printed Matter as
follows:
a. At the time and place specified by
the postmaster at the office of mailing.
b. For metered mail, at other than the
licensing post office only as permitted
under 705.18.0, Metered Mail Drop
Shipment.
c. For permit imprint mail, only at the
post office where the permit is held (see
604.5.0).
d. At any post office, branch, or
station or with a Postal Service carrier,
if the correct postage is applied,
including postage for any extra service
elected.
*
*
*
*
*
3.0 Destination Bulk Mail Center
(DBMC) Entry
*
*
*
VerDate Aug<31>2005
*
Mailers may deposit machinable
parcels otherwise eligible for the DBMC
rates at an SCF designated by the USPS
for destination ZIP Codes listed in
labeling list L607. The following
standards apply:
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise item c as follows:]
c. Parcel Select machinable parcels
under 456.2.6 and Standard Mail
parcels under 705.6.3 may be included.
*
*
*
*
*
Jkt 211001
5.0
Preparing Library Mail Parcels
*
*
5.2
Preparing Machinable Parcels
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
475
Mail Preparation
*
*
5.0
Preparing Media Mail Parcels
5.2.2 Sacking and Labeling
Preparation sequence and labeling:
[Replace items a and b with new item
a as follows. Renumber items c and d as
new items b and c.]
a. 5-digit/scheme (optional, but
required for 5-digit rate); labeling:
1. Line 1: For 5-digit scheme sacks,
use L606, Column B. For 5-digit sacks,
use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code on
mail (see 4.3 for overseas military mail).
2. Line 2: For 5-digit scheme sacks,
‘‘PSVC MACH 5D SCH.’’ For 5-digit
sacks, ‘‘PSVC MACH 5D.’’
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise heading of 5.3 as follows:]
*
*
5.3
Preparing Irregular Parcels
5.2
Preparing Machinable Parcels
*
*
*
*
5.3.4 Sacking and Labeling
Preparation sequence and labeling:
[Replace items a and b with new item
a as follows. Renumber items c through
e as new items b through d.]
a. 5-digit/scheme (optional, but
required for 5-digit rate); labeling:
1. Line 1: For 5-digit scheme sacks,
use L606, Column B. For 5-digit sacks,
use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code on
mail (see 4.3 for overseas military mail).
2. Line 2: For 5-digit scheme sacks,
‘‘PSVC IRREG 5D SCH.’’ For 5-digit
sacks, ‘‘PSVC IRREG 5D.’’
*
*
*
*
*
470
Media Mail
*
*
5.2.2
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Sacking and Labeling
Preparation sequence and labeling:
[Replace items a and b with new item
a as follows. Renumber items c and d as
new items b and c.]
a. 5-digit/scheme (optional, but
required for 5-digit rate); labeling:
1. Line 1: For 5-digit scheme sacks,
use L606, Column B. For 5-digit sacks,
use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code on
mail (see 4.3 for overseas military mail).
2. Line 2: For 5-digit scheme sacks,
‘‘PSVC MACH 5D SCH.’’ For 5-digit
sacks, ‘‘PSVC MACH 5D.’’
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise heading of 5.3 as follows:]
500
*
*
*
Additional Services
503
Extra Services
5.3
Preparing Irregular Parcels
*
*
*
*
4.0
Insured Mail
*
*
4.2
Basic Information
5.3.4
*
*
*
Sacking and Labeling
Preparation sequence and labeling:
[Replace items a and b with new item
a as follows. Renumber items c through
e as new items b through d.]
a. 5-digit/scheme (optional, but
required for 5-digit rate); labeling:
1. Line 1: For 5-digit scheme sacks,
use L606, Column B. For 5-digit sacks,
use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code on
mail (see 4.3 for overseas military mail).
2. Line 2: For 5-digit scheme sacks,
‘‘PSVC IRREG 5D SCH.’’ For 5-digit
sacks, ‘‘PSVC IRREG 5D.’’
*
*
*
*
*
480
Library Mail
*
*
*
*
*
485
Mail Preparation
*
*
14:20 Jan 16, 2007
3.2 Acceptance at Designated SCF—
Mailer Benefit
2119
*
PO 00000
*
Frm 00031
*
Fmt 4701
*
Sfmt 4702
*
*
*
*
*
*
4.2.1 Description
Insured mail provides the following
features:
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise item d as follows:]
d. Insured mail service provides the
mailer with a mailing receipt. No record
of insured mail is kept at the office of
mailing. For mail insured for $200 or
less, the USPS maintains delivery
information (not including a signature).
For mail insured for more than $200, the
USPS maintains a delivery record
(which includes the recipient’s
signature) for a specified period of time.
Customers may obtain a delivery record
by purchasing additional services; see
6.0 for details.
E:\FR\FM\17JAP2.SGM
17JAP2
2120
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 10 / Wednesday, January 17, 2007 / Proposed Rules
4.2.2 Eligible Matter
The following types of mail may be
insured:
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise item b as follows:]
b. Standard Mail pieces prepared as
machinable or irregular parcels (bulk
insurance only).
*
*
*
*
*
4.2.4 Additional Services
[Revise the first sentence in 4.2.4 as
follows:]
Insuring an item for more than $200
allows customers to purchase restricted
delivery service or return receipt
service. The following additional
services may be purchased at a retail
post office and combined with
insurance if the applicable standards for
the services are met and the additional
service fees are paid:
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise item c as follows:]
c. Return receipt for merchandise (for
items insured for $200 or less).
*
*
*
*
*
4.3
Mailing
*
*
*
*
*
mstockstill on PROD1PC61 with PROPOSALS2
4.3.3 Markings and Forms
The treatment of pieces is determined
by the insurance amount:
[Revise items a and b as follows:]
a. Retail pieces insured for $200 or
less: The mailer must affix a barcoded
Form 3813 (see Exhibit 4.3.3) to each
piece above the delivery address and to
the right of the return address. No
signature is obtained.
b. Retail pieces insured for more than
$200: The mailer must affix a barcoded
Form 3813–P (see Exhibit 4.3.3) to each
piece above the delivery address and to
the right of the return address.
*
*
*
*
*
4.3.5 Integrated Barcodes
The following options are available
for mailers who print their own labels:
*
*
*
*
*
c. Mailers must use an integrated
barcode (see Exhibit 4.3.5c) when
insurance is purchased online for
Priority Mail and for parcels mailed at
First-Class Mail, Media Mail, and Parcel
Post rates. This barcode combines
insurance with electronic option
Delivery Confirmation or Signature
Confirmation into a single barcode on
the shipping label. Additional
information on the integrated barcode
can be found in Publication 91,
Confirmation Services Technical Guide.
[Revise items c1 and c2 as follows:]
1. Mailers may purchase insurance
online for indemnity coverage of $200
VerDate Aug<31>2005
14:20 Jan 16, 2007
Jkt 211001
or less with electronic option Delivery
Confirmation service. The humanreadable text above the integrated
barcode must state, ‘‘e/USPS DELIVERY
CONFIRMATION’’ or, for parcels
prepared using eVS under 705.2.9,
‘‘USPS DELIVERY CONFIRMATION.’’
2. Mailers may purchase insurance
online for indemnity coverage of more
than $200, up to $500, with electronic
option Delivery Confirmation service.
The human-readable text above the
integrated barcode must state, ‘‘e/USPS
INSURED’’ or, for parcels prepared
using eVS under 705.2.9, ‘‘USPS
INSURED.’’
*
*
*
*
*
4.3.7
Receipt
Receipts are provided as follows:
a. For each retail insured mail article,
the mailer receives a USPS sales receipt
and the appropriate postmarked (rounddated) insured mail form as follows:
[Revise items a1 and a2 as follows:]
1. Form 3813 when the insurance
coverage is $200 or less.
2. Form 3813–P when the insurance
coverage is more than $200.
*
*
*
*
*
4.5
Delivery
[Revise 4.5 as follows:]
An item insured for $200 or less is
delivered as ordinary mail and receives
a delivery scan. An item insured for
more than $200 receives a delivery scan
and the recipient’s signature. Delivery of
insured mail is subject to 508.1.0,
Recipient Options, and 508.2.0,
Conditions of Delivery.
*
*
*
*
*
6.0
Return Receipt
*
*
6.2
Basic Information
*
*
6.2.2
*
*
*
*
*
*
Eligible Matter
Return receipt service is available for:
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise items b, c, and d to replace
old value of $50 with new value of
$200. Further revise item c to remove
reference to residual shape surcharge
and insert text about preparation as
machinable or irregular parcels as
follows:]
b. First-Class Mail (including Priority
Mail) when purchased at the time of
mailing with Certified Mail, COD,
insured mail (for more than $200), or
Registered Mail service.
c. Standard Mail prepared as
machinable or irregular parcels when
bulk insurance (for more than $200) is
purchased at the time of mailing.
PO 00000
Frm 00032
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4702
d. Package Services when purchased
at the time of mailing with COD or
insured mail (for more than $200).
*
*
*
*
*
6.3
Obtaining Service
*
*
6.3.2
*
*
*
After Mailing
[Revise first sentence in the
introductory text to replace old value of
$50 with new value of $200 as follows:]
The mailer may request a delivery
record after mailing for Express Mail,
Certified Mail, Registered Mail, COD
mail, and mail insured for more than
$200. When a delivery record is
available, the USPS provides the mailer
information from that record, including
to whom the mail was delivered and the
date of delivery. The mailer requests a
delivery record by completing Form
3811–A, paying the appropriate fee in
6.1.1, and submitting the request to the
appropriate office as follows:
*
*
*
*
*
7.0
Restricted Delivery
*
*
7.2
Basic Information
*
*
7.2.2
*
*
*
*
*
*
Eligible Matter
Restricted Delivery service is
available for:
[Revise items a, b, and c to replace old
value of $50 with new value of $200.
Further revise item b to remove
reference to residual shape surcharge
and insert text about preparation as
machinable or irregular parcels as
follows:]
a. First-Class Mail (including Priority
Mail) when purchased at the time of
mailing with Certified Mail, COD,
insured mail (for more than $200), or
Registered Mail service.
b. Standard Mail prepared as
machinable or irregular parcels when
bulk insurance (for more than $200) is
purchased at the time of mailing.
c. Package Services when purchased
at the time of mailing with COD or
insured mail (for more than $200).
*
*
*
*
*
8.0
Return Receipt for Merchandise
*
*
8.2
Basic Information
*
*
8.2.2
*
*
*
*
*
*
Eligible Matter
[Revise 8.2.2 as follows:]
Return receipt for merchandise is
available for merchandise sent as
E:\FR\FM\17JAP2.SGM
17JAP2
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 10 / Wednesday, January 17, 2007 / Proposed Rules
Priority Mail, Standard Mail parcels,
and Package Services.
*
*
*
*
*
Package Services parcel, the parcel must
meet these additional requirements:
*
*
*
*
*
8.2.4
10.2.6
Additional Services
The following services may be
combined with return receipt for
merchandise if the applicable standards
for the services are met and the
additional service fees are paid:
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise item b to replace old value of
$50 with new value of $200 as follows:]
b. Insurance (for up to $200).
*
*
*
*
*
9.0
*
*
9.2
Basic Information
*
*
9.2.2
*
*
*
*
*
*
Eligible Matter
[Revise 9.2.2 to remove reference to
Standard Mail residual shape surcharge
and insert text about Standard Mail
preparation as machinable or irregular
parcels as follows:]
Delivery Confirmation is available for
First-Class Mail parcels, for all Priority
Mail pieces, for Standard Mail pieces
prepared as machinable or irregular
parcels (electronic option only), and for
Package Services parcels under 401.1.0.
For the purposes of using Delivery
Confirmation with a Package Services
parcel, the parcel must meet these
additional requirements:
*
*
*
*
*
9.2.6
Additional Services
Delivery Confirmation may be
combined with:
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise items d and e as follows:]
d. Restricted delivery, if purchased
with insurance for more than $200,
COD, or Registered Mail service.
e. Return receipt, if purchased with
insurance for more than $200, COD, or
Registered Mail service.
*
*
*
*
*
10.0
*
Signature Confirmation
*
10.2
*
*
*
Basic Information
*
10.2.2
mstockstill on PROD1PC61 with PROPOSALS2
*
*
*
*
Eligible Matter
[Revise the introductory text of 10.2.2
as follows:]
Signature Confirmation is available
for First-Class Mail parcels and Package
Services parcels defined in 401.1.0, and
for all Priority Mail pieces. For the
purposes of using Signature
Confirmation with a First-Class Mail or
VerDate Aug<31>2005
14:20 Jan 16, 2007
Signature Confirmation may be
combined with:
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise item d as follows:]
d. Restricted delivery, if purchased
with insurance for more than $200,
COD, or Registered Mail service.
*
*
*
*
*
13.0
Jkt 211001
Confirm Service
outside covers of unwrapped copies,
immediately preceded by the sender’s
name, address, and ZIP+4 or 5-digit ZIP
Code. This endorsement obligates the
publisher to pay return postage. Each
returned piece is charged the singlepiece First-Class Mail rate for the weight
and shape of the piece or the Priority
Mail rate for the weight and destination
of the piece. When the address
correction is provided incidental to the
return of the piece, there is no charge for
the correction.
*
*
*
*
*
1.5.3 Standard Mail
Undeliverable-as-addressed (UAA)
13.2 Basic Information
Standard Mail is treated as described in
Exhibit 1.5.3a and Exhibit 1.5.3k, with
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise the heading and text of 13.2.7 these additional conditions:
*
*
*
*
*
as follows:]
[Revise item i as follows:]
13.2.7 Subscription
i. A weighted fee is charged when an
unforwardable or undeliverable piece is
Confirm is available in blocks of 1
returned to the sender and the piece is
million units. By paying the user fee,
endorsed ‘‘Address Service Requested’’
subscribers receive 1 million units. The
user fee and the 1 million units are valid or ‘‘Forwarding Service Requested.’’ The
weighted fee is the single-piece Firstfor 1 year from the date purchased.
Class Mail rate for the weight and shape
Additional units may be purchased
during the subscription period in blocks of the piece or the Priority Mail rate for
the weight and destination of the piece
of 1 million with a declining price
multiplied by 2.472 and rounded up to
threshold as described in 13.1.1. Units
the next whole cent (if the computation
expire when the annual fee expires.
Units are redeemed for Confirm scans at yields a fraction of a cent). The
weighted fee is computed (and rounded
the rate of one unit per First-Class Mail
if necessary) for each piece individually.
scan or five units per scan of other
Using ‘‘Address Service Requested’’ or
classes of mail.
‘‘Forwarding Service Requested’’
*
*
*
*
*
obligates the sender to pay the weighted
507 Mailer Services
fee on all returned pieces. The
appropriate First-Class Mail rate for a
[Revise 507 to change the term
Not Flat-Machinable piece is the First‘‘accounting fee’’ to ‘‘account
Class Mail parcel rate.
maintenance fee’’ throughout the
[Revise item j as follows:]
chapter.]
j. Returned pieces endorsed ‘‘Return
1.0 Treatment of Mail
Service Requested’’ are charged the
single-piece First-Class Mail rate for the
*
*
*
*
*
weight and shape of the piece or the
1.5 Treatment for Ancillary Services by Priority Mail rate for the weight and
Class of Mail
destination of the piece. The
appropriate First-Class Mail rate for a
*
*
*
*
*
Not Flat-Machinable piece is the First1.5.2 Periodicals
Class Mail parcel rate.
*
*
*
*
*
Undeliverable-as-addressed (UAA)
Periodicals publications (including
1.6 Attachments and Enclosures
publications pending Periodicals
1.6.1 Periodicals
authorization) are treated as described
in Exhibit 1.5.2, with these additional
[Revise the first sentence in 1.6.1 as
conditions:
follows:]
Undeliverable Periodicals (including
*
*
*
*
*
publications pending Periodicals
[Revise item f to remove the
nonmachinable surcharge in the second- authorization) with a nonincidental
First-Class Mail attachment or enclosure
to-last sentence as follows:]
are returned at the single-piece Firstf. The publisher may request the
Class Mail rate for the weight and shape
return of copies of undelivered
Periodicals by printing the endorsement of the piece or Priority Mail rate for the
weight and destination of the piece. The
‘‘Address Service Requested’’ on the
weight of the attachment or enclosure is
envelopes or wrappers, or on one of the
*
Delivery Confirmation
Additional Services
2121
PO 00000
*
*
Frm 00033
*
Fmt 4701
*
Sfmt 4702
E:\FR\FM\17JAP2.SGM
17JAP2
2122
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 10 / Wednesday, January 17, 2007 / Proposed Rules
1.11 Additional Standards for
Semipostal Stamps
not included when computing the
charges for return of the mailpiece.
Undeliverable Periodicals (including
publications pending Periodicals
authorization) with an incidental FirstClass Mail attachment or enclosure are
treated as dead mail unless endorsed
‘‘Address Service Requested.’’
508
Recipient Services
1.0
Recipient Options
1.1
Basic Recipient Concerns
*
*
1.6.2 Standard Mail
[Revise the first sentence in 1.6.2 as
follows:]
Undeliverable, unendorsed Standard
Mail with a nonincidental First-Class
Mail attachment or enclosure is
returned at the single-piece First-Class
Mail rate for the weight and shape of the
piece or Priority Mail rate for the weight
and destination of the piece. The weight
of the First-Class Mail attachment or
enclosure is not included when
computing the charges for return of the
mailpiece. Undeliverable, unendorsed
Standard Mail with an incidental FirstClass Mail attachment or enclosure is
treated as dead mail.
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise the introductory text of 1.1.7
to change the insurance threshold from
$50 to $200 as follows:]
The following conditions also apply
to the delivery of Express Mail and
accountable mail (registered, certified,
insured for more than $200, or COD, as
well as mail for which a return receipt
or a return receipt for merchandise is
requested or for which the sender has
specified restricted delivery):
*
*
*
*
*
3.0
Address Correction Services
*
*
3.2
Address Change Service (ACS)
*
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise heading and text in 3.2.2 as
follows:]
3.2.2 Service Options
ACS offers three levels of service:
a. An automated option for letter-size
mail with electronic notices processed
using OneCode technology (see 3.2.6,
Additional Standards—4-State
Customer Barcodes).
b. An electronic option for all notices
processed electronically, except
automated notices under 3.2.2a.
c. A manual option for notices
processed manually.
*
*
*
*
*
*
10.5
mstockstill on PROD1PC61 with PROPOSALS2
*
Merchandise Return Service
*
*
*
*
Additional Features
*
*
*
*
10.5.3 Insured Markings
[Revise 10.5.3 as follows:]
The permit holder must either leave a
clear space on the merchandise return
label to the right of the return address
for the numbered insured label or
instruct the customer to affix the
merchandise return label to the article
so that the USPS acceptance employee
can place the insured label on the article
directly above the merchandise return
label.
*
*
*
*
*
VerDate Aug<31>2005
14:20 Jan 16, 2007
Jkt 211001
*
*
Express Mail and Accountable
600 Basic Standards for All Mailing
Services
601
Mailability
1.0
General Standards
*
*
1.4
*
*
10.0
1.1.7
Mail
*
Length and Height
*
*
604
Postage Payment Methods
1.0
Stamps
1.1
Postage Stamp Denominations
[Add the forever stamp to the table of
types and formats of stamps.]
*
*
*
*
*
[Renumber 1.10 through 1.12 as new
1.11 through 1.13 and remove reference
to nonmachinable surcharge. Insert new
1.10 as follows:]
1.10 Additional Standards for Forever
Stamps
Forever stamps are sold for the price
of the current First-Class Mail singlepiece 1-ounce letter rate in 133.1.5. The
postage value of each forever stamp is
the current First-Class Mail single-piece
1-ounce letter rate. Forever stamps may
be used only on single-piece rate mail.
[Revise the heading of renumbered
1.11 as follows:]
Frm 00034
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4702
609 Filing Indemnity Claims for Loss
or Damage
1.0
General Filing Instructions
*
*
1.5
Where To File for Loss or Damage
*
*
*
A claim may be filed:
[Revise item a as follows:]
a. Online at www.usps.com or in
person at any post office, station, or
branch, except for Registered Mail
articles with merchandise return service
(see 1.5b).
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise the heading of 2.0 as follows:]
2.0 Providing Proof of Missing
Contents or Damage
*
The location and orientation of the
delivery address on a letter-size
mailpiece establish which dimensions
of the piece are the length and the
height. The length is the dimension
parallel to the address as read; the
height is the dimension perpendicular
to the length. For flat-size pieces,
parcels, and Not Flat-Machinable
pieces, the length is the longest
dimension. See 705.1.0 to determine the
length of Customized MarketMail
pieces.
*
*
*
*
*
PO 00000
Semipostal stamps are subject to the
following special conditions:
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise item c to remove the reference
to nonmachinable surcharge.]
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise 2.1 and 2.2 to change the
requirements for proving missing
contents or damage as follows:]
2.1
Missing Contents
If a claim is filed because some or all
of the contents are missing, the
addressee must make available the
mailing container, including any
wrapping, packaging, and any contents
that were received, to the USPS with the
claim.
2.2
Proof of Damage
If the addressee files the claim, the
addressee must make available the
damaged article and mailing container,
including any wrapping, packaging, and
any other contents that were received, to
the USPS for inspection. If the mailer
files the claim, the USPS will notify the
addressee by letter to make available the
damaged article and mailing container,
including any wrapping, packaging, and
any other contents that were received, to
the USPS for inspection. Failure to do
so will result in denial of the claim.
[Delete 2.3, Proof of Loss.]
*
*
*
*
*
700
Special Standards
*
*
*
*
*
705 Advanced Preparation and
Special Postage Payment Systems
1.0
Customized MarketMail
*
*
1.2
*
*
*
Rates
[Revise 1.2 as follows:]
E:\FR\FM\17JAP2.SGM
17JAP2
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 10 / Wednesday, January 17, 2007 / Proposed Rules
Keyline
*
*
2.3.3
*
*
*
*
Rate Category Abbreviations
*
*
*
*
Exhibit 2.3.3a Rate Category
Abbreviations-First-Class Mail
*
*
*
*
*
[Delete the entry for Automation
Carrier Route.]
Exhibit 2.3.3b Rate Category
Abbreviations-Standard Mail
*
*
*
*
*
[Delete the entry for Automation
Carrier Route. Add an entry for Not FlatMachinable pieces as follows:]
Code
Rate category
NF ............
*
*
Not Flat-Machinable.
*
*
*
6.0 Combining Mailings of Standard
Mail and Package Services Parcels
6.1 Combining Machinable Parcels—
DBMC Entry
*
*
*
*
*
6.1.2 Basic Standards
Standard Mail and Package Services
machinable parcels must meet the
following conditions:
*
*
*
*
*
[Renumber items c through h as new
items d through i. Insert new item c as
follows:]
c. Parcel Select machinable parcels
must bear a barcode under 708.5.0 for
the ZIP Code of the delivery address.
*
*
*
*
*
[Insert new 6.3 as follows:]
mstockstill on PROD1PC61 with PROPOSALS2
6.3 Combining Package Services and
Standard Mail—Optional 3-Digit SCF
Entry
6.3.1 Acceptance at Designated SCF—
Qualification and Preparation
Mailers may deposit parcels otherwise
eligible for the Package Services and
Standard Mail DBMC rates (for
machinable parcels) and the Standard
Mail SCF rate (for irregular parcels and
Not Flat-Machinable pieces) at an SCF
designated by the USPS for destination
ZIP Codes listed in labeling list L607.
The following standards apply:
a. Standard Mail parcels, Not FlatMachinable pieces, Bound Printed
VerDate Aug<31>2005
14:20 Jan 16, 2007
Jkt 211001
c. Parcel Select machinable parcels
must bear a barcode under 708.5.0 for
the ZIP Code of the delivery address.
*
*
*
*
*
Matter machinable parcels, and Parcel
Select machinable parcels may be
included. Standard Mail parcels and
Not Flat-Machinable pieces that weigh
less than 2 ounces and Standard Mail
parcels that are tubes, rolls, triangles,
and similar pieces may not be included.
b. Mailers must prepare pieces on 3digit pallets or in 3-digit pallet boxes, or
unload and physically separate the
pieces into containers as specified by
the destination facility.
c. Parcel Select and Bound Printed
Matter parcels are eligible for the
applicable DBMC entry rate.
d. Standard Mail machinable parcels
are eligible for the BMC presort level,
DBMC rate; Not Flat-Machinable pieces
and irregular parcels are eligible for the
3-digit presort level, DSCF rate.
e. All pieces must be for delivery
within the service area of the SCF where
they are deposited by the mailer.
f. Postage on all zone-rated parcels
deposited at the SCF is computed using
the zone chart for that postal facility.
8.5.6 Mail on Pallets
These standards apply to mail on
pallets:
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise item c to delete ‘‘automation
carrier route’’ and to replace
‘‘presorted’’ with ‘‘nonautomation’’ as
follows:]
c. For letter-size Standard Mail and
Periodicals prepared in trays on pallets,
mailers must prepare carrier route rate
mail on separate 5-digit pallets (5-digit
carrier routes pallets) from automation
rate or nonautomation rate mail (5-digit
pallets).
*
*
*
*
*
6.3.2
Pieces mailed as Customized
MarketMail under 705.1.0 must pay the
Regular or Nonprofit Standard Mail 5digit nonentry rate for Not FlatMachinable pieces and must not exceed
3.3 ounces.
*
*
*
*
*
2.3
2123
8.6
Pallet Labels
*
*
Documentation
Presort documentation is required for
each rate claimed if the manifest does
not list pieces in presort order. Separate
postage statements must be prepared for
the Standard Mail and Package Services
pieces. Within each group, combined
forms may be prepared where the
standards and the forms permit. All
postage statements must be provided at
the time of mailing.
6.3.3
Authorization
Mailers must be authorized under
6.1.5 to prepare mailings that combine
Standard Mail pieces and Package
Services parcels.
6.3.4
Postage Payment
Postage for all pieces must be paid
with permit imprint at the post office
serving the mailer’s plant under an
approved manifest mailing system
under 2.0.
7.0 Combining Package Services
Parcels for Destination Entry
*
*
*
*
*
7.2 Combining Package Services
Machinable Parcels for DBMC Entry
*
*
7.2.2
*
*
*
Basic Standards
Package Services parcels must meet
the following conditions:
*
*
*
*
*
[Renumber items c through h as new
items d through i. Insert new item c as
follows:]
PO 00000
Frm 00035
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4702
8.0
Preparing Pallets
*
*
8.5
General Preparation
*
*
8.6.5
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Line 2 (Content Line)
*
*
*
*
*
[Delete the entry for ‘‘manual only’’
processing in the table in item b.]
8.10
Pallet Presort and Labeling
8.10.1 Periodicals—Bundles, Sacks, or
Trays
[Replace ‘‘AFSM–100 compatible’’
with ‘‘automation-compatible under
301.3.0’’ in 8.10.1.]
*
*
*
*
*
8.10.2 Standard Mail—Bundles, Sacks,
or Trays
[Replace ‘‘AFSM–100 compatible’’
with ‘‘automation-compatible under
301.3.0’’ in 8.10.2. Reorganize
introductory text as follows:]
Mailers must prepare pallets under
8.0 in the sequence listed below and
complete at each required level before
preparing the next optional or required
level. Unless indicated as optional, all
sort levels are required. For mailings of
sacks or trays on pallets, pallet
preparation begins with 8.10.1e. For
irregular parcels, use this preparation
only for pieces in carrier route bundles
or in sacks. Palletize unbundled or
unsacked irregular parcels under
705.8.10.6. Pallets must be labeled
according to the Line 1 and Line 2
information listed below and under 8.6.
Mailers also may palletize bundles of
Standard Mail flats under 10.0, 12.0, or
13.0.
E:\FR\FM\17JAP2.SGM
17JAP2
2124
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 10 / Wednesday, January 17, 2007 / Proposed Rules
[Delete items a and c to remove the
merged 5-digit and merged 5-digit
scheme pallet levels; renumber items b
and c as new items a and b; renumber
items e through l as new items c through
j.]
*
*
*
*
*
mstockstill on PROD1PC61 with PROPOSALS2
8.10.3 Package Services Flats—
Bundles and Sacks
[Replace ‘‘AFSM–100 compatible’’
with ‘‘automation-compatible under
301.3.0’’ in 8.10.3.]
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise the heading and text of 8.10.5
to add Not Flat-Machinable pieces as
follows:]
8.10.5 Package Services and Standard
Mail Machinable Parcels, and Not FlatMachinable Pieces Weighing 6 Ounces
or More
Pallets must be prepared under 8.0 in
the sequence listed below and
completed at each required level before
the next optional or required level is
prepared. Unless indicated as optional,
all sort levels are required under the
conditions shown. At the mailer’s
option, Inter-BMC/ASF and Intra-BMC/
ASF Parcel Post mailings may be
prepared on pallets under this section.
Destination entry rates eligibility
applies only to Standard Mail (see 446
for parcels and NFMs that weigh 6
ounces or more), Parcel Select (see 456),
and Bound Printed Matter (see 466).
Combined mailings of Standard Mail
and Package Services machinable
parcels also must meet the standards in
6.0. Pallets must be labeled according to
the Line 1 and Line 2 information listed
below and under 8.6.
a. 5-digit scheme, required. Pallet
must contain parcels or NFMs for the
same 5-digit scheme under L606. For 5digit destinations not part of L606, or for
which scheme sorts are not performed,
5-digit pallets are prepared under
8.10.5b. Labeling:
1. Line 1: Use L606.
2. Line 2: ‘‘STD MACH 5D,’’ ‘‘STD
NFM 5D,’’ or ‘‘PSVC MACH 5D,’’ as
applicable; followed by ‘‘SCHEME’’ (or
‘‘SCH’’).
b. 5-digit, required. Pallet must
contain parcels only for the same 5-digit
ZIP Code. Labeling:
1. Line 1: city, state, and 5-digit ZIP
Code destination (see 8.6.4c for overseas
military mail).
2. Line 2: ‘‘STD MACH 5D,’’ ‘‘STD
NFM 5D,’’ or ‘‘PSVC MACH 5D,’’ as
applicable.
c. ASF, optional, but required for
DBMC rates. Not available for the
Buffalo NY ASF in L602. Pallets must
contain only parcels or NFMs for the 3digit ZIP Code groups in L602. Labeling:
VerDate Aug<31>2005
14:20 Jan 16, 2007
Jkt 211001
1. Line 1: Use L602.
2. Line 2: ‘‘STD MACH ASF,’’ ‘‘STD
NFM ASF,’’ or ‘‘PSVC MACH ASF,’’ as
applicable.
d. BMC, required. Pallets must
contain only parcels or NFMs for the 3digit ZIP Code groups in L601. Labeling:
1. Line 1: Use L601.
2. Line 2: ‘‘STD MACH BMC,’’ ‘‘STD
NFM BMC,’’ or ‘‘PSVC MACH BMC,’’ as
applicable.
e. Mixed BMC, optional. Labeling:
1. Line 1: ‘‘MXD’’ followed by
information in L601, Column B, for
BMC serving 3-digit ZIP Code prefix of
entry post office (or labeled to plant
serving entry post office if authorized by
processing and distribution manager).
2. Line 2: ‘‘STD MACH WKG,’’ ‘‘STD
NFM WKG,’’ or ‘‘PSVC MACH WKG,’’
as applicable.
[Insert new 8.10.6 as follows:]
8.10.6 Standard Mail Irregular Parcels
Weighing 2 Ounces or More
Mailers who palletize unbundled or
unsacked irregular parcels must make
pallets or pallet boxes when there are
250 pounds or more for the destination
levels below. Pallets or pallet boxes of
irregular parcels (except tubes, rolls,
and similar pieces) weighing 2 ounces
or more must be prepared under 8.0 in
the sequence listed below and
completed at each required level before
the next optional or required level is
prepared. Unless indicated as optional,
all sort levels are required. Label pallets
or pallet boxes according to the Line 1
and Line 2 information listed below and
under 8.6. Mailers may not prepare
tubes, rolls, and similar pieces or pieces
that weigh less than 2 ounces on pallets
or in pallet boxes, except for pieces in
carrier route bundles or in sacks under
8.10.2.
a. 5-digit scheme, required. Pallet or
pallet box must contain parcels only for
the same 5-digit scheme under L606.
For 5-digit destinations not part of L606
prepare 5-digit pallets under 8.10.6b.
Labeling:
1. Line 1: Use L606.
2. Line 2: ‘‘STD IRREG 5D; followed
by ‘‘SCHEME’’ (or ‘‘SCH’’).
b. 5-digit, required. Pallet or pallet
box must contain parcels only for the
same 5-digit ZIP Code. Labeling:
1. Line 1: city, state, and 5-digit ZIP
Code destination (see 8.6.4c for overseas
military mail).
2. Line 2: ‘‘STD IRREG 5D.’’
c. 3-digit, optional, option not
available for 3-digit ZIP Code prefixes
marked ‘‘N’’ in L002. Pallet or pallet box
must contain parcels only for the same
3-digit ZIP Code. Labeling:
1. Line 1: Use L002, Column A.
2. Line 2: ‘‘STD IRREG 3D.’’
PO 00000
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d. ADC, required. Pallet or pallet box
must contain parcels for the 3-digit ZIP
Code groups in L004. Labeling:
1. Line 1: Use L004.
2. Line 2: ‘‘STD IRREG ADC.’’
e. Mixed ADC, optional. Labeling:
1. Line 1: ‘‘MXD’’ followed by city,
state, and ZIP Code information for ADC
serving 3-digit ZIP Code prefix of entry
post office as shown in L009, Column A.
2. Line 2: ‘‘STD IRREG WKG.’’
[Insert new 8.10.7 as follows:]
8.10.7 Standard Mail Not FlatMachinable Pieces Weighing Less Than
6 Ounces
Mailers must prepare pieces on
pallets or in pallet boxes when there are
250 pounds or more of NFMs for the
destination levels below. Prepare pallets
or pallet boxes of NFM pieces weighing
less than 6 ounces under 8.0 in the
sequence listed below and completed at
each required level before the next
optional or required level is prepared.
Unless indicated as optional, all sort
levels are required. Label pallets or
pallet boxes according to the Line 1 and
Line 2 information listed below and
under 8.6.
a. 5-digit scheme, required. Pallet or
pallet box must contain NFMs only for
the same 5-digit scheme under L606.
For 5-digit destinations not part of L606
prepare 5-digit pallets under 8.10.6b.
Labeling:
1. Line 1: Use L606.
2. Line 2: ‘‘STD NFM 5D’’; followed
by ‘‘SCHEME’’ (or ‘‘SCH’’).
b. 5-digit, required. Pallet or pallet
box must contain NFMs only for the
same 5-digit ZIP Code. Labeling:
1. Line 1: city, state, and 5-digit ZIP
Code destination (see 8.6.4c for overseas
military mail).
2. Line 2: ‘‘STD NFM 5D.’’
c. 3-digit, optional, option not
available for 3-digit ZIP Code prefixes
marked ‘‘N’’ in L002. Pallet or pallet box
must contain NFMs only for the same 3digit ZIP Code. Labeling:
1. Line 1: Use L002, Column A.
2. Line 2: ‘‘STD NFM 3D.’’
d. ADC, required. Pallet or pallet box
must contain NFMs for the 3-digit ZIP
Code groups in L004. Labeling:
1. Line 1: Use L004.
2. Line 2: ‘‘STD NFM ADC.’’
e. Mixed ADC, optional. Labeling:
1. Line 1: ‘‘MXD’’ followed by city,
state, and ZIP Code information for ADC
serving 3-digit ZIP Code prefix of entry
post office as shown in L009, Column A.
2. Line 2: ‘‘STD NFM WKG.’’
*
*
*
*
*
8.14 Pallets of Bundles, Sacks, and
Trays
*
E:\FR\FM\17JAP2.SGM
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*
17JAP2
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Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 10 / Wednesday, January 17, 2007 / Proposed Rules
8.14.2
Standard Mail
Additional pallet preparation:
[Revise item a as follows:]
a. Combined mailings. Nonprofit
Standard Mail may be included in the
same mailing or palletized on the same
pallet as regular Standard Mail only as
permitted by standard. Mailers may
include machinable parcels, irregular
parcels, and Not Flat-Machinable pieces
on 5-digit pallets.
*
*
*
*
*
301.3.0; minimum 20 addressed pieces;
labeling:
1. Line 1: For 5-digit scheme sacks,
use L007, Column B. For 5-digit sacks,
use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code
destination on pieces.
2. Line 2: For 5-digit scheme sacks,
‘‘PSVC FLT 5D SCH BC/NBC;’’ for 5digit sacks, ‘‘PSVC FLT 5D BC/NBC.’’
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise 11.0 to replace ‘‘presorted’’
with ‘‘nonautomation’’ throughout.]
9.0 Preparing Cotrayed and Cosacked
Bundles of Automation and Presorted
Flats
11.0 Preparing Cobundled
Automation Rate and Nonautomation
Rate Flats
*
*
11.1
9.2
Periodicals
11.1.1
*
Mailers may choose to cobundle (see
335.1.4m) automation rate and Presorted
rate pieces as an option to the basic
bundling requirements in 9.0, Preparing
Cotrayed and Cosacked Bundles of
Automation and Presorted Flats, subject
to the following conditions:
*
*
*
*
*
[Delete item f. Renumber item g as
item f.]
*
9.2.5
*
*
*
*
*
*
Sack Preparation and Labeling
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise item a as follows:]
a. 5-digit/scheme, required; scheme
sort required, only for pieces meeting
the automation-compatibility criteria in
301.3.0; 24-piece minimum, fewer
pieces not permitted; labeling:
1. Line 1: For 5-digit scheme sacks,
use L007, Column B. For 5-digit sacks,
use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code
destination on pieces.
2. Line 2: ‘‘PER’’ or ‘‘NEWS’’ as
applicable and, for 5-digit scheme sacks,
‘‘FLT 5D SCH BC/NBC;’’ for 5-digit
sacks, ‘‘FLT 5D BC/NBC.’’
*
*
*
*
*
9.3
Standard Mail
*
*
9.3.5
*
*
*
Sack Preparation and Labeling
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise item a as follows:]
a. 5-digit/scheme, required; scheme
sort required, only for pieces meeting
the automation-compatibility criteria in
301.3.0; 125-piece/15-pound minimum;
labeling:
1. Line 1: For 5-digit scheme sacks,
use L007, Column B. For 5-digit sacks,
use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code
destination on pieces.
2. Line 2: For 5-digit scheme sacks,
‘‘STD FLT 5D SCH BC/NBC;’’ for 5-digit
sacks, ‘‘STD FLT 5D BC/NBC.’’
*
*
*
*
*
mstockstill on PROD1PC61 with PROPOSALS2
9.4
Bound Printed Matter
*
*
9.4.4
*
*
*
Sack Preparation and Labeling
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise item a as follows:]
a. 5-digit/scheme, required; scheme
sort required, only for pieces meeting
the automation-compatibility criteria in
VerDate Aug<31>2005
14:20 Jan 16, 2007
Jkt 211001
11.2
11.2.1
First-Class Mail
Basic Standards
Periodicals
Basic Standards
[Revise the introductory text in 11.2.1
to require 5-digit scheme and 3-digit
scheme sort and eliminate distinctions
between AFSM 100 and UFSM 1000
flats as follows:]
Mailers may choose to cobundle (see
707.18.4ab) automation rate and
nonautomation rate flat-size pieces as an
option to the basic bundling
requirements in 707.22.0 and 707.25.0.
All flats in the same bundle must meet
the standards in either 301.3.0 or
707.25.3. 5-digit scheme and 3-digit
scheme bundles also must meet the
additional standards in 707.18.4i and
707.18.4r. Mailing jobs (for flats meeting
the criteria in 301.3.0) prepared using
the 5-digit scheme and/or the 3-digit
scheme bundle preparation must be
sacked under 10.0 or palletized under
10.0, 12.0, or 13.0. All bundles are
subject to the following conditions:
*
*
*
*
*
11.2.2
[Revise the introductory text in 11.2.2
as follows:]
Pieces meeting the criteria in 301.3.0
must be prepared in 5-digit scheme
bundles for those 5-digit ZIP Codes
identified in L007 and in 3-digit scheme
bundles for those 3-digit ZIP Codes
identified in L008. Preparation
sequence, bundle size, and labeling:
*
*
*
*
*
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[Revise item b to require 5-digit
scheme bundles as follows:]
b. 5-digit scheme, required; * * *
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise item d to require 3-digit
scheme bundles as follows:]
d. 3-digit scheme, required; * * *
*
*
*
*
*
11.3
Standard Mail
11.3.1 Basic Standards
[Revise the introductory text in 11.3.1
to require 5-digit scheme and 3-digit
scheme sort and eliminate distinctions
between AFSM 100 and UFSM 1000
flats as follows:]
Mailers may choose to cobundle (see
345.1.4u) automation rate and
nonautomation rate flat-size pieces as an
option to the basic bundling
requirements in 345.5.0 and 345.7.0. All
flats in the same bundle must the
standards in 301.3.0. 5-digit scheme and
3-digit scheme bundles must meet the
additional standards in 345.1.4f and
345.1.4n. Mailing jobs prepared using
the 5-digit scheme and/or 3-digit
scheme bundle preparation (for flats
meeting the criteria in 301.3.0) must be
sacked under 10.0 or palletized under
10.0, 12.0, or 13.0. All bundles are
subject to the following conditions:
*
*
*
*
*
[Delete item g. Renumber item h as
new item g.]
11.3.2 Bundle Preparation
[Revise the introductory text in 11.3.2
as follows:]
Pieces meeting the criteria in 301.3.0
must be prepared in 5-digit scheme
bundles for those 5-digit ZIP Codes
identified in L007 and in 3-digit scheme
bundles for those 3-digit ZIP Codes
identified in L008. Preparation
sequence, bundle size, and labeling:
[Revise item a to require 5-digit
scheme bundles as follows:]
a. 5-digit scheme, required; * * *
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise item c to require 3-digit
scheme bundles as follows:]
c. 3-digit scheme, required; * * *
*
*
*
*
*
15.0
*
Bundle Preparation
2125
15.2
*
Plant-Verified Drop Shipment
*
*
*
*
Program Participation
*
*
*
*
15.2.4 Periodicals
[Revise 15.2.4 to reflect the new rate
structure for Periodicals mail as
follows:]
Periodicals postage must be paid at
the post office verifying the copies or as
designated by the district. Postage is
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calculated from the destination USPS
facility where deposited and accepted as
mail (or from the facility where the
Express Mail or Priority Mail Open and
Distribute destinates). The publisher
must ensure that sufficient funds are on
deposit to pay for all shipments before
their release. A publisher authorized
under an alternative postage payment
system must pay postage under the
corresponding standards.
*
*
*
*
*
707
Periodicals
1.0
Rates and Fees
1.1 Outside-County—Excluding
Science-of-Agriculture
*
*
*
*
*
[Renumber 1.1.3 through 1.1.5 as new
1.1.4 through 1.1.6. Insert new 1.1.3 as
follows:]
1.1.3 Outside-County Container Rate
Rate for each pallet, sack, or tray
containing Outside-County Periodicals
mail: $0.85. Apply the container rate as
follows:
a. For mailings correctly prepared in
trays or sacks, mailers pay the container
rate for each tray or sack. (See 1.1.3b for
mailings on pallets.)
b. For mailings correctly prepared on
pallets under 705.8.0:
1. For bundles or trays on pallets,
mailers pay the container rate for each
pallet, and not for the bundles or trays.
2. For sacks on pallets, mailers pay
the container rate for each sack, and not
for the pallet.
c. For mailings not in containers
under 707.23.4.2, Exception to Sacking,
mailers pay the container rate for each
5-digit ZIP Code or 5-digit scheme in the
mailing serviced by the DDU.
d. For containers of both In-County
and Outside-County pieces, mailers do
not pay the container rate for carrier
route, 5-digit carrier routes, and 5-digit/
scheme pallets, sacks, and trays.
*
*
*
*
*
1.2 Outside-County—Science-ofAgriculture
*
*
*
*
[Renumber 1.2.3 as new 1.2.4. Insert
new 1.2.3 as follows:]
mstockstill on PROD1PC61 with PROPOSALS2
*
1.2.3 Outside-County Container Rate
Rate for each pallet, sack, or tray
containing Outside-County Periodicals
mail: $0.85. Apply the container rate as
follows:
a. For mailings correctly prepared in
trays or sacks, mailers pay the container
rate for each tray or sack. (See 1.1.3b for
mailings on pallets.)
b. For mailings correctly prepared on
pallets under 705.8.0:
VerDate Aug<31>2005
14:20 Jan 16, 2007
Jkt 211001
1. For bundles or trays on pallets,
mailers pay the container rate for each
pallet, and not for the bundles or trays.
2. For sacks on pallets, mailers pay
the container rate for each sack, and not
for the pallet.
c. For mailings not in containers
under 707.23.4.2, Exception to Sacking,
mailers pay the container rate for each
5-digit ZIP Code or 5-digit scheme in the
mailing serviced by the DDU.
d. For containers of both In-County
and Outside-County pieces, mailers do
not pay the container rate for carrier
route, 5-digit carrier routes, and 5-digit/
scheme pallets, sacks, and trays.
*
*
*
*
*
2.0 Rate Application and
Computation
2.1
Rate Application
2.1.1
Rate Elements
[Revise 2.1.1 to reflect the new
Outside-County container rate and the
new nonadvertising rate structure as
follows:]
Postage for Periodicals mail includes
a pound rate charge, a piece rate charge,
an Outside-County container rate
charge, and any discounts for which the
mail qualifies under the corresponding
standards.
2.1.2
Applying Pound Rate
[Revise 2.1.2 to reflect the new
Outside-County container rate and the
new nonadvertising rate structure as
follows:]
Pound rates are applied to the weight
of the pieces in the mailing as follows:
a. Outside-County pound rates are
based on the weight of the advertising
portion sent to each postal zone (as
computed from the entry office) or
destination entry zone, and the weight
of the nonadvertising portion to a
destination entry zone.
b. Science-of-Agriculture OutsideCounty pound rates are based on the
weights of the advertising portion and
the nonadvertising portion of the mail
sent to each postal zone (as computed
from the entry office) or destination
entry zone.
c. In-County pound rates consist of a
destination entry rate and an unzoned
rate for all other eligible copies
delivered within the county of
publication.
[Revise the heading of 2.1.3 as
follows:]
2.1.3 Computing Weight of
Advertising and Nonadvertising
Portions
[Revise 2.1.3 to reflect the new
Outside-County container rate and the
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Sfmt 4702
new nonadvertising rate structure as
follows:]
The pound rate charge is the sum of
the charges for the computed weight of
the advertising portion of copies to each
zone, plus the sum of the charges for the
computed weight of the nonadvertising
portion of copies to each zone. The
following standards apply:
a. The minimum pound rate charge
for any zone to which copies are mailed
is the 1-pound rate. For example, three
2-ounce copies for a zone are subject to
the minimum 1-pound charge.
b. Authorized Nonprofit and
Classroom publications with an
advertising percentage that is 10% or
less are considered 100%
nonadvertising. When computing the
pound rates and the nonadvertising
adjustment, use ‘‘0’’ as the advertising
percentage. Authorized Nonprofit and
Classroom publications claiming 0%
advertising must pay the nonadvertising
pound rate for the entire weight of all
copies to all zones.
*
*
*
*
*
2.2
Computing Postage
*
*
*
*
*
[Renumber 2.2.7 as 2.2.8. Insert new
2.2.7 to compute the Outside-County
container rate as follows:]
2.2.7 Outside-County Container Rate
The Outside-County container charge
is the sum of Outside-County trays,
sacks, or pallets in the mailing (see 1.1.3
and 1.2.3), multiplied by the container
rate. Mailers who prepare Periodicals
publications as a combined mailing by
merging copies or bundles of copies
under 26.0 may pay the Outside-County
container charge on one mailer’s Form
3541, on one consolidated Form 3541–
C, or on each mailer’s Form 3541 if they
electronically submit their qualification
report via Mail.dat. Prorate the charge
for each mailer by determining how
many containers that mailer is using.
Next calculate the percentage of pieces
in each of those containers and round to
two decimal places. Add each
percentage and multiply the total by the
container rate. The total charges
collected on all Form 3541s in a
combined mailing must equal the total
number of containers subject to the
Outside-County container rate presented
for mailing.
2.2.8 Total Postage
[Revise renumbered 2.2.8 to reflect
the new Outside-County container rate
as follows:]
Total Outside-County postage is the
sum of the per pound and per piece
charges, the container charge, and any
Ride-Along charge; less all discounts;
E:\FR\FM\17JAP2.SGM
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rounded off to the nearest whole cent.
Total In-County postage is the sum of
the per pound and per piece charges,
and any Ride-Along charge, less all
discounts, rounded off to the nearest
whole cent. For mailings that include
foreign copies, total foreign postage is
the sum of the per piece charges, less a
discount, rounded off to the nearest
whole cent.
3.0 Physical Characteristics and
Content Eligibility
*
*
*
3.5
Mailpiece Construction
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
3.5.2 Size and Weight
[Insert new second sentence in 3.5.2
to include the maximum weight and
thickness for Periodicals automation
flat-size pieces as follows:]
Periodicals mail may not weigh more
than 70 pounds or measure more than
108 inches in length and girth
combined. Automation flat-size pieces
may not weigh more than 6 pounds or
measure more than 1-1⁄4 inch thick.
Additional size and weight limitations
apply to individual Periodicals rate
categories. Requester publications must
contain at least 24 pages per issue.
*
*
*
*
*
11.0
*
Basic Rate Eligibility
*
*
*
*
11.4 Discounts
The following discounts are available:
*
*
*
*
*
[Delete item c to eliminate the pallet
discounts.]
*
*
*
*
*
15.0
mstockstill on PROD1PC61 with PROPOSALS2
*
Ride-Along Rate Eligibility
*
*
*
*
14:20 Jan 16, 2007
Jkt 211001
16.0
*
Postage Payment
*
16.4
*
*
*
Payment Method
Mailers must pay Periodicals postage
by advance deposit account at the
original or additional entry post office,
except under procedures in 16.5 for
Centralized Postage Payment or in
705.15.2.4. Mailers may not pay postage
for Periodicals using permit imprint,
meter stamp, postage stamp, or
precanceled stamps. Mailers must pay
postage for First-Class Mail and
Standard Mail enclosures under 703.9.8
through 703.9.12 and 705.16.1. Mailers
who prepare Periodicals publications as
a combined mailing by merging copies
or bundles of copies under 26.0 may pay
the Outside-County container charge on
one mailer’s Form 3541, on one
consolidated Form 3541–C, or on each
mailer’s Form 3541 if the qualification
report is electronically submitted via
Mail.dat. If paid on each Form 3541,
calculate the charge according to 2.2.7.
The total charges collected on all Form
3541s in a combined mailing must equal
the total number of containers subject to
the Outside-County container rate
(under 1.1.3 and 1.2.3) presented for
mailing.
*
*
*
*
*
17.0
*
Documentation
*
17.7
*
15.3 Physical Characteristics
The host Periodicals piece and the
Ride-Along piece must meet the
following physical characteristics:
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise item c as follows:]
c. A Periodicals piece with a RideAlong that claims automation rates must
meet the automation requirements in
201.3.0, Physical Standards for
Automation Letters and Cards, or 25.0,
Preparing Flat-Size Automation
Periodicals, and must maintain the same
processing category as before the
addition of the Ride-Along. For
example, if, due to the inclusion of a
Ride-Along piece, an automation lettersize host piece can no longer be
processed as an automation letter, then
that piece must pay the Periodicals
nonautomation rate for the host piece
VerDate Aug<31>2005
plus the Ride-Along rate or the Standard
Mail rate for the attachment or
enclosure.
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Additional Standards
*
*
*
*
[Insert new 17.7.4 as follows:]
17.7.4 Outside-County Container Rate
Documentation
A complete, signed postage statement,
using the correct USPS form or an
approved facsimile, must accompany
each mailing, supported by
standardized documentation meeting
the basic standards in 708.1.0. The
documentation must show how many
trays, sacks, or pallets are required for
the rates and discounts claimed, even
when the mailing is presented under
707.23.4.2, Exception to Sacking, or is
otherwise presented by the mailer.
Documentation of postage is not
required if each piece in the mailing is
of identical weight and the pieces are
separated when presented for
acceptance by rate, by zone, and by
entry discount (such as DDU and DSCF).
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2127
18.0 General Information for Mail
Preparation
*
*
*
*
*
18.3 Presort Terms
Terms used for presort levels are
defined as follows:
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise items e and p as follows:]
e. 5-digit scheme (bundles and sacks)
for flats prepared according to 301.3.0:
the ZIP Code in the delivery address on
all pieces is one of the 5-digit ZIP Codes
processed by the USPS as a single
scheme, as shown in L007.
*
*
*
*
*
p. 3-digit scheme bundles for flats
prepared according to 301.3.0: the ZIP
Code in the delivery address on all
pieces is one of the 3-digit ZIP Codes
processed by the USPS as a single
scheme, as shown in L008.
*
*
*
*
*
18.4 Mail Preparation Terms
For purposes of preparing mail:
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise items b, i, and r as follows:]
b. A full letter tray is one in which
faced, upright pieces fill the length of
the tray between 85% and 100% full.
*
*
*
*
*
i. A 5-digit scheme sort for flats
prepared according to 301.3.0 yields 5digit scheme bundles for those 5-digit
ZIP Codes identified in L007. Presorting
must be performed using L007. Pieces
prepared in scheme bundles must meet
the automation flat criteria in 301.3.0.
Mailpieces must be labeled using an
optional endorsement line under
708.7.0. Periodicals firm bundles must
not be part of 5-digit scheme bundles.
*
*
*
*
*
r. A 3-digit scheme sort for flats
prepared according to 301.3.0 yields 3digit scheme bundles for those 3-digit
ZIP Codes identified in L008. The 3digit scheme sort is optional, except
under 705.12.0 and 705.13.0. For
705.12.0 and 705.13.0, presorting must
be performed using L008. Pieces
prepared in scheme bundles must meet
the automation flat criteria in 301.3.0.
Mailpieces must be labeled using an
OEL under 708.7.0. Periodicals firm
bundles must not be physically
combined within 3-digit scheme
bundles, but can contribute toward the
six-piece minimum for rate eligibility.
*
*
*
*
*
22.0
*
Preparing Presorted Periodicals
*
*
*
*
22.2 Bundle Preparation
[Revise the introductory text of 22.2
as follows:]
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17JAP2
2128
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 10 / Wednesday, January 17, 2007 / Proposed Rules
Mailings consisting entirely of pieces
meeting the criteria in 301.3.0 may be
prepared in 5-digit scheme bundles for
those 5-digit ZIP Codes identified in
L007 and in 3-digit scheme bundles for
those 3-digit ZIP Codes identified in
L008. Bundling is required before
traying or sacking. A bundle must be
prepared when the quantity of
addressed pieces for a required presort
level reaches the minimum bundle size.
Smaller volumes are not permitted
except mixed ADC bundles and 5-digit/
scheme and 3-digit/scheme bundles
prepared under 22.4. Bundling is also
subject to 19.0, Bundles. Preparation
sequence, bundle size, and labeling:
*
*
*
*
*
[Renumber items b through f as new
items c through g. Insert new item b as
follows:]
b. 5-digit scheme (optional); six-piece
minimum; red Label 5 or OEL.
*
*
*
*
*
[Renumber new items d through g as
items e through h. Insert new item d as
follows:]
d. 3-digit scheme (optional); six-piece
minimum; green Label 3 or OEL.
*
*
*
*
*
22.6 Sack Preparation—Flat-Size
Pieces and Irregular Parcels
For mailing jobs that also contain an
automation rate mailing, see 22.1.2 and
705.9.0 or 705.10.0. For other mailing
jobs, preparation sequence, sack size,
and labeling:
[Renumber items a through g as new
items b through h. Insert new item a as
follows:]
a. 5-digit scheme; optional; for pieces
meeting the standards in 301.3.0; 24piece minimum, fewer pieces not
permitted.
1. Line 1: L007, Column B.
2. Line 2: ‘‘PER’’ or NEWS’’ as
applicable, followed by ‘‘FLTS 5D SCH
NON BC.’’
*
*
*
*
*
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22.7 Optional Tray Preparation—FlatSize Nonautomation Pieces
[Revise the introductory text in 22.7
as follows:]
As an option, mailers may place in
flat-size trays the automationcompatible flat-size pieces prepared
under 301.3.0 that would normally be
placed in ADC, origin mixed ADC, or
mixed ADC sacks. Pieces must not be
secured in bundles. Mailers must group
together pieces for each 5-digit scheme,
5-digit, 3-digit scheme, 3-digit, and ADC
destination as follows:
*
*
*
*
*
VerDate Aug<31>2005
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Jkt 211001
25.0 Preparing Flat-Size Automation
Periodicals
25.1
25.1.1
Basic Standards
General
[Revise 25.1.1 as follows:]
Each piece must meet the weight and
size standards in 301.3.0 or in 25.3.
Bundle, sack, and tray preparation are
subject to 18.0 through 21.0. Trays and
sacks must bear the appropriate
barcoded container labels under 708.6.0.
*
*
*
*
*
25.1.5
Bundle Preparation
All pieces must be prepared in
bundles and meet the following
requirements:
[Revise items a, c, and d as follows:]
a. Pieces that meet the standards in
301.3.0 must be prepared in separate
bundles from pieces that meet the
standards in 25.3.
*
*
*
*
*
c. Each bundle of pieces prepared
under 301.3.0 and each bundle of pieces
prepared under 25.3 must separately
meet the bundle minimums in 25.4.
d. Presort destination bundles may
contain fewer than six pieces when the
mailpieces are too thick or too heavy to
create a six-piece bundle. Rate eligibility
is not affected if the total number of
pieces bundled for a presort destination
meets or exceeds the minimum for rate
eligibility under 14.0.
25.1.6
Scheme Bundle Preparation
[Revise 25.1.6 as follows:]
Pieces meeting the criteria in 301.3.0
must be prepared in 5-digit scheme
bundles for those 5-digit ZIP Codes
identified in L007 and in 3-digit scheme
bundles for those 3-digit ZIP Codes
identified in L008. These bundles must
meet the additional standards in 18.4i or
18.4r. Pieces meeting the alternate
criteria in 25.3 must not be prepared in
scheme bundles.
25.1.7
Sack Preparation
[Revise 25.1.7 as follows:]
Mailers may combine bundles of
pieces prepared under 301.3.0 and
bundles of pieces prepared under 25.3
in the same sack.
25.1.8 Exception—Automation and
Nonautomation Pieces on Pallets
[Revise the first sentence of 25.1.8 as
follows:]
When the physical dimensions of the
mailpieces in a Periodicals mailing meet
the definition of both a letter-size piece
and an automation flat-size piece, the
entire job may be prepared, merged, and
palletized under 705.9.0 through
705.13.0. The nonautomation portion is
PO 00000
Frm 00040
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4702
paid at the nonautomation rates.
Mailing jobs prepared entirely in sacks
and claiming this exception must be
cobundled under 705.11.0. As an
alternative to 705.9.0 through 705.13.0,
if a portion of the job is prepared as
palletized automation flats, the
nonautomation portion may be prepared
as palletized flats and paid at
nonautomation and carrier route rates.
The nonautomation rate pieces that
cannot be placed on ADC or finer pallets
may be prepared as flats in sacks and
paid at the nonautomation rates.
*
*
*
*
*
[Renumber 25.2 through 25.4 as new
25.4 through 25.6. Insert new 25.2 and
25.3 as follows:]
25.2 Physical Standards
Each flat-size piece must be
rectangular and must meet the standards
in 301.3.0 or the alternative criteria in
25.3.
25.3
Alternative Criteria
25.3.1 General
As an exception to the standards in
301.3.3, mailers may prepare
automation flat-size pieces according to
25.3.2 and 25.3.3 below. Pieces
prepared under 25.3 and pieces
prepared under 301.3.0 may not be
combined in the same bundle.
Determine length and height according
to 301.3.2.
25.3.2 Weight and Size
The maximum weight for each piece
is 6 pounds. The following minimum
and maximum dimensions apply:
a. Minimum height is 5 inches.
Maximum height is 12 inches.
b. Minimum length is 6 inches.
Maximum length is 15 inches.
c. Minimum thickness is 0.009 inch.
Maximum thickness is 1.25 inches.
25.3.3 Address Placement on Folded
Pieces
Mailers must design folded pieces so
that the address is in view when the
final folded edge is to the right and any
intermediate bound or folded edge is at
the bottom of the piece. Unbound flatsize pieces must be at least doublefolded.
25.4 Bundling and Labeling
Preparation sequence, bundle size,
and labeling:
[Revise items a and c in renumbered
25.4 to require scheme bundling as
follows:]
a. 5-digit scheme (required for pieces
meeting the standards in 301.3.0); sixpiece minimum (fewer pieces permitted
under 25.1.9); OEL required.
*
*
*
*
*
E:\FR\FM\17JAP2.SGM
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c. 3-digit scheme (required for pieces
meeting the standards in 301.3); sixpiece minimum (fewer pieces permitted
under 25.1.9); OEL required.
*
*
*
*
*
25.5
Sacking and Labeling
For mailing jobs that also contain a
Presorted rate mailing, see 25.1.10 and
705.9.0. Other mailing jobs are
prepared, sacked, and labeled as
follows:
[Revise item a in renumbered 25.5 as
follows:]
a. 5-digit scheme (for pieces meeting
the standards in 301.3.0 only), required
at 24 pieces, fewer pieces not permitted;
may contain 5-digit scheme bundles
only; labeling:
*
*
*
*
*
25.6 Optional Tray Preparation—FlatSize Barcoded Pieces
[Revise the introductory text in
renumbered 25.6 as follows:]
As an option, mailers may place in
trays the automation-compatible flatsize pieces prepared under 301.3.0 that
would normally be placed in ADC,
origin mixed ADC, or mixed ADC sacks.
Pieces must not be secured in bundles.
Mailers must group together pieces for
each 5-digit scheme, 5-digit, 3-digit
scheme, 3-digit, and ADC destination as
follows:
*
*
*
*
*
26.0 Combining Multiple Editions or
Publications
[Reorganize and revise 26.0 to add the
definition and standards for
copalletized mailings. The experimental
copalletization drop-ship classifications
in 709.3.0 and 709.4.0 expire, and all
mailers may copalletize under 26.0 as
follows:]
mstockstill on PROD1PC61 with PROPOSALS2
26.1
Description
Mailers may prepare Periodicals
publications as a combined mailing by
merging copies or bundles of copies to
achieve the finest presort level possible
or to reduce the per piece or the
Outside-County container rate charge.
Mailers may use the following methods:
a. Mailers may merge and sort
together (‘‘comail’’) individually
addressed copies of different editions of
a Periodicals publication (one title) or
individually addressed copies of
different Periodicals publications (more
than one title) to obtain a finer presort
level.
b. Mailers may place two or more
copies of different Periodicals
publications (two or more titles), and/or
multiple editions of the same
publication in the same mailing
VerDate Aug<31>2005
14:20 Jan 16, 2007
Jkt 211001
wrapper or firm bundle and present it
as one addressed piece to a single
recipient to reduce the per piece charge.
c. Mailers may copalletize separately
presorted bundles of different
Periodicals titles and editions to achieve
minimum pallet weights. Mailers do not
have to achieve the finest pallet presort
level possible.
26.2
26.2.1
Authorization
Basic Standards
Each publication in a combined
mailing must be authorized (or pending
authorization) to mail at Periodicals
rates. Each mailer must be authorized to
comail or copalletize mailings under
26.1a and 26.1c by Business Mailer
Support (see 608.8.1 for address).
Requests for authorization must show:
a. The mailer’s name and address.
b. The mailing office.
c. Procedures and quality control
measures for the combined mailing.
d. The expected date of the first
mailing.
e. A sample of the standardized
documentation.
26.2.2
Denial
If the application is denied, the mailer
or consolidator may file at a later date,
or submit additional information
needed to support the request.
26.2.3
Termination
An authorization may not exceed 2
years. Business Mailer Support may take
action to terminate an authorization at
any time, by written notice, if the mailer
does not meet the standards.
26.3
Minimum Volume
The following minimum volume
standards apply:
a. For combined mailings prepared
under 26.1a, more than one Periodicals
publication, or edition of a publication,
are combined to meet the required
minimum volume per bundle, sack, or
tray for the rate claimed.
b. For combined mailings prepared
under 26.1b, the minimum volume
requirements in 22.0, 23.0, 201.3.0, or
25.0 apply for the rate claimed.
c. For copalletized mailings prepared
under 26.1c, the minimum volume
requirements for pallets in 705.8.5.3
apply for the rate claimed.
26.4
Labeling
Mailers must label all containers in a
combined mailing as either ‘‘NEWS’’
(see 21.1.3) or ‘‘PER’’ as follows:
a. If at least 51% of the total number
of copies in the combined mailing can
qualify for ‘‘NEWS’’ treatment then all
containers in the mailing are labeled
PO 00000
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Fmt 4701
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2129
‘‘NEWS,’’ unless the mailer chooses to
use ‘‘PER.’’
b. If less than 51% of the total number
of copies in a combined mailing can
qualify for ‘‘NEWS’’ treatment then all
containers in the mailing are labeled
‘‘PER.’’
26.5 Documentation
Each mailing must be accompanied by
documentation meeting the standards in
17.0, as well as any additional mailing
information requested by the USPS to
support the postage claimed (such as
advertising percentage and weight per
copy). The following additional
standards apply:
a. Presort documentation required
under 708.1.0 must show the total
number of addressed pieces and total
number of copies for each publication
and each edition in the combined
mailing claimed at the carrier route,
5-digit, 3-digit, and basic rates. The
mailer also must provide a list, by 3digit ZIP Code prefix, of the number of
addressed pieces for each publication
and each edition claimed at any
destination entry discount.
b. Copalletized mailing
documentation must consolidate and
identify each title and version (or
edition) in the mailing. Mailers may use
codes in the summary heading to
represent each title and version (or
edition) presorted together on pallets.
The documentation must include
presort and pallet reports showing by
title and version (or edition) how the
bundles are presorted and where they
will be entered.
26.6 Postage Statements
Mailers must prepare postage
statements for a combined mailing as
follows:
a. Copy weight and advertising
percentage determine whether separate
postage statements are required for
editions of the same publication:
1. If the copy weight and advertising
percentage for all editions of a
publication are the same, mailers may
report all the editions on the same
postage statement or each edition on a
separate postage statement.
2. If the copy weight or the
advertising percentage is different for
each edition of a publication, mailers
must report each edition on a separate
postage statement.
b. For a combined mailing prepared
under 26.1a, mailers must prepare a
separate postage statement that claims
all applicable per piece and per pound
charges for each publication or edition
except as provided in 26.2.5a. The
mailer must annotate on, or attach to,
each postage statement, the title and
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issue date of each publication or edition
and indicate that the pieces were
prepared as part of a combined mailing
under 26.1a.
c. For mailings under 26.1b, mailers
must prepare a separate postage
statement claiming the applicable per
pound charges for each publication or
edition in the combined mailing except
as provided in 26.2.5a. The mailer must
annotate on, or attach to, each postage
statement, the title and issue date of
each publication or edition and indicate
that the copies were prepared as part of
a combined mailing under 26.1b. The
per piece charges must be claimed as
follows:
1. If all copies in the combined
mailing are eligible for the Classroom or
Nonprofit discount, or if all copies are
not eligible for the Classroom or
Nonprofit discount, mailers may claim
the per piece charges only on the
postage statement for the publication
that contains the highest amount of
advertising.
2. If a portion of the copies in the
combined mailing are eligible for the
Classroom or Nonprofit discount and a
portion are not eligible, mailers may
claim the per piece charges only on the
postage statement for the publication
that contains the highest amount of
advertising and is not eligible for the
Classroom or Nonprofit discount. The
Classroom or Nonprofit per piece
discount must not be claimed.
d. For copalletized mailings under
26.1c, mailers must prepare a separate
postage statement for each publication
in the mailing. Mailings consisting of
different editions or versions of the
same publication must be accompanied
by one consolidated postage statement
and a register of mailings for each
publication.
26.7
Postage Payment
mstockstill on PROD1PC61 with PROPOSALS2
Each mailing must meet the postage
payment standards in 16.0. For
copalletized mailings under 26.1c,
mailers must pay postage at the post
office serving the facility where
consolidation takes place, except that
postage for publications authorized
under the Centralized Postage Payment
(CPP) system may be paid to the Pricing
and Classification Service Center (see
608.8.4.1 for address).
26.8
Deposit of Mail
Each publication in a combined
mailing must be authorized for original
entry or additional entry at the post
office where the mailing is entered. For
copalletized mailings under 26.1c,
mailers must enter each mailing at the
VerDate Aug<31>2005
14:20 Jan 16, 2007
Jkt 211001
post office serving the facility where
consolidation takes place.
*
*
*
*
*
28.0
Destination Entry Rate Eligibility
28.1
Basic Standards
28.1.1
Rate Application
[Revise 28.1.1 to eliminate the pallet
discounts and add the new container
rate as follows:]
Outside-County addressed pieces may
qualify for destination area distribution
center (DADC) or destination sectional
center facility (DSCF) rates under 28.2
or 28.3. Carrier route rate addressed
pieces may qualify for destination
delivery unit (DDU) rates under 28.4.
Outside-County pieces are subject to the
Outside-County container rate in 1.1.3
or 1.2.3. For all destination entry rate
pieces:
a. Only one destination entry discount
may be claimed for each addressed
piece.
b. An individual bundle, tray, sack, or
pallet may contain pieces claimed at
different destination entry rates.
c. In-County carrier route rate
addressed pieces may qualify for the
DDU discount under 28.4.
d. The advertising and nonadvertising
portions may be eligible for DADC,
DSCF, or DDU pound rates based on the
entry facility and the address on the
piece.
*
*
*
*
*
28.2 Destination Area Distribution
Center
*
*
28.2.3
*
*
*
Rates
[Revise 28.2.3 to reflect the new
nonadvertising rate structure as
follows:]
DADC rates include a per piece
discount off the addressed piece rate, a
nonadvertising pound rate, and, if
applicable, an advertising pound rate.
28.3 Destination Sectional Center
Facility
*
*
28.3.3
*
*
*
Rates
[Revise 28.3.3 to reflect the new
nonadvertising rate structure as
follows:]
DSCF rates include a per piece
discount off the addressed piece rate, a
nonadvertising pound rate, and, if
applicable, an advertising pound rate.
28.4
*
PO 00000
Destination Delivery Unit
*
*
Frm 00042
*
Fmt 4701
*
Sfmt 4702
28.4.3
Rates
[Revise 28.4.3 to reflect the new
nonadvertising rate structure as
follows:]
DDU rates for Outside-County include
a per piece discount off the addressed
piece rate, a nonadvertising pound rate,
and, if applicable, an advertising pound
rate. DDU rates for In-County consist of
a per piece discount off the addressed
piece rate and a pound charge.
*
*
*
*
*
708
Technical Specifications
1.0 Standardized Documentation for
First-Class Mail, Periodicals, Standard
Mail, and Flat-Size Bound Printed
Matter
*
*
*
*
*
1.2
Format and Content
For First-Class Mail, Periodicals,
Standard Mail, and flat-size Bound
Printed Matter, standardized
documentation includes:
*
*
*
*
*
c. For mail in trays or sacks, the body
of the listing reporting these required
elements:
[Revise item c1 as follows:]
1. Tray/sack sortation level. Mailers
must note with an asterisk (‘‘*’’) all trays
containing overflow mail moved into
that tray under 235.6.6 and 245.7.5.
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise item c3 as follows:]
3. The number of pieces for each 5digit ZIP Code in 5-digit/scheme
bundles or trays; for each 3-digit ZIP
Code in 3-digit/scheme bundles or trays;
for each 3-digit/scheme in (A)ADC
bundles or trays; for each (A)ADC in
mixed (A)ADC bundles or trays (or, for
Periodicals, origin mixed ADC trays).
For automation-rate mailings prepared
under the no overflow option, the
number of pieces in the next higher
level tray in lieu of overflow trays. For
ECR letters prepared under 245.6.0, the
number of pieces in carrier routes
within full trays. For automation and
nonautomation mail, and ECR Standard
Mail, the number of pieces in each
bundle level and presort destination.
*
*
*
*
*
[Add new item c10 as follows:]
10. For Periodicals mailings that
contain both In-County and OutsideCounty pieces, include a separate
‘‘Container Charge’’ column. The body
of the listing must indicate which
containers are subject to the container
charge and a running total.
[Revise item e as follows:]
e. At the end of the documentation, a
summary report of the total number of
pieces mailed at each postage rate for
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each mailing reported on the listing by
postage payment method (and by entry
point for drop shipment mailings) and
the total number of pieces in each
mailing. This information must
correspond to the information reported
on the postage statement(s) for the
pieces reported. For Periodicals
mailings, documentation also must
provide:
1. A summary of the total number of
each type of container in the mailing
and the total container charge paid.
Report only trays, sacks, and pallets
subject to the Outside-County container
rate under 1.1.3 and 1.2.3.
2. For combined mailings, a summary
by individual mailer of the number of
each type of container in the mailing
and the container rate paid. Report only
trays, sacks, and pallets subject to the
Outside-County container rate under
1.1.3 and 1.2.3.
3. A summary of the total number of
copies for each zone, including InCounty, delivery unit, SCF, and ADC
rates. A separate summary report is not
required if a PAVE-certified postage
statement facsimile generated by the
presort software used to prepare the
standardized documentation is
presented for each mailing.
4. Additional data if necessary to
calculate the amount of postage for the
mailing (or additional postage due, or
postage to be refunded) if nonidenticalweight pieces that do not bear the
correct postage at the rate for which
they qualify are included in the mailing,
or if different rates of postage are affixed
to pieces in the mailing.
1.3
Rate Level Column Headings
[Delete the ‘‘Carrier Route’’ entry in
item a. Revise the ‘‘3/5’’ and ‘‘Basic’’
entries as follows:]
Rate
mstockstill on PROD1PC61 with PROPOSALS2
*
*
*
5-Digit [Standard Mail flats] ..
3-Digit [Standard Mail flats] ..
ADC [Standard Mail flats] .....
Mixed ADC [Standard Mail
flats] ...................................
Abbreviation
*
*
Rate
Abbreviation
3-Digit [Standard Mail letters;
Periodicals letters, flats,
and parcels] ......................
ADC [letters/cards and flats]
Mixed ADC [letters/cards and
flats] ...................................
14:20 Jan 16, 2007
3D
AD
MD
*
*
*
*
[Revise heading and text of 4.5.2 as
follows:]
4.5.2 Flat-Size Pieces, First-Class Mail
Parcels, and Not Flat-Machinable Pieces
For a barcode on a flat-size piece, a
First-Class Mail parcel, or a Not FlatMachinable piece weighing less than 6
ounces, the maximum rotational skew
1.4 Sortation Level
(slant or tilt of the individual barcode
[Revise the ‘‘5-Digit Scheme’’ entry as bars) is ±10 degrees from a
follows:]
perpendicular to the baseline of the
barcode; there is no positional skew
Sortation level
Abbreviation
requirement. The individual bars of a
barcode must not shift (be vertically
offset) more than 0.015 inch from the
*
*
*
*
*
average baseline of the barcode. For
information on barcode placement for
5-Digit Scheme [barcoded
and machinable letters] .....
5DGS flat-size pieces, see 302.4.0. For barcode
placement on First-Class Mail parcels
and on Standard Mail Not Flat*
*
*
*
*
[Revise the heading of 4.0 as follows:] Machinable pieces weighing less than 6
ounces, see 402.4.0.
4.0 Standards for POSTNET and 4[Revise the heading of 5.0 as follows:]
State Customer Barcodes
*
*
*
*
*
[Delete the ‘‘Basic Automation’’ entry
in item c.]
*
*
*
*
4.4
*
Reflectance
5.0 Standards for Postal Routing
Barcodes
4.4.1 Background Reflectance
A background reflectance of at least
50% in the red portion and 45% in the
green portion of the optical spectrum
must be produced in the following
locations when measured with a USPS
or USPS-licensed envelope reflectance
meter:
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise item b as follows:]
b. The area surrounding the barcode
(within 1⁄8 inch of the leftmost and
rightmost bars and 1⁄25 inch above and
below the barcode) of a card-size, lettersize, or flat-size piece barcoded in the
address block and of a flat-size, FirstClass Mail parcel, or Not-Flat
Machinable piece barcoded elsewhere.
*
*
*
*
*
5B
3B
AB
Jkt 211001
Skew and Baseline Shift
*
4.4.4 Dark Fibers and Background
Patterns
Dark fibers or background patterns
MB (for example, checks) that produce a
print contrast ratio of more than 15%
*
*
*
*
*
when measured in the red and green
[Delete the ‘‘3/5’’ entry in item b.
portions of the optical spectrum are
Revise the ‘‘5-Digit,’’ ‘‘3-Digit,’’ and
prohibited in these locations:
‘‘Basic’’ entries in item b as follows:]
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise item b as follows:]
Rate
Abbreviation
b. The area of the address block or the
area of the mailpiece where the barcode
appears on a flat-size piece in an
*
*
*
*
*
automation rate mailing or on a First5-Digit [Standard Mail letters;
Class Mail parcel or a Not FlatPeriodicals letters, flats,
and parcels] ......................
5D Machinable piece.
VerDate Aug<31>2005
4.5
2131
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5.1
Basic Requirements
[Revise 5.1 as follows:]
Mailers may use a postal routing
barcode on parcels and Not FlatMachinable pieces that meet the
eligibility requirements in 433.1.1 for
First-Class Mail, 443.4.4 and 443.5.5 for
Standard Mail, 453.3.1 for Parcel Post,
463.4.1 for Bound Printed Matter,
473.3.4 for Media Mail, or 483.3.4 for
Library Mail. Each parcel must bear a
properly prepared UCC/EAN Code 128
barcode symbology as described in 5.3
that accurately represents the correct
ZIP Code or ZIP+4 code of the delivery
address. For information on barcode
placement for parcels, see 402.4.0.
*
*
*
*
*
6.0 Barcoding Standards for
Container Labels
6.1 Basic Standards—Tray and Sack
Labels
6.1.1
*
Use
*
*
Exhibit 6.1.4
Numbers
*
*
3-Digit Content Identifier
[Revise the content identifier numbers
as follows for First-Class Mail letters
and parcels, Standard Mail letters, and
Periodicals and Bound Printed Matter
flats. Add content identifier numbers for
Not Flat-Machinable pieces.]
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Class and mailing
CIN
Human-readable content line
First-Class Mail
FCM Letters—Automation
[Delete codes 263, 264, and 265 for carrier route trays.] * * *
FCM Letters—Nonautomation Machinable
[Delete code 252 for 5-digit trays.] * * *
*
*
*
FCM Parcels—Presorted
*
*
[Add 5-digit scheme sacks as follows:]
5-digit scheme sacks .............................................................................................................................
*
*
*
*
Periodicals (PER)
*
*
289
*
*
*
*
*
PER Flats—Nonautomation
[Add 5-digit scheme sacks as follows:]
5-digit scheme sacks .............................................................................................................................
*
*
*
*
PER Flats—Cosacked Automation and Nonautomation
[Add 5-digit scheme sacks as follows:]
5-digit scheme sacks .............................................................................................................................
*
*
*
NEWS Flats—Nonautomation
[Add 5-digit scheme sacks as follows:]
5-digit scheme sacks .............................................................................................................................
378
*
*
*
*
PER FLT 5D SCH NON BC.
*
321
*
PER FLT 5D SCH BC/NBC.
*
478
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
NEWS Flats—Cosacked Automation and Nonautomation
[Add 5-digit scheme sacks as follows:]
5-digit scheme sacks .............................................................................................................................
FCM PARCELS 5D SCH.
*
*
*
*
*
NEWS FLT 5D SCH NON BC.
*
421
*
NEWS FLT 5D SCH BC/NBC.
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Standard Mail
[Delete codes 563 through 565 for automation carrier route trays.]
*
*
*
*
STD Letters—Nonautomation Machinable
[Delete code 552 for 5-digit trays.]
*
*
*
*
*
STD Flats—Cosacked Automation and Nonautomation
[Add 5-digit scheme sacks as follows:]
5-digit scheme sacks .............................................................................................................................
*
*
*
*
STD Flats—Nonautomation
[Add 5-digit scheme sacks as follows:]
5-digit scheme sacks .............................................................................................................................
*
mstockstill on PROD1PC61 with PROPOSALS2
*
*
[Add Not Flat-Machinable pieces as follows:]
*
*
*
*
*
578
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Jkt 211001
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500
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502
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STD FLTS 5D SCH NON BC.
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STD
STD
STD
STD
STD
STD
STD
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Package Services
VerDate Aug<31>2005
STD FLT 5D SCH BC/NBC.
*
*
STD Not Flat-Machinable Pieces—Nonautomation
5-digit sacks ..........................................................................................................................................
5-digit scheme sacks .............................................................................................................................
3-digit sacks ..........................................................................................................................................
ADC sacks .............................................................................................................................................
ASF sacks .............................................................................................................................................
BMC sacks ............................................................................................................................................
Mixed ADC/Mixed BMC sacks ..............................................................................................................
*
521
17JAP2
*
NFM
NFM
NFM
NFM
NFM
NFM
NFM
5D.
5D SCH.
3D.
ADC
ASF
BMC.
WKG.
*
2133
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 10 / Wednesday, January 17, 2007 / Proposed Rules
Class and mailing
*
*
CIN
*
Presorted BPM—Flats
*
*
*
[Add 5-digit scheme sacks as follows:]
5-digit scheme sacks .............................................................................................................................
*
*
*
*
BPM Flats—Cosacked Barcoded and Presorted
[Add 5-digit scheme sacks as follows:]
5-digit scheme sacks .............................................................................................................................
649
*
*
*
*
7.0 Optional Endorsement Lines
(OELs)
7.1
*
8.0
Basic Standards
*
*
Exhibit 7.1.1
*
*
OEL Formats
[Delete the example for ‘‘Carrier
Route—Automation (First-Class Mail
and Standard Mail).’’]
*
*
*
*
*
7.2
OEL Format
*
*
7.2.5
*
*
*
ZIP Code Information
mstockstill on PROD1PC61 with PROPOSALS2
[Revise 7.2.5 to change the reference
from 6.0 to 8.2 as follows:]
Except for carrier route bundles, the
OEL must include the ZIP Code
information (5-digit ZIP Code or 3-digit
ZIP Code prefix) determined by the
sortation level and, when applicable, by
the labeling list designated in Exhibit
7.2.5 for ADC, mixed ADC, AADC, or
mixed AADC sortation levels. Carrier
VerDate Aug<31>2005
14:20 Jan 16, 2007
Jkt 211001
Carrier Route Information Lines
8.1 Basic Information
[Revise 8.1 as follows:]
Mailers must prepare bundles of all
mailpieces mailed at carrier route rates
with optional endorsement lines under
7.0, carrier route information lines
under 8.2, or facing slips (see 245.2.11
for Standard Mail letters, 345.2.14 for
Standard Mail flats, 365.2.13 for Bound
Printed Matter flats, 445.2.12 for
Standard Mail parcels, 465.2.12 for
Bound Printed Matter parcels, and
707.19.16 for Periodicals). Carrier route
information lines may be on all pieces
in a mailing, regardless of presort level.
Mailers must use optional endorsement
lines or carrier route information lines
on all pieces in mailings of Standard
Mail letters prepared under 245.6.7,
except for pieces in full carrier routes
trays.
*
*
*
*
*
PO 00000
Frm 00045
Fmt 4701
648
Sfmt 4702
*
PSV FLT 5D SCH NON BC.
*
*
route OELs must show carrier route
information as specified in 8.2.
*
*
*
*
*
OEL Use
7.1.1
*
Human-readable content line
*
PSV FLT 5D SCH BC/NBC.
*
*
709 Experimental Classifications and
Rates
*
*
*
*
*
[Delete 3.0, Outside-County
Periodicals Copalletization Drop-Ship
Classification; 4.0, Outside-County
Periodicals Copalletization Drop-Ship
Discounts for High-Editorial, HeavyWeight, Small-Circulation Publications;
and 5.0, Priority Mail Flat-Rate Box.
Renumber remaining sections 6.0 and
7.0 as new 3.0 and 4.0. The
experimental copalletization discounts
expire and are replaced by the new rate
structure for Periodicals mail in 707.
The Priority Mail Flat-Rate Box becomes
a permanent offering in 123.]
*
*
*
*
*
We will publish an appropriate
amendment to 39 CFR Part 111 to reflect
these changes if our proposal is
adopted.
Stanley F. Mires,
Chief Counsel, Legislative.
[FR Doc. E7–245 Filed 1–16–07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7710–12–P
E:\FR\FM\17JAP2.SGM
17JAP2
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 10 (Wednesday, January 17, 2007)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 2090-2133]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-245]
[[Page 2089]]
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Part II
Postal Service
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
39 CFR Part 111
New Standards for Domestic Mailing Services; Proposed Rule
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 10 / Wednesday, January 17, 2007 /
Proposed Rules
[[Page 2090]]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
POSTAL SERVICE
39 CFR Part 111
New Standards for Domestic Mailing Services
AGENCY: Postal Service.
ACTION: Proposed rule; notice of further rulemaking.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: On September 27, 2006, the Postal Service published a proposal
in the Federal Register (71 FR 56587) providing new mailing standards
to accompany the R2006-1 price change proposal currently before the
Postal Rate Commission. In this revised proposal we respond to the
comments we received, summarize our changes, and further revise the
mailing standards.
Our pricing proposal reflects changes in operations and the
marketplace and will enhance efficiency, offer more choices, and ensure
that all types of mail cover their costs. We include incentives to
create mailpieces compatible with our processing systems and to deposit
flats and parcels closer to where they are delivered.
Our proposal includes a new ``forever stamp'' to make future price
changes more convenient for consumers. The forever stamp will always
equal the First-Class Mail single piece 1-ounce letter price, without
the addition of extra postage. We also propose new shape-based prices
for First-Class Mail, with lower rates for many letter-size pieces over
1 ounce. Our proposal will make the Priority Mail flat-rate boxes a
permanent product offering, and we will add a new 1-pound pricing
option for Express Mail.
For commercial mailers we propose new sorting options to reduce the
number of trays in a mailing and new scheme preparations to give
mailers access to lower rates and to better align flat-size mail
preparation with mail processing. We also add a new automated Address
Change Service to reduce the costs associated with undeliverable-as-
addressed mail. First-Class Mail parcel mailers will have new barcode
options, and we propose new opportunities for mailers to combine
Standard Mail and Package Services parcels in the same mailing.
Periodicals mailers will have new incentives to use efficient
containers, and we revise the copalletization standards as a permanent
offering to encourage more publishers to combine mailings. We also add
new prices for the editorial portion of a mailing to give mailers of
high-editorial-content publications access to lower, destination entry
rates.
DATES: We must receive your comments on or before January 31, 2007.
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: Joel Walker, 202-268-7261.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Postal Service's request in Docket No.
R2006-1 includes mail classification changes, new pricing structures,
and price changes for most domestic mailing services. This proposed
rule updates the revisions to Mailing Standards of the United States
Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) that we would adopt to
implement the R2006-1 price change proposal. We respond to comments on
our September 27, 2006, Federal Register proposal (71 FR 56587),
summarize major changes from the first proposal by class of mail and
extra service, update our summary of the entire proposal, and update
our proposed mailing standards. We invite your comments on all aspects
of our second proposal.
You can find our September proposal at www.usps.com/ratecase, along
with side-by-side comparisons of today's prices and those that are
currently under review by the Postal Rate Commission. We also provide
helpful information for mailers on our Web site, including frequently
asked questions, press releases, and Mailers Companion articles related
to the pricing change.
Overview
Our pricing strategy encourages an efficient mailstream to keep
postage rates stable and to keep the mail a viable alternative for
everyone. This revised proposal provides more detail to help mailers
design mailpieces compatible with our processing systems and gives our
customers the information they need to make good mailing decisions and
access the lowest rates of postage.
In early February we will publish an additional Federal Register
notice incorporating comments from this proposal to ensure mailers have
adequate time to prepare for the new standards and prices. The updated
notice will provide a comprehensive view of our proposal at least a
month before the Postal Service Governors vote on the new prices and an
early opportunity to update software and other systems.
Summary of Comments
We received comments on our mailing standards proposal from
mailers, vendors, associations, and individuals. We appreciate your
feedback. Of the 351 letters we received, 310 were similar comments on
behalf of three nonprofit organizations that mail children's books. The
other 41 comments were submitted by twenty-eight publishers, printers,
and large mailers; six mailing associations; two software vendors; two
individuals; one envelope vendor; one small-business owner; and one
Postal Service employee.
General Comments
Many commenters commended us for publishing the proposed standards
early, for planning this revised proposal and an additional notice in
February, and for communicating changes via DMM Advisory, Mailers
Companion, and other avenues.
Three commenters asked us to reformat our Federal Register proposal
to provide more context to our mailing standards and to better
highlight what we are changing. We appreciate this suggestion, and we
added more of the current DMM text to our revisions--even if that text
did not change--to provide context. We added a summary of changes to
highlight the differences between our September proposal and this
revised proposal. We also added more guidance throughout our mailing
standards to help mailers read through our document and compare it to
the current DMM.
Twelve commenters expressed concern about the timeframe for the
rate change. Five commenters requested a 120-day timeframe to prepare
software and other systems; two mailers asked for a two-year timeframe;
and one mailer asked for a minimum of 90 days. Commenters cited
concerns about the complexity of the rate case and limited resources to
make the required changes.
The Postal Service Board of Governors sets the implementation date
for the new prices and related changes. We published our mailing
standards proposal in the Federal Register early in the rate change
process to help mailers begin system planning and to allow for a
second, updated proposal. Our February notice in advance of the Board's
decision will further help mailers get ready for the change.
First-Class Mail Comments
Two commenters commended us for proposing to eliminate First-Class
Mail
[[Page 2091]]
automation carrier route rates and for emphasizing 5-digit and 3-digit
preparation schemes.
Two commenters asked us to change our preparation requirements for
automation heavy letters. Our experience and testing indicate that
letter-size pieces over 3 ounces are most efficiently processed when
they are in envelopes. Self-mailer and booklet-type pieces weighing
over 3 ounces and letter-size pieces weighing over 3.5 ounces (even
when enveloped) often jam and damage our equipment, the mailpieces
themselves are damaged, and our mail processing speeds are
significantly reduced. Therefore we will retain the current
requirements.
One commenter suggested we keep the current rigidity standards for
determining nonmachinable letter-size pieces. We did not change the
definition of ``rigidity'' for letters in DMM 201.2.0. One commenter
asked for clarification on the applicable rate for a rigid letter-size
piece. A rigid First-Class Mail letter-size piece will pay the flat-
size price.
One commenter suggested a maximum weight of 3.5 ounces for all
letter-size pieces, regardless of class. We propose to change the
weight limit for all First-Class Mail letter-size pieces to 3.5 ounces.
Because the proposed rate structure does not support a piece/pound rate
for Standard Mail machinable and nonmachinable letters, we cannot
propose a 3.5-ounce limit for those pieces.
Two commenters expressed concern about customers' and employees'
ability to determine postage under the new shape-based pricing for
First-Class Mail. To ensure a smooth transition for both retail and
business mailers, we are developing an in-depth communications and
training plan to ensure both employees and customers have the knowledge
they need to determine the correct postage.
Six commenters asked us to clarify our definition of a ``full''
letter tray, and one commenter requested tolerance when trays are not
quite filled to 85 percent capacity. Vendors commonly set presort
software parameters at 85 percent capacity today, and most software
includes defaults to that setting. Because fuller trays will help
reduce costs and keep postage rates stable, we proposed this change to
signal all mailers to set their software for trays that are at least 85
percent full. Acceptance personnel will work with mailers when they
identify trays that appear less than full, as they do today, so mailers
can make adjustments on future mailings.
Ten commenters requested clarification of the no-overflow tray
option for automation letters. One commenter asked us to emphasize that
presort bureaus likely will not use the option for combined mailings.
Three commenters asked that we allow mailers to implement the no-
overflow tray option selectively within a mailing.
We have been working with software vendors to identify different
mail preparation scenarios and how presort software will handle them.
We encourage mailers to use the option by clarifying that pieces moved
back to a higher tray level will count toward the 150-piece requirement
for the qualifying rate level. We acknowledge that the option may not
be realistic in all mailing environments and emphasize that it is an
option. We have adopted the commenters' proposal to allow mailers to
selectively apply the option by 3-digit or automated area distribution
center (AADC) destinations in any single mailing, and we modified the
standards to reflect this change.
We received two comments about the forever stamp. The first
commenter agreed with the standards as proposed but asked us to change
the Domestic Mail Classification Schedule to be consistent with the
DMM. The Domestic Mail Classification Schedule is consistent with the
DMM. Forever stamps will be used like other First-Class postage stamps.
The second commenter asked us to clarify the use of forever stamps.
Forever stamps may be used on single-piece mail and may not be used for
discount mailings.
We received three comments about First-Class Mail parcels. One
commenter suggested we not require 5-digit/scheme and 3-digit
preparation. We have adopted the suggestion to make 5-digit/scheme
preparation optional to be consistent with Standard Mail parcel
preparation. A second commenter asked why we would apply a surcharge to
nonbarcoded First-Class Mail, Standard Mail, and Parcel Post parcels
while giving a discount to barcoded Media Mail, Library Mail, and Bound
Printed Matter parcels. Although the rate structures differ, we are
consistent in our objective to encourage barcodes on parcels. Whether a
customer pays a surcharge for failing to barcode a parcel or receives a
discount for applying a barcode, we are providing an incentive to
barcode parcels. A third commenter said it was not clear from the
proposal if we would process First-Class Mail parcels on the Automated
Package Processing System (APPS). If a mail processing facility has an
APPS, that facility will very likely use it to process APPS-machinable
parcels when they are not in 5-digit containers.
One commenter noted that the additional-ounce rate is not the same
for all ounce increments in our proposal. Presort bureaus will have to
separate pieces that cannot be delivery point barcoded by weight to
ensure correct postage is paid. The commenter requested we adjust the
pricing proposal by making the additional-ounce rates consistent.
The request to adjust the additional-ounce prices is outside the
scope of our mailing standards proposal. The commenter is correct that
pieces coded only with a 5-digit barcode because of, for example, an
incomplete address or missing address elements, must be separated by
ounce increment or properly documented to account for postage.
One commenter asked if we will update the rate and fee schedules
for Business Reply Mail (BRM) to include First-Class Mail flats and
parcels and Priority Mail rates above 13 ounces. The commenter asked us
to clarify the First-Class Mail BRM rate for pieces that weigh over 3.5
ounces. BRM pays the per-piece fee plus the applicable First-Class Mail
or Priority Mail rate. The rate for a letter-size piece over 3.5 ounces
is the First-Class Mail flat-size rate. The application of the proposed
fees for BRM mirror what is now in place.
Standard Mail Comments
Nineteen commenters disagreed with or made suggestions regarding
the proposed standards for flat-size mail. Most of these commenters
asked for a clearer, more objective test for flexibility to determine
whether a piece may be mailed at flat-size rates. Some commenters asked
us to better describe the amount of force used during the flexibility
test. In response to these comments we revised the standards to change
the point where pressure is applied to 1 inch from the extended outer
edge, and we added a requirement that the piece must pass the test when
extended from both ends. This new test more specifically identifies the
types of pieces that will not process efficiently on our automated flat
sorting equipment or handle efficiently in delivery. We will advise our
employees to use a steady pressure that stops short of breaking the
mailpiece or its contents. When they begin to feel resistance due to
rigidity, the pressure should be stopped at that point.
Three commenters stated that, when describing the flexibility test,
the phrase ``damage to the mailpiece'' is too subjective and could be
interpreted to mean even a crease in the binding of a
[[Page 2092]]
magazine or catalog. We do not consider a crease in the binding to be
damage to the mailpiece. Generally magazines, catalogs, and similarly
bound mailpieces will meet our flexibility standards, unless they
contain rigid enclosures or attachments, or they are placed in rigid
packaging. We will instruct acceptance employees to exclude ordinary
magazines, catalogs, and similarly bound publications from the new
flexibility test. Mailers should note that boxes generally are not
acceptable for efficient flats processing and delivery and would likely
fail the flexibility test.
Several commenters asked us to clarify the uniform thickness
standard that we proposed to expand to all flat-size mail. In response
to these comments, we relaxed the current definition and redefined
``uniform thickness'' in DMM 301.1.5 to allow for a variation in
thickness up to \1/4\ inch with selvage limitations.
Three commenters were concerned that the deflection test for flimsy
automation flats might be too strict, and they asked us to clarify the
test. In response to these comments, we revised the deflection test to
allow deflection (``droop'') to within 1 inch of the extended length,
with a maximum deflection of 4 vertical inches. An 8-inch-long piece,
extended out 4 inches, could deflect down as far as 3 inches and still
be an automation-compatible flat. Pieces that fail the deflection test
still may be eligible for nonautomation flat-size rates. At this time,
the deflection test does not apply to enhanced carrier route (ECR)
flats.
To further clarify the standards for flexibility and deflection, we
are developing illustrations for the DMM that show how the tests are
applied.
Sixteen commenters requested clarification about the new Not Flat-
Machinable category of Standard Mail. We clarified the definition of a
Not Flat-Machinable piece as follows:
Not Flat-Machinable pieces are rigid, with the following
dimensions:
1. At least 4 inches high, but not more than 12 inches high.
2. At least 4 inches long, but not more than 15\3/4\ inches long.
3. At least 0.009 thick, but not more than 1\1/4\ inches thick.
(Pieces less than 5 inches long must be over \1/4\ inch thick.)
Almost all Not Flat-Machinable pieces will fall within this
definition. But Not Flat-Machinable pieces are also:
Flexible pieces that are at least 4 inches high, but not more than
12 inches high, with either of the following dimensions:
1. Over 15 inches long, but not more than 15\3/4\ inches long.
2. Over \3/4\ inches thick, but not more than 1\1/4\ inches thick.
Or nonmachinable letter-size pieces weighing more than 3.3 ounces,
unless they qualify to be mailed at automation flat-size rates.
We created a decision tree to further help mailers determine if a
piece is Not Flat-Machinable. We will publish the decision tree in the
DMM Advisory and in a new Quick Service Guide for Not Flat-Machinable
mail. The DMM Advisory message board and the Quick Service Guides are
available on Postal Explorer at pe.usps.com. You can receive DMM
Advisory updates via e-mail by sending a message to
dmmadvisory@usps.com (indicate ``subscribe'' in the subject line).
One commenter asked us to allow Bulk Parcel Return Service (BPRS)
for returns of Not Flat-Machinable pieces. BPRS is available only for
Standard Mail machinable parcels. We are not proposing to extend BPRS
to Not Flat-Machinable pieces.
One commenter noted different preparation standards for NFMs
weighing 6 ounces or more and NFMs weighing less than 6 ounces, stating
that lighter pieces would be prepared as flats. Our preparation and
labeling standards will direct NFMs to the appropriate processing
facilities. The proposed preparation of NFMs 6 ounces or more mirror
the preparation of Standard Mail machinable parcels that are
efficiently processed at BMCs. The proposed preparation of NFMs under 6
ounces mirror the preparation of Standard Mail irregular parcels that
are efficiently processed at ADCs.
One commenter noted that reconfiguring packaging is not a solution
for rigid pieces that are more than .75 inch thick. Rigid pieces and
pieces more than .75 inch thick cannot be processed efficiently on AFSM
100s. Our pricing proposal encourages mailers to reconfigure packaging
to create flexible pieces less than .75 inch thick--for example, by
redistributing contents within longer packaging.
The same commenter asked us to reassure mailers that our standards
will not change after they invest in new equipment, and asked us to
outline our plans for the NFM category of mail. We do not plan to
categorize rigid pieces as flats because these pieces negatively impact
delivery and processing operations. We will work with mailers to ensure
that their pieces can be effectively and efficiently processed and
delivered. The goal of the NFM category over time is to provide
financial incentives to create automated flats or machinable parcels.
The NFM category may be temporary if it achieves this goal.
We received 310 comments opposing the Not Flat-Machinable prices on
behalf of three organizations that mail children's books. These
commenters were concerned with the potential negative impact on the
organizations' objectives due to the rate increase. This objection to
the new rates is outside the scope of our mailing standards proposal.
We encourage mailers to reconfigure their mailpieces to meet the new
standards for automation flats.
Four commenters asked for a lower minimum weight for Standard Mail
machinable parcels. We will address their request separately from this
rate case proposal.
Two commenters noted a discrepancy at the 3-digit level between the
proposed standards for irregular parcels and the proposed standards for
Not Flat-Machinable pieces less than 6 ounces. We revised the proposal
to require 3-digit sorting for both types of pieces.
One commenter asked us to clarify the standards for bundling
parcels for destination delivery unit (DDU) entry. We require bundling
only for Standard Mail irregular parcels mailed at an ECR rate to
sequence carrier route mail in either line-of-travel or walk-sequence
order.
Two commenters asked us to keep the processing category name
``irregular parcels'' rather than change it to ``nonmachinable
parcels.'' To avoid confusion for customers, we will retain the name
``irregular parcels,'' and we made the appropriate changes throughout
the standards.
One commenter noted we referenced the wrong labeling lists for area
distribution center (ADC) and mixed ADC labeling for irregular parcels.
We appreciate this comment. We corrected the labeling standards to
reference labeling lists L603 and L604.
As we summarized in First-Class Mail, six commenters asked for
clarification on our definition of a ``full'' letter tray, and one
commenter requested some tolerance when trays are not quite filled to
85 percent capacity. Vendors commonly set presort software parameters
at 85 percent capacity today, and most software includes defaults to
that setting. Because fuller trays will help reduce costs and keep
postage rates stable, we proposed this change to signal all mailers to
set their software for trays that are 85 percent full. Acceptance
personnel will continue to work with mailers when they identify trays
that appear less than full, as they do today, so adjustments can be
made on future mailings.
[[Page 2093]]
Also as summarized in First-Class Mail, 10 commenters requested
clarification of the no-overflow tray option for automation letters.
One commenter asked us to emphasize that presort bureaus likely will
not use the option for combined mailings. Three commenters asked that
we allow mailers to implement the no-overflow tray option selectively
within a mailing.
We have been working with software vendors to identify different
mail preparation scenarios and how presort software will handle them.
We encourage mailers to use the option by clarifying that pieces moved
back to a higher tray level will count toward the 150-piece requirement
for the qualifying rate level. We acknowledge that the option may not
be realistic in all mailing environments and emphasize that it is an
option. We have adopted the commenters' proposal to allow mailers to
selectively apply the option by 3-digit or AADC destinations in any
single mailing, and we modified the standards to reflect this change.
One commenter asked us to allow full tray preparation for ECR
letters to all 5-digit destinations, and for pieces weighing over 3
ounces. In response to this comment, we simplified the standards to
require the same tray preparation for all automation-compatible,
barcoded pieces up to 3 ounces, regardless of ZIP Code destination. We
retained the 3-ounce weight limit because our experience and testing
show that heavier pieces processed sequentially will slow our
processing operations.
Another commenter expressed concern about allowing mailers to drop
ship ECR letters to DDUs, because we would likely backhaul this mail to
upstream processing facilities. We eliminated the DDU entry discount
for Standard Mail letters because we often do backhaul this mail. We
retained a destination sectional center facility (DSCF) entry discount
for local mailers of small quantities and for letters with simplified
addresses.
One commenter requested that the Postal Service not process
enhanced carrier route saturation (ECRWSS) flats on automated equipment
and that we should not apply the flexibility, rectangular, and uniform
thickness standards to ECRWSS flats. As a reminder, current standards
require most mailpieces up to \1/4\ inch thick to be rectangular,
including ECRWSS flats. Also, most pieces mailed at ECRWSS rates are
not rigid and would meet the revised uniform thickness standards that
allow up to \1/4\ inch variation in thickness. Nonrectangular, rigid,
or lumpy pieces generally are more problematic for our delivery
operations. Therefore, we are retaining similar physical standards for
all flat-size mailpieces.
Periodicals Comments
Two commenters objected to the $0.85 Outside-County container rate,
stating that it was too expensive for many mailers. This objection to
the new rate structure is outside the scope of our mailing standards
proposal.
Two commenters asked us to clarify how the Outside-County container
rate is applied. We revised the standards in DMM 707.1.1.3 and
707.1.2.3 to clarify how the $0.85 rate applies to sacks, trays, and
pallets of Periodicals mail.
Two commenters objected to the application of the Outside-County
container rate to containers of mixed class or mixed In-County and
Outside-County pieces. The commenters would like us to prorate the
charge to reflect only the percentage of Periodicals Outside-County
mail in that mixed container. For example, if a sack contained 50
percent In-County mail and 50 percent Outside-County mail, the mailer
would pay half of the $0.85 charge for that sack.
The container rate will help us cover our costs for handling
Outside-County Periodicals mail. Our intent is to improve efficiency
and alleviate pressure on Periodicals processing costs. We note that
the container rate is an integral part of the new Periodicals pricing;
we mitigated the price increase of the piece and pound rates to allow
for the addition of the Outside-County container rate. To avoid
imposing the Outside-County pricing structure on In-County Periodicals
mail, we revised the standards to exempt carrier route, 5-digit carrier
routes, and 5-digit/scheme containers of mixed In-County and Outside-
County pieces from the container charge.
Four commenters objected to the options we proposed for paying the
Outside-County container rate in a comailing environment. Initially we
proposed that consolidators report the charge on one publisher's Form
3541, or report and pay on one consolidated statement, Form 3541-C.
Three commenters asked us to allow a consolidator to prorate the
container charge on each individual postage statement. The commenters
felt that this method would most accurately allot the appropriate
charge to each mailer and would avoid a situation where the
consolidator must pay the charge and bill mailers after the mailing is
entered. One commenter noted possible ramifications for sales taxes.
We added a third option to allow consolidators to prorate the
container charge on each postage statement in the pool if they
electronically submit their qualification report using Mail.dat. We
provide the new standards and all options for calculating and paying
the Outside-County container charge in DMM 707.2.2.7 and 707.16.4.
Two commenters asked us to clarify our standards for Periodicals
automation flats. The standards for Periodicals automation flats are
essentially unchanged. We reorganized the current UFSM 1000 criteria
into the Periodicals standards in the DMM to reflect that this
alternative preparation for automation flats is still available for
Periodicals mail. This alternative allows Periodicals mailers to
continue to claim automation rates based on the current UFSM 1000
criteria. We clarified the standards in DMM 707.25.3.1 to specify that
they are an exception to the standards in DMM 301.3.3 for Periodicals
flat-size mail.
One commenter asked us to expand and clarify the standards for
polywrap seam placement on Periodicals mail. While we are not changing
the standards for seam placement, we simplified and clarified the
polywrap standards for all types of automation-rate flats, including
Periodicals flats, in a Federal Register notice on January 5, 2007 (72
FR 468).
One commenter requested new mailing standards to allow comailing of
mixed-class mail. We note the commenter's request, and we will provide
the new standards in a separate rulemaking. Comailing of mixed-class
mail is outside the scope of this proposal.
Package Services Comments
Three commenters opposed eliminating the single-piece Bound Printed
Matter (BPM) rate for retail customers. Our proposal is designed to
simplify options at the retail counter. Mailers still may use Express
Mail, Priority Mail, Parcel Post, and Media Mail services in any post
office. BPM is essentially a bulk service, and customers can mail
residual pieces at nonpresorted BPM rates using PC Postage, meter
postage, and adhesive stamps. Mailers can deposit nonpresorted BPM
pieces in a collection box or with their letter carrier.
Priority Mail Comments
Two commenters supported our overall efforts to align prices with
costs but expressed concern that dimensional-weight pricing may be too
complex for some customers. Dimensional weighting is an industry-wide
practice used by
[[Page 2094]]
UPS, FedEx, DHL, and other postal administrations such as Canada Post
and Australia Post. Many mailers are generally familiar with
dimensional weighting. Retail customers can bring Priority Mail parcels
to any post office and (if necessary) we will weigh, measure, and
compute postage for them. Our Point of Service (POS) terminals will
determine whether to base the postage on the actual weight or the
dimensional weight of the piece and will calculate the correct price.
One commenter suggested that we clarify what we mean by ``rounding
off'' and ``rounding up'' when determining dimensional-weight pricing.
We appreciate this suggestion and added references in the Priority Mail
standards to the ``Rounding Numerical Values'' information in DMM
604.8.0.
One commenter expressed concern that dimensional-weight pricing
will add complexity to retail transactions, especially in smaller post
offices that lack computerized scales and terminals. We are developing
a comprehensive communications and training plan to ensure all
employees can efficiently determine postage for Priority Mail.
Extra Services Comments
Two commenters stated that the proposed structure for Confirm
eliminates the unlimited use option and, although the fee declines with
volume, mailers who use Confirm the most will pay the highest increase.
This objection to the new rate structure is outside the scope of our
mailing standards proposal.
One commenter asked us to explain how we would implement the new
Confirm prices and how we would give credit for existing subscriptions.
We are considering options to provide full value for customers
currently participating in Confirm. Alternatives include
``grandfathering'' current prices and subscriptions until their
scheduled expirations, or terminating current subscriptions and
crediting forward the full value of any remaining time and unused scans
associated with those subscriptions.
Addressing Comments
We received two comments encouraging us to adopt move update
requirements for other than First-Class Mail to improve address quality
and reduce undeliverable-as-addressed mail. We will continue to tighten
address quality standards, but expanding the move update requirements
is not a part of this proposal.
Several commenters asked that we move the proposed ZIP+4
requirements for all letters and flats out of the rate case proposal
and handle them in a separate rulemaking. We wanted to provide advance
notice but will provide details in a separate rulemaking.
Two commenters asked us to publish a notice for comment if we ever
planned to expand the use of simplified addressing for city routes.
Simplified addressing for city routes is outside the scope of this
proposal.
Major Changes Since the September Proposal
First-Class Mail Changes
We added language to DMM 235.6.0 to clarify that the no-overflow
option for First-Class Mail automation letters applies to pieces placed
in the next tray level when a tray of 150 or more pieces can be made.
We changed the application of the no-overflow option in DMM 235.6.0 to
allow mailers to apply it selectively for letters to 3-digit and AADC
destinations. We clarify that pieces that move back to a higher tray
level count toward the 150-piece requirement for the rate level.
We relaxed the flexibility test in DMM 101.2.0 and 301.1.0 for all
flat-size mail to apply pressure within 1 inch of the extended ends. We
modified the uniform thickness standard in DMM 101.2.0 and 301.1.0 for
all flat-size mail to allow for up to \1/4\-inch variance in thickness.
We also relaxed the deflection test in DMM 301.3.0 for automation flats
by allowing deflection to within 1 inch of the extended length, with a
maximum vertical drop of 4 inches.
We made 5-digit/scheme preparation optional for First-Class Mail
presort parcels to be consistent with Standard Mail parcel preparation.
We added new standards in DMM 402.4.3 for placing POSTNET barcodes on
First-Class Mail parcels. Mailers must place the POSTNET barcode on the
address side, at least \1/8\ inch from all edges of the piece. We
revised ADC rate eligibility in DMM 433.4.3 to include presorted
parcels in 3-digit origin/entry sacks and parcels in ADC sacks.
Standard Mail Changes
We added an option to allow mailers to prepare origin entry 3-
digit/scheme trays and sacks for Standard Mail letters, flats, and
parcels. The original proposal required origin entry 3-digit/scheme
trays for automation letters but did not provide an option for other
letters or for flats and parcels. Our revision gives mailers the option
to make separate trays or sacks of mail when they have even a small
quantity of mail for each 3-digit or 3-digit scheme ZIP Code area
processed by the sectional center facility (SCF) servicing the origin
or entry office.
We clarified in DMM 245.7.0 that the no-overflow option for
automation letters applies to pieces placed in the next tray level when
a full tray or a tray of 150 or more pieces can be made. We changed the
application of the no-overflow option in DMM 245.7.0 to allow mailers
to apply it selectively for letters to 3-digit and AADC destinations.
We expanded full-tray preparation in DMM 245.6.7 for barcoded
carrier route letters (up to 3 ounces) sorted to all destinations,
instead of those ZIP Codes receiving a DPS sort (ZIP Codes with ``C''
and ``D'' indicators in the USPS City State Product).
We clarified the definition of a Not Flat-Machinable piece in DMM
401.2.2.2. We clarified in DMM 243.3.0 that mailers must mark
nonmachinable letters over 3.3 ounces that pay Not Flat-Machinable
rates as ``Not Flat-Machinable'' or ``NFM.'' We also refer to these
marking requirements in DMM 402.
We relaxed the flexibility test in DMM 301.1.0 for all flat-size
mail to apply pressure within 1 inch of the extended ends. We modified
the uniform thickness standard in DMM 301.1.0 for all flat-size mail to
allow for up to \1/4\-inch variance in thickness. We also relaxed the
deflection test in DMM 301.3.0 for automation flats by allowing
deflection to within 1 inch of the extended length, with a maximum
vertical drop of 4 inches.
We revised the standards for sorting irregular parcels and Not
Flat-Machinable pieces under 6 ounces to require 3-digit sorting. We
also made 5-digit and 5-digit scheme sorting optional but required for
the 5-digit rate for all Standard Mail parcels and Not Flat-Machinable
pieces. We removed the facing and loose packing requirements for
irregular parcels in DMM 445.5.4.3.
We provided alternative labeling lists--L004 and L009--for
irregular parcels over 2 ounces (except for rolls and tubes) sorted to
ADCs and mixed ADCs. We corrected the standards for other irregular
parcels labeled to ADCs and mixed ADCs to reference labeling lists L603
and L604.
We added new standards in DMM 402.4.3 for the placement of POSTNET
barcodes on Not Flat-Machinable pieces. Mailers must place the POSTNET
barcode on the address side, at least \1/8\ inch from all edges of the
piece. We also revised standards to apply the barcoding requirements
for parcels to Not Flat-Machinable pieces with parcel barcodes.
[[Page 2095]]
Periodicals Changes
We revised the standards in DMM 707.1.1.3 and 707.1.2.3 to clarify
how the $0.85 Outside-County container rate applies to trays, sacks,
and pallets of Periodicals mail. We also exempt mixed containers of In-
County and Outside-County pieces in carrier route, 5-digit carrier
routes, and 5-digit/scheme containers from the $0.85 charge.
We added an option to allow consolidators to prorate the Outside-
County container charge on each mailer's postage statement in a mailing
pool if they electronically submit a qualification report using
Mail.dat. We provide the new standards and all options for calculating
and paying the Outside-County container charge in DMM 707.2.2.7 and
707.16.4. We also added new requirements for standardized documentation
in 708.1.2.
We reorganized the current UFSM 1000 criteria into the Periodicals
standards in the DMM to reflect that this alternative preparation for
automation flats is still available for Periodicals mail. This
alternative allows Periodicals mailers to continue to claim automation
rates based on the current UFSM 1000 criteria. We clarified the
criteria for automation flats in DMM 707.25.3.1 to specify that these
standards are an exception to DMM 301.3.3 for Periodicals flat-size
mail.
Updated Summary by Class of Mail
Summary of First-Class Mail
Our proposal introduces prices based on the shape of mail and our
relative costs, with separate prices for letters, flats, and parcels.
As shape becomes more important, weight becomes less important, and our
proposal reduces prices for many letter-size pieces over 1 ounce.
The single-piece 1-ounce First-Class Mail letter price will
increase $0.03, to $0.42, and the single-piece card price also will
increase $0.03, to $0.27. The additional-ounce price will decrease
$0.04, to $0.20.
We propose a forever stamp to make future price changes more
convenient for consumers. The postage value of the forever stamp will
equal the First-Class Mail single-piece 1-ounce letter rate at any time
in the future, without the addition of extra postage.
Our pricing proposal will eliminate the nonmachinable surcharge.
Instead, a letter-size mailpiece with nonmachinable characteristics
will pay the flat-size price. Our additional handling costs are
included in the proposed 1-ounce flat-size price, so no surcharge is
necessary. To qualify for letter rates, the maximum weight for letter-
size pieces will be 3.5 ounces.
The additional-ounce price for automation letters will decrease
from $0.237 to $0.155. We will maintain the 150-piece minimum tray
preparation requirement for automation First-Class Mail letters and
cards. Sort levels will be 5-digit/scheme, 3-digit/scheme, 3-digit
origin, AADC, and mixed AADC. We propose a simplified letter mail
preparation for machinable letters, requiring mailers to sort only to
the origin 3-digit, AADC, and mixed AADC levels. We propose to
eliminate the carrier route automation preparation since it provides
little value for our processing operations.
To ensure automated processing of flat-size mail, we will require
all flats to be rectangular. The physical standards for automation
flats will be the criteria for AFSM 100 pieces, with new standards for
flexibility. We also propose to lessen and simplify the deflection
standard.
To help reduce the number of ``air trays'' and the overall costs of
handling mail in letter trays, we propose a no-overflow tray option for
automation letters. In addition, to encourage fuller trays, we propose
to change our definition of a ``full letter tray'' to one in which the
pieces fill the length of the tray between 85 percent and 100 percent
full.
The structure for discount parcels includes new workshare prices.
The proposed rate levels are 5-digit, 3-digit, ADC, and single piece.
To simplify the preparation of First-Class Mail parcels, we propose to
make the preparation of 5-digit sacks optional. We will require at
least 10 pounds of parcels for 5-digit sacks, 3-digit sacks, and ADC
sacks. Remaining pieces sorted to a mixed ADC sack will pay the single-
piece First-Class Mail parcel price.
Barcodes help processing on APPS, and we will give mailers the
option of applying either a 5-digit UCC/EAN 128 or a POSTNET barcode on
presorted parcels. Unless prepared in 5-digit/scheme containers or paid
at the single-piece rates, we will apply a surcharge to all parcels
that are not barcoded or weigh less than 2 ounces, or to irregularly
shaped parcels such as triangles, tubes, rolls, and similar pieces.
Summary of Standard Mail
Our proposed prices encourage mail that is compatible with our
operations and drop shipped closer to its destination. As in First-
Class Mail, Standard Mail pricing has greater recognition of shape and
reduced reliance on weight.
Automation letter sort levels will be 5-digit/scheme, 3-digit/
scheme, AADC, and mixed AADC. We propose a simplified preparation to
allow mailers of machinable letters to sort only to the AADC and mixed
AADC levels. Mailers will have the option to prepare origin 3-digit
trays for automation and machinable letters.
Nonmachinable letter sort levels will be 5-digit, 3-digit, ADC, and
mixed ADC. Mailers will have the option to prepare origin 3-digit trays
for nonmachinable letters. We will replace the nonmachinable surcharge
with a separate rate structure for nonmachinable letters up to 3.3
ounces. Nonmachinable letters over 3.3 ounces will pay the Not Flat-
Machinable rate or automation flat-size rate, if the pieces meet the
standards for automation flats.
DDU entry rates will not be available for ECR letters. However, we
will allow DSCF entry rates for DDU entry of some enhanced carrier
route letters, including letters with simplified addresses and locally
entered small-volume mailings. We will eliminate ECR automation basic
rates because this preparation has little value for our mail processing
operations.
To help reduce the number of ``air trays'' and the overall costs of
handling mail in letter trays, we propose a no-overflow tray option for
automation letters. In addition, to encourage fuller trays, we propose
to change our definition of a ``full letter tray'' to one in which the
pieces fill the length of the tray between 85 percent and 100 percent
full.
The physical standards for automation flats will retain most of the
criteria for AFSM 100 pieces, with new standards for flexibility. This
change will maximize the number of flats we can process in automated
operations and deliver as flats. We propose to relax the current
deflection standard to better define the types of pieces we can
currently process on our AFSM 100 automated flat processing equipment.
For consistency, we propose to increase the maximum size for
carrier route flats so that the same maximum size applies to all flats,
regardless of the rate paid. We will expand the current requirements
for automation flats to all flat-size pieces to be rectangular and
uniformly thick. We also provide a new, relaxed definition of
``uniformly thick'' to better define the types of pieces we can process
on our automated flat processing equipment and handle efficiently at
delivery.
Our proposal includes a new Not Flat-Machinable classification for
rigid flat-size pieces and pieces that are currently claiming
automation flat rates based on
[[Page 2096]]
UFSM 1000 standards. We propose no bundling for most Not Flat-
Machinable pieces and to have mailers prepare pieces in 5-digit/scheme,
3-digit, ADC/bulk mail center (BMC), and mixed ADC/BMC containers. To
simplify the preparation of Not Flat-Machinable pieces, we propose to
make the 5-digit/scheme level optional. To give mailers access to
deeper discounts, we propose 5-digit rates for 5-digit bundles prepared
on pallets. In addition, we propose a DDU entry discount for Not Flat-
Machinable pieces sorted to 5-digit destinations when drop shipped
directly to the DDU. There will be no minimum quantity for Not Flat-
Machinable pieces drop shipped to DDUs. Barcodes help processing on
APPS, and we will give mailers the option of applying either a 5-digit
UCC/EAN 128 or a POSTNET barcode on pieces under 6 ounces. Unless
prepared in 5-digit/scheme containers, we will apply a surcharge to all
Not Flat-Machinable pieces that are not barcoded.
We propose to eliminate the residual shape surcharge for Standard
Mail parcels and replace it with a separate rate structure. We will no
longer offer a $0.03 machinable barcode discount. Instead, parcel
prices will include a requirement for barcodes. Unless prepared in 5-
digit containers, we will apply a surcharge to all parcels that are not
barcoded.
We will remove the bundling requirement for all Standard Mail
irregular parcels except ECR pieces. We propose to reduce the required
minimum quantity of irregular parcels in sacks to 10 pounds per sack.
We propose four new options for mailers to combine parcels. We
propose commingling Standard Mail and Package Services machinable
parcels, irregular parcels, and the new Not Flat-Machinable pieces in
5-digit containers. We would allow mailers to combine Not Flat-
Machinable pieces under 6 ounces with irregular parcels in 3-digit,
ADC, and mixed ADC containers. We would allow mailers to combine Not
Flat-Machinable pieces weighing 6 ounces or more with machinable
parcels in BMC/ASF and mixed BMC containers. We would also allow
mailers to combine Standard Mail parcels, NFMs, machinable Parcel
Select, and BPM parcels in 3-digit containers to certain ZIP Codes when
entered at designated SCFs.
The DDU discount currently is available only for pieces sorted to
carrier routes. To give mailers access to deeper destination entry
discounts, we will allow a DDU entry discount for parcels sorted to 5-
digit destinations when drop shipped directly to the DDU. There will be
no minimum for the quantity of parcels drop shipped to a DDU.
Customized MarketMail is a type of Standard Mail that allows
business mailers to send distinctive, unusually shaped advertising
pieces to their customers. Mailers will still have the option to use
Customized MarketMail. Rates will equal the nonentry 5-digit rate for
Not Flat-Machinable pieces.
Mailers still will have the option of using detached address
labels. To help cover our handling costs, we propose a new $0.015
charge for detached address labels with ECR saturation flat-size
pieces. Mailers who prepare mail with addresses on their mailpieces
will avoid the new charge.
Summary of Periodicals
Our proposed Periodicals prices encourage mailers to use pallets
rather than sacks. We also enhance drop ship incentives to encourage
mailers, including publishers of high-editorial-content publications,
to enter Outside-County mail closer to its destination. Our proposal
will also make the experimental copalletization standards a permanent
option for mailers.
Our pricing proposal includes a new $0.85 Outside-County container
rate. We will apply the container rate to any pallet, sack, or tray of
Outside-County Periodicals mail, except for mixed containers of In-
County and Outside-County pieces in carrier route, 5-digit carrier
routes, and 5-digit[bs]scheme containers. We also
propose new drop ship prices based on nonadvertising pounds, in
addition to increased per-piece drop ship discounts.
To encourage fuller letter trays, we propose to change our
definition of a ``full letter tray'' to one in which the pieces fill
the length of the tray between 85 percent and 100 percent full.
Summary of Package Services
Package Services includes Parcel Post, Bound Printed Matter, Media
Mail, and Library Mail. Our proposal simplifies Package Services
offerings and encourages more efficient handling of parcels.
Parcel Post
Currently, we charge parcels weighing less than 15 pounds and
measuring more than 84 inches in combined length and girth the 15-pound
rates (``balloon rate''). Under our proposal, we will charge parcels
weighing less than 20 pounds and measuring more than 84 inches in
combined length and girth the 20-pound rates.
We will incorporate the current $0.03 barcode discount available
for machinable Parcel Select destination bulk mail center (DBMC) entry
mail into the price and we will require a barcode. Nonbarcoded
machinable pieces could claim only the applicable Intra-BMC/ASF rate.
We do not propose any changes to mail preparation standards for
Parcel Select.
Bound Printed Matter
We will rename single-piece Bound Printed Matter ``nonpresorted''
Bound Printed Matter, and we will eliminate it as a retail option.
Customers can still use PC Postage or apply meter postage or adhesive
stamps to nonpresorted BPM and deposit these pieces in a collection box
or give them to their letter carrier. We will increase the $0.08
discount from the parcel price for flat-size pieces to $0.16. We will
not change the $0.03 per piece POSTNET barcode discount for flat-size
mail and the $0.03 per piece parcel barcode discount for machinable
parcels.
To reduce sacks, we propose to require 5-digit/scheme and 3-digit/
scheme bundles and 5-digit/scheme sacks for presorted flat-size Bound
Printed Matter. We propose to require 5-digit/scheme bundles for
irregular parcels that weigh less than 10 pounds each and 5-digit/
scheme sacks for machinable and irregular parcels.
Media Mail and Library Mail
To reduce sacks, we propose to require 5-digit/scheme and 3-digit/
scheme bundles and 5-digit/scheme sacks for presorted flat-size Media
Mail and Library Mail. We propose to require 5-digit/scheme bundles for
irregular parcels and 5-digit/scheme sacks for machinable and irregular
parcels.
Summary of Priority Mail
We continue to offer convenience in Priority Mail. The USPS-
produced flat-rate envelope still will pay the 1-pound price, $4.65
under the proposal, regardless of weight or destination. USPS-produced
flat-rate boxes will pay $8.80 under the proposal, regardless of weight
or destination, and will become a permanent offering. Prices for all
Priority Mail pieces weighing over 25 pounds will decrease for all
zones, many by as much as 20 percent.
Currently, we charge Priority Mail pieces weighing less than 15
pounds and measuring more than 84 inches in combined length and girth
the 15-pound rates (``balloon rate''). Under the proposal, we will
charge Priority Mail pieces weighing less than 20 pounds and measuring
more than 84 inches in
[[Page 2097]]
combined length and girth the 20-pound rates. We will apply the new
balloon rate only to pieces addressed for local delivery and to zones
1-4.
Priority Mail pieces that exceed 1 cubic foot and are addressed to
zones 5-8 could be subject to a new dimensional-weight price. We will
rate postage for these pieces at the greater of their actual weight or
their dimensional weight. In general, if a piece is relatively light
for its size, it may be subject to a dimensional-weight price. We will
calculate dimensional weight using one of two formulas, one for
rectangular and one for nonrectangular pieces.
Summary of Express Mail
Express Mail pieces often contain material that ranges from a half
pound to 2 pounds. Currently, these pieces pay the 2-pound price. To
keep Express Mail a viable alternative for mailers, the pricing
proposal adds a new 1-pound price.
The flat-rate envelope will continue to pay the half-pound price,
regardless of weight.
Summary of Extra Services
Our proposal keeps insured mail reliable, easy, and affordable. All
insured pieces will have a barcoded label and receive a delivery scan.
We will not require a signature at delivery for insured items with an
indemnity of $200 or less.
We propose new prices for Bulk Parcel Return Service, Business
Reply Mail, Certificate of Mailing, Certified Mail, Collect on
Delivery, Delivery Confirmation, Bulk Insurance, Express Mail
Insurance, Merchandise Return Service, Money Orders, Parcel Airlift,
Parcel Return Service, Registered Mail, Restricted Delivery, Return
Receipt, Return Receipt for Merchandise, Signature Confirmation, and
Special Handling.
Summary of Other Services
Our proposal seeks to modernize our services, improve address
quality, and reduce undeliverable-as-addressed mail.
We will decrease the price for Address Change Service electronic
option for First-Class Mail from $0.21 to $0.06. We will increase the
price for all other classes of mail from $0.21 to $0.25. We will
decrease the price for Manual Address Correction Service for all
classes of mail from $0.75 to $0.50.
A new automated option for Address Change Service will allow First-
Class Mail letters to receive the first two notices at no charge, then
each additional notice for $0.05 each. Standard Mail letters will
receive the first two notices at $0.02, then each additional notice for
$0.15 each. This new option will require mailers to use the new 4-State
Customer Barcode.
We propose to change the fee structure for Confirm service from the
Silver, Gold, and Platinum tiers to a unit-based structure. Customers
will pay standardized annual fees and purchase blocks of units that are
redeemed for Confirm scans. Customers can redeem units at the rate of
one unit per First-Class Mail scan or five units per scan for any other
class of mail. The cost per block of units declines as volume
thresholds are reached.
We no longer offer on-site meter services. We eliminate the fees
associated with on-site meter service, meter resetting, examination,
and checking meters in and out of service.
Individual post office box holders at different locations may
experience varying price changes as we continue to align prices with
our costs for each location. Our proposal will also realign the Caller
Service fees.
We propose price changes for Address Sequencing Service, Mailing
List Service, Permit Imprint fees, Pickup on Demand service, Premium
Forwarding Service, Shipper Paid Forwarding, Stamped Cards, Stamped
Envelopes, and all annual mailing fees.
We provide the updated DMM standards, and how they are applied for
each type of mail, below.
Although we are exempt from the notice and comment requirements of
the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C 410 (a)), we invite your
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 Part 111.
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, 414,
3001-3011, 3201-3219, 3403-3406, 3621, 3626, 5001.
2. Revise the following sections of Mailing Standards of the United
States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM), as follows:
100 Retail Mail: Letters, Cards, Flats, and Parcels
101 Physical Standards
1.0 Physical Standards for Letters
1.1 Dimensional Standards for Letters
Letter-size mail is:
* * * * *
[Renumber item c as item d. Insert new item c as follows:]
c. Not more than 3.5 ounces.
* * * * *
1.2 Nonmachinable Criteria
A letter-size piece is nonmachinable if it has one or more of the
following characteristics (see 601.1.4 to determine the length, height,
top, and bottom of a mailpiece):
[Renumber items a through i as items b through j. Insert new item a
as follows:]
a. Is over 3.5 ounces.
* * * * *
2.0 Physical Standards for Flats
2.1 General Definition
Flat-size mail is:
* * * * *
[Renumber item c as new item f. Insert new items c through e as
follows:]
c. Flexible (see 2.2).
d. Rectangular.
e. Uniformly thick (see 2.3).
* * * * *
[Insert new 2.2 through 2.4 as follows:]
2.2 Minimum Flexibility Criteria for Rigid Pieces
Flat-size pieces must be flexible. Test flexibility as follows:
a. For pieces 10 inches or longer:
1. Place the piece with the length perpendicular to the edge of a
flat surface and extend the piece 5 inches off the surface.
2. Press down on the piece at a point 1 inch from the outer edge,
in the center of the piece's width, exerting steady pressure.
3. Turn the piece around and repeat steps 1 and 2. The piece is
flexible if both ends can bend at least 2 inches without being damaged.
b. For pieces less than 10 inches long:
1. Place the piece with the length perpendicular to the edge of a
flat surface and extend the piece one-half of its length off the
surface.
2. Press down on the piece at a point 1 inch from the outer edge,
in the center of the piece's width, exerting steady pressure.
3. Turn the piece around and repeat steps 1 and 2. The piece is
flexible if both ends can bend at least 1 inch without being damaged.
[[Page 2098]]
2.3 Uniform Thickness
Flat-size mailpieces must be uniformly thick so that any bumps,
protrusions, or other irregularities do not cause more than \1/4\-inch
variance in thickness. (Do not consider the selvage when measuring
variance in thickness.) If the contents are significantly smaller than
the envelope, wrapper, or sleeve, mailers must secure those contents to
prevent shifting of more than 2 inches within the mailpiece.
2.4 Flat-Size Pieces Not Eligible for Flat-Size Rates
Mailpieces that do not meet the standards in 2.1 through 2.3 are
not eligible for flat-size rates and must pay applicable parcel rates.
* * * * *
5.0 Additional Physical Standards for Priority Mail
* * * * *
5.2 Two or More Packages
[Revise 5.2 as follows:]
With the exception of USPS-produced Priority Mail flat-rate
envelopes or boxes, two or more packages may be mailed as a single
parcel if they are about the same size or shape, are securely wrapped
or fastened together, and do not exceed the weight or size limits.
* * * * *
6.0 Additional Physical Standards for First-Class Mail
* * * * *
6.4 Nonmachinable Pieces
6.4.1 Nonmachinable Letters
[Revise 6.4.1 as follows:]
Letter-size pieces with one or more of the nonmachinable
characteristics in 1.2 are subject to the applicable postage for a
flat-size piece, based on weight.
[Revise heading and text of 6.4.2 as follows:]
6.4.2 Nonmachinable Flats
Flat-size pieces that do not meet the standards in 2.0 are subject
to the applicable postage for a parcel-size piece, based on weight.
* * * * *
[Delete 8.0, Additional Physical Standards for Bound Printed
Matter. Renumber 9.0 and 10.0 as new 8.0 and 9.0.]
* * * * *
102 Elements on the Face of a Mailpiece
* * * * *
3.0 Placement and Content of Mail Markings
* * * * *
[Revise heading of 3.3 as follows:]
3.3 Mail Markings
[Revise first sentence of 3.3 as follows:]
Mailers must print the basic required Package Services subclass
marking--``Parcel Post'' or ``PP,'' ``Media Mail,'' or ``Library
Mail''--on each piece claimed at the respective rate. * * *
* * * * *
110 Retail Mail: Express Mail
113 Rates and Eligibility
1.0 Express Mail Rates and Fees
* * * * *
1.2 Express Mail Rate Application
[Revise 1.2 as follows:]
Except under 1.4, Flat-Rate Envelope, Express Mail items are
charged the 0.5-pound rate for items up to 0.5 pound. Items over 0.5
pound are rounded up to the next whole pound. For example, if a piece
weighs 0.25 pound, the weight (postage) increment is 0.5 pound; if a
piece weighs 0.75 pound, the weight (postage) increment is 1 pound; if
a piece weighs 1.2 pounds, the weight (postage) increment is 2 pounds.
* * * * *
120 Retail Mail: Priority Mail
123 Rates and Eligibility
1.0 Priority Mail Rates and Fees
* * * * *
1.2 Priority Mail Rate Application
[Revise 1.2 as follows:]
Except under 1.3, 1.4, and 1.5, Priority Mail rates are charged per
pound; any fraction of a pound is rounded up to the next whole pound.
For example, if a piece weighs 1.2 pounds, the weight (postage)
increment is 2 pounds. The minimum postage amount per addressed piece
is the 1-pound rate. The Priority Mail rate up to 1 pound is based on
weight only; rates for pieces weighing more than 1 pound are based on
weight and zone. Other charges may apply. See Exhibit 1.3, Priority
Mail Rates.
1.3 Minimum Rate for Parcels to Zones 1-4
[Revise 1.3 as follows:]
Parcels addressed for delivery to Zones 1-4 (including Local) that
weigh less than 20 pounds but measure more than 84 inches (but not more
than 108 inches) in combined length and girth are charged the
applicable zone rate for a 20-pound parcel (balloon rate).
[Delete 1.6 and 1.7; renumber 1.4 and 1.5 as new 1.6 and 1.7.
Insert new 1.4 and 1.5 as follows:]
1.4 Dimensional Weight Rate for Low-Density Parcels to Zones 5-8
Postage for parcels addressed for delivery to Zones 5-8 and
exceeding 1 cubic foot (1,728 cubic inches) is based on the actual
weight or the dimensional weight (as calculated in 1.4.1 or 1.4.2),
whichever is greater.
1.4.1 Determining Dimensional Weight for Rectangular Parcels
Follow these steps to determine the dimensional weight for a
rectangular parcel:
a. Measure the length, width, and height in inches. Round off (see
604.8.0) each measurement to the nearest whole number.
b. Multiply the length by the width by the height.
c. If the result exceeds 1,728 cubic inches, divide the result by
194 and round up (see 604.8.0) to the next whole number to determine
the dimensional weight in pounds.
1.4.2 Determining Dimensional Weight for Nonrectangular Parcels
Follow these steps to determine the dimensional weight for a
nonrectangular parcel:
a. Measure the length, width, and height in inches at their extreme
dimensions. Round off (see 604.8.0) each measurement to the nearest
whole number.
b. Multiply the length by the width by the height.
c. Multiply the result by an adjustment factor of 0.785.
d. If the final result exceeds 1,728 cubic inches, divide the
result by 194 and round up (see 604.8.0) to the next whole number to
determine the dimensional weight in pounds.
e. If the dimensional weight exceeds 70 pounds, the parcel pays the
70-pound rate.
1.5 Flat-Rate Boxes and Envelopes
Any amount of material may be mailed in a USPS-produced Priority
Mail flat-rate box or flat-rate envelope. When sealing a flat-rate box
or flat-rate envelope, the container flaps must be able to close within
the normal folds. Tape may be applied to the flaps and seams to
reinforce the container, provided the design of the container is not
enlarged by opening the sides and the container is not reconstructed in
any way.
[[Page 2099]]
1.5.1 Flat-Rate Boxes--Rate and Eligibility
Each USPS-produced Priority Mail flat-rate box is charged $8.80,
regardless of the actual weight of the piece or its destination. Only
USPS-produced flat-rate boxes are eligible for the flat-rate box rate.
1.5.2 Flat-Rate Envelopes--Rate and Eligibility
Each USPS-produced Priority Mail flat-rate envelope is charged
$4.65, regardless of the actual weight of the piece or its destination.
Only USPS-produced flat-rate envelopes are eligible for the flat-rate
envelope rate.
* * * * *
130 Retail Mail: First-Class Mail
133 Rates and Eligibility
1.0 First-Class Mail Rates and Fees
1.1 First-Class Mail Single-Piece Rate Application
The single-piece rates for First-Class Mail are applied as follows:
* * * * *