Postage Payment for Bound Printed Matter Limited to Permit Imprint, 56501-56504 [E8-22832]
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jlentini on PROD1PC65 with RULES
Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 189 / Monday, September 29, 2008 / Rules and Regulations
propelled barges that are not part of an
integrated tug and barge unit, must
ensure that a written record is
maintained on the ship that fully and
accurately records information on:
(i) Each loading or unloading
operation on the United States’ waters
of the Great Lakes, or in the case of U.S.
commercial ships on any waters of the
Great Lakes, involving bulk dry cargo;
and
(ii) Each discharge of bulk dry cargo
residue that takes place in United
States’ waters of the Great Lakes, or in
the case of U.S. commercial ships on
any waters of the Great Lakes.
(2) For each loading or unloading
operation, the record must describe:
(i) The date of the operation;
(ii) Whether the operation involved
loading or unloading;
(iii) The name of the loading or
unloading facility;
(iv) The type of bulk dry cargo loaded
or unloaded;
(v) The method or methods used to
control the amount of bulk dry cargo
residue, either onboard the ship or at
the facility;
(vi) The time spent to implement
methods for controlling the amount of
bulk dry cargo residue; and
(vii) The estimated volume of bulk
dry cargo residue created by the loading
or unloading operation that is to be
discharged.
(3) For each discharge, the record
must describe:
(i) The date and time the discharge
started, and the date and time the
discharge ended;
(ii) The ship’s position, in latitude
and longitude, when the discharge
started and when the discharge ended;
and
(iii) The ship’s speed during the
discharge.
(iv) Records must be kept on Coast
Guard Form CG–33, which can be found
at https://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/cg522/
cg5224/dry_cargo.asp. The records must
be certified by the master, owner,
operator, or person in charge and kept
in written form onboard the ship for at
least two years. Copies of the records
must be forwarded to the Coast Guard
at least once each quarter, no later than
the 15th day of January, April, July, and
October. The record copies must be
provided to the Coast Guard using only
one of the following means:
(A) E-mail to
DCRRecordkeeping@USCG.mil;
(B) Fax to (202) 372–1926, ATTN:
DCR RECORDKEEPING; or
(C) Mail to U.S. Coast Guard:
Commandant (CG–522), ATTN: DCR
RECORDKEEPING, CGHQ Room 1210,
2100 Second Street, SW, Washington,
DC 20593–0001.
VerDate Aug<31>2005
16:29 Sep 26, 2008
Jkt 214001
Dated: September 23, 2008.
J.G. Lantz,
Acting Assistant Commandant for Marine
Safety, Security and Stewardship, United
States Coast Guard.
[FR Doc. E8–22670 Filed 9–26–08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–15–P
POSTAL SERVICE
39 CFR Part 111
Postage Payment for Bound Printed
Matter Limited to Permit Imprint
Postal ServiceTM.
Final rule.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
SUMMARY: In this final rule, the Postal
Service is revising mailing standards for
all Bound Printed Matter (BPM). In
March we filed a notice with the Postal
Regulatory Commission for a
classification change requiring all
mailings of Bound Printed Matter be
paid by permit only. The Commission
agreed, and we are moving forward with
the change.
Postage payment for BPM mailings:
carrier route, presorted, and
nonpresorted (single-piece) flats and
parcels, regardless of volume, are
limited to permit imprint. Mailers can
no longer affix postage by adhesive
stamps, postage meter, or PC Postage.
BPM will not be accepted at retail
counters, in collection boxes, or by
carriers and must be deposited and
accepted at the Post OfficeTM facility
that issued the permit. Merchandise
Return Service (MRS) permit holders
may continue to pay nonpresorted BPM
prices on eligible items returned with a
MRS label.
DATES: This rule is effective September
29, 2008, and is applicable beginning
September 11, 2008.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Carol A. Lunkins at 202–268–7262.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Mailers
who are presently authorized to pay
postage via permit imprint may use
their existing permit to mail BPM at the
Post OfficeTM where the permit is held.
Mailers who wish to obtain a new
authorization to pay postage via permit
imprint must complete an application
and pay a one-time application fee at
each office of mailing to mail BPM on
or after September 11, 2008.
Authorization is obtained by submitting
PS Form 3615, Mailing Permit
Application and Customer Profile, and
the applicable fee to the Post Office
where mailings are to be deposited. As
long as a permit remains active, there is
no additional fee for use of a permit
imprint indicia, but other fees (e.g., an
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56501
annual destination entry mailing fee)
may be due depending on where the
mail is deposited.
Payment for postage must be made for
each mailing through an advance
deposit account before the mailing can
be released for processing. Funds to pay
postage must be deposited as directed
by the USPS.
Nonpresorted BPM mailings, except
discount mailings (e.g., barcode
discounts), will be exempt from the
general minimum volume requirement
for a permit imprint mailing of at least
200 pieces or 50 pounds of mail and
will not have a minimum volume
requirement. However, the current
requirements for all other commercial
nonpresorted and presorted minimum
volumes will remain (e.g., nonpresorted
barcoded—50 pieces and presorted—
300 pieces).
As a reminder, prices for BPM pieces
vary by weight and zone of destination.
Supporting documentation of postage is
required for all nonidentical-weight
pieces and for identical-weight pieces
that are not separated by price and zone.
This requirement, which limits the
payment of postage for all BPM to
permit imprint, is effective September
11, 2008.
The Postal Service adopts the
following changes to Mailing Standards
of the United States Postal Service,
Domestic Mail Manual (DMM), which is
incorporated by reference in the Code of
Federal Regulations. See 39 CFR 111.1.
List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 111
Administrative practice and
procedure, Postal Service.
Accordingly, 39 CFR part 111 is
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, 416, 3001–3011, 3201–
3219, 3403–3406, 3621, 3622, 3626, 3632,
3633, and 5001.
2. Revise the following sections of the
Mailing Standards of the United States
Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual
(DMM) as follows:
*
*
*
*
*
■
300
Commercial Flats
*
*
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Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 189 / Monday, September 29, 2008 / Rules and Regulations
360
Bound Printed Matter
363
Prices and Eligibility
1.0 Prices and Fees for Bound Printed
Matter
1.1 Nonpresorted Bound Printed
Matter
*
*
*
*
*
[Delete 1.1.7 in its entirety.]
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise the title of 363.1.2, as follows:]
1.2
Commercial Bound Printed Matter
*
*
*
*
*
[Delete 1.2.8 in its entirety and
renumber current 1.2.9 as new 1.2.8.]
*
*
*
*
*
4.0 Price Eligibility for Bound Printed
Matter Flats
*
*
*
*
*
4.2
Nonidentical Weight Pieces
[Revise the text of 4.2 to eliminate
affixed postage payment, as follows:]
Mailings may contain nonidenticalweight pieces only if Business Mailer
Support (BMS) has authorized payment
of postage by permit imprint under
705.2.0, Manifest Mailing System,
705.3.0, Optional Procedure, or 705.4.0,
Alternate Mailing System.
*
*
*
*
*
364 Postage Payment and
Documentation
1.0 Basic Standards for Postage
Payment
1.1 Nonpresorted Bound Printed
Matter
jlentini on PROD1PC65 with RULES
1.1.1
Payment Method
[Revise the text of 1.1.1 to eliminate
postage payment methods other than
permit imprint, as follows:]
The mailer is responsible for proper
postage payment. Subject to the
corresponding standards, postage and
fees for Bound Printed Matter must be
paid by permit imprint, as defined in
604.5.0. Permit imprint may be used for
mailings that contain nonidenticalweight pieces only when authorized by
Business Mailer Support. Identicalweight pieces must be separated at
acceptance into groups that contain
pieces all subject to the same zone and
same combination of prices (e.g., all are
zone 4), unless mailed under 705.2.0
through 705.4.0 in Advanced
Preparation and Special Postage
Payment Systems.
[Delete current 1.1.2 in its entirety
and renumber current 1.1.3 as new
1.1.2.]
VerDate Aug<31>2005
16:29 Sep 26, 2008
Jkt 214001
1.1.2 Postage Paid With Permit
Imprint
The following standards apply for
postage paid with permit imprint:
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise renumbered 1.1.2b, as
follows:]
b. Minimum Quantity. Nonpresorted,
non-discounted mailings are not subject
to a minimum volume requirement.
[Revise the title of 364.1.2, as follows:]
by PAVE-certified or MAC-certified
software or standardized
documentation. Mailers may use a
single postage statement and a single
documentation report for all price levels
in a mailing. Documentation of postage
is not required if each piece is of
identical weight and the pieces are
separated by zone and price when
presented for acceptance.
*
*
*
*
*
1.2
365
Mail Preparation
*
*
5.0
Preparing Presorted Flats
*
*
5.3
Sacking
*
*
Commercial Bound Printed Matter
1.2.1 Postage Payment Options
[Revise the text of 1.2.1, as follows:]
The mailer is responsible for proper
postage payment. Subject to the
corresponding standards, postage for
Bound Printed Matter may be paid by
permit imprint only (see 604.5.0).
Permit imprint may be used for mailings
that contain nonidentical-weight pieces
only when authorized by Business
Mailer Support. Identical-weight pieces
must be separated at acceptance into
groups that contain pieces all subject to
the same zone and same combination of
prices (e.g., all are zone 4), unless
mailed under 705.2.0 through 705.4.0,
in Advanced Preparation and Special
Postage Payment Systems.
2.0
Mailing Documentation
2.1 Completing Postage Statements
[Revise the text of 2.1, as follows:]
All mailings must be accompanied by
a completed postage statement signed
by the mailer (in duplicate if the mailer
wants a receipted copy). A change made
to any postage statement requires the
mailer to correct the postage statement
accordingly and document the
correction.
2.2 Basic Documentation Standards
[Revise the text of 2.2, as follows:]
Generally, documentation is required
from a mailer when a mailing is
presented to the USPS, and supporting
documentation of postage is required.
Documentation describes the
preparation, price levels, content of the
mailing and it details the volume and
postage data. By comparison with the
actual mailing, it describes and supports
the claims contained on the postage
statement, which accompanies the
mailing. It allows the USPS to validate
the accuracy of the mailing.
Documentation must be submitted when
specified for the price claimed.
2.3 Documentation for Mail Claiming
the Barcode Discount
[Revise the text of 2.3, as follows:]
A complete postage statement must
accompany each mailing, and it must be
supported by documentation produced
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5.3.2
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*
*
*
*
*
*
Separation by Zone
[Revise the text of 5.3.2 by deleting
5.3.2a in its entirety and combining
5.3.2b with the paragraph, as follows:]
Pieces for each zone must be sacked
separately. When presented for
verification, sacks must be separated by
zone. Exception: Pieces for different
zones may be sacked together, and the
sacks do not have to be separated by
zone for verification if the mailing is
prepared under 705.2.0, Manifest
Mailing System, 705.3.0, Optional
Procedure, 705.4.0, Alternate Mailing
System, or 5.3.3, Commingling Zones.
5.3.3
Commingling Zones
[Revise the introductory paragraph of
5.3.3, as follows:]
Subject to this section, when zoned
BPM is presented as individual pieces,
the mailing must be separated by zone.
Nonidentical-weight pieces may not be
commingled unless authorized by the
Business Mailer Support manager. The
mail must be prepared and documented:
*
*
*
*
*
6.0
Preparing Carrier Route Flats
*
*
6.3
Sacking
*
*
6.3.2
*
*
*
*
*
*
Separation by Zone
[Revise the text of 6.3.2 by deleting
6.3.2a in its entirety and combining
6.3.2b with the paragraph, as follows:]
Pieces for each zone must be sacked
separately. When presented for
verification, sacks must be separated by
zone. Exception: Pieces for different
zones may be sacked together, and the
sacks do not have to be separated by
zone for verification if the mailing is
prepared under 705.2.0, Manifest
Mailing System, 705.3.0, Optional
E:\FR\FM\29SER1.SGM
29SER1
Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 189 / Monday, September 29, 2008 / Rules and Regulations
Procedure, 705.4.0, Alternate Mailing
System, or 5.3.3, Commingling Zones.
400
Commercial Parcels
*
*
6.3.3 Commingling Zones
[Revise the introductory paragraph of
6.3.3, as follows:]
Subject to this section, when zoned
BPM is presented as individual pieces,
the mailing must be separated by zone.
Nonidentical-weight pieces may not be
commingled unless authorized by the
Business Mailer Support manager. The
mail must be prepared and documented:
*
*
*
*
*
460
Bound Printed Matter
463
Prices and Eligibility
366
Enter and Deposit
1.0 Deposit of Nonpresorted Bound
Printed Matter
[Revise the title of 366.1.1, as follows:]
1.1 Nonpresorted Mailings
[Revise the text of 1.1 as follows:]
Nonpresorted Bound Printed Matter
postage must be paid via permit imprint
and be deposited and accepted at the
Post Office that issued the permit, at a
time and place designated by the
postmaster, except as otherwise
provided for plant-verified drop
shipments under 604.5.0.
2.0
Presenting a Mailing
2.1 Verification and Entry—Presorted,
Carrier Route, Destination Entry, and
Barcoded Mailings
[Revise the first sentence to delete ‘‘or
license’’ and delete the last sentence of
2.1 in its entirety as follows:]
All presorted, carrier route,
destination entry, and barcoded
commercial mailings must be presented
for verification and acceptance at the
Post Office where the permit is held.
* * *
2.2 Verification and Entry—
Nonpresorted Mailings
[Revise the text of 2.2, as follows:]
Nonpresorted Bound Printed Matter is
not accepted at retail counters, in
collection boxes, or by carriers. Mailers
must deposit nonpresorted Bound
Printed Matter only at the Post Office
where the permit is held at the time and
place specified by the postmaster at the
office of mailing (see 604.5.0).
*
*
*
*
*
jlentini on PROD1PC65 with RULES
2.5
BMC Acceptance
A mailer may present Bound Printed
Matter at a BMC for acceptance if:
[Revise the text of 2.5a, as follows:]
a. Permit imprint postage is paid
through an advance deposit account at
the BMC parent Post Office or another
Post Office in the BMC service area,
unless otherwise permitted by standard.
*
*
*
*
*
VerDate Aug<31>2005
16:29 Sep 26, 2008
Jkt 214001
*
*
[Delete current 1.1.2 in its entirety
and renumber current 1.1.3 as new
1.1.2.]
*
1.0 Prices and Fees for Bound Printed
Matter
*
*
*
*
*
[Delete 1.1.6 in its entirety.]
[Revise the title of 463.1.2, as follows:]
1.2
Commercial Bound Printed Matter
*
*
*
*
*
[Delete current 1.2.6 in its entirety
and renumber current 1.2.7 as new
1.2.6.]
*
*
*
*
*
4.0 Price Eligibility for Bound Printed
Matter Parcels
*
*
*
*
4.2
Nonidentical Weight Pieces
*
[Revise the text of 4.2. to eliminate
affixed postage payment, as follows:]
Mailings may contain nonidenticalweight pieces only if Business Mailer
Support (BMS) has authorized payment
of postage by permit imprint under
705.2.0, Manifest Mailing System,
705.3.0, Optional Procedure, or 705.4.0,
Alternate Mailing System.
*
*
*
*
*
464 Postage Payment and
Documentation
1.0 Basic Standards for Postage
Payment
1.1 Nonpresorted Bound Printed
Matter
1.1.1
Payment Method
[Revise the text of 1.1.1 to eliminate
postage payment methods other than
permit imprint, as follows:]
The mailer is responsible for proper
postage payment. Subject to the
corresponding standards, postage and
fees for Bound Printed Matter must be
paid by permit imprint, as defined in
604.5.0. Identical and nonidenticalweight permit imprint mailings may be
mailed under 705, Advanced
Preparation and Special Postage
Payment Systems. Permit imprint may
be used for mailings that contain
nonidentical-weight pieces only when
authorized by Business Mailer Support.
Identical-weight pieces must be
separated at acceptance into groups that
contain pieces all subject to the same
zone and same combination of prices
(e.g., all are zone 4), unless mailed
under 705.2.0 through 705.4.0, in
Advanced Preparation and Special
Postage Payment Systems.
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56503
1.1.2 Postage Paid With Permit
Imprint
The following standards apply for
postage paid with permit imprint:
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise renumbered 1.1.2.b, as
follows:]
b. Minimum Quantity. Nonpresorted,
non-discounted mailings are not subject
to a minimum volume requirement.
1.2
Commercial Bound Printed Matter
1.2.1 Postage Payment Options
[Revise the text of 1.2.1, as follows:]
The mailer is responsible for proper
postage payment. Subject to the
corresponding standards, postage for
Bound Printed Matter must be paid by
permit imprint only (see 604.5.0).
Permit imprint may be used for mailings
that contain nonidentical-weight pieces
only when authorized by Business
Mailer Support. Identical-weight pieces
must be separated at acceptance into
groups that contain pieces all subject to
the same zone and same combination of
prices (e.g., all are zone 4, with a BMC
entry discount and a barcoded
discount), unless mailed under 705.2.0
through 705.4.0.
2.0
Mailing Documentation
2.1 Completing Postage Statements
[Revise the text of 2.1, as follows:]
All mailings must be accompanied by
a completed postage statement signed
by the mailer (in duplicate if the mailer
wants a receipted copy). A change made
to any postage statement requires the
mailer to correct the postage statement
accordingly and document the
correction.
2.2 Basic Documentation Standards
[Revise the text of 2.2, as follows:]
Documentation is required from a
mailer when a mailing is presented to
the USPS, and supporting
documentation of postage is also
required. Documentation describes the
preparation, price levels, content of the
mailing, and it details the volume and
postage data. By comparison with the
actual mailing, it describes and supports
the claims contained on the postage
statement that accompanies the mailing.
It allows the USPS to validate the
accuracy of the mailing. When
specified, documentation must be
submitted for the price claimed.
*
*
*
*
*
465
Mail Preparation
*
*
E:\FR\FM\29SER1.SGM
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56504
Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 189 / Monday, September 29, 2008 / Rules and Regulations
5.0
Preparing Presorted Parcels
5.1
Basic Standards
*
*
*
*
*
5.1.2 Separation
[Revise the text of 5.1.2 by deleting
5.1.2a in its entirety and combining
5.1.2b with the paragraph, as follows:]
Pieces for each zone must be sacked
separately. When presented for
verification, sacks must be separated by
zone. Exception: Pieces for different
zones may be sacked together, and the
sacks do not have to be separated by
zone for verification if the mailing is
prepared under 705.2.0, Manifest
Mailing System, 705.3.0, Optional
Procedure, 705.4.0, Alternate Mailing
System, or 5.1.3, Commingling Zones.
5.1.3 Commingling Zones
[Revise the introductory paragraph of
5.1.3, as follows:]
Subject to this section, when zoned
BPM is presented as individual pieces,
the mailing must be separated by zone.
Nonidentical-weight pieces may not be
commingled unless authorized by the
BMS manager. The mail must be
prepared and documented:
*
*
*
*
*
6.0
Preparing Carrier Route Parcels
6.1
Basic Standards
*
*
*
*
*
jlentini on PROD1PC65 with RULES
6.1.3 Commingling Zones
[Revise the introductory paragraph of
6.1.3, as follows:]
Subject to this section, when zoned
BPM is presented as individual pieces,
the mailing must be separated by zone.
Nonidentical-weight pieces may not be
commingled unless authorized by the
BMS manager. The mail must be
prepared and documented:
*
*
*
*
*
Enter and Deposit
1.0 Deposit of Nonpresorted Bound
Printed Matter
[Revise the title of 466.1.1, as follows:]
VerDate Aug<31>2005
16:29 Sep 26, 2008
Jkt 214001
2.0
Presenting a Mailing
2.1 Verification and Entry—Presorted,
Carrier Route, Destination Entry, and
Barcoded Mailings
[Revise the text of 2.1 as follows:]
All presorted, carrier route,
destination entry, and barcoded
commercial mailings must be presented
for verification and acceptance at the
Post Office where the permit is held. All
such mailings must be deposited at
locations and times specified by the
postmaster or designee at the office that
verifies and accepts the mailing. Plantverified drop shipment (PVDS) mailings
must be presented for verification,
acceptance, and entry under 705.15.0.
Plant-loaded mailings must be
presented as specified by the applicable
standards and the plant-load agreement.
2.2 Verification and Entry—
Nonpresorted Mailings
6.1.2 Separation
[Revise the text of 6.1.2 by deleting
6.1.2a in its entirety and combining
6.1.2b with the paragraph, as follows:]
Pieces for each zone must be sacked
separately. When presented for
verification, sacks must be separated by
zone. Exception: Pieces for different
zones may be sacked together, and the
sacks do not have to be separated by
zone for verification if the mailing is
prepared under 705.2.0, Manifest
Mailing System, 705.3.0, Optional
Procedure, 705.4.0, Alternate Mailing
System, or 6.1.3, Commingling Zones.
466
1.1 Nonpresorted Mailings
[Revise the text of 1.1 as follows:]
Nonpresorted Bound Printed Matter
postage must be paid via permit imprint
and be deposited and accepted at the
Post Office that issued the permit, at a
time and place designated by the
postmaster, except as otherwise
provided for plant-verified drop
shipments under 604.5.0.
[Revise the text of 2.2, as follows:]
Nonpresorted Bound Printed Matter is
not accepted at retail counters, in
collection boxes, or by carriers. Mailers
must deposit nonpresorted Bound
Printed Matter only at the Post Office
where the permit is held at the time and
place specified by the postmaster at the
office of mailing (see 604.5.0).
*
*
*
*
*
2.5
BMC Acceptance
A mailer may present Bound Printed
Matter at a BMC for acceptance if:
[Revise the text of 2.5a, as follows:]
a. Permit imprint postage is paid
through an advance deposit account at
the BMC parent Post Office or another
Post Office in the BMC service area,
unless otherwise permitted by standard.
*
*
*
*
*
3.0
Destination Entry
*
*
3.3
Postage Payment
*
*
*
Postage payment for Bound Printed
Matter destination price mailings is
subject to the same standards that apply
generally to Bound Printed Matter and
to the following:
[Revise the text of 3.3a, as follows:]
a. Mailers must pay postage and
correct mailing fees at each Post Office
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where they are authorized to present
mailings for verification unless using
the Electronic Verification System (eVS)
under 705.2.9. Except for plant-verified
drop shipments (see 705.15.0) and eVS
shipments (see 705.2.9); mailers must
have a permit imprint authorization at
the parent Post Office for mailings
deposited for entry at a DBMC, ASF,
DSCF, or DDU. Correct mailing fees
must be paid for the current 12-month
period at the USPS facility where
postage is paid for the mailing.
*
*
*
*
*
600 Basic Standards for All Mailing
Services
*
*
*
604
Postage Payment Methods
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
4.0 Postage Meters and PC Postage
Products (‘‘Postage Evidencing
Systems’’)
4.1
Basic Information
*
*
4.1.5
*
*
*
Authorized Classes of Mail
[Revise the text of 4.1.5 to add
‘‘Bound Printed Matter’’, as follows:]
Mailers may use postage evidencing
systems to affix or imprint indicia on
any class of mail except Periodicals and
Bound Printed Matter.
*
*
*
*
*
5.0
Permit Imprint (Indicia)
5.1
General Standards
*
*
5.1.2
*
*
*
Minimum Volume
[Revise the text of the introductory
paragraph, and add new 5.1.2e, as
follows:]
Permit imprint mailings must contain
at least 200 pieces or 50 pounds of mail,
except:
*
*
*
*
*
e. Bound Printed Matter
nonpresorted, non-discounted mailings.
*
*
*
*
*
Neva R. Watson,
Attorney, Legislative.
[FR Doc. E8–22832 Filed 9–26–08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7710–12–P
E:\FR\FM\29SER1.SGM
29SER1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 189 (Monday, September 29, 2008)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 56501-56504]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-22832]
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POSTAL SERVICE
39 CFR Part 111
Postage Payment for Bound Printed Matter Limited to Permit
Imprint
AGENCY: Postal ServiceTM.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: In this final rule, the Postal Service is revising mailing
standards for all Bound Printed Matter (BPM). In March we filed a
notice with the Postal Regulatory Commission for a classification
change requiring all mailings of Bound Printed Matter be paid by permit
only. The Commission agreed, and we are moving forward with the change.
Postage payment for BPM mailings: carrier route, presorted, and
nonpresorted (single-piece) flats and parcels, regardless of volume,
are limited to permit imprint. Mailers can no longer affix postage by
adhesive stamps, postage meter, or PC Postage[supreg]. BPM will not be
accepted at retail counters, in collection boxes, or by carriers and
must be deposited and accepted at the Post OfficeTM facility
that issued the permit. Merchandise Return Service (MRS) permit holders
may continue to pay nonpresorted BPM prices on eligible items returned
with a MRS label.
DATES: This rule is effective September 29, 2008, and is applicable
beginning September 11, 2008.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carol A. Lunkins at 202-268-7262.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Mailers who are presently authorized to pay
postage via permit imprint may use their existing permit to mail BPM at
the Post OfficeTM where the permit is held. Mailers who wish
to obtain a new authorization to pay postage via permit imprint must
complete an application and pay a one-time application fee at each
office of mailing to mail BPM on or after September 11, 2008.
Authorization is obtained by submitting PS Form 3615, Mailing Permit
Application and Customer Profile, and the applicable fee to the Post
Office where mailings are to be deposited. As long as a permit remains
active, there is no additional fee for use of a permit imprint indicia,
but other fees (e.g., an annual destination entry mailing fee) may be
due depending on where the mail is deposited.
Payment for postage must be made for each mailing through an
advance deposit account before the mailing can be released for
processing. Funds to pay postage must be deposited as directed by the
USPS[supreg].
Nonpresorted BPM mailings, except discount mailings (e.g., barcode
discounts), will be exempt from the general minimum volume requirement
for a permit imprint mailing of at least 200 pieces or 50 pounds of
mail and will not have a minimum volume requirement. However, the
current requirements for all other commercial nonpresorted and
presorted minimum volumes will remain (e.g., nonpresorted barcoded--50
pieces and presorted--300 pieces).
As a reminder, prices for BPM pieces vary by weight and zone of
destination. Supporting documentation of postage is required for all
nonidentical-weight pieces and for identical-weight pieces that are not
separated by price and zone.
This requirement, which limits the payment of postage for all BPM
to permit imprint, is effective September 11, 2008.
The Postal Service adopts the following changes to Mailing
Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual
(DMM), which is incorporated by reference in the Code of Federal
Regulations. See 39 CFR 111.1.
List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 111
Administrative practice and procedure, Postal Service.
0
Accordingly, 39 CFR part 111 is amended as follows:
PART 111--[AMENDED]
0
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,
416, 3001-3011, 3201-3219, 3403-3406, 3621, 3622, 3626, 3632, 3633,
and 5001.
0
2. Revise the following sections of the Mailing Standards of the United
States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) as follows:
* * * * *
300 Commercial Flats
* * * * *
[[Page 56502]]
360 Bound Printed Matter
363 Prices and Eligibility
1.0 Prices and Fees for Bound Printed Matter
1.1 Nonpresorted Bound Printed Matter
* * * * *
[Delete 1.1.7 in its entirety.]
* * * * *
[Revise the title of 363.1.2, as follows:]
1.2 Commercial Bound Printed Matter
* * * * *
[Delete 1.2.8 in its entirety and renumber current 1.2.9 as new
1.2.8.]
* * * * *
4.0 Price Eligibility for Bound Printed Matter Flats
* * * * *
4.2 Nonidentical Weight Pieces
[Revise the text of 4.2 to eliminate affixed postage payment, as
follows:]
Mailings may contain nonidentical-weight pieces only if Business
Mailer Support (BMS) has authorized payment of postage by permit
imprint under 705.2.0, Manifest Mailing System, 705.3.0, Optional
Procedure, or 705.4.0, Alternate Mailing System.
* * * * *
364 Postage Payment and Documentation
1.0 Basic Standards for Postage Payment
1.1 Nonpresorted Bound Printed Matter
1.1.1 Payment Method
[Revise the text of 1.1.1 to eliminate postage payment methods
other than permit imprint, as follows:]
The mailer is responsible for proper postage payment. Subject to
the corresponding standards, postage and fees for Bound Printed Matter
must be paid by permit imprint, as defined in 604.5.0. Permit imprint
may be used for mailings that contain nonidentical-weight pieces only
when authorized by Business Mailer Support. Identical-weight pieces
must be separated at acceptance into groups that contain pieces all
subject to the same zone and same combination of prices (e.g., all are
zone 4), unless mailed under 705.2.0 through 705.4.0 in Advanced
Preparation and Special Postage Payment Systems.
[Delete current 1.1.2 in its entirety and renumber current 1.1.3 as
new 1.1.2.]
1.1.2 Postage Paid With Permit Imprint
The following standards apply for postage paid with permit imprint:
* * * * *
[Revise renumbered 1.1.2b, as follows:]
b. Minimum Quantity. Nonpresorted, non-discounted mailings are not
subject to a minimum volume requirement.
[Revise the title of 364.1.2, as follows:]
1.2 Commercial Bound Printed Matter
1.2.1 Postage Payment Options
[Revise the text of 1.2.1, as follows:]
The mailer is responsible for proper postage payment. Subject to
the corresponding standards, postage for Bound Printed Matter may be
paid by permit imprint only (see 604.5.0). Permit imprint may be used
for mailings that contain nonidentical-weight pieces only when
authorized by Business Mailer Support. Identical-weight pieces must be
separated at acceptance into groups that contain pieces all subject to
the same zone and same combination of prices (e.g., all are zone 4),
unless mailed under 705.2.0 through 705.4.0, in Advanced Preparation
and Special Postage Payment Systems.
2.0 Mailing Documentation
2.1 Completing Postage Statements
[Revise the text of 2.1, as follows:]
All mailings must be accompanied by a completed postage statement
signed by the mailer (in duplicate if the mailer wants a receipted
copy). A change made to any postage statement requires the mailer to
correct the postage statement accordingly and document the correction.
2.2 Basic Documentation Standards
[Revise the text of 2.2, as follows:]
Generally, documentation is required from a mailer when a mailing
is presented to the USPS, and supporting documentation of postage is
required.
Documentation describes the preparation, price levels, content of
the mailing and it details the volume and postage data. By comparison
with the actual mailing, it describes and supports the claims contained
on the postage statement, which accompanies the mailing. It allows the
USPS to validate the accuracy of the mailing. Documentation must be
submitted when specified for the price claimed.
2.3 Documentation for Mail Claiming the Barcode Discount
[Revise the text of 2.3, as follows:]
A complete postage statement must accompany each mailing, and it
must be supported by documentation produced by PAVE-certified or MAC-
certified software or standardized documentation. Mailers may use a
single postage statement and a single documentation report for all
price levels in a mailing. Documentation of postage is not required if
each piece is of identical weight and the pieces are separated by zone
and price when presented for acceptance.
* * * * *
365 Mail Preparation
* * * * *
5.0 Preparing Presorted Flats
* * * * *
5.3 Sacking
* * * * *
5.3.2 Separation by Zone
[Revise the text of 5.3.2 by deleting 5.3.2a in its entirety and
combining 5.3.2b with the paragraph, as follows:]
Pieces for each zone must be sacked separately. When presented for
verification, sacks must be separated by zone. Exception: Pieces for
different zones may be sacked together, and the sacks do not have to be
separated by zone for verification if the mailing is prepared under
705.2.0, Manifest Mailing System, 705.3.0, Optional Procedure, 705.4.0,
Alternate Mailing System, or 5.3.3, Commingling Zones.
5.3.3 Commingling Zones
[Revise the introductory paragraph of 5.3.3, as follows:]
Subject to this section, when zoned BPM is presented as individual
pieces, the mailing must be separated by zone. Nonidentical-weight
pieces may not be commingled unless authorized by the Business Mailer
Support manager. The mail must be prepared and documented:
* * * * *
6.0 Preparing Carrier Route Flats
* * * * *
6.3 Sacking
* * * * *
6.3.2 Separation by Zone
[Revise the text of 6.3.2 by deleting 6.3.2a in its entirety and
combining 6.3.2b with the paragraph, as follows:]
Pieces for each zone must be sacked separately. When presented for
verification, sacks must be separated by zone. Exception: Pieces for
different zones may be sacked together, and the sacks do not have to be
separated by zone for verification if the mailing is prepared under
705.2.0, Manifest Mailing System, 705.3.0, Optional
[[Page 56503]]
Procedure, 705.4.0, Alternate Mailing System, or 5.3.3, Commingling
Zones.
6.3.3 Commingling Zones
[Revise the introductory paragraph of 6.3.3, as follows:]
Subject to this section, when zoned BPM is presented as individual
pieces, the mailing must be separated by zone. Nonidentical-weight
pieces may not be commingled unless authorized by the Business Mailer
Support manager. The mail must be prepared and documented:
* * * * *
366 Enter and Deposit
1.0 Deposit of Nonpresorted Bound Printed Matter
[Revise the title of 366.1.1, as follows:]
1.1 Nonpresorted Mailings
[Revise the text of 1.1 as follows:]
Nonpresorted Bound Printed Matter postage must be paid via permit
imprint and be deposited and accepted at the Post Office that issued
the permit, at a time and place designated by the postmaster, except as
otherwise provided for plant-verified drop shipments under 604.5.0.
2.0 Presenting a Mailing
2.1 Verification and Entry--Presorted, Carrier Route, Destination
Entry, and Barcoded Mailings
[Revise the first sentence to delete ``or license'' and delete the
last sentence of 2.1 in its entirety as follows:]
All presorted, carrier route, destination entry, and barcoded
commercial mailings must be presented for verification and acceptance
at the Post Office where the permit is held.
* * *
2.2 Verification and Entry--Nonpresorted Mailings
[Revise the text of 2.2, as follows:]
Nonpresorted Bound Printed Matter is not accepted at retail
counters, in collection boxes, or by carriers. Mailers must deposit
nonpresorted Bound Printed Matter only at the Post Office where the
permit is held at the time and place specified by the postmaster at the
office of mailing (see 604.5.0).
* * * * *
2.5 BMC Acceptance
A mailer may present Bound Printed Matter at a BMC for acceptance
if:
[Revise the text of 2.5a, as follows:]
a. Permit imprint postage is paid through an advance deposit
account at the BMC parent Post Office or another Post Office in the BMC
service area, unless otherwise permitted by standard.
* * * * *
400 Commercial Parcels
* * * * *
460 Bound Printed Matter
463 Prices and Eligibility
1.0 Prices and Fees for Bound Printed Matter
* * * * *
[Delete 1.1.6 in its entirety.]
[Revise the title of 463.1.2, as follows:]
1.2 Commercial Bound Printed Matter
* * * * *
[Delete current 1.2.6 in its entirety and renumber current 1.2.7 as
new 1.2.6.]
* * * * *
4.0 Price Eligibility for Bound Printed Matter Parcels
* * * * *
4.2 Nonidentical Weight Pieces
[Revise the text of 4.2. to eliminate affixed postage payment, as
follows:]
Mailings may contain nonidentical-weight pieces only if Business
Mailer Support (BMS) has authorized payment of postage by permit
imprint under 705.2.0, Manifest Mailing System, 705.3.0, Optional
Procedure, or 705.4.0, Alternate Mailing System.
* * * * *
464 Postage Payment and Documentation
1.0 Basic Standards for Postage Payment
1.1 Nonpresorted Bound Printed Matter
1.1.1 Payment Method
[Revise the text of 1.1.1 to eliminate postage payment methods
other than permit imprint, as follows:]
The mailer is responsible for proper postage payment. Subject to
the corresponding standards, postage and fees for Bound Printed Matter
must be paid by permit imprint, as defined in 604.5.0. Identical and
nonidentical-weight permit imprint mailings may be mailed under 705,
Advanced Preparation and Special Postage Payment Systems. Permit
imprint may be used for mailings that contain nonidentical-weight
pieces only when authorized by Business Mailer Support. Identical-
weight pieces must be separated at acceptance into groups that contain
pieces all subject to the same zone and same combination of prices
(e.g., all are zone 4), unless mailed under 705.2.0 through 705.4.0, in
Advanced Preparation and Special Postage Payment Systems.
[Delete current 1.1.2 in its entirety and renumber current 1.1.3 as
new 1.1.2.]
1.1.2 Postage Paid With Permit Imprint
The following standards apply for postage paid with permit imprint:
* * * * *
[Revise renumbered 1.1.2.b, as follows:]
b. Minimum Quantity. Nonpresorted, non-discounted mailings are not
subject to a minimum volume requirement.
1.2 Commercial Bound Printed Matter
1.2.1 Postage Payment Options
[Revise the text of 1.2.1, as follows:]
The mailer is responsible for proper postage payment. Subject to
the corresponding standards, postage for Bound Printed Matter must be
paid by permit imprint only (see 604.5.0). Permit imprint may be used
for mailings that contain nonidentical-weight pieces only when
authorized by Business Mailer Support. Identical-weight pieces must be
separated at acceptance into groups that contain pieces all subject to
the same zone and same combination of prices (e.g., all are zone 4,
with a BMC entry discount and a barcoded discount), unless mailed under
705.2.0 through 705.4.0.
2.0 Mailing Documentation
2.1 Completing Postage Statements
[Revise the text of 2.1, as follows:]
All mailings must be accompanied by a completed postage statement
signed by the mailer (in duplicate if the mailer wants a receipted
copy). A change made to any postage statement requires the mailer to
correct the postage statement accordingly and document the correction.
2.2 Basic Documentation Standards
[Revise the text of 2.2, as follows:]
Documentation is required from a mailer when a mailing is presented
to the USPS, and supporting documentation of postage is also required.
Documentation describes the preparation, price levels, content of the
mailing, and it details the volume and postage data. By comparison with
the actual mailing, it describes and supports the claims contained on
the postage statement that accompanies the mailing. It allows the USPS
to validate the accuracy of the mailing. When specified, documentation
must be submitted for the price claimed.
* * * * *
465 Mail Preparation
* * * * *
[[Page 56504]]
5.0 Preparing Presorted Parcels
5.1 Basic Standards
* * * * *
5.1.2 Separation
[Revise the text of 5.1.2 by deleting 5.1.2a in its entirety and
combining 5.1.2b with the paragraph, as follows:]
Pieces for each zone must be sacked separately. When presented for
verification, sacks must be separated by zone. Exception: Pieces for
different zones may be sacked together, and the sacks do not have to be
separated by zone for verification if the mailing is prepared under
705.2.0, Manifest Mailing System, 705.3.0, Optional Procedure, 705.4.0,
Alternate Mailing System, or 5.1.3, Commingling Zones.
5.1.3 Commingling Zones
[Revise the introductory paragraph of 5.1.3, as follows:]
Subject to this section, when zoned BPM is presented as individual
pieces, the mailing must be separated by zone. Nonidentical-weight
pieces may not be commingled unless authorized by the BMS manager. The
mail must be prepared and documented:
* * * * *
6.0 Preparing Carrier Route Parcels
6.1 Basic Standards
* * * * *
6.1.2 Separation
[Revise the text of 6.1.2 by deleting 6.1.2a in its entirety and
combining 6.1.2b with the paragraph, as follows:]
Pieces for each zone must be sacked separately. When presented for
verification, sacks must be separated by zone. Exception: Pieces for
different zones may be sacked together, and the sacks do not have to be
separated by zone for verification if the mailing is prepared under
705.2.0, Manifest Mailing System, 705.3.0, Optional Procedure, 705.4.0,
Alternate Mailing System, or 6.1.3, Commingling Zones.
6.1.3 Commingling Zones
[Revise the introductory paragraph of 6.1.3, as follows:]
Subject to this section, when zoned BPM is presented as individual
pieces, the mailing must be separated by zone. Nonidentical-weight
pieces may not be commingled unless authorized by the BMS manager. The
mail must be prepared and documented:
* * * * *
466 Enter and Deposit
1.0 Deposit of Nonpresorted Bound Printed Matter
[Revise the title of 466.1.1, as follows:]
1.1 Nonpresorted Mailings
[Revise the text of 1.1 as follows:]
Nonpresorted Bound Printed Matter postage must be paid via permit
imprint and be deposited and accepted at the Post Office that issued
the permit, at a time and place designated by the postmaster, except as
otherwise provided for plant-verified drop shipments under 604.5.0.
2.0 Presenting a Mailing
2.1 Verification and Entry--Presorted, Carrier Route, Destination
Entry, and Barcoded Mailings
[Revise the text of 2.1 as follows:]
All presorted, carrier route, destination entry, and barcoded
commercial mailings must be presented for verification and acceptance
at the Post Office where the permit is held. All such mailings must be
deposited at locations and times specified by the postmaster or
designee at the office that verifies and accepts the mailing. Plant-
verified drop shipment (PVDS) mailings must be presented for
verification, acceptance, and entry under 705.15.0. Plant-loaded
mailings must be presented as specified by the applicable standards and
the plant-load agreement.
2.2 Verification and Entry--Nonpresorted Mailings
[Revise the text of 2.2, as follows:]
Nonpresorted Bound Printed Matter is not accepted at retail
counters, in collection boxes, or by carriers. Mailers must deposit
nonpresorted Bound Printed Matter only at the Post Office where the
permit is held at the time and place specified by the postmaster at the
office of mailing (see 604.5.0).
* * * * *
2.5 BMC Acceptance
A mailer may present Bound Printed Matter at a BMC for acceptance
if:
[Revise the text of 2.5a, as follows:]
a. Permit imprint postage is paid through an advance deposit
account at the BMC parent Post Office or another Post Office in the BMC
service area, unless otherwise permitted by standard.
* * * * *
3.0 Destination Entry
* * * * *
3.3 Postage Payment
Postage payment for Bound Printed Matter destination price mailings
is subject to the same standards that apply generally to Bound Printed
Matter and to the following:
[Revise the text of 3.3a, as follows:]
a. Mailers must pay postage and correct mailing fees at each Post
Office where they are authorized to present mailings for verification
unless using the Electronic Verification System (eVS) under 705.2.9.
Except for plant-verified drop shipments (see 705.15.0) and eVS
shipments (see 705.2.9); mailers must have a permit imprint
authorization at the parent Post Office for mailings deposited for
entry at a DBMC, ASF, DSCF, or DDU. Correct mailing fees must be paid
for the current 12-month period at the USPS facility where postage is
paid for the mailing.
* * * * *
600 Basic Standards for All Mailing Services
* * * * *
604 Postage Payment Methods
* * * * *
4.0 Postage Meters and PC Postage Products (``Postage Evidencing
Systems'')
4.1 Basic Information
* * * * *
4.1.5 Authorized Classes of Mail
[Revise the text of 4.1.5 to add ``Bound Printed Matter'', as
follows:]
Mailers may use postage evidencing systems to affix or imprint
indicia on any class of mail except Periodicals and Bound Printed
Matter.
* * * * *
5.0 Permit Imprint (Indicia)
5.1 General Standards
* * * * *
5.1.2 Minimum Volume
[Revise the text of the introductory paragraph, and add new 5.1.2e,
as follows:]
Permit imprint mailings must contain at least 200 pieces or 50
pounds of mail, except:
* * * * *
e. Bound Printed Matter nonpresorted, non-discounted mailings.
* * * * *
Neva R. Watson,
Attorney, Legislative.
[FR Doc. E8-22832 Filed 9-26-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7710-12-P
