New Postal Product, 7201-7204 [2010-3034]
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7201
Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
Vol. 75, No. 32
Thursday, February 18, 2010
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER
contains regulatory documents having general
applicability and legal effect, most of which
are keyed to and codified in the Code of
Federal Regulations, which is published under
50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by
the Superintendent of Documents. Prices of
new books are listed in the first FEDERAL
REGISTER issue of each week.
POSTAL REGULATORY COMMISSION
39 CFR Part 3020
[Docket Nos. MC2010–15 and CP2010–15;
Order No. 378]
New Postal Product
Postal Regulatory Commission.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The Commission is adding
Priority Mail Contract 24 to the
Competitive Product List. This action is
consistent with changes in a postal
reform law. Republication of the lists of
market dominant and competitive
products is also consistent with a
statutory provision.
DATES: Effective February 18, 2010 and
is applicable beginning January 4, 2010.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Stephen L. Sharfman, General Counsel,
202–789–6820 or
stephen.sharfman@prc.gov.
Regulatory
History, 74 FR 31374 (July 1, 2009).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Table of Contents
I. Introduction
II. Background
III. Comments
IV. Commission Analysis
V. Ordering Paragraphs
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I. Introduction
The Postal Service seeks to add a new
product identified as Priority Mail
Contract 24 to the Competitive Product
List. For the reasons discussed below,
the Commission approves the Request.
II. Background
Pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 3642 and 39
CFR 3020.30 et seq., the Postal Service
filed a formal request and associated
supporting information to add Priority
Mail Contract 24 to the Competitive
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Product List.1 The Postal Service asserts
that Priority Mail Contract 24 is a
competitive product ‘‘not of general
applicability’’ within the meaning of 39
U.S.C. 3632(b)(3). The Postal Service
states that prices and classification
underlying this contract are supported
by Governors’ Decision No. 09–06 in
Docket No. MC2009–25. Id. at 1. The
Request has been assigned Docket No.
MC2010–15.
The Postal Service
contemporaneously filed a contract
related to the proposed new product
pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 3632(b)(3) and 39
CFR 3015.5. The contract has been
assigned Docket No. CP2010–15.
In support of its Request, the Postal
Service filed the following materials: (1)
A redacted version of the Governors’
Decision, originally filed in Docket No.
MC2009–25, authorizing certain Priority
Mail contracts, and proposed Mail
Classification Schedule language;2 (2) a
redacted version of the contract, and
Certification of Governors’ Vote;3 (3) a
requested change in the Competitive
Product List;4 (4) a Statement of
Supporting Justification as required by
39 CFR 3020.32;5 (5) a certification of
compliance with 39 U.S.C. 3633(a);6 and
(6) an application for non-public
treatment of the materials filed under
seal.7
In the Statement of Supporting
Justification, Susan M. Plonkey, Vice
President, Sales, asserts that the service
to be provided under the contract will
cover its attributable costs, make a
positive contribution to institutional
costs, and increase contribution toward
the requisite 5.5 percent of the Postal
Service’s total institutional costs.
Request, Attachment D. Thus, Ms.
Plonkey contends there will be no issue
of subsidization of competitive products
by market dominant products as a result
of this contract. Id.
Priority Mail Contract 24 is included
with the Request. The contract was
entered into on May 28, 2009, and will
become effective as a Negotiated Service
1 Request of the United States Postal Service to
Add Priority Mail Contract 24 to Competitive
Product List and Notice of Filing (Under Seal) of
Supporting Data, December 11, 2009 (Request).
2 Attachment A to the Request, reflecting
Governors’ Decision No. 09–06, April 27, 2009.
3 Attachment B to the Request.
4 Attachment C to the Request.
5 Attachment D to the Request.
6 Attachment E to the Request.
7 Attachment F to the Request.
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Agreement January 4, 2010. The
contract provides that the Postal Service
may not increase rates until after May
27, 2010. The Postal Service represents
that the contract is consistent with 39
U.S.C. 3633(a). See id., Attachment D.
In its Request, the Postal Service
maintains that the supporting financial
information, including the analyses that
provide prices, terms, conditions, cost
data, and financial projections should
remain under seal. Id., Attachment F.
In Order No. 358, the Commission
gave notice of the two dockets,
requested supplemental information,
appointed a public representative, and
provided the public with an opportunity
to comment.8 On December 18, 2009,
the Postal Service provided its response
to the Commission’s request for
supplemental information.9 On
December 23, 2009, Chairman’s
Information Request No. 1 was issued
for response by the Postal Service by
December 28, 2009.10 The Postal Service
filed its response on December 28,
2009.11
III. Comments
Comments were filed by the Public
Representatives.12 No comments were
submitted by other interested parties.
The Public Representatives state that the
Postal Service’s filing meets the
pertinent provisions of title 39 and the
relevant Commission rules. Id. at 3. The
Public Representatives also believe that
the Postal Service has provided
appropriate justification for maintaining
confidentiality in this case. Id. However,
the Public Representatives assert that
the Postal Service should have filed the
instant contract with the Commission
when it was executed in May of 2009.
Id. at 4. As a result, the Public
Representatives ask the Commission to
‘‘direct the Postal Service to file all
existing Priority Mail contracts which
have not been previously filed.’’ Id. at 5.
The Public Representatives also request
8 Notice and Order Concerning Priority Mail
Contract 24 Negotiated Service Agreement,
December 15, 2009 (Order No. 358).
9 Supplemental Information Provided by the
United States Postal Service in Response to Order
No. 358, December 18, 2009.
10 Chairman’s Information Request No. 1,
December 23, 2009 (CHIR No. 1).
11 Responses of the United States Postal Service
to Chairman’s Information Request No. 1, December
28, 2009.
12 Comments of Public Representatives in
Response to PRC Order No. 358, December 23,
2009.
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Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 32 / Thursday, February 18, 2010 / Rules and Regulations
that the Commission encourage the
Postal Service to submit all materials
referenced in the relevant enabling
Governors’ Decision. Id.
IV. Commission Analysis
The Commission has reviewed the
Request, the contract, the financial
analysis provided under seal that
accompanies it, responses to CHIR No.
1, and the comments filed by the Public
Representatives.
Statutory requirements. The
Commission’s statutory responsibilities
in this instance entail assigning Priority
Mail Contract 24 to either the Market
Dominant Product List or to the
Competitive Product List. 39 U.S.C.
3642. As part of this responsibility, the
Commission also reviews the proposal
for compliance with the Postal
Accountability and Enhancement Act
(PAEA) requirements. This includes, for
proposed competitive products, a
review of the provisions applicable to
rates for competitive products. 39 U.S.C.
3633.
Product list assignment. In
determining whether to assign Priority
Mail Contract 24 as a product to the
Market Dominant Product List or the
Competitive Product List, the
Commission must consider whether
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the Postal Service exercises sufficient
market power that it can effectively set the
price of such product substantially above
costs, raise prices significantly, decrease
quality, or decrease output, without risk of
losing a significant level of business to other
firms offering similar products.
39 U.S.C. 3642(b)(1). If so, the product
will be categorized as market dominant.
The competitive category of products
consists of all other products.
The Commission is further required to
consider the availability and nature of
enterprises in the private sector engaged
in the delivery of the product, the views
of those who use the product, and the
likely impact on small business
concerns. 39 U.S.C. 3642(b)(3).
The Postal Service asserts that its
bargaining position is constrained by
the existence of other shippers who can
provide similar services, thus
precluding it from taking unilateral
action to increase prices without the
risk of losing volume to private
companies. Request, Attachment D,
para. (d). The Postal Service also
contends that it may not decrease
quality or output without risking the
loss of business to competitors that offer
similar expedited delivery services. Id.
It further states that the contract partner
supports the addition of the contract to
the Competitive Product List to
effectuate the negotiated contractual
terms. Id., para. (g). Finally, the Postal
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15:04 Feb 17, 2010
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Service states that the market for
expedited delivery services is highly
competitive and requires a substantial
infrastructure to support a national
network. It indicates that large carriers
serve this market. Accordingly, the
Postal Service states that it is unaware
of any small business concerns that
could offer comparable service for this
customer. Id., para. (h).
No commenter opposes the proposed
classification of Priority Mail Contract
24 as competitive. Having considered
the statutory requirements and the
support offered by the Postal Service,
the Commission finds that Priority Mail
Contract 24 is appropriately classified as
a competitive product and should be
added to the Competitive Product List.
Cost considerations. The Postal
Service presents a financial analysis
showing that Priority Mail Contract 24
results in cost savings while ensuring
that the contract covers its attributable
costs, does not result in subsidization of
competitive products by market
dominant products, and increases
contribution from competitive products.
Based on the data submitted, the
Commission finds that Priority Mail
Contract 24 should cover its attributable
costs (39 U.S.C. 3633(a)(2)), should not
lead to the subsidization of competitive
products by market dominant products
(39 U.S.C. 3633(a)(1)), and should have
a positive effect on competitive
products’ contribution to institutional
costs (39 U.S.C. 3633(a)(3)). Thus, an
initial review of proposed Priority Mail
Contract 24 indicates that it comports
with the provisions applicable to rates
for competitive products.
Other considerations. The
Commission agrees with the Public
Representatives that the instant contract
could have been filed with the
Commission for approval at an earlier
date. The Commission also shares the
Public Representatives’ concern that
other, similar contracts might exist.
Accordingly, the Commission directs
the Postal Service to file, by January 15,
2010, any outstanding Priority Mail
contract that may be categorized as a
negotiated service agreement because its
prices are not subject to change with the
general competitive rate increase
scheduled to take effect January 4, 2010.
In conclusion, the Commission
approves Priority Mail Contract 24 as a
new product. The revision to the
Competitive Product List is shown
below the signature of this Order and is
effective upon issuance of this Order.
V. Ordering Paragraphs
It is ordered:
1. Priority Mail Contract 24 (MC2010–
15 and CP2010–15) is added to the
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Competitive Product List as a new
product under Negotiated Service
Agreements, Domestic.
2. The Commission directs the Postal
Service to file, by January 15, 2010, any
outstanding Priority Mail contract that
may be categorized as having
competitive rates not of general
applicability because its prices are not
subject to change with the general
competitive rate increase scheduled to
take effect January 4, 2010.
3. The Postal Service shall notify the
Commission if termination occurs prior
to the scheduled termination date.
4. The Secretary shall arrange for the
publication of this order in the Federal
Register.
List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 3020
Administrative practice and
procedure; Postal Service.
By the Commission.
Shoshana M. Grove,
Secretary.
For the reasons discussed in the
preamble, the Postal Regulatory
Commission amends chapter III of title
39 of the Code of Federal Regulations as
follows:
■
PART 3020—PRODUCT LISTS
1. The authority citation for part 3020
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: Authority: 39 U.S.C. 503; 3622;
3631; 3642; 3682.
2. Revise Appendix A to Subpart A of
Part 3020–Mail Classification Schedule
to read as follows:
■
Appendix A to Subpart A of Part
3020—Mail Classification Schedule
Part A—Market Dominant Products
1000 Market Dominant Product List
First-Class Mail
Single-Piece Letters/Postcards
Bulk Letters/Postcards
Flats
Parcels
Outbound Single-Piece First-Class Mail
International
Inbound Single-Piece First-Class Mail
International
Standard Mail (Regular and Nonprofit)
High Density and Saturation Letters
High Density and Saturation Flats/Parcels
Carrier Route
Letters
Flats
Not Flat-Machinables (NFMs)/Parcels
Periodicals
Within County Periodicals
Outside County Periodicals
Package Services
Single-Piece Parcel Post
Inbound Surface Parcel Post (at UPU
rates)
Bound Printed Matter Flats
Bound Printed Matter Parcels
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Media Mail/Library Mail
Special Services
Ancillary Services
International Ancillary Services
Address List Services
Caller Service
Change-of-Address Credit Card Authentication
Confirm
International Reply Coupon Service
International Business Reply Mail
Service
Money Orders
Post Office Box Service
Negotiated Service Agreements
HSBC North America Holdings Inc. Negotiated Service Agreement
Bookspan Negotiated Service Agreement
Bank of America Corporation Negotiated Service Agreement
The Bradford Group Negotiated Service
Agreement
Inbound International
Canada Post—United States Postal
Service Contractual Bilateral
Agreement for Inbound Market
Dominant Services (MC2010-12
and R2010-2)
Market Dominant Product Descriptions
First-Class Mail
[Reserved for Class Description]
Single-Piece Letters/Postcards
[Reserved for Product Description]
Bulk Letters/Postcards
[Reserved for Product Description]
Flats
[Reserved for Product Description]
Parcels
[Reserved for Product Description]
Outbound Single-Piece First-Class Mail
International
[Reserved for Product Description]
Inbound Single-Piece First-Class Mail
International
[Reserved for Product Description]
Standard Mail (Regular and Nonprofit)
[Reserved for Class Description]
High Density and Saturation Letters
[Reserved for Product Description]
High Density and Saturation Flats/Parcels
[Reserved for Product Description]
Carrier Route
[Reserved for Product Description]
Letters
[Reserved for Product Description]
Flats
[Reserved for Product Description]
Not Flat-Machinables (NFMs)/Parcels
[Reserved for Product Description]
Periodicals
[Reserved for Class Description]
Within County Periodicals
[Reserved for Product Description]
Outside County Periodicals
[Reserved for Product Description]
Package Services
[Reserved for Class Description]
Single-Piece Parcel Post
[Reserved for Product Description]
Inbound Surface Parcel Post (at UPU
rates)
[Reserved for Product Description]
Bound Printed Matter Flats
[Reserved for Product Description]
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Bound Printed Matter Parcels
[Reserved for Product Description]
Media Mail/Library Mail
[Reserved for Product Description]
Special Services
[Reserved for Class Description]
Ancillary Services
[Reserved for Product Description]
Address Correction Service
[Reserved for Product Description]
Applications and Mailing Permits
[Reserved for Product Description]
Business Reply Mail
[Reserved for Product Description]
Bulk Parcel Return Service
[Reserved for Product Description]
Certified Mail
[Reserved for Product Description]
Certificate of Mailing
[Reserved for Product Description]
Collect on Delivery
[Reserved for Product Description]
Delivery Confirmation
[Reserved for Product Description]
Insurance
[Reserved for Product Description]
Merchandise Return Service
[Reserved for Product Description]
Parcel Airlift (PAL)
[Reserved for Product Description]
Registered Mail
[Reserved for Product Description]
Return Receipt
[Reserved for Product Description]
Return Receipt for Merchandise
[Reserved for Product Description]
Restricted Delivery
[Reserved for Product Description]
Shipper-Paid Forward
[Reserved for Product Description]
Signature Confirmation
[Reserved for Product Description]
Special Handling
[Reserved for Product Description]
Stamped Envelopes
[Reserved for Product Description]
Stamped Cards
[Reserved for Product Description]
Premium Stamped Stationery
[Reserved for Product Description]
Premium Stamped Cards
[Reserved for Product Description]
International Ancillary Services
[Reserved for Product Description]
International Certificate of Mailing
[Reserved for Product Description]
International Registered Mail
[Reserved for Product Description]
International Return Receipt
[Reserved for Product Description]
International Restricted Delivery
[Reserved for Product Description]
Address List Services
[Reserved for Product Description]
Caller Service
[Reserved for Product Description]
Change-of-Address Credit Card Authentication
[Reserved for Product Description]
Confirm
[Reserved for Product Description]
International Reply Coupon Service
[Reserved for Product Description]
International Business Reply Mail
Service
[Reserved for Product Description]
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7203
Money Orders
[Reserved for Product Description]
Post Office Box Service
[Reserved for Product Description]
Negotiated Service Agreements
[Reserved for Class Description]
HSBC North America Holdings Inc. Negotiated Service Agreement
[Reserved for Product Description]
Bookspan Negotiated Service Agreement
[Reserved for Product Description]
Bank of America Corporation Negotiated Service Agreement
The Bradford Group Negotiated Service
Agreement
Part B—Competitive Products
2000 Competitive Product List
Express Mail
Express Mail
Outbound
International
Expedited
Services
Inbound International Expedited Services
Inbound International Expedited
Services 1 (CP2008–7)
Inbound International Expedited
Services 2 (MC2009–10 and
CP2009–12)
Inbound International Expedited
Services 3 (MC2010–13 and
CP2010–12)
Priority Mail
Priority Mail
Outbound Priority Mail International
Inbound Air Parcel Post (at non-UPU
rates)
Royal Mail Group Inbound Air
Parcel Post Agreement
Inbound Air Parcel Post (at UPU rates)
Parcel Select
Parcel Return Service
International
International Priority Airlift (IPA)
International Surface Airlift (ISAL)
International Direct Sacks—M—Bags
Global Customized Shipping Services
Inbound Surface Parcel Post (at nonUPU rates)
Canada Post—United States Postal
Service Contractual Bilateral
Agreement for Inbound Competitive Services (MC2010–14 and
CP2010–13—Inbound
Surface
Parcel post at Non-UPU Rates
and Xpresspost-USA)
International Money Transfer Service
International Ancillary Services
Special Services
Premium Forwarding Service
Negotiated Service Agreements
Domestic
Express Mail Contract 1 (MC2008–
5)
Express Mail Contract 2 (MC2009–
3 and CP2009–4)
Express Mail Contract 3 (MC2009–
15 and CP2009–21)
Express Mail Contract 4 (MC2009–
34 and CP2009–45)
Express Mail Contract 5 (MC2010–
5 and CP2010–5)
Express Mail Contract 6 (MC2010–6 and CP2010–6)
Express Mail Contract 7 (MC2010–7 and CP2010–7)
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Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 32 / Thursday, February 18, 2010 / Rules and Regulations
Express Mail & Priority Mail Contract 1 (MC2009–6 and CP2009–
7)
Express Mail & Priority Mail Contract
2
(MC2009–12
and
CP2009–14)
Express Mail & Priority Mail Contract
3
(MC2009–13
and
CP2009–17)
Express Mail & Priority Mail Contract
4
(MC2009–17
and
CP2009–24)
Express Mail & Priority Mail Contract
5
(MC2009–18
and
CP2009–25)
Express Mail & Priority Mail Contract
6
(MC2009–31
and
CP2009–42)
Express Mail & Priority Mail Contract
7
(MC2009–32
and
CP2009–43)
Express Mail & Priority Mail Contract
8
(MC2009–33
and
CP2009–44)
Parcel Select & Parcel Return Service Contract 1 (MC2009–11 and
CP2009–13)
Parcel Select & Parcel Return Service Contract 2 (MC2009–40 and
CP2009–61)
Parcel Return Service Contract 1
(MC2009–1 and CP2009–2)
Priority Mail Contract 1 (MC2008–
8 and CP2008–26)
Priority Mail Contract 2 (MC2009–
2 and CP2009–3)
Priority Mail Contract 3 (MC2009–
4 and CP2009–5)
Priority Mail Contract 4 (MC2009–
5 and CP2009–6)
Priority Mail Contract 5 (MC2009–
21 and CP2009–26)
Priority Mail Contract 6 (MC2009–
25 and CP2009–30)
Priority Mail Contract 7 (MC2009–
25 and CP2009–31)
Priority Mail Contract 8 (MC2009–
25 and CP2009–32)
Priority Mail Contract 9 (MC2009–
25 and CP2009–33)
Priority
Mail
Contract
10
(MC2009–25 and CP2009–34)
Priority
Mail
Contract
11
(MC2009–27 and CP2009–37)
Priority
Mail
Contract
12
(MC2009–28 and CP2009–38)
Priority
Mail
Contract
13
(MC2009–29 and CP2009–39)
Priority
Mail
Contract
14
(MC2009–30 and CP2009–40)
Priority
Mail
Contract
15
(MC2009–35 and CP2009–54)
Priority
Mail
Contract
16
(MC2009–36 and CP2009–55)
Priority
Mail
Contract
17
(MC2009–37 and CP2009–56)
Priority
Mail
Contract
18
(MC2009–42 and CP2009–63)
Priority
Mail
Contract
19
(MC2010–1 and CP2010–1)
Priority
Mail
Contract
20
(MC2010–2 and CP2010–2)
Priority
Mail
Contract
21
(MC2010–3 and CP2010–3)
Priority
Mail
Contract
22
(MC2010–4 and CP2010–4)
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15:04 Feb 17, 2010
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Priority
Mail
Contract
23
(MC2010–9 and CP2010–9)
Priority
Mail
Contract
24
(MC2010–15 and CP2010–15)
Outbound International
Direct Entry Parcels Contracts
Direct
Entry
Parcels
1
(MC2009–26 and CP2009–
36)
Global Direct Contracts (MC2009–
9, CP2009–10, and CP2009–11)
Global Expedited Package Services
(GEPS) Contracts
GEPS 1 (CP2008–5, CP2008–
11, CP2008–12, CP2008–13,
CP2008–18,
CP2008–19,
CP2008–20,
CP2008–21,
CP2008–22, CP2008–23, and
CP2008–24)
Global
Expedited
Package
Services 2 (CP2009–50)
Global Plus Contracts
Global Plus 1 (CP2008–8,
CP2008–46 and CP2009–47)
Global Plus 2 (MC2008–7,
CP2008–48 and CP2008–49)
Inbound International
Inbound Direct Entry Contracts
with Foreign Postal Administrations
Inbound Direct Entry Contracts with Foreign Postal
Administrations (MC2008–6,
CP2008–14 and MC2008–15)
Inbound Direct Entry Contracts with Foreign Postal
Administrations 1 (MC2008–
6 and CP2009–62)
International Business Reply Service Competitive Contract 1
(MC2009–14 and CP2009–20)
Competitive Product Descriptions
Express Mail
[Reserved for Group Description]
Express Mail
[Reserved for Product Description]
Outbound International Expedited
Services
[Reserved for Product Description]
Inbound International Expedited
Services
[Reserved for Product Description]
Priority
[Reserved for Product Description]
Priority Mail
[Reserved for Product Description]
Outbound Priority Mail International
[Reserved for Product Description]
Inbound Air Parcel Post
[Reserved for Product Description]
Parcel Select
[Reserved for Group Description]
Parcel Return Service
[Reserved for Group Description]
International
[Reserved for Group Description]
International Priority Airlift (IPA)
[Reserved for Product Description]
International Surface Airlift (ISAL)
[Reserved for Product Description]
International Direct Sacks—M–
Bags
[Reserved for Product Description]
Global Customized Shipping Services
Frm 00004
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[Reserved for Product Description]
International Money Transfer Service
[Reserved for Product Description]
Inbound Surface Parcel Post (at
non-UPU rates)
[Reserved for Product Description]
International Ancillary Services
[Reserved for Product Description]
International Certificate of Mailing
[Reserved for Product Description]
International Registered Mail
[Reserved for Product Description]
International Return Receipt
[Reserved for Product Description]
International Restricted Delivery
[Reserved for Product Description]
International Insurance
[Reserved for Product Description]
Negotiated Service Agreements
[Reserved for Group Description]
Domestic
[Reserved for Product Description]
Outbound International
[Reserved for Group Description]
Part C—Glossary of Terms and Conditions [Reserved]
Part D—Country Price Lists for International Mail [Reserved]
[FR Doc. 2010–3034 Filed 2–17–10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7710–FW–S
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
50 CFR Part 665
[Docket No. 090218199–91223–02]
RIN 0648–AX38
Fisheries in the Western Pacific;
Pelagic Fisheries; Vessel Identification
Requirements; Correction
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Commerce.
ACTION: Final rule; correction.
SUMMARY: This action corrects the
effective date of final regulations
published in the Federal Register on
January 21, 2010, from February 22,
2010, to April 21, 2010. The rule revises
identification requirements for U.S.
vessels that fish for pelagic management
unit species in the western and central
Pacific Ocean. Each vessel is required to
display its International
Telecommunication Union Radio Call
Sign (IRCS) or, if an IRCS has not been
assigned, its official number preceded
by the characters ‘‘USA-’’. The rule
makes Federal vessel identification
requirements consistent with
international requirements.
DATES: The effective date of the final
regulations published in the Federal
E:\FR\FM\18FER1.SGM
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 32 (Thursday, February 18, 2010)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 7201-7204]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-3034]
========================================================================
Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents.
Prices of new books are listed in the first FEDERAL REGISTER issue of each
week.
========================================================================
Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 32 / Thursday, February 18, 2010 /
Rules and Regulations
[[Page 7201]]
POSTAL REGULATORY COMMISSION
39 CFR Part 3020
[Docket Nos. MC2010-15 and CP2010-15; Order No. 378]
New Postal Product
AGENCY: Postal Regulatory Commission.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Commission is adding Priority Mail Contract 24 to the
Competitive Product List. This action is consistent with changes in a
postal reform law. Republication of the lists of market dominant and
competitive products is also consistent with a statutory provision.
DATES: Effective February 18, 2010 and is applicable beginning January
4, 2010.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stephen L. Sharfman, General Counsel,
202-789-6820 or stephen.sharfman@prc.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Regulatory History, 74 FR 31374 (July 1,
2009).
Table of Contents
I. Introduction
II. Background
III. Comments
IV. Commission Analysis
V. Ordering Paragraphs
I. Introduction
The Postal Service seeks to add a new product identified as
Priority Mail Contract 24 to the Competitive Product List. For the
reasons discussed below, the Commission approves the Request.
II. Background
Pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 3642 and 39 CFR 3020.30 et seq., the Postal
Service filed a formal request and associated supporting information to
add Priority Mail Contract 24 to the Competitive Product List.\1\ The
Postal Service asserts that Priority Mail Contract 24 is a competitive
product ``not of general applicability'' within the meaning of 39
U.S.C. 3632(b)(3). The Postal Service states that prices and
classification underlying this contract are supported by Governors'
Decision No. 09-06 in Docket No. MC2009-25. Id. at 1. The Request has
been assigned Docket No. MC2010-15.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Request of the United States Postal Service to Add Priority
Mail Contract 24 to Competitive Product List and Notice of Filing
(Under Seal) of Supporting Data, December 11, 2009 (Request).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Postal Service contemporaneously filed a contract related to
the proposed new product pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 3632(b)(3) and 39 CFR
3015.5. The contract has been assigned Docket No. CP2010-15.
In support of its Request, the Postal Service filed the following
materials: (1) A redacted version of the Governors' Decision,
originally filed in Docket No. MC2009-25, authorizing certain Priority
Mail contracts, and proposed Mail Classification Schedule language;\2\
(2) a redacted version of the contract, and Certification of Governors'
Vote;\3\ (3) a requested change in the Competitive Product List;\4\ (4)
a Statement of Supporting Justification as required by 39 CFR
3020.32;\5\ (5) a certification of compliance with 39 U.S.C.
3633(a);\6\ and (6) an application for non-public treatment of the
materials filed under seal.\7\
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\2\ Attachment A to the Request, reflecting Governors' Decision
No. 09-06, April 27, 2009.
\3\ Attachment B to the Request.
\4\ Attachment C to the Request.
\5\ Attachment D to the Request.
\6\ Attachment E to the Request.
\7\ Attachment F to the Request.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
In the Statement of Supporting Justification, Susan M. Plonkey,
Vice President, Sales, asserts that the service to be provided under
the contract will cover its attributable costs, make a positive
contribution to institutional costs, and increase contribution toward
the requisite 5.5 percent of the Postal Service's total institutional
costs. Request, Attachment D. Thus, Ms. Plonkey contends there will be
no issue of subsidization of competitive products by market dominant
products as a result of this contract. Id.
Priority Mail Contract 24 is included with the Request. The
contract was entered into on May 28, 2009, and will become effective as
a Negotiated Service Agreement January 4, 2010. The contract provides
that the Postal Service may not increase rates until after May 27,
2010. The Postal Service represents that the contract is consistent
with 39 U.S.C. 3633(a). See id., Attachment D.
In its Request, the Postal Service maintains that the supporting
financial information, including the analyses that provide prices,
terms, conditions, cost data, and financial projections should remain
under seal. Id., Attachment F.
In Order No. 358, the Commission gave notice of the two dockets,
requested supplemental information, appointed a public representative,
and provided the public with an opportunity to comment.\8\ On December
18, 2009, the Postal Service provided its response to the Commission's
request for supplemental information.\9\ On December 23, 2009,
Chairman's Information Request No. 1 was issued for response by the
Postal Service by December 28, 2009.\10\ The Postal Service filed its
response on December 28, 2009.\11\
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\8\ Notice and Order Concerning Priority Mail Contract 24
Negotiated Service Agreement, December 15, 2009 (Order No. 358).
\9\ Supplemental Information Provided by the United States
Postal Service in Response to Order No. 358, December 18, 2009.
\10\ Chairman's Information Request No. 1, December 23, 2009
(CHIR No. 1).
\11\ Responses of the United States Postal Service to Chairman's
Information Request No. 1, December 28, 2009.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
III. Comments
Comments were filed by the Public Representatives.\12\ No comments
were submitted by other interested parties. The Public Representatives
state that the Postal Service's filing meets the pertinent provisions
of title 39 and the relevant Commission rules. Id. at 3. The Public
Representatives also believe that the Postal Service has provided
appropriate justification for maintaining confidentiality in this case.
Id. However, the Public Representatives assert that the Postal Service
should have filed the instant contract with the Commission when it was
executed in May of 2009. Id. at 4. As a result, the Public
Representatives ask the Commission to ``direct the Postal Service to
file all existing Priority Mail contracts which have not been
previously filed.'' Id. at 5. The Public Representatives also request
[[Page 7202]]
that the Commission encourage the Postal Service to submit all
materials referenced in the relevant enabling Governors' Decision. Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\12\ Comments of Public Representatives in Response to PRC Order
No. 358, December 23, 2009.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
IV. Commission Analysis
The Commission has reviewed the Request, the contract, the
financial analysis provided under seal that accompanies it, responses
to CHIR No. 1, and the comments filed by the Public Representatives.
Statutory requirements. The Commission's statutory responsibilities
in this instance entail assigning Priority Mail Contract 24 to either
the Market Dominant Product List or to the Competitive Product List. 39
U.S.C. 3642. As part of this responsibility, the Commission also
reviews the proposal for compliance with the Postal Accountability and
Enhancement Act (PAEA) requirements. This includes, for proposed
competitive products, a review of the provisions applicable to rates
for competitive products. 39 U.S.C. 3633.
Product list assignment. In determining whether to assign Priority
Mail Contract 24 as a product to the Market Dominant Product List or
the Competitive Product List, the Commission must consider whether
the Postal Service exercises sufficient market power that it can
effectively set the price of such product substantially above costs,
raise prices significantly, decrease quality, or decrease output,
without risk of losing a significant level of business to other
firms offering similar products.
39 U.S.C. 3642(b)(1). If so, the product will be categorized as market
dominant. The competitive category of products consists of all other
products.
The Commission is further required to consider the availability and
nature of enterprises in the private sector engaged in the delivery of
the product, the views of those who use the product, and the likely
impact on small business concerns. 39 U.S.C. 3642(b)(3).
The Postal Service asserts that its bargaining position is
constrained by the existence of other shippers who can provide similar
services, thus precluding it from taking unilateral action to increase
prices without the risk of losing volume to private companies. Request,
Attachment D, para. (d). The Postal Service also contends that it may
not decrease quality or output without risking the loss of business to
competitors that offer similar expedited delivery services. Id. It
further states that the contract partner supports the addition of the
contract to the Competitive Product List to effectuate the negotiated
contractual terms. Id., para. (g). Finally, the Postal Service states
that the market for expedited delivery services is highly competitive
and requires a substantial infrastructure to support a national
network. It indicates that large carriers serve this market.
Accordingly, the Postal Service states that it is unaware of any small
business concerns that could offer comparable service for this
customer. Id., para. (h).
No commenter opposes the proposed classification of Priority Mail
Contract 24 as competitive. Having considered the statutory
requirements and the support offered by the Postal Service, the
Commission finds that Priority Mail Contract 24 is appropriately
classified as a competitive product and should be added to the
Competitive Product List.
Cost considerations. The Postal Service presents a financial
analysis showing that Priority Mail Contract 24 results in cost savings
while ensuring that the contract covers its attributable costs, does
not result in subsidization of competitive products by market dominant
products, and increases contribution from competitive products.
Based on the data submitted, the Commission finds that Priority
Mail Contract 24 should cover its attributable costs (39 U.S.C.
3633(a)(2)), should not lead to the subsidization of competitive
products by market dominant products (39 U.S.C. 3633(a)(1)), and should
have a positive effect on competitive products' contribution to
institutional costs (39 U.S.C. 3633(a)(3)). Thus, an initial review of
proposed Priority Mail Contract 24 indicates that it comports with the
provisions applicable to rates for competitive products.
Other considerations. The Commission agrees with the Public
Representatives that the instant contract could have been filed with
the Commission for approval at an earlier date. The Commission also
shares the Public Representatives' concern that other, similar
contracts might exist. Accordingly, the Commission directs the Postal
Service to file, by January 15, 2010, any outstanding Priority Mail
contract that may be categorized as a negotiated service agreement
because its prices are not subject to change with the general
competitive rate increase scheduled to take effect January 4, 2010.
In conclusion, the Commission approves Priority Mail Contract 24 as
a new product. The revision to the Competitive Product List is shown
below the signature of this Order and is effective upon issuance of
this Order.
V. Ordering Paragraphs
It is ordered:
1. Priority Mail Contract 24 (MC2010-15 and CP2010-15) is added to
the Competitive Product List as a new product under Negotiated Service
Agreements, Domestic.
2. The Commission directs the Postal Service to file, by January
15, 2010, any outstanding Priority Mail contract that may be
categorized as having competitive rates not of general applicability
because its prices are not subject to change with the general
competitive rate increase scheduled to take effect January 4, 2010.
3. The Postal Service shall notify the Commission if termination
occurs prior to the scheduled termination date.
4. The Secretary shall arrange for the publication of this order in
the Federal Register.
List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 3020
Administrative practice and procedure; Postal Service.
By the Commission.
Shoshana M. Grove,
Secretary.
0
For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Postal Regulatory
Commission amends chapter III of title 39 of the Code of Federal
Regulations as follows:
PART 3020--PRODUCT LISTS
0
1. The authority citation for part 3020 continues to read as follows:
Authority: Authority: 39 U.S.C. 503; 3622; 3631; 3642; 3682.
0
2. Revise Appendix A to Subpart A of Part 3020-Mail Classification
Schedule to read as follows:
Appendix A to Subpart A of Part 3020--Mail Classification Schedule
Part A--Market Dominant Products
1000 Market Dominant Product List
First-Class Mail
Single-Piece Letters/Postcards
Bulk Letters/Postcards
Flats
Parcels
Outbound Single-Piece First-Class Mail International
Inbound Single-Piece First-Class Mail International
Standard Mail (Regular and Nonprofit)
High Density and Saturation Letters
High Density and Saturation Flats/Parcels
Carrier Route
Letters
Flats
Not Flat-Machinables (NFMs)/Parcels
Periodicals
Within County Periodicals
Outside County Periodicals
Package Services
Single-Piece Parcel Post
Inbound Surface Parcel Post (at UPU rates)
Bound Printed Matter Flats
Bound Printed Matter Parcels
[[Page 7203]]
Media Mail/Library Mail
Special Services
Ancillary Services
International Ancillary Services
Address List Services
Caller Service
Change-of-Address Credit Card Authentication
Confirm
International Reply Coupon Service
International Business Reply Mail Service
Money Orders
Post Office Box Service
Negotiated Service Agreements
HSBC North America Holdings Inc. Negotiated Service Agreement
Bookspan Negotiated Service Agreement
Bank of America Corporation Negotiated Service Agreement
The Bradford Group Negotiated Service Agreement
Inbound International
Canada Post--United States Postal Service Contractual Bilateral
Agreement for Inbound Market Dominant Services (MC2010-12 and
R2010-2)
Market Dominant Product Descriptions
First-Class Mail
[Reserved for Class Description]
Single-Piece Letters/Postcards
[Reserved for Product Description]
Bulk Letters/Postcards
[Reserved for Product Description]
Flats
[Reserved for Product Description]
Parcels
[Reserved for Product Description]
Outbound Single-Piece First-Class Mail International
[Reserved for Product Description]
Inbound Single-Piece First-Class Mail International
[Reserved for Product Description]
Standard Mail (Regular and Nonprofit)
[Reserved for Class Description]
High Density and Saturation Letters
[Reserved for Product Description]
High Density and Saturation Flats/Parcels
[Reserved for Product Description]
Carrier Route
[Reserved for Product Description]
Letters
[Reserved for Product Description]
Flats
[Reserved for Product Description]
Not Flat-Machinables (NFMs)/Parcels
[Reserved for Product Description]
Periodicals
[Reserved for Class Description]
Within County Periodicals
[Reserved for Product Description]
Outside County Periodicals
[Reserved for Product Description]
Package Services
[Reserved for Class Description]
Single-Piece Parcel Post
[Reserved for Product Description]
Inbound Surface Parcel Post (at UPU rates)
[Reserved for Product Description]
Bound Printed Matter Flats
[Reserved for Product Description]
Bound Printed Matter Parcels
[Reserved for Product Description]
Media Mail/Library Mail
[Reserved for Product Description]
Special Services
[Reserved for Class Description]
Ancillary Services
[Reserved for Product Description]
Address Correction Service
[Reserved for Product Description]
Applications and Mailing Permits
[Reserved for Product Description]
Business Reply Mail
[Reserved for Product Description]
Bulk Parcel Return Service
[Reserved for Product Description]
Certified Mail
[Reserved for Product Description]
Certificate of Mailing
[Reserved for Product Description]
Collect on Delivery
[Reserved for Product Description]
Delivery Confirmation
[Reserved for Product Description]
Insurance
[Reserved for Product Description]
Merchandise Return Service
[Reserved for Product Description]
Parcel Airlift (PAL)
[Reserved for Product Description]
Registered Mail
[Reserved for Product Description]
Return Receipt
[Reserved for Product Description]
Return Receipt for Merchandise
[Reserved for Product Description]
Restricted Delivery
[Reserved for Product Description]
Shipper-Paid Forward
[Reserved for Product Description]
Signature Confirmation
[Reserved for Product Description]
Special Handling
[Reserved for Product Description]
Stamped Envelopes
[Reserved for Product Description]
Stamped Cards
[Reserved for Product Description]
Premium Stamped Stationery
[Reserved for Product Description]
Premium Stamped Cards
[Reserved for Product Description]
International Ancillary Services
[Reserved for Product Description]
International Certificate of Mailing
[Reserved for Product Description]
International Registered Mail
[Reserved for Product Description]
International Return Receipt
[Reserved for Product Description]
International Restricted Delivery
[Reserved for Product Description]
Address List Services
[Reserved for Product Description]
Caller Service
[Reserved for Product Description]
Change-of-Address Credit Card Authentication
[Reserved for Product Description]
Confirm
[Reserved for Product Description]
International Reply Coupon Service
[Reserved for Product Description]
International Business Reply Mail Service
[Reserved for Product Description]
Money Orders
[Reserved for Product Description]
Post Office Box Service
[Reserved for Product Description]
Negotiated Service Agreements
[Reserved for Class Description]
HSBC North America Holdings Inc. Negotiated Service Agreement
[Reserved for Product Description]
Bookspan Negotiated Service Agreement
[Reserved for Product Description]
Bank of America Corporation Negotiated Service Agreement
The Bradford Group Negotiated Service Agreement
Part B--Competitive Products
2000 Competitive Product List
Express Mail
Express Mail
Outbound International Expedited Services
Inbound International Expedited Services
Inbound International Expedited Services 1 (CP2008-7)
Inbound International Expedited Services 2 (MC2009-10 and CP2009-
12)
Inbound International Expedited Services 3 (MC2010-13 and CP2010-
12)
Priority Mail
Priority Mail
Outbound Priority Mail International
Inbound Air Parcel Post (at non-UPU rates)
Royal Mail Group Inbound Air Parcel Post Agreement
Inbound Air Parcel Post (at UPU rates)
Parcel Select
Parcel Return Service
International
International Priority Airlift (IPA)
International Surface Airlift (ISAL)
International Direct Sacks--M--Bags
Global Customized Shipping Services
Inbound Surface Parcel Post (at non-UPU rates)
Canada Post--United States Postal Service Contractual Bilateral
Agreement for Inbound Competitive Services (MC2010-14 and
CP2010-13--Inbound Surface Parcel post at Non-UPU Rates and
Xpresspost-USA)
International Money Transfer Service
International Ancillary Services
Special Services
Premium Forwarding Service
Negotiated Service Agreements
Domestic
Express Mail Contract 1 (MC2008-5)
Express Mail Contract 2 (MC2009-3 and CP2009-4)
Express Mail Contract 3 (MC2009-15 and CP2009-21)
Express Mail Contract 4 (MC2009-34 and CP2009-45)
Express Mail Contract 5 (MC2010-5 and CP2010-5)
Express Mail Contract 6 (MC2010--6 and CP2010-6)
Express Mail Contract 7 (MC2010--7 and CP2010-7)
[[Page 7204]]
Express Mail & Priority Mail Contract 1 (MC2009-6 and CP2009-7)
Express Mail & Priority Mail Contract 2 (MC2009-12 and CP2009-
14)
Express Mail & Priority Mail Contract 3 (MC2009-13 and CP2009-
17)
Express Mail & Priority Mail Contract 4 (MC2009-17 and CP2009-
24)
Express Mail & Priority Mail Contract 5 (MC2009-18 and CP2009-
25)
Express Mail & Priority Mail Contract 6 (MC2009-31 and CP2009-
42)
Express Mail & Priority Mail Contract 7 (MC2009-32 and CP2009-
43)
Express Mail & Priority Mail Contract 8 (MC2009-33 and CP2009-
44)
Parcel Select & Parcel Return Service Contract 1 (MC2009-11 and
CP2009-13)
Parcel Select & Parcel Return Service Contract 2 (MC2009-40 and
CP2009-61)
Parcel Return Service Contract 1 (MC2009-1 and CP2009-2)
Priority Mail Contract 1 (MC2008-8 and CP2008-26)
Priority Mail Contract 2 (MC2009-2 and CP2009-3)
Priority Mail Contract 3 (MC2009-4 and CP2009-5)
Priority Mail Contract 4 (MC2009-5 and CP2009-6)
Priority Mail Contract 5 (MC2009-21 and CP2009-26)
Priority Mail Contract 6 (MC2009-25 and CP2009-30)
Priority Mail Contract 7 (MC2009-25 and CP2009-31)
Priority Mail Contract 8 (MC2009-25 and CP2009-32)
Priority Mail Contract 9 (MC2009-25 and CP2009-33)
Priority Mail Contract 10 (MC2009-25 and CP2009-34)
Priority Mail Contract 11 (MC2009-27 and CP2009-37)
Priority Mail Contract 12 (MC2009-28 and CP2009-38)
Priority Mail Contract 13 (MC2009-29 and CP2009-39)
Priority Mail Contract 14 (MC2009-30 and CP2009-40)
Priority Mail Contract 15 (MC2009-35 and CP2009-54)
Priority Mail Contract 16 (MC2009-36 and CP2009-55)
Priority Mail Contract 17 (MC2009-37 and CP2009-56)
Priority Mail Contract 18 (MC2009-42 and CP2009-63)
Priority Mail Contract 19 (MC2010-1 and CP2010-1)
Priority Mail Contract 20 (MC2010-2 and CP2010-2)
Priority Mail Contract 21 (MC2010-3 and CP2010-3)
Priority Mail Contract 22 (MC2010-4 and CP2010-4)
Priority Mail Contract 23 (MC2010-9 and CP2010-9)
Priority Mail Contract 24 (MC2010-15 and CP2010-15)
Outbound International
Direct Entry Parcels Contracts
Direct Entry Parcels 1 (MC2009-26 and CP2009-36)
Global Direct Contracts (MC2009-9, CP2009-10, and CP2009-11)
Global Expedited Package Services (GEPS) Contracts
GEPS 1 (CP2008-5, CP2008-11, CP2008-12, CP2008-13, CP2008-
18, CP2008-19, CP2008-20, CP2008-21, CP2008-22, CP2008-23,
and CP2008-24)
Global Expedited Package Services 2 (CP2009-50)
Global Plus Contracts
Global Plus 1 (CP2008-8, CP2008-46 and CP2009-47)
Global Plus 2 (MC2008-7, CP2008-48 and CP2008-49)
Inbound International
Inbound Direct Entry Contracts with Foreign Postal
Administrations
Inbound Direct Entry Contracts with Foreign Postal
Administrations (MC2008-6, CP2008-14 and MC2008-15)
Inbound Direct Entry Contracts with Foreign Postal
Administrations 1 (MC2008-6 and CP2009-62)
International Business Reply Service Competitive Contract 1
(MC2009-14 and CP2009-20)
Competitive Product Descriptions
Express Mail
[Reserved for Group Description]
Express Mail
[Reserved for Product Description]
Outbound International Expedited Services
[Reserved for Product Description]
Inbound International Expedited Services
[Reserved for Product Description]
Priority
[Reserved for Product Description]
Priority Mail
[Reserved for Product Description]
Outbound Priority Mail International
[Reserved for Product Description]
Inbound Air Parcel Post
[Reserved for Product Description]
Parcel Select
[Reserved for Group Description]
Parcel Return Service
[Reserved for Group Description]
International
[Reserved for Group Description]
International Priority Airlift (IPA)
[Reserved for Product Description]
International Surface Airlift (ISAL)
[Reserved for Product Description]
International Direct Sacks--M-Bags
[Reserved for Product Description]
Global Customized Shipping Services
[Reserved for Product Description]
International Money Transfer Service
[Reserved for Product Description]
Inbound Surface Parcel Post (at non-UPU rates)
[Reserved for Product Description]
International Ancillary Services
[Reserved for Product Description]
International Certificate of Mailing
[Reserved for Product Description]
International Registered Mail
[Reserved for Product Description]
International Return Receipt
[Reserved for Product Description]
International Restricted Delivery
[Reserved for Product Description]
International Insurance
[Reserved for Product Description]
Negotiated Service Agreements
[Reserved for Group Description]
Domestic
[Reserved for Product Description]
Outbound International
[Reserved for Group Description]
Part C--Glossary of Terms and Conditions [Reserved]
Part D--Country Price Lists for International Mail [Reserved]
[FR Doc. 2010-3034 Filed 2-17-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7710-FW-S
