Domestic Shipping Services Pricing and Mailing Standards Changes, 68430-68447 [2010-28119]
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68430
Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 215 / Monday, November 8, 2010 / Rules and Regulations
COLLECTION OF INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS IN THE FINAL STANDARD—Continued
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CFR
CFR
CFR
CFR
CFR
CFR
CFR
CFR
1926.1407(a)(1)(i), (a)(3)(i), (c), (d), (e), (f), and 1926.1409
1926.1407(g) and 1926.1409
1926.1408 Table A and 1926.1409(b)
1926.1408(a)(2)(i), (2)(iii)(A), (c), (d)(1), (e), and 1926.1409
1926.1410(c)(1)
1926.1410(d)
1926.1410(e)
1926.1410(f)
29 CFR 1926.1410(j)
29 CFR 1926.1411 Table T
29 CFR 1926.1412(a)(1)(i)
29 CFR 1926.1412(b) (1)(ii)(A)
29 CFR 1926.1412(c)(2)(i)
29 CFR 1926.1412(e)(3)(i), (e)(2)(i), (e)(3)(ii), (f)(6), (g)(3),(h),
1926.1413(b)(4), (c)(3)(ii), and 1926.1437(h)
29 CFR 1926.1412(f)(7), 1926.1413(c)(4), and 1926.1437(h)
29 CFR 1926.1413(a)(4)(ii)(A)
29 CFR 1926.1414(e)(2)(iii)
29 CFR 1926.1414(e)(3)(iii)
29 CFR 1926.1417(b)(1) and (b)(2)
29 CFR 1926.1417(b)(3)
29 CFR 1926.1417(j)(1)
29 CFR 1926.1417(j)(2)
29 CFR 1926.1423(j)(2)
29 CFR 1926.1424(a)(2)(ii)
29 CFR 1926.1424(a)(3)(i) and (ii)
29 CFR 1926.1427(a) and (e)(1).
Affected Public: Business or other forprofits.
Number of Respondents: 267,032
firms.
Frequency: On occasion (for most of
the information collection requirements;
determined by the use of cranes and
derricks and employee training and
certification); annually (for equipment
inspections).
Average Time per Response: Varies
from 30 seconds (communicate
employee’s location to operator) to 1.5
hours (develop and document written
assembly and disassembly procedures).
Estimated Total Burden Hours:
403,413 hours.
Estimated Costs (Operation and
Maintenance): $2.3 million.
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Authority and Signature
David Michaels, PhD, MPH, Assistant
Secretary of Labor for Occupational
Safety and Health, directed the
preparation of this notice. The authority
for this notice is the Paperwork
Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3506
et seq.) and Secretary of Labor’s Order
No. 4–2010 (75 FR 55355).
Signed at Washington, DC, this 1st day of
November 2010.
David Michaels,
Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational
Safety and Health.
For the reasons stated in the preamble
in this notice, the Occupational Safety
and Health Administration amends 29
CFR part 1926 to read as follows:
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29 CFR 1926.1428(a)(1), (a)(2), and (a)(3).
29 CFR 1926.1428(b).
29 CFR 1926.1431(o)(3)(i).
29 CFR 1926.1431(p)(4)(i).
29 CFR 1926.1431(r)(3)(i).
29 CFR 1926.1431(s)(3)(i).
29 CFR 1926.1433(e).
29 CFR 1926.1434(a)(1)(i), (a)(1)(ii), (a)(3),
1926.1441(b)(2)(i)(B).
29 CFR 1926.1434(a)(2)(i), (a)(3), (a)(4),
1926.1441(b)(2)(i)(B).
29 CFR 1926.1435(b)(3).
29 CFR 1926.1435(b)(7)(ii).
29 CFR 1926.1435(c)(5).
29 CFR 1926.1435(f)(3)(ii).
29 CFR 1926.1436(g)(4).
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CFR
CFR
1926.1404(m)(1)(ii),
(a)(5),
(b),
and
1926.1437(c)(2)(ii).
1926.1437(h)(6).
1926.1437(m)(4).
1926.1437(n)(2).
1926.1437(n)(5)(v).
1926.1437(n)(6)(i).
1926.1441(b)(2)(i)(A).
1926.1441(c)(2)(i).
1926.1441(c)(2)(ii).
1926.1441(c)(2)(iii).
1926.1441(c)(3)(ii).
PART 1926—[AMENDED]
29 CFR citation
OMB control
No.
Subpart A—General
1. Revise the authority citation for
subpart A to read as follows:
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Authority: Sec. 3704, Contract Work Hours
and Safety Standards Act (40 U.S.C. 3701 et
al.); secs. 4, 6, and 8, Occupational Safety
and Health Act of 1970 (29 U.S.C. 653, 655,
657); Secretary of Labor’s Order No. 12–71
(36 FR 8754), 8–76 (41 FR 25059), 9–83 (48
FR 35736), 6–96 (62 FR 111), 5–2007 (72 FR
31160), and 4–2010 (75 FR 55355), as
applicable; and 29 CFR part 1911.
1926.1417
1926.1423
1926.1424
1926.1427
1926.1428
1926.1431
1926.1433
1926.1434
1926.1435
1926.1436
1926.1437
1926.1441
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1218–0261
1218–0261
1218–0261
2. Amend § 1926.5 by adding to the
table, in the proper numerical sequence,
the following citations and OMB control
number to read as follows:
[FR Doc. 2010–27947 Filed 11–5–10; 8:45 am]
§ 1926.5 OMB control numbers under the
Paperwork Reduction Act.
POSTAL SERVICE
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1926.1403
1926.1404
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1926.1409
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1926.1411
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1926.1414
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BILLING CODE 4510–26–P
Domestic Shipping Services Pricing
and Mailing Standards Changes
Postal ServiceTM.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The Postal Service is revising
Mailing Standards of the United States
Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual
(DMM®), to reflect changes to prices and
mailing standards for the following
Shipping Services: Express Mail®;
Priority Mail®; Parcel Select®; Recipient
Services.
DATES: Effective Date: January 2, 2011.
SUMMARY:
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68431
John
Gullo (202) 268–8057 or Carol A.
Lunkins (202) 268–7262.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This final
rule describes new prices and product
features for Shipping Services, by class
of mail, established by the Governors of
the United States Postal Service®. New
prices are located on the Postal
Explorer® Web site at https://
pe.usps.com.
Account Volume Thresholds
The Express Mail commercial plus
cumulative account volume threshold is
lowered from 6,000 pieces in the
previous four quarters to 5,000 pieces
and is available for customers whose
cumulative account volume exceeds
5,000 pieces or who have a customer
commitment agreement with USPS.
including envelopes that do not bear the
wording, ‘‘Flat Rate Envelope.’’
Eligibility
The Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelope
options are expanded to include the
following: Gift Card Flat Rate Envelope,
Window Flat Rate Envelope, and Small
Flat Rate Envelope.
General
New Express Mail offerings include:
Express Mail Legal Flat Rate Envelope
and commercial plus prices for
customers using IBI postage meters.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
The Postal Service revises the
procedure for determining single-piece
weight for all classes of mail. When
computing and determining single-piece
prices based on weight, express all
weights in decimal pounds rounded off
to two decimal places instead of four
decimal places. Mailers using the
Electronic Verification System (eVS®)
may round off to four decimals, and eVS
will automatically round to the
appropriate decimal place. If a mailer is
using a manifest mailing system (MMS),
the manifest weight field must be
properly completed by adhering to the
rules relative to the specific MMS.
Express Mail
The Postal Service implements
Express Mail structural revisions and
expands product offerings for retail,
commercial base, and commercial plus
categories.
Express Mail Revisions
Express Mail revisions include:
Calculation of postage, IBI postage meter
eligibility, and a reduction in account
volume thresholds.
Calculating Postage
When computing and determining
Express Mail single-piece prices based
on weight, express all weights in
decimal pounds rounded off to two
decimal places instead of four decimal
places.
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IBI Postage Meters
For Express Mail commercial base
prices, customers using USPS®approved Information-Based Indicia
(IBI) postage meters must print the IBI
with the appropriate price marking
(‘‘Commercial Base Price,’’ ‘‘Commercial
Base Pricing,’’ or ‘‘ComBasPrice’’) and
electronically transmit transactional
data to USPS. Also, each mailpiece must
bear an approved Express Mail shipping
label.
IBI postage meters that do not print
the IBI with the appropriate price
marking and electronically transmit
transactional data to USPS no longer
qualify for commercial base prices.
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New Express Mail Offerings
Express Mail Legal Flat Rate Envelope
Express Mail flat-rate options are
expanded to include a new Legal Flat
Rate Envelope which is available to
retail, commercial base, and commercial
plus customers. The USPS-produced
Legal Flat Rate Envelope is not available
at retail Post Office locations but may be
ordered online at https://www.usps.com/
shop.
Express Mail Commercial Plus Prices—
IBI Postage Meters
Express Mail commercial plus pricing
is now available for customers using
USPS-approved IBI postage meters
when the following conditions are met:
• IBI postage meters must print the
appropriate price marking (‘‘Commercial
Plus Price,’’ ‘‘Commercial Plus Pricing,’’
or ‘‘ComPlsPrice’’).
• IBI postage meters must
electronically transmit transactional
data daily to USPS for all mailpieces
and mail categories.
• The cumulative account volume
must exceed 5,000 pieces in the
previous four quarters or who have a
customer commitment agreement with
USPS.
• Each item must bear an approved
Express Mail shipping label.
Priority Mail
The Postal Service implements
Priority Mail structural revisions and
expands product offerings for retail,
commercial base, and commercial plus
categories.
Priority Mail Revisions
Priority Mail revisions include: flatrate pricing of Priority Mail envelopes
smaller than 12.5″ x 9.5″; defining
eligible Priority Mail envelopes; and
calculation of postage.
Price Application
All domestic USPS-produced Priority
Mail envelopes smaller than 12.5″ x 9.5″
will be priced the same as the regular
Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelope
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Calculating Postage
When computing and determining
Priority Mail single-piece prices based
on weight, express all weights in
decimal pounds rounded off to two
decimal places instead of four decimal
places.
New Priority Mail Offerings
New Priority Mail offerings include:
Priority Mail Legal Flat Rate Envelope,
Priority Mail Padded Flat Rate
Envelope, and Hold For Pickup service.
Priority Mail Legal Flat Rate Envelope
The Priority Mail Legal Flat Rate
Envelope (15″ x 9.5″) is available for
retail, commercial base, and commercial
plus customers. All postage payment
methods per price category and extra
services available for Priority Mail are
available with this offering. The USPSproduced Priority Mail Legal Flat Rate
Envelope is not available at retail Post
Office locations but may be ordered
online at https://www.usps.com/shop.
Priority Mail Padded Flat Rate Envelope
The Priority Mail Padded Flat Rate
Envelope (12.5″ x 9.5″) previously
available only for commercial plus
customers is now available to retail and
commercial base customers. All postage
payment methods per price category
(including BRM pieces returned at
Priority Mail prices) are available with
this offering; all extra services available
for Priority Mail are available with this
offering with the exception of Registered
MailTM service. The USPS-produced
Priority Mail Padded Flat Rate Envelope
is not available at retail Post Office
locations but may be ordered online at
https://www.usps.com/shop.
Hold For Pickup
Hold For Pickup service is available
for all online and commercial Priority
Mail except Critical MailTM. For
detailed information, see the section
below entitled, ‘‘Hold For Pickup.’’
Priority Mail Commercial Base
Priority Mail commercial base
revisions include: IBI postage meters
and postal routing barcodes.
IBI Postage Meters
Customers using USPS-approved IBI
postage meters must print the IBI with
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the appropriate price marking
(‘‘Commercial Base Price,’’ ‘‘Commercial
Base Pricing,’’ or ‘‘ComBasPrice’’) and
electronically transmit transactional
data to USPS.
IBI postage meters that do not print
the IBI with the appropriate price
marking and electronically transmit
transactional data to USPS will no
longer qualify for commercial base
prices.
Postal Routing Barcodes
For Priority Mail commercial base
prices, the Postal Service has eliminated
the requirement for a postal routing
barcode when paying postage with
permit imprint.
New Priority Mail Commercial Base
Offerings
New Priority Mail commercial base
offerings include: Priority Mail Legal
Flat Rate Envelope, Priority Mail
Padded Flat Rate Envelope, and Priority
Mail Regional Rate Box.
Priority Mail Legal Flat Rate Envelope
The Priority Mail Legal Flat Rate
Envelope (15″ x 9.5″) is available for
commercial base customers. All postage
payments methods and extra services
available for commercial base Priority
Mail are available with this offering.
Priority Mail Padded Flat Rate Envelope
The Priority Mail Padded Flat Rate
Envelope (12.5″ x 9.5″) is now available
for commercial base customers. All
postage payment methods (including
BRM pieces returned at Priority Mail
prices) and extra services available for
commercial base Priority Mail are
available with this offering with the
exception of Registered Mail service.
Priority Mail Regional Rate Box
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Description
The Priority Mail Regional Rate Box is
a new product offering available for
Priority Mail commercial parcels and
Merchandise Return Service (MRS)
parcels returned at Priority Mail prices.
The Regional Rate Box is available for
Priority Mail commercial base and
commercial plus customers. This
offering is not available for mailers
using BRM, Parcel Return Service (PRS),
or for customers who pay postage at
retail Post OfficeTM locations.
Eligibility
Customers must use USPS-produced
Priority Mail Regional Rate Boxes to
qualify for Regional Rate Box prices.
Price Application
Priority Mail Regional Rate Box prices
are based on USPS-produced ‘‘Box A’’ or
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‘‘Box B’’ and the destination zone. If the
Priority Mail Regional Rate Box exceeds
the maximum weight for that particular
box, Priority Mail commercial base or
commercial plus (volume thresholds
apply) prices will be assessed based on
weight and zone.
Options
There are two Regional Rate Box types
‘‘A’’ and ‘‘B’’ which include two loading
options:
• Box A (top loading or side loading)
has a 15-pound maximum weight limit.
• Box B (top loading or side loading)
has a 20-pound maximum weight limit.
Account Volume Threshold
No minimum volume threshold
applies, except the permit imprint
requirement of 200 pieces or 50 pounds
of mail.
Extra Services
All extra services that are available
with Priority Mail may be used with the
Regional Rate Box.
Postage Payment Methods
Priority Mail Regional Rate Box prices
are available to Priority Mail customers
that are:
• Customers using Click-N-Ship
service.
• Registered end-users of USPSapproved PC Postage products when
using a qualifying shipping label
managed by the PC Postage system used.
• Customers using permit imprint.
• Customers using USPS-approved
IBI postage meters that print the IBI
with the appropriate price marking
(‘‘Commercial Base Price,’’ ‘‘Commercial
Base Pricing,’’ or ‘‘ComBasPrice’’) and
electronically transmit transactional
data to USPS.
• Permit holders using MRS for
Priority Mail pieces when all MRS
requirements are met.
• Commercial plus customers
meeting Priority Mail commercial plus
account volume and postage payment
requirements.
who pay postage using IBI postage
meters; and the requirement to use a
postal routing barcode.
Account Volume Thresholds
Unless customers have a customer
commitment agreement with USPS, the
availability of commercial plus prices
require minimum volumes as follows:
• Letters & Flats: The cumulative
account volume must exceed 5,000
letter-size and flat-size (including Flat
Rate Envelopes) pieces in the previous
calendar year. Padded Flat Rate
Envelopes may not be included to meet
the cumulative account volume.
• Overall: The cumulative account
volume must exceed 75,000 total pieces
(letters, flats, and parcels) in the
previous calendar year. This threshold
is reduced from 100,000 to 75,000 total
pieces.
IBI Postage Meters
Priority Mail Commercial Plus, except
Cubic and Critical Mail, pricing is now
available to customers who use USPSapproved IBI postage meters that print
the IBI with the appropriate price
marking (‘‘Commercial Plus Price,’’
‘‘Commercial Plus Pricing,’’ or
‘‘ComPlsPrice’’), electronically transmit
transactional data daily to USPS for all
mailpieces and mail categories, and
meet the cumulative account volumes
listed above.
Postal Routing Barcode
The Postal Service has eliminated the
requirement for a postal routing barcode
for Priority Mail commercial plus pieces
when paying postage with permit
imprint.
New Priority Mail Commercial Plus
Offerings
Priority Mail new commercial plus
product offerings include: Priority Mail
Legal Flat Rate Envelope and Critical
Mail.
USPS-produced Priority Mail
Regional Rate Boxes must be used only
for Priority Mail Regional Rate Box
service. Customers may order these
boxes online at https://www.usps.com/
shop.
Priority Mail Legal Flat Rate Envelope
The new Priority Mail Legal Flat Rate
Envelope, which is 15″ x 9.5″ in size, is
available for commercial plus customers
who meet Priority Mail commercial plus
volume requirements and pay postage
with authorized postage payment
methods. All extra services available for
commercial plus Priority Mail are
available with this offering.
Priority Mail Commercial Plus
Critical Mail
The Postal Service implements
Priority Mail commercial plus structural
revisions and expands product offerings
to include: New and revised account
volume thresholds; the availability of
commercial plus prices for customers
Description
Critical Mail is a new shipping option
for Priority Mail commercial plus
mailers. This new product is a category
of Priority Mail and is available for
automation-compatible letters and
Packaging
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automation flats bearing Intelligent
Mail® barcodes (IMbTM). Delivery
ConfirmationTM service (electronic
option), which allows mailers to
confirm delivery, is included at no
additional cost.
Price Application
Critical Mail pieces are charged a flat
rate regardless of domestic destination
or weight for automation-compatible
letters up to 3 ounces and automationcompatible flats up to 13 ounces.
Critical Mail entered as letter-size
envelopes that exceed 3 ounces, 1⁄4-inch
thickness, or do not meet automation
letter standards will be charged the
Priority Mail Commercial Plus Flat Rate
Envelope price. Critical Mail entered as
flat-size envelopes that exceed 13
ounces, 3⁄4-inch thickness, or do not
meet the standards for automation flats
will be charged the Priority Mail
Commercial Plus Flat Rate Envelope
price. Critical Mail envelopes are
provided free of charge by USPS and
must be used only for Critical Mail.
Eligibility
Each mailpiece must be either an
automation-compatible letter or
automation flat, bear an accurate IMb
with the correct routing code that
represents the finest depth of sort
achieved in the address matching
process, and meet the following criteria:
• Critical Mail letters must not exceed
3 ounces in weight and 1⁄4-inch
thickness.
• Critical Mail flats must not exceed
13 ounces in weight and 3⁄4-inch
thickness.
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Account Volume Threshold
Critical Mail prices are available to
mailers whose Priority Mail account
volumes exceed 5,000 letter-size and
flat-size (including Flat Rate Envelopes,
but not the Padded Flat Rate Envelope)
mailpieces in the previous calendar year
or who have a customer commitment
agreement with USPS.
Authorization
To qualify for Critical Mail prices, all
customers must have a customer
commitment agreement with USPS.
Customers must contact their account
manager or the Manager, Shipping
Support, Shipping Services.
Additionally, USPS-produced Critical
Mail envelopes must be used and
mailpieces must be authorized by USPS
Manager, Integrated Business Solutions.
Prior to the first mailing of Critical Mail,
10 mailpiece samples must be provided
to USPS Manager, Integrated Business
Solutions or designee for review and
approval. Mailpiece samples must be
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packaged in USPS-produced Critical
Mail letter-size or flat-size envelopes;
include the full range of the proposed
contents that will be shipped; and bear
applicable labels and barcodes, i.e.
Intelligent Mail barcodes (IMb), Delivery
Confirmation labels, and Signature
ConfirmationTM labels, etc.
Extra Services
The following extra services may be
used with Critical Mail service: Insured
mail, Signature Confirmation, and
Delivery Confirmation.
Postage Payment Methods
The following postage payment
methods are available to Critical Mail
customers whose letter-size or flat-size
Priority Mail or Critical Mail volume
(including Flat Rate Envelopes, but not
the Padded Flat Rate Envelope) exceeds
5,000 pieces in the previous calendar
year, or who have a customer
commitment agreement. Prices are
available to:
• Registered end-users of USPSapproved PC Postage® products.
• Customers using permit imprint.
Markings
When using a mail category on
Critical Mail pieces paid with permit
imprint, the mailpiece must bear the
mail category, ‘‘Critical Mail.’’ This
marking must be placed in the permit
imprint indicia. In addition, all other
required wording must be placed in the
indicia as applicable, i.e. ‘‘U.S. Postage
Paid,’’ city and state, and permit
number.
Preparation & Packaging
When shipping Critical Mail items,
customers are required to use only
USPS-produced Critical Mail envelopes.
Critical Mail envelopes are provided by
USPS and must be used only for Critical
Mail. Authorized customers may order
these envelopes online at https://
www.usps.com/shop.
The sender’s domestic return address
must appear legibly on the side of the
mailpiece bearing postage. When
manifested, Critical Mail and Priority
Mail may be entered on the same
postage statement, but mailpieces must
be presented separately and may not be
combined or commingled in the same
container.
When mailing 200 or more Critical
Mail letters or flats, trays must be
labeled according to automation
standards and the following conditions
must be met:
Letters
• Letters must be prepared in USPSprovided letter trays; ‘‘faced’’ (oriented
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68433
with all addresses in the same direction
with the postage area in the upper right)
in trays; and trays must be covered with
sleeves.
Flats
• Flats must be prepared in USPSprovided flat trays; positioned in trays
with addresses facing upward in the
same direction; trays must be covered
with green lids; strapped, and not
exceed 70 pounds.
Pickup & Acceptance
Critical Mail may be accepted and
deposited as follows: Mailings with
postage paid by PC Postage may be
deposited in collection boxes (except for
mailings of 200 or more pieces);
provided to a carrier via Carrier
PickupTM service, Pickup on Demand
service, or entered at Post Office
locations. For permit imprint mailings,
unless eVS is used, postage statements
must be electronically submitted; all
mailings must 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 eVS® or plantverified drop shipments.
Priority Mail Commercial Plus Cubic
The Postal Service revises the Priority
Mail commercial plus cubic
requirements to include: Eligibility and
mailpiece compatibility with our
processing equipment; calculation of
postage; availability of commercial plus
cubic prices to MRS customers; and use
of preprinted dimensions printed on
USPS-produced packaging.
Eligibility
Rolls or tubes are not eligible for
commercial plus cubic prices.
Additionally, each eligible mailpiece
must measure 0.50 cubic foot or less,
weigh 20 pounds or less, and the longest
dimension cannot exceed 18 inches in
length. A customer’s cumulative
account volume remains unchanged and
must exceed 250,000 pieces or the
customer must have a customer
commitment agreement with USPS.
Calculating Postage
When measuring pieces to calculate
pricing tiers, any fraction of a
measurement is rounded down to the
nearest 0.25 inch instead of rounding off
each measurement to the nearest whole
inch.
Merchandise Return Service
Commercial Plus Cubic prices will
now be available for customers using
MRS parcels returned at Priority Mail
prices, who qualify for commercial base
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prices, and whose account volumes
exceed 250,000 pieces in the previous
calendar year or who have a customer
commitment agreement with USPS.
Packaging
When USPS-produced packaging is
used for Commercial Plus Cubic
mailings, the preprinted cubic size
printed on the packaging must be used
when calculating postage. If USPSproduced packaging does not include
the cubic size, the standard calculation
should be used to determine the cubic
size. Matter mailed in Priority Mail flatrate packaging is not eligible for
commercial plus cubic prices.
Parcel Select
The Postal Service revises Parcel
Select standards to include: Hold For
Pickup service, zoned 1-pound parcels
prices, and the calculation of postage.
Hold For Pickup
Parcel Select Hold For Pickup service
is limited to barcoded, nonpresorted
parcels. For detailed information, see
the section below on Hold For Pickup.
1-Pound Price
The 1-pound price for Parcel Select
parcels is priced according to weight
and the applicable zone. Previously, the
price for all 1-pound parcels was the
same across all zones.
Calculating Postage
When computing and determining
single-piece prices based on weight,
express all weights in decimal pounds
rounded off to two decimal places
instead of four decimal places.
jlentini on DSKJ8SOYB1PROD with RULES
Recipient Services
The Postal Service revises recipient
services to include: Post Office Box and
Hold For Pickup services.
Post Office Box Service
On June 17, 2010, the Postal
Regulatory Commission approved the
Postal Service’s request to move Post
Office (PO) Boxes in 49 retail Post Office
locations to the competitive (Shipping
Services) product list.
As part of the Shipping Services price
change, PO BoxTM fees in these 49
locations will be priced under a new fee
group designated as Group C1.
New customers who rent PO Box
service in Group C1 will not be required
to pay a key deposit fee for the first two
keys. If additional keys are requested,
the key duplication fee will be charged.
New customers in Group C1 who pay
for a 12-month rental period in advance
will be given an additional month
rental, at no extra charge, for a total of
13 months.
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Jkt 223001
Hold For Pickup Service
The Postal Service expands Hold For
Pickup service to include all online and
commercial Priority Mail (except
Critical Mail) and First-Class Mail
commercial parcels. In addition, Parcel
Select Hold For Pickup service is
limited to barcoded, nonpresorted
parcels.
Description
Hold For Pickup service allows
mailpieces to be held at a designated
Post Office location for pick up by a
specified addressee or designee. Upon
arrival of the mailpiece at the
destination Post Office pickup location,
the addressee will receive an email
notification from the Postal Service. If
the mailpiece has not been picked up
within 5 days, the Post Office will make
a second attempt to notify the
addressee. If the package has not been
picked up within 15 days, the mailpiece
will be returned to the sender.
Eligibility
To qualify for Hold For Pickup, at a
minimum, one of the authorized extra
services must be combined with this
offering, and all mailpieces must bear
the Hold For Pickup label with an
Intelligent Mail package barcode (IMpb)
encoded with a correct ZIP+4 Code,
matching the address and meeting the
standards in 708.5.0, except for Express
Mail not paid through the eVS.
For more detailed information
regarding the IMpb, mailers may
reference the addendum to Publication
91, Addendum for Intelligent Mail
Package Barcode (IMpb) and 3-Digit
Service Type Code, which may be
accessed on the RIBBS® Web site at
ribbs.usps.gov.
Options
There are two options for Hold For
Pickup service:
• Retail option: Available at Post
Office pickup locations for Express Mail
only at the time of mailing.
• Electronic option: Available for
Express Mail, Priority Mail (except
Critical Mail), First-Class Mail parcels,
and Parcel Select barcoded,
nonpresorted parcels. Except for
Express Mail, mailers must establish an
electronic link with USPS to exchange
acceptance and delivery data. No
mailing receipt is provided with this
option.
Extra Services
At least one of the following extra
services must be combined with Hold
For Pickup service: Insured mail,
Delivery Confirmation, or Signature
Confirmation. If adding insurance for
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$200 or less, one of the other authorized
extra services must also be added.
Postage Payment Methods
Hold For Pickup service is available
for customers using the following
postage payment methods: Click-NShip, permit imprint, IBI postage
meters, and USPS-approved PC Postage
products when registered end-users use
a qualifying shipping label managed by
the PC Postage system used.
Resources
The Postal Service provides
additional resources to assist customers
with this price change for Shipping
Services. These tools include price lists,
downloadable price files, and domestic
and international Federal Register
Notices, which may be found on the
Postal Explorer Web site at https://
pe.usps.com.
In addition, IMpb requirements may
be referenced by viewing the Barcode,
Package, Intelligent Mail
(USPS2000508) Specification and
Publication 91, Addendum for
Intelligent Mail Package Barcode (IMpb)
and 3-Digit Service Type Code, which
may be accessed in Intelligent Mail
Services on the RIBBS® Web site at
https://ribbs.usps.gov.
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); 13 U.S.C. 301–
307; 18 U.S.C. 1692–1737; 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
Mailing Standards of the United States
Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual
(DMM), as follows:
*
*
*
*
*
■
100 Retail Letters, Cards, Flats, and
Parcels
*
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*
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*
Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 215 / Monday, November 8, 2010 / Rules and Regulations
110
113
114.1.2, Affixing Postage—Single-Piece
Mailings.
*
*
*
*
*
Express Mail
Prices and Eligibility
1.0
Express Mail Prices and Fees
1.1
Prices Charged Per Piece
115
1.0
1.2
Price Application
[Revise the first and last sentences of 1.2
by making envelope plural as follows:]
Except under 1.4, Flat Rate
Envelopes, * * * Except for Express
Mail Flat Rate Envelopes, Express Mail
prices are based on weight and zone.
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise title text of item 1.4 by making
envelope plural as follows:]
1.4
Flat Rate Envelopes
[Revise 1.4 by adding two subsections
1.4.1 and 1.4.2 as follows:]
1.4.1
Flat Rate Envelopes—Eligibility
Material mailed in USPS-provided
Express Mail Flat Rate Envelopes is
charged a flat rate, regardless of the
actual weight (up to 70 pounds) of the
mailpiece or domestic destination. Only
USPS-produced Flat Rate Envelopes are
eligible for the Flat Rate Envelope price.
Custom Designed items are not eligible
for flat-rate pricing. When sealing a Flat
Rate Envelope, the container flaps must
be able to close within the normal folds.
Tape may be applied to the flaps and
seams to reinforce the container
provided the design of the container is
not enlarged by opening the sides, and
the container is not reconstructed in any
way.
1.4.2 Flat Rate Envelopes—Price
Eligibility
There are two types of USPSproduced Express Mail Flat Rate
Envelopes: A regular-size envelope and
a legal-size envelope. Each type of
USPS-produced Express Mail Flat Rate
Envelope is priced at a flat rate
regardless of the actual weight (up to 70
pounds) of the mailpiece or domestic
destination. See Notice 123—Price List
for prices.
*
*
*
*
*
jlentini on DSKJ8SOYB1PROD with RULES
1.7
Computing Postage
[Revise paragraph of 1.7 as follows:]
For each addressed mailpiece,
determine single-piece price based on
weight and zone under 1.1; express all
weights in decimal pounds rounded off
to two decimal places. For Express Mail,
affix postage to each piece under
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Jkt 223001
Express Mail Supplies
1.1
[Revise 1.1 as follows:]
Express Mail postage is charged for
each addressed piece according to its
weight and zone, except under 1.4.
Mail Preparation
Packaging Provided by USPS
[Add new last sentence to item 1.1 as
follows:]
* * * The USPS-produced Express
Mail Legal Flat Rate Envelope is not
available at retail Post Office locations
but may be ordered online at https://
www.usps.com/shop.
*
*
*
*
*
125
Mail Preparation
1.0
68435
Preparation
1.1 Priority Mail Packaging Provided
by the USPS
[Add new last sentence of 1.1 as
follows:]
* * * The USPS-produced Priority
Mail Legal and Padded Flat Rate
Envelopes are not available at retail Post
Office locations but may be ordered
online at https://www.usps.com/shop.
*
*
*
*
*
200
Commercial Letters and Cards
201
Physical Standards
*
120
Priority Mail
*
123
Prices and Eligibility
1.0
Priority Mail Prices and Fees
2.0 Physical Standards for
Nonmachinable Letters
1.1
Price Application
[Revise paragraph of 1.1 as follows:]
Except under 1.3, 1.4, and 1.5,
Priority Mail retail prices are based on
weight and zone and are charged per
pound; any fraction of a pound is
rounded up to the next whole pound.
For example, if a piece weighs 1.2
pounds, the weight (postage) increment
is 2 pounds. The minimum postage
amount per addressed piece is the 1pound price. Other charges may apply.
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise the title of 1.5 to make envelope
plural as follows:]
1.5
Flat Rate Envelopes and Boxes
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise the title of 1.5.1 to make
envelope plural as follows:]
1.5.1 Flat Rate Envelopes—Price and
Eligibility
[Revise text of 1.5.1 as follows:]
All USPS-produced Priority Mail
envelopes smaller than the EP14F
envelope (9.5 inches by 12.5 inches) are
eligible for the Priority Mail Flat Rate
Envelope price whether or not they are
marked ‘‘Flat Rate Envelope.’’ Each type
of USPS-produced Priority Mail Flat
Rate Envelope is priced at a flat rate
regardless of the actual weight (up to 70
pounds) of the mailpiece or domestic
destination. See Notice 123—Price List
for applicable prices.
*
*
*
*
*
1.9
Determining Single-Piece Weight
[Revise the last sentence of 1.9 as
follows:]
* * * Express all single-piece weights
in decimal pounds rounded off to two
decimal places.
*
*
*
*
*
PO 00000
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*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise the title and text of 2.5 as
follows:]
2.5 Express Mail, Priority Mail, and
Critical Mail Letters
Mailers are encouraged, but not
required, to design and produce Express
Mail and Priority Mail letter-size pieces
as machinable letters. Critical Mail
letter-size pieces (see 223) that do not
meet machinable letter standards in 1.0
and 3.0 are not eligible for Critical Mail
letter prices, but are eligible for Priority
Mail Commercial Plus Flat Rate
Envelope prices.
*
*
*
*
*
202 Elements on the Face of a
Mailpiece
*
*
*
*
*
3.0 Placement and Content of Mail
Markings
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise the title and introductory text of
3.3 as follows: Federal Register]
3.3 Express Mail, Priority Mail, and
Critical Mail Markings
Express Mail pieces must be marked
‘‘Express Mail,’’ by using a mailing label
according to 215.2.1. Priority Mail
pieces must have the basic price
marking of ‘‘Priority Mail’’ printed in a
prominent location on the address side;
see more options in 102.3.1. Critical
Mail letters (see 223) have the marking
‘‘Critical Mail’’ preprinted on the USPSproduced packaging. Critical Mail
letters with permit imprint postage must
have ‘‘Critical Mail’’ as the class of mail
in the indicia (under 604.5.) when a
class of mail is printed. In addition,
except for pieces paid using an Express
Mail Corporate Account, permit
imprint, Express Mail and Priority Mail
pieces claiming commercial base or
E:\FR\FM\08NOR1.SGM
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Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 215 / Monday, November 8, 2010 / Rules and Regulations
commercial plus prices also must bear
the appropriate commercial price
marking, printed on the piece or
produced as part of the meter imprint or
PC Postage indicia. Place the
commercial price marking directly
above, directly below, or to the left of
the postage. Markings are as follows:
* * *
*
*
*
*
*
210
Express Mail
213
Prices and Eligibility
1.0
Prices and Fees
*
*
1.4
Commercial Plus Prices
*
*
*
[Revise the title and introductory text of
1.4.1 as follows:]
1.4.1
Eligibility
Commercial plus pricing is available
to customers whose cumulative account
volume exceeds 5,000 pieces in the
previous four quarters or who have a
customer commitment agreement with
USPS (see 1.4.2) and who are:
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise 1.4.1 by adding new item ‘‘d’’ as
follows:]
d. Customers using USPS-approved
IBI postage meters that print the IBI
with the appropriate price marking (see
202.3.3) and who electronically transmit
transactional data daily to USPS for all
mailpieces and mail categories and use
an approved Express Mail shipping
label.
1.4.2
New Express Mail Customers
[Revise the last sentence of 1.4.2 as
follows:]
* * * Shippers must contact their
account manager or the manager,
Shipping Support, Shipping Services
(see 608.8.0 for address) for additional
information.
[Revise the title and first sentence of 1.5
as follows:]
1.5
jlentini on DSKJ8SOYB1PROD with RULES
Determining Single-Piece Weight
When determining single-piece
weight, express all weights in decimal
pounds rounded off to two decimal
places (except mailers using eVS). When
using a manifest mailing system, the
manifest weight field must be properly
VerDate Mar<15>2010
16:22 Nov 05, 2010
3.0
Basic Standards for Express Mail
*
*
*
*
*
3.2 Matter Closed Against Postal
Inspection
[Revise the first two sentences of 3.2 as
follows:]
Matter closed against postal
inspection includes First-Class Mail,
Critical Mail, Priority Mail, and Express
Mail. The USPS may open mail other
than First-Class Mail, Critical Mail,
Priority Mail or Express Mail to
determine whether the proper price is
paid. * * *
*
*
*
*
*
214 Postage Payment and
Documentation
1.0 Basic Standards for Postage
Payment Options
1.2 Commercial Plus Pricing
[Revise 1.2 as follows:]
Commercial plus Express Mail
postage may be paid with:
a. An Express Mail Corporate Account
(see 2.0), including federal agency
accounts.
b. USPS-approved PC Postage
products by registered end-users in
conjunction with a qualifying shipping
label managed by the PC Postage system
used.
c. Permit imprint through the
Electronic Verification System (eVS)
under 705.2.9.
d. USPS-approved IBI postage meters
that print the IBI with the appropriate
price marking (see 402.2.1) and
transactional data is electronically
transmitted daily to USPS for all
mailpieces and mail categories with an
approved Express Mail shipping label.
*
*
*
*
*
220
Priority Mail
223
Flat Rate Envelopes
Material mailed in USPS-provided
Express Mail Flat Rate Envelopes is
charged a flat price, regardless of the
actual weight (up to 70 pounds) of the
piece or its domestic destination. * * *
*
*
*
*
*
[Add new 1.9 as follows:]
1.9
completed by adhering to the rules
relative to the specific manifest.
*
*
*
*
*
Jkt 223001
Prices and Eligibility
1.0
Prices and Fees
*
*
1.3
Commercial Plus Prices
*
*
*
1.3.1 Basic Eligibility
[Revise introductory paragraph of 1.3.1
as follows:]
For prices, see Notice 123—Price List.
Commercial plus prices are available to
Priority Mail customers who qualify for
commercial base prices and whose
cumulative account volume exceeds
5,000 letter-size and flat-size pieces or
75,000 total pieces (see 423) in the
previous calendar year (except Priority
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Mail Open and Distribute) or who have
a customer commitment agreement with
USPS, and are:
*
*
*
*
*
[Add new item 1.3.1e as follows:]
e. Customers using USPS-approved
IBI postage meters that print the IBI
with the appropriate price marking for
commercial price items (202.3.3) and
electronically transmit transactional
data daily to USPS for all mailpieces
and mail categories.
*
*
*
*
*
[Renumber current 1.4 through 1.7 as
1.5 through 1.8 and add new 1.4 as
follows:]
1.4 Critical Mail Prices
1.4.1 Basic Eligibility
Critical Mail letter-size pieces are
charged a flat rate regardless of domestic
destination or weight for barcoded,
automation-compatible letters up to 3
ounces. Critical Mail letter-size pieces
that exceed 3 ounces in weight, exceed
1⁄4 inch thickness, or are not barcoded
according to 3.2.1, will be charged the
Priority Mail Commercial Plus Flat Rate
Envelope price (volume thresholds
apply). Critical Mail letter prices are
commercial plus prices available to
Critical Mail customers whose Priority
Mail and Critical Mail volume exceeds
5,000 letter-size and flat-size pieces
(including Flat Rate Envelopes, but not
the Padded Flat Rate Envelope), in the
previous calendar year or who have a
customer commitment agreement (see
1.3.4) with USPS, and that are:
a. Registered end-users of USPSapproved PC Postage products when
using a qualifying shipping label
managed by the PC Postage system used.
b. Permit imprint customers.
1.4.2 New Critical Mail Customers
The following requirements must be
met for new Critical Mail customers:
a. All customers using Critical Mail
service must have a customer
commitment agreement with USPS.
Customers must contact their account
manager or the Manager, Shipping
Support, Shipping Services (see 608.8.0
for address) for agreement requirements.
b. USPS-produced Critical Mail lettersize envelopes must be used and
mailpieces must be authorized by the
Manager, Integrated Business Solutions,
Shipping Services (see 608.8.1 for
address). Prior to the first mailing of
Critical Mail items, the mailer must
provide 10 preproduction mailpiece
samples to the Manager, Integrated
Business Solutions or designee for
review and approval. Sample pieces
must be packaged in USPS-produced
Critical Mail letter-size envelopes;
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Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 215 / Monday, November 8, 2010 / Rules and Regulations
mailpieces must include the full range
of the proposed contents that will be
shipped; and mailpieces must bear
applicable labels and barcodes (i.e.
Intelligent Mail barcodes and Delivery
Confirmation labels or Signature
Confirmation labels).
1.5 Flat Rate Envelopes—Basic
Standards
*
*
*
*
1.6 Hold For Pickup
Under Hold For Pickup service,
Priority Mail items are held at a
designated Post Office location for pick
up by a specified addressee or designee.
Hold For Pickup service is not available
for Critical Mail (see 508.7, Hold For
Pickup).
*
*
*
*
*
1.8 Determining Single-Piece Weight
[Revise the last sentence of renumbered
1.8 and add a new last sentence as
follows:]
* * * Express all single-piece weights
in decimal pounds rounded off to two
decimal places except mailers using
eVS. Mailers using eVS may round off
to four decimals, and eVS will
automatically round to the appropriate
decimal place. If a customer is using a
manifest mailing system, the manifest
weight field must be properly
completed by adhering to the rules
relative to the specific manifest.
*
*
*
*
*
jlentini on DSKJ8SOYB1PROD with RULES
Basic Standards for Priority Mail
3.1 Definition
Priority Mail is an expedited service
and may contain any mailable matter
weighing no more than 70 pounds.
Lower weight limits apply to some
commercial mail parcels under 423.1.0;
Critical Mail letters and flats; APO/FPO
mail subject to 703.2.0 and 703.4.0 and
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Jkt 223001
[Renumber current 3.2 through 3.3 as
new 3.3 through 3.4.]
[Add new 3.2 as follows:]
3.2 Additional Standards for Critical
Mail Letters
3.2.1
*
1.5.2 Flat Rate Envelopes—Price and
Eligibility
[Revise newly numbered 1.5.2 as
follows:]
All USPS-produced Priority Mail
envelopes smaller than the EP14F
envelope (9.5 inches by 12.5 inches) are
eligible for the Priority Mail Flat Rate
Envelope price whether or not they are
marked ‘‘Flat Rate Envelope.’’ Each type
of USPS-produced Priority Mail Flat
Rate Envelope is priced at a flat rate
regardless of the actual weight (up to 70
pounds) of the mailpiece or domestic
destination. See Notice 123—Price List
for applicable prices.
[Renumber new 1.6 through 1.8 as new
1.7 through 1.9 and add new 1.6 Hold
For Pickup as follows:]
3.0
Department of State mail subject to
703.3.0.
Definition
Critical Mail, a category of Priority
Mail, is available for barcoded,
automation-compatible letters and
barcoded, automation flats (see 323.1.4).
With the exception of restricted mail as
described in 601.8.0, any mailable
matter may be mailed via Critical Mail.
USPS-produced Critical Mail letter-size
envelopes must be used for all Critical
Mail letters. Letters may not exceed 3
ounces in weight or 1⁄4 inch thickness.
Critical Mail letters also must:
a. Bear an Intelligent Mail barcode
with the correct routing code that
represents the finest depth of sort
achieved in the address matching
process, and barcodes must be placed
according to 202.5.0.
b. Bear a delivery address that
includes the correct ZIP Code, ZIP+4
Code, or numeric equivalent to the
delivery point barcode (DPBC) and that
meets address quality standards in
233.5.5 and 708.3.0.
3.2.2 Extra Services With Critical Mail
Letters
Insured Mail, Delivery Confirmation,
and Signature Confirmation are
available with Critical Mail pieces.
Delivery Confirmation (electronic only)
is optional and included at no extra
charge for Critical Mail.
*
*
*
*
*
3.4 Matter Closed Against Postal
Inspection
[Revise the first two sentences of
renumbered 3.4 as follows:]
Matter closed against postal
inspection includes First-Class Mail,
Priority Mail (including Critical Mail),
and Express Mail. The USPS may open
mail other than First-Class Mail, Priority
Mail (including Critical Mail) or Express
Mail to determine whether the proper
postage is paid. * * *
*
*
*
*
*
224 Postage Payment and
Documentation
1.0 Basic Standards for Postage
Payment
1.1
Postage Payment Options
*
*
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*
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*
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*
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1.1.2
68437
Commercial Plus Pricing
Commercial plus Priority Mail may be
paid with:
[Add new item d as follows:]
d. USPS-approved IBI postage meters
that print the IBI with the appropriate
price marking (see 202.3.3) and
electronically transmit transactional
data daily to USPS for all mailpieces
and mail categories.
[Add new item 1.1.3 as follows:]
1.1.3
Critical Mail Pricing
Critical Mail pieces must bear an
Intelligent Mail barcode and postage
may be paid with:
a. USPS-approved PC Postage
products when registered end-users
apply a qualifying shipping label
managed by the PC Postage system used.
b. Permit imprint.
*
*
*
*
*
225
Mail Preparation
1.0 General Information for Mail
Preparation
1.1 Priority Mail and Critical Mail
Packaging Provided by the USPS
[Revise text of 1.1 as follows:]
Priority Mail packaging provided by
the USPS must be used only for Priority
Mail. Regardless of how the packaging
is reconfigured or how markings may be
obliterated, any matter mailed in USPSprovided Priority Mail packaging is
charged the appropriate Priority Mail
price. Any matter mailed in USPSproduced Critical Mail letter packaging
will be charged Critical Mail letter
prices only if all applicable standards in
223 are met; otherwise such matter will
be charged the Priority Mail Commercial
Plus Flat Rate Envelope price.
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise the title and text of 2.0 as
follows:]
2.0
Markings
The marking ‘‘Priority Mail’’ must be
placed prominently on the address side
of each piece of Priority Mail. USPSproduced Critical Mail letter envelopes
bear the marking ‘‘Critical Mail’’ and
must be used for Critical Mail letters.
See 202.3.3.
*
*
*
*
*
[Add new 4.0 to read as follows:]
4.0 Additional Standards for Preparing
Critical Mail Letters
4.1 Preparing Critical Mail Letters in
Trays
When mailing 200 or more Critical
Mail letters in one mailing, prepare the
letters in USPS-provided letter trays
with the letters ‘‘faced’’ (oriented with
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Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 215 / Monday, November 8, 2010 / Rules and Regulations
all addresses in the same direction with
the postage area in the upper right).
Secure and strap letter trays using
USPS-provided sleeves. Label trays
under the applicable letter tray label
standards in 235.4.0 and as follows:
a. Line 1: Use L201; for mail
originating in ZIP Code areas in Column
A, use ‘‘MXD’’ followed by city, state,
and 3-digit ZIP Code prefix in Column
C (use ‘‘MXD’’ instead of ‘‘OMX’’ in the
destination line and ignore Column B).
b. Line 2: ‘‘CRITICAL MAIL LTRS
WKG.’’
c. Line 3: Office of mailing or mailer
information.
4.2 Postage for Critical Mail and
Priority Mail
When a manifest mailing system is
used, Critical Mail and Priority Mail
may be entered on the same postage
statement, but mailpieces must be
presented separately and may not be
combined or commingled in the same
container.
226
Enter and Deposit
1.0
Deposit
1.1
General
[Revise the text of 1.1 as follows:]
Mailpieces bearing postage
evidencing indicia must be deposited in
a collection box (except for mailings of
200 or more Critical Mail letters) or at
a postal facility within the ZIP Code
shown in the indicia, except as
permitted under 2.0 or 604.4.5.3. Permit
imprint mail must be presented at a Post
Office or USPS acceptance site under
604.5.0 or 705.
*
*
*
*
*
2.0
Pickup on Demand Service
[Revise the text of 2.0 as follows:]
Pickup on Demand service (see
507.6.0) is available from designated
Post Offices for Priority Mail and
Critical Mail letters.
*
*
*
*
*
300
*
*
*
*
*
3.1 Express Mail, Priority Mail, and
Critical Mail Markings
Express Mail pieces must be marked
‘‘Express Mail,’’ by using a mailing label
according to 315.2.1. Priority Mail
pieces must have the basic price
marking of ‘‘Priority Mail’’ printed
prominently on the address side; see
more options in 102.3.1. Critical Mail
flats (see 323) have the marking ‘‘Critical
Mail’’ preprinted on the USPS-produced
packaging. Critical Mail flats with
permit imprint postage must have
‘‘Critical Mail’’ in the indicia when a
class of mail is printed. In addition,
except for pieces paid using an Express
Mail Corporate Account or permit
imprint, Express Mail and Priority Mail
pieces claiming the commercial base or
commercial plus price must bear the
appropriate commercial price marking,
printed on the piece or produced as part
of the meter imprint or PC Postage
indicia. Place the commercial price
marking directly above, directly below,
or to the left of the postage. Markings
are as follows: * * *
*
*
*
*
*
Express Mail
Prices and Eligibility
Prices and Fees
*
*
*
*
1.4 Commercial Plus Prices
[Revise the title and introductory text of
1.4.1 as follows:]
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise title and text of 2.6 as follows:]
jlentini on DSKJ8SOYB1PROD with RULES
*
*
*
2.6 Express Mail, Priority Mail, and
Critical Mail Flats
Mailers are encouraged, but not
required to design and produce Express
Mail and Priority Mail flat-size pieces
under the general standards in 1.0 and
the automation standards in 3.0. Critical
16:22 Nov 05, 2010
*
3.0 Placement and Content of Mail
Markings
[Revise the title and text of 3.1 as
follows:]
1.0
2.0 Physical Standards for
Nonautomation Flats
VerDate Mar<15>2010
*
313
Physical Standards
*
302 Elements on the Face of a
Mailpiece
310
Commercial Flats
301
Mail flat-size pieces (see 323) that do
not meet the standards for flats in
301.1.0 and 301.3.0 are not eligible for
Critical Mail flats prices, but are eligible
for Priority Mail Commercial Plus Flat
Rate Envelope prices (volume
thresholds apply).
*
*
*
*
*
Jkt 223001
1.4.1 Eligibility
Commercial plus prices are available
for customers whose cumulative
account volume exceeds 5,000 pieces in
the previous four quarters or who have
a customer commitment agreement with
USPS (see 1.4.2) and who are:
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise 1.4.1 by adding new item ‘‘d’’ as
follows:]
d. Customers using USPS-approved
IBI postage meters that print the IBI
PO 00000
Frm 00024
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
with the appropriate price marking (see
302.3.1) and who electronically transmit
transactional data daily to USPS for all
mailpieces and mail categories and use
an approved Express Mail shipping
label.
1.4.2 New Express Mail Customers
[Revise the last sentence of 1.4.2 as
follows:]
* * * Shippers must contact their
account manager or the manager,
Shipping Support, Shipping Services
(see 608.8.0 for address) for additional
information.
[Revise the title and first sentence of the
paragraph of 1.5 to make plural as
follows:]
1.5 Flat Rate Envelopes
Material mailed in USPS-provided
Express Mail Flat Rate Envelopes are
charged a flat price, regardless of the
actual weight (up to 70 pounds) of the
piece or its domestic destination. * * *
*
*
*
*
*
[Add new 1.9 as follows:]
1.9 Determining Single-Piece Weight
When determining single-piece
weight, express all weights in decimal
pounds rounded off to two decimal
places (except mailers using eVS). When
using a manifest mailing system, the
manifest weight field must be properly
completed by adhering to the rules
relative to the specific manifest.
*
*
*
*
*
3.0
Basic Standards for Express Mail
*
*
*
*
*
3.2 Matter Closed Against Postal
Inspection
[Revise the first two sentences of 3.2 as
follows:]
Matter closed against postal
inspection includes First-Class Mail,
Priority Mail (including Critical Mail),
and Express Mail. The USPS may open
mail other than First-Class Mail, Priority
Mail (including Critical Mail), or
Express Mail to determine whether the
proper price is paid. * * *
*
*
*
*
*
314 Postage Payment and
Documentation
1.0 Basic Standards for Postage
Payment Options
1.1 Commercial Base Pricing
Commercial base Express Mail
postage may be paid with:
[Revise 1.1 by deleting item ‘‘c’’ in its
entirety and reallocating items as ‘‘d’’
thru ‘‘f’’ as new c through e.]
*
*
*
*
*
E:\FR\FM\08NOR1.SGM
08NOR1
Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 215 / Monday, November 8, 2010 / Rules and Regulations
[Revised reallocated item d as follows:]
d. USPS-approved IBI postage meters
that print the IBI with the appropriate
price marking (see 302.3.1) and
transactional data is electronically
transmitted to USPS with an approved
Express Mail shipping label.
1.2
Commercial Plus Pricing
[Revise 1.2 as follows:]
Commercial plus Express Mail
postage may be paid with:
a. An Express Mail Corporate Account
(see 2.0), including federal agency
accounts.
b. USPS-approved PC Postage
products by registered end-users in
conjunction with a qualifying shipping
label managed by the PC Postage system
used.
c. Permit imprint through the
Electronic Verification System (eVS)
under 705.2.9.
d. USPS-approved IBI postage meters
that print the IBI with the appropriate
price marking (see 402.2.1) and
transactional data is electronically
transmitted daily to USPS for all
mailpieces and mail categories with an
approved Express Mail shipping label.
*
*
*
*
*
320
Priority Mail
323
Prices and Eligibility
1.0
Prices and Fees
*
*
1.3
Commercial Plus Prices
jlentini on DSKJ8SOYB1PROD with RULES
1.3.1
*
*
*
Basic Eligibility
[Revise text of 1.3.1 as follows:]
For prices, see Notice 123—Price List.
Commercial plus prices are available to
Priority Mail customers who qualify for
commercial base prices and whose
cumulative account volume exceeds
5,000 letter-size and flat-size pieces or
75,000 total pieces (see 423) in the
previous calendar year (except Priority
Mail Open and Distribute) or who have
a customer commitment agreement with
USPS, and are:
*
*
*
*
*
[Add new item 1.3.1e as follows:]
e. Customers using USPS-approved
IBI postage meters that print the IBI
with the appropriate price marking for
commercial price items (see 302.3.1)
and electronically transmit transactional
data daily to USPS for all mailpieces
and mail categories.
*
*
*
*
*
[Renumber current 1.4 through 1.7 as
1.5 through 1.8 and add new 1.4 as
follows:]
VerDate Mar<15>2010
16:22 Nov 05, 2010
Jkt 223001
1.4
Critical Mail Prices
1.4.1 Basic Eligibility
Critical Mail flat-size pieces are
charged a flat rate regardless of domestic
destination or weight for barcoded,
automation flats up to 13 ounces.
Critical Mail flat-size pieces that exceed
13 ounces in weight or exceed 3⁄4 inch
thickness, or are not barcoded according
to 3.2.1, will be charged the Priority
Mail Commercial Plus Flat Rate
Envelope price (volume thresholds
apply). Critical Mail prices for flats are
available to Critical Mail customers
whose Priority Mail and Critical Mail
volume exceeds 5,000 letter-size and
flat-size pieces (including Flat Rate
Envelopes, but not the Padded Flat Rate
Envelope), in the previous calendar year
or who have a customer commitment
agreement (see 1.4.2) with USPS, and
that are:
a. Registered end-users of USPSapproved PC Postage products when
using a qualifying shipping label
managed by the PC Postage system used.
b. Permit imprint customers.
1.4.2 New Critical Mail Customers
The following requirements must be
met for new Critical Mail customers:
a. All customers using Critical Mail
service must have a customer
commitment agreement with USPS.
Customers must contact their account
manager or the Manager, Shipping
Support, Shipping Services (see 608.8.0
for address) for agreement requirements.
b. USPS-produced Critical Mail flatsize envelopes must be used and
mailpieces must be authorized by the
Manager, Integrated Business Solutions,
Shipping Services (see 608.8.1 for
address). Prior to the first mailing of
Critical Mail items, the mailer must
provide 10 preproduction mailpiece
samples to the Manager, Integrated
Business Solutions or designee for
review and approval. Sample pieces
must be packaged in USPS-produced
Critical Mail flat-size envelopes;
mailpieces must include the full range
of the proposed contents that will be
shipped; and mailpieces must bear
applicable labels and barcodes (i.e.
Intelligent Mail barcodes and Delivery
Confirmation labels or Signature
Confirmation labels).
*
*
*
*
*
[Renumber new 1.6 through 1.8 as new
1.7 through 1.9 and add new 1.6 Hold
For Pickup as follows:]
1.6 Hold For Pickup
Under Hold For Pickup service,
Priority Mail items are held at a
designated Post Office location for pick
up by a specified addressee or designee.
PO 00000
Frm 00025
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
68439
Hold For Pickup service is not available
for Critical Mail (see 508.7, Hold For
Pickup).
*
*
*
*
*
1.8
Determining Single-Piece Weight
[Revise the last sentence of renumbered
1.8 and add a new last sentence as
follows:]
* * * Express all single-piece weights
in decimal pounds rounded off to two
decimal places except mailers using
eVS. Mailers using eVS may round off
to four decimals, and eVS will
automatically round to the appropriate
decimal place. If a customer is using a
manifest mailing system, the manifest
weight field must be properly
completed by adhering to the rules
relative to the specific manifest.
*
*
*
*
*
3.0
Basic Standards for Priority Mail
3.1
Definition
[Add new second sentence to item 3.1
as follows:]
* * * Lower weight limits apply to
some commercial parcels under 423.1.0;
Critical Mail letters and flats under
223.1.4 and 323.1.4; APO/FPO mail
subject to 703.2.0 and 703.4.0 and
Department of State mail subject to
703.3.0.
[Renumber current 3.2 through 3.3 as
new 3.3 through 3.4.]
[Add new 3.2 as follows:]
3.2 Additional Standards for Critical
Mail Flats
3.2.1
Definition
Critical Mail, a category of Priority
Mail, is available for barcoded,
automation-compatible letters (see
223.1.3) and barcoded, automation flats.
With the exception of restricted mail as
described in 601.8.0, any mailable
matter may be mailed via Critical Mail.
USPS-produced Critical Mail flat-size
envelopes must be used for all Critical
Mail flats. Flats may not exceed 13
ounces in weight or 3⁄4 inch thickness.
Critical Mail flats also must:
c. Bear an Intelligent Mail barcode
with the correct routing code that
represents the finest depth of sort
achieved in the address matching
process, and barcodes must be placed
according to 302.4.0.
d. Bear a delivery address that
includes the correct ZIP Code, ZIP+4
Code, or numeric equivalent to the
delivery point barcode (DPBC) and that
meets address quality standards in
333.5.5 and 708.3.0.
E:\FR\FM\08NOR1.SGM
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Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 215 / Monday, November 8, 2010 / Rules and Regulations
3.2.2 Extra Services With Critical Mail
Flats
Insured Mail, Delivery Confirmation,
and Signature Confirmation are
available with Critical Mail pieces.
Delivery Confirmation (electronic only)
is optional and included at no extra
charge for Critical Mail.
*
*
*
*
*
3.4 Matter Closed Against Postal
Inspection
324 Postage Payment and
Documentation
1.0 Basic Standards for Postage
Payment
Postage Payment Options
*
*
1.1.2
*
*
*
Commercial Plus Pricing
Commercial plus Priority Mail
postage may be paid with:
[Add new item 1.1.2d as follows:]
d. USPS-approved IBI postage meters
that print the IBI with the appropriate
price marking (see 302.3.1) and
electronically transmit transactional
data daily to USPS for all mailpieces
and mail categories.
[Add new 1.1.3 as follows:]
1.1.3
Critical Mail Pricing
Critical Mail pieces must bear an
Intelligent Mail barcode and postage
may be paid with:
a. USPS-approved PC-Postage
products when registered end-users use
a qualifying shipping label.
b. Permit imprint.
*
*
*
*
*
325
Mail Preparation
1.0 General Information for Mail
Preparation
jlentini on DSKJ8SOYB1PROD with RULES
1.1 Priority Mail Packaging Provided
by the USPS
[Add new last sentence to item 1.1 as
follows:]
* * * Any matter mailed in USPSproduced Critical Mail flat-size
packaging will be charged Critical Mail
flats prices only if all applicable
standards in 323 are met; otherwise
VerDate Mar<15>2010
16:22 Nov 05, 2010
Jkt 223001
1.2
Required Use of Return Address
[Revise text of 1.2 as follows:]
The sender’s domestic return address
must appear legibly on Priority Mail and
Critical Mail pieces.
[Revise title and text of 2.0 as follows:]
2.0
[Revise the first two sentences of
renumbered 3.4 as follows:]
Matter closed against postal
inspection includes First-Class Mail,
Priority Mail (including Critical Mail),
and Express Mail. The USPS may open
mail other than First-Class Mail, Priority
Mail (including Critical Mail) or Express
Mail to determine whether the proper
postage is paid. * * *
*
*
*
*
*
1.1
such matter will be charged the Priority
Mail Commercial Plus Flat Rate
Envelope price.
Markings
The marking ‘‘Priority Mail’’ must be
placed prominently on the address side
of each piece of Priority Mail. USPSproduced Critical Mail envelopes for
flats bear the marking ‘‘Critical Mail’’
and must be used for Critical Mail flats.
See 302.3.1.
*
*
*
*
*
[Add new 4.0 to read as follows:]
Mailpieces bearing postage
evidencing indicia must be deposited in
a collection box (except for mailings of
200 or more Critical Mail flats) or at a
postal facility within the ZIP Code
shown in the indicia, except as
permitted under 2.0 or 604.4.5.3. Permit
imprint mail must be presented at a Post
Office or USPS acceptance site under
604.5.0, or 705.
*
*
*
*
*
2.0
Pickup on Demand Service
[Revise the text of 2.0 as follows:]
Pickup on Demand service (see
507.6.0) is available from designated
Post Office locations for Priority Mail
and Critical Mail flats.
*
*
*
*
*
400
Commercial Parcels
*
*
*
*
4.0 Additional Standards for Preparing *
Critical Mail Flats
402 Elements on the Face of a
4.1 Preparing Critical Mail Flats in
Mailpiece
Trays
*
*
*
*
*
When mailing 200 or more Critical
2.0 Placement and Content of
Mail flats in one mailing, prepare
Markings
Critical Mail flats in USPS-provided
flats trays with green lids, place the mail [Revise the title and introductory text of
with addresses facing upward in the
2.1 as follows:]
same direction. Place pieces in trays to
2.1 Express Mail and Priority Mail
maintain their orientation. The weight
Markings
of a tray and its contents must not
exceed 70 pounds. Cover each tray with
Except for pieces paid using an
the green side of the lid facing up and
Express Mail Corporate Account,
secure the lid with two straps placed
Merchandise Return Service, or permit
tightly around the width of the tray.
imprint, Express Mail and Priority Mail
Label trays under the applicable flat tray pieces claiming the commercial base or
label standards in 335.4.0 and as
commercial plus price must bear the
follows:
appropriate commercial price marking,
a. Line 1: Use L201; for mail
printed on the piece or produced as part
originating in ZIP Code areas in Column of the meter imprint or PC Postage
A, use ‘‘MXD’’ followed by city, state,
indicia. Place the marking directly
and 3-digit ZIP Code prefix in Column
above, directly below, or to the left of
C (use ‘‘MXD’’ instead of ‘‘OMX’’ in the
the postage. Express Mail pieces must
destination line and ignore Column B).
be marked ‘‘Express Mail,’’ by using a
b. Line 2: ‘‘CRITICAL MAIL FLTS
mailing label according to 415.2.1.
WKG.’’
Priority Mail pieces must bear the
c. Line 3: Office of mailing or mailer
marking of ‘‘Priority Mail’’ prominently
information.
on the address side of each piece of
Priority Mail. See 102.3.0 for more
4.2 Postage for Critical Mail and
marking options. Markings are as
Priority Mail
follows:
When a manifest mailing system is
*
*
*
*
*
used, Critical Mail and Priority Mail
may be entered on the same postage
statement, but mailpieces must be
presented separately and may not be
combined or commingled in the same
container.
*
*
*
*
*
326
Enter and Deposit
1.0
Deposit
1.1
General
[Revise the text of 1.1 as follows:]
PO 00000
Frm 00026
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
2.2 Priority Mail Commercial Plus
Cubic Markings—PC Postage Indicia
[Revise the first sentence of 2.2 to read
as follows:]
Priority Mail pieces claiming the
commercial plus cubic price must be
marked ‘‘Priority Mail’’ and bear the
applicable marking that reflects the
respective price tier printed on the piece
or produced as part of the meter imprint
or PC Postage indicia. * * *
E:\FR\FM\08NOR1.SGM
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Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 215 / Monday, November 8, 2010 / Rules and Regulations
2.3 Priority Mail Commercial Plus
Cubic Markings—Permit Imprint
[Revise 2.3 as follows:]
Priority Mail permit imprint pieces
claiming the commercial plus cubic
price must be marked ‘‘Priority Mail’’
and bear the applicable marking,
printed on the piece or produced as part
of the permit imprint indicia. * * *
*
*
*
*
*
410
Express Mail
413
Prices and Eligibility
1.0
Prices and Fees
1.1 Prices Charged Per Piece
[Revise the first sentence of 1.1 as
follows:]
Except for Flat Rate Envelopes,
Express Mail postage is charged for each
addressed piece according to its weight
and zone. * * *
1.2 Price Application
[Revise the first and second to last
sentence of 1.2 to make envelope plural
as follows:]
Except under 1.5, Flat Rate Envelopes,
* * * Except for Express Mail Flat Rate
Envelopes, Express Mail prices are
based on weight and zone. * * *
[Revise the introductory paragraph of
item 1.3 as follows:]
1.3 Commercial Base Prices
For Express Mail commercial base
prices, see Notice 123—Price List. These
prices apply to:
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise 1.3 by deleting item ‘‘d’’ in its
entirety and reallocate items ‘‘e’’ and ‘‘f’’
as new items d and e.]
[Revise reallocated item d as follows:]
d. Customers using USPS-approved
IBI postage meters that print the IBI
with the appropriate price marking (see
402.2.1) and who electronically transmit
transactional data to USPS and use an
approved Express Mail shipping label.
1.4
Commercial Plus Prices
jlentini on DSKJ8SOYB1PROD with RULES
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise the title and introductory text of
1.4.1 as follows:]
1.4.1 Eligibility
Commercial plus pricing is available
to customers whose cumulative account
volume exceeds 5,000 pieces in the
previous four quarters or who have a
customer commitment agreement with
USPS (see 1.4.2) and who are:
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise 1.4.1 by adding new item ‘‘d’’ as
follows:]
d. Customers using USPS-approved
IBI postage meters that print the IBI
VerDate Mar<15>2010
16:22 Nov 05, 2010
Jkt 223001
with the appropriate price marking (see
402.2.1) and who electronically transmit
transactional data daily to USPS for all
mailpieces and mail categories and use
an approved Express Mail shipping
label.
1.4.2
New Express Mail Customers
[Revise the last sentence of 1.4.2 as
follows:]
* * * Shippers must contact their
account manager or the manager,
Shipping Support, Shipping Services
(see 608.8.0 for address) for additional
information.
[Revise title of 1.5 to make envelope
plural and revise the paragraph as
follows:]
1.5
Flat Rate Envelopes
There are two types of USPSproduced Express Mail Flat Rate
Envelopes: A regular-size envelope and
a legal-size envelope. Material mailed in
USPS-provided Express Mail Flat Rate
Envelopes is charged a flat rate,
regardless of the actual weight (up to 70
pounds) of the mailpiece or domestic
destination. Only USPS-produced Flat
Rate Envelopes are eligible for the Flat
Rate Envelope price. Custom Designed
items are not eligible for flat-rate
pricing. When sealing a Flat Rate
Envelope, the container flaps must be
able to close within the normal folds.
Tape may be applied to the flaps and
seams to reinforce the container,
provided the design of the container is
not enlarged by opening the sides and
the container is not reconstructed in any
way. For prices, see Notice 123—Price
List.
*
*
*
*
*
[Delete current item 1.9 in its entirety
and add new 1.9 as follows:]
1.9
Determining Single-Piece Weight
When determining single-piece
weight, express all weights in decimal
pounds rounded off to two decimal
places (except mailers using eVS). When
using a manifest mailing system, the
manifest weight field must be properly
completed by adhering to the rules
relative to the specific manifest.
*
*
*
*
*
3.0
Basic Standards for Express Mail
*
*
*
*
*
3.2 Matter Closed Against Postal
Inspection
[Revise the first two sentences of 3.2 as
follows:]
Matter closed against postal
inspection includes First-Class Mail,
Priority Mail, (including Critical Mail),
and Express Mail. The USPS may open
PO 00000
Frm 00027
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
68441
mail other than First-Class Mail, Priority
Mail (including Critical Mail), or
Express Mail to determine whether the
proper price is paid. * * *
*
*
*
*
*
414 Postage Payment and
Documentation
1.0 Basic Standards for Postage
Payment Options
1.1 Commercial Base Pricing
Commercial base Express Mail
postage may be paid with:
[Revise 1.1 by deleting item ‘‘c’’ in its
entirety and reallocating items as ‘‘d’’
thru ‘‘f’’ as new c through e.]
*
*
*
*
*
[Revised reallocated item d as follows:]
d. USPS-approved IBI postage meters
that print the IBI with the appropriate
price marking (see 402.2.1) and
transactional data is electronically
transmitted to USPS with an approved
Express Mail shipping label.
*
*
*
*
*
1.2 Commercial Plus Pricing
[Revise 1.2 as follows:]
Commercial plus Express Mail
postage may be paid with:
a. An Express Mail Corporate Account
(see 2.0), including federal agency
accounts.
b. USPS-approved PC Postage
products by registered end-users in
conjunction with a qualifying shipping
label managed by the PC Postage system
used.
c. Permit imprint through the
Electronic Verification System (eVS)
under 705.2.9.
d. USPS-approved IBI postage meters
that print the IBI with the appropriate
price marking (see 402.2.1) and
transactional data is electronically
transmitted daily to USPS for all
mailpieces and mail categories with an
approved Express Mail shipping label.
*
*
*
*
*
420
Priority Mail
423
Prices and Eligibility
1.0
Prices and Fees
1.1 Price Application
[Revise the text of 1.1 as follows:]
The following price applications
apply:
a. Priority Mail mailpieces are
charged per pound; any fraction of a
pound is rounded up to the next whole
pound. For example, if a piece weighs
1.25 pounds, the weight (postage)
increment is 2 pounds. See exceptions
in 1.1c, 1.1d, and 1.1e.
b. Flat-rate prices are not based on
weight and zone, but are charged a flat
E:\FR\FM\08NOR1.SGM
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Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 215 / Monday, November 8, 2010 / Rules and Regulations
rate regardless of actual weight (up to 70
pounds) of the mailpiece and domestic
destination.
c. The minimum postage amount per
addressed piece is the 1-pound price.
Except for:
1. Items mailed in flat-rate packaging.
2. Items eligible for commercial plus
cubic pricing.
3. Regional Rate Boxes.
4. Commercial plus items weighing
up to 1⁄2-pound (charge the 1⁄2-pound
price for commercial plus items up to
1⁄2-pound. Items over 1⁄2-pound are
rounded up to the next whole pound).
d. Commercial plus cubic prices are
not based on weight, but are charged per
cubic measurement of the mailpiece and
zone and any fraction of a measurement
is rounded down to the nearest 0.25
inch. For example, if a dimension of a
commercial plus cubic piece measures
12.375 inches, it is rounded down to
12.25 inches.
e. Regional Rate Box prices are not
based on weight but are priced based on
the particular USPS-produced Box A or
Box B and the zone to which it is sent.
f. Priority Mail items mailed under a
specific customer agreement are charged
according to the individual agreement.
[Revise item 1.2 as follows:]
1.2
1.2.1
Commercial Base Prices
Commercial Base Price Eligibility
jlentini on DSKJ8SOYB1PROD with RULES
For prices, see Notice 123—Price List.
The commercial base prices are
available for:
a. Click-N-Ship customers.
b. Registered end-users of USPSapproved PC Postage products when
using a qualifying shipping label
managed by the PC Postage system used.
c. Customers using permit imprint.
d. Priority Mail Open and Distribute
customers using permit imprint when a
Service barcode containing a unique
service type code 55 is on the address
label under 705.16.5.7. Priority Mail
Open and Distribute is not available for
customers using Regional Rate Boxes.
e. Customers using USPS-approved
IBI postage meters that print the IBI
with the appropriate price marking (see
402.2.1) and electronically transmit
transactional data to USPS.
f. Permit holders using Merchandise
Return Service (MRS) for Priority Mail
mailpieces when all MRS requirements
are met (507.11.0).
1.2.2
Regional Rate Box Prices
Regional Rate Box prices are available
to Priority Mail commercial base and
commercial plus customers who use
USPS-produced Priority Mail Regional
Rate Boxes and meet the requirements
in 1.2.1. Prices are based on USPS-
VerDate Mar<15>2010
17:53 Nov 05, 2010
Jkt 223001
produced Box A or Box B and zone.
Regional Rate Boxes exceeding the
maximum weight per Box A or Box B
(identified below) will be assessed
Priority Mail commercial base or
commercial plus (volume thresholds
apply) prices based on weight and zone.
Regional Rate Box options are:
a. Box A: (Side loading or top loading
box) has a maximum weight limit of 15
pounds.
b. Box B: (Side loading or top loading
box) has a maximum weight limit of 20
pounds.
1.3 Commercial Plus Prices
[Revise title and text of 1.3.1 as follows:]
1.3.1 Commercial Plus Price Eligibility
For prices, see Notice 123—Price List.
Commercial plus prices are available to
Priority Mail customers who qualify for
commercial base prices and whose
cumulative account volume exceeds
75,000 total pieces or 5,000 letter-size
and flat-size pieces in the previous
calendar year (except Priority Mail
Open and Distribute) or who have a
customer commitment agreement with
USPS, and are:
a. Registered end-users of USPSapproved PC Postage products.
b. Permit imprint customers.
c. Priority Mail Open and Distribute
(PMOD) customers whose account
volume exceeds 600 PMOD containers
(see 705.16.5.1).
d. Permit holders using MRS for
Priority Mail items.
e. Customers using USPS-approved
IBI postage meters that print the IBI
with the appropriate price marking (see
402.2.1) and electronically transmit
transactional data daily to USPS for all
mailpieces and mail categories.
*
*
*
*
*
statement with a computerized manifest
under 705.2.0. Mailings must contain at
least 200 pieces or 50 pounds of mail.
Mailpieces are not required to be
identical in weight.
c. Permit holders using Merchandise
Return Service for parcels returned at
Priority Mail prices.
*
*
*
*
*
1.4.3 Determining Cubic Tier
Measurements for Rectangular and
Nonrectangular Parcels
Follow these steps to determine the
cubic tier measurement for rectangular
and nonrectangular parcels:
[Revise items 1.4.3a and b as follows:]
a. Measure the length, width, and
height in inches. Round down (see
604.7.0) each measurement to the
nearest 1⁄4 inch. For example, 61⁄8″ ×
57⁄8″ × 63⁄8″ is rounded down to 6″ ×
53⁄4″ × 61⁄4″.
b. Multiply the length by the width by
the height and divide by 1728. For
example: 6″ × 53⁄4″ × 61⁄4″ = 215.6
divided by 1728 = 0.125 (This piece
exceeds 0.10—Tier 1 threshold). It is
calculated at Tier 2–0.101 to 0.20.
*
*
*
*
*
1.7
Flat Rate Envelopes and Boxes
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise 1.7.1 as follows:]
1.7.1 Flat Rate Envelopes—Price and
Eligibility
[Revise title and text of 1.4.1 as follows:]
USPS-produced Priority Mail Flat
Rate Envelopes are priced at a flat rate
regardless of the actual weight (up to 70
pounds) of the mailpiece or domestic
destination. See Notice 123—Price List
for applicable prices.
*
*
*
*
*
[Renumber current items 1.9 and 1.10 as
new 1.10 and 1.11 and add new 1.9 as
follows:]
1.4.1
1.9
1.4
Commercial Plus Cubic
Commercial Plus Cubic Eligibility
Commercial plus cubic prices are
available to Priority Mail customers
whose account volumes exceed 250,000
pieces in the previous calendar year or
who have a customer commitment
agreement with USPS. Each mailpiece
must measure .50 cubic foot or less,
weigh 20 pounds or less, and the longest
dimension may not exceed 18 inches.
Cubic-priced mailpieces may not be
rolls or tubes. The commercial plus
cubic prices are available for:
a. Registered end-users of USPSapproved PC Postage products.
b. Permit imprint customers.
Customers are required to use the
Electronic Verification System (eVS)
program or submit an electronic postage
PO 00000
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Hold For Pickup
Under Hold For Pickup service,
Priority Mail items are held at a
designated Post Office location for pick
up by a specified addressee or designee
(see 508.7, Hold For Pickup).
[Revise the last sentence of renumbered
1.10 as follows:]
1.10
Determining Single-Piece Weight
* * * Express all single-piece weights
in decimal pounds rounded off to two
decimal places except mailers using
eVS. Mailers using eVS may round off
to four decimals, and eVS will
automatically round to the appropriate
decimal place. If a customer is using a
manifest mailing system, the manifest
weight field must be properly
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completed by adhering to the rules
relative to the specific manifest.
*
*
*
*
*
3.0
Basic Standards for Priority Mail
3.1 Definition
[Revise the last sentence of 3.1 by
adding Regional Rate Boxes as follows:]
* * * Lower weight limits apply to
commercial plus cubic (see 1.4);
Regional Rate Boxes (see 1.2.2); Critical
Mail (see 223 and 323); APO/FPO mail
subject to 703.2.0 and 703.4.0; and
Department of State mail subject to
703.3.0.
*
*
*
*
*
3.3 Matter Closed Against Postal
Inspection
[Revise the first two sentences of 3.3 as
follows:]
Matter closed against postal
inspection includes First-Class Mail,
Priority Mail (including Critical Mail),
and Express Mail. USPS may open mail
other than First-Class Mail, Priority Mail
(including Critical Mail), or Express
Mail to determine whether the proper
postage is paid. * * *
424 Postage Payment and
Documentation
1.0 Basic Standards for Postage
Payment
1.1 Postage Payment Options
[Revise the title and introductory
paragraph of 1.1.1 as follows:]
jlentini on DSKJ8SOYB1PROD with RULES
Jkt 223001
Commercial Plus Cubic Pricing
Commercial plus cubic prices may be
paid with:
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise 1.1.3 by adding new item ‘‘c’’ as
follows:]
c. MRS when pieces are returned at
Priority Mail prices and all MRS
requirements are met (507.11.0).
*
*
*
*
*
450
Parcel Select
453
Prices and Eligibility
1.0 Prices and Fees
*
*
*
*
*
1.4
Computing Postage
1.4.1 Determining Single-Piece Weight
[Revise the last sentence of 1.4.1 as
follows:]
* * * Except for mailers using eVS,
when determining single-piece weight
for Parcel Select mailpieces, express all
weights in decimal pounds rounded off
to two decimal places. Mailers using
eVS may round off to four decimals, and
eVS will automatically round to the
appropriate decimal place. If a customer
is using a manifest mailing system, the
manifest weight field must be properly
completed by adhering to the rules
relative to the specific manifest.
*
*
*
*
*
425
Mail Preparation
*
*
3.0
Preparation
3.0
3.2
Preparing a Permit Imprint Mailing
*
*
*
*
*
[Add new item 3.7 as follows:]
*
*
*
[Revise 3.2 as follows:]
To use a permit imprint, the pieces
must be of identical weight and, unless
all the pieces are in a weight category
for which the price does not vary by
zone, the pieces must be separated by
zone when presented to the Post Office.
*
*
*
*
*
Enter and Deposit
1.0
1.1.2 Commercial Plus Pricing
Priority Mail commercial plus postage
may be paid with:
*
*
*
*
*
[Delete current items 1.1.2b and c in
their entirety and replace with new
items b through d as follows:]
b. Permit imprint.
16:22 Nov 05, 2010
1.1.3
426
1.1.1 Commercial Base and Regional
Rate Box Pricing
Priority Mail commercial base and
Regional Rate Box postage may be paid
with:
*
*
*
*
*
[Delete current items 1.1.1c and d in
their entirety. Add new item c, and
redesignate current items e and f as new
d and e, as follows:]
*
*
*
*
*
c. Permit imprint.
[Revise redesignated 1.1.1d as follows:]
d. USPS-approved IBI postage meters
that print the IBI with the appropriate
price marking (see 402.2.1) and
electronically transmit transactional
data to USPS.
*
*
*
*
*
VerDate Mar<15>2010
c. Merchandise Return Service (MRS)
when pieces are returned at Priority
Mail prices and all MRS requirements
are met (507.11.0).
d. USPS-approved IBI postage meters
that print the IBI with the appropriate
price marking (see 402.2.1) and
electronically transmit transactional
data daily to USPS for all mailpieces
and mail categories.
68443
Time and Location of Deposit
[Revise text of 1.0 as follows:]
Mailpieces bearing postage
evidencing indicia must be deposited in
a collection box or at a postal facility
within the ZIP Code shown in the
indicia, except as permitted under 2.0 or
604.4.5.3. Permit imprint mail must be
presented at a Post Office or USPS
acceptance site under 604.5.0, or 705.
*
*
*
*
*
430
First-Class Mail
433
Prices and Eligibility
*
*
*
*
Price Eligibility for Parcel Select
3.7 Hold For Pickup
Under Hold For Pickup service, only
Parcel Select barcoded, nonpresorted
parcels are held at a designated Post
Office location for pick up by a
specified addressee or designee (see
508.7).
*
*
*
*
*
455
Mail Preparation
*
*
*
*
*
4.0 Preparing Destination Entry Parcel
Select
4.1 Preparing Destination Delivery
Unit (DDU) Parcel Select
*
*
*
*
*
[Delete items of 4.1.4—Hold For Pickup
Endorsement, Exhibit 4.1.4e, and
Exhibit 4.1.4g in their entirety.]
*
*
*
*
*
500
*
Additional Mailing Services
503
Extra Services
*
*
3.0 Basic Standards for First-Class
Mail Parcels
2.0
Registered Mail
3.2
*
*
Defining Characteristics
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
[Add new item 3.2.6 as follows:]
2.2 Basic Information About
Registered Mail
3.2.6
*
Hold For Pickup
Under Hold For Pickup service, only
First-Class Mail parcels are held at a
designated Post Office location for pick
up by a specified addressee or designee
(see 508.7).
*
*
*
*
*
PO 00000
Frm 00029
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Sfmt 4700
*
*
*
*
2.2.2 Eligible Matter
[Revise the first sentence of 2.2.2 as
follows:]
Only mailable matter prepaid with
postage at the First-Class Mail or
Priority Mail (excluding Critical Mail)
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prices may be sent as Registered Mail.
* * *
*
*
*
*
*
(excluding Critical Mail), Standard Mail,
and Package Services. * * *
*
*
*
*
*
2.2.4
6.0
Return Receipt
*
*
6.2
Basic Information
10.0
*
*
*
Ineligible Matter
Registration may not be obtained for
mail that is handled as follows:
*
*
*
*
*
[Add new item 2.2.4g as follows:]
g. Critical Mail
*
*
*
*
*
3.0
Certified Mail
*
*
3.2
Basic Information
*
*
3.2.2
*
*
*
*
*
*
Eligible Matter
[Revise the text of 3.2.2 as follows:]
Only mailable matter prepaid with
postage at First-Class Mail or Priority
Mail (excluding Critical Mail) prices
may be accepted as Certified Mail.
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
4.2
*
*
4.2.2
*
*
6.2.2 Eligible Matter
Return receipt service is available for:
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise item b as follows:]
b. First-Class Mail and Priority Mail
(excluding Critical Mail) when
purchased at the time of mailing with
Certified Mail, COD, insured mail (for
more than $200.00), or Registered Mail
service.
*
*
*
*
*
Restricted Delivery
*
*
7.2
Basic Information
*
*
*
7.0
Insured Mail
*
*
*
Basic Information
*
4.0
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Eligible Matter
The following types of mail may be
insured:
[Revise item a as follows:]
a. First-Class Mail and Priority Mail
(including Critical Mail), if it contains
matter that is eligible to be mailed at
Standard Mail or Package Services
prices.
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Eligible Matter—Single Piece
[Revise the text of 5.2.2 as follows:]
Form 3817 is used for a certificate of
mailing for a First-Class Mail, Priority
Mail (excluding Critical Mail) or
Package Services single mailpiece.
Facsimile forms also may be used.
*
*
*
*
*
jlentini on DSKJ8SOYB1PROD with RULES
Eligible Matter—Bulk Quantities
[Revise the first two sentences of 5.2.4
as follows:]
Form 3606 is used for a certificate of
bulk mailing to specify the number of
pieces mailed. This certificate is
provided only for a mailing of identical
pieces of First-Class Mail, Priority Mail
9.0
*
Delivery Confirmation
*
*
9.2
*
Basic Information
*
*
*
*
*
*
Frm 00030
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*
Sfmt 4700
*
*
*
*
*
*
Eligible Matter
*
*
*
*
Basic Information
*
*
*
*
Availability
[Revise the text of 12.2.2 as follows:]
Special handling service is available
only for First-Class Mail, Priority Mail
(excluding Critical Mail), Package
Services, and Parcel Select pieces.
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise the title and text of 12.2.6 as
follows:]
12.2.6 Parcel Select—Nonmachinable
Parcels
The Parcel Select nonmachinable
surcharge is not charged on parcels sent
with special handling.
*
*
*
*
*
9.2.2 Eligible Matter
[Revise the first sentence of the
introductory text of 9.2.2 as follows:]
Delivery Confirmation is available for
First-Class Mail parcels; all Priority Mail
pieces (including Critical Mail);
PO 00000
*
Special Handling
12.2.2
*
Jkt 223001
12.0
*
*
*
[Revise the introductory sentence of
11.2.2 as follows:]
COD service may be used for Express
Mail, First-Class Mail, Priority Mail
(excluding Critical Mail), and any
Package Services or Parcel Select subcategory if:
*
*
*
*
*
*
Basic Information
*
16:22 Nov 05, 2010
11.2.2
12.2
5.2
VerDate Mar<15>2010
*
Basic Information
*
8.2.2 Eligible Matter
[Revise item 8.2.2 as follows:]
Return receipt for merchandise is
available for merchandise sent as
Priority Mail (excluding Critical Mail),
Standard Mail machinable and irregular
parcels, Package Services, and Parcel
Select pieces.
*
*
*
*
*
5.2.4
*
8.2
*
*
Eligible Matter
*
*
*
*
Collect on Delivery (COD)
*
*
*
[Revise the first sentence of the
introductory text of 10.2.2 as follows:]
Signature Confirmation is available
for First-Class Mail parcels; all Priority
Mail pieces (including Critical Mail);
and Package Services or Parcel Select
parcels under 401.1.0. * * *
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
10.2.2
Return Receipt for Merchandise
*
*
*
8.0
*
5.2.2
*
*
Basic Information
11.2 Basic Information
*
Certificate of Mailing
*
*
10.2
*
5.0
*
Signature Confirmation
11.0
*
7.2.2 Eligible Matter
Restricted delivery service is available
for:
[Revise item a as follows:]
a. First-Class Mail and Priority Mail
(excluding Critical Mail) when
purchased at the time of mailing with
Certified Mail, COD, insured mail (for
more than $200.00), or Registered Mail
service.
*
*
*
*
*
*
Standard Mail prepared as Not FlatMachinable pieces or as machinable or
irregular parcels (electronic option
only); and Package Services or Parcel
Select parcels under 401.1.0. * * *
*
*
*
*
*
508
Recipient Services
1.0
Recipient Options
*
*
*
*
*
[Delete current 1.3, Parcel Select DDU
Hold For Pickup Endorsement, in its
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08NOR1
Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 215 / Monday, November 8, 2010 / Rules and Regulations
entirety, and renumber current 1.4
through 1.9 as new 1.3 through 1.8.]
*
*
*
*
*
4.0
Post Office Box Service
*
*
4.6
Fee Group Assignments
4.6.1
*
*
*
Regular Fee Groups
[Revise 4.6.1 as follows:]
For Post Office box fee groups, see
Notice 123-Price List. Post Office boxes
are assigned to fee groups based upon
the classification of the Post Office
location as competitive or market
dominant. Local Post Offices can
provide information about fees for a
particular ZIP Code.
*
*
*
*
*
4.8
4.8.1
Keys and Locks
Key Deposit
[Revise the first two sentences of 4.8.1
as follows:]
Two Post Office box keys are initially
issued to each new box customer.
Except for PO Boxes classified as Group
C1, which has no key deposit for the
first two keys, box customers must pay
a refundable key deposit on each of
these keys. * * *
[Renumber current 7.0 through 9.0 as
new 8.0 through 10.0, and add new 7.0
as follows:]
7.0
Hold For Pickup
7.1
Fees and Postage
7.1.1
Postage Payment Methods
Hold For Pickup service is available
to mailers using the ‘‘Hold For Pickup’’
label when postage is paid by:
a. Click-N-Ship.
b. Registered end-users of USPSapproved PC Postage products.
c. Permit imprint.
d. USPS-approved Information-Based
Indicia (IBI) postage meters.
7.1.2
Electronic Labels
When customers privately print an
electronic ‘‘Hold For Pickup’’ label and
exchange electronic files with USPS
through an approved file transfer
protocol (FTP), they qualify for the
electronic Delivery Confirmation price
(see Notice 123—Price List).
7.2
jlentini on DSKJ8SOYB1PROD with RULES
7.2.1
Basic Information
Description
Hold For Pickup service allows
eligible mailpieces to be held at a
designated Post Office location for pick
up by a specified addressee or designee.
When the mailer has provided contact
information to the destination Post
Office pickup location, the customer is
VerDate Mar<15>2010
16:22 Nov 05, 2010
Jkt 223001
notified by email that a package is
available for pickup. This service
provides the shipper with the date and
time that the addressee took possession
of the item. If the item has not been
picked up within 5 days, the Post Office
will make a second attempt to notify the
addressee. The item will be returned to
the sender if not picked up within 15
days.
7.2.2
Basic Eligibility
Hold For Pickup service is available
with Express Mail under 113 and 413.
Hold For Pickup service is also available
with online and commercial mailings of
Priority Mail (except Critical Mail),
First-Class Mail parcels, and Parcel
Select barcoded, nonpresorted parcels
when:
a. Mailpieces bear the Hold For
Pickup label.
b. Mailpieces bear an Intelligent Mail
package barcode encoded with a correct
ZIP+4 Code, matching the address and
meeting the standards in 708.5.0.
c. At a minimum, one of the
authorized extra services must be
combined with Hold For Pickup service.
If adding insurance for $200 or less, one
of the other authorized extra services
must be added, which provides required
tracking for the service.
7.2.3
Additional Eligibility Standards
Parcels must meet these additional
physical requirements:
a. The surface area of the address side
of the parcel must be large enough to
completely and legibly contain the
delivery address, return address,
postage, markings, endorsements, and
extra service labels.
b. Except as provided in 7.2.3c, FirstClass Mail parcels and Parcel Select
barcoded, nonpresorted parcels must be
greater than 3⁄4 inch thick at the thickest
point.
c. If the mailpiece is a First-Class Mail
parcel or Parcel Select barcoded,
nonpresorted parcel under 401.1.0 and
no greater than 3⁄4 inch thick, the
contents must be prepared in a
container that is constructed of strong,
rigid fiberboard or similar material or in
a container that becomes rigid after the
contents are enclosed and the container
is secured. The parcel must be able to
maintain its shape, integrity, and
rigidity throughout processing and
handling without collapsing into a
letter-size or flat-size piece.
7.2.4
Service Options
The Hold For Pickup service options
are:
a. Retail option: Available at Post
Office locations for Express Mail at the
PO 00000
Frm 00031
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68445
time of mailing (see 113.4.2.5 and
113.4.3.4).
b. Electronic option: For Express Mail
commercial mailings, see 413.4.2.4 and
413.4.3.4. The electronic option is
available for Priority Mail (excluding
Critical Mail), First-Class Mail parcels,
and Parcel Select barcoded,
nonpresorted parcels. Mailers must
establish an electronic link with USPS
to exchange acceptance and delivery
data. No mailing receipt is provided
with this option. If the electronic option
is requested for Hold For Pickup service
for all of the pieces in the mailing and
the mailing consists of pieces of
identical weight, then postage may be
paid by any method in 7.1.1, subject to
the applicable standards. If the pieces
are not of identical weight, then either
the exact postage must be affixed to
each piece or postage must be paid with
permit imprint under a manifest mailing
system using eVS (705.2.9).
7.2.5
Ineligible Matter
Hold For Pickup service is not
available for the following:
a. First-Class Mail letter-size and flatsize pieces.
b. Critical Mail.
c. Periodicals.
d. Standard Mail.
e. Package Services.
f. Parcel Select destination entry, NDC
Presort, and ONDC presort pieces.
g. Mailpieces with precanceled
stamps.
h. Mail addressed to APO/FPO and
DPO destinations.
7.2.6
Extra Services
Hold For Pickup service may be
combined with:
a. Delivery Confirmation.
b. Insured mail.
c. Signature Confirmation.
7.3 Preparation Definitions and
Instructions
Except for Express Mail Hold For
Pickup presented at retail Post Office
locations, mailers or their agents must
prepare mailpieces bearing the ‘‘Hold
For Pickup’’ label as follows:
a. Enter mailpieces at the Priority
Mail, First-Class Mail parcel, or Parcel
Select barcoded, nonpresorted price (see
Notice 123—Price List).
b. Exchange electronic files with
USPS through an approved file transfer
protocol to notify the addressee when a
parcel is available for pickup at the
designated Post Office location and to
notify the mailer or agent that items are
available to be picked up as ‘‘return to
sender.’’
c. Affix a properly formatted address
label that has been approved by the
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National Customer Support Center
(NCSC) (see 608.8.1 for address).
d. In addition to the markings defined
in 508.7, address labels on a Hold For
Pickup mailpiece must contain the
elements below.
1. The top portion of the address label
must contain the service banner in the
left corner and the postage indicia
aligned in the right corner.
2. Centered on the line below the
service banner and postage indicia, the
words USPS and the applicable mail
class must appear in at least 24-point
type and in all capital letters. For
example, ‘‘USPS PRIORITY MAIL.’’
3. Below the mail class marking, the
word ‘‘From:’’ followed below by the
return address of the mailer or agent
must appear in at least 10-point type.
4. In the center of the label, the words
‘‘HOLD FOR PICKUP’’ must appear in
reverse print (white print on a black
background) in at least 24-point type
and in all capital letters.
5. Below the words ‘‘HOLD FOR
PICKUP,’’ the following addressee
information appears: ‘‘HOLD FOR:
(Contact Required _ ID Purposes Only).’’
Immediately below, the name and
address for the customer (the
‘‘addressee’’) must appear in at least 10point type.
6. In the center of the label
immediately above the Post Office
location, the words ‘‘PICKUP
LOCATION’’ must appear in reverse
print in at least 12-point type and in all
capital letters.
7. The lower half of the address label
must contain an approved Intelligent
Mail package barcode encoded with a
correct ZIP+4 Code, matching the
address and meeting the standards in
708.5.0 or an integrated barcode (which
combines a confirmation service with an
eligible combination) as defined in
Publication 91, Confirmation Services
Technical Guide.
*
*
*
*
*
600 Basic Standards for All Mailing
Services
601
*
*
*
*
jlentini on DSKJ8SOYB1PROD with RULES
6.0 Mailing Containers—Special Types
of Envelopes and Packaging
*
*
*
*
*
[Renumber current 6.2 through 6.5 as
new 6.3 through 6.6 and add new 6.2 as
follows:]
6.2
Critical Mail Envelopes
Critical Mail letter-size and flat-size
envelopes are provided by USPS and
must be used only for Critical Mail. Use
of these envelopes is restricted to
VerDate Mar<15>2010
17:53 Nov 05, 2010
Jkt 223001
602
Addressing
1.0
Elements of Addressing
*
*
1.5
Return Addresses
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
1.5.3 Required Use of Return
Addresses
The sender’s domestic return address
must appear legibly on:
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise the text of 1.5.3e as follows:]
e. Priority Mail (including Critical
Mail).
*
*
*
*
*
604
Postage Payment Methods
*
*
5.0
Permit Imprint (Indicia)
5.1
General Standards
*
*
*
5.1.1 Definition
[Revise the first and second sentence of
5.1.1 as follows:]
A mailer may be authorized to mail
material without affixing postage when
payment is made at the time of mailing
from a permit imprint advance deposit
account established with USPS for that
purpose. This payment method may be
used for postage and extra service fees
for Express Mail (electronic verification
system ‘‘eVS’’ only), Priority Mail
(including Critical Mail), First-Class
Mail, Standard Mail, Package Services,
and Parcel Select. * * *
*
*
*
*
*
5.3 Indicia Design, Placement, and
Content
*
Mailability
*
eligible matter and postage payment
methods (see 224.1.1 and 324.1.1).
Matter mailed in USPS-produced
Critical Mail envelopes that do not meet
the criteria for Critical Mail are charged
the appropriate Priority Mail
Commercial Plus Flat Rate Envelope
prices (volume thresholds apply).
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
5.3.5 Marking Expedited Handling on
Standard Mail
[Revise the introductory paragraph of
5.3.5 by adding Critical Mail as follows:]
Except for postcard-size mail and
permit imprint indicia placed on
address labels, indicia on Standard Mail
pieces bearing references to expedited
handling or delivery (e.g., ‘‘Critical
Mail,’’ ‘‘Priority,’’ ‘‘Express,’’ ‘‘Overnight’’)
must:
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise the title and first three sentences
of 5.3.6 as follows:]
PO 00000
Frm 00032
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
5.3.6 Express Mail, Priority Mail,
Critical Mail, and First-Class Mail
Format
A permit imprint indicia on Express
Mail, Priority Mail, Critical Mail, or
First-Class Mail, must show ‘‘Express
Mail,’’ ‘‘Priority Mail’’ (or ‘‘Priority’’),
‘‘Critical Mail,’’ or ‘‘First-Class Mail’’ as
applicable; ‘‘U.S. Postage Paid’’; city and
state; and permit number. If the
Electronic Verification System (eVS) is
used under 705.2.9, the marking ‘‘eVS’’
(or the alternative ‘‘e-VS’’ or ‘‘E–VS’’)
must appear directly below the permit
number. The ‘‘Express Mail,’’ ‘‘Priority
Mail’’ (or ‘‘Priority’’), or ‘‘Critical Mail’’
marking may be omitted when using
USPS-provided Express Mail, Priority
Mail, and Critical Mail envelopes and
containers. * * *
*
*
*
*
*
7.0
Computing Postage
7.1
General Standards
7.1.1 Determining Single-Piece Weight
for Retail and Commercial Mail
[Revise the last sentence of 7.1.1 as
follows:]
* * * Express all single-piece weights
in decimal pounds rounded off to two
decimal places.
*
*
*
*
*
7.1.3 Rounding Numerical Values
[Revise 7.1.3 by adding new item c as
follows:]
For these standards:
*
*
*
*
*
c. Round down requires eliminating
any digits to the right of the last number
to be kept (e.g., rounding down either
3.371 or 3.379 to two decimal places
yields 3.37).
608 Postal Information and Resources
*
*
*
*
*
8.0
USPS Contact Information
8.1
Postal Service
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise the text of 8.1 by adding new
department, Integrated Business
Solutions, in alphabetical order as
follows:]
Integrated Business Solutions,
Shipping Services, US Postal Service,
475 L’Enfant Plz., SW., Rm 5149,
Washington, DC 20260–5149.
*
*
*
*
*
[Replace Sales and Communication,
Expedited Shipping as follows:]
Shipping Support, Shipping Services,
US Postal Service, 475 L’Enfant Plz.,
SW., Rm 5437, Washington, DC 20260–
0001.
*
*
*
*
*
E:\FR\FM\08NOR1.SGM
08NOR1
Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 215 / Monday, November 8, 2010 / Rules and Regulations
We will publish an appropriate
amendment to 39 CFR part 111 to reflect
these changes.
Neva R. Watson,
Attorney, Legislative.
[FR Doc. 2010–28119 Filed 11–5–10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7710–12–P
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
40 CFR Part 52
[EPA–R06–OAR–2007–1119; FRL–9221–4]
Approval and Promulgation of
Implementation Plans; Albuquerque/
Bernalillo County, NM; Interstate
Transport of Pollution
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The EPA is approving a
revision to the Albuquerque/Bernalillo
County, New Mexico State
Implementation Plan (SIP) to address
the ‘‘good neighbor’’ provisions of the
Clean Air Act (CAA) section
110(a)(2)(D)(i), for the 1997 ozone and
the 1997 fine particulate matter (PM2.5)
National Ambient Air Quality Standards
(NAAQS) as it applies to Albuquerque/
Bernalillo County. The revision
addresses one element of CAA section
110(a)(2)(D)(i), which pertains to
prohibiting air pollutant emissions from
within a state to significantly contribute
to nonattainment of the ozone and PM2.5
NAAQS in any state. The Albuquerque/
Bernalillo Air Quality Control Board
(AQCB) is responsible for the portion of
the New Mexico SIP that applies in
Bernalillo County, which encompasses
the City of Albuquerque. This
rulemaking action is being taken under
section 110 of the CAA.
DATES: This final rule will be effective
December 8, 2010.
ADDRESSES: EPA has established a
docket for this action under Docket
Identification No. EPA–R06–OAR–
2007–1119. All documents in the docket
are listed at https://www.regulations.gov.
Although listed in the index, some
information is not publicly available,
e.g., Confidential Business Information
or other information whose disclosure is
restricted by statute. Certain other
material, such as copyrighted material,
is not placed on the Internet and will be
publicly available only in hard copy
form. Publicly available docket
materials are available either
electronically through https://
www.regulations.gov or in hard copy at
the Air Planning Section (6PD–L),
jlentini on DSKJ8SOYB1PROD with RULES
SUMMARY:
VerDate Mar<15>2010
18:34 Nov 05, 2010
Jkt 223001
Environmental Protection Agency, 1445
Ross Avenue, Suite 700, Dallas, Texas
75202–2733. The file will be made
available by appointment for public
inspection in the Region 6 Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) Review Room
between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and
4:30 p.m. weekdays except for legal
holidays. Contact the person listed in
the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
paragraph below or Mr. Bill Deese at
214–665–7253 to make an appointment.
If possible, please make the
appointment at least two working days
in advance of your visit. There will be
a 15 cent per page fee for making
photocopies of documents. On the day
of the visit, please check in at the EPA
Region 6 reception area at 1445 Ross
Avenue, Suite 700, Dallas, Texas.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Emad Shahin, Air Planning Section
(6PD–L), Environmental Protection
Agency, Region 6, 1445 Ross Avenue,
Suite 700, Dallas, Texas 75202–2733,
telephone (214) 665–6717; fax number
(214) 665–7263; e-mail address
shahin.emad@epa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Throughout this document wherever
‘‘we,’’ ‘‘us,’’ or ‘‘our’’ is used, we mean the
EPA.
Outline:
I. What action Is EPA taking?
II. What is the background for this action?
III. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews
I. What action is EPA taking?
We are approving a revision to the
New Mexico State Implementation Plan
(SIP) to address the ‘‘good neighbor’’
provisions of the Clean Air Act (CAA)
section 110(a)(2)(D)(i), for the 1997
ozone and the 1997 PM2.5 standards for
Albuquerque/Bernalillo County,
demonstrating that one of the required
elements of the CAA section
110(a)(2)(D)(i) has been met. The SIP
revision demonstrates in part that air
pollutant emissions from sources within
Albuquerque/Bernalillo County do not
significantly contribute to
nonattainment of the relevant NAAQS
in any other state. Therefore, we have
determined that emissions from sources
in Albuquerque/Bernalillo County do
not significantly contribute to
nonattainment of the 1997 ozone
standards or of the 1997 PM2.5 standards
in any other state. In a separate action,
EPA approved this revision for the
remainder of the State of New Mexico
(75 FR 33174, June 11, 2010).
At a later date we will act on
addressing the remaining three elements
of section 110(a)(2)(D)(i) which are: (1)
Interference with the maintenance of the
NAAQS in any other state; (2)
PO 00000
Frm 00033
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
68447
interference with measures required to
prevent significant deterioration of air
quality in any other state; and (3)
interference with measures required to
protect visibility in any other state.
II. What is the background for this
action?
On July 29, 2010, we published a
proposal to approve the portion of a SIP
revision adopted by AQCB that
addressed one element of the CAA
section 110(a)(2)(D)(i) (75 FR 44731).
EPA’s analyses for approving the SIP
revision are described in detail in that
proposal and in the supporting
documentation available in the
electronic docket for this action at
www.regulations.gov (Docket
Identification No. EPA–R06–OAR–
2007–1119). The comment period on the
proposal ended on August 30, 2010, and
we did not receive any comments.
III. Statutory and Executive Order
Reviews
Under the Clean Air Act, the
Administrator is required to approve a
SIP submission that complies with the
provisions of the Act and applicable
Federal regulations. 42 U.S.C. 7410(k);
40 CFR 52.02(a). Thus, in reviewing SIP
submissions, EPA’s role is to approve
state choices, provided that they meet
the criteria of the Clean Air Act.
Accordingly, this action merely
approves state law as meeting Federal
requirements and does not impose
additional requirements beyond those
imposed by state law. For that reason,
this action:
• Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ subject to review by the Office
of Management and Budget under
Executive Order 12866 (58 FR 51735,
October 4, 1993);
• Does not impose an information
collection burden under the provisions
of the Paperwork Reduction Act
(44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.);
• Is certified as not having a
significant economic impact on a
substantial number of small entities
under the Regulatory Flexibility Act
(5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.);
• Does not contain any unfunded
mandate or significantly or uniquely
affect small governments, as described
in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
of 1995 (Pub. L. 104–4);
• Does not have Federalism
implications as specified in Executive
Order 13132 (64 FR 43255, August 10,
1999);
• Is not an economically significant
regulatory action based on health or
safety risks subject to Executive Order
13045 (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997);
E:\FR\FM\08NOR1.SGM
08NOR1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 215 (Monday, November 8, 2010)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 68430-68447]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-28119]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
POSTAL SERVICE
39 CFR Part 111
Domestic Shipping Services Pricing and Mailing Standards Changes
AGENCY: Postal ServiceTM.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Postal Service is revising Mailing Standards of the United
States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM[supreg]), to reflect
changes to prices and mailing standards for the following Shipping
Services: Express Mail[supreg]; Priority Mail[supreg]; Parcel
Select[supreg]; Recipient Services.
DATES: Effective Date: January 2, 2011.
[[Page 68431]]
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John Gullo (202) 268-8057 or Carol A.
Lunkins (202) 268-7262.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This final rule describes new prices and
product features for Shipping Services, by class of mail, established
by the Governors of the United States Postal Service[supreg]. New
prices are located on the Postal Explorer[supreg] Web site at https://pe.usps.com.
General
The Postal Service revises the procedure for determining single-
piece weight for all classes of mail. When computing and determining
single-piece prices based on weight, express all weights in decimal
pounds rounded off to two decimal places instead of four decimal
places. Mailers using the Electronic Verification System (eVS[supreg])
may round off to four decimals, and eVS will automatically round to the
appropriate decimal place. If a mailer is using a manifest mailing
system (MMS), the manifest weight field must be properly completed by
adhering to the rules relative to the specific MMS.
Express Mail
The Postal Service implements Express Mail structural revisions and
expands product offerings for retail, commercial base, and commercial
plus categories.
Express Mail Revisions
Express Mail revisions include: Calculation of postage, IBI postage
meter eligibility, and a reduction in account volume thresholds.
Calculating Postage
When computing and determining Express Mail single-piece prices
based on weight, express all weights in decimal pounds rounded off to
two decimal places instead of four decimal places.
IBI Postage Meters
For Express Mail commercial base prices, customers using
USPS[supreg]-approved Information-Based Indicia (IBI) postage meters
must print the IBI with the appropriate price marking (``Commercial
Base Price,'' ``Commercial Base Pricing,'' or ``ComBasPrice'') and
electronically transmit transactional data to USPS. Also, each
mailpiece must bear an approved Express Mail shipping label.
IBI postage meters that do not print the IBI with the appropriate
price marking and electronically transmit transactional data to USPS no
longer qualify for commercial base prices.
Account Volume Thresholds
The Express Mail commercial plus cumulative account volume
threshold is lowered from 6,000 pieces in the previous four quarters to
5,000 pieces and is available for customers whose cumulative account
volume exceeds 5,000 pieces or who have a customer commitment agreement
with USPS.
New Express Mail Offerings
New Express Mail offerings include: Express Mail Legal Flat Rate
Envelope and commercial plus prices for customers using IBI postage
meters.
Express Mail Legal Flat Rate Envelope
Express Mail flat-rate options are expanded to include a new Legal
Flat Rate Envelope which is available to retail, commercial base, and
commercial plus customers. The USPS-produced Legal Flat Rate Envelope
is not available at retail Post Office locations but may be ordered
online at https://www.usps.com/shop.
Express Mail Commercial Plus Prices--IBI Postage Meters
Express Mail commercial plus pricing is now available for customers
using USPS-approved IBI postage meters when the following conditions
are met:
IBI postage meters must print the appropriate price
marking (``Commercial Plus Price,'' ``Commercial Plus Pricing,'' or
``ComPlsPrice'').
IBI postage meters must electronically transmit
transactional data daily to USPS for all mailpieces and mail
categories.
The cumulative account volume must exceed 5,000 pieces in
the previous four quarters or who have a customer commitment agreement
with USPS.
Each item must bear an approved Express Mail shipping
label.
Priority Mail
The Postal Service implements Priority Mail structural revisions
and expands product offerings for retail, commercial base, and
commercial plus categories.
Priority Mail Revisions
Priority Mail revisions include: flat-rate pricing of Priority Mail
envelopes smaller than 12.5'' x 9.5''; defining eligible Priority Mail
envelopes; and calculation of postage.
Price Application
All domestic USPS-produced Priority Mail envelopes smaller than
12.5'' x 9.5'' will be priced the same as the regular Priority Mail
Flat Rate Envelope including envelopes that do not bear the wording,
``Flat Rate Envelope.''
Eligibility
The Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelope options are expanded to
include the following: Gift Card Flat Rate Envelope, Window Flat Rate
Envelope, and Small Flat Rate Envelope.
Calculating Postage
When computing and determining Priority Mail single-piece prices
based on weight, express all weights in decimal pounds rounded off to
two decimal places instead of four decimal places.
New Priority Mail Offerings
New Priority Mail offerings include: Priority Mail Legal Flat Rate
Envelope, Priority Mail Padded Flat Rate Envelope, and Hold For Pickup
service.
Priority Mail Legal Flat Rate Envelope
The Priority Mail Legal Flat Rate Envelope (15'' x 9.5'') is
available for retail, commercial base, and commercial plus customers.
All postage payment methods per price category and extra services
available for Priority Mail are available with this offering. The USPS-
produced Priority Mail Legal Flat Rate Envelope is not available at
retail Post Office locations but may be ordered online at https://www.usps.com/shop.
Priority Mail Padded Flat Rate Envelope
The Priority Mail Padded Flat Rate Envelope (12.5'' x 9.5'')
previously available only for commercial plus customers is now
available to retail and commercial base customers. All postage payment
methods per price category (including BRM pieces returned at Priority
Mail prices) are available with this offering; all extra services
available for Priority Mail are available with this offering with the
exception of Registered MailTM service. The USPS-produced
Priority Mail Padded Flat Rate Envelope is not available at retail Post
Office locations but may be ordered online at https://www.usps.com/shop.
Hold For Pickup
Hold For Pickup service is available for all online and commercial
Priority Mail except Critical MailTM. For detailed
information, see the section below entitled, ``Hold For Pickup.''
Priority Mail Commercial Base
Priority Mail commercial base revisions include: IBI postage meters
and postal routing barcodes.
IBI Postage Meters
Customers using USPS-approved IBI postage meters must print the IBI
with
[[Page 68432]]
the appropriate price marking (``Commercial Base Price,'' ``Commercial
Base Pricing,'' or ``ComBasPrice'') and electronically transmit
transactional data to USPS.
IBI postage meters that do not print the IBI with the appropriate
price marking and electronically transmit transactional data to USPS
will no longer qualify for commercial base prices.
Postal Routing Barcodes
For Priority Mail commercial base prices, the Postal Service has
eliminated the requirement for a postal routing barcode when paying
postage with permit imprint.
New Priority Mail Commercial Base Offerings
New Priority Mail commercial base offerings include: Priority Mail
Legal Flat Rate Envelope, Priority Mail Padded Flat Rate Envelope, and
Priority Mail Regional Rate Box.
Priority Mail Legal Flat Rate Envelope
The Priority Mail Legal Flat Rate Envelope (15'' x 9.5'') is
available for commercial base customers. All postage payments methods
and extra services available for commercial base Priority Mail are
available with this offering.
Priority Mail Padded Flat Rate Envelope
The Priority Mail Padded Flat Rate Envelope (12.5'' x 9.5'') is now
available for commercial base customers. All postage payment methods
(including BRM pieces returned at Priority Mail prices) and extra
services available for commercial base Priority Mail are available with
this offering with the exception of Registered Mail service.
Priority Mail Regional Rate Box
Description
The Priority Mail Regional Rate Box is a new product offering
available for Priority Mail commercial parcels and Merchandise Return
Service (MRS) parcels returned at Priority Mail prices. The Regional
Rate Box is available for Priority Mail commercial base and commercial
plus customers. This offering is not available for mailers using BRM,
Parcel Return Service (PRS), or for customers who pay postage at retail
Post OfficeTM locations.
Eligibility
Customers must use USPS-produced Priority Mail Regional Rate Boxes
to qualify for Regional Rate Box prices.
Price Application
Priority Mail Regional Rate Box prices are based on USPS-produced
``Box A'' or ``Box B'' and the destination zone. If the Priority Mail
Regional Rate Box exceeds the maximum weight for that particular box,
Priority Mail commercial base or commercial plus (volume thresholds
apply) prices will be assessed based on weight and zone.
Options
There are two Regional Rate Box types ``A'' and ``B'' which include
two loading options:
Box A (top loading or side loading) has a 15-pound maximum
weight limit.
Box B (top loading or side loading) has a 20-pound maximum
weight limit.
Account Volume Threshold
No minimum volume threshold applies, except the permit imprint
requirement of 200 pieces or 50 pounds of mail.
Extra Services
All extra services that are available with Priority Mail may be
used with the Regional Rate Box.
Postage Payment Methods
Priority Mail Regional Rate Box prices are available to Priority
Mail customers that are:
Customers using Click-N-Ship service.
Registered end-users of USPS-approved PC Postage products
when using a qualifying shipping label managed by the PC Postage system
used.
Customers using permit imprint.
Customers using USPS-approved IBI postage meters that
print the IBI with the appropriate price marking (``Commercial Base
Price,'' ``Commercial Base Pricing,'' or ``ComBasPrice'') and
electronically transmit transactional data to USPS.
Permit holders using MRS for Priority Mail pieces when all
MRS requirements are met.
Commercial plus customers meeting Priority Mail commercial
plus account volume and postage payment requirements.
Packaging
USPS-produced Priority Mail Regional Rate Boxes must be used only
for Priority Mail Regional Rate Box service. Customers may order these
boxes online at https://www.usps.com/shop.
Priority Mail Commercial Plus
The Postal Service implements Priority Mail commercial plus
structural revisions and expands product offerings to include: New and
revised account volume thresholds; the availability of commercial plus
prices for customers who pay postage using IBI postage meters; and the
requirement to use a postal routing barcode.
Account Volume Thresholds
Unless customers have a customer commitment agreement with USPS,
the availability of commercial plus prices require minimum volumes as
follows:
Letters & Flats: The cumulative account volume must exceed
5,000 letter-size and flat-size (including Flat Rate Envelopes) pieces
in the previous calendar year. Padded Flat Rate Envelopes may not be
included to meet the cumulative account volume.
Overall: The cumulative account volume must exceed 75,000
total pieces (letters, flats, and parcels) in the previous calendar
year. This threshold is reduced from 100,000 to 75,000 total pieces.
IBI Postage Meters
Priority Mail Commercial Plus, except Cubic and Critical Mail,
pricing is now available to customers who use USPS-approved IBI postage
meters that print the IBI with the appropriate price marking
(``Commercial Plus Price,'' ``Commercial Plus Pricing,'' or
``ComPlsPrice''), electronically transmit transactional data daily to
USPS for all mailpieces and mail categories, and meet the cumulative
account volumes listed above.
Postal Routing Barcode
The Postal Service has eliminated the requirement for a postal
routing barcode for Priority Mail commercial plus pieces when paying
postage with permit imprint.
New Priority Mail Commercial Plus Offerings
Priority Mail new commercial plus product offerings include:
Priority Mail Legal Flat Rate Envelope and Critical Mail.
Priority Mail Legal Flat Rate Envelope
The new Priority Mail Legal Flat Rate Envelope, which is 15'' x
9.5'' in size, is available for commercial plus customers who meet
Priority Mail commercial plus volume requirements and pay postage with
authorized postage payment methods. All extra services available for
commercial plus Priority Mail are available with this offering.
Critical Mail
Description
Critical Mail is a new shipping option for Priority Mail commercial
plus mailers. This new product is a category of Priority Mail and is
available for automation-compatible letters and
[[Page 68433]]
automation flats bearing Intelligent Mail[supreg] barcodes
(IMbTM). Delivery ConfirmationTM service
(electronic option), which allows mailers to confirm delivery, is
included at no additional cost.
Price Application
Critical Mail pieces are charged a flat rate regardless of domestic
destination or weight for automation-compatible letters up to 3 ounces
and automation-compatible flats up to 13 ounces. Critical Mail entered
as letter-size envelopes that exceed 3 ounces, \1/4\-inch thickness, or
do not meet automation letter standards will be charged the Priority
Mail Commercial Plus Flat Rate Envelope price. Critical Mail entered as
flat-size envelopes that exceed 13 ounces, \3/4\-inch thickness, or do
not meet the standards for automation flats will be charged the
Priority Mail Commercial Plus Flat Rate Envelope price. Critical Mail
envelopes are provided free of charge by USPS and must be used only for
Critical Mail.
Eligibility
Each mailpiece must be either an automation-compatible letter or
automation flat, bear an accurate IMb with the correct routing code
that represents the finest depth of sort achieved in the address
matching process, and meet the following criteria:
Critical Mail letters must not exceed 3 ounces in weight
and \1/4\-inch thickness.
Critical Mail flats must not exceed 13 ounces in weight
and \3/4\-inch thickness.
Account Volume Threshold
Critical Mail prices are available to mailers whose Priority Mail
account volumes exceed 5,000 letter-size and flat-size (including Flat
Rate Envelopes, but not the Padded Flat Rate Envelope) mailpieces in
the previous calendar year or who have a customer commitment agreement
with USPS.
Authorization
To qualify for Critical Mail prices, all customers must have a
customer commitment agreement with USPS. Customers must contact their
account manager or the Manager, Shipping Support, Shipping Services.
Additionally, USPS-produced Critical Mail envelopes must be used
and mailpieces must be authorized by USPS Manager, Integrated Business
Solutions. Prior to the first mailing of Critical Mail, 10 mailpiece
samples must be provided to USPS Manager, Integrated Business Solutions
or designee for review and approval. Mailpiece samples must be packaged
in USPS-produced Critical Mail letter-size or flat-size envelopes;
include the full range of the proposed contents that will be shipped;
and bear applicable labels and barcodes, i.e. Intelligent Mail barcodes
(IMb), Delivery Confirmation labels, and Signature
ConfirmationTM labels, etc.
Extra Services
The following extra services may be used with Critical Mail
service: Insured mail, Signature Confirmation, and Delivery
Confirmation.
Postage Payment Methods
The following postage payment methods are available to Critical
Mail customers whose letter-size or flat-size Priority Mail or Critical
Mail volume (including Flat Rate Envelopes, but not the Padded Flat
Rate Envelope) exceeds 5,000 pieces in the previous calendar year, or
who have a customer commitment agreement. Prices are available to:
Registered end-users of USPS-approved PC Postage[supreg]
products.
Customers using permit imprint.
Markings
When using a mail category on Critical Mail pieces paid with permit
imprint, the mailpiece must bear the mail category, ``Critical Mail.''
This marking must be placed in the permit imprint indicia. In addition,
all other required wording must be placed in the indicia as applicable,
i.e. ``U.S. Postage Paid,'' city and state, and permit number.
Preparation & Packaging
When shipping Critical Mail items, customers are required to use
only USPS-produced Critical Mail envelopes. Critical Mail envelopes are
provided by USPS and must be used only for Critical Mail. Authorized
customers may order these envelopes online at https://www.usps.com/shop.
The sender's domestic return address must appear legibly on the
side of the mailpiece bearing postage. When manifested, Critical Mail
and Priority Mail may be entered on the same postage statement, but
mailpieces must be presented separately and may not be combined or
commingled in the same container.
When mailing 200 or more Critical Mail letters or flats, trays must
be labeled according to automation standards and the following
conditions must be met:
Letters
Letters must be prepared in USPS-provided letter trays;
``faced'' (oriented with all addresses in the same direction with the
postage area in the upper right) in trays; and trays must be covered
with sleeves.
Flats
Flats must be prepared in USPS-provided flat trays;
positioned in trays with addresses facing upward in the same direction;
trays must be covered with green lids; strapped, and not exceed 70
pounds.
Pickup & Acceptance
Critical Mail may be accepted and deposited as follows: Mailings
with postage paid by PC Postage may be deposited in collection boxes
(except for mailings of 200 or more pieces); provided to a carrier via
Carrier PickupTM service, Pickup on Demand service, or
entered at Post Office locations. For permit imprint mailings, unless
eVS is used, postage statements must be electronically submitted; all
mailings must 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 eVS[supreg] or plant-verified drop shipments.
Priority Mail Commercial Plus Cubic
The Postal Service revises the Priority Mail commercial plus cubic
requirements to include: Eligibility and mailpiece compatibility with
our processing equipment; calculation of postage; availability of
commercial plus cubic prices to MRS customers; and use of preprinted
dimensions printed on USPS-produced packaging.
Eligibility
Rolls or tubes are not eligible for commercial plus cubic prices.
Additionally, each eligible mailpiece must measure 0.50 cubic foot or
less, weigh 20 pounds or less, and the longest dimension cannot exceed
18 inches in length. A customer's cumulative account volume remains
unchanged and must exceed 250,000 pieces or the customer must have a
customer commitment agreement with USPS.
Calculating Postage
When measuring pieces to calculate pricing tiers, any fraction of a
measurement is rounded down to the nearest 0.25 inch instead of
rounding off each measurement to the nearest whole inch.
Merchandise Return Service
Commercial Plus Cubic prices will now be available for customers
using MRS parcels returned at Priority Mail prices, who qualify for
commercial base
[[Page 68434]]
prices, and whose account volumes exceed 250,000 pieces in the previous
calendar year or who have a customer commitment agreement with USPS.
Packaging
When USPS-produced packaging is used for Commercial Plus Cubic
mailings, the preprinted cubic size printed on the packaging must be
used when calculating postage. If USPS-produced packaging does not
include the cubic size, the standard calculation should be used to
determine the cubic size. Matter mailed in Priority Mail flat-rate
packaging is not eligible for commercial plus cubic prices.
Parcel Select
The Postal Service revises Parcel Select standards to include: Hold
For Pickup service, zoned 1-pound parcels prices, and the calculation
of postage.
Hold For Pickup
Parcel Select Hold For Pickup service is limited to barcoded,
nonpresorted parcels. For detailed information, see the section below
on Hold For Pickup.
1-Pound Price
The 1-pound price for Parcel Select parcels is priced according to
weight and the applicable zone. Previously, the price for all 1-pound
parcels was the same across all zones.
Calculating Postage
When computing and determining single-piece prices based on weight,
express all weights in decimal pounds rounded off to two decimal places
instead of four decimal places.
Recipient Services
The Postal Service revises recipient services to include: Post
Office Box and Hold For Pickup services.
Post Office Box Service
On June 17, 2010, the Postal Regulatory Commission approved the
Postal Service's request to move Post Office (PO) Boxes in 49 retail
Post Office locations to the competitive (Shipping Services) product
list.
As part of the Shipping Services price change, PO BoxTM
fees in these 49 locations will be priced under a new fee group
designated as Group C1.
New customers who rent PO Box service in Group C1 will not be
required to pay a key deposit fee for the first two keys. If additional
keys are requested, the key duplication fee will be charged.
New customers in Group C1 who pay for a 12-month rental period in
advance will be given an additional month rental, at no extra charge,
for a total of 13 months.
Hold For Pickup Service
The Postal Service expands Hold For Pickup service to include all
online and commercial Priority Mail (except Critical Mail) and First-
Class Mail commercial parcels. In addition, Parcel Select Hold For
Pickup service is limited to barcoded, nonpresorted parcels.
Description
Hold For Pickup service allows mailpieces to be held at a
designated Post Office location for pick up by a specified addressee or
designee. Upon arrival of the mailpiece at the destination Post Office
pickup location, the addressee will receive an email notification from
the Postal Service. If the mailpiece has not been picked up within 5
days, the Post Office will make a second attempt to notify the
addressee. If the package has not been picked up within 15 days, the
mailpiece will be returned to the sender.
Eligibility
To qualify for Hold For Pickup, at a minimum, one of the authorized
extra services must be combined with this offering, and all mailpieces
must bear the Hold For Pickup label with an Intelligent Mail package
barcode (IMpb) encoded with a correct ZIP+4 Code, matching the address
and meeting the standards in 708.5.0, except for Express Mail not paid
through the eVS.
For more detailed information regarding the IMpb, mailers may
reference the addendum to Publication 91, Addendum for Intelligent Mail
Package Barcode (IMpb) and 3-Digit Service Type Code, which may be
accessed on the RIBBS[supreg] Web site at ribbs.usps.gov.
Options
There are two options for Hold For Pickup service:
Retail option: Available at Post Office pickup locations
for Express Mail only at the time of mailing.
Electronic option: Available for Express Mail, Priority
Mail (except Critical Mail), First-Class Mail parcels, and Parcel
Select barcoded, nonpresorted parcels. Except for Express Mail, mailers
must establish an electronic link with USPS to exchange acceptance and
delivery data. No mailing receipt is provided with this option.
Extra Services
At least one of the following extra services must be combined with
Hold For Pickup service: Insured mail, Delivery Confirmation, or
Signature Confirmation. If adding insurance for $200 or less, one of
the other authorized extra services must also be added.
Postage Payment Methods
Hold For Pickup service is available for customers using the
following postage payment methods: Click-N-Ship, permit imprint, IBI
postage meters, and USPS-approved PC Postage products when registered
end-users use a qualifying shipping label managed by the PC Postage
system used.
Resources
The Postal Service provides additional resources to assist
customers with this price change for Shipping Services. These tools
include price lists, downloadable price files, and domestic and
international Federal Register Notices, which may be found on the
Postal Explorer Web site at https://pe.usps.com.
In addition, IMpb requirements may be referenced by viewing the
Barcode, Package, Intelligent Mail (USPS2000508) Specification and
Publication 91, Addendum for Intelligent Mail Package Barcode (IMpb)
and 3-Digit Service Type Code, which may be accessed in Intelligent
Mail Services on the RIBBS[supreg] Web site at https://ribbs.usps.gov.
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); 13 U.S.C. 301-307; 18 U.S.C. 1692-
1737; 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 Mailing Standards of the United
States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM), as follows:
* * * * *
100 Retail Letters, Cards, Flats, and Parcels
* * * * *
[[Page 68435]]
110 Express Mail
113 Prices and Eligibility
1.0 Express Mail Prices and Fees
1.1 Prices Charged Per Piece
[Revise 1.1 as follows:]
Express Mail postage is charged for each addressed piece according
to its weight and zone, except under 1.4.
1.2 Price Application
[Revise the first and last sentences of 1.2 by making envelope plural
as follows:]
Except under 1.4, Flat Rate Envelopes, * * * Except for Express
Mail Flat Rate Envelopes, Express Mail prices are based on weight and
zone.
* * * * *
[Revise title text of item 1.4 by making envelope plural as follows:]
1.4 Flat Rate Envelopes
[Revise 1.4 by adding two subsections 1.4.1 and 1.4.2 as follows:]
1.4.1 Flat Rate Envelopes--Eligibility
Material mailed in USPS-provided Express Mail Flat Rate Envelopes
is charged a flat rate, regardless of the actual weight (up to 70
pounds) of the mailpiece or domestic destination. Only USPS-produced
Flat Rate Envelopes are eligible for the Flat Rate Envelope price.
Custom Designed items are not eligible for flat-rate pricing. When
sealing a Flat Rate Envelope, the container flaps must be able to close
within the normal folds. Tape may be applied to the flaps and seams to
reinforce the container provided the design of the container is not
enlarged by opening the sides, and the container is not reconstructed
in any way.
1.4.2 Flat Rate Envelopes--Price Eligibility
There are two types of USPS-produced Express Mail Flat Rate
Envelopes: A regular-size envelope and a legal-size envelope. Each type
of USPS-produced Express Mail Flat Rate Envelope is priced at a flat
rate regardless of the actual weight (up to 70 pounds) of the mailpiece
or domestic destination. See Notice 123--Price List for prices.
* * * * *
1.7 Computing Postage
[Revise paragraph of 1.7 as follows:]
For each addressed mailpiece, determine single-piece price based on
weight and zone under 1.1; express all weights in decimal pounds
rounded off to two decimal places. For Express Mail, affix postage to
each piece under 114.1.2, Affixing Postage--Single-Piece Mailings.
* * * * *
115 Mail Preparation
1.0 Express Mail Supplies
1.1 Packaging Provided by USPS
[Add new last sentence to item 1.1 as follows:]
* * * The USPS-produced Express Mail Legal Flat Rate Envelope is
not available at retail Post Office locations but may be ordered online
at https://www.usps.com/shop.
* * * * *
120 Priority Mail
123 Prices and Eligibility
1.0 Priority Mail Prices and Fees
1.1 Price Application
[Revise paragraph of 1.1 as follows:]
Except under 1.3, 1.4, and 1.5, Priority Mail retail prices are
based on weight and zone and are charged per pound; any fraction of a
pound is rounded up to the next whole pound. For example, if a piece
weighs 1.2 pounds, the weight (postage) increment is 2 pounds. The
minimum postage amount per addressed piece is the 1-pound price. Other
charges may apply.
* * * * *
[Revise the title of 1.5 to make envelope plural as follows:]
1.5 Flat Rate Envelopes and Boxes
* * * * *
[Revise the title of 1.5.1 to make envelope plural as follows:]
1.5.1 Flat Rate Envelopes--Price and Eligibility
[Revise text of 1.5.1 as follows:]
All USPS-produced Priority Mail envelopes smaller than the EP14F
envelope (9.5 inches by 12.5 inches) are eligible for the Priority Mail
Flat Rate Envelope price whether or not they are marked ``Flat Rate
Envelope.'' Each type of USPS-produced Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelope
is priced at a flat rate regardless of the actual weight (up to 70
pounds) of the mailpiece or domestic destination. See Notice 123--Price
List for applicable prices.
* * * * *
1.9 Determining Single-Piece Weight
[Revise the last sentence of 1.9 as follows:]
* * * Express all single-piece weights in decimal pounds rounded
off to two decimal places.
* * * * *
125 Mail Preparation
1.0 Preparation
1.1 Priority Mail Packaging Provided by the USPS
[Add new last sentence of 1.1 as follows:]
* * * The USPS-produced Priority Mail Legal and Padded Flat Rate
Envelopes are not available at retail Post Office locations but may be
ordered online at https://www.usps.com/shop.
* * * * *
200 Commercial Letters and Cards
201 Physical Standards
* * * * *
2.0 Physical Standards for Nonmachinable Letters
* * * * *
[Revise the title and text of 2.5 as follows:]
2.5 Express Mail, Priority Mail, and Critical Mail Letters
Mailers are encouraged, but not required, to design and produce
Express Mail and Priority Mail letter-size pieces as machinable
letters. Critical Mail letter-size pieces (see 223) that do not meet
machinable letter standards in 1.0 and 3.0 are not eligible for
Critical Mail letter prices, but are eligible for Priority Mail
Commercial Plus Flat Rate Envelope prices.
* * * * *
202 Elements on the Face of a Mailpiece
* * * * *
3.0 Placement and Content of Mail Markings
* * * * *
[Revise the title and introductory text of 3.3 as follows: Federal
Register]
3.3 Express Mail, Priority Mail, and Critical Mail Markings
Express Mail pieces must be marked ``Express Mail,'' by using a
mailing label according to 215.2.1. Priority Mail pieces must have the
basic price marking of ``Priority Mail'' printed in a prominent
location on the address side; see more options in 102.3.1. Critical
Mail letters (see 223) have the marking ``Critical Mail'' preprinted on
the USPS-produced packaging. Critical Mail letters with permit imprint
postage must have ``Critical Mail'' as the class of mail in the indicia
(under 604.5.) when a class of mail is printed. In addition, except for
pieces paid using an Express Mail Corporate Account, permit imprint,
Express Mail and Priority Mail pieces claiming commercial base or
[[Page 68436]]
commercial plus prices also must bear the appropriate commercial price
marking, printed on the piece or produced as part of the meter imprint
or PC Postage indicia. Place the commercial price marking directly
above, directly below, or to the left of the postage. Markings are as
follows: * * *
* * * * *
210 Express Mail
213 Prices and Eligibility
1.0 Prices and Fees
* * * * *
1.4 Commercial Plus Prices
[Revise the title and introductory text of 1.4.1 as follows:]
1.4.1 Eligibility
Commercial plus pricing is available to customers whose cumulative
account volume exceeds 5,000 pieces in the previous four quarters or
who have a customer commitment agreement with USPS (see 1.4.2) and who
are:
* * * * *
[Revise 1.4.1 by adding new item ``d'' as follows:]
d. Customers using USPS-approved IBI postage meters that print the
IBI with the appropriate price marking (see 202.3.3) and who
electronically transmit transactional data daily to USPS for all
mailpieces and mail categories and use an approved Express Mail
shipping label.
1.4.2 New Express Mail Customers
[Revise the last sentence of 1.4.2 as follows:]
* * * Shippers must contact their account manager or the manager,
Shipping Support, Shipping Services (see 608.8.0 for address) for
additional information.
[Revise the title and first sentence of 1.5 as follows:]
1.5 Flat Rate Envelopes
Material mailed in USPS-provided Express Mail Flat Rate Envelopes
is charged a flat price, regardless of the actual weight (up to 70
pounds) of the piece or its domestic destination. * * *
* * * * *
[Add new 1.9 as follows:]
1.9 Determining Single-Piece Weight
When determining single-piece weight, express all weights in
decimal pounds rounded off to two decimal places (except mailers using
eVS). When using a manifest mailing system, the manifest weight field
must be properly completed by adhering to the rules relative to the
specific manifest.
* * * * *
3.0 Basic Standards for Express Mail
* * * * *
3.2 Matter Closed Against Postal Inspection
[Revise the first two sentences of 3.2 as follows:]
Matter closed against postal inspection includes First-Class Mail,
Critical Mail, Priority Mail, and Express Mail. The USPS may open mail
other than First-Class Mail, Critical Mail, Priority Mail or Express
Mail to determine whether the proper price is paid. * * *
* * * * *
214 Postage Payment and Documentation
1.0 Basic Standards for Postage Payment Options
1.2 Commercial Plus Pricing
[Revise 1.2 as follows:]
Commercial plus Express Mail postage may be paid with:
a. An Express Mail Corporate Account (see 2.0), including federal
agency accounts.
b. USPS-approved PC Postage products by registered end-users in
conjunction with a qualifying shipping label managed by the PC Postage
system used.
c. Permit imprint through the Electronic Verification System (eVS)
under 705.2.9.
d. USPS-approved IBI postage meters that print the IBI with the
appropriate price marking (see 402.2.1) and transactional data is
electronically transmitted daily to USPS for all mailpieces and mail
categories with an approved Express Mail shipping label.
* * * * *
220 Priority Mail
223 Prices and Eligibility
1.0 Prices and Fees
* * * * *
1.3 Commercial Plus Prices
1.3.1 Basic Eligibility
[Revise introductory paragraph of 1.3.1 as follows:]
For prices, see Notice 123--Price List. Commercial plus prices are
available to Priority Mail customers who qualify for commercial base
prices and whose cumulative account volume exceeds 5,000 letter-size
and flat-size pieces or 75,000 total pieces (see 423) in the previous
calendar year (except Priority Mail Open and Distribute) or who have a
customer commitment agreement with USPS, and are:
* * * * *
[Add new item 1.3.1e as follows:]
e. Customers using USPS-approved IBI postage meters that print the
IBI with the appropriate price marking for commercial price items
(202.3.3) and electronically transmit transactional data daily to USPS
for all mailpieces and mail categories.
* * * * *
[Renumber current 1.4 through 1.7 as 1.5 through 1.8 and add new 1.4 as
follows:]
1.4 Critical Mail Prices
1.4.1 Basic Eligibility
Critical Mail letter-size pieces are charged a flat rate regardless
of domestic destination or weight for barcoded, automation-compatible
letters up to 3 ounces. Critical Mail letter-size pieces that exceed 3
ounces in weight, exceed \1/4\ inch thickness, or are not barcoded
according to 3.2.1, will be charged the Priority Mail Commercial Plus
Flat Rate Envelope price (volume thresholds apply). Critical Mail
letter prices are commercial plus prices available to Critical Mail
customers whose Priority Mail and Critical Mail volume exceeds 5,000
letter-size and flat-size pieces (including Flat Rate Envelopes, but
not the Padded Flat Rate Envelope), in the previous calendar year or
who have a customer commitment agreement (see 1.3.4) with USPS, and
that are:
a. Registered end-users of USPS-approved PC Postage products when
using a qualifying shipping label managed by the PC Postage system
used.
b. Permit imprint customers.
1.4.2 New Critical Mail Customers
The following requirements must be met for new Critical Mail
customers:
a. All customers using Critical Mail service must have a customer
commitment agreement with USPS. Customers must contact their account
manager or the Manager, Shipping Support, Shipping Services (see
608.8.0 for address) for agreement requirements.
b. USPS-produced Critical Mail letter-size envelopes must be used
and mailpieces must be authorized by the Manager, Integrated Business
Solutions, Shipping Services (see 608.8.1 for address). Prior to the
first mailing of Critical Mail items, the mailer must provide 10
preproduction mailpiece samples to the Manager, Integrated Business
Solutions or designee for review and approval. Sample pieces must be
packaged in USPS-produced Critical Mail letter-size envelopes;
[[Page 68437]]
mailpieces must include the full range of the proposed contents that
will be shipped; and mailpieces must bear applicable labels and
barcodes (i.e. Intelligent Mail barcodes and Delivery Confirmation
labels or Signature Confirmation labels).
1.5 Flat Rate Envelopes--Basic Standards
* * * * *
1.5.2 Flat Rate Envelopes--Price and Eligibility
[Revise newly numbered 1.5.2 as follows:]
All USPS-produced Priority Mail envelopes smaller than the EP14F
envelope (9.5 inches by 12.5 inches) are eligible for the Priority Mail
Flat Rate Envelope price whether or not they are marked ``Flat Rate
Envelope.'' Each type of USPS-produced Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelope
is priced at a flat rate regardless of the actual weight (up to 70
pounds) of the mailpiece or domestic destination. See Notice 123--Price
List for applicable prices.
[Renumber new 1.6 through 1.8 as new 1.7 through 1.9 and add new 1.6
Hold For Pickup as follows:]
1.6 Hold For Pickup
Under Hold For Pickup service, Priority Mail items are held at a
designated Post Office location for pick up by a specified addressee or
designee. Hold For Pickup service is not available for Critical Mail
(see 508.7, Hold For Pickup).
* * * * *
1.8 Determining Single-Piece Weight
[Revise the last sentence of renumbered 1.8 and add a new last sentence
as follows:]
* * * Express all single-piece weights in decimal pounds rounded
off to two decimal places except mailers using eVS. Mailers using eVS
may round off to four decimals, and eVS will automatically round to the
appropriate decimal place. If a customer is using a manifest mailing
system, the manifest weight field must be properly completed by
adhering to the rules relative to the specific manifest.
* * * * *
3.0 Basic Standards for Priority Mail
3.1 Definition
Priority Mail is an expedited service and may contain any mailable
matter weighing no more than 70 pounds. Lower weight limits apply to
some commercial mail parcels under 423.1.0; Critical Mail letters and
flats; APO/FPO mail subject to 703.2.0 and 703.4.0 and Department of
State mail subject to 703.3.0.
[Renumber current 3.2 through 3.3 as new 3.3 through 3.4.]
[Add new 3.2 as follows:]
3.2 Additional Standards for Critical Mail Letters
3.2.1 Definition
Critical Mail, a category of Priority Mail, is available for
barcoded, automation-compatible letters and barcoded, automation flats
(see 323.1.4). With the exception of restricted mail as described in
601.8.0, any mailable matter may be mailed via Critical Mail. USPS-
produced Critical Mail letter-size envelopes must be used for all
Critical Mail letters. Letters may not exceed 3 ounces in weight or \1/
4\ inch thickness. Critical Mail letters also must:
a. Bear an Intelligent Mail barcode with the correct routing code
that represents the finest depth of sort achieved in the address
matching process, and barcodes must be placed according to 202.5.0.
b. Bear a delivery address that includes the correct ZIP Code,
ZIP+4 Code, or numeric equivalent to the delivery point barcode (DPBC)
and that meets address quality standards in 233.5.5 and 708.3.0.
3.2.2 Extra Services With Critical Mail Letters
Insured Mail, Delivery Confirmation, and Signature Confirmation are
available with Critical Mail pieces. Delivery Confirmation (electronic
only) is optional and included at no extra charge for Critical Mail.
* * * * *
3.4 Matter Closed Against Postal Inspection
[Revise the first two sentences of renumbered 3.4 as follows:]
Matter closed against postal inspection includes First-Class Mail,
Priority Mail (including Critical Mail), and Express Mail. The USPS may
open mail other than First-Class Mail, Priority Mail (including
Critical Mail) or Express Mail to determine whether the proper postage
is paid. * * *
* * * * *
224 Postage Payment and Documentation
1.0 Basic Standards for Postage Payment
1.1 Postage Payment Options
* * * * *
1.1.2 Commercial Plus Pricing
Commercial plus Priority Mail may be paid with:
[Add new item d as follows:]
d. USPS-approved IBI postage meters that print the IBI with the
appropriate price marking (see 202.3.3) and electronically transmit
transactional data daily to USPS for all mailpieces and mail
categories.
[Add new item 1.1.3 as follows:]
1.1.3 Critical Mail Pricing
Critical Mail pieces must bear an Intelligent Mail barcode and
postage may be paid with:
a. USPS-approved PC Postage products when registered end-users
apply a qualifying shipping label managed by the PC Postage system
used.
b. Permit imprint.
* * * * *
225 Mail Preparation
1.0 General Information for Mail Preparation
1.1 Priority Mail and Critical Mail Packaging Provided by the USPS
[Revise text of 1.1 as follows:]
Priority Mail packaging provided by the USPS must be used only for
Priority Mail. Regardless of how the packaging is reconfigured or how
markings may be obliterated, any matter mailed in USPS-provided
Priority Mail packaging is charged the appropriate Priority Mail price.
Any matter mailed in USPS-produced Critical Mail letter packaging will
be charged Critical Mail letter prices only if all applicable standards
in 223 are met; otherwise such matter will be charged the Priority Mail
Commercial Plus Flat Rate Envelope price.
* * * * *
[Revise the title and text of 2.0 as follows:]
2.0 Markings
The marking ``Priority Mail'' must be placed prominently on the
address side of each piece of Priority Mail. USPS-produced Critical
Mail letter envelopes bear the marking ``Critical Mail'' and must be
used for Critical Mail letters. See 202.3.3.
* * * * *
[Add new 4.0 to read as follows:]
4.0 Additional Standards for Preparing Critical Mail Letters
4.1 Preparing Critical Mail Letters in Trays
When mailing 200 or more Critical Mail letters in one mailing,
prepare the letters in USPS-provided letter trays with the letters
``faced'' (oriented with
[[Page 68438]]
all addresses in the same direction with the postage area in the upper
right). Secure and strap letter trays using USPS-provided sleeves.
Label trays under the applicable letter tray label standards in 235.4.0
and as follows:
a. Line 1: Use L201; for mail originating in ZIP Code areas in
Column A, use ``MXD'' followed by city, state, and 3-digit ZIP Code
prefix in Column C (use ``MXD'' instead of ``OMX'' in the destination
line and ignore Column B).
b. Line 2: ``CRITICAL MAIL LTRS WKG.''
c. Line 3: Office of mailing or mailer information.
4.2 Postage for Critical Mail and Priority Mail
When a manifest mailing system is used, Critical Mail and Priority
Mail may be entered on the same postage statement, but mailpieces must
be presented separately and may not be combined or commingled in the
same container.
226 Enter and Deposit
1.0 Deposit
1.1 General
[Revise the text of 1.1 as follows:]
Mailpieces bearing postage evidencing indicia must be deposited in
a collection box (except for mailings of 200 or more Critical Mail
letters) or at a postal facility within the ZIP Code shown in the
indicia, except as permitted under 2.0 or 604.4.5.3. Permit imprint
mail must be presented at a Post Office or USPS acceptance site under
604.5.0 or 705.
* * * * *
2.0 Pickup on Demand Service
[Revise the text of 2.0 as follows:]
Pickup on Demand service (see 507.6.0) is available from designated
Post Offices for Priority Mail and Critical Mail letters.
* * * * *
300 Commercial Flats
301 Physical Standards
* * * * *
2.0 Physical Standards for Nonautomation Flats
* * * * *
[Revise title and text of 2.6 as follows:]
2.6 Express Mail, Priority Mail, and Critical Mail Flats
Mailers are encouraged, but not required to design and produce
Express Mail and Priority Mail flat-size pieces under the general
standards in 1.0 and the automation standards in 3.0. Critical Mail
flat-size pieces (see 323) that do not meet the standards for flats in
301.1.0 and 301.3.0 are not eligible for Critical Mail flats prices,
but are eligible for Priority Mail Commercial Plus Flat Rate Envelope
prices (volume thresholds apply).
* * * * *
302 Elements on the Face of a Mailpiece
* * * * *
3.0 Placement and Content of Mail Markings
[Revise the title and text of 3.1 as follows:]
3.1 Express Mail, Priority Mail, and Critical Mail Markings
Express Mail pieces must be marked ``Express Mail,'' by using a
mailing label according to 315.2.1. Priority Mail pieces must have the
basic price marking of ``Priority Mail'' printed prominently on the
address side; see more options in 102.3.1. Critical Mail flats (see
323) have the marking ``Critical Mail'' preprinted on the USPS-produced
packaging. Critical Mail flats with permit imprint postage must have
``Critical Mail'' in the indicia when a class of mail is printed. In
addition, except for pieces paid using an Express Mail Corporate
Account or permit imprint, Express Mail and Priority Mail pieces
claiming the commercial base or commercial plus price must bear the
appropriate commercial price marking, printed on the piece or produced
as part of the meter imprint or PC Postage indicia. Place the
commercial price marking directly above, directly below, or to the left
of the postage. Markings are as follows: * * *
* * * * *
310 Express Mail
313 Prices and Eligibility
1.0 Prices and Fees
* * * * *
1.4 Commercial Plus Prices
[Revise the title and introductory text of 1.4.1 as follows:]
1.4.1 Eligibility
Commercial plus prices are available for customers whose cumulative
account volume exceeds 5,000 pieces in the previous four quarters or
who have a customer commitment agreement with USPS (see 1.4.2) and who
are:
* * * * *
[Revise 1.4.1 by adding new item ``d'' as follows:]
d. Customers using USPS-approved IBI postage meters that print the
IBI with the appropriate price marking (see 302.3.1) and who
electronically transmit transactional data daily to USPS for all
mailpieces and mail categories and use an approved Express Mail
shipping label.
1.4.2 New Express Mail Customers
[Revise the last sentence of 1.4.2 as follows:]
* * * Shippers must contact their account manager or the manager,
Shipping Support, Shipping Services (see 608.8.0 for address) for
additional information.
[Revise the title and first sentence of the paragraph of 1.5 to make
plural as follows:]
1.5 Flat Rate Envelopes
Material mailed in USPS-provided Express Mail Flat Rate Envelopes
are charged a flat price, regardless of the actual weight (up to 70
pounds) of the piece or its domestic destination. * * *
* * * * *
[Add new 1.9 as follows:]
1.9 Determining Single-Piece Weight
When determining single-piece weight, express all weights in
decimal pounds rounded off to two decimal places (except mailers using
eVS). When using a manifest mailing system, the manifest weight field
must be properly completed by adhering to the rules relative to the
specific manifest.
* * * * *
3.0 Basic Standards for Express Mail
* * * * *
3.2 Matter Closed Against Postal Inspection
[Revise the first two sentences of 3.2 as follows:]
Matter closed against postal inspection includes First-Class Mail,
Priority Mail (including Critical Mail), and Express Mail. The USPS may
open mail other than First-Class Mail, Priority Mail (including
Critical Mail), or Express Mail to determine whether the proper price
is paid. * * *
* * * * *
314 Postage Payment and Documentation
1.0 Basic Standards for Postage Payment Options
1.1 Commercial Base Pricing
Commercial base Express Mail postage may be paid with:
[Revise 1.1 by deleting item ``c'' in its entirety and reallocating
items as ``d'' thru ``f'' as new c through e.]
* * * * *
[[Page 68439]]
[Revised reallocated item d as follows:]
d. USPS-approved IBI postage meters that print the IBI with the
appropriate price marking (see 302.3.1) and transactional data is
electronically transmitted to USPS with an approved Express Mail
shipping label.
1.2 Commercial Plus Pricing
[Revise 1.2 as follows:]
Commercial plus Express Mail postage may be paid with:
a. An Express Mail Corporate Account (see 2.0), including federal
agency accounts.
b. USPS-approved PC Postage products by registered end-users in
conjunction with a qualifying shipping label managed by the PC Postage
system used.
c. Permit imprint through the Electronic Verification System (eVS)
under 705.2.9.
d. USPS-approved IBI postage meters that print the IBI with the
appropriate price marking (see 402.2.1) and transactional data is
electronically transmitted daily to USPS for all mailpieces and mail
categories with an approved Express Mail shipping label.
* * * * *
320 Priority Mail
323 Prices and Eligibility
1.0 Prices and Fees
* * * * *
1.3 Commercial Plus Prices
1.3.1 Basic Eligibility
[Revise text of 1.3.1 as follows:]
For prices, see Notice 123--Price List. Commercial plus prices are
available to Priority Mail customers who qualify for commercial base
prices and whose cumulative account volume exceeds 5,000 letter-size
and flat-size pieces or 75,000 total pieces (see 423) in the previous
calendar year (except Priority Mail Open and Distribute) or who have a
customer commitment agreement with USPS, and are:
* * * * *
[Add new item 1.3.1e as follows:]
e. Customers using USPS-approved IBI postage meters that print the
IBI with the appropriate price marking for commercial price items (see
302.3.1) and electronically transmit transactional data daily to USPS
for all mailpieces and mail categories.
* * * * *
[Renumber current 1.4 through 1.7 as 1.5 through 1.8 and add new 1.4 as
follows:]
1.4 Critical Mail Prices
1.4.1 Basic Eligibility
Critical Mail flat-size pieces are charged a flat rate regardless
of domestic destination or weight for barcoded, automation flats up to
13 ounces. Critical Mail flat-size pieces that exceed 13 ounces in
weight or exceed \3/4\ inch thickness, or are not barcoded according to
3.2.1, will be charged the Priority Mail Commercial Plus Flat Rate
Envelope price (volume thresholds apply). Critical Mail prices for
flats are available to Critical Mail customers whose Priority Mail and
Critical Mail volume exceeds 5,000 letter-size and flat-size pieces
(including Flat Rate Envelopes, but not the Padded Flat Rate Envelope),
in the previous calendar year or who have a customer commitment
agreement (see 1.4.2) with USPS, and that are:
a. Registered end-users of USPS-approved PC Postage products when
using a qualifying shipping label managed by the PC Postage system
used.
b. Permit imprint customers.
1.4.2 New Critical Mail Customers
The following requirements must be met for new Critical Mail
customers:
a. All customers using Critical Mail service must have a customer
commitment agreement with USPS. Customers must contact their account
manager or the Manager, Shipping Support, Shipping Services (see
608.8.0 for address) for agreement requirements.
b. USPS-produced Critical Mail flat-size envelopes must be used and
mailpieces must be authorized by the Manager, Integrated Business
Solutions, Shipping Services (see 608.8.1 for address). Prior to the
first mailing of Critical Mail items, the mailer must provide 10
preproduction mailpiece samples to the Manager, Integrated Business
Solutions or designee for review and approval. Sample pieces must be
packaged in USPS-produced Critical Mail flat-size envelopes; mailpieces
must include the full range of the proposed contents that will be
shipped; and mailpieces must bear applicable labels and barcodes (i.e.
Intelligent Mail barcodes and Delivery Confirmation labels or Signature
Confirmation labels).
* * * * *
[Renumber new 1.6 through 1.8 as new 1.7 through 1.9 and add new 1.6
Hold For Pickup as follows:]
1.6 Hold For Pickup
Under Hold For Pickup service, Priority Mail items are held at a
designated Post Office location for pick up by a specified addressee or
designee. Hold For Pickup service is not available for Critical Mail
(see 508.7, Hold For Pickup).
* * * * *
1.8 Determining Single-Piece Weight
[Revise the last sentence of renumbered 1.8 and add a new last sentence
as follows:]
* * * Express all single-piece weights in decimal pounds rounded
off to two decimal places except mailers using eVS. Mailers using eVS
may round off to four decimals, and eVS will automatically round to the
appropriate decimal place. If a customer is using a manifest mailing
system, the manifest weight field must be properly completed by
adhering to the rules relative to the specific manifest.
* * * * *
3.0 Basic Standards for Priority Mail
3.1 Definition
[Add new second sentence to item 3.1 as follows:]
* * * Lower weight limits apply to some commercial parcels under
423.1.0; Critical Mail letters and flats under 223.1.4 and 323.1.4;
APO/FPO mail subject to 703.2.0 and 703.4.0 and Department of State
mail subject to 703.3.0.
[Renumber current 3.2 through 3.3 as new 3.3 through 3.4.]
[Add new 3.2 as follows:]
3.2 Additional Standards for Critical Mail Flats
3.2.1 Definition
Critical Mail, a category of Priority Mail, is available for
barcoded, automation-compatible letters (see 223.1.3) and barcoded,
automation flats. With the exception of restricted mail as described in
601.8.0, any mailable matter may be mailed via Critical Mail. USPS-
produced Critical Mail flat-size envelopes must be used for all
Critical Mail flats. Flats may not exceed 13 ounces in weight or \3/4\
inch thickness. Critical Mail flats also must:
c. Bear an Intelligent Mail barcode with the correct routing code
that represents the finest depth of sort achieved in the address
matching process, and barcodes must be placed according to 302.4.0.
d. Bear a delivery address that includes the correct ZIP Code,
ZIP+4 Code, or numeric equivalent to the delivery point barcode (DPBC)
and that meets address quality standards in 333.5.5 and 708.3.0.
[[Page 68440]]
3.2.2 Extra Services With Critical Mail Flats
Insured Mail, Delivery Confirmation, and Signature Confirmation are
available with Critical Mail pieces. Delivery Confirmation (electronic
only) is optional and included at no extra charge for Critical Mail.
* * * * *
3.4 Matter Closed Against Postal Inspection
[Revise the first two sentences of renumbered 3.4 as follows:]
Matter closed against postal inspection includes First-Class Mail,
Priority Mail (including Critical Mail), and Express Mail. The USPS may
open mail other than First-Class Mail, Priority Mail (including
Critical Mail) or Express Mail to determine whether the proper postage
is paid. * * *
* * * * *
324 Postage Payment and Documentation
1.0 Basic Standards for Postage Payment
1.1 Postage Payment Options
* * * * *
1.1.2 Commercial Plus Pricing
Commercial plus Priority Mail postage may be paid with:
[Add new item 1.1.2d as follows:]
d. USPS-approved IBI postage meters that print the IBI with the
appropriate price marking (see 302.3.1) and electronically transmit
transactional data daily to USPS for all mailpieces and mail
categories.
[Add new 1.1.3 as follows:]
1.1.3 Critical Mail Pricing
Critical Mail pieces must bear an Intelligent Mail barcode and
postage may be paid with:
a. USPS-approved PC-Postage products when registered end-users use
a qualifying shipping label.
b. Permit imprint.
* * * * *
325 Mail Preparation
1.0 General Information for Mail Preparation
1.1 Priority Mail Packaging Provided by the USPS
[Add new last sentence to item 1.1 as follows:]
* * * Any matter mailed in USPS-produced Critical Mail flat-size
packaging will be charged Critical Mail flats prices only if all
applicable standards in 323 are met; otherwise such matter will be
charged the Priority Mail Commercial Plus Flat Rate Envelope price.
1.2 Required Use of Return Address
[Revise text of 1.2 as follows:]
The sender's domestic return address must appear legibly on
Priority Mail and Critical Mail pieces.
[Revise title and text of 2.0 as follows:]
2.0 Markings
The marking ``Priority Mail'' must be placed prominently on the
address side of each piece of Priority Mail. USPS-produced Critical
Mail envelopes for flats bear the marking ``Critical Mail'' and must be
used for Critical Mail flats. See 302.3.1.
* * * * *
[Add new 4.0 to read as follows:]
4.0 Additional Standards for Preparing Critical Mail Flats
4.1 Preparing Critical Mail Flats in Trays
When mailing 200 or more Critical Mail flats in one mailing,
prepare Critical Mail flats in USPS-provided flats trays with green
lids, place the mail with addresses facing upward in the same
direction. Place pieces in trays to maintain their orientation. The
weight of a tray and its contents must not exceed 70 pounds. Cover each
tray with the green side of the lid facing up and secure the lid with
two straps placed tightly around the width of the tray. Label trays
under the applicable flat tray label standards in 335.4.0 and as
follows:
a. Line 1: Use L201; for mail originating in ZIP Code areas in
Column A, use ``MXD'' followed by city, state, and 3-digit ZIP Code
prefix in Column C (use ``MXD'' instead of ``OMX'' in the destination
line and ignore Column B).
b. Line 2: ``CRITICAL MAIL FLTS WKG.''
c. Line 3: Office of mailing or mailer information.
4.2 Postage for Critical Mail and Priority Mail
When a manifest mailing system is used, Critical Mail and Priority
Mail may be entered on the same postage statement, but mailpieces must
be presented separately and may not be combined or commingled in the
same container.
* * * * *
326 Enter and Deposit
1.0 Deposit
1.1 General
[Revise the text of 1.1 as follows:]
Mailpieces bearing postage evidencing indicia must be deposited in
a collection box (except for mailings of 200 or more Critical Mail
flats) or at a postal facility within the ZIP Code shown in the
indicia, except as permitted under 2.0 or 604.4.5.3. Permit imprint
mail must be presented at a Post Office or USPS acceptance site under
604.5.0, or 705.
* * * * *
2.0 Pickup on Demand Service
[Revise the text of 2.0 as follows:]
Pickup on Demand service (see 507.6.0) is available from designated
Post Office locations for Priority Mail and Critical Mail flats.
* * * * *
400 Commercial Parcels
* * * * *
402 Elements on the Face of a Mailpiece
* * * * *
2.0 Placement and Content of Markings
[Revise the title and introductory text of 2.1 as follows:]
2.1 Express Mail and Priority Mail Markings
Except for pieces paid using an Express Mail Corporate Account,
Merchandise Return Service, or permit imprint, Express Mail and
Priority Mail pieces claiming the commercial base or commercial plus
price must bear the appropriate commercial price marking, printed on
the piece or produced as part of the meter imprint or PC Postage
indicia. Place the marking directly above, directly below, or to the
left of the postage. Express Mail pieces must be marked ``Express
Mail,'' by using a mailing label according to 415.2.1. Priority Mail
pieces must bear the marking of ``Priority Mail'' prominently on the
address side of each piece of Priority Mail. See 102.3.0 for more
marking options. Markings are as follows:
* * * * *
2.2 Priority Mail Commercial Plus Cubic Markings--PC Postage Indicia
[Revise the first sentence of 2.2 to read as follows:]
Priority Mail pieces claiming the commercial plus cubic price must
be marked ``Priority Mail'' and bear the applicable marking that
reflects the respective price tier printed on the piece or produced as
part of the meter imprint or PC Postage indicia. * * *
[[Page 68441]]
2.3 Priority Mail Commercial Plus Cubic Markings--Permit Imprint
[Revise 2.3 as follows:]
Priority Mail permit imprint pieces claiming the commercial plus
cubic price must be marked ``Priority Mail'' and bear the applicable
marking, printed on the piece or produced as part of the permit imprint
indicia. * * *
* * * * *
410 Express Mail
413 Prices and Eligibility
1.0 Prices and Fees
1.1 Prices Charged Per Piece
[Revise the first sentence of 1.1 as follows:]
Except for Flat Rate Envelopes, Express Mail postage is charged for
each addressed piece according to its weight and zone. * * *
1.2 Price Application
[Revise the first and second to last sentence of 1.2 to make envelope
plural as follows:]
Except under 1.5, Flat Rate Envelopes, * * * Except for Express
Mail Flat Rate Envelopes, Express Mail prices are based on weight and
zone. * * *
[Revise the introductory paragraph of item 1.3 as follows:]
1.3 Commercial Base Prices
For Express Mail commercial base prices, see Notice 123--Price
List. These prices apply to:
* * * * *
[Revise 1.3 by deleting item ``d'' in its entirety and reallocate items
``e'' and ``f'' as new items d and e.]
[Revise reallocated item d as follows:]
d. Customers using USPS-approved IBI postage meters that print the
IBI with the appropriate price marking (see 402.2.1) and who
electronically transmit transactional data to USPS and use an approved
Express Mail shipping label.
1.4 Commercial Plus Prices
* * * * *
[Revise the title and introductory text of 1.4.1 as follows:]
1.4.1 Eligibility
Commercial plus pricing is available to customers whose cumulative
account volume exceeds 5,000 pieces in the previous four quarters or
who have a customer commitment agreement with USPS (see 1.4.2) and who
are:
* * * * *
[Revise 1.4.1 by adding new item ``d'' as follows:]
d. Customers using USPS-approved IBI postage meters that print the
IBI with the appropriate price marking (see 402.2.1) and who
electronically transmit transactional data daily to USPS for all
mailpieces and mail categories and use an approved Express Mail
shippi
