Combined Mailings of Standard Mail and Periodicals Flats, 37655-37659 [2011-16081]

Agencies

• Postal Service

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 124 (Tuesday, June 28, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 37655-37659]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-16081]


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POSTAL SERVICE

39 CFR Parts 111 and 121


Combined Mailings of Standard Mail and Periodicals Flats

AGENCY: Postal ServiceTM.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The Postal Service is revising Mailing Standards of the United 
States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM[supreg]) 705.15 and 
708.1.1 to provide a new option for mailers to combine Standard 
Mail[supreg] flats and Periodicals flats within the same bundle, when 
placed on pallets, and to combine bundles of Standard Mail flats and 
bundles of Periodicals flats on the same pallet. The Postal Service is 
also amending title 39, Code of Federal Regulations to reflect that the 
Standard Mail service standards apply to all Periodicals flats pieces 
entered in such combined mailings.

DATES: Effective Date: January 22, 2012.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jonathan Leon at 202-268-7443, or 
Kevin Gunther at 202-268-7208.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Postal Service is providing a new option 
for mailers to combine Standard Mail flats and Periodicals flats, when 
bundled and placed on pallets. Mailers using this option may combine 
different-class mailpieces within the same bundle (comail), or combine 
separate same-class bundles (of different classes) on the same pallet 
(copalletize) to maximize presorting or to qualify for deeper 
destination entry discounts. All mailpieces prepared under this option 
are required to be bundled and placed on pallets. Combined mailings 
enhance operational efficiencies within postal processing by allowing 
mailers to place mailpieces in bundles on pallets that might have been 
placed in sacks if prepared separately.

Background

    In 2007, the Postal Service introduced a pilot program for mailers 
to combine Standard Mail flats and Periodicals flats. The program was 
restricted to a limited number of participants, and to date, most of 
the original participants continue to mail under pilot standards. The 
pilot program generally allowed for entry, transport and processing of 
the combined mailings similar to that currently provided for 
Periodicals flats.
    On March 24, 2011, the Postal Service published a proposed rule 
Federal Register notice, Combined Mailings of Standard Mail and 
Periodicals Flats, (75 FR 16588-16592). The Postal Service received 
several comments in response to this proposed rule, which are 
summarized later in this notice.

Program Description

    This final rule will not change current DMM content and eligibility 
standards applicable to Periodicals and Standard Mail. Mailers using 
this option will continue to be required to meet the minimum volume 
standards for Standard Mail of 200 pieces or 50 pounds. Periodicals 
publications must be authorized or have a pending authorization to mail 
at Periodicals prices. The current processes that identify and isolate 
Periodicals origin mixed area distribution center (OMX) mailpieces, for 
integration into the First-Class Mail[supreg] mailstream, will not be 
available when combining Standard Mail flats and Periodicals flats on 
pallets. All mailpieces included in a combined mailing of Standard Mail 
and Periodicals flats on pallets must be machinable in accordance with 
DMM 301.3.0.
    Mailers wishing to combine Standard Mail and Periodicals flats 
under this option will be required to submit a request for 
authorization, in writing, to the Manager, Business Mailer Support.
    Participating mailers will be required to present standardized 
electronic mailing documentation for each combined mailing, and at the 
time of mailing, the following additional documentation:
     An edition or version summary for all pieces in the 
mailing.
     A consolidated postage statement register and postage 
statement for each Periodicals publication in the combined mailing.
     A consolidated postage statement register and postage 
statement for each Standard Mail mailing in the combined mailing. 
Mailers may provide a single consolidated postage statement and postage 
statement register of all Standard Mail mailings if the individual 
mailings are itemized.
     A register of Forms 8125, Plant Verified Drop Shipment 
(PVDS) Verification and Clearance (PS 8125C) that consolidates all of 
the mailings to the destinations where the mail is entered.
    When using this option, postage on all Standard Mail pieces must be 
paid through a permit imprint using a special postage payment system at 
the Post OfficeTM serving the mailer.
    Postage for Periodicals may be paid through an advance deposit 
account or through a Centralized Account Payment System (CAPS) account. 
Participating mailers will be required to apportion the Periodicals 
bundle charge based on the number of Periodicals copies in the bundles 
and container charge based on the weight of the Periodicals portion of 
the container.
    Mailers combining Standard Mail flats and Periodicals flats will 
not have the option to form area distribution center (ADC) pallets or 
to dropship to ADCs. As a result, Periodicals publications included in 
combined mailings will not have access to DADC prices. Other specific 
prices for Periodicals flats in a combined mailing will be assessed as 
follows:
     The bundle prices applicable to the ADC container level 
will be applied to

[[Page 37656]]

the auxiliary service facility (ASF)/network distribution center (NDC) 
container level.
     The container prices applicable to the ADC pallet level 
will apply to the ASF/NDC pallet level.
     The bundle price applicable to the ADC bundle placed on 
the ADC container level will apply to mixed ADC bundles placed on mixed 
NDC pallets.
     The container price applicable to the ADC pallet level 
will also apply to the mixed NDC pallet level.
    Standard Mail flats and Periodicals flats combined on pallets will 
be processed as Standard Mail; and the Periodicals mailpieces included 
within these combined mailings may receive deferred handling. 
Periodicals mailpieces included within mailings of combined Standard 
Mail flats and Periodicals flats will be subject to the USPS[reg] 
service standards applicable to Standard Mail. These mailings must also 
be identified as Standard Mail when scheduling dropship appointments in 
the Facility Access and Shipment Tracking (FAST[supreg]) system.
    Mailers combining Standard Mail flats and Periodicals flats on 
pallets must populate field 10, ``Product or Publication Title or 
Names,'' of PS Form 8125 and/or field 11b, ``Product Name/ID,'' of PS 
Form 8125C with ``MIX COMAIL'' when preparing dropship documentation 
for these mailings.
    Each Standard Mail and Periodicals mailpiece prepared under a 
combined mailing of Standard Mail flats and Periodicals flats will be 
required to be identified as containing mixed classes through the use 
of an optional endorsement line (OEL) in accordance with the proposed 
standards.
    On March 14, 2011, the Postal Service published a proposed rule, 
Federal Register notice, New Origin Entry and Containerization 
Standards (75 FR 13704-13767). If that proposal is adopted, standards 
for combined mailings of Standard Mail and Periodicals flats will be 
modified to reflect these new preparation standards, including one 
significant change that will require the separation of mixed ADC 
pallets into an origin NDC pallet (required over 150 pounds), if not 
already prepared, and a Tier 2 Network pallet.

Comments Received

    The Postal Service received eight comments in response to the 
proposed rule, some addressing multiple issues. Although one comment 
was received well after the published deadline, the Postal Service will 
also address that comment as well. These comments are summarized as 
follows:
    Five commenters referenced the provision in the proposed rule that 
required all pieces included in a combined mailing of Standard Mail and 
Periodicals to meet the standards for the full-service Intelligent 
Mail[supreg] barcode (IMbTM) option. These commenters stated 
that many of the smaller mailers who contribute pieces to mixed class 
combined mailings are unable to meet all of the requirements for full-
service, that mail service providers cannot always make these pieces 
full-service compliant, and that it is not practical to exclude full-
service noncompliant pieces from a combined mailing while it is in 
production. In response to these concerns, the Postal Service has 
modified its standards to remove this provision and will strongly 
recommend, but not require, that all pieces included in a combined 
mailing of Standard Mail and Periodicals flats bear an accurate 
delivery point Intelligent Mail or POSTNETTM barcode that 
includes a fully populated routing code field (11 digits).
    One commenter also raised questions regarding the format of the 
electronic documentation required by the USPS under this program. In 
April of 2011, the Postal Service added new DMM standards requiring 
mailers of copalletized and combined mailings to transmit postage 
statements and mailing documentation to the USPS by an approved 
electronic method (eDoc). Mail.dat[supreg] will be available for use 
with combined mailings of Standard Mail and Periodicals flats in 
January 2012. Mail.XML[supreg] may be available for use with mixed 
class combined mailings in the future.
    Four commenters were opposed to the provision that would require 
mailers to transport all but mixed ADC pallets to the appropriate NDC 
or sectional center facility (SCF) and would require mixed ADC pallets 
to be entered only at the mailer's origin NDC. These commenters were 
specifically concerned that pallets destinating to offshore SCFs were 
required to be entered at the NDC responsible for distribution for that 
offshore area, and that these pallets would not be eligible for DNDC 
pricing. Mailers were similarly concerned that mixed ADC pallets 
entered at the origin NDC would have to be transported at the mailer's 
expense. In response to these concerns, the Postal Service is revising 
the program standards to allow optional origin-entry of all pallet 
levels.
    Two commenters were opposed to the elimination of the option to 
enter combined mailings of Standard Mail and Periodicals flats at ADCs. 
These commenters argue that loss of the ADC entry option could result 
in a longer processing and delivery window than that experienced under 
the pilot program, and that loss of the DADC entry price could dissuade 
Periodicals mailers from entering into combined mixed class pools. It 
has always been a basic premise for the combining of mailings of 
Standard Mail and Periodicals flats that the Periodicals pieces 
including in these combined mailings are to be processed as Standard 
Mail. As a result, the Postal Service developed standards for 
mailpieces entered under this option that mirror those for the entry, 
transport and processing of Standard Mail flats. There is no option for 
mailers of Standard Mail flats to make ADC pallets, enter pallets at an 
ADC, or to claim DADC pricing. To maintain this consistency the Postal 
Service intends to retain the standards regarding ADC entry and DADC 
pricing as provided in the proposed rule. Additionally, postal systems 
lack the capability to track service standards for Standard Mail pieces 
if those pieces were entered at an ADC.
    Three commenters requested a change in the standards to allow all 
bundles in a combined mailing of Standard Mail flats and Periodicals 
flats to be made using a minimum of six (6) pieces, as is currently 
permitted for Periodicals, instead of ten (10) pieces. The Postal 
Service will not incorporate this change into the standards in this 
final rule, as bundles with fewer than ten (10) pieces would have a 
negative impact on the Postal Service's costs for Standard Mail flats.
    Two commenters were opposed to the requirement for mailers 
preparing combined mailings of Standard Mail flats and Periodicals 
flats to retain written notifications, signed and dated by each 
participating Periodicals publisher, disclosing the potential for 
pieces to receive deferred USPS handling. Standards provided in the 
proposed rule require that these signed notifications be retained by 
the mailer and be available for review by the USPS upon request. To 
document that each participant of each mailing is fully aware of the 
potential change to the service standards resulting from the addition 
of their mailpieces to a combined mixed class pool, the Postal Service 
intends to retain the standards described in the proposed rule.
    Three commenters requested that, to allow mailers to test their 
software and systems, the Postal Service provide a lead time of several 
months between the publication date of the final standards and the 
program implementation date. One commenter asked that the Postal 
Service allow the current participants of

[[Page 37657]]

the pilot program to continue to mail under pilot standards until the 
implementation date of these standards. Another commenter stated that 
implementation any later than November 2011 will only continue to 
extend the unfair competitive advantage granted to the pilot 
participants. The Postal Service intends to implement this option 
effective January 22, 2012, concurrent with the update to the 
PostalOne![supreg] system. USPS systems will not be ready prior to this 
date. The Postal Service intends to allow the current participants to 
mail under pilot standards until the January 22, 2012 implementation 
date of these new standards.
    The Postal Service adopts the following changes to the Mailing 
Standards for 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.
    The Postal Service also amends 39 CFR Part 121.2 by adding a new 
item ``c'' to describe the USPS processing of Periodicals mailpieces 
included in combined mailings of Standard Mail flats and Periodicals 
flats, and specifying that Periodicals mailpieces included in these 
mailings will be assigned the service standards applicable to Standard 
Mail pieces.

List of Subjects in 39 CFR Parts 111 and 121

    Administrative practice and procedure, Postal Service.

    Accordingly, 39 CFR parts 111 and 121 are 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:

Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail 
Manual (DMM)

* * * * *

700 Special Standards

* * * * *

705 Advanced Preparation and Special Postage Payment Systems

* * * * *

8.0 Preparing Pallets

* * * * *

8.5 General Preparation

8.5.1 Presort

[Revise the fifth sentence of 8.5.1 as follows:]

    * * * Except as described in 15.1g, bundles must not be placed on 
mixed ADC or mixed NDC pallets. * * *
* * * * *
[Renumber current 15.0 through 23.0 as new 16.0 through 24.0 and add 
new 15.0 as follows:]

15.0 Combining Standard Mail Flats and Periodicals Flats

15.1 Basic Standards

    Authorized mailers may combine Standard Mail flats and Periodicals 
flats in a single mailing as follows:
    a. Each mailpiece must meet the standards in 340 for Standard Mail 
and 707 for Periodicals. Periodicals publications must be authorized or 
pending original or additional entry at the office of mailing.
    b. Mailers must prepare pieces in bundles on pallets.
    c. All mailpieces must be machinable in accordance with 301.3.0.
    d. Mailers must pay all annual mailing fees at the office of 
mailing.
    e. Each mailing must include at least 200 pieces or 50 pounds of 
Standard Mail.
    f. All mailpieces combined within bundles, in accordance with 14.0, 
must be similar in size so as to create stable bundles. Bundles placed 
on pallets under this provision must be prepared to create stable 
pallets.
    g. When residual pieces are included in a combined mailing of 
Standard Mail flats and Periodicals flats on pallets, these pieces must 
be bundled and placed directly on mixed NDC pallets.

15.1.1 Service Objectives

    The Postal Service handles combined mailings of Standard Mail flats 
and Periodicals flats as Standard Mail. Periodicals flats included 
within mailings of combined Standard Mail flats and Periodicals flats 
are subject to the USPS service standards applicable to Standard Mail.

15.1.2 Postage Payment

    Postage for all Standard Mail pieces must be paid with permit 
imprint using a special postage payment system in 2.0 through 4.0 at 
the Post Office location serving the mailer's plant. Postage for 
Periodicals may be paid through an advance deposit account or through a 
Centralized Account Payment System (CAPS) account.

15.1.3 Documentation

    Mailers must present standardized electronic documentation 
according to 708.1.0. This documentation must accurately reflect the 
final piece count in the combined mailing. In addition, mailers must 
provide:
    a. An edition or version summary for all pieces in the mailing. The 
summary may be part of the USPS qualification report and must include 
version ID, product or edition code, class of mail, piece weight of 
each version, and number of pieces by version; and for Periodicals, 
USPS or permit number (or pending permit number), issue date, and 
advertising percentage.
    b. A consolidated postage statement register and postage statement 
for each Periodicals publication in the combined mailing.
    c. A consolidated postage statement register and postage statement 
for each Standard Mail mailing in the combined mailing. Mailers may 
provide a single consolidated postage statement and a consolidated 
postage statement register of all Standard Mail mailings if they are 
itemized.
    d. When pallets are dropshipped, a register of Forms 8125 (or PS 
8125C) that consolidates all of the mailings into the destinations 
where the mail is dropshipped.
    e. Documentation to support zones and bundle totals, if requested.
    f. When requested, a copy of a notification document signed and 
dated by the Periodicals publisher, acknowledging their participation 
in a combined mailing of Standard Mail and Periodicals and the 
potential for their mailpieces to receive deferred USPS handling.
    g. Any additional documentation to support postage payment system 
records, if requested.

15.1.4 Authorization

    A mailer must submit a written request to the Manager, Business 
Mailer Support (see 608.8.1 for address) to combine mailings of 
Standard Mail flats and Periodicals flats. The request must show the 
mailer's name and address, the mailing office, evidence of 
authorization to mail using a special postage payment system under 2.0 
through 4.0, procedures for combining the mailing, the expected date of 
first mailing, quality control procedures, and a sample of all 
supporting mailing documentation, including postage statements and the 
USPS Qualification Report. Business Mailer Support will review the 
documentation and provide written authorization. A mailer may terminate 
an authorization at any time

[[Page 37658]]

by written notice to the postmaster of the office serving the mailer's 
location. Business Mailer Support may terminate an authorization by 
written notice if the mailer does not meet the standards.

15.1.5 Price Eligibility

    Apply prices based on the standards in 340 for Standard Mail. 
Prices are based on the standards in 707 for Periodicals and as 
modified under the standards for this program.

15.1.6 Piece Prices

    Apply piece prices based on the bundle level. Pieces contained 
within mixed class bundles may claim prices based on the presort level 
of the bundle.

15.1.7 Applying the Periodicals Bundle Charge

    Apply bundle charges as follows:
    a. Calculate the percentage of Periodicals copies in a bundle.
    b. Convert the percentage to four decimal places, rounding off if 
necessary (for example, convert 20.221% to 0.2022, or 20.226% to 
0.2023). Multiply by the applicable bundle charge.
    c. Allocate the resulting charge across the Periodicals titles and 
editions based on the number of copies of each in the bundle.

15.1.8 Applying the Periodicals Container Charge

    Apply container charges to pallets as follows:
    a. Calculate the percentage of the weight of Periodicals copies on 
each pallet.
    b. Convert the percentage to four decimal places, rounding off if 
necessary (for example, convert 20.221% to 0.2022, or 20.226% to 
0.2023). Multiply by the applicable container charge.
    c. Allocate the resulting charge across the Periodicals titles and 
editions based on the number of copies of each on the pallet.

15.1.9 Other Periodicals Pricing

    Other prices for Periodicals flats in a combined mailing of 
Standard Mail and Periodicals flats on pallets will be assessed as 
follows:
    a. The bundle prices applicable to the ADC container level will be 
applied to the ASF/NDC container levels.
    b. The container prices applicable to the ADC pallet level will 
apply to the ASF/NDC pallet levels.

15.1.10 Bundle Reallocation To Protect the SCF or NDC Pallet

    Mailers may reallocate bundles under 8.11 or 8.13 to protect the 
SCF or NDC pallet.

15.2 Combining Standard Mail Flats and Periodicals Flats in the Same 
Bundle

15.2.1 Bundling and Labeling

    Standard Mail flats and Periodicals flats may be combined in 
carrier route, 5-digit (scheme), 3-digit, ADC, and Mixed ADC bundles 
when prepared according to 707.19.0 and these additional standards:
    a. Each bundle containing combined Standard Mail flats and 
Periodicals flats must contain a minimum of 10 pieces. Bundles of only 
Standard Mail flats must contain a minimum of 10 pieces. Bundles of 
only Periodicals flats must contain a minimum of 6 pieces.
    b. Firm bundles must contain only Periodicals flats.

15.2.2 Mailpiece and Bundle Identification

    Each Standard Mail and Periodicals mailpiece prepared under a 
combined mailing of Standard Mail flats and Periodicals flats must be 
identified as being part of a mixed class mailing through the use of an 
optional endorsement line (OEL) in accordance with the standards in 
708.7.1.8.

15.2.3 Pallet Presort and Labeling

    Mailers must prepare pallets according to the standards in 8.0 and 
in the sequence listed below. Merged 5-digit scheme through NDC pallets 
must contain at least 250 pounds of combined Standard Mail and 
Periodicals mailpieces, except as allowed under 8.5.3. Pallets must be 
labeled according to the Line 1 and Line 2 information listed below and 
under 8.6. Pallet placards must be white and measure at least 8 inches 
by 11 inches, unless prepared under 708.6.6.6. Prepare pallets 
according to the preparation, sequence and labeling instructions in 
15.4.1.

15.3 Combining Bundles of Standard Mail Flats and Periodicals Flats on 
the Same Pallet

15.3.1 Bundling and Labeling

    Mailers must prepare bundles according to the standards for the 
class of mail and the prices claimed.

15.3.2 Mailpiece and Bundle Identification

    Each Standard Mail and Periodicals mailpiece prepared under a 
combined mailing of Standard Mail flats and Periodicals flats must be 
identified as being part of a mixed class mailing through the use of an 
optional endorsement line (OEL) in accordance with standards in 
708.7.1.8.

15.3.3 Pallet Presort and Labeling

    Mailers must prepare pallets according to the standards in 8.0 and 
in the sequence listed below. Merged 5-digit scheme through NDC pallets 
must contain at least 250 pounds of combined Standard Mail and 
Periodicals, except as allowed under 8.5.3. When reallocating bundles 
under 8.11 or 8.12, mailers do not have to achieve the finest pallet 
presort level possible. Pallets must be labeled according to the Line 1 
and Line 2 information listed below and under 8.6. Pallet placards must 
be white and measure at least 8 inches by 11 inches, unless prepared 
under 708.6.6.6. Prepare pallets according to the preparation, sequence 
and labeling instructions in 15.4.1.

15.4 Pallet Preparation

15.4.1 Pallet Preparation, Sequence and Labeling

    When combining Standard Mail and Periodicals flats within the same 
bundle or combining bundles of Standard Mail flats and bundles of 
Periodicals flats on pallets, bundles must be placed on pallets. 
Preparation, sequence and labeling:
    a. Merged 5-digit scheme, optional. Not permitted for bundles 
containing noncarrier route automation-compatible flats under 301.3.0. 
Required for all other bundles. Pallet must contain barcoded carrier 
route bundles and barcoded noncarrier route 5-digit bundles for the 
same 5-digit scheme under L001. For 5-digit destinations not part of 
L001, merged 5-digit pallet preparation begins with 15.4.1d. Labeling:
    1. Line 1: L001.
    2. Line 2: ``STD/PER FLTS CR/5D;'' followed by ``SCHEME'' (or 
``SCH''); followed by ``MIX COMAIL.''
    b. 5-digit scheme carrier routes, required. Pallet must contain 
only carrier route bundles for the same 5-digit scheme under L001. For 
5-digit destinations not part of L001, 5-digit carrier routes pallet 
preparation begins with 15.4.1c. Labeling:
    1. Line 1: L001.
    2. Line 2: ``STD/PER FLTS''; followed by ``CARRIER ROUTES'' (or 
``CR-RTS''); followed by ``SCHEME'' (or ``SCH''); followed by ``MIX 
COMAIL.''
    c. 5-digit carrier routes, required. Pallet must contain only 
carrier route mail for the same 5-digit ZIP Code. Labeling:
    1. Line 1: city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code destination (see 
8.6.4c for overseas military mail).
    2. Line 2: ``STD/PER FLTS''; followed by ``CR/5D''; followed by 
``MIX COMAIL.''

[[Page 37659]]

    d. Merged 5-digit, optional. Not permitted for bundles containing 
noncarrier route automation-compatible flats under 301.3.0. Required 
for all other bundles. Pallet must contain barcoded carrier route 
bundles and barcoded noncarrier route 5-digit bundles for the same 5-
digit ZIP Code. Labeling:
    1. Line 1: city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code destination (see 
8.6.4c for overseas military mail).
    2. Line 2: ``STD/PER FLTS''; followed by ``CR/5D''; followed by 
``MIX COMAIL.''
    e. 5-digit, required. Pallet must contain only mail for the same 5-
digit ZIP Code or same 5-digit scheme under L007 (for automation flats 
only under 301.3.0). 5-digit scheme bundles are assigned to 5-digit 
pallets according to the OEL ``label to'' 5-digit ZIP Code. Labeling:
    1. Line 1: city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code destination (see 
8.6.4c for overseas military mail).
    2. Line 2: ``STD/PER FLTS 5D''; followed by ``BARCODED'' (or 
``BC''); followed by ``MIX COMAIL.''
    f. 3-digit, optional, but not available for bundles for 3-digit ZIP 
Code prefixes marked ``N'' in L002. Pallet may contain mail for the 
same 3-digit ZIP Code or the same 3-digit scheme under L008 (for 
automation-compatible flats only under 301.3.0). Three-digit scheme 
bundles are assigned to pallets according to the OEL ``label to'' 3-
digit ZIP Code in L008. Labeling:
    1. Line 1: L002, Column A.
    2. Line 2: ``STD/PER FLTS 3D''; followed by ``BARCODED'' (or 
``BC''); followed by ``MIX COMAIL.''
    g. SCF, required. Pallet may contain carrier route or automation 
mail for the 3-digit ZIP Code groups in L005. Labeling:
    1. Line 1: L002, Column C.
    2. Line 2: ``STD/PER FLTS SCF''; followed by ``BARCODED'' (or 
``BC''); followed by ``MIX COMAIL.''
    h. ASF, required unless bundle reallocation used under 15.1.10. 
Pallet may contain carrier route or automation mail for the 3-digit ZIP 
Code groups in L602. ADC bundles are assigned to pallets according to 
the ``label to'' ZIP Code in L004 as appropriate. Labeling:
    1. Line 1: L602.
    2. Line 2: ``STD/PER FLTS NDC''; followed by ``BARCODED'' (or 
``BC''); followed by ``MIX COMAIL.''
    i. NDC, required. Pallet may contain carrier route or automation 
mail for the 3-digit ZIP Code groups in L601. ADC bundles are assigned 
to pallets according to the ``label to'' ZIP Code in L004 as 
appropriate. Labeling:
    1. Line 1: L601.
    2. Line 2: ``STD/PER FLTS NDC''; followed by ``BARCODED'' (or 
``BC''); followed by ``MIX COMAIL.''
    j. Mixed NDC, required, no minimum. Pallet may contain carrier 
route or automation mail. Pallet includes MXD ADC bundles, prepared 
according to the ``label to'' ZIP in L009, as appropriate. Unless 
authorized by the processing and distribution manager, pallet must be 
entered at the NDC serving the 3-digit ZIP Code of the entry Post 
Office. Labeling:
    1. Line 1: ``MXD'' followed by the information in L601, for the NDC 
serving the 3-digit ZIP Code prefix of the entry Post Office.
    2. Line 2: ``STD/PER FLTS;'' followed by ``BARCODED'' (or ``BC''); 
followed by ``WKG;'' followed by ``MIX COMAIL.''
* * * * *

708 Technical Specifications

1.0 Standardized Documentation for First-Class Mail, Periodicals, 
Standard Mail, and Flat-Size Bound Printed Matter

* * * * *

1.5 Combined, Copalletized, and Merged Mailings

[Revise the introductory sentence of 1.5 as follows:]
    For combined or copalletized mailings of Periodicals and Standard 
Mail, documentation must show this additional information:
* * * * *

7.0 Optional Endorsement Lines (OEL's)

7.1 OEL Use

7.1.1 Basic Standards

* * * * *

Exhibit 7.1.1 OEL Formats

Sortation Level OEL Example

* * * * *
    [Revise Exhibit 7.1.1 to add a new last section to describe 
additional OEL human-readable text for use with combined mailings of 
Standard Mail and Periodicals flats as follows:]
    Additional required human-readable text for use with combined 
mailings of Standard Mail and Periodicals flats:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
5-Digit Scheme (and other sortation      * * * * * * * * SCH 5-DIGIT
 levels as appropriate).                  12345 MIX COMAIL
------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * *
    [Add a new 7.1.8 to described new OEL requirements for mailers 
combining Standard Mail and Periodicals flats as follows:]

7.1.8 Required OEL Use in Combined Mailings of Standard Mail and 
Periodicals Flats

    Mailers authorized to combine Standard Mail flats and Periodicals 
flats, under 705.15, must apply an OEL identifying the presort level of 
the bundle and other applicable information as specified in 7.1 to each 
mailpiece. The following additional standards also apply:
    a. Each OEL must contain the format elements described in 7.2 and 
must include a ``MIX COMAIL'' human-readable text, as its most right-
justified element.
    b. Mailpieces may include LOT information, in accordance with 
7.1.7, only when there is sufficient space for the human-readable text 
in item a and all other required information.
* * * * *
    We will publish an appropriate amendment to 39 CFR Part 111 to 
reflect these changes.

PART 121--[AMENDED]

0
3. The authority citation for 39 CFR Part 121 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority:  5 U.S.C. 552(a); 39 U.S.C. 101, 401, 403, 404, 1001, 
3691.


0
4. Amend Sec.  121.2 by revising paragraph (c) to read as follows:


Sec.  121.2  Periodicals.

* * * * *
    (c) Combined Periodicals/Standard Mail mailing. The Postal Service 
handles combined mailings of Periodicals flats and Standard Mail flats 
as Standard Mail. Periodicals flats included within mailings of 
combined Standard Mail flats and Periodicals flats are subject to the 
service standards applicable to Standard Mail in Sec.  121.3.

Stanley F. Mires,
Chief Counsel, Legislative.
[FR Doc. 2011-16081 Filed 6-27-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7710-12-P