Advance Notice of Implementation of Full-Service Intelligent Mail Required for Automation Prices, 23643-23647 [2012-9537]
Download as PDF
<![CDATA[
tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 77 / Friday, April 20, 2012 / Proposed Rules
Note 1: You can find the Nondestructive
Inspection Procedure attached to BHTI Alert
Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 205B–02–39,
Revision B, dated November 22, 2002, or
BHTI ASB No. 212 02–116, Revision A, dated
October 30, 2002.
(4) At intervals not to exceed 1,200 hours
TIS or 24 months, whichever occurs first:
(i) Remove each main rotor blade, and
(ii) Inspect each grip buffer pad on the
inner surfaces of each grip tang for
delamination (see Figure 1 of this AD). If
there is any delamination, remove the buffer
pad and inspect the grip surface for corrosion
or other damage.
Note 2: This inspection interval coincides
with the main rotor tension-torsion strap
replacement times.
(5) Within 2,400 hours TIS, or at the next
overhaul of the main rotor hub, whichever
occurs first, and thereafter at intervals not to
exceed 2,400 hours TIS:
(i) Remove each main rotor blade.
(ii) Remove each grip buffer pad (if
installed) from the inner surfaces of each grip
tang.
(iii) Visually inspect the grip tang surfaces
for corrosion or other damage.
(iv) Fluorescent-penetrant inspect (FPI) the
grip for a crack, paying particular attention
to the upper and lower grip tangs. When
inspecting any grip, P/N 204–011–121–005,
–009, –113, or ASI–4011–121–9, pay
particular attention to the leading and
trailing edges of the grip barrel.
Note 3: FPI procedures are contained in
BHTI Standard Practices Manual, BHT–ALL–
SPM.
(6) Before further flight:
(i) Replace any cracked grip with an
airworthy grip.
(ii) Replace any grip with any corrosion or
other damage with an airworthy grip, or
repair the grip if the corrosion or other
damage is within the maximum repair
damage limitations found in the applicable
Component and Repair Overhaul Manual.
(iii) Replace any grip, P/N 204–011–121–
009 or ASI–4011–121–9, which has been in
service for 15,000 or more hours TIS.
(iv) Replace any grip, P/N 204–011–121–
121, which has been in service for 25,000 or
more hours TIS.
(7) Revise the Airworthiness Limitations
sections of the applicable maintenance
manuals or the Instructions for Continued
Airworthiness (ICAs) by establishing a new
retirement life of 15,000 hours TIS for grip
P/N 204–011–121–009 or ASI–4011–121–9,
and 25,000 hours TIS for grip P/N 204–011–
121–121, by making pen and ink changes or
inserting a copy of this AD into the
applicable maintenance manual or ICAs.
(8) Record a 15,000 hours TIS life limit for
each grip P/N 204–011–121–009 or ASI–
4011–121–9, and a 25,000 hours TIS life limit
for each grip P/N 204–011–121–121, on the
applicable component history card or
equivalent record.
(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Rotorcraft Certification
Office, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this
AD. Send your proposal to: Michael Kohner,
VerDate Mar<15>2010
16:09 Apr 19, 2012
Jkt 226001
Aviation Safety Engineer, Rotorcraft
Certification Office, 2601 Meacham Blvd.,
Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817)
222–5170, fax (817) 222–5783, email
mike.kohner@faa.gov or 7-avs-asw170@faa.gov.
(2) For operations conducted under a Part
119 operating certificate or under Part 91,
Subpart K, we suggest that you notify your
principal inspector, or lacking a principal
inspector, the manager of the local flight
standards district office or certificate holding
district office before operating any aircraft
complying with this AD through an AMOC.
(g) Additional Information
(1) BHTI ASB No. 212–94–92, Revision A,
dated March 13, 1995; BHTI ASB No. 212–
02–116, Revision A, dated October 30, 2002;
BHTI 205B–02–39, Revision B, dated
November 22, 2002; BHTI ASB No. 204–02–
58 and ASB No. 205–02–88, both dated
November 26, 2002; BHTI ASB No. 210–08–
02, dated September 10, 2008; BHTI
Operations Safety Notice 204–85–6, 205–85–
9, and 212–85–13, all dated November 14,
1985; and BHTI Information Letter, 204–08–
23, 205–08–38, 205B–08–21, and 212–08–62,
Revision A, dated July 23, 2008; none of
which are incorporated by reference, contain
additional information about the subject of
this AD.
(2) For service information identified in
this AD, contact BHTI, P.O. Box 482, Fort
Worth, TX 76101, telephone (817) 280–3391,
fax (817) 280–6466, or at https://
www.bellcustomer.com/files/. You may
review copies of this information at the FAA,
Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest
Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort
Worth, Texas 76137.
(h) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 6220: Main Rotor Head.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on April 11,
2012.
Lance T. Gant,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2012–9569 Filed 4–19–12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
POSTAL SERVICE
39 CFR Part 111
Advance Notice of Implementation of
Full-Service Intelligent Mail Required
for Automation Prices
Postal Service.
Advance notice of proposed
rulemaking; request for comments.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
The Postal Service is planning
to move to the Full-Service Intelligent
Mail® option to access automation
prices for letters, postcards and flats,
effective January 2014. The ‘‘FullService’’ Intelligent Mail program
requires use of unique Intelligent Mail
barcodes (IMbTM) applied to letter,
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
Frm 00007
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
23643
postcard and flat mailpieces, trays,
sacks, and containers, such as pallets,
and submission of electronic mailing
documentation. This plan includes the
transition to the use of eDocumentation,
along with additional information to
support the By/For relationships, and
replacement of the 10/24 transition tray
label with the full use of the 24-digit
tray label Intelligent Mail barcode
format.
This Federal Register document
provides advance information to help
mailers prepare and plan for the
transition to Full-Service and asks for
information about the possible
challenges mailers perceive to moving
to Full-Service, the operational changes
they will have to make, the costs and
benefits of those changes, and steps the
Postal Service could take to assist
mailers in moving to Full-Service. The
USPSTM looks forward to mailer
feedback on all aspects of this plan. In
addition, the USPS strongly encourages
current Full-Service users to provide
feedback about the benefits and valueadded they have experienced by
converting to Full-Service.
DATES: Comments on this advance
notice of proposed rulemaking are due
June 4, 2012.
ADDRESSES: Mail or deliver written
comments to the Manager, Product
Classification, U.S. Postal Service, 475
L’Enfant Plaza SW., Room 4446,
Washington, DC 20260–5015.
Comments and questions can also be
emailed to mailingstandards@usps.gov
using the subject line ‘‘Full-Service
January 2014.’’
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Ana Cikowski; email:
ana.cikowski@usps.gov; phone: 202–
268–8079.
Himesh Patel; email:
himesh.a.patel@usps.gov; phone:
703–280–7498.
William Chatfield; email:
william.a.chatfield@usps.gov; phone:
202–268–7278.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
In January 2009, USPS offered the
mailing industry two Intelligent Mail
barcode (IMbTM) options for automation
discounts. The options included the
‘‘Full-Service’’ option, requiring unique
IMbs, and the ‘‘basic’’ IMb option,
which does not require unique
barcodes. Currently, a large number of
mailers are using the Full-Service and
basic IMb options and enjoy the
additional benefits and value of using
these options.
As part of the transformation of data
visibility and continued evolution of
E:\FR\FM\20APP1.SGM
20APP1
tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
23644
Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 77 / Friday, April 20, 2012 / Proposed Rules
technological innovations, the Postal
Service is planning to move to the FullService Intelligent Mail option to
qualify for any automation letter,
postcard, and flat prices, effective
January 2014. Full-Service Intelligent
Mail combines use of unique scan codes
with the provision of electronic
information on mail makeup and
preparation to enable a variety of highvalue services and efficient mail
processing, and to establish a stronger
partnership between mailers and the
Postal Service. The vision is to create
100 percent visibility into the mail
stream by 2014. This vision means that
customers will know in real time where
their mail or packages are in the postal
network and precisely when they are
delivered. Use of the IMb, especially
Full-Service, allows the mailing
industry to use information and
technology to build value in the mail.
Even though the use of basic IMb is
a good first step to create visibility in
the mail stream, it does not require
unique barcodes. Uniqueness of the IMb
barcode provides customized
information which is a major benefit to
customers who can then use this
information to create successful
marketing campaigns. Thus, the
movement to Full-Service is
fundamental to the 100% visibility
strategy and a major step into the future
of the technology evolution.
The plan is that effective with the
proposed starting date of January 2014
only Full-Service mail pieces would be
eligible for automation pricing. Also, as
published in a separate Federal Register
proposed rule, letters and flats with
POSTNETTM barcodes would no longer
be eligible for automation prices as of
January 2013 (See https://www.gpo.gov/
fdsys/pkg/FR-2012-03-02/html/20125050.htm).
There are secondary benefits to using
Full-Service. Barcode uniqueness also
enables preciseness of measurement of
the amount of time between operations
in the postal system and opens the door
to the next level of achievement in
processing efficiency and service
performance. Full-Service Intelligent
Mail offers a sound foundation for
continued improvements in providing
robust service for commercial mailers.
Full-Service Intelligent Mail offers a
number of advantages to mailers and the
Postal Service. These advantages are
tied directly to the Full-Service
requirements. For mailers, these
advantages include:
• Unique barcodes enable the Postal
Service to provide mailers with
comprehensive information on the
status of mailings as they progress
through the postal system.
VerDate Mar<15>2010
16:09 Apr 19, 2012
Jkt 226001
• ‘‘Nesting’’ information provided by
the mailer enables the tracking of the
individual pieces and trays based on
scans performed on larger containers.
• Visibility allows mailers to more
effectively respond to customer
inquiries on the status of valuable bills,
statements, catalogs, and publications.
• Full service mailings receive access
to free address change information and
tracking information from mail entry to
final destination.
• Waiver of annual mailing fee for
permits where all postage statements
contain 90% or more Full-Service
pieces.
• eDocumentation combined with
Full Service unique barcodes will
provide access to Seamless Acceptance
and eInduction. Both will be paperless
processes:
—Seamless acceptance will be an
automated verification process based
on comparing electronic
documentation with scans of
Intelligent Mail barcodes collected in
postal operations and through the use
of handheld scanning technology at
points of induction. Data captured
through scanning will be compared to
mailer submitted electronic
documentation and reports of overall
mail quality will be trended over a
period of time. Participation in
seamless acceptance will allow
mailers additional production cycle
time prior to entering their mailings.
—eInduction will leverage scanning
technologies to simplify the induction
process for mailer transported
mailings. eInduction will allow
containers with IM container barcodes
and appropriate electronic
documentation to be offloaded and
inducted straight into postal
operations without the use of hard
copy PS Forms 8125 or 8017.
• Full-Service also provides the ‘‘Mail
Anywhere’’ model which allows for the
use of a single permit at any PostalOne!
site for mailings containing 90% or
more Full-Service pieces (applies to
First-Class, Standard, and Bound
Printed Matter).
Many mailers find the visibility
information provided by Full-Service
mail useful in planning their own
operations, in assessing the success of
advertising campaigns, and in
improving their own customer
interaction. Knowledge of where a
mailpiece is located in the postal
network and when that piece should be
delivered can prove useful in
communicating with customers.
Advantages for the Postal Service
include:
• Visibility into the flow of mail
through the postal network, enabling
PO 00000
Frm 00008
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
enhanced diagnostics of service
performance.
• Scan information on containers,
trays and pieces allows us to measure
the number of hours and minutes
between operations. This data has been
used to identify operational bottlenecks
and that has enabled us to significantly
improve service for commercial FirstClass Mail, Standard Mail, and
Periodicals.
• The ability to provide real-time
alerts to operations enabling them to
respond and avoid possible service
failures.
• Advance notification of volumes
and makeup of commercial mail,
enabling improved resource planning.
• Accurate tracking of mail volumes
as they move through the postal
network, again enabling improved
management of operations and resource
planning.
• Simplified mail acceptance
processes.
• The ability to measure service
performance for each Full-Service
mailer.
Mailer use of Full-Service Intelligent
Mail is a key part of the Postal Service’s
ongoing strategy for providing costeffective and service-responsive mailing
services. Efficient use of postal
resources can be achieved with advance
information on content and makeup of
the mail that is flowing through the
postal network. Postal sorting
equipment captures volume and
destination information on mail as it is
sorted. The Postal Service has built and
is refining systems that make
information available to downstream
facilities and operations so that it can be
used for operational planning. This
planning data offers significant
opportunities for improved efficiency
and service performance. However,
these benefits cannot be fully captured
when a significant proportion of mail
(that prepared and entered by largevolume commercial mailers and mail
preparers) does not provide similar
information. The information on the
content and makeup of mail that is
provided by mailers who participate in
Full-Service Intelligent Mail meets this
information need.
Full-Service Intelligent Mail also
enables simplification of current mail
acceptance procedures. Under seamless
acceptance, which is possible only with
the data and unique identifiers of FullService mailings (pieces nesting in trays
and trays inside containers), business
mail acceptance procedures will be
scaled down, with automation mailings
verified during mail processing
operations.
E:\FR\FM\20APP1.SGM
20APP1
tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 77 / Friday, April 20, 2012 / Proposed Rules
The Postal Service has worked closely
with mailers, software providers, and
mail service providers to simplify,
refine and evolve our Full-Service
offerings over the past four years since
Full-Service requirements were
introduced. Thousands of mailers,
software providers and mail service
providers have demonstrated their
ability to meet the requirements for
Full-Service Intelligent Mail. The Postal
Service continues to develop new tools,
and to enhance and simplify existing
tools, to make it easier for mailers to
prepare and submit Full-Service
mailings.
In support of the POSTNET
discontinuation and Full-Service
requirement, and to assist mailers
transitioning to the Intelligent Mail
barcode, the USPS is announcing two
online self-service tools: The Automated
Business Reply Mail (ABRM) tool and
the Intelligent Mail Small Business
(IMsb) tool. These tools allow mailers to
print an Intelligent Mail barcode on
reply mailpieces and outgoing mailings,
respectively.
The Postal Service recognizes that
there are costs to converting to FullService Intelligent Mail. To help the
industry offset those costs, we are
investigating further increasing the
incentive for Full-Service mail users.
We are interested in gaining insight
into the challenges mailers perceive in
their ability to move to full participation
in the IMb Full-Service offering,
including the anticipated cost or, for
those already using this offering the
actual cost, of doing so and information
on steps the Postal Service could take to
assist mailers in moving to full
participation. We are also interested in
the perceived benefits, and for those
already using this offering the actual
benefits, to mailers from moving to full
participation in the IMb Full-Service
offering. Mailer input about the changes
needed to make to move to Full Service
and the costs of those changes is
extremely important information to
support the plan to move to the FullService requirement for automation
discounts. We are looking for responses
from both current Full Service users and
non-users. Mailer responses to this
advance notice of proposed rulemaking
should address the following topics so
that the Postal Service can develop
appropriate plans and responses to
these concerns:
• Your role in the mailing industry
(mail owner, mail preparer, software
vendor, hardware vendor, or other).
• Your business’s use of the mail,
including approximate annual volume
of mail by class (First-Class Mail®,
Standard Mail®, Periodicals) and shape
VerDate Mar<15>2010
16:09 Apr 19, 2012
Jkt 226001
(cards, letters, flats) of mail and the
frequency of your mailings (daily,
weekly, monthly, quarterly, or
annually).
• The value your business has gained
from the use of Full-Service.
• Your recommendations for others to
convert.
• Your lessons learned and ideas to
enhance the transition processes.
• How your mailing patterns have
changed based on the value added with
Full-Service.
• If not participating in Full-Service,
the changes you will be required to
make to move from your current mailing
practices to the use of IMb Full-Service.
Include upgrades to software, hardware,
changes to mail preparation procedures,
and submission of edocumentation.
• The estimated one-time investment
cost and any ongoing costs of changes
to mail preparation and printing.
• Value of increased visibility, access
to free or lower fees for address change
information, and elimination of permit
fees.
• Value of simplified acceptance
procedures.
• Value of ability to use a single
permit at multiple mailing locations.
• Any mail volume patterns that you
foresee as you convert.
• Other specific areas of concern or
challenges.
Requirements for Full-Service
Intelligent Mail
Intelligent Mail Barcodes
• Mailpiece barcode. The 65-bar
Intelligent Mail barcode (IMb)
accommodates 31-digits of data on letter
and flat mailpieces. The IMb contains
additional fields that encode ancillary
services, identify the mailer and the
class of mail, and allow unique
numbering/serialization of the
mailpiece. The USPS will issue a
unique Mailer ID to each full-service
IMb mailer, which must be included in
the Intelligent Mail barcode. Mailers are
required to uniquely number each
mailpiece in a mailing, and not reuse
numbers for a period of 45 days from
the date of induction.
• Tray barcode. An Intelligent Mail
tray barcode (IMtb) is required on letter
trays, flat trays and sacks. Unlike
today’s 10-digit tray barcode that
contains only routing information, the
24-digit Intelligent Mail tray barcode
includes additional fields to identify the
mailer and uniquely number each tray
or sack. Mailers must include their
USPS-assigned Mailer ID in the
Intelligent Mail tray barcode. Mailers
are required to uniquely number each
tray or sack in a mailing, and not reuse
PO 00000
Frm 00009
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
23645
each number for a period of 45 days
from the date of induction. Pieces inside
each tray must be linked or nested to the
IMb tray barcode.
• Container barcode. An Intelligent
Mail container barcode (IMcb) is
required on all containers used to
transport mail such as pallets, all
purpose containers (APCs), rolling
stock, and gaylords. This 21-digit IMcb
includes fields to identify the mailer
and uniquely number each container.
Mailers must include their USPSassigned Mailer ID in the IMcb. Mailers
are required to uniquely number each
container in a mailing, and not reuse
each number for a period of 45 days
from the date of induction. Trays inside
the container must be linked or nested
to the IMb container barcode.
Electronic Documentation and
Appointment Scheduling
Full-Service mailings must be
accompanied by electronic
documentation in addition to or instead
of the printed postage statement and
presort documentation currently
required to mail at automation rates.
Mailers typically furnish hard copy
postage statements and documentation,
or supply a computer terminal at their
site for USPS acceptance personnel to
view their documentation. Many
mailers have transitioned to electronic
submission of their postage statements
and mailing documentation to the Postal
Service’s PostalOne!® system using
Mail.dat®, Mail.XML, or Postal Wizard.
Full-Service IMb mailers are required
to use one of these three methods to
send their electronic mailing
information to the PostalOne! system.
The PostalOne! system translates the
customer-generated electronic
information into postage statements and
supporting documentation, such as
qualification and container reports, that
are used for verification, acceptance,
and induction processes. By submitting
documents electronically, mailers avoid
the creation of paper-based forms, use
this technology to manage their mailing
data, and enable the Postal Service to
capture its own efficiencies.
Mailer electronic documentation for
Full-Service mailings contains
information about Intelligent Mail
barcodes applied to mailpieces, trays or
sacks, and containers. Also, it identifies
the unique Intelligent Mail barcodes
applied to each mailpiece, tray or sack,
and container; it describes how
mailpieces are linked to handling units,
such as trays and sacks, and how
mailpieces and handling units are
linked to containers. In addition,
documentation provides linkage among
containers, trays and sacks when mail is
E:\FR\FM\20APP1.SGM
20APP1
23646
Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 77 / Friday, April 20, 2012 / Proposed Rules
tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
co-palletized, combined or comingled
(in-house or at a different plant). The
electronic documentation identifies
spoilage or shortage of pieces in a
mailing. Additionally it identifies the
preparer of the mailing and the mailer
for whom the mailing is prepared (i.e.,
Mail Owner). Mail Owner identification
is required for all Full-Service pieces in
the mailing. Mailers that otherwise meet
the full-service standards and use Postal
Wizard for mailings that do not require
additional documentation to support
presort (mailings of fewer than 10,000
pieces with postage affixed to each
piece at the correct price or if all pieces
are of identical weight, the pieces are
separated by price, or mailings all at an
MAADC or MADC price) are not
required to submit this additional
documentation.
Appointments play a critical role with
service performance measurement,
processing and delivery of mail. At the
USPS facilities that support FAST®
(Facility Access and Shipment
Tracking), mailers will be required to
schedule appointments using the FAST
system for drop-ship mailings and for
all origin-entered mail verified at a
detached mail unit (DMU) and
transported by the mailer. Mailers may
schedule appointments online using the
FAST web site or they may submit
appointment requests through
PostalOne! FAST Web Services using
the Mail.XML specification. For
improved service performance
measurement, visibility, and operational
planning, USPS recommends that
mailers link their Intelligent Mail
container barcodes (IMcb) to their
appointments. Mailers can provide
container barcodes as part of the standalone content creation, appointment
creation, and update processes through
PostalOne! FAST Web Services. Mailers
can also receive closeout data through
FAST online reports or PostalOne!
FAST Web Services.
Additional Mailing Information
Available With Full-Service
Mailpiece quality and visibility
information is available through the
online USPS Business Customer
Gateway tool and through PostalOne!
Web Services (Mail.XML). Mailers can
query the information or obtain an
automated subscription. USPS, as part
of the Full-Service program, is making
the following information available:
Container and tray induction and
processing scans, IMb tracing bundle
and piece scans; start-the-clock
information; address correction data;
and certain quality and documentation
error reporting information. An IMb
embeds the following data:
VerDate Mar<15>2010
16:09 Apr 19, 2012
Jkt 226001
• Barcode ID: The barcode identifier
is a 2-digit field used to specify the
presort makeup.
• Service Type Identifier: Indicates
class of mail and requested special
services such as scan information or
address correction.
• Mailer ID: Mandatory 6- or 9-digit
identifier of mail owners and/or mailing
agents, assigned by the Postal Service
based upon mail volume of owner/
agent.
• Serial Number: Complementary
with Mailer ID for a combined total of
15 digits, leaves mailer/agent with 6 or
9 digits for unique mailpiece identifier.
Mailpiece IDs must not be reused within
45 days of induction date.
• Delivery Point Routing Code: The
None, 5-, 9- or 11-digit ZIP Code
corresponding to the delivery address.
For accessing automation prices
through Full-Service, information
required in the Intelligent Mail barcode
includes Service Type Identifier
(showing class of mail), Mailer ID,
delivery point routing code, OEL
information (if printed on the mailpiece)
and a unique serial number.
To view final specifications and for
detailed information on how to generate
the Intelligent Mail barcode, access the
Intelligent Mail barcode link from
RIBBS https://ribbs.usps.gov.
• Label Type: Indicates Mailer ID
field length.
To access automation prices through
the Full Service option, mailers will be
required to populate all fields in the
Intelligent Mail tray barcode to include
a unique serial number.
To view the final specifications and
for detailed information on how to
generate the Intelligent Mail tray
barcode, access the Intelligent Mail tray
label link from https://ribbs.usps.gov/.
Intelligent Mail Container Barcode for
Pallets, APCs, Rolling Stock
Mailers typically label containers of
mail deposited with the Postal Service.
For Full Service, mailers must apply a
unique Intelligent Mail container
barcode (IMcb) to container labels and
keep the barcode unique for at least 45
days from the date of induction. This
IMcb includes fields to identify the
mailer and uniquely identify each
container. To comply with the Full
Service option standards, mailers must
apply a label to all containers such as
pallets, APCs, rolling stock, and
gaylords.
The Intelligent Mail container barcode
has two formats. The format a mailer
uses depends upon the Mailer ID
assigned by the Postal Service. The
IMcb label specifications are available
in two physical sizes for the IMcb
Intelligent Mail Tray Barcode for Trays
barcode labels: One is the 8″ min x 11″
and Sacks
format available at RIBBS, and the other
Starting in January 2014, Full Service one is the 4″ x 7″ self adhesive format,
also available at RIBBS.
automation discounts require pure 24digit Intelligent Mail Tray barcodes
• Application ID (Appl ID): ‘‘99’’
(IMtb). An IMtb contains the following
indicates the source of the barcode.
information:
• Type Indicator: ‘‘M’’ indicates a
• ZIP Code:TM A 5 digit ZIP Code
mailer-generated barcode.
used to identify the destination of the
• Mailer ID: A 6-digit or 9-digit Mailer
tray or sack.
ID assigned by the Postal Service for use
• Content Identifier Number (CIN):
in the Intelligent Mail barcodes.
Describes tray or sack content, including
• Serial Number: A mailer will use
presort level and class.
this field to uniquely identify individual
• Content Label Source (L SRC):
containers. If a 6-digit Mailer ID is
Designates whether tray or sack contents assigned, the mailer will have 12-digits
are automation compatible.
to uniquely identify the containers. If a
• Mailer ID: A 6-digit or 9-digit Mailer 9-digit MID is assigned, the mailer will
ID assigned by the Postal Service for use have 9 digits to identify the containers.
in the Intelligent Mail barcodes.
To participate in the Full Service
option, the serial number field is
• Serial Number: A mailer will use
this field to uniquely identify individual populated with a unique number for
each container in the mailing. These
trays or sacks. If a 6-digit Mailer ID is
unique mailpiece IDs must not be
assigned, the mailer will have 8 digits
reused for 45 days from the date of
to uniquely identify the handling units.
induction. To access the automation
If a 9-digit Mailer ID is assigned, the
prices through the Full Service option,
mailer will have 5 digits to identify the
mailers will be required to populate all
handling units. To participate in the
fields in the Intelligent Mail container
Full Service option, the Serial Number
field is populated with a unique number barcode to include a unique serial
number. To view the final specifications
for each handling unit (tray or sack) in
the mailing. These unique mailpiece IDs and for detailed information on how to
generate the Intelligent Mail container
must be maintained unique for 45 days
barcode, access the Intelligent Mail
from the date of induction.
PO 00000
Frm 00010
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
E:\FR\FM\20APP1.SGM
20APP1
Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 77 / Friday, April 20, 2012 / Proposed Rules
tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
Container barcode link from RIBBS
https://ribbs.usps.gov.
Electronic Documentation
To participate in Full Service, mailers
must submit their postage statements
and mailing documentation, when
applicable, electronically using one of
three methods: Mail.dat®, Mail.XML®,
or Postal Wizard® to transmit electronic
information. These data are transmitted
to the Postal Service’s PostalOne!
system, where they are used for
verification, acceptance, payment,
service performance measurement, and
induction planning and processing. The
PostalOne! system can also use this
information to automate payment
processes using ACH Debit or Credit
payment methods. With the PostalOne!
system, mailers have access to their
mailing documentation and financial
transaction information 24 hours a day,
seven days a week.
Mail.dat: Mail.dat file submission is
part of the overall PostalOne!
application and provides customers the
capability to submit mailing
documentation over a secure
connection. Mail.dat uses industrystandard electronic file formats to
facilitate communication. Mailing
information is used to generate
documentation to support verification,
payment, and induction processes.
Mail.dat specifications are available at
https://ribbs.usps.gov.
Mail.XML: The Mail.XML is an
overarching communication
specification that allows mailers to
communicate electronic documentation
and manage appointments with the
Postal Service, while enabling it to
provide quality, address correction,
induction, and visibility information
back to mailers. Mail.XML can also be
used to communicate between mailers
and consolidators/transporters.
Mail.XML is part of the overall
PostalOne! application that enables a
just-in-time connection (send
information when you are ready to
share). The Mail.XML Web Service uses
a Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP)
to submit information in an Extensible
Markup Language (XML) format that
ensures data are sent and received by
applications written in various
languages and deployed on various
platforms. Mailing information is sent
via Mail.XML to the PostalOne! system
where the information is stored and
used to generate documentation to
support verification and payment.
Mail.XML specifications are available at
the following link: https://ribbs.usps.gov.
Postal Wizard: The Postage Statement
Wizard is an online tool that allows
mailers to enter their postage statement
VerDate Mar<15>2010
16:09 Apr 19, 2012
Jkt 226001
information using a secure PostalOne!
account. The Postage Statement Wizard
verifies completed information for an
online postage statement and
automatically populates the Permit
Holder section of the postage statement
based on the account number provided.
It guides the user through items needed
to complete the statement. The Postal
Wizard automatically calculates postage
and validates information entered. Once
a postage statement is completed online,
electronic statements will be submitted
directly to the acceptance unit.
For detailed information about
electronic mailing information options,
access the following RIBBS link https://
ribbs.usps.gov.
Stanley F. Mires,
Attorney, Legal Policy & Legislative Advice.
[FR Doc. 2012–9537 Filed 4–19–12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7710–12–P
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
40 CFR Part 52
[EPA–R05–OAR–2007–1179; FRL–9661–5]
Approval of Air Quality Implementation
Plans; Wisconsin; Disapproval of
‘‘Infrastructure’’ SIP With Respect to
Oxides of Nitrogen as a Precursor to
Ozone Provisions and New Source
Review Exemptions for Fuel Changes
as Major Modifications for the 1997
8-Hour Ozone and 24-Hour PM2.5
NAAQS
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Proposed rule.
AGENCY:
Pursuant to EPA’s authority
under the Clean Air Act (CAA), EPA is
proposing to disapprove two narrow
portions of submissions made by the
Wisconsin Department of Natural
Resources (WDNR) to address the
section 110(a)(1) and (2) requirements of
the CAA, often referred to as the
‘‘infrastructure’’ State Implementation
Plan (SIP). Specifically, we are
proposing to disapprove the portions of
WDNR’s submissions intended to meet
certain requirements of section
110(a)(2)(C) with respect to the 1997 8hour ozone National Ambient Air
Quality Standards (NAAQS) and 1997
24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS. Among other
conditions, section 110(a)(2)(C) of the
CAA requires states to correctly address
oxides of nitrogen (NOX) as a precursor
to ozone in their respective prevention
of significant deterioration (PSD)
programs. EPA is proposing to
disapprove a portion of Wisconsin’s
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
Frm 00011
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
23647
submissions intended to satisfy this
requirement. EPA is also proposing to
disapprove a portion of Wisconsin’s
submissions because the SIP currently
contains a new source review (NSR)
exemption for fuel changes as major
modifications where the source was
capable of accommodating the change
before January 6, 1975.
DATES: Comments must be received on
or before May 21, 2012.
ADDRESSES: Submit your comments,
identified by Docket ID No. EPA–R05–
OAR–2007–1179, by one of the
following methods:
1. www.regulations.gov: Follow the
on-line instructions for submitting
comments.
2. Email: aburano.douglas@epa.gov.
3. Fax: (312) 408–2279.
4. Mail: Douglas Aburano, Chief,
Attainment Planning and Maintenance
Section, Air Programs Branch (AR–18J),
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
77 West Jackson Boulevard, Chicago,
Illinois 60604.
5. Hand Delivery: Douglas Aburano,
Chief, Attainment Planning and
Maintenance Section, Air Programs
Branch (AR–18J), U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, 77 West Jackson
Boulevard, Chicago, Illinois 60604.
Such deliveries are only accepted
during the Regional Office normal hours
of operation, and special arrangements
should be made for deliveries of boxed
information. The Regional Office official
hours of business are Monday through
Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding
Federal holidays.
Instructions: Direct your comments to
Docket ID No. EPA–R05–OAR–2007–
1179. EPA’s policy is that all comments
received will be included in the public
docket without change and may be
made available online at
www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information provided, unless
the comment includes information
claimed to be Confidential Business
Information (CBI) or other information
whose disclosure is restricted by statute.
Do not submit information that you
consider to be CBI or otherwise
protected through www.regulations.gov
or email. The www.regulations.gov Web
site is an ‘‘anonymous access’’ system,
which means EPA will not know your
identity or contact information unless
you provide it in the body of your
comment. If you send an email
comment directly to EPA without going
through www.regulations.gov your email
address will be automatically captured
and included as part of the comment
that is placed in the public docket and
made available on the Internet. If you
submit an electronic comment, EPA
E:\FR\FM\20APP1.SGM
20APP1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 77 (Friday, April 20, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 23643-23647]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-9537]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
POSTAL SERVICE
39 CFR Part 111
Advance Notice of Implementation of Full-Service Intelligent Mail
Required for Automation Prices
AGENCY: Postal Service.
ACTION: Advance notice of proposed rulemaking; request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Postal Service is planning to move to the Full-Service
Intelligent Mail[supreg] option to access automation prices for
letters, postcards and flats, effective January 2014. The ``Full-
Service'' Intelligent Mail program requires use of unique Intelligent
Mail barcodes (IMb\TM\) applied to letter, postcard and flat
mailpieces, trays, sacks, and containers, such as pallets, and
submission of electronic mailing documentation. This plan includes the
transition to the use of eDocumentation, along with additional
information to support the By/For relationships, and replacement of the
10/24 transition tray label with the full use of the 24-digit tray
label Intelligent Mail barcode format.
This Federal Register document provides advance information to help
mailers prepare and plan for the transition to Full-Service and asks
for information about the possible challenges mailers perceive to
moving to Full-Service, the operational changes they will have to make,
the costs and benefits of those changes, and steps the Postal Service
could take to assist mailers in moving to Full-Service. The USPS\TM\
looks forward to mailer feedback on all aspects of this plan. In
addition, the USPS strongly encourages current Full-Service users to
provide feedback about the benefits and value-added they have
experienced by converting to Full-Service.
DATES: Comments on this advance notice of proposed rulemaking are due
June 4, 2012.
ADDRESSES: Mail or deliver written comments to the Manager, Product
Classification, U.S. Postal Service, 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW., Room 4446,
Washington, DC 20260-5015. Comments and questions can also be emailed
to mailingstandards@usps.gov using the subject line ``Full-Service
January 2014.''
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Ana Cikowski; email: ana.cikowski@usps.gov; phone: 202-268-8079.
Himesh Patel; email: himesh.a.patel@usps.gov; phone: 703-280-7498.
William Chatfield; email: william.a.chatfield@usps.gov; phone: 202-268-
7278.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
In January 2009, USPS offered the mailing industry two Intelligent
Mail barcode (IMb\TM\) options for automation discounts. The options
included the ``Full-Service'' option, requiring unique IMbs, and the
``basic'' IMb option, which does not require unique barcodes.
Currently, a large number of mailers are using the Full-Service and
basic IMb options and enjoy the additional benefits and value of using
these options.
As part of the transformation of data visibility and continued
evolution of
[[Page 23644]]
technological innovations, the Postal Service is planning to move to
the Full-Service Intelligent Mail option to qualify for any automation
letter, postcard, and flat prices, effective January 2014. Full-Service
Intelligent Mail combines use of unique scan codes with the provision
of electronic information on mail makeup and preparation to enable a
variety of high-value services and efficient mail processing, and to
establish a stronger partnership between mailers and the Postal
Service. The vision is to create 100 percent visibility into the mail
stream by 2014. This vision means that customers will know in real time
where their mail or packages are in the postal network and precisely
when they are delivered. Use of the IMb, especially Full-Service,
allows the mailing industry to use information and technology to build
value in the mail.
Even though the use of basic IMb is a good first step to create
visibility in the mail stream, it does not require unique barcodes.
Uniqueness of the IMb barcode provides customized information which is
a major benefit to customers who can then use this information to
create successful marketing campaigns. Thus, the movement to Full-
Service is fundamental to the 100% visibility strategy and a major step
into the future of the technology evolution.
The plan is that effective with the proposed starting date of
January 2014 only Full-Service mail pieces would be eligible for
automation pricing. Also, as published in a separate Federal Register
proposed rule, letters and flats with POSTNET\TM\ barcodes would no
longer be eligible for automation prices as of January 2013 (See https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2012-03-02/html/2012-5050.htm).
There are secondary benefits to using Full-Service. Barcode
uniqueness also enables preciseness of measurement of the amount of
time between operations in the postal system and opens the door to the
next level of achievement in processing efficiency and service
performance. Full-Service Intelligent Mail offers a sound foundation
for continued improvements in providing robust service for commercial
mailers.
Full-Service Intelligent Mail offers a number of advantages to
mailers and the Postal Service. These advantages are tied directly to
the Full-Service requirements. For mailers, these advantages include:
Unique barcodes enable the Postal Service to provide
mailers with comprehensive information on the status of mailings as
they progress through the postal system.
``Nesting'' information provided by the mailer enables the
tracking of the individual pieces and trays based on scans performed on
larger containers.
Visibility allows mailers to more effectively respond to
customer inquiries on the status of valuable bills, statements,
catalogs, and publications.
Full service mailings receive access to free address
change information and tracking information from mail entry to final
destination.
Waiver of annual mailing fee for permits where all postage
statements contain 90% or more Full-Service pieces.
eDocumentation combined with Full Service unique barcodes
will provide access to Seamless Acceptance and eInduction. Both will be
paperless processes:
--Seamless acceptance will be an automated verification process based
on comparing electronic documentation with scans of Intelligent Mail
barcodes collected in postal operations and through the use of handheld
scanning technology at points of induction. Data captured through
scanning will be compared to mailer submitted electronic documentation
and reports of overall mail quality will be trended over a period of
time. Participation in seamless acceptance will allow mailers
additional production cycle time prior to entering their mailings.
--eInduction will leverage scanning technologies to simplify the
induction process for mailer transported mailings. eInduction will
allow containers with IM container barcodes and appropriate electronic
documentation to be offloaded and inducted straight into postal
operations without the use of hard copy PS Forms 8125 or 8017.
Full-Service also provides the ``Mail Anywhere'' model
which allows for the use of a single permit at any PostalOne! site for
mailings containing 90% or more Full-Service pieces (applies to First-
Class, Standard, and Bound Printed Matter).
Many mailers find the visibility information provided by Full-
Service mail useful in planning their own operations, in assessing the
success of advertising campaigns, and in improving their own customer
interaction. Knowledge of where a mailpiece is located in the postal
network and when that piece should be delivered can prove useful in
communicating with customers.
Advantages for the Postal Service include:
Visibility into the flow of mail through the postal
network, enabling enhanced diagnostics of service performance.
Scan information on containers, trays and pieces allows us
to measure the number of hours and minutes between operations. This
data has been used to identify operational bottlenecks and that has
enabled us to significantly improve service for commercial First-Class
Mail, Standard Mail, and Periodicals.
The ability to provide real-time alerts to operations
enabling them to respond and avoid possible service failures.
Advance notification of volumes and makeup of commercial
mail, enabling improved resource planning.
Accurate tracking of mail volumes as they move through the
postal network, again enabling improved management of operations and
resource planning.
Simplified mail acceptance processes.
The ability to measure service performance for each Full-
Service mailer.
Mailer use of Full-Service Intelligent Mail is a key part of the
Postal Service's ongoing strategy for providing cost-effective and
service-responsive mailing services. Efficient use of postal resources
can be achieved with advance information on content and makeup of the
mail that is flowing through the postal network. Postal sorting
equipment captures volume and destination information on mail as it is
sorted. The Postal Service has built and is refining systems that make
information available to downstream facilities and operations so that
it can be used for operational planning. This planning data offers
significant opportunities for improved efficiency and service
performance. However, these benefits cannot be fully captured when a
significant proportion of mail (that prepared and entered by large-
volume commercial mailers and mail preparers) does not provide similar
information. The information on the content and makeup of mail that is
provided by mailers who participate in Full-Service Intelligent Mail
meets this information need.
Full-Service Intelligent Mail also enables simplification of
current mail acceptance procedures. Under seamless acceptance, which is
possible only with the data and unique identifiers of Full-Service
mailings (pieces nesting in trays and trays inside containers),
business mail acceptance procedures will be scaled down, with
automation mailings verified during mail processing operations.
[[Page 23645]]
The Postal Service has worked closely with mailers, software
providers, and mail service providers to simplify, refine and evolve
our Full-Service offerings over the past four years since Full-Service
requirements were introduced. Thousands of mailers, software providers
and mail service providers have demonstrated their ability to meet the
requirements for Full-Service Intelligent Mail. The Postal Service
continues to develop new tools, and to enhance and simplify existing
tools, to make it easier for mailers to prepare and submit Full-Service
mailings.
In support of the POSTNET discontinuation and Full-Service
requirement, and to assist mailers transitioning to the Intelligent
Mail barcode, the USPS is announcing two online self-service tools: The
Automated Business Reply Mail (ABRM) tool and the Intelligent Mail
Small Business (IMsb) tool. These tools allow mailers to print an
Intelligent Mail barcode on reply mailpieces and outgoing mailings,
respectively.
The Postal Service recognizes that there are costs to converting to
Full-Service Intelligent Mail. To help the industry offset those costs,
we are investigating further increasing the incentive for Full-Service
mail users.
We are interested in gaining insight into the challenges mailers
perceive in their ability to move to full participation in the IMb
Full-Service offering, including the anticipated cost or, for those
already using this offering the actual cost, of doing so and
information on steps the Postal Service could take to assist mailers in
moving to full participation. We are also interested in the perceived
benefits, and for those already using this offering the actual
benefits, to mailers from moving to full participation in the IMb Full-
Service offering. Mailer input about the changes needed to make to move
to Full Service and the costs of those changes is extremely important
information to support the plan to move to the Full-Service requirement
for automation discounts. We are looking for responses from both
current Full Service users and non-users. Mailer responses to this
advance notice of proposed rulemaking should address the following
topics so that the Postal Service can develop appropriate plans and
responses to these concerns:
Your role in the mailing industry (mail owner, mail
preparer, software vendor, hardware vendor, or other).
Your business's use of the mail, including approximate
annual volume of mail by class (First-Class Mail[supreg], Standard
Mail[supreg], Periodicals) and shape (cards, letters, flats) of mail
and the frequency of your mailings (daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly,
or annually).
The value your business has gained from the use of Full-
Service.
Your recommendations for others to convert.
Your lessons learned and ideas to enhance the transition
processes.
How your mailing patterns have changed based on the value
added with Full-Service.
If not participating in Full-Service, the changes you will
be required to make to move from your current mailing practices to the
use of IMb Full-Service. Include upgrades to software, hardware,
changes to mail preparation procedures, and submission of
edocumentation.
The estimated one-time investment cost and any ongoing
costs of changes to mail preparation and printing.
Value of increased visibility, access to free or lower
fees for address change information, and elimination of permit fees.
Value of simplified acceptance procedures.
Value of ability to use a single permit at multiple
mailing locations.
Any mail volume patterns that you foresee as you convert.
Other specific areas of concern or challenges.
Requirements for Full-Service Intelligent Mail
Intelligent Mail Barcodes
Mailpiece barcode. The 65-bar Intelligent Mail barcode
(IMb) accommodates 31-digits of data on letter and flat mailpieces. The
IMb contains additional fields that encode ancillary services, identify
the mailer and the class of mail, and allow unique numbering/
serialization of the mailpiece. The USPS will issue a unique Mailer ID
to each full-service IMb mailer, which must be included in the
Intelligent Mail barcode. Mailers are required to uniquely number each
mailpiece in a mailing, and not reuse numbers for a period of 45 days
from the date of induction.
Tray barcode. An Intelligent Mail tray barcode (IMtb) is
required on letter trays, flat trays and sacks. Unlike today's 10-digit
tray barcode that contains only routing information, the 24-digit
Intelligent Mail tray barcode includes additional fields to identify
the mailer and uniquely number each tray or sack. Mailers must include
their USPS-assigned Mailer ID in the Intelligent Mail tray barcode.
Mailers are required to uniquely number each tray or sack in a mailing,
and not reuse each number for a period of 45 days from the date of
induction. Pieces inside each tray must be linked or nested to the IMb
tray barcode.
Container barcode. An Intelligent Mail container barcode
(IMcb) is required on all containers used to transport mail such as
pallets, all purpose containers (APCs), rolling stock, and gaylords.
This 21-digit IMcb includes fields to identify the mailer and uniquely
number each container. Mailers must include their USPS-assigned Mailer
ID in the IMcb. Mailers are required to uniquely number each container
in a mailing, and not reuse each number for a period of 45 days from
the date of induction. Trays inside the container must be linked or
nested to the IMb container barcode.
Electronic Documentation and Appointment Scheduling
Full-Service mailings must be accompanied by electronic
documentation in addition to or instead of the printed postage
statement and presort documentation currently required to mail at
automation rates. Mailers typically furnish hard copy postage
statements and documentation, or supply a computer terminal at their
site for USPS acceptance personnel to view their documentation. Many
mailers have transitioned to electronic submission of their postage
statements and mailing documentation to the Postal Service's
PostalOne![supreg] system using Mail.dat[supreg], Mail.XML, or Postal
Wizard.
Full-Service IMb mailers are required to use one of these three
methods to send their electronic mailing information to the PostalOne!
system. The PostalOne! system translates the customer-generated
electronic information into postage statements and supporting
documentation, such as qualification and container reports, that are
used for verification, acceptance, and induction processes. By
submitting documents electronically, mailers avoid the creation of
paper-based forms, use this technology to manage their mailing data,
and enable the Postal Service to capture its own efficiencies.
Mailer electronic documentation for Full-Service mailings contains
information about Intelligent Mail barcodes applied to mailpieces,
trays or sacks, and containers. Also, it identifies the unique
Intelligent Mail barcodes applied to each mailpiece, tray or sack, and
container; it describes how mailpieces are linked to handling units,
such as trays and sacks, and how mailpieces and handling units are
linked to containers. In addition, documentation provides linkage among
containers, trays and sacks when mail is
[[Page 23646]]
co-palletized, combined or comingled (in-house or at a different
plant). The electronic documentation identifies spoilage or shortage of
pieces in a mailing. Additionally it identifies the preparer of the
mailing and the mailer for whom the mailing is prepared (i.e., Mail
Owner). Mail Owner identification is required for all Full-Service
pieces in the mailing. Mailers that otherwise meet the full-service
standards and use Postal Wizard for mailings that do not require
additional documentation to support presort (mailings of fewer than
10,000 pieces with postage affixed to each piece at the correct price
or if all pieces are of identical weight, the pieces are separated by
price, or mailings all at an MAADC or MADC price) are not required to
submit this additional documentation.
Appointments play a critical role with service performance
measurement, processing and delivery of mail. At the USPS facilities
that support FAST[supreg] (Facility Access and Shipment Tracking),
mailers will be required to schedule appointments using the FAST system
for drop-ship mailings and for all origin-entered mail verified at a
detached mail unit (DMU) and transported by the mailer. Mailers may
schedule appointments online using the FAST web site or they may submit
appointment requests through PostalOne! FAST Web Services using the
Mail.XML specification. For improved service performance measurement,
visibility, and operational planning, USPS recommends that mailers link
their Intelligent Mail container barcodes (IMcb) to their appointments.
Mailers can provide container barcodes as part of the stand-alone
content creation, appointment creation, and update processes through
PostalOne! FAST Web Services. Mailers can also receive closeout data
through FAST online reports or PostalOne! FAST Web Services.
Additional Mailing Information Available With Full-Service
Mailpiece quality and visibility information is available through
the online USPS Business Customer Gateway tool and through PostalOne!
Web Services (Mail.XML). Mailers can query the information or obtain an
automated subscription. USPS, as part of the Full-Service program, is
making the following information available: Container and tray
induction and processing scans, IMb tracing bundle and piece scans;
start-the-clock information; address correction data; and certain
quality and documentation error reporting information. An IMb embeds
the following data:
Barcode ID: The barcode identifier is a 2-digit field used
to specify the presort makeup.
Service Type Identifier: Indicates class of mail and
requested special services such as scan information or address
correction.
Mailer ID: Mandatory 6- or 9-digit identifier of mail
owners and/or mailing agents, assigned by the Postal Service based upon
mail volume of owner/agent.
Serial Number: Complementary with Mailer ID for a combined
total of 15 digits, leaves mailer/agent with 6 or 9 digits for unique
mailpiece identifier. Mailpiece IDs must not be reused within 45 days
of induction date.
Delivery Point Routing Code: The None, 5-, 9- or 11-digit
ZIP Code corresponding to the delivery address.
For accessing automation prices through Full-Service, information
required in the Intelligent Mail barcode includes Service Type
Identifier (showing class of mail), Mailer ID, delivery point routing
code, OEL information (if printed on the mailpiece) and a unique serial
number.
To view final specifications and for detailed information on how to
generate the Intelligent Mail barcode, access the Intelligent Mail
barcode link from RIBBS https://ribbs.usps.gov.
Intelligent Mail Tray Barcode for Trays and Sacks
Starting in January 2014, Full Service automation discounts require
pure 24-digit Intelligent Mail Tray barcodes (IMtb). An IMtb contains
the following information:
ZIP Code:TM A 5 digit ZIP Code used to identify
the destination of the tray or sack.
Content Identifier Number (CIN): Describes tray or sack
content, including presort level and class.
Content Label Source (L SRC): Designates whether tray or
sack contents are automation compatible.
Mailer ID: A 6-digit or 9-digit Mailer ID assigned by the
Postal Service for use in the Intelligent Mail barcodes.
Serial Number: A mailer will use this field to uniquely
identify individual trays or sacks. If a 6-digit Mailer ID is assigned,
the mailer will have 8 digits to uniquely identify the handling units.
If a 9-digit Mailer ID is assigned, the mailer will have 5 digits to
identify the handling units. To participate in the Full Service option,
the Serial Number field is populated with a unique number for each
handling unit (tray or sack) in the mailing. These unique mailpiece IDs
must be maintained unique for 45 days from the date of induction.
Label Type: Indicates Mailer ID field length.
To access automation prices through the Full Service option,
mailers will be required to populate all fields in the Intelligent Mail
tray barcode to include a unique serial number.
To view the final specifications and for detailed information on
how to generate the Intelligent Mail tray barcode, access the
Intelligent Mail tray label link from https://ribbs.usps.gov/.
Intelligent Mail Container Barcode for Pallets, APCs, Rolling Stock
Mailers typically label containers of mail deposited with the
Postal Service. For Full Service, mailers must apply a unique
Intelligent Mail container barcode (IMcb) to container labels and keep
the barcode unique for at least 45 days from the date of induction.
This IMcb includes fields to identify the mailer and uniquely identify
each container. To comply with the Full Service option standards,
mailers must apply a label to all containers such as pallets, APCs,
rolling stock, and gaylords.
The Intelligent Mail container barcode has two formats. The format
a mailer uses depends upon the Mailer ID assigned by the Postal
Service. The IMcb label specifications are available in two physical
sizes for the IMcb barcode labels: One is the 8'' min x 11'' format
available at RIBBS, and the other one is the 4'' x 7'' self adhesive
format, also available at RIBBS.
Application ID (Appl ID): ``99'' indicates the source of
the barcode.
Type Indicator: ``M'' indicates a mailer-generated
barcode.
Mailer ID: A 6-digit or 9-digit Mailer ID assigned by the
Postal Service for use in the Intelligent Mail barcodes.
Serial Number: A mailer will use this field to uniquely
identify individual containers. If a 6-digit Mailer ID is assigned, the
mailer will have 12-digits to uniquely identify the containers. If a 9-
digit MID is assigned, the mailer will have 9 digits to identify the
containers. To participate in the Full Service option, the serial
number field is populated with a unique number for each container in
the mailing. These unique mailpiece IDs must not be reused for 45 days
from the date of induction. To access the automation prices through the
Full Service option, mailers will be required to populate all fields in
the Intelligent Mail container barcode to include a unique serial
number. To view the final specifications and for detailed information
on how to generate the Intelligent Mail container barcode, access the
Intelligent Mail
[[Page 23647]]
Container barcode link from RIBBS https://ribbs.usps.gov.
Electronic Documentation
To participate in Full Service, mailers must submit their postage
statements and mailing documentation, when applicable, electronically
using one of three methods: Mail.dat[supreg], Mail.XML[supreg], or
Postal Wizard[supreg] to transmit electronic information. These data
are transmitted to the Postal Service's PostalOne! system, where they
are used for verification, acceptance, payment, service performance
measurement, and induction planning and processing. The PostalOne!
system can also use this information to automate payment processes
using ACH Debit or Credit payment methods. With the PostalOne! system,
mailers have access to their mailing documentation and financial
transaction information 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Mail.dat: Mail.dat file submission is part of the overall
PostalOne! application and provides customers the capability to submit
mailing documentation over a secure connection. Mail.dat uses industry-
standard electronic file formats to facilitate communication. Mailing
information is used to generate documentation to support verification,
payment, and induction processes. Mail.dat specifications are available
at https://ribbs.usps.gov.
Mail.XML: The Mail.XML is an overarching communication
specification that allows mailers to communicate electronic
documentation and manage appointments with the Postal Service, while
enabling it to provide quality, address correction, induction, and
visibility information back to mailers. Mail.XML can also be used to
communicate between mailers and consolidators/transporters. Mail.XML is
part of the overall PostalOne! application that enables a just-in-time
connection (send information when you are ready to share). The Mail.XML
Web Service uses a Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) to submit
information in an Extensible Markup Language (XML) format that ensures
data are sent and received by applications written in various languages
and deployed on various platforms. Mailing information is sent via
Mail.XML to the PostalOne! system where the information is stored and
used to generate documentation to support verification and payment.
Mail.XML specifications are available at the following link: https://ribbs.usps.gov.
Postal Wizard: The Postage Statement Wizard is an online tool that
allows mailers to enter their postage statement information using a
secure PostalOne! account. The Postage Statement Wizard verifies
completed information for an online postage statement and automatically
populates the Permit Holder section of the postage statement based on
the account number provided. It guides the user through items needed to
complete the statement. The Postal Wizard automatically calculates
postage and validates information entered. Once a postage statement is
completed online, electronic statements will be submitted directly to
the acceptance unit.
For detailed information about electronic mailing information
options, access the following RIBBS link https://ribbs.usps.gov.
Stanley F. Mires,
Attorney, Legal Policy & Legislative Advice.
[FR Doc. 2012-9537 Filed 4-19-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7710-12-P
