New Intelligent Mail Package Barcode Standards To Enhance Package Visibility; Opportunity for Comments in Advance of Rulemaking, 13006-13007 [2013-04302]

Download as PDF 13006 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 38 / Tuesday, February 26, 2013 / Proposed Rules Other Laws and Executive Orders Affecting Rulemaking When a State submits a program amendment to OSM for review, our regulations at 30 CFR 732.17(h) require us to publish a notice in the Federal Register indicating receipt of the proposed amendment, its text or a summary of its terms, and an opportunity for public comment. We conclude our review of the proposed amendment after the close of the public comment period and determine whether the amendment should be approved, approved in part, or not approved. At that time, we will also make the determinations and certifications required by the various laws and executive orders governing the rulemaking process and include them in the final rule. List of Subjects in 30 CFR Part 950 Intergovernmental relations, Surface mining, Underground mining. Dated: January 18, 2013. Allen D. Klein, Director, Western Region. [FR Doc. 2013–04376 Filed 2–25–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–05–P POSTAL SERVICE 39 CFR Part 111 New Intelligent Mail Package Barcode Standards To Enhance Package Visibility; Opportunity for Comments in Advance of Rulemaking Postal ServiceTM. ACTION: Request for comments. wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS AGENCY: SUMMARY: The Postal Service is exploring the advisability of requiring the use of Intelligent Mail® package barcodes (IMpb) or unique tracking Intelligent Mail barcodes (IMbTM) on all commercial parcels, and providing support to mailers to assure their ability to apply unique tracking barcodes to all commercial parcels. DATES: Comments are due on March 28, 2013. 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. You may inspect and photocopy all written comments at USPS® Headquarters Library, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW., 11th Floor North, Washington, DC, by appointment only between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Call 1–202–268–2906 in advance for an appointment. Email VerDate Mar<15>2010 14:55 Feb 25, 2013 Jkt 229001 comments, containing the name and address of the commenter, may be sent to: MailingStandards@usps.gov, with a subject line of ‘‘Package Visibility.’’ Faxed comments are not accepted. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeffrey L. Freeman at 202–268–2922 or Kevin Gunther at 202–268–7208. The Postal Service continues to enhance its operational capability to provide scanning data of IMpb and other tracking barcodes through the use of automated processing equipment and Intelligent Mail scanning devices. The tracking data provided by IMpb, including acceptance, enroute, and delivery status data, will provide value to the Postal Service, to mailers and to their shared customer base. IMpb can offer a number of additional benefits by providing mailers with access to piece-level visibility throughout the Postal Service’s processing and delivery operations. The basic structure of IMpb includes: • A routing code to facilitate the processing of parcels on automated sorting equipment. • A channel-specific Application Identifier (AI) that associates the barcode to the payment method, supporting revenue assurance. • A 3-digit service type code, which identifies the exact mail class and service combination, eliminating the need for multiple barcodes on a parcel. • An option to use a 6-digit or 9-digit numeric Mailer ID (MID), to accommodate all mailers. • A serial number that enables uniqueness and supports piece-level visibility. These features contribute to the datastream efficiency within USPS® mail processing, delivery, payment, and reporting. Intelligent Mail package barcodes also include specific ‘‘mail class only’’ service type codes that may be used for parcels without extra services. The mailing industry was first provided notice of the intent of the Postal Service to require the mandatory use of IMpb on all domestic packages via an advanced notice of proposed rulemaking, Federal Register notice (75 FR 56922–56923) on September 17, 2010. In response to input from the mailing community, this broad requirement was narrowed to generally apply only to commercial parcels mailed at presort or destination-entry prices. On January 28, 2013, the Postal Service implemented this initial phase of its IMpb standards by requiring IMpb use, including use of version 1.6 of the electronic shipping services manifest, SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 for all commercial parcels (except Standard Mail parcels) claiming presort or destination-entry pricing. The Postal Service is now considering the addition, at a future date, of a new requirement for all remaining commercial parcels to bear an IMpb. Mailers of these parcels will also be required to transmit electronic documentation to the Postal Service using version 1.6 (or a newer version) of the Shipping Services Manifest File. If this requirement is adopted, it would apply to all commercial parcels, without regard to presort or entry level, and would generally include commercial parcels of all classes with the exception of Express Mail entered through Express Mail Corporate Account. The Postal Service would expect to implement these new standards on or about July 28, 2013. Additionally, the Postal Service is investigating alternative processes that would permit some categories of Standard Mail to bear a unique IMb instead of an IMpb. If the Postal Service determines that the use of an IMb is a viable option in these limited circumstances, those mailers using this option will be required to transmit piece-level data to the Postal Service in a Mail.dat or Mail.XML format. Mailers who use the IMb format will not receive delivery scans on their pieces unless they comply with Postal Service requirements for additional identifying marks indicating that confirmation services are requested. The Postal Service is also exploring options to accommodate a modified tracking process for some categories of Standard mail parcels, such as Simple SamplesTM and parcels bearing simplified addresses. Mailers will benefit from the tracking services provided with IMpb, both from improved service performance and from more efficient postal operations. The Postal Service anticipates that the enhancements to parcel visibility following these changes in standards will produce the following benefits: • Enable customer-level service reporting; • Support accurate customer volume reporting; • Provide data for identifying, diagnosing, and correcting service issues; • Enable the use of scanning technology to reduce distribution costs in delivery units by allowing nonscheme-trained employees to perform parcel distribution to carrier routes, resulting in greater flexibility in staffing and savings on training expenses; E:\FR\FM\26FEP1.SGM 26FEP1 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 38 / Tuesday, February 26, 2013 / Proposed Rules • Provide advance notice of workload to improve planning in processing and delivery operations; • Support improved understanding of, and opportunities to reduce, postal costs; If these new standards are adopted, the Postal Service also expects to provide support to its smaller and midsized mailers in applying IMpbcompliant labels to every commercial parcel. The Postal Service intends to provide pre-printed IMpb-compliant tracking barcodes to permit imprint and postage meter mailers for use with nonpresorted mailings, and to provide tools for Merchandise Return Service (MRS) permit holders to enable their customers to print IMpb-compliant MRS labels online. To improve piece-level visibility within USPS processing, the Postal Service is investigating the operational feasibility of electronically associating individual parcel tracking numbers with specific sacks, trays, pallets, or similar containers. Depending on the results, the Postal Service may, at a future date, establish a requirement for all commercial parcel mailers to electronically transmit Intelligent Mail tray barcode (IMtb) and Intelligent Mail container barcode (IMcb) nesting data to the Postal Service. Nesting data would be required to be included in the shipment manifest or to be transmitted through another approved electronic documentation method. Recognizing that package mailers have not previously been required to use these barcodes, if this requirement is adopted, the Postal Service will work with the industry to support transitioning to the use of these barcodes, and to determine the proper timing for its implementation. Stanley F. Mires, Attorney, Legal Policy & Legislative Advice. [FR Doc. 2013–04302 Filed 2–25–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7710–12–P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 40 CFR Part 52 wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS [EPA–R03–OAR–2013–0055; FRL–9785–3] Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Pennsylvania; Allegheny County Reasonably Available Control Technology Under the 8-Hour Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standard Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). AGENCY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 14:55 Feb 25, 2013 Jkt 229001 ACTION: Proposed rule. SUMMARY: EPA is proposing to approve a State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision submitted by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD). This SIP revision consists of a demonstration that Allegheny County’s portion of the Pennsylvania requirements of reasonably available control technology (RACT) for nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) satisfies the RACT requirements set forth by the Clean Air Act (CAA). This SIP revision demonstrates that all requirements for RACT are met either through Certification that previously adopted RACT controls in Allegheny County’s SIP that were approved by EPA under the 1-hour ozone national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) are based on the currently available technically and economically feasible controls, and continue to represent RACT for the 8hour ozone NAAQS, a negative declaration demonstrating that no facilities exist in Allegheny County for certain control technology guideline (CTG) categories; and a new RACT determination for a specific source. This action is being taken under the CAA. DATES: Written comments must be received on or before March 28, 2013. ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID Number EPA– R03–OAR–2013–0055 by one of the following methods: A. www.regulations.gov. Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments. B. Email: Fernandez.cristina@epa.gov. C. Mail: EPA–R03–OAR–2013–0055, Cristina Fernandez, Associate Director, Office of Air Program Planning, Mailcode 3AP30, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region III, 1650 Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103. D. Hand Delivery: At the previouslylisted EPA Region III address. Such deliveries are only accepted during the Docket’s normal hours of operation, and special arrangements should be made for deliveries of boxed information. Instructions: Direct your comments to Docket ID No. EPA–R03–OAR–2013– 0055. 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 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 13007 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 recommends that you include your name and other contact information in the body of your comment and with any disk or CD–ROM you submit. If EPA cannot read your comment due to technical difficulties and cannot contact you for clarification, EPA may not be able to consider your comment. Electronic files should avoid the use of special characters, any form of encryption, and be free of any defects or viruses. Docket: All documents in the electronic docket are listed in the www.regulations.gov index. Although listed in the index, some information is not publicly available, i.e., CBI or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Certain other material, such as copyrighted material, is not placed on the Internet and will be publicly available only in hard copy form. Publicly available docket materials are available either electronically in www.regulations.gov or in hard copy during normal business hours at the Air Protection Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region III, 1650 Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103. Copies of the State submittal are available at the Allegheny County Health Department, Bureau of Environmental Quality, Division of Air Quality, 301 39th Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15201. Copies are also available at Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Air Quality Control, P.O. Box 8468, 400 Market Street, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17105. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Emlyn Velez-Rosa, (215) 814–2038, or by email at Velez-Rosa.Emlyn@epa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Background Ozone is formed in the atmosphere by photochemical reactions between VOC, NOx, and carbon monoxide (CO) in the presence of sunlight. In order to reduce ozone concentrations in the ambient air, the CAA requires all nonattainment E:\FR\FM\26FEP1.SGM 26FEP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 38 (Tuesday, February 26, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 13006-13007]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-04302]


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POSTAL SERVICE

39 CFR Part 111


New Intelligent Mail Package Barcode Standards To Enhance Package 
Visibility; Opportunity for Comments in Advance of Rulemaking

AGENCY: Postal ServiceTM.

ACTION: Request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Postal Service is exploring the advisability of requiring 
the use of Intelligent Mail[supreg] package barcodes (IMpb) or unique 
tracking Intelligent Mail barcodes (IMbTM) on all commercial 
parcels, and providing support to mailers to assure their ability to 
apply unique tracking barcodes to all commercial parcels.

DATES: Comments are due on March 28, 2013.

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. You may inspect and photocopy all written 
comments at USPS[supreg] Headquarters Library, 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW., 
11th Floor North, Washington, DC, by appointment only between the hours 
of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Call 1-202-268-2906 in 
advance for an appointment. Email comments, containing the name and 
address of the commenter, may be sent to: MailingStandards@usps.gov, 
with a subject line of ``Package Visibility.'' Faxed comments are not 
accepted.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeffrey L. Freeman at 202-268-2922 or 
Kevin Gunther at 202-268-7208.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Postal Service continues to enhance its 
operational capability to provide scanning data of IMpb and other 
tracking barcodes through the use of automated processing equipment and 
Intelligent Mail scanning devices. The tracking data provided by IMpb, 
including acceptance, enroute, and delivery status data, will provide 
value to the Postal Service, to mailers and to their shared customer 
base.
    IMpb can offer a number of additional benefits by providing mailers 
with access to piece-level visibility throughout the Postal Service's 
processing and delivery operations. The basic structure of IMpb 
includes:
     A routing code to facilitate the processing of parcels on 
automated sorting equipment.
     A channel-specific Application Identifier (AI) that 
associates the barcode to the payment method, supporting revenue 
assurance.
     A 3-digit service type code, which identifies the exact 
mail class and service combination, eliminating the need for multiple 
barcodes on a parcel.
     An option to use a 6-digit or 9-digit numeric Mailer ID 
(MID), to accommodate all mailers.
     A serial number that enables uniqueness and supports 
piece-level visibility.
    These features contribute to the data-stream efficiency within 
USPS[supreg] mail processing, delivery, payment, and reporting. 
Intelligent Mail package barcodes also include specific ``mail class 
only'' service type codes that may be used for parcels without extra 
services.
    The mailing industry was first provided notice of the intent of the 
Postal Service to require the mandatory use of IMpb on all domestic 
packages via an advanced notice of proposed rulemaking, Federal 
Register notice (75 FR 56922-56923) on September 17, 2010. In response 
to input from the mailing community, this broad requirement was 
narrowed to generally apply only to commercial parcels mailed at 
presort or destination-entry prices. On January 28, 2013, the Postal 
Service implemented this initial phase of its IMpb standards by 
requiring IMpb use, including use of version 1.6 of the electronic 
shipping services manifest, for all commercial parcels (except Standard 
Mail parcels) claiming presort or destination-entry pricing.
    The Postal Service is now considering the addition, at a future 
date, of a new requirement for all remaining commercial parcels to bear 
an IMpb. Mailers of these parcels will also be required to transmit 
electronic documentation to the Postal Service using version 1.6 (or a 
newer version) of the Shipping Services Manifest File. If this 
requirement is adopted, it would apply to all commercial parcels, 
without regard to presort or entry level, and would generally include 
commercial parcels of all classes with the exception of Express Mail 
entered through Express Mail Corporate Account. The Postal Service 
would expect to implement these new standards on or about July 28, 
2013.
    Additionally, the Postal Service is investigating alternative 
processes that would permit some categories of Standard Mail to bear a 
unique IMb instead of an IMpb. If the Postal Service determines that 
the use of an IMb is a viable option in these limited circumstances, 
those mailers using this option will be required to transmit piece-
level data to the Postal Service in a Mail.dat or Mail.XML format. 
Mailers who use the IMb format will not receive delivery scans on their 
pieces unless they comply with Postal Service requirements for 
additional identifying marks indicating that confirmation services are 
requested. The Postal Service is also exploring options to accommodate 
a modified tracking process for some categories of Standard mail 
parcels, such as Simple SamplesTM and parcels bearing 
simplified addresses.
    Mailers will benefit from the tracking services provided with IMpb, 
both from improved service performance and from more efficient postal 
operations. The Postal Service anticipates that the enhancements to 
parcel visibility following these changes in standards will produce the 
following benefits:
     Enable customer-level service reporting;
     Support accurate customer volume reporting;
     Provide data for identifying, diagnosing, and correcting 
service issues;
     Enable the use of scanning technology to reduce 
distribution costs in delivery units by allowing non-scheme-trained 
employees to perform parcel distribution to carrier routes, resulting 
in greater flexibility in staffing and savings on training expenses;

[[Page 13007]]

     Provide advance notice of workload to improve planning in 
processing and delivery operations;
     Support improved understanding of, and opportunities to 
reduce, postal costs;
    If these new standards are adopted, the Postal Service also expects 
to provide support to its smaller and mid-sized mailers in applying 
IMpb-compliant labels to every commercial parcel. The Postal Service 
intends to provide pre-printed IMpb-compliant tracking barcodes to 
permit imprint and postage meter mailers for use with non-presorted 
mailings, and to provide tools for Merchandise Return Service (MRS) 
permit holders to enable their customers to print IMpb-compliant MRS 
labels online.
    To improve piece-level visibility within USPS processing, the 
Postal Service is investigating the operational feasibility of 
electronically associating individual parcel tracking numbers with 
specific sacks, trays, pallets, or similar containers. Depending on the 
results, the Postal Service may, at a future date, establish a 
requirement for all commercial parcel mailers to electronically 
transmit Intelligent Mail tray barcode (IMtb) and Intelligent Mail 
container barcode (IMcb) nesting data to the Postal Service. Nesting 
data would be required to be included in the shipment manifest or to be 
transmitted through another approved electronic documentation method. 
Recognizing that package mailers have not previously been required to 
use these barcodes, if this requirement is adopted, the Postal Service 
will work with the industry to support transitioning to the use of 
these barcodes, and to determine the proper timing for its 
implementation.

Stanley F. Mires,
Attorney, Legal Policy & Legislative Advice.
[FR Doc. 2013-04302 Filed 2-25-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7710-12-P
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