Implementation of Full-Service Intelligent Mail Requirements for Automation Prices, 23137-23149 [2013-08721]

Agencies

• Postal Service

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 75 (Thursday, April 18, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 23137-23149]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-08721]


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POSTAL SERVICE

39 CFR Part 111


Implementation of Full-Service Intelligent Mail Requirements for 
Automation Prices

AGENCY: Postal Service TM.

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]), throughout 
various sections to modify eligibility requirements for mailers to 
qualify for automation prices. Effective January 26, 2014, use of 
``full-service'' Intelligent Mail[supreg] is required to qualify for 
automation prices for postcards (First-Class Mail[supreg] only), 
letters, and flats when mailed using the following services: First-
Class Mail, Standard Mail[supreg] and Periodicals[supreg]; and for 
flats mailed at Bound Printed Matter[supreg] prices. Additionally, the 
10/24 transitional barcoded tray label format is eliminated, and 
mailers are required to use the 24-digit Intelligent Mail barcode (IMb 
TM) format on tray, tub, and sack labels.

DATES: Effective Date: January 26, 2014.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 

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Ana Cikowski..........................  email: ana.cikowski@usps.gov..  phone: 202-268-8079.
Himesh Patel..........................  email: himesh.a.patel@usps.gov  phone: 703-280-7498.
Garrett Hoyt..........................  email: garrett.m.hoyt@usps.gov  phone: 202-268-5714.
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SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On October 17, 2012, the Postal Service 
published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in the Federal Register (77 
FR 63771-63781) to require use of full-service Intelligent Mail to 
qualify for automation prices when mailing First-Class Mail (FCM), 
Standard Mail, Periodicals, and Bound Printed Matter (BPM) postcards, 
letters, or flats, as applicable.
    For questions regarding full-service requirements, contact the 
Postal Service by email at fullservice@usps.gov or call the PostalOne! 
Help Desk at 800-522-9085.

Background

    In January 2009, the Postal Service offered the mailing industry 
two Intelligent Mail options for automation discounts, which consisted 
of basic-service and full-service. Currently, a large number of mailers 
are using these two options and reaping numerous benefits and value.
    Since the introduction of full-service Intelligent Mail, the Postal 
Service has worked closely with mailers, software vendors, and mail 
service providers to simplify, refine, and evolve full-service 
offerings. While thousands of users demonstrated the ability to meet 
the requirements for full-service Intelligent Mail, the Postal Service 
recognizes that this initiative requires significant changes for those 
mailers who currently benefit from automation discounts but are not 
presenting full-service mailings. Therefore, the Postal Service is 
continually working with the mailing industry to simplify the 
transition to full-service Intelligent Mail.

Full-Service Mailings

    Full-service Intelligent Mail combines the use of unique barcodes 
with the provision of electronic information regarding the makeup and 
preparation of mail, which provides high-value services and enables 
efficient mail processing.
    Mailings must bear Intelligent Mail barcodes on mailpieces, trays, 
and containers, where applicable. Also, mailers must submit mailing 
documentation electronically.
    When preparing full-service mailings, mailers are required to:
     Apply unique Intelligent Mail barcodes (IMb) to identify 
each postcard, letter, and flat mailpiece.

[[Page 23138]]

Small mailings containing fewer than 10,000 pieces can use the same 
serial number for all pieces, if postage is affixed to each piece at 
the correct price, or all pieces are of identical weight and separated 
by price.
     Individually meet the eligibility requirements for 
automation prices according to class and shape.
     Apply unique Intelligent Mail tray barcodes (IMtb) on 
trays, tubs, and sacks.
     Apply unique Intelligent Mail container barcodes (IMcb) on 
placards for containers, such as pallets, when required.
     Schedule appointments through the Facility Access and 
Shipment Tracking system (FAST [supreg]) if mail is accepted at an 
origin facility and entered at a downstream USPS TM 
processing facility.
     Use an approved electronic method to transmit mailing 
documentation and postage statements to the Postal Service.
     If the mailing is prepared or presented on behalf of 
another entity, the electronic documentation (eDoc) must include 
additional information to support the by/for mailing relationships. 
Mail service providers (agents) do not have to provide by/for data for 
mail owners with 5,000 or fewer pieces in a mailing. All other mailings 
must include by/for information. The mail owner and mailing agent are 
described as follows:
    Mail Owner: The mail owner is the business entity, organization, or 
individual who makes business decisions regarding the mailpiece 
content, directly benefits from the mailing, and ultimately pays for 
postage on the mailpiece directly or by way of a mailing agent.
    Mailing Agent: The mailing agent is a business entity, 
organization, or individual acting on behalf of one or more mail owners 
by providing mailing services for which the mail owners compensate the 
mailing agent. A business entity, organization, or individual whose 
services define it as a mailing agent may also be considered a mail 
owner, but only for its own mail or the mail of its subsidiaries. 
Mailing agents include, but are not limited to the following: Printer, 
letter shop, address list provider/manager; mail preparer, postage 
payment provider, mailing logistics provider, mailing tracking 
provider, ad agency, and mailing information manager.

The Postal Service's Vision

    The strategic vision of the Postal Service is to create 100 percent 
visibility for mail in the mail stream. This visibility provides full-
service mailers with near real-time data that specifies the location of 
mailpieces within the postal mail stream and the delivery day.
    The Postal Service continues the ongoing transformation of data 
visibility and evolution of technological innovations to achieve this 
vision.
    The mailer's use of full-service Intelligent Mail is an integral 
part of the Postal Service's ongoing strategy to provide cost-effective 
and service-responsive mailing services. Efficient use of postal 
resources can be achieved with advance information about the content 
and makeup of the mail. As mail is processed and sorted, postal sorting 
equipment captures volume and destination information. The Postal 
Service built and is refining systems that make information available 
to downstream postal facilities for use with operational planning. The 
planning data enabled through full-service mailings provides 
significant opportunities for improvements in efficiency and service 
performance.

Benefits and Advantages

    If all guidelines are followed and requirements met, full-service 
Intelligent Mail offers advantages to mailers and the Postal Service.

Advantages for Mailers

     Mailers receive free undeliverable-as-addressed 
information including address correction service (ACS) and nixie 
service. (A nixie is a mailpiece that cannot be sorted or delivered 
because of an incorrect, illegible, or insufficient delivery address. 
Nixie service enables the processing of mail that cannot be forwarded 
or delivered as addressed and notifies mailers electronically of the 
specific reason for non-delivery.)
     A mailer receives start-the-clock information indicating 
when the mail was accepted by the Postal Service.
     Mailers receive container, tray, bundle, and mailpiece 
scans from induction to destination processing.
     Mailers are able to more effectively plan operations, 
assess the success of advertising campaigns, and improve customer 
interaction.
     Mailers are provided with comprehensive information on the 
status of mailings as they progress through the postal mail stream.
     Visibility enables mailers to respond more effectively to 
customer inquiries on the status of bills, statements, catalogs, and 
publications.
     A mailer's annual mailing permit fee is waived when the 
mailer enters 90 percent or more of full-service volume using the 
associated permit within the year.
     The ``Mail Anywhere'' program allows the use of a single 
permit at any PostalOne![supreg] site for mailings containing 90 
percent or more of full-service mailpieces. This simplifies permit 
management and enables the mailer to maintain a single account to enter 
and pay for mailings. Full-service mailers may also use the ``Pay 
Anywhere'' program, which allows customers to make deposits to their 
permit trust accounts at any Point of Sale (POS) retail site that 
supports business mail entry unit (BMEU) transactions. The Mail 
Anywhere and Pay Anywhere processes are in pilot and will launch by 
July 31, 2013. To sign up for the pilot or the program after 
implementation, contact the PostalOne! Help Desk at 800-522-9085. For 
additional information about the programs, access RIBBS by logging on 
to https://ribbs.usps.gov.
     Simplified mail entry and acceptance through programs 
enabled by full-service including eInduction and Seamless Acceptance.

Advantages for the Postal Service

     Visibility into the flow of mail through the postal mail 
stream enables enhanced diagnostics of service performance. The ability 
to measure service performance is available for each full-service 
mailing.
     Scan data allows the Postal Service to measure the number 
of hours and minutes between operations.
     Scan data allows the Postal Service to identify 
operational bottlenecks and continue to improve service for commercial 
First-Class Mail, Standard Mail, Periodicals, and BPM.
     Ability to provide real-time alerts to postal operations 
enables employees to respond to and avoid potential service failures.
     Advance notification of volume and makeup of commercial 
mail enables improved resource planning.
     Ability to accurately track mail volumes as they move 
through the postal network enables improved management and staffing of 
operations.
     Simplified mail acceptance processes increase 
productivity. With the availability of full-service mailing data and 
unique identifiers, the business mail acceptance procedures are 
streamlined with programs such as eInduction and Seamless Acceptance.

Verification Procedures

Existing Automation Verifications

    After January 26, 2014, acceptance employees will continue to 
perform existing verification and assessment processes. Existing 
verifications include

[[Page 23139]]

but are not limited to validation of the mailpiece dimensions, shape, 
weight, flexibility, barcode quality, content, presort makeup, and 
automation eligibility. Should a mailing fail existing verifications, 
the mailer may choose to have the disqualified mailing returned for re-
work or pay the additional postage. The existing thresholds used to 
verify and qualify automation mailings will apply.

Full-Service Acceptance Verifications

    In addition to the existing verifications described above, 
acceptance employees perform additional verifications on full-service 
mailings to ensure that Intelligent Mail barcodes are present and 
readable on mailpieces, trays, and containers where applicable and that 
the mailing is presented with proper eDoc. The existing thresholds used 
to verify and qualify full-service mailings for readable barcodes and 
submission of eDoc will apply. Should a mailing fail existing 
verifications, the mailer may choose to have the disqualified mailing 
returned for re-work or pay the additional postage to mail at a non-
automation price.

Full-Service Electronic Verification

    In addition to the above verification processes, the Postal Service 
performs additional validations of the following information contained 
in the eDoc submitted with full-service mailings. The Postal Service 
provides detailed data from these verifications including by/for 
information, service type ID, mailer ID, unique barcodes (piece, 
handling unit, container), entry facility, and co-palletization 
information.
     Service Type ID: A service type ID that is provided in the 
IMb and contained in the eDoc is appropriate for the class of mail and 
service level of the mailpiece.
     Mailer ID: A mailer ID that is provided in the IMb, IMtb, 
and/or IMcb and contained in the eDoc is valid (registered with the 
USPS Mailer ID system).
     Unique Piece Barcode: An IMb contained in the eDoc is 
unique across mailings for 45 days. Exception: Small mailings that have 
fewer than 10,000 pieces, where postage is affixed to each piece at the 
correct price or each piece is of identical weight and the mailpieces 
are separated by price, can use the same serial number for all pieces 
in the mailing. In this case, uniqueness is required for the serial 
number at the mailing level. A different serial number should be used 
for each mailing and the serial number cannot be repeated within 45 
days.
     Unique Tray Barcode: An IMtb that contained in the eDoc is 
unique across mailings for 45 days. Exception: Small mailings that have 
fewer than 10,000 pieces can use the same serial number for all trays 
in the mailing, if postage is affixed to each piece at the correct 
price, or the pieces are of identical weight and separated by price.
     Unique Container Barcode: An IMcb contained in the eDoc is 
unique across mailings for 45 days.
     Co-Palletization: Co-palletized mailings must have eDoc 
submitted by both the origin facility and the consolidator to describe 
the movement of trays and sacks.
     Entry Facility: Entry facility provided in eDoc (Locale 
key or ZIP Code) is a valid USPS facility.
     By/For: Electronic documentation is checked to ensure that 
the mail owner and mailing agent identification are accurately 
populated.
    The results of additional full-service electronic verifications are 
displayed in reports aggregated over a one-month period. The Postal 
Service continues to work with the mailing industry to share the 
results of these reports and address issues and gaps. No assessments 
will be made as a result of any additional full-service electronic 
verification until July 1, 2014. To develop reasonable thresholds and 
measure electronic documentation quality, the Postal Service will 
evaluate the data trends of full-service electronic verifications.

Summary of Comments and USPS Responses

    The Postal Service received comments from 52 respondents within the 
mailing industry. These comments, in addition to feedback from the 
Mailers Technical Advisory Council (MTAC), Postal Customer Councils 
(PCC), and other outreach efforts, allowed the Postal Service to 
develop initiatives that can enable mailers to efficiently transition 
to full-service Intelligent Mail.
    The Postal Service appreciates all of the valuable comments that 
were provided. The following concerns were expressed:

Pricing and Mail Preparation Comments

Mailer Comment

    How will the Postal Service verify the 90 percent requirement to 
obtain the permit fee waiver? If the percentage drops below 90, is the 
client be assessed a charge?

Postal Service Response

    The Postal Service verifies that every individual mailing meets the 
90 percent full-service criteria by checking the full-service 
percentage on the postage statements as they are processed. If every 
statement meets the 90 percent full-service criteria, the permit fee 
will not be activated and required when it is due. If, however, a 
mailing fails to meet the 90 percent full-service threshold, the annual 
permit fee is required and activated on the date of the failure to 
process the mailing. The annual fee will be good for one year.
    In response to industry feedback, the Postal Service reviewed an 
alternative approach to consider waiving the annual permit fee when the 
cumulative volume throughout the year remains at or over 90 percent 
full-service.

Mailer Comment

    When a mailing fails to qualify for full-service Intelligent Mail, 
the penalties assessed are substantial. It is imperative that the 
Postal Service be as precise as possible about qualification and 
verification requirements.
    Please clarify what is measured to validate that the full-service 
requirements are being met. Is there a threshold or tolerance of less 
than 100 percent of the pieces in a full-service mailing, yet that 
mailing still qualifies for automation prices?

Postal Service Response

    After January 26, 2014, acceptance employees will continue to 
perform existing verification and assessment processes. Existing 
verifications include validation of the mailpiece dimensions, shape, 
weight, flexibility, barcode quality, content, presort makeup, and 
automation eligibility. Should a mailing fail existing verifications, 
the mailer may choose to have the disqualified mailing returned for re-
work or pay the additional postage. The existing thresholds used to 
verify and qualify automation mailings will apply.
    In addition to the existing verifications described above, 
acceptance employees perform additional verifications on full-service 
mailings to ensure that Intelligent Mail barcodes are present, 
readable, and accurate on mailpieces, trays and containers where 
applicable, and that the mailing is presented with electronic 
documentation. The existing thresholds used to verify and qualify full-
service mailings will apply.
    Should a mailing fail the existing verifications, the mailer may 
choose to have the disqualified mailing returned for re-work or pay the 
additional postage to mail at a non-automation price.
    Additionally, the Postal Service performs validations of the 
information

[[Page 23140]]

that is submitted with full-service mailings. The results of full-
service electronic verifications are displayed in reports aggregated 
over a one-month period. The Postal Service continues to work with the 
mailing industry to share the results of these reports and address 
issues and gaps.
    No assessments will be made as a result of any full-service 
electronic verification until July 1, 2014. To develop reasonable 
thresholds and measure electronic documentation quality, the Postal 
Service evaluates the data trends of full-service electronic 
verifications.

Mailer Comment

    Our organization is concerned about the revision to DMM 705.24.1, 
``Full-service automation mailings may include automation-compatible 
pieces without barcodes, with POSTNET barcodes, or with Intelligent 
Mail barcodes. Mailings of full-service automation letters must not be 
comingled in the same tray with automation-compatible pieces without 
barcodes, with POSTNET barcodes, or with non-full-service Intelligent 
Mail barcodes, and these pieces will not be used to meet the 
eligibility standards for full-service or receive associated 
benefits.''
    This revision seems to overlook the realities of mail production 
operations. It is simply not possible to validate and ensure that every 
single mailpiece is 100 percent full-service. However, when operations 
are finalized, all pieces can be fully validated and identified in the 
eDoc within an appropriate tolerance.

Postal Service Response

    Based on customer feedback, this language has been revised in the 
Federal Register notice, final rule. Full-service automation letters 
must not be comingled in the same tray with pieces without barcodes, 
pieces with POSTNET barcodes, or pieces with an IMb without a delivery 
point. Full-service automation mailpieces may be comingled in a tray 
with non-full-service eligible pieces with an IMb containing a delivery 
point.

PostalOne! and IT Systems Comments

Mailer Comment

    Not all mailings eligible for automation prices are currently 
supported electronically by PostalOne! e.g. FCM bundle-based flats and 
FCM manifest mailings, etc. By 2014, will PostalOne! electronically 
support all mailings that are currently prepared for automation prices? 
If not, what will the Postal Service do regarding this issue and will 
the mailings continue to receive automation prices?

Postal Service Response

    The Postal Service is working with the mailing industry to resolve 
the current technical issues preventing the upload of eDoc for all 
full-service automation mailings prior to January 26, 2014.

Mailer Comment

    Due to technical limitations of the current Mail.dat and PostalOne! 
system architecture, mailers of Multi-line Optical Character Reader 
(MLOCR) bundle-based FCM flats are at risk of being excluded from 
participating in full-service Intelligent Mail, which would not qualify 
them for automation prices. How does the Postal Service plan to address 
these technical limitations to enable all MLOCR bundle-based mailers to 
participate in full-service? If the technical issues cannot be resolved 
prior to January 2014, are the MLOCR mailers exempted from the full-
service requirement and still able to qualify for automation prices 
until the matter is resolved?

Postal Service Response

    The Postal Service is working with the mailing industry to resolve 
the current technical issues for MLOCR bundled-based flats prior to 
January 26, 2014.

Mailer IDs (MIDs) and Customer Registration IDs (CRIDs) Comments

Mailer Comment

    How will the Postal Service focus more attention and resources on 
resolving issues regarding systems and processes around CRID/MID 
assignment and maintenance? Also, how does the Postal Service plan to 
improve the customer-facing processes and systems, especially as it 
relates to CRID/MID assignments and the BCG?

Postal Service Response

    There are currently three methods whereby mail service providers 
and mail owners can acquire 9-Digit MIDs and/or CRIDs. These methods 
were described in the ``Quick Step Guide to Nine-Digit MID and/or CRID 
Acquisition'', posted on RIBBS at https://ribbs.usps.gov/intelligentmail_mail_id_app/documents/tech_guides/MIDCRIDAcquisitionQuickStep.pdf.
    Manual requests for MIDs and CRIDs will be handled by the Postal 
Service Help Desk, which allows mailers to request a ticket number and 
track the time to resolve issues.
    In July 2013, the Postal Service will implement functionality for a 
fourth method that allows mail service providers to obtain CRIDs and 
MIDs on behalf of customers, through the Business Customer Gateway 
(BCG) interface. Additionally, there will be enhancements to allow 
users to more easily manage their profile when adding or removing 
business locations and services.

Mailer Comment

    Our customers view the mail service provider's requests for MIDs/
CRIDs as harassment rather than help. In fact, they have us log into 
the BCG on their behalf to obtain a MID/CRID for mailing, because they 
have no interest in setting this up themselves.
    The Postal Service established some simpler ways for mail service 
providers to obtain MIDs/CRIDs, but unfortunately the methods 
established were not yet responsive enough to meet the needs of our 
customers, which force us to continue the tedious process of creating 
them individually. Often, we don't have 24 hours to wait for MIDs/
CRIDs.

Postal Service Response

    There are currently three methods through which mail service 
providers and mail owners can acquire 9-Digit MIDs and/or CRIDs. These 
methods were described in detail in the ``Quick Step Guide to Nine-
Digit MID and/or CRID Acquisition'', posted on RIBBS at https://ribbs.usps.gov/intelligentmail_mail_id_app/documents/tech_guides/MIDCRIDAcquisitionQuickStep.pdf.
    In July 2013, the Postal Service will implement functionality for a 
fourth method that allows mail service providers to obtain CRIDs and 
MIDs on behalf of their customers through the BCG interface. In 
addition, there are enhancements to allow users to more easily manage 
their profile, when adding or removing business locations and services.

Mailer Comment

    There are issues with the MIDs that are required on the mailpieces, 
trays, and pallets. Presently, the Postal Service doesn't verify that 
the MIDs used in mailings are correct and authorized by the MID owner 
for use in a particular mailing, which could potentially lead to data 
going to the wrong organization.

Postal Service Response

    It is the responsibility of the mail owner or mail service provider 
to ensure that information provided is accurate and complete. To help 
support mail owners and mail service providers, the

[[Page 23141]]

Postal Service will implement a validation tool in July 2013 that 
allows mail service providers to validate CRIDs and MIDs. This tool 
enables a mail service provider to identify/validate the owner of a MID 
or CRID before it is used in a mailing.
    Further information on MIDs and CRIDs can be found in the ``Quick 
Step Guide to Nine-Digit MID and/or CRID Acquisition'', posted on RIBBS 
at https://ribbs.usps.gov/intelligentmail_mail_id_app/documents/tech_guides/MIDCRIDAcquisitionQuickStep.pdf.

By/For Requirements and Mail Quality Errors & Reporting Comments

Mailer Comment

    How much time will mailers be given to take corrective action on 
mail quality errors, and what are the penalties for non-compliance?

Postal Service Response

    After January 26, 2014, acceptance employees will continue to 
perform additional verifications on full-service mailings to ensure 
that Intelligent Mail barcodes are present and readable on mailpieces, 
trays, and containers where applicable, and that the mailing is 
presented with proper eDoc. The existing thresholds used to verify and 
qualify full-service mailings to ensure that barcodes are present and 
readable and submission of eDoc will apply. Should a mailing fail 
existing verifications, the mailer may choose to have the disqualified 
mailing returned for re-work or pay the additional postage to mail at a 
non-automation price.
    In addition to the full-service verifications described above on 
the physical mail, the USPS performs validations of information 
contained in the electronic documentation submitted with full-service 
mailings. The results of these full-service electronic verifications 
are displayed in reports aggregated over a one-month period. The USPS 
evaluates the data trends of full-service electronic verifications to 
develop reasonable thresholds to measure electronic documentation 
quality. Results from electronic verifications should be displayed to 
the mailer within 48 hours of the postage statement finalization. 
Mailers may use the Mailer Scorecard report in the PostalOne! 
microStrategy environment to review the mailing electronic verification 
quality and drill into detailed information on each error.
    No assessments will be made as a result of any full-service 
electronic verification until July 1, 2014. Information on accessing 
and using the Mailer Scorecard can be found on RIBBS at https://ribbs.usps.gov.

Mailer Comment

    Please provide clarity regarding how the Postal Service plans to 
manage quality errors -- namely: What evidence will be provided to the 
mailer? Are mailers allowed to fix errors? Also, if mail is 
disqualified from using full-service Intelligent Mail, how can it re-
qualify? What is the timeframe in which the Postal Service will 
communicate quality errors to the mailer and mail service provider?

Postal Service Response

    After January 26, 2014, acceptance employees will continue to 
perform additional verifications on full-service mailings to ensure 
that Intelligent Mail barcodes are present, and readable on mailpieces, 
trays, and containers where applicable, and that the mailing is 
presented with proper eDoc. The existing thresholds used to verify and 
qualify full-service mailings to ensure that barcodes are present and 
readable and submission of eDoc will apply. Should a mailing fail 
existing verifications, the mailer may choose to have the disqualified 
mailing returned for re-work or pay the additional postage to mail at a 
non-automation price.
    In addition to the full-service verifications described above on 
the physical mail, the USPS performs validations of the information 
contained in the electronic documentation submitted with full-service 
mailings. The results of these full-service electronic verifications 
are displayed in reports aggregated over a one-month period. The USPS 
evaluates the data trends of full-service electronic verifications to 
develop reasonable thresholds to measure electronic documentation 
quality. Results from electronic verifications should be displayed to 
the mailer within 48 hours of the postage statement finalization.
    Mailers may use the Mailer Scorecard report in the PostalOne! 
microStrategy environment to review the mailing of electronic 
verification quality and drill into detailed information on each error.
    No assessments will be made as a result of any full-service 
electronic verification until July 1, 2014. Information on accessing 
and using the Mailer Scorecard can be found on RIBBS: https://ribbs.usps.gov.

Testing Environment for Mailers (TEM) and Electronic Documentation 
(eDoc) Comments

Mailer Comment

    How will the Postal Service continue to improve systems and 
processes around full-service testing?

Postal Service Response

    The USPS worked with the mailing industry to identify full-service 
gaps, and is working to implement corrections and enhancements. We 
implemented changes to improve system throughput, capacity, and 
performance. We have also enhanced our testing environment to support 
more production-like volume for testing and performance.
    The Postal Service developed a process to authorize software 
vendors for electronic documentation and full-service capabilities. Use 
of authorized software simplifies the onboarding process for mailers. 
The Postal Service published the list of authorized software vendors on 
RIBBS at https://ribbs.usps.gov.
    Mailers using authorized software are asked to submit a single file 
to TEM to show they can use their software to generate accurate eDoc. 
Mailers can view the postage statements and supporting documentation to 
ensure the accuracy of the transaction in the TEM environment. Once a 
mailer has submitted and reviewed the single file, the testing process 
is complete.
    Documentation regarding the simplified TEM process can be found on 
RIBBS at https://ribbs.usps.gov.

Mailer Comment

    By not offering a fully automated TEM, the Postal Service 
unnecessarily relies on processes that are not extensible. Mailers will 
likely delay full-service implementation until the end of 2013, which 
creates a bottleneck. The current TEM is not set up to handle a massive 
influx of mailers -- what are your plans to address this matter?

Postal Service Response

    Since October 2012, the Postal Service published a list of software 
products authorized for eDoc and full-service mailing scenarios. The 
TEM onboarding process has been simplified for mailers using an 
authorized software product. Mailers submit a single file to TEM that 
shows they are able to use the software and generate accurate eDoc. 
Mailers can view the postage statement and supporting documentation to 
ensure accuracy of the transaction in the TEM environment. Once a 
mailer has submitted and reviewed the single file, the testing process 
is complete. Further

[[Page 23142]]

documentation regarding the simplified TEM process can be found on 
RIBBS.
    In addition to TEM, the Postal Service is establishing a pre-
production environment available for mailers to use for testing. This 
environment is available at the start of testing for an upcoming 
release.

Mailer Comment

    Please clarify the following information regarding eDoc (Is this a 
new or existing requirement?): ``When entering full-service mailings, 
eDoc is required. A mailer's eDoc identifies the unique IMb applied to 
each mailpiece, tray, tub, sack, and container; it describes how 
mailpieces are linked to handling units, such as trays, tubs, and 
sacks; and identifies how mailpieces and handling units are linked to 
containers. Additionally, eDoc identifies spoilage or shortage of 
pieces in a mailing, 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 pieces in a full-service mailing.''

Postal Service Response

    The use of detailed eDoc, including nesting and by/for information, 
is an existing requirement for full-service. The Postal Service allows 
the use of logical containers and trays to simplify the requirements to 
track each mailpiece to a handling unit and each handling unit to a 
container. Logical containers/trays allow all mail going to the same 
destination at the same presort level to be handled as a single logical 
entity. Individual mailpieces can be traced to a destination instead of 
a physical tray. Additional technical details on the requirements to 
complete eDoc for full-service can be found on RIBBS in the ``Guide to 
Intelligent Mail for Letters and Flats.''

Mailer Comment

    We recommend that the Postal Service provide a matrix of mailing 
types that must comply with the eDoc standards and those which are not 
required to comply. Also, it is recommended that the matrix identify 
the requirements in which the non-supported mailings must comply to 
ensure automation prices. If the Postal Service plans to transition 
those mailing types to eDoc capabilities, then a schedule should be 
provided.

Postal Service Response

    The Postal Service plans to support all full-service automation 
eligible mailings with eDoc before January 26, 2014. The following 
classes and mail types are covered by full-service: First-Class Mail 
cards, letters, and flats; Standard Mail letters and flats except for 
Saturation ECR flats; Periodicals letters and flats; and nonpresorted 
and presorted Bound Printed Matter (BPM) flats (except BPM flats 
entered at destination delivery units ``DDUs''). Full-service is an 
option but will not be required for Standard Mail enhanced carrier 
route (ECR) basic, high-density, and high-density plus flats.

General Comments

Mailer Comment

    Under appointment scheduling, please explain ``linking'' container 
data. Is this a different process from ``providing'' container data?

Postal Service Response

    ``Linking'' container data refers to associating a container to a 
specific FAST appointment to notify the Postal Service that a container 
will arrive at a facility on a specific date or by a designated time.

Mailer Comment

    Our organization is concerned about the revision to DMM 705.24.4.4, 
``Unless otherwise authorized, documentation must describe how each 
mailpiece is linked to a uniquely identified tray or sack and how each 
mailpiece and tray or sack is linked to a uniquely identified 
container. Linking to logical trays, sacks, and containers via sibling 
records is an option when linking to a specific tray, sack, or 
container is not feasible.'' Clarification to the term ``authorized'' 
or at least identification of the authorization scenario is requested. 
For example, authorization may be warranted because of file submission 
methods, special agreements, or as defined in a section of the DMM or a 
specific guide. Similarly, clarification is necessary regarding the 
process to determine ``feasibility'' when allowed to use the 
``logical'' or physical option. Is it a mailer or USPS decision?

Postal Service Response

    Previously, the use of logical handling units and containers was 
limited to MLOCR mailers. Based on feedback from the mailing industry, 
the Postal Service will now make the logical option available to all 
mailers in all mailing environments. The decision to present mail in 
physical or logical containers is a mailer's decision.

Transitioning to Full-Service Intelligent Mail

    The Postal Service continues to develop enhancements, simplify 
existing tools, streamline the processes for mailers to prepare 
mailings, and provide ease of use for all mailers to transition to 
full-service Intelligent Mail. The Postal Service also recognizes there 
are costs for mailers associated with converting to full-service 
Intelligent Mail.
    In support of the transition to full-service Intelligent Mail, the 
Postal Service offers the following incentives, on-boarding 
simplifications, process enhancements, and self-service tools:

[ssquf] Full-Service Technology Credit
    To encourage the adoption of full-service Intelligent Mail, the 
Postal Service will be offering a full-service Technology Credit (Tech 
Credit). Tech Credits will be available for $2000, $3000, or $5000 and 
may be redeemed as a postage credit after June 1, 2013, pending the 
approval of the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC).
[ssquf] Qualification Process
    Each business location that exceeded 125,000 pieces of qualifying 
mail volume from October 1, 2011, through September 30, 2012, is 
eligible to redeem one (1) Tech Credit amount. All permits and business 
locations have been considered for the Tech Credit program.
    A mailer's qualifying volume includes:
    [ssquf] First-Class Mail automation cards, letters, and flats.
    [ssquf] Standard Mail automation letters and flats, which includes:
     Letters--Automation and ECR saturation, high-density, and basic.
     Flats--Automation and ECR high density and basic.
    [ssquf] Periodicals automation letters and flats and carrier-route 
letters and flats.
    [ssquf] BPM barcoded flats: presorted non-DDU, presorted DDU, and 
carrier route.

Tech Credit Amounts

    [ssquf] 125,001-500,000 qualifying pieces = $2,000 postage credit.
    [ssquf] 500,001-2,000,000 qualifying pieces = $3,000 postage 
credit.
    [ssquf] More than 2,000,000 qualifying pieces = $5,000 postage 
credit.

Tech Credit Redemption

    The Tech Credit redemption period runs from June 1, 2013, through 
May 31, 2014. A qualified business location may redeem its Tech Credit 
amount as a postage credit when:
    [ssquf] The permit holder's paying permit is linked to a qualified 
business location.
    [ssquf] The postage statement bears 90 percent or more full-service 
pieces.
    [ssquf] The postage statement submission type is Mail.dat or 
Mail.XML.
    Upon submission of an eligible postage statement, the Tech Credit 
will

[[Page 23143]]

be automatically applied in full. A partial Tech Credit amount is 
applied to the statement if the Tech Credit amount is greater than the 
total postage for the postage statement. The Remaining Tech Credit 
amount will be applied to the next eligible statement(s).

Resources & Timeline

    Detailed information regarding the Tech Credit program is available 
on RIBBS at https://ribbs.usps.gov. All of the Tech Credit information 
above is subject to review and approval by the PRC.

[ssquf] Full-Service Certification Process for Vendors
    The Postal Service has developed a process to authorize software 
vendors for electronic documentation and full-service capabilities. Use 
of authorized software simplifies the on-boarding process for mailers. 
The Postal Service published the list of authorized software vendors on 
RIBBS at https://ribbs.usps.gov.

[ssquf] Simplified On-boarding for Mailers
    Mailers using certified software are asked to submit only a single 
file to TEM to show they can use the software to generate accurate 
eDoc. Mailers can view the postage statements and supporting 
documentation to ensure the accuracy of each transaction in the TEM 
environment. Once the mailer has submitted and reviewed the single 
file, the testing process is complete. Documentation regarding the 
simplified TEM process can be found on RIBBS at https://ribbs.usps.gov.

[ssquf] System Simplification
    Other enhancements to the systems include the following:

    [ssquf] The Mail.dat[supreg] and Mail.XMLTM error 
messages from uploading eDoc are standardized to provide explanations 
of irregularities more clearly and allow mailers to take corrective 
action.
    [ssquf] The PostalOne! Dashboard is continually enhanced, and 
includes new functionalities that allow mailer-initiated job 
cancellations, so that mailers can cancel a job if none of the 
statements in the job have been finalized or accepted by a postal 
acceptance clerk. Also, if there is more than one statement in a job, 
all of the statements associated with the job are cancelled through 
this user interface.

[ssquf] Intelligent Mail Small Business Tool
    The Intelligent Mail Small Business (IMsb) Tool is an online, self-
service option for business mailers, which allows the production of a 
unique IMb. This online tool is accessible through the BCG. This 
mailing option may be used for mailings consisting of 5,000 or fewer 
pieces with an annual maximum threshold of 125,000 pieces. The tool may 
be used for mailings of FCM and Standard Mail cards, letters, or flats. 
Customers may use the tool to qualify for the full-service Mixed 
Automated Area Distribution Center (MXD AADC) and Mixed Area 
Distribution Center (MXD ADC) automation prices. Postage statements are 
submitted electronically through Postage Wizard[supreg]. More detailed 
information regarding this tool is available on RIBBS at https://
ribbs.usps.gov

Requirements for Full-Service Intelligent Mail

    Full-service Intelligent Mail may consist of mailpiece barcodes, 
tray barcodes, and container barcodes as follows:
     Mailpiece barcode. The IMb on letter and flat mailpieces 
encodes up to 31 digits of mailpiece data into 65 vertical bars. 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 Postal Service will issue a unique 
MID to each mailer using full-service Intelligent Mail, and the USPS-
assigned MID must be included in the IMb. Mailers are required to 
uniquely number each mailpiece in a mailing and not reuse any of the 
numbers for a period of 45 days from the date of mailing, except for 
simple mailings under 10,000 pieces. A MID can be obtained through any 
of the three methods described in detail in the ``Quick Step Guide to 
Nine-Digit MID and/or CRID Acquisition'', posted on RIBBS at https://ribbs.usps.gov/intelligentmail_mail_id_app/documents/tech_guides/MIDCRIDAcquisitionQuickStep.pdf.
     Tray barcode. An IMtb is required on full-service letter 
trays, flat tubs. and sacks. Unlike the 10-digit tray barcode 
containing only currently used routing information, the 24-digit IMtb 
includes additional fields to identify the mailer and uniquely number 
each tray, tub, or sack. The mailer's USPS-assigned MID must be 
included in the IMtb. Mailers are required to uniquely number each tray 
or sack in a mailing and not reuse any of the numbers for a period of 
45 days from the date of mailing, except for simple mailings under 
10,000 pieces. Pieces inside each tray must be electronically linked or 
nested to the IMtb or to the corresponding logical tray, tub, or sack.
     Container barcode. An IMcb is required on all containers 
used to transport and enter mail at postal processing centers, 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 MID in 
the IMcb. Mailers are required to uniquely number each container in a 
mailing and not reuse any of the numbers for a period of 45 days from 
the date of mailing. Trays, tubs, or sacks inside the container must be 
electronically linked or nested to the IMcb.
    When automation mailings are not required to be containerized (not 
enough mail to require a pallet or rolling stock) or the mailer does 
not choose to containerize when not required to do so, an IMcb is not 
required on placards nor is submission of IMcb records required in 
eDoc.
    Container barcodes are not required for a FCM mailing of less than 
48 linear feet of letter trays or 16 linear feet of flat tubs.
    Containers barcodes are required for mailings of FCM when:
    [cir] The mailer has a customer service agreement (CSA).
    [cir] The mailing is separated into different containers by 
destination.
    [cir] The mailer chooses to containerize the mailing according to 
DMM 705.8.0.
    [cir] The mail is entered at the dock of a processing facility and 
meets the following conditions:

--The mail is prepared in an all-purpose container (APC), gaylord, or 
rolling stock.
--The mail consists of greater than or equal to 48 linear feet of 
letter trays, 16 linear feet of flats tubs,
--The mail is prepared on a pallet and is greater than or equal to 72 
linear feet of letter trays or 24 linear feet of flat tubs.

    Container barcodes are required for a Standard Mail, Periodicals, 
or BPM mailing when:
    [cir] The mailing is more than 500 pounds of bundles/sacks.
    [cir] The mailing is more than 72 linear feet of trays.
    [cir] The mailing is separated into different destinations by 
container.
    [cir] The mailing is required to be containerized under DMM 
705.8.0.
    [cir] The mailer chooses to containerize the mailing under DMM 
705.8.0.

Description of Intelligent Mail Barcodes

    Effective January 26, 2014, when mailings are entered and full-
service

[[Page 23144]]

automation prices are claimed, mailpieces must bear unique Intelligent 
Mail barcodes. Full-service unique Intelligent Mail barcodes must be 
embedded with the following data: Barcode Identifier and OEL 
information (if printed on the mailpiece), Service Type Identifier 
(showing class of mail), Mailer Identifier, Unique Serial Number, and 
Delivery Point Routing Code (11-digit).
     Barcode Identifier: The barcode ID is a 2-digit field 
reserved to encode the presort identification printed in human-readable 
form on the Optional Endorsement Line (OEL). Should be left as ``00'' 
if an OEL is not printed on the mailpiece, except for automation-rate 
eligible flat mail with an optional endorsement line, when the IMb must 
contain OEL coding corresponding to the correct sortation level of each 
piece.
     Service Type Identifier: The service type identifier 
(STID) indicates class of mail and requested special services such as 
scan information or ACS.
     Mailer Identifier: The MID is a mandatory 6- or 9-digit 
identifier of the mail owner/mailing agent assigned by the Postal 
Service based upon documented historical mail volume of the owner/
agent.
     Serial Number: The serial number is complementary with the 
MID for a combined total of 15 digits, which leaves the mailer/agent 
with 6 or 9 digits for unique mailpiece identification. A combination 
of the MID and serial number within a mail class must not be reused 
within 45 days of the mailing date. Small mailings can use the same 
serial number for all pieces when: The mailing has fewer than 10,000 
pieces, postage is affixed to each piece at the correct price, and the 
pieces are of identical weight and separated by price. In this case, 
uniqueness is required at the mailing level.
     Delivery Point Routing Code: The delivery point routing 
code describes the 5-, 9-, or 11-digit field that identifies the 
delivery ZIP Code data in the address.

    To view final specifications and detailed information on the IMb, 
access RIBBS at https://ribbs.usps.gov.

Description of Intelligent Mail Tray Barcodes

    Effective January 26, 2014, when mailings are entered and full-
service automation prices are claimed, mailers must use tray labels 
that bear 24-digit IMtb. An IMtb contains the following information:
     ZIP CodeTM: 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, 
tub, or sack contents are automation compatible.
     Mailer ID: A 6- or 9-digit MID assigned by the Postal 
Service for use in the Intelligent Mail barcodes.
     Serial Number: A mailer uses this field to uniquely 
identify individual trays, tubs, or sacks. If a 6-digit MID is 
assigned, the mailer has 8 digits to uniquely identify the handling 
units. If a 9-digit MID is assigned, the mailer has 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. For 45 days from the date 
of mailing, these serial numbers must remain unique. Small mailings 
that have fewer than 10,000 pieces can use the same serial number for 
all trays in the mailing, if postage is affixed to each piece at the 
correct price, or the pieces are of identical weight and separated by 
price.
     Label Type: Indicates MID field length. To access 
automation prices through the full-service option, mailers are required 
to populate all fields in the IMtb and include a unique serial number.
    To view the final specifications and detailed information on the 
IMtb, access RIBBS at https://ribbs.usps.gov/.

Description of Intelligent Mail Container Barcodes

    Mailers typically label containers of mail deposited with the 
Postal Service. For full-service, mailers must apply a unique IMcb to 
container placards and keep the barcode unique for at least 45 days 
from the date of mailing. This IMcb includes fields to identify the 
mailer and uniquely identify each container. To comply with the full-
service standards, mailers must apply placards to all containers such 
as pallets, APCs, rolling stock, and gaylords separated by destination, 
according to the CSA or the pallet preparation standards in the DMM. 
Situations in which containers are not required are described above 
under the full-service requirements.
    The IMcb has two formats. The format a mailer uses depends upon the 
MID 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 
on RIBBS, and the other size is the 4'' x 7'' self-adhesive format, 
also available on RIBBS.
     Application ID (Appl ID): ``99'' indicates the source of 
the barcode.
     Type Indicator: ``M'' indicates a mailer-generated 
barcode.
     Mailer ID: A 6- or 9-digit MID assigned by the Postal 
Service for use in the IMb.
     Serial Number: A mailer uses this field to uniquely 
identify individual containers. If a 6-digit MID is assigned, the 
mailer has 12 digits to uniquely identify the containers. If a 9-digit 
MID is assigned, the mailer has 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 serial numbers must not be reused for 45 days from the date of 
mailing. To access the automation prices through the full-service 
option, mailers are required to populate all fields in the IMcb to 
include a unique serial number. To view the final specifications and 
detailed information on the IMcb, access RIBBS at https://ribbs.usps.gov.

Appointment Scheduling

    All mailers whose mail is verified at a detached mail unit (DMU)/
BMEU and transported by the mailer or their agent to a USPS processing 
facility, including mailings entered at origin and plant-verified drop 
shipments (PVDS), are required to schedule appointments using the FAST 
system at postal facilities where applicable. 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, the Postal Service recommends 
that mailers link their IMcb to FAST appointments. Mailers must 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 close-out data through FAST online 
reports or PostalOne! FAST Web Services. For more information, please 
log on to RIBBS at https://ribbs.usps.gov.

Electronic Documentation

    By submitting documents electronically, mailers manage mailing data 
more effectively and avoid the creation of paper-based forms. 
Additionally, electronic submission of documents enables the Postal 
Service to capture efficiencies.
    When entering full-service mailings, eDoc is required. A mailer's 
eDoc identifies the unique IMb applied to each mailpiece, tray, tub, 
sack, and container. It describes how mailpieces

[[Page 23145]]

are linked to handling units, such as trays, tubs, and sacks and 
identifies how mailpieces and handling units are linked to containers. 
Additionally, eDoc identifies spoilage or shortage of pieces in a 
mailing, 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 pieces in a full-service mailing except when a mail 
owner contributed fewer than 5,000 pieces to the mailing.
    The eDoc is transmitted to PostalOne! and used for verification, 
acceptance, payment, service performance measurement, and induction 
planning and processing. Also, PostalOne! can use this information to 
automate postage statement generation and payment processing. 
PostalOne! has the capability to provide mailers with access to their 
mailing documentation and financial transaction information 24 hours a 
day, 7 days a week. The PostalOne! system translates the customer-
generated electronic information into postage statements and supporting 
documentation, such as qualification and container reports, which are 
used for verification, acceptance, and induction processes.

Mailings With Fewer Than 10,000 Pieces

    Full-service mailings with fewer than 10,000 pieces do not require 
the submission of eDoc--only an electronic postage statement is 
required. These mailings may be electronically submitted using the 
Postal Wizard, Mail.XML, or Mail.dat. Mailings of fewer than 5,000 
pieces can also be submitted using the IMsb tool.
    For mailings of fewer than 10,000 pieces, when postage is affixed 
to each piece at the correct price or each piece is of identical weight 
and the mailpieces are separated by price, the serial number field of 
each IMb can be populated with a mailing serial number unique to the 
mailing but common to all pieces in the mailing. This unique mailing 
serial number must not be reused for a period of 45 days from the date 
of mailing. Mailers who enter such mailings are required to submit an 
electronic postage statement, instead of eDoc. Unique mailing serial 
numbers must be provided in the electronic documentation.

Mailings With 10,000 Pieces or Greater

    When full-service mailings with 10,000 or more pieces are entered, 
mailers are required to use Mail.dat or Mail.XML to electronically 
transmit mailing documentation and postage statements. eDoc must 
contain information about the unique ID applied to the mailpieces, 
placards, trays, tubs, sacks, and containers. Also, the information 
must describe how mailpieces are linked to handling units and how 
mailpieces and handling units are linked to containers.
    In addition, when mailings are co-palletized, co-mingled, or 
combined in-house or at a different plant, eDoc that outlines the 
linkage among associated containers, trays, tubs, and sacks is 
required.

Submitting eDoc

    The four methods for submitting eDoc are described as follows:
    Mail.dat: Mail.dat serves as a medium for electronic data exchange, 
is part of the overall PostalOne! Application, and provides customers 
with the capability to electronically 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 on RIBBS at https://ribbs.usps.gov.
    Mail.XML: The Mail.XML is an overarching communication 
specification that allows mailers to transmit eDoc and manage 
appointments with the Postal Service. It provides mailing information 
to mailers on quality, address corrections, induction, and visibility. 
Mail.XML can also enable communication between mailers and 
consolidators/transporters. It is part of the overall PostalOne! 
application that enables a just-in-time connection (sending 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 is sent and received by 
applications written in various languages and deployed on various 
platforms. Mailing information is sent through 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 on RIBBS at https://ribbs.usps.gov.
    Postal Wizard: The Postal Wizard is an online tool that allows 
mailers to use PostalOne! to securely enter their postage statement 
information. Mailers may access Postal Wizard through the BCG at 
https://gateway.usps.com.
    Postal 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. Postal Wizard 
automatically calculates postage and validates submitted information. 
Once a postage statement is completed online, the electronic statement 
is submitted directly to the acceptance unit. For full-service mailings 
using the Postal Wizard, only the owner of the mailing permit receives 
start-the-clock feedback.
    Intelligent Mail Small Business Tool: The Intelligent Mail Small 
Business (IMsb) Tool is an online, self-service option for small 
business mailers, which allows the production of a unique IMb. This 
online tool is accessible through the Business Customer Gateway (BCG).
    PostalOne! Outage: When the PostalOne! system is unavailable to 
upload eDoc, mailers are still able to enter their mailings and receive 
full-service automation pricing. Mailers must maintain a daily log of 
mailings while the system is unavailable. Mailers are expected to 
submit the electronic documentation for mailings entered while 
PostalOne! was unavailable within three (3) business days of the system 
becoming available.
    Mailer System Outage: When a mailer is unable to submit electronic 
documentation to the PostalOne! system due to an internal issue, the 
mailer may still enter mailings and receive full-service automation 
pricing. The mailer must call the help desk and log a ticket describing 
their technical issue, impacted sites, and anticipated resolution date. 
Mailers are expected to submit the electronic documentation for 
mailings entered while the system was unavailable within three (3) 
business days of system recovery.
    For detailed information about electronic mailing options, access 
RIBBS at https://ribbs.usps.gov.

Additional Mailing Information Available With Full-Service

    As part of the full-service program, the Postal Service is making 
the following information available through the online Postal Service 
BCG tool and PostalOne! Web Services (Mail.XML): Induction and 
processing scans for containers, trays, and bundles; start-the-clock 
information; address correction data; and quality and documentation 
error reporting information. Mailers can query the information or 
obtain an automated subscription. Piece scans are also included in the 
full-service program and available through the IMb Tracing system at 
https://mailtracking.usps.gov.

[[Page 23146]]

Intelligent Mail Barcode Embedded Data:

    Address correction information is not available for Standard Mail 
flats paid at basic, high-density, high-density plus ECR prices or BPM 
flats paid at barcoded, presort DDU or barcoded, carrier-route prices.
    The Postal Service adopts the following changes to the Mailing 
Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual 
(DMM), which is incorporated by reference in the Code of Federal 
Regulations. See 39 CFR 111.1.

List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 111

    Administrative practice and procedure, Postal Service.

    Accordingly, 39 CFR part 111 is amended as follows:

PART 111--[AMENDED.]

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)

* * * * *

200 Commercial Letters and Cards

* * * * *

230 First-Class Mail

233 Prices and Eligibility

* * * * *

5.0 Additional Eligibility Standards for Automation First-Class Mail 
Letters

5.1 Basic Standards for Automation First-Class Mail Letters

[Revise the introductory text of 5.1 as follows:]

    All pieces in a First-Class Mail automation mailing must meet full-
service standards in 705.24.0 and:
* * * * *

[Revise item 5.1e as follows:]

    e. Bear an accurate unique Intelligent Mail barcode encoded with 
the correct delivery point routing code that matches the delivery 
address and meet the standards in 202.5.0 and 708.4.0, whether on the 
piece or on an insert showing through an envelope window.
* * * * *

[Delete current 5.2 in its entirety and renumber current 5.3 through 
5.5 as new 5.2 through 5.4.]

* * * * *

240 Standard Mail

243 Prices and Eligibility

* * * * *

6.0 Additional Eligibility Standards for Enhanced Carrier Route 
Standard Mail Letters

6.1 General Enhanced Carrier Route Standards

* * * * *

6.1.2 Basic Eligibility

    All pieces in an Enhanced Carrier Route or Nonprofit Enhanced 
Carrier Route Standard Mail mailing must:
* * * * *

[Revise item 6.1.2g as follows:]

    g. Meet the requirements for automation letters in 201.3.0 and bear 
an accurate unique Intelligent Mail barcode encoded with the correct 
delivery point routing code matching the delivery address and meet the 
standards in 202.5.0 and 708.4.0, except for letters with simplified 
addresses or as provided in 6.1.2h. Letters mailed at automation 
carrier route (basic, high density, or saturation) prices must be in a 
mailing entered under full-service Intelligent Mail standards in 
705.24.0. Pieces prepared with a simplified address format are exempt 
from the full-service, automation-compatibility, and barcode 
requirements.
* * * * *

6.4 High Density and High-Density Plus (Enhanced Carrier Route) 
Standards

6.4.1 Additional Eligibility Standards for High Density and High-
Density Prices

[Revise the text of 6.4.1 as follows:]

    In addition to the eligibility standards in 6.1, high density and 
high-density plus letter-size mailpieces must be in a full carrier 
route tray or in a carrier route bundle of 10 or more pieces prepared 
under 245.6.0. Except for pieces with a simplified address, only 
nonautomation high density and high-density plus letter prices apply 
when mailpieces are not: correctly barcoded with an Intelligent Mail 
barcode under 202.5.0 and 708.4.0, automation-compatible, and part of a 
full-service mailing under 705.24.0.
* * * * *

6.5 Saturation ECR Standards

6.5.1 Additional Eligibility Standards for Saturation Prices

[Revise the text of 6.5.1 as follows:]

    In addition to the eligibility standards in 6.1, saturation letter-
size mailpieces must be in a full carrier route tray or in a carrier 
route bundle of 10 or more pieces prepared under 245.6.0. Except for 
pieces with a simplified address, only nonautomation saturation letter 
prices apply when mailpieces are not: correctly barcoded with an 
Intelligent Mail barcode under 202.5.0 and 708.4.0, automation-
compatible, and part of a full-service mailing under 705.24.0.
* * * * *

7.0 Eligibility Standards for Automation Standard Mail

7.1 Basic Eligibility Standards for Automation Standard Mail

[Revise the introductory text of 7.1 as follows:]

    All pieces in a Regular Standard Mail or Nonprofit Standard Mail 
automation mailing must meet full-service standards in 705.24.0 and:
* * * * *

[Revise item 7.1e as follows:]

    e. Bear an accurate unique Intelligent Mail barcode encoded with 
the correct delivery point routing code, matching the delivery address 
and meeting the standards in 202.5.0 and 708.4.0, either on the piece 
or on an insert showing through an envelope window.
* * * * *

[Delete current 7.2 in its entirety and renumber current 7.3 through 
7.6 as new 7.2 through 7.5.]

* * * * *

300 Commercial Flats

* * * * *

330 First-Class Mail

333 Prices and Eligibility

* * * * *

[[Page 23147]]

5.0 Additional Eligibility Standards for Automation First-Class Mail 
Flats

5.1 Basic Standards for Automation First-Class Mail

[Revise the introductory text of 5.1 as follows:]

    All pieces in a First-Class Mail automation flats mailing must meet 
full-service standards in 705.24.0 and:
* * * * *

[Revise item 5.1e as follows:]

    e. Bear an accurate unique Intelligent Mail barcode encoded with 
the correct delivery point routing code, matching the delivery address 
and meet the standards in 302.5.0 and 708.4.0, either on the piece or 
on an insert showing through an envelope window.
* * * * *

[Delete current 5.2 in its entirety and renumber current 5.3 through 
5.5 as new 5.2 through 5.4.]

* * * * *

340 Standard Mail

343 Prices and Eligibility

* * * * *

7.0 Additional Eligibility Standards for Automation Standard Mail Flats

7.1 Basic Eligibility Standards for Automation Standard Mail

[Revise the introductory text of 7.1 as follows:]

    All pieces in a Regular Standard Mail or Nonprofit Standard Mail 
automation mailing must meet full-service standards in 705.24.0 and:
* * * * *

[Revise item 7.1e as follows:]

    e. Bear an accurate unique Intelligent Mail barcode encoded with 
the correct
    delivery point routing code, matching the delivery address and meet 
the standards in 302.5.0 and 708.4.0, either on the piece or on an 
insert showing through an envelope window.
* * * * *

[Delete current 7.2 in its entirety and renumber current 7.3 through 
7.4 as new 7.2 through 7.3.]

* * * * *

360 Bound Printed Matter

363 Prices and Eligibility

* * * * *

4.0 Price Eligibility for Bound Printed Matter Flats

4.1 Price Eligibility

    * * * Price categories are as follows:
* * * * *

[Revise item 4.1d as follows:]

    d. Barcoded Discount--Flats. The barcoded discount applies to BPM 
flats that meet the requirements for automation flats in 301.3.0, bear 
an accurate unique Intelligent Mail barcode encoded with the correct 
delivery point routing code, and are part of a full-service mailing 
under 705.24.0. See 6.1 for more information.
* * * * *

6.0 Additional Eligibility Standards for Barcoded Bound Printed Matter 
Flats

6.1 Basic Eligibility Standards for Barcoded Bound Printed Matter

[Revise the text of 6.1 as follows:]

    The barcode discount applies only to BPM flat-size pieces meeting 
the standards under 301.3.0 and bearing a unique Intelligent Mail 
barcode encoded with the correct delivery point routing code, matching 
the delivery address, and meeting the standards in 302.5.0 and 708.4.0. 
The pieces must be part of a full-service (under 705.24.0) nonpresorted 
mailing of 50 or more flat-size pieces or part of a full-service 
Presorted mailing of at least 300 BPM flats prepared under 365.7.0, 
705.8.0, 705.14.0, and 705.24.0. The barcode discount is not available 
for flats mailed at Presorted DDU prices or carrier route prices.
* * * * *

[Delete current 6.2 in its entirety and renumber current 6.3 through 
6.4 as new 6.2 through 6.3.]

* * * * *

500 Additional Mailing Services

503 Extra Services

* * * * *

[Revise the title of 15.0 as follows:]

15.0 Intelligent Mail Barcode Tracing

* * * * *

15.1 Basic Information

* * * * *

15.1.1 General Information

[Revise the text of 15.1.1 as follows:]

    Participation in Intelligent Mail barcode (IMb) Tracing service is 
available at no charge without a subscription. Requirements for 
participation in IMb Tracing include:
     Use of an IMb on mailpieces entered as part of a full-
service mailing under 705.24.0.
     Use of a Mailer Identifier that has been registered 
(through the Business Customer Gateway, accessible on usps.com) to 
receive scan data.
     Verification by the Postal Service that the IMb as printed 
meets all applicable postal standards.
* * * * *

700 Special Standards

* * * * *

705 Advanced Preparation and Special Postage Payment Systems

* * * * *

24.1 Description

[Revise the title of 24.0 as follows:]

24.0 Full-Service Automation Standards

24.1 Description

* * * [Add three new sentences at the end of the current text of 24.1 
as follows:]

    Full-service automation mailings may include automation-compatible 
pieces without barcodes, with POSTNET barcodes, or with non-full-
service Intelligent Mail barcodes, but these pieces will not be used to 
meet the eligibility standards for full-service or receive associated 
benefits. Full-service automation letters must not be comingled in the 
same tray with pieces without barcodes, pieces with POSTNET barcodes, 
or pieces with an IMb without a delivery point barcode. Full-service 
automation mailpieces may be comingled in a tray with non-full-service 
eligible pieces (automation-compatible under 201.3.0) with an IMb 
containing a delivery point barcode.

[Delete current 24.1.1 and 24.1.2 in their entirety.]

24.2 General Eligibility Standards

[Revise the introductory paragraph of 24.2 as follows:]

    First-Class Mail, Periodicals, and Standard Mail letters and flats 
meeting eligibility requirements for automation or carrier route prices 
(except for Standard Mail ECR saturation flats), and Bound Printed 
Matter flats (except for Presorted DDU-entered and carrier route flats) 
are potentially eligible for full-service prices. All pieces entered 
under full-service pricing must:
* * * * *

[Revise item 24.2c as follows:]

    c. Be part of a mailing using unique Intelligent Mail container 
barcodes on

[[Page 23148]]

all destination-entry pallets and other containers optionally or 
required to be prepared under 8.0 or as part of a customer/supplier 
agreement. Pallets or approved alternate containers, with unique 
Intelligent Mail container barcodes, must also be used whenever a 
mailing is entered at the dock of a USPS-processing facility and meets 
minimum container/pallet volume requirements under 705.8.0. A customer/
supplier agreement is authorized with a service agreement signed by the 
mailer, the USPS District Manager, Customer Service, and the USPS 
Processing and Distribution Center manager. The service agreement 
contains provisions regarding mailer and USPS responsibilities.
* * * * *

24.4 Preparation

* * * * *

24.4.2 Intelligent Mail Tray Labels

* * * [Revise the second sentence of 24.4.2 as follows:]

    Mailing documentation, when required, must associate each mailpiece 
to a corresponding tray or sack, or to a logical tray or sack, as 
described in 24.4.4.
* * * * *

24.4.3 Intelligent Mail Container Placards

[Revise the second sentence of 24.4.3 as follows:]

    Mailing documentation, when required, must associate each mailpiece 
(and tray or sack, if applicable) to a corresponding container (or a 
logical container) as described in 24.4.4, unless otherwise authorized 
by the USPS.
* * * * *

24.4.4 Electronic Documentation

[Revise the text of 24.4.4 as follows:]

    Mailers must electronically submit postage statements and mailing 
documentation to the PostalOne! system. Documentation must describe how 
each mailpiece is linked to a uniquely identified tray or sack and how 
each mailpiece and tray or sack is linked to a uniquely identified 
container. Linking to logical trays, sacks, and containers via sibling 
records is an option when linking to a specific tray, sack, or 
container is not feasible. The documentation must also meet the 
requirements in A Guide to Intelligent Mail for Letters and Flats (at 
ribbs.usps.gov). Mailers must transmit postage statements and 
documentation to the PostalOne! system using Mail.dat, Mail.XML, or 
Postal Wizard (see 24.5.3).
* * * * *

24.5.3 Special Standards--Small Volume Mailings

[Revise the text of 24.5.3 as follows:]

    For mailings of fewer than 10,000 pieces, when postage is affixed 
to each piece at the correct price or each piece is of identical weight 
and the mailpieces are separated by price, the serial number field of 
each Intelligent Mail barcode can be populated with a mailing serial 
number that is unique to the mailing but common to all pieces in the 
mailing. This unique mailing serial number must not be reused for a 
period of 45 days from the date of mailing. These mailings are not 
required to submit electronic documentation for full-service, only an 
electronic postage statement. Unique mailing serial numbers must be 
populated in the Postal Wizard entry screen field or in the electronic 
documentation.
* * * * *

707 Periodicals

* * * * *

13.0 Carrier Route Eligibility

* * * * *

13.4 Full-Service Intelligent Mail Eligibility Standards

[Revise the introductory text of 13.4 as follows:]

    In addition to other requirements in 6.0, carrier route letters and 
flats eligible for full-service Intelligent Mail prices and address 
correction benefits under 705.24 must:

[Revise the last sentence of 13.4d as follows:]

    d. * * * Letters or flats with Intelligent Mail barcodes entered 
under the full-service automation option must also be part of mailings 
that meet the standards in 705.24.
* * * * *

14.0 Barcoded (Automation) Eligibility

14.1 Basic Standards

[Revise the introductory text of 14.1 as follows:]

    All pieces in a Periodicals barcoded (automation) mailing must meet 
the full-service standards in 705.24.0 and:
* * * * *

[Revise the first sentence of item 14.1c as follows:]

    c. Bear an accurate unique Intelligent Mail barcode encoded with 
the correct delivery point routing code, matching the delivery address, 
and meeting the standards in 202.5.0 (for letters), 302.4.0 (for 
flats), and 708.4.0, either on the piece or on an insert showing 
through a window.
* * * * *

14.2 Eligibility Standards for Full-Service Automation Periodicals

[Revise the introductory text of 14.2 as follows:]

    All pieces entered under the full-service automation standards 
must:
* * * * *

[Revise item 14.2b as follows:]

    b. Be part of a mailing that meets the standards in 705.24.0.
* * * * *

708 Technical Specifications

* * * * *

6.0 Standards for Barcoded Tray Labels, Sack Labels, and Container 
Placards

6.1 General

6.1.1 Tray and Sack Labels

[Revise the text of 6.1.1 as follows:]

    Intelligent Mail tray labels are the USPS-approved method to encode 
routing, content, origin, and mailer information on trays and sacks. 
Intelligent Mail tray labels are designed for optimum use with 
Intelligent Mail barcoded mail and have the capacity to provide unique 
identification throughout postal processing, but are required for use 
on all trays and sacks in presorted mailings.

6.1.2 Container Placards

[Revise 6.1.2 by adding items ``a'' and ``b'' as follows:]

    a. Intelligent Mail container placards are not required for small 
mailings of Standard Mail, Periodicals, and Bound Printed Matter 
letters and flats when entered at a BMEU, if the mailing is less than 
500 pounds of bundles or sacks and fewer than 72 linear feet of trays.
    b. Intelligent Mail container placards are not required when 
entering mail at a co-located BMEU within the service area where mail 
is entered, if the mailing consists of 100 but less than 250 pounds of 
bundles or sacks, and at least 12 but fewer than 35 linear feet of 
trays.
* * * * *

6.2 Specifications for Barcoded Tray and Sack Labels

* * * * *

[[Page 23149]]

6.2.2 Line 1 (Destination Line)

    The destination line must meet these standards:
    a. Placement. The destination line must be the top line of the 
label. An exception is that one line of extraneous information may 
appear above the destination line on tray and sack labels as provided 
in 6.3.2, and 6.3.2f. The destination line must be completely visible 
when placed in the label holder. Visibility is ensured if the 
destination line is no less than \1/8\ (0.125) inch below the top of 
the label when the label is cut and prepared.

[Delete Exhibit 6.2.2a, Barcoded 2-inch Sack Labels, in its entirety.]

* * * * *

[Delete Exhibit 6.2.2b, Barcoded 1-inch Sack Labels, in its entirety.]

* * * * *

6.2.5 Line 3 (Origin Line)

[Revise the first sentence of 6.2.5 as follows:]

    The origin line must appear below the content line, except as 
allowed under 6.3.4 and 6.2.5a and 6.2.5b. * * *
* * * * *

[Delete current 6.3, Additional Standards--Barcoded 2-Inch Sack Labels 
and Barcoded Tray Labels, and 6.4, Additional Standards--Barcoded 1-
Inch Sack Labels, in their entirety.]

* * * * *

[Renumber current 6.5 as new 6.3 and revise the title as follows:]

6.3 Specific Standards for Intelligent Mail Tray Labels

6.3.1 Definitions

 [Revise the text of renumbered 6.3.1 as follows:]

    Intelligent Mail tray labels are 2-inch labels used on trays and 
sacks to provide unique identification within postal processing. 24-
digit Intelligent Mail tray labels include only a 24-digit barcode 
printed in International Symbology Specification (ISS) Code 128 subset 
C symbology (see Exhibit 6.3.3). Intelligent Mail tray labels also 
include a human readable field designed to indicate the carrier route 
for carrier route mailings, display an ``AUTO'' indicator text for 
automation mailings, or remain blank for nonautomation mailings. 
Mailers using Intelligent Mail tray labels must print labels in the 24-
digit Intelligent Mail tray label format. Detailed specifications for 
the tray label and barcode formats are at https://ribbs.usps.gov.

[Delete current Exhibit 6.5.1, 10/24 Transitional Intelligent Mail Tray 
Label, in its entirety.]

[Delete current 6.5.2, Transitional Intelligent Mail Tray Label Format, 
in its entirety.]

[Renumber current 6.5.3 through 6.5.7 as new 6.3.2 through 6.3.6.]

* * * * *
    We will publish an amendment to 39 CFR part 111 to reflect these 
changes.

Stanley F. Mires,
Attorney, Legal Policy & Legislative Advice.
[FR Doc. 2013-08721 Filed 4-17-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7710-12-P