Priority Mail Pricing, 29785-29786 [2013-12006]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 98 / Tuesday, May 21, 2013 / Notices partner of the effective date of the Agreement via notice provided as soon as possible, but no later than, 30 days after receiving all necessary regulatory approvals. Id. Attachment 1 at 7. The Agreement is to remain in effect for one calendar year, unless terminated sooner. Id. III. Commission Action The Commission establishes Docket No. CP2013–62 for consideration of matters raised in the Notice. Interested persons may submit comments on whether the Agreement is consistent with the requirements of 39 CFR 3015.5 and the policies of 39 U.S.C. 3632 and 3633. Comments are due no later than May 22, 2013. The public portions of the Postal Service’s filing can be accessed via the Commission’s Web site at https://www.prc.gov. Information on how to obtain access to nonpublic material appears at 39 CFR 3007.40. The Commission appoints James F. Callow to represent the interest of the general public (Public Representative) in this case. IV. Ordering Paragraphs It is ordered: 1. The Commission establishes Docket No. CP2013–62 for consideration of matters raised in the Postal Service’s Notice. 2. Pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 505, the Commission designates James F. Callow to serve as an officer of the Commission (Public Representative) to represent the interests of the general public in this proceeding. 3. Comments are due no later than May 22, 2013. 4. The Secretary shall arrange for publication of this Order in the Federal Register. By the Commission. Shoshana M. Grove, Secretary. [FR Doc. 2013–12008 Filed 5–20–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7710–FW–P POSTAL REGULATORY COMMISSION [Docket No. R2013–7; Order No. 1714] Priority Mail Pricing Postal Regulatory Commission. ACTION: Notice. TKELLEY on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES AGENCY: SUMMARY: The Commission is noticing a recently-filed Postal Service notice announcing a proposal to include, for no additional charge, insurance up to $100 on most Priority Mail pieces. This notice addresses procedural steps associated with this filing. VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:07 May 20, 2013 Jkt 229001 Submit comments electronically by accessing the ‘‘Filing Online’’ link in the banner at the top of the Commission’s Web site (https:// www.prc.gov) or by directly accessing the Commission’s Filing Online system at https://www.prc.gov/prc-pages/filingonline/login.aspx. Commenters who cannot submit their views electronically should contact the person identified in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section as the source for case-related information for advice on alternatives to electronic filing. DATES: Comments are due: May 30, 2013. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stephen L. Sharfman, General Counsel, at 202–789–6820 (case-related information) or DocketAdmins@prc.gov (electronic filing assistance). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: ADDRESSES: Table of Contents I. Overview II. Administrative Actions III. Ordering Paragraphs I. Overview On May 10, 2013, the Postal Service filed notice, pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 3622 and 39 CFR 3010, announcing a plan to automatically include, at no additional charge, $50 or $100 of insurance coverage with most Priority Mail pieces.1 The price change is scheduled to take effect July 28, 2013. Price adjustment description. Currently, the Postal Service charges Priority Mail users a fee of $1.95 for insurance coverage up to $50 and $2.45 for insurance coverage between $50.01 and $100. Notice at 2. The Postal Service’s principal domestic competitors, FedEx and UPS, include insurance coverage up to $100 at no extra charge. Id. The Postal Service asserts that this provides a competitive advantage with shippers, particularly large volume shippers. Id. By offering insurance coverage up to $100, for no additional charge, on most Priority Mail pieces, the Postal Service hopes to improve the competitiveness of Priority Mail and potentially grow its overall market share. Id. The Postal Service plans to offer automatic insurance coverage up to $100 for no extra charge on all domestic Priority Mail pieces that bear an Intelligent Mail package barcode (IMpb) and for which the mailer pays Commercial Plus prices or uses a ‘‘Qualifying Payment Method.’’ 2 The 1 United States Postal Service Notice of MarketDominant Price Adjustment, May 10, 2013 (Notice). 2 Qualifying Payment Methods are limited to ePostage, Electronic Verification System (eVS), PO 00000 Frm 00089 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 29785 Postal Service plans to offer automatic insurance coverage up to $50 in value on all other domestic Priority Mail pieces that bear an IMpb or other USPS retail tracking barcode.3 Id. at 2–3. Price cap compliance. For the Special Services class of mail, the Postal Service states that it has inflation-based price adjustment authority of 1.053 percent 4 and unused price adjustment authority of 2.114 percent,5 neither of which the Postal Service intends to utilize in this docket. Id. at 3–4. The Postal Service indicates that by eliminating the fees for the first $100 (or $50) of insurance coverage for most Priority Mail pieces, the prices for Special Services class will decrease by 0.452 percent. Id. at 5. The Postal Service indicates that after the price change, the unused pricing authority available for the Special Services class will be 3.619. Id. Workshare discounts and preferred rates. The Postal Service asserts the price change does not affect workshare discounts. Id. at 7. Apart from basing the amount of automatic insurance on the mailer’s use of certain postage payment methods, the Postal Service asserts that the price change does not exclude any mailers and will therefore not affect compliance with any preferred rate requirements. Id. Mail Classification Schedule (MCS). Proposed changes to the MCS, which describe the price change, appear in Attachment A of the Postal Service’s Notice. II. Administrative Actions Initiation of proceedings. The Commission hereby establishes Docket No. R2013–7, to review the Postal Service’s planned price adjustment. The Postal Service’s Notice and any subsequent filings in this docket will be posted to the Commission’s Web site at https://www.prc.gov. Public comment period. The Commission’s rules provide a period of 20 days from the date of the Postal Service’s filing for public comment. 39 CFR 3010.13(a)(5). Comments by interested persons are due no later than May 30, 2013. Appointment of Public Representative. In conformance with 39 U.S.C. 505, the Commission appoints Hardcopy Manifest, or an approved Manifest Mailing System. Id. at 3 n.2. 3 Automatic insurance coverage will not be offered with Priority Mail pieces sent using Merchandise Return Service, Priority Mail Open and Distribute, or Premium Forwarding Service. Id. at 3 n.3. 4 This is based on the Consumer Price Index–All Urban Consumers, U.S. All Items (the ‘‘CUUR0000SA0’’ series). Id. at 3. 5 See Docket No. R2013–1, Order No. 1541 (November 16, 2012), at 72. E:\FR\FM\21MYN1.SGM 21MYN1 29786 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 98 / Tuesday, May 21, 2013 / Notices Kenneth E. Richardson to represent the interests of the general public in this proceeding. III. Ordering Paragraphs It is ordered: 1. The Commission establishes Docket No. R2013–7 to consider the price adjustment to insurance identified in the Postal Service’s May 10, 2013 Notice. 2. Comments by interested persons on the planned price adjustments are due no later than May 30, 2013. 3. Pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 505, the Commission appoints Kenneth E. Richardson to represent the interests of the general public in this proceeding. 4. The Commission directs the Secretary of the Commission to arrange for publication of this notice in the Federal Register. By the Commission. Shoshana M. Grove, Secretary. [FR Doc. 2013–12006 Filed 5–20–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7710–FW–P RAILROAD RETIREMENT BOARD Computer Matching and Privacy Protection Act of 1988; Report of Matching Program: RRB and State Medicare Agencies (Renewal) AGENCY: U.S. Railroad Retirement Board (RRB). Notice of a renewal of an existing computer matching program due to expire on May 24, 2013. TKELLEY on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES ACTION: SUMMARY: As required by the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, the RRB is issuing a public notice in the Federal Register of its intent to renew an ongoing computer matching program. In this match, we provide certain Medicare and benefit rate information to state agencies allowing them to review and if necessary, adjust amounts of benefits in their public assistance programs as well as to coordinate Medicare/Medicaid payments for public assistance recipients. The purpose of this notice is to advise individuals receiving benefits under the Railroad Retirement Act that the RRB plans to share this computer matching data with state agencies. DATES: Submit comments on or before July 1, 2013, at which time matching activities may continue. ADDRESSES: Address any comments concerning this notice to Ms. Martha P. Rico, Secretary to the Board, Railroad Retirement Board, 844 North Rush Street, Chicago, Illinois 60611–2092. VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:07 May 20, 2013 Jkt 229001 Mr. Timothy S. Grant, Chief Privacy Officer, Railroad Retirement Board, 844 North Rush Street, Chicago, Illinois 60611– 2092. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A. General The Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a), as amended, regulates Federal agencies when they conduct computer matching activities in a system of records with other Federal, State, or local government records. It requires Federal agencies involved in computer matching programs to: (1) Negotiate written agreements with the other agency or agencies participating in the matching programs; (2) Obtain approval of the matching agreement by the Data Integrity Boards of the participating Federal agencies; (3) Publish notice of the computer matching program in the Federal Register; (4) Furnish reports about matching programs to Congress and Office of Management and Budget; (5) Notify beneficiaries and applicants that their records are subject to matching; and (6) Verify match findings before reducing, suspending, terminating, or denying a person’s benefits or payments. B. RRB Computer Matches Subject to the Privacy Act We have taken action to ensure that our computer matching programs comply with the requirements of the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended. C. Notice of Computer Matching Program: RRB with State Medicare Agencies (Renewal): Name of Participating Agencies: The Railroad Retirement Board and state public aid/public assistance agencies. Purpose of the Match: The match has several purposes allowing state agencies to: (1) Accurately identify qualified Railroad Retirement Beneficiaries; (2) Make necessary adjustments required under state law in public aid payments due to cost of living or other adjustments in RRB annuities; (3) Coordinate benefits of dually eligible Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries; and (4) To identify individuals who are eligible for Part B Medicare and not enrolled in order to enroll such individuals in the State Buy-In program. Authority for Conducting the Match: 20 CFR 200.5(j)(1), 20 CFR 200.8(g)(10), 42 CFR 435.940 through 435.965. PO 00000 Frm 00090 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Categories of Records and Individuals Covered: All beneficiaries under the Railroad Retirement Act who have been identified by a state as a recipient of public aid will have information about their RRB benefits and Medicare enrollment furnished to the requesting state agency. This information is covered as a routine disclosure under the Privacy Act system of records RRB– 20, Health Insurance and Supplementary Medical Insurance Enrollment and Premium Payment System (MEDICARE), or RRB–21, Railroad Unemployment and Sickness Insurance Benefit System, which were published in the Federal Register on July 26, 2010 (75 FR 43710). You can also find all RRB Privacy Act Systems of Records notices on our public Web site at: (https://www.rrb.gov/bis/ privacy_act/SORNList.asp). Inclusive Dates of the Matching Program: Agreements with the individual states will run for a maximum length of 18 months with a provision for an automatic, one-time 12 month renewal, for a maximum length of 30 months. In order to qualify for the renewal, both parties must certify to the RRB Data Integrity Board, three months prior to the expiration of the agreement that: (1) The program will continue to be conducted without change, and (2) Each party certifies to the board in writing that the program has been conducted in compliance with the agreement. The number of matches conducted with each state during the period of the match will vary from state to state, but typically are 2 to 4 matches per calendar year. Procedure: The state agency will provide the RRB with a file of records. The data elements in the records will consist of beneficiary identifying information such as: name, Social Security Number (SSN), date of birth, and RRB Claim Number, if known. The RRB will then conduct a computer match on the state provided identifying information. If the matching operation reveals that an individual who received benefits under the Railroad Retirement Act also received benefits from the state for any days in the period, the RRB will notify the state agency and provide benefit payment and Medicare Entitlement data for those matched individuals. The state agency will then make adjustments, as necessary by law or regulation for those matched records. Other information: The notice we are giving here is in addition to any individual notice. We will furnish a copy of this notice to both Houses of E:\FR\FM\21MYN1.SGM 21MYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 98 (Tuesday, May 21, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 29785-29786]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-12006]


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

POSTAL REGULATORY COMMISSION

[Docket No. R2013-7; Order No. 1714]


Priority Mail Pricing

AGENCY: Postal Regulatory Commission.

ACTION: Notice.

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

SUMMARY: The Commission is noticing a recently-filed Postal Service 
notice announcing a proposal to include, for no additional charge, 
insurance up to $100 on most Priority Mail pieces. This notice 
addresses procedural steps associated with this filing.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments electronically by accessing the ``Filing 
Online'' link in the banner at the top of the Commission's Web site 
(https://www.prc.gov) or by directly accessing the Commission's Filing 
Online system at https://www.prc.gov/prc-pages/filing-online/login.aspx. Commenters who cannot submit their views electronically 
should contact the person identified in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION 
CONTACT section as the source for case-related information for advice 
on alternatives to electronic filing.

DATES: Comments are due: May 30, 2013.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stephen L. Sharfman, General Counsel, 
at 202-789-6820 (case-related information) or DocketAdmins@prc.gov 
(electronic filing assistance).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Table of Contents

I. Overview
II. Administrative Actions
III. Ordering Paragraphs

I. Overview

    On May 10, 2013, the Postal Service filed notice, pursuant to 39 
U.S.C. 3622 and 39 CFR 3010, announcing a plan to automatically 
include, at no additional charge, $50 or $100 of insurance coverage 
with most Priority Mail pieces.\1\ The price change is scheduled to 
take effect July 28, 2013.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ United States Postal Service Notice of Market-Dominant Price 
Adjustment, May 10, 2013 (Notice).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Price adjustment description. Currently, the Postal Service charges 
Priority Mail users a fee of $1.95 for insurance coverage up to $50 and 
$2.45 for insurance coverage between $50.01 and $100. Notice at 2. The 
Postal Service's principal domestic competitors, FedEx and UPS, include 
insurance coverage up to $100 at no extra charge. Id. The Postal 
Service asserts that this provides a competitive advantage with 
shippers, particularly large volume shippers. Id. By offering insurance 
coverage up to $100, for no additional charge, on most Priority Mail 
pieces, the Postal Service hopes to improve the competitiveness of 
Priority Mail and potentially grow its overall market share. Id.
    The Postal Service plans to offer automatic insurance coverage up 
to $100 for no extra charge on all domestic Priority Mail pieces that 
bear an Intelligent Mail package barcode (IMpb) and for which the 
mailer pays Commercial Plus prices or uses a ``Qualifying Payment 
Method.'' \2\ The Postal Service plans to offer automatic insurance 
coverage up to $50 in value on all other domestic Priority Mail pieces 
that bear an IMpb or other USPS retail tracking barcode.\3\ Id. at 2-3.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ Qualifying Payment Methods are limited to ePostage, 
Electronic Verification System (eVS), Hardcopy Manifest, or an 
approved Manifest Mailing System. Id. at 3 n.2.
    \3\ Automatic insurance coverage will not be offered with 
Priority Mail pieces sent using Merchandise Return Service, Priority 
Mail Open and Distribute, or Premium Forwarding Service. Id. at 3 
n.3.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Price cap compliance. For the Special Services class of mail, the 
Postal Service states that it has inflation-based price adjustment 
authority of 1.053 percent \4\ and unused price adjustment authority of 
2.114 percent,\5\ neither of which the Postal Service intends to 
utilize in this docket. Id. at 3-4. The Postal Service indicates that 
by eliminating the fees for the first $100 (or $50) of insurance 
coverage for most Priority Mail pieces, the prices for Special Services 
class will decrease by 0.452 percent. Id. at 5. The Postal Service 
indicates that after the price change, the unused pricing authority 
available for the Special Services class will be 3.619. Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ This is based on the Consumer Price Index-All Urban 
Consumers, U.S. All Items (the ``CUUR0000SA0'' series). Id. at 3.
    \5\ See Docket No. R2013-1, Order No. 1541 (November 16, 2012), 
at 72.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Workshare discounts and preferred rates. The Postal Service asserts 
the price change does not affect workshare discounts. Id. at 7. Apart 
from basing the amount of automatic insurance on the mailer's use of 
certain postage payment methods, the Postal Service asserts that the 
price change does not exclude any mailers and will therefore not affect 
compliance with any preferred rate requirements. Id.
    Mail Classification Schedule (MCS). Proposed changes to the MCS, 
which describe the price change, appear in Attachment A of the Postal 
Service's Notice.

II. Administrative Actions

    Initiation of proceedings. The Commission hereby establishes Docket 
No. R2013-7, to review the Postal Service's planned price adjustment. 
The Postal Service's Notice and any subsequent filings in this docket 
will be posted to the Commission's Web site at https://www.prc.gov.
    Public comment period. The Commission's rules provide a period of 
20 days from the date of the Postal Service's filing for public 
comment. 39 CFR 3010.13(a)(5). Comments by interested persons are due 
no later than May 30, 2013.
    Appointment of Public Representative. In conformance with 39 U.S.C. 
505, the Commission appoints

[[Page 29786]]

Kenneth E. Richardson to represent the interests of the general public 
in this proceeding.

III. Ordering Paragraphs

    It is ordered:
    1. The Commission establishes Docket No. R2013-7 to consider the 
price adjustment to insurance identified in the Postal Service's May 
10, 2013 Notice.
    2. Comments by interested persons on the planned price adjustments 
are due no later than May 30, 2013.
    3. Pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 505, the Commission appoints Kenneth E. 
Richardson to represent the interests of the general public in this 
proceeding.
    4. The Commission directs the Secretary of the Commission to 
arrange for publication of this notice in the Federal Register.

    By the Commission.
Shoshana M. Grove,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2013-12006 Filed 5-20-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7710-FW-P
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