New Mailing Standards for Domestic Mailing Services Products, 63915-63929 [2013-24980]

Agencies

• Postal Service

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 207 (Friday, October 25, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 63915-63929]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-24980]


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POSTAL SERVICE

39 CFR Part 111


New Mailing Standards for Domestic Mailing Services Products

AGENCY: Postal Service\TM\.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: On September 26, 2013, the Postal Service filed a notice of 
mailing services price adjustments with the Postal Regulatory 
Commission (PRC), effective January 2014. This proposed rule contains 
the revisions to Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, 
Domestic Mail Manual (DMM[supreg]) that we would adopt to implement the 
changes coincident with the price adjustments.

DATES: We must receive comments on or before November 25, 2013.

ADDRESSES: Mail or deliver written comments to the manager, Product 
Classification, U.S. Postal Service[supreg], 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW., 
Room 4446, Washington, DC, 20260-5015. You may inspect and photocopy 
all written comments at USPS[supreg] Headquarters Library, 475 L'Enfant 
Plaza SW., 11th Floor N, Washington DC by appointment only between the 
hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday by calling 1-202-268-
2906 in advance. Faxed comments will not be accepted.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bill Chatfield at 202-268-7278, 
Lizbeth Dobbins at 202-268-3789, or Steve Monteith at 202-268-6983.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Proposed prices will be available under 
Docket No. R2013-10 on the Postal Regulatory Commission's Web site at 
www.prc.gov.
    The Postal Service's proposed rule includes new pricing eligibility 
for retail and commercial nonpresorted First-Class Mail[supreg] 
letters, several mail classification changes, and some condensing of 
current standards for Periodicals publications.

Proposed Change for Letters

Retail and Commercial First-Class Mail[supreg] Letters

    The Postal Service proposes to add a new single-piece commercial 
nonpresorted First-Class Mail letter price category to be called 
Metered Mail price. Prices for this category are separate from other 
retail single-piece First-Class Mail letters and would apply for First-
Class Mail letters when postage is affixed or imprinted by the mailer 
for metered indicia, PCPostage, precanceled stamps, or permit imprint. 
The price also would be available for single-piece retail letters when 
postage is paid as described. There would be no minimum volume, except 
for pieces paid by permit imprint, for which the existing minimum of at 
least 200 pieces would apply. These prices also would apply to residual 
pieces from automation or presorted First-Class Mail letter mailings, 
presented in letter trays. When such residual pieces are part of a 
permit imprint mailing for the presorted or automation mailing, and 
claimed on the same postage statement as the primary mailing, there 
would be no separate minimum number of pieces for the commercial 
nonpresorted portion.
    The Postal Service proposes to change the current price structure 
for residual First-Class Mail letters. Residuals from uniform 1-ounce 
presort letter mailings will pay the 1-ounce Metered letter price. 
Residuals from uniform 2-ounce presort letter mailings will pay the 2-
ounce Metered letter price Residuals from mixed mailings of 1-ounce and 
2-

[[Page 63916]]

ounce letters will pay the ``blended'' First-Class Mail Residual letter 
price.

Proposed Changes for Flats

All Flats

    Although not making any changes to mailing standards with this 
filing, the Postal Service will evaluate the impact of certain types of 
paper and other physical characteristics for flat mail machinability 
and may later propose related changes in standards for automation 
flats.

Standard Mail[supreg] Flats

    We propose to disallow the use of detached address labels (DALs) 
with all Standard Mail flats mailed with simplified addresses 
(EDDM[supreg]). Therefore, all EDDM flats (entered at BMEUs or Retail) 
would have to bear simplified addresses directly on the flats.

Required Flats Sequencing System (FSS) Preparation

    The Postal Service initially introduced optional FSS preparation 
standards in the August 23, 2010 Federal Register, final rule (75 FR 
51668-51671) which were incorporated into the DMM on January 2, 2011. 
These FSS preparation standards were developed in collaboration with 
the mailing industry group, including both mail owners and mail service 
providers. This industry group determined that the preparation of 
bundles and pallets specifically for FSS processing could lead to 
greater efficiencies and cost savings for both the USPS and the mailing 
industry. The mailing industry group agreed that the production of 
uniform bundle heights could reduce the costs associated with preparing 
bundles, and that more stable pallet construction would improve mailer 
transport of the mail to drop shipment locations. In addition, 
preparing FSS scheme pallets allows for the creation of larger pallets, 
which permits the mail to move directly to the FSS mail prep area.
    In the August 23, 2010 final rule, the Postal Service also provided 
advance notice that FSS-based mail preparation requirements would 
become mandatory at some point in the future. The Postal Service now 
proposes to require bundle and pallet preparation of flat-size Standard 
Mail, Periodicals and Bound Printed Matter mailpieces prepared for 
delivery within the ZIP CodesTM served by FSS processing. 
FSS is a critical element in the Postal Service's strategic operations 
plan. The expansion of its use will allow the Postal Service to improve 
delivery efficiency and control costs. The efficient induction of 
mailpieces into FSS requires bundles of flats to be of equal height, in 
order to facilitate their placement into the standard containers that 
feed into the FSS induction mechanism.
    With this revision, mailers would be required to place mailings of 
presorted and basic carrier route Standard Mail flats, and Periodicals 
and Bound Printed Matter presorted and carrier route flats meeting the 
deflection standards and the physical standards in DMM 301.3.2, and 
combined mailings of Standard Mail and Periodicals flats prepared under 
DMM 705.15 into combined 5-digit FSS scheme pools when addressed for 
delivery to any FSS 5-digit scheme combination per labeling list L006. 
Optionally, mailers may include nonmachinable Periodicals flats no more 
than 1-inch thick if they meet the standards in 705.14.
    Mailers would place qualifying mailpieces from all price categories 
into a separate pool for each individual 5-digit FSS-scheme 
combination. Mailings that include 10 or more pieces of Standard Mail 
flats, 6 or more pieces of Periodicals flats or 10 or more pieces (or 
10 or more pounds) of Bound Printed Matter flats to a FSS scheme must 
include FSS scheme bundles for that 5-digit FSS scheme. Mailers may 
optionally prepare scheme pools with less than 10 pieces of Standard 
Mail flats, 6 pieces of Periodical flats, or 10 pieces (or 10 pounds) 
of Bound Printed Matter flats and may prepare a FSS scheme bundle if 
they have a minimum of 3 inches of mail. Mailings of Bound Printed 
Matter flats not meeting the eligibility standards for presort or 
carrier route pricing may also be included in FSS preparation, but 
would not be eligible for presorted or carrier route prices. All pieces 
for each combined mailpiece pool must be placed in uniform bundles of 
between 3 inches and 6.5 inches, except for one overflow bundle that 
may be under the minimum height. Bundles must be otherwise prepared in 
accordance with the other conditions in DMM 705.14.0.
    Bundles must be identified as 5-digit scheme presort, either with 
an optional endorsement line (OEL) under 708.7.0 or with a ``red Label 
5 SCH'' barcoded pressure-sensitive bundle label. However, mailpieces 
entered under a combined mailing of Standard Mail and Periodicals flats 
will continue to require a unique OEL on each piece as described in DMM 
exhibit 708.7.1.1. Mailers are reminded that every mailpiece prepared 
under these standards must still include class and price markings as 
described in DMM 302.3.0 applicable to the price paid, in addition to 
the FSS bundle identification.
    Pallets prepared to the FSS sort plan level (all for the same 5-
digit FSS-scheme ZIP Code combination) would continue to be required at 
250 pounds, and optional below 250 pounds. However, FSS facility sort 
(all 5-digit FSS-scheme ZIP Code combinations processed within the same 
facility) pallets would be optional at any level. Pallets would be 
required to bear a pallet placard with an Intelligent Mail container 
barcode. Mailers without the capacity to palletize could request an 
exception to these palletization requirements from the local plant 
manager.
    Mailpieces that meet the current eligibility standards for basic 
carrier route prices would be included in FSS preparation requirement. 
Saturation price Standard Mail and Periodicals flats are not eligible 
for this preparation. Mailers may optionally include pieces eligible 
for high density and high density plus prices into FSS preparation, but 
their inclusion will not be required. Only saturation, high density, 
and high density plus mailpieces would be eligible for destination 
delivery unit (DDU) entry within FSS zones. The sequencing of 
mailpieces within bundles is not required or recommended when preparing 
FSS bundles.
    The Postal Service is adding a new destination FSS (DFSS) price for 
FSS sort plan containers entered at the correct FSS facility. Initially 
only FSS sort plan containers would be eligible for these destination-
entry prices. The Postal Service is also investigating the feasibility 
of allowing FSS facility containers to be entered at FSS facilities 
that are co-located with bundle sortation capability, but no final 
decision has been made. DFSS entry piece pricing would be available for 
Standard Mail flats qualifying for carrier route and 5-digit piece 
prices.
    Standard Mail flats properly included in a FSS scheme pool, but 
qualifying for 3-digit, ADC or mixed ADC prices, would claim 3-digit 
prices. However, these pieces would not be eligible for DFSS prices 
when placed on a FSS scheme pallet entered at a DFSS. These pieces 
would be eligible for DSCF entry prices.
    FSS preparation would be optional for Periodicals flats mailed at 
In-County prices and Periodicals mailings of five thousand pieces or 
less mailed at Outside-County prices. The 5-digit Outside-County bundle 
charge would continue to be assessed on bundles of Outside-County 
Periodicals prepared in accordance with these standards, even

[[Page 63917]]

though mailpieces being claimed at the carrier route piece price may be 
properly placed within these bundles. FSS sort plan pallets would be 
assessed the Outside-County container charge for a 3-digit level 
pallet, and FSS facility sort level pallets would be charged a 
container price for an SCF pallet, except that there will be no 
container charge when FSS sort plan pallets are entered at an FSS 
facility. The Outside-County price would be the same as the DSCF price 
and the Inside-County pound price would claim the price for the 
``none'' entry level. FSS scheme pallets entered at a FSS facility 
would pay the DSCF prices.
    Bound Printed Matter (BPM) flats prepared under these standards 
placed on FSS scheme pallets, sacks or trays, and entered at a FSS 
facility would be eligible for DSCF prices. DFSS entry prices would not 
be available for BPM flats at this time.
    Additionally, the Postal Service is currently investigating the 
operational feasibility of allowing flats exceeding 20 ounces to be 
included in FSS preparation, and will advise the mailing industry of 
its findings.

Proposed Changes for Letters, Flats, and Parcels

All Commercial Mail

    To accommodate changes in facility functions, the Postal Service 
has been allowing destination sectional center (DSCF) facility pricing 
at some former SCFs. As advance notice, effective January 2015, to 
qualify for DSCF pricing, mailers would be required to enter mail at an 
actual SCF.

Periodicals

    We add a few editorial revisions to standards for Periodicals in 
DMM 707.4.0, 707.6.0, 707.7.0, 707.9.0, and 707.18.0 to simplify the 
text. We include these revisions in this proposal to invite any 
comments and ensure that we are not removing any text needed by 
customers or employees.

Tray and Sack Labels

    We propose to add a restriction on all tray and sack labels to 
formalize what has been a practical restriction: that all tray and sack 
labels be non-adhesive. This will enable quicker turnaround of empty 
sacks and trays for customer use.

Proposed Changes for Parcels

New Live Animal Transportation Fee

    The Postal Service is proposing to require all shipments containing 
mailable live animals to be assessed a Live Animal Transportation Fee. 
In 2006, as a result of an assessment charged by commercial airlines, 
the Postal Service first provided notice to mailers of a surcharge for 
live shipments of $0.20 per pound for day-old poultry in the mail.
    To ensure the safety of the animals during mail processing and 
transportation, the Postal Service has historically provided extra care 
in handling live animals as a course of action, regardless of the class 
of mail or the extra service being purchased. This has resulted in 
additional expense incurred by the Postal Service to isolate and 
protect live shipments.
    Therefore, the Postal Service is proposing to adopt a per pound 
Live Animal Transportation Fee applicable to all shipments containing 
live animals.
    This proposed Live Animal Transportation Fee is subject to 
regulatory review by the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC). Therefore, 
the Postal Service would proceed with the implementation of the pricing 
component of this rule following filing with the PRC and their 
subsequent review and input. The Postal Service expects that the Live 
Animal Transportation Fee will help offset costs for additional 
handling and care given to shipments of live animals.

New Minimum Volume Criteria for Manifested Parcels (MMS & eVS)

    To provide customers with more flexibility to ship their packages 
using the Postal Service, we propose reducing the minimum criteria of 
200 pieces or 50 pounds, when paying postage by permit imprint, to 50 
pieces or 50 pounds for manifest mailers using a manifest mailing 
system (MMS) and eVS[supreg] for any single-piece parcel mailings. The 
Postal Service would allow a combination of any domestic single-piece 
priced (nonpresorted) parcels to meet the new minimum criteria using 
one or more of the following: Priority Mail ExpressTM (PME), 
Priority Mail, First-Class Mail, First-Class Package Service[supreg], 
Parcel Select[supreg] Nonpresort, nonpresorted Bound Printed Matter, 
and single-piece Media Mail or Library Mail.

Extra Services and Other Services

Collect on Delivery (COD) Changes

    The Postal Service proposes to remove the current option for 
senders of nursery stock shipped Collect on Delivery (COD) to include 
special instructions for undeliverable shipments to be auctioned off to 
the highest bidder and the proceeds remitted to the sender. Effective 
July 28, 2013, the holding period for COD articles was reduced from 30 
days to 10 days, resulting in the USPS being able to return the nursery 
stock in less time than we previously would hold it for delivery. 
Additionally, this option has not been commonly used and has been 
difficult to administer. Therefore, the special instructions for 
auctions are no longer needed.
    The Postal Service also proposes to expand the standards for COD 
mail to allow Hold for Pick Up service to be added when COD mail is 
sent as Priority Mail, First-Class Package Service, or Parcel Select 
Nonpresort.

Signature Hand Stamp Usage

    The Postal Service will clarify the standards for use of an 
addressee's signature hand stamp for Priority Mail Express or 
accountable mail items. Specifically, we clarify that the use of a hand 
stamp is not exclusive to the Form 3849. Once approved by the 
Postmaster, a hand stamp may be used for Priority Mail Express and 
other accountable mail, including a Return Receipt (Form 3811) 
purchased with the applicable extra service.
    Although these revisions will not be published in the DMM until 
January 26, 2014, mailers may begin using addressee's signature hand 
stamps under the revised mailing standards upon publication of the 
final rule.

Filing of Indemnity Claims

    The Postal Service is continuing its efforts to simplify the claims 
process and reduce the adjudication period when customers file 
indemnity claims. In addition to further enhancements to our online 
claims system, the Postal Service proposes to streamline the filing 
periods and manual processes associated with claims processing for 
improved efficiency. The claims filing periods for indemnity claims 
would be 60 days from the date of mailing and subsequently, the claims 
appeals timeline would be reduced from 60 days to 30 days from the date 
of the original decision.
    Customers will continue to file indemnity claims online or, when no 
internet access is available to the customer, claims may be filed by 
mail directly to the Accounting Service Center. A toll-free number is 
being made available to obtain Form 1000 for customers filing by mail. 
The local Post OfficeTM will no longer file the indemnity 
claims for customers, which eliminates this extra time consuming step.
    Clarity is also proposed to the DMM language for payable claims for 
coins, and other collectibles to require a sales receipt, invoice or 
bill of sale, or statement of value from a reputable

[[Page 63918]]

dealer, and for firearms to require a Form 1508 submission with the 
claim. Also, gift cards, most of which are replaceable, are being added 
to those items under nonpayable claims.

Return Receipt for Merchandise

    Additionally, the Postal Service plans to discontinue offering 
Return Receipt for Merchandise service in July 2014, because Signature 
Confirmation provides the same or equivalent service for a lower price.

2014 Promotions

    The Postal Service will offer numerous mailing promotions in 
calendar year 2014, and will share the details of these promotions on 
the RIBBS Web site soon.
    Although we are exempt from the notice and comment requirements of 
the Administrative Procedure Act [5 U.S.C. 553(b), (c)] regarding 
proposed rulemaking by 39 U.S.C. 410(a), we invite public comments on 
the following proposed revisions to Mailing Standards of the United 
States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM), 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 proposed to be 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)

100 Retail Mail

* * * * *

130 First-Class Mail

133 Prices and Eligibility

1.0 First-Class Mail Prices and Fees

1.1 First-Class Mail Single-Piece Price Application

    See Notice 123--Price List. The single-piece prices for First-Class 
Mail are applied as follows:
    [Revise items 1.1a and 1.1b as follows:]
    a. The card price applies to a card meeting the standards in 
101.6.3.
    b. The letter price applies to letter-size pieces that meet the 
standards in 101.1.1 and weigh 3.5 ounces or less, and that are not 
eligible for and claimed at the card price. There are separate prices 
for stamped letters, and for letters with postage affixed (other than 
regular stamps) or imprinted by the mailer (Metered Mail price); see 
134.1.1.

134 Postage Payment Methods

1.0 Postage Payment Methods for First-Class Mail

1.1 Payment Method

    [Revise the text of 1.1 as follows:]
    Postage for single-piece First-Class Mail must be paid with affixed 
postage stamps (604.1.0), postage evidencing system postage (604.4.0) 
or permit imprint (604.5.0) as specified in 1.0. When mailers affix 
postage (other than regular stamps) or use permit imprint on letters, 
such pieces are eligible for the Metered Mail price.
* * * * *

200 Commercial Letters and Cards

* * * * *

230 First-Class Mail

233 Prices and Eligibility

1.0 Prices and Fees for First-Class Mail

* * * * *

1.2 Price Computation for First-Class Mail Letters

    [Revise the text of 1.2 as follows:]
    Commercial First-Class Mail Presorted letters are charged at one 
price for the first 2 ounces, with separate prices for pieces over 2 
ounces up to 3 ounces and for pieces over 3 ounces up to 3.5 ounces. 
Any fraction of an ounce is considered a whole ounce. The pricing per 
ounce is similar for automation First-Class Mail letters, with pricing 
per sortation level. Single-piece price letters that are residual 
pieces from either a Presorted or automation mailing are charged the 
residual single-piece price for letters up to 2 ounces when the mailing 
contains both 1-ounce and 2-ounce pieces and pieces are presented 
together, and the applicable Metered Mail prices (see 234.1.0) for all 
other residual pieces. See Notice 123--Price List.
* * * * *

234 Postage Payment Methods

1.0 Basic Standards for Postage Payment

1.1 Postage Payment Options

    [Revise the text of 1.1 as follows:]
    Postage for Presorted or automation First-Class Mail letters must 
be paid with affixed postage or permit imprint as specified in 2.0. 
Residual letters (from presorted or automation mailings) with such 
postage may be eligible for the Metered Mail price.

2.0 Postage Payment for Presorted and Automation Letters

2.1 Payment Methods

    [Revise the text of 2.1 as follows:]
    First-Class Mail presorted and automation postage must be paid with 
postage evidencing system indicia, permit imprints, or precanceled 
stamps. All pieces in a mailing must be paid with the same method 
unless otherwise permitted by standard or Business Mailer Support 
authorization. Permit imprints may be used for mailings of 
nonidentical-weight pieces only if authorized by Business Mailer 
Support.
* * * * *

235 Mail Preparation

* * * * *

5.0 Preparing Nonautomation Letters

5.1 Basic Standards

* * * * *

5.1.2 Single-Piece Price Pieces Presented With Presort Mailings

    * * * The following standards apply:
    [Revise the first two sentences of the introductory paragraph of 
item 5.1.2a as follows:]
    a. The mailer must prepare the single-piece price pieces in 
separate trays from the automation and presort pieces. Mailers must 
label the trays under 708.6.0 using CIN code 260 on trays of single-
piece letters. * * *
* * * * *
    [Revise item 5.1.2.a2 as follows:]
    2. Line 2: Use the human-readable content line corresponding to 
content identifier number 260 (see Exhibit 708.6.2.4).
* * * * *

300 Commercial Flats

* * * * *

340 Standard Mail

343 Prices and Eligibility

* * * * *

5.0 Additional Eligibility Standards for Nonautomation Standard Mail 
Flats

5.1 Basic Standards

    All pieces in a Regular Standard Mail or Nonprofit Standard Mail 
Presorted price mailing must:
* * * * *
    [Revise 5.1d as follows:]

[[Page 63919]]

    d. Be marked, sorted and documented as specified in 345 or 
705.14.0.
* * * * *

5.3 5-Digit Prices for Flats

    The 5-digit price applies to flat-size pieces:
    [Revise 5.3a as follows:]
    a. In a 5-digit/scheme bundle of 10 or more pieces, or 15 or more 
pieces, as applicable; properly placed in a 5-digit/scheme sack 
containing at least 125 pieces or 15 pounds of pieces; or pieces 
included in a FSS 5-digit scheme pool prepared under 705.14.
* * * * *

5.4 3-Digit Prices for Flats

    The 3-digit price applies to flat-size pieces:
* * * * *
    [Add new item 5.4c as follows:]
    c. That are residual pieces not qualifying for carrier route or 5-
digit prices, but properly included in a FSS 5-digit scheme pool 
prepared under 705.14.
* * * * *

6.0 Additional Eligibility Standards for Enhanced Carrier Route 
Standard Mail Flats

6.1 General Enhanced Carrier Route Standards

* * * * *

6.1.2 Basic Eligibility Standards

    All pieces in an Enhanced Carrier Route or Nonprofit Enhanced 
Carrier Route Standard Mail mailing must:
* * * * *
    [Revise item 6.1.2c as follows:]
    c. Be sorted to carrier routes, marked, and documented under 
345.6.0 or 705.8.0; or prepared under 705.14.0.
* * * * *

6.3 Basic Price Enhanced Carrier Route Standards

* * * * *

6.3.2 Basic Price Eligibility

    Basic prices apply to each piece in a carrier route bundle of 10 or 
more pieces that is:
* * * * *
    [Revise item 6.3.2a as follows:]
    a. Palletized under 705.8.0, 705.10.0, 705.12.0, or 705.13.0.
* * * * *
    [Add new item 6.3.2e as follows:]
    e. Properly prepared to a FSS 5-digit scheme pool prepared under 
705.14.
* * * * *

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

6.4.1 Basic Eligibility Standards for High Density and High-Density 
Plus Prices

    All pieces mailed at high density prices must:
* * * * *
    [Revise the third sentence of item 6.4.1b as follows:]
    b. * * * Multiple pieces per delivery address can count toward the 
density standards, except for pieces with simplified addresses as 
allowed under 602.3.0.
* * * * *

7.0 Additional Eligibility Standards for Automation Standard Mail Flats

7.1 Basic Eligibility Standards for Automation Standard Mail

    All pieces in a Regular Standard Mail or Nonprofit Standard Mail 
automation mailing must:
* * * * *
    [Revise 7.1f as follows:]
    f. Be marked, sorted and documented under 345.7.0 and 705.8.0 
through 705.13.0; or prepared under 705.14.0.
* * * * *

7.3 Price Application

    Automation prices apply to each piece properly sorted into 
qualifying groups:
    [Revise 7.3a and 7.3b as follows:]
    a. The 5-digit price applies to flat-size pieces in a 5-digit/
scheme bundle of 10 or more pieces, or 15 or more pieces, as 
applicable; or 10 or more pieces prepared to a FSS 5-digit scheme pool 
under 705.14.
    b. The 3-digit price applies to flat-size pieces in a 3-digit/
scheme bundle of 10 or more pieces. It also applies to residual pieces 
not qualifying for carrier route or 5-digit prices but included in a 
FSS 5-digit scheme pool under 705.14.
* * * * *

345 Mail Preparation

1.0 General Information for Mail Preparation

* * * * *
    [Add a new 1.6 as follows:]

1.6 FSS Preparation

    Except for Standard Mail flats mailed at saturation, High Density 
or High-Density Plus prices, all Standard Mail flats destinating to FSS 
zones in accordance with labeling list L006 must be prepared under 
705.14.0. Flats qualifying for High Density and High-Density Plus 
prices also may be included in FSS 5-digit scheme pools.
* * * * *

346 Enter and Deposit

* * * * *

4.0 Destination Sectional Center Facility (DSCF) Entry

* * * * *

4.2 Eligibility

    Pieces in a mailing that meets the standards in 2.0 and 4.0 are 
eligible for the DSCF price, as follows:
* * * * *
    [Revise item 4.2c as follows:]
    c. DSCF prices apply to residual pieces eligible for 3-digit prices 
that are properly placed on a FSS scheme pallet, and pieces from all 
eligible price categories properly placed in a FSS scheme sack or tray, 
when deposited at a USPS-designated FSS processing facility and labeled 
to a FSS sort plan processed by that facility or to a 5-digit 
destination processed by that facility under labeling list L006. These 
pieces must include a full delivery address and meet the physical 
standards for FSS-machinability in 705.14.0.
    [Delete item 4.2d in its entirety.]
* * * * *
    [Renumber the current 5.0 as the new 6.0, and add a new 5.0 as 
follows:]

5.0 Destination Flat Sequencing System (DFSS) Facility Entry

5.1 Definition

    Destination Flat Sequencing System Facility (DFSS) refers to the 
facilities listed in L006, Column C.

5.2 Eligibility

    DFSS prices apply to pieces deposited at a USPS-designated FSS 
processing facility and correctly placed on a pallet labeled to a FSS 
sort plan processed by that facility or to a 5-digit destination 
processed by that facility under labeling list L006. These pieces must 
include a full delivery address and meet the physical standards for FSS 
machinability in 705.14.0.
* * * * *

360 Bound Printed Matter

* * * * *

365 Mail Preparation

1.0 General Information for Mail Preparation

* * * * *
    [Add a new 1.6 as follows:]

1.6 FSS Preparation

    BPM flats claiming presort or carrier route prices, meeting the 
standards in

[[Page 63920]]

301.3.2 and destinating to FSS zones in accordance with labeling list 
L006, must be prepared under 705.14.0.
* * * * *

366 Enter and Deposit

* * * * *

5.0 Destination Sectional Center Facility (DSCF) Entry

5.1 Eligibility

    [Revise the introductory text of 5.1 as follows:]
    Bound Printed Matter pieces in a mailing meeting the standards in 
3.0 are eligible for the DSCF price when they meet all of the following 
additional conditions:
* * * * *
    b. are deposited at:
    [Revise item 5.1b2 as follows:]
    2. a USPS-designated FSS processing facility and correctly placed 
in a flat tray, sack, or on a pallet, labeled to a FSS sort plan 
processed by that facility or to a 5-digit destination processed by 
that facility under labeling list L006. These pieces must include a 
full delivery address and meet the physical standards for FSS-
machinability in 705.14.0.
* * * * *

500 Additional Mailing Services

503 Extra Services

1.0 Registered Mail

* * * * *

1.6 Inquiry on Uninsured Article

* * * * *

1.6.2 When and How to File

    [Revise the current third sentence and add a new fourth sentence to 
1.6.2 as follows:]
    * * * File an inquiry for Registered Mail with no declared value by 
completing a Form 1000, available online at www.usps.com/forms/_pdf/ps1000.pdf. See Publication 122 for additional information.
* * * * *

12.0 Collect on Delivery (COD)

* * * * *

12.2 Basic Information

12.2.1 Description

    [Revise the text of 12.2.1 as follows:]
    Any mailer may use collect on delivery (COD) service to mail an 
article for which the mailer has not been paid and have its price and 
the cost of the postage collected (not to exceed $1,000.00) from the 
addressee (or addressee's agent). COD service provides the mailer with 
a mailing receipt and the USPS maintains a record of delivery 
(including the recipient's signature) for two years. The recipient may 
pay the COD amount due for a mailpiece (with one form of payment) by 
cash, or a personal check or money order made payable to the mailer. 
The USPS forwards the check or money order to the mailer. The Postal 
Service cannot intervene in disputes between mailers and recipients of 
COD mail after payment was returned to the mailer. Customers may obtain 
a delivery record by purchasing return receipt (5.0). Bulk proof of 
delivery service (6.0) is also available if purchasing electronic 
return receipt service at the time of mailing. A mailer must use a 
unique COD number for each article mailed.

12.2.2 Eligible Matter

    [Revise the introductory text of 12.2.2 as follows:]
    COD service may be used for Priority Mail Express (next day and 
second day service only), Priority Mail (except Critical Mail), First-
Class Mail, First-Class Package Service, Standard Post, and Package 
Services or Parcel Select (except Parcel Select Lightweight) mailpieces 
if: * * *
* * * * *

12.2.3 Additional Services

    [Revise 12.2.3 as follows:]
    COD service may be used with Hold For Pick Up service under 508.7, 
and may also be combined with the following services when the 
additional service fees are paid:
    a. Restricted delivery.
    b. Return receipt.
    c. USPS Tracking (except with Priority Mail Express COD).
    d. Registered Mail.
    e. Signature Confirmation (except with Priority Mail Express COD).
    f. Special handling.

12.2.4 Registered COD Mail

    [Revise 12.2.4 by deleting the current last two sentences and 
inserting a new last sentence as follows:]
    * * * The label and form must be affixed according to 12.4.1

12.2.5 Priority Mail Express COD

    [Revise 12.2.5 as follows:]
    Any article sent COD also may be sent by Priority Mail Express 
(next day and second day) when a delivery signature is requested. The 
maximum amount collectible from the addressee and the indemnity for an 
individual article is limited to $1,000.00. Priority Mail Express 
postage and the COD fees must be paid. The label and form must be 
affixed according to 12.4.1.
* * * * *

12.2.7 Redirecting COD Articles

    [Revise 12.2.7 as follows:]
    The mailer of a COD article may use USPS Package Intercept service 
under 507.5.0 to redirect the article to a new addressee at a 
designated Post Office using Hold For Pickup service.

12.3 Forms

12.3.1 Form 3816

    [Revise 12.3.1 as follows:]
    Mailers must complete barcoded Form 3816 (see Exhibit 12.3.1) or 
Form 3816-AS (see 12.3.2) and attach it above the delivery address and 
to the right of the return address, or to the left of the delivery 
address on parcels.
* * * * *

12.3.2 Privately Printed Form 3816-AS

    [Revise 12.3.2 as follows:]
    If authorized, a mailer may use a privately printed Form 3816-AS in 
a 3-ply or 5-ply format. If Form 3816-AS does not provide detachable 
second and third copies, use Form 3877 under 12.4.4. The privately 
printed form must be nearly identical in text, design, and color to 
postal Form 3816, with a COD article number that can be read by 
automated postal equipment and an Intelligent Mail package barcode 
(IMpb) prepared under 708.5.0. As stated in Publication 199, available 
at https://ribbs.usps.gov/, mailers must provide pre-production barcoded 
COD labels to the National Customer Service Center (NCSC) for review 
and approval prior to use.

12.3.3 Nursery Stock

    [Revise 12.3.3 as follows:]
    A firm that mails nursery stock may use Form 3816-AS (see 12.3.2) 
and include instructions for disposing of shipments not delivered 
immediately under the following conditions:
    a. The firm's instructions on the back of the delivery office part 
of the COD form (1), and on the remittance coupon (2), should read as 
follows:
    1. ``If recipient refuses to pay charges for any reason, deliver at 
once without collecting the charges. If parcel is not deliverable or 
not claimed by the addressee after 10 days, destroy parcel. See 
remittance coupon for further instructions.''
    2. ``Return this coupon with money order. If parcel is delivered 
without collection of charges, or is destroyed after 10 days, check 
disposition and send coupon to sender in penalty envelope.''
    Delivered to addressee without collecting charges.
    Destroyed after 10 days.

[[Page 63921]]

12.4 Mailing

12.4.1 Identifying Number

    [Revise 12.4.1 as follows:]
    COD articles are identified by a number on each section of the COD 
form. When COD is used with Priority Mail Express, Registered Mail, 
Hold For Pickup service or, a separate barcoded shipping label, the 
mailer must place both the label and the COD form on the front of the 
article. The Priority Mail Express article number or the Registered 
Mail number is used for delivery receipt and indemnity claims. When a 
separate Hold For Pickup or barcoded shipping label is used, the 
identifying tracking numbers on the label and the COD form must match.
    [Delete item 12.4.2, Numbering for Large Volumes, in its entirety 
(context of text relocated into 12.2.1), and renumber current items 
12.4.3 through 12.4.8 as new items 12.4.2 through 12.4.7]

12.4.2 Completing COD Forms

    [Revise the text of renumbered 12.4.2 as follows:]
    The mailer must securely affix the COD form to each COD article. 
The form must show article number, names and addresses of mailer and 
recipient, amount due mailer, and amount of money order fee. This 
required information must be handwritten with ink, typewritten, or 
computer printed. The mailer may not stipulate ``Cash Only'' on the COD 
form. The USPS is not responsible for errors that a mailer makes in 
stating the charges to be collected.

12.4.3 Addressing Forms

    [Revise the second sentence of renumbered 12.4.3 as follows:]
    * * * The return address on the COD form must be the same as the 
return address on the COD article, except that a mailer using a Form 
3816-AS may print a different address on the remittance coupon where 
payments are to be sent.* * *

12.4.4 Receipt

    [Revise the text of renumbered 12.4.4 as follows:]
    A mailer using Form 3816 receives a section of this form as a 
receipt. If three or more COD articles are presented for mailing at one 
time, the mailer may use Form 3877 (firm sheet) or privately printed 
firm sheets in conjunction with Form 3816. When a mailer uses a Form 
3816-AS that does not provide detachable second and third copies, Form 
3877 also must be used. Privately printed or computer-generated firm 
sheets that contain the same information as Form 3877 may be approved 
by the local postmaster or manager, business mail entry. Mailers may 
omit columns from Form 3877 that do not apply to COD mail. The mailer 
must submit firm sheets in duplicate and will receive one copy of the 
postmarked form as a mailing receipt (in lieu of Copy 3 of Form 3816 or 
Form 3816-AS) after the entries are verified by the accepting postal 
employee. The acceptance Post Office will retain the second copy. All 
entries on Form 3877 or privately-printed firm sheets must be made by 
typewriter, printed in ink, or computer-generated. Alterations must be 
initialed by the mailer and accepting employee. All unused portions of 
the addressee column must be obliterated with a diagonal line.
* * * * *

12.5 Delivery

    [Revise the text of 12.5 as follows:]
    Delivery of COD mail is subject to 508.1.0 and 508.2.0. Except for 
Priority Mail Express COD, a postmaster may restrict delivery of COD 
mail if the amount to be collected makes the carrier a potential target 
for theft or if it is known that the addressee will be unavailable to 
receive the article at the time of delivery. If payment is by the 
recipient's check or a money order made payable to the mailer, the 
recipient must present adequate identification. If payment is made by 
cash, a money order fee is collected from the recipient in addition to 
the COD amount.
* * * * *

507 Mailer Services

1.0 Treatment of Mail

* * * * *

1.8 Returning Mail

* * * * *

1.8.5 Extra Services

    [Revise 1.8.5 by revising the third and fourth sentences and adding 
a new fifth sentence as follows:]
    * * * The sender must sign a delivery receipt for returned Priority 
Mail Express, Registered Mail, COD articles, Adult Signature services, 
and mail insured for more than $200. Returned Priority Mail Express 
(when waiver of signature is requested by sender), Certified Mail, and 
mail with Signature Confirmation or return receipt for merchandise 
service may be returned to the sender without obtaining a signature 
when those mailpieces are properly returned as undeliverable.
* * * * *

4.0 Address Correction Services

* * * * *

4.3 Sender Instructions

* * * * *

4.3.2 Extra Services

    [Revise the complete text of 4.3.2 as follows:]
    A change-of-address order covers Certified Mail, COD, insured, 
Registered Mail, Signature Confirmation, Adult Signature services, and 
return receipt for merchandise mail unless the sender gives other 
instructions or the addressee moves outside the United States. This 
mail is treated as follows:
    a. COD mail is not forwarded to overseas military Post Offices.
    b. Ordinary and insured parcels marked on the envelope or wrapper 
with the mailer's instructions are treated following instructions, such 
as: ``Do not forward or return. If not accepted within ------ days, 
treat as abandoned. Notify mailer of disposition.''
    c. COD mail will be handled as requested when marked under 503.12.
* * * * *

508 Recipient Services

1.0 Recipient Options

1.1 Basic Recipient Concerns

* * * * *

1.1.7 Priority Mail Express and Accountable Mail

    [Revise the introductory text of 1.1.7 as follows:]
    The following conditions also apply to the delivery of Priority 
Mail Express and other accountable mail (Registered Mail, Certified 
Mail, insured for more than $200.00, COD, or Adult Signature services 
as well as mail with return receipt service, return receipt for 
merchandise service, or restricted delivery service:
    [Revise the text of item 1.1.7a as follows:]
    a. The addressee (or addressee's representative) may obtain the 
sender's name and address and may look at the mailpiece while held by 
the USPS employee before accepting delivery and endorsing the delivery 
receipt.
* * * * *
    [Revise the text of item 1.1.7c as follows:]
    c. Suitable identification may be required of the recipient before 
delivery of the mailpiece.
* * * * *
    [Revise the text of item 1.1.7e as follows:]

[[Page 63922]]

    e. USPS responsibility ends when the mailpiece is delivered to the 
addressee (or another party, subject to 1.0).
* * * * *
    [Revise all of item 1.1.7g as follows:]
    g. A hand stamp approved by the postmaster may be used to provide 
the signature and name of the individual or organization receiving the 
mailpiece as follows:
    1. The hand stamp imprint must fit within the Signature and Printed 
Name blocks on Form 3849, without overlapping into the delivery office 
information section or the Delivery Address block.
    2. To obtain approval for a hand stamp, the company must submit a 
written statement to the postmaster that the person whose name appears 
on the stamp is authorized to accept accountable mail, accompanied by a 
sample of the authorized employee's signature. After approval, the 
documentation submitted is held by the postmaster and the stamped 
signature and name are acceptable only if a legible impression is 
provided within the Signature and Printed Name blocks on Form 3849.
    3. For mail addressed only to a federal or state official, the 
stamp need show only the name and location of the accepting 
organization. In these cases, the stamp imprint must fit within the 
Printed Name and Delivery Address block of Form 3849 without 
overlapping into the Signature block or barcode sections.
* * * * *

7.0 Hold For Pickup

* * * * *

7.2 Basic Information

7.2.1 Description

    [Revise the text of 7.2.1 as follows:]
    Hold For Pickup service allows eligible mailpieces to be held at a 
designated Post Office for pick up by an addressee or designee. When 
the mailer has provided contact information to the destination Post 
Office, the customer is notified by email that a package is available 
for pickup. This service provides the shipper with the date and time of 
delivery to the addressee. If the item has not been picked up within 5 
days, the Post Office will make a second attempt to notify the 
addressee. The item will be returned to the sender if not picked up 
within 15 days.

7.2.2 Basic Eligibility

    [Revise the text of 7.2.2 as follows:]
    Hold For Pickup service is available with Priority Mail Express. It 
is also available with commercial mailings of Priority Mail (except 
Critical Mail), First-Class Package Service parcels, and Parcel Select 
Nonpresort parcels when:
    a. Mailpieces bear the Hold For Pickup label (additional labeling 
standards under 503.12 apply when combined with COD service).
    b. Mailpieces bear an Intelligent Mail package barcode meeting the 
standards in 708.5.0.
    c. One of the extra services in 7.2.6 is combined with Hold For 
Pickup service.
* * * * *

7.2.6 Extra Services

    [Revise the introductory text of 7.2.6 as follows:]
    Hold For Pickup service, except when used with Priority Mail 
Express, must be combined with one or more of the following:
* * * * *
    [Add new item 7.2.6e as follows:]
    e. Collect on Delivery (COD).

7.3 Preparation Definitions and Instructions

    Except for Priority Mail Express Hold For Pickup presented at 
retail Post Office locations, mailers or their agents must prepare 
mailpieces bearing the ``Hold For Pickup'' label as follows:
    [Delete current item 7.3a in its entirety, and redesignate current 
items b through d as new items a through c; additionally revise 
redesignated item 7.3a as follows:]
    a. Exchange electronic files with USPS through an approved file 
transfer protocol to notify the addressee when a parcel is available 
for pickup or to notify the mailer or agent that items are available to 
be picked up as ``return to sender.''
* * * * *
    c. In addition to the markings defined in 7.0, address labels on a 
Hold For Pickup mailpiece must contain the elements below:
* * * * *
    [Revise redesignated 7.3c7 as follows:]
    7. The lower half of the address label must contain an Intelligent 
Mail package barcode meeting the standards in 708.5.0 or an integrated 
barcode as defined in Publication 199.
    [Insert new item 7.3c8 as follows:]
    8. If combined with COD service, other information as required in 
503.12.
* * * * *

600 Basic Standards for All Mailing Services

601 Mailability

* * * * *

9.0 Perishables

* * * * *

9.3 Live Animals

* * * * *
    [Insert new item 9.3.13 as follows:]

9.3.13 Live Animal Transportation Fee

    In addition to the applicable postage and any extra services fees, 
a shipment containing any mailable live animal is charged a live animal 
transportation fee based upon the weight of the shipment. See Notice 
123--Price List.
* * * * *

602 Addressing

1.0 Elements of Addressing

* * * * *

1.5 Return Addresses

* * * * *
    [Renumber current 1.5.4 as new 1.5.5; add new 1.5.4 to read as 
follows:]

1.5.4 Use of Foreign Return Addresses

    Regardless of destination, when U.S. postage is applied to a 
mailpiece, only a domestic return address is authorized, except when 
the addressee's permanent residence is outside the United States or its 
territories (e.g., a tourist who lives abroad and is shipping an item 
home from the United States). This exception is applicable for only 
incidental non-commercial use for single-piece price mailpieces.
* * * * *

4.0 Detached Address Labels (DALs) and Detached Marketing Labels (DMLs)

4.1 DAL and DML Use

* * * * *

4.1.2 Periodicals or Standard Mail Flats Saturation Mailings

    [Revise the text of 4.1.2 as follows:]
    Saturation mailings of unaddressed Periodicals or Standard Mail 
flats, except Standard Mail flats with simplified addresses (EDDM), may 
be mailed with detached address labels (DALs). For this standard, 
saturation mailing means a mailing sent to at least 75% of the total 
addresses on a carrier route or 90% of the residential addresses on a 
route, whichever is less. Saturation flats presented with DALs that are 
not automation-compatible and correctly barcoded do not qualify for 
saturation prices. Instead they may be entered at applicable basic 
carrier route prices. This standard (for automation-compatible barcoded 
DALs) does not apply to DALs with simplified addressing when correctly 
used with Periodicals flats.
* * * * *

[[Page 63923]]

4.2 Label Preparation

* * * * *

4.2.2 Addressing

    [Revise the text of 4.2.2 as follows:]
    The address for each item must be placed on a DAL, parallel to the 
longest dimension of the DAL, and may not appear on the item it 
accompanies. The DAL must contain the delivery address and a return 
address. In addition, if DALs accompany saturation mailings of 
Periodicals or Standard Mail flats, a correct Intelligent Mail barcode 
with an 11-digit routing code must be printed on each DAL except when 
using a simplified address for Periodicals flats as allowed by 
standards.
* * * * *

4.5 Postage

* * * * *

4.5.2 Postage Computation and Payment

    * * * In addition, these methods of postage payment apply:
* * * * *
    [Revise item 4.5.2b as follows:]
    b. Standard Mail flats (except EDDM flats) and parcels and Bound 
Printed Matter pieces must be paid by permit imprint, which must appear 
on each DAL.
* * * * *

604 Postage Payment Methods

* * * * *

5.0 Permit Imprint (Indicia)

5.1 General Standards

* * * * *

5.1.2 Minimum Volume

    Permit imprint mailings must contain at least 200 pieces or 50 
pounds of mail, except:
* * * * *
    [Add new item 5.1.2g as follows:]
    g. A mailing containing 50 pieces or 50 pounds of nonpresorted 
single-piece domestic mail parcels submitted under the terms of an 
approved Manifest Mailing System (including eVS) agreement under 
705.2.0. Mailers may include any combination of the following products 
under this provision: Priority Mail Express (eVS only), Priority Mail, 
First-Class Package Service parcels, First-Class Mail parcels, 
nonpresorted Bound Printed Matter parcels, Parcel Select Nonpresort 
parcels, and single-piece Media Mail and Library Mail parcels. Parcels 
in USPS-provided packaging, including Flat Rate Envelopes and Boxes, 
may be included.
* * * * *

609 Filing Indemnity Claims for Loss or Damage

1.0 General Filing Instructions

1.1 Extra Services With Indemnity

    [Revise the text of 1.1 as follows:]
    A customer may file an indemnity claim for insured mail, COD items, 
Registered Mail with postal insurance, or Priority Mail Express. See 
Publication 122, available on www.usps.com, for additional information.
* * * * *

1.4 When to File

    File claims as follows:
* * * * *
    [Revise the chart in 1.4 as follows:]

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            When to file (from mailing date)
         Mail type or service          -------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   No sooner than                       No later than
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Priority Mail Express.................  7 days.............................  60 days.
Priority Mail Express COD.............  15 days............................  60 days.
Registered Mail.......................  15 days............................  60 days.
Registered Mail COD...................  15 days............................  60 days.
Insured Mail (including Priority Mail   15 days............................  60 days.
 under 3.2).
COD...................................  15 days............................  60 days.
APO/FPO Insured Mail (First-Class       45 days............................  1 year.
 Mail, SAM, or PAL).
APO/FPO Insured Mail (Surface only)...  75 days............................  1 year.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    [Delete item 1.5, Where to File, in its entirely and renumber 
current 1.6 and 1.7 as new item 1.5 and 1.6, then revise the title of 
renumbered 1.5 as follows:]

1.5 Where and How to File

1.5.1 Claims Filed Online

    [Revise the first and second sentences of 1.5.1 as follows:]
    Indemnity claims should be filed online (preferred) at 
www.usps.com/domestic-claims for domestic insured mail, COD, Registered 
Mail with postal insurance, and Priority Mail Express. Proof of value 
is required and should be submitted as an uploaded file (.pdf or 
.jpeg).* * *

1.5.2 Claims Filed by Mail

    [Revise the text of renumbered 1.5.2 as follows:]
    Customers also may file a claim by completing a PS Form 1000, 
Domestic or International Claim, and mailing it to Domestic Claims, 
Accounting Services (see 608.8.0.) Proof of value must accompany the PS 
Form 1000. For pieces with multiple extra services, the customer must 
provide original receipts for all services purchased. Upon request by 
the USPS, the customer must submit proof of damage under 2.1 for 
damaged items or missing contents.
    [Delete renumbered 1.5.3, Claims Filed at the Post Office and 
current 1.7, Filing Duplicate Claims, in their entirety.]

2.0 Providing Proof of Loss or Damage

    [Delete the title of current 2.1, and revise the text of current 
2.1 as new 2.0 as follows:]
    If a claim is filed because some or all of the contents are missing 
or damaged, the addressee must retain the mailing container, including 
any damaged articles, all packaging, and any contents received. Upon 
written request by the USPS, the addressee must make this proof 
available to the local Post Office for inspection, retention, and 
disposition in accordance with the claims decision. Failure to do so 
will result in denial of the claim.
    [Delete current 2.2, Proof of Damage, in its entirety.]

3.0 Providing Evidence of Insurance and Value

3.1 Evidence of Insurance

    [Revise the complete text of 3.1 as follows:]
    For a claim involving articles listed in 1.1, the customer must 
retain evidence showing that the particular service was purchased, 
until the claim is resolved. Examples of acceptable evidence are:
    a. The original mailing receipt issued at the time of mailing 
(retail insured mail, Registered Mail, and COD receipts must contain a 
USPS postmark). For insured mail, a photocopy of the original mailing 
receipt is acceptable.
    b. The outer packaging showing the names and addresses of the 
sender and

[[Page 63924]]

the addressee and the proper label showing that the article was sent 
insured, COD, Registered Mail with postal insurance, or Priority Mail 
Express. (If only the outer packaging is submitted, indemnity can be 
limited to $100 for insured, $50 for COD, $100 for Registered Mail, and 
$100 for Priority Mail Express.)
    c. For Priority Mail Express items accepted under a Priority Mail 
Express Manifesting agreement in 705.2.0, a copy of the manifest page 
showing the Priority Mail Express label number for the item; the 
manifest summary page for the mailing date of the piece; a copy of Form 
3152-E round-dated by the accepting Post Office; and a copy of the 
USPSCA monthly statement that lists the label number and postage for 
the mailpiece. If the customer purchased additional insurance, a copy 
of the round-stamped Form 3877 also must be submitted.
    d. For insurance purchased online, a printed electronic online 
label record or a computer printout from the application used to print 
the label and purchase the insurance. The printout must identify the 
USPS Tracking number of the insured parcel, total postage paid, 
insurance fee paid, declared value, mailing date, origin ZIP Code, and 
delivery ZIP Code.
    e. For insured mail or COD mail paid using MMS or eVS under 705.2, 
the mailer must use one of the following:
    1. A Detail Record in their Shipping Services file version 1.6 or 
higher, with recipient name and address information for the accountable 
extra services pieces in the mailing.
    2. A printout of the part of Form 3877 that identifies the parcel 
by article number, the package identification code (PIC) of the insured 
or COD parcel, total postage paid, fee paid, declared insured value, 
amount due sender if COD, mailing date, origin ZIP Code, and delivery 
ZIP Code reported in the parcel record in the manifest file.
    [Revise the title and introductory text of 3.2 as follows:]

3.2 Proof of Value

    Either the mailer or the addressee must submit acceptable proof to 
establish the cost or value of the article at the time it was mailed. 
Proof of value should be submitted electronically or attached to the 
claim form under 1.6; otherwise, the claim cannot be processed. Other 
proof may be requested to help determine an accurate value. Examples 
are:
* * * * *
    [Revise item 3.2b as follows:]
    b. For items valued up to $50, the customer's statement describing 
the lost or damaged article and including the date and place of 
purchase, the amount paid, and whether the item was new or used (if a 
receipt or invoice is not available).
* * * * *
    [Revise item 3.2g as follows:]
    g. A copy of a credit card statement or other documentation 
indicating the amount paid.

4.0 Claims

4.1 Payable Claim

    [Revise the introductory sentence of 4.1 as follows:]
    Insurance for loss or damage to insured, COD, or Registered Mail 
within the amount covered by the fee paid or the indemnity limits for 
Priority Mail Express (under 4.2) is payable for the following:
* * * * *
    [Revise item 4.1g as follows:]
    g. For stamps and coins of philatelic or numismatic value; the fair 
market value is determined by a recognized stamp or coin dealer or 
current coin and stamp collectors' newsletters and trade papers. The 
date of the fair market value determination must be current and prior 
to the mailing date.
* * * * *
    [Insert new items 4.1p and 4.1q as follows:]
    p. For firearms mailed by licensed firearm dealers under 601.12, a 
Form 1508 must be submitted with the claim.
    q. For collectible items, a sales receipt, invoice or bill of sale, 
or statement of value from a reputable dealer must be provided as 
described in 3.2.a.

4.2 Payable Priority Mail Express Claim

    [Revise the introductory text of 4.2 and the introductory text of 
item 4.2a as follows:]
    In addition to the payable claims in 4.1, the following are payable 
for Priority Mail Express mailpieces:
    a. Nonnegotiable documents are insured against loss, damage, or 
loss of some contents while in transit. Coverage is limited to $100 per 
mailpiece, subject to a maximum limit per occurrence as provided in 
4.2a4. Claims for document reconstruction insurance must be supported 
by a statement of expense incurred in reconstruction. Nonnegotiable 
documents include audit and business records, commercial papers, and 
other written instruments that cannot be negotiable or cannot be 
converted into cash without forgery. Articles such as artwork, 
collector or antique items, books, pamphlets, readers' proofs, repro 
proofs, separation negatives, engineering drawings, blueprints, 
circulars, advertisements, film, negatives, and photographs are 
considered merchandise, not documents. Indemnity for document 
reconstruction is paid as follows:
* * * * *

4.3 Nonpayable Claims

    Indemnity is not paid for insured mail, Registered Mail, COD, or 
Priority Mail Express in these situations:
* * * * *
    [Revise item 4.3f as follows:]
    f. Loss resulting from delay of the mail, except under 4.2a2 and 
4.3ad below.
* * * * *
    [Revise item 4.3k as follows:]
    k. Death of honeybees, crickets, and harmless live animals not the 
fault of the USPS (mailability is subject to 601.9.0).
* * * * *
    [Revise item 4.3r as follows:]
    r. Consequential loss of Priority Mail Express, except under 4.2a3 
and 4.3ad.
* * * * *
    [Revise item 4.3aa as follows:]
    aa. Lottery tickets, sweepstakes tickets, contest entries, gift 
cards and similar items.
* * * * *

6.0 Adjudication of Claims

* * * * *

6.2 Appealing a Claim Decision

    [Revise the text of 6.2 as follows:]
    A customer may appeal a claim decision within 30 days from the date 
of the original decision at www.usps.com/insuranceclaims/online. 
Customers without internet access must send written appeals to 
Accounting Services (see 608.8.0 for address).

6.3 Final USPS Decision of Claims

    [Revise the text of 6.3 as follows:]
    If Accounting Services sustains the denial of a claim, the customer 
may submit an additional appeal within 30 days for final review and 
decision to the Consumer Advocate (see 608.8.0 for address).
* * * * *

700 Special Standards

* * * * *

705 Advanced Preparation and Special Postage Payment Systems

* * * * *

8.0 Preparing Pallets

* * * * *

8.5 General Preparation

* * * * *

[[Page 63925]]

8.5.6 Mail on Pallets

    These standards apply to mail on pallets:
* * * * *
    [Revise item 8.5.6h as follows:]
    h. Heavier, fuller trays must be placed at the bottom of the load, 
unless excepted by other standards (such as 245.7.7) that may require 
placement on the top of the pallet.
* * * * *

14.0 Combining Bundles of Flats on Pallets within FSS Zones

14.1 General

    [Revise the introductory paragraph of 14.1 as follows:]
    Presorted and basic carrier route Standard Mail flats, and all 
Bound Printed Matter (BPM) presorted and carrier route flats and 
Periodicals flats meeting the standards in 301.3.2, must be 
consolidated into 5-digit FSS scheme bundles and placed on pallets, in 
sacks, or in approved alternate containers, for 5-digit FSS scheme ZIP 
Code combinations within the same facility. Mailings that include 10 or 
more pieces of Standard Mail flats, 6 or more pieces of Periodicals 
flats or 10 or more pieces (or 10 or more pounds) of BPM flats to a FSS 
scheme, must include FSS scheme bundles for that 5-digit FSS scheme. 
Mailers may optionally prepare scheme pools with less than those 
minimums and may prepare a FSS scheme bundle if there is a minimum of 3 
inches per bundle. Mailings of nonpresorted BPM flats may be included 
in FSS preparation, but will not be eligible for presorted or carrier 
route prices. When possible, the Postal Service also recommends the use 
of flat trays in lieu of sacks for FSS bundles. Bundles of flats 
prepared to FSS zones may also be combined with flats not intended for 
FSS processing when prepared to less finely presorted containers in 
accordance with these standards and the standards in 8.0. Mailers must 
place qualifying mailpieces from all price categories into a separate 
combined pool for each individual 5-digit FSS-scheme combination, and 
then prepare bundles of uniform size from those pieces. Mailpieces that 
meet the eligibility standards for 5-digit prices, basic and high 
density carrier route prices, or BPM presort or carrier route prices 
will continue to be eligible for these prices when prepared in 
accordance with the FSS preparation standards. Saturation price 
Standard Mail and Periodicals flats are not eligible for preparation 
under this option. High Density and High-Density Plus Standard Mail 
flats that meet the physical requirements in 301.3 may be included when 
prepared in accordance with these standards. Mailpieces and bundles 
must also be prepared as follows:
    [Revise 14.1a and b as follows:]
    a. Bundles for all FSS sort plans must be identified as a 5-digit 
scheme presort with an optional endorsement line under 708.7.0; or when 
authorized, using a red Label 5 SCH barcoded pressure-sensitive bundle 
label.
    b. It is recommended that all Standard Mail and Periodicals pieces 
placed into an FSS pool be barcoded, and bear an accurate delivery 
point Intelligent Mail barcode with an accurate 11-digit routing code.
* * * * *
    [Revise 14.1j as follows:]
    j. A FSS sort plan pallet, or alternate approved container, must be 
made when 250 pounds or more of bundles are available for an individual 
FSS 5-digit scheme. Bundles remaining after palletization may be placed 
in sacks (or flat trays if approved).
* * * * *

14.2 Periodicals

14.2.1 Basic Standards

    [Revise the introductory paragraph of 14.2.1 as follows:]
    Except for Periodicals flats mailed at In-County prices, 
Periodicals flats mailings of 5,000 pieces or less mailed at Outside-
County prices, or otherwise excepted Periodicals flats mailings, all 
Periodicals flats meeting the standards in 301.3.2 (nonmachinable flats 
up to 1-inch thick may be included if they meet the standards in 
705.14) and destinating to FSS zones as shown in L006, must be prepared 
according to these standards. Mailings of In-County Periodicals flats 
and Outside-County Periodicals flats mailings of 5,000 pieces or less 
also may be prepared according to these standards. Periodicals are 
subject to the following:
* * * * *
    [Revise 14.2.1a and 14.2.1b as follows:]
    a. Pricing eligibility is based on 707.11.0 through 707.14.0, 
except that the 5-digit Outside-County bundle charge will be assessed 
to bundles of Outside-County Periodicals prepared in accordance with 
these standards, including bundles of flats claimed at the carrier 
route piece price. All Periodicals flats prepared under these standards 
will be assessed the 3-digit bundle price without regard to the piece 
prices claimed. FSS bundles placed on FSS scheme or FSS facility 
pallets, sacks or trays will claim the 3-digit bundle price.
    b. FSS 5-digit scheme pallets will be assessed the Outside-County 
container charge for the 3-digit level pallet, except that there is no 
container charge for FSS 5-digit scheme pallets entered at a DFSS 
facility. FSS facility sort level pallets will be charged a container 
price for the SCF pallet. FSS scheme sacks or trays will continue to be 
assessed the 3-digit price. Sacks and trays entered at a DFSS will 
claim the DSCF entry price.
    [Redesignate current 14.2.1c through f as new 14.2.1d through g, 
and add new item 14.2.1c to read as follows:]
    c. The Outside-County pound price will be the same as the DSCF 
price. The Inside-County price will claim prices for the ``none'' entry 
level.
* * * * *
    [Revise redesignated items 14.2.1e, f and g as follows:]
    e. Mailers must combine all 5-digit, carrier route, and 5-digit 
scheme eligible flat-size mailpieces into a combined mailpiece pool for 
each FSS 5-digit scheme combination according to L006.
    f. Each bundle must be identified with a ``SCH 5-DIGIT FSS'' 
optional endorsement line in accordance with Exhibit 708.7.1.1; or when 
authorized, using a red Label 5 SCH barcoded pressure-sensitive bundle 
label.
    g. All pooled Periodicals mailpieces prepared on pallets to a 
single presort destination must be prepared in uniform size bundles, 
between 3 inches and 6.5 inches in height and secured under 601.2.0, 
except that one overflow bundle per mailpiece pool may be under the 
minimum size.
* * * * *

14.2.2 Pallet Preparation and Labeling

    * * * Preparation sequence and labeling:
* * * * *
    [Revise the introductory text of 14.2.2b as follows:]
    b. FSS facility sort, optional, no minimum, permitted only for FSS 
bundles prepared for the FSS sort plans processed within the same SCF 
as shown in L006.
* * * * *

14.2.3 Sack Preparation and Labeling

    * * * Preparation and labeling:
* * * * *
    [Revise the introductory text of 14.2.3b as follows:]
    b. FSS facility sort, optional, permitted only for 5-digit FSS 
bundles prepared for the FSS sort plans processed within the same 
facility as shown in L006.
* * * * *

[[Page 63926]]

14.3 Standard Mail

14.3.1 Basic Standards

    * * * Standard Mail flats are subject to the following:
* * * * *
    [Revise 14.3.1c and d as follows:]
    c. Mailers must combine all 5-digit, basic carrier route, and 5-
digit scheme eligible flat-size mailpieces into a combined mailpiece 
pool for each FSS 5-digit scheme combination according to L006.
    d. Each bundle must be identified with a ``SCH 5-DIGIT FSS'' 
optional endorsement line in accordance with Exhibit 708.7.1.1; or when 
authorized, using a red Label 5 SCH barcoded pressure-sensitive bundle 
label.
* * * * *

14.3.2 Pallet Preparation and Labeling

    * * * Preparation sequence and labeling:
    [Revise the introductory text of 14.3.2a as follows:]
    a. FSS sort plan, required (optional under 250 pounds), no minimum, 
permitted only for FSS bundles prepared for a single FSS sort plan as 
shown in L006. Labeling:
* * * * *
    [Revise the introductory text of 14.3.2b as follows:]
    b. FSS facility sort, optional, no minimum, permitted only for FSS 
bundles prepared for the FSS sort plans processed within the same SCF 
as shown in L006. Labeling:
* * * * *

14.3.3 Sack Preparation and Labeling

    * * * Preparation and labeling:
* * * * *
    [Revise the introductory text of 14.2.3b as follows:]
    b. FSS facility sort, optional, permitted only for 5-digit FSS 
bundles prepared for the FSS sort plans processed within the same 
facility as shown in L006.
* * * * *

14.4 Bound Printed Matter

14.4.1 Basic Standards

    [Revise the introductory text of 14.4.1 as follows:]
    Bound Printed Matter (BPM) flats eligible for, and paid at, 
presorted prices or carrier route prices, and that meet the standards 
in 301.3.2, must be combined in 5-digit FSS scheme bundles and placed 
on pallets, or in flat trays, sacks or approved alternate containers, 
for delivery to ZIP Codes having FSS processing capability, as shown in 
L006. BPM flats are subject to the following:
* * * * *
    [Revise 14.4.1c and d as follows:]
    c. Mailers must combine all eligible flat-size mailpieces into a 
combined mailpiece pool for each FSS 5-digit scheme combination 
according to L006.
    d. Each bundle must be identified with a ``SCH 5-DIGIT FSS'' 
optional endorsement line in accordance with Exhibit 708.7.1.1; or when 
authorized, using a red Label 5 SCH barcoded pressure-sensitive bundle 
label.
* * * * *

14.4.2 Pallet Preparation and Labeling

    * * * Preparation sequence and labeling:
    [Revise the first sentence of the introductory text of 14.4.2b as 
follows:]
    b. FSS facility sort, optional, no minimum; permitted only for FSS 
bundles prepared for the FSS sort plans processed within the same 
facility as shown in L006. * * *
* * * * *

14.4.3 Sack Preparation and Labeling

    * * * Preparation and labeling:
* * * * *
    [Revise the introductory text of 14.4.3b as follows:]
    b. FSS facility sort, optional, permitted only for 5-digit FSS 
bundles prepared for the FSS sort plans processed within the same 
facility as shown in L006.
* * * * *

15.0 Combining Standard Mail Flats and Periodicals Flats

15.1 Basic Standards

* * * * *
    [Revise the title and introductory text of 15.1.11 as follows:]

15.1.11 Preparation for FSS Zones

    Mailers authorized to combine mailings of Standard Mail flats and 
Periodicals flats must prepare these mailings under 14.0, when the 
mailing includes pieces destinating within one or more of the FSS zones 
in L006. Mailpieces eligible for High Density and High-Density Plus 
prices are not required to, but may be, prepared under the standards in 
14.0. The following applies:
    [Delete current items 15.1.11a through c in their entirety and 
resequence current items 15.11.1d through f as new items 15.11.1a 
through 1c.]
* * * * *

707 Periodicals

* * * * *

4.0 Basic Eligibility Standards

* * * * *

4.9 Issues

4.9.1 Regular Issues

    [Revise the text of 4.9.1 as follows:]
    Regular issues must be published according to the publication's 
stated frequency. Issues may include annual reports, directories, 
buyers' guides, lists, and similar material if these issues bear the 
publication title and are included in the regular subscription price, 
if any.
* * * * *
    [Delete 4.9.3, Content, in its entirety (text moved into 4.9.1).]
    [Renumber current 4.9.4 and 4.9.5 as new 4.9.3 through 4.9.4.]
* * * * *

6.0 Qualification Categories

6.1 General Publication

* * * * *

6.1.2 Circulation Standards

    General publications must meet these circulation standards:
* * * * *
    [Revise items 6.12b through 6.1.2g as follows:]
    b. Records for subscriptions to a publication must be kept so that 
subscriptions to each publication can be verified.
    c. Persons whose subscriptions are obtained at a nominal price and 
those whose copies bear an alternative address must not be included in 
the legitimate list of subscribers. Such copies must be treated as 
nonsubscriber copies.
    d. Subscriptions may be paid for with dues or contributions, if the 
amount paid for the subscription is stated. The USPS may require 
evidence of compliance; see 5.1.2 for more information.
    e. A subscription must be separated from all other business 
transactions to be evident as an independent act. Publishers must be 
able to show that subscriptions are voluntary and that the subscription 
price is paid or promised.
    f. At least 50% of a publication's distribution must be to persons 
who have paid above a nominal price. (For inclusion of electronic 
copies, see 6.5). Nominal price subscriptions include those sold at a 
price so low that it cannot be considered a material consideration; or 
at a reduction to the subscriber (under a premium offer or any other 
arrangement) of more than 70% of the basic annual subscription price. 
The value of a premium is its actual cost to the publisher, its 
recognized retail value, or its represented value, whichever is 
highest.
    g. Publications primarily designed for free circulation or 
circulation at

[[Page 63927]]

nominal prices do not qualify for the general publications category.
    [Delete items 6.1.2g1 through 6.1.2g4 in their entirety; the same 
substantive information is included in items 6.1.2a through 6.1.2f.]
* * * * *

6.4 Requester Publications

* * * * *

6.4.2 Circulation Standards

    Requester publications must meet these circulation standards:
* * * * *
    [Revise item 6.4.2b as follows:]
    b. Subscription copies of the publications that are paid for or 
promised to be paid for, including those at or below a nominal price, 
may be included in the 50% request requirement. (For inclusion of 
electronic copies, see 6.5.)
* * * * *
    [Revise items 6.4.2d through 6.4.2f as follows:]
    d. Records of requests for a publication must be kept so that 
subscriptions or requests for each publication can be verified.
    e. Requests that are more than 3 years old are not valid requests. 
Copies addressed using an alternative address format are not considered 
requested copies.
    f. For a requester publication issued by a membership organization, 
the organization may adopt a resolution that each member receives a 
copy of each issue. Records must be kept to show that the publication 
is sent to members. Form 3500 must be accompanied by a copy of the 
resolution and the written assurance that the required records are 
kept.
* * * * *

6.7 News Agent Registry

6.7.1 Definition

    [Revise the text of 6.7.1 by including text from current 6.7.2 as 
follows:]
    The term news agent means a person or concern selling two or more 
Periodicals publications published by more than one publisher. A news 
agent must be authorized by the USPS before the agent may mail 
publications at Periodicals prices.
    [Delete current 6.7.2, Authorization; text is relocated to 6.7.1.]
    [Renumber current 6.7.3 through 6.7.5 as new 6.7.2 through 6.7.4.]
* * * * *

6.7.3 Unsold Copies

    [Revise the text of renumbered 6.7.3 as follows:]
    Unsold copies returned to the publishers or sent to other news 
agents or sent to persons not having subscriptions with news agents, 
are subject to the Outside-County Periodicals prices.
* * * * *

7.0 Mailing to Nonsubscribers or Nonrequesters

7.1 Sample Copies

    [Revise the text of 7.1 as follows:]
    Sample copies are nonsubscriber or nonrequester copies and may be 
mailed at prices according to standards in 7.0 and 10.0.

7.2 Simplified Address

    [Revise the text of 7.2 as follows:]
    Copies addressed with simplified addresses under 602.3.2 may be 
mailed only to nonsubscribers or nonrequesters. If a subscriber or 
requester receives a simplified address copy in addition to the 
subscriber or requester copy, the additional copy is considered a 
nonsubscriber or nonrequester copy.
* * * * *

7.4 Gift Subscriptions

    [Revise the text of 7.4 as follows:]
    Copies sent to persons whose subscriptions were paid by other 
individuals as gifts are considered subscriber copies. Subscriptions 
paid by advertisers or other persons promoting their own interests, and 
subscriptions given free by the publisher, are not gift subscriptions, 
and are considered nonsubscriber or nonrequester copies.

7.5 Exchange Copies

    [Revise the text of 7.5 as follows:]
    A small part of the distribution list may contain publishers to 
whom one copy each is sent in exchange for a copy of the recipients' 
publications. These exchange copies are considered subscriber or 
requester copies.
* * * * *

7.7 Complimentary Copies

    [Revise the text of 7.7 as follows:]
    All complimentary copies are considered nonsubscriber or 
nonrequester copies.

7.8 Proof Copies

    [Revise the text of 7.8 as follows:]
    One complete copy of each issue may be mailed to each advertiser 
(or agent) in the issue to prove that the advertisements are printed. 
These copies are considered subscriber or requester copies. Any 
additional copies sent to an advertiser (or agent) are considered 
nonsubscriber or nonrequester copies.
* * * * *

9.0 Changing Title, Frequency, or Known Office of Publication

9.1 General

9.1.1 When Required

    [Revise the text of 9.1.1 as follows:]
    Except under 9.1.2, the publisher must file an application for 
reentry on Form 3510 to the original entry postmaster to change the 
title, frequency of issue; or to change location of the known office of 
publication of an authorized Periodicals publication by submitting Form 
3510 to the postmaster whose service area oversees the new location.
* * * * *
    [Delete current 9.1.3, Where to File, in its entirety (text moved 
to 9.1.1).]
    [Renumber current 9.1.4 through 9.1.4 as new 9.1.3 through 9.1.4.]
    [Delete current 9.1.6, Same County, in its entirety; the same 
information appears in 707.11.3.]
    [Renumber current 9.1.7 as new 9.1.5 and revise as follows:]

9.1.5 Filing Date

    Publishers changing the title or frequency of a publication must 
file Form 3510 by the date on which copies are to be issued with the 
new title or on the new frequency.
    [Delete current 9.1.8, Current Date, in its entirety; the same 
information is in current 9.3.5.]
    [Renumber current 9.1.9 through 9.1.12 as new 9.1.6 through 9.1.9.]
* * * * *

9.1.7 Application Fee

    [Revise the text of renumbered 9.1.7 as follows:]
    The correct (nonrefundable) fee must accompany an application (Form 
3510) for reentry. No additional fee is required when a revised Form 
3500 is required as part of a reentry application.

9.1.8 Multiple Reentry Requests

    [Revise the text of renumbered 9.1.8 as follows:]
    A publisher may file one Form 3510 and pay one fee to request 
multiple reentry actions under 9.1 if all documentation is submitted 
with the Form 3510 under 9.1.3; and the effective dates for the reentry 
actions do not cover more than 30 calendar days. The publisher must 
submit a separate Form 3510 (and pay the fee) for each reentry action 
that cannot meet these conditions.

9.1.9 Other Actions

    [Revise the text of renumbered 9.1.9 as follows:]
    A publisher must submit a separate Form 3510 (and pay the fee) for 
each

[[Page 63928]]

reentry action under 28.4, 30.0, 10.0 (no fee), or 9.2. A publisher 
must file a separate Form 3510 (and pay the fee) if the publication's 
distribution plan is modified other than the frequency of issuance or 
the location of the original entry Post Office.

9.2 Changing Qualification Categories

    [Revise the text of 9.2 as follows:]
    To change the category under which a publication is authorized 
Periodicals mailing privileges, the publisher must file a revised Form 
3500 and an application for reentry on Form 3510 with the original 
entry postmaster and pay the applicable fee. See 9.1.2 for when a 
reentry application may not be required.
    [Delete current 9.2.1, 9.2.2, 9.2.3, and 9.2.4 in their entirety 
(the text of 9.2.1, 9.2.3, and 9.2.4 are merged into new text in 9.2; 
the text of 9.2.2 is already covered in current 9.1.2).]

9.3 Application for Reentry

9.3.1 Pending

    While an application for reentry is pending, copies of an 
authorized Periodicals publication are accepted for mailing at the 
Periodicals prices, subject to 9.3.5.
    [Delete current 9.3.2, Additional Information, in its entirety; the 
same information is in current 9.3.3.]
    [Renumber current 9.3.3 through 9.3.5 as new 9.3.2 through 9.3.4, 
and revise the text of renumbered 9.3.2 as follows:]

9.3.2 Proof of Compliance

    The publisher must be able to show (via circulation and other 
records) to USPS satisfaction that the reentered publication still 
meets all Periodicals standards. Failure to provide this evidence is 
sufficient grounds to deny the reentry request.
* * * * *

9.3.4 Effective Date

    [Revise the text of renumbered 9.3.4 as follows:]
    An entry office may not be used before authorization by the USPS. A 
publisher may not pay postage at another price to deposit copies at an 
unauthorized entry office. Subject to the restrictions in 9.1, the 
effective date of a reentry authorization is the application date or 
the eligibility date (if the publication became eligible after the 
application date). The requested date for a change in original entry 
office may be deferred until sufficient transportation or other 
resources are in place. If deferral is due to USPS transportation 
contract limitations, the publisher's requested date may be approved 
with the publisher's agreement to reimburse the USPS for costs caused 
by modifying contracted transportation.
    [Delete current 9.3.6, Denial After Verification, in its entirety; 
the same information is in current 9.3.7.]
    [Renumber current 9.3.7 through 9.3.12 as new 9.3.5 through 
9.3.10.]
    [Revise the title and text of renumbered 9.3.5 as follows:]

9.3.5 Denial

    If the PCSC manager denies an application, a written notice of the 
reasons is provided to the publisher. The denial takes effect 15 days 
from the publisher's receipt of the notice, unless the publisher files 
an appeal under 9.3.6 within that time. Alternatively, the publisher 
may return to the publication status before the application for reentry 
was submitted.
* * * * *

12.0 Nonbarcoded (Presorted) Eligibility

12.1 Basic Standards

* * * * *

12.3 Prices--In-County

12.3.1 Five-Digit Prices

    5-digit prices apply to:
* * * * *
    [Add new item 12.3.1c as follows:]
    c. Qualifying flats included in a FSS 5-digit scheme pool under 
705.14.
* * * * *

12.3.2 Three-Digit Prices

    3-digit prices apply to:
* * * * *
    [Add new 12.3.2c as follows]
    c. Flat-size pieces not qualifying for carrier route or 5-digit 
prices, but properly included in a FSS 5-digit scheme pool prepared 
under 705.14.
* * * * *

13.0 Carrier Route Eligibility

* * * * *

13.3 Walk-Sequence Prices

13.3.1 Eligibility

    [Revise the text of 13.3.1 as follows]
    The High Density or saturation prices apply to each walk-sequenced 
piece in a carrier route mailing, eligible under 13.2.1 and prepared 
under 705.8.0, 23.0, or (nonletter-size mail only) 705.10.0, 705.12.0, 
or 705.13.0, that also meets the corresponding addressing and density 
standards in 13.3.4. High density and saturation price mailings must be 
prepared in carrier walk sequence according to schemes prescribed by 
the USPS (see 23.8). Flats qualifying for High Density or High-Density 
Plus prices by meeting the density standards may be included in FSS 5-
digit scheme pools under 705.14.

14.0 Barcoded (Automation) Eligibility

* * * * *

14.4 Prices--In-County

14.4.1 Five-Digit Prices

    5-digit automation prices apply to:
* * * * *
    [Add new item 14.4.1c as follows:]
    c. Qualifying flats included in a FSS 5-digit scheme pool under 
705.14.
* * * * *

14.4.2 Three-Digit Prices

    3-digit automation prices apply to:
* * * * *
    [Add 14.4.2c as follows]
    c. Flat-size pieces not qualifying for carrier route or 5-digit 
prices, but properly included in a FSS 5-digit scheme pool prepared 
under 705.14.
* * * * *

18.0 General Mail Preparation

18.1 Definition of Presort

    [Revise the text of 18.1 as follows:]
    ``Presort'' is the process by which a mailer prepares mail so that 
it is sorted to at least the finest extent required by the standards.

18.2 Definition of Mailings

    ``Mailings'' are defined as:
    [Revise item 18.2a as follows:]
    a. A mailing is a group of pieces within the same class of mail and 
the same processing category that are sorted together and presented 
under a minimum volume mailing requirement. Specific standards may 
define whether separate mailings may be combined, palletized, reported, 
or deposited together.
* * * * *
    [Add a new 18.5 as follows:]

18.5 FSS Preparation

    Except for Periodicals flats mailed at In-County prices, 
Periodicals flats mailings of 5,000 pieces or less mailed at Outside-
County prices, Periodicals flats mailed at saturation, High Density or 
High-Density Plus prices, or otherwise excepted Periodicals flats 
mailings, all Periodicals flats (including nonmachinable flats up to 1-
inch thick may be included if they meet the standards in 705.14) 
destinating to FSS zones as shown in L006, must be prepared under 
705.14. Mailings of in-county Periodicals flats, outside-county 
Periodicals flats mailings of 5,000 pieces or less, and Periodicals 
qualifying for

[[Page 63929]]

High-Density and High-Density Plus may be included in FSS 5-digit 
scheme pools.
* * * * *

29.0 Destination Entry

* * * * *

29.4 Destination Sectional Center Facility

* * * * *

29.4.2 Price Eligibility

    Determine price eligibility as follows:
* * * * *
    [Delete the last sentence of the introductory text of 29.4.2b, and 
delete 29.4.2b1 and b2 in their entirety.]
* * * * *
    [Renumber current 29.5. as new 29.6, and add a new 29.5 as 
follows:]

29.5. Destination Flat Sequencing System (DFSS) Facility Entry

29.5.1 Definition

    For this standard, destination Flat Sequencing System Facility 
(DFSS) refers to the facilities listed in L006, Column C.

29.5.2 Eligibility

    DFSS prices apply to pieces deposited at a USPS-designated FSS 
processing facility and correctly placed in a flat tray, sack, or on a 
pallet, labeled to a FSS sort plan or labeled to a 5-digit destination 
processed by that facility, under labeling list L006. These pieces must 
include a full delivery address and meet the physical standards for 
FSS-machinability in 705.14.0.
* * * * *

708 Technical Specifications

* * * * *

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

* * * * *

6.2 Specifications for Barcoded Tray and Sack Labels

6.2.1 Use

    Exhibit 6.2.1 shows the types of mail requiring barcoded tray or 
sack labels. Barcoded labels must meet these general standards:
    [Revise the text of item 6.2.1b as follows:]
    b. Mailer-produced barcoded labels must meet the standards in 6.0, 
and must be non-adhesive.
* * * * *
    We will publish an appropriate amendment to 39 CFR part 111 to 
reflect these changes if our proposal is adopted.

Stanley F. Mires,
Attorney, Legal Policy & Legislative Advice.
[FR Doc. 2013-24980 Filed 10-24-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7710-P