Market Dominant Price Adjustment, 70080-70084 [2013-28000]
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70080
Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 226 / Friday, November 22, 2013 / Notices
Programs, Office of the Executive
Director for Operations
Victor M. McCree, Regional
Administrator, Region II
Brian W. Sheron, Director, Office of
Nuclear Regulatory Research
Glenn M. Tracy, Director, Office of New
Reactors
Annette L. Vietti-Cook, Secretary of the
Commission, Office of the Secretary
Michael F. Weber, Deputy Executive
Director for Materials, Waste,
Research, State, Tribal, and
Compliance Programs, Office of the
Executive Director for Operations
The following individuals will serve
as members of the NRC PRB Panel that
was established to review appraisals
and make recommendations to the
appointing and awarding authorities for
NRC PRB members:
Eric J. Leeds, Director, Office of Nuclear
Reactor Regulation
Marian L. Zobler, Deputy General
Counsel
James T. Wiggins, Director, Office of
Nuclear Security and Incident
Response
All appointments are made pursuant
to Section 4314 of Chapter 43 of Title
5 of the United States Code.
DATES: Effective Date: November 22,
2013.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Secretary, Executive Resources Board,
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission,
Washington, DC 20555, (301) 287–0747.
Dated at Rockville, Maryland, this 14th day
of November, 2013.
For the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory
Commission.
Miriam L. Cohen,
Secretary, Executive Resources Board.
[FR Doc. 2013–28059 Filed 11–21–13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7590–01–P
POSTAL REGULATORY COMMISSION
[Docket No. R2013–10; Order No. 1842]
Market Dominant Price Adjustment
date that falls during a lapse in
appropriations if they are submitted via
Filing Online when operations resume.
Contact the person identified in the FOR
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section if
additional information on the
Commission’s acceptance policy is
needed.
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/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.
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: Order No.
1842 was issued September 27, 2013,
and included a date for filing comments
that occurred during the subsequent
suspension of Commission operations.
At the time the Commission suspended
operations, it posted a notice on its Web
site concerning its policy with respect to
accepting comments subject to filing
dates that occurred during the
suspension. That policy allowed
commenters to file their submissions
upon resumption of Commission
operations. The text of Order No. 1842
as issued on September 27, 2013,
follows.
Comment date: October 16, 2013.
The Commission’s policy is to accept
comments otherwise subject to a filing
1 United States Postal Service Notice of MarketDominant Price Adjustment, September 26, 2013
(Notice).
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¥0.544
¥0.441
¥0.556
¥0.555
3.678
Id.
The Postal Service asserts that it is
authorized to raise prices for each class
by the percentages in the following
table.
TABLE 2—PRICE ADJUSTMENT
AUTHORITY BY CLASS
Market dominant class
Price
adjustment
authority (%)
Id. at 4.
The following table presents the
Postal Service’s planned percentage
price changes by class.
A. Index-Based Price Changes for
Market Dominant Classes of Mail
On September 26, 2013, the Postal
Service filed notice, pursuant to 39
U.S.C. 3622 and 39 CFR part 3010, of
plans to adjust prices for its market
dominant products.1 The planned
adjustments affect both domestic and
international market dominant products
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First-Class Mail .....................
Standard Mail .......................
Periodicals ............................
Package Services .................
Special Services ...................
Unused
authority (%)
I. Overview
II. Promotions
III. Summary of Price Changes by Class of
Mail
IV. Preferred Mail and Worksharing
Discounts
V. MCS Changes
VI. Administrative Actions
VII. Ordering Paragraphs
The Commission is noticing a
recently-filed Postal Service notice
announcing a proposal to adjust prices
for market dominant products. The
adjustments are scheduled to take effect
January 26, 2014. This notice addresses
procedural steps associated with this
filing.
DATES:
Market dominant class
Table of Contents
I. Overview
SUMMARY:
TABLE 1—AVAILABLE UNUSED PRICE
ADJUSTMENT AUTHORITY BY MAIL
CLASS
First-Class Mail .....................
Standard Mail .......................
Periodicals ............................
Package Services .................
Special Services ...................
AGENCY:
Postal Regulatory Commission.
ACTION: Notice.
and are scheduled to take effect January
26, 2014.2 Concomitant with its filing,
the Postal Service renewed its exigent
rate request filed in Docket No. R2010–
4R that would be added to the rates
requested with this Notice.3
The Postal Service states that it has
inflation-based price adjustment
authority of 0.636 percent for Special
Services and 1.696 percent for all other
mail classes based on the Consumer
Price Index for All Urban Consumers,
U.S. All Items (the ‘‘CUUR0000SA0’’)
series (CPI–U). Notice at 3.
The Postal Service also states that it
has unused rate authority as indicated
in the following table. Id.
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1.696
1.696
1.696
1.696
2.636
TABLE 3—2013 PRICE CHANGE
PERCENTAGE BY MAIL CLASS
Market dominant class
First-Class Mail .....................
Standard Mail .......................
Periodicals ............................
Price change
(%)
1.587
1.609
1.569
2 The Postal Service represents that it is filing its
Notice along with the Renewed Exigent Request of
the United States Postal Service in Response to
Commission Order No. 1059 (Exigent Request).
3 Docket No. R2010–4R, Renewed Exigent Request
of the United States Postal Service in Response to
Commission Order No. 1059, September 26, 2013.
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Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 226 / Friday, November 22, 2013 / Notices
TABLE 3—2013 PRICE CHANGE PERCENTAGE BY MAIL CLASS—Continued
Market dominant class
Package Services .................
Special Services ...................
Price change
(%)
Total ...............................
Standard Mail:
R2013–1 ............................
R2013–10 ..........................
Total ...............................
Periodicals:
R2013–1 ............................
R2013–10 ..........................
Total ...............................
Package Services:
R2013–1 ............................
R2013–10 ..........................
Total ...............................
Special Services:
R2013–7 ............................
R2013–10 ..........................
3.678
¥1.864
Total ...............................
1.814
Id. at 6 (notes omitted).
Classification changes. The Notice
identifies numerous classification
changes. See id. at 56–57. The Postal
Service has included all price and
classification changes in a legislative
markup of the Mail Classification
Schedule. Id. Attachment A.
TABLE 4—UNUSED PRICING AUTHORITY AVAILABLE FOLLOWING DOCKET
NO. R2013–1 PRICE CHANGES
First-Class Mail:
R2013–1 ............................
R2013–10 ..........................
Percentage
points
Class
1.565
2.500
Id. at 5.
Price adjustments for products within
classes vary from the average,
sometimes substantially. Interested
persons are encouraged to review the
Notice and workpapers for specific
details.
Unused authority after the proposed
price change. The following table
identifies the unused price adjustment
authority the Postal Service calculates
as available following the proposed
price change.
Class
Attachment A presents MCS changes
TABLE 4—UNUSED PRICING AUTHORITY AVAILABLE FOLLOWING DOCKET in legislative format and new price
NO. R2013–1 PRICE CHANGES— schedules. Attachment B presents
workshare discounts and related
Continued
Percentage
points
¥0.544
0.109
¥0.435
¥0.441
0.087
¥0.354
¥0.556
0.127
¥0.429
¥0.555
0.131
¥0.424
B. The Postal Service’s Filing
The Notice includes an introductory
section followed by four parts. There are
four attachments to the Notice. The
introductory section includes a
certification, in accordance with rule
3010.14(a)(3), that the Postal Service
will provide widespread notice of the
planned adjustments prior to the
planned implementation date. Id. at 1.
It identifies Mr. Steve Monteith as the
Postal Service official who will respond
to queries from the Commission. Id. at
2.
Part I discusses compliance with the
price cap. Id. at 2–6. Part II describes
several temporary promotions that it is
proposing as part of the filing. Id. at 6–
11. Part III discusses Flats Sequencing
System (FSS) pricing and prices by class
in detail, including workshare
discounts. It also addresses the
consistency of prices with the objectives
and factors of 39 U.S.C. 3622 and with
sections 3626, 3627, and 3629. Id. at 11–
56. Part IV describes Mail Classification
Schedule (MCS) changes. Id. at 56–57.
information. Attachment C presents the
Postal Service’s price cap calculation.
The price cap calculation includes, in
conformance with rule 3010.22(b), an
adjustment to the moving average
because less than 12 months have
passed since the most recent price
change. Attachment D presents the 2014
Mailing Promotions and Incentives
Calendar. The Postal Service filed six
sets of workpapers:
First-Class Mail Workpapers: USPS–LR–
R2013–10/1
Standard Mail Workpapers: USPS–LR–
R2013–10/2
Periodicals Workpapers: USPS–LR–
R2013–10/3
Package Services Workpapers: USPS–
LR–R2013–10/4
Special Services Workpapers: USPS–
LR–R2013–10/5
First-Class Mail International
Workpapers: USPS–LR–R2013–10/
NP1
Id. at 4–5.
Each set of workpapers includes a
preface with an explanation of its
contents. Id. at 5. In addition, the
preface for the first five workpapers
provides an overview, a discussion of
adjustments to the billing determinants
for the four quarters ending FY 2013,
quarter 3, and an explanation of revenue
calculations. Id.
II. Promotions
Similar to the price adjustments
proposed in Docket No. R2013–1, the
Postal Service seeks approval of eight
promotions and one incentive during
calendar year 2014.4 The following table
identifies the promotions/incentive and
timeframe.
TABLE 5—CALENDAR YEAR 2014 PROMOTION TIMEFRAME
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Promotion/incentive
Timeframe
High Density and Saturation Incentive Program .......................................................................................................
Branded Color Mobile Technology Promotion ...........................................................................................................
EDDM Coupon Program ............................................................................................................................................
Premium Advertising Promotion ................................................................................................................................
Earned Value Reply Mail Promotion ..........................................................................................................................
Mail and Digital Personalization Promotion ...............................................................................................................
Emerging Technology Promotion: Featuring Near Field Communication .................................................................
Color Print in First-Class Mail Transactions Promotion .............................................................................................
Mail Drives Mobile Commerce Promotion .................................................................................................................
January–December 2014.
February–March 2014.
March–December 2014.
April–June 2014.
April–June 2014.
May–June 2014.
August–September 2014.
August–December 2014.
November–December 2014.
Id. at 7–10.
The Postal Service states that it will
only seek to preserve the additional cap
4 The Postal Service states that it seeks approval
for these promotions and price incentives in this
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about not having sufficient time to fully participate
in the promotions. Id. at 7.
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Id. at 18. The new proposed price
differential between a single-piece letter
and single-piece flats increases from 46
cents to 47 cents. The letter-parcel
differential increases from $1.61 to
$1.76. Id.
Metered Mail. In this docket, the
Postal Service is introducing a new
III. Summary of Price Changes by Class price for single-piece metered letters.
of Mail
The proposed metered mail category
includes single-piece letters with
A. FSS Pricing
postage affixed by meter, informationThe Postal Service explains that it is
taking three steps regarding FSS pricing. based indicia (IBI), permit imprint, or
First, it plans to require FSS preparation pre-cancelled stamps. Only pieces
bearing non-cancelled stamps or postal
for all flat-shaped mail pieces
validation imprint (PVI) indicia 6 would
destinating in FSS zones. Second, it is
remain in the stamped mail category. Id.
proposing separate FSS pricing for
presorted flat-shaped pieces in Standard at 18. The stated purpose is to
encourage the adoption of metered mail
Mail, Outside County Periodicals, and
by small businesses. Id. at 19.
Bound Printed Matter Flats that
Residual Single-Piece Letters. In
destinate in FSS zones. These proposed
Docket No. R2013–1, the Postal Service
prices are designed to minimize changes
introduced a new single-piece price for
in postage for flats mailers. Third, it is
residual letters presented as part of a
proposing to introduce discounts for
presort mailing. Id. at 20. In this docket,
mail on FSS scheme pallets entered at
the Postal Service proposes a new
the location of the destinating FSS
single-piece price structure for residual
machine (DFSS). Id. at 16.
letters as follows—residuals from
B. First-Class Mail
uniform 1-ounce presort letter mailings
will pay the 1-ounce metered rate of 46
The following table identifies the
cents; residuals from uniform 2-ounce
Postal Service’s planned percentage
presort letter mailings will pay the 2price changes for its First-Class Mail
ounce metered rate of 66 cents; and
products.
residuals from mixed mailings will pay
the Residual rate of 48 cents. Id. at 21.
TABLE 6—FIRST-CLASS MAIL PRICE
Presort Letters/Postcards. The Postal
CHANGES
Service states that the overall increase
for this product is slightly above the
Percent
overall average for First-Class Mail. The
First-class mail product
change
(%)
unit price for the least presorted
automation category increases by 1 cent
Single-Piece Letters/Cards ...
1.141 while the other categories increase by
Presort Letters/Cards ...........
1.615
Flats ......................................
1.267 0.5 to 0.6 cents. The price increases for
Parcels ..................................
6.335 Mixed AADC, AADC, 3-Digit, and 5First-Class Mail International
5.994 Digit automation presort letters are 2.5
Overall ..................................
1.587 percent, 1.3 percent, 1.3 percent, and
1.7 percent, respectively. The Postal
Id. at 17.
Service continues to price AADC and 3The First-Ounce First-Class Mail
Digit letters and cards at the same level,
price. The price of a stamp for the firstand the free second-ounce continues for
ounce of single-piece letter mail
all presort First-Class Mail letters (Non(including the Forever stamp), increases automation and Automation). Id.
by one cent under the Postal Service’s
Flats. The overall increase for Flats is
plan, from 46 cents to 47 cents. Id.
1.267 percent. Id. at 22. Price changes
Single-Piece Letters and Cards. The
within this product vary. Id.
overall increase of 1.141 percent for
Parcels. First-Class Mail Parcels
single-piece letters and cards reflects
receive a 6.335 percent increase, higher
continuation of current prices for
than the overall increase for First-Class
metered letters and single-piece cards,
Mail. Id. The Postal Service states that
which is largely responsible for the
this above-average increase is expected
average increase for single-piece mail
to improve cost coverage for this
being lower than the increase for
product, which it considers low by
presorted mail. Id. The proposed price
First-Class Mail standards. Id.
increase will increase the per-piece
International. Prices for Outbound
price differential between letters and
Single-Piece First-Class Mail
flats, and between letters and parcels.
International (FCMI) increase by 2.192
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space approved in Docket No. R2013–1 5
by continuing to offer similar mobile
technology promotions and the Earned
Value Reply Mail promotion in 2014.
Accordingly, it represents that no
changes in cap space are justified based
on these promotions. Id. at 10–11.
5 Nine million for First-Class Mail and Twentyfour million for Standard Mail.
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Automated Postal Center (APC) equipment.
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percent, above the First-Class Mail
average of 1.587 percent. Id. at 22. The
Postal Service asserts that the increase
is necessary to increase contribution
and improve cost coverage for FCMI
Flats. Id.
C. Standard Mail
The following table presents the
Postal Service’s planned percentage
price changes for Standard Mail
products.
TABLE 7—STANDARD MAIL PRICE
CHANGES
Standard mail product
Letters ...................................
Flats ......................................
Parcels ..................................
High Density and Saturation
Letters ...............................
High Density and Saturation
Flats Parcels .....................
Carrier Route ........................
Every Door Direct Mail—Retail ......................................
Overall ..................................
Percent
change
(%)
1.614
1.809
1.820
1.322
1.412
1.666
5.000
1.609
Id. at 24.
Flats receive an above-average price
increase, pursuant to the three-year
schedule of above-average CPI increases
for Flats proposed by the Postal Service
in the 2012 Annual Compliance Report.
Id. at 24. The Postal Service is also
proposing new FSS pricing for Flats,
High Density flats, High Density plus
flats, and Carrier Route flats. Id.
Standard Mail Parcels receive an
above-average price increase to continue
the Postal Service’s previously
announced plan to move the product
toward full cost coverage while also
recognizing that Standard Mail Parcels
are underpriced in the marketplace. Id.
at 25. The proposed prices for AADC
and 3-Digit presort letters will continue
to be equal in 2014 until the Postal
Service is able to determine which
preparation standard will be most
consistent with the redesigned
processing network. Id.
The Postal Service is continuing the
Simple Samples initiative this year. Id.
It is also reducing the price of
Customized Market Mail and
introducing new prices for Every Door
Direct Mail—Commercial. It is
increasing the price of Every Door Direct
Mail Retail to 16.8 cents and retaining
the current approved price of 2 cents for
a picture permit indicia on Standard
Mail. Id. at 26–27. It will moderately
increase the price of Detached Address
Labels (DAL).
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D. Periodicals
The following table presents the
Postal Service’s planned percentage
price changes for the Periodicals class.
TABLE 8—PERIODICALS PRICE
CHANGES
Periodicals product
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Outside County Periodicals ..
In-County Periodicals ...........
Overall ..................................
Percent
change
(%)
maintaining consistency with historical
rounding constraints (to simplify
transactions for customers). Id. The
following table, based on price changes
identified in the body of the Notice,
indicates the differing effects of the
Postal Service’s Special Services pricing
decisions.
TABLE 10—SPECIAL SERVICES PRICE
CHANGES
1.563
1.705
1.569
70083
changes to the MCS. Certain substantive
changes are identified by the Postal
Service. Id. at 56–57. Attachment A to
the Notice presents the price and
classification changes to the Mail
Classification Schedule in legislative
format. Id. at 56. Changes to the MCS
may alter the rights and responsibilities
of mailers and reviewers are advised to
review this material carefully.
VI. Administrative Actions
The Commission hereby establishes a
formal docket, captioned Docket No.
R2013–10, Notice of Market Dominant
Collect on Delivery .............
4.2
Price Adjustment, to conduct the review
Special Handling Prices .....
5.5
Id. at 28.
of the Postal Service’s planned price
Stamp Fulfillment Services
0.0
The Postal Service states that despite
adjustments mandated in 39 U.S.C.
USPS Tracking (formerly
Periodicals’ continued failure to cover
Delivery Confirmation
3622. The Commission has posted the
costs, it recognizes the value of this
Service) ...........................
10.4
Notice on the Commission’s Web site
class to the public. Accordingly, the
Stamped Cards ...................
0.0
(https://www.prc.gov), and has made the
Address Management Servproposed price change refines price
Notice available for copying and
ices ..................................
12.5
relationships to encourage efficiency
inspection during the agency’s regular
Credit Card Authentication
0.0
and containerization, while limiting the
Customized Postage ..........
3.175 business hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
price increases for individual
Money Order .......................
0.017 weekdays, except Federal holidays.
publications. It is also requiring FSS
Public comment period. The
International Certificates of
preparation for Periodicals in DFSS
Mailing .............................
5.48
Commission’s rules provide a period of
zones. The DFSS prices will be the same
20 days from the date of the Postal
as the DCSF pound prices. It is
Id. at 33–35.
Service’s filing for public comment. 39
introducing FSS prices at the bundle
CFR 3010.13(a)(5). Comments by
IV. Preferred Mail and Worksharing
level, sack level, and pallet level at all
interested persons are due no later than
Discounts
entry points. To encourage FSS
October 16, 2013.7 Interested persons
Preferred mail. The Notice includes
preparation and destination entry, there
are encouraged to review the Postal
the Postal Service’s explanation that it
will be a price of zero for FSS pallets
Service’s Notice and workpapers in
implemented section 3626 pricing
brought to a DFSS. Id.
their entirety.
requirements in the same manner as in
Commission rule 3010.13(b) further
E. Package Services
the Docket No. R2013–1 price change,
provides that public comments are to
and notes the Commission concluded
The following table presents the
focus primarily on whether the planned
the Postal Service’s interpretation of
Postal Service’s planned percentage
price adjustments comply with the
section 3626 is appropriate. Id. at 35.
price changes for the Package Services
following mandatory requirements
The Postal Service identifies each of the
class.
under the Postal Accountability and
preferred products or components (InEnhancement Act (PAEA):
TABLE 9—PACKAGE SERVICES PRICE County Periodicals, Nonprofit and
(1) Whether the planned rate adjustments
Classroom Periodicals, Science of
CHANGES
measured using the formula established in
Agriculture Periodicals advertising
section 3010.23(b) are at or below the annual
pounds, Nonprofit Standard Mail, and
Percent
limitation established in section 3010.11; and
Package services product
change
Library Mail) and describes how the
(2) whether the planned rate adjustments
(%)
planned adjustments comport with
measured using the formula established in
Alaska Bypass Service .........
2.440 applicable statutory factors. Id. at 35–37. section 3010.23(b) are at or below the
Consistency with 39 U.S.C. 3627 and
limitations established in section 3010.28.
Bound Printed Matter Flats ..
0.314
3629. The Notice observes that neither
Bound Printed Matter ParParties are also encouraged to
cels ....................................
1.680 of these sections is implicated by the
comment on proposed Mail
Media Mail/Library Mail ........
2.061 price change, as the Postal Service does
Inbound Surface Parcel
not seek to alter free rates (section 3627) Classification changes, particularly
whether these changes have any rate
Post * .................................
2.152 or change the eligibility requirements
implications.
Overall ..................................
1.565 for nonprofit rates. Id. at 37.
Participation and designated filing
Workshare discounts. The Notice
* Prices for Inbound Surface Parcel Post (at
method. Interested persons may submit
UPU rates) are determined by the Universal includes the Postal Service’s
comments electronically via the
Postal Union and are not under the Postal justification and explanation, in
Service’s control. These prices are adjusted accordance with rules 3010.14(b)(5) and Commission’s Filing Online system,
by the Postal Operations Council.
(6), for workshare discounts that exceed unless a waiver is obtained. Instructions
for obtaining an account to file
Id. at 30.
100 percent of avoided costs or that are
substantially below 100 percent for each documents online may be found on the
F. Special Services
Commission’s Web site (https://
affected class or individual product. Id.
www.prc.gov), or by contacting the
The overall increase for Special
at 37–56.
Commission’s Docket Section staff at
Services is 2.500 percent. Id. at 32. The
202–789–6846.
Postal Service states that for most of the V. MCS Changes
products, fee increases were designed to
The Notice, in conformance with rule
7 See Notice of Erratum, September 30, 2013.
be close to 2.509 percent, while
3010.14(b)(9), identifies numerous
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Percent change
(%)
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Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 226 / Friday, November 22, 2013 / Notices
Persons without access to the Internet
or otherwise unable to file documents
electronically may request a waiver of
the electronic filing requirement by
filing a motion for waiver with the
Commission. The motion may be filed
along with any comments the person
may wish to submit in this docket.
Persons requesting a waiver may file
hardcopy documents with the
Commission either by mailing or by
hand delivery to the Office of the
Secretary, Postal Regulatory
Commission, 901 New York Avenue
NW., Suite 200, Washington, DC 20268–
0001 during regular business hours by
the date specified for such filing. Any
person needing assistance in requesting
a waiver may contact the Docket Section
at 202–789–6846. Hardcopy documents
filed in this docket will be scanned and
posted on the Commission’s Web site.
Appointment of Public
Representative. In conformance with 39
U.S.C. 505, the Commission appoints
Kenneth E. Richardson to represent the
interests of the general public in this
proceeding.
VII. Ordering Paragraphs
It is ordered:
1. The Commission establishes Docket
No. R2013–10 to consider planned price
adjustments in rates, fees and
classifications for market dominant
postal products and services identified
in the Postal Service’s September 26,
2013 Notice.
2. Comments by interested persons on
the planned price adjustments are due
no later than October 16, 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 prompt publication of this notice in
the Federal Register.
By the Commission.
Ruth Ann Abrams,
Acting Secretary.
BILLING CODE 7710–FW–P
POSTAL REGULATORY COMMISSION
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with NOTICES
[Docket Nos. MC2013–63 and CP2013–83;
Order No. 1844]
New Postal Product
Postal Regulatory Commission.
Notice.
AGENCY:
The Commission is noticing a
recent Postal Service filing concerning
the addition of Priority Mail Contract 65
SUMMARY:
VerDate Mar<15>2010
16:47 Nov 21, 2013
Submit comments
electronically via the Commission’s
Filing Online system at https://
www.prc.gov. Those who cannot submit
comments electronically should contact
the person identified in the FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION CONTACT section by
telephone for advice on filing
alternatives.
ADDRESSES:
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Stephen L. Sharfman, General Counsel,
at 202–789–6820.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Order No.
1844 was issued September 30, 2013,
and included a date for filing comments
that occurred during the subsequent
suspension of Commission operations.
At the time the Commission suspended
operations, it posted a notice on its Web
site concerning its policy with respect to
accepting comments subject to filing
dates that occurred during the
suspension. That policy allowed
commenters to file their submissions
upon resumption of Commission
operations. The text of Order No. 1844
as issued on September 30, 2013,
follows.
Table of Contents
I. Introduction
II. Notice of Filings
III. Ordering Paragraphs
I. Introduction
[FR Doc. 2013–28000 Filed 11–21–13; 8:45 am]
ACTION:
to the competitive product list. This
notice informs the public of the filing,
invites public comment, and takes other
administrative steps.
DATES: Comment date: October 16, 2013.
The Commission’s policy is to accept
comments otherwise subject to a filing
date that falls during a lapse in
appropriations if they are submitted via
Filing Online when operations resume.
Contact the person identified in the FOR
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section if
additional information on the
Commission’s acceptance policy is
needed.
Jkt 232001
In accordance with 39 U.S.C. 3642
and 39 CFR 3020.30 et seq., the Postal
Service filed a request and associated
supporting information to add Priority
Mail Contract 65 to the competitive
product list.1 It asserts that Priority Mail
Contract 65 is a competitive product
‘‘not of general applicability’’ within the
meaning of 39 U.S.C. 3632(b)(3).
Request at 1. The Request has been
assigned Docket No. MC2013–63.
1 Request
of the United States Postal Service to
Add Priority Mail Contract 65 to Competitive
Product List and Notice of Filing (Under Seal) of
Unredacted Governors’ Decision, Contract, and
Supporting Data, September 27, 2013 (Request).
PO 00000
Frm 00073
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
The Postal Service
contemporaneously filed a redacted
contract related to the proposed new
product. Id. Attachment B. The instant
contract has been assigned Docket No.
CP2013–83.
Request. To support its Request, the
Postal Service filed six attachments as
follows:
• Attachment A—a redacted copy of
Governors’ Decision No. 11–6,
authorizing the new product;
• Attachment B—a redacted copy of
the contract;
• Attachment C—proposed changes
to the Mail Classification Schedule
competitive product list with the
addition underlined;
• Attachment D—a Statement of
Supporting Justification as required by
39 CFR 3020.32;
• Attachment E—a certification of
compliance with 39 U.S.C. 3633(a); and
• Attachment F—an application for
non-public treatment of materials to
maintain redacted portions of the
contract and related financial
information under seal.
In the Statement of Supporting
Justification, Dennis R. Nicoski,
Manager, Field Sales Strategy and
Contracts, asserts that the contract will
cover its attributable costs and increase
contribution toward the requisite 5.5
percent of the Postal Service’s total
institutional costs. Id. Attachment D at
1. Mr. Nicoski contends that there will
be no issue of market dominant
products subsidizing competitive
products as a result of this contract. Id.
Related contract. The Postal Service
included a redacted version of the
related contract with the Request. Id.
Attachment B. The contract is
scheduled to become effective one
business day after the Commission
issues all necessary regulatory approval.
Id. at 3. The contract will expire three
years from the effective date unless,
among other things, either party
terminates the agreement upon 30 days’
written notice to the other party. Id. The
Postal Service represents that the
contract is consistent with 39 U.S.C.
3633(a).2
The Postal Service filed much of the
supporting materials, including the
related contract, under seal. Id.
Attachment F. It maintains that the
redacted portions of the Governors’
Decision, contract, customer-identifying
information, and related financial
information should remain confidential.
2 Although the Request appears to state that the
certification only pertains to paragraphs (1) and (3)
of 39 U.S.C. 3633(a), the certification itself contains
an assertion that the prices are in compliance with
39 U.S.C. 3633(a)(1), (2), and (3). Request at 2;
Attachment E.
E:\FR\FM\22NON1.SGM
22NON1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 226 (Friday, November 22, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 70080-70084]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-28000]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
POSTAL REGULATORY COMMISSION
[Docket No. R2013-10; Order No. 1842]
Market Dominant Price Adjustment
AGENCY: Postal Regulatory Commission.
ACTION: Notice.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Commission is noticing a recently-filed Postal Service
notice announcing a proposal to adjust prices for market dominant
products. The adjustments are scheduled to take effect January 26,
2014. This notice addresses procedural steps associated with this
filing.
DATES: Comment date: October 16, 2013. The Commission's policy is to
accept comments otherwise subject to a filing date that falls during a
lapse in appropriations if they are submitted via Filing Online when
operations resume. Contact the person identified in the FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION CONTACT section if additional information on the
Commission's acceptance policy is needed.
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.
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: Order No. 1842 was issued September 27,
2013, and included a date for filing comments that occurred during the
subsequent suspension of Commission operations. At the time the
Commission suspended operations, it posted a notice on its Web site
concerning its policy with respect to accepting comments subject to
filing dates that occurred during the suspension. That policy allowed
commenters to file their submissions upon resumption of Commission
operations. The text of Order No. 1842 as issued on September 27, 2013,
follows.
Table of Contents
I. Overview
II. Promotions
III. Summary of Price Changes by Class of Mail
IV. Preferred Mail and Worksharing Discounts
V. MCS Changes
VI. Administrative Actions
VII. Ordering Paragraphs
I. Overview
A. Index-Based Price Changes for Market Dominant Classes of Mail
On September 26, 2013, the Postal Service filed notice, pursuant to
39 U.S.C. 3622 and 39 CFR part 3010, of plans to adjust prices for its
market dominant products.\1\ The planned adjustments affect both
domestic and international market dominant products and are scheduled
to take effect January 26, 2014.\2\ Concomitant with its filing, the
Postal Service renewed its exigent rate request filed in Docket No.
R2010-4R that would be added to the rates requested with this
Notice.\3\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ United States Postal Service Notice of Market-Dominant Price
Adjustment, September 26, 2013 (Notice).
\2\ The Postal Service represents that it is filing its Notice
along with the Renewed Exigent Request of the United States Postal
Service in Response to Commission Order No. 1059 (Exigent Request).
\3\ Docket No. R2010-4R, Renewed Exigent Request of the United
States Postal Service in Response to Commission Order No. 1059,
September 26, 2013.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Postal Service states that it has inflation-based price
adjustment authority of 0.636 percent for Special Services and 1.696
percent for all other mail classes based on the Consumer Price Index
for All Urban Consumers, U.S. All Items (the ``CUUR0000SA0'') series
(CPI-U). Notice at 3.
The Postal Service also states that it has unused rate authority as
indicated in the following table. Id.
Table 1--Available Unused Price Adjustment Authority by Mail Class
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unused
Market dominant class authority (%)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
First-Class Mail........................................ -0.544
Standard Mail........................................... -0.441
Periodicals............................................. -0.556
Package Services........................................ -0.555
Special Services........................................ 3.678
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Id.
The Postal Service asserts that it is authorized to raise prices
for each class by the percentages in the following table.
Table 2--Price Adjustment Authority by Class
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Price
Market dominant class adjustment
authority (%)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
First-Class Mail........................................ 1.696
Standard Mail........................................... 1.696
Periodicals............................................. 1.696
Package Services........................................ 1.696
Special Services........................................ 2.636
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Id. at 4.
The following table presents the Postal Service's planned
percentage price changes by class.
Table 3--2013 Price Change Percentage by Mail Class
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Price change
Market dominant class (%)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
First-Class Mail........................................ 1.587
Standard Mail........................................... 1.609
Periodicals............................................. 1.569
[[Page 70081]]
Package Services........................................ 1.565
Special Services........................................ 2.500
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Id. at 5.
Price adjustments for products within classes vary from the
average, sometimes substantially. Interested persons are encouraged to
review the Notice and workpapers for specific details.
Unused authority after the proposed price change. The following
table identifies the unused price adjustment authority the Postal
Service calculates as available following the proposed price change.
Table 4--Unused Pricing Authority Available Following Docket No. R2013-1
Price Changes
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Percentage
Class points
------------------------------------------------------------------------
First-Class Mail:
R2013-1............................................... -0.544
R2013-10.............................................. 0.109
---------------
Total............................................... -0.435
Standard Mail:
R2013-1............................................... -0.441
R2013-10.............................................. 0.087
---------------
Total............................................... -0.354
Periodicals:
R2013-1............................................... -0.556
R2013-10.............................................. 0.127
---------------
Total............................................... -0.429
Package Services:
R2013-1............................................... -0.555
R2013-10.............................................. 0.131
---------------
Total............................................... -0.424
Special Services:
R2013-7............................................... 3.678
R2013-10.............................................. -1.864
---------------
Total............................................... 1.814
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Id. at 6 (notes omitted).
Classification changes. The Notice identifies numerous
classification changes. See id. at 56-57. The Postal Service has
included all price and classification changes in a legislative markup
of the Mail Classification Schedule. Id. Attachment A.
B. The Postal Service's Filing
The Notice includes an introductory section followed by four parts.
There are four attachments to the Notice. The introductory section
includes a certification, in accordance with rule 3010.14(a)(3), that
the Postal Service will provide widespread notice of the planned
adjustments prior to the planned implementation date. Id. at 1. It
identifies Mr. Steve Monteith as the Postal Service official who will
respond to queries from the Commission. Id. at 2.
Part I discusses compliance with the price cap. Id. at 2-6. Part II
describes several temporary promotions that it is proposing as part of
the filing. Id. at 6-11. Part III discusses Flats Sequencing System
(FSS) pricing and prices by class in detail, including workshare
discounts. It also addresses the consistency of prices with the
objectives and factors of 39 U.S.C. 3622 and with sections 3626, 3627,
and 3629. Id. at 11-56. Part IV describes Mail Classification Schedule
(MCS) changes. Id. at 56-57.
Attachment A presents MCS changes in legislative format and new
price schedules. Attachment B presents workshare discounts and related
information. Attachment C presents the Postal Service's price cap
calculation. The price cap calculation includes, in conformance with
rule 3010.22(b), an adjustment to the moving average because less than
12 months have passed since the most recent price change. Attachment D
presents the 2014 Mailing Promotions and Incentives Calendar. The
Postal Service filed six sets of workpapers:
First-Class Mail Workpapers: USPS-LR-R2013-10/1
Standard Mail Workpapers: USPS-LR-R2013-10/2
Periodicals Workpapers: USPS-LR-R2013-10/3
Package Services Workpapers: USPS-LR-R2013-10/4
Special Services Workpapers: USPS-LR-R2013-10/5
First-Class Mail International Workpapers: USPS-LR-R2013-10/NP1
Id. at 4-5.
Each set of workpapers includes a preface with an explanation of
its contents. Id. at 5. In addition, the preface for the first five
workpapers provides an overview, a discussion of adjustments to the
billing determinants for the four quarters ending FY 2013, quarter 3,
and an explanation of revenue calculations. Id.
II. Promotions
Similar to the price adjustments proposed in Docket No. R2013-1,
the Postal Service seeks approval of eight promotions and one incentive
during calendar year 2014.\4\ The following table identifies the
promotions/incentive and timeframe.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\4\ The Postal Service states that it seeks approval for these
promotions and price incentives in this price adjustment to address
customers' concern about not having sufficient time to fully
participate in the promotions. Id. at 7.
Table 5--Calendar Year 2014 Promotion Timeframe
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Promotion/incentive Timeframe
------------------------------------------------------------------------
High Density and Saturation January-December 2014.
Incentive Program.
Branded Color Mobile Technology February-March 2014.
Promotion.
EDDM Coupon Program............ March-December 2014.
Premium Advertising Promotion.. April-June 2014.
Earned Value Reply Mail April-June 2014.
Promotion.
Mail and Digital May-June 2014.
Personalization Promotion.
Emerging Technology Promotion: August-September 2014.
Featuring Near Field
Communication.
Color Print in First-Class Mail August-December 2014.
Transactions Promotion.
Mail Drives Mobile Commerce November-December 2014.
Promotion.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Id. at 7-10.
The Postal Service states that it will only seek to preserve the
additional cap
[[Page 70082]]
space approved in Docket No. R2013-1 \5\ by continuing to offer similar
mobile technology promotions and the Earned Value Reply Mail promotion
in 2014. Accordingly, it represents that no changes in cap space are
justified based on these promotions. Id. at 10-11.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\5\ Nine million for First-Class Mail and Twenty-four million
for Standard Mail.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
III. Summary of Price Changes by Class of Mail
A. FSS Pricing
The Postal Service explains that it is taking three steps regarding
FSS pricing. First, it plans to require FSS preparation for all flat-
shaped mail pieces destinating in FSS zones. Second, it is proposing
separate FSS pricing for presorted flat-shaped pieces in Standard Mail,
Outside County Periodicals, and Bound Printed Matter Flats that
destinate in FSS zones. These proposed prices are designed to minimize
changes in postage for flats mailers. Third, it is proposing to
introduce discounts for mail on FSS scheme pallets entered at the
location of the destinating FSS machine (DFSS). Id. at 16.
B. First-Class Mail
The following table identifies the Postal Service's planned
percentage price changes for its First-Class Mail products.
Table 6--First-Class Mail Price Changes
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Percent change
First-class mail product (%)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Single-Piece Letters/Cards.............................. 1.141
Presort Letters/Cards................................... 1.615
Flats................................................... 1.267
Parcels................................................. 6.335
First-Class Mail International.......................... 5.994
Overall................................................. 1.587
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Id. at 17.
The First-Ounce First-Class Mail price. The price of a stamp for
the first-ounce of single-piece letter mail (including the Forever
stamp), increases by one cent under the Postal Service's plan, from 46
cents to 47 cents. Id.
Single-Piece Letters and Cards. The overall increase of 1.141
percent for single-piece letters and cards reflects continuation of
current prices for metered letters and single-piece cards, which is
largely responsible for the average increase for single-piece mail
being lower than the increase for presorted mail. Id. The proposed
price increase will increase the per-piece price differential between
letters and flats, and between letters and parcels. Id. at 18. The new
proposed price differential between a single-piece letter and single-
piece flats increases from 46 cents to 47 cents. The letter-parcel
differential increases from $1.61 to $1.76. Id.
Metered Mail. In this docket, the Postal Service is introducing a
new price for single-piece metered letters. The proposed metered mail
category includes single-piece letters with postage affixed by meter,
information-based indicia (IBI), permit imprint, or pre-cancelled
stamps. Only pieces bearing non-cancelled stamps or postal validation
imprint (PVI) indicia \6\ would remain in the stamped mail category.
Id. at 18. The stated purpose is to encourage the adoption of metered
mail by small businesses. Id. at 19.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\6\ PVI includes payment indicia printed out by the Automated
Postal Center (APC) equipment.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Residual Single-Piece Letters. In Docket No. R2013-1, the Postal
Service introduced a new single-piece price for residual letters
presented as part of a presort mailing. Id. at 20. In this docket, the
Postal Service proposes a new single-piece price structure for residual
letters as follows--residuals from uniform 1-ounce presort letter
mailings will pay the 1-ounce metered rate of 46 cents; residuals from
uniform 2-ounce presort letter mailings will pay the 2-ounce metered
rate of 66 cents; and residuals from mixed mailings will pay the
Residual rate of 48 cents. Id. at 21.
Presort Letters/Postcards. The Postal Service states that the
overall increase for this product is slightly above the overall average
for First-Class Mail. The unit price for the least presorted automation
category increases by 1 cent while the other categories increase by 0.5
to 0.6 cents. The price increases for Mixed AADC, AADC, 3-Digit, and 5-
Digit automation presort letters are 2.5 percent, 1.3 percent, 1.3
percent, and 1.7 percent, respectively. The Postal Service continues to
price AADC and 3-Digit letters and cards at the same level, and the
free second-ounce continues for all presort First-Class Mail letters
(Non-automation and Automation). Id.
Flats. The overall increase for Flats is 1.267 percent. Id. at 22.
Price changes within this product vary. Id.
Parcels. First-Class Mail Parcels receive a 6.335 percent increase,
higher than the overall increase for First-Class Mail. Id. The Postal
Service states that this above-average increase is expected to improve
cost coverage for this product, which it considers low by First-Class
Mail standards. Id.
International. Prices for Outbound Single-Piece First-Class Mail
International (FCMI) increase by 2.192 percent, above the First-Class
Mail average of 1.587 percent. Id. at 22. The Postal Service asserts
that the increase is necessary to increase contribution and improve
cost coverage for FCMI Flats. Id.
C. Standard Mail
The following table presents the Postal Service's planned
percentage price changes for Standard Mail products.
Table 7--Standard Mail Price Changes
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Percent change
Standard mail product (%)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Letters................................................. 1.614
Flats................................................... 1.809
Parcels................................................. 1.820
High Density and Saturation Letters..................... 1.322
High Density and Saturation Flats Parcels............... 1.412
Carrier Route........................................... 1.666
Every Door Direct Mail--Retail.......................... 5.000
Overall................................................. 1.609
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Id. at 24.
Flats receive an above-average price increase, pursuant to the
three-year schedule of above-average CPI increases for Flats proposed
by the Postal Service in the 2012 Annual Compliance Report. Id. at 24.
The Postal Service is also proposing new FSS pricing for Flats, High
Density flats, High Density plus flats, and Carrier Route flats. Id.
Standard Mail Parcels receive an above-average price increase to
continue the Postal Service's previously announced plan to move the
product toward full cost coverage while also recognizing that Standard
Mail Parcels are underpriced in the marketplace. Id. at 25. The
proposed prices for AADC and 3-Digit presort letters will continue to
be equal in 2014 until the Postal Service is able to determine which
preparation standard will be most consistent with the redesigned
processing network. Id.
The Postal Service is continuing the Simple Samples initiative this
year. Id. It is also reducing the price of Customized Market Mail and
introducing new prices for Every Door Direct Mail--Commercial. It is
increasing the price of Every Door Direct Mail Retail to 16.8 cents and
retaining the current approved price of 2 cents for a picture permit
indicia on Standard Mail. Id. at 26-27. It will moderately increase the
price of Detached Address Labels (DAL).
[[Page 70083]]
D. Periodicals
The following table presents the Postal Service's planned
percentage price changes for the Periodicals class.
Table 8--Periodicals Price Changes
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Percent change
Periodicals product (%)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Outside County Periodicals.............................. 1.563
In-County Periodicals................................... 1.705
Overall................................................. 1.569
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Id. at 28.
The Postal Service states that despite Periodicals' continued
failure to cover costs, it recognizes the value of this class to the
public. Accordingly, the proposed price change refines price
relationships to encourage efficiency and containerization, while
limiting the price increases for individual publications. It is also
requiring FSS preparation for Periodicals in DFSS zones. The DFSS
prices will be the same as the DCSF pound prices. It is introducing FSS
prices at the bundle level, sack level, and pallet level at all entry
points. To encourage FSS preparation and destination entry, there will
be a price of zero for FSS pallets brought to a DFSS. Id.
E. Package Services
The following table presents the Postal Service's planned
percentage price changes for the Package Services class.
Table 9--Package Services Price Changes
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Percent change
Package services product (%)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alaska Bypass Service................................... 2.440
Bound Printed Matter Flats.............................. 0.314
Bound Printed Matter Parcels............................ 1.680
Media Mail/Library Mail................................. 2.061
Inbound Surface Parcel Post *........................... 2.152
Overall................................................. 1.565
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Prices for Inbound Surface Parcel Post (at UPU rates) are determined
by the Universal Postal Union and are not under the Postal Service's
control. These prices are adjusted by the Postal Operations Council.
Id. at 30.
F. Special Services
The overall increase for Special Services is 2.500 percent. Id. at
32. The Postal Service states that for most of the products, fee
increases were designed to be close to 2.509 percent, while maintaining
consistency with historical rounding constraints (to simplify
transactions for customers). Id. The following table, based on price
changes identified in the body of the Notice, indicates the differing
effects of the Postal Service's Special Services pricing decisions.
Table 10--Special Services Price Changes
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Percent change
Special services (%)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Collect on Delivery..................................... 4.2
Special Handling Prices................................. 5.5
Stamp Fulfillment Services.............................. 0.0
USPS Tracking (formerly Delivery Confirmation Service).. 10.4
Stamped Cards........................................... 0.0
Address Management Services............................. 12.5
Credit Card Authentication.............................. 0.0
Customized Postage...................................... 3.175
Money Order............................................. 0.017
International Certificates of Mailing................... 5.48
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Id. at 33-35.
IV. Preferred Mail and Worksharing Discounts
Preferred mail. The Notice includes the Postal Service's
explanation that it implemented section 3626 pricing requirements in
the same manner as in the Docket No. R2013-1 price change, and notes
the Commission concluded the Postal Service's interpretation of section
3626 is appropriate. Id. at 35. The Postal Service identifies each of
the preferred products or components (In-County Periodicals, Nonprofit
and Classroom Periodicals, Science of Agriculture Periodicals
advertising pounds, Nonprofit Standard Mail, and Library Mail) and
describes how the planned adjustments comport with applicable statutory
factors. Id. at 35-37.
Consistency with 39 U.S.C. 3627 and 3629. The Notice observes that
neither of these sections is implicated by the price change, as the
Postal Service does not seek to alter free rates (section 3627) or
change the eligibility requirements for nonprofit rates. Id. at 37.
Workshare discounts. The Notice includes the Postal Service's
justification and explanation, in accordance with rules 3010.14(b)(5)
and (6), for workshare discounts that exceed 100 percent of avoided
costs or that are substantially below 100 percent for each affected
class or individual product. Id. at 37-56.
V. MCS Changes
The Notice, in conformance with rule 3010.14(b)(9), identifies
numerous changes to the MCS. Certain substantive changes are identified
by the Postal Service. Id. at 56-57. Attachment A to the Notice
presents the price and classification changes to the Mail
Classification Schedule in legislative format. Id. at 56. Changes to
the MCS may alter the rights and responsibilities of mailers and
reviewers are advised to review this material carefully.
VI. Administrative Actions
The Commission hereby establishes a formal docket, captioned Docket
No. R2013-10, Notice of Market Dominant Price Adjustment, to conduct
the review of the Postal Service's planned price adjustments mandated
in 39 U.S.C. 3622. The Commission has posted the Notice on the
Commission's Web site (https://www.prc.gov), and has made the Notice
available for copying and inspection during the agency's regular
business hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays, except Federal
holidays.
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 October 16, 2013.\7\ Interested persons are encouraged to
review the Postal Service's Notice and workpapers in their entirety.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\7\ See Notice of Erratum, September 30, 2013.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commission rule 3010.13(b) further provides that public comments
are to focus primarily on whether the planned price adjustments comply
with the following mandatory requirements under the Postal
Accountability and Enhancement Act (PAEA):
(1) Whether the planned rate adjustments measured using the
formula established in section 3010.23(b) are at or below the annual
limitation established in section 3010.11; and
(2) whether the planned rate adjustments measured using the
formula established in section 3010.23(b) are at or below the
limitations established in section 3010.28.
Parties are also encouraged to comment on proposed Mail
Classification changes, particularly whether these changes have any
rate implications.
Participation and designated filing method. Interested persons may
submit comments electronically via the Commission's Filing Online
system, unless a waiver is obtained. Instructions for obtaining an
account to file documents online may be found on the Commission's Web
site (https://www.prc.gov), or by contacting the Commission's Docket
Section staff at 202-789-6846.
[[Page 70084]]
Persons without access to the Internet or otherwise unable to file
documents electronically may request a waiver of the electronic filing
requirement by filing a motion for waiver with the Commission. The
motion may be filed along with any comments the person may wish to
submit in this docket. Persons requesting a waiver may file hardcopy
documents with the Commission either by mailing or by hand delivery to
the Office of the Secretary, Postal Regulatory Commission, 901 New York
Avenue NW., Suite 200, Washington, DC 20268-0001 during regular
business hours by the date specified for such filing. Any person
needing assistance in requesting a waiver may contact the Docket
Section at 202-789-6846. Hardcopy documents filed in this docket will
be scanned and posted on the Commission's Web site.
Appointment of Public Representative. In conformance with 39 U.S.C.
505, the Commission appoints Kenneth E. Richardson to represent the
interests of the general public in this proceeding.
VII. Ordering Paragraphs
It is ordered:
1. The Commission establishes Docket No. R2013-10 to consider
planned price adjustments in rates, fees and classifications for market
dominant postal products and services identified in the Postal
Service's September 26, 2013 Notice.
2. Comments by interested persons on the planned price adjustments
are due no later than October 16, 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 prompt publication of this notice in the Federal Register.
By the Commission.
Ruth Ann Abrams,
Acting Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2013-28000 Filed 11-21-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7710-FW-P
