Changes to Validations for Intelligent Mail Package Barcode, 47839-47842 [2018-20587]
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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 184 / Friday, September 21, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
the analysis that follows, the
Department believes that these
regulations are consistent with the
principles in Executive Order 13563.
We also have determined that this
regulatory action would not unduly
interfere with State, local, and Tribal
governments in the exercise of their
governmental functions.
Need for the Regulatory Action
This regulatory action is necessary to
comply with Executive Order 13777 and
to remove outdated and superseded
regulations from the Code of Federal
Regulations.
Analysis of Costs and Benefits
This regulatory action is a benefit to
the public, grant recipients, and the
Department as the action will remove
any confusion that might be caused by
maintaining outdated and superseded
regulations in the CFR.
The Department has also analyzed the
costs of this regulatory action and has
determined that it will impose no
additional costs ($0). As detailed earlier,
this regulatory action removes outdated
and superseded regulations for seven
programs.
Regulatory Flexibility Act Certification
Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 601(2), the
Regulatory Flexibility Act applies only
to rules for which an agency publishes
a general notice of proposed
rulemaking. The Regulatory Flexibility
Act does not apply to this rulemaking
because there is good cause to waive
notice and comment under 5 U.S.C. 553.
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995
This rule does not contain any
information collection requirements.
The previously OMB-approved
information collection (OMB Control
Number 1830–0013) associated with 34
CFR parts 412, 415, 421, 425, 427, 428,
and 429 is no longer an active
information collection, was last used
with the Application for Vocational
Education Direct Grants, and expired on
March 31, 2001.
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with RULES
Intergovernmental Review
Some of these programs are subject to
Executive Order 12372 and the
regulations in 34 CFR part 79. One of
the objectives of the Executive order is
to foster an intergovernmental
partnership and a strengthened
federalism. The Executive order relies
on processes developed by State and
local governments for coordination and
review of proposed Federal financial
assistance.
Accessible Format: Individuals with
disabilities can obtain this document in
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:15 Sep 20, 2018
Jkt 244001
an accessible format (e.g., Braille, large
print, audiotape, or compact disc) on
request to the contact person listed
under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
CONTACT.
Electronic Access to This Document:
The official version of this document is
the document published in the Federal
Register. You may access the official
edition of the Federal Register and the
Code of Federal Regulations via the
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List of Subjects
34 CFR Part 415
Educational facilities, Grant
programs—education, Nonprofit
organizations, Reporting and
recordkeeping requirements, Vocational
education.
34 CFR Part 421
Business and industry, Grant
programs—education, Labor unions,
Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements, Vocational education.
34 CFR Part 425
Business and industry, Grant
programs—education, Labor unions,
Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements, Vocational education.
34 CFR Part 427
Bilingual education, Grant
programs—education, Reporting and
recordkeeping requirements, Vocational
education.
34 CFR Part 428
Grant programs—education,
Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements, Teachers, Vocational
education.
34 CFR Part 429
Bilingual education, Education
research, Grant programs—education,
PO 00000
Frm 00039
Fmt 4700
Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements, Vocational education.
Dated: September 18, 2018.
Scott Stump,
Assistant Secretary for Career, Technical, and
Adult Education.
For the reasons discussed in the
preamble, and under the authority of
section 414 of the Department of
Education Organization Act, 20 U.S.C.
3474, and section 437 of the General
Education Provisions Act (20 U.S.C.
1221e–3) the Secretary of Education
amends chapter III of title 34 of the
Code of Federal Regulations as follows:
PART 412—[REMOVED AND
RESERVED]
■
Sfmt 4700
1. Part 412 is removed and reserved.
PART 415—[REMOVED AND
RESERVED]
■
2. Part 415 is removed and reserved.
PART 421—[REMOVED AND
RESERVED]
■
34 CFR Part 412
Grant programs—education,
Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements, Vocational education.
47839
3. Part 421 is removed and reserved.
PART 425—[REMOVED AND
RESERVED]
■
4. Part 425 is removed and reserved.
PART 427—[REMOVED AND
RESERVED]
■
5. Part 427 is removed and reserved.
PART 428—[REMOVED AND
RESERVED]
■
6. Part 428 is removed and reserved.
PART 429—[REMOVED AND
RESERVED]
■
7. Part 429 is removed and reserved.
[FR Doc. 2018–20589 Filed 9–20–18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000–01–P
POSTAL SERVICE
39 CFR Part 111
Changes to Validations for Intelligent
Mail Package Barcode
Postal Service TM.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The Postal Service is
amending Mailing Standards of the
United States Postal Service, Domestic
Mail Manual (DMM®) to add new
Intelligent Mail® package barcode
(IMpb) validations for evaluating
compliance with IMpb requirements for
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\21SER1.SGM
21SER1
47840
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 184 / Friday, September 21, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
all mailers who enter commercial
parcels.
DATES:
Effective Date: September 21,
2018.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Juliaann Hess at (202) 268–7663 or via
email at jsanders.hess@usps.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The Postal Service published a notice
of proposed rulemaking on February 27,
2018 (83 FR 8399), to amend the DMM
to update IMpb requirements relative to
Compliance Quality Validations for
Address Quality, Shipping Services File
Manifest Quality, and Barcode Quality.
These validations will allow the Postal
Service to further improve service,
tracking, and visibility, all of which will
facilitate the identification of
noncompliant mailpieces and customer
experiences.
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with RULES
Summary of Industry Comments and
Postal Service Response
The Postal Service received two sets
of comments in response to the
proposed rule of February 27, 2018. The
Postal Service appreciates all of the
comments that were provided by the
mailing industry. The mailers’
comments and corresponding Postal
Service responses are outlined as
follows:
Mailer Comment: The Postal Service
should clarify the requirements for eVS
address quality information.
USPS Response: The Postal Service
clarifies that a full and valid destination
delivery address (capable of yielding an
11-digit ZIP Code that matches the
delivery point in the Shipping Services
file) includes the following components:
• Valid secondary address information
• Match between address to ZIP+4 Code
• Includes street number
• Valid primary street number
An address quality noncompliance
indicator will be assigned to eVS
mailers when the address information is
not received before the Arrival at Post
Office (07) scan event.
In addition, we have added a separate
clarification for non-eVS mailers. An
address quality noncompliance
indicator will be assigned when the
address information is not present at the
time of mailing.
Mailer Comment: Clarification
appears necessary regarding manifest
quality specifications.
USPS Response: The manifest file
provides essential information about the
shipping product to provide package
visibility. In addition to the Transaction
ID (TID) that is already required,
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16:15 Sep 20, 2018
Jkt 244001
manifest files must pass the following
four validation criteria:
• Entry Facility ZIP Code: The entry
facility ZIP Code in the Shipping
Services file must match a physical scan
event at a location. A separate Shipping
Services file is required for mail
tendered to each different Postal Service
entry facility. For eVS customers, in the
Header Record of the Shipping Services
file, the entry facility ZIP Code field
must contain the ZIP Code for the Postal
Service facility where the mail is
tendered.
• Payment Account Number: The
USPS account number from which the
mailing will be paid must be valid. The
Payment Account Number is a valid
combination, is registered with eVS or
PostalOne! as valid information, and is
located within the Header Record of the
Shipping Services file.
• Method of Payment: The approved
payment method must be valid (permit
imprint, postage meter, PC Postage,
OMAS, franked mail, and stamps) for
the mail being entered, and located in
the Header Record of the Shipping
Services file.
• Post Office of Account: The 5-digit
ZIP Code of the Post Office issuing the
permit number, meter license, or
precancelled stamp must be valid, agree
with the information on the postage
statement, and be located in the Header
Record of the Shipping Services file.
If any manifest validation field is
missing or inaccurate, a Manifest
Quality IMpb Compliance indicator will
be assigned. Mailers can reference
Publication 199, Intelligent Mail
Package Barcode (IMpb)
Implementation Guide for: Confirmation
Services and Electronic Verification
System (eVS) Mailers, for details on
Shipping Services file types.
Mailer Comment: The FRN requires
that IMpb’s must pass Mailer ID and
uniqueness validations without errors
or warnings (emphasis added). The
addition of warnings appears to be a
substantive change, clarification
needed.
USPS Response: The history of both
errors and warnings is not a substantive
change to IMpb Quality validation. The
Postal Service recognizes the
importance of providing customers with
visibility, and provides mailers with the
confirmation/error/warning file that
identifies issues associated within the
Shipping Services file record.
Each time a mailer submits a
Shipping Services file, PTR processes
and edits the file. When data elements
do not meet USPS specifications, PTR
generates an error or a warning. Single
records or the entire file may be rejected
or certain records may receive warnings.
PO 00000
Frm 00040
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
A message line that starts with an ‘‘E’’
indicates this is an Error message and
the record will be rejected. A message
line that starts with a ‘‘W’’ indicates this
is a Warning Message and the record
will be posted. The Postal Service
converted many errors to warnings to
update legacy business rules that
negatively impacted piece-level
visibility and prevented customers from
receiving tracking information in extract
files or USPS website. However, the
data elements are still necessary and
must be accurate, so we validate these
elements. For example: Prior to
changing an invalid MID to a warning
it was an error that would have
prevented all mail visibility. These
warnings are intended to support timely
postage payment and revenue assurance
and be reflective of the work required to
populate the files with a valid Mailer ID
and IMpb uniqueness for validation.
Mailer Comment: Clarification
needed: The requirement that Mailer
IDs, (MIDs) be properly registered is
unclear because the word ‘‘properly’’ is
not adequately defined.
USPS Response: For the purposes of
this final rule, a MID is properly
registered when users request access to
Program Registration via the Online
Enrollment service, within the Business
Customer Gateway (BCG), or when users
request access to Online Enrollment
from the Shipping Services page on the
BCG, if they currently do not have
access to the service. This service assists
the user in signing up for a number of
shipping programs, including USPS
Tracking and eVS, and registering a sixor nine-digit MID, according to the
product they are mailing, the type and
volume of service they require, and the
payment type.
Mailers may not use a MID in their
tracking barcodes for the Shipping
Services file or in an IMpb, until the
MID completes certification and is
registered.
Mailer Comment: It is important to
remind the Postal Service that it made
a commitment to work with mailers
who are not making the current Address
Quality (AQ) threshold, and provide
awareness on how to avoid being noncompliant.
USPS Response: The Postal Service
continued commitment is to educate
mailers on mail preparation and
improving the quality of mail. We are
using various communication channels
to assist mailers with falling below their
Address Quality (AQ) threshold. We are
committed to helping the industry
through webinars, Industry Work
Groups, Business Mail Entry (BME)
Units, and Micro-Strategy reporting and
will continue to build upon those tools
E:\FR\FM\21SER1.SGM
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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 184 / Friday, September 21, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
to enhance the communication
experience.
2.0 Standards for Package and Extra
Service Barcodes
List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 111
Administrative practice and
procedure, Postal Service.
The Postal Service adopts the
following changes 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.
We will publish an appropriate
amendment to 39 CFR part 111 to reflect
these changes.
Accordingly, 39 CFR part 111 is
amended as follows:
2.1
PART 111—[AMENDED]
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.
2. Revise the Mailing Standards of the
United States Postal Service, Domestic
Mail Manual (DMM) as follows:
■
Mailing Standards of the United States
Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual
(DMM)
*
*
*
*
*
200
Commercial Mail
*
*
204
Barcode Standards
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Intelligent Mail Package Barcode
2.1.1 Definition
[Revise the third and fifth sentences of
2.1.1 to read as follows:]
* * * Intelligent Mail package
barcodes must be used on all
commercial parcels and on other
mailpieces requesting extra
services.* * * Electronic files must
include a complete destination delivery
address (which has sufficient quality to
yield an 11-digit ZIP Code that matches
the delivery point) and/or a delivery
point validation (DPV) 11-digit code for
all records in the file.* * *
*
*
*
*
*
2.1.3
Barcode Data Fields
[Revise the first and final sentence of
the introductory text of 204.2.1.3 to read
as follows:]
The following fields are used to
construct the Intelligent Mail package
barcode. * * *
* * * Detailed specifications are
provided in Publication 199: Intelligent
Mail Package Barcode (IMpb)
Implementation Guide for: Confirmation
Services and Electronic Verification
System (eVS) Mailers, and available on
PostalPro at https://postalpro.usps.
com. * * *
*
*
*
*
*
*
2.1.7
47841
Electronic File
[Revise the second sentence of the
introductory text and d. of 204.2.1.7 to
read as follows:]
* * * Specifications for electronic
files are available in Publication 199:
Intelligent Mail Package Barcode (IMpb)
Implementation Guide for: Confirmation
Services and Electronic Verification
System (eVS) Mailers, and available on
PostalPro at https://postalpro.usps.
com. * * *
d. Version 1.6 (or subsequent
versions) of the electronic shipping
services manifest files including each
destination delivery address or ZIP + 4
Code. Shipping Services File manifests,
or other approved electronic
documentation, must include the
destination delivery address (that has
sufficient quality to yield an 11-digit
ZIP Code that matches the delivery
point) or delivery point validation
(DPV) 11-digit ZIP Code for each record
in the file.* * *
[Revise the title and text of 2.1.8 to
read as follows:]
2.1.8
Compliance Quality Thresholds
All mailers who enter commercial
parcels must meet the established
thresholds for IMpb Compliance Quality
outlined in Exhibit 2.1.8 to avoid an
IMpb Noncompliance Fee. For details
see Publication 199: Intelligent Mail
Package Barcode (IMpb)
Implementation Guide for: Confirmation
Services and Electronic Verification
System (eVS) Mailers, available on
PostalPro at https://postalpro.usps.com.
EXHIBIT 2.1.8—IMpb COMPLIANCE QUALITY THRESHOLDS
Compliance
codes
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with RULES
Compliance categories
Address Quality: Checks for a timely
address that validates to a unique
11-Digit DPV.
AQ
Manifest Quality: (Shipping Services
File): Checks for a timely Manifest
File that passes 4 critical validation criteria.
Barcode
Quality:
Checks
the
barcode in the manifest that
passes 2 critical validations.
MQ
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:15 Sep 20, 2018
Must include a full, valid destination delivery address that has sufficient
quality to yield an 11-digit ZIP Code that matches the delivery point in
the file as follows:
• Valid secondary address information.
• Match between address to ZIP +4 Codes.
• Includes street number.
• Valid primary street number.
Customers using eVS must provide the address information prior to the
Arrival at Unit (07) Event Scan and non-eVS customers at the time of
mailing.
Entry facility must match between scan and manifest. Valid PO of Account ZIP Code (where account is held for payment).
Valid method of payment (Permit, Federal Agency, PC Postage, Smart
Meter, Other Meter, or Stamps).
Valid and Certified Mailer ID in the label that is in Program Registration/
Online Enrollment. IMpb must be unique for 120 days.
BQ
[Add new section 2.1.9 to read as
follows:]
Jkt 244001
Compliance
thresholds
Validations
2.1.9
Alternate Approval
Labels not meeting IMpb
specifications or other label element
standards, but still able to demonstrate
PO 00000
Frm 00041
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
89
94
98
acceptable functionality within USPS
processes, may be allowed using an
alternative approval process authorized
by the Vice President, Enterprise
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47842
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 184 / Friday, September 21, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
Analytics (See DMM 608.8.1 for contact
information).
*
*
*
*
*
210 Commercial Mail Priority Mail
Express
213
Prices and Eligibility
*
*
*
*
*
3.0 Basic Eligibility Standards for
Priority Mail Express
*
*
*
*
3.2
IMpb Standards
*
[Revise the last two sentences of 3.2
to read as follows:]
* * * Unless otherwise excepted,
mailpieces not meeting the
requirements for use of unique
Intelligent Mail package barcodes or
extra services barcodes as outlined in
section 204.2.1.8 and Publication 199:
Intelligent Mail Package Barcode (IMpb)
Implementation Guide for: Confirmation
Services and Electronic Verification
System (eVS) Mailers, will be assessed
an IMpb noncompliance fee. Detailed
specifications are available on PostalPro
at https://postalpro.usps.com.
*
*
*
*
*
220
Commercial Mail Priority Mail
223
Prices and Eligibility
*
*
*
*
*
3.0 Basic Eligibility Standards for
Priority Mail
*
*
*
*
3.2
IMpb Standards
*
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with RULES
[Revise the last two sentences of 3.2
to read as follows:]
* * * Unless otherwise excepted,
mailpieces not meeting the
requirements for use of unique
Intelligent Mail package barcodes or
extra services barcodes as outlined in
section 204.2.1.8 and Publication 199:
Intelligent Mail Package Barcode (IMpb)
Implementation Guide for: Confirmation
Services and Electronic Verification
System (eVS) Mailers, will be assessed
an IMpb noncompliance fee.
Detailed specifications are available
on PostalPro at https://postalpro.usps.
com.
*
*
*
*
*
3.3
IMpb Standards
[Revise the last two sentences of 3.3
to read as follows:]
Unless otherwise excepted,
mailpieces not meeting the
requirements for use of unique
Intelligent Mail package barcodes or
extra services barcodes as outlined in
section 204.2.1.8 and Publication 199:
Intelligent Mail Package Barcode (IMpb)
Implementation Guide for: Confirmation
Services and Electronic Verification
System (eVS) Mailers, will be assessed
an IMpb noncompliance fee.
Detailed specifications are available
on PostalPro at https://postalpro.usps.
com.
*
*
*
*
*
280 Commercial Mail First-Class
Package Service—Commercial
283
Prices and Eligibility
*
*
*
*
*
3.0 Basic Eligibility Standards for
First-Class Package Service—
Commercial
*
*
*
*
3.4
IMpb Standards
*
*
*
608
Postal Information and Resources
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Postal Service
253
Prices and Eligibility
*
*
*
*
*
VerDate Sep<11>2014
*
*
16:15 Sep 20, 2018
Jkt 244001
40 CFR Part 300
[EPA–HQ–SFUND–1989–0011; FRL–9983–
87—Region 1]
National Oil and Hazardous
Substances Pollution Contingency
Plan; National Priorities List: Deletion
of the Union Chemical Co., Inc.
Superfund Site
Environmental Protection
Agency.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
DATES:
USPS Contact Information
*
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
600 Basic Standards For All Mailing
Services
8.1
3.0 Basic Eligibility Standards for
Parcel Select Parcels
BILLING CODE 7710–12–P
The Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) Region 1 announces the
deletion of the Union Chemical Co., Inc.
Superfund Site (Site) located in South
Hope, Maine, from the National
Priorities List (NPL). The NPL,
promulgated pursuant to section 105 of
the Comprehensive Environmental
Response, Compensation, and Liability
Act (CERCLA) of 1980, as amended, is
an appendix of the National Oil and
Hazardous Substances Pollution
Contingency Plan (NCP). The EPA and
the State of Maine, through the
Department of Environmental Protection
(MEDEP), have determined that all
appropriate response actions under
CERCLA, other than operation and
maintenance, monitoring, and five-year
reviews, have been completed.
However, this deletion does not
preclude future actions under
Superfund.
8.0
*
[FR Doc. 2018–20587 Filed 9–20–18; 8:45 am]
SUMMARY:
Commercial Mail Parcel Select
*
Ruth B. Stevenson,
Attorney, Federal Compliance
[Revise the text of 3.4 to read as
follows:]
All First-Class Package Service—
Commercial parcels must bear an
Intelligent Mail package barcode (IMpb)
prepared under 204.2.0. Unless
otherwise excepted, mailpieces not
meeting the requirements for use of
unique Intelligent Mail package
barcodes or extra services barcodes as
outlined in section 204.2.1.8 and
Publication 199: Intelligent Mail
Package Barcode (IMpb)
Implementation Guide for: Confirmation
Services and Electronic Verification
System (eVS) Mailers, will be assessed
an IMpb noncompliance fee.
Detailed specifications are available
on PostalPro at https://postalpro.usps.
com.
*
*
*
*
*
250
*
2100, Washington, DC 20260–
2100.* * *
*
*
*
*
*
We will publish an appropriate
amendment to 39 CFR part 111 to reflect
these changes.
*
*
*
*
[Revise 608.8.1 by adding Enterprise
Analytics text, alphabetically to read as
follows:]
* * * Enterprise Analytics, US Postal
Service, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Room
PO 00000
Frm 00042
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
This action is effective
September 21, 2018.
ADDRESSES: Docket: EPA has established
a docket for this action under Docket
Identification No. EPA–HQ–SFUND–
1989–0011. All documents in the docket
are listed on the https://
www.regulations.gov website. Although
listed in the index, some information is
not publicly available, i.e., Confidential
Business Information or other
information whose disclosure is
restricted by statute. Certain other
material, such as copyrighted material,
is not placed on the internet and will be
E:\FR\FM\21SER1.SGM
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 184 (Friday, September 21, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 47839-47842]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-20587]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
POSTAL SERVICE
39 CFR Part 111
Changes to Validations for Intelligent Mail Package Barcode
AGENCY: Postal Service TM.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Postal Service is amending Mailing Standards of the United
States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM[supreg]) to add new
Intelligent Mail[supreg] package barcode (IMpb) validations for
evaluating compliance with IMpb requirements for
[[Page 47840]]
all mailers who enter commercial parcels.
DATES: Effective Date: September 21, 2018.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Juliaann Hess at (202) 268-7663 or via
email at [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The Postal Service published a notice of proposed rulemaking on
February 27, 2018 (83 FR 8399), to amend the DMM to update IMpb
requirements relative to Compliance Quality Validations for Address
Quality, Shipping Services File Manifest Quality, and Barcode Quality.
These validations will allow the Postal Service to further improve
service, tracking, and visibility, all of which will facilitate the
identification of noncompliant mailpieces and customer experiences.
Summary of Industry Comments and Postal Service Response
The Postal Service received two sets of comments in response to the
proposed rule of February 27, 2018. The Postal Service appreciates all
of the comments that were provided by the mailing industry. The
mailers' comments and corresponding Postal Service responses are
outlined as follows:
Mailer Comment: The Postal Service should clarify the requirements
for eVS address quality information.
USPS Response: The Postal Service clarifies that a full and valid
destination delivery address (capable of yielding an 11-digit ZIP Code
that matches the delivery point in the Shipping Services file) includes
the following components:
Valid secondary address information
Match between address to ZIP+4 Code
Includes street number
Valid primary street number
An address quality noncompliance indicator will be assigned to eVS
mailers when the address information is not received before the Arrival
at Post Office (07) scan event.
In addition, we have added a separate clarification for non-eVS
mailers. An address quality noncompliance indicator will be assigned
when the address information is not present at the time of mailing.
Mailer Comment: Clarification appears necessary regarding manifest
quality specifications.
USPS Response: The manifest file provides essential information
about the shipping product to provide package visibility. In addition
to the Transaction ID (TID) that is already required, manifest files
must pass the following four validation criteria:
Entry Facility ZIP Code: The entry facility ZIP Code in
the Shipping Services file must match a physical scan event at a
location. A separate Shipping Services file is required for mail
tendered to each different Postal Service entry facility. For eVS
customers, in the Header Record of the Shipping Services file, the
entry facility ZIP Code field must contain the ZIP Code for the Postal
Service facility where the mail is tendered.
Payment Account Number: The USPS account number from which
the mailing will be paid must be valid. The Payment Account Number is a
valid combination, is registered with eVS or PostalOne! as valid
information, and is located within the Header Record of the Shipping
Services file.
Method of Payment: The approved payment method must be
valid (permit imprint, postage meter, PC Postage, OMAS, franked mail,
and stamps) for the mail being entered, and located in the Header
Record of the Shipping Services file.
Post Office of Account: The 5-digit ZIP Code of the Post
Office issuing the permit number, meter license, or precancelled stamp
must be valid, agree with the information on the postage statement, and
be located in the Header Record of the Shipping Services file.
If any manifest validation field is missing or inaccurate, a
Manifest Quality IMpb Compliance indicator will be assigned. Mailers
can reference Publication 199, Intelligent Mail Package Barcode (IMpb)
Implementation Guide for: Confirmation Services and Electronic
Verification System (eVS) Mailers, for details on Shipping Services
file types.
Mailer Comment: The FRN requires that IMpb's must pass Mailer ID
and uniqueness validations without errors or warnings (emphasis added).
The addition of warnings appears to be a substantive change,
clarification needed.
USPS Response: The history of both errors and warnings is not a
substantive change to IMpb Quality validation. The Postal Service
recognizes the importance of providing customers with visibility, and
provides mailers with the confirmation/error/warning file that
identifies issues associated within the Shipping Services file record.
Each time a mailer submits a Shipping Services file, PTR processes
and edits the file. When data elements do not meet USPS specifications,
PTR generates an error or a warning. Single records or the entire file
may be rejected or certain records may receive warnings. A message line
that starts with an ``E'' indicates this is an Error message and the
record will be rejected. A message line that starts with a ``W''
indicates this is a Warning Message and the record will be posted. The
Postal Service converted many errors to warnings to update legacy
business rules that negatively impacted piece-level visibility and
prevented customers from receiving tracking information in extract
files or USPS website. However, the data elements are still necessary
and must be accurate, so we validate these elements. For example: Prior
to changing an invalid MID to a warning it was an error that would have
prevented all mail visibility. These warnings are intended to support
timely postage payment and revenue assurance and be reflective of the
work required to populate the files with a valid Mailer ID and IMpb
uniqueness for validation.
Mailer Comment: Clarification needed: The requirement that Mailer
IDs, (MIDs) be properly registered is unclear because the word
``properly'' is not adequately defined.
USPS Response: For the purposes of this final rule, a MID is
properly registered when users request access to Program Registration
via the Online Enrollment service, within the Business Customer Gateway
(BCG), or when users request access to Online Enrollment from the
Shipping Services page on the BCG, if they currently do not have access
to the service. This service assists the user in signing up for a
number of shipping programs, including USPS Tracking and eVS, and
registering a six- or nine-digit MID, according to the product they are
mailing, the type and volume of service they require, and the payment
type.
Mailers may not use a MID in their tracking barcodes for the
Shipping Services file or in an IMpb, until the MID completes
certification and is registered.
Mailer Comment: It is important to remind the Postal Service that
it made a commitment to work with mailers who are not making the
current Address Quality (AQ) threshold, and provide awareness on how to
avoid being non-compliant.
USPS Response: The Postal Service continued commitment is to
educate mailers on mail preparation and improving the quality of mail.
We are using various communication channels to assist mailers with
falling below their Address Quality (AQ) threshold. We are committed to
helping the industry through webinars, Industry Work Groups, Business
Mail Entry (BME) Units, and Micro-Strategy reporting and will continue
to build upon those tools
[[Page 47841]]
to enhance the communication experience.
List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 111
Administrative practice and procedure, Postal Service.
The Postal Service adopts the following changes 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. We will publish an appropriate amendment to 39 CFR
part 111 to reflect these changes.
Accordingly, 39 CFR part 111 is amended as follows:
PART 111--[AMENDED]
0
1. The authority citation for 39 CFR part 111 continues to read as
follows:
Authority: 5 U.S.C. 552(a); 13 U.S.C. 301-307; 18 U.S.C. 1692-
1737; 39 U.S.C. 101, 401, 403, 404, 414, 416, 3001-3011, 3201-3219,
3403-3406, 3621, 3622, 3626, 3632, 3633, and 5001.
0
2. Revise the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service,
Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) as follows:
Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail
Manual (DMM)
* * * * *
200 Commercial Mail
* * * * *
204 Barcode Standards
* * * * *
2.0 Standards for Package and Extra Service Barcodes
2.1 Intelligent Mail Package Barcode
2.1.1 Definition
[Revise the third and fifth sentences of 2.1.1 to read as follows:]
* * * Intelligent Mail package barcodes must be used on all
commercial parcels and on other mailpieces requesting extra services.*
* * Electronic files must include a complete destination delivery
address (which has sufficient quality to yield an 11-digit ZIP Code
that matches the delivery point) and/or a delivery point validation
(DPV) 11-digit code for all records in the file.* * *
* * * * *
2.1.3 Barcode Data Fields
[Revise the first and final sentence of the introductory text of
204.2.1.3 to read as follows:]
The following fields are used to construct the Intelligent Mail
package barcode. * * *
* * * Detailed specifications are provided in Publication 199:
Intelligent Mail Package Barcode (IMpb) Implementation Guide for:
Confirmation Services and Electronic Verification System (eVS) Mailers,
and available on PostalPro at https://postalpro.usps.com com. * * *
* * * * *
2.1.7 Electronic File
[Revise the second sentence of the introductory text and d. of
204.2.1.7 to read as follows:]
* * * Specifications for electronic files are available in
Publication 199: Intelligent Mail Package Barcode (IMpb) Implementation
Guide for: Confirmation Services and Electronic Verification System
(eVS) Mailers, and available on PostalPro at https://postalpro.usps.com com. * * *
d. Version 1.6 (or subsequent versions) of the electronic shipping
services manifest files including each destination delivery address or
ZIP + 4 Code. Shipping Services File manifests, or other approved
electronic documentation, must include the destination delivery address
(that has sufficient quality to yield an 11-digit ZIP Code that matches
the delivery point) or delivery point validation (DPV) 11-digit ZIP
Code for each record in the file.* * *
[Revise the title and text of 2.1.8 to read as follows:]
2.1.8 Compliance Quality Thresholds
All mailers who enter commercial parcels must meet the established
thresholds for IMpb Compliance Quality outlined in Exhibit 2.1.8 to
avoid an IMpb Noncompliance Fee. For details see Publication 199:
Intelligent Mail Package Barcode (IMpb) Implementation Guide for:
Confirmation Services and Electronic Verification System (eVS) Mailers,
available on PostalPro at https://postalpro.usps.com.
Exhibit 2.1.8--IMpb Compliance Quality Thresholds
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Compliance
Compliance categories Compliance codes Validations thresholds
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address Quality: Checks for a timely AQ Must include a full, valid 89
address that validates to a unique 11- destination delivery address
Digit DPV. that has sufficient quality
to yield an 11-digit ZIP
Code that matches the
delivery point in the file
as follows:
Valid secondary
address information..
Match between
address to ZIP +4 Codes..
Includes street
number..
Valid primary street
number..
Customers using eVS must
provide the address
information prior to the
Arrival at Unit (07) Event
Scan and non-eVS customers
at the time of mailing.
Manifest Quality: (Shipping Services MQ Entry facility must match 94
File): Checks for a timely Manifest between scan and manifest.
File that passes 4 critical Valid PO of Account ZIP Code
validation criteria. (where account is held for
payment).
Valid method of payment
(Permit, Federal Agency, PC
Postage, Smart Meter, Other
Meter, or Stamps).
Barcode Quality: Checks the barcode in BQ Valid and Certified Mailer ID 98
the manifest that passes 2 critical in the label that is in
validations. Program Registration/Online
Enrollment. IMpb must be
unique for 120 days.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[Add new section 2.1.9 to read as follows:]
2.1.9 Alternate Approval
Labels not meeting IMpb specifications or other label element
standards, but still able to demonstrate acceptable functionality
within USPS processes, may be allowed using an alternative approval
process authorized by the Vice President, Enterprise
[[Page 47842]]
Analytics (See DMM 608.8.1 for contact information).
* * * * *
210 Commercial Mail Priority Mail Express
213 Prices and Eligibility
* * * * *
3.0 Basic Eligibility Standards for Priority Mail Express
* * * * *
3.2 IMpb Standards
[Revise the last two sentences of 3.2 to read as follows:]
* * * Unless otherwise excepted, mailpieces not meeting the
requirements for use of unique Intelligent Mail package barcodes or
extra services barcodes as outlined in section 204.2.1.8 and
Publication 199: Intelligent Mail Package Barcode (IMpb) Implementation
Guide for: Confirmation Services and Electronic Verification System
(eVS) Mailers, will be assessed an IMpb noncompliance fee. Detailed
specifications are available on PostalPro at https://postalpro.usps.com.
* * * * *
220 Commercial Mail Priority Mail
223 Prices and Eligibility
* * * * *
3.0 Basic Eligibility Standards for Priority Mail
* * * * *
3.2 IMpb Standards
[Revise the last two sentences of 3.2 to read as follows:]
* * * Unless otherwise excepted, mailpieces not meeting the
requirements for use of unique Intelligent Mail package barcodes or
extra services barcodes as outlined in section 204.2.1.8 and
Publication 199: Intelligent Mail Package Barcode (IMpb) Implementation
Guide for: Confirmation Services and Electronic Verification System
(eVS) Mailers, will be assessed an IMpb noncompliance fee.
Detailed specifications are available on PostalPro at https://postalpro.usps.com.
* * * * *
250 Commercial Mail Parcel Select
253 Prices and Eligibility
* * * * *
3.0 Basic Eligibility Standards for Parcel Select Parcels
* * * * *
3.3 IMpb Standards
[Revise the last two sentences of 3.3 to read as follows:]
Unless otherwise excepted, mailpieces not meeting the requirements
for use of unique Intelligent Mail package barcodes or extra services
barcodes as outlined in section 204.2.1.8 and Publication 199:
Intelligent Mail Package Barcode (IMpb) Implementation Guide for:
Confirmation Services and Electronic Verification System (eVS) Mailers,
will be assessed an IMpb noncompliance fee.
Detailed specifications are available on PostalPro at https://postalpro.usps.com.
* * * * *
280 Commercial Mail First-Class Package Service--Commercial
283 Prices and Eligibility
* * * * *
3.0 Basic Eligibility Standards for First-Class Package Service--
Commercial
* * * * *
3.4 IMpb Standards
[Revise the text of 3.4 to read as follows:]
All First-Class Package Service--Commercial parcels must bear an
Intelligent Mail package barcode (IMpb) prepared under 204.2.0. Unless
otherwise excepted, mailpieces not meeting the requirements for use of
unique Intelligent Mail package barcodes or extra services barcodes as
outlined in section 204.2.1.8 and Publication 199: Intelligent Mail
Package Barcode (IMpb) Implementation Guide for: Confirmation Services
and Electronic Verification System (eVS) Mailers, will be assessed an
IMpb noncompliance fee.
Detailed specifications are available on PostalPro at https://postalpro.usps.com.
* * * * *
600 Basic Standards For All Mailing Services
* * * * *
608 Postal Information and Resources
* * * * *
8.0 USPS Contact Information
8.1 Postal Service
* * * * *
[Revise 608.8.1 by adding Enterprise Analytics text, alphabetically
to read as follows:]
* * * Enterprise Analytics, US Postal Service, 475 L'Enfant Plaza
SW, Room 2100, Washington, DC 20260-2100.* * *
* * * * *
We will publish an appropriate amendment to 39 CFR part 111 to
reflect these changes.
Ruth B. Stevenson,
Attorney, Federal Compliance
[FR Doc. 2018-20587 Filed 9-20-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7710-12-P
