Market Test of Experimental Product, 43624-43625 [2019-17957]

Download as PDF 43624 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 162 / Wednesday, August 21, 2019 / Notices III. Commission Action The Commission establishes Docket No. CP2019–210 for consideration of matters raised by the Notice and appoints Natalie R. Ward to serve as Public Representative in this docket. The Commission invites comments on whether the Postal Service’s filing is consistent with 39 U.S.C. 3632, 3633, and 39 CFR part 3015. Comments are due no later than August 22, 2019. The public portions of the filing can be accessed via the Commission’s website (https://www.prc.gov). Non-public portions of the Postal Service’s request(s), if any, can be accessed through compliance with the requirements of 39 CFR 3007.301.2 IV. Ordering Paragraphs It is ordered: 1. The Commission establishes Docket No. CP2019–210 for consideration of the matters raised by the Postal Service’s Notice. 2. Pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 505, Natalie R. Ward is appointed to serve as an officer of the Commission to represent the interests of the general public in this proceeding (Public Representative). 3. Comments are due no later than August 22, 2019. 4. The Secretary shall arrange for publication of this order in the Federal Register. By the Commission. Darcie S. Tokioka, Acting Secretary. BILLING CODE 7710–FW–P POSTAL REGULATORY COMMISSION [Docket No. MT2019–1; Order No. 5200] Market Test of Experimental Product Postal Regulatory Commission. Notice. AGENCY: The Commission is noticing a recently filed Postal Service proposal to conduct a market test of an experimental product called Plus One. This notice informs the public of the filing, invites public comment, and takes other administrative steps. DATES: Comments are due: September 5, 2019. ADDRESSES: Submit comments electronically via the Commission’s Filing Online system at https:// www.prc.gov. Those who cannot submit jspears on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: 2 See Docket No. RM2018–3, Order Adopting Final Rules Relating to Non-Public Information, June 27, 2018, Attachment A at 19–22 (Order No. 4679). VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:13 Aug 20, 2019 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David A. Trissell, General Counsel, at 202–789–6820. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Table of Contents I. Introduction II. Background III. Compliance With Legal Requirements IV. Data Collection V. Notice of Commission Action VI. Ordering Paragraphs I. Introduction In accordance with 39 U.S.C. 3641 and 39 CFR part 3035, the Postal Service filed notice of its intent to conduct a market test of an experimental product called Plus One.1 Plus One is an addressed advertising card that may be mailed as an add-on piece with a USPS Marketing Mail Letters ‘‘marriage mail’’ envelope containing multiple advertising pieces. Notice at 1. Marriage mail is a service provided by third-party mail service providers who combine advertisements from multiple businesses into a single mailpiece. Id. The Postal Service intends for the market test to run for two full years beginning on October 1, 2019. Id. at 5. II. Background [FR Doc. 2019–17965 Filed 8–20–19; 8:45 am] ACTION: comments electronically should contact the person identified in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section by telephone for advice on filing alternatives. Jkt 247001 On August 13, 2019, the Postal Service filed the Notice proposing the Plus One market test. The Postal Service asserts that it is critical to continue innovating to position mail as an attractive advertising channel because small- and medium-sized businesses with limited marketing budgets may choose from an array of advertising channels to reach potential customers. Id. at 1. The Postal Service explains that Plus One will benefit small- and medium-sized businesses, mail service providers, and the Postal Service. Id. at 2. Plus One mailings must meet several requirements described in the Notice. Id. The Postal Service states that it will test four different price points ranging from 8.5 cents to 10.0 cents. Id. For purposes of the market test, the Postal Service divided the United States into four geographic areas: West (including Alaska and Hawaii), South, Midwest, and Northeast. Id. To the extent practical, each region contains destinating Sectional Center Facilities 1 United States Postal Service Notice of Market Test of Experimental Product—Plus One, August 13, 2019 (Notice). PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 that serve each of four tiers of population density: • Large (6,600 to 47,362 individuals per square mile) • Mid-tier (1,000 to 6,600 individuals per square mile) • Small (185 to 1,000 individuals per square mile) • Sparse (fewer than 185 individuals per square mile) Id. at 2–3. Each region has been randomly assigned one of four prices: 8.5 cents (West), 9.0 cents (Northeast), 9.5 cents (Midwest), and 10.0 cents (South). The Postal Service filed an accompanying workbook listing each 3Digit ZIP Code and its associated price.2 III. Compliance With Legal Requirements The Postal Service asserts that the proposed market test meets the requirements in 39 U.S.C. 3641 and 39 CFR part 3035. First, the Postal Service explains that Plus One is ‘‘significantly different from all products offered by the Postal Service’’ within the last 2 years as required by 39 U.S.C. 3641(b)(1). Notice at 3. It acknowledges that the inspiration for Plus One arose in part from the Detached Marketing Labels (DML) option developed for flatshaped USPS Marketing Mail Saturation mailpieces. Id. However, the Postal Service asserts that Plus One is different because it is developed for mailers of letter-shaped mailpieces. Id. The Postal Service describes several material differences between Plus One and DMLs. Id. at 4. Second, the Postal Service asserts that Plus One ‘‘will not create an unfair or otherwise inappropriate competitive advantage for the Postal Service or any mailer’’ as required by 39 U.S.C. 3641(b)(2). Id. It notes that the chosen prices more than cover the costs for Saturation letters and that Plus One will correct any potential market disruption resulting from the availability of DMLs for flat-shaped mailpieces but not for letter-shaped mailpieces. Id. It asserts that Plus One will create more advertising opportunities via the mail for small businesses, which will foster a market more responsive to small business needs. Id. at 4–5. Third, the Postal Service states that Plus One is properly categorized as market dominant as required by 39 U.S.C. 3641(b)(3). Id. at 5. IV. Data Collection To better understand the results of the market test, the Postal Service asserts that it will collect the following data on a quarterly basis: Volumes by location, 2 Id. E:\FR\FM\21AUN1.SGM Excel file ‘‘NoticeAttachment.xlsx.’’ 21AUN1 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 162 / Wednesday, August 21, 2019 / Notices revenue collected from the add-on Plus One piece, number of participating customers, and average size of mailing. Id. at 5–6. The Postal Service also states that it will collect data on the attributable costs of Plus One, including administrative costs. Id. at 6. V. Notice of Commission Action The Commission establishes Docket No. MT2019–1 to consider matters raised by the Notice. The Commission invites comments on whether the Postal Service’s filing is consistent with the requirements of 39 U.S.C. 3641 and 39 CFR part 3035. Comments are due no later than September 5, 2019. The filing can be accessed via the Commission’s website (https://www.prc.gov). The Commission appoints Gregory Stanton to serve as an officer of the Commission to represent the interests of the general public in these proceedings (Public Representative). VI. Ordering Paragraphs It is ordered: 1. The Commission establishes Docket No. MT2019–1 to consider the matters raised by the Notice. 2. Pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 505, Gregory Stanton is appointed to serve as an officer of the Commission to represent the interests of the general public in these proceedings (Public Representative). 3. Comments are due no later than September 5, 2019. 4. The Secretary shall arrange for publication of this order in the Federal Register. By the Commission. Darcie S. Tokioka, Acting Secretary. [FR Doc. 2019–17957 Filed 8–20–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7710–FW–P POSTAL REGULATORY COMMISSION [Docket Nos. MC2019–188 and CP2019–211] New Postal Products Postal Regulatory Commission. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: The Commission is noticing a recent Postal Service filing for the Commission’s consideration concerning negotiated service agreements. This notice informs the public of the filing, invites public comment, and takes other administrative steps. DATES: Comments are due: August 23, 2019. jspears on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: Submit comments electronically via the Commission’s Filing Online system at https:// ADDRESSES: VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:13 Aug 20, 2019 Jkt 247001 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. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David A. Trissell, General Counsel, at 202–789–6820. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Table of Contents I. Introduction II. Docketed Proceeding(s) I. Introduction The Commission gives notice that the Postal Service filed request(s) for the Commission to consider matters related to negotiated service agreement(s). The request(s) may propose the addition or removal of a negotiated service agreement from the market dominant or the competitive product list, or the modification of an existing product currently appearing on the market dominant or the competitive product list. Section II identifies the docket number(s) associated with each Postal Service request, the title of each Postal Service request, the request’s acceptance date, and the authority cited by the Postal Service for each request. For each request, the Commission appoints an officer of the Commission to represent the interests of the general public in the proceeding, pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 505 (Public Representative). Section II also establishes comment deadline(s) pertaining to each request. The public portions of the Postal Service’s request(s) can be accessed via the Commission’s website (https:// www.prc.gov). Non-public portions of the Postal Service’s request(s), if any, can be accessed through compliance with the requirements of 39 CFR 3007.301.1 The Commission invites comments on whether the Postal Service’s request(s) in the captioned docket(s) are consistent with the policies of title 39. For request(s) that the Postal Service states concern market dominant product(s), applicable statutory and regulatory requirements include 39 U.S.C. 3622, 39 U.S.C. 3642, 39 CFR part 3010, and 39 CFR part 3020, subpart B. For request(s) that the Postal Service states concern competitive product(s), applicable statutory and regulatory requirements include 39 U.S.C. 3632, 39 U.S.C. 3633, 39 U.S.C. 3642, 39 CFR part 3015, and 1 See Docket No. RM2018–3, Order Adopting Final Rules Relating to Non-Public Information, June 27, 2018, Attachment A at 19–22 (Order No. 4679). PO 00000 Frm 00047 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 43625 39 CFR part 3020, subpart B. Comment deadline(s) for each request appear in section II. II. Docketed Proceeding(s) 1. Docket No(s).: MC2019–188 and CP2019–211; Filing Title: USPS Request to Add Parcel Select Contract 34 to Competitive Product List and Notice of Filing Materials Under Seal; Filing Acceptance Date: August 15, 2019; Filing Authority: 39 U.S.C. 3642, 39 CFR 3020.30 et seq., and 39 CFR 3015.5; Public Representative: Christopher C. Mohr; Comments Due: August 23, 2019. This Notice will be published in the Federal Register. Darcie S. Tokioka, Acting Secretary. [FR Doc. 2019–18020 Filed 8–20–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7710–FW–P POSTAL REGULATORY COMMISSION [Docket No. CP2019–209; Order No. 5201] Inbound EMS 2 Postal Regulatory Commission. Notice. AGENCY: ACTION: The Commission is acknowledging a recent Postal Service filing of its intention to change prices not of general applicability to be effective January 1, 2020. This document informs the public of the filing, invites public comment, and takes other administrative steps. DATES: Comments are due: August 22, 2019. SUMMARY: 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: David A. Trissell, General Counsel, at 202–789–6820. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Table of Contents I. Introduction II. Contents of Filing III. Commission Action IV. Ordering Paragraphs I. Introduction On August 14, 2019, the Postal Service filed notice pursuant to 39 CFR 3015.5, announcing its intention to change rates not of general applicability E:\FR\FM\21AUN1.SGM 21AUN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 162 (Wednesday, August 21, 2019)]
[Notices]
[Pages 43624-43625]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-17957]


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

POSTAL REGULATORY COMMISSION

[Docket No. MT2019-1; Order No. 5200]


Market Test of Experimental Product

AGENCY: Postal Regulatory Commission.

ACTION: Notice.

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

SUMMARY: The Commission is noticing a recently filed Postal Service 
proposal to conduct a market test of an experimental product called 
Plus One. This notice informs the public of the filing, invites public 
comment, and takes other administrative steps.

DATES: Comments are due: September 5, 2019.

ADDRESSES: 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David A. Trissell, General Counsel, at 
202-789-6820.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Table of Contents

I. Introduction
II. Background
III. Compliance With Legal Requirements
IV. Data Collection
V. Notice of Commission Action
VI. Ordering Paragraphs

I. Introduction

    In accordance with 39 U.S.C. 3641 and 39 CFR part 3035, the Postal 
Service filed notice of its intent to conduct a market test of an 
experimental product called Plus One.\1\ Plus One is an addressed 
advertising card that may be mailed as an add-on piece with a USPS 
Marketing Mail Letters ``marriage mail'' envelope containing multiple 
advertising pieces. Notice at 1. Marriage mail is a service provided by 
third-party mail service providers who combine advertisements from 
multiple businesses into a single mailpiece. Id. The Postal Service 
intends for the market test to run for two full years beginning on 
October 1, 2019. Id. at 5.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ United States Postal Service Notice of Market Test of 
Experimental Product--Plus One, August 13, 2019 (Notice).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

II. Background

    On August 13, 2019, the Postal Service filed the Notice proposing 
the Plus One market test. The Postal Service asserts that it is 
critical to continue innovating to position mail as an attractive 
advertising channel because small- and medium-sized businesses with 
limited marketing budgets may choose from an array of advertising 
channels to reach potential customers. Id. at 1. The Postal Service 
explains that Plus One will benefit small- and medium-sized businesses, 
mail service providers, and the Postal Service. Id. at 2. Plus One 
mailings must meet several requirements described in the Notice. Id.
    The Postal Service states that it will test four different price 
points ranging from 8.5 cents to 10.0 cents. Id. For purposes of the 
market test, the Postal Service divided the United States into four 
geographic areas: West (including Alaska and Hawaii), South, Midwest, 
and Northeast. Id. To the extent practical, each region contains 
destinating Sectional Center Facilities that serve each of four tiers 
of population density:

 Large (6,600 to 47,362 individuals per square mile)
 Mid-tier (1,000 to 6,600 individuals per square mile)
 Small (185 to 1,000 individuals per square mile)
 Sparse (fewer than 185 individuals per square mile)

    Id. at 2-3. Each region has been randomly assigned one of four 
prices: 8.5 cents (West), 9.0 cents (Northeast), 9.5 cents (Midwest), 
and 10.0 cents (South). The Postal Service filed an accompanying 
workbook listing each 3-Digit ZIP Code and its associated price.\2\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ Id. Excel file ``NoticeAttachment.xlsx.''
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

III. Compliance With Legal Requirements

    The Postal Service asserts that the proposed market test meets the 
requirements in 39 U.S.C. 3641 and 39 CFR part 3035. First, the Postal 
Service explains that Plus One is ``significantly different from all 
products offered by the Postal Service'' within the last 2 years as 
required by 39 U.S.C. 3641(b)(1). Notice at 3. It acknowledges that the 
inspiration for Plus One arose in part from the Detached Marketing 
Labels (DML) option developed for flat-shaped USPS Marketing Mail 
Saturation mailpieces. Id. However, the Postal Service asserts that 
Plus One is different because it is developed for mailers of letter-
shaped mailpieces. Id. The Postal Service describes several material 
differences between Plus One and DMLs. Id. at 4.
    Second, the Postal Service asserts that Plus One ``will not create 
an unfair or otherwise inappropriate competitive advantage for the 
Postal Service or any mailer'' as required by 39 U.S.C. 3641(b)(2). Id. 
It notes that the chosen prices more than cover the costs for 
Saturation letters and that Plus One will correct any potential market 
disruption resulting from the availability of DMLs for flat-shaped 
mailpieces but not for letter-shaped mailpieces. Id. It asserts that 
Plus One will create more advertising opportunities via the mail for 
small businesses, which will foster a market more responsive to small 
business needs. Id. at 4-5.
    Third, the Postal Service states that Plus One is properly 
categorized as market dominant as required by 39 U.S.C. 3641(b)(3). Id. 
at 5.

IV. Data Collection

    To better understand the results of the market test, the Postal 
Service asserts that it will collect the following data on a quarterly 
basis: Volumes by location,

[[Page 43625]]

revenue collected from the add-on Plus One piece, number of 
participating customers, and average size of mailing. Id. at 5-6. The 
Postal Service also states that it will collect data on the 
attributable costs of Plus One, including administrative costs. Id. at 
6.

V. Notice of Commission Action

    The Commission establishes Docket No. MT2019-1 to consider matters 
raised by the Notice. The Commission invites comments on whether the 
Postal Service's filing is consistent with the requirements of 39 
U.S.C. 3641 and 39 CFR part 3035. Comments are due no later than 
September 5, 2019. The filing can be accessed via the Commission's 
website (https://www.prc.gov).
    The Commission appoints Gregory Stanton to serve as an officer of 
the Commission to represent the interests of the general public in 
these proceedings (Public Representative).

VI. Ordering Paragraphs

    It is ordered:
    1. The Commission establishes Docket No. MT2019-1 to consider the 
matters raised by the Notice.
    2. Pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 505, Gregory Stanton is appointed to serve 
as an officer of the Commission to represent the interests of the 
general public in these proceedings (Public Representative).
    3. Comments are due no later than September 5, 2019.
    4. The Secretary shall arrange for publication of this order in the 
Federal Register.

    By the Commission.
Darcie S. Tokioka,
Acting Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2019-17957 Filed 8-20-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 7710-FW-P
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