Mail Classification Schedule, 66349-66350 [2021-25347]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 222 / Monday, November 22, 2021 / Notices jspears on DSK121TN23PROD with NOTICES1 economical new solutions for customers.’’ Notice at 2. The Postal Service states that USPS Connect Local Mail will be available at Destination Delivery Units or by carrier pick-up in line-of travel. Id. at 2. It also states that it will offer same-day or nextday delivery, six days per week, with customers receiving same-day or nextday delivery based on whether they’ve entered their mail within the Critical Entry Time. Id. The Postal Service adds that it will offer tracking services for USPS Connect Local Mail. Id. According to the Postal Service, ‘‘[d]ocuments mailed using this service must be paperbased and may contain personal information.’’ Id. at 3. The Postal Service plans to offer USPS Connect Local Mail at $2.95 for a Letter or Flat size mailpiece with a weight up to 13 ounces. Id. at 2. It will allow customers to pay for this service using Click-N-Ship or through a Postal Service application programming interface. Id. at 3. According to the Postal Service, USPS Connect Local Mail will cover its attributable costs, which it estimates to be $2.03 per piece based on the volume variable cost of Priority Mail flats, modified to reflect differences in mail processing, transportation, and packaging costs. Id. at 2–3. The Postal Service states that USPS Connect Local Mail will be tested nationwide with a phased rollout. Id. at 3. III. Compliance With Legal Requirements The Postal Service asserts that the proposed market test meets the requirements of 39 U.S.C. 3641 and 39 CFR part 3045. First, the Postal Service explains that, ‘‘from the viewpoint of mail users, USPS Connect Local Mail is significantly different from all products offered by the Postal Service within the last two years’’ as required by 39 U.S.C. 3641(b)(1). Notice at 3. The Postal Service states that it ‘‘does not currently offer an expedited First-Class Mail product for local mailers to quickly and cost effectively mail local personalized correspondence,’’ nor does First-Class Mail include tracking or free packaging. Id. at 3–4. According to the Postal Service, although Priority Mail Express and Priority Mail may be used to deliver local mail, they are ‘‘intended for nationwide, end-to-end shipping and their pricing reflects these higher costs.’’ Id. at 4. Thus, it asserts, USPS Connect Local Mail is significantly different from the other services it offers. Id. Second, the Postal Service asserts that USPS Connect Local Mail ‘‘will not create an unfair or otherwise VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:30 Nov 19, 2021 Jkt 256001 inappropriate competitive advantage for the Postal Service or any mailer,’’ as set out in 39 U.S.C. 3641(b)(2), because it was ‘‘designed to increase small business access to the USPS network and . . . leverages the Postal Service’s existing delivery network to address a need for locally-focused small businesses,’’ thus ‘‘offer[ing] a lowpriced alternative in a market that is arguably underserved by USPS.’’ Id. Third, the Postal Service states that USPS Connect Local Mail is properly categorized as market dominant as required by 39 U.S.C. 3641(b)(3) given that it ‘‘is not structuring USPS Connect Local Mail to meet any of the exceptions or suspensions to the Private Express Statutes.’’ Id. 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 by district for USPS Connect Local Mail: Volume of mailpieces, number of customers, and revenue.3 The Postal Service also states that it will collect data on the attributable costs of USPS Connect Local Mail, including administrative costs of the test. Notice at 5. V. Notice of Commission Action The Commission establishes Docket No. MT2022–1 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 3045. Comments are due no later than December 7, 2021. The filing can be accessed via the Commission’s website (https://www.prc.gov). The Commission appoints Mallory L. Smith 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. MT2022–1 to consider the matters raised by the Notice. 2. Pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 505, Mallory L. Smith is appointed to serve as an officer of the Commission to represent the interests of the general public in 3 Id. at 5. The Postal Service states that, although ‘‘[v]olumes and revenues for USPS Connect Local Mail are difficult to predict . . . it is possible that the Postal Service may eventually need to seek a waiver of the annual statutory limitation of $11,860,140.’’ Id. It explains that, should the revenue approach this amount, the Postal Service ‘‘will furnish the appropriate notice to the Commission and submit an application for exemption from the cap under 39 U.S.C. 3641(e)(2) in a timely manner.’’ Id. PO 00000 Frm 00081 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 66349 these proceedings (Public Representative). 3. Comments are due no later than December 7, 2021. 4. The Secretary shall arrange for publication of this order in the Federal Register. By the Commission. Erica A. Barker, Secretary. [FR Doc. 2021–25324 Filed 11–19–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7710–FW–P POSTAL REGULATORY COMMISSION [Docket No. MC2022–20; Order No. 6040] Mail Classification Schedule Postal Regulatory Commission. Notice. AGENCY: ACTION: The Commission is recognizing a recent Postal Service filing requesting the conversion of the experimental product offering Plus One into a permanent product offering on the Mail Classification Schedule. This notice informs the public of the filing, invites public comment, and takes other administrative steps. DATES: Comments are due: December 7, 2021. 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: SUMMARY: Table of Contents I. Introduction II. Commission Action III. Ordering Paragraphs I. Introduction On November 10, 2021, the Postal Service filed a request with the Commission pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 3642 and 39 CFR 3045.18 to convert the experimental product offering Plus One into a permanent product offering on the Mail Classification Schedule.1 In support of its Request, the Postal Service filed the following documents: • Attachment A to the Request— Proposed Changes to Mail Classification Schedule; 1 United States Postal Service Request to Convert Plus One to a Permanent Offering, November 10, 2021 (Request). E:\FR\FM\22NON1.SGM 22NON1 66350 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 222 / Monday, November 22, 2021 / Notices • Attachment B to the Request— Redacted Market Test Quarterly Data Collection Reports; 2 and • Attachment C to the Request— Resolution of the Governors of the United States Postal Service to Request Conversion of Plus One Market Test Into a Permanent Offering. See Request at 3–5. The Plus One market test was initially authorized by the Commission on September 20, 2019, and was extended on June 4, 2021.3 It is currently set to expire on September 30, 2022. Order No. 5909 at 12. Plus One is an advertising card mailed as an add-on mailpiece with a USPS Marketing Mail Letters marriage mail envelope containing multiple advertising mailpieces. Order No. 5239 at 1. The Postal Service asserts that the Plus One market test has proven successful, and the Postal Service now wishes to insert the Plus One product offering into the Mail Classification Schedule under section 1205.5 (Market Dominant Products: USPS Marketing Mail (Commercial and Nonprofit): High Density and Saturation Letters: Optional Features). Request at 1. The Postal Service maintains that the Plus One product meets all the conditions in 39 U.S.C. 3642 and 39 CFR 3045.18 for adding a non-experimental product based on an experimental product to the product list. Request at 2–5. The Postal Service also, as required by 39 CFR 3045.18(e), filed a separate notice of the instant request in Docket No. MT2019– 1.4 The planned rate to add each Plus One card to the host marriage mailing (a Saturation Letter) is $0.10. Request at 3. jspears on DSK121TN23PROD with NOTICES1 II. Commission Action The Commission establishes Docket No. MC2022–20 to consider the Postal Service’s Request. Interested persons may submit comments on whether the Request is consistent with the policies of 39 U.S.C. 3642 and 39 CFR 3045.18. Comments are due by December 7, 2021. The Request and related filings are available on the Commission’s website (https://www.prc.gov). The Commission encourages interested persons to review the Request for further details. 2 The Postal Service refiled under seal in Docket No. MC2022–20 all of the non-public data collection reports pertaining to the market test, which were previously filed under seal on a quarterly basis in Docket No. MT2019–1, and requested continued non-public treatment of this material. See Request at 4. 3 Docket No. MT2019–1, Order Authorizing Plus One Market Test, September 20, 2019 (Order No. 5239); Order Authorizing Extension of Plus One Market Test, June 4, 2021 (Order No. 5909). 4 Docket No. MT2019–1, United States Postal Service Notice of Request to Convert Plus One to Permanent Offering, November 10, 2021. VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:30 Nov 19, 2021 Jkt 256001 The Commission appoints Gregory S. Stanton to serve as Public Representative in this proceeding. III. Ordering Paragraphs It is ordered: 1. The Commission establishes Docket No. MC2022–20 for consideration of the United States Postal Service Request to Convert Plus One to a Permanent Offering, filed November 10, 2021. 2. Pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 505, Gregory S. Stanton is appointed to serve as an officer of the Commission (Public Representative) to represent the interests of the general public in this proceeding. 3. Comments by interested persons are due by December 7, 2021. 4. The Secretary shall arrange for publication of this Order in the Federal Register. By the Commission. Erica A. Barker, Secretary. [FR Doc. 2021–25347 Filed 11–19–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7710–FW–P POSTAL REGULATORY COMMISSION [Docket No. CP2022–22; Order No. 6039] Competitive Price Adjustment Postal Regulatory Commission. Notice. AGENCY: ACTION: The Commission is recognizing a recently filed Postal Service document with the Commission concerning changes in rates of general applicability for competitive products. The changes are scheduled to take effect January 9, 2022. This notice informs the public of the filing, invites public comment, and takes other administrative steps. DATES: Comments are due: December 7, 2021. 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. SUMMARY: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David A. Trissell, General Counsel, at 202–789–6820. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Table of Contents I. Introduction and Overview II. Initial Administrative Actions III. Ordering Paragraphs PO 00000 Frm 00082 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 I. Introduction and Overview On November 10, 2021, the Postal Service filed notice with the Commission concerning changes in rates of general applicability for Competitive products.1 The Postal Service represents that, as required by 39 CFR 3035.102(b), the Notice includes an explanation and justification for the changes, the effective date, and a schedule of the changed rates. See Notice at 1–2. The changes are scheduled to take effect on January 9, 2022. Id. at 1. Attached to the Notice is Governors’ Decision No. 21–6, which states the new prices are in accordance with 39 U.S.C. 3632 and 3633 and 39 CFR 3035.102.2 The Governors’ Decision provides an analysis of the Competitive products’ price changes intended to demonstrate that the changes comply with 39 U.S.C. 3633 and 39 CFR part 3035. Governors’ Decision No. 21–6 at 1. The attachment to the Governors’ Decision sets forth the price changes and includes draft Mail Classification Schedule language for Competitive products of general applicability. The Postal Service also includes a proposed classification change within the price change docket—the introduction of ‘‘USPS Connect Local’’ as a new price category under the Parcel Select product. Notice at 1–2. The Notice also includes an application for non-public treatment of the attributable costs, contribution, and cost coverage data in the unredacted version of the annex to the Governors’ Decision, as well as the supporting materials for the data. Id. at 2. Planned price adjustments. The Governors’ Decision includes an overview of the Postal Service’s planned price changes, which is summarized in the table below. TABLE I–1—PROPOSED PRICE CHANGES Product name Average price increase (percent) Domestic Competitive Products Priority Mail Express ............................... 3.1 1 USPS Notice of Changes in Rates of General Applicability for Competitive Products, November 10, 2021 (Notice). Pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 3632(b)(2), the Postal Service is obligated to publish the Governors’ Decision and record of proceedings in the Federal Register at least 30 days before the effective date of the new rates. 2 Notice, Decision of the Governors of the United States Postal Service on Changes in Rates of General Applicability for Competitive Products (Governors’ Decision No. 21–6), at 1 (Governors’ Decision No. 21–6). E:\FR\FM\22NON1.SGM 22NON1

Agencies

POSTAL REGULATORY COMMISSION

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 222 (Monday, November 22, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 66349-66350]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-25347]


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POSTAL REGULATORY COMMISSION

[Docket No. MC2022-20; Order No. 6040]


Mail Classification Schedule

AGENCY: Postal Regulatory Commission.

ACTION: Notice.

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

SUMMARY: The Commission is recognizing a recent Postal Service filing 
requesting the conversion of the experimental product offering Plus One 
into a permanent product offering on the Mail Classification Schedule. 
This notice informs the public of the filing, invites public comment, 
and takes other administrative steps.

DATES: Comments are due: December 7, 2021.

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. Commission Action
III. Ordering Paragraphs

I. Introduction

    On November 10, 2021, the Postal Service filed a request with the 
Commission pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 3642 and 39 CFR 3045.18 to convert the 
experimental product offering Plus One into a permanent product 
offering on the Mail Classification Schedule.\1\ In support of its 
Request, the Postal Service filed the following documents:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ United States Postal Service Request to Convert Plus One to 
a Permanent Offering, November 10, 2021 (Request).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     Attachment A to the Request--Proposed Changes to Mail 
Classification Schedule;

[[Page 66350]]

     Attachment B to the Request--Redacted Market Test 
Quarterly Data Collection Reports; \2\ and
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ The Postal Service refiled under seal in Docket No. MC2022-
20 all of the non-public data collection reports pertaining to the 
market test, which were previously filed under seal on a quarterly 
basis in Docket No. MT2019-1, and requested continued non-public 
treatment of this material. See Request at 4.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     Attachment C to the Request--Resolution of the Governors 
of the United States Postal Service to Request Conversion of Plus One 
Market Test Into a Permanent Offering.
See Request at 3-5.
    The Plus One market test was initially authorized by the Commission 
on September 20, 2019, and was extended on June 4, 2021.\3\ It is 
currently set to expire on September 30, 2022. Order No. 5909 at 12. 
Plus One is an advertising card mailed as an add-on mailpiece with a 
USPS Marketing Mail Letters marriage mail envelope containing multiple 
advertising mailpieces. Order No. 5239 at 1. The Postal Service asserts 
that the Plus One market test has proven successful, and the Postal 
Service now wishes to insert the Plus One product offering into the 
Mail Classification Schedule under section 1205.5 (Market Dominant 
Products: USPS Marketing Mail (Commercial and Nonprofit): High Density 
and Saturation Letters: Optional Features). Request at 1. The Postal 
Service maintains that the Plus One product meets all the conditions in 
39 U.S.C. 3642 and 39 CFR 3045.18 for adding a non-experimental product 
based on an experimental product to the product list. Request at 2-5. 
The Postal Service also, as required by 39 CFR 3045.18(e), filed a 
separate notice of the instant request in Docket No. MT2019-1.\4\ The 
planned rate to add each Plus One card to the host marriage mailing (a 
Saturation Letter) is $0.10. Request at 3.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ Docket No. MT2019-1, Order Authorizing Plus One Market Test, 
September 20, 2019 (Order No. 5239); Order Authorizing Extension of 
Plus One Market Test, June 4, 2021 (Order No. 5909).
    \4\ Docket No. MT2019-1, United States Postal Service Notice of 
Request to Convert Plus One to Permanent Offering, November 10, 
2021.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

II. Commission Action

    The Commission establishes Docket No. MC2022-20 to consider the 
Postal Service's Request. Interested persons may submit comments on 
whether the Request is consistent with the policies of 39 U.S.C. 3642 
and 39 CFR 3045.18. Comments are due by December 7, 2021.
    The Request and related filings are available on the Commission's 
website (https://www.prc.gov). The Commission encourages interested 
persons to review the Request for further details.
    The Commission appoints Gregory S. Stanton to serve as Public 
Representative in this proceeding.

III. Ordering Paragraphs

    It is ordered:
    1. The Commission establishes Docket No. MC2022-20 for 
consideration of the United States Postal Service Request to Convert 
Plus One to a Permanent Offering, filed November 10, 2021.
    2. Pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 505, Gregory S. Stanton is appointed to 
serve as an officer of the Commission (Public Representative) to 
represent the interests of the general public in this proceeding.
    3. Comments by interested persons are due by December 7, 2021.
    4. The Secretary shall arrange for publication of this Order in the 
Federal Register.

    By the Commission.
Erica A. Barker,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2021-25347 Filed 11-19-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7710-FW-P

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