Domestic Competitive Products Pricing and Mailing Standards, 69171-69177 [2022-25180]

Download as PDF khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 222 / Friday, November 18, 2022 / Rules and Regulations for the upcoming year at least thirty (30) days prior to the January Board meeting and shall provide to each Board member the agenda and supporting materials for each meeting at least ten (10) work days prior to each meeting. The ten (10) days notice requirement may be waived upon a two-thirds vote by the members present at the Board meeting and any proxies to suspend the rules of order. (2) The public shall receive notice of the dates of meetings for the upcoming year at least thirty (30) days prior to the January Board meeting. Notice may be by publication of the schedule of meetings on the agency’s website and/ or through any other means by which interested members of the public are likely to access it. The notice shall include a statement that the Board will provide reasonable accommodations, absent an undue burden, that will enable members of the public to participate in meetings. (f) Cancellation. The Chair may cancel a regular meeting of the Board by giving written notice of the cancellation at least ten (10) work days prior to the meeting where practical. If the canceled meeting is a public meeting, members of the public will be given notice of its cancelation at the same time as Board members. (g) Special meetings. The Chair may call special meetings of the Board to deal with important matters arising between regular meetings which require action by the Board prior to the next regular meeting. Voting and discussion shall be limited to the subject matter which necessitated the call of the special meeting. All Board members shall receive reasonable advance notice of the time, place, and purpose of the special meeting. If the special meeting is also a public meeting, members of the public shall be given notice of its occurrence at the same time as Board members, and such notice shall indicate that the Board will provide reasonable accommodations for members of the public to participate in the meeting, absent undue burden. (h) Record. The Executive Director shall maintain a permanent record of the minutes of all meetings and attendance. The Board shall approve the final minutes after all corrections and additions have been incorporated. (i) Rules for Board meetings. Meetings of the Board shall be held in accordance with Robert’s Rules of Order, except as otherwise prescribed in the bylaws in this part. (j) Quorum. (1) A quorum shall be the majority of the membership of the Board (as fixed by statute). A majority of the members required for a quorum shall be public members. VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:59 Nov 17, 2022 Jkt 259001 (2) Proxies shall not be counted for purposes of establishing a quorum. (3) If a quorum is not present, a meeting shall be held only for the purpose of discussion and no vote may be taken. (k) Voting. (1) Only Board members may vote. (2) Except as otherwise prescribed in the bylaws in this part, a majority vote of the members present and any proxies is necessary for action by the Board. (3) The presiding officer shall have the same right to vote as any other member. (4) Any member may give his or her directed or undirected proxy to any other Board member present at the meeting. Proxies shall be given in writing and submitted to the Chair prior to or at the meeting. A directed proxy shall be voided as to a specific issue if the question on which the vote is eventually taken differs from the question to which the proxy is directed. (5) The Board may act on items of business between meetings by notational voting. At the request of the Chair, the Executive Director shall send a written ballot (which may be in the form of electronic mail) to each Board member describing each item submitted for notational voting. If any Board member requests discussion on an item, the ballots shall not be counted and the Chair shall place the item on the next Board meeting agenda for discussion and voting. Notational votes shall ordinarily occur over a period of five (5) business days, but may be extended, at the Chair’s discretion, if, at the conclusion of the voting period, an insufficient number of votes have been cast to approve or disapprove an action. (l) Telecommunications. A member of the Board shall be considered present at a meeting when he or she participates in person or by conference telephone or similar communication equipment that enables all persons participating in the meeting to communicate with each other. ■ 8. In newly redesignated § 1151.7, revise paragraphs (a)(1) and (b)(2) and (3) to read as follows: § 1151.7 Committees. (a) * * * (1) Establishment. The Board shall have an Executive Committee to serve as a leadership and coordinating committee. The Executive Committee acts on behalf of the Board in between regularly scheduled Board meetings as necessary and as authorized by delegation of the Board. In addition, the Executive Committee may perform one or more of the following duties: PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 69171 (i) Review and consider recommendations and proposals from the various subject matter committees; (ii) Review and make recommendations to the Board to amend or approve the Board’s bylaws; and (iii) Request and review all committee charters. * * * * * (b) * * * (2) Chair. The Chair of a subject matter committee shall be elected by the Board after the election of the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Board. The Chair of a subject matter committee shall serve as a member of the Board’s Executive Committee. (3) Membership. Each subject matter committee shall be comprised of a minimum of five (5), and a maximum of seven (7), members. Except for the Chair of the committee who is elected by the Board, the members of the committee shall be appointed by the Chair of the Board. Members shall serve a term of one year corresponding to that of the Chair of the Board, and continue their duties until their successors have been appointed. * * * * * Christopher Kuczynski, General Counsel. [FR Doc. 2022–25147 Filed 11–17–22; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8150–01–P POSTAL SERVICE 39 CFR Part 111 Domestic Competitive Products Pricing and Mailing Standards Postal ServiceTM. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: SUMMARY: The Postal Service is amending Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®), to reflect changes to prices and mailing standards for competitive products. DATES: Effective January 22, 2023. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Karen F. Key at (202) 268–7492, Margaret Pepe (202) 268–3078, or Garry Rodriguez at (202) 268–7281. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This final rule describes new prices and product features for competitive products, by class of mail, established by the Governors of the United States Postal Service®. New prices are available under Docket Number CP2023–42 on the Postal Regulatory Commission PRC website at https://www.prc.gov, and on the Postal Explorer® website at https:// pe.usps.com. E:\FR\FM\18NOR1.SGM 18NOR1 69172 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 222 / Friday, November 18, 2022 / Rules and Regulations The Postal Service will revise Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM), to reflect changes to prices and mailing standards for the following competitive products: • Priority Mail Express®. • Priority Mail®. • First-Class Package Service®. • Parcel Select®. • USPS Retail Ground®. • Extra Services. • Return Services. • Mailer Services. • Recipient Services. • Other. Competitive product prices and changes are identified by product as follows: Commercial prices will increase an average of 3.6 percent. Priority Mail Express The Postal Service is discontinuing the Priority Mail Regional Rate product offering. The decision to discontinue Regional Rate Boxes will simplify the Priority Mail offering. Pickup on Demand Service First-Class Package Service The USPS Premium Tracking ServiceTM prices will remain the same. Prices Overall, Priority Mail Express prices will increase 6.6 percent. Priority Mail Express will continue to offer zoned and Flat Rate, Retail and Commercial pricing. Retail prices will increase an average of 6.7 percent. The Flat Rate Envelope price will increase to $28.75, the Legal Flat Rate Envelope will increase to $28.95, and the Padded Flat Rate Envelope will increase to $29.45. Commercial prices will increase an average of 6.0 percent. Priority Mail Express Commercial Base and Plus Pricing Consolidated The Postal Service is consolidating the Priority Mail ‘‘Commercial Base’’ and ‘‘Commercial Plus’’ price categories into one ‘‘Commercial price category. Consolidating the ‘‘Commercial Base’’ and ‘‘Commercial Plus’’ price categories will simplify the Priority Mail pricing structure. The eligibility standards for Priority Mail Commercial will mirror the current ‘‘Commercial Base’’ price category. Priority Mail Regional Rate Boxes Discontinued Prices Overall, First-Class Package Service prices will increase 7.8 percent. First-Class Package Service—Retail prices will increase 6.9 percent. First-Class Package Service— Commercial prices will increase 8.0 percent. Parcel Select Prices The Postal Service is consolidating Priority Mail Express ‘‘Commercial Base’’ and ‘‘Commercial Plus’’ into one ‘‘Commercial’’ price category. Consolidating the ‘‘Commercial Base’’ and ‘‘Commercial Plus’’ price categories will simplify the Priority Mail Express pricing structure. The eligibility standards for Priority Mail Express Commercial will mirror the current ‘‘Commercial Base’’ price category. The prices for Parcel Select Destination Entry will increase an average of 5.1 percent. Parcel Select Ground will have a 0.0 percent price change, but prices will be updated in zones 1 and 2. The prices for Parcel Select Lightweight® will increase an average of 6.1 percent. The prices for USPS Connect® Local will remain the same. Priority Mail Overall, USPS Retail Ground prices will increase an average of 6.4 percent. Prices khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES Priority Mail Commercial Base and Plus Pricing Consolidated Overall, Priority Mail prices will increase 5.5 percent. Priority Mail will continue to offer zoned and Flat Rate, Retail and Commercial pricing. Retail prices will increase an average of 6.8 percent. The Flat Rate Envelope price will increase to $9.65, the Legal Flat Rate Envelope will increase to $9.95, and the Padded Flat Rate Envelope will increase to $10.40. The Small Flat Rate Box price will increase to $10.20, and the Medium Flat Rate Boxes will increase to $17.10. The Large Flat Rate Box will increase to $22.80 and the APO/FPO/DPO Large Flat Rate Box will increase to $21.20. VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:59 Nov 17, 2022 Jkt 259001 USPS Retail Ground Extra Services Adult Signature Service Adult Signature Required and Adult Signature Restricted Delivery service prices are increasing 6.5 and 6.8 percent respectively. The price for Adult Signature Required will increase to $9.05 and Adult Signature Restricted Delivery will increase to $9.35. available through a Negotiated Service Agreement (NSA). As a nonpublished offering, the standards will be removed from the DMM and the prices will be removed from the Price List, Notice 123. USPS Returns The Postal Service is discontinuing the Certificate of Mailing and Signature Confirmation extra service options for USPS Returns products. In an effort to provide product simplification, the Postal Service believes it is in the best interest to no longer offer Certificate of Mailing or Signature Confirmation services for USPS Returns products. Mailer Services The Pickup on Demand® service fee will increase 6.0 percent to $26.50. USPS Tracking Plus Service USPS Label Delivery Service The Postal Service is implementing USPS Label Delivery ServiceTM to provide customers with an option to have their domestic outbound and return mailing labels printed and delivered for a fee per label at a Post Office where available. USPS Label Delivery Service is not available for APO/FPO/DPO addresses. Customers requesting USPS Label Delivery Service will be provided the tracking information for tracking purposes. A customer may request USPS Label Delivery Service at www.usps.com. USPS Label Delivery Service is available for Retail and Commercial Priority Mail Express and Priority Mail, First-Class Package Service—Retail, First Class Package Service— Commercial, USPS Retail Ground, Parcel Select Ground, Priority Mail Return service, and First-Class Package Return service. There are no extra services available with labels requested through USPS Label Delivery Service. For USPS Label Delivery Service, the Postal Service will refund the postage and USPS Label Delivery Service fee if the label is not delivered. The Postal Service will refund the postage only if the label is delivered and not used. Recipient Services Return Services Post Office Box Service Parcel Return Service The competitive Post Office BoxTM service prices will increase an average of 6.5 percent within the updated price ranges. The Postal Service is revising the standards for Parcel Return Service (PRS) to be a competitive product only PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\18NOR1.SGM 18NOR1 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 222 / Friday, November 18, 2022 / Rules and Regulations Premium Forwarding Service Service® (PFS®) Premium Forwarding prices will increase between 6.5 and 6.6 percent depending on the specific price element. The enrollment fee paid at the retail counter for PFS-Residential will increase to $25.45 and the PFSResidential, PFS-Commercial, and PFSLocal enrollment fee paid online will increase to $23.40 per application. The price of the weekly shipment charge for PFS-Residential and per container charge for PFS-Local will increase to $25.45. USPS Package Intercept 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, 401–404, 414, 416, 3001–3018, 3201–3220, 3401–3406, 3621, 3622, 3626, 3629, 3631– 3633, 3641, 3681–3685, and 5001. 2. Revise Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) as follows: ■ The USPS Package Intercept® fee will increase 6.6 percent to $17.00. Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) Other * Address Enhancement Service 100 Retail Mail Letters, Flats, and Parcels Address Enhancement Service competitive product prices will remain the same. * * * * * * * * * 120 Retail Mail Priority Mail Small Parcel Forwarding Fee 123 Prices and Eligibility The small parcel forwarding fee will remain the same at $5.25. 1.0 Prices and Fees Zone Modification The Postal Service is modifying zone price categories for all applicable Competitive products. This zone modification will redefine the local zone and remove it as a zone price category. The Postal Service will also split zones 1 and 2 into separate price categories. This will result in nine individual zone price categories. Additionally, the Postal Service is clarifying that the zone 1 price applies to pieces mailed within the same 3 Digit O/D Pairs and pieces mailed with different 3 Digit O/D Pairs whose centroids are up to 50 miles in distance. Resources khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES Accordingly, 39 CFR part 111 is amended as follows: The Postal Service provides additional resources to assist customers with this price change for competitive products. These tools include price lists, downloadable price files, and Federal Register Notices, which may be found on the Postal Explorer® website at https://pe.usps.com. We will publish an appropriate amendment to 39 CFR part 111 to reflect these changes. 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. List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 111 Administrative practice and procedure, Postal Service. VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:59 Nov 17, 2022 Jkt 259001 * * * * [Delete 1.5, Regional Rate Boxes, and renumber 1.6 and 1.7 as 1.5 and 1.6.] * * * * * 1.6 Nonstandard Fees [Revise the introductory text of renumbered 1.6 to read as follows:] Except for Flat Rate packaging, a Priority Mail piece is subject to a nonstandard fee (see Notice 123—Price List) as follows: * * * * * 125 Mail Preparation 1.0 Preparation * * * * Lower weight limits apply to parcels mailed at Priority Mail Cubic, First-Class Package Service— Commercial, USPS Marketing Mail, and Bound Printed Matter prices. * * * * * * * * 8.0 Additional Physical Standards by Class of Mail * * 8.2 Priority Mail * * * * [Revise the heading of 1.2 to read as follows:] * * * [Revise the first sentence of 8.2 to read as follows:] The maximum weight is 70 pounds, except for cubic (20 pounds) parcels. * * * * * * * * 202 Elements on the Face of a Mailpiece * * * * * 3.0 Placement and Content of Mail Markings * * 69173 * * * * 3.3 Priority Mail Express and Priority Mail Markings * * * * * 3.3.3 Additional Markings for Priority Mail Express and Priority Mail [Revise the text of 3.3.3 to read as follows:] In addition to the basic price marking in 3.3.1 and 3.3.2, except for pieces paid using a USPS Returns service or permit imprint, Priority Mail Express and Priority Mail pieces claimed at Commercial prices also must bear the ‘‘Commercial’’ price marking, printed on the piece or produced as part of the meter imprint or PC Postage indicia. Place the ‘‘Commercial’’ price marking directly above, directly below, or to the left of the postage. * * * * * 1.2 Sealing Flat Rate Packaging [Revise the first sentence of 1.2 to read 3.4 Priority Mail Cubic Markings as follows:] When sealing a Flat Rate Envelope or * * * * * Flat Rate Box, the container flaps must be able to close within the normal folds. 3.4.2 Price Marking—Permit Imprint * * * [Revise the first sentence of 3.4.2 to * * * * * read as follows:] 200 Commercial Mail, Letters, Flats, Priority Mail permit imprint pieces and Parcels claiming the cubic price must be marked ‘‘Priority Mail’’ and bear the 201 Physical Standards ‘‘cubic’’ marking (see 3.4.3 for soft pack * * * * * and padded envelopes), printed on the 7.0 Physical Standards for Parcels piece or produced as part of the permit imprint indicia. * * * * * * * * * * * * * 7.3 Maximum Weight and Size 204 Barcode Standards [Revise the second sentence of 7.3 to read as follows:] * * * * * PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\18NOR1.SGM 18NOR1 69174 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 222 / Friday, November 18, 2022 / Rules and Regulations 2.0 Standards for Package and Extra Service Barcodes 2.1 Intelligent Mail Package Barcode 2.1.1 Definition [Revise the last sentence of 2.1.1 to read as follows:] * * * A ZIP + 4 is required to be encoded into the barcode for all returns products. * * * * * 1.2 2.2 Other Package Barcodes 220 Commercial Mail Priority Mail * * 223 Prices and Eligibility 1.0 Prices and Fees 1.1 Price Application * * * 2.2.11 Service Banner Text [Revise the text of 2.2.11 to read as follows:] Except with Certified Mail, Registered Mail, Adult Signature, and Priority Mail Express or Priority Mail Open and Distribute services, mailers preparing extra service barcodes under 2.2 must use a ‘‘USPS TRACKING #’’ humanreadable service banner text above the barcode on packages not requiring a signature at delivery, or a ‘‘USPS SIGNATURE TRACKING #’’ service banner text above the barcode on packages where a signature is required at delivery. * * * * * 210 Commercial Mail Priority Mail Express 213 Prices and Eligibility 1.0 Prices and Fees * * * * * [Revise the heading and introductory text of 1.3 to read as follows:] 1.3 Commercial Prices Priority Mail Express commercial prices are less than Priority Mail Express retail prices (see Notice 123— Price List). These prices are available to: * * * * * [Delete 1.4, Commercial Plus Prices, in its entirety and renumber 1.5 through 1.10 as 1.4 through 1.9.] * * * * * 214 Postage Payment and Documentation 1.0 Basic Standards for Postage Payment Options [Renumber 1.1 and 1.2 as 1.2 and 1.3. Revise 1.0 by renumbering the current text as 1.1 to read as follows:] khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES [Revise the heading and introductory text of renumbered 1.2 to read as follows:] 1.1 General Federal agency and USPS official Priority Mail Express may use the appropriate indicia, subject to 703.7.0. The mailer is responsible for proper payment of postage. * * * * * VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:59 Nov 17, 2022 Jkt 259001 Commercial Pricing Commercial Priority Mail Express postage may be paid with: * * * * * [Delete renumbered 1.3, Commercial Plus Pricing, in its entirety.] * * * * * The following price applications apply: [Revise the first sentence of item a to read as follows:] a. Except for cubic items (see 1.1c), customers mailing Priority Mail mailpieces are charged per pound of the mailpiece; any fraction of a pound is rounded up to the next whole pound. * * * * * * * * [Delete item c in its entirety and renumber items d through g as items c through f.] [Delete renumbered item d in its entirety and renumber items e and f as items d and e.] [Revise renumbered item d to read as follows:] d. Priority Mail Open and Distribute tray boxes mailed at commercial prices are not based on weight but are charged based on the tray box and zone to which it is sent. * * * * * [Revise the heading and introductory text of 1.2 to read as follows:] 1.2 Commercial Prices For prices, see Notice 123—Price List. Commercial prices are available for: [Delete item a and renumber items b through f as items a through e.] * * * * * [Delete the last sentence of renumbered item c referencing Regional Rate Boxes.] * * * * * [Delete 1.3 in its entirety and renumber 1.4 through 1.13 as 1.3 through 1.12.] * * * * * [Delete renumbered 1.6, Regional Rate Box Prices, in its entirety and renumber 1.7 through 1.12 as 1.6 through 1.11.] * * * * * 1.10 Nonstandard Fees [Revise the introductory text of renumbered 1.10 to read as follows:] PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Except for Flat Rate packaging and Priority Mail Return service packages, a Priority Mail piece is subject to a nonstandard fee (see Notice 123—Price List) as follows: * * * * * 3.0 Basic Eligibility Standards for Priority Mail 3.1 Description of Service [Revise the last sentence of 3.1 to read as follows:] * * * Lower weight limits apply to cubic pieces (see 1.4); APO/FPO mail subject to 703.2.0 and 703.4.0 and Department of State mail subject to 703.3.0. * * * * * 224 Postage Payment and Documentation 1.0 Basic Standards for Postage Payment 1.1 Postage Payment Options [Revise the heading and introductory text of 1.1.1 to read as follows:] 1.1.1 Commercial Pricing Priority Mail commercial postage may be paid with: [Delete item a in its entirety and renumber items b through e as items a through d.] * * * * * [Delete 1.1.2, Commercial Plus Pricing, in its entirety and renumber 1.1.3 as 1.1.2.] * * * * * 225 Mail Preparation 1.0 General Information for Mail Preparation * * * * * [Revise the heading of 1.2 to read as follows:] 1.2 Sealing Flat Rate Packaging [Revise the first sentence of 1.2 to read as follows:] When sealing a Flat Rate Envelope or Flat Rate Box, the container flaps must be able to close within the normal folds. *** * * * * * 500 Additional Mailing Services 503 Extra Services 1.0 Basic Standards for All Extra Services * * 1.4 Eligibility for Extra Services * * 1.4.3 * E:\FR\FM\18NOR1.SGM * * * * * * Eligibility—Domestic Returns * * 18NOR1 * * Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 222 / Friday, November 18, 2022 / Rules and Regulations Exhibit 1.4.3 Returns Eligibility—Domestic 3.1.3 [Delete the ‘‘Signature Confirmation’’ option from both the ‘‘Paid by EPS Account or by Permit Holder’’ and the ‘‘Paid by Sender’’ sections of the table. Delete the ‘‘Certificate of Mailing’’ option from the ‘‘Paid by Sender’’ section of the table.] [Delete the ‘‘Parcel Return Service’’ line item from Exhibit 1.4.3.] * * * * * 503 Extra Services * * 4.0 Insured Mail * * * * * * * 4.2 Insurance Coverage—Priority Mail * Priority Mail pieces, including Priority Mail Return service, are insured against loss, damage, or missing contents, up to a maximum of $100.00, subject to the following: * * * * * [Revise the text of item b to read as follows:] b. Insurance coverage is provided against loss, damage, or missing contents and limited to a maximum liability of $50.00 when the Priority Mail pieces bear an IMpb or USPS retail tracking barcode, and the mailer pays retail or commercial prices. * * * * * 4.3 Basic Standards khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES 4.3.1 * * * The following additional standards apply to insured mail: [Revise the third sentence of item a to read as follows:] a. * * * For customer-generated integrated barcodes used for USPS Returns service, the returns account holder must provide USPS with electronic data in a shipping services file, version 1.6 or higher, that identifies the USPS Tracking number of the insured return package, total postage paid, insurance fee paid, declared value, mailing date, origin ZIP Code, and delivery ZIP Code, along with the recipient’s name and address information. * * * * * * * * 505 Return Services * * 3.0 USPS Returns Service 3.1 Basic Standards * * * * VerDate Sep<11>2014 * * Postage and prices are subject to the following: * * * * * b. Prices for Priority Mail Return Service, First-Class Package Return Service, and Ground Return Service (Parcel Select Ground) packages are charged as follows: [Revise the text of item b1 to read as follows:] 1. Priority Mail commercial prices are available for account holders using Priority Mail Return Service, when all applicable requirements are met. [Delete item b2 and renumber items b3 and b4 as items b2 and b3.] * * * * * c. The account holder or mailer may obtain extra and additional services as follows: * * * * * [Delete items c2 and c3 in their entirety and renumber item c4 as item c2.] * * * * * 3.1.4 * * 15:59 Nov 17, 2022 Jkt 259001 Labels Distribution and preparation of labels are subject to the following: a. Distribution of Labels. USPS Returns service labels may be distributed to customers via the following: [Add new item a6 to read as follows:] 6. Through USPS Label Delivery Service under 507.12.0. * * * * * 3.2 Description Postage and Prices Additional Standards Additional mailing standards applicable to each service option are as follows: [Revise the last sentence of item a to read as follows:] a. * * * Commercial prices are the same as for outbound Priority Mail in Notice 123—Price List. * * * * * 4.0 Parcel Return Service [Delete the text under 4.0 in its entirety (4.1 through 4.3) and add new text under 4.0 to read as follows:] Parcel Return Service (PRS) applies to parcels that are picked up in bulk by authorized permit holders or their agents. Parcel Return Service is only available through a Negotiated Service Agreement (NSA) (709.1.0). Please contact a USPS Sales Representative for additional details. * * * * * 507 Mailer Services * * PO 00000 * Frm 00021 * Fmt 4700 * Sfmt 4700 5.0 Package Intercept * * * * 69175 * 5.2 Postage and Fees [Revise the third sentence in the introductory text of 5.2 to read as follows:] * * * The new Priority Mail piece is charged Priority Mail commercial prices from the location where intercepted to the new destination based on the dimensions, weight, and zone of the piece or the flat rate price, if applicable, along with any applicable extra services fees. * * * * * * * * 7.0 Pickup on Demand Service 7.1 Postage and Fees 7.1.1 Postage [Revise the text of 7.1.1 to read as follows:] The correct amount of postage must be affixed to each piece except for a Priority Mail Express label paid with a corporate account, packages with a USPS Returns label affixed (under 505.3.0), and manifest mailings paid by permit imprint indicia approved by Business Mailer Support (BMS). * * * * * 7.2 Basic Standards 7.2.1 Availability * * * Incidental amounts of other postage-affixed, full-price mail also may be collected when Pickup on Demand service is provided for: * * * * * [Delete item i, Parcel Return Service, and renumber items j through n as items i through m.] * * * * * [Add new 12.0 to read as follows:] 12.0 USPS Label Delivery Service 12.1 Description USPS Label Delivery Service provides customers with an option to have the Postal Service print and deliver their domestic outbound and return mailing labels for a fee per label at a Post Office where available. USPS Label Delivery Service is not available for APO/FPO/ DPO addresses. Customers requesting USPS Label Delivery Service will be provided the tracking information for tracking purposes. 12.2 Eligibility USPS Label Delivery Service is available as follows: a. Retail and Commercial Priority Mail Express and Priority Mail. b. First-Class Package Service—Retail. c. First Class Package Service— Commercial. E:\FR\FM\18NOR1.SGM 18NOR1 69176 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 222 / Friday, November 18, 2022 / Rules and Regulations d. USPS Retail Ground. e. Parcel Select Ground. f. USPS Returns Service. 12.3 7.0 Trademarks and Copyrights of the USPS Extra Services There are no extra services available with labels requested through USPS Label Delivery Service. 12.4 Requesting USPS Label Delivery Service A customer may request USPS Label Delivery Service at www.usps.com. 12.5 Fee The USPS Label Delivery Service fee is listed in Notice 123—Price List. * * * * * 600 Basic Standards for All Mailing Services * * 602 Addressing * 1.0 Elements of Addressing * * * * * * * 1.5.3 Required Use of Return Addresses The sender’s domestic return address must appear legibly on: * * * * * [Revise the text of item q to read as follows:] q. USPS Returns service. * * * * * 604 Postage Payment Methods and Refunds * * 9.0 Exchanges and Refunds * * 9.2 Postage and Fee Refunds * * khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES 9.2.3 * * * * * * * * * A full refund (100 percent) may be made when: * * * * * [Add new item ‘‘o’’ to read as follows:] o. For USPS Label Delivery Service the Postal Service will refund the postage and USPS Label Delivery Service fee when the label was not delivered. The Postal Service will refund the postage only if the label is delivered and not used. * * * * * 608 Postal Information and Resources * * * * 608 Postal Information and Resources * * * VerDate Sep<11>2014 * 9.0 Postal Zones * * * 15:59 Nov 17, 2022 Jkt 259001 * * Definition 9.4.1 Local Local applies to USPS Connect Local and USPS Connect Local Mail pieces deposited at any Post Office for delivery to addresses within the delivery area of that Post Office. For various types of Post Offices, local applies to all mail that both originates and destinates within: * * * * * [Revise the heading and introductory text of 9.4.2 to read as follows:] 9.4.2 Zones Zones are defined as follows: [Revise the text of item a to read as follows:] a. The zone 1 price applies to pieces mailed within the same 3 Digit O/D PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 10.0 * Forms of Identification * * * * 10.2 Products and Services Requiring Acceptable Identification * * * * * Exhibit 10.2 Products and Services Requiring Acceptable Identification * * 9.2 Application Zones are used to compute postage on zoned mail sent between 3-digit ZIP Code areas, including Military Post Offices (MPOs), as follows: * * * * * [Revise the text of item c to read as follows:] c. The postage price for zoned mail mailed at or addressed to an MPO and transported directly to or from MPOs at Department of Defense expense, without transiting any of the 48 contiguous states (including the District of Columbia), is the applicable zone 1 price. If such mail transits any area served by the USPS at USPS expense and the distance from the place of mailing to the embarkation point or from the debarkation point to the place of delivery is more than zone 1 for such mail, postage is assessed by the distance from the place of mailing to the embarkation point or from the debarkation point to the place of delivery of such mail, as the case may be. * * * * * [Revise the headings of 9.4 and 9.4.1 to read as follows:] 9.4 Full Refund * 7.1 USPS Trademarks * * * Information on USPS trademarks can be found on USPS.com or by contacting General Counsel, USPS Headquarters (see 8.1 for address). * * * * * [Delete ‘‘Commercial Base’’ and Commercial Plus’’ from the list of trademarks under 7.1.] * * * * * Pairs. The zone 1 price also includes pieces mailed with different 3 Digit O/ D Pairs, whose centroids are up to 50 miles in distance. * * * * * * * * * [Revise Exhibit 10.2 by deleting the ‘‘Parcel Return Service’’ line item.] * * * * * 10.3 Acceptable Primary Forms of Photo Identification * * * * * Exhibit 10.3 Acceptable Primary Forms of Photo Identification per Product and Service * * * * * [Revise Exhibit 10.3 by deleting the ‘‘Parcel Return Service’’ line item.] * * * * * 700 Special Standards * * * * * 705 Advanced Preparation and Special Postage Payment Systems * * * * * 18.0 Priority Mail Express Open and Distribute and Priority Mail Open and Distribute 18.1 Prices and Fees 18.1.1 Basis of Price The basis of price for Priority Mail Express and Priority Mail Open and Distribute is as follows: * * * * * [Revise the text of item b to read as follows:] b. Priority Mail commercial tray box postage is based on the tray box and zone. The maximum weight for each container is 70 pounds. * * * * * Index * * * * * L [Add Label Delivery Service, 507.12.0. alphabetically under ‘‘L’’.] * * * * * P * E:\FR\FM\18NOR1.SGM * * 18NOR1 * * Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 222 / Friday, November 18, 2022 / Rules and Regulations [Delete ‘‘Parcel Return Service (PRS)’’ in its entirety.] * * * * * Parcel Select [Delete the ‘‘Parcel Return Service, 505.4.0’’ line item under ‘‘Parcel Select’’.] * * * * * Priority Mail [Delete the ‘‘Regional Rate’’ line item under ‘‘Priority Mail’’.] * * * * * R * * * * * return services [Delete the ‘‘Parcel Return Service, 505.4.0’’ line item under ‘‘return services’’.] * * * * * This rule became effective on October 31, 2018. DATES: Ruth B. Stevenson, Chief Counsel, Ethics and Legal Compliance. [FR Doc. 2022–25180 Filed 11–17–22; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7710–12–P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 40 CFR Part 52 [EPA–R01–OAR–2016–0166; FRL–10414– 01–R1] Air Plan Approval; Connecticut; Plan Submittals for the 2008 Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standard; Correction Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Final rule; correction. khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES AGENCY: SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is correcting a final rule that was published in the Federal Register on October 1, 2018, which became effective on October 31, 2018. The final rule approved State Implementation Plan (SIP) revisions submitted by the State of Connecticut to address SIP revisions submitted to meet moderate area nonattainment requirements for the 2008 ozone standard. The SIP revisions are for the Greater Connecticut and the Connecticut portion of the New YorkNorthern New Jersey-Long Island, NY– NJ–CT moderate ozone nonattainment areas, and include these areas 2011 base year emissions inventories, an 15:59 Nov 17, 2022 Jkt 259001 EPA has established a docket for this action under Docket Identification No. EPA–R01–OAR– 2016–0166. 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., CBI 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 publicly available only in hard copy form. Publicly available docket materials are available at https:// www.regulations.gov or at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, EPA Region 1 Regional Office, Air and Radiation Division, 5 Post Office Square—Suite 100, Boston, MA. EPA requests that if at all possible, you contact the contact listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section to schedule your inspection. The Regional Office’s official hours of business are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding legal holidays and facility closures due to COVID–19. ADDRESSES: Notice 123 (Price List) [Revise competitive prices as applicable.] * * * * * VerDate Sep<11>2014 emissions statement certification, reasonable further progress (RFP) demonstrations, reasonably available control measures (RACM) analyses, motor vehicle emissions budgets, and contingency measures. This correction does not change any final action taken by EPA on October 1, 2018; today’s action merely corrects the Clean Air Act (CAA) citation for moderate area contingency measures. We have determined that there is good cause for making today’s rule final without prior proposal and opportunity for comment because we are merely correcting an incorrect citation in a previous action. Thus, notice and public procedure are unnecessary. Bob McConnell, Environmental Engineer, Air Quality Planning Unit, Air Programs Branch (Mail Code OEP05–02), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 1, 5 Post Office Square, Suite 100, Boston, Massachusetts, 02109– 3912; (617) 918–1046; mcconnell.robert@epa.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: We find that this constitutes good cause under 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B). In FR doc. 2018–21150 appearing on page 49297 at 83 FR 49297 in the Federal Register of October 1, 2018, the following correction to the regulatory text is made: SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 § 52.377 69177 [Corrected] On page 49298, in the second column, in § 52.377, in amendment 2, correct paragraph (t) Approval, to read as follows: (t) Approval. Revisions to the State Implementation Plan submitted by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection on January 17, 2017, September 5, 2017, and August 8, 2017, to meet, in part, requirements of the 2008 ozone NAAQS. These revisions satisfy the rate of progress requirement of section 182(b) through 2017, the contingency measure requirements of section 172(c)(9), the emission statement requirements of section 182(a)(3)(B), and the reasonably available control measure requirement of section 172(c)(1) for the Connecticut portion of the New York-Northern New JerseyLong Island, NY–NJ–CT area, and the Greater Connecticut moderate ozone nonattainment areas. The January 17, 2017 revision establishes motor vehicle emissions budgets for 2017 of 15.9 tons per day of VOC and 22.2 tons per day of NOX to be used in transportation conformity in the Greater Connecticut moderate ozone nonattainment area. The August 8, 2017 revision establishes motor vehicle emissions budgets for 2017 of 17.6 tons per day of VOC and 24.6 tons per day of NOX to be used in transportation conformity in the Connecticut portion of the New YorkNorthern New Jersey-Long Island, NYNJ–CT moderate ozone nonattainment area. Dated: November 4, 2022. David Cash, Regional Administrator, EPA Region 1. [FR Doc. 2022–24792 Filed 11–17–22; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 40 CFR Part 52 [EPA–R04–OAR–2022–0219; FRL–9911–02– R4] Air Plan Approval; Mississippi; Revision of Excess Emissions Provisions Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is approving a State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision submitted by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) on November 17, 2016, on E:\FR\FM\18NOR1.SGM 18NOR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 222 (Friday, November 18, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 69171-69177]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-25180]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

POSTAL SERVICE

39 CFR Part 111


Domestic Competitive Products Pricing and Mailing Standards

AGENCY: Postal ServiceTM.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: The Postal Service is amending Mailing Standards of the United 
States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM[supreg]), to reflect 
changes to prices and mailing standards for competitive products.

DATES: Effective January 22, 2023.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Karen F. Key at (202) 268-7492, 
Margaret Pepe (202) 268-3078, or Garry Rodriguez at (202) 268-7281.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This final rule describes new prices and 
product features for competitive products, by class of mail, 
established by the Governors of the United States Postal 
Service[supreg]. New prices are available under Docket Number CP2023-42 
on the Postal Regulatory Commission PRC website at https://www.prc.gov, 
and on the Postal Explorer[supreg] website at https://pe.usps.com.

[[Page 69172]]

    The Postal Service will revise Mailing Standards of the United 
States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM), to reflect changes 
to prices and mailing standards for the following competitive products:
     Priority Mail Express[supreg].
     Priority Mail[supreg].
     First-Class Package Service[supreg].
     Parcel Select[supreg].
     USPS Retail Ground[supreg].
     Extra Services.
     Return Services.
     Mailer Services.
     Recipient Services.
     Other.
    Competitive product prices and changes are identified by product as 
follows:

Priority Mail Express

Prices

    Overall, Priority Mail Express prices will increase 6.6 percent. 
Priority Mail Express will continue to offer zoned and Flat Rate, 
Retail and Commercial pricing.
    Retail prices will increase an average of 6.7 percent. The Flat 
Rate Envelope price will increase to $28.75, the Legal Flat Rate 
Envelope will increase to $28.95, and the Padded Flat Rate Envelope 
will increase to $29.45.
    Commercial prices will increase an average of 6.0 percent.

Priority Mail Express Commercial Base and Plus Pricing Consolidated

    The Postal Service is consolidating Priority Mail Express 
``Commercial Base'' and ``Commercial Plus'' into one ``Commercial'' 
price category. Consolidating the ``Commercial Base'' and ``Commercial 
Plus'' price categories will simplify the Priority Mail Express pricing 
structure. The eligibility standards for Priority Mail Express 
Commercial will mirror the current ``Commercial Base'' price category.

Priority Mail

Prices

    Overall, Priority Mail prices will increase 5.5 percent. Priority 
Mail will continue to offer zoned and Flat Rate, Retail and Commercial 
pricing.
    Retail prices will increase an average of 6.8 percent. The Flat 
Rate Envelope price will increase to $9.65, the Legal Flat Rate 
Envelope will increase to $9.95, and the Padded Flat Rate Envelope will 
increase to $10.40. The Small Flat Rate Box price will increase to 
$10.20, and the Medium Flat Rate Boxes will increase to $17.10. The 
Large Flat Rate Box will increase to $22.80 and the APO/FPO/DPO Large 
Flat Rate Box will increase to $21.20.
    Commercial prices will increase an average of 3.6 percent.

Priority Mail Commercial Base and Plus Pricing Consolidated

    The Postal Service is consolidating the Priority Mail ``Commercial 
Base'' and ``Commercial Plus'' price categories into one ``Commercial 
price category. Consolidating the ``Commercial Base'' and ``Commercial 
Plus'' price categories will simplify the Priority Mail pricing 
structure. The eligibility standards for Priority Mail Commercial will 
mirror the current ``Commercial Base'' price category.

Priority Mail Regional Rate Boxes Discontinued

    The Postal Service is discontinuing the Priority Mail Regional Rate 
product offering. The decision to discontinue Regional Rate Boxes will 
simplify the Priority Mail offering.

First-Class Package Service

Prices

    Overall, First-Class Package Service prices will increase 7.8 
percent.
    First-Class Package Service--Retail prices will increase 6.9 
percent.
    First-Class Package Service--Commercial prices will increase 8.0 
percent.

Parcel Select

Prices

    The prices for Parcel Select Destination Entry will increase an 
average of 5.1 percent. Parcel Select Ground will have a 0.0 percent 
price change, but prices will be updated in zones 1 and 2. The prices 
for Parcel Select Lightweight[supreg] will increase an average of 6.1 
percent. The prices for USPS Connect[supreg] Local will remain the 
same.

USPS Retail Ground

    Overall, USPS Retail Ground prices will increase an average of 6.4 
percent.

Extra Services

Adult Signature Service

    Adult Signature Required and Adult Signature Restricted Delivery 
service prices are increasing 6.5 and 6.8 percent respectively. The 
price for Adult Signature Required will increase to $9.05 and Adult 
Signature Restricted Delivery will increase to $9.35.

Return Services

Parcel Return Service

    The Postal Service is revising the standards for Parcel Return 
Service (PRS) to be a competitive product only available through a 
Negotiated Service Agreement (NSA). As a nonpublished offering, the 
standards will be removed from the DMM and the prices will be removed 
from the Price List, Notice 123.

USPS Returns

    The Postal Service is discontinuing the Certificate of Mailing and 
Signature Confirmation extra service options for USPS Returns products.
    In an effort to provide product simplification, the Postal Service 
believes it is in the best interest to no longer offer Certificate of 
Mailing or Signature Confirmation services for USPS Returns products.

Mailer Services

Pickup on Demand Service

    The Pickup on Demand[supreg] service fee will increase 6.0 percent 
to $26.50.

USPS Tracking Plus Service

    The USPS Premium Tracking ServiceTM prices will remain 
the same.

USPS Label Delivery Service

    The Postal Service is implementing USPS Label Delivery 
ServiceTM to provide customers with an option to have their 
domestic outbound and return mailing labels printed and delivered for a 
fee per label at a Post Office where available. USPS Label Delivery 
Service is not available for APO/FPO/DPO addresses. Customers 
requesting USPS Label Delivery Service will be provided the tracking 
information for tracking purposes. A customer may request USPS Label 
Delivery Service at www.usps.com.
    USPS Label Delivery Service is available for Retail and Commercial 
Priority Mail Express and Priority Mail, First-Class Package Service--
Retail, First Class Package Service--Commercial, USPS Retail Ground, 
Parcel Select Ground, Priority Mail Return service, and First-Class 
Package Return service.
    There are no extra services available with labels requested through 
USPS Label Delivery Service.
    For USPS Label Delivery Service, the Postal Service will refund the 
postage and USPS Label Delivery Service fee if the label is not 
delivered. The Postal Service will refund the postage only if the label 
is delivered and not used.

Recipient Services

Post Office Box Service

    The competitive Post Office BoxTM service prices will 
increase an average of 6.5 percent within the updated price ranges.

[[Page 69173]]

Premium Forwarding Service

    Premium Forwarding Service[supreg] (PFS[supreg]) prices will 
increase between 6.5 and 6.6 percent depending on the specific price 
element. The enrollment fee paid at the retail counter for PFS-
Residential will increase to $25.45 and the PFS-Residential, PFS-
Commercial, and PFS-Local enrollment fee paid online will increase to 
$23.40 per application. The price of the weekly shipment charge for 
PFS-Residential and per container charge for PFS-Local will increase to 
$25.45.

USPS Package Intercept

    The USPS Package Intercept[supreg] fee will increase 6.6 percent to 
$17.00.

Other

Address Enhancement Service

    Address Enhancement Service competitive product prices will remain 
the same.

Small Parcel Forwarding Fee

    The small parcel forwarding fee will remain the same at $5.25.

Zone Modification

    The Postal Service is modifying zone price categories for all 
applicable Competitive products. This zone modification will redefine 
the local zone and remove it as a zone price category. The Postal 
Service will also split zones 1 and 2 into separate price categories. 
This will result in nine individual zone price categories.
    Additionally, the Postal Service is clarifying that the zone 1 
price applies to pieces mailed within the same 3 Digit O/D Pairs and 
pieces mailed with different 3 Digit O/D Pairs whose centroids are up 
to 50 miles in distance.

Resources

    The Postal Service provides additional resources to assist 
customers with this price change for competitive products. These tools 
include price lists, downloadable price files, and Federal Register 
Notices, which may be found on the Postal Explorer[supreg] website at 
https://pe.usps.com.
    We will publish an appropriate amendment to 39 CFR part 111 to 
reflect these changes.
    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.

List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 111

    Administrative practice and procedure, Postal Service.

    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, 401-404, 414, 416, 3001-3018, 3201-3220, 3401-
3406, 3621, 3622, 3626, 3629, 3631-3633, 3641, 3681-3685, and 5001.


0
2. Revise Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, 
Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) as follows:

Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail 
Manual (DMM)

* * * * *

100 Retail Mail Letters, Flats, and Parcels

* * * * *

120 Retail Mail Priority Mail

123 Prices and Eligibility

1.0 Prices and Fees

* * * * *
    [Delete 1.5, Regional Rate Boxes, and renumber 1.6 and 1.7 as 1.5 
and 1.6.]
* * * * *

1.6 Nonstandard Fees

    [Revise the introductory text of renumbered 1.6 to read as 
follows:]
    Except for Flat Rate packaging, a Priority Mail piece is subject to 
a nonstandard fee (see Notice 123--Price List) as follows:
* * * * *

125 Mail Preparation

1.0 Preparation

* * * * *
    [Revise the heading of 1.2 to read as follows:]

1.2 Sealing Flat Rate Packaging

    [Revise the first sentence of 1.2 to read as follows:]
    When sealing a Flat Rate Envelope or Flat Rate Box, the container 
flaps must be able to close within the normal folds. * * *
* * * * *

200 Commercial Mail, Letters, Flats, and Parcels

201 Physical Standards

* * * * *

7.0 Physical Standards for Parcels

* * * * *

7.3 Maximum Weight and Size

    [Revise the second sentence of 7.3 to read as follows:]
    * * * Lower weight limits apply to parcels mailed at Priority Mail 
Cubic, First-Class Package Service--Commercial, USPS Marketing Mail, 
and Bound Printed Matter prices. * * *
* * * * *

8.0 Additional Physical Standards by Class of Mail

* * * * *

8.2 Priority Mail

    [Revise the first sentence of 8.2 to read as follows:]
    The maximum weight is 70 pounds, except for cubic (20 pounds) 
parcels. * * *
* * * * *

202 Elements on the Face of a Mailpiece

* * * * *

3.0 Placement and Content of Mail Markings

* * * * *

3.3 Priority Mail Express and Priority Mail Markings

* * * * *

3.3.3 Additional Markings for Priority Mail Express and Priority Mail

    [Revise the text of 3.3.3 to read as follows:]
    In addition to the basic price marking in 3.3.1 and 3.3.2, except 
for pieces paid using a USPS Returns service or permit imprint, 
Priority Mail Express and Priority Mail pieces claimed at Commercial 
prices also must bear the ``Commercial'' price marking, printed on the 
piece or produced as part of the meter imprint or PC Postage indicia. 
Place the ``Commercial'' price marking directly above, directly below, 
or to the left of the postage.
* * * * *

3.4 Priority Mail Cubic Markings

* * * * *

3.4.2 Price Marking--Permit Imprint

    [Revise the first sentence of 3.4.2 to read as follows:]
    Priority Mail permit imprint pieces claiming the cubic price must 
be marked ``Priority Mail'' and bear the ``cubic'' marking (see 3.4.3 
for soft pack and padded envelopes), printed on the piece or produced 
as part of the permit imprint indicia. * * *
* * * * *

204 Barcode Standards

* * * * *

[[Page 69174]]

2.0 Standards for Package and Extra Service Barcodes

2.1 Intelligent Mail Package Barcode

2.1.1 Definition

    [Revise the last sentence of 2.1.1 to read as follows:]
    * * * A ZIP + 4 is required to be encoded into the barcode for all 
returns products.
* * * * *

2.2 Other Package Barcodes

* * * * *

2.2.11 Service Banner Text

    [Revise the text of 2.2.11 to read as follows:]
    Except with Certified Mail, Registered Mail, Adult Signature, and 
Priority Mail Express or Priority Mail Open and Distribute services, 
mailers preparing extra service barcodes under 2.2 must use a ``USPS 
TRACKING #'' human-readable service banner text above the barcode on 
packages not requiring a signature at delivery, or a ``USPS SIGNATURE 
TRACKING #'' service banner text above the barcode on packages where a 
signature is required at delivery.
* * * * *

210 Commercial Mail Priority Mail Express

213 Prices and Eligibility

1.0 Prices and Fees

* * * * *
    [Revise the heading and introductory text of 1.3 to read as 
follows:]

1.3 Commercial Prices

    Priority Mail Express commercial prices are less than Priority Mail 
Express retail prices (see Notice 123--Price List). These prices are 
available to:
* * * * *
    [Delete 1.4, Commercial Plus Prices, in its entirety and renumber 
1.5 through 1.10 as 1.4 through 1.9.]
* * * * *

214 Postage Payment and Documentation

1.0 Basic Standards for Postage Payment Options

    [Renumber 1.1 and 1.2 as 1.2 and 1.3. Revise 1.0 by renumbering the 
current text as 1.1 to read as follows:]

1.1 General

    Federal agency and USPS official Priority Mail Express may use the 
appropriate indicia, subject to 703.7.0. The mailer is responsible for 
proper payment of postage.
* * * * *
    [Revise the heading and introductory text of renumbered 1.2 to read 
as follows:]

1.2 Commercial Pricing

    Commercial Priority Mail Express postage may be paid with:
* * * * *
    [Delete renumbered 1.3, Commercial Plus Pricing, in its entirety.]
* * * * *

220 Commercial Mail Priority Mail

223 Prices and Eligibility

1.0 Prices and Fees

1.1 Price Application

    The following price applications apply:
    [Revise the first sentence of item a to read as follows:]
    a. Except for cubic items (see 1.1c), customers mailing Priority 
Mail mailpieces are charged per pound of the mailpiece; any fraction of 
a pound is rounded up to the next whole pound. * * *
* * * * *
    [Delete item c in its entirety and renumber items d through g as 
items c through f.]
    [Delete renumbered item d in its entirety and renumber items e and 
f as items d and e.]
    [Revise renumbered item d to read as follows:]
    d. Priority Mail Open and Distribute tray boxes mailed at 
commercial prices are not based on weight but are charged based on the 
tray box and zone to which it is sent.
* * * * *
    [Revise the heading and introductory text of 1.2 to read as 
follows:]

1.2 Commercial Prices

    For prices, see Notice 123--Price List. Commercial prices are 
available for:
    [Delete item a and renumber items b through f as items a through 
e.]
* * * * *
    [Delete the last sentence of renumbered item c referencing Regional 
Rate Boxes.]
* * * * *
    [Delete 1.3 in its entirety and renumber 1.4 through 1.13 as 1.3 
through 1.12.]
* * * * *
    [Delete renumbered 1.6, Regional Rate Box Prices, in its entirety 
and renumber 1.7 through 1.12 as 1.6 through 1.11.]
* * * * *

1.10 Nonstandard Fees

    [Revise the introductory text of renumbered 1.10 to read as 
follows:]
    Except for Flat Rate packaging and Priority Mail Return service 
packages, a Priority Mail piece is subject to a nonstandard fee (see 
Notice 123--Price List) as follows:
* * * * *

3.0 Basic Eligibility Standards for Priority Mail

3.1 Description of Service

    [Revise the last sentence of 3.1 to read as follows:]
    * * * Lower weight limits apply to cubic pieces (see 1.4); APO/FPO 
mail subject to 703.2.0 and 703.4.0 and Department of State mail 
subject to 703.3.0.
* * * * *

224 Postage Payment and Documentation

1.0 Basic Standards for Postage Payment

1.1 Postage Payment Options

    [Revise the heading and introductory text of 1.1.1 to read as 
follows:]

1.1.1 Commercial Pricing

    Priority Mail commercial postage may be paid with:
    [Delete item a in its entirety and renumber items b through e as 
items a through d.]
* * * * *
    [Delete 1.1.2, Commercial Plus Pricing, in its entirety and 
renumber 1.1.3 as 1.1.2.]
* * * * *

225 Mail Preparation

1.0 General Information for Mail Preparation

* * * * *
    [Revise the heading of 1.2 to read as follows:]

1.2 Sealing Flat Rate Packaging

    [Revise the first sentence of 1.2 to read as follows:]
    When sealing a Flat Rate Envelope or Flat Rate Box, the container 
flaps must be able to close within the normal folds. ***
* * * * *

500 Additional Mailing Services

503 Extra Services

1.0 Basic Standards for All Extra Services

* * * * *

1.4 Eligibility for Extra Services

* * * * *

1.4.3 Eligibility--Domestic Returns

* * * * *

[[Page 69175]]

Exhibit 1.4.3 Eligibility--Domestic Returns

    [Delete the ``Signature Confirmation'' option from both the ``Paid 
by EPS Account or by Permit Holder'' and the ``Paid by Sender'' 
sections of the table. Delete the ``Certificate of Mailing'' option 
from the ``Paid by Sender'' section of the table.]
    [Delete the ``Parcel Return Service'' line item from Exhibit 
1.4.3.]
* * * * *

503 Extra Services

* * * * *

4.0 Insured Mail

* * * * *

4.2 Insurance Coverage--Priority Mail

    Priority Mail pieces, including Priority Mail Return service, are 
insured against loss, damage, or missing contents, up to a maximum of 
$100.00, subject to the following:
* * * * *
    [Revise the text of item b to read as follows:]
    b. Insurance coverage is provided against loss, damage, or missing 
contents and limited to a maximum liability of $50.00 when the Priority 
Mail pieces bear an IMpb or USPS retail tracking barcode, and the 
mailer pays retail or commercial prices.
* * * * *

4.3 Basic Standards

4.3.1 Description

    * * * The following additional standards apply to insured mail:
    [Revise the third sentence of item a to read as follows:]
    a. * * * For customer-generated integrated barcodes used for USPS 
Returns service, the returns account holder must provide USPS with 
electronic data in a shipping services file, version 1.6 or higher, 
that identifies the USPS Tracking number of the insured return package, 
total postage paid, insurance fee paid, declared value, mailing date, 
origin ZIP Code, and delivery ZIP Code, along with the recipient's name 
and address information. * * *
* * * * *

505 Return Services

* * * * *

3.0 USPS Returns Service

3.1 Basic Standards

* * * * *

3.1.3 Postage and Prices

    Postage and prices are subject to the following:
* * * * *
    b. Prices for Priority Mail Return Service, First-Class Package 
Return Service, and Ground Return Service (Parcel Select Ground) 
packages are charged as follows:
    [Revise the text of item b1 to read as follows:]
    1. Priority Mail commercial prices are available for account 
holders using Priority Mail Return Service, when all applicable 
requirements are met.
    [Delete item b2 and renumber items b3 and b4 as items b2 and b3.]
* * * * *
    c. The account holder or mailer may obtain extra and additional 
services as follows:
* * * * *
    [Delete items c2 and c3 in their entirety and renumber item c4 as 
item c2.]
* * * * *

3.1.4 Labels

    Distribution and preparation of labels are subject to the 
following:
    a. Distribution of Labels. USPS Returns service labels may be 
distributed to customers via the following:
    [Add new item a6 to read as follows:]
    6. Through USPS Label Delivery Service under 507.12.0.
* * * * *

3.2 Additional Standards

    Additional mailing standards applicable to each service option are 
as follows:
    [Revise the last sentence of item a to read as follows:]
    a. * * * Commercial prices are the same as for outbound Priority 
Mail in Notice 123--Price List.
* * * * *

4.0 Parcel Return Service

    [Delete the text under 4.0 in its entirety (4.1 through 4.3) and 
add new text under 4.0 to read as follows:]
    Parcel Return Service (PRS) applies to parcels that are picked up 
in bulk by authorized permit holders or their agents. Parcel Return 
Service is only available through a Negotiated Service Agreement (NSA) 
(709.1.0). Please contact a USPS Sales Representative for additional 
details.
* * * * *

507 Mailer Services

* * * * *

5.0 Package Intercept

* * * * *

5.2 Postage and Fees

    [Revise the third sentence in the introductory text of 5.2 to read 
as follows:]
    * * * The new Priority Mail piece is charged Priority Mail 
commercial prices from the location where intercepted to the new 
destination based on the dimensions, weight, and zone of the piece or 
the flat rate price, if applicable, along with any applicable extra 
services fees. * * *
* * * * *

7.0 Pickup on Demand Service

7.1 Postage and Fees

7.1.1 Postage

    [Revise the text of 7.1.1 to read as follows:]
    The correct amount of postage must be affixed to each piece except 
for a Priority Mail Express label paid with a corporate account, 
packages with a USPS Returns label affixed (under 505.3.0), and 
manifest mailings paid by permit imprint indicia approved by Business 
Mailer Support (BMS).
* * * * *

7.2 Basic Standards

7.2.1 Availability

    * * * Incidental amounts of other postage-affixed, full-price mail 
also may be collected when Pickup on Demand service is provided for:
* * * * *
    [Delete item i, Parcel Return Service, and renumber items j through 
n as items i through m.]
* * * * *
    [Add new 12.0 to read as follows:]

12.0 USPS Label Delivery Service

12.1 Description

    USPS Label Delivery Service provides customers with an option to 
have the Postal Service print and deliver their domestic outbound and 
return mailing labels for a fee per label at a Post Office where 
available. USPS Label Delivery Service is not available for APO/FPO/DPO 
addresses. Customers requesting USPS Label Delivery Service will be 
provided the tracking information for tracking purposes.

12.2 Eligibility

    USPS Label Delivery Service is available as follows:
    a. Retail and Commercial Priority Mail Express and Priority Mail.
    b. First-Class Package Service--Retail.
    c. First Class Package Service--Commercial.

[[Page 69176]]

    d. USPS Retail Ground.
    e. Parcel Select Ground.
    f. USPS Returns Service.

12.3 Extra Services

    There are no extra services available with labels requested through 
USPS Label Delivery Service.

12.4 Requesting USPS Label Delivery Service

    A customer may request USPS Label Delivery Service at www.usps.com.

12.5 Fee

    The USPS Label Delivery Service fee is listed in Notice 123--Price 
List.
* * * * *

600 Basic Standards for All Mailing Services

* * * * *

602 Addressing

1.0 Elements of Addressing

* * * * *

1.5.3 Required Use of Return Addresses

    The sender's domestic return address must appear legibly on:
* * * * *
    [Revise the text of item q to read as follows:]
    q. USPS Returns service.
* * * * *

604 Postage Payment Methods and Refunds

* * * * *

9.0 Exchanges and Refunds

* * * * *

9.2 Postage and Fee Refunds

* * * * *

9.2.3 Full Refund

    A full refund (100 percent) may be made when:
* * * * *
    [Add new item ``o'' to read as follows:]
    o. For USPS Label Delivery Service the Postal Service will refund 
the postage and USPS Label Delivery Service fee when the label was not 
delivered. The Postal Service will refund the postage only if the label 
is delivered and not used.
* * * * *

608 Postal Information and Resources

* * * * *

608 Postal Information and Resources

* * * * *

7.0 Trademarks and Copyrights of the USPS

7.1 USPS Trademarks

    * * * Information on USPS trademarks can be found on USPS.com or by 
contacting General Counsel, USPS Headquarters (see 8.1 for address).
* * * * *
    [Delete ``Commercial Base'' and Commercial Plus'' from the list of 
trademarks under 7.1.]
* * * * *

9.0 Postal Zones

* * * * *

9.2 Application

    Zones are used to compute postage on zoned mail sent between 3-
digit ZIP Code areas, including Military Post Offices (MPOs), as 
follows:
* * * * *
    [Revise the text of item c to read as follows:]
    c. The postage price for zoned mail mailed at or addressed to an 
MPO and transported directly to or from MPOs at Department of Defense 
expense, without transiting any of the 48 contiguous states (including 
the District of Columbia), is the applicable zone 1 price. If such mail 
transits any area served by the USPS at USPS expense and the distance 
from the place of mailing to the embarkation point or from the 
debarkation point to the place of delivery is more than zone 1 for such 
mail, postage is assessed by the distance from the place of mailing to 
the embarkation point or from the debarkation point to the place of 
delivery of such mail, as the case may be.
* * * * *
    [Revise the headings of 9.4 and 9.4.1 to read as follows:]

9.4 Definition

9.4.1 Local

    Local applies to USPS Connect Local and USPS Connect Local Mail 
pieces deposited at any Post Office for delivery to addresses within 
the delivery area of that Post Office. For various types of Post 
Offices, local applies to all mail that both originates and destinates 
within:
* * * * *
    [Revise the heading and introductory text of 9.4.2 to read as 
follows:]

9.4.2 Zones

    Zones are defined as follows:
    [Revise the text of item a to read as follows:]
    a. The zone 1 price applies to pieces mailed within the same 3 
Digit O/D Pairs. The zone 1 price also includes pieces mailed with 
different 3 Digit O/D Pairs, whose centroids are up to 50 miles in 
distance.
* * * * *

10.0 Forms of Identification

* * * * *

10.2 Products and Services Requiring Acceptable Identification

* * * * *

Exhibit 10.2 Products and Services Requiring Acceptable Identification

* * * * *
    [Revise Exhibit 10.2 by deleting the ``Parcel Return Service'' line 
item.]
* * * * *

10.3 Acceptable Primary Forms of Photo Identification

* * * * *

Exhibit 10.3 Acceptable Primary Forms of Photo Identification per 
Product and Service

* * * * *
    [Revise Exhibit 10.3 by deleting the ``Parcel Return Service'' line 
item.]
* * * * *

700 Special Standards

* * * * *

705 Advanced Preparation and Special Postage Payment Systems

* * * * *

18.0 Priority Mail Express Open and Distribute and Priority Mail Open 
and Distribute

18.1 Prices and Fees

18.1.1 Basis of Price

    The basis of price for Priority Mail Express and Priority Mail Open 
and Distribute is as follows:
* * * * *
    [Revise the text of item b to read as follows:]
    b. Priority Mail commercial tray box postage is based on the tray 
box and zone. The maximum weight for each container is 70 pounds.
* * * * *

Index

* * * * *

L

    [Add Label Delivery Service, 507.12.0. alphabetically under ``L''.]
* * * * *

P

* * * * *

[[Page 69177]]

    [Delete ``Parcel Return Service (PRS)'' in its entirety.]
* * * * *

Parcel Select

    [Delete the ``Parcel Return Service, 505.4.0'' line item under 
``Parcel Select''.]
* * * * *

Priority Mail

    [Delete the ``Regional Rate'' line item under ``Priority Mail''.]
* * * * *

R

* * * * *

return services

    [Delete the ``Parcel Return Service, 505.4.0'' line item under 
``return services''.]
* * * * *

Notice 123 (Price List)

    [Revise competitive prices as applicable.]
* * * * *

Ruth B. Stevenson,
Chief Counsel, Ethics and Legal Compliance.
[FR Doc. 2022-25180 Filed 11-17-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7710-12-P
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