New Mailing Standards for Domestic Mailing Services Products, 36958-36960 [2023-11892]
Download as PDF
36958
Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 108 / Tuesday, June 6, 2023 / Rules and Regulations
2023’’ and adding ‘‘January 17, 2024’’ in
its place.
charged only for the 2 ounces that are
above 4 ounces.
Katherine K. Vidal,
Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual
Property and Director of the United States
Patent and Trademark Office.
Discount for USPS Marketing Mail
Letter-Shaped Pieces on SCF Pallets
Currently, the Postal Service offers
discounts for USPS Marketing Mail flatshaped pieces on SCF pallets. This
discount would now be extended to
letter-shaped USPS Marketing Mail
pieces on SCF Pallets. This discount
will be applicable to Automation and
Nonautomation (AADC, 3-Digit and 5Digit Presort) Letters, Carrier Route
Letters, High Density Letters, High
Density Plus Letter and Saturation
Letters on SCF Pallets regardless of the
entry (None, DNDC, and DSCF).
[FR Doc. 2023–11917 Filed 6–5–23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–16–P
POSTAL SERVICE
39 CFR Part 111
New Mailing Standards for Domestic
Mailing Services Products
Postal ServiceTM.
Final rule.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
On April 10, 2023, the Postal
Service (USPS®) filed a notice of
mailing services price adjustments with
the Postal Regulatory Commission
(PRC), effective July 9, 2023. This final
rule contains the revisions to Mailing
Standards of the United States Postal
Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®)
to implement the changes coincident
with the price adjustments and other
minor DMM changes.
DATES: Effective July 9, 2023.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Doriane Harley at (202) 268–2537 or
Dale Kennedy at (202) 268–6592.
SUMMARY:
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
On May 31, 2023, the PRC favorably
reviewed the price adjustments
proposed by the Postal Service. The
price adjustments and DMM revisions
are scheduled to become effective on
July 9, 2023. Final prices are available
under Docket No. R2023–2 (Order No.
6526) on the Postal Regulatory
Commission’s website at www.prc.gov.
ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with RULES1
Marketing Mail Flat-Shaped—New
Pricing Structure
Currently, the pricing structure for
USPS Marketing Mail flat-shaped pieces
uses a two-tier pricing approach. For
pieces weighing 4 oz or less, only a perpiece price is charged. For pieces
weighing over 4 oz but less than 16 oz,
both a per-piece and per-pound rate is
charged.
The Postal Service will change the
way USPS Marketing Mail flats are
priced. For each presort level, all pieces
regardless of their weight will pay a
piece price which will differ only by the
entry level, i.e., Origin, DNDC, DSCF,
and DDU. The pound price would be
applicable only to the weight above 4
ounces. For example, if the piece weighs
6 ounces, the pound price will be
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:06 Jun 05, 2023
Jkt 259001
Registered Mail Service Fees
The Postal Service is revising the fee
structure for Registered Mail® service.
Currently, the fee structure includes the
combined cost of handling and
insurance, which incrementally
increases in accordance with an item’s
declared value, up to $50,000.00—the
maximum available amount of
insurance reimbursement. For items
with declared value over $50,000, there
are incrementally increasing handling
fees, although the maximum amount of
insurance reimbursement remains
capped at $50,000. The Postal Service is
revising the fee structure to eliminate
the additional handling fees for items
with declared value over $50,000, and
instead have a flat fee that will cover the
cost of insurance (which remains
capped at a maximum of $50,000,
regardless of the declared value) and
handling on all items with declared
values over $50,000.00.
USPS Ground Advantage Insurance
Currently, the Postal Service does not
include insurance coverage with USPS
Ground Advantage—Retail and USPS
Ground Advantage—Commercial
(formerly First-Class Package Service—
Retail and First-Class Package Service—
Commercial) pieces against loss,
damage, or missing contents.
Additionally, the Postal Service does
not include insurance with USPS
Ground Advantage Return service
(formerly First-Class Package Return
Service) pieces.
The Postal Service will include
insurance, limited to a maximum
liability of $100.00, with USPS Ground
Advantage—Retail and USPS Ground
Advantage—Commercial pieces.
In addition, the Postal Service will
include the $100.00 of insurance with
USPS Ground Advantage Return service
pieces. The inclusion of $100.00 of
insurance with USPS Ground
Advantage Return service pieces, along
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Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
with Priority Mail Return service which
already has insurance included, will
eliminate the senders’ option to
purchase insurance.
Elimination of Service Type Code
Combinations
The Postal Service is eliminating
certain service type code (STC)/extra
service code (ESC) combinations. The
decision is based on those product and
extra service code combinations with
low use or low demand, and those that
do not follow Postal Service compliance
with Intelligent Mail package barcode
rules. Mailers can speak with a USPS
representative for details.
Marriage Mail 2 oz Incentive Price
Marriage Mail is a form of marketing
mail in which marketing service
companies combine advertisements
from multiple businesses into a single
mailpiece to reduce the cost of the
mailing for individual customers.
The Postal Service will provide
marriage mailers an incentive price on
Saturation USPS Marketing Mail letters
and flats including EDDM (not EDDM
Retail) that weigh 2 ounces or less, if
they meet certain requirements.
Among the requirements to be eligible
to claim the incentive price are that
qualifying Marriage Mail pieces must
include at least 4 advertisers and must
be mailed at minimum 10 times every
12 months (starting with the month of
first claiming the incentive price).
Information on the requirements to
claim the Marriage Mail Incentive price
will be posted on PostalPro at
postalpro.usps.com.
2024 Mailing Promotions
The Postal Service has been incenting
mailers to integrate mobile technology
and use innovative print techniques in
commercial mail since 2012. These
promotions have become an integral
way for industry to try new things and
innovate their mail campaigns. A 2024
Promotions Calendar is planned with
opportunities for mailers to receive a
postage discount by applying treatments
or integrating technology in their mail
campaigns.
These revisions will provide
consistency within postal products and
add value for customers.
Market Dominant comments on
Proposed changes and USPS responses.
The Postal Service did not receive any
formal comments on the April 2023
proposed rule (88 FR 22973–22975).
*
*
*
*
*
The Postal Service adopts the
described changes to Mailing Standards
of the United States Postal Service,
Domestic Mail Manual (DMM),
E:\FR\FM\06JNR1.SGM
06JNR1
Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 108 / Tuesday, June 6, 2023 / Rules and Regulations
incorporated by reference in the Code of
Federal Regulations. We will publish an
appropriate amendment to 39 CFR part
111 to reflect these changes.
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]
*
*
*
*
*
4.3 Piece/Pound Prices
[Revise the last sentence of 4.3 to read as
follows:]
Flats that exceed 4 ounces are subject to a
two-part piece/pound price that includes a
fixed charge per piece and a variable pound
charge based on the weight above 4 ounces.
*
*
*
*
*
500
Additional Mailing Services
1. The authority citation for 39 CFR
part 111 continues to read as follows:
503
Extra Services
*
*
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.
1.0
■
2. Revise the Mailing Standards of the
United States Postal Service, Domestic
Mail Manual (DMM) as follows:
■
Mailing Standards of the United States
Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual
(DMM)
*
*
*
*
*
240 Commercial Mail USPS Marketing
Mail
243
Prices and Eligibility
1.0
Prices and Fees
*
1.2
*
*
*
*
*
USPS Marketing Mail Prices
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
1.5 Computing Postage for USPS Marketing
Mail
*
*
*
*
*
1.5.4 Per Piece and Per Pound Charges
[Add a sentence at the end of the
paragraph to read as follows:]
* * * For USPS Marketing Mail flats that
weigh over 4 ounces, the pound price is
applicable only to the weight above 4 ounces.
1.5.5 Computing Affixed Postage for Piece/
Pound Price Mailpieces
[Revise the text of 1.5.5 to read as follows:]
To compute postage to be affixed to each
piece/pound price piece, multiply the weight
of the piece (in pounds) by the applicable
price per pound (For USPS Marketing Mail
flats, multiply the weight of the piece that
exceeds 4 ounces by the applicable price per
pound); add the applicable per piece charge
and any surcharge; and round the sum up to
the next tenth of a cent. See 244.2.0 for
affixing postage.
*
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*
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16:06 Jun 05, 2023
Jkt 259001
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*
*
Basic Standards for All Extra Services
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*
1.4
*
*
*
Eligibility for Extra Services
*
*
*
*
*
1.4.1 Eligibility—Domestic Mail
[Revise the text of 1.4.1 to read as follows:]
Exhibit 1.4.1 provides the eligibility of
each extra service for domestic mail. The
exhibit also provides the additional extra
services that may be combined with each
extra service. The combined extra services
are subject to the eligibility of the mail listed
for each extra service. Certain eligible extra
service combinations may not be available for
purchase (Mailers can speak with a USPS
representative for details.). The following
extra services or additional extra services
may be added at the time of mailing, if
available, when the standards for the services
are met and the applicable fees are paid.
*
*
[Renumber item (c) as (d) then add a new
item (c) to read as follows:]
c. For USPS Marketing Mail flats that
weigh over 4 ounces, the pound price is
applicable only to the weight above 4 ounces.
For example, if the piece weighs 6 ounces,
the pound price will apply only to the 2
ounces that are above 4 ounces.
ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with RULES1
4.0 Price Eligibility for USPS Marketing
Mail
*
*
*
*
Exhibit 1.4.1 Eligibility—Domestic Mail
EXTRA SERVICE
ELIGIBLE MAIL
ADDITIONAL COMBINED EXTRA
SERVICES
*
*
*
*
*
* * * Registered Mail articles valued over
$50,000.00 are charged a flat fee that includes
insurance up to $50,000.00 maximum
insurance limit, and the handling cost.* * *
*
4.0
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Insured Mail
*
*
[Revise the heading of 4.2 to read as
follows:]
4.2 Insurance Coverage Priority Mail,
USPS Ground Advantage—Retail and USPS
Ground Advantage—Commercial
[Revise the introductory text of 4.2 to read
as follows:]
Priority Mail pieces (including Priority
Mail Return service) and USPS Ground
Advantage—Retail and USPS Ground
Advantage—Commercial (including USPS
Ground Advantage 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 items a through c to read
as follows:]
a. Insurance coverage is provided against
loss, damage, or missing contents and is
limited to a maximum liability of $100.00
when the pieces bear an Intelligent Mail
package barcode (IMpb) or USPS retail
tracking barcode (see 4.3.4) and the mailer
pays retail or commercial prices.
b. In addition to the insurance coverage
under 4.2a, additional insurance may be
purchased up to a maximum coverage of
$5,000.00.
c. Pieces meeting the requirements under
4.2, but not supported by a Shipping Services
file must have a full acceptance scan in order
to qualify for automatic insurance coverage.
*
*
*
*
*
*
505
Return Services
*
*
1.4.3
*
*
*
Eligibility—Domestic Returns
*
*
Exhibit 1.4.3
*
*
*
*
Eligibility—Domestic Returns
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
[Delete the ≤$500 and >$500 insurance
options columns under the ‘‘Eligible Extra
Services (Paid by Sender) section of the
table.]’’
[Delete the [Delete footnote #4 in its
entirety.]
*
2.0
Registered Mail
2.1
Basic Standards
2.1.1 Description
[Revise the ninth sentence in the
introductory text of 2.1.1 to read as follows:]
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*
[Revise the first sentence of item e to read
as follows:]
e. Customers may file claims online for
insured domestic items at www.usps.com/
domestic-claims. * * *
Insurance
Insurance Restricted Delivery
[Revise the ‘‘Note:’’ under ‘‘Insurance’’ to
read as follows:]
Note: Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail,
and USPS Ground Advantage includes
$100.00 of insurance; see 503.4.0.
*
36959
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
3.0
USPS Returns Service
3.1
Basic Standards
*
*
*
*
3.1.3 Postage and Prices
Postage and prices are subject to the
following:
*
*
*
*
*
c. The account holder or mailer may obtain
extra and additional services as follows:
[Revise the text of item c1 to read as
follows:]
1. Insurance is available for USPS Returns
service (see 503.4). Insurance is included
with the postage for Priority Mail Return
service and USPS Ground Advantage Return
service (see 503.4.2). Additional insurance
for Priority Mail Return service and USPS
Ground Advantage Return service is available
to the account holder for a fee on packages
that have the applicable STC imbedded into
the IMpb on the label, and for which the
account holder has provided electronic data
E:\FR\FM\06JNR1.SGM
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Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 108 / Tuesday, June 6, 2023 / Rules and Regulations
that supports the value of the merchandise
(see 503.4.3.1a). Only the account holder
may file a claim (see 609). Mailers returning
a USPS Returns service package may not
obtain insurance at their own expense.
*
*
*
*
*
8.0
*
*
*
*
8.10
Pallet Presort and Labeling
*
Tram T. Pham,
Attorney, Ethics and Legal Compliance.
*
*
39 CFR Part 241
Relocating Retail Services; Adding
New Retail Service Facilities
*
8.10.3 USPS Marketing Mail or Parcel
Select Lightweight—Bundles, Sacks, or
Trays
AGENCY:
*
This interim rule revises
regulations concerning public
notification and solicitation of
comments regarding the relocation or
addition of retail service facilities. It
establishes written notice as the
standard method for notifying the
public of plans to add or relocate a retail
service facility, rather than in-person
meetings. In addition, the interim rule
revises the scope of relocations subject
to public notice and solicitation of
community comments to exclude
relocations within a single development
of buildings that share access points
from a public right of way. The interim
rule also removes a duplicative
requirement to inform the community of
potential construction when adding a
retail service facility and makes minor
technical changes.
DATES: Effective June 6, 2023. Comments
must be received by August 7, 2023.
ADDRESSES: Please submit written
comments by email to USPSFAC@
usps.gov, with the subject heading
‘‘241.4 Rulemaking,’’ or by mail to
Joseph B. Fray, United States Postal
Service, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Room
6127, Washington, DC 20260–1127.
All submitted comments and
attachments are part of the public record
and subject to disclosure. Do not
enclose any material in your comments
that you consider to be confidential or
inappropriate for public disclosure. You
may inspect and photocopy all written
comments, by appointment only, at
USPS® Headquarters Library, 475
L’Enfant Plaza SW, 11th Floor North,
Washington, DC 20260. These records
are available for review on Monday
through Friday, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., by
calling 202–268–2906.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
David P. Rouse, Director of Real Estate
& Assets, United States Postal Service,
at David.P.Rouse@usps.gov, (202) 210–
3559.
*
*
*
ACTION:
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise the last two sentences of 8.10.3d to
read as follows]
* * * The SCF Pallet discount applies to 5digit/5-digit scheme USPS Marketing Mail
letter trays and flat shaped bundles on an
SCF pallet entered at an Origin (None),
DNDC, or DSCF entry. SCF pallet discount
does not apply to USPS Marketing Mail
parcels. Labeling: * * *
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise the last two sentences of 8.10.3e to
read as follows]
* * * The SCF Pallet discount applies to 3digit, AADC, ADC, 5-digit, 5-digit scheme,
Carrier Route, High Density, High Density
Plus, and Saturation (including EDDM flats—
Not Retail) USPS Marketing Mail letter trays
and flat shaped bundles on an SCF pallet
entered at an Origin (None), DNDC, or DSCF
entry. SCF pallet discount does not apply to
USPS Marketing Mail parcels.
Labeling: * * *
*
*
*
*
*
[Revise the last two sentences of 8.10.3f to
read as follows]
* * * The SCF Pallet discount applies to 3digit, AADC, ADC, 5-digit, 5-digit scheme,
Carrier Route, High Density, High Density
Plus, and Saturation (including EDDM flats—
Not Retail) USPS Marketing Mail letter trays
and flat shaped bundles on an SCF pallet
entered at an Origin (None), DNDC, or DSCF
entry. SCF pallet discount does not apply to
USPS Marketing Mail parcels.
Labeling: * * *
*
*
*
VerDate Sep<11>2014
*
*
16:06 Jun 05, 2023
Postal ServiceTM
Interim final rule.
SUMMARY:
*
[Revise the text 8.10.3c to read as follows]
c. 5-digit carrier routes, required except for
trays, permitted for bundles, sacks, trays, and
cartons. Allowed with no weight minimum
for bundles. Pallet must contain only carrier
route mail for the same 5-digit ZIP Code. The
SCF Pallet discount applies to 5-digit carrier
routes USPS Marketing Mail letter trays on
an SCF pallet entered at an Origin (None),
DNDC, or DSCF entry. Labeling: * * *
ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with RULES1
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POSTAL SERVICE
*
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BILLING CODE P
Preparing Pallets
*
*
Jkt 259001
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When the
Postal Service makes a tentative
decision to relocate all retail services
from a retail service facility to a separate
physical building, or to add a new retail
service facility for a community, it
provides advance notification to the
community and solicits community
comments. 39 CFR 241.4(a)(1). The
Postal Service considers community
comments before reaching a final
decision to proceed with, modify, or
cancel the proposed relocation or
addition. Id. 241.4(c)(4). Exceptions to
the general notification requirement
apply to certain temporary or emergency
relocations. 39 CFR 241.4(a)(2). The
purpose of the regulation is to notify
members of the community and their
elected officials of retail service facility
relocations and additions, and to
provide them the opportunity to
comment on why the Postal Service’s
tentative decision and proposal may not
be the optimal solution for the Postal
Service’s identified need. 39 CFR
241.4(c)(4). To obtain this community
input, prior to the exceptional
circumstances of the COVID–19
pandemic, the Postal Service notified
the community through a news release
and a public presentation, either as part
of the agenda at a regularly scheduled
public meeting of local officials or at a
separately scheduled Postal Service
public meeting addressing the proposal.
39 CFR 241.4(c)(2). The regulation
presently allows for an alternate method
of notifying the community under
exceptional circumstances that would
prevent a Postal Service representative
from attending or conducting a public
meeting . . . the Postal Service, in lieu
of a public meeting, will mail written
notification of the tentative decision and
the proposal to customers within the
community . . . seeking their written
input on the proposal and providing an
address to which the community and
local officials may send written appeals
of the tentative decision and comments
on the proposal. 39 CFR 241.4(c)(3).
During the effectiveness of the
Secretary of Health and Human
Services’ Determination of a Public
Health Emergency related to COVID–19,
the Postal Service has mailed postcards
to communities affected by relocations
and additions of retail service facilities
to provide notice and solicit comments,
rather than holding public meetings.
This written notification proved to be a
more effective means of communicating
and provided community members with
a more accessible method of providing
comments. Because written notification
and solicitation of comments more
effectively and accessibly engages
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
[FR Doc. 2023–11892 Filed 6–5–23; 8:45 am]
705 Advanced Preparation and Special
Postage Payment Systems
*
Notice 123 (Price List)
[Revise prices as applicable.]
E:\FR\FM\06JNR1.SGM
06JNR1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 108 (Tuesday, June 6, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 36958-36960]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-11892]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
POSTAL SERVICE
39 CFR Part 111
New Mailing Standards for Domestic Mailing Services Products
AGENCY: Postal ServiceTM.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: On April 10, 2023, the Postal Service (USPS[supreg]) filed a
notice of mailing services price adjustments with the Postal Regulatory
Commission (PRC), effective July 9, 2023. This final rule contains the
revisions to Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service,
Domestic Mail Manual (DMM[supreg]) to implement the changes coincident
with the price adjustments and other minor DMM changes.
DATES: Effective July 9, 2023.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Doriane Harley at (202) 268-2537 or
Dale Kennedy at (202) 268-6592.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
On May 31, 2023, the PRC favorably reviewed the price adjustments
proposed by the Postal Service. The price adjustments and DMM revisions
are scheduled to become effective on July 9, 2023. Final prices are
available under Docket No. R2023-2 (Order No. 6526) on the Postal
Regulatory Commission's website at www.prc.gov.
Marketing Mail Flat-Shaped--New Pricing Structure
Currently, the pricing structure for USPS Marketing Mail flat-
shaped pieces uses a two-tier pricing approach. For pieces weighing 4
oz or less, only a per-piece price is charged. For pieces weighing over
4 oz but less than 16 oz, both a per-piece and per-pound rate is
charged.
The Postal Service will change the way USPS Marketing Mail flats
are priced. For each presort level, all pieces regardless of their
weight will pay a piece price which will differ only by the entry
level, i.e., Origin, DNDC, DSCF, and DDU. The pound price would be
applicable only to the weight above 4 ounces. For example, if the piece
weighs 6 ounces, the pound price will be charged only for the 2 ounces
that are above 4 ounces.
Discount for USPS Marketing Mail Letter-Shaped Pieces on SCF Pallets
Currently, the Postal Service offers discounts for USPS Marketing
Mail flat-shaped pieces on SCF pallets. This discount would now be
extended to letter-shaped USPS Marketing Mail pieces on SCF Pallets.
This discount will be applicable to Automation and Nonautomation (AADC,
3-Digit and 5-Digit Presort) Letters, Carrier Route Letters, High
Density Letters, High Density Plus Letter and Saturation Letters on SCF
Pallets regardless of the entry (None, DNDC, and DSCF).
Registered Mail Service Fees
The Postal Service is revising the fee structure for Registered
Mail[supreg] service. Currently, the fee structure includes the
combined cost of handling and insurance, which incrementally increases
in accordance with an item's declared value, up to $50,000.00--the
maximum available amount of insurance reimbursement. For items with
declared value over $50,000, there are incrementally increasing
handling fees, although the maximum amount of insurance reimbursement
remains capped at $50,000. The Postal Service is revising the fee
structure to eliminate the additional handling fees for items with
declared value over $50,000, and instead have a flat fee that will
cover the cost of insurance (which remains capped at a maximum of
$50,000, regardless of the declared value) and handling on all items
with declared values over $50,000.00.
USPS Ground Advantage Insurance
Currently, the Postal Service does not include insurance coverage
with USPS Ground Advantage--Retail and USPS Ground Advantage--
Commercial (formerly First-Class Package Service--Retail and First-
Class Package Service--Commercial) pieces against loss, damage, or
missing contents. Additionally, the Postal Service does not include
insurance with USPS Ground Advantage Return service (formerly First-
Class Package Return Service) pieces.
The Postal Service will include insurance, limited to a maximum
liability of $100.00, with USPS Ground Advantage--Retail and USPS
Ground Advantage--Commercial pieces.
In addition, the Postal Service will include the $100.00 of
insurance with USPS Ground Advantage Return service pieces. The
inclusion of $100.00 of insurance with USPS Ground Advantage Return
service pieces, along with Priority Mail Return service which already
has insurance included, will eliminate the senders' option to purchase
insurance.
Elimination of Service Type Code Combinations
The Postal Service is eliminating certain service type code (STC)/
extra service code (ESC) combinations. The decision is based on those
product and extra service code combinations with low use or low demand,
and those that do not follow Postal Service compliance with Intelligent
Mail package barcode rules. Mailers can speak with a USPS
representative for details.
Marriage Mail 2 oz Incentive Price
Marriage Mail is a form of marketing mail in which marketing
service companies combine advertisements from multiple businesses into
a single mailpiece to reduce the cost of the mailing for individual
customers.
The Postal Service will provide marriage mailers an incentive price
on Saturation USPS Marketing Mail letters and flats including EDDM (not
EDDM Retail) that weigh 2 ounces or less, if they meet certain
requirements.
Among the requirements to be eligible to claim the incentive price
are that qualifying Marriage Mail pieces must include at least 4
advertisers and must be mailed at minimum 10 times every 12 months
(starting with the month of first claiming the incentive price).
Information on the requirements to claim the Marriage Mail
Incentive price will be posted on PostalPro at postalpro.usps.com.
2024 Mailing Promotions
The Postal Service has been incenting mailers to integrate mobile
technology and use innovative print techniques in commercial mail since
2012. These promotions have become an integral way for industry to try
new things and innovate their mail campaigns. A 2024 Promotions
Calendar is planned with opportunities for mailers to receive a postage
discount by applying treatments or integrating technology in their mail
campaigns.
These revisions will provide consistency within postal products and
add value for customers.
Market Dominant comments on Proposed changes and USPS responses.
The Postal Service did not receive any formal comments on the April
2023 proposed rule (88 FR 22973-22975).
* * * * *
The Postal Service adopts the described changes to Mailing
Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual
(DMM),
[[Page 36959]]
incorporated by reference in the Code of Federal Regulations. We will
publish an appropriate amendment to 39 CFR part 111 to reflect these
changes.
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 the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service,
Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) as follows:
Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail
Manual (DMM)
* * * * *
240 Commercial Mail USPS Marketing Mail
243 Prices and Eligibility
1.0 Prices and Fees
* * * * *
1.2 USPS Marketing Mail Prices
* * * * *
[Renumber item (c) as (d) then add a new item (c) to read as
follows:]
c. For USPS Marketing Mail flats that weigh over 4 ounces, the
pound price is applicable only to the weight above 4 ounces. For
example, if the piece weighs 6 ounces, the pound price will apply
only to the 2 ounces that are above 4 ounces.
* * * * *
1.5 Computing Postage for USPS Marketing Mail
* * * * *
1.5.4 Per Piece and Per Pound Charges
[Add a sentence at the end of the paragraph to read as follows:]
* * * For USPS Marketing Mail flats that weigh over 4 ounces,
the pound price is applicable only to the weight above 4 ounces.
1.5.5 Computing Affixed Postage for Piece/Pound Price Mailpieces
[Revise the text of 1.5.5 to read as follows:]
To compute postage to be affixed to each piece/pound price
piece, multiply the weight of the piece (in pounds) by the
applicable price per pound (For USPS Marketing Mail flats, multiply
the weight of the piece that exceeds 4 ounces by the applicable
price per pound); add the applicable per piece charge and any
surcharge; and round the sum up to the next tenth of a cent. See
244.2.0 for affixing postage.
* * * * *
4.0 Price Eligibility for USPS Marketing Mail
* * * * *
4.3 Piece/Pound Prices
[Revise the last sentence of 4.3 to read as follows:]
Flats that exceed 4 ounces are subject to a two-part piece/pound
price that includes a fixed charge per piece and a variable pound
charge based on the weight above 4 ounces.
* * * * *
500 Additional Mailing Services
503 Extra Services
* * * * *
1.0 Basic Standards for All Extra Services
* * * * *
1.4 Eligibility for Extra Services
* * * * *
1.4.1 Eligibility--Domestic Mail
[Revise the text of 1.4.1 to read as follows:]
Exhibit 1.4.1 provides the eligibility of each extra service for
domestic mail. The exhibit also provides the additional extra
services that may be combined with each extra service. The combined
extra services are subject to the eligibility of the mail listed for
each extra service. Certain eligible extra service combinations may
not be available for purchase (Mailers can speak with a USPS
representative for details.). The following extra services or
additional extra services may be added at the time of mailing, if
available, when the standards for the services are met and the
applicable fees are paid.
* * * * *
Exhibit 1.4.1 Eligibility--Domestic Mail
EXTRA SERVICE
ELIGIBLE MAIL
ADDITIONAL COMBINED EXTRA SERVICES
* * * * *
Insurance
Insurance Restricted Delivery
[Revise the ``Note:'' under ``Insurance'' to read as follows:]
Note: Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, and USPS Ground
Advantage includes $100.00 of insurance; see 503.4.0.
* * * * *
1.4.3 Eligibility--Domestic Returns
* * * * *
Exhibit 1.4.3 Eligibility--Domestic Returns
* * * * *
[Delete the <=$500 and $500 insurance options columns
under the ``Eligible Extra Services (Paid by Sender) section of the
table.]''
[Delete the [Delete footnote #4 in its entirety.]
* * * * *
2.0 Registered Mail
2.1 Basic Standards
2.1.1 Description
[Revise the ninth sentence in the introductory text of 2.1.1 to
read as follows:]
* * * Registered Mail articles valued over $50,000.00 are
charged a flat fee that includes insurance up to $50,000.00 maximum
insurance limit, and the handling cost.* * *
* * * * *
4.0 Insured Mail
* * * * *
[Revise the heading of 4.2 to read as follows:]
4.2 Insurance Coverage Priority Mail, USPS Ground Advantage--Retail and
USPS Ground Advantage--Commercial
[Revise the introductory text of 4.2 to read as follows:]
Priority Mail pieces (including Priority Mail Return service)
and USPS Ground Advantage--Retail and USPS Ground Advantage--
Commercial (including USPS Ground Advantage 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 items a through c to read as follows:]
a. Insurance coverage is provided against loss, damage, or
missing contents and is limited to a maximum liability of $100.00
when the pieces bear an Intelligent Mail package barcode (IMpb) or
USPS retail tracking barcode (see 4.3.4) and the mailer pays retail
or commercial prices.
b. In addition to the insurance coverage under 4.2a, additional
insurance may be purchased up to a maximum coverage of $5,000.00.
c. Pieces meeting the requirements under 4.2, but not supported
by a Shipping Services file must have a full acceptance scan in
order to qualify for automatic insurance coverage.
* * * * *
[Revise the first sentence of item e to read as follows:]
e. Customers may file claims online for insured domestic items
at www.usps.com/domestic-claims. * * *
* * * * *
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:
* * * * *
c. The account holder or mailer may obtain extra and additional
services as follows:
[Revise the text of item c1 to read as follows:]
1. Insurance is available for USPS Returns service (see 503.4).
Insurance is included with the postage for Priority Mail Return
service and USPS Ground Advantage Return service (see 503.4.2).
Additional insurance for Priority Mail Return service and USPS
Ground Advantage Return service is available to the account holder
for a fee on packages that have the applicable STC imbedded into the
IMpb on the label, and for which the account holder has provided
electronic data
[[Page 36960]]
that supports the value of the merchandise (see 503.4.3.1a). Only
the account holder may file a claim (see 609). Mailers returning a
USPS Returns service package may not obtain insurance at their own
expense.
* * * * *
705 Advanced Preparation and Special Postage Payment Systems
* * * * *
8.0 Preparing Pallets
* * * * *
8.10 Pallet Presort and Labeling
* * * * *
8.10.3 USPS Marketing Mail or Parcel Select Lightweight--Bundles,
Sacks, or Trays
* * * * *
[Revise the text 8.10.3c to read as follows]
c. 5-digit carrier routes, required except for trays, permitted
for bundles, sacks, trays, and cartons. Allowed with no weight
minimum for bundles. Pallet must contain only carrier route mail for
the same 5-digit ZIP Code. The SCF Pallet discount applies to 5-
digit carrier routes USPS Marketing Mail letter trays on an SCF
pallet entered at an Origin (None), DNDC, or DSCF entry. Labeling: *
* *
* * * * *
[Revise the last two sentences of 8.10.3d to read as follows]
* * * The SCF Pallet discount applies to 5-digit/5-digit scheme
USPS Marketing Mail letter trays and flat shaped bundles on an SCF
pallet entered at an Origin (None), DNDC, or DSCF entry. SCF pallet
discount does not apply to USPS Marketing Mail parcels. Labeling: *
* *
* * * * *
[Revise the last two sentences of 8.10.3e to read as follows]
* * * The SCF Pallet discount applies to 3-digit, AADC, ADC, 5-
digit, 5-digit scheme, Carrier Route, High Density, High Density
Plus, and Saturation (including EDDM flats--Not Retail) USPS
Marketing Mail letter trays and flat shaped bundles on an SCF pallet
entered at an Origin (None), DNDC, or DSCF entry. SCF pallet
discount does not apply to USPS Marketing Mail parcels. Labeling: *
* *
* * * * *
[Revise the last two sentences of 8.10.3f to read as follows]
* * * The SCF Pallet discount applies to 3-digit, AADC, ADC, 5-
digit, 5-digit scheme, Carrier Route, High Density, High Density
Plus, and Saturation (including EDDM flats--Not Retail) USPS
Marketing Mail letter trays and flat shaped bundles on an SCF pallet
entered at an Origin (None), DNDC, or DSCF entry. SCF pallet
discount does not apply to USPS Marketing Mail parcels. Labeling: *
* *
* * * * *
Notice 123 (Price List)
[Revise prices as applicable.]
* * * * *
Tram T. Pham,
Attorney, Ethics and Legal Compliance.
[FR Doc. 2023-11892 Filed 6-5-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE P