Postal Service November 2005 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Postal Service announces the issuance of Issue 31 of the International Mail Manual (IMM), and its incorporation by reference in the Code of Federal Regulations.

The Postal Service \TM\ is adopting new international mail postage rates and fees. The total international rate increase is 5.9 percent. To the extent possible, the targeted increase is 5.4 percent, consistent with our domestic rate filing with the Postal Rate Commission. We are implementing this international pricing change at the same time as our domestic pricing change.

The Postal Service is proposing to require the use of the Electronic Verification System (e-VS) which is an electronic manifest system, for postage manifesting and payment of all Parcel Select mailings. This includes all Standard Mail machinable parcels or other Package Services Parcels (Bound Printed Matter, Library Mail, or Media Mail) authorized for commingling with Parcel Select Mailings. This requirement would contribute to reduced costs and greater efficiencies. The Postal Service is also exploring expanding the program to all parcel mailings in the future. The proposed rule is being published with an intended implementation date of no sooner than 1 year from the date of publication of the Federal Register final rule. The proposed rule would apply as follows: Parcel shippers/consolidators and mailers claiming Parcel Select rates would be required to use e-VS for postage manifesting and payment. Parcel shippers/consolidators and mailers who commingle Standard Mail machinable parcels or other Package Services parcels with Parcel Select as authorized by Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM[supreg]), 705.6.0 and 705.7.0, would be required to use e-VS for postage manifesting and payment.