78 FR 207 pgs. 63915-63929 - New Mailing Standards for Domestic Mailing Services Products
Type: PRORULEVolume: 78Number: 207Pages: 63915 - 63929
Pages: 63915, 63916, 63917, 63918, 63919, 63920, 63921, 63922, 63923, 63924, 63925, 63926, 63927, 63928, 63929FR document: [FR Doc. 2013-24980 Filed 10-24-13; 8:45 am]
Agency: Postal Service
Official PDF Version: PDF Version
[top]
POSTAL SERVICE
39 CFR Part 111
New Mailing Standards for Domestic Mailing Services Products
AGENCY:
Postal ServiceTM .
ACTION:
Proposed rule.
SUMMARY:
On September 26, 2013, the Postal Service filed a notice of mailing services price adjustments with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC), effective January 2014. This proposed rule contains the revisions to Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) that we would adopt to implement the changes coincident with the price adjustments.
DATES:
We must receive comments on or before November 25, 2013.
ADDRESSES:
Mail or deliver written comments to the manager, Product Classification, U.S. Postal Service®, 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW., Room 4446, Washington, DC, 20260-5015. You may inspect and photocopy all written comments at USPS® Headquarters Library, 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW., 11th Floor N, Washington DC by appointment only between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday by calling 1-202-268-2906 in advance. Faxed comments will not be accepted.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Bill Chatfield at 202-268-7278, Lizbeth Dobbins at 202-268-3789, or Steve Monteith at 202-268-6983.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Proposed prices will be available under Docket No. R2013-10 on the Postal Regulatory Commission's Web site at www.prc.gov.
The Postal Service's proposed rule includes new pricing eligibility for retail and commercial nonpresorted First-Class Mail® letters, several mail classification changes, and some condensing of current standards for Periodicals publications.
Proposed Change for Letters
Retail and Commercial First-Class Mail® Letters
The Postal Service proposes to add a new single-piece commercial nonpresorted First-Class Mail letter price category to be called Metered Mail price. Prices for this category are separate from other retail single-piece First-Class Mail letters and would apply for First-Class Mail letters when postage is affixed or imprinted by the mailer for metered indicia, PCPostage, precanceled stamps, or permit imprint. The price also would be available for single-piece retail letters when postage is paid as described. There would be no minimum volume, except for pieces paid by permit imprint, for which the existing minimum of at least 200 pieces would apply. These prices also would apply to residual pieces from automation or presorted First-Class Mail letter mailings, presented in letter trays. When such residual pieces are part of a permit imprint mailing for the presorted or automation mailing, and claimed on the same postage statement as the primary mailing, there would be no separate minimum number of pieces for the commercial nonpresorted portion.
[top] The Postal Service proposes to change the current price structure for residual First-Class Mail letters. Residuals from uniform 1-ounce presort letter mailings will pay the 1-ounce Metered letter price. Residuals from uniform 2-ounce presort letter mailings will pay the 2-ounce Metered letter price Residuals from mixed mailings of 1-ounce and 2-
Proposed Changes for Flats
All Flats
Although not making any changes to mailing standards with this filing, the Postal Service will evaluate the impact of certain types of paper and other physical characteristics for flat mail machinability and may later propose related changes in standards for automation flats.
Standard Mail® Flats
We propose to disallow the use of detached address labels (DALs) with all Standard Mail flats mailed with simplified addresses (EDDM®). Therefore, all EDDM flats (entered at BMEUs or Retail) would have to bear simplified addresses directly on the flats.
Required Flats Sequencing System (FSS) Preparation
The Postal Service initially introduced optional FSS preparation standards in the August 23, 2010 Federal Register , final rule (75 FR 51668-51671) which were incorporated into the DMM on January 2, 2011. These FSS preparation standards were developed in collaboration with the mailing industry group, including both mail owners and mail service providers. This industry group determined that the preparation of bundles and pallets specifically for FSS processing could lead to greater efficiencies and cost savings for both the USPS and the mailing industry. The mailing industry group agreed that the production of uniform bundle heights could reduce the costs associated with preparing bundles, and that more stable pallet construction would improve mailer transport of the mail to drop shipment locations. In addition, preparing FSS scheme pallets allows for the creation of larger pallets, which permits the mail to move directly to the FSS mail prep area.
In the August 23, 2010 final rule, the Postal Service also provided advance notice that FSS-based mail preparation requirements would become mandatory at some point in the future. The Postal Service now proposes to require bundle and pallet preparation of flat-size Standard Mail, Periodicals and Bound Printed Matter mailpieces prepared for delivery within the ZIP Codes TM served by FSS processing. FSS is a critical element in the Postal Service's strategic operations plan. The expansion of its use will allow the Postal Service to improve delivery efficiency and control costs. The efficient induction of mailpieces into FSS requires bundles of flats to be of equal height, in order to facilitate their placement into the standard containers that feed into the FSS induction mechanism.
With this revision, mailers would be required to place mailings of presorted and basic carrier route Standard Mail flats, and Periodicals and Bound Printed Matter presorted and carrier route flats meeting the deflection standards and the physical standards in DMM 301.3.2, and combined mailings of Standard Mail and Periodicals flats prepared under DMM 705.15 into combined 5-digit FSS scheme pools when addressed for delivery to any FSS 5-digit scheme combination per labeling list L006. Optionally, mailers may include nonmachinable Periodicals flats no more than 1-inch thick if they meet the standards in 705.14.
Mailers would place qualifying mailpieces from all price categories into a separate pool for each individual 5-digit FSS-scheme combination. Mailings that include 10 or more pieces of Standard Mail flats, 6 or more pieces of Periodicals flats or 10 or more pieces (or 10 or more pounds) of Bound Printed Matter flats to a FSS scheme must include FSS scheme bundles for that 5-digit FSS scheme. Mailers may optionally prepare scheme pools with less than 10 pieces of Standard Mail flats, 6 pieces of Periodical flats, or 10 pieces (or 10 pounds) of Bound Printed Matter flats and may prepare a FSS scheme bundle if they have a minimum of 3 inches of mail. Mailings of Bound Printed Matter flats not meeting the eligibility standards for presort or carrier route pricing may also be included in FSS preparation, but would not be eligible for presorted or carrier route prices. All pieces for each combined mailpiece pool must be placed in uniform bundles of between 3 inches and 6.5 inches, except for one overflow bundle that may be under the minimum height. Bundles must be otherwise prepared in accordance with the other conditions in DMM 705.14.0.
Bundles must be identified as 5-digit scheme presort, either with an optional endorsement line (OEL) under 708.7.0 or with a "red Label 5 SCH" barcoded pressure-sensitive bundle label. However, mailpieces entered under a combined mailing of Standard Mail and Periodicals flats will continue to require a unique OEL on each piece as described in DMM exhibit 708.7.1.1. Mailers are reminded that every mailpiece prepared under these standards must still include class and price markings as described in DMM 302.3.0 applicable to the price paid, in addition to the FSS bundle identification.
Pallets prepared to the FSS sort plan level (all for the same 5-digit FSS-scheme ZIP Code combination) would continue to be required at 250 pounds, and optional below 250 pounds. However, FSS facility sort (all 5-digit FSS-scheme ZIP Code combinations processed within the same facility) pallets would be optional at any level. Pallets would be required to bear a pallet placard with an Intelligent Mail container barcode. Mailers without the capacity to palletize could request an exception to these palletization requirements from the local plant manager.
Mailpieces that meet the current eligibility standards for basic carrier route prices would be included in FSS preparation requirement. Saturation price Standard Mail and Periodicals flats are not eligible for this preparation. Mailers may optionally include pieces eligible for high density and high density plus prices into FSS preparation, but their inclusion will not be required. Only saturation, high density, and high density plus mailpieces would be eligible for destination delivery unit (DDU) entry within FSS zones. The sequencing of mailpieces within bundles is not required or recommended when preparing FSS bundles.
The Postal Service is adding a new destination FSS (DFSS) price for FSS sort plan containers entered at the correct FSS facility. Initially only FSS sort plan containers would be eligible for these destination-entry prices. The Postal Service is also investigating the feasibility of allowing FSS facility containers to be entered at FSS facilities that are co-located with bundle sortation capability, but no final decision has been made. DFSS entry piece pricing would be available for Standard Mail flats qualifying for carrier route and 5-digit piece prices.
Standard Mail flats properly included in a FSS scheme pool, but qualifying for 3-digit, ADC or mixed ADC prices, would claim 3-digit prices. However, these pieces would not be eligible for DFSS prices when placed on a FSS scheme pallet entered at a DFSS. These pieces would be eligible for DSCF entry prices.
[top] FSS preparation would be optional for Periodicals flats mailed at In-County prices and Periodicals mailings of five thousand pieces or less mailed at Outside-County prices. The 5-digit Outside-County bundle charge would continue to be assessed on bundles of Outside-County Periodicals prepared in accordance with these standards, even
Bound Printed Matter (BPM) flats prepared under these standards placed on FSS scheme pallets, sacks or trays, and entered at a FSS facility would be eligible for DSCF prices. DFSS entry prices would not be available for BPM flats at this time.
Additionally, the Postal Service is currently investigating the operational feasibility of allowing flats exceeding 20 ounces to be included in FSS preparation, and will advise the mailing industry of its findings.
Proposed Changes for Letters, Flats, and Parcels
All Commercial Mail
To accommodate changes in facility functions, the Postal Service has been allowing destination sectional center (DSCF) facility pricing at some former SCFs. As advance notice, effective January 2015, to qualify for DSCF pricing, mailers would be required to enter mail at an actual SCF.
Periodicals
We add a few editorial revisions to standards for Periodicals in DMM 707.4.0, 707.6.0, 707.7.0, 707.9.0, and 707.18.0 to simplify the text. We include these revisions in this proposal to invite any comments and ensure that we are not removing any text needed by customers or employees.
Tray and Sack Labels
We propose to add a restriction on all tray and sack labels to formalize what has been a practical restriction: that all tray and sack labels be non-adhesive. This will enable quicker turnaround of empty sacks and trays for customer use.
Proposed Changes for Parcels
New Live Animal Transportation Fee
The Postal Service is proposing to require all shipments containing mailable live animals to be assessed a Live Animal Transportation Fee. In 2006, as a result of an assessment charged by commercial airlines, the Postal Service first provided notice to mailers of a surcharge for live shipments of $0.20 per pound for day-old poultry in the mail.
To ensure the safety of the animals during mail processing and transportation, the Postal Service has historically provided extra care in handling live animals as a course of action, regardless of the class of mail or the extra service being purchased. This has resulted in additional expense incurred by the Postal Service to isolate and protect live shipments.
Therefore, the Postal Service is proposing to adopt a per pound Live Animal Transportation Fee applicable to all shipments containing live animals.
This proposed Live Animal Transportation Fee is subject to regulatory review by the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC). Therefore, the Postal Service would proceed with the implementation of the pricing component of this rule following filing with the PRC and their subsequent review and input. The Postal Service expects that the Live Animal Transportation Fee will help offset costs for additional handling and care given to shipments of live animals.
New Minimum Volume Criteria for Manifested Parcels (MMS & eVS)
To provide customers with more flexibility to ship their packages using the Postal Service, we propose reducing the minimum criteria of 200 pieces or 50 pounds, when paying postage by permit imprint, to 50 pieces or 50 pounds for manifest mailers using a manifest mailing system (MMS) and eVS® for any single-piece parcel mailings. The Postal Service would allow a combination of any domestic single-piece priced (nonpresorted) parcels to meet the new minimum criteria using one or more of the following: Priority Mail Express TM (PME), Priority Mail, First-Class Mail, First-Class Package Service®, Parcel Select® Nonpresort, nonpresorted Bound Printed Matter, and single-piece Media Mail or Library Mail.
Extra Services and Other Services
Collect on Delivery (COD) Changes
The Postal Service proposes to remove the current option for senders of nursery stock shipped Collect on Delivery (COD) to include special instructions for undeliverable shipments to be auctioned off to the highest bidder and the proceeds remitted to the sender. Effective July 28, 2013, the holding period for COD articles was reduced from 30 days to 10 days, resulting in the USPS being able to return the nursery stock in less time than we previously would hold it for delivery. Additionally, this option has not been commonly used and has been difficult to administer. Therefore, the special instructions for auctions are no longer needed.
The Postal Service also proposes to expand the standards for COD mail to allow Hold for Pick Up service to be added when COD mail is sent as Priority Mail, First-Class Package Service, or Parcel Select Nonpresort.
Signature Hand Stamp Usage
The Postal Service will clarify the standards for use of an addressee's signature hand stamp for Priority Mail Express or accountable mail items. Specifically, we clarify that the use of a hand stamp is not exclusive to the Form 3849. Once approved by the Postmaster, a hand stamp may be used for Priority Mail Express and other accountable mail, including a Return Receipt (Form 3811) purchased with the applicable extra service.
Although these revisions will not be published in the DMM until January 26, 2014, mailers may begin using addressee's signature hand stamps under the revised mailing standards upon publication of the final rule.
Filing of Indemnity Claims
The Postal Service is continuing its efforts to simplify the claims process and reduce the adjudication period when customers file indemnity claims. In addition to further enhancements to our online claims system, the Postal Service proposes to streamline the filing periods and manual processes associated with claims processing for improved efficiency. The claims filing periods for indemnity claims would be 60 days from the date of mailing and subsequently, the claims appeals timeline would be reduced from 60 days to 30 days from the date of the original decision.
Customers will continue to file indemnity claims online or, when no internet access is available to the customer, claims may be filed by mail directly to the Accounting Service Center. A toll-free number is being made available to obtain Form 1000 for customers filing by mail. The local Post Office TM will no longer file the indemnity claims for customers, which eliminates this extra time consuming step.
[top] Clarity is also proposed to the DMM language for payable claims for coins, and other collectibles to require a sales receipt, invoice or bill of sale, or statement of value from a reputable
Return Receipt for Merchandise
Additionally, the Postal Service plans to discontinue offering Return Receipt for Merchandise service in July 2014, because Signature Confirmation provides the same or equivalent service for a lower price.
2014 Promotions
The Postal Service will offer numerous mailing promotions in calendar year 2014, and will share the details of these promotions on the RIBBS Web site soon.
Although we are exempt from the notice and comment requirements of the Administrative Procedure Act [5 U.S.C. 553(b), (c)] regarding proposed rulemaking by 39 U.S.C. 410(a), we invite public comments on the following proposed revisions 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 proposed to be amended as follows:
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, 403, 404, 414, 416, 3001-3011, 3201-3219, 3403-3406, 3621, 3622, 3626, 3632, 3633, and 5001.
2. Revise the following sections of 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)
100Retail Mail
130First-Class Mail
133Prices and Eligibility
1.0First-Class Mail Prices and Fees
1.1First-Class Mail Single-Piece Price Application
See Notice 123-Price List. The single-piece prices for First-Class Mail are applied as follows:
[Revise items 1.1a and 1.1b as follows:]
a. The card price applies to a card meeting the standards in 101.6.3.
b. The letter price applies to letter-size pieces that meet the standards in 101.1.1 and weigh 3.5 ounces or less, and that are not eligible for and claimed at the card price. There are separate prices for stamped letters, and for letters with postage affixed (other than regular stamps) or imprinted by the mailer ( Metered Mail price); see 134.1.1.
134Postage Payment Methods
1.0Postage Payment Methods for First-Class Mail
1.1Payment Method
[Revise the text of 1.1 as follows:]
Postage for single-piece First-Class Mail must be paid with affixed postage stamps (604.1.0), postage evidencing system postage (604.4.0) or permit imprint (604.5.0) as specified in 1.0. When mailers affix postage (other than regular stamps) or use permit imprint on letters, such pieces are eligible for the Metered Mail price.
200Commercial Letters and Cards
230First-Class Mail
233Prices and Eligibility
1.0Prices and Fees for First-Class Mail
1.2Price Computation for First-Class Mail Letters
[Revise the text of 1.2 as follows:]
Commercial First-Class Mail Presorted letters are charged at one price for the first 2 ounces, with separate prices for pieces over 2 ounces up to 3 ounces and for pieces over 3 ounces up to 3.5 ounces. Any fraction of an ounce is considered a whole ounce. The pricing per ounce is similar for automation First-Class Mail letters, with pricing per sortation level. Single-piece price letters that are residual pieces from either a Presorted or automation mailing are charged the residual single-piece price for letters up to 2 ounces when the mailing contains both 1-ounce and 2-ounce pieces and pieces are presented together, and the applicable Metered Mail prices (see 234.1.0) for all other residual pieces. See Notice 123-Price List.
234Postage Payment Methods
1.0Basic Standards for Postage Payment
1.1Postage Payment Options
[Revise the text of 1.1 as follows:]
Postage for Presorted or automation First-Class Mail letters must be paid with affixed postage or permit imprint as specified in 2.0. Residual letters (from presorted or automation mailings) with such postage may be eligible for the Metered Mail price.
2.0Postage Payment for Presorted and Automation Letters
2.1Payment Methods
[Revise the text of 2.1 as follows:]
First-Class Mail presorted and automation postage must be paid with postage evidencing system indicia, permit imprints, or precanceled stamps. All pieces in a mailing must be paid with the same method unless otherwise permitted by standard or Business Mailer Support authorization. Permit imprints may be used for mailings of nonidentical-weight pieces only if authorized by Business Mailer Support.
235Mail Preparation
5.0Preparing Nonautomation Letters
5.1Basic Standards
5.1.2Single-Piece Price Pieces Presented With Presort Mailings
* * * The following standards apply:
[Revise the first two sentences of the introductory paragraph of item 5.1.2a as follows:]
a. The mailer must prepare the single-piece price pieces in separate trays from the automation and presort pieces. Mailers must label the trays under 708.6.0 using CIN code 260 on trays of single-piece letters. * * *
[Revise item 5.1.2.a2 as follows:]
2. Line 2: Use the human-readable content line corresponding to content identifier number 260 (see Exhibit 708.6.2.4).
300Commercial Flats
340Standard Mail
343Prices and Eligibility
5.0Additional Eligibility Standards for Nonautomation Standard Mail Flats
5.1Basic Standards
All pieces in a Regular Standard Mail or Nonprofit Standard Mail Presorted price mailing must:
[top] [Revise 5.1d as follows:]
d. Be marked, sorted and documented as specified in 345 or 705.14.0.
5.35-Digit Prices for Flats
The 5-digit price applies to flat-size pieces:
[Revise 5.3a as follows:]
a. In a 5-digit/scheme bundle of 10 or more pieces, or 15 or more pieces, as applicable; properly placed in a 5-digit/scheme sack containing at least 125 pieces or 15 pounds of pieces; or pieces included in a FSS 5-digit scheme pool prepared under 705.14.
5.43-Digit Prices for Flats
The 3-digit price applies to flat-size pieces:
[Add new item 5.4c as follows:]
c. That are residual pieces not qualifying for carrier route or 5-digit prices, but properly included in a FSS 5-digit scheme pool prepared under 705.14.
6.0Additional Eligibility Standards for Enhanced Carrier Route Standard Mail Flats
6.1General Enhanced Carrier Route Standards
6.1.2Basic Eligibility Standards
All pieces in an Enhanced Carrier Route or Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route Standard Mail mailing must:
[Revise item 6.1.2c as follows:]
c. Be sorted to carrier routes, marked, and documented under 345.6.0 or 705.8.0; or prepared under 705.14.0.
6.3Basic Price Enhanced Carrier Route Standards
6.3.2Basic Price Eligibility
Basic prices apply to each piece in a carrier route bundle of 10 or more pieces that is:
[Revise item 6.3.2a as follows:]
a. Palletized under 705.8.0, 705.10.0, 705.12.0, or 705.13.0.
[Add new item 6.3.2e as follows:]
e. Properly prepared to a FSS 5-digit scheme pool prepared under 705.14.
6.4High Density and High-Density Plus (Enhanced Carrier Route) Standards
6.4.1 Basic Eligibility Standards for High Density and High-Density Plus Prices
All pieces mailed at high density prices must:
[Revise the third sentence of item 6.4.1b as follows:]
b. * * * Multiple pieces per delivery address can count toward the density standards, except for pieces with simplified addresses as allowed under 602.3.0.
7.0Additional Eligibility Standards for Automation Standard Mail Flats
7.1Basic Eligibility Standards for Automation Standard Mail
All pieces in a Regular Standard Mail or Nonprofit Standard Mail automation mailing must:
[Revise 7.1f as follows:]
f. Be marked, sorted and documented under 345.7.0 and 705.8.0 through 705.13.0; or prepared under 705.14.0.
7.3Price Application
Automation prices apply to each piece properly sorted into qualifying groups:
[Revise 7.3a and 7.3b as follows:]
a. The 5-digit price applies to flat-size pieces in a 5-digit/scheme bundle of 10 or more pieces, or 15 or more pieces, as applicable; or 10 or more pieces prepared to a FSS 5-digit scheme pool under 705.14.
b. The 3-digit price applies to flat-size pieces in a 3-digit/scheme bundle of 10 or more pieces. It also applies to residual pieces not qualifying for carrier route or 5-digit prices but included in a FSS 5-digit scheme pool under 705.14.
345Mail Preparation
1.0General Information for Mail Preparation
[Add a new 1.6 as follows:]
1.6FSS Preparation
Except for Standard Mail flats mailed at saturation, High Density or High-Density Plus prices, all Standard Mail flats destinating to FSS zones in accordance with labeling list L006 must be prepared under 705.14.0. Flats qualifying for High Density and High-Density Plus prices also may be included in FSS 5-digit scheme pools.
346Enter and Deposit
4.0Destination Sectional Center Facility (DSCF) Entry
4.2Eligibility
Pieces in a mailing that meets the standards in 2.0 and 4.0 are eligible for the DSCF price, as follows:
[Revise item 4.2c as follows:]
c. DSCF prices apply to residual pieces eligible for 3-digit prices that are properly placed on a FSS scheme pallet, and pieces from all eligible price categories properly placed in a FSS scheme sack or tray, when deposited at a USPS-designated FSS processing facility and labeled to a FSS sort plan processed by that facility or to a 5-digit destination processed by that facility under labeling list L006. These pieces must include a full delivery address and meet the physical standards for FSS-machinability in 705.14.0.
[Delete item 4.2d in its entirety.]
[Renumber the current 5.0 as the new 6.0, and add a new 5.0 as follows:]
5.0Destination Flat Sequencing System (DFSS) Facility Entry
5.1Definition
Destination Flat Sequencing System Facility (DFSS) refers to the facilities listed in L006, Column C.
5.2Eligibility
DFSS prices apply to pieces deposited at a USPS-designated FSS processing facility and correctly placed on a pallet labeled to a FSS sort plan processed by that facility or to a 5-digit destination processed by that facility under labeling list L006. These pieces must include a full delivery address and meet the physical standards for FSS machinability in 705.14.0.
360Bound Printed Matter
365Mail Preparation
1.0General Information for Mail Preparation
[Add a new 1.6 as follows:]
1.6FSS Preparation
[top] BPM flats claiming presort or carrier route prices, meeting the standards in
366Enter and Deposit
5.0Destination Sectional Center Facility (DSCF) Entry
5.1Eligibility
[Revise the introductory text of 5.1 as follows:]
Bound Printed Matter pieces in a mailing meeting the standards in 3.0 are eligible for the DSCF price when they meet all of the following additional conditions:
b. are deposited at:
[Revise item 5.1b2 as follows:]
2. a USPS-designated FSS processing facility and correctly placed in a flat tray, sack, or on a pallet, labeled to a FSS sort plan processed by that facility or to a 5-digit destination processed by that facility under labeling list L006. These pieces must include a full delivery address and meet the physical standards for FSS-machinability in 705.14.0.
500Additional Mailing Services
503Extra Services
1.0Registered Mail
1.6Inquiry on Uninsured Article
1.6.2When and How to File
[Revise the current third sentence and add a new fourth sentence to 1.6.2 as follows:]
* * * File an inquiry for Registered Mail with no declared value by completing a Form 1000, available online at www.usps.com/forms/_pdf/ps1000.pdf. See Publication 122 for additional information.
12.0Collect on Delivery (COD)
12.2Basic Information
12.2.1Description
[Revise the text of 12.2.1 as follows:]
Any mailer may use collect on delivery (COD) service to mail an article for which the mailer has not been paid and have its price and the cost of the postage collected (not to exceed $1,000.00) from the addressee (or addressee's agent). COD service provides the mailer with a mailing receipt and the USPS maintains a record of delivery (including the recipient's signature) for two years. The recipient may pay the COD amount due for a mailpiece (with one form of payment) by cash, or a personal check or money order made payable to the mailer. The USPS forwards the check or money order to the mailer. The Postal Service cannot intervene in disputes between mailers and recipients of COD mail after payment was returned to the mailer. Customers may obtain a delivery record by purchasing return receipt (5.0). Bulk proof of delivery service (6.0) is also available if purchasing electronic return receipt service at the time of mailing. A mailer must use a unique COD number for each article mailed.
12.2.2Eligible Matter
[Revise the introductory text of 12.2.2 as follows:]
COD service may be used for Priority Mail Express (next day and second day service only), Priority Mail (except Critical Mail), First-Class Mail, First-Class Package Service, Standard Post, and Package Services or Parcel Select (except Parcel Select Lightweight) mailpieces if: * * *
12.2.3Additional Services
[Revise 12.2.3 as follows:]
COD service may be used with Hold For Pick Up service under 508.7, and may also be combined with the following services when the additional service fees are paid:
a. Restricted delivery.
b. Return receipt.
c. USPS Tracking (except with Priority Mail Express COD).
d. Registered Mail.
e. Signature Confirmation (except with Priority Mail Express COD).
f. Special handling.
12.2.4Registered COD Mail
[Revise 12.2.4 by deleting the current last two sentences and inserting a new last sentence as follows:]
* * * The label and form must be affixed according to 12.4.1
12.2.5Priority Mail Express COD
[Revise 12.2.5 as follows:]
Any article sent COD also may be sent by Priority Mail Express (next day and second day) when a delivery signature is requested. The maximum amount collectible from the addressee and the indemnity for an individual article is limited to $1,000.00. Priority Mail Express postage and the COD fees must be paid. The label and form must be affixed according to 12.4.1.
12.2.7Redirecting COD Articles
[Revise 12.2.7 as follows:]
The mailer of a COD article may use USPS Package Intercept service under 507.5.0 to redirect the article to a new addressee at a designated Post Office using Hold For Pickup service.
12.3Forms
12.3.1Form 3816
[Revise 12.3.1 as follows:]
Mailers must complete barcoded Form 3816 (see Exhibit 12.3.1) or Form 3816-AS (see 12.3.2) and attach it above the delivery address and to the right of the return address, or to the left of the delivery address on parcels.
12.3.2Privately Printed Form 3816-AS
[Revise 12.3.2 as follows:]
If authorized, a mailer may use a privately printed Form 3816-AS in a 3-ply or 5-ply format. If Form 3816-AS does not provide detachable second and third copies, use Form 3877 under 12.4.4. The privately printed form must be nearly identical in text, design, and color to postal Form 3816, with a COD article number that can be read by automated postal equipment and an Intelligent Mail package barcode (IMpb) prepared under 708.5.0. As stated in Publication 199, available at http://ribbs.usps.gov/, mailers must provide pre-production barcoded COD labels to the National Customer Service Center (NCSC) for review and approval prior to use.
12.3.3 Nursery Stock
[Revise 12.3.3 as follows:]
A firm that mails nursery stock may use Form 3816-AS (see 12.3.2) and include instructions for disposing of shipments not delivered immediately under the following conditions:
a. The firm's instructions on the back of the delivery office part of the COD form (1), and on the remittance coupon (2), should read as follows:
1. "If recipient refuses to pay charges for any reason, deliver at once without collecting the charges. If parcel is not deliverable or not claimed by the addressee after 10 days, destroy parcel. See remittance coupon for further instructions."
2. "Return this coupon with money order. If parcel is delivered without collection of charges, or is destroyed after 10 days, check disposition and send coupon to sender in penalty envelope."
Delivered to addressee without collecting charges.
[top] Destroyed after 10 days.
12.4Mailing
12.4.1Identifying Number
[Revise 12.4.1 as follows:]
COD articles are identified by a number on each section of the COD form. When COD is used with Priority Mail Express, Registered Mail, Hold For Pickup service or, a separate barcoded shipping label, the mailer must place both the label and the COD form on the front of the article. The Priority Mail Express article number or the Registered Mail number is used for delivery receipt and indemnity claims. When a separate Hold For Pickup or barcoded shipping label is used, the identifying tracking numbers on the label and the COD form must match.
[Delete item 12.4.2, Numbering for Large Volumes, in its entirety (context of text relocated into 12.2.1), and renumber current items 12.4.3 through 12.4.8 as new items 12.4.2 through 12.4.7]
12.4.2Completing COD Forms
[Revise the text of renumbered 12.4.2 as follows:]
The mailer must securely affix the COD form to each COD article. The form must show article number, names and addresses of mailer and recipient, amount due mailer, and amount of money order fee. This required information must be handwritten with ink, typewritten, or computer printed. The mailer may not stipulate "Cash Only" on the COD form. The USPS is not responsible for errors that a mailer makes in stating the charges to be collected.
12.4.3Addressing Forms
[Revise the second sentence of renumbered 12.4.3 as follows:]
* * * The return address on the COD form must be the same as the return address on the COD article, except that a mailer using a Form 3816-AS may print a different address on the remittance coupon where payments are to be sent.* * *
12.4.4Receipt
[Revise the text of renumbered 12.4.4 as follows:]
A mailer using Form 3816 receives a section of this form as a receipt. If three or more COD articles are presented for mailing at one time, the mailer may use Form 3877 (firm sheet) or privately printed firm sheets in conjunction with Form 3816. When a mailer uses a Form 3816-AS that does not provide detachable second and third copies, Form 3877 also must be used. Privately printed or computer-generated firm sheets that contain the same information as Form 3877 may be approved by the local postmaster or manager, business mail entry. Mailers may omit columns from Form 3877 that do not apply to COD mail. The mailer must submit firm sheets in duplicate and will receive one copy of the postmarked form as a mailing receipt (in lieu of Copy 3 of Form 3816 or Form 3816-AS) after the entries are verified by the accepting postal employee. The acceptance Post Office will retain the second copy. All entries on Form 3877 or privately-printed firm sheets must be made by typewriter, printed in ink, or computer-generated. Alterations must be initialed by the mailer and accepting employee. All unused portions of the addressee column must be obliterated with a diagonal line.
12.5Delivery
[Revise the text of 12.5 as follows:]
Delivery of COD mail is subject to 508.1.0 and 508.2.0. Except for Priority Mail Express COD, a postmaster may restrict delivery of COD mail if the amount to be collected makes the carrier a potential target for theft or if it is known that the addressee will be unavailable to receive the article at the time of delivery. If payment is by the recipient's check or a money order made payable to the mailer, the recipient must present adequate identification. If payment is made by cash, a money order fee is collected from the recipient in addition to the COD amount.
507Mailer Services
1.0Treatment of Mail
1.8Returning Mail
1.8.5Extra Services
[Revise 1.8.5 by revising the third and fourth sentences and adding a new fifth sentence as follows:]
* * * The sender must sign a delivery receipt for returned Priority Mail Express, Registered Mail, COD articles, Adult Signature services, and mail insured for more than $200. Returned Priority Mail Express (when waiver of signature is requested by sender), Certified Mail, and mail with Signature Confirmation or return receipt for merchandise service may be returned to the sender without obtaining a signature when those mailpieces are properly returned as undeliverable.
4.0Address Correction Services
4.3Sender Instructions
4.3.2Extra Services
[Revise the complete text of 4.3.2 as follows:]
A change-of-address order covers Certified Mail, COD, insured, Registered Mail, Signature Confirmation, Adult Signature services, and return receipt for merchandise mail unless the sender gives other instructions or the addressee moves outside the United States. This mail is treated as follows:
a. COD mail is not forwarded to overseas military Post Offices.
b. Ordinary and insured parcels marked on the envelope or wrapper with the mailer's instructions are treated following instructions, such as: "Do not forward or return. If not accepted within ___ days, treat as abandoned. Notify mailer of disposition."
c. COD mail will be handled as requested when marked under 503.12.
508Recipient Services
1.0Recipient Options
1.1Basic Recipient Concerns
1.1.7Priority Mail Express and Accountable Mail
[Revise the introductory text of 1.1.7 as follows:]
The following conditions also apply to the delivery of Priority Mail Express and other accountable mail (Registered Mail, Certified Mail, insured for more than $200.00, COD, or Adult Signature services as well as mail with return receipt service, return receipt for merchandise service, or restricted delivery service:
[Revise the text of item 1.1.7a as follows:]
a. The addressee (or addressee's representative) may obtain the sender's name and address and may look at the mailpiece while held by the USPS employee before accepting delivery and endorsing the delivery receipt.
[Revise the text of item 1.1.7c as follows:]
c. Suitable identification may be required of the recipient before delivery of the mailpiece.
[top] [Revise the text of item 1.1.7e as follows:]
e. USPS responsibility ends when the mailpiece is delivered to the addressee (or another party, subject to 1.0).
[Revise all of item 1.1.7g as follows:]
g. A hand stamp approved by the postmaster may be used to provide the signature and name of the individual or organization receiving the mailpiece as follows:
1. The hand stamp imprint must fit within the Signature and Printed Name blocks on Form 3849, without overlapping into the delivery office information section or the Delivery Address block.
2. To obtain approval for a hand stamp, the company must submit a written statement to the postmaster that the person whose name appears on the stamp is authorized to accept accountable mail, accompanied by a sample of the authorized employee's signature. After approval, the documentation submitted is held by the postmaster and the stamped signature and name are acceptable only if a legible impression is provided within the Signature and Printed Name blocks on Form 3849.
3. For mail addressed only to a federal or state official, the stamp need show only the name and location of the accepting organization. In these cases, the stamp imprint must fit within the Printed Name and Delivery Address block of Form 3849 without overlapping into the Signature block or barcode sections.
7.0Hold For Pickup
7.2Basic Information
7.2.1Description
[Revise the text of 7.2.1 as follows:]
Hold For Pickup service allows eligible mailpieces to be held at a designated Post Office for pick up by an addressee or designee. When the mailer has provided contact information to the destination Post Office, the customer is notified by email that a package is available for pickup. This service provides the shipper with the date and time of delivery to the addressee. If the item has not been picked up within 5 days, the Post Office will make a second attempt to notify the addressee. The item will be returned to the sender if not picked up within 15 days.
7.2.2Basic Eligibility
[Revise the text of 7.2.2 as follows:]
Hold For Pickup service is available with Priority Mail Express. It is also available with commercial mailings of Priority Mail (except Critical Mail), First-Class Package Service parcels, and Parcel Select Nonpresort parcels when:
a. Mailpieces bear the Hold For Pickup label (additional labeling standards under 503.12 apply when combined with COD service).
b. Mailpieces bear an Intelligent Mail package barcode meeting the standards in 708.5.0.
c. One of the extra services in 7.2.6 is combined with Hold For Pickup service.
7.2.6Extra Services
[Revise the introductory text of 7.2.6 as follows:]
Hold For Pickup service, except when used with Priority Mail Express, must be combined with one or more of the following:
[Add new item 7.2.6e as follows:]
e. Collect on Delivery (COD).
7.3Preparation Definitions and Instructions
Except for Priority Mail Express Hold For Pickup presented at retail Post Office locations, mailers or their agents must prepare mailpieces bearing the "Hold For Pickup" label as follows:
[Delete current item 7.3a in its entirety, and redesignate current items b through d as new items a through c; additionally revise redesignated item 7.3a as follows:]
a. Exchange electronic files with USPS through an approved file transfer protocol to notify the addressee when a parcel is available for pickup or to notify the mailer or agent that items are available to be picked up as "return to sender."
c. In addition to the markings defined in 7.0, address labels on a Hold For Pickup mailpiece must contain the elements below:
[Revise redesignated 7.3c7 as follows:]
7. The lower half of the address label must contain an Intelligent Mail package barcode meeting the standards in 708.5.0 or an integrated barcode as defined in Publication 199.
[Insert new item 7.3c8 as follows:]
8. If combined with COD service, other information as required in 503.12.
600Basic Standards for All Mailing Services
601Mailability
9.0Perishables
9.3Live Animals
[Insert new item 9.3.13 as follows:]
9.3.13Live Animal Transportation Fee
In addition to the applicable postage and any extra services fees, a shipment containing any mailable live animal is charged a live animal transportation fee based upon the weight of the shipment. See Notice 123-Price List.
602Addressing
1.0Elements of Addressing
1.5Return Addresses
[Renumber current 1.5.4 as new 1.5.5; add new 1.5.4 to read as follows:]
1.5.4Use of Foreign Return Addresses
Regardless of destination, when U.S. postage is applied to a mailpiece, only a domestic return address is authorized, except when the addressee's permanent residence is outside the United States or its territories (e.g., a tourist who lives abroad and is shipping an item home from the United States). This exception is applicable for only incidental non-commercial use for single-piece price mailpieces.
4.0Detached Address Labels (DALs) and Detached Marketing Labels (DMLs)
4.1DAL and DML Use
4.1.2Periodicals or Standard Mail Flats Saturation Mailings
[Revise the text of 4.1.2 as follows:]
Saturation mailings of unaddressed Periodicals or Standard Mail flats, except Standard Mail flats with simplified addresses (EDDM), may be mailed with detached address labels (DALs). For this standard, saturation mailing means a mailing sent to at least 75% of the total addresses on a carrier route or 90% of the residential addresses on a route, whichever is less. Saturation flats presented with DALs that are not automation-compatible and correctly barcoded do not qualify for saturation prices. Instead they may be entered at applicable basic carrier route prices. This standard (for automation-compatible barcoded DALs) does not apply to DALs with simplified addressing when correctly used with Periodicals flats.
[top]
4.2Label Preparation
4.2.2Addressing
[Revise the text of 4.2.2 as follows:]
The address for each item must be placed on a DAL, parallel to the longest dimension of the DAL, and may not appear on the item it accompanies. The DAL must contain the delivery address and a return address. In addition, if DALs accompany saturation mailings of Periodicals or Standard Mail flats, a correct Intelligent Mail barcode with an 11-digit routing code must be printed on each DAL except when using a simplified address for Periodicals flats as allowed by standards.
4.5Postage
4.5.2Postage Computation and Payment
* * * In addition, these methods of postage payment apply:
[Revise item 4.5.2b as follows:]
b. Standard Mail flats (except EDDM flats) and parcels and Bound Printed Matter pieces must be paid by permit imprint, which must appear on each DAL.
604Postage Payment Methods
5.0Permit Imprint (Indicia)
5.1General Standards
5.1.2Minimum Volume
Permit imprint mailings must contain at least 200 pieces or 50 pounds of mail, except:
[Add new item 5.1.2g as follows:]
g. A mailing containing 50 pieces or 50 pounds of nonpresorted single-piece domestic mail parcels submitted under the terms of an approved Manifest Mailing System (including eVS) agreement under 705.2.0. Mailers may include any combination of the following products under this provision: Priority Mail Express (eVS only), Priority Mail, First-Class Package Service parcels, First-Class Mail parcels, nonpresorted Bound Printed Matter parcels, Parcel Select Nonpresort parcels, and single-piece Media Mail and Library Mail parcels. Parcels in USPS-provided packaging, including Flat Rate Envelopes and Boxes, may be included.
609Filing Indemnity Claims for Loss or Damage
1.0General Filing Instructions
1.1Extra Services With Indemnity
[Revise the text of 1.1 as follows:]
A customer may file an indemnity claim for insured mail, COD items, Registered Mail with postal insurance, or Priority Mail Express. See Publication 122, available on www.usps.com, for additional information.
1.4When to File
File claims as follows:
[Revise the chart in 1.4 as follows:]
| Mail type or service | When to file (from mailing date) | No sooner than | No later than |
|---|---|---|---|
| Priority Mail Express | 7 days | 60 days. | |
| Priority Mail Express COD | 15 days | 60 days. | |
| Registered Mail | 15 days | 60 days. | |
| Registered Mail COD | 15 days | 60 days. | |
| Insured Mail (including Priority Mail under 3.2) | 15 days | 60 days. | |
| COD | 15 days | 60 days. | |
| APO/FPO Insured Mail (First-Class Mail, SAM, or PAL) | 45 days | 1 year. | |
| APO/FPO Insured Mail (Surface only) | 75 days | 1 year. |
[Delete item 1.5, Where to File, in its entirely and renumber current 1.6 and 1.7 as new item 1.5 and 1.6, then revise the title of renumbered 1.5 as follows:]
1.5Where and How to File
1.5.1Claims Filed Online
[Revise the first and second sentences of 1.5.1 as follows:]
Indemnity claims should be filed online (preferred) at www.usps.com/domestic-claims for domestic insured mail, COD, Registered Mail with postal insurance, and Priority Mail Express. Proof of value is required and should be submitted as an uploaded file (.pdf or .jpeg).* * *
1.5.2Claims Filed by Mail
[Revise the text of renumbered 1.5.2 as follows:]
Customers also may file a claim by completing a PS Form 1000, Domestic or International Claim, and mailing it to Domestic Claims, Accounting Services (see 608.8.0.) Proof of value must accompany the PS Form 1000. For pieces with multiple extra services, the customer must provide original receipts for all services purchased. Upon request by the USPS, the customer must submit proof of damage under 2.1 for damaged items or missing contents.
[Delete renumbered 1.5.3, Claims Filed at the Post Office and current 1.7, Filing Duplicate Claims, in their entirety.]
2.0Providing Proof of Loss or Damage
[Delete the title of current 2.1, and revise the text of current 2.1 as new 2.0 as follows:]
If a claim is filed because some or all of the contents are missing or damaged, the addressee must retain the mailing container, including any damaged articles, all packaging, and any contents received. Upon written request by the USPS, the addressee must make this proof available to the local Post Office for inspection, retention, and disposition in accordance with the claims decision. Failure to do so will result in denial of the claim.
[Delete current 2.2, Proof of Damage, in its entirety.]
3.0Providing Evidence of Insurance and Value
3.1Evidence of Insurance
[Revise the complete text of 3.1 as follows:]
For a claim involving articles listed in 1.1, the customer must retain evidence showing that the particular service was purchased, until the claim is resolved. Examples of acceptable evidence are:
a. The original mailing receipt issued at the time of mailing (retail insured mail, Registered Mail, and COD receipts must contain a USPS postmark). For insured mail, a photocopy of the original mailing receipt is acceptable.
[top] b. The outer packaging showing the names and addresses of the sender and
c. For Priority Mail Express items accepted under a Priority Mail Express Manifesting agreement in 705.2.0, a copy of the manifest page showing the Priority Mail Express label number for the item; the manifest summary page for the mailing date of the piece; a copy of Form 3152-E round-dated by the accepting Post Office; and a copy of the USPSCA monthly statement that lists the label number and postage for the mailpiece. If the customer purchased additional insurance, a copy of the round-stamped Form 3877 also must be submitted.
d. For insurance purchased online, a printed electronic online label record or a computer printout from the application used to print the label and purchase the insurance. The printout must identify the USPS Tracking number of the insured parcel, total postage paid, insurance fee paid, declared value, mailing date, origin ZIP Code, and delivery ZIP Code.
e. For insured mail or COD mail paid using MMS or eVS under 705.2, the mailer must use one of the following:
1. A Detail Record in their Shipping Services file version 1.6 or higher, with recipient name and address information for the accountable extra services pieces in the mailing.
2. A printout of the part of Form 3877 that identifies the parcel by article number, the package identification code (PIC) of the insured or COD parcel, total postage paid, fee paid, declared insured value, amount due sender if COD, mailing date, origin ZIP Code, and delivery ZIP Code reported in the parcel record in the manifest file.
[Revise the title and introductory text of 3.2 as follows:]
3.2Proof of Value
Either the mailer or the addressee must submit acceptable proof to establish the cost or value of the article at the time it was mailed. Proof of value should be submitted electronically or attached to the claim form under 1.6; otherwise, the claim cannot be processed. Other proof may be requested to help determine an accurate value. Examples are:
[Revise item 3.2b as follows:]
b. For items valued up to $50, the customer's statement describing the lost or damaged article and including the date and place of purchase, the amount paid, and whether the item was new or used (if a receipt or invoice is not available).
[Revise item 3.2g as follows:]
g. A copy of a credit card statement or other documentation indicating the amount paid.
4.0Claims
4.1Payable Claim
[Revise the introductory sentence of 4.1 as follows:]
Insurance for loss or damage to insured, COD, or Registered Mail within the amount covered by the fee paid or the indemnity limits for Priority Mail Express (under 4.2) is payable for the following:
[Revise item 4.1g as follows:]
g. For stamps and coins of philatelic or numismatic value; the fair market value is determined by a recognized stamp or coin dealer or current coin and stamp collectors' newsletters and trade papers. The date of the fair market value determination must be current and prior to the mailing date.
[Insert new items 4.1p and 4.1q as follows:]
p. For firearms mailed by licensed firearm dealers under 601.12, a Form 1508 must be submitted with the claim.
q. For collectible items, a sales receipt, invoice or bill of sale, or statement of value from a reputable dealer must be provided as described in 3.2.a.
4.2Payable Priority Mail Express Claim
[Revise the introductory text of 4.2 and the introductory text of item 4.2a as follows:]
In addition to the payable claims in 4.1, the following are payable for Priority Mail Express mailpieces:
a. Nonnegotiable documents are insured against loss, damage, or loss of some contents while in transit. Coverage is limited to $100 per mailpiece, subject to a maximum limit per occurrence as provided in 4.2a4. Claims for document reconstruction insurance must be supported by a statement of expense incurred in reconstruction. Nonnegotiable documents include audit and business records, commercial papers, and other written instruments that cannot be negotiable or cannot be converted into cash without forgery. Articles such as artwork, collector or antique items, books, pamphlets, readers' proofs, repro proofs, separation negatives, engineering drawings, blueprints, circulars, advertisements, film, negatives, and photographs are considered merchandise, not documents. Indemnity for document reconstruction is paid as follows:
4.3Nonpayable Claims
Indemnity is not paid for insured mail, Registered Mail, COD, or Priority Mail Express in these situations:
[Revise item 4.3f as follows:]
f. Loss resulting from delay of the mail, except under 4.2a2 and 4.3ad below.
[Revise item 4.3k as follows:]
k. Death of honeybees, crickets, and harmless live animals not the fault of the USPS (mailability is subject to 601.9.0).
[Revise item 4.3r as follows:]
r. Consequential loss of Priority Mail Express, except under 4.2a3 and 4.3ad.
[Revise item 4.3aa as follows:]
aa. Lottery tickets, sweepstakes tickets, contest entries, gift cards and similar items.
6.0Adjudication of Claims
6.2Appealing a Claim Decision
[Revise the text of 6.2 as follows:]
A customer may appeal a claim decision within 30 days from the date of the original decision at www.usps.com/insuranceclaims/online. Customers without internet access must send written appeals to Accounting Services (see 608.8.0 for address).
6.3Final USPS Decision of Claims
[Revise the text of 6.3 as follows:]
If Accounting Services sustains the denial of a claim, the customer may submit an additional appeal within 30 days for final review and decision to the Consumer Advocate (see 608.8.0 for address).
700Special Standards
705Advanced Preparation and Special Postage Payment Systems
8.0Preparing Pallets
8.5General Preparation
[top]
8.5.6Mail on Pallets
These standards apply to mail on pallets:
[Revise item 8.5.6h as follows:]
h. Heavier, fuller trays must be placed at the bottom of the load, unless excepted by other standards (such as 245.7.7) that may require placement on the top of the pallet.
14.0Combining Bundles of Flats on Pallets within FSS Zones
14.1General
[Revise the introductory paragraph of 14.1 as follows:]
Presorted and basic carrier route Standard Mail flats, and all Bound Printed Matter (BPM) presorted and carrier route flats and Periodicals flats meeting the standards in 301.3.2, must be consolidated into 5-digit FSS scheme bundles and placed on pallets, in sacks, or in approved alternate containers, for 5-digit FSS scheme ZIP Code combinations within the same facility. Mailings that include 10 or more pieces of Standard Mail flats, 6 or more pieces of Periodicals flats or 10 or more pieces (or 10 or more pounds) of BPM flats to a FSS scheme, must include FSS scheme bundles for that 5-digit FSS scheme. Mailers may optionally prepare scheme pools with less than those minimums and may prepare a FSS scheme bundle if there is a minimum of 3 inches per bundle. Mailings of nonpresorted BPM flats may be included in FSS preparation, but will not be eligible for presorted or carrier route prices. When possible, the Postal Service also recommends the use of flat trays in lieu of sacks for FSS bundles. Bundles of flats prepared to FSS zones may also be combined with flats not intended for FSS processing when prepared to less finely presorted containers in accordance with these standards and the standards in 8.0. Mailers must place qualifying mailpieces from all price categories into a separate combined pool for each individual 5-digit FSS-scheme combination, and then prepare bundles of uniform size from those pieces. Mailpieces that meet the eligibility standards for 5-digit prices, basic and high density carrier route prices, or BPM presort or carrier route prices will continue to be eligible for these prices when prepared in accordance with the FSS preparation standards. Saturation price Standard Mail and Periodicals flats are not eligible for preparation under this option. High Density and High-Density Plus Standard Mail flats that meet the physical requirements in 301.3 may be included when prepared in accordance with these standards. Mailpieces and bundles must also be prepared as follows:
[Revise 14.1a and b as follows:]
a. Bundles for all FSS sort plans must be identified as a 5-digit scheme presort with an optional endorsement line under 708.7.0; or when authorized, using a red Label 5 SCH barcoded pressure-sensitive bundle label.
b. It is recommended that all Standard Mail and Periodicals pieces placed into an FSS pool be barcoded, and bear an accurate delivery point Intelligent Mail barcode with an accurate 11-digit routing code.
[Revise 14.1j as follows:]
j. A FSS sort plan pallet, or alternate approved container, must be made when 250 pounds or more of bundles are available for an individual FSS 5-digit scheme. Bundles remaining after palletization may be placed in sacks (or flat trays if approved).
14.2Periodicals
14.2.1Basic Standards
[Revise the introductory paragraph of 14.2.1 as follows:]
Except for Periodicals flats mailed at In-County prices, Periodicals flats mailings of 5,000 pieces or less mailed at Outside-County prices, or otherwise excepted Periodicals flats mailings, all Periodicals flats meeting the standards in 301.3.2 (nonmachinable flats up to 1-inch thick may be included if they meet the standards in 705.14) and destinating to FSS zones as shown in L006, must be prepared according to these standards. Mailings of In-County Periodicals flats and Outside-County Periodicals flats mailings of 5,000 pieces or less also may be prepared according to these standards. Periodicals are subject to the following:
[Revise 14.2.1a and 14.2.1b as follows:]
a. Pricing eligibility is based on 707.11.0 through 707.14.0, except that the 5-digit Outside-County bundle charge will be assessed to bundles of Outside-County Periodicals prepared in accordance with these standards, including bundles of flats claimed at the carrier route piece price. All Periodicals flats prepared under these standards will be assessed the 3-digit bundle price without regard to the piece prices claimed. FSS bundles placed on FSS scheme or FSS facility pallets, sacks or trays will claim the 3-digit bundle price.
b. FSS 5-digit scheme pallets will be assessed the Outside-County container charge for the 3-digit level pallet, except that there is no container charge for FSS 5-digit scheme pallets entered at a DFSS facility. FSS facility sort level pallets will be charged a container price for the SCF pallet. FSS scheme sacks or trays will continue to be assessed the 3-digit price. Sacks and trays entered at a DFSS will claim the DSCF entry price.
[Redesignate current 14.2.1c through f as new 14.2.1d through g, and add new item 14.2.1c to read as follows:]
c. The Outside-County pound price will be the same as the DSCF price. The Inside-County price will claim prices for the "none" entry level.
[Revise redesignated items 14.2.1e, f and g as follows:]
e. Mailers must combine all 5-digit, carrier route, and 5-digit scheme eligible flat-size mailpieces into a combined mailpiece pool for each FSS 5-digit scheme combination according to L006.
f. Each bundle must be identified with a "SCH 5-DIGIT FSS" optional endorsement line in accordance with Exhibit 708.7.1.1 ; or when authorized, using a red Label 5 SCH barcoded pressure-sensitive bundle label.
g. All pooled Periodicals mailpieces prepared on pallets to a single presort destination must be prepared in uniform size bundles, between 3 inches and 6.5 inches in height and secured under 601.2.0, except that one overflow bundle per mailpiece pool may be under the minimum size.
14.2.2Pallet Preparation and Labeling
* * * Preparation sequence and labeling:
[Revise the introductory text of 14.2.2b as follows:]
b. FSS facility sort, optional, no minimum, permitted only for FSS bundles prepared for the FSS sort plans processed within the same SCF as shown in L006.
14.2.3Sack Preparation and Labeling
* * * Preparation and labeling:
[Revise the introductory text of 14.2.3b as follows:]
b. FSS facility sort, optional, permitted only for 5-digit FSS bundles prepared for the FSS sort plans processed within the same facility as shown in L006.
[top]
14.3Standard Mail
14.3.1Basic Standards
* * * Standard Mail flats are subject to the following:
[Revise 14.3.1c and d as follows:]
c. Mailers must combine all 5-digit, basic carrier route, and 5-digit scheme eligible flat-size mailpieces into a combined mailpiece pool for each FSS 5-digit scheme combination according to L006.
d. Each bundle must be identified with a "SCH 5-DIGIT FSS" optional endorsement line in accordance with Exhibit 708.7.1.1 ; or when authorized, using a red Label 5 SCH barcoded pressure-sensitive bundle label.
14.3.2Pallet Preparation and Labeling
* * * Preparation sequence and labeling:
[Revise the introductory text of 14.3.2a as follows:]
a. FSS sort plan, required (optional under 250 pounds), no minimum, permitted only for FSS bundles prepared for a single FSS sort plan as shown in L006. Labeling:
[Revise the introductory text of 14.3.2b as follows:]
b. FSS facility sort, optional, no minimum, permitted only for FSS bundles prepared for the FSS sort plans processed within the same SCF as shown in L006. Labeling:
14.3.3Sack Preparation and Labeling
* * * Preparation and labeling:
[Revise the introductory text of 14.2.3b as follows:]
b. FSS facility sort, optional, permitted only for 5-digit FSS bundles prepared for the FSS sort plans processed within the same facility as shown in L006.
14.4Bound Printed Matter
14.4.1Basic Standards
[Revise the introductory text of 14.4.1 as follows:]
Bound Printed Matter (BPM) flats eligible for, and paid at, presorted prices or carrier route prices, and that meet the standards in 301.3.2, must be combined in 5-digit FSS scheme bundles and placed on pallets, or in flat trays, sacks or approved alternate containers, for delivery to ZIP Codes having FSS processing capability, as shown in L006. BPM flats are subject to the following:
[Revise 14.4.1c and d as follows:]
c. Mailers must combine all eligible flat-size mailpieces into a combined mailpiece pool for each FSS 5-digit scheme combination according to L006.
d. Each bundle must be identified with a "SCH 5-DIGIT FSS" optional endorsement line in accordance with Exhibit 708.7.1.1 ; or when authorized, using a red Label 5 SCH barcoded pressure-sensitive bundle label.
14.4.2Pallet Preparation and Labeling
* * * Preparation sequence and labeling:
[Revise the first sentence of the introductory text of 14.4.2b as follows:]
b. FSS facility sort, optional, no minimum; permitted only for FSS bundles prepared for the FSS sort plans processed within the same facility as shown in L006. * * *
14.4.3Sack Preparation and Labeling
* * * Preparation and labeling:
[Revise the introductory text of 14.4.3b as follows:]
b. FSS facility sort, optional, permitted only for 5-digit FSS bundles prepared for the FSS sort plans processed within the same facility as shown in L006.
15.0Combining Standard Mail Flats and Periodicals Flats
15.1Basic Standards
[Revise the title and introductory text of 15.1.11 as follows:]
15.1.11Preparation for FSS Zones
Mailers authorized to combine mailings of Standard Mail flats and Periodicals flats must prepare these mailings under 14.0, when the mailing includes pieces destinating within one or more of the FSS zones in L006. Mailpieces eligible for High Density and High-Density Plus prices are not required to, but may be, prepared under the standards in 14.0. The following applies:
[Delete current items 15.1.11a through c in their entirety and resequence current items 15.11.1d through f as new items 15.11.1a through 1c.]
707Periodicals
4.0Basic Eligibility Standards
4.9Issues
4.9.1Regular Issues
[Revise the text of 4.9.1 as follows:]
Regular issues must be published according to the publication's stated frequency. Issues may include annual reports, directories, buyers' guides, lists, and similar material if these issues bear the publication title and are included in the regular subscription price, if any.
[Delete 4.9.3, Content, in its entirety (text moved into 4.9.1).]
[Renumber current 4.9.4 and 4.9.5 as new 4.9.3 through 4.9.4.]
6.0Qualification Categories
6.1General Publication
6.1.2Circulation Standards
General publications must meet these circulation standards:
[Revise items 6.12b through 6.1.2g as follows:]
b. Records for subscriptions to a publication must be kept so that subscriptions to each publication can be verified.
c. Persons whose subscriptions are obtained at a nominal price and those whose copies bear an alternative address must not be included in the legitimate list of subscribers. Such copies must be treated as nonsubscriber copies.
d. Subscriptions may be paid for with dues or contributions, if the amount paid for the subscription is stated. The USPS may require evidence of compliance; see 5.1.2 for more information.
e. A subscription must be separated from all other business transactions to be evident as an independent act. Publishers must be able to show that subscriptions are voluntary and that the subscription price is paid or promised.
f. At least 50% of a publication's distribution must be to persons who have paid above a nominal price. (For inclusion of electronic copies, see 6.5). Nominal price subscriptions include those sold at a price so low that it cannot be considered a material consideration; or at a reduction to the subscriber (under a premium offer or any other arrangement) of more than 70% of the basic annual subscription price. The value of a premium is its actual cost to the publisher, its recognized retail value, or its represented value, whichever is highest.
[top] g. Publications primarily designed for free circulation or circulation at
[Delete items 6.1.2g1 through 6.1.2g4 in their entirety; the same substantive information is included in items 6.1.2a through 6.1.2f.]
6.4Requester Publications
6.4.2Circulation Standards
Requester publications must meet these circulation standards:
[Revise item 6.4.2b as follows:]
b. Subscription copies of the publications that are paid for or promised to be paid for, including those at or below a nominal price, may be included in the 50% request requirement. (For inclusion of electronic copies, see 6.5.)
[Revise items 6.4.2d through 6.4.2f as follows:]
d. Records of requests for a publication must be kept so that subscriptions or requests for each publication can be verified.
e. Requests that are more than 3 years old are not valid requests. Copies addressed using an alternative address format are not considered requested copies.
f. For a requester publication issued by a membership organization, the organization may adopt a resolution that each member receives a copy of each issue. Records must be kept to show that the publication is sent to members. Form 3500 must be accompanied by a copy of the resolution and the written assurance that the required records are kept.
6.7News Agent Registry
6.7.1Definition
[Revise the text of 6.7.1 by including text from current 6.7.2 as follows:]
The term news agent means a person or concern selling two or more Periodicals publications published by more than one publisher. A news agent must be authorized by the USPS before the agent may mail publications at Periodicals prices.
[Delete current 6.7.2, Authorization; text is relocated to 6.7.1.]
[Renumber current 6.7.3 through 6.7.5 as new 6.7.2 through 6.7.4.]
6.7.3Unsold Copies
[Revise the text of renumbered 6.7.3 as follows:]
Unsold copies returned to the publishers or sent to other news agents or sent to persons not having subscriptions with news agents, are subject to the Outside-County Periodicals prices.
7.0Mailing to Nonsubscribers or Nonrequesters
7.1Sample Copies
[Revise the text of 7.1 as follows:]
Sample copies are nonsubscriber or nonrequester copies and may be mailed at prices according to standards in 7.0 and 10.0.
7.2Simplified Address
[Revise the text of 7.2 as follows:]
Copies addressed with simplified addresses under 602.3.2 may be mailed only to nonsubscribers or nonrequesters. If a subscriber or requester receives a simplified address copy in addition to the subscriber or requester copy, the additional copy is considered a nonsubscriber or nonrequester copy.
7.4Gift Subscriptions
[Revise the text of 7.4 as follows:]
Copies sent to persons whose subscriptions were paid by other individuals as gifts are considered subscriber copies. Subscriptions paid by advertisers or other persons promoting their own interests, and subscriptions given free by the publisher, are not gift subscriptions, and are considered nonsubscriber or nonrequester copies.
7.5Exchange Copies
[Revise the text of 7.5 as follows:]
A small part of the distribution list may contain publishers to whom one copy each is sent in exchange for a copy of the recipients' publications. These exchange copies are considered subscriber or requester copies.
7.7Complimentary Copies
[Revise the text of 7.7 as follows:]
All complimentary copies are considered nonsubscriber or nonrequester copies.
7.8Proof Copies
[Revise the text of 7.8 as follows:]
One complete copy of each issue may be mailed to each advertiser (or agent) in the issue to prove that the advertisements are printed. These copies are considered subscriber or requester copies. Any additional copies sent to an advertiser (or agent) are considered nonsubscriber or nonrequester copies.
9.0Changing Title, Frequency, or Known Office of Publication
9.1General
9.1.1When Required
[Revise the text of 9.1.1 as follows:]
Except under 9.1.2, the publisher must file an application for reentry on Form 3510 to the original entry postmaster to change the title, frequency of issue; or to change location of the known office of publication of an authorized Periodicals publication by submitting Form 3510 to the postmaster whose service area oversees the new location.
[Delete current 9.1.3, Where to File, in its entirety (text moved to 9.1.1).]
[Renumber current 9.1.4 through 9.1.4 as new 9.1.3 through 9.1.4.]
[Delete current 9.1.6, Same County, in its entirety; the same information appears in 707.11.3.]
[Renumber current 9.1.7 as new 9.1.5 and revise as follows:]
9.1.5Filing Date
Publishers changing the title or frequency of a publication must file Form 3510 by the date on which copies are to be issued with the new title or on the new frequency.
[Delete current 9.1.8, Current Date, in its entirety; the same information is in current 9.3.5.]
[Renumber current 9.1.9 through 9.1.12 as new 9.1.6 through 9.1.9.]
9.1.7Application Fee
[Revise the text of renumbered 9.1.7 as follows:]
The correct (nonrefundable) fee must accompany an application (Form 3510) for reentry. No additional fee is required when a revised Form 3500 is required as part of a reentry application.
9.1.8Multiple Reentry Requests
[Revise the text of renumbered 9.1.8 as follows:]
A publisher may file one Form 3510 and pay one fee to request multiple reentry actions under 9.1 if all documentation is submitted with the Form 3510 under 9.1.3; and the effective dates for the reentry actions do not cover more than 30 calendar days. The publisher must submit a separate Form 3510 (and pay the fee) for each reentry action that cannot meet these conditions.
9.1.9Other Actions
[Revise the text of renumbered 9.1.9 as follows:]
[top] A publisher must submit a separate Form 3510 (and pay the fee) for each
9.2Changing Qualification Categories
[Revise the text of 9.2 as follows:]
To change the category under which a publication is authorized Periodicals mailing privileges, the publisher must file a revised Form 3500 and an application for reentry on Form 3510 with the original entry postmaster and pay the applicable fee. See 9.1.2 for when a reentry application may not be required.
[Delete current 9.2.1, 9.2.2, 9.2.3, and 9.2.4 in their entirety (the text of 9.2.1, 9.2.3, and 9.2.4 are merged into new text in 9.2; the text of 9.2.2 is already covered in current 9.1.2).]
9.3Application for Reentry
9.3.1Pending
While an application for reentry is pending, copies of an authorized Periodicals publication are accepted for mailing at the Periodicals prices, subject to 9.3.5.
[Delete current 9.3.2, Additional Information, in its entirety; the same information is in current 9.3.3.]
[Renumber current 9.3.3 through 9.3.5 as new 9.3.2 through 9.3.4, and revise the text of renumbered 9.3.2 as follows:]
9.3.2Proof of Compliance
The publisher must be able to show (via circulation and other records) to USPS satisfaction that the reentered publication still meets all Periodicals standards. Failure to provide this evidence is sufficient grounds to deny the reentry request.
9.3.4Effective Date
[Revise the text of renumbered 9.3.4 as follows:]
An entry office may not be used before authorization by the USPS. A publisher may not pay postage at another price to deposit copies at an unauthorized entry office. Subject to the restrictions in 9.1, the effective date of a reentry authorization is the application date or the eligibility date (if the publication became eligible after the application date). The requested date for a change in original entry office may be deferred until sufficient transportation or other resources are in place. If deferral is due to USPS transportation contract limitations, the publisher's requested date may be approved with the publisher's agreement to reimburse the USPS for costs caused by modifying contracted transportation.
[Delete current 9.3.6, Denial After Verification, in its entirety; the same information is in current 9.3.7.]
[Renumber current 9.3.7 through 9.3.12 as new 9.3.5 through 9.3.10.]
[Revise the title and text of renumbered 9.3.5 as follows:]
9.3.5Denial
If the PCSC manager denies an application, a written notice of the reasons is provided to the publisher. The denial takes effect 15 days from the publisher's receipt of the notice, unless the publisher files an appeal under 9.3.6 within that time. Alternatively, the publisher may return to the publication status before the application for reentry was submitted.
12.0Nonbarcoded (Presorted) Eligibility
12.1Basic Standards
12.3Prices-In-County
12.3.1Five-Digit Prices
5-digit prices apply to:
[Add new item 12.3.1c as follows:]
c. Qualifying flats included in a FSS 5-digit scheme pool under 705.14.
12.3.2Three-Digit Prices
3-digit prices apply to:
[Add new 12.3.2c as follows]
c. Flat-size pieces not qualifying for carrier route or 5-digit prices, but properly included in a FSS 5-digit scheme pool prepared under 705.14.
13.0Carrier Route Eligibility
13.3Walk-Sequence Prices
13.3.1Eligibility
[Revise the text of 13.3.1 as follows]
The High Density or saturation prices apply to each walk-sequenced piece in a carrier route mailing, eligible under 13.2.1 and prepared under 705.8.0, 23.0, or (nonletter-size mail only) 705.10.0, 705.12.0, or 705.13.0, that also meets the corresponding addressing and density standards in 13.3.4. High density and saturation price mailings must be prepared in carrier walk sequence according to schemes prescribed by the USPS (see 23.8). Flats qualifying for High Density or High-Density Plus prices by meeting the density standards may be included in FSS 5-digit scheme pools under 705.14.
14.0Barcoded (Automation) Eligibility
14.4Prices-In-County
14.4.1Five-Digit Prices
5-digit automation prices apply to:
[Add new item 14.4.1c as follows:]
c. Qualifying flats included in a FSS 5-digit scheme pool under 705.14.
14.4.2Three-Digit Prices
3-digit automation prices apply to:
[Add 14.4.2c as follows]
c. Flat-size pieces not qualifying for carrier route or 5-digit prices, but properly included in a FSS 5-digit scheme pool prepared under 705.14.
18.0General Mail Preparation
18.1Definition of Presort
[Revise the text of 18.1 as follows:]
"Presort" is the process by which a mailer prepares mail so that it is sorted to at least the finest extent required by the standards.
18.2Definition of Mailings
"Mailings" are defined as:
[Revise item 18.2a as follows:]
a. A mailing is a group of pieces within the same class of mail and the same processing category that are sorted together and presented under a minimum volume mailing requirement. Specific standards may define whether separate mailings may be combined, palletized, reported, or deposited together.
[Add a new 18.5 as follows:]
18.5FSS Preparation
[top] Except for Periodicals flats mailed at In-County prices, Periodicals flats mailings of 5,000 pieces or less mailed at Outside-County prices, Periodicals flats mailed at saturation, High Density or High-Density Plus prices, or otherwise excepted Periodicals flats mailings, all Periodicals flats (including nonmachinable flats up to 1-inch thick may be included if they meet the standards in 705.14) destinating to FSS zones as shown in L006, must be prepared under 705.14. Mailings of in-county Periodicals flats, outside-county Periodicals flats mailings of 5,000 pieces or less, and Periodicals qualifying for
29.0Destination Entry
29.4Destination Sectional Center Facility
29.4.2Price Eligibility
Determine price eligibility as follows:
[Delete the last sentence of the introductory text of 29.4.2b, and delete 29.4.2b1 and b2 in their entirety.]
[Renumber current 29.5. as new 29.6, and add a new 29.5 as follows:]
29.5.Destination Flat Sequencing System (DFSS) Facility Entry
29.5.1Definition
For this standard, destination Flat Sequencing System Facility (DFSS) refers to the facilities listed in L006, Column C.
29.5.2Eligibility
DFSS prices apply to pieces deposited at a USPS-designated FSS processing facility and correctly placed in a flat tray, sack, or on a pallet, labeled to a FSS sort plan or labeled to a 5-digit destination processed by that facility, under labeling list L006. These pieces must include a full delivery address and meet the physical standards for FSS-machinability in 705.14.0.
708Technical Specifications
6.0Standards for Barcoded Tray Labels, Sack Labels, and Container Placards
6.2Specifications for Barcoded Tray and Sack Labels
6.2.1Use
Exhibit 6.2.1 shows the types of mail requiring barcoded tray or sack labels. Barcoded labels must meet these general standards:
[Revise the text of item 6.2.1b as follows:]
b. Mailer-produced barcoded labels must meet the standards in 6.0, and must be non-adhesive.
We will publish an appropriate amendment to 39 CFR part 111 to reflect these changes if our proposal is adopted.
Stanley F. Mires,
Attorney, Legal Policy & Legislative Advice.
[FR Doc. 2013-24980 Filed 10-24-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7710-P