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Published Federal Register Notices
A complete list of Postal Service-related Federal Register Notices is available
on RIBBS by clicking on Federal Register Notices
in the left frame.
DATE: Pending Publication in the Federal Register.
Postage Payment for Bound Printed Matter Limited to Permit Imprint
AGENCY: Postal Service™.
ACTION: Final rule.
SUMMARY:
In this final rule, the Postal Service is revising mailing standards for all Bound Printed
Matter (BPM). In March we filed a notice with the Postal Regulatory Commission for a
classification change requiring all mailings of Bound Printed Matter be paid by permit
only. The Commission agreed, and we are moving forward with the change.
Postage payment for BPM mailings: carrier route, presorted, and nonpresorted (single-piece)
flats and parcels, regardless of volume, are limited to permit imprint. Mailers can no longer
affix postage by adhesive stamps, postage meter, or PC Postage®. BPM will not be accepted at
retail counters, in collection boxes, or by carriers and must be deposited and accepted at
the Post Office™ facility that issued the permit. Merchandise Return Service (MRS) permit
holders may continue to pay nonpresorted BPM prices on eligible items returned with a MRS label.
EFFECTIVE DATE: September 11, 2008.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carol A. Lunkins at 202-268-7262.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Mailers who are presently authorized to pay postage via permit imprint may use their existing
permit to mail BPM at the Post Office where the permit is held. Mailers who wish to obtain a
new authorization to pay postage via permit imprint must complete an application and pay a
one-time application fee at each office of mailing to mail BPM on or after September 11, 2008.
Authorization is obtained by submitting PS Form 3615, Mailing Permit Application and Customer
Profile, and the applicable fee to the Post Office where mailings are to be deposited. As long
as a permit remains active, there is no additional fee for use of a permit imprint indicia, but
other fees (e.g., an annual destination entry mailing fee) may be due depending on where the
mail is deposited.
Payment for postage must be made for each mailing through an advance deposit account before the
mailing can be released for processing. Funds to pay postage must be deposited as directed by
the USPS®.
TEXT PDF
WORD
DATE: Published in the Federal Register August 21, 2008.
Implementation of New Standards for Intelligent Mail Barcodes
AGENCY: Postal Service™
ACTION: Final rule
SUMMARY:
On April 30, 2008, we published in the Federal Register (Volume 73, Number 84, pages
23393-23403) proposed mailing standards to require the use of Intelligent Mail®
barcodes on all letters and flats mailed at automation prices as of May 2010. We
described two options for using Intelligent Mail barcodes as of May 2009: the basic
option and the full-service option. In this final rule, we summarize comments received
in response to our proposed rule and provide our new mailing standards for the use
of Intelligent Mail barcodes.
EFFECTIVE DATE: May 11, 2009
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bill Chatfield at 202-268-7278 or Karen
Zachok at 202-268-8779.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
In May 2009, we will implement the following:
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Updated requirements for Intelligent Mail barcodes and POSTNET™ barcodes, with delivery
point routing information required in barcodes on automation letters and flats and
carrier route letters. |
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Two options for using Intelligent Mail barcodes - the basic option and the full-service
option. |
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For full-service implementation, we will require: |
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Unique identification in Intelligent Mail barcodes on letters and flats. |
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Intelligent Mail tray labels, with unique barcodes, used on trays and sacks. |
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Intelligent Mail container placards, with unique barcodes, affixed on the outside
of pallets and placed on containers (if the mail is containerized). |
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Electronic postage statements and documentation (when documentation is required). |
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Full-service mailers will enjoy the following benefits: |
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Address correction information for letters and flats using OneCode ACS at no charge
(subject to approval by the Governors). |
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"Start-the-clock" information that will document when the Postal Service has taken
possession of each mailing. |
In May 2010, we will require the Intelligent Mail barcode on QBRM letters and on
Permit Reply Mail pieces.
As part of the annual price adjustment announcement in 2009, we will recommend to
the Board of Governors that letters and flats requiring a barcode and mailed under
the full-service option of Intelligent Mail pay lower automation prices in the Fall
of 2009 than pieces mailed under the basic option or with POSTNET barcodes.
TEXT PDF
WORD Published in the Federal
Register TEXT
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DATE: Published in the Federal Register August 27, 2008.
International Product Change – Inbound Direct Entry Contracts
AGENCY: Postal Service™
ACTION: Notice
SUMMARY:
Postal Service notice of filing a request with the Postal Regulatory Commission
to add Inbound Direct Entry Contracts with Foreign Postal Administrations to the
Competitive Products List pursuant to 39 USC §§ 3642 and 3632(b)(3).
EFFECTIVE DATE: August 27, 2008
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Margaret M. Falwell, 703-292-3576.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
The United States Postal Service® hereby gives notice that it has filed with the
Postal Regulatory Commission a Request of United States Postal Service to Add Inbound
Direct Entry Contracts with Foreign Postal Administrations to the Competitive Product
List, and Notice of Filing (Under Seal) the Enabling Governor's Decision and Two
Functionally Equivalent Contracts with Foreign Posts. Documents are available
at www.prc.gov, Docket Nos. MC2008-6, CP2008-14, and CP2008-15.
TEXT PDF
WORD Published
in the Federal Register TEXT
DATE: Published in the Federal Register August 27, 2008.
International Product Change – Global Plus 2 Negotiated Service Agreements
AGENCY: Postal Service™
ACTION: Notice
SUMMARY:
Postal Service notice of filing a request with the Postal Regulatory Commission
to add Global Plus 2 Negotiated Service Agreements to the Competitive Products List
pursuant to 39 USC §§ 3642 and 3632(b)(3).
EFFECTIVE DATE: August 27, 2008
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Margaret M. Falwell, 703-292-3576.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
The United States Postal Service® hereby gives notice that it has filed with the
Postal Regulatory Commission a Request of United States Postal Service to Add Global
Plus 2 Negotiated Service Agreements to the Competitive Product List, and Notice
of Filing (Under Seal) the Enabling Governor's Decision and Two Functionally Equivalent
Agreements. Documents are available at www.prc.gov, Docket Nos. MC2008-7,
CP2008-16, and CP2008-17.
TEXT PDF
WORD Published in
the Federal Register TEXT
DATE: Published in the Federal Register August 21, 2008.
Waiver of Signature Delivery Process
AGENCY: Postal Service™
ACTION: Final rule
SUMMARY:
The Postal Service is revising the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal
Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) to update the standards regarding delivery
of Express Mail® items with waiver of signature and return receipt for merchandise
items with waiver of signature. Delivery employees deliver these items to the addressee’s
mail receptacle or other secure location without first attempting to obtain a signature
from the addressee.
EFFECTIVE DATE: August 21, 2008
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Monica Grein at 202-268-8411.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Waiver of signature authorizes delivery to be made without obtaining the signature
of the addressee or addressee’s agent as long as the delivery employee establishes
the article can be left in the addressee’s mail receptacle or other secure location.
By waiving signature, the sender agrees to accept the delivery time and date scan
information as valid record of delivery.
When Express Mail® items with waiver of signature and return receipt for merchandise
items with waiver of signature are delivered, the delivery employee will sign the
PS Form 3849, Sorry We Missed You, without attempting to obtain a signature from
the addressee. After signing the PS Form 3849, the delivery employee delivers the
item to the addressee’s mail receptacle or other secure location. This process expedites
delivery time because the delivery employee is not required to try to obtain a signature
from the addressee or addressee’s agent, when a waiver of signature is indicated.
TEXT PDF
WORD Published
in the Federal Register TEXT
DATE: Published in the Federal Register August 27, 2008.
New Automation Requirements for Detached Addressed Labels
AGENCY: Postal Service™
ACTION: Proposed rule
SUMMARY:
The Postal Service proposes revisions to the Mailing Standards of the United States
Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) for detached address labels (DALs).
To increase efficiency and reduce handling costs, we propose that DALs accompanying
saturation mailings of Periodicals or Standard Mail® flats must be automation-compatible
and have a correct delivery point POSTNET™ barcode or Intelligent Mail® barcode
with an 11-digit routing code. This proposal would not apply to DALs with simplified
addresses.
To be consistent with the current requirement for return addresses, we are proposing
to add DALs to DMM 602.1.5.3, Required Use of Return Address.
DATES: : We must receive your comments on or before September 26, 2008.
ADDRESSES: : Mail or deliver written comments to the Manager, Mailing Standards,
U.S. Postal Service, 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW, Room 3436, Washington, DC 20260-3436.
You may inspect and photocopy all written comments, Monday through Friday between
9 a.m. and 4 p.m., USPS Headquarters Library, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, 11th Floor
N, Washington, DC. Do not submit comments via fax or e-mail.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Monica Grein at 202-268-8411.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
On June 7, 2007, at the request of many mailers, we revised our standards to allow
advertising on the front of DALs provided that the DALs were barcoded and automation-compatible
(see Postal Bulletin 22208 and DMM 602.4.2.5.b). This change provided mailers with
the ability to offset the DAL surcharge, implemented in May 2007, with new opportunities
for advertising revenue.
Except for DALs prepared with simplified addresses, our proposal would require that
all DALs accompanying saturation mailings of Periodicals or Standard Mail flats,
be automation-compatible and have a correct delivery point POSTNET barcode or Intelligent
Mail barcode with an 11-digit routing code.
TEXT PDF
WORD Published in the Federal
Register TEXT
DATE: Published in the Federal Register August 19, 2008.
Automated Clearing House (ACH) Debit Added as New Method of Payment for Express Mail
Corporate Account Customers
AGENCY: Postal Service™
ACTION: Final rule
SUMMARY:
This final rule revises Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic
Mail Manual (DMM®), by making Automated Clearing House (ACH) debit a new method
of payment for Express Mail® Corporate Account (EMCA) customers and eliminating
the option to open new local trust accounts. The ACH system is a secure, private
network that connects banks to one another by way of the Federal Reserve Board.
This network enables electronic payments, such as ACH debits, to be handled and
processed. EMCA customers will continue to have a total of three options to fund
their accounts: participate in the Centralized Account Processing System (CAPS);
use a personal or business credit card; or authorize the USPS® to originate an ACH
debit from a specified bank account. Existing EMCA customers that fund their account
from a local trust account will still be required to maintain minimum balances.
This final rule also revises the DMM by adding provisions to close an EMCA funded
by ACH debit payments.
EFFECTIVE DATE: October 1, 2008.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Grace Letto, 202-268-7247 or Garry Rodriguez,
202-268-7281, United States Postal Service.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
The Postal Service is providing ACH debit as a new method of payment for EMCA customers
and eliminating the option to open a new EMCA using a local trust account funded
by cash and/or check deposits as part of the Postal Service's ongoing mission to
help grow revenue in a competitive market by increasing efficiencies, enhancing
financial controls, and reducing costs.
By using an electronic payment option, customers will no longer have to go to a
Post Office™ to make deposits into their EMCA trust accounts. This new payment option
enhances financial control by reducing risk.
TEXT PDF WORD Published in the Federal Register
TEXT
DATE: Published in the Federal Register July 9, 2008.
Waiver of Signature Delivery Process
AGENCY: Postal Service™
ACTION: Proposed rule
SUMMARY:
The Postal Service proposes revisions to the Mailing Standards of the United States
Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) to update the standards
regarding delivery of Express Mail® items with waiver of signature requested,
and return receipt for merchandise items with waiver of signature requested. We
propose that employees deliver these shipments without first attempting to obtain
a signature from the addressee.
DATES: We must receive your comments on or before July 24, 2008.
ADDRESSES: : Mail or deliver written comments to the Manager, Mailing Standards,
U.S. Postal Service, 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW, Room 3436, Washington DC 20260-3436.
You may inspect and photocopy all written comments at USPS Headquarters Library,
475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, 11th Floor N, Washington DC between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday
through Friday. Do not submit comments via fax or e-mail.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Monica Grein at 202-268-8411.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Currently, the delivery employee attempts to obtain a signature from the addressee
even when the sender has authorized a waiver of signature for Express Mail items
or items mailed with a return receipt for merchandise. Waiver of signature authorizes
delivery to be made without obtaining the signature of the addressee or addressee’s
agent as long as the delivery employee establishes the article can be left in the
addressee’s mail receptacle or other secure location. By requesting waiver of signature,
the sender agrees to accept the delivery time and date scan information as valid
record of delivery.
The new process will allow a delivery employee to sign the PS Form 3849, Sorry We
Missed You, without attempting to obtain a signature from the addressee.
After signing the PS Form 3849, the delivery employee will deliver the item to the
addressee’s mail receptacle or other secure location. This process will expedite
delivery time because the delivery employee will not be required to try to obtain
a signature from the addressee or addressee’s agent, when a waiver of signature
is authorized.
TEXT PDF
WORD Published in the
Federal Register TEXT
DATE: Published in the Federal Register July 9, 2008.
Treatment of Undeliverable Books and Sound Recordings
AGENCY: Postal Service™
ACTION: Proposed rule
SUMMARY:
The Postal Service is proposing to revise the mailing standards for the treatment
of books and sound recordings that are found loose in the mail or undeliverable
as addressed. The revision would eliminate confusion and simplify procedures.
DATES: We must receive your comments on or before August 8, 2008.
ADDRESSES: : Mail or deliver written comments to the Manager, Mailing Standards,
U.S. Postal Service, 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW, Room 3436, Washington DC 20260-3436.
You may inspect and photocopy all written comments at USPS Headquarters Library,
475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, 11th Floor N, Washington DC between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday
through Friday. Do not submit comments via fax or e-mail.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bert Olsen at 202-268-7276.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®)
507.1.9.2, as originally written (under the section titled Dead Mail), was intended
to facilitate a process for identifying and returning to the original publisher
or distributor books and recordings that had become undeliverable as a result of
being “loose in the mail” (contents separated from packaging and other address information).
Unpredictably, the rule has been misinterpreted by some publishers and distributors
as allowing them to reclaim ownership of all UAA mail and not just mail that was
truly identified as “loose” in the mail. Practically speaking, there are very few
commercially mailed books and sound recordings found loose in the mail. Books and
sound recordings seldom separate from their outer wrappings. The vast majority of
pieces that are not delivered are pieces that the Postal Service attempted to deliver
but were refused by the addressee.
Therefore, the Postal Service is proposing to remove DMM Section 507.1.9.2 in its
entirety. To clarify their preferences regarding UAA pieces, mailers are encouraged
to use appropriate ancillary service endorsements.
TEXT PDF
WORD Published in the
Federal Register TEXT
DATE: Published in the Federal Register June 6, 2008.
Address Facing Standards for Presort Bundles on Pallets
AGENCY: Postal Service™
ACTION: Final rule
SUMMARY:
The Postal Service is revising the mailing standards requiring mailers to place
presort bundles on pallets with the addresses facing up.
EFFECTIVE DATE: September 11, 2008.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kevin Gunther at 202-268-7208.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
The Postal Service is in the process of implementing technological changes to automate
delivery sequencing for flat-size mail, through the deployment of the Flats Sequencing
System (FSS). FSS will sort flat-size mailpieces into delivery sequence, increasing
the efficiency of letter carriers by reducing time in sorting mail, and allowing
delivery to begin earlier in the day.
Placement of presort bundles on pallets with the address side up is needed to improve
efficiencies in today’s processing environment and for automated preparation and
induction for FSS in the future.
In today’s processing applications, this new standard will aid in validating that
bundles are placed on the correct pallet, improving the manual distribution of these
bundles.
TEXT PDF
WORD Published
in the Federal Register TEXT
DATE: Published in the Federal Register May 21, 2008.
Mailing Requirement Changes for Parcel Select
AGENCY: Postal Service™
ACTION: Proposed rule.
SUMMARY:
This proposal would revise Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service,
Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) to reflect changes to the mailing requirements of
our Shipping Services product, Parcel Select®, by requiring new markings on
BMC-Presort or OBMC-Presort (Inter-BMC), and origin-entered Barcoded Intra-BMC and
Barcoded Inter-BMC packages.
DATES: We must receive your comments on or before June 20, 2008.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bert Olsen at 202-268-7276
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Parcel Select has been redefined as a Shipping Services product using permit imprint
or metered postage when mailing 50 pieces or more. In addition to destination-entered
packages, Parcel Select will include BMC-Presort or OBMC-Presort (Inter-BMC), and
origin-entered Barcoded Intra-BMC and Barcoded Inter-BMC packages. To support the
expanded product make-up and the separation of Parcel Select from Parcel Post®,
effective September 30, 2008, the "Parcel Post" marking will not be allowed on any
Parcel Select package. We encourage shippers to begin using the following markings
as soon as possible, but no later than September 30, 2008:
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Destination Entry – “Parcel Select.” |
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BMC – “Parcel Select BMC Presort” or “Parcel Select BMC PRSRT”. |
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OBMC Presort (Inter-BMC) – “Parcel Select OBMC Presort” or “Parcel Select OBMC PRSRT”. |
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Barcoded Intra-BMC and Barcoded Inter-BMC – “Parcel Select Barcoded” or “Parcel
Select BC”. |
TEXT PDF
WORD Published in
the Federal Register TEXT
DATE: Published in the Federal Register May 15, 2008.
Repositionable Notes Transitioned from an Experimental Test to a Permanent Classification
AGENCY: Postal Service™
ACTION: Final rule.
SUMMARY:
On February 27, 2008, the Postal Service™, in accordance with the Postal Accountability
and Enhancement Act, gave notice to the Postal Regulatory Commission, that the Governors
of the Postal Service established Repositionable Notes (RPNs) as a permanent classification.
The 3” by 3” removable, paper notes are an optional feature for commercial First-Class
Mail®, Periodicals, and Standard Mail®.
EFFECTIVE DATE: May 15, 2008.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carol A. Lunkins at 202-268-7262
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Over a three-year testing period, RPNs have proven compatible with postal automation
letter and flat processing equipment. The removable notes can be mailed on postcards,
envelopes, flats, catalogs, magazines, and newspapers to highlight important information
or special offers. The notes are easily removed so that customers can keep the information
handy.
RPNs add to the value of mail as an advertising medium and contribute directly to
net postal revenue. The use of RPNs has aided postal customers with increasing brand
awareness and generated sales and repeat business for their organizations.
TEXT PDF WORD Published in the Federal Register
TEXT
DATE: Published in the Federal Register April 30, 2008.
Implementation of New Standards for Intelligent Mail® Barcodes
AGENCY: Postal Service™
ACTION: Proposed rule
SUMMARY:
On January 7, 2008, we published in the Federal Register (Volume 73, Number 4) an
advance notice of our intention to require the use of Intelligent Mail barcodes
on all letters and flats mailed at automation prices as of January, 2009. We presented
our Intelligent Mail vision and asked for comments from our customers. We described
two options for using Intelligent Mail barcodes: the basic option and the full-service
option. In this proposed rule, we have summarized comments and are now publishing
our revised mailing standards for the use of Intelligent Mail barcodes.
DATES: We must receive your comments on or before May 30, 2008. Early
comments are encouraged. Commenters may submit additional comments any time before
May 30, 2008.
ADDRESSES: Mail or deliver written comments to the Manager, Mailing Standards,
U.S. Postal Service, 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW, Room 3436, Washington DC 20260-3436.
You may inspect and photocopy all written comments at USPS Headquarters Library,
475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, 11th Floor N, Washington DC between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday
through Friday.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bill Chatfield, 202-268-7278, Karen Zachok,
202-268-8779, or Uni Han-Norton, 202-268-8437.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Current mailing standards for automation prices require either POSTNET™ barcodes
or Intelligent Mail barcodes on letters and flats. Both barcode formats contain
routing information, but Intelligent Mail barcodes offer much more. They can include
indicators for added services such as Address Change Service and Confirm®, and
enable tracking of individual mailpieces throughout our processing system. This
additional visibility will enable us to improve service and efficiency, as well
as add value to the mail.
TEXT PDF
WORD Published in the Federal
Register TEXT
DATE: Pending publication in the Federal Register.
International Commercial Pricing Incentives
AGENCY: Postal Service™
ACTION: Final rule.
SUMMARY:
The Postal Service is revising Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service,
International Mail Manual (IMM®) to reflect the addition of commercial base
pricing and commercial volume pricing incentives for Express Mail International®
and Priority Mail International®.
EFFECTIVE DATE: May 12, 2008.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Obataiye Akinwole at 703-292-5260 or Christy
Bonning at 202-268-2108.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
The Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act (Postal Act of 2006) gives the Postal
Service increased flexibility in pricing, product enhancements, and product introductions.
Described here are the price incentives and changes in international mailing standards.
TEXT PDF
WORD
DATE: Published in the Federal Register May 7, 2008.
New Address Requirements for Automation, Presorted, and Carrier Route Flat-Size Mail
AGENCY: Postal Service™
ACTION: Final rule.
SUMMARY:
The Postal Service adopts new address placement and formatting requirements for
Periodicals, Standard Mail®, Bound Printed Matter, Media Mail®, and Library
Mail flat-size pieces sent at automation, presorted, or carrier route prices. We
also adopt related revisions for automation and presorted First-Class Mail®
flats.
EFFECTIVE DATE: March 29, 2009.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carrie Witt, 202-268-7279.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
The Postal Service is implementing a new technology, the Flats Sequencing System
(FSS), to automate delivery sequencing for flat-size mail. Currently, flat-size
mail is sorted mechanically only to the 9-digit ZIP Code™ or carrier level,
and then manually sorted into delivery order by carriers. FSS can sort flat-size
mailpieces into delivery sequence, increasing efficiency by reducing carriers’ time
sorting mail, and allowing carriers to begin delivering mail earlier in the day.
TEXT PDF
WORD Published
in the Federal Register TEXT
DATE: Published in the Federal Register April 16, 2008.
Pricing and Requirement Changes for Competitive Products
AGENCY: Postal Service™
ACTION: Final rule.
SUMMARY:
The Postal Service is revising Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service,
Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) to reflect changes to the prices and standards for
the following competitive products, now referred to as Shipping Services:
Express Mail®
Priority Mail®
Parcel Select®
Parcel Return Service®
EFFECTIVE DATE: May 12, 2008.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bert Olsen at 202-268-7276 or Monica Grein
at 202-268-8411.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
The Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act of 2006 (PAEA) gives the Postal Service
increased flexibility in pricing, product enhancements, and product introductions.
On March 4, 2008, the Governors of the Postal Service established new prices and
product features for Shipping Services. This Federal Register notice describes
these price and product changes and the mailing standards changes needed to implement
them.
TEXT PDF
WORD Published in the
Federal Register TEXT
DATE: Pending publication in the Federal Register.
First-Class Mail International™ M-Bag Service, International Priority Airmail™
Service, and International Surface Air Lift® Service.
AGENCY: Postal Service™.
ACTION: Final rule.
SUMMARY:
The Postal Service adopts new mailing standards for International Priority Airmail
(IPA®) service and International Surface Air Lift (ISAL®) service. These changes
reflect the shape-based standards published in the Federal Register on February
20, 2008. Prices for IPA and ISAL will continue to be calculated by piece and pound.
New prices will be adopted, but the pricing structure will not change.
The Postal Service is also adopting new country price groups for First-Class Mail
International M-Bag, Direct Sacks to One Addressee, service. These changes reflect
the nine country price groups for First-Class Mail International published in the
Federal Register on February 20, 2008.
TEXT PDF
WORD
DATE: Published in the Federal Register March 14, 2008.
Letter-Size Booklets and Folded Self-Mailers
AGENCY: Postal Service
ACTION: Advanced notice of proposed rulemaking.
SUMMARY:
The Postal Service is developing new mailing standards for folded self-mailers,
booklets, and folded booklets mailed at automation and machinable letter prices.
This notice provides advance information about the mail preparation changes to help
mailers plan for future mailings.
DATES: We must receive your comments on or before April 14, 2008.
ADDRESSES: Mail or deliver written comments to the Manager, Mailing Standards,
U.S. Postal Service, 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW, Room 3436, Washington DC 20260-3436.
You may inspect and photocopy all written comments at USPS Headquarters Library,
475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, 11th Floor N, Washington DC between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday
through Friday.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Barry Walsh, 202-268-7595, or Bill Chatfield,
202-268-7278.
TEXT PDF
WORD Published
in the Federal Register
TEXT
DATE: Published in the Federal Register March 7, 2008
New Standards Prohibit the Mailing of Replica or Inert Munitions
AGENCY: Postal Service
ACTION: Proposed rule
SUMMARY:
The Postal Service is proposing new standards to prohibit the mailing of replica
or inert munitions such as grenades or other simulated explosive devices.
DATES: We must receive your comments on or before April 7, 2008.
ADDRESSES: Mail or deliver written comments to the Manager, Mailing Standards,
U.S. Postal Service, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Room 3436, Washington, DC 20260-3436.
You may inspect and photocopy all written comments at USPS Headquarters Library,
475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, 11th Floor N, Washington, DC between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday
through Friday.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael F. Lee, 202-268-7263.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Current Postal Service standards do not prohibit look-alike weapons from the mail.
In order to ensure safety of postal employees and prevent damage to postal property
or other mailpieces, inert munitions have been handled as “live ammunition” when
found in the mail. In the past, facilities have been evacuated when inert replicas
have been identified in the mailstream. In 2006, the Postal Service recorded 849
suspicious incidents involving mail that exhibited characteristics of possible explosives.
Postal facilities were evacuated on 100 separate occasions due to these occurrences.
Postal Inspectors or local emergency first responders reacted to each of these occurrences
to assess the items. Evacuations cost the Postal Service time and money, create
unnecessary stress for employees, and can impact service commitments.
Most importantly, employee safety can be jeopardized when facsimiles of potentially
dangerous items are permitted in the mail. Both real and replica explosives have
been found in the mail and the replicas often are not readily distinguishable from
the real articles. The Postal Service is concerned that without prohibition of these
types of mail pieces, continued exposure to replicated munitions, over time, will
lead to desensitized reactions should an employee encounter items in the mail that
should be regarded as dangerous.
This proposed rule is part of our ongoing commitment to increase the safety of the
mail and provide a safe working environment for our employees.
TEXT PDF
WORD Published in the Federal
Register
TEXT
DATE: Published in the Federal Register February 20, 2008
Periodicals - Limited Circulation Rate
AGENCY: Postal Service
ACTION: Final rule
SUMMARY:
This final rule revises the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service,
Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) to provide the eligibility standards for the Outside-County
Limited Circulation rate, which has been approved by the Governors of the United
States Postal Service.
Eligible issues of publications entitled to use this rate will receive a 5% discount
on qualifying Outside-County copies. As set forth in the new standards, publications
in each of the qualification categories may be eligible for the rate; issues of
these publications will qualify if eligible copies are mailed at In-County rates
and the total number of Outside-County copies mailed for that issue is less than
5,000.
TEXT PDF
WORD Published
in the Federal Register
TEXT
DATE: Published in the Federal Register February 20, 2008
Revised Standards for First-Class Mail International™
AGENCY: Postal Service
ACTION: Final rule
SUMMARY:
The Postal Service will adopt new mailing standards and prices for First-Class Mail
International in May, 2008 which reflects current First-Class Mail domestic shape-based
standards.
Our revisions recognize that each mailpiece shape — letter, flat, and parcel — has
substantially different processing costs that needs to be covered. Currently, the
First-Class Mail International pricing structure shows no distinction between letter-size,
flat-size, and package (small packet) pricing.
Note: Table headings corrected February 21, 2008.
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Federal Register
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DATE: Published in the Federal Register February 1, 2008
Priority Mail® Large Flat-Rate Box – International
AGENCY: Postal Service
ACTION: Final rule
SUMMARY:
This final rule revises the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service,
International Mail Manual (IMM®), to add a new Priority Mail® Large Flat-Rate Box
that has been approved by the Board of Governors of the United States Postal Service
for domestic and international Priority Mail shipments.
The new Priority Mail large flat-rate box is approximately 50 percent larger than
the regular flat-rate boxes currently available. Two prices will apply to the large
flat-rate box when mailed to international destinations:
• $29.95 for Priority Mail International™ service to Canada and Mexico.
• $49.95 for Priority Mail International service to all other countries.
The larger flat-rate box is identified by the words “Large Flat-Rate Box” printed
on the packaging.
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WORD Published
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DATE: Published in the Federal Register February 1, 2008
Priority Mail® Large Flat-Rate Box – Domestic APO/FPO
AGENCY: Postal Service
ACTION: Final rule
SUMMARY:
This final rule revises the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service,
Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®), to add the new, Priority Mail® Large Flat-Rate Box
that has been approved by the Board of Governors of the United States Postal Service.
The new Priority Mail large flat-rate box is approximately 50 percent larger than
the regular flat-rate boxes currently available. The prices for shipping a Priority
Mail large flat-rate box to an APO/FPO ZIP Code™ destination address, or to a domestic
ZIP Code address are as follows:
• $10.95 to APO/FPO destination addresses.
• $12.95 to domestic addresses.
The new flat-rate box is identified by the words “Large Flat-Rate Box” printed on
the packaging.
Items to an APO/FPO address may be shipped in the Priority Mail large flat-rate
box or in a special version of the box identified with the additional logo: “Americasupportsyou.mil.”
The Priority Mail large flat-rate box also may be used for mailing to international
destinations at large flat-rate box prices specific to international items.
Domestic or international large flat-rate box prices will apply to the special version
of the APO/FPO flat-rate box if used for non-APO/FPO addresses.
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DATE: Published in the Federal Register February 1, 2008
Express Mail Sunday/Holiday Delivery Premium
AGENCY: Postal Service
ACTION: Final rule
SUMMARY:
The Postal Service™ is revising Express Mail® service to reflect a premium of $12.50
in addition to current postage for guaranteed Sunday or holiday delivery of Express
Mail pieces.
TEXT PDF
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in the Federal Register
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DATE: Published in the Federal Register January 7, 2008
IMPLEMENTATION OF INTELLIGENT MAIL® BARCODES
AGENCY: Postal Service
ACTION: Advance Notice
SUMMARY:
In January 2009, mailers will be required to use Intelligent Mail barcodes to access
automation prices for letters and flats. To access automation prices, mailers will
be required to meet one of two options using Intelligent Mail barcodes. The first
option, referred to as "Full Service" Intelligent Mail, will require the use of
unique Intelligent Mail barcodes applied to letter and flat mailpieces, trays, sacks,
and containers, such as pallets, and the submission of electronic mailing documentation.
The second option, or "Basic" Intelligent Mail, will only require mailers to apply
Intelligent Mail barcodes on mailpieces and not on trays and containers. Automation
prices will no longer be available for the use of the POSTNET barcode. This Federal
Register notice provides advance information to help mailers understand the mail
preparation requirements when using Intelligent Mail barcodes and offers insight
into the additional information that will be available to mailers that comply with
these requirements.
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