Domestic Mail

DMM REVISION

Hold For Pickup Endorsement - Update

As follow up to our September 29, 2005, Postal Bulletin 22164 article regarding Hold For Pickup service, effective March 16, 2006, we are revising 455.4.6.2 of the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) by deleting the requirement for mailers to separate parcels endorsed "Hold For Pickup" from other Parcel Select parcels entered at destination delivery units.

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

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400 Discount Parcels

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450 Parcel Post

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455 Mail Preparation

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4.0 Preparation for Parcel Post

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4.6 Parcel Select - DDU Rates

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4.6.2 Parcels with Hold For Pickup Endorsement

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[Delete item d and renumber current items e through h as new items d through g.]

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We will incorporate these revisions into the next printed edition of the DMM and into the March 16, 2006, update of the online DMM available via Postal Explorer at http://pe.usps.com.

— Mailing Standards,
Pricing and Classification, 3-16-06

DMM REVISION

Elimination of Multiple Entry Point Processing System

Effective March 16, 2006, we are revising 705.15.4.1 of the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) to remove the Multiple Entry Point Processing System (MEPPS) option.

MEPPS was a stand-alone system that enabled mailers to input postage statement information by entry point and aggregate the information into a single consolidated postage statement. The MEPPS system is no longer available.

PostalOne! will enable mailers to submit mailing documentation and postage statements electronically. For information on PostalOne!, or to explore alternate solutions to submit your mailing documentation, contact your local business mail entry unit or the USPS Customer Care Center at 800-522-9085.

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

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700 Special Standards

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705 Advanced Preparation and Special Postage Payment Systems

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15.0 Plant-Verified Drop Shipment (PVDS)

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15.4 Standard Mail Documentation

15.4.1 Same Day

[Revise 15.4.1 to read as follows:]

All mailings or segments of the same job submitted for verification and release on the same day under PVDS must be reported on a single postage statement and Form 3602-C (or postage statement register).

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We will incorporate this revision into the next printed version of the DMM and into the monthly update of the online DMM available on Postal Explorer at http://pe.usps.com.

— Mailing Standards,
Pricing and Classification, 3-16-06

DMM REVISION

Sack Preparation Changes for Periodicals Mail

Effective May 11, 2006, we are adopting new mailing standards for Periodicals mail prepared in sacks. The standards include two new types of sacks - a 3-digit carrier routes sack and a merged 3-digit sack - and a new minimum of 24 pieces for most other sacks. We published this revision in the January 19, 2006, Postal Bulletin, but inadvertently omitted related standards for cosacking bundles of automation and presorted flats in section 705.9.2 of the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM). We provide the revised standards below. These revised standards are also effective on May 11, 2006.

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

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700 Special Standards

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705 Advanced Preparation and Special Postage Payment Systems

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9.0 Preparation for Cotraying and Cosacking Bundles of Automation and Presorted Flats

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9.2 Periodicals

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9.2.5 Sack Preparation and Labeling

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[Revise items a, b, c, and e as follows:]

a. 5-digit. Required at 24 pieces, fewer pieces not permitted. ***

b. 3-digit. Required at 24 pieces, fewer pieces not permitted. ***

c. SCF. Required at 24 pieces, fewer pieces not permitted. ***

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e. ADC. Rrequired at 24 pieces, fewer pieces not permitted (bundles of fewer than six pieces are not permitted). ***

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We will incorporate this revision into the May 11, 2006, update of the online DMM on Postal Explorer at http://pe.usps.com and into the next printed edition.

— Mailing Standards,
Pricing and Classification, 3-16-06

DMM REMINDER

Upcoming Mail Preparation Changes

Several important mail preparation changes are on the horizon. We summarize these changes in the table below, and we will incorporate them into Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) when they are effective.

The DMM and other mailing tools are available for customers and employees on the Postal Explorer Web site at http://pe.usps.com. The electronic DMM is fully searchable and features fly-out menus and clickable links for easy navigation. We update the DMM online at least once a month to capture changes to mailing standards, so it is always your current source for mail preparation information.

— Mailing Standards, Pricing and Classification, 3-16-06

MARKETING MATTERS - FACTS AT A GLANCE

Stamps - Closer Than You Think!

Need postage stamps? Well, they are closer than you think. Thanks to the Postal ServiceTM, you have an opportunity to buy stamps just about anywhere you go.

You can buy stamps from the following places and using the following services:

APC. The Automated Postal Center (APC) is a state- of-the-art self-service mailing kiosk that helps you conduct most retail transactions, including sending packages and letters, buying stamps, and searching for a ZIP CodeTM. You'll probably be surprised at how fast and easy it is to use.

ATMs, vending machines, and local stores. Thousands of alternative retail locations are available nationwide to meet your mailing needs. To find the nearest one, go to usps.com; then in the red banner at the top of the page, click on "Locate a Post Office"; then under "What are you trying to locate?" select "Alternate Locations to Buy Stamps"; and then type in your address or ZIP Code to get a list of area businesses and locations where you can purchase stamps.

Stamps OnlineTM. It's Quick, Easy, ConvenientTM. Stamps are just a couple of clicks away using the Internet and The Postal Store. You can buy stamps by price, subject, or type and get them delivered to you in just a few days. Just go to usps.com/shop.

Stamps by PhoneTM. Use our stamp hotline and your debit or credit card to order the postage you need. Just dial 800-STAMP-24 (800-782-6724).

Stamps by Mail. Ask your letter carrier or at your local Post OfficeTM for one of our Stamps by Mail order forms, fill it out, and just drop it in the mail. We'll fill your order and mail the stamps directly to you.

Your local Post Office. We welcome your business and look forward to serving your mailing needs. Stop by anytime!

— Product Marketing,
Product Development, 3-16-06

NOTICE

Phase III Postage Meters Scheduled for Decertification

We remind Phase III postage meter users who plan to continue using a meter for postage that they must complete their transition to a more secure Postal ServiceTM-approved postage meter by the December 31, 2006, decertification date established in 2001.

Phase III postage meters use older rotary (letterpress) technology to print postage and do not automatically disable if not reset within a certain time period. Customers using this technology should keep in mind that Phase III meters cannot be reset once they are decertified. Phase III meters must be off the market and withdrawn from service by December 31, 2006.

Meter users who choose to transition to one of the new information-based indicia postage meter models will have access to the advantages offered by Intelligent Mail, including the following:

• Greater mailpiece visibility.

• Improved ability to provide predictable and accurate delivery by the Postal Service.

• Multiple value-added services in a single barcode. The barcode provides data-rich and machine- readable information and is unique and trackable throughout the Postal Service distribution network.

In addition to this notice, the Postal Service has provided all commercial postage meter vendors with a letter outlining the transition requirements for distribution to their clients.

Postal Service employees should direct customers requesting specific information about approved replacement models to contact a commercial postage meter vendor. Mailing system representatives at these companies have received specialized training, can explain the features offered by each postage meter model, and can answer questions about this transition process.

General information on digital technology, postage meter decertification schedules, and a listing of Postal Service-approved postage meter vendors can also be found at www.usps.com/postagesolutions/flash.htm.

— Postage Technology Management,
Product Development, 3-16-06