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Administrative Services

Directives and Forms Update

Effective immediately, Publication 223, Directives and Forms Catalog (June 1999), is revised. The tables below contain the document ID, edition date, title, national stock number (NSN), and the postal and public supply source for all new, revised, and obsolete directives and forms. Use this article to keep Publication 223 current. Information on how to order directives and forms can be found in chapter 1 of Publication 223.

IWEB = Intranet = http://blue.usps.gov; click onInformation, then Policies and Procedures.

WWW = USPS Web page = http://www.usps.com.

PE = Postal Explorer = http://pe.usps.gov.

F3 = F3 Fill Software.

New Directives

Document ID Edition Date Title NSN Org USPS Source Public Source
HBK AS-554-B 11/00 Water Conservation Guide N/A ENG IWEB N/A
HBK DM-110 12/00 Centralized Postage Payment (CPP) System for Periodicals Mail N/A MKT IWEB N/A
HBK MS-178-VOL-A 12/00 Automated Flat Sorting Machine 100 (AFSM 100), General Information 7610-05-000-4207 ENG MDC R
HBK MS-178-VOL-B 12/00 Automated Flat Sorting Machine 100 (AFSM 100), Maintenance Information 7610-05-000-4208 ENG MDC R
HBK MS-178-VOL-C 12/00 Automated Flat Sorting Machine 100 (AFSM 100), Troubleshooting Information 7610-05-000-4209 ENG MDC R
HBK MS-178-VOL-D 12/00 Automated Flat Sorting Machine 100 (AFSM 100), Parts Information 7610-05-000-4210 ENG MDC R
MI FM-530-2001-1 01/18/01 Use of Postal Vehicles for Home-to-Work Transportation N/A FIN IWEB N/A
MOP FI-12-18-2000 12/18/00 Recording Changes due to R-2000 Rates/ International Reclassification Implementation N/A FIN IWEB N/A
MOP FI-12-26-2000 12/26/00 Statistical Programs Letter #4, FY 2001, recording Changes due to Intl. Mail Reclass. Implement. N/A FIN IWEB N/A
MOP IT-12-11-2000 12/11/00 Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional on Desktop and Laptop Computers N/A IT IWEB N/A
MOP PG-11-08-2000 11/8/00 Endorsement of Nonpostal Products, Services, or Businesses N/A PMG IWEB N/A
MOP PP-01-05-2001 01/5/01 Commercial Advertising Committee N/A GR IWEB N/A
POS 298 01/01 Hazardous Materials Warning Labels 7690-05-000-4227 O MDC N/A
POS 301 01/01 Form 8125 - For Drop Ship Clearance 7690-05-000-4239 P&PD MDC N/A
POS 302 01/01 Form 8125-C - For Consolidated Drop Ship Clearance 7690-05-000-4240 P&PD MDC N/A
POS 303 01/01 Form 8125-CD - For Consolidated Drop Ship Clearance-DSMS 7690-05-000-4241 P&PD MDC N/A
POS 304 01/01 Drop Ship Clearance Procedures 7690-05-000-4242 P&PD MDC N/A
POS 305 01/01 Name and Rate Marking Changes 7690-05-000-4243 P&PD MDC N/A
POS 306 01/01 Sack Labels - New Line 2 Information 7690-05-000-4244 P&PD MDC N/A
POS 307 01/01 Pallet Labels - New Line 2 Information 7690-05-000-4245 P&PD MDC N/A
PUB 431 01/01 Post Office Box Fees 7610-05-000-4246 P&PD MDC N/A

Revised Directives

Document ID Edition Date Title NSN Org USPS Source Public Source
HBK EL-803 11/00 Maintenance Employee's Guide to Safety 7610-01-000-9085 ERM MDC, IWEB N/A
IMMISSUE 01/01 International Mail Manual 7610-02-000-9904 IB MDC, IWEB, PE GPO, WWW, PE
NOT 123 01/7/01 Ratefold 7610-03-000-9257 P&PD MDC P/F
NOT 209 11/00 Mailbox Improvement Week 7610-03-000-9145 O MDC P/F
PUB 28 11/00 Postal Addressing Standards 7610-03-000-3688 O MDC P/F
PUB 49 01/7/01 Getting Started with Standard Mail 7610-02-000-9901 P&PD MDC P/F
PUB 51 01/01 International Postal Rates and Fees 7610-01-000-9815 IB MDC P/F
TAG 159 01/01 Priority Mail Drop Shipment Tag 7690-03-000-9177 O EPM EPM

Obsolete Directives

Document ID Edition Date Title Obsolete Date Replaced By
MI FM-530-95-1 8/28/95 The Use of Official Vehicles for Transportation Between Home and Work 01/31/01 MI FM-530-2001-1
MI PO-410-92-1 1/6/92 ZIP Code Authorization and Assignment 01/13/00 POM 439

New Forms

Form Number Edition Date Oldest Usable Date Title NSN Where Used Unit of Issue Org USPS Source Public Source
PS 3227-O 01/01 01/01 Stamps by Mail Supply Order N/A PO SH RET IWEB N/A
PS 3294-C 12/00 12/00 Cash Credit Count and Summary N/A PO SH FIN IWEB N/A
PS 3368-P 01/01 01/01 Accountability Examination Record N/A PS SH FIN IWEB N/A
PS 3369-P 01/01 01/01 Consigned Credit Receipt N/A PS SH FIN IWEB N/A
PS 3541 01/01 01/01 Postage Statement - Periodicals One Issue or One Edition 7530-05-000-4277 PU SH P&PD MDC, IWEB WWW
PS 3541-M 01/01 01/01 Postage Statement - Periodicals All Issues in a Calendar Month 7530-05-000-4278 PU SH P&PD MDC, IWEB WWW
PS 3541-X 01/01 01/01 Postage Statement - Periodicals With Ride Along Enclosed One Issue or One Edition 7530-05-000-4279 PU SH P&PD MDC, IWEB WWW
PS 3582-P 12/00 12/00 BRM/Postage Due Invoice N/A PO SH FIN IWEB N/A
PS 3600-EZ 01/01 01/01 Postage Statement - First Class Mail - Easy Nonautomation Letters, Cards, or Flats - Permit Imprint 7530-05-000-4270 PU SH P&PD MDC, IWEB WWW
PS3600-IPM 01/01 01/01 Postage Statement - International Inbound Priority Mail N/A PU SH IB IWEB WWW
PS 3600-IR 01/01 01/01 Postage Statement - International Inbound First-Class Mail N/A PC SH IB IWEB WWW
PS 3602-EZ 01/01 01/01 Postage Statement - Standard Mail - Easy Nonautomation Letters or Flats - Permit Imprint 7530-05-000-4273 PU SH P&PD MDC, IWEB WWW
PS 3602-NPS 01/01 01/01 Postage Statement - Nonprofit Standard Mail With Residual Shape Surcharge - Postage Affixed 7530-05-000-4275 PU SH P&PD MDC, IWEB WWW
PS 3602-NS 01/01 01/01 Postage Statement - Nonprofit Standard Mail With Residual Shape Surcharge - Permit Imprint 7530-05-000-4274 PU SH P&PD MDC, IWEB WWW
PS 3602-NZ 01/01 01/01 Postage Statement - Nonprofit Standard Mail - Easy Nonautomation Letters or Flats - Permit Imprint

7530-05-000-4276 PU SH P&PD MDC, IWEB WWW
PS 3602-P 01/01 01/01 Postage Statement - Standard Mail Letters and Flats 7510-05-000-4296 PU SH P&PD MDC, IWEB WWW

Revised Forms

Form Number Edition Date Oldest Usable Date Title NSN Where Used Unit of Issue Org USPS Source Public Source
PS 17 01/01 01/01 Stamp Requisition 7530-03-000-9112 PO SH MKT MDC, IWEB N/A
PS 152 01/01 03/99 Delivery Confirmation Label 7530-04-000-4309 PU EA P&PD MDC P/F
PS 1583-A 08/00 08/00 Application to Act as a Commercial Mail Receiving Agency 7530-04-000-4564 PU SH RET MDC, IWEB WWW
PS 1868 01/01 01/01 Business Card Order Form 7530-02-000-9749 PS SH PM IWEB N/A
PS 3203-X 01/01 01/01 Personalized Envelope Order Form N/A PU SH MKT IWEB WWW
PS 3227 02/01 02/01 Stamps by Mail 7530-03-000-9137 PU EA RET HQO N/A
PS 3540-S 01/01 01/01 Postage Statement - Supplement 7530-04-000-5557 PU SH P&PD MDC, IWEB WWW
PS 3548 04/00 04/00 Review and Verification of Circulation 7530-01-000-9955 PU EA MKT MDC LOC
PS 3548-A 07/00 07/00 Worksheet A - Postage Payment Review Through Documentation N/A PO SH MKT LOC N/A
PS 3548-B 07/00 07/00 Worksheet B - Postage Payment Review Through Documentation N/A PO SH MKT LOC N/A
PS 3548-R 04/00 04/00 Verification of Names on Requesters List N/A PO EA MKT LOC LOC
PS 3548-W 07/00 07/00 Postage Payment Review by Weight N/A PO SH MKT LOC N/A
PS 3600-P 01/01 01/01 Postage Statement - First Class Mail - Postage Affixed 7530-03-000-7026 PU SH P&PD MDC, IWEB WWW
PS 3600-PM 01/01 01/01 Postage Statement - Priority Mail - Permit Imprint 7530-04-000-5558 PU SH P&PD MDC, IWEB WWW
PS 3600-R 01/01 01/01 Postage Statement - First-Class Mail - Permit Imprint 7530-02-000-8049 PU SH P&PD MDC, IWEB WWW
PS 3602-N 01/01 01/01 Postage Statement - Nonprofit Standard Mail Letters and Flats - Permit Imprint 7530-02-000-8047 PU SH P&PD MDC, IWEB WWW
PS 3602-NV 01/01 01/01 Consolidated Postage Statement - Nonprofit Standard Mail Letters and Flats - Permit Imprint 7530-03-000-8322 PU SH P&PD MDC, IWEB WWW
PS 3602-PN 01/01 01/01 Postage Statement - Nonprofit Standard Mail Letters and Flats - Postage Affixed 7530-03-000-7206 PU SH P&PD MDC, IWEB WWW
PS 6387 01/01 01/01 Rural Money Order Transaction Application 7530-02-000-9535 PS SH FIN MDC P/F
PS 8125 01/01 07/98 Plant-Verified Drop Shipment (PVDS) Verification and Clearance 7530-02-000-7255 AC SE P&PD MDC, IWEB WWW
PS 8167 01/01 01/01 PCES Recognition Authorization or Vice President Award Authorization for PCES in EAS Positions 7530-04-000-6421 PS SH ERM IWEB N/A
PS 8168 01/01 01/01 Individual EAS Recognition/ Awards Program Authorization 7530-04-000-6422 PS SH ERM IWEB N/A
PS 8217 01/01 01/01 Administrative Vehicle Take-Home Authorization N/A PS SH FIN IWEB N/A

Obsolete Forms

Form Number Edition Date Title Obsolete Date Replaced by USPS Source Public Source
PS 2479-C 11/99 Examination Application Card 01/19/01 N/A MDC N/A
PS 3227-H 10/00 Stamps by Mail-Computerized Sites 01/29/01 N/A HQO HQO
PS 3541-N 05/99 Postage Statement - Periodicals - Nonprofit Rates 01/10/01 N/A IWEB WWW
PS 3541-NC 05/99 Postage Statement - Periodicals - Classroom Rates 01/10/01 N/A MDC WWW
PS 3541-NCX 02/00 Postage Statement - Periodicals With Ride-Along Enclosed Classroom Rates 01/10/01 N/A MDC WWW
PS 3541-NX 02/00 Postage Statement-Periodicals With Ride-Along Enclosed Nonprofit Rates 01/10/01 N/A IWEB WWW
PS 3541-R 05/99 Postage Statement - Periodicals - Regular and Science-of-Agriculture Rates 05/99 N/A MDC WWW
PS 3541-RX 02/00 Postage Statement - Periodicals With Ride-Along Enclosed Regular and Science-of Agriculture Rates 02/00 N/A MDC WWW
PS 3602-PR 01/99 Postage Statement - Regular Standard Mail - Postage Affixed 01/99 N/A MDC WWW
PS 3651 03/00 Postage Statement - International Permit Imprint Mail 02/7/01 N/A MDC PBC
PS 3651-C 05/99 Postage Statement - Valuepost/Canada 02/7/01 N/A MDC N/A
PS 8155-S 07/94 Sample Answer Sheet for Test 470 01/19/01 N/A NTA N/A

- Policies and Procedures Information, Public Affairs and Communications, 2-22-01


Child Alert Program

February 2001

Have You Seen Any of These Children?

Please participate in the NALC/USPS Child Alert Program. Tear out this page and carry it with you. If you have information on any of these missing children, tell your postal supervisor.

Missing Children Poster

Walter Morales

Born: 11-21-75

Date Missing: 10-27-93

Missing From: Miami, FL

Thomas Tillery

Age Progression to 15 Years

Born: 6-1-83

Date Missing: 9-19-94

Missing From: Madill, OK

Danielle Pitcher

Born: 3-11-79

Date Missing: 5-23-93

Missing From: Pearce, AZ

Shanythia Greene

Age Progression to 25 Years

Born: 9-30-75

Date Missing: 8-26-93

Missing From: Pompano
Beach, FL

Teekah Lewis

Age Progression to 4 Years

Born: 7-4-96

Date Missing: 1-23-99

Missing From: Tacoma, WA

Jessica Cain

Age Progression to 20 Years

Born: 8-28-79

Date Missing: 8-17-97

Missing From: La Marque, TX

Please call the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
Hot Line 1-800-843-5678
TDD 1-800-826-7653

Missing Children Poster Display Instructions

Please display this poster prominently on bulletin boards in retail lobbies of main post offices, classified stations, and branches. Operators of contract postal units may display this poster at their option.

Companion posters, authorized for display on bulletin boards maintained by employee organizations, appear periodically in The Postal Record, a publication for members of the National Association of Letter Carriers.

This poster is published in cooperation with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, the United States Department of Justice, and the National Association of Letter Carriers. Information appearing on this poster is selected solely by NCMEC.

In addition to Postal Bulletin updates, NCMEC distributes information via broadcast fax. Notification of newly reported missing children is sent to designated district "Missing Children" coordinators at fax numbers provided by district managers. Within 24 hours of receipt of a facsimile Missing Children poster, district coordinators should distribute copies to all postal facilities in their districts. Missing Children posters are to be displayed for 30 days in post office lobbies, workroom floor areas, and other postal facilities, unless notification is received (from NCMEC) to remove a particular poster sooner. The broadcast fax network is used to distribute posters and information in only the most urgent cases of missing and exploited children. This system supplements, but does not replace, the missing children information in this Postal Bulletin.

Missing Children posters are available to the U.S. Postal Service only as described above. If postal employees are contacted by individuals or local agencies about displaying a sign or poster of a missing child in local post offices, the individual or agency should be politely informed that the U.S. Postal Service displays only those posters provided by NCMEC, because it has been designated by the U.S. Department of Justice to be the national clearinghouse and resource center for missing and exploited children. The individual or agency should then be referred to NCMEC at 1-800-843-5678.

February 2001

Have You Seen Any of These Children?

Please participate in the NALC/USPS Child Alert Program. Tear out this page and carry it with you. If you have information on any of these missing children, tell your postal supervisor.

Missing Children Poster

Latoya Clunis

Born: 5-31-84

Date Missing: 11-3-00

Missing From: Ontario, CA

Cheryl Jacobs

Born: 1-25-85

Date Missing: 11-13-00

Missing From: Las Vegas, NV

Shannon Wanstreet

Born: 10-7-83

Date Missing: 11-20-00

Missing From: Ocala, FL

Yonas Solomon

Born: 9-13-83

Date Missing: 6-14-98

Missing From: Hartford, CT

Please call the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
Hot Line 1-800-843-5678
TDD 1-800-826-7653

Missing Children Poster Display Instructions

Please display this poster prominently on bulletin boards in retail lobbies of main post offices, classified stations, and branches. Operators of contract postal units may display this poster at their option.

Companion posters, authorized for display on bulletin boards maintained by employee organizations, appear periodically in The Postal Record, a publication for members of the National Association of Letter Carriers.

This poster is published in cooperation with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, the United States Department of Justice, and the National Association of Letter Carriers. Information appearing on this poster is selected solely by NCMEC.

In addition to Postal Bulletin updates, NCMEC distributes information via broadcast fax. Notification of newly reported missing children is sent to designated district "Missing Children" coordinators at fax numbers provided by district managers. Within 24 hours of receipt of a facsimile Missing Children poster, district coordinators should distribute copies to all postal facilities in their districts. Missing Children posters are to be displayed for 30 days in post office lobbies, workroom floor areas, and other postal facilities, unless notification is received (from NCMEC) to remove a particular poster sooner. The broadcast fax network is used to distribute posters and information in only the most urgent cases of missing and exploited children. This system supplements, but does not replace, the missing children information in this Postal Bulletin.

Missing Children posters are available to the U.S. Postal Service only as described above. If postal employees are contacted by individuals or local agencies about displaying a sign or poster of a missing child in local post offices, the individual or agency should be politely informed that the U.S. Postal Service displays only those posters provided by NCMEC, because it has been designated by the U.S. Department of Justice to be the national clearinghouse and resource center for missing and exploited children. The individual or agency should then be referred to NCMEC at 1-800-843-5678.


Customer Relations

Mail Alert

The mailings below will be deposited in the near future.Offices should honor the requested home delivery dates. Mailers wishing to participate in these alerts, for mailings of 1 million pieces or more, should contact BusinessService Network Operations at 800-419-2769 at leastone month preceding the requested delivery dates. The Postal Service also offers electronic Mail Alerts viaADVANCE. For more information, see the ADVANCENotification & Tracking System Technical Guide onthe Internet at http://www.ribbs.usps.gov/files/advance/ADVTECH.PDF or contact the National Customer Support Center at 800-458-3181.
Title of Mailing Class and
Type of Mail
Requested Delivery
Dates
Number of Pieces (Millions) Distribution Presort Level Comments
Sally Beauty Supply Standard A/
Letter
2/26-2/28 2.5 Nationwide Car-Rt, 3/5-Digit The Mail Box, Dallas, TX

The Sportsman's Guide March Main Standard A/
Catalog
2/26-3/1 2.3 Nationwide Car-Rt, 3/5-Digit Quad Graphics, Lomira, WI

Decision Magazine Standard A/
Flat
2/26-3/3 1.2 Nationwide Car-Rt, 3/5-Digit, Basic, Barcode Minneapolis, MN; 8" x 10 5/8", 44-page magazine
The Home Depot Standard A/
Flat
2/28-3/2 13.0 Nationwide Walk Sequence American Color Graphics, Pittsburg, CA, Lufkin, TX, Marengo, IA, Sylacauga, AL, York, PA
JC Penney Home Sale Standard A/
Catalog
3/3-3/8 11.2 Nationwide Car-Rt RR Donnelley
Carol Wright Standard A/
Letter
3/5-3/8 22.0 Nationwide Car-Rt Cox Target Media Inc.;
(800) 237-6266, Postal Affairs
Midnight Velvet Standard A/
Catalog
3/5-3/8 1.1 Nationwide Car-Rt, 3/5-Digit, Basic, Barcode Quad Graphics, Lomira, WI;
7 15/16" x 10 1/4"; Catalog has a die cut cover and a personalized (address) underwrap
JC Penney VIP Night Standard A/
Letter
3/6-3/8 7.0 Nationwide Car-Rt Harte-Hanks
JC Penney Shopping Spree Standard A/
Postcard
3/13-3/15 39.0 Nationwide Car-Rt Harte-Hanks
JC Penney Feel Like a Million Standard A/
Booklet
3/17-3/20 7.0 Nationwide Car-Rt Harte-Hanks
JC Penney Spree Followup Standard A/
Postcard
3/17-3/20 5.0 Nationwide Car-Rt Harte-Hanks
JC Penney Trigger Standard A/
Postcard
3/22-3/24 2.0 Nationwide Car-Rt Harte-Hanks

— Business Service Network Operations, Sales, 2-22-01


Domestic Mail

DMM REVISION

Limit of $1,000 for COD Mail

Effective January 7, 2001, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) S921.1.8 and 1.9 are amended to reflect the new $1,000 limit for collect on delivery (COD). This correction is not included in hard copy DMM Issue 56 (dated 1-7-01). It will appear in the next printed version of the DMM (Issue 57) and will be included in the March 8, 2001, up-date of the online DMM available via Postal Explorer at http://pe.usps.gov.

Domestic Mail Manual (DMM)

S Special Services

* * * * *

S900 Special Postal Services

* * * * *

S920 Convenience

S921 Collect on Delivery (COD) Mail

* * * * *

1.0 BASIC INFORMATION

* * * * *

1.8 Registered COD Mail

[Amend 1.8 by changing the COD limit from $600 to $1,000 to read as follows:]

Sealed domestic mail of any class bearing First-Class postage may be sent as registered COD mail. Such mail is handled the same as other registered mail. The maximum amount collectible from the recipient on an individual parcel is $1,000. Indemnity may be purchased up to the registry limit of $25,000 by paying the applicable registry fee for the value declared. The total fees charged for registered COD service include the proper registry fee for the value declared plus the registered COD fee. The mailer must declare the full value of the article being mailed, regardless of the amount to be collected from the recipient. The registered label and the COD form must be affixed to each article. The registration number is used for delivery receipt and indemnity claims.

1.9 Express Mail COD

[Amend 1.9 by changing the COD limit from $600 to $1,000 to read as follows:]

Any article sent COD may also be sent by Express Mail (except for Express Mail Military Service). Such mail is handled in the same manner as other Express Mail. The maximum amount collectible from the addressee on an individual article is $1,000, and indemnity for failure to collect or issue payment is limited to $1,000. Express Mail postage and the proper COD fees must be paid. Both the Express Mail label and COD form must be affixed to each article. The Express Mail article number is used for delivery receipt and indemnity claims.

* * * * *

- Mail Preparation and Standards,Pricing and Product Design, 2-22-01

Extra Copies of Publications

If your postal facility receives too many copies of any rate case implementation resource or new publication (e.g., postage statements, Publication 49, Notice 123, Domestic Mail Manual), please forward those extra copies to your district marketing manager or district manager of business mail entry. Those managers can distribute your extra copies to customers and employees.

Do not send extra copies back to Postal Service Headquarters. Doing so clutters the mailstream and does not help to get new publications into the hands of those who need them.

- Mail Preparation and Standards,Pricing and Product Design, 2-22-01

DMM CORRECTION

Documentation for Automation Letters

Effective January 7, 2001, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) M810.1.3 is amended to correct informationabout when documentation is required for a mailing of automation letters. In the DMM revision entitled "Standardized Acceptance and Verification (SAVE)" (published in Postal Bulletin 22028, 7-13-00, page 31), M810.1.3 was revised to require presort documentation for all mailings of 10,000 pieces or more. Mailings of fewer than 10,000 pieces do not require documentation if the exact postage was affixed to each piece, or if the pieces were of identical weight and the pieces are separated by rate at acceptance.

In the July 13, 2000, revision, a sentence near the end of M810.1.3 seemed to contradict the 10,000-piece documentation limit and should have been deleted. This sentence is removed effective January 7, 2001.

Documentation is required for all automation letter mailings in the following situations:

· The mailing contains 10,000 pieces or more.

· The mailing contains nonidentical weight pieces (regardless of the number of pieces in the mailing).

· Postage is affixed to each piece at a rate other than the exact postage (regardless of the number of pieces in the mailing).

Documentation is not required for automation letter mailings in the following situations:

· The mailing contains fewer than 10,000 pieces and exact postage is affixed to each piece.

· The mailing contains fewer than 10,000 pieces, all of the pieces are identical weight, and the pieces are separated by rate when presented for acceptance.

This correction has been made to hard copy DMM Issue 56 (dated 1-7-01), which will begin arriving in the field in early March. This correction was made to the February 8, 2001, update to the electronic DMM, available online via Postal Explorer at http://pe.usps.gov.

Domestic Mail Manual (DMM)

M Mail Preparation and Sortation

* * * * *

M800 All Automation Mail

M810 Letter-Size Mail

1.0 BASIC STANDARDS

* * * * *

1.3 Documentation

A complete, signed postage statement, using the correct USPS form or an approved facsimile, must accompany each mailing. Each mailing also must be accompanied by presort and rate documentation produced by PAVE-certified (or, except for Periodicals, MAC-certified) soft-ware or by standardized documentation under P012. Exception: For mailings of fewer than 10,000 pieces, presort and rate documentation is not required if postage at the correct rate is affixed to each piece or if each piece is of identical weight and the pieces are separated by rate when presented for acceptance. Mailers may use a single postage statement and a single documentation report for all rate levels in a single mailing. Standard Mail mailers may use a single postage statement and a single documentation report (with a separate summary for carrier route and a separate summary for all other rate levels) for both an automation carrier route mailing and a mailing containing pieces prepared at 5-digit, 3-digit, and basic automation rates, as applicable, when both mailings are submitted for entry at the same time. Combined mailings of more than one Periodicals publication also must be documented under M210 and M220. First-Class Mail and Standard Mail mailings prepared under the value added refund procedures or as combined mailings must meet additional standardized documentation requirements under P014 and P960.

- Mail Preparation and Standards,Pricing and Product Design, 2-22-01

REVISION

Tag 44, Sack Contents Warning

The August 2000 edition of Tag 44, Sack Contents Warning, is now available from the Topeka Material Distribution Center (MDC). All previous editions of the tag are obsolete, so please recycle them.

Any postal installation seeking to obtain the updated Tag 44 can requisition it by one of the following means:

· Touch Tone Order Entry: Call 1-800-332-0317, Option 1, then Option 2.

· cc:Mail: Send a F3Fill-completed PS Form 7380, MDC Supply Requisition, to MDC Customer Service @TOKS001L.

· Official Mail: Mail a completed PS Form 7380, MDC Supply Requisition, to the Topeka MDC at the following Postal Service location:

SUPPLY REQUISITIONS
500 GARY ORMSBY DR
TOPEKA KS 66624-9702

The relevant ordering information for Tag 44 is as follows:

PSN: 7690-02-000-9990
PSIN: TAG44
Unit of Issue: EA
Bulk Pack Quantity: 4,000
Price: $0.039 each
Edition Date: August 2000

- Aviation Mail Security,Network Operations Management, 2-22-01

DMM REVISION

Parcel Post ZIP Code Addition

Effective February 22, 2001, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) E751 Exhibit 7.0 is amended to add a ZIP Code for Parcel Select destination delivery entry unit (DDU) discounts. Parcel Post for ZIP Code 10583 should now be deposited at the Scarsdale Main Post Office, 29 Chase Road, Scarsdale, NY 10583, in order to qualify for DDU rates.

This revision will appear in the printed version of DMM 57 and is included in the monthly update of the online DMM available via Postal Explorer at http://pe.usps.gov.

Domestic Mail Manual (DMM)

E Eligibility

* * * * *

E700 Package Services

* * * * *

E750 Destination Entry

E751 Parcel Select

* * * * *

Exhibit 7.0 Delivery Facility Exceptions to the
"Majority of City Carriers" Rule

[Amend Exhibit 7.0 by adding the following entry:]

ZIP Codes Served Destination Delivery Unit Location
NEW YORK
10583 Scarsdale Main Post Office

- Operational Requirements,Operations Planning and Processing, 2-22-01

DMM REVISION

Labeling List L801

Effective January 7, 2001, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) L801 is revised to show footnote numbers for four entries. These footnote numbers were left out of the printed version of DMM Issue 56 (effective 1-7-01). However, they will be incorporated into the printed version of DMM Issue 57 and the March 8, 2001, update of the electronic DMM, available via the Postal Explorer Web site at http://pe.usps.gov.

Domestic Mail Manual (DMM)

L Labeling Lists

* * * * *

L800 Automation Rate Mailings

L801 AADCs-Letter-Size Mailings

[Add footnote numbers to the following entries to read as follows:]

Column A
Destination ZIP Codes
Column B
Label To
090-098 AMF JFK APO/FPO NY 003091
090-098, 340 MILITARY CENTER NY 0902
331, 332, 340 AADC MIAMI FL 3311
331, 332 AADC MIAMI FL 3312

- Mail Preparation and Standards,Pricing and Product Design, 2-22-01

NEW EDITION

Publication 49, Getting Started with Standard Mail

In conjunction with rate case implementation, the Postal Service has published a new edition of Publication 49, Getting Started with Standard Mail. The new edition is dated January 2001 and has a green cover (see page 14).

Publication 49 is a basic introduction to business mail and can help small mailers get started with the Postal Service. It has been updated with rate case information, including instructions for filling out the new "EZ" Standard Mail postage statements. Hard copy of Publication 49 is available to customers for free; it is also available electronically (in PDF and HTML format) from the Postal Explorer Web site at http://pe.usps.gov.

An initial distribution of Publication 49 was made to all postmasters, district managers of business mail entry, district marketing managers, sales center managers, area managers of marketing support, and rates and classification service centers. If postal facilities receive more copies of Publication 49 than are needed, please forward those extra copies to the district marketing manager.

Do not send extra copies of Publication 49 back to Postal Service Headquarters. Employees should recycle all previous editions of Publication 49.

Additional copies of Publication 49 can be ordered from the Material Distribution Center using the following information: A-D_page#ref2

PSN: 7610-02-000-9901
PSIN: PUB49
Unit of Issue: EA
Quick Pick #: 270
BPQ: 50
Price: $0.6374

- Mail Preparation and Standards,Pricing and Product Design, 2-22-01

Picture of cover for Pub 49 Getting Started with Standard Mail

NOTICE

Limited Alternative Flats Preparation Test for Periodicals Automation Flats for
AFSM 100

Effective March 31, 2001, through June 30, 2001, the Postal Service will conduct a limited alternative flats preparation test to collect data concerning how flat-sized mailpieces are prepared in relation to how they are transported and processed. The Postal Service is partnering with the mailing industry on this test. Both parties recognize the need to prepare flat-sized mail in a manner that best supports current and future flats processing and is expected to improve flats-sorting efficiency in order to reduce costs and improve service. For example, eliminating and reducing packages on pallets has been identified as a potential cost savings for the Postal Service and the mailing industry.

The 90-day test will be limited to Periodicals publications and will apply to mail that currently meets the FSM 881 automation-compatible standards as described in Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) C820.2, including the polywrap requirements in DMM C820.4 (if applicable). For this test, participants will prepare flat mail loose on 5-digit/scheme pallets for auto zones, 3-digit pallets, and SCF pallets for four test sites. Existing DMM preparation requirements will still be required for all other mail - for example, 5-digit/scheme pallets to nonauto zones, merged 5-digit/scheme pallets, and ADC-level pallets. Flats will be prepared using one of the containerization methods described below. Participants will be required to provide the Postal Service Mail.dat files for all test mailings, based on existing mail preparation requirements, no less than 7 days before mail arrives at the destination facility. The mail must be securely loaded on the pallets so that the integrity of the mail is maintained throughout shipping and processing. For each pallet in the test, the participant must complete two placards (labels) provided by the Postal Service to identify the mail as "test" mail. Participants must affix these labels to the pallet adjacent to each of the normal pallet labels required under current DMM standards. Samples of these test pallet labels are provided on pages 17-18.

Before the test begins, participants will be asked to provide a three (3) month average of volume by pallet and presort level for analysis. That data will be used as a gauge to establish the baseline data for the test. Flat mailpieces bearing correct and properly prepared ZIP+4 Codes or delivery point barcodes may be prepared and claimed at the automation flats rates, provided the test mail meets the following requirements:

1. Mail must meet current FSM 881 compatibility requirements as described in DMM C820.2, including polywrap requirements in C820.4 (if applicable).

2. Mail must be prepared using one of the following options:

· Loose on pallets; pallets secured with stretchwrap.

· Loose on pallets with slip sheets between 5-digit schemes; pallets secured with stretchwrap.

· Stacks of mail secured with one band or shrinkwrap with markings to indicate 5-digit scheme sort, if applicable; pallets secured with stretchwrap.

· Placed in cardboard sleeves with dividers or "egg crates"; sleeve secured to pallet with banding or stretchwrap.

· Placed on pallet in gaylord (pallet box) no more than 36 inches in height; gaylords secured to pallet with banding or stretchwrap.

3. Mail must be prepared on pallets, as described in requirement No. 2 above with unsecured 5-digit and 3-digit packages for specified levels.

4. The test preparation requirements apply only to 5-digit/scheme pallets for auto zones, 3-digit pallets, and SCF pallets. The current preparation requirements must be met for packages of mail on existing 5-digit/scheme carrier routes pallets, 5-digit/scheme pallets to nonauto zones, merged 5-digit/scheme pallets, ADC-level pallets, as well as any level of sacks.

5. Carrier route presort, ADC, and MXD ADC packages must continue to be prepared according to existing requirements for the four test sites. In addition, participants must continue to prepare 5-digit packages on merged 5-digit/scheme pallets and on 5-digit/scheme pallets for nonauto zones.

6. On 3-digit/SCF pallets, if volume warrants (e.g., 250-500 pounds minimum each of carrier route and noncarrier route mail), then carrier route packages must be separately palletized from loose mail previously in 5-digit and 3-digit packages. If volume does not warrant placing the carrier route presort packages onto a separate pallet, carrier route bundles must be on the bottom of the pallet divided by a slip- sheet with the loose pieces on top.

7. For each pallet in the test, the mailer must complete two labels provided by the Postal Service to identify the mail as test mail; participants must affix the labels to the pallet, adjacent to each of the two normal pallet labels required under current DMM standards. If 3-digit/SCF pallets containing only carrier route packages are prepared under requirement No. 6 above, the mailer must also affix two test labels to each of these pallets adjacent to copies of the normal pallet labels created for the original pallet (identified in the Mail.dat file). These labels will also be provided by the Postal Service and will allow the test sites to capture operational information related to these pallets.

8. Pallets must maintain their integrity during transportation.

9. A Postal Service detached mail unit (DMU) employee in the mailer's plant must verify the test mail.

10. Mail must be destined for one or more of the following SCF sites: Carol Stream, IL; Kansas City, MO; Royal Oak, MI; and Washington, DC. Only mail for those 3 digits within each SCF, based on DMM L002 column C, can be included.

The participant must provide the Postal Service with the following information:

1. Mail.dat files for all test mailings, based on existing mail preparation requirements, no less than 7 days before mail arrives at its destination.

2. During the test, information regarding changes to containers for test mail compared to containers (pallets) reported in Mail.dat file (e.g., Mail.dat shows that one SCF pallet containing carrier route, 5-digit and 3-digit mail, and the test mail is prepared on two pallets, one containing carrier route packages and one containing loose 5-digit and 3-digit mail).

3. After the test is complete, feedback on long-term issues and benefits to mailers and printers in the event that the test preparation methods are adopted.

The Postal Service and the mailer accept the following guidelines for the test:

1. Mail normally prepared in 5-digit and 3-digit packages under current DMM standards will be prepared loose on qualifying level pallets while orientation is maintained and counter-stacking is avoided where possible. Where possible, mail should be produced in package order according to the original Mail.dat file; pieces should also contain the original optional endorsement line information related to the package destination to facilitate verification and acceptance.

2. When possible, test participants are requested to separate mail on 3-digit and SCF pallets according to AFSM 100 5-digit scheme sort plans (incoming secondary) provided by the Postal Service. Slip sheets, or other methods approved by the Postal Service, may be used to separate and identify the schemes.

3. Slip sheets, or other methods approved by the Postal Service, may be used to maintain the integrity of the mail on pallets.

4. Automation and Presorted rate pieces may be combined.

5. PVDS is not required for participation. If participants use PVDS, then entry by 4:00 p.m. at the test facility is requested.

6. Mail meeting the test preparation requirements can qualify for the 3-digit and 5-digit presort rates, based on the Mail.dat files using the current preparation requirements.

7. The Postal Service may approve alternative preparation methods possible within the printer's operation before the test begins.

Test mailings must meet all other standards for the automation flats rates listed in DMM E240.

A Postal Service DMU employee in the mailer's plant will perform normal verification procedures. The mail must be destined for either Carol Stream, IL; Kansas City, MO; Royal Oak, MI; or Washington, DC. These sites have been chosen due to their destinating volumes reported by mailers and the number of AFSM 100 units at their plants. Soon after the test is complete, all test data will be carefully analyzed. A team of postal and industry representatives will evaluate the findings, including Postal Service and participant costs and savings, and service impacts, and will prepare a written report describing the findings and future recommendations.

The Postal Service may terminate this test at any time that it concludes that the procedures set forth herein are creating operational difficulties or are not providing a reasonable opportunity to achieve cost savings and improve service. Mailers are expected to participate for the entire duration of the test.

Mailers or printers who wish to participate in this test will be required to contact industry representative Joe Schick via e-mail at Joe.Schick@gg.com no later than March 1, 2001. Please include in your request the publication title, volume of mail, frequency of mailing, and entry information.

- Mail Preparation and Standards,Pricing and Product Design, 2-22-01

Picture of a Test Mail Form

A-D_page#ref1

Picture of a Test Mail Form

NEW EDITION

Notice 123, Ratefold

In conjunction with rate case implementation, the Postal Service has published a new edition of Notice 123, Ratefold. The new edition is dated January 2001 (see page 20).

Notice 123 is a 10-page foldout guide that lists every postage rate and special service fee. It is a handy reference guide for employees and customers. Notice 123 shows all of the rates and fees that went into effect on January 7, 2001.

Notice 123 is available to customers for free; it is also available electronically (in PDF format) from the Postal Explorer Web site at http://pe.usps.gov. Customers also can use the domestic rate calculator (for single-piece rates) and the business rate calculator (for bulk mailings) to cal-culate postage. Both calculators are available online at www.usps.com > Postage Rates and Fees.

An initial distribution of Notice 123 was made to all postmasters, district managers of business mail entry, district marketing managers, sales center managers, area managers of marketing support, and rates and classification service centers. Also, two copies of Notice 123 are included with each Domestic Mail Manual. If postal facilities receive more copies of Notice 123 than are needed, please forward those extra copies to the district marketing manager. A-D_page#ref0

Do not send extra copies of Notice 123 back to Postal Service Headquarters. Employees should recycle all previous editions of Notice 123.

Backorders at the Material Distribution Center (MDC) for Notice 123 are being filled with the January 2001 edition. After March 15, 2001, additional copies of Notice 123 can be ordered from the MDC using the following information:

NSN: 7610-03-000-9257
PSIN: NOT123
Unit of Issue: EA
Quick Pick #: 374
Price: $0.0699
BPQ: 300

- Mail Preparation and Standards,Pricing and Product Design, 2-22-01

Picture of Notice 123 Rate Fold

Postal Service/FedEx Business Alliance

On January 10, 2001, the Postal Service announced it had entered into a business alliance with FedEx, including retail and transportation agreements. The following information is provided to help you answer customer and employee questions related to the alliance. As we move forward, you will be provided more detailed information concerning implementation plans.

Key Messages

· On January 10, 2001, the Postal Service and FedEx formed a business alliance that includes two agreements. One provides for space on FedEx airplanes for the transportation of Express Mail, Priority Mail, and First-Class Mail. The other agreement allows FedEx to locate FedEx overnight service collection boxes at Post Offices nationwide.

· These agreements leverage two great networks - the extensive reliability of the FedEx air transportation network and the coast-to-coast retail presence of the Postal Service.

· The ultimate winner is the American consumer. The consumer gains greater choice, flexibility, and convenience.

Talking Points

Retail agreement:

· The estimated value of the drop box placement agreement could range from a minimum of $126 million to approximately $232 million, depending upon the number of boxes placed, over the life of the agreement.

· This portion of the agreement will launch with a test in March, and FedEx expects to place thousands of their overnight service collection boxes throughout the country within the next year.

· This is a non-exclusive business concept that will be open to any company that offers an overnight package service with a national reach.

Transportation agreement:

· The Postal Service will pay about $6.3 billion over seven years for shared access to the FedEx national air transportation network. Over the seven-year contract period, we expect to save about $1 billion in air transportation costs.

· The shared network will provide the Postal Service with a more reliable and cost effective air network for Priority Mail, Express Mail, and First-Class Mail. It provides greater efficiency, wider reach, and more flexibility.

· FedEx is the second largest airline in the world. It has excess capacity during the day that meets postal requirements, a substantial and stable financial base, a well-developed tracking capability, and a scope of operations that allows the Postal Service to expand its service coverage and improve its performance.

· The transportation agreement is scheduled to take effect in August 2001.

Frequently Asked Questions

Retail agreement:

Q: Does this agreement give FedEx access to the mailbox?

No. These are FedEx drop boxes serviced by FedEx couriers. Nothing in this agreement changes current laws governing who may place mail in the mailbox or in P.O. boxes. The customer's mailbox may be used only for the deposit of U.S. mail.

Q: What if a FedEx or a Postal Service package is received in the incorrect box?

As soon as a carrier or courier discovers that packages have been deposited into the wrong drop box or collection box, he or she will immediately transfer the package(s) to the correct receptacle.

Q: What will the role of postal sales and service associates (window clerks) be in this?

There is virtually no role. In the rare case where a custo- mer mistakenly hands a FedEx package to them, the clerks should politely inform the FedEx customer of location of the FedEx drop box, or refer FedEx customer to 1-800-GO-FEDEX.

Q: Who decides the Post Office locations of the FedEx overnight service collection boxes?

U.S. Postal Service and FedEx representatives will cooperatively determine location of collection boxes.

Q: What benefits do you expect from this agreement?

Everyone benefits. The public always wins when they have greater access to more services. The Postal Service wins from increased revenue from the fee for drop boxes and the potential of new revenue opportunities from increased customer traffic at Post Offices.

Q: Does this agreement mean that we are backing away from our own Express Mail product?

Absolutely not. As part of our FedEx agreement, we are making a substantial long-term investment to improve the reach and reliability of our package services, including Express Mail. We would not make this investment if we did not believe that Express Mail would continue to play a key role in our product offerings for years to come.

Q: When is the retail agreement expected to take effect?

The pilot program is scheduled to begin early March in Charlotte, North Carolina, and in April in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. National rollout is expected to begin in June.

Q: What are the terms of the test program?

The test program will last approximately 120 days, and during this period, we will work with FedEx to develop and test standard operating processes before a wider rollout.

Q: What is the revenue potential of the retail agreement?

The minimum amount under the terms of the contract for a seven-year term is $126 million for the installation of 5,000 boxes; the projected maximum, approximately $232 million, would be reached if FedEx installs collection boxes throughout our retail network.

· FedEx can place overnight service collection boxes at any Post Office, station, or branch nationwide.

· The prices FedEx pays per box go up annually over the seven-year time frame.

Q: Will we see FedEx products in Post Offices?

No. Not by virtue of these agreements.

Transportation agreement:

Q: What are the terms of the transportation agreement?

The Postal Service is purchasing 443,000 cubic feet of space on FedEx's daytime operation and will transport approximately 250,000 pounds of mail on the FedEx night network. NOTE: The reason why we are buying space during the day is because we are buying container capacity. At night, we are adding shipments to FedEx containers.

Q: Why FedEx?

Today, the Postal Service is dependent upon a hodgepodge of air transportation contracts. To increase service reliability and consistency, reduce cost, and manage cost growth in the future, the Postal Service determined it needed one integrated national air transportation network to supplement commercial air carriers.

· FedEx has one of the nation's largest airlines, unmatched reliability and quality service in air transportation.

· FedEx has excess capacity during the day meeting our transportation needs for our 2-3 day and other products.

· FedEx has a well-developed tracking capability that will allow us to expand our service coverage and increase our service reliability and consistency.

Q: What is the cost of the contract?

It is a multi-billion dollar ($6.3 billion) contract over seven years.

Q: How much does the Postal Service expect to save in air transportation costs?

We expect to save about $1 billion in air transportation costs over the term of the contract.

Q: How much Express, Priority, and First-Class Mail will be transported daily by FedEx?

As planned, 250,000 pounds on the night network and 3.1 million pounds on the day network.

Q: What other impact will the transportation agreement have on the Postal Service?

Improved service, wider reach, more flexibility, greater efficiency, and thereby increased customer satisfaction.

Q: What impact will this transportation agreement have on the Postal Service's existing air transportation contracts?

The major dedicated air transportation contracts that will be terminated for convenience are the ANET contract with Emery Worldwide and the WNET contract with Kitty Hawk. There are several other smaller contracts that also will be terminated or allowed to expire.

Q: Why didn't the Postal Service competitively bid the transportation agreement?

No other existing entity offers the comprehensive network the Postal Service needs to move the mail.

Q: When will the transportation agreement be implemented?

The transportation agreement will be implemented in August 2001.

- Media Relations,Public Affairs and Communications, 2-22-01