Link to contents

Administrative Services

ASM REVISION

Postal Service Brand Equity and Commercial Advertising Policy

The Postal Service has created a national commercial advertising policy, which will govern a national program to be managed by the Vice President, Core Business Marketing. It is important to note that Field managers do not have local authority to enter into joint marketing, co-branded, or commercial advertising agreements.

The purpose of this policy is to use specified postal property and media to generate additional revenue for the Postal Service, which helps to minimize the need for postage rate increases. Please take a few minutes to read the policy so that, working together, we make sure it works for the Postal Service.

Effective immediately, Administrative Support Manual (ASM) 13 is revised to include new subchapters 43, Postal Service Brand Equity, and 44, Commercial Advertising Policy. This revision will be incorporated into the printed version of ASM 14 and in an incremental update of ASM 13 accessible through the Policies and Procedures page of the Postal Service Intranet (http://blue.usps.gov/cpim; click on Manuals).

Administrative Support Manual (ASM)

4 Relations With Other Organizations

* * * * *

43 Postal Service Brand Equity

431 Postal Service Brand

The United States Postal Service brand is the sum of all the characteristics, that are tangible and intangible, in its verbal and visual messaging, that make its products and services unique to consumers, employees, and other stakeholders. A brand is the essence of a customer's perception of the Postal Service. It includes the logo, the look, the feel, the sound, the image, and the "face" that the Postal Service presents to the customer.

432 Brand Management

432.1 Responsibility

It is the responsibility of the vice president, Public Affairs and Communications, to develop, disseminate and maintain policies, procedures, and practices that preserve and build the value of the brand by facilitating and coordinating all brand-related activities with, to, and for all stakeholders throughout the United States Postal Service (see 113.21).

432.2 Review and Approval Process

432.21 General

The Postal Service brand must be presented clearly and consistently in all its manifestations from stationery to signage. The brand defines the Postal Service for its customers and employees. To protect the brand, however it is used, the manager, Communications and Brand Equity, must approve all uses of the brand. This includes the following:

a. Advertising.

b. Visual (print or video) and verbal (radio, TV, web audio, etc.) messaging that is produced for internal and external audiences.

c. Web (Internet and Intranet) pages.

d. New ventures that require naming and/or the use of a logo, symbols, or graphics.

e. Film.

f. Packaging.

g. Presentations.

h. Printed materials (stationery, directives, forms, reports, etc.).

i. Signage.

432.22 Getting Concurrence

Employees or customers who wish to use the Postal Brand in any of the manifestations listed in 432.21 or any other manifestation must first obtain the concurrence of the manager, Communications and Brand Equity, Public Affairs and Communications. You must submit all materials for approval prior to their release. This is best accomplished by using the Postal Service corporate clearance procedures that are outlined in Management Instruction AS-310-96-3, Management of Policy and Procedure Information - Paper and On-Line. Ideally, each conceptual use of the brand should be developed with the manager, Communications and Brand Equity, so incorrect uses of the brand are eliminated. However, if you have prepared a product that uses the brand in any of the manifestations listed in 432.21 without consulting the manager, Communications and Brand Equity, you must obtain review and concurrence prior to releasing the product or service.

44 Commercial Advertising Policy

441 Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to use specified postal property and media to generate additional revenue for the Postal Service, which helps to minimize the need for postage rate increases.

442 Definition

A commercial advertisement is an advertisement purchased pursuant to contract that promotes nothing other than a product or service available in commerce. Specifically excluded from this definition are advertisements that take a position, explicitly or implicitly, on government, public policy, morality, politics, or religion (whether or not they also convey a commercial message).

443 Responsibilities

443.1 Commercial Advertising Committee

The postmaster general has established a Commercial Advertising Committee and a Commercial Advertising Policy Group to ensure that the Commercial Advertising Policy is properly implemented and administered. The Commercial Advertising Committee will be responsible for final review and approval of all proposed advertisers and advertisements to be placed on any Postal Service property. This committee is composed of the following members:

a. Senior Vice President, Government Relations and Public Policy (Chairperson).

b. Senior Vice President, Corporate and Business Development.

c. Senior Vice President, Sales.

d. Vice President, Core Business Marketing.

e. Vice President, General Counsel.

f. Vice President, Public Affairs and Communications.

443.2 Commercial Advertising Policy Group

The Commercial Advertising Policy Group will be responsible for:

a. Amending the policy as needed.

b. Determining which Postal Service property will be available for commercial advertising.

c. Meeting on a biannual basis to address policy issues and review Postal Service property for advertising purposes.

d. Developing additional criteria for the acceptance of commercial advertising unrelated to content.

This group is composed of the following members:

a. Senior Vice President, Corporate and Business Development.

b. Senior Vice President, Sales.

c. Vice President, Core Business Marketing.

d. Vice President, Delivery.

e. Vice President, Facilities.

f. Vice President, Retail, Consumer and Small Business.

g. Vice President, Purchasing and Materials.

h. Chief Counsel, Marketing.

i. Manager, Communications and Brand Equity.

j. Manager, Legislative Policy and Strategy Development, Government Relations.

443.3 Core Business Marketing

The vice president, Core Business Marketing, is responsible for developing new business opportunities to expand the media space available to commercial advertisers on Postal Service property. These opportunities allow the Postal Service to maximize the value of its property to generate new revenues.

444 Current Practices and Procedures

This policy does not alter, or apply to, current practices and procedures involving:

a. Lobby management (see Postal Operations Manual, part 125).

b. Advertising of Postal Service products, services, or brands alone, or in combination with, the products, services, or brands of another government or business entity.

445 No Local Authority

Field managers do not have local authority to enter into joint marketing, co-branded, or commercial advertising agreements.

446 Postal Service Property

This policy applies to all Postal Service property, including all real property, and all tangible and intangible personal property.

447 Procedures

447.1 General

Except as provided in 447.2 - 447.4 the Postal Service may accept a commercial advertisement for display on Postal Service property.

447.2 Indecent or Obscene Advertisement

The Postal Service will not accept a commercial advertisement that is indecent or obscene, that depicts violent or sexual material that would be harmful to minors, or that is unlawful or legally actionable. The terms "obscene," "indecent," and "harmful to minors" shall have the broadest meaning permissible under United States Supreme Court decisions and other applicable judicial decisions.

447.3 Competing Products or Services

The Postal Service will not accept a commercial advertisement for a product or service that competes with a Postal Service product or service.

447.4 Alcohol, Tobacco, or Weapons

The Postal Service will not accept a commercial advertisement for alcohol, tobacco, or weapons.

448 Clearance

Exhibit 448, Postal Ad Network Standard Clearance Sheet (see page 4), illustrates the clearance procedure required for commercial advertising.A-F_page#ref0

- Communications and Brand Equity,Public Affairs and Communications, 3-8-01

D-Link

Pictured: Exhibit 448-Postal Ad Network Standard Clearance Sheet(sample). A D-link is provided.

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
MOP FI-02-15-2001 02/15/01 SP Letter #5, FY 2001, Determining Mail Class in Domestic Statistical Programs for Unendorsed Mail N/A FIN IWEB N/A

Revised Directives

Document ID Edition Date Title NSN Org USPS Source Public Source
DMMISSUE 1/7/01 Domestic Mail Manual 7610-03-000-9331 P&PD MDC, IWEB, PE GPO, WWW, PE
HBK F-6 02/01 Economic Value Added 7610-04-000-0740 FIN HQO, IWEB N/A
LAB 223 01/01 Self Service Vending Label 7690-04-000-4998 RET MDC N/A
POS 123-S 01/7/01 Postal Rates and Fees 7690-03-000-4151 P&PD MDC PBC

New Forms

Form Number Edition Date Oldest Usable Date Title NSN Where Used Unit of Issue Org USPS Source Public Source
PS 1357-S 01/01 01/01 (Customer) Request for Computer Access N/A PU SH P IWEB WWW
PS 3294-P 02/01 02/01 Cash and Stamp Stock Count and Query N/A PS SE FIN IWEB N/A
PS 3602-PS 01/01 01/01 Postage Statement - Standard Mail With Residual Shape Surcharge 7530-05-000-4272 PU EA P&PD IWEB, MDC WWW
PS 3602-RS 01/01 01/01 Postage Statement - Standard Mail With Residual Shape Surcharge 7530-05-000-4271 PU EA P&PD IWEB, MDC WWW
PS 3605-DBP 01/01 01/01 Postage Statement - Destination Entry Bound Printed Matter Postage Affixed 7530-05-000-4285 PC EA P&PD IWEB, MDC WWW
PS 3605-DBR 01/01 01/01 Postage Statement - Destination Entry Bound Printed Matter Permit Imprint 7530-05-000-4285 PU EA P&PD IWEB, MDC WWW
PS 3605-IPR 01/01 01/01 Postage Statement - International Inbound Parcel Post Permit Imprint N/A PU SH IB IWEB WWW
PS 3605-ISR 01/01 01/01 Postage Statement - International Parcel Select Permit Imprint N/A PU SH IB IWEB WWW
PS 3605-SP 01/01 01/01 Postage Statement - Parcel Select Postage Affixed 7530-05-000-4284 PU SH P&PD IWEB, MDC WWW
PS 3605-SR 01/01 01/01 Postage Statement - Parcel Select Permit Imprint 7530-05-000-4283 PU SH P&PD IWEB, MDC WWW
PS 3651-LP 01/01 01/01 Postage Statement - International Letter-post Permit Imprint 7530-05-000-4293 PU SH IB IWEB WWW
PS 3651-M 01/01 01/01 Postage Statement - International M-Bag - Permit Imprint 7530-05-000-4294 PU SH IB IWEB WWW
PS 3651-PP 01/01 01/01 Postage Statement - International Parcel Post - Permit Imprint 7530-05-000-4295 PU SH IB IWEB WWW
PS 3659 10/00 10/00 Postage Statement for Global Direct - Mexico (Permit Imprint) N/A PU SH IB IWEB WWW
PS 4010 10/00 10/00 Request for Postage Meter Keys N/A PO SH MKT MDC N/A
PS 5051 01/01 01/01 Confirmation Services - Electronic Option Application N/A PU SH P IWEB WWW
PS 5051-C 01/01 01/01 Confirmation Services - Electronic Option Checklist N/A PU SH P IWEB WWW

Revised Forms

Form Number Edition Date Oldest Usable Date Title NSN Where Used Unit of Issue Org USPS Source Public Source
PS 3152 01/01 01/01 Confirmation Services Certification N/A PU EA P IWEB WWW
PS 3294-C 01/01 01/01 Cash Credit Count and Summary N/A PS EA FIN IWEB N/A
PS 3602-PNV 01/01 01/01 Consolidated Postage Statement - Nonprofit Standard Mail Letters and Flats - Postage Affixed 7530-03-000-8345 PU EA P&PD IWEB WWW
PS 3602-PRV 01/01 01/01 Consolidated Postage Statement - Standard Mail Letters and Flats - Postage Affixed 7530-03-000-7342 PU EA P&PD IWEB WWW
PS 3602-R 01/01 01/01 Postage Statement - Standard Mail Letters and Flats - Permit Imprint 7530-02-000-8053 PU EA P&PD IWEB WWW
PS 3602-RV 01/01 01/01 Consolidated Postage Statement - Standard Mail Letters and Flats - Permit Imprint 7530-03-000-7343 PU EA P&PD IWEB WWW
PS 3605-BP 01/01 01/01 Postage Statement - Bound Printed Matter - Postage Affixed 7530-04-000-5559 PU EA P&PD IWEB WWW
PS 3605-BR 01/01 01/01 Postage Statement - Bound Printed Matter - Permit Imprint 7530-04-000-5560 PU EA P&PD IWEB WWW
PS 3605-PP 01/01 01/01 Postage Statement - Parcel Post - Postage Affixed 7530-04-000-5561 PU EA P&PD IWEB WWW
PS 3605-PR 01/01 01/01 Postage Statement - Parcel Post - Permit Imprint 7530-04-000-5562 PU EA P&PD IWEB WWW
PS 3608-P 01/01 01/01 Media Mail or Library Mail - Postage Affixed 7530-03-000-7024 PU EA P&PD IWEB WWW
PS 3608-R 01/01 01/01 Postage Statement - Media Mail or Library Mail - Permit Imprint 7530-02-000-8050 PU SH P&PD IWEB WWW
PS 3650 01/01 01/01 Postage Statement - International Surface Air Lift 7530-02-000-9024 PU SE IB IWEB WWW
PS 3652 01/01 01/01 Postage Statement - International Priority Airmail 7530-02-000-9028 PU SE IB IWEB WWW
PS 3653 01/01 01/01 Postage Statement - Global Priority Mail - Permit Imprint 7610-03-000-6970 PU EA IB IWEB WWW
PS 3657 07/00 06/00 Postage statement for Global Direct - Canada Publications Mail N/A PO SH IB IWEB WWW
PS 3660-R 01/01 01/01 Combined Postage Statement for Single-Piece Manifest Mailings - Permit Imprint 7530-04-000-3017 PU EA P&PD IWEB WWW
PS 3800 01/01 01/01 Certified Mail Receipt 7530-02-000-9047 PU SH MKT MDC P/F
PS 3811-A 01/01 01/01 Request for Delivery Information/ Return Receipt After Mailing 7530-02-000-9054 PU SH P&PD IWEB WWW
PS 3971 02/01 02/01 Request for or Notification of Absence 7530-02-000-9136 PS PD ERM MDC, IWEB N/A
PS 4000-A 10/00 10/00 Retail Lobby Observation N/A PO EA MKT IWEB N/A
PS 4000-B 10/00 10/00 Retail Employee Observation N/A PO EA MKT IWEB N/A
PS 4242 7/00 7/00 ZIP+4 Code State Directory Order Form for Mail Order Use 7530-02-000-9208 PU SH MKT IWEB WWW
PS 7340-B 02/01 020/1 Property Transfer Request Worksheet 7530-03-000-1032 HQ SH FAC IWEB N/A

Correction (correction highlighted in bold)

Document ID Edition Date Title NSN Unit of Issue Org USPS Source Public Source
PS 17 01/01 Stamp Requisition 7530-03-000-9112 PD MKT MDC, IWEB N/A

- Policies and Procedures Information, Public Affairs and Communications, 3-8-01

CORRECTION

Directives and Forms Update - Correct Unit of Issue

In Postal Bulletin 22044 (2-22-01, page 5), the unit of issue for PS 17, Stamp Requisition, should be PD (not SH). Please note that the order is thus for a pad of 100 (not a sheet of 1).

- Policies and Procedures Information,Public Affairs and Communications, 3-8-01


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 Business Service Network Operations at 800-419-2769 at least one month preceding the requested delivery dates. The Postal Service also offers electronic Mail Alerts via ADVANCE. For more information, see the ADVANCE Notification & Tracking System Technical Guide on the 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
Hallmark Spring Postcard Standard A/
Postcard
3/12-3/16 6.6 Nationwide Car-Rt, 3/5-Digit,
Basic, Barcode
Quebecor World Direct, Atlanta, GA
The Sportsman's Guide March Surplus Standard A/
Catalog
3/12-3/16 1.3 Nationwide Car-Rt, 3/5-Digit Quebecor World,
Franklin, KY
The Sportsman's Guide March Camping Standard A/
Catalog
3/19-3/23 1.1 Nationwide Car-Rt, 3/5-Digit Quad Graphics,
Lomira, WI
Billy Graham Letter Standard A/
Letter
3/19-3/30 1.4 Nationwide Car-Rt 3/5-Digit, Basic, Barcode Minneapolis, MN;
envelope
JC Penney Plus Sizes - Summer Standard A/
Catalog
3/23-3/26 2.5 Nationwide Car-Rt Quebecor World
JC Penney Talls Summer Standard A/
Catalog
3/23-3/26 1.6 Nationwide Car-Rt Quebecor World
JC Penney Summer Values Standard A/
Catalog
3/24-3/29 9.0 Nationwide Car-Rt RR Donnelley
Father Flanagan's Boys' Home Easter 2001 Campaign Standard A/
Letter
3/26-3/27 1.4 Nationwide Car-Rt 3/5-Digit, Basic, Barcode Boys Town NE, Mailroom, Omaha, NE
The Sportsman's Guide April Main Standard A/
Catalog
3/26-3/30 1.2 Nationwide Car-Rt, 3/5-Digit Quebecor World,
Franklin, KY
Decision Magazine Standard A/
Flat
3/26-3/31 1.2 Nationwide Car-Rt 3/5-Digit, Basic, Barcode Minneapolis, MN;
8" x 10 5/8",
44-page magazine
JC Penney Fashion Influence Summer Standard A/
Catalog
3/30-4/2 1.5 Nationwide Car-Rt Quebecor World
- Business Service Network Operations, Sales, 3-8-01

National Card and Letter Writing Month

This year the Postal Service is expanding its traditional week-long tribute to card and letter writing. April will be National Card and Letter Writing Month. One of the featured projects of the month will be "Birthday Wishes to America," a celebration of the 225th birthday of the United States. Students at participating Wee Deliver schools, and other interested people across the country, will have the opportunity to send their own birthday wishes to a special Post Office box in Washington, DC. If enough wishes are received, the Postal Service may be able to establish a world record with the Guinness Book of World Records for "most birthday wishes received by one addressee."

Look for a Community Relations kit in the March 22, 2001, issue of the Postal Bulletin. For more details, go to the Postal Service Intranet at http://blue.usps.gov, click References then Postmaster Toolkits.

- Community Relations,Public Affairs and Communications, 3-8-01

POSTMASTERS AND STATION MANAGERS

Diabetes Information Sheet

Instructions

Community Relations, in conjunction with our partners, is providing this sheet of information about the warning signs of diabetes that you can reproduce as needed for your events and customers. You may consider handing one out with every pane of Diabetes Awareness stamps purchased.

Diabetes Awareness Stamp

The issuance date is March 16, 2001. The issuance site is Joslin Diabetes Center, Boston, Massachusetts.

- Community Relations,Public Affairs and Communications, 3-8-01

Know More About Diabetes

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes mellitus is a group of diseases characterized by high levels of blood glucose resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. Diabetes can be associated with serious complications and premature death, but persons with diabetes can take measures to reduce the likelihood of such occurrences. Diabetes is a chronic disease that has no cure.

Complications From Diabetes

· blindness

· kidney disease

· heart disease and stroke

· amputations

· nerve disease

Prevalence of Diabetes

Total: 15.7 million people - 5.9% of the population
Diagnosed: 10.3 million people
Undiagnosed: 5.4 million people

Incidence of Diabetes

New cases diagnosed per year: 798,000

Warning Signs of Diabetes

There are two major types of diabetes: Type I (juvenile) and Type 2 (adult onset).

Type I Type 2*
extreme thirst recurring or hard-to-heal skin
frequent urination gum or urinary track infections
excessive irritability or loss of weight drowsiness
constant hunger tingling of hands and feet
rapid, hard breathing excessive urination
sudden vision changes or blurry vision excessive hunger or thirst
fruity odor on breath itching of skin and genitals
drowsiness or exhaustion  

* Often people with Type 2 diabetes have no symptoms.

If you have diabetes, regular visits to your eye doctor can prevent blindness.

U.S. Postal Service Partners

Partner Web site
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International (JDRF) www.jdfcure.org
American Diabetes Association (ADA) www.diabetes.org
American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE) www.aadenet.org
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) www.cdc.gov/diabetes
National Institutes of Health (NIH) www.ndep.nih.gov, www.niddk.nih.gov


Domestic Mail

DMM REVISION

Labeling List Changes

Effective March 8, 2001, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) L001, L002, L003, L004, and L801 are revised to reflect changes in mail processing operations. Although mailers are encouraged to label according to this revised list immediately, they must comply with these changes no later than May 20, 2001. These changes will be incorporated into the online DMM available via Postal Explorer at http://pe.usps.gov on April 5, 2001, and will be included in the printed version of DMM Issue 57.

Domestic Mail Manual (DMM)

* * * * *

L Labeling Lists

L000 General Use

L001 5-Digit Scheme - Periodicals Flats and Irregular Parcels, and Standard Mail Flats, and BPM Flats

* * * * *

Column A
Destination ZIP Codes
Column B
Label Container To
Change From:  
55420, 25, 31 MINNEAPOLIS MN 55420
56301, 03, 04 ST CLOUD MN 56301
62201-08 EAST ST LOUIS IL 62201
63101, 02, 64, 69, 88, 99 ST LOUIS MO 63101
63301-04 ST CHARLES MO 63301
72201-12, 14-17, 19, 21-23, 25, 27 LITTLE ROCK AR 72201
Change To:  
55420, 25 MINNEAPOLIS MN 55420
56301-04 ST CLOUD MN 56301
62201, 02, 05 EAST ST LOUIS IL 62201
63101, 02, 69, 88 ST LOUIS MO 63101
63301, 02 ST CHARLES MO 63301
72201-12, 14-17, 19, 21-23, 25, 27, 60 LITTLE ROCK AR 72231
Add:  
54601-03 LACROSSE WI 54601
62203, 06 EAST ST LOUIS IL 62203
62204, 07 EAST ST LOUIS IL 62204
63113, 20 ST LOUIS MO 63113
63155, 80, 82 ST LOUIS MO 63155
63303, 04 ST CHARLES MO 63303
Delete:  
63026, 99 FENTON MO 63026
63019, 28 FESTUS MO 63028
63105, 24 ST LOUIS MO 63105
63107, 13, 15, 20 ST LOUIS MO 63107
63111, 18 ST LOUIS MO 63111
63112, 33 ST LOUIS MO 63112
84065, 95 RIVERTON UT 84065

* * * * *

L002 3-Digit ZIP Code Prefix Matrix

* * * * *

3-Digit ZIP Code Prefix Column A
3-Digit Destinations1
Label to
Column B
3-Digit/Scheme Destinations Label to
Column C
SCF Destinations
Label to
Change From:
952 STOCKTON CA 952 STOCKTON CA 952S SCF STOCKTON CA 952
953 STOCKTON CA 953 STOCKTON CA 952S SCF STOCKTON CA 952
Change To:
952 STOCKTON CA 952 STOCKTON CA 952 SCF STOCKTON CA 952
953 STOCKTON CA 953 STOCKTON CA 953 SCF STOCKTON CA 952

* * * * *

L003 3-Digit ZIP Code Prefix Groups - 3-Digit Scheme Sortation

* * * * *

Column A
3-Digit ZIP Code Prefix Group
Column B
Label to
Delete:
952, 953 STOCKTON CA 952

* * * * *

L004 3-Digit ZIP Code Prefix Groups - ADC Sortation

* * * * *

Column A
3-Digit ZIP Code Prefix Group
Column B
Label to
Change From:
298, 300-303, 305, 306, 308, 309, 311, 399 (STD and BPM only) ADC NORTH METRO GA 30197
Change To:
298, 300, 301, 305, 306, 308, 309 (STD and BPM only) ADC NORTH METRO GA 30197
Add:
298, 300, 301, 305, 306, 308, 309 (FCM and PER only) ADC NORTH METRO GA 301
302, 303, 311, 399   ADC ATLANTA GA 303
Delete:
298, 300-303, 305, 306, 308, 309, 311, 399 (FCM only) ADC AMC ATLANTA GA 300
298, 300-303, 305, 306, 308, 309, 311, 399 (PER only) ADC NORTH METRO GA 301

* * * * *

L800 Automation Rate Mailings

L801 AADCs - Letter-Size Mailings

* * * * *

Column A
Destination ZIP Codes
Column B
Label to
Add:
305, 306 AADC ATHENS GA 306
298, 308, 309 AADC AUGUSTA GA 308
Delete:
298, 305, 306, 308, 309 AADC NORTH METRO GA 301

* * * * *

- Logistics, Network Operations Management, 3-8-01

DMM AND POM REVISION

Commercial Mail Receiving Agency Mail Delivery Procedures

Effective immediately, the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) and Postal Operations Manual (POM) are revised to clarify regulations for mail delivery procedures to a commercial mail receiving agency (CMRA).

Postal customers requested these clarifications. The initial amendment in March 1999 did not specifically outline documents that the CMRA may use to verify that the address provided by an applicant on PS Form 1583, Application for Delivery of Mail Through Agent, is the current permanent address at which he or she resides or conducts business. A document that may be used for such verification is a document from a governmental entity or recognized financial institution or a utility bill with the applicant's name and current permanent address. This document is used only to verify that the permanent address on PS Form 1583 is the current address at which the applicant resides or conducts business, if that location differs from the address on the two items of valid identification, including one with a picture, presented by the applicant.

The second revision clarifies the obligation of CMRAs to re-mail matter addressed to a former customer for at least 6 months after termination of the customer's relationship with the CMRA. The change provides procedures under which certain mail may be returned to the Postal Service before the end of the 6-month re-mail period. The CMRA must demonstrate that it re-mailed matter to the address provided by the former customer and the mail was returned by the Postal Service to the CMRA as undeliverable.

These revisions will be incorporated into the printed versions of DMM 57 and POM 9 and in the next online revisions available via the corporate Intranet, at http://blue.usps.gov.

Domestic Mail Manual (DMM)

* * * * *

D Deposit, Collection, and Delivery

D000 Basic Information

* * * * *

D040 Delivery of Mail

* * * * *

D042 Conditions of Delivery

* * * * *

2.0 DELIVERY TO ADDRESSEE'S AGENT

* * * * *

2.6 Delivery to CMRA

Procedures for delivery to a CMRA are as follows:

[Revise 2.6a to add a sentence before the sentence "If the applicant is unable to substantiate..." as follows:]

*** A document from a governmental entity or recognized financial institution or a utility bill with the applicant's name and current permanent address may be used for such purpose. ***

* * * * *

2.7 Addressee and CMRA Agreement

In delivery of the mail to the CMRA, the addressee and the CMRA agree that:

[Add new item c as follows and renumber existing items c through f as d through g, respectively:]

* * * * *

c. If mail is re-mailed by the CMRA to the address of a former customer during the 6-month re-mail period and returned by the Postal Service endorsed "Moved, Left No Address," then the CMRA may return that mail to the Post Office with the approval of the postmaster or station manager. The approval is subject to evidence that the mail was re-mailed with new postage to the former customer at (a) the address provided when the relationship was terminated and/or (b) the verified home or business permanent address provided on the customer's PS Form 1583. Upon approval, the CMRA may return to the Post Office only First-Class Mail, Priority Mail, Express Mail, accountable mail, and Parcel Post received for the former customer. The CMRA must return this mail to the Post Office the next business day after receipt without new postage.

* * * * *

Postal Operations Manual (POM)

* * * * *

6 Delivery Services

61 Conditions of Delivery

* * * * *

612 Delivery of Addressee's Mail to Another

* * * * *

612.13 Procedures for Delivery to CMRA

Mail delivery to a CMRA requires the following:

[Revise item a to add a sentence before the sentence "If the applicant is unable to substantiate..." as follows:]

A document from a governmental entity or recognized financial institution or a utility bill with the applicant's name and current permanent address may be used for such purpose.

* * * * *

c. In delivery of the mail to the CMRA, the addressee and the CMRA agree to the following:

[Add new item c (3) as follows and renumber existing items (3) through (6) as (4) through (7), respectively:]

(3) If mail is re-mailed by the CMRA to the address of a former customer during the 6-month re-mail period and returned by the Postal Service endorsed "Moved, Left No Address," then the CMRA may return that mail to the Post Office with the approval of the postmaster or station manager. The approval is subject to evidence that the mail was re-mailed with new postage to the former customer at (a) the address provided when the relationship was terminated and/or (b) the verified home or business permanent address provided on the customer's PS Form 1583. Upon approval, the CMRA may return to the Post Office only First-Class Mail, Priority Mail, Express Mail, accountable mail, and Parcel Post received for the former customer. The CMRA must return this mail to the Post Office the next business day after receipt without new postage, and the Post Office will return it to the sender.

* * * * *

- Delivery andRetail, Consumers and Small Business, 3-8-01

REVISED DEADLINE

Special Services Barcoded Label (2-24-01); Exception for Larger Mailings (5-1-01)

Effective February 24, 2001, any Special Services mailing of 100 pieces or less, without barcoded Special Services labels, will be refused and returned for resubmission with barcoded Postal Service or vendor-produced labels. This compliance deadline applies to any mailing bearing the following forms/labels: PS Form 3800, Certified Mail Receipt; PS Form 3813-P, Insured Mail Receipt; Label 200, Registered Mail; PS Form 3804, Return Receipt for Merchandise; and PS Form 8099, Receipt for Recorded Delivery.

Larger mailings (more than 100 pieces) using commercially produced (nonpostal) labels bearing the nonbarcoded label format (old alpha/numeric 10-digit format; e.g., P 842 063 223) for any of the above special services will be accepted without barcoded labels until May 1, 2001. Labels that do not have the taggant applied (Certified Mail) or that are rubber stamped, handwritten, short numbered, and so on are excluded from the delivery information capture process and will not be accepted.

Although larger volume mailings will still be accepted until May 1, 2001, customers are encouraged to move forward with their conversion efforts and should contact their local vendor for assistance. A list of vendors that have been certified by the Postal Service to produce commercially printed Special Services labels is available from Headquarters. Customers interested in receiving this list should contact the Special Services office at (703) 292-4172.

- Special Services, Core Business Marketing, 3-8-01

DMM REVISION

General Mailability Standards Revision

Effective March 8, 2001, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) C010.8.3 and C050.4.2 are amended to clarify that soft goods weighing more than 5 pounds may be mailed as machinable parcels. Bulk Mail System standards for soft goods weighing between 5 and 20 pounds are added to C010.8.3. The weight limit is removed from C050.4.2, and instead, packaging standards in C010 are referred to for clarification of packaging of soft goods and printed matter in envelopes that otherwise meet the general criteria for a machinable parcel in C050.4.1.

These revisions will appear in the printed version of DMM Issue 57 and are included in the monthly update of the online DMM available via Postal Explorer at http://pe.usps.gov.

Domestic Mail Manual (DMM)

C Characteristics and Content

C000 General Information

C010 General Mailability Standards

* * * * *

8.0 BULK MAIL SYSTEM STANDARDS

* * * * *

8.3 Soft Goods

[Revise 8.3 to read as follows:]

Boxes containing soft goods (e.g., textiles, clothing, sheets, blankets, pillows and pillowcases, draperies, cloth, and any wearing apparel) weighing up to 5 pounds must be filled to capacity. Soft goods between the weight range of 5 to 20 pounds must be packaged in material with a minimum 70-pound outer ply basis weight. Closure of bags may be by completely clinched staples, heat-sealing, adhesives, sewing, or tape. Improperly clinched staples must be removed. Shrinkwrapping is not acceptable as the only packaging. Fiberboard containers must be made of at least 200-pound test board for soft goods weighing from 20 to 45 pounds and at least 275-pound test board for soft goods weighing from 45 to 70 pounds.

* * * * *

C050 Mail Processing Categories

* * * * *

4.0 MACHINABLE PARCEL

* * * * *

[Revise the heading and text in 4.2 to read as follows:]

4.2 Soft Goods and Enveloped Printed Matter

Soft goods wrapped in paper or plastic bags and enveloped printed matter are machinable only if all applicable packaging standards in C010 are met.

* * * * *

- Operational Requirements,Operations Planning and Processing, 3-8-01

CORRECTION

Limited Alternative Flats Preparation Test - Correct E-Mail Address

In the article "Limited Alternative Flats Preparation Test for Periodicals Automation Flats for AFSM 100," which appeared in Postal Bulletin 22044 (2-22-01, pages 17-18), the last paragraph contained an incorrect e-mail address for Joe Schick, the contact for the test.

Consequently, the deadline to participate in the test has been extended until March 15, 2001. The correct information is as follows:

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@qg.com ("qg" is for Quad Graphics) no later than March 15, 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, 3-8-01




DELIVERY POLICY NOTICE

Late Arrival of Scheduled Mailings at Delivery Units

This policy notice standardizes the process that all delivery units must follow when scheduled mail arrives after the last requested delivery date(s) or the last published sale date(s).

Scheduled mailings are described in section 479.7 of the Postal Operations Manual (POM) as Standard Mail with requested in-home delivery dates. The requested in-home delivery dates may be found on the mailpiece, facing slip, and/or pallet label. These mailings are also commonly known as sale-dated and time-sensitive mailings.

Late-arriving scheduled mailings fall into two categories. The first is Past In-Home Date (PIHD) but prior to the sale/event date. PIHD mailings should be delivered on a carrier's next available trip. The second category is Past Sale Date (PSD, which is unfortunately but commonly referred to as DOA, or Dead on Arrival). PSD mailings should be staged and held until further notice from the owner or the owner's agent, through the Business Service Network (BSN).

Remaining procedures for PIHD and PSD mailings are the same.

1. Gather as much of the following information as possible:

· Product name (name of mailpiece owner)

· Product description (flats, letters, detached address labels [DALs], etc.)

· Volume

· Requested in-home date(s)

· Sale date(s)

· Mailer name and location

· Shipper name and location (if different from mailer)

· Arrival date and time

· Source of mail (plant or destination delivery unit [DDU] drop ship); if drop shipment, obtain copy of PS Form 8125, Plant-Verified Drop Shipment (PVDS) Verification and Clearance

· Photocopy of mailpiece (addressed side, include postage and return address in photocopy)

2. Call the local BSN office.

The BSN has processes in place to quickly notify the assigned customer contact. Once the BSN receives subsequent notice from the owner or the owner's agent, it will notify the delivery offices of the actions they should take regarding the PSD mail.

- Delivery Policies and Programs,Delivery, 3-8-01

NEW EDITION

Domestic Mail Manual Issue 56

Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) Issue 56 (dated 1-7-01) has been distributed to field and Headquarters offices. DMM 56 contains all of the rate and classification changes that were part of the omnibus rate case implemented on January 7, 2001. The DMM also includes two copies of Notice 123, Ratefold, the DMM Utilities, and the Quick Service Guides.

An initial distribution of DMM 56 was made to employees based on job titles and occupation codes. If you receive copies of the DMM but don't need them, please forward those extra copies to the local postmaster or district manager of business mail entry. Do not send extra copies of DMM 56 back to Headquarters. Please recycle all previous editions of the DMM.

The online DMM is updated monthly as changes are published in the Postal Bulletin (see DMM unit I010, the summary of changes) and is available to customers and employees on the Postal Explorer Web site at http://pe.usps.gov. The DMM, Quick Service Guides, and many other publications are fully searchable and can be viewed, downloaded, or printed. DMM 56 also is included on the Postal Explorer 11.0 CD-ROM, which should begin arriving at postal facilities in March.

Customers may purchase a hard copy of DMM 56 though the Government Printing Office by calling 202-512-1800.

Additional copies of DMM 56 can be ordered from the Material Distribution Center by one of the following means:

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

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

· Official Mail: Send a completed PS Form 7380, MDC Supply Requisition, to the following address:

SUPPLY REQUISITIONS
500 GARY ORMSBY DR
TOPEKA KS 66624-9702

The relevant ordering information for DMM 56 is as follows:

NSN: 7610-03-000-9331
PSIN: DMMISSUE
Quick Pick #: 352
Price: $6.15
Unit of Issue: EA
Bulk Pack Quantity: 5
Edition Date: 01/01

- Mail Preparation and Standards,Pricing and Product Design, 3-8-01


Finance

MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTION

Use of Chauffeurs at Headquarters and Designated Drivers in the Field

Management Instruction (MI) FM-530-2001-2, Use of Chauffeurs at Headquarters and Designated Drivers in the Field, has been published online. You can locate the online copy of the MI on the Postal Service Intranet at http://blue.usps.gov/cpim/ftp/manage/f530012.pdf. This MI will not be available in printed copies.

- Corporate Accounting, Finance, 3-8-01

MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTION

Use of Postal Vehicles for Home-to-Work Transportation

Management Instruction (MI) FM-530-2001-1, Use of Postal Vehicles for Home-to-Work Transportation, has been published online. You can locate the online copy of the MI on the Postal Service Intranet at http://blue.usps.gov/cpim/ftp/manage/f530011.pdf. This MI will not be available in printed copies.

- Corporate Accounting, Finance, 3-8-01

Citibank VISA Travel Charge Card Cancellation Policy

As of March 2001, Citibank begins enforcement of its contract clause with the General Services Administration (GSA) allowing cancellation of Citibank VISA travel charge card accounts if the account has been suspended twice in a 12-month period and is currently delinquent. These cancellations are not negotiable.

Strict enforcement of this contract clause is necessary because large numbers of postal cardholders are not paying their charge card bills on time. To date, Citibank has written off in excess of $1 million in monies owed, but not paid, by postal employees.

The GSA's VISA individually billed government charge card program "Cardholder Account Agreement," signed by each cardholder, states, "My billing statement is due and payable, in full, upon receipt of the statement but must be received by the Bank (Citibank) no later than 25 calendar days from the closing date on the statement in which the charge appeared." Unless a charge is disputed by the cardholder through the formal dispute process, it must be paid immediately. There are no exceptions.

The chief financial officer and executive vice president, in a letter dated September 25, 1998, to government travel cardholders, specified the postal policy when the travel charge cards are misused. If a Postal Service VISA Card is used in an improper manner, the following rules apply: the employee must pay for all travel costs with personal funds and then seek reimbursement and the employee is responsible for all travel charges in excess of the federal government rate." It also states that "it is the fiduciary responsibility of all employees receiving this card to use it only for official business, and to pay the monthly bill in full and in a timely manner."

Postal travelers are expected to submit their travel vouchers to their managers for approval as soon as possible after they return from travel. Managers or acting managers who must approve travel vouchers are expected to do so in a timely manner. Timely submission and approval of all travel vouchers enable each cardholder to maintain his or her account in a current status.

Nonbargaining unit employees who have their Citibank VISA travel charge cards cancelled for nonpayment of charges cannot obtain transportation tickets using the centrally billed travel account.

- Corporate Accounting, Finance, 3-8-01


Fraud Alert

ALL PERSONNEL PROCESSING MAIL FOR DISPATCH ABROAD

Foreign Order No. 453

Keep all foreign order notices for use as reference.

Final Order

The Tentative Decision and Order issued against the following has become final:

Canada

CASH AWARD CENTER
PO BOX 94800
STN MAIN
RICHMOND, BC V6Y 4B8
CANADA

AND

PO BOX 94730
STN MAIN
RICHMOND BC V6Y 4A5
CANADA

AND

PO BOX 94850
STN MAIN
RICHMOND BC V6Y 4B8
CANADA

AND

PO BOX 94731
STN MAIN
RICHMOND BC V6Y 4A6
CANADA

INTERPOST PAYMENT SERVICES
2110 KIPLING AVENUE
PO BOX 400 STATION B
ETOBICOKE ONTARIO M9W 5L4
CANADA

MILLIONAIRE MAKER CLUB
PO BOX 94731
STN MAIN
RICHMOND BC V6Y 4A6
CANADA

NATEA CONSUMER OPERATIONS CENTER
53 QUEEN STREET
BOX 18
DARTMOUTH NS B2Y 4T6
CANADA

NORTH KLASSEN LOTTO SYSTEM AFFILIATES
325-13711 72ND AVENUE
SURREY, BC V3W 2P2
CANADA

TRANS-AMERICAN EQUITIES
202 BROWNLOW AVENUE
PO BOX 38090
BURNSIDE PARK
DARTMOUTH NS B3B 2A1
CANADA

AND

PO BOX 8800 STN B
699 SHEPPARD AVENUE EAST
WILLOWDALE ONTARIO M2K 3A9
CANADA

Germany

GLOBAL LOTTERY PAYOUT OFFICE
PO BOX 1201
D-75190 REMCHINGEN
GERMANY

Hong Kong

GLOBAL LOTTERY PAYOUT OFFICE
PO BOX 257
GENERAL POST OFFICE
HONG KONG

WORLDWIDE LOTTERY SERVICES
PO BOX 257
GENERAL POST OFFICE
HONG KONG

AND

PO BOX 1285
GENERAL POST OFFICE
HONG KONG

Do not dispatch any mail to the above. Place the mailpieces in a pouch endorsed "Foreign Order Mail," and send it to:

POSTMASTER
CLAIMS AND INQUIRY
JAMES A FARLEY BUILDING RM 2029A
NEW YORK NY 10199-9652

Do not place any endorsement on the mailpieces themselves.

Personnel may post this notice at the outgoing primary. They must post it on the Foreign Order Board at all Processing and Distribution Plants, designated international exchange offices, and customer service plants.

- Recorder's Office, Judicial Officer, 3-8-01

Withholding of Mail Orders

Withholding of mail orders is enforced by postmasters at the cities listed below:

State/City Names Covered
CA, Adelanto 92301-1897 Any And All Names Except Arthur Dorn, 18335 Montezuma Street, Apt. 6
CA, Empire 95319-1283 Any And All Various Names Other Than Kelly Lauderdale, P.O. Box 1283
CA, Empire 95319-0663 Any And All Various Names Other Than Anthony Lee Sillemon, P.O. Box 663
CA, Huntington Beach 92647-4848 Centrex, 16787 Beach Boulevard, PMB 692
CA, Winton 95388-9536 Any And All Various Names Other Than William Riggs And The Surname Soares, 6944 Chestnut Lane
FL, Hallandale 33009-4680 Eric Naval, 1749 E. Hallandale Beach Boulevard, #340
FL, Navarre 32566-2185 Allan Levin, 8668 Navarre Parkway #112
MI, Detroit 48211-1362 Any And All Of Various Names Other Than The Name Of Estella Roland, 986 Melbourne Street
NJ, Camden 08104-2833 The Name Natalie Shainess, 2982 Alabama Road
PA, Nemacolin 15351-0334 Any And All Of Various Names Other Than The Names William Terry And Laura Terry, P.O. Box 334
PA, Denbo 15429-0141 Any And All Of Various Names Other Than The Names William Terry And Laura Terry, P.O. Box 141
- Recorder's Office, Judicial Officer, 3-8-01