ALL OFFICES WITH CITY MOTORIZED, RURAL, AND HIGHWAY CONTRACT BOX DELIVERY ROUTES Mailbox Improvement Week, May 21-26Each year, the Postal Service designates the third full week of May to encourage customers on city motorized, rural, or highway contract box delivery routes to examine and, where necessary, improve the appearance of their mailboxes. Neat, attractive mailboxes make a significant contribution to the appearance of the countryside and to streets in suburban areas. Mailbox Improvement Week, May 21-26, calls attention to the need for providing mailboxes that are: 1. Approved by the Postmaster General. 2. Designed to protect the mail from weather. 3. Safe to use. 4. Conveniently located. 5. Neat in appearance. Mailboxes that meet these five important requirements help delivery and collection operations and improve service to the entire route. There are two approved styles of curbside mailboxes: (1) traditional design, in three standard sizes (see Exhibit A); and (2) contemporary design, also in three sizes (see Exhibit B). USPS Std 7 governs the design and specifications of curbside mailboxes and includes provisions for improved quality of the product and a new category, locked mailboxes. Notice 209Postmasters should send Notice 209, Mailbox Improvement Week, to all rural and highway contract box delivery route customers the week before Mailbox Improvement Week to alert them of the event. Notice 209 can be requisitioned from the Material Distribution Center (MDC) as follows: · Use Touch Tone Order Entry by calling 1-800-332-0317, option 1, then option 2. · Send an F3Fill-completed PS Form 7380, MDC Supply Requisition, by cc:Mail to MDC Customer Service at TOKS001L. · Mail a completed PS Form 7380 to the following address: SUPPLY REQUISITIONS
The relevant ordering information for Notice 209 is as follows: PSN: 7610-03-000-9145 City Motorized, Rural, and Highway Contract Box Delivery RoutesCustomers must use only approved traditional or contemporary curbside mailboxes for new installations or replacements. However, a customer may use a custom-built curbside mailbox if the local postmaster gives prior approval and the mailbox conforms generally to the same requirements as approved manufactured curbside mailboxes relative to the flag, size, strength, and quality of construction. Carriers on motorized city routes may continue to serve mailboxes that are designed primarily for use by customers receiving door delivery and that have been erected and served under previous regulations (see Exhibit C on page 3). However, carriers should advise customers that they may use only approved curbside mailboxes when replacing these types of mailboxes. A list of approved manufacturers of traditional curbside mailboxes appears on pages 9-10. For motorized city routes, and where the use of street names and house numbers is authorized on rural and highway contract box delivery routes, the mailbox must display the number on the side of single mailboxes or on the door of grouped mailboxes. If the mailbox is on a street other than the one on which the customer resides, the street name and house number must be on the mailbox. When rural and highway contract box delivery route customers have assigned box numbers, the numbers must appear on the side of single mailboxes or on the doors of grouped mailboxes, visible to the approaching carrier. The street number, box number, and/or any other address information must be inscribed in contrasting color in neat letters and numerals not less than 1 inch in height. In all instances, placing the owner's name on the box is optional. Motorized city, rural, and highway contract box delivery route customers should be encouraged but not required to group mailboxes whenever practical, especially where many mailboxes are located at or near crossroads, service turnouts, or similar locations. Customers should also paint mailboxes and supports/posts and keep them rust-free. Advertising on mailboxes and supports/posts is prohibited. In areas where snow removal is a problem, the Postal
Service suggests using a semi-arch or extended arm-type
support (see Exhibit D), which allows snowplows to sweep
near or under mailboxes without damaging supports and
provides easy access to the mailboxes by carriers and
customers. Generally, mailboxes are installed at a height of 3.5-4.0 feet from the road surface to the bottom of the mailbox or point of mail entry. Mailboxes are set back 6-8 inches from the front face of the curb or road edge to the mailbox door. However, because of varying road and curb conditions and other factors, the Postal Service recommends that customers contact the postmaster or carrier before erecting or replacing mailboxes and supports. LocationCustomers must place mailboxes on motorized city, rural, and highway contract box delivery routes so a carrier can safely and conveniently serve them without leaving his or her vehicle. The mailboxes must be on the right-hand side of the road in the carrier's travel direction in all cases where traffic conditions make it dangerous for the carrier to drive to the left to reach the mailboxes, or where doing so would constitute a violation of traffic laws and regulations (Postal Operations Manual (POM) 632.6 exempts apartment houses and other multiple dwellings from this rule). On new rural and highway contract box delivery routes, all mailboxes must be on the right-hand side of the road in the direction of the route line of travel. Mailbox placement must conform with state laws and highway regulations. City motorized, rural, and highway contract box delivery route carriers are subject to the same traffic laws and regulations as other motorists. Customers must remove obstructions, including vehicles, trash cans, and snow, that impede efficient delivery. Except when a mailbox is temporarily blocked, carriers must have access to the mailbox without leaving the vehicle unless authorized to dismount. Mailbox SupportsThe Postal Service does not regulate mailbox supports in any way except for purposes of carrier safety and delivery efficiency. Posts and other supports for curbside mailboxes are owned and controlled by customers, who are responsible for ensuring that posts are neat and adequate in strength and size. Heavy metal posts, concrete posts, and miscellaneous items of farm equipment, such as milk cans filled with concrete, are examples of potentially dangerous supports. The ideal support is an assembly that bends or falls away when struck by a vehicle. Post or support designs may not represent effigies or caricatures that disparage or ridicule any person. Customers may attach the box to a fixed or movable arm. POM 632.5 specifies postal regulations regarding construction and placement of mailboxes and supports on motorized city, rural, and highway contract box delivery routes. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has determined that mailbox supports no larger than 4 inches by 4 inches, or a 2-inch diameter standard steel or aluminum pipe, buried no more than 24 inches, should safely break away if struck by a vehicle. According to FHWA, the mailbox must also be securely attached to its post to prevent separation if struck. See Exhibits E (page 11) and F (page 12) for examples of mailbox mountings and supports suggested by the FHWA. Cluster Box Units and All-Weather Parcel LockersDuring Mailbox Improvement Week, postmasters and managers or their designees must review all cluster box units (CBUs), neighborhood delivery and collection box units (NDCBUs), and all-weather parcel lockers in their delivery areas to identify any hazards or irregularities, and they must record the results of the review. PS Form 8143, Equipment Checklist and Followup Review, is the suggested format to use in conducting and recording the reviews. PS Form 8143 is available only in this Postal Bulletin (see Exhibit G on page 13) and must be reproduced locally. Employees conducting the reviews must complete PS Form 1624, Delivery/Collection Equipment Work Request, for any equipment that poses a safety hazard to postal customers or employees. Requisition PS Form 1624 from the MDC using normal ordering procedures (described previously). The relevant ordering information for PS Form 1624 is as follows: PSN: 7530-01-000-9392 Equipment Review ProcedureEmployees must use the CBU and parcel locker equipment checklist and follow-up review procedure when examining the condition of CBUs, NDCBUs, and parcel lockers. You must: 1. List the unit location, type, and manufacturer in the left-hand column. If you are able to access the back of the unit, list the unit's serial number. 2. Assign each checklist item one of the following ratings: a. OK - Equipment does not need attention for this item. b. X - Equipment needs attention for this item. c. NA - Item does not apply to this particular piece of equipment. 3. When examining the equipment, use the instructions below to complete PS Form 8143: a. Check equipment. It should be straight, vertical, and firmly mounted with the customer compartments facing away from the street. Attempt to shake the unit; it should hardly move. If equipment is not firmly mounted, note whether it is the connection at ground level that is loose or the connection between the pedestal and customer compartments that needs attention. b. Check visible welds. Make note of cracked, broken, or rusted welds. For NDCBUs and outdoor parcel lockers (OPLs) only, tap the pedestal with a lightweight hammer, especially along the seams, to check for corrosion from the inside out or perforated corrosion. c. Observe whether the carrier access door is locked and secure. Open it and observe whether it is bowed or warped and whether the door and locking bar operate smoothly. With the carrier access door open, check whether restraining devices prevent the door from blowing closed. These devices, which may have to be set manually, should be serviceable. d. Ensure that the arrow lock operates smoothly and that the mounting screws are tight. For NDCBUs and OPLs, the cover that protects the arrow lock from customer tampering must be serviceable and firmly attached. e. Ensure that all customer access doors are present, closed, and locked with no visible damage or signs of forced entry. Check that customer door numbers are readable. f. Ensure that the exterior surface of the unit is free from rust and graffiti. g. Examine the unit. Check it for defects or damage and whether it reflects a proper Postal Service image. h. Check whether the unit and/or any protecting structure appears watertight and in good repair. Check whether there are any noticeable watermarks inside the unit or any wet mail. i. Note any other conditions that require attention. Also, look for signs of vandalism such as pry marks on doors and locks. 4. Record the results of the inspection on the checklist. 5. Submit the completed PS Form 1624 for each unit reviewed to the maintenance office responsible for CBU installation and/or repair in the area. Carriers must note equipment deficiencies and report them to the postmaster, supervisor, or designee. The postmaster or designee must then submit PS Form 1624 reporting the equipment defects. In addition, carriers should complete PS Form 1767, Report of Hazard, Unsafe Condition, or Practice, for items that pose an immediate threat to safety, such as an improperly secured or leaning CBU. PS Form 1767 should be ordered from the MDC using normal ordering procedures. The relevant ordering information for PS Form 1767 is as follows: PSN: 7530-01-000-9422 The postmaster or supervisor must immediately notify by telephone the office responsible for repair of reported hazards. The postmaster or supervisor must follow up to ensure that the work is satisfactorily completed and documented. The office responsible for repair should use its local buying authority to accomplish the repairs. Effective April 2000, the following are approved manufacturers of centralized delivery equipment. This list supercedes all previously published lists of approved manufacturers. Approved Manufacturers
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| Year | 1990 | 1991 | 1992 | 1993 | 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. of Bites | 2,782 | 2,733 | 2,802 | 2,671 | 2,782 | 2,851 | 2,795 | 2,798 | 2,541 | 2,729 | 2,721 |
To help continue the recent trend of fewer dog bites, the Postal Service is reminding customers and their family and friends to observe the following simple tips:
To avoid being bitten:
· Don't run past a strange dog. A dog's natural instinct is to chase and catch prey.
· If a dog threatens, don't scream. Avoid eye contact, try to remain motionless until the dog leaves, then back away slowly until the dog is out of sight.
· Don't approach a strange dog, especially one that's tethered or confined.
· Don't pet a dog, even your own, without letting him see and sniff you first.
To be a responsible dog owner:
· When your letter carrier comes to your home, keep your dog inside, away from the door, in another room, or on a leash.
· Don't let your child take mail from the letter carrier in the presence of your dog. Your dog's instinct is to protect the family.
· Obedience training can teach your dog proper behavior and help you control your dog in any situation.
· Spay or neuter your dog - unneutered dogs are more likely to bite!
Additional information on preventing dog bites is available on the Postal Service's Web site at www.usps.com, or visit the Humane Society of the United States' Web site at www.nodogbites.org.
Postal Employees may also refer to Publication 174, How to Avoid Dog Bites: Dogs and Dog Repellent, on the corporate intranet at blue.usps.gov (select Publications).
- Community Relations, Public Affairs and Communications, 5-3-01
DMM REVISION
Effective May 3, 2001, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) L001 is 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 July 15, 2001.
We will incorporate these changes into the online DMM available via Postal Explorer at http://pe.usps.gov on May 3, 2001, and into 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, Standard Mail Flats, and BPM Flats
* * * * *
|
Column A Destination ZIP Codes |
Column B Label Container To |
|---|---|
| Change From: | |
| 54901-04 | OSHKOSH WI 54901 |
| 78717, 26, 29, 50 | AUSTIN TX 78717 |
| 78730, 59 | AUSTIN TX 78730 |
| 78732, 34 | AUSTIN TX 78732 |
| 99502, 07, 18 | ANCHORAGE AK 99502 |
| Change To: | |
| 54901, 02, 04 | OSHKOSH WI 54901 |
| 78717, 26, 29 | AUSTIN TX 78717 |
| 78730, 31 | AUSTIN TX 78730 |
| 78732, 34, 38 | AUSTIN TX 78732 |
| 99502, 18 | ANCHORAGE AK 99502 |
| Add: | |
| 11352, 55 | FLUSHING NY 11355 |
| 11359-61 | BAYSIDE NY 11360 |
| 11365, 66 | FRESH MEADOWS NY 11365 |
| 11369-71 | EAST ELMHURST NY 11369 |
| 11373, 80 | ELMHURST NY 11373 |
| 11375, 76 | FOREST HILLS NY 11375 |
| 11385, 86 | RIDGEWOOD NY 11385 |
| 11427-29 | QUEENS VILLAGE NY 11427 |
| 11431-33 | JAMAICA NY 11431 |
| 89113, 35 | LAS VEGAS NV 89113 |
| Delete: | |
| 02140-42, 63 | CAMBRIDGE MA 02140 |
| 78705, 51 | AUSTIN TX 78705 |
| 78727, 58 | AUSTIN TX 78727 |
| 89103, 13, 35 | LAS VEGAS NV 89103 |
| 97477, 78 | SPRINGFIELD OR 97477 |
* * * * *
- Logistics,Network Operations Management, 5-3-01
DMM REVISION
Effective April 19, 2001, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) E751 Exhibit 8.0 is revised to delete certain ZIP Codes. The correct facility to qualify for destination delivery unit rate is now consistent with the facility associated with the 5-digit ZIP Code as listed in the AMS Drop Ship Product.
We will include these revisions in the printed version of DMM Issue 57 and 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 E751.8.0 Delivery Facilities Different From
Those in the Drop Shipment Product
[Revise Exhibit 751.8.0 by deleting the following entries:]
| ZIP Codes Served | Destination Delivery Unit Location |
|---|---|
| NEW YORK | |
| 10101 |
Radio City Station, 322 W 52nd Street, New York, NY 10199-9998 |
| 10108-10109, 11-12, 29 | Times Square Station, 340 W 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036-9998 |
|
10113
|
Old Chelsea Station, 217 W 18th Street, New York, NY 10011-9998 |
| 10115 | Manhattanville Station, 365 W 125th Street, New York, NY 10027-9998 |
| 10159 | Madison Square Station, 149 E 23rd Street, New York NY 10010-9998 |
| 10203, 42, 49, 56-61 | Church Street Station, 90 Church Street, New York, NY 10007-9998 |
| 10268 |
Wall Street Station, 73 Pine Street, New York, NY 10005-9998 |
| 10272, 10292 |
Peck Slip Station, 1 Peck Slip, New York, NY 10038-9998 |
| 10274 |
Bowling Green Station, 25 Broadway, New York, NY 10004-9998 |
| 10276 |
Cooper Station, 93 Fourth Avenue, New York, NY 10003-9998 |
| 10285-86 | Church Street Station, 90 Church Street, New York, NY 10007-9998 |
| 11355 | Flushing Main Office, 4165 Main Street, Flushing, NY 11355-9998 |
| 11359, 61 | Bayside Annex, 41-29 216th Street, Flushing, NY 11361-9998 |
| 11377 | Woodside Post Office, 3925 61st Street, Flushing, NY 11377-9998 |
- Operational Requirements,Operations Planning and Processing, 5-3-01
REVISED PUBLICATION
Publication 91, Confirmation Services Technical Guide (formerly Delivery Confirmation Technical Guide), is available on both the internal (http://blue.usps.gov) and external (http://www.usps.com) Postal Service Web sites. The new edition of Publication 91 contains updated information on Delivery and Signature Confirmation services, and the integrated barcode.
The revised printed version of Publication 91 will be ready for order through normal distribution channels in May. Availability will be announced in the Postal Bulletin.
- Information Systems,Expedited/Package Services, 5-3-01
DMM REVISION
Effective May 3, 2001, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) C700.2 is revised by deleting 2e and 2f to clarify that the nonmachinable surcharge does not apply to Parcel Post parcels that contain perishable items (e.g., fruit, plants, nuts, cheese, meat, candy, eggs, trees, and shrubs) as long as the parcel itself meets the criteria for a machinable parcel. The packaging must be sufficient to prevent damage to the contents of the mailpiece, to other parcels, and to postal machinery during machine processing. Perishable items sent via Parcel Post are subject to the nonmachinable surcharge if the parcels do not meet the machinable standards set forth in renumbered DMM C700.2h.
We will incorporate these revisions into the printed version of DMM Issue 57 and into the monthly update of the online DMM available via Postal Explorer at http://pe.usps.gov.
Domestic Mail Manual (DMM)
* * * * *
C Characteristics and Content
* * * * *
C700 Package Services
* * * * *
[Revise 2.0 by deleting 2e and 2f, renumbering 2g through 2j as 2e through 2h, and amending renumbered 2h as follows. For your convenience, the entire revised 2.0 is presented here:]
2.0 NONMACHINABLE PARCEL POST
Mailpieces described in this section and mailed at the Inter-BMC/ASF Parcel Post, Intra-BMC/ASF Parcel Post, and DBMC Parcel Select rates are subject to the applicable nonmachinable surcharge in R700 unless the applicable special handling fee is paid. An oversized parcel as described in 1.0c is not subject to the nonmachinable surcharge. Mailpieces are nonmachinable if they meet any of the following criteria:
a. A parcel more than 34 inches long, 17 inches wide, 17 inches high, or weighing more than 35 pounds.
b. A parcel containing more than 24 ounces of liquid in glass containers, or 1 gallon or more of liquid in metal or plastic containers.
c. An insecurely wrapped or metal-banded parcel.
d. A can, roll, or tube, or wooden or metal box.
e. Books, printed matter, or business forms weighing more than 25 pounds.
f. A high-density parcel weighing more than 15 pounds and exerting more than 60 pounds per-square-foot pressure on its smallest side.
g. A film case weighing more than 5 pounds or with strap-type closures, except any film case the USPS authorizes to be entered as a machinable parcel under C050 and to be identified by the words "Machinable in United States Postal Service Equipment" permanently attached as a nontransferable decal in the lower right corner of the case.
h. Parcels with characteristics (such as inadequate packaging) that could result in damage to the contents of the mailpiece, other parcels, or postal machinery if mechanical sortation is used.
- Mail Preparation and Standards,Pricing and Product Design, 5-3-01
The compliance deadline for barcoding Special Services labels is May 1, 2001, for all mailers, except the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This deadline applies to any mail bearing the following 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
· PS Form 8099, Receipt for Recorded Delivery
Offices should accept nonbarcoded mail from the IRS until July 14, 2001. Although the IRS has an extension until July, they anticipate that 70 percent of their mail volume will be converted to the barcoded format by May 31. The remaining volume will be converted by July 14.
As information, the majority of the IRS's mail is generated out of 10 service centers located in the following areas: Andover, MA; Atlanta, GA; Austin, TX; Brook Haven, NY; Cincinnati, OH; Fresno, CA; Kansas City, MO; Memphis, TN; Ogden, UT; and Philadelphia, PA.
All other mail with nonbarcoded Special Services labels received at retail acceptance points on or after May 1 should be refused and returned for resubmission with barcoded Postal Service or vendor-produced labels. Should any nonbarcoded Special Services mail reach its destination point, offices are instructed to:
· Deliver the mail; do not return it to the sender.
· Manually key in the article number on the scanner.
· Capture the recipient's signature.
The goal is to catch and refuse nonbarcoded mail at the acceptance point, not at the delivery point.
Note: If postage is metered and the denied acceptance results in a new date of acceptance, customers should re- meter at zero postage with a new meter date.
For more information, contact Tandelyia Samuels at 703-292-3803.
- Special Services,Core Business Marketing, 5-3-01
Make the following changes to the most recent APO/FPO table in Postal Bulletin 22048 (4-19-01).
| APO/FPO | Action | Effective Date | See Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 09781 | Close | Immediately | blank |
| 09788 | Close | Immediately | blank |
| 09794 | Close | Immediately | blank |
| 96547 | Activate | Immediately | B-F-U3 |
- International Network Operations, Network Operations Management, 5-3-01
Withholding of Mail OrdersWithholding of mail orders is enforced by postmasters at the cities listed below: |
|
| State/City | Names Covered |
|---|---|
| IL, Chicago 60626-8410 | Any And All Names Excluding The Surname Aina, P.O. Box 268410 |
| NJ, Mystic Island 08087-5538 | Armando J. Nunez, P.O. Box 1538 |
| PA, Altoona 16602-7372 | Any And All Of Various Names Other Than The Surname Kibe, 1716 E. Pleasant Valley Blvd., Trlr. 14 |
| PA, Bellwood 16617-0305 | Any And All Of Various Names Other Than The Surname Kibe, P.O. Box 305 |
| - Recorder's Office, Judicial Officer, 5-3-01 | |
