Administrative Services

Accessibility of Electronic and Information Technology to Persons With Disabilities

On August 7, 1998, the President signed the Workforce Investment Act of 1998. This law amended Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 by significantly expanding and strengthening the Electronic and Information Technology (EIT) access requirements. The Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (commonly referred to as the Access Board) was responsible for creating standards against which compliance could be measured. The Access Board published the Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility Standards final rule in the Federal Register on December 21, 2000. Section 508 applies to federal departments and agencies, including the United States Postal Service. It does not apply to the private sector at this time.

Section 508 requires that when federal agencies develop, procure, maintain, or use electronic and information technology, they must ensure that it is accessible to persons with disabilities, unless it would pose an undue burden to do so. Federal employees and members of the public who have disabilities must have access to and use of information and services that is comparable to the access and use available to persons without disabilities.

The Postal Service is committed to achieving Section 508 compliance. Compliance with Section 508 furthers the Postal Service's mission to bind all people together through universal access via communications. By increasing the accessibility of electronic and information technology used by the Postal Service, improvements can be expected in three areas:

1. Improved service to our customers with disabilities.

2. More opportunities for persons with disabilities to apply their full range of skills to positions within the Postal Service.

3. An increase in future employment opportunities in the Postal Service for persons with disabilities.

The Section 508 law becomes effective on June 21, 2001. The manager of each organization of the Postal Service is responsible for ensuring that the EIT under his or her purview and procured after June 21, 2001, is compliant with the law. In addition, presently existing Web-accessible EIT is being brought into compliance with the law to the maximum extent practicable.

The Postal Service has been working on Section 508 issues since February 2000. To help support Section 508 requirements, the Postal Service:

· Established a corporate Section 508 Program Office in the Information Technology organization and a Section 508 Steering Committee to coordinate and plan our compliance efforts.

· Identified Web compliance as our top priority. USPS Section 508 Web Accessibility Guidelines were developed to clarify how to meet the Access Board standards and to ensure standard implementation throughout the Postal Service.

· Changed procurement language in the Purchasing Manual to ensure Section 508 requirements are addressed in contracts.

· Incorporated Section 508 into our existing Consumer and EEO complaint processes.

Further guidance on compliance can be found on the Postal Service Intranet at http://blue.usps.gov/508web/.

- Technology and Standards,Information Technology, 5-17-01

CORRECTION

POS 308, Postal Store

In Postal Bulletin 22048 (4-19-01, page 17), the Postal Stock Number (PSN) for Poster 308, Postal Store, was incorrect. The correct PSN is 7690-05-000-4311.

- Online Services,
Public Affairs and Communications, 5-17-01

Child Alert Program

May 2001

Have You Seen Any of These Children?

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

Tristen Myers

Born: 7-16-96

Date Missing: 10-5-00

Missing From: Roseboro, NC

Sabrina Forsey

Born: 12-11-83

Date Missing: 5-13-00

Missing From: Las Vegas, NV

Molly Bish

Born: 8-2-83

Date Missing: 6-27-00

Missing From: Warren, MA

Denette Covarrubias

Born: 2-9-84

Date Missing: 1-15-99

Missing From: Escondido, CA

Sabah Karriem-Conner

Born: 7-27-83

Date Missing: 7-17-00

Missing From: Atlanta, GA

Rocio Marroquin

Born: 11-15-88

Date Missing: 8-23-00

Missing From: West Liberty, IA

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.

May 2001

Have You Seen Any of These Children?

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

Jolene Riendeau

Born: 8-8-88

Date Missing: 4-12-99

Missing From: Montreal,
Canada

Kamelia Spencer

Born: 1-7-97

Date Missing: 12-20-99

Missing From: Palmdale, CA

Gabriella Guez

Born: 8-12-97

Date Missing: 10-18-00

Missing From: Valley Stream,
NY

Christian Leyva

Born: 11-10-98

Date Missing: 9-24-00

Missing From: Downey,
CA

Oscar Leyva

Born: 2-9-97

Date Missing: 9-24-00

Missing From: Downey,
CA

Justin Jeschke

Born: 10-28-94

Date Missing: 12-12-98

Missing From: Eckental,
Germany

Diane McCallian

Born: 4-30-96

Date Missing: 4-13-01

Missing From: Denver,
CO

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

[D-Link]

PUBLICITY KIT

USPS Pro Cycling Team

As the USPS Pro Cycling Team gears up to try for their third consecutive win of the Tour de France this summer, it's time for Post Offices across the country to gear up their cross-promotional efforts to capitalize on our team sponsorship.

This year, in addition to the pro team, the Postal Service is sponsoring the amateur USA Cycling National Junior Team to develop riders for the pro circuit. There are 3,000 local cycling clubs throughout the country, with 90,000 members. Cycling is one of the world's most popular sports, and it is growing in popularity in the U.S. every year. The cycling team sponsorship ties directly into our business goals and our aggressive pursuit of new revenue by demonstrating to companies that we want to support their success in the marketplace.

Postal Service employees, and the entire country, can feel patriotic pride in the accomplishments of the USPS Pro Cycling Team. It is recognized as one of the world's great sports teams, and Lance Armstrong is heralded as one of the greatest athletes competing today. It's time to hoist the flag and show the country what this team means to us.

To help you get started, we have prepared this publicity kit. Included in the kit are publicity ideas, a standup talk for employees, a column for postmasters to submit to their local newspaper, Q&As, and information about the cycling teams. We need you to:

· Work through your marketing group and create every opportunity to deliver key messages to businesses, the community, members of Congress, and employees when the USPS-sponsored teams compete in your communities.

· Find ways to partner with educational, civic, and health and safety organizations; libraries; schools; cycling clubs; and nonprofit organizations in community-oriented, co-sponsored events.

· Create photo opportunities that can be leveraged into "good news" by your area Public Affairs and Communications staff.

New 2001 Pro Cycling Team Media Guides are available. Soon, information will be forthcoming on two community relations events to help leverage the cycling sponsorship for the Tour de France. One is a national "Hoist the Cycling Flag" promotion using team-autographed cycling flags. The other is geared toward children, called "Where in France is Lance?" Promotional kits will be sent to the field explaining how you can participate. And look for the "Giant Jersey" coming to your area for employees to send their best wishes to the team.

Publicity Ideas

Create a photo opportunity for general media coverage at your event when the pro or amateur teams come to your city to race. Cyclists are required to make a number of public appearances for sponsors and are usually available a day or more before races begin. These ideas present a number of photo opportunities.

Coordinate a Postal Service Facility Visit

Invite the media to attend a local plant or Post Office visit by the cycling team. Schedule the event when a significant number of employees are present. Consider a combined public/employee event. Invite elected officials to participate. Have the team's publicity director or manager and local Postal Service official introduce each team member. Have the team representative present an overview of the season's races, objectives, etc. Have the Postal Service official present the team representative with a plaque, gift, or philatelic item on behalf of employees showing USPS support. Set up a table where cyclists can sign autographs for employees.

Race Day at Retail Booth

Invite a cycling team member to the retail booth for an hour on a race day. Hold a raffle based on minimum Postal Service purchase and ask the team member to pick the winner in a drawing for Postal Service or cycling merchandise or an autographed pictorial cancellation. Request that the team member sign autographs at a table or pose with racing fans and employees.

If the team is coming to your area and you would like to schedule an appearance by one or more members of the team, contact Dickie Rustin at 202-268-2348 to make arrangements.

If a USPS team is not visiting your area, there are local cycling club races where you can do the same type of activities as with the sponsored teams. Be aware if a professional or amateur team member is from your area, so you can capitalize on it during events. These can be good opportunities to promote Postal Service products and generate revenue for your office.

Partner with local cycling clubs for events in your area. For example, you can hold bike safety clinics with a cycling club at a school in your community (perhaps one that already participates in Wee Deliver). Contact your field Public Affairs and Communications office for assistance in planning any activity. Field offices will also have electronic copies of the material in this kit for you to use.

Flag-Raising Ceremony

Prior to the Tour de France, from June 25 to July 6, a flag-raising event will be scheduled in each district, involving employees, local officials, USA Cycling Club members, and other invited guests, to draw attention to our team. Area offices will receive two 3- by 5-foot flags for each district. One flag will be autographed by the USPS Pro Cycling Team; the other will be flown until the Tour ends. The public will be able to enter a drawing to win the autographed flag at the conclusion of the Tour, providing another media opportunity.

Giant Jersey Signature Banners

Employees can send their best wishes to the Pro Cycling Team as they go for the "three-peat" in this year's Tour de France. Each area office has received a 7- by 8-foot banner illustrated with the team jersey for employees to sign. The signed banners will then be displayed at a send-off event for the team on June 1 in Washington, DC.

POSTMASTER COLUMN

The Postal Service and the Race for Business

What do the United States Postal Service and the USPS Pro and Amateur Cycling Teams have in common? They are all winners and they rely on exceptional teamwork to deliver a winning product.

In the case of the USPS Pro and Amateur Cycling Teams, each racer makes a selfless contribution to the team effort in order to position one team member to be the overall winner. That was the case when Lance Armstrong won back-to-back races at the Tour de France in 1999 and 2000. When Lance donned the yellow jersey as the Tour de France champion, the Postal Service crossed the finish line with him.

And that is why the Postal Service is sponsoring the cycling teams. In today's competitive marketplace, every organization has to use advertising and promotions to bring its products and services to the attention of customers. The Postal Service faces stiff competition against all of its products. It has no monopoly on messaging or package delivery.

The Postal Service has to build brand awareness of its products to be able to generate new revenue so it can continue its mission of providing universal service. We are in the race for new business.

Our cycling sponsorship ties directly into our business goals and serves as a vehicle for our aggressive pursuit of new business at every turn in the race. When our championship cycling teams wear the Postal Service logo, the Postal Service's corporate brand is recognized as the symbol of excellence.

As title sponsor of the USPS Pro and Amateur Cycling Teams, we plan to use that association to raise awareness of our products and services. The extensive positive publicity generated by the team increases brand awareness and positions the Postal Service favorably in the minds of prospective business clients by its association with a winning image.

By sponsoring teams in local races, such as the [INSERT EVENT INFO] on [INSERT DATE], the Postal Service has a chance to contribute positively in community events and build awareness of one of the world's most popular sports.

Leveraging the success of a world-class team brings rewards to the Postal Service that go beyond finishing first. It means first in the minds of prospective business clients, first in the minds of residential customers, and first in the minds of employees who take pride in working for a first-class organization.

EMPLOYEE BUSINESS TALK

The Postal Service Cycling Teams Sponsorship - Go! Ride! Win!

Today, I'd like to talk about a subject you heard a lot about last year, the U.S. Postal Service's Pro Cycling Team. This year the Postal Service initiated a new sponsorship in addition to the pro team - that of title sponsor for the USA Cycling National Junior Team. These teams serve a vital purpose in grooming tomorrow's professional cycling champions.

You might ask, "What does cycling have to do with our core business of selling stamps and processing and delivering the mail?" The answer is that our sponsorship ties directly into the business goals of the Postal Service. The cycling teams will help raise brand awareness and increase sales of our products and services, especially in the business-to-business market.

Lance Armstrong and the team's spectacular performance the last 2 years in the Tour de France created extensive positive publicity. This translated into Postal Service brand recognition and positioned us favorably in the minds of prospective business clients. A winning image in business is worth a lot!

The fact is we have to advertise and promote to grow revenue, just as any business does. Our sponsorship of the team has generated much more revenue than the sponsorship has cost. It's a good business investment.

The Pro and Amateur Cycling Teams offer unique opportunities to enhance the Postal Service image in local communities, too. Local races, such as the one scheduled [INSERT LOCATION AND DATE], benefit our image when we hold programs such as those promoting youth bicycle safety programs.

Cycling is one of the world's most popular sports, with more than 60 million spectators annually. The Tour de France is one of the world's largest sporting events, attracting over 20 million spectators and generating TV coverage in 140 countries with more than 2 billion viewers. That's a lot of people watching the Postal Service eagle cross the finish line.

With so much focus and attention on a world-class cycling event, leveraging the success of a world- class team brings rewards to the Postal Service that go beyond finishing first. It means first in the minds of prospective business clients, first in the minds of residential customers, and first in the minds of employees. As Postal Service employees, we can take real pride in the efforts of our team - America's team - as they try for their third win in the Tour de France.

POSTMASTER SPEECH SEGMENT

Postal Service Cycling Teams Sponsorship and the Race for Business

Let me ask a question. (Raising hand) How many of you have heard of Lance Armstrong? We all know Lance as the winner of the Tour de France 2 years in a row. Now, how many of you know which cycling team he rides for? That's right. Lance is a member of the USPS Pro Cycling Team. And the Postal Service is proud to sponsor Lance and the team. We also sponsor the USA Cycling Junior Teams this year.

And, as you may know, the [INSERT NAME OF POSTAL SERVICE-SPONSORED TEAM] will be competing here in our city on [INSERT DATE]. But some of you might be asking, why is the Postal Service sponsoring cycling teams, especially if you're in such narrow fiscal straits?

Well, the United States Postal Service is in a competitive race too - a race for business to be the global shipper of choice. And like Lance Armstrong's race, it is a race we plan to win.

As title sponsor of the USPS Pro and Amateur Cycling Teams, we plan to use that association to raise awareness of the Postal Service as a global competitor in the delivery business. Our sponsorship ties directly into our business goals. It puts us in gear to increase revenue and sales of postal products and services, such as our line of global delivery products. The bottom line - sponsorship contributes to the overall financial success of the Postal Service, which is good news for postal customers.

Remember when Lance Armstrong battled life-threatening cancer? After his victory over the disease, he looked for a team that would offer him a contract, and the Postal Service gave him the chance. When he brought home the yellow jersey 2 years in a row as Tour de France champion, the Postal Service crossed the finish line with him.

The extensive positive publicity from our relationship with Lance and the team generated brand awareness and helped position the Postal Service favorably in the minds of prospective business clients. This association sets the Postal Service apart from our competitors. A winning image is important. When a company chooses its courier of choice, it wants a winner.

While the Tour de France is a race on a global stage, our association with cycling takes place on a local stage as well. Sponsorship gives us visibility at local races, which helps build our presence in domestic markets. Why do we need to advertise? Because our products, such as Priority Mail, face stiff competition from private carriers. Our sponsorship of the team helps to build awareness of our products.

Cycling is one of the world's most popular sports, with more than 60 million spectators annually. The Tour de France is one of the world's largest sporting events, attracting over 20 million spectators and generating TV coverage in 140 countries with more than 2 billion viewers.

With so much focus and attention on a world-class cycling event, leveraging the success of a world- class team brings rewards to the Postal Service that go beyond finishing first. It means first in the minds of prospective business clients, first in the minds of residential customers, and first in the minds of employees who take pride in working for a first-class organization.

USPS Pro Cycling Team Questions and Answers

Q: Why is the U.S. Postal Service sponsoring the professional and amateur cycling teams?

A: Our sponsorship of the pro and amateur cycling teams helps promote our products and services to other businesses. Through the sponsorship, we expect to increase our revenue and sales of Postal Service products and services on a global basis. It also offers unique opportunities to enhance the Postal Service image in local communities and among our employees. We also want to show our support for the sport of cycling by sponsoring the development of the next generation of championship riders.

Q: What does the sponsorship entail?

A: The Postal Service is the title sponsor of the team, which is owned and managed by Tailwind Sports, Inc., a sports marketing company. Other sponsors also provide either funding or in-kind services to support the team's budget. For example, Trek provides bicycles, Volkswagen provides cars, Giro supplies helmets. Our sponsorship of the junior teams gives our brand image added exposure and provides us with tremendous reach throughout organized cycling at the three highest levels.

Q: What benefit does the Postal Service expect to get from the sponsorship?

A: The pro and amateur cycling sponsorships support the business goals of the International Business, Retail, and Sales organizations. The International Business group responds to the increasing globalization of U.S. businesses. As American businesses look to "go global," the International Business group has positioned itself to help them reach new markets and increase revenue. By facilitating the movement of products overseas for American businesses, the Postal Service expects to increase international revenue tenfold over the next decade.

The Sales group works to identify new business opportunities with companies and individuals affiliated with cycling. These relationships, and the revenue generated as a result, provide the necessary financial support for the cycling sponsorship. The sponsorship also offers unique opportunities to enhance the Postal Service image in local communities and among its employees. Our pro team sponsorship has proved its worth many times over.

Q: How can the Postal Service justify spending money on a cycling sponsorship?

A: The Postal Service is always looking for ways to increase revenue, especially in tight financial times like these. We have to use advertising and promotions to generate new revenue. The Postal Service's Sales group continues to find opportunities to build new business, with increased sales to companies and individuals affiliated with cycling. For example, a company in the cycling industry would be shown by our professional sales managers how they might include advertising mail in their marketing mix. It's a win-win situation for both the Postal Service and the company because the Postal Service gets new revenue and the customer gets increased sales. These relationships, and the revenue generated as a result, return much more than the cost of the cycling sponsorship.

Q: What part does Lance Armstrong play in the sponsorship?

A: He is one member of the USPS Pro Cycling Team, and there is no special sponsorship arrangement with him. His salary is paid by Tailwind Sports, and he negotiates his contract with them.

Q: What other sports sponsorships is the Postal Service involved in?

A: Like many other businesses, the Postal Service advertises and undertakes sponsorships in order to increase awareness of its products and services. The cycling sponsorship is the only national sports sponsorship in which the Postal Service is engaged. On a local level, there are some Postal Service sponsorships of college football, and some professional sports teams, mostly in the nature of signs placed in sports venues. In addition, the Postal Service sponsors educational initiatives and other activities that support our efforts to be good citizens in the communities we serve.

USPS Pro Cycling Team 2001 Roster

Lance Armstrong
Residence - Austin, TX
Country - USA

Stephane Barthe
Residence - Toulouse, France
Country - France

Jaime Burrow
Residence - Sansepolcro, Italy
Country - Italy

Dylan Casey
Residence - Mountain View, CA
Country - USA

Antonio Cruz
Residence - Long Beach, CA
Country - USA

Julian Dean
Residence - Rotorua, New Zealand
Country - New Zealand

Viatcheslav Ekimov
Residence - Tortosa, Spain
Country - Russia

Tyler Hamilton
Residence - Marblehead, MA
Country - USA

Roberto Heras
Residence - Bejar, Spain
Country - Spain

George Hincapie
Residence - Greenville, SC
Country - USA

Benoit Joachim
Residence - Foetz, Luxembourg
Country - Luxembourg

Steffen Kjaergaard
Residence - Ouwegem, Belgium
Country - Norway

Kenny Labbe
Residence - Mt. Prospect, IL
Country - USA

Levi Leipheimer
Residence - Santa Rosa, CA
Country - USA

Victor Hugo Pena
Residence - Piedecuesta, Columbia
Country - Columbia

Jose Luis Rubiera
Residence - Gijon, Spain
Country - Spain

Christian Vande Velde
Residence - Boulder, CO
Country - USA

Cedric Vasseur
Residence - Lambersart, France
Country - France

Robbie Ventura
Residence - Gurnee, IL
Country - USA

Matthew White
Residence - Caringbah, Australia
Country - Australia

Dave Zabriskie
Residence - Salt Lake City, UT
Country - USA

USPS Pro Cycling Team 2001 U.S. Tour Schedule

Postmasters and managers: Use this calendar to plan public and employee events around the team's appearance in your area. Contact your area Public Affairs and Communications office for assistance in planning events.

* Cyclists scheduled to appear are subject to change.

This year the Postal Service is also the title sponsor for the USA Cycling Junior Team that trains and develops the cycling stars of tomorrow. The amateur teams will ride in both domestic and international races.

USPS Junior Team 2001 Roster

Brad Buccambuso
Hometown - Logan, UT
Winner, 1999 National Junior Road Race

Adam Craig
Hometown - Exeter, ME
Winner, 1999 National Junior Mountain Bike XC

Michael Creed
Hometown - Colorado Springs, CO
Winner, 1997-99 National Junior Time Trial

Walker Ferguson
Hometown - Norwood, CO
Winner, 2000 World Junior Mountain Bike Race

Brice Jones
Hometown - Fort Smith, AR
Winner, 2000 National Under-23 Road Race

Ryan Miller
Hometown - Kirkland, WA
Winner, 1999 National Under-23 Time Trial

Danny Pate
Hometown - Colorado Springs, CO
Winner, 1999 National Road Race

Skylar Reeves
Hometown - Pinckney, MI
Member, 1999 World Junior Mountain Bike Team

Justin Spinelli
Hometown - Nashua, NH
Second, 1998 National U-23 Cyclo-Cross

Josh Thornton
Hometown - Coventry, RI
Winner, 1997 Junior National Road Race

Derek Wilkerson
Hometown - San Antonio, FL
Winner, 1995 and 1997 Junior National Road Race

Phil Zajicek
Hometown - Leominster, MA
Winner, 1997 Junior National Criterium

Cycling Terms

If you have a pro or amateur race in your town and don't know a peloton from a futon, here's a handy list of cycling terms to help you better understand the sport.

- Media Relations, Public Affairs and Communications, 5-17-01

Domestic Mail

DMM REVISION

Preparation Changes for Securing Packages of Mail

Effective July 1, 2001, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) M020 is revised to improve package integrity for Periodicals and Standard Mail. These revisions reorganize DMM M020 by prescribing basic standards for preparing and securing all packages and incorporating standards that pertain individually to packages on pallets, packages in sacks, and packages in trays. The Postal Service and mailing industry have been working together on several fronts to address the serious issue of package breakage and its associated costs, which are ultimately reflected in postal rates. This problem is not new and these DMM revisions constitute just one of several ongoing efforts to make long- needed changes that will have an overall positive effect on package breakage and flats processing costs and efficiencies in general.

The following is a summary of the major revisions to the DMM, as well as clarifications of current standards and recommendations for complying with the revised standards.

Counter-Stacking

DMM M020.1.2 instructs mailers to limit counter-stacking of pieces in packages to those situations when it will create packages of more uniform thickness that are more likely to maintain their integrity during transportation and processing. For example, it may be appropriate to counter- stack saddle-stitched mailpieces and mailpieces where one edge is thicker than other edges or one corner is thicker than other corners. Mailers should make counter-stacked groups within a package as high (thick) as possible, generally at least 1 inch thick. Reorienting counter-stacked pieces to prep flats for delivery or to run on a flat sorting machine (e.g., an AFSM 100) is time consuming and may add to processing costs. Therefore, mailers should limit the use of counter-stacking to those situations when it is expected to actually improve the uniformity and stability of a package. When pieces are nonuniform in thickness because they are thicker in the center instead of along an edge or corner, instead of counter-stacking mailers should limit the height (thickness) of such packages to 3 to 6 inches to ensure the package will stay together during normal transit and handling.

Sequence for Applying Bands

Current DMM M020.2.3b requires mailers to place a first strap around the length and a second strap around the girth when double-banding packages over 1 inch in height. The revised standard in DMM M020.1.4d does not specify a required sequence for applying the two bands.

Securing Packages Over 1 Inch High

Standards in DMM M020.1.4d, M020.1.5a, and M020.1.8c have been revised to clarify that packages over 1 inch in height must be secured with at least two bands, with shrinkwrap, or with shrinkwrap plus one or two bands, whether placed in sacks or on pallets.

Periodicals and Standard Mail Packages Prepared in Sacks

New DMM M020.1.8 has been added to specify standards for preparing packages of Periodicals and Standard Mail placed in sacks. Key provisions of this section are as follows:

(1) Maximum Package Weight: Revised DMM M020.1.8a provides that packages of Periodicals and Standard Mail prepared in sacks must not weigh more than 20 pounds. This limit is consistent with the maximum weight prescribed for such packages when prepared on pallets and is also the maximum weight of packages or parcels that can be processed on the Postal Service small parcel and bundle sorter (SPBS).

(2) Maximum Package Height, Pieces With Coated Cover Stock: Revised DMM M020.1.8d provides that packages of pieces with covers of coated stock that are not individually enclosed in an envelope or protective wrapper (i.e., not in polywrap or an uncoated wrapper) must not exceed 3 inches in height if secured with string/twine, rubber bands, or only shrinkwrap. If secured with two plastic straps or shrinkwrap plus one or two bands, packages of coated pieces must not exceed 6 inches in height.

(3) Maximum Package Height, Pieces With Uncoated Cover Stock: Revised DMM M020.1.8e provides that, regardless of securing method, packages of pieces with outer surfaces of uncoated stock must not exceed 8 inches in height, although it is recommended that such packages not exceed 6 inches in height. "Uncoated stock" also refers to pieces with coated covers that are individually enclosed in a cover or mailing wrapper of uncoated stock such as an envelope, sleeve, protective cover, partial wrapper, or polybag and pieces with outer surfaces composed of material other than paper (e.g., plastic, cloth, fiberboard, or metal).

Rate Eligibility Due to Package Size Limits

Under the provisions of current DMM M020.1.6, an individual package may be prepared with fewer than the minimum number of pieces required by the standards for the rate claimed without loss of rate eligibility if a greater number of pieces would exceed the maximum physical size for a package and the total number of pieces for that presort destination meets the minimum volume standard (e.g., 30 pieces are available to meet a 10-piece minimum, but a package of eight pieces is 6 inches thick). This section has been redesignated as M020.1.7 and revised to clarify that rate eligibility for smaller physical packages prepared under the new height limits is based on the total number of pieces for the presort destination.

Setting Package Height Parameters

Many large volume mailers have eliminated banding from most of their production lines and use only shrinkwrap to secure packages. The Postal Service expects these mailers to continue to use current packaging materials to secure packages and to meet the revised standards by limiting the height of packages of coated pieces to be placed in sacks. By setting different package height maximums for each type of mail when presorting their mailing lists (e.g., 3-inch maximum for packages in sacks and 6-inch maximum for packages on pallets), mailers can mitigate the impact of these revisions on their overall costs. Several major presort software vendors have stated that their software provides users with the ability to do this.

Maximum Package Weight as a Proxy for Maximum Height

Mailers who control package size by weight instead of height when presorting their address files can develop weight-height conversion tables for each mailpiece they produce using the average piece weight and thickness for each mailing. Presort software does have the ability to control package height using the thickness of an average piece.

Moving Mail Out of Sacks and Onto Pallets

Data on package breakage rates show that packages in sacks break at much higher rates (17.5 percent) than packages prepared on pallets (1.1 percent). Mailers should therefore take advantage of several options currently available that have been shown to reduce sack usage and move more mail onto pallets. For example, mailers may choose not to prepare optional 3-digit pallets or, if they do prepare such pallets, they may use package reallocation to protect the SCF pallet level if their software is PAVE-certified to support this option. In addition, mailers might consider lowering the minimum pallet weight, possibly as low as 250 pounds, for only their last pallet level (e.g., ADC for Periodicals or ASF/BMC for Standard Mail) to keep mail from falling to sacks. Mailers may also prepare pallets that weigh less than 250 pounds when those pallets are drop shipped to the destination sectional center facility (DSCF) or destination delivery unit (DDU). Mailers must obtain written authorization from the processing and distribution manager of the entry facility for DSCF entry of lightweight pallets. The Postal Service is aware that many mailers do not take advantage of these opportunities.

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 (http://pe.usps.gov).

Domestic Mail Manual (DMM)

M Mail Preparation and Sortation

* * * * *

M020 Packages

1.0 BASIC STANDARDS

[Amend 1.1 by replacing the reference to 1.6 with 1.2 to read as follows:]

1.1 Facing

Except as noted in 1.2, all pieces in a package must be "faced" (i.e., arranged with the addresses in the same read direction), with an address visible on the top piece.

[Amend the heading of 1.2 and revise the text to clarify when counter-stacking of pieces of irregular thickness is appropriate to read as follows:]

1.2 Counter-Stacking - Sacked and Palletized Mail

Packages of flats and other pieces of nonuniform thickness may be prepared by counter-stacking under these conditions:

a. Counter-stacking should be used only to create packages of more uniform thickness that are more likely to maintain their integrity during transportation and processing.

b. Counter-stacking is appropriate for saddle-stitched mailpieces and pieces where one edge is thicker than other edges or one corner is thicker than other corners.

c. When counter-stacking, pieces must all have addresses facing up and be divided into no more than four approximately equal groups, with each group rotated 180 degrees from the preceding and succeeding group(s); prepare as few groups as possible to create a bundle of uniform thickness.

d. Counter-stacked groups within a package should be as thick as possible, generally at least 1 inch thick.

e. When pieces are nonuniform in thickness because they are thicker in the center instead of along an edge or corner, counter-stacking will generally not result in a package of uniform thickness (i.e., a football- shaped package would be created). Instead of counter-stacking such pieces, limit the height (thickness) of the package to 3 to 6 inches to ensure the package will stay together during normal transit and handling.

* * * * *

[Redesignate 1.4, 1.5, and 1.6 as 1.5, 1.6, and 1.7, respectively, and add new 1.4 to read as follows:]

1.4 Securing Packages - General

Package preparation is subject to the following requirements:

a. Packages must be able to withstand normal transit and handling without breakage or injury to USPS employees.

b. Packages must be secured with banding, shrinkwrap, or shrinkwrap plus one or more bands. Banding includes plastic bands, rubber bands, twine/string, and similar material. Use of wire or metal banding is not permitted.

c. When one band is used, it must be placed tightly around the girth (narrow dimension).

d. Except under 1.5 and 2.1f, packages over 1 inch high (thick) must be secured with at least two bands or with shrinkwrap. When double banding is used to secure packages, it must encircle the length and girth of the package at least once. Additional bands may be used if none lies within 1 inch of any package edge.

e. Banding tension must be sufficient to tighten and depress the edges of the package so pieces will not slip out of the banding during transit and processing. Loose banding is not allowed.

f. When twine/string is used to band packages, the knot(s) must be secure so the banding does not come loose during transit and processing.

[Amend the heading of redesignated 1.5, add new 1.5a, and redesignate the current content as 1.5b to read as follows:]

1.5 Packages on Pallets

In addition to 1.1 through 1.4, packages on pallets must meet the following standards:

a. Except as noted in 1.5b, packages up to 1 inch in height (thickness) must be secured with appropriate banding, placed at least once around the girth, or with shrinkwrap. Packages over 1 inch in height must be secured with at least two bands (plastic bands, rubber bands, twine/string, or similar material), one around the length and one around the girth, with shrinkwrap, or with shrinkwrap plus one or two bands.

b. Packages may be secured with heavy-gauge shrinkwrap plus plastic banding, only shrinkwrap, or only banding material if they can stay together during normal processing. Except for packages of individually polywrapped pieces, packages on BMC pallets must be shrinkwrapped and machinable on BMC parcel sorters. Packages and bundles of individually polywrapped pieces may be secured with banding material only. Machinability is determined by the USPS. If used, banding material must be applied at least once around the length and once around the girth; wire and metal strapping are prohibited.

[Revise the first sentence of redesignated 1.6 to indicate that packages of Bound Printed Matter must also meet the applicable maximum package size standards in M045 and M722 to read as follows. No other changes to text.]

1.6 Package Size - Bound Printed Matter

Each "logical" package (the total group of pieces for a package destination) of Bound Printed Matter must meet the applicable minimum and maximum package size standards prescribed in M045 or M722. * * *

1.7 Package Size - Other Mail Classes

Except for Bound Printed Matter, an individual package may be prepared with fewer than the minimum number of pieces required by the standards for the rate claimed without loss of rate eligibility under either of these conditions:

a. A greater number of pieces would exceed the maximum physical size for a package and the total number of pieces for that presort destination meets the minimum volume standard (e.g., 30 pieces are available to meet a 10-piece minimum, but a package of eight pieces is 6 inches thick).

b. The pieces constitute the "last package" for a presort destination and previously prepared packages met the applicable minimum volume standard (e.g., 505 pieces prepared in 10 50-piece packages and one five-piece package).

[Redesignate former 1.7 as 1.9 and add new 1.8 to read as follows:]

1.8 Packages in Sacks - Periodicals and Standard Mail

Periodicals and Standard Mail prepared in sacks must be secured in packages as follows:

a. The maximum weight for all packages is 20 pounds.

b. Packages up to 1 inch in height (thickness) must be secured with appropriate banding, placed at least once around the girth (narrow dimension), or with shrinkwrap. Packages over 1 inch in height must be secured with at least two bands (plastic bands, rubber bands, or twine/string), one around the length and one around the girth, with shrinkwrap, or with shrinkwrap plus one or two bands.

c. Packages should be measured at the lowest (thinnest) point to determine the package height.

d. A package that exceeds the maximum prescribed height by less than the thickness of a single piece meets the standard (e.g., if a glossy piece is 0.625 (5/8) of an inch thick, five pieces may be secured in a package 3.125 inches high; if a piece with uncoated cover stock is 0.75 (3/4) of an inch thick, 11 pieces may be secured in a package 8.25 inches high).

e. Packages of pieces with covers of coated stock that are not individually enclosed in a mailing wrapper (e.g., magazines or catalogs with glossy covers not individually enclosed in an envelope, uncoated paper wrapper, or plastic wrapper (polybag)) are subject to these conditions:

(1) Except as noted in 1.8e(2), packages must not exceed 3 inches in height (thickness).

(2) Packages of such pieces secured with shrinkwrap plus one or two plastic straps, or with at least two plastic straps, one around the length and one around the girth, must not exceed 6 inches in height (thickness).

f. Packages containing pieces with outer surfaces of uncoated stock are subject to these conditions:

(1) "Uncoated stock" also refers to pieces with coated covers that are individually enclosed in a cover or mailing wrapper of uncoated stock such as an envelope, sleeve, protective cover, partial wrapper, or polybag and pieces with outer surfaces composed of material other than paper (e.g., plastic, cloth, fiberboard, or metal).

(2) Packages must not exceed 8 inches in height (thickness); however, it is recommended that such packages not exceed 6 inches in height (thickness).

[Amend the heading of redesignated 1.9 to read as follows. No other changes to text.]

1.9 Exception to Package Preparation - Mail in Trays

* * * * *

2.0 ADDITIONAL STANDARDS - FIRST-CLASS MAIL, PERIODICALS, AND STANDARD MAIL, AND FLAT-SIZE BOUND PRINTED MATTER

[Amend 2.1 by copying the content of 2.3b to new 2.1f and revising the content to read as follows:]

2.1 Cards and Letter-Size Pieces

Cards and letter-size pieces are subject to these packaging standards:

* * * * *

f. Packages up to 1 inch thick must be secured with appropriate banding placed once around the girth (narrow dimension). Packages over 1 inch thick must be secured with at least two bands, one around the length and one around the girth.

[Amend 2.2 by revising the content to read as follows:]

2.2 Flat-Size Pieces

Packages of flat-size pieces must be secure and stable subject to specific weight limits in M045 if placed on pallets, specific weight and height limits in 1.8 for Periodicals and Standard Mail placed in sacks, and, for Bound Printed Matter in sacks, specific weight limits in M720. Flat-size pieces must be prepared in packages except under 1.9 and, for First-Class Mail, under M820.3.0.

[Amend the heading of 2.3 and amend the content by copying and amending 2.3a and deleting current 2.3b to read as follows:]

2.3 Pieces With Simplified Address

For mail prepared with a simplified address, all pieces for the same post office must be prepared in packages of 50 when possible. If packages of other quantities are prepared, the actual number of pieces must be shown on the facing slip attached to show distribution desired (e.g., rural route, city route, post office boxholder). Packages must be secure and stable subject to specific weight limits in M045 if placed on pallets, specific weight and height limits in 1.8 for Periodicals and Standard Mail placed in sacks, specific thickness limits in 2.1 for cards and letter-size pieces, and, for Bound Printed Matter in sacks, specific weight limits in M720.

* * * * *

- Operational Requirements,Operations Planning and Processing, 5-17-01

REMINDER

Procedures for Authorized Representatives and Agents Using BRM Permits

A corporate Business Reply Mail (BRM) permit holder can allow its authorized representatives or agents to use its permit number to receive BRM at any other Post Office. The representative must present a copy of the Postal Service receipt showing that the annual permit fee was paid and a letter of authorization from the corporate permit holder. The authorization letter must show the name, address, and telephone number of the local agent authorized to receive BRM at the Post Office where the BRM is to be returned (DMM S922.8.2).

When a corporate BRM permit is renewed once each 12-month period, the authorized representative must submit a copy of the Postal Service receipt showing that the annual permit fee was paid. This evidence is not required if the permit holder has a centralized account processing system (CAPS) account through which the local Post Office can determine that the permit fee has been paid (DMM S922.8.3). The authorization letter is needed only if information in the original letter has changed. Only then is the corporate permit holder required to submit an amended letter.

Employees with questions should contact their district manager of business mail entry.

- First-Class Mail,
Core Business Marketing, 5-17-01

NEW PUBLICATION

Publication 91, Confirmation Services Technical Guide

Publication 91, Confirmation Services Technical Guide, April 2001 edition, is available from the Material Distribution Center.

Employees may order copies of Publication 91 by one of the following means:

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

· cc:Mail: Send an F3Fill-completed PS Form 7380, MDC Supply Requisition, to MDC Customer Service at TOKS001.

· Mail Order: Mail a completed PS Form 7380 to the MDC at the following address:

SUPPLY REQUISITIONS
UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE
500 SW GARY ORMSBY DR
TOPEKA KS 66624-9702

The relevant ordering information for Publication 91 is as follows:

PSN: 7610-04-000-5003
PSIN: PUB 91
Unit of Issue: EA
Edition Date: 04/2001
Price: $0.9085

- Information Systems,
Expedited/Package Services, 5-17-01

NEW POSTER

Mail Preparation Changes

A poster titled Mail Preparation Changes to inform employees and communicate key upcoming mail preparation changes will be distributed in quantity to each district business mail entry manager (60 copies), bulk mail center manager (10 copies), plant manager (10 copies), and rates and classification service center manager (10 copies). The poster is being printed in two sizes, measuring 18" x 24" and 24" x 36".

Printing and distribution of this poster is on a one-time basis, and additional copies will not be made available. Updated lists of mail preparation changes will be published periodically in the Postal Bulletin.

- Pricing and Product Design, 5-17-01

Undeliverable-as-Addressed Bound Printed Matter

Effective January 7, 2001, undeliverable-as-addressed (UAA) Bound Printed Matter with no ancillary service endorsement must be disposed of at the delivery unit. Unendorsed pieces should not be forwarded, returned, or sent to the mail recovery centers. This change was part of the R2000-1 Omnibus Rate Case and was developed after extensive talks with mailers of Bound Printed Matter.

UAA, unendorsed Bound Printed Matter with any special service is treated as if the piece were endorsed "Forwarding Service Requested."

Some employees may be hesitant to dispose of a mailpiece, such as a book, that appears to have value. Be assured that mailers use the ancillary service endorsement service that best suits their business. When mailers choose not to use an ancillary service endorsement, they are making a business decision that they do not want their mailpieces forwarded or returned to them. In many cases, it is less expensive to dispose of an item than it would be for the mailer to process and re-mail the returned piece.

Treatment of unendorsed Bound Printed Matter is the same regardless of the weight of the piece. The 1-pound minimum weight requirement for Bound Printed Matter was removed on January 7, 2001, but that has no impact on how UAA pieces are treated.

In addition, some employees are confused by the rate marking "PRSRT STD" on pieces of Bound Printed Matter. Until January 7, "Presorted Standard" (or "PRSRT STD") was a correct rate marking for presorted Bound Printed Matter. On January 7, that marking was eliminated for Bound Printed Matter; however, mailers have until January 1, 2002, to discontinue using it, so employees may still see this marking on pieces in the mailstream. The correct rate marking for presorted Bound Printed Matter is "Presorted" or "PRSRT."

Bound Printed Matter with an ancillary service endorsement is treated the same as other Package Services mail. See Domestic Mail Manual F010.5.4 or Quick Service Guide 015. Employees with additional questions about ancillary service endorsements should contact their district manager of business mail entry.

- Mail Preparation and Standards,Pricing and Product Design, 5-17-01

APO/FPO Changes

Make the following ink changes to the most recent APO/FPO table in Postal Bulletin 22048 (4-19-01).

- International Network Operations, Network Operations Management, 5-17-01