Administrative Services

Directives and Forms Update

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

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

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

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

F3 = F3 Fill Software.

New Directives

Revised Directives

Obsolete Directives

New Forms

Revised Forms

Obsolete Forms

- Policies and Procedures Information, Public Affairs and Communications, 5-31-01

Customer Relations

Domestic Mail

DMM REVISION

Parcel Post ZIP Code Changes

Effective May 28, 2001, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) E751 Exhibit 8.0 is revised with the following changes:

Add 37625 ZIP Code. Parcel Post for ZIP Code 37625 will now be deposited at the Main Post Office, 111 6th Street, Bristol, TN 37621-9998.

Delete ZIP Code 15122. The correct facility to qualify for the destination delivery unit rate is now consistent with the facility associated with the 5-digit ZIP Code as listed in the AMS Drop Shipment 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 adding the following entry:]

* * * * *

- Operational Requirements,Operations Planning and Processing, 5-31-01

DMM REVISION

Parcel Post ZIP Code Addition

Effective May 28, 2001, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) E751 Exhibit 7.0 is revised to add a ZIP Code for Parcel Select destination delivery entry unit (DDU) discounts. Parcel Post for ZIP Code 34482 should now be deposited at the Poddock Branch, 4545 SW 60th Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34477, in order to qualify for DDU rates.

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 E751.7.0 Delivery Facility Exceptions to the "Majority of City Carriers" Rule

[Revise Exhibit 751.7.0 by adding the following entry:]

* * * * *

-Operational Requirements,Operations Planning and Processing, 5-31-01

DMM REVISION

New Optional Endorsement Lines for Line-of-Travel

Effective June 14, 2001, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) M013 is revised to provide mailers with two new optional endorsement lines (OEL). These new format options allow mailers to list carrier route line-of-travel (LOT) information for Periodicals and Standard Mail within an OEL. Presently, mailers have no easy method of checking LOT mail to ensure the pieces are in the correct sequence. Allowing this information to be included at the mailer's option within the OEL provides a tool for mailers to use to check whether their LOT mail is in proper sequence.

Unless prepared in carrier walk sequence, LOT sequence is required for mailings at the carrier route basic Periodicals rates and basic Enhanced Carrier Route (ECR) Standard Mail rates. LOT sequence is not an exact walk sequence. It's a sequence of ZIP+4 Codes arranged in the order a route is served by the carrier. The ZIP+4 groups are sequenced first, then the addresses within each are identified as being in ascending or descending order. Accordingly, LOT information consists of a 4-digit numeric code (i.e., the LOT number) that is followed by a single alpha character (e.g., 1234A, 1234D). The alpha character is always either an "A" indicating the LOT number is in ascending order, or a "D" indicating the LOT number is in descending order.

The Postal Service's LOT product provides mailers with a list of the ZIP+4 codes that each route serves, identifies the order of delivery, and provides an indicator specifying whether the addresses in each must be sorted in ascending or descending order. LOT information must be updated at the same frequency as carrier route codes, that is, within 90 days before the date of mailing. A mailer is required to provide the documentation described in DMM M050.4 to substantiate that the standards for LOT sequencing have been met.

Under current standards, an OEL for Periodicals LOT pieces must read: "CAR-RT LOT**C-001." For Standard Mail LOT pieces, the OEL must read: "ECRLOT**C-001." These formats will continue to be available. Mailers who wish to include the LOT number within their OEL can use one of the new formats. The new formats are: "CR LOT 1234A**C-001" for Periodicals LOT and "ECRLOT 1234A**C-001" for Standard Mail LOT. These OEL presort identifications must be preceded by the other information required in M013.2, as applicable. If there is insufficient space within the OEL to include the other information required (e.g., Address Change Service participant code), the OEL format for LOT may not be used.

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)

* * * * *

M Mail Preparation and Sortation

M000 General Preparation Standards

M010 Mailpieces

* * * * *

M013 Optional Endorsement Lines

* * * * *

1.0 USE

1.1 Basic Standards

[Revise the chart in 1.1 as follows:]

[Insert new 1.6 to read as follows:]

1.6 OEL With LOT Information

At the mailer's option, line-of-travel (LOT) information for carrier route Periodicals and Enhanced Carrier Route Standard Mail may be included in the OEL using the applicable format in 1.1. All other OEL requirements apply. If there is insufficient space within the OEL to include any other information required (e.g., ACS participant code), this OEL

- Mail Preparation and Standards, Pricing and Product Design, 5-31-01

REMINDER

Commercial Mail Receiving Agency (CMRA) Regulations

Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) D042.2.6e was revised August 16, 2000, to allow the use of "PMB" (private mailbox) or the alternative "#" sign, in certain conditions, as the secondary address designation in the complete delivery address for commercial mail receiving agency (CMRA) customers. CMRA customers must be in compliance with the new address format by August 1, 2001.

These regulations are included in the online version of the DMM available via Postal Explorer (http://pe.usps.gov).

- Retail Operations Support,Retail, Consumers and Small Business, 5-31-01

NOTICE

Application Process for Priority Mail Presort Experiment

On March 7, 2001, the Postal Service filed a request before the Postal Rate Commission (PRC) requesting the establishment of an experimental classification and discounts for Presorted Priority Mail. The Postal Service is now accepting applications from mailers of Priority Mail interested in participating in the experiment. Participation in the first year of the experiment will be limited to approximately 10 mailers. While applications for participation are now being accepted, authorization to conduct the experiment and specification of its terms are contingent upon a favorable recommended decision by the PRC and subsequent favorable action by the USPS Board of Governors.

If the Postal Service's request is approved, mailers may choose from among the following three presort levels and corresponding per-piece discounts that have been requested.

The discounts will apply equally to letters/flats and parcels, including outside parcels.

Mailers will have the flexibility to choose any of the three, or any two, or all three presort options. Letters/flats, parcels, and outside parcels must be presented in/on separate containers when choosing the Area Distribution Center (ADC) and/or 3-digit presort option, but can be combined at the 5-digit level. Residual pieces will not receive a discount.

Each mailing must contain a minimum of either 300 addressed pieces or 500 pounds. Specific containerization requirements are currently being developed. Mailers can expect to be required to present mail destinating for a specific ADC, 3-digit ZIP Code prefix, or 5-digit ZIP Code area in full or near-full tubs, trays, sacks, or other containers. An annual presort fee will apply.

Mailers who wish to participate in this experimental test may send a completed application via e-mail to ssuggs@email.usps.gov; fax to 703-292-4058; or mail to:

MANAGER MAIL PREPARATION AND STANDARDS
US POSTAL SERVICE
1735 N LYNN ST RM 3025
ARLINGTON VA 22209-6038

As selection criteria for the experiment, the Postal Service will seek mailers with diverse mailing volumes, locations, and mail characteristics. Mailers must be prepared to work closely with mail acceptance and logistics personnel to coordinate mail preparation and containerization, and also must be prepared to meet the data collection requirements of the experiment. In addition, the Postal Service has a preference for mailers who will present Presorted Priority Mail on a regular or continuing basis, rather than infrequently.

The Presorted Priority Mail Experiment Management Team will select participants and administer the experiment. The team will include a representative from each of two functional groups within the Pricing and Product Design organization: Mail Preparation and Standards, and Pricing. The other members of the team will be a representative from Operational Requirements, an office within the Operations Planning and Processing Organization; a representative from Special Studies, a section of the Finance Organization; and a representative from Expedited/Package Services (E/PS). All decisions of the team will be final.

Mailers selected for participation will be required to abide by the terms of a Presorted Priority Mail Experiment Service Agreement.

- Mail Preparation and Standards,Pricing and Product Design, 5-31-01

Experimental Presorted Priority Mail Rate Application

Customer/Company:

1. Name:

2. Address:

3. City, State, ZIP Code:

4. Permit number (meter or permit imprint):

5. Contact:

6. Phone:

7. E-mail address:

8. Planned USPS mail entry locations:

9. Plant load or BME entry office(s):

10. Types of containers:

11. Processing categories:

________ Flats/Letters

________ Parcels (excluding Outsides Parcels)

________ Outside Parcels

12 Estimated number of presorted Priority Mail mailings per year, per entry location:

13. Estimated presorted Priority Mail volume (pieces) each quarter, per entry location:

__________ Jan-Mar

__________ April-June

__________ July-Sept

__________ Oct-Dec

14. Estimated total weight per mailing, by entry point:

15. Estimated total pieces per mailing, by entry point:

16 Estimated number of containers per mailing, by entry point:

17. Level(s) of presort per mailing by entry point:

__ADC

__5-Digit

__3-Digit

Version 5-31-01

NOTICE

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

The Postal Service has been partnering with the mailing industry on a limited alternative flats preparation test and has been collecting data concerning how flat-sized mailpieces are prepared in relation to how they are transported and prepped for processing on the AFSM 100 (automation flat-sorting machine).

The test, which is limited to Periodicals publications (FSM 881 automation-compatible), was originally scheduled to be in effect from March 31, 2001, through June 30, 2001.

However, it will be extended 1 month and will end on July 31, 2001.

This will give the Postal Service time to gather additional data regarding the impact that various alternatives to current flats packaging methods may have on Postal Service processing costs.

All requirements outlined for this test in Postal Bulletin 22044 (2-22-01, pages 17-20) will remain in effect during the extended test period. Participants will continue to prepare flat-size test mail loose on 5-digit/scheme pallets for auto zones, and on 3-digit and SCF pallets destined for Carol Steam, IL; Kansas City, MO; Royal Oak, MI; or the Washington, DC, test sites. All other mail (e.g., 5-digit/scheme pallets to non-auto zones, merged 5-digit/scheme pallets, and ADC pallets) will be required to meet existing DMM preparation standards. Soon after the test is complete, all test data will be carefully analyzed.

- Mail Preparation and Standards,Pricing and Product Design, 5-31-01