Administrative Services

ASM REVISION

Plaque Inscription Updated - New Postmaster General

Effective June 14, 2001, Administrative Support Manual (ASM) 13, section 519.222, Inscription, is revised.

We will incorporate this change into the online ASM 13 available through the Policies and Procedures page of the Intranet located at http://blue.usps.gov/cpim under the selection for manuals. We will also incorporate the change into the next printed version of the ASM.

Administrative Support Manual (ASM)

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5 Facilities and Equipment

51 Facilities

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519 Design and Construction

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519.2 Identifying Postal Facilities

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519.22 Dedicatory Plaques and Memorials

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519.222 Inscription

[Revise the name of the postmaster general in section 519.222 as follows:]

The following inscription is used on plaques installed in all newly acquired postal-owned buildings:

- Program Management, Facilities, 6-14-01

ASM REVISION

Replacement Fee for Badges

Effective June 14, 2001, section 277.72 of Administrative Support Manual (ASM) 13, July 1999, is revised to reflect increased costs to replace photo identification cards and the increased use of electromechanical access control badges.

We will incorporate these changes into the online ASM 13 available through the Policies and Procedures page of the Intranet located at http://blue.usps.gov/cpim under the selection for manuals. We will also incorporate these changes into the next printed version of the ASM.

Administrative Support Manual (ASM)

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2 Audits and Investigations

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27 Security

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277 Identification Security

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277.7 Lost or Unreturned Identifications

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277.72 Replacement Fee

[Revise section 277.72 to read as follows:]

This replacement fee policy will be evaluated and adjusted accordingly. Replacement fees are as follows:

a. Identification or photo identification cards. When identification or photo identification cards are lost or not returned at separation, local installations should charge a fee of an amount equal to the cost incurred by the Postal Service for their replacement, not to exceed $5.

b. Electromechanical access control badges. When electromechanical access control badges are lost or not returned at separation, local installations should charge a fee of an amount equal to the cost incurred by the Postal Service for their replacement, not to exceed $10.

c. Electromechanical access control badges that serve as photo identification cards or badges. When electromechanical access control badges that also serve as photo identification cards or badges are lost or not returned at separation, local installations should charge a fee of an amount equal to the cost incurred by the Postal Service for their replacement, not to exceed $15.

- Security Group,Postal Inspection Service, 6-14-01

ASM REVISION

U.S. Burial Flags - Clarification

It has come to the attention of Government Relations that staff in some Post Offices serving as depositories for burial flags are not endorsing Veterans Administration Form 2008, Application for United States Flag for Burial Purposes. The VA will not replace the flag without that official endorsement.

The endorsement consists of a signature of the postmaster or issuing official and an address to which the VA can ship a replacement flag.

In addition, postmasters or issuing officials should avoid accumulating burial flag requests. Immediate transmittal of VA Forms 2008 will ensure a continuous supply of flags for local needs and avoid embarrassment to either agency.

Effective June 14, 2001, Administrative Support Manual (ASM) 13, section 474.22, Correspondence, is revised to include reference to VA Form 2008.

We will incorporate these changes into the online ASM 13 available through the Policies and Procedures page of the Intranet located at http://blue.usps.gov/cpim under the selection for manuals. We will also incorporate the changes into the next printed version of the ASM.

Administrative Support Manual (ASM)

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4 Relationships With Other Organizations

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47 Flags

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474 U.S. Burial Flags

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474.2 Cooperation With VA

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474.22 Correspondence

[Revise section 474.22 to read as follows:]

VA supplies burial flags, application forms, and the rules and regulations governing flag issue. Postmasters must address all correspondence about the supply and issuance of the flags to the VA regional offices that use their office as a depository. When completing Veterans Administration Form 2008, Application for United States Flag for Burial Purposes, postmasters or issuing officials must do the following:

a. Endorse VA Form 2008 by filling in the block at the bottom of the form.

b. Include an address on VA Form 2008.

- Government Relations,Government Relations and Public Policy, 6-14-01

Child Alert Program

June 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.

Opal Jennings

Born: 11-24-92

Date Missing: 3-26-99

Missing From: Saginaw, TX

Destiny Torres

Born: 8-29-94

Date Missing: 1-19-00

Missing From: Easton, PA

John Granowski

Born: 1-23-97

Date Missing: 11-25-00

Missing From: Las Vegas, NV

Jacob Gribble

Born: 7-29-92

Date Missing: 5-2-01

Missing From: Willet, NY

Cameron Bland

Born: 1-20-94

Date Missing: 5-18-00

Missing From: Springfield, MO

Sabrena Beck

Born: 7-11-98

Date Missing: 6-17-00

Missing From: Ronkonkoma, NY

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.

June 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.

Laura Fazal

Born: 8-4-84

Date Missing: 3-17-00

Missing From: Glendale, NY

Denise Callender

Born: 12-3-84

Date Missing: 6-19-00

Missing From: Central Islip, NY

Cassandra Adams

Born: 11-16-84

Date Missing: 11-15-99

Missing From: Apple Valley, MN

Dalavone Keobandith

Born: 4-12-86

Date Missing: 4-28-00

Missing From: Dover, NH

Renisha Richmond

Born: 10-24-83

Date Missing: 3-3-00

Missing From: Joliet, IL

Jerica Tuggle

Born: 12-21-83

Date Missing: 4-20-00

Missing From: Kexington, KY

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

POSTAL MANAGERS

Guidance on Section 508 Accessibility Issues After June 21, 2001

The Postal Service, along with all other federal agencies, is complying with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. Section 508 requires that on or after June 21, 2001, acquisitions of electronic and information technology must comply with "Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility Standards," which was published by the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board on December 21, 2000, in the Federal Register.

Postal managers receiving inquiries, concerns, or complaints regarding accessibility to electronic and information technology (EIT) should process them in accordance with the existing procedures for handling customer contacts.

- Technology and Standards, Information Technology, 6-14-01

"Make It Three" Letter Rally

The U.S. Postal Service Pro Cycling team, led by defending Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong, will soon begin the quest for a third straight win in the world's most prestigious cycling event.

All 800,000 Postal Service employee/teammates are invited to join the pre-race celebration by participating in the "Make It Three" Letter Rally. Employees can show their support by mailing a post card or letter of encouragement to the team prior to July 1, 2001.

Every card and letter received by July 1 will be sent to France for the U.S. Postal Service team to read as they make final preparations for the race. At the conclusion of the tour, Lance and the team will draw out two letters, and the winners will each receive a "Team Jersey" flag, autographed by every member of the 2001 U.S. Postal Service Pro Cycling team.

Postal Service employees can send their messages of support to:

MAKE IT THREE LETTER RALLY
UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE
475 L'ENFANT PLAZA SW ROOM 10523
WASHINGTON DC 20260-3100

Everyone in the Postal Service is proud of the team and their ability to remain focused on the goal of winning a third straight Tour de France. Using the power of the mail to wish the team good luck is the best way for employees to show support for the U.S. Postal Service Pro Cycling team.

Make it three!!!!!

- Community Relations,Public Affairs and Communications, 6-14-01

Domestic Mail

DMM REVISION

Eligibility Requirements for Attachments and Enclosures with Bound Printed Matter

Effective June 14, 2001, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) E712.1.2 is revised to include changes to the standards governing attachments and enclosures with Bound Printed Matter.

The revised rule rescinds provisions concerning merchandise samples as enclosures with Bound Printed Matter. In its place, amended DMM E712.1.2b provides for the inclusion of "nonprint" attachments and enclosures so long as such attachments and enclosures are incidental to the qualifying Bound Printed Matter material and have minimal commercial value.

We will incorporate these revisions into the printed version of DMM 57 and into the monthly update of the online DMM available via Postal Explorer at http://pe.usps.gov.

Domestic Mail Manual (DMM)

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E Eligibility

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E712 Bound Printed Matter

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1.0 BASIC STANDARDS

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[Revise the heading and text in 1.2 to add new standards for attachments and enclosures as follows:]

1.2 Enclosures and Attachments

In addition to the basic standards in E710, BPM may have the following attachments and enclosures:

a. Any printed matter mailable as Standard Mail.

b. Nonprint attachments and enclosures. The combined weight of all nonprint attachments and enclosures in the mailpiece must be less than or equal to 25% of the weight of the Bound Printed Matter in the mailpiece. The individual cost of each nonprint attachment or enclosure must be less than or equal to the cost of a "low cost" item as defined in E670.5.11. In addition, the combined cost of all nonprint attachments and enclosures must not exceed two times the cost of a "low cost" item as defined in E670.5.11.

* * * * *

- Mail Preparation and Standards,Pricing and Product Design, 6-14-01

DMM REVISION

Mail Preparation Changes for First-Class Mail, Standard Mail, and Bound Printed Matter Flats

Effective September 1, 2001, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) E610, M011, M041, M045, M130, M610, M620, M723, M820, M910, M920, M930, and M940 are amended to implement the following mail preparation changes:

1. Packages of First-Class Mail Presorted rate flats and automation rate flats that are part of the same mailing job and reported on the same postage statement must be co-trayed according to the standards in DMM M910.

2. Packages of Standard Mail Presorted rate flats and automation rate flats that are part of the same mailing job and reported on the same postage statement must be co-sacked according to the standards in DMM M910.

3. Packages of Standard Mail Enhanced Carrier Route flats and Presorted 5-digit flats must be sacked or palletized using the labeling list L001 scheme sort. This includes the scheme sorts included in the optional preparation methods in DMM M920, M930, and M940.

4. Packages of Bound Printed Matter Carrier Route flats and Presorted 5-digit flats must be sacked or palletized using the labeling list L001 scheme sort.

These changes are outlined in detail below by class of mail; the DMM language follows at the end of this article. The implementation date for these changes is September 1, 2001. This date allows presort software vendors time to update and distribute software to their customers and includes time for installation and testing of the software.

PAVE-certified software is not required to sort Standard Mail and Bound Printed Matter flats using labeling list L001. For mailings that are co-trayed or co-sacked under M910, documentation produced by PAVE-certified software or standardized documentation under P012 must be submitted with each mailing job. Use of PAVE-certified software is required for the advanced merging preparation options in M920, M930, and M940, which include the L001 scheme sort.

Employees should begin working with customers as soon as possible to make them aware of these changes. Additional questions can be directed to the district manager of business mail entry.

A reminder about these changes will be published in the Postal Bulletin in August.

The changes, by class of mail, are as follows:

1. First-Class Mail

Required Co-Traying

Since January 7, 2001, mailers have had the option to use M910 to co-tray packages of Presorted rate flats and automation rate flats that are part of the same mailing job (see M130.1.6 and M820.1.9). This revision changes that option into a requirement. Therefore, effective September 1, 2001, any First- Class Mail mailing job that contains packages of Presorted rate flats and packages of automation rate flats and is reported on a single postage statement must be co-trayed using M910.1.0.

2. Standard Mail

a. Scheme Sort

Currently, Standard Mail Enhanced Carrier Route flats are sorted to two required sack levels and one optional sort level (required carrier route, optional 5-digit scheme carrier routes using labeling list L001, and required 5-digit carrier routes) (see M620.4.0). This revision changes the optional sort level into a required sort level. Therefore, effective September 1, 2001, all Enhanced Carrier Route Standard Mail flats must be sorted to all three required sack levels (carrier route, 5-digit scheme carrier routes, and 5-digit carrier routes).

Current M620.4.0 contains sack preparation requirements for Standard Mail Enhanced Carrier Route flats and irregular parcels. In order to apply the labeling list L001 scheme sort only to flats, the sacking requirements for flats have been separated into a different section. Therefore, the sack preparation requirements for irregular parcels are included in this revision only to show renumbering and reorganization. There are no mail preparation changes for Standard Mail Enhanced Carrier Route irregular parcels.

Currently, mailers have the option to use the L001 scheme sort for packages of Standard Mail Enhanced Carrier Route flats and 5-digit packages of Presorted flats on pallets (see M045.3.2). This revision changes the two optional sort levels using labeling list L001 (5-digit scheme carrier routes and 5-digit scheme) into required sort levels. Therefore, effective September 1, 2001, packages of carrier route rate flats on pallets must be sorted to 5-digit scheme carrier routes pallets as the first sort level, and 5-digit packages of Presorted flats must be sorted to 5-digit scheme pallets as the first sort level.

Under the advanced preparation options in M920, M930, and M940, mailers currently have the option of sorting Standard Mail packages with or without using the L001 scheme sort. This revision eliminates the "non-L001" sort (current M920.2.4, M920.2.6, M930.2.4, and M940.2.4). Therefore, effective September 1, 2001, mailers sorting Standard Mail flats under M920, M930, or M940 will be required to use the L001 scheme sort.

These changes apply to regular and nonprofit Standard Mail flats.

b. Required Co-Sacking

Since January 7, 2001, mailers have had the option to use M910 to co-sack packages of Presorted rate flats and packages of automation rate flats that are part of the same mailing job (see M610.1.5 and M820.1.9). This revision changes that option into a requirement. Therefore, effective September 1, 2001, any Standard Mail mailing job that contains packages of Presorted rate flats and packages of automation rate flats and is reported on a single postage statement must be co-sacked using M910.3.0.

These changes apply to regular and nonprofit Standard Mail flats.

3. Bound Printed Matter

Scheme Sort

Currently, Bound Printed Matter Carrier Route flats are sorted to two required sack levels and one optional sort level (required carrier route, optional 5-digit scheme carrier routes using labeling list L001, and required 5-digit carrier routes) (see M723.2.3). This revision changes the optional sort level into a required sort level. Therefore, effective September 1, 2001, all Bound Printed Matter Carrier Route flats must be sorted to all three required sack levels (carrier route, 5-digit scheme carrier routes, and 5-digit carrier routes).

Currently, mailers have the option to use the L001 scheme sort for packages of Bound Printed Matter Carrier Route flats and 5-digit packages of Presorted flats on pallets (M045.3.3). This revision changes the two optional sort levels (5-digit scheme carrier routes and 5-digit scheme) into required sort levels. Therefore, effective September 1, 2001, packages of carrier route rate flats on pallets must be sorted to 5-digit scheme carrier routes pallets as the first sort level, and 5-digit packages of Presorted flats must be sorted to 5-digit scheme pallets as the first sort level.

There are no other mail preparation changes for Bound Printed Matter.

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)

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E Eligibility

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E600 Standard Mail

E610 Basic Standards

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8.0 PREPARATION

Each Standard Mail mailing is subject to these general standards:

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[Amend 8.0c to read as follows:]

c. For letter-size and flat-size mail, all pieces in an automation mailing must be eligible for an automation rate. Separate automation and Presorted rate mailings of flats that are reported on the same postage statement must be co-sacked under M910. Separate automation, Presorted, and Enhanced Carrier Route mailings of flats may be co-containerized under M920, M930, or M940.

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E700 Package Services

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E750 Destination Entry

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E752 Bound Printed Matter

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3.0 DESTINATION SECTIONAL CENTER FACILITY (DSCF) RATES

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3.2 Presorted Flats

[Amend 3.2 by removing the word "optional" to show that the scheme sort is required.]

Presorted flats in sacks for the 5-digit, 3-digit, and SCF sort levels or on pallets at the 5-digit scheme, 5-digit, 3-digit, SCF, and ASF sort levels may claim DSCF rates. Mail must be entered at the appropriate facility under 3.1.

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3.5 Carrier Route Flats

[Amend 3.5 by removing the word "optional" to show that the scheme sort is required.]

Carrier route flats in sacks at all sort levels or on pallets at 5-digit scheme carrier routes, 5-digit carrier routes, 3-digit, SCF, and ASF sort levels may claim DSCF rates. Mail must be entered at the appropriate facility under 3.1.

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4.0 DESTINATION DELIVERY UNITS (DDU) RATES

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4.2 Presorted Flats

[Amend 4.2 by removing the word "optional" to show that the scheme sort is required.]

Presorted flats that weigh more than 1 pound in 5-digit sacks, on 5-digit scheme and 5-digit pallets, or prepared as bedloaded 5-digit packages may claim DDU rates. Mail must be entered at the appropriate facility under 4.1. Presorted flats weighing 1 pound or less are not eligible for DDU rates.

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4.5 Carrier Route Flats

[Amend 4.5 by removing the word "optional" to show that the scheme sort is required.]

Carrier Route flats in sacks, on 5-digit carrier routes scheme and 5-digit carrier routes pallets, or prepared as bedloaded carrier route packages may claim DDU rates. Mail must be entered at the appropriate facility under 4.1.

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M Mail Preparation and Sortation

M000 General Preparation Standards

M010 Mailpieces

M011 Basic Standards

1.0 TERMS AND CONDITIONS

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1.3 Preparation Instructions

For the purposes of preparing mail:

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[Amend 1.3j to show that the L001 scheme sort is required for Standard Mail Enhanced Carrier Route flats and Bound Printed Matter Carrier Route flats.]

j. A 5-digit/scheme carrier routes sort for carrier route rate Periodicals flats and irregular parcels (nonletters), Enhanced Carrier Route rate Standard Mail flats, and Carrier Route Bound Printed Matter flats, prepared in sacks or as packages on pallets yields a 5-digit scheme carrier routes sack or pallet for those 5-digit ZIP Codes listed in L001 and 5-digit carrier routes sacks or pallets for other areas. The 5-digit ZIP Codes in each scheme are treated as a single presort destination subject to a single minimum sack or pallet volume, with no further separation by 5-digit ZIP Code required. Sacks or pallets prepared for a 5-digit scheme carrier routes destination that contain carrier route packages for only one of the schemed 5-digit areas are still considered to be sorted to 5-digit scheme carrier routes and are labeled accordingly. The 5-digit/scheme carrier routes sort is required for carrier route packages of flat-size and irregular parcel Periodicals, for Enhanced Carrier Route Standard Mail flats, and for Carrier Route Bound Printed Matter flats. Preparation of 5-digit scheme carrier routes sacks or pallets must be done for all 5-digit scheme destinations.

[Amend 1.3k to show that the scheme sort is required for Standard Mail flats and Bound Printed Matter flats.]

k. A 5-digit/scheme sort for Periodicals flats and irregular parcels (nonletters), Standard Mail flats, and Presorted Bound Printed Matter flats prepared as packages on pallets yields 5-digit scheme pallets containing automation rate and Presorted rate 5-digit packages for those 5-digit ZIP Codes listed in L001 and yields 5-digit pallets containing automation rate and Presorted rate 5-digit packages for other areas (automation rate packages are not applicable to Bound Printed Matter). The 5-digit ZIP Codes in each scheme are treated as a single presort destination subject to a single minimum pallet volume, with no further separation by 5-digit ZIP Code required. Pallets prepared for a 5-digit scheme destination that contain 5-digit packages for only one of the schemed 5-digit areas are still considered to be sorted to the 5-digit scheme and are labeled accordingly. The 5-digit/scheme sort is required for flat-size and irregular parcel-size Periodicals, for Standard Mail flats, and for Presorted Bound Printed Matter flats. The 5-digit/scheme sort may not be used for other mail prepared on pallets, except for 5-digit packages of Standard Mail irregular parcels that are part of a mailing job that is prepared in part as palletized flats at automation rates. Preparation of 5-digit scheme pallets must be done for all 5-digit scheme destinations.

* * * * *

M040 Pallets

M041 General Standards

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5.0 PREPARATION

* * * * *

5.2 Required Preparation

These standards apply to:

[Amend item a to show that the L001 scheme sort is required for Standard Mail flats.]

a. Periodicals, Standard Mail, and Package Services (except for Parcel Post mailed at BMC Presort, OBMC Presort, DSCF, and DDU rates). A pallet must be prepared to a required sortation level when there are 500 pounds of Periodicals, Standard Mail, or Package Services mail in packages or sacks; 500 pounds of parcels; or six layers of Periodicals or Standard Mail letter trays. For packages of Periodicals flats and irregular parcels and packages of Standard Mail flats on pallets that are prepared under the standards for package reallocation to protect the SCF pallet (M045.4.0), not all mail for a 5-digit scheme carrier routes, 5-digit scheme, 5-digit carrier routes, or 5-digit pallet or for a merged 5-digit scheme, merged 5-digit, or 3-digit pallet is required to be on that corresponding pallet level. For packages of Standard Mail flats on pallets prepared under the standards for package reallocation to protect the BMC pallet (M045.5.0), not all mail for a required ASF pallet must be on an ASF pallet. Mixed ADC or mixed BMC pallets of sacks, trays, or machinable parcels, as appropriate, must be labeled to the BMC or ADC (as appropriate) serving the post office where mailings are entered into the mailstream. The processing and distribution manager of that facility may issue a written authorization to the mailer to label mixed BMC or mixed ADC pallets to the post office or processing and distribution center serving the post office where mailings are entered. These pallets contain all mail remaining after required and optional pallets are prepared to finer sortation levels under M045, as appropriate.

* * * * *

5.6 Mail on Pallets

These standards apply to mail on pallets:

* * * * *

[Amend item g to read as follows:]

g. For Periodicals flats and irregulars, Standard Mail flats, and Bound Printed Matter flats, packages of carrier route rate mail must be prepared on separate 5-digit pallets from automation and Presorted rate mail. Exception: For Periodicals and Standard Mail, under the standards in M920, M930, and M940, carrier route rate, automation rate, and Presorted rate packages can be combined onto the same merged 5-digit scheme pallet and merged 5-digit pallet for applicable 5-digit ZIP Codes.

[Delete item h.]

* * * * *

M045 Palletized Mailings

* * * * *

3.0 PALLET PRESORT AND LABELING

* * * * *

3.2 Standard Mail Packages, Sacks, or Trays on Pallets

[Amend the introduction to 3.2 and 3.2a through 3.2d to show that the scheme sort using L001 is required for packages of Standard Mail flats.]

Mailers must prepare pallets in the sequence listed below, except that mailings of sacks on pallets, trays on pallets, and irregular parcels must be prepared beginning with 3.2c (because L001 scheme sort is not permitted). Pallets must be labeled according to the Line 1 and Line 2 information listed below and under M031. At the mailer's option, Standard Mail flats prepared as packages on pallets may be palletized in accordance with the advanced presort options in M920, M930, or M940.

a. 5-Digit Scheme Carrier Routes. Required for packages of flats on pallets. Not permitted for sacks or trays on pallets, or for irregular parcels on pallets except under M011. May contain only carrier route rate packages for the same 5-digit scheme under L001. Scheme sort must be done for all 5-digit scheme destinations. For all 5-digit destinations that are not part of a scheme, prepare 5-digit carrier routes pallets under 3.2c.

(1) Line 1: use L001, Column B.

(2) Line 2: "STD FLTS"; followed by "CARRIER ROUTES" or "CR-RTS"; followed by "SCHEME" or "SCH."

b. 5-Digit Scheme. Required for packages of flats on pallets. Not permitted for sacks or trays on pallets, or for irregular parcels on pallets except under M011. May contain only automation rate and/or Presorted rate packages for the same 5-digit scheme under L001. Scheme sort must be done for all 5-digit scheme destinations. For all 5-digit destinations that are not part of a scheme, prepare 5-digit pallets under 3.2d.

(1) Line 1: use L001, Column B.

(2) Line 2: "STD FLTS 5D"; followed by "BARCODED" or "BC" if the pallet contains automation rate mail; followed by "NONBARCODED" or "NBC" if the pallet contains Presorted rate mail; followed by "SCHEME" or "SCH."

c. 5-Digit Carrier Routes. Required for sacks and packages; optional for trays. May contain only carrier route rate mail for the same 5-digit ZIP Code.

(1) Line 1: use city, state abbreviation, and 5-digit ZIP Code destination (see M031 for military mail).

(2) Line 2: "STD FLTS" or "STD IRREG" or, for trays on pallets only, "STD LTRS" as applicable; followed by "CARRIER ROUTES" or "CR-RTS."

d. 5-Digit. Required for sacks and packages; optional for trays. May contain only automation rate and/or Presorted rate mail for the same 5-digit ZIP Code.

(1) Line 1: use city, state abbreviation, and 5-digit ZIP Code destination (see M031 for military mail).

(2) Line 2: "STD FLTS 5D" or "STD IRREG 5D" or, for trays on pallets only, "STD LTRS 5D" as applicable; followed by "BARCODED" or "BC" if the pallet contains automation rate mail; followed by "NONBARCODED" or "NBC" if the pallet contains Presorted rate mail.

* * * * *

3.3 Bound Printed Matter Flats - Packages and Sacks on Pallets

[Amend the introduction to 3.3 and 3.3a through 3.3d to show that the scheme sort using L001 is required for packages of Bound Printed Matter flats.]

Mailers must prepare pallets in the sequence listed below, except that mailings of sacks on pallets must be prepared beginning with 3.3c (because L001 scheme sort is not permitted). Pallets must be labeled according to the Line 1 and Line 2 information listed below and under M031.

a. 5-Digit Scheme Carrier Routes. Required for packages of flats on pallets. Not permitted for sacks on pallets. May contain only Carrier Route rate packages for the same 5-digit scheme under L001. Scheme sort must be done for all 5-digit scheme destinations. For all 5-digit destinations that are not part

of a scheme, prepare 5-digit carrier routes pallets under 3.3c.

(1) Line 1: use L001, Column B.

(2) Line 2: "PSVC FLTS," followed by "CARRIER ROUTES" or "CR-RTS" and "SCHEME" or "SCH."

b. 5-Digit Scheme. Required for packages of flats on pallets. Not permitted for sacks on pallets. May contain only Presorted rate packages for the same 5-digit scheme under L001. Scheme sort must be done for all 5-digit scheme destinations. For all 5-digit destinations that are not part of a scheme, prepare 5-digit pallets under 3.3d.

(1) Line 1: use L001, Column B.

(2) Line 2: "PSVC FLTS 5D" followed by "SCHEME" or "SCH."

c. 5-Digit Carrier Routes. Required for sacks and packages. May contain only Carrier Route rate mail for the same 5-digit ZIP Code.

(1) Line 1: use city, state abbreviation, and 5-digit ZIP Code destination (see M031 for military mail).

(2) Line 2: "PSVC FLTS" followed by "CARRIER ROUTES" or "CR-RTS."

d. 5-Digit. Required for sacks and packages. May contain only Presorted rate mail for the same 5-digit ZIP Code.

(1) Line 1: use city, state abbreviation, and 5-digit ZIP Code destination (see M031 for military mail).

(2) Line 2: "PSVC FLTS 5D."

* * * * *

4.0 PACKAGE REALLOCATION TO PROTECT SCF PALLET FOR PERIODICALS FLATS AND IRREGULAR PARCELS AND STANDARD MAIL FLATS ON PALLETS

[Amend 4.1 to delete references to optional sort levels.]

4.1 Basic Standards

Package reallocation to protect the SCF pallet is an optional preparation method (if performed, package reallocation must be done for the complete mailing job); only PAVE-certified presort software may be used to create pallets under the standards in 4.2 through 4.4. The software will determine if mail for an SCF service area would fall beyond the SCF level if all merged 5-digit scheme, 5-digit scheme carrier routes, 5-digit scheme, merged 5-digit, 5-digit carrier routes, 5-digit, or 3-digit pallets are prepared. Reallocation is performed only when there is mail for the SCF service area that would fall beyond the SCF pallet level (e.g., to an ADC or BMC pallet). The amount of mail required to bring the mail that would fall beyond the SCF level back to an SCF-level pallet is the minimum volume that will be reallocated, where possible.

* * * * *

M100 First-Class Mail (Nonautomation)

* * * * *

M130 Presorted First-Class Mail

1.0 BASIC STANDARDS

* * * * *

1.6 Co-Traying With Automation Rate Mail

Except for automation rate mailings prepared under the tray-based preparation option in M820.3.0, if a single mailing job contains an automation rate mailing and a Presorted rate mailing and both mailings are reported on the same postage statement, then the mailing job must be presorted under the co-traying standards in M910.

* * * * *

M600 Standard Mail (Nonautomation)

M610 Presorted Standard Mail

1.0 BASIC STANDARDS

1.1 All Mailings

In addition to the preparation standards in 2.0 through 5.0, the following basic standards must be met for all Presorted rate mailings:

* * * * *

[Amend item f to change the reference from 1.3 to 1.4.]

f. Subject to 1.4, letter-size pieces must be prepared in trays and, unless palletized, flat-size pieces must be prepared in sacks.

* * * * *

[Renumber current 1.2 through 1.6 as 1.3 through 1.7, respectively. Add new 1.2 to read as follows:]

1.2 Additional Standards for Sacked Flats Mailing Jobs Containing More Than One Mailing

The following standards apply:

a. If the mailing job contains a carrier route mailing, an automation rate mailing, and a Presorted rate mailing, then it must be prepared under one of the following options: 1) the carrier route mailing must be prepared under E630 and M620 and the automation rate and Presorted rate mailings must be prepared under M910; or 2) all three mailings in the mailing job must be prepared under M920.

b. If the mailing job contains an automation rate mailing and a Presorted rate mailing, then it must be prepared under the co-sacking standards in M910.

c. If the mailing job contains a carrier route mailing and a Presorted rate mailing, then it must be separately sacked under M610 and M620 or prepared using the merged sacking option under M920.

d. If the mailing job contains a carrier route mailing and an automation rate mailing, then it must be separately sacked under M620 and M820 or prepared using the merged sacking option under M920.

* * * * *

[Delete renumbered 1.6 (former 1.5), Co-Sacking With Automation Rate Mail, and renumber 1.7 as 1.6.]

[Amend 1.6 to read as follows:]

1.6 Merged Containerization of Flat-Size Carrier Route, Automation Rate, and Presorted Rate Mail

Under the optional preparation method in M920, 5-digit packages of Presorted flats must be co-sacked with packages of carrier route flats prepared under M620 and with 5-digit packages of automation flats prepared under M820 in merged 5-digit scheme sacks and merged 5-digit sacks. Under the optional preparation methods in M920, M930, or M940, 5-digit packages of Presorted flats must be copalletized with packages of carrier route rate flats prepared under M620 and with 5-digit packages of automation rate flats prepared under M820 on merged 5-digit scheme pallets and merged 5-digit pallets. See 1.2a for information on when preparation under M920 may be required.

* * * * *

M620 Enhanced Carrier Route Standard Mail

1.0 BASIC STANDARDS

* * * * *

[Amend 1.6 to read as follows:]

1.6 Merged Containerization of Flat-Size Carrier Route, Automation Rate, and Presorted Rate Mail

Under the optional preparation method in M920, packages of carrier route rate flats must be co-sacked with 5-digit packages of Presorted rate flats prepared under M610 and with 5-digit packages of automation rate flats prepared under M820 in merged 5-digit scheme sacks and merged 5-digit sacks. Under the optional preparation methods in M920, M930, or M940, packages of carrier route rate flats must be copalletized with 5-digit packages of Presorted flats prepared under M610 and with 5-digit packages of automation rate flats prepared under M820 on merged 5-digit scheme pallets and merged 5-digit pallets.

* * * * *

[Note: The current DMM combines the preparation standards for flats and irregulars into one section. Because the L001 scheme sort will be required for flats but not for irregulars, the current single section has been split into two sections: one for flats and one for irregulars. The standards for irregulars are included in this revision because they have been renumbered and reorganized; however, there are no changes to the mail preparation for irregular parcels.]

[Amend 4.0 to add the required L001 scheme sort for flats to read as follows:]

4.0 SACK PREPARATION - FLATS

4.1 Required Sack Minimums

A sack must be prepared when the quantity of mail for a required presort destination reaches either 125 pieces or 15 pounds of pieces, whichever occurs first, subject to these conditions:

a. For identical-weight pieces, a single-piece weight of 1.92 ounces (0.12 pound) results in 125 pieces weighing 15 pounds. Identical-weight pieces weighing 1.92 ounces (0.12 pound) or less must be prepared using the 125-piece minimum; those that weigh more must be prepared using the 15-pound minimum.

b. For nonidentical-weight pieces, mailers must either use the minimum that applies to the average piece weight for the entire mailing (divide the net weight of the mailing by the number of pieces; the resulting average single-piece weight determines whether the 125-piece or 15-pound minimum applies) or sack by the actual piece count or mail weight for each sack, if documentation can be provided with the mailing that shows (specifically for each sack) the number of pieces and their total weight.

c. Mailers must note on the accompanying postage statement whether they applied the 125-piece ("PCS") or 15-pound ("WT") threshold or the method in 4.1b ("BOTH").

4.2 Sack Preparation

Sack size, preparation sequence, and labeling:

a. Carrier route: required (minimum of 125 pieces/15 pounds, smaller volume not permitted).

(1) Line 1: use 5-digit ZIP Code destination of packages, preceded for military mail by the prefixes under M031.

(2) Line 2: "STD FLTS ECRWSS" or "STD FLTS ECRWSH" or "STD FLTS ECRLOT" as applicable, followed by the route type and number.

b. 5-digit scheme carrier routes: required (no minimum).

(1) Line 1: use L001, Column B.

(2) Line 2: "STD FLTS CR-RTS SCH."

c. 5-digit carrier routes: required (no minimum).

(1) Line 1: use 5-digit ZIP Code destination of packages, preceded for military mail by the prefixes under M031.

(2) Line 2: "STD FLTS CR-RTS."

[Renumber current 5.0, Residual Pieces, as 6.0. Add new 5.0 to read as follows:]

5.0 SACK PREPARATION - IRREGULAR PARCELS

5.1 Required Sack Minimums

A sack must be prepared when the quantity of mail for a required presort destination reaches either 125 pieces or 15 pounds of pieces, whichever occurs first, subject to these conditions:

a. For identical-weight pieces, a single-piece weight of 1.92 ounces (0.12 pound) results in 125 pieces weighing 15 pounds. Identical-weight pieces weighing 1.92 ounces (0.12 pound) or less must be prepared using the 125-piece minimum, those that weigh more must be prepared using the 15-pound minimum.

b. For nonidentical-weight pieces, mailers must either use the minimum that applies to the average piece weight for the entire mailing (divide the net weight of the mailing by the number of pieces; the resulting average single-piece weight determines whether the 125-piece or 15-pound minimum applies) or sack by the actual piece count or mail weight for each sack, if documentation can be provided with the mailing that shows (specifically for each sack) the number of pieces and their total weight.

c. Mailers must note on the accompanying postage statement whether they applied the 125-piece ("PCS") or 15-pound ("WT") threshold or the method in 5.1b ("BOTH").

5.2 Sack Preparation

Sack size, preparation sequence, and labeling:

a. Carrier route: required (minimum of 125 pieces/15 pounds, smaller volume not permitted).

(1) Line 1: use 5-digit ZIP Code destination of packages, preceded for military mail by the prefixes under M031.

(2) Line 2: "STD IRREG WSS" or "STD IRREG WSH" or "STD IRREG LOT" as applicable, followed by the route type and number.

b. 5-digit carrier routes: required (no minimum).

(1) Line 1: use 5-digit ZIP Code destination of packages, preceded for military mail by the prefixes under M031.

(2) Line 2: "STD IRREG CR-RTS."

* * * * *

M700 Package Services

* * * * *

M720 Bound Printed Matter

* * * * *

M723 Carrier Route Bound Printed Matter

* * * * *

2.0 REQUIRED PREPARATION - FLATS

* * * * *

2.3 Sack Preparation

Preparation sequence and Line 1 sack labeling:

* * * * *

[Amend item b to show that the L001 scheme sort is required, not optional.]

b. 5-digit scheme carrier routes: required (no minimum); for Line 1, use L001, Column B.

* * * * *

M800 All Automation Mail

* * * * *

M820 Flats

1.0 BASIC STANDARDS

* * * * *

[Amend 1.9 to show that co-traying is required for First- Class Mail and co-sacking is required for Standard Mail.]

1.9 Required Co-Traying and Co-Sacking With Presorted Rate Mail

The following standards apply:

a. First-Class Mail: Except for mailings prepared under the tray-based preparation option in 3.0, if the mailing job contains an automation rate mailing and a Presorted rate mailing and both mailings are reported on the same postage statements, then the mailing job must be prepared under the co-traying standards in M910.

b. Periodicals:

(1) If the mailing job contains a carrier route mailing, an automation rate mailing, and a Presorted rate mailing, then it must be prepared under one of the following options: 1) the carrier route mailing must be prepared under E230 and M220 and the automation rate and Presorted rate mailings must be prepared under M910; or 2) all three mailings in the mailing job must be prepared under M920.

(2) If the mailing job contains an automation rate mailing and a Presorted rate mailing, then it must be prepared under the co-sacking standards in M910.

(3) If the mailing job contains a carrier route mailing and an automation rate mailing, then it must be separately sacked under M220 and M820 or prepared using the merged sack option under M920.

c. Standard Mail:

(1) If the mailing job contains a carrier route mailing, an automation rate mailing, and a Presorted rate mailing, then it must be prepared under one of the following options: 1) the carrier route mailing must be prepared under E630 and M620 and the automation rate and Presorted rate mailings must be prepared under M910; or 2) all three mailings in the mailing job must be prepared under M920.

(2) If the mailing job contains only an automation rate mailing and a Presorted rate mailing and both mailings are reported on the same postage statement, then the mailing job must be prepared under the co-sacking standards in M910.

(3) If the mailing job contains only a carrier route mailing and an automation rate mailing, then it must be separately sacked under M620 and M820 or prepared using the merged sack option under M920.

[Amend 1.10 to read as follows:]

1.10 Optional Merged Containerization With Presorted and Carrier Route Flats

When the conditions and preparation standards in M920, M930, or M940 are met, 5-digit packages of Presorted, automation, and carrier route rate mail that are part of the same mailing job may be combined on merged 5-digit scheme sacks or pallets and merged 5-digit sacks or pallets. Packages co-sacked or copalletized must be part of the same mailing job and mail class.

* * * * *

M900 Advanced Preparation Options for Flats

M910 Co-Traying and Co-Sacking Packages of Automation and Presorted Mailings

1.0 FIRST-CLASS MAIL

1.1 Basic Standards

[Amend the introduction of 1.1 and 1.1a to show that co- traying is required:]

Packages of flats in an automation rate mailing prepared under M820.2.0 must be co-trayed with packages of flats in a Presorted rate mailing under the following conditions:

a. The automation rate pieces and Presorted rate pieces are part of the same mailing job and are reported on the same postage statement.

* * * * *

3.0 STANDARD MAIL

3.1 Basic Standards

[Amend the introduction of 3.1 and 3.1a to show that co- sacking is required:]

Packages of flats in an automation rate mailing must be co- sacked with packages of flats in a Presorted rate mailing under the following conditions:

a. The automation rate pieces and Presorted rate pieces are part of the same mailing job and are reported on the same postage statement.

* * * * *

M920 Merged Containerization of Packages Using the City State Product

* * * * *

2.0 STANDARD MAIL

2.1 Basic Standards

Carrier route packages of flats in a carrier route rate mailing may be placed in the same sack or on the same pallet as 5-digit packages of flats from an automation rate mailing and 5-digit packages of flats from a Presorted rate mailing under the following conditions:

* * * * *

[Amend item f to delete references to the optional L001 scheme sort. This sort is now required.]

f. If sortation under this section is performed, merged 5-digit sacks or pallets must be prepared for all 5-digit ZIP Codes with an "A" or "C" indicator in the City State Product that permits such preparation when there is enough volume for the 5-digit ZIP Code to prepare that sack or pallet.

* * * * *

[Amend item k to delete references to the optional L001 scheme sort. This sort is now required.]

k. The packages from each separate mailing must be sorted together into sacks (co-sacked) under 2.3 and 2.4 or on pallets (copalletized) under 2.5 using presort software that is PAVE-certified.

* * * * *

[Delete 2.4 and 2.6. Renumber 2.5 (sacking with scheme sort) as 2.4. Renumber 2.7 (palletizing with scheme sort) as 2.5. Amend the title and introduction of renumbered 2.4 to read as follows:]

2.4 Sack Preparation and Labeling

Mailers must prepare sacks in the following manner and sequence. All carrier route packages must be placed in sacks under 2.4a through 2.4e as described below. Mailers must prepare all merged 5-digit scheme sacks, 5-digit scheme carrier routes sacks, and merged 5-digit sacks that are possible in the mailing based on the volume of mail to the destination using L001 and the Carrier Route Indicators field in the City State Product. Mailers must label sacks according to the Line 1 and Line 2 information listed below and under M032.

* * * * *

[Amend the title and introduction of renumbered 2.5 to read as follows:]

2.5 Pallet Preparation and Labeling

Mailers must prepare pallets in the manner and sequence listed below and under M041. Mailers must prepare all merged 5-digit scheme, 5-digit scheme carrier routes, 5-digit scheme, and merged 5-digit pallets that are possible in the mailing based on the volume of mail to the destination using L001 and/or the City State Product. Mailers must label pallets according to the Line 1 and Line 2 information listed below and under M031.

* * * * *

M930 Merged Palletization of Packages Using a 5% Threshold

* * * * *

2.0 STANDARD MAIL

2.1 Basic Standards

[Amend the introduction to read as follows:]

Carrier route packages of flats in a carrier route rate mailing may be placed on the same pallet as 5-digit packages of flats from an automation rate mailing and 5-digit packages of flats from a Presorted rate mailing under the following conditions:

* * * * *

[Amend items d and e to delete references to the optional L001 scheme sort.]

d. Automation rate 5-digit packages and Presorted rate 5-digit packages may be copalletized with carrier route packages only when the pieces in the 5-digit packages do not exceed the 5% threshold described in 2.3. Pallets of mail sorted in this manner are called "merged 5-digit scheme" pallets.

e. If sortation under this section is performed, merged 5-digit scheme pallets must be prepared whenever there is enough volume of carrier route and 5-digit packages under M041 and 2.3 to prepare such pallets.

* * * * *

[Amend item h to delete references to the optional L001 scheme sort.]

h. The packages from each separate mailing must be sorted together on pallets (copalletized) using presort software that is PAVE-certified.

* * * * *

2.3 5% Threshold Standards

[Amend the introduction to 2.3 to show that the L001 scheme sort is the only allowable sort.]

Mailers may place 5-digit packages with carrier route packages on the same merged 5-digit scheme and merged 5-digit pallet if all of the following conditions are met:

* * * * *

[Delete 2.4. Renumber 2.5 (palletizing with scheme sort) as 2.4. Amend the title and introduction of renumbered 2.4 to read as follows:]

2.4 Pallet Preparation and Labeling

Mailers must prepare pallets of packages in the manner and sequence listed below and under M041. Mailers must prepare all merged 5-digit scheme, 5-digit scheme carrier routes, 5-digit scheme, and merged 5-digit pallets that are possible in the mailing based on the volume of mail to the destination using L001 and the 5% threshold. Mailers must label pallets according to the Line 1 and Line 2 information listed below and under M031.

* * * * *

M940 Merged Palletization of Packages Using the City State Product and a 5% Threshold

* * * * *

2.0 STANDARD MAIL

2.1 Basic Standards

[Amend the introduction to read as follows:]

Carrier route packages of flats in a carrier route rate mailing may be placed on the same pallet as 5-digit packages of flats from an automation rate mailing and 5-digit packages of flats from a Presorted rate mailing under the following conditions:

* * * * *

[Amend item f to delete references to the optional L001 scheme sort.]

f. If sortation under this section is performed, then merged 5-digit scheme pallets must be prepared whenever there is enough volume of carrier route and 5-digit packages under M041 to prepare such pallets using the criteria in 2.1e and the sortation criteria in 2.4.

* * * * *

[Amend item j to delete references to the optional L001 scheme sort.]

j. The packages from each separate mailing must be sorted together on pallets (copalletized) using presort software that is PAVE-certified.

* * * * *

2.3 5% Threshold Standard

[Amend the introduction to show that the L001 scheme sort is the only allowable sort.]

For 5-digit ZIP Codes with a "B" or "D" indicator in the City State Product, mailers may place 5-digit packages with carrier route packages on the same merged 5-digit scheme and merged 5-digit pallet if all of the following conditions are met:

* * * * *

[Delete 2.4. Renumber 2.5 (palletizing with scheme sort) as 2.4. Amend the title and introduction to read as follows:]

2.4 Pallet Preparation and Labeling

Mailers must prepare pallets of packages in the manner and sequence listed below and under M041. Mailers must prepare all merged 5-digit scheme, 5-digit scheme carrier routes, 5-digit scheme, and merged 5-digit pallets that are possible in the mailing based on the volume of mail to the destination using L001, the City State Product, and the 5% threshold. Mailers must label pallets according to the Line 1 and Line 2 information listed below and under M031.

* * * * *

- Mail Preparation and Standards,Pricing and Product Design, 6-14-01

DMM REVISION

Pallet Labels for Carrier Route Mail

Effective July 15, 2001, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) M031.4.8, M045.3.1, M045.3.2, M920.1.5, M920.2.6, M920.2.7, M930.1.5, M930.2.4, M930.2.5, M940.1.5, M940.2.4, and M940.2.5 are revised to require pallets of Periodicals and Standard Mail containing carrier route mail and/or Presorted rate mail to show "NONBARCODED" or "NBC" in the pallet label.

These pallet label standards were originally revised effective January 7, 2001, in conjunction with implementation of the R2000-1 omnibus rate case. At that time, mailers were given until July 15, 2001, to comply with new standards for labels on pallets that contain only carrier route mail.

Employees with additional questions about pallet labels should contact their district manager of business mail entry.

We will incorporate these revisions into the printed version of DMM Issue 57 and into the July 12 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

* * * * *

M030 Containers

M031 Labels

* * * * *

4.0 PALLET LABELS

* * * * *

4.8 Automation/Nonautomation Status

[Revise 4.8 by removing the last sentence, which is enclosed in parentheses. No other changes.]

* * * * *

M040 Pallets

* * * * *

M045 Palletized Mailings

* * * * *

3.0 PALLET PRESORT AND LABELING

3.1 Periodicals Packages, Sacks, or Trays on Pallets

[Revise 3.1 by removing the last sentence, which is enclosed in parentheses, in items e, f, g, and h. No other changes.]

3.2 Standard Mail Packages, Sacks, or Trays on Pallets

[Revise 3.2 by removing the last sentence, which is enclosed in parentheses, in items e, f, g, h, and i. No other changes.]

* * * * *

M900 Advanced Preparation Options for Flats

* * * * *

M920 Merged Containerization of Packages Using the City State Product

* * * * *

1.0 PERIODICALS MAIL

* * * * *

1.5 Pallet Preparation and Labeling With Scheme (L001) Sort

[Revise 1.5 by removing the last sentence, which is enclosed in parentheses, in items g, h, and i. No other changes.]

2.0 STANDARD MAIL

* * * * *

2.6 Pallet Preparation and Labeling Without Scheme (L001) Sort

[Revise 2.6 by removing the last sentence, which is enclosed in parentheses, in items d, e, f, and g. No other changes.]

2.7 Optional Pallet Preparation and Labeling With Scheme (L001) Sort

[Revise 2.7 by removing the last sentence, which is enclosed in parentheses, in items g, h, i, and j. No other changes.]

M930 Merged Palletization of Packages Using a 5% Threshold

1.0 PERIODICALS MAIL

* * * * *

1.5 Pallet Preparation and Labeling With Scheme (L001) Sort

[Revise 1.5 by removing the last sentence, which is enclosed in parentheses, in items g, h, and i. No other changes.]

2.0 STANDARD MAIL

* * * * *

2.4 Pallet Preparation and Labeling Without Scheme (L001) Sort

[Revise 2.4 by removing the last sentence, which is enclosed in parentheses, in items d, e, f, and g. No other changes.]

2.5 Optional Pallet Preparation and Labeling With Scheme (L001) Sort

[Revise 2.5 by removing the last sentence, which is enclosed in parentheses, in items g, h, i, and j. No other changes.]

M940 Merged Palletization of Packages Using the City State Product and a 5% Threshold

1.0 PERIODICALS

* * * * *

1.5 Pallet Preparation and Labeling With Scheme (L001) Sort

[Revise 1.5 by removing the last sentence, which is enclosed in parentheses, in items g, h, and i. No other changes.]

2.0 STANDARD MAIL

* * * * *

2.4 Pallet Preparation and Labeling Without Scheme (L001) Sort

[Revise 2.4 by removing the last sentence, which is enclosed in parentheses, in items d, e, f, and g. No other changes.]

2.5 Optional Pallet Preparation and Labeling With Scheme (L001) Sort

[Revise 2.5 by removing the last sentence, which is enclosed in parentheses, in items g, h, i, and j. No other changes.]

- Mail Preparation and Standards,Pricing and Product Design, 6-14-01

DMM REVISION

Adding Return Receipt for Merchandise to Merchandise Return Service

Effective June 14, 2001, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) S923 is amended to allow permit holders to add return receipt for merchandise (S917) to merchandise return service (MRS). In addition, this revision contains minor editing to S923 and allows MRS permit holders more flexibility with placement of other information (e.g., company logo, return authorization number, inventory barcode) on MRS labels, as long as it does not interfere with any required format elements. Except for the addition of return receipt for merchandise, these revisions do not change the way the Postal Service administers MRS. Questions about MRS should be directed to the district manager of business mail entry.

We will incorporate these changes into the online version of the DMM available via Postal Explorer at http://pe.usps.gov, and into the printed version of DMM Issue 57.

Domestic Mail Manual (DMM)

* * * * *

S Special Services

* * * * *

S900 Special Postal Services

* * * * *

S920 Convenience

* * * * *

S923 Merchandise Return Service

* * * * *

1.0 BASIC INFORMATION

* * * * *

1.7 Customer Mailing Options

[Revise 1.7 by adding Delivery Confirmation and return receipt for merchandise to read as follows:]

The permit holder's customers must mail the parcel within the service area of the Post Office shown in the return address on the label by depositing it at the main Post Office or any associated office, station, or branch; in any collection box (except an Express Mail box); with any rural carrier; on business routes during regular mail delivery if prior arrangements are made with the carrier; as part of a collection run for other mail (special arrangements might be required); or at any place designated by the postmaster for the receipt of mail. Parcels requiring insurance, registered mail, return receipt for merchandise, special handling, or mailing acknowledgement must be mailed either with the rural carrier or at the main Post Office or any associated office, station, or branch. Any such parcels deposited in collection boxes are returned to the sender or, if there is no return address, treated as undeliverable mail.

* * * * *

4.0 ADDITIONAL FEATURES

* * * * *

[Redesignate 4.8 through 4.13 as 4.10 through 4.15, respectively. Add new 4.8 and 4.9 to read as follows:]

4.8 Return Receipt for Merchandise

The permit holder may obtain return receipt for merchandise (S917) with MRS. The customer returning an article using an MRS label receives return receipt for merchandise service only if the label has the appropriate postage-due computation markings in 5.0.

4.9 Placement of Return Receipt for Merchandise Label

The permit holder must either leave a clear space on the MRS label to the right of the return address for the placement of Label 3804 or instruct the customer to affix the MRS label to the article so that the USPS acceptance employee can place Label 3804 on the article directly above the MRS label.

* * * * *

5.0 FORMAT

* * * * *

5.5 Instructions

* * * * *

[Revise 5.5c by adding return receipt for merchandise and special handling to read as follows:]

c. To take the parcel to a Post Office, drop it in a collection box, or give it to a postal carrier. If insurance, return receipt for merchandise, or special handling is marked on the label, or a mailing acknowledgement is attached, the parcel must be taken to a Post Office.

5.6 Format Elements

* * * * *

[Revise 5.6d(2) by adding return receipt for merchandise to read as follows:]

(2) As marked with an asterisk below, insurance, special handling, Delivery Confirmation, return receipt for merchandise, and pickup service fee entries may not appear if the permit holder does not choose the corresponding service(s). As appropriate, these postage and fee markings must appear:

POSTAGE _____

*INSURANCE FEE (IF ANY) _____

*DELIVERY CONFIRMATION FEE (IF ANY) _____

*RETURN RECEIPT FOR MERCHANDISE FEE (IF ANY) _____

*SPECIAL HANDLING FEE (IF ANY) _____

*PICKUP SERVICE FEE (IF ANY) _____

TOTAL POSTAGE AND FEES DUE $_____

INSURANCE DESIRED BY $_____

PERMIT HOLDER FOR (VALUE)

* * * * *

[Revise 5.6i by removing "merchandise return label legend and below any rate marking described in 5.6" to read as follows:]

i. Additional information. Placement of additional information (e.g., company logo, return authorization number, inventory barcode) is permitted if it does not interfere with any required format elements. Inventory barcodes must not resemble the barcodes described in C850.

* * * * *

- Mail Preparation and Standards,Pricing and Product Design, 6-14-01

DMM REVISION

Pallet Minimums for Mail Dropped at Delivery Units

Effective June 14, 2001, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) M041.5.3a is revised to remove the minimum weight requirement for pallets of Periodicals, Standard Mail, and Package Services mail dropped at a destination delivery unit by the mailer or mailer's agent. Until this change, pallets of packages, parcels, or sacks had to contain at least 250 pounds of mail (or three tiers/layers of letter trays); for pallets containing less mail, mailers had to request permission from each postal facility where they were dropping mail. This requirement also has been eliminated.

This change does not apply to pallets of Parcel Post BMC Presort, OBMC Presort, DSCF, and DDU rate mail, which are covered under M041.5.3b.

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

We will incorporate these revisions into the printed version of DMM Issue 57 and into the June 14 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

* * * * *

M040 Pallets

M041 General Standards

* * * * *

5.0 PREPARATION

* * * * *

5.3 Minimum Load

[Revise 5.3a to include an exception for pallets dropped at the destination delivery unit:]

These standards apply to:

a. Periodicals, Standard Mail, and Package Services (except for Parcel Post mailed at BMC Presort, OBMC Presort, DSCF, and DDU rates). In a single mailing, the minimum load per pallet is 250 pounds of Periodicals, Standard Mail, or Package Services mail packages, parcels, and sacks (or three tiers/layers of letter trays of Periodicals or Standard Mail). In a mailing or mailing job presented for acceptance at a single postal facility, one overflow pallet may be prepared containing less than 250 pounds or three tiers/layers of letter trays if the mail is for the service area of the entry facility and the pallet is properly labeled under M045, based on its contents. Exceptions: There is no minimum load per pallet for pallets entered at a destination delivery unit by the mailer or mailer's agent if the mail on those pallets is for that unit's service area. For mail entered at an SCF, the manager of that facility must issue a written authorization allowing preparation of any 5-digit, 3-digit, or SCF pallets containing less than the minimum required volume if the mail on those pallets is for that SCF's service area.

* * * * *

- Mail Preparation and Standards,Pricing and Product Design, 6-14-01

DMM REVISION

Loose Enclosures at Periodicals Rates

Effective June 14, 2001, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) C200.1.4b is revised to change the standard for loose enclosures at Periodicals rates. The revised standard permits enclosures to be receipts, requests, orders for a subscription, and printed matter that is part of, or accompanied by, and related exclusively to a request or order for a subscription. This standard applies to any Periodicals publication (including publications pending Periodicals authorization), provided other products or services are not advertised, promoted, or offered.

We will incorporate these changes 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

* * * * *

C200 Periodicals

* * * * *

1.0 PERMISSIBLE MAILPIECE COMPONENTS

* * * * *

1.4 Loose Enclosures at Periodicals Rate

* * * * *

[Revise 1.4b to read as follows:]

b. A receipt, request, or order for a subscription may be printed or written; prepared as a reply mail card or envelope for any authorized Periodicals publication (or a publication pending Periodicals authorization); or inserted in an envelope within the publication. The receipt or request may be part of, or accompanied by, printed matter containing information related exclusively to a receipt or request or order for a subscription, provided the printed matter does not advertise, promote, or offer for sale other products or services.

* * * * *

- Mail Preparation and Standards,Pricing and Product Design, 6-14-01

DMM REVISION

Magnetized Materials - Mailability Via Air Transportation

Effective June 14, 2001, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) C023.11.5 is revised to amend the standards for the mailability of magnetized materials. This amendment aligns the postal standards for magnetized materials with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations in Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR).

A magnetized material is considered a hazardous material and is regulated as a hazard class 9 material when it is offered for transportation by air and when it has a magnetic field strength capable of causing the deviation of aircraft instruments. Any magnetic material with measurable field strength greater than 0.00525 gauss at 15 feet is prohibited from the mail via air transportation.

An article is not restricted as a magnetized material if the field strength observed at a distance of 7 feet is less than 0.002 gauss or there is no significant compass deflection (less than 0.5 degree). Magnetized material is not regulated as a hazardous material when transported via ground transportation.

We will incorporate these changes into the printed version of DMM Issue 57 and into the monthly update of the online version of the DMM, which is available via Postal Explorer at http://pe.usps.gov.

Domestic Mail Manual (DMM)

* * * * *

C Characteristics and Content

C000 General InformationC01

* * * * *

C020 Restricted or Nonmailable Articles and Substances

* * * * *

C023 Hazardous Materials

* * * * *

11.0 MISCELLANEOUS HAZARDOUS MATERIALS (HAZARD CLASS 9)

* * * * *

11.5 Magnetized Materials

[Revise 11.5 to read as follows]:

A magnetized material is subject to these limitations:

a. Definition. A magnetized material is any article that has a magnetic field strength capable of causing the deviation of aircraft instruments. A magnetized material is regulated as a hazard class 9 material when it is presented for air transportation and has a measurable magnetic field strength greater than 0.00525 gauss at 15 feet. Magnetized materials include magnets and magnetized devices such as magnetrons and light meters of sufficient strength to possibly cause erroneous aircraft compass readings. If the maximum field strength observed at a distance of 7 feet is less than 0.002 gauss or there is no significant compass deflection (less than 0.5 degree), the article is not restricted as a magnetized material.

b. Mailability. Regulated magnetized material is prohibited in international mail. A material with a measurable magnetic field strength greater than 0.00525 gauss at 15 feet is prohibited from domestic mail via air transportation. Mailable materials must be packaged and marked as specified in Publication 52. Mailable material permitted via air transportation must bear a shipper's declaration for dangerous goods. Magnetized material is not regulated as a hazardous material when transported via surface transportation.

* * * * *

- Mail Preparation and Standards,Pricing and Product Design, 6-14-01

DMM REVISION

Additional Entry for Periodicals

Effective June 14, 2001, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) D230 is revised to allow the Postal Service to cancel additional entry authorization for a Periodicals publication when the additional entry is not used for an entire calendar year. To initiate the action, the postmaster (a) notifies the Manager, Memphis Rates and Classification Service Center, that no mailings have been entered for an entire calendar year and (b) requests cancellation of the additional entry.

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)

* * * * *

D Deposit, Collection, and Delivery

* * * * *

D200 Periodicals

* * * * *

D230 Additional Entry

* * * * *

3.0 AUTHORIZATION

[Revise 3.0 by removing 3.5. Renumber 3.6 through 3.11 as 3.5 through 3.10.]

* * * * *

6.0 CANCELLATION, REVOCATION, AND RESTORATION

6.1 Cancellation

[Revise the second sentence in 6.1 to read as follows:]

***If a publisher fails to file Form 3510 to cancel an authorized additional entry, the Manager, Memphis Rates and Classification Service Center, will cancel the additional entry upon notification by the additional entry postmaster that no mailings have been made for an entire calendar year.

* * * * *

6.3 Restoration

[Revise 6.3 by removing the words "for nonuse" to read as follows:]

To restore an additional entry authorization previously cancelled or revoked, the publisher must submit Form 3510 and pay the required fee.

- Mail Preparation and Standards,Pricing and Product Design, 6-14-01

PILOT TEST

Priority Mail Drop Shipment With Delivery Confirmation

Effective June 18, 2001, the United States Postal Service will conduct a 120-day operational pilot test for Priority Mail drop shipments using Delivery Confirmation service. The pilot test will include drop shipment sacks destined for national distribution, and will be limited to current Priority Mail drop shipment mailers who meet the following requirements:

· Certified to use Delivery Confirmation electronic option.

· Currently ship Priority Mail drop shipment sacks.

· Able to produce shipping label (maximum 4 inches x 6 inches), and apply it to the new PS Tag 161, Open & Distribute, in the space provided (see Exhibit 1). The shipping label must not cover the Postal Service section at the bottom of PS Tag 161.

Exhibit 1 (not to scale)

PS Tag 161 (back)

PS Tag 161 (front)

· The mailer's shipping label must contain the following elements and appear in the order listed (see Exhibit 2):

1. Postage or permit imprint.

2. Priority Mail service indicator.

3. Return address.

4. The words "OPEN AND DISTRIBUTE AT:" followed by the destinating facility identified in Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) labeling lists (see DMM M072.1.4a).

5. Mail enclosure statement.

6. Delivery Confirmation barcode and format.

Exhibit 2 (not to scale)

Mailer Shipping Label

For more information on the shipping label shown in Exhibit 2, see the article titled "DMM Revision: New Guidelines for Shipping Labels" in Postal Bulletin 22047 (4-5-01, pages 7-9).

Customers interested in additional information about the pilot should contact their Postal Service account managers. The pilot will conclude on October 16, 2001. Based on a successful completion of the pilot, the DMM will be updated and the service will become available to all mailers.

- e-Business,Expedited/Package Services, 6-14-01

Finance

HANDBOOK REVISION

F-15, Travel and Relocation - Local Travel Reimbursements

Effective June 14, 2001, Handbook F-15, Travel and Relocation, is revised as follows regarding reimbursement for local travel.

We will incorporate these changes into the next printed version of Handbook F-15 and into the online version at http://blue.usps.gov/cpim.

Handbook F-15, Travel And Relocation

* * * * *

7 Determining Daily Expenses

* * * * *

7-1 When to Claim Per Diem Versus Actual Expenses

* * * * *

7-1.1 According to Your Destination

7-1.1.1 Local Travel

* * * * *

7-1.1.1.3 Reimbursement for Local Travel

a. For Employees Using the eTravel System

An employee who uses the eTravel system to claim regular travel reimbursements must also use the eTravel system to claim local travel reimbursements of $15 or more. The eTravel system will reimburse the employee through direct payment to the employee's bank account via electronic funds transfer.

If a claim for local travel reimbursement is less than $15, the employee should accumulate claims until the cumulative total reaches $15 or more before entering them into the eTravel system. However, the employee should accumulate claims for just one accounting period (AP) before entering them into the eTravel system, even if at the end of the AP the cumulative total is less than $15.

b. For Employees Not Using the eTravel System

An employee not using the eTravel system to claim regular travel reimbursements should submit all claims for local travel reimbursement using PS Form 1164, Claim for Reimbursement for Expenditures for Official Business. The employee will receive reimbursement by cash or check.

- Corporate Accounting, Finance, 6-14-01

FEE INCREASE

New Money Order Fee and COD Trust Account, Action Required Prior to July 1

The July 1, 2001, domestic rate change includes an increase in the money order fee to $.90. It is essential that all offices clear out the COD Trust Fund (AIC 050) amounts and issue all pending payments for AIC 450, COD Funds Withdrawn, to mailers before closing out on the last workday prior to the rate change.

Currently, IRT and POS ONE systems add a money order fee of $.75 every time an entry is made to AIC 050, COD Funds. When the money is withdrawn from trust via an entry to AIC 450 and a money order is prepared, the system charges $.75 for the money order, which leaves a balance of zero in the account.

The COD withdrawn amount should correspond with the COD amount received by a customer. To avoid discrepancies, all retail units should pay all pending COD amounts and retain no funds in the COD trust account after close of business on the day prior to the rate change.

- Post Office Accounting, Finance, 6-14-01

STAMPED CARD

New Postage Rate and Selling Price for Stamped Cards

Effective July 1, 2001, the postage rate for domestic stamped cards will increase from $.20 to $.21. The selling price for a 21-cent stamped card will be $.23. Since the new 21-cent cards will not be available until after July 1, retail units should continue selling the 20-cent cards. The 20-cent cards will not be revalued, and the price will remain at $.22 in the inventory. At the time of sale, affix an additional 1-cent stamp to the 20-cent stamped card in order to reflect the new 23-cent selling price.

- Post Office Accounting, Finance, 6-14-01

Fraud Alert