Administrative Services

MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTION

Rail Payments Manual Processing

Management Instruction (MI) PO-540-2001-4, Rail Payments Manual Processing, has been published online. This MI pertains to plants that dispatch mail in trailers by freight rail transportation and offices that validate freight rail payments.

MI PO-540-2001-4 obsoletes MI PO-540-88-5, Rail Piggyback Payment.

MI PO-540-2001-4 is available at http://blue.usps.gov; click on Information, then Policies & Procedures, then MIs. You can select the document either alphabetically (by title) or by document number.

- Logistics,Network Operations Management, 11-29-01

Customer Relations

National Consumer Protection Week: "Deceptive Mailings - Don't Be Duped"

February 4-9, 2002, has been designated National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW). The Postal Service Office of Consumer Advocate is again partnering with the Postal Inspection Service this year to educate consumers about deceptive mailings as well as provide them with tools to recognize those mailings. Other organizations/agencies supporting NCPW in promotion and oversight activities include the National Association of Consumer Agency Administrators, Federal Trade Commission, National Consumers League, Department of Justice, AARP, Consumer Federation of America, and the National Association of Attorneys General.

Consumer fraud is a big business and, based on the U.S. Postal Inspection Service's receipt of about 75,000 consumer fraud complaints each year, it's a continuing threat to the American consumer. Swindlers have devised a multitude of ways to gain consumers' confidence before relieving them of their hard-earned dollars. Company names, addresses, and "products" may change, but con artists take advantage of economic trends and current events and plan their schemes accordingly. With today's fast-paced society and modern technology, the magnitude of consumer fraud schemes is much greater and impacts more people than ever before.

Preserving the integrity of the U.S. Mail for consumers is being accomplished through vigorous law enforcement, public education, and crime prevention efforts. Strengthening government regulations is also very important, and Postal Inspectors worked closely with the U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations on sweepstakes and deceptive mailings legislation. As a result, the Deceptive Mailing and Enforcement Act (Public Law 106-168) was passed and signed into law on December 12, 1999. The law protects consumers against deceptive mailings and sweepstakes practices by establishing standards for sweepstakes mailings, skill contests, and facsimile checks; restricting government look-a-like documents; and creating a uniform notification system allowing individuals to remove their names and addresses from all major sweepstakes mailing lists at one time.

Specifically, consumers should be aware that the law emphasizes that disclosures on sweepstakes mailings must clearly state that no purchase is necessary to enter a sweepstakes and that a purchase will not improve consumers' chances of winning a prize. The law creates strong financial penalties for companies that do not disclose all terms and conditions of a contest. Individuals will also be able to request that certain mailings are stopped from being delivered to their homes, and companies will face liability if they do not honor the request. The law further provides the Postal Service the authority to issue administrative subpoenas in cases where noncompliance is suspected.

While it is impossible for consumers to protect themselves from every swindler, there are actions they can take to substantially minimize the risk of being conned. Consumers should be wary of the following schemes.

• Bogus Employment Opportunities: $$$$$$$THOUSANDS OF HIGH-PAYING GOVERNMENT JOBS$$$$$$$ Rather than preparing you for existing vacancies, as they claim, the con artists charge you for materials you could have received for free from the hiring government agency-which may or may not have job openings.

• Medical Quackery: Snake-oil merchants peddle worthless potions, offering "miracles" like: INSTANT CURE FOR ARTHRITIS! And LOSE WEIGHT OVERNIGHT! Unfortunately, the gadgets and gimmicks advertised are not legitimate, and some are downright dangerous.

• Phony Charitable Solicitations: Either your money never gets to the charity, or the charity doesn't exist at all. The only one who benefits from your generosity is the swindler.

• Work-at-Home: Work-at-home schemes will not guarantee regular salaried employment, and will require you to invest money before you learn how a plan works or before you are sent instructions. Always suspect any ad claiming you can earn unusually high income with little or no effort on your part.

• Prizes or Sweepstakes: "Congratulations! You're the lucky winner of one of four prizes!" You simply have to pay a "processing fee" to find out what you've won. And it's never anything of value.

• Lottery (Domestic & Foreign): Federal law prohibits sending lottery material (domestic or foreign) through the mail with the exception of stated-owned and -operated lotteries. Most - if not all - foreign lottery come-ons sent to U.S. addresses through the mail are bogus. They don't even come from foreign government agencies or licensees but, instead, they come from con artists who take consumers' money and give nothing in return.

• Other mail fraud schemes include, but are not limited to: Identity theft, travel schemes, chain letters, insurance fraud, medical fraud, false billing, etc.

Every year, thousands of people and businesses are victimized by mail fraud schemes. We are encouraging consumers to be aware and be educated - not duped.

Privacy

"Privacy", a significant and evolving issue for consumers, was designated as this year's National Consumer Protection Week's leading topic by the partnering organizations. Privacy is at the heart of the Postal Service brand. Over its 225-year history, the United States Postal Service has developed a tradition of trust, highly valued by the American people, by delivering the mail with the highest levels of privacy, security, and integrity.

The issue of trust has taken on a new urgency in a world of new technology. The Postal Service will maintain its role as a respected leader in privacy in an ever-changing landscape of customer expectations, public policy issues, technology, and business models and practices. The appointment of the Postal Service's first Chief Privacy Officer in November 2000 has strengthened the organization's ability to develop and implement privacy policies that reflect the best practices of both government and industry in today's world.

Postmasters and Facility Managers

Postmasters and facility managers are encouraged to support this consumer awareness effort by sponsoring local activities during the designated week, February 4-9, 2002.

District Consumer Affairs and Claims Manager

The district Consumer Affairs and Claims Manager should serve as a consultant and resource for postmasters and managers planning NCPW activities. The district Consumer Affairs and Claims office should also be the clearinghouse for additional information and materials.

The Office of the Consumer Advocate and the Postal Inspection Service have developed an internal recognition program. Applicants must complete the application and return it to the following address by March 15, 2002:

ATTN: BRYAN KNUPP OR
MICKIE MORIARTY
CONSUMER AFFAIRS
US POSTAL SERVICE
475 L'ENFANT PLZ SW RM 5801
WASHINGTON DC 20260-2202

Getting Started

This national consumer initiative can be your "Gateway to the Consumer" in developing or improving local relationships.

• Appoint a planning committee. Whenever possible, involve Customer Advisory Council members in planning events.

• Contact your local Postal Inspection Service office to determine the primary mail fraud crimes noted in your respective district.

• Seek assistance on media activities and support from the your Public Affairs and Communications representatives to promote consumer tips, focusing on consumer fraud in conjunction with privacy.

• List the planned events. Set a date for each event and work backward, incorporating a contingency plan for possible last-minute changes. If ordering postal or non-postal-related materials, remember to allow enough time for delivery. Be sure to have available copies of Publication 370, Extra Services - Get More From Your Post Office, which covers all new special services, rates and fees, as well as any locally developed promotional materials.

• Identify the audience for each event - residential, business, students, or special interest groups.

• If you plan to partner with other local consumer groups, pick an event and meet with the other groups to share ideas. For names of consumer groups in the area, contact the local Society of Consumer Affairs Professionals (SOCAP) or visit their web page at www.socap.org.

• Seize the opportunity to educate and involve our customers on local Postal Service initiatives.

Suggested Activities

Listed below are suggested activities to highlight the week's event.

• Monday: Have an NCPW kick-off open house. Partner with the Inspection Service to identify and educate our customers on mail fraud crimes occurring in each respective district, and provide information about privacy.

• Tuesday: Center activities on information services available to customers, especially in the area of employment opportunities, medical quackery, telemarketing, and phony charitable solicitations.

• Wednesday: Partner with other federal agencies, community groups, education institutions, and businesses to sponsor education workshops or seminars for consumers with special needs.

• Thursday: Hold a joint press conference with a local postal inspector. The postal inspector could discuss the latest postal-related scams and how to avoid being duped.

• Friday: Ask the U.S. Postal Inspection Service to participate in a seminar about the different methods used to stamp out fraudulent practices in the market place, and so on. Provide materials that explain the role of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service in mail fraud investigations.

• Saturday (optional): Work with the local postal inspector to address senior citizens about fraud targeted toward the elderly. Hold seminars at local retirement communities. Postal inspectors can discuss issues such as recent fraudulent schemes and how senior citizens can avoid being duped through various solicitations.

Additional Suggested Activities

• Design a check stuffer to accompany employee paychecks informing them about NCPW activities that will be held in your local area. Ask for employee participation or support.

• Educate customers about the other consumer services we offer, such as forwarding and hold mail service, money orders, stamp service, and stamp collecting information. Provide a forum to educate customers about claims processing and about our complaints and inquiry service. Direct customers to visit www.usps.com and access Domestic Claims and FAQs (found under Info).

• Hold an open house and Postal Service fair during NCPW. Hand out consumer publications such as Publication 370, Publication 546, Publication 280, and Publication 300-A. Have a Postal Service representative available to answer questions about products and services to help customers learn how to get the most from what we offer. Consider including consumer-related information brochures from other federal and state agencies and local consumer bureaus, such as the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

• Partner with a local restaurant or food franchise to provide refreshments during a "Conversation with the Postmaster" session(s).

• Celebrate or announce something recently completed to improve local service and to enhance customer satisfaction. For example, promote extended hours, an expanded Post Office box section, or an improved facility featuring, for example, handicapped modifications.

• Hold special training session on mail preparation for business and nonprofit mailers.

• Establish a Consumer Advisory Council. Refer to the Consumer Advocates Intranet web site for access to the Consumer Advisory Council Handbook. A good first project for the council would be to link consumer protection efforts with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and local law enforcement. If a Consumer Advisory Council is already established, involve its members in NCPW planning activities.

• Demonstrate the WEE Deliver Program and invite school children to display their stamp collections in a Post Office lobby, or sponsor a competition for the best stamp suggestion entry. Involve local schools. Local offices can advise schoolteachers to order a starter kit by calling 1-888-332-0317. Hold an old- fashioned ice cream social.

• Ask letter carriers to help explain some of the dangers and impediments to safe mail delivery and how customers can ensure that pets do not disrupt service. Partner with the local Humane Society to provide tips on how best to restrain dogs and other pets.

• Set up a booth at a busy shopping area and have fraud-related and Postal Service publications available as handouts.

• Organize educational workshops for senior citizen centers. If possible, continue efforts even after the conclusion of NCPW.

Postal Service Brochures and Notices Useful for National Consumer Protection Week

The following is a list of Postal Service notices, publications, posters, and kits that may be useful as handouts for customers during NCPW. They also serve as good resource material for postmasters and managers when preparing for the week's events. These items can be ordered from the Material Distribution Center (MDC).

- Consumer Affairs Operations,Office of Consumer Advocate, 11-29-01

[D-Link]

Domestic Mail

DMM REVISION

Markings for Bound Printed Matter, Media Mail, and Library Mail

Effective January 1, 2002, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) M012 is revised to discontinue the use of old markings on Bound Printed Matter, Media Mail, and Library Mail:

• The required marking on Presorted Bound Printed Matter is "Presorted" or "PRSRT" and "Bound Printed Matter" or "BPM." Mailers can no longer use "Pre- sorted Standard" or "PRSRT STD."

• The required marking on Media Mail is "Media Mail." Mailers can no longer use "Special Standard Mail" or "SPEC STD."

• The required marking on Library Mail is "Library Mail." Mailers can no longer use "Library Rate."

These markings were changed on January 7, 2001, in conjunction with the R2000-1 Omnibus Rate Case. Mailers were given until January 1, 2002, to change over to the new markings and use any preprinted stationery and packaging.

Employees and customers with questions about these changes should contact their district manager of Business Mail Entry. We will incorporate this revision 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

* * * * *

M012 Markings and Endorsements

* * * * *

3.0 MARKINGS - PACKAGE SERVICES

3.1 Basic Markings

[Revise 3.1 to remove the obsolete Media Mail and Library Mail markings. Items a and b are unchanged.]

The basic required Package Services subclass marking - "Parcel Post" or "PP," "Bound Printed Matter" or "BPM," "Media Mail," or "Library Mail" - must be printed on each piece claimed at the respective rate. For Parcel Post destination entry rate mail, the marking "Parcel Select" may be used as the basic required marking instead of "Parcel Post." The basic required marking must be placed in the postage area (i.e., printed or produced as part of, or directly below or to the left of, the permit imprint indicia or meter stamp or impression). Optionally, the basic required marking may be printed on the shipping address label as service indicators composed of a service icon and service banner:

* * * * *

3.3 Additional Bound Printed Matter Markings

[Revise 3.1 to remove the obsolete Bound Printed Matter markings:]

Each piece of Bound Printed Matter mailed at a Presorted rate must bear the marking "Presorted" (or "PRSRT") in addition to the basic marking in 3.1. Each piece of Bound Printed Matter mailed at a Carrier Route rate must bear the marking "Carrier Route Presort" (or "CAR-RT SORT") in addition to the basic marking in 3.1. These additional markings may be placed in the postage area as specified in 3.1. Alternatively, these markings may be placed in the address area on the line directly above or two lines above the address if the marking appears alone, or if no other information appears on the line with the marking except postal optional endorsement line information under M013 or postal carrier route package information under M014.

* * * * *

- Mail Preparation and Standards,Pricing and Classification, 11-29-01

DMM REVISION

Co-Packaging of Automation Rate and Presorted Rate Flats

Effective March 31, 2002, portions of Module M of the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) are revised and new section M950 is added to provide a new preparation option that allows mailers to combine flat-size automation rate pieces and flat-size Presorted rate pieces of the same mail class into the same package. This new preparation option is called "co-packaging" and will be available for First-Class Mail, Periodicals, and Standard Mail. The co-packaging option is an outgrowth of the co-traying and co-sacking requirements detailed in DMM M910.

This change is being implemented because the Postal Service's prior need for segregating barcoded and nonbarcoded pieces no longer exists due to advances that include an optical character reader (OCR) on the flat sorting machine (FSM) 881 and the OCR/image lift capabilities of the new automated flat sorting machine (AFSM) 100. During 2002, the Postal Service plans to retrofit FSM 1000s with OCR capabilities. Therefore, continuing to require the separate preparation of automation rate and Presorted rate pieces results in more packages, which reduces the average depth of sort. This causes additional workhours for the Postal Service associated with sorting, opening, and prepping flats for processing. It can also be noted that most of the same operational justifications for allowing packages of automation rate and Presorted rate flats to be combined in the same container (co-sacking and co-traying) also support allowing the combining of flats within the same package (co-packaging). Another justification is that automation rate flats and Presorted rate flats are usually processed by the Postal Service within the same operation.

Under current mailing rules, flats prepared as an automation rate mailing are required to bear a ZIP+4 or delivery point barcode, while flats prepared as a Presorted rate mailing are not required to bear a barcode. The new co- packaging preparation option requires that all Presorted rate pieces must bear a 5-digit barcode.

When mailers produce both automation rate and Presorted rate pieces, a vast majority of the pieces usually fall within the automation rate category for a mailing job. Pieces falling into the Presorted rate category are often the result of an unsuccessful address match. This generally results from either an incomplete address (e.g., no directional) or a new address that has yet to appear in the address database used by the mailer.

Requiring a 5-digit barcode on co-packaged Presorted rate pieces will serve two purposes. First, it will allow the Postal Service to differentiate between those Presorted rate pieces that a mailer attempted unsuccessfully to barcode to the ZIP+4 or delivery point level and those Pre- sorted rate pieces on which an attempt was never made. The latter are much more likely to be matched by the Postal Service's address database; consequently, the 5-digit barcode would be useful from a quality control perspective. Second, the 5-digit barcode can be used by the Postal Service to sort the pieces in primary processing operations (5-digit sort). Postal statistics show that barcoded flats sort at a higher rate than nonbarcoded flats in primary processing operations, even when the sorting equipment has barcode reader and OCR capabilities, because the barcode can help the FSM locate the address block. As information, pieces without a 5-digit barcode must continue to be prepared as separate mailings, but they could be co-trayed or co-sacked under M910.

Under the co-packaging preparation option, the current minimum volume requirements for automation rate and Presorted rate mailings would continue to apply separately for First-Class Mail and Standard Mail (e.g., a minimum volume of 500 automation rate and 500 Presorted rate pieces is required for First-Class Mail). The total of all automation rate and Presorted rate pieces could be used to jointly meet package and container minimums (i.e., a minimum of 10 pieces per package is required for First-Class Mail or Standard Mail, and a minimum of 6 pieces per package is required for Periodicals). Postage for Presorted rate and automation rate pieces will continue to be determined under DMM E130 and E140 for First-Class Mail; under E220 and E240 for Periodicals; and under E620 and E640 for Standard Mail.

As part of this new option, mailers may combine Pre- sorted rate pieces and automation rate pieces in no more than one physical package (see revised DMM M950.1.1g, M950.2.1h, and M950.3.1h) per "logical" presort destination. A "logical" presort destination represents the total number of pieces that are eligible for a specific presort level based on the required sortation, but which might not necessarily be contained in a single container, such as a package, sack, or pallet due to the applicable preparation requirements. As an example, if nine Presorted rate Periodicals pieces (each containing a 5-digit barcode) are sorted to the same 3-digit ZIP Code destination as 19 automation rate pieces (each containing a ZIP+4 barcode), the following physical packages might be prepared: one package containing eight Presorted rate pieces; one package containing one Presorted rate piece and seven automation rate pieces; and one package containing 12 automation rate pieces.

It is necessary for the Postal Service to limit the co-packaging of automation rate and Presorted rate pieces to one physical package for each "logical" presort destination in order assist mail verification and acceptance processes.

For Periodicals, if a Presorted rate mailing includes firm packages, these packages must be accompanied by (but must be physically separate from) the automation rate and/or other Presorted rate pieces to the same presort destination to satisfy a six-piece package requirement when applicable for rate eligibility, regardless of the number of copies in the firm package. Periodicals firm packages claimed as a single piece will continue to be subject to the applicable Presorted rate based on the presort level of the logical package with which they are associated and the sack level, if sacked.

For Periodicals or Standard Mail mailings that are co- packaged and prepared under the optional preparation methods for merged pallets in DMM M930 or M940, new standards are proposed to allow a portion of a logical package to be placed on a merged pallet under the 5-percent limit.

Mailers who elect to use this new co-packaging option must prepare their mail using Presort Accuracy, Validation, and Evaluation (PAVE)-certified software or standardized documentation (DMM P012). The documentation is required to indicate the total number of automation rate and Presorted rate pieces contained in each package. Mailers may begin to use this preparation option on March 31, 2002. This date is chosen to allow presort software vendors enough time to update, test, and distribute software to their clients. It also affords the Postal Service sufficient time to develop PAVE certification criteria and conduct PAVE certification testing for the co-packaging option.

Since these changes will not take effect until March 31, 2002, they will be republished in the Postal Bulletin and included in the monthly update of the online DMM available via Postal Explorer at http://pe.usps.gov just prior to that date. These changes will be included in the printed version of DMM Issue 57.

Domestic Mail Manual (DMM)

* * * * *

M Mail Preparation and Sortation

M000 General Preparation Standards

M010 Mailpieces

M011 Basic Standards

1.0 TERMS AND CONDITIONS

* * * * *

1.3 Preparation Instructions

For purposes of preparing mail:

* * * * *

[Insert new 1.3ad and ae, as follows:]

ad. A "logical" presort destination represents the total number of pieces that are eligible for a specific presort level based on the required sortation, but which might not be contained in a single package or in a single container (i.e., sack, pallet) due to applicable preparation requirements or the size of the individual pieces. For example, there may be 42 mailpieces for ZIP Code 43112 forming a Standard Mail "logical" 5-digit package, and they are prepared in three physical 5-digit packages because of the applicable weight and height restrictions on packages. For pallets, 2,800 pounds of mail may be destined to an SCF destination, and these would form the "logical" SCF pallet, but the mail is placed on two physical SCF pallets each weighing 1,400 pounds because of the 2,200 pound maximum pallet weight requirement.

ae. Co-packaging is an alternate preparation option available under M900 for First-Class Mail, Periodicals, and Standard Mail that allows the combining of flat-size automation rate and Presorted rate pieces within the same package under the single minimum package size requirement. Pieces may not be combined in more than one physical package for each logical presort destination.

1.4 Mailing

Mailings are defined as:

* * * * *

[Revise 1.4b, d, and e by adding references to the advanced preparation options for flat-sized mail in M910, M920, M930, M940, and M950 as follows (the remainder of 1.4 is unchanged):]

b. First-Class Mail. Except as provided by standard, the types of First-Class Mail listed below may not be part of the same mailing despite being in the same processing category. See M910 and M950 for advanced preparation options for flat-size mail.***

* * * * *

d. Periodicals. Mail qualifying for the In-County rates may be part of a mailing that includes pieces eligible for the Outside County rates. Mail at carrier route rates, nonautomation Presorted rates, and automation rates must each be sorted as separate mailings. However, each of these mailings may be reported on the same postage statement if the pieces are for the same publication and edition. See M041, M045, M210, and M220 for copalletized, combined, and mixed rate mailings. See M910, M920, M930, M940, and M950 for advanced preparation options for nonletter-size mail.

e. Standard Mail. Except as provided in E620.1.2 and M900, the types of Standard Mail listed below may not be part of the same mailing. See M041, M045, M610, and M620 for copalletized, combined, and mixed rate mailings. See M910, M920, M930, M940, and M950 for advanced preparation options for flat- size mail.***

* * * * *

M040 Pallets

* * * * *

M045 Palletized Mailings

* * * * *

2.0 PACKAGES ON PALLETS

* * * * *

2.2 Basic Packaging Standards

[Revise 2.2 by adding a sentence at the end to refer to the co-packaging option for Periodicals nonletters and Standard Mail flats, as follows (the remainder of 2.2 is unchanged):]

***If palletized mailing jobs of nonletter-size Periodicals or palletized mailing jobs of flat-size Standard Mail contain both automation rate and Presorted rate pieces, the automation rate and Presorted rate pieces may be co- packaged under thestandards in M950.

* * * * *

M100 First-Class Mail (Nonautomation)

* * * * *

M130 Presorted First-Class Mail

* * * * *

1.0 BASIC STANDARDS

* * * * *

1.6 Co-Traying and Co-Packaging With Automation Rate Mail

[Revise the title of 1.6 and add a new sentence at the end to refer to the co-packaging option in 950, as follows (the remainder of 1.6 is unchanged):]

***Flat-size Presorted rate pieces may be co-packaged with flat-size automation rate pieces under the standards in M950.

* * * * *

M200 Periodicals (Nonautomation)

M210 Presorted Rates

* * * * *

1.0 BASIC STANDARDS

* * * * *

[Revise the title and text of 1.2 a and b to refer to the new co-packaging option in M950, as follows (the remainder of 1.2 is unchanged):]

1.2 Additional Standards for Nonletter-Size Sacked Mailing Jobs Containing More Than One Mailing

The following standards apply:

a. Mailings prepared in sacks that are part of a mailing job that includes a carrier route mailing, an automation rate mailing, and a presorted rate mailing 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 mailing must be prepared under M910; or

2) all three mailings in the mailing job must be prepared under M920.

Presorted rate pieces may be co-packaged with automation rate pieces under the standards in 950.

b. Mailings prepared in sacks that are part of a mailing job that includes an automation rate mailing under E240 and a Presorted rate mailing under E220 must be prepared under the co-sacking standards in M910. Presorted rate pieces may be co-packaged with automation rate pieces under the standards in 950.

* * * * *

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

[Revise 1.6 to show that merging is optional and to refer to the co-packaging option in M950, as follows:]

Under the optional preparation method in M920, Presorted rate firm and 5-digit packages prepared under 1.0 and under 2.2a and b must be co-sacked with firm and carrier route packages prepared under M220 and with automation rate 5-digit packages prepared under M820 in merged 5-digit and 5-digit scheme sacks. Under the optional preparation methods in M920, M930, or M940, Presorted rate firm and 5-digit packages prepared under 1.0 and under 2.2a and b must be copalletized with firm and carrier route packages prepared under M220 and with automation rate 5-digit packages prepared under M820 on merged 5-digit and 5-digit scheme pallets. See 1.2a for information on when preparation under M920 may be required. Presorted rate pieces may be co-packaged with automation rate pieces under M950.

* * * * *

M220 Carrier Route Rates

* * * * *

1.0 BASIC INFORMATION

* * * * *

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

[Revise 1.6 to show that merging is optional and to refer to the co-packaging option in M950, as follows:]

Under the optional preparation method in M920, firm and carrier route packages prepared under 1.0 and 2.4 must be co-sacked with Presorted rate 5-digit packages prepared under M210 and with automation rate 5-digit packages prepared under M820 in merged 5-digit and 5-digit scheme sacks. For sacked mailing jobs that contain an automation rate and a Presorted rate mailing as well as a carrier route mailing, the automation rate and the Presorted rate mailings must be prepared under M910 (see M210) and the carrier route mailing must be prepared under M220, unless the mailings are prepared under M920. Under the optional preparation methods in M920, M930, or M940, firm and carrier route packages prepared under 1.0 and 2.4 must be copalletized with Presorted rate 5-digit packages prepared under M210 and with automation rate 5-digit packages prepared under M820 on merged 5-digit and 5-digit scheme pallets. Presorted rate pieces may be co-packaged with automation rate pieces under M950.

* * * * *

M600 Standard Mail (Nonautomation)

M610 Presorted Standard Mail

* * * * *

1.0 BASIC STANDARDS

* * * * *

[Revise the title of 1.5 and add a new sentence at the end to refer to the co-packaging option in M950, as follows (the remainder of 1.5 is unchanged):]

1.5 Co-Traying and Co-Packaging With Automation Rate Mail

***Flat-size Presorted rate pieces may be co-packaged with flat-size automation rate pieces under the standards in M950.

[Revise the title and text of 1.6 to refer to the new co-packaging option in M950, as follows:]

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

When the conditions and preparation standards in M920 are met, Presorted rate 5-digit packages prepared under 4.3a may be co-sacked with carrier route rate packages prepared under M620 and with automation rate 5-digit packages prepared under M820 in merged 5-digit and 5-digit scheme sacks. When the conditions and preparation standards in M920, M930, or M940 are met, Presorted rate 5-digit packages prepared under 4.3a may be copalletized with carrier route rate packages prepared under M620 and with automation rate 5-digit packages prepared under M820 on merged 5-digit and 5-digit scheme pallets. Pre- sorted rate pieces may be co-packaged with automation rate pieces under M950.

* * * * *

M620 Enhanced Carrier Route Standard Mail

* * * * *

1.0 BASIC STANDARDS

* * * * *

[Revise the title and text of 1.6 to refer to the co-packaging option in M950, as follows:]

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

When the conditions and preparation standards in M920 are met, carrier route rate packages prepared under 2.0 may be co-sacked with Presorted rate 5-digit packages prepared under M610 and with automation rate 5-digit packages prepared under M820 in merged 5-digit and 5-digit scheme sacks. When the conditions and preparation standards in M920, M930, or M940 are met, carrier route rate packages prepared under 2.0 may be copalletized with Presorted rate 5-digit packages prepared under M610 and with automation rate 5-digit packages prepared under M820 on merged 5-digit and 5-digit scheme pallets. Presorted rate pieces may be co-packaged with automation rate pieces under M950.

* * * * *

M800 All Automation Mail

* * * * *

M820 Flat-Size Mail

1.0 BASIC STANDARDS

* * * * *

[Revise the title of 1.9 and add a new sentence at the end to refer to the co-packaging option in M950, as follows (the remainder of 1.9 is unchanged):]

1.9 Co-Traying, Co-Sacking, and Co-Packaging With Presorted Rate Mail

***Automation rate pieces may be co-packaged with Pre- sorted rate pieces under the standards in M950.

[Revise the title and text of 1.10 to be consistent with M210.1.6 and M610.1.6 to refer to the options for merged containerization and co-packaging, as follows:]

1.10 Merged Containerization of Flat-size Carrier Route, Automation Rate, and Presorted Rate Mail

Under the optional preparation methods in M920, 5-digit packages of Periodicals or Standard Mail automation rate flats must be co-sacked with 5-digit packages of Periodicals Presorted rate nonletters or Standard Mail Presorted rate flats prepared under M210 or M610, as applicable, and with packages of Periodicals carrier route nonletters or Standard Mail carrier route flats in merged 5-digit and 5-digit scheme sacks. Under the optional preparation methods in M920, M930, or M940, 5-digit packages of Periodicals or Standard Mail automation rate flats must be copalletized with 5-digit packages of Periodicals Presorted rate nonletters or Standard Mail Presorted rate flats prepared under M210 or M610, as applicable, and with packages of Periodicals carrier route nonletters or Standard Mail carrier route flats on merged 5-digit and 5-digit scheme pallets. Presorted rate nonletter-size Periodicals pieces or Presorted rate flat-size Standard Mail pieces may be co- packaged with flat-size automation rate pieces under M950.

* * * * *

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

[Revise 1.1c, d, and g by changing the reference to tray preparation standards from "1.3" to "1.4"; (the remainder of 1.1 is unchanged).]

* * * * *

1.2 Package Preparation

[Revise 1.2 to refer to the co-packaging option in 1.3, as follows:]

Except for mail prepared under the co-packaging option in 1.3, the automation rate mailing must be packaged and labeled under M820 and the Presorted rate mailing must be packaged and labeled under M130.

[Renumber current 1.3 as 1.4 and insert new 1.3, as follows:]

1.3 Optional Co-Packaging Preparation

As an option to the basic packaging requirements in 1.2, a mailer may choose to co-package (see M011) automation rate and Presorted rate flat-size pieces, subject to the conditions in M950.

1.4 Preparation and Labeling

[Revise the first sentence of the renumbered 1.4 to refer to the co-packaging option in 1.3, as follows (the remainder of 1.4 is unchanged):]

Presorted rate and automation rate packages prepared under 1.2 or 1.3 must be presorted together into trays (co- trayed) in the sequence listed below.***

* * * * *

2.0 PERIODICALS

2.1 Basic Standards

[Revise 2.1c, d, and f by changing the reference to sack preparation standards from "2.4" to "2.5" (the remainder of 2.1 is unchanged).]

* * * * *

2.2 Package Preparation

[Revise 2.2 to refer to the co-packaging option in 2.3, as follows:]

Except for mail prepared under the co-packaging option in 2.3, the automation rate mailing must be packaged and labeled under M820 (all package levels) and the Presorted rate mailing must be packaged and labeled under M210 (excluding carrier route level).

[Renumber current 2.3 and 2.4 as 2.4 and 2.5, respectively, and insert new 2.3 as follows:]

2.3 Optional Co-Packaging Preparation

As an option to the basic packaging requirements in 2.2, a mailer may choose to co-package (see M011) automation rate and Presorted rate nonletter-size pieces, subject to the conditions in M950.

2.4 Low-Volume Packages in Sacks or on Pallets

[Revise the renumbered 2.4 by adding references to packages prepared under the co-packaging option in 2.3, as follows:]

Periodicals 5-digit and 3-digit packages prepared under M210 and M820 or under 2.3 may contain fewer than six pieces when the publisher determines that such preparation improves service. These low-volume packages may be placed in 5-digit, 3-digit, and SCF sacks or on 5-digit, 3-digit, or SCF pallets. Presorted rate pieces in such low- volume packages must be claimed at the applicable basic Presorted rate. Automation rate pieces in such low-volume packages must be claimed at the applicable basic automation rate.

2.5 Sack Preparation and Labeling

[Revise the first sentence of the renumbered 2.5 to refer to the co-packaging option in 2.3, as follows (the remainder of 2.5 is unchanged):]

Presorted rate and automation rate packages prepared under 2.2 and 2.4 must be presorted together in sacks (co- sacked) in the sequence listed below.***

3.0 STANDARD MAIL

3.1 Basic Standards

[Revise 3.1c, d, and g by changing the references to sack preparation standards from "3.3 and 3.4" to "3.4 and 3.5" (the remainder of 3.1 is unchanged).]

* * * * *

3.2 Package Preparation

[Revise 3.2 to refer to the co-packaging option in 3.3, as follows:]

Except for mail prepared under the co-packaging option in 3.3, the automation rate mailing must be packaged and labeled under M820 and the Presorted rate mailing must be packaged and labeled under M610. Loose packing under M610 is not permitted.

[Renumber current 3.3 and 3.4 as 3.4 and 3.5, respectively, and insert new 3.3, as follows:]

3.3 Optional Co-Packaging Preparation

As an option to the basic packaging requirements in 3.2, a mailer may choose to co-package (see M011) automation rate and Presorted rate flat-size pieces, subject to the conditions in M950.

* * * * *

M920 Merged Containerization of Packages Using the City State Product

[Revise the summary in M920 to refer to the co-packaging option in M950, as follows:]

Summary

M920 describes the eligibility and preparation requirements for co-sacking or copalletizing 5-digit automation rate packages, 5-digit Presorted packages, including automation and Presorted rate pieces co-packaged under M950, and carrier route packages of Periodicals nonletter-size mailings and Standard Mail flat-size mailings in merged 5-digit and 5-digit scheme containers using the City State Product.

[Revise the heading of 1.0, as follows:]

1.0 PERIODICALS

1.1 Basic Standards

[Revise the first sentence in 1.1 to refer to the co-packaging option in M950, as follows:]

Carrier route packages in a carrier route rate mailing may be placed in the same sack or on the same pallet (in a merged 5-digit or 5-digit scheme sack or pallet) as 5-digit packages from an automation rate mailing and 5-digit packages from a Presorted rate mailing, including automation and Presorted rate pieces co-packaged as permitted in M950, under the following conditions:

* * * * *

[Revise the first sentence in 1.1e to refer to the co-packaging option in M95, as follows (the remainder of 1.1e is unchanged):]

e. Carrier route packages must be co-sacked or copalletized with automation rate 5-digit packages and Presorted rate 5-digit packages, including automation and Presorted rate pieces co-packaged under M950, only for those 5-digit ZIP Codes that have an "A" or "C" indicator in the Carrier Route Indicators field in the City State Product showing they are eligible for co-sacking or copalletization.***

* * * * *

1.2 Package Preparation

Packages must be prepared as follows:

[Revise 1.2a to refer to the co-packaging option in M950, as follows:]

a. Sacked Mailings. The carrier route mailing must be packaged and labeled under M220. Except when prepared under the co-packaging option in M950, the automation rate mailing must be packaged and labeled under M820 and the Presorted rate mailing must be packaged and labeled under M210.

* * * * *

1.3 Low-Volume Packages in Sacks or on Pallets

[Revise 1.3 to refer to the co-packaging option by adding "or M950" after the reference to M820 in the first sentence (the remainder of 1.3 is unchanged).]

* * * * *

2.0 STANDARD MAIL

2.1 Basic Standards

[Revise the first sentence in 2.1 to refer to the co-packaging option in M950, as follows:]

Carrier route packages of flat-size pieces in a carrier route rate mailing may be placed in the same sack or on the same pallet (a merged 5-digit or 5-digit scheme sack or pallet) as 5-digit packages from an automation rate mailing and 5-digit packages from a Presorted rate mailing, including automation and Presorted rate pieces co-packaged as permitted in M950, under the following conditions:

* * * * *

[Revise the first sentence in 2.1e to refer to the co-packaging option in M950, as follows (the remainder of 2.1e is unchanged):]

e. Carrier route rate packages must be co-sacked or copalletized with automation rate 5-digit packages and Presorted rate 5-digit packages, including automation and Presorted rate pieces co-packaged under M950, only for those 5-digit ZIP Codes with an "A" or "C" indicator in the Carrier Route Indicators field in the City State Product indicating they are eligible for such co-sacking or copalletizaiton.***

* * * * *

2.2 Package Preparation

Packages must be prepared as follows:

[Revise 2.2a to refer to the co-packaging option in M950, as follows:]

a. Sacked Mailings. The carrier route mailing must be packaged and labeled under M620. Except when prepared under the co-packaging option in M950, the automation rate mailing must be packaged and labeled under M820 and the Presorted rate mailing must be packaged and labeled under M610.

* * * * *

M930 Merged Palletization of Packages Using a 5% Threshold

Summary

[Revise the summary in M930 to refer to the co-packaging option in M950, as follows:]

M930 describes the eligibility and preparation requirements for copalletizing 5-digit automation rate packages; 5-digit Presorted rate packages, including automation and Pre- sorted rate pieces co-packaged under M950; and carrier route rate packages of Periodicals nonletter-size mailings and Standard Mail flat-size mailings in merged 5-digit and 5-digit scheme pallets using only the 5% threshold (not the City State Product).

1.0 PERIODICALS

[Revise the heading and first sentence of 1.1 to refer to the co-packaging option in M950, as follows:]

1.1 Basic Standards

5-digit packages from an automation rate mailing and 5-digit packages from a Presorted rate mailing, including automation and Presorted rate pieces co-packaged under M950, may be placed on the same pallet (a merged 5-digit or 5-digit scheme pallet) as carrier route rate packages from a carrier route mailing under the following conditions:

* * * * *

[Revise the first sentence of 1.1d to refer to the co-packaging option in M950, as follows (the remainder of 1.1d is unchanged):]

d. Automation rate 5-digit packages and Presorted rate 5-digit packages, including automation rate and Presorted rate pieces co-packaged under M950, must be copalletized with carrier route rate packages only when the pieces in the 5-digit packages do not exceed the 5% limit described in 1.4.***

* * * * *

1.3 Low-Volume Packages on Pallets

[Revise 1.3 to refer to the co-packaging option by adding "or M950" after the reference to M820 in the first sentence (the remainder of 1.3 is unchanged).]

* * * * *

1.4 5% Threshold Standard

[Revise the first sentence of 1.4, as follows:]

5-digit packages and carrier route packages may be placed on the same merged 5-digit or 5-digit scheme pallet under 1.5 if all of the following conditions are met:

* * * * *

[Revise 1.4c by replacing the first sentence with the following new sentence; then delete the last four sentences beginning at the word "Example" (the remainder of 1.4c is unchanged):]

c. Except when packages are prepared under the co- packaging option in M950, all mail in a logical 5-digit package must be able to be placed on the logical pallet using the 5% limit.***

[Insert the following clause at the beginning of 1.4d (the remainder of 1.4d is unchanged):]

d. Except for packages prepared under the co-packaging option in M950, ***

[Insert new 1.4e to permit mailers using the co-packaging option in M950 to place a portion of a "logical" 5-digit package on a merged 5-digit scheme or merged 5-digit pallet with carrier route mail; renumber current 1.4e and f as 1.4f and g, respectively; and change the references in renumbered 1.4f and g from "1.4a through 1.4d" to "1.4a through 1.4e," as follows:]

e. For mailing jobs prepared using the co-packaging option in M950, if the total number of pieces prepared in a logical 5-digit package (containing automation rate and Presorted rate pieces) exceeds the 5% limit for a 5-digit ZIP Code in 1.4a, a mailer may, for each 5-digit ZIP Code, choose to place a portion of the pieces prepared in the logical 5-digit package on a merged 5-digit or 5-digit scheme pallet using one of the options below. Regardless of the option selected, a minimum of 6 pieces must be prepared in 5-digit package(s) placed on the merged pallet and a minimum of 6 remaining pieces prepared in 5-digit package(s) not placed on the merged pallet, with the total number of pieces not exceeding the 5% limit. The options are:

(1) Place either all automation rate pieces or all Presorted rate pieces for the 5-digit ZIP Code on the merged pallet.

(2) Place a portion of either the automation rate pieces or the Presorted rate pieces for the 5-digit ZIP Code on the merged pallet.

(3) Place either all the automation rate pieces plus a portion of the Presorted rate pieces or all the Presorted rate pieces plus a portion of the automation rate pieces for the 5-digit ZIP Code on the merged pallet.

* * * * *

2.0 STANDARD MAIL

2.1 Basic Standards

[Revise the first sentence in 2.1 to refer to the co-packaging option in M950, as follows:]

5-digit packages from an automation rate mailing and 5-digit packages from a Presorted rate mailing, including automation rate and Presorted rate pieces co-packaged under M950, may be placed on the same pallet (a merged 5-digit or 5-digit scheme pallet) as carrier route rate packages from a carrier route rate mailing under the following conditions:

* * * * *

[Revise the first sentence in 2.1d to refer to the co-packaging option in M950, as follows (the remainder of 2.1d is unchanged):]

d. Automation rate 5-digit packages and Presorted rate 5-digit packages, including automation and Pre- sorted rate pieces co-packaged under M950, must be copalletized with carrier route packages only when the pieces in the 5-digit packages do not exceed the 5% limit in 2.3.***

* * * * *

2.3 5% Threshold Standard

[Revise the first sentence of 2.3, as follows:]

5-digit packages and carrier route packages may be placed on the same merged 5-digit pallet under 2.4 or on the same merged 5-digit or 5-digit scheme pallet under 2.5 if all of the following conditions are met:

* * * * *

[Revise the first sentence in 2.3c as follows; then delete the last four sentences beginning at the word "Example" (the remainder of 2.3c is unchanged):]

c. Except when packages are prepared under the co- packaging option in M950, all mail in a logical 5-digit package must be able to be placed on the logical pallet using the 5% limit.***

[Revise 2.3d by inserting the following clause at the beginning (the remainder of 2.3d is unchanged):]

d. Except for packages prepared under the co- packaging option in M950, ***

[Insert new 2.3e to permit mailers using the co-packaging option in M950 to place a portion of a logical 5-digit package on a merged 5-digit scheme or merged 5-digit pallet with carrier route mail, as follows:]

e. For mailing jobs prepared using the co-packaging option in M950, if the total number of pieces prepared in a logical 5-digit package (containing automation rate and Presorted rate pieces) exceeds the 5% limit for a 5-digit ZIP Code in 2.3a, a mailer may, for each 5-digit ZIP Code, choose to place a portion of the pieces prepared in the logical 5-digit package on a merged 5-digit or 5-digit scheme pallet using one of the options below. Regardless of the option selected, a minimum of 10 pieces must be prepared in 5-digit package(s) placed on the merged pallet and a minimum of 10 remaining pieces prepared in 5-digit package(s) not placed on the merged pallet, with the total number of pieces not exceeding the 5% limit. The options are:

(1) Place either all automation rate pieces or all Presorted rate pieces for the 5-digit ZIP Code on the merged pallet.

(2) Place a portion of either the automation rate pieces or the Presorted rate pieces for the 5-digit ZIP Code on the merged pallet.

(3) Place either all the automation rate pieces plus a portion of the Presorted rate pieces or all the Presorted rate pieces plus a portion of the automation rate pieces for the 5-digit ZIP Code on the merged pallet.

* * * * *

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

Summary

[Revise the summary in M940 to refer to the co-packaging option in M950 and 3.3, as follows:]

M940 describes the eligibility and preparation requirements for copalletizing 5-digit automation rate packages; 5-digit Presorted rate packages, including automation rate and Presorted rate pieces co-packaged under M950; and carrier route packages of Periodicals nonletter-size mailings and Standard Mail flat-size mailings in merged 5-digit scheme and merged 5-digit pallets using both the City State Product and a 5% threshold, as applicable.

1.0 PERIODICALS

1.1 Basic Standards

[Revise the first sentence of 1.1 to refer to the co-packaging option in M950, as follows:]

5-digit packages from an automation rate mailing and 5-digit packages from a Presorted rate mailing, including automation rate and Presorted rate pieces co-packaged under M950, may be placed on the same pallet (a merged 5-digit or 5-digit scheme pallet) as carrier route packages from a carrier route rate mailing under the following conditions:

* * * * *

[Revise the first sentence in 1.1e to refer to the co-packaging option in M950, as follows (the remainder of 1.1e is unchanged):]

e. Automation rate 5-digit packages and Presorted rate 5-digit packages, including automation rate and Presorted rate pieces co-packaged under M950, must be copalletized with carrier route packages on merged 5-digit and 5-digit scheme pallets as follows:

* * * * *

1.3 Low-Volume Packages on Pallets

[Revise 1.3 to refer to the co-packaging option by adding "or M950" after the reference to M820 in the first sentence (the remainder of 1.3 is unchanged).]

* * * * *

1.4 5% Threshold Standard

[Revise the first sentence of 1.4, as follows:]

5-digit packages and carrier route packages for 5-digit ZIP Codes with a "B" or "D" indicator in the City State Product, may be placed on the same merged 5-digit or 5-digit scheme pallet under 1.5 if all of the following conditions are met:

* * * * *

[Revise the first sentence of 1.4c, as follows: then delete the last four sentences beginning at the word "Example" (the remainder of 1.4c is unchanged):]

c. Except when packages are prepared under the co- packaging option in M950, all mail in a logical 5-digit package for a 5-digit ZIP Code with a "B" or "D" indicator must be able to be placed on the logical pallet under the 5% limit.***

[Insert the following clause at the beginning of 1.4d (the remainder of 1.4d is unchanged):]

d. Except for packages prepared under the co- packaging option in M950, ***

[Insert new 1.4e to permit mailers using the co-packaging option in M950 to place a portion of a logical 5-digit package on a merged 5-digit scheme or merged 5-digit pallet with carrier route mail; renumber current 1.4e and f as 1.4f and g, respectively; and change the references in renumbered 1.4f and g from "1.4a through 1.4d" to "1.4a through 1.4e," as follows:]

e. For mailing jobs prepared using the co-packaging option in M950, if the total number of pieces prepared in a logical 5-digit package (containing automation rate and Presorted rate pieces) exceeds the 5% limit for a 5-digit ZIP Code in 1.4a, a mailer may, for each 5-digit ZIP Code, choose to place a portion of the pieces prepared in the logical 5-digit package on a merged 5-digit or 5-digit scheme pallet using one of the options below. Regardless of the option selected, a minimum of 6 pieces must be prepared in 5-digit package(s) placed on the merged pallet and a minimum of 6 remaining pieces prepared in 5-digit package(s) not placed on the merged pallet, with the total number of pieces not exceeding the 5% limit. The options are:

(1) Place either all automation rate pieces or all Presorted rate pieces for the 5-digit ZIP Code on the merged pallet.

(2) Place a portion of either the automation rate pieces or the Presorted rate pieces for the 5-digit ZIP Code on the merged pallet.

(3) Place either all the automation rate pieces plus a portion of the Presorted rate mail or all the Pre- sorted rate pieces plus a portion of the automation rate pieces for the 5-digit ZIP Code on the merged pallet.

* * * * *

2.0 STANDARD MAIL

2.1 Basic Standards

[Revise the first sentence in 2.1 to refer to the co-packaging option in M950, as follows:]

5-digit packages from an automation rate mailing and 5-digit packages from a Presorted rate mailing, including automation and Presorted rate pieces co-packaged under M950, may be placed on the same pallet (a merged 5-digit or 5-digit scheme pallet) as carrier route packages from a carrier route rate mailing under the following conditions:

* * * * *

[Revise the first sentence of 2.1e to refer to the co-packaging option in M950, as follows (the remainder of 2.1e is unchanged):]

e. Automation rate 5-digit packages and Presorted rate 5-digit packages, including automation rate and Presorted rate pieces co-packaged under M950, must be copalletized with carrier route packages on merged 5-digit scheme and merged 5-digit pallets as follows:

* * * * *

2.3 5% Threshold Standard

[Revise the first sentence of 2.3, as follows:]

5-digit packages and carrier route packages for 5-digit ZIP Codes with a "B" or "D" indicator in the City State Product, may be placed on the same merged 5-digit pallet under 2.4 or on the same merged 5-digit or 5-digit scheme pallet under 2.5 if all of the following conditions are met:

* * * * *

[Revise the first sentence of 2.3c, as follows (the remainder of 2.3c is unchanged):]

c. Except when packages are prepared under the co- packaging option in M950, all mail in a logical 5-digit package must be able to be placed on the logical pallet using the 5% limit.***

[Insert the following clause at the beginning of 2.3d (the remainder of 2.3d is unchanged):]

d. Except for packages prepared under the co- packaging option in M950, ***

[Insert new 2.3e to permit mailers using the co-packaging option in M950 to place a portion of a logical 5-digit package on a merged 5-digit scheme or merged 5-digit pallet with carrier route mail, as follows:]

e. For mailing jobs prepared using the co-packaging option in M950, if the total number of pieces prepared in a logical 5-digit package (containing automation rate and Presorted rate pieces) exceeds the 5% limit for a 5-digit ZIP Code in 2.3a, a mailer may, for each 5-digit ZIP Code, choose to place a portion of the pieces prepared in the logical 5-digit package on a merged 5-digit or 5-digit scheme pallet using one of the options below. Regardless of the option selected, a minimum of 10 pieces must be prepared in 5-digit package(s) placed on the merged pallet and a minimum of 10 remaining pieces prepared in 5-digit package(s) not placed on the merged pallet, with the total number of pieces not exceeding the 5% limit. The options are:

(1) Place either all automation rate pieces or all Presorted rate pieces for the 5-digit ZIP Code on the merged pallet.

(2) Place a portion of either the automation rate pieces or the Presorted rate pieces for the 5-digit ZIP Code on the merged pallet.

(3) Place either all the automation rate pieces plus a portion of the Presorted rate pieces or all the Presorted rate pieces plus a portion of the automation rate pieces for the 5-digit ZIP Code on the merged pallet.

* * * * *

[Add new section M950 to provide requirements for co- packaging of automation rate and Presorted rate First- Class Mail, Periodicals, and Standard Mail, to read as follows:]

M950 Co-Packaging Automation Rate and Presorted Rate Pieces

Summary

M950 describes the eligibility and preparation requirements for co-packaging flat-size automation rate and Presorted rate First-Class Mail, nonletter-size automation rate and Presorted rate Periodicals, and flat-size automation rate and Presorted rate Standard Mail.

1.0 FIRST-CLASS MAIL

1.1 Basic Standards

Effective March 31, 2002, mailers may choose to co- package (see M011) automation rate and Presorted rate pieces as an option to the basic packaging requirements in M910, subject to the following conditions:

a. The pieces in the automation rate mailing and the Presorted rate mailing must be part of the same mailing job and must be reported on the appropriate postage statement.

b. The pieces in the mailing job must be flat-size and meet any other size and mailpiece design requirements applicable to the rate category for which they are prepared.

c. The basic standards in M910 must be met.

d. A minimum of 500 automation rate pieces and 500 Presorted rate pieces are required. The total number of automation rate and Presorted rate pieces must be used to meet the minimum volume requirements for packages and containers to a presort destination.

e. Presorted rate pieces must contain a 5-digit barcode and be co-packaged with automation rate pieces for the same presort destination. If this optional preparation method is used, all automation rate and Presorted rate pieces in the same mailing job and reported on the same postage statement must be co-packaged.

f. Within a package, all pieces must meet the FSM 881 requirements or all pieces must meet the FSM 1000 requirements described in C820.

g. Mailers must sort automation rate pieces and Presorted rate pieces for each presort destination so that only one physical package for each logical presort destination (see M011) includes both automation rate pieces (containing a ZIP+4 or delivery point barcode) and Presorted rate pieces (containing a 5-digit barcode).

1.2 Package Preparation

Package size, preparation sequence, and labeling:

a. 5-digit: required (10-piece minimum, fewer not permitted); red Label D or optional endorsement line (OEL).

b. 3-digit: required (10-piece minimum, fewer not permitted); green Label 3 or OEL.

c. ADC: required (10-piece minimum, fewer not permitted); pink Label A or OEL.

d. Mixed ADC: required (no minimum); tan Label MXD or OEL.

2.0 PERIODICALS

2.1 Basic Standards

Effective March 31, 2002, mailers may choose to co- package (see M011) automation rate and Presorted rate pieces as an option to the basic packaging requirements in M210 and M820, subject to the following conditions:

a. The pieces in the automation rate mailing and the Presorted rate mailing must be part of the same mailing job and must be reported on the appropriate postage statement.

b. The pieces in the mailing job must be nonletter-size and meet any other size and mailpiece design requirements applicable to the rate category for which they are prepared.

c. Mailings prepared in sacks must meet the basic standards in M910 or M920.

d. Mailings prepared on pallets must meet the basic standards in M045, M920, M930, or M940.

e. The total number of automation rate and Presorted rate pieces must be used to meet the minimum volume requirements for packages and containers.

f. Presorted rate pieces must contain a 5-digit barcode and be co-packaged with automation rate pieces for the same presort destination. If this optional preparation method is used, all automation rate and Presorted rate pieces in the same mailing job and reported on the same postage statement must be co-packaged.

g. Within a package, all pieces must meet the FSM 881 requirements or all pieces must meet the FSM 1000 requirements described in C820.

h. Mailers must sort Presorted rate pieces and automation rate pieces for each presort destination so that only one physical package for each logical presort destination (see M011) includes both automation rate pieces (containing a ZIP+4 or delivery point barcode) and Presorted rate pieces (containing a 5-digit barcode).

2.2 Package Preparation

Package size, preparation sequence, and labeling:

a. Firm: optional (for Presorted rate pieces only under M210.1.4) (two-piece minimum); blue Label F or optional endorsement line (OEL).

b. 5-digit: required (six-piece minimum, fewer not permitted except under 2.3); red Label D or OEL.

c. 3-digit: required (six-piece minimum, fewer not permitted except under 2.3); green Label 3 or OEL.

d. ADC: required (six-piece minimum, fewer not permitted); pink Label A or OEL.

e. Mixed ADC: required (no minimum); tan Label MXD or OEL.

2.3 Low-Volume Packages in Sacks or on Pallets

Periodicals 5-digit and 3-digit packages prepared under 2.2, may contain fewer than six pieces when the publisher determines that such preparation improves service. These low-volume packages may be placed in merged 5-digit scheme, merged 5-digit, 5-digit, 3-digit, and SCF sacks or on merged 5-digit scheme, merged 5-digit, 5-digit, 3-digit, or SCF pallets. Presorted rate pieces in such low-volume packages must be claimed at the applicable basic Presorted rate. Automation rate pieces in such low-volume packages must be claimed at the applicable basic automation rate.

3.0 STANDARD MAIL

3.1 Basic Standards

Effective March 31, 2002, mailers may choose to co- package (see M011) automation rate and Presorted rate pieces as an option to the basic packaging requirements in M610 and M820, subject to the following conditions:

a. The pieces in the automation rate mailing and the Presorted rate mailing must be part of the same mailing job and must be reported on the appropriate postage statement.

b. The pieces in the mailing job must be flat-size and meet any other size and mailpiece design requirements applicable to the rate category for which they are prepared.

c. Mailings prepared in sacks must meet the basic standards in M910 or M920.

d. Mailings prepared on pallets must meet the basic standards in M045, M920, M930, or M940.

e. A minimum of 200 pieces or 50 pounds of automation rate pieces are required; the Presorted rate mailing may meet the residual volume requirements in E620. The total number of automation rate and Presorted rate pieces must be used to meet the minimum volume requirements for packages and containers.

f. Presorted rate pieces must contain a 5-digit barcode and be co-packaged with automation rate pieces for the same presort destination. If this optional preparation method is used, all automation rate and Presorted rate pieces in the same mailing job and reported on the same postage statement must be co- packaged.

g. Within a package, all pieces must meet the FSM 881 requirements or all pieces must meet the FSM 1000 requirements described in C820.

h. Mailers must sort Presorted rate pieces and automation rate pieces for each presort destination so that only one physical package for each logical presort destination (see M011) includes both Presorted rate pieces (containing a 5-digit barcode) and automation rate pieces (containing a ZIP+4 or delivery point barcode).

3.2 Package Preparation

Package size, preparation sequence, and labeling:

a. 5-digit: required (10-piece minimum, fewer not permitted); red Label D or optional endorsement line (OEL).

b. 3-digit: required (10-piece minimum, fewer not permitted); green Label 3 or OEL.

c. ADC: required (10-piece minimum, fewer not permitted); pink Label A or OEL.

d. Mixed ADC: required (no minimum); tan Label MXD or OEL.

* * * * *

- Mail Preparation and Standards,Pricing and Classification, 11-29-01

DMM AND POM REVISION

Commercial Mail Receiving Agency Mail Delivery Procedures

Effective December 14, 2001, the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) and Postal Operations Manual (POM) are revised to reflect changes in mail delivery procedures to a commercial mail receiving agency (CMRA).

DMM D042.2.0 is revised to conform to a final rule published in the Federal Register (66 FR 56993-56996) on November 14, 2001. That rule added section D042.2.8 to provide procedures to identify when an office business center (OBC; sometimes called "corporate executive center" (CEC)) or part of its operation is considered a CMRA for Postal Service purposes.

To minimize implementation costs for OBCs and their CMRA customers to comply with the rules in sections D042.2.5 through 2.8 and all other applicable Postal Service standards, the Postal Service has established the following timeline for the OBC and its CMRA customers to comply with the rules:

• OBCs with one or more CMRA customers must complete PS Form 1583-A, Application to Act as a Commercial Mail Receiving Agency, to register as a CMRA and submit it to their local Postal Service delivery office within 30 days of the effective date of the rule.

• OBC customers considered CMRA customers must complete PS Form 1583, Application for Delivery of Mail Through Agent, and submit it to the OBC within 90 days of the effective date of the rule.

• The Postal Service is extending the deadline for OBC CMRA customers to comply with section D042.2.6e, addressing standards, until November 1, 2002. The extension allows OBC CMRA customers to advise correspondents of the new address in the course of ordinary business, rather than through a special communication, and to deplete existing stationery and to make any other changes to comply with the address requirement. The Postal Service encourages current OBC CMRA customers to begin immediately advising correspondents of the new address.

An OBC receives single-point delivery from the Postal Service, regardless of category of customer served. The provisions outlined in D042.2.5 through 2.8 are not applicable to OBC customers with a written agreement (lease) to occupy a private office full-time at the OBC location. The following is a summary of the guidelines to identify when an OBC customer is considered to be a CMRA customer for Postal Service purposes:

• An OBC customer is considered a CMRA customer if he or she does not have a written agreement (lease) with the OBC to occupy a private office at least 16 hours per month at market rate for the location.

• The written agreement (lease) must also provide for all of the business support services listed in D042.2.8b (2)(B through D).

• Additionally, OBC customers with a written agreement that provides for mail services and other business support services that an OBC may provide and bill for on demand are considered CMRA customers.

• The OBC must comply, and has responsibility to ensure that all of its CMRA customers comply with sections D042.2.5 through 2.8 and with all other applicable Postal Service standards.

• The OBC must follow the procedures outlined in D042.2.6a and must submit the original completed and signed PS Form 1583 for each of its CMRA customers to the local Post Office.

• The OBC must provide to the local Postal Service official copies of written agreements (leases) or any other documents or information needed to determine whether an OBC customer is a CMRA customer.

• Failure to provide requested documents or information might be basis for suspending delivery service to the OBC under the procedures set forth in D2.6f through h.

Local Postal Service officials must advise OBCs of the effective date of the final rule and provide a copy of the DMM CMRA regulations to each OBC within their delivery area. The application forms (PS Forms 1583-A and 1583) are available on the Internet at http://www.usps.com (click on Forms).

We will incorporate these revisions into the printed versions of DMM 57 and POM 9 and in the next online revisions of the DMM and POM, available via the corporate intranet at http://blue.usps.gov/cpim (click on Manuals).

Domestic Mail Manual (DMM)

D Deposit, Collection, and Delivery

D000 Basic Information

* * * * *

D040 Delivery of Mail

* * * * *

D042 Conditions of Delivery

* * * * *

2.0 DELIVERY TO ADDRESSEE'S AGENT

* * * * *

[Add new 2.8 to read as follows:]

2.8 OBC Acting as a CMRA

The procedures for an office business center (OBC; sometimes called corporate executive center) or part of its operation acting as a CMRA for postal purposes are as follows:

a. An OBC is a business that operates primarily to provide private office facilities and other business support services to individuals or firms (customers). OBCs receive single-point delivery. OBC customers who receive mail at the OBC address will be considered CMRA customers for postal purposes under the standards set forth in b. Parties considered CMRA customers under this provision must comply with the standards set forth in 2.5 through 2.7. An OBC must register as a CMRA by completing Form 1583-A, Application to Act as a Commercial Mail Receiving Agency, and comply with all other CMRA standards if one or more customers receiving mail through its address is considered a CMRA customer.

b. An OBC customer is considered to be a CMRA customer for postal purposes if its written agreement with the OBC provides for mail service only or mail and other business support services (without regard for occupancy or other services that the OBC might provide and bill separately). Additionally, an OBC customer receiving mail at the OBC address is considered to be a CMRA customer for postal purposes and must complete Form 1583, Application for Delivery of Mail Through Agent, if each of the following is true:

(1) The customer's written agreement with the OBC does not provide for the full-time use of one or more of the private offices within the OBC facility.

(2) The customer's written agreement with the OBC does not provide all of the following:

(A) The use of one or more of the private offices within the facility for at least 16 hours per month at market rate for the location.

(B) Full-time receptionists service and live personal telephone answering service during normal business hours and voice mail service after hours.

(C) A listing in the office directory, if available, in the building in which the OBC is located.

(D) Use of conference rooms and other business services on demand, such as secretarial services, word processing, administrative services, meeting planning, travel arrangements, and videoconferencing.

c. Notwithstanding any other standards, a customer whose written agreement provides for mail services only or mail and other business support services will not be considered an OBC customer (without regard for occupancy or other services that an OBC may provide and bill for on demand).

d. The Postal Service may request from the OBC copies of written agreements or any other documents or information needed to determine compliance with these standards. Failure to provide requested documents or information might be basis for suspending delivery service to the OBC under the procedures set forth in 2.6f through h.

* * * * *

Postal Operations Manual (POM)

* * * * *

6 Delivery Services

61 Conditions of Delivery

* * * * *

612 Delivery of Addressee's Mail to Another

* * * * *

[Add new 612.14, and renumber current 612.14 and 612.15 as 612.15 and 612.16, respectively:]

612.14 OBC Acting as a CMRA

The procedures for an office business center (OBC) or part of its operation acting as a CMRA for postal purposes are as follows:

a. An OBC is a business that operates primarily to provide private office facilities and other business support services to individuals or firms (customers). OBCs receive single-point delivery. OBC customers who receive mail at the OBC address will be considered CMRA customers for postal purposes under the standards set forth in b. Parties considered CMRA customers under this provision must comply with the standards set forth in DMM D042.2.5 through 2.7. An OBC must register as a CMRA by completing PS Form 1583-A, Application to Act as a Commercial Mail Receiving Agency, and comply with all other CMRA standards if one or more customers receiving mail through its address is considered a CMRA customer.

b. An OBC customer is considered to be a CMRA customer for postal purposes if its written agreement with the OBC provides for mail service only or mail and other business support services (without regard for occupancy or other services that the OBC might provide and bill separately). Additionally, an OBC customer receiving mail at the OBC address is considered to be a CMRA customer for postal purposes and must complete PS Form 1583, Application for Delivery of Mail Through Agent, if each of the following is true:

(1) The customer's written agreement with the OBC does not provide for the full-time use of one or more of the private offices within the OBC facility.

(2) The customer's written agreement with the OBC does not provide all of the following:

(A) The use of one or more of the private offices within the facility for at least 16 hours per month at market rate for the location.

(B) Full-time receptionists service and live personal telephone answering service during normal business hours and voice mail service after hours.

(C) A listing in the office directory, if available, in the building in which the OBC is located.

(D) Use of conference rooms and other business services on demand, such as secretarial services, word processing, administrative services, meeting planning, travel arrangements, and videoconferencing.

c. Notwithstanding any other standards, a customer whose written agreement provides for mail services only or mail and other business support services will not be considered an OBC customer (without regard for occupancy or other services that an OBC may provide and bill for on demand).

d. The Postal Service may request from the OBC copies of written agreements or any other documents or information needed to determine compliance with these standards. Failure to provide requested documents or information might be basis for suspending delivery service to the OBC under the procedures set forth in DMM D042.2.6f through h.

* * * * *

- Delivery and Retail Operations, 11-29-01

DMM REMINDER

Upcoming Mail Preparation Changes

The table below summarizes upcoming mail preparation changes that have been published in the Postal Bulletin or are currently included in the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM). Employees should begin working with customers as soon as possible to ensure that mailers are aware of these changes.

This list is published periodically in the Postal Bulletin. Employees with questions about these changes should contact their district manager of Business Mail Entry.

The DMM is updated online once a month and is available via the Postal Explorer Web site at http://pe.usps.gov.

- Mail Preparation and Standards, Pricing and Classification, 11-29-01

DMM CORRECTION

Postage Meters (Postage Evidencing Systems)

In Postal Bulletin 22062 (11-01-01, page 23), the first sentence of revised Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) P030.10.4.h is incorrect.

The sentence should read as follows (corrected text appears in bold here):

h. For barcoded letter-size First-Class Mail reply mail for all postage evidencing systems except PC Postage, FIM A may be used (C100.5).

The rest of the paragraph is unchanged.

- Postage Technology Management,Retail, Consumers and Small Business, 11-29-01

REVISED FORMS

PS Forms 3500 and 3510 for Periodicals

Effective November 29, 2001, PS Form 3500, Application for Periodicals Mailing Privileges, is added and PS Form 3510, Application for Additional Entry, Reentry, or Special Rate Request for Periodicals Publication, is revised to simplify the application process for both mailers and employees and to reflect current procedures.

New PS Form 3500 consolidates and replaces PS Forms 3501, 3501-A, 3502, and 3511. Applicants can use PS Form 3500 when applying for any Periodicals authorization category. Postmasters must follow the instructions on the new form when processing the application. Specifically, postmasters must review the application for completeness, complete the required Post Office line items, and forward the application and supporting information to the rates and classification service center (RCSC) that serves their Post Office. The RCSC will coordinate a review of the publication's circulation as appropriate. PS Form 3500 is shown on pages 90-93 of this Postal Bulletin.

Revised PS Form 3510 eliminates items no longer necessary to process the application, including ZIP Code ranges, entry type, and container type. PS Form 3510 is shown on pages 94 and 95.

Both forms are dated November 2001 and are available on the Postal Service internal (http://blue.usps.gov) and external (http://www.usps.com) Web sites and through the Material Distribution Center (see ordering information below). There will be no automatic distribution of these forms.

Mail acceptance units should exhaust existing supplies of PS Form 3510 before distributing the November 2001 version. PS Forms 3501, 3501-A, 3502, and 3511 are obsolete and must be recycled and replaced with new PS Form 3500 immediately.

Employees may requisition forms from the MDC as follows:

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

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

• Mail: Mail a completed PS Form 7380 to the following address:

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

The relevant ordering information for PS Form 3500 is as follows:

NSN: 7510-05-000-4625
PSIN: PS 3500
Unit of Issue: SH
Bulk Pack Qty: NA
Price: TBD
Edition Date: November 2001

The relevant ordering information for PS Form 3510 is as follows:

NSN: 7530-01-000-9928
PSIN: PS 3510
Unit of Issue: SH
Price: $0.0189
Edition Date: November 2001

Changes have been made throughout the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) to reflect the new PS Form 3500 and application procedures. We will incorporate those changes into the printed version of DMM 57 and in the December 13 update of the online DMM available via Postal Explorer at http://pe.usps.gov.

- Mail Preparation and Standards,Pricing and Classification, 11-29-01