USPSNEWS@WORK

Commission hearing: Members to convene in Chicago next week

The Commission that will advise the president on the state of the Postal Service will convene again Tuesday, April 29, in Chicago.

• This Commission meeting will examine issues relating to the Postal Service workforce, including the collective bargaining process and binding arbitration.

• Among those testifying will be Labor Relations Vice President Tony Vegliante, National Postal Mail Handlers Union President John Hegarty, National Association of Letter Carriers President William Young, American Postal Workers Union President William Burrus, and National Association of Postmasters of the United States President Wally Olihovik.

• On July 31 the Commission will deliver a report to the president, articulating a vision for USPS' future and recommending the legislative and administrative steps necessary to enact reforms needed to ensure the viability of postal services.

Revitalize, modernize: Potter on the future of the Postal Service

The Postal Service's productivity has climbed for the third straight year. "Service is at an all-time high - First- Class Mail hit 95% and we are providing better, more reliable service on every class of mail," said PMG Jack Potter.

• Now is the time to revitalize the mailing industry and modernize the Postal Service, Potter told members of the mailing industry attending the National Postal Forum in New Orleans.

• Potter said that the Postal Service has focused on innovative changes within the limitations of current legislation - from new and enhanced technologies that let customers track their mailings, to increased customer access and convenience through initiatives like the USPS partnership with Hallmark.

• Potter added that USPS still faces "an uncertain economy, stiff competition and the reality of electronic diversion. The reality is that we have an old business model that is flawed, and that won't serve us much longer."

Transformation in action: Pushing the envelope on pricing flexibility

The Postal Service is pushing the envelope on pricing flexibility, says Pricing and Classification Vice President Steve Kearney. And the negotiated service agreement (NSA) with Capital One Bank is an example of the innovative pricing strategies USPS is pursuing.

• Kearney told mailers at the Forum that USPS has been able to "simplify prices and services for consumers and small businesses, customize rates and services for business mailers and encourage cost- efficient behavior."

• "We have made considerable progress toward the goals we outlined in the Transformation Plan," Kearney said.

• Since the plan debuted last year, USPS has completed the first two volumes of an easier to use Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) - the official reference for mailing standards and requirements. A Customer's Guide to Mailing has been published to rave reviews, and The Guide to Mailing for Businesses and Organizations is due out this summer.

• Both decipher the complex DMM in clear, easy-to- understand language, helping customers choose products and services that best meet their mailing needs. Two more installments are in development - one for high-volume mailers and another with information on special mailing situations.

President signs CSRS legislation: Change will not impact employee contributions, benefits

President Bush has signed legislation that changes how USPS pays into the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS).

• Without this legislative change, USPS risked overpaying its CSRS obligation by $78 billion, costs that would have to come from postage and fees paid by our customers.

• "We are grateful to President Bush for his action on behalf of the Postal Service," said PMG Jack Potter, who commended the entire mailing community, including the Postal Service unions and management associations, for their efforts in support of this legislation.

• "The new law is an important tool to help maintain the financial stability of the Postal Service. But we also will continue to manage the organization more efficiently than ever as we implement the strategies of the Transformation Plan," added Potter.

• The change will not affect retirement benefits for current or former USPS employees. It also will not affect employee contributions to CSRS.

Model agency: Treasury Department praises USPS for delivering audit report early

The Postal Service is a model for other government agencies to follow when it comes to timeliness and usefulness of its financial data, says the Treasury Department.

As part of a government-wide accounting of finances, USPS completed its financial statement audit three-and-a- half months ahead of the six-month reporting period required by law. "This is a significant achievement," said Treasury Assistant Secretary Donald Hammond in testimony before Congress.

Each year, Treasury submits to the president and Congress financial statements for the preceding fiscal year from executive branch agencies. This financial report provides a comprehensive view of the federal government's financial position and operations.

Raising awareness: Mailers recognized for support of marrow donor recruitment

PMG Jack Potter presented USPS Social Awareness Awards to 22 mailers for their support of the marrow donor recruitment at the Postal Forum in New Orleans. The award honors companies in the mailing industry that work closely with USPS to increase awareness of an important social issue.

• "We are recognizing these mailers for the outstanding marrow donor recruitment programs they have implemented, said Potter.

• The recipients were 3M Federal Systems Department, A.G. Edwards and Sons, American Express, Bank of America, Comerica, Communications Workers of America, The Cummins Foundation, Daimler Chrysler, Ford Motor Company and General Motors.

• Also recognized were IBM, KeyCorp, Lockheed Martin, May Department Stores, Medtronic, MetLife, NASCAR, Northwest Airlines, Siemens Dematic Postal Automation, UAW-General Motors, UAW-Ford Motor Company and Verizon Communications.

• Two Postal Service employees were recognized: Carlos Rodriguez, a marrow donor, and Richard Tate, a 15-year marrow recipient.

Community outreach: Postal Service Customer Councils recognized

The Postal Service recognized 13 Postal Customer Councils (PCC) at the Forum for their outreach efforts.

• Best Multi-PCC event winners were Mobile and Montgomery, AL; Acadiana, Greater Baton Rouge and Greater New Orleans, LA; Mississippi Gulf Coast, Jackson Greater Metro Area, MS; and Pensacola, FL. The Houston PCC was awarded best communications program.

• Other PCC winners were Greater New Jersey for best single PCC event; and Greater Atlanta for best co-chair team. Michael Zoske, Greater Anchorage, received the industry MVP award. And Ron Anderson, Greater Portland, received the Postal Service MVP award.

Earmarked for the future: Start saving through TSP today

Make changes to your Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) now through June 30 during TSP open season.

• Use PostalEASE to begin contributing to TSP, change your contribution amount or percentage, or cancel your contribution. To use PostalEASE, you'll need your Social Security Number (SSN) and your USPS personal identification number (PIN), which is available only from PostalEASE.

• Don't know your USPS PIN? Call PostalEASE at 877-4PS-EASE (877-477-3273). Press 1. Enter your SSN. When prompted to enter PIN, pause, then press 2. Your USPS PIN will be mailed to your address of record. If you have trouble using PostalEASE or are unable to use a telephone, contact your local personnel office for help.

Hearts of gold: Semipostal stamp sales soar

You deserve a hug. Thanks in large part to Postal Service employee efforts, Breast Cancer Research and Heroes of 2001 semipostal stamp sales continue to skyrocket, raising more than $31 million for breast cancer research and $7.1 million for the families and victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.

Stamp of leadership

A new commemorative stamp honors civil rights and farm labor leader Cesar Chavez, founder of the United Farm Workers of America. Chavez was a tireless advocate for nonviolent social change and dedicated his life to working in service of others. The Cesar E. Chavez stamp is available at Post Offices nationwide. A special cancellation keepsake cover/pane of the Chavez stamp is available for $8.15 at Postal Service Retail stores or by calling 800 STAMP-24.

The Postal Bulletin - Help Us Save Paper and Money

The Postal Bulletin has been around for 123 years, and it's the most relied-upon, trusted source of information in the Postal Service today.

In the 1970s, when our nation became more concerned about our environment, the Postal Service began using recycled paper to print the Postal Bulletin. We have also tried over the years to print just the right number of copies to save our nation's resources.

Despite our efforts, some offices tell us that they receive too many copies. We need to do something about this.

Therefore, if you want to reduce the number of copies your office receives or if you want to cancel your subscription altogether, send an e-mail to pbulleti@email.usps.gov or call 202-268-5776. Please be assured that we will not reduce or cancel your subscription unless you ask us to do so.

Remember, each issue of the Postal Bulletin since 1995 is available online. To access the online version of the Postal Bulletin, please follow either of these routes:

• On the Intranet: Go to the Postal Service PolicyNet Web site at http://blue.usps.gov/cpim; click on View Postal Bulletins.

• On the Internet: Go to www.usps.com; click on About USPS & News, then Forms and Publications, then Postal Bulletin.

For more information on the Postal Bulletin, please see our article in Postal Bulletin 22097 (3-6-03, pages 5-6) titled "The Postal Bulletin - Your Source for Trusted Information."

We've come a long way, and we'll continue to evolve with the times. Our job is to make your job easier. As you know, the Postal Bulletin is here to serve you, as it has been for almost 125 years.

- Policies and Procedures Information,
Public Affairs and Communications, 5-1-03

Administrative Services

NEW MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTION

AS-840-2003-3, Electronic Messaging (e-Mail)

MI AS-840-2003-3, Electronic Messaging (e-mail), establishes the Postal Service's policy, standards, and guidelines regarding use of Postal Service e-mail.

The Postal Service manages its electronic messaging environment in a manner consistent with best industry practices to facilitate communication within the Postal Service community and with its customers and suppliers, to ensure the security and integrity of that environment, to comply with all e-mail policies, and to streamline the development and support of electronic messaging applications throughout the organization.

This MI applies to all Postal Service employees, contractors, and third parties authorized to access Postal Service information resources. For the purpose of this MI, third parties are persons or organizations not contracted to the Postal Service that have an approved requirement for access to Postal Service information resources.

This instruction applies (1) to computers, office automation systems, software, and hardware installed or used in the Postal Service to support the electronic messaging environment and (2) to any related administrative activities. It also applies to all e-mail-enabled applications and stand- alone hand-held devices. It does not apply to any computers, systems, software, or hardware operated by the Postal Inspection Service, the Office of the Inspector General, or their investigations and audits.

MI AS-840-2003-3 is available on the Postal Service PolicyNet Web site at http://blue.usps.gov/cpim; click on MIs.

This MI obsoletes Memorandum of Policy IT-11-02-2001, Computer Use.

Note: MI AS-840-95-15, cc:Mail Standards, is still applicable for cc:Mail users.

- Customer Care Operations,
Information Technology, 5-1-03

Directives and Forms Update

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

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

WWW = USPS Web page = www.usps.com.

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

F3 = F3 Fill Software.

New Directives

Handbooks

Posters

Tags

Revised Directives

Handbooks

Notices

Posters

Publications

Revised Forms

Obsolete Directives

Management Instructions

Posters

Publications

Obsolete Forms

- Policies and Procedures Information,
Public Affairs and Communications, 5-1-03

Customer Relations

Mail Alert

The mailings below will be deposited in the near future. Offices should honor the requested delivery dates. Mailers wishing to participate in these alerts, for mailings of 1 million pieces or more, should contact Business Service Network Integration at 703-292-4041 at least 1 month preceding the requested delivery dates. The Postal Service also offers electronic Mail Alerts via ADVANCE. For more information, see the ADVANCE Notification & Tracking System Technical Guide on the Internet at http://www.ribbs.usps.gov/files/advance/ADVTECH.PDF or contact the National Customer Support Center at 800-458-3181.

Domestic Mail

DMM REVISION

Labeling List Changes

Effective May 01, 2003, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) L001, L004, L007, and L606 are revised to reflect changes in mail processing operations. Mailers are encouraged to label according to these revised lists immediately, but must comply with these changes no later than July 13, 2003.

We will incorporate these revisions into the printed version of DMM Issue 58 and into the monthly update of the online DMM available via Postal Explorer at http://pe.usps.gov.

Domestic Mail Manual (DMM)

* * * * *

L Labeling Lists

L000 General Use

L001 5-Digit Scheme-Periodicals Flats and Irregular Parcels, Standard Mail Flats, and BPM Flats

* * * * *

* * * * *

L004 3-Digit ZIP Code Prefix Groups-ADC Sortation

* * * * *

* * * * *

L007 5-Digit Scheme-Periodicals, Standard Mail, and Bound Printed Matter Flats in Packages

* * * * *

* * * * *

L600 Standard Mail and Package Services

* * * * *

L606 5-Digit Scheme-Standard Mail and Package Services Parcels

* * * * *

* * * * *

- Logistics,
Network Operations Management, 5-1-03

DMM REVISION

Parcel Select Exhibit ZIP Code Deletions

Effective May 1, 2003, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) E751 Exhibit 8.0 is corrected to delete nine ZIP Codes. Now that these ZIP Codes have been deleted from this exhibit, drop shipments for these nine ZIP Codes must be deposited at the locations specified in the Drop Ship Product maintained by the National Customer Support Center (NCSC) in order to be eligible for destination delivery unit (DDU) discount rates. For more information about the entry standards, please refer to DMM E751.1.1c.

We will incorporate this revision into the printed version of DMM 58 and into the monthly update of the online DMM available via Postal Explorer at http://pe.usps.gov.

Domestic Mail Manual (DMM)

* * * * *

E Eligibility

* * * * *

E700 Package Services

* * * * *

E750 Destination Entry

E751 Parcel Select

* * * * *

8.0 DELIVERY FACILITIES DIFFERENT FROM THOSE IN THE DROP SHIPMENT PRODUCT

Exhibit 8.0 Delivery Facilities Different From
Those in the Drop Shipment Product

[Revise Exhibit E751.8.0 by deleting ZIP Code entries 02118, 19, 20, 22, 25, and 35, and 02445-47 for Massachusetts.]

* * * * *

- Operational Requirements and Integration,
Operations, 5-1-03

DMM REVISION

Outside-County Periodicals Co-Palletization Experiment

Effective April 20, 2003, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) G092 is revised to specify that the Co-Palletization data currently required in section 2.0e must be reported on a monthly basis under new section 3.0 and is not required at the time of mailing.

DMM G092 was added to implement a new experiment testing whether additional rate incentives will encourage the Co-Palletization and drop-shipment of individual Periodicals publications (see Postal Bulletin 22099, 4-3-03, pages 21-24). The experiment includes two additional per-piece discounts for Co-Palletization of Periodicals publications that otherwise would have been prepared in sacks.

We will incorporate these revisions into the printed version of DMM Issue 58 and into the monthly update of the online DMM available via Postal Explorer at http://pe.usps.gov.

Domestic Mail Manual (DMM)

* * * * *

G General Information

G000 The USPS and Mailing Standards

* * * * *

G090 Experimental Classifications and Rates

* * * * *

G092 Outside-County Periodicals Co-Palletization Drop-Ship Classification

* * * * *

2.0 DOCUMENTATION

* * * * *

[Delete item e.]

* * * * *

[Renumber existing sections 3.0 through 6.0 as new 4.0 through 7.0. Add new section 3.0 to read as follows:]

3.0 DATA REPORTING

Each month, the mailer or consolidator must e-mail the following data in spreadsheet format, using the model spreadsheet and timelines provided by the Postal Service, to copal@usps.gov:

a. Number of titles receiving one or both of the Co-Palletization discounts.

b. Number of sacks that would have been prepared without Co-Palletization, as well as the weight and the number of addressed pieces that would have been in these sacks.

c. Number of pallets that would have been prepared without Co-Palletization, as well as the weight and the number of addressed pieces that would have been prepared on pallets.

d. Number of sacks prepared after Co-Palletization, as well as the weight and the number of addressed pieces in these sacks.

e. Number of pallets containing mail qualifying for the ADC Co-Palletization discount, as well as the weight and the number of addressed pieces receiving the ADC discount on these pallets.

f. Number of pallets containing mail qualifying for the SCF Co-Palletization discount, as well as the weight and the number of addressed pieces receiving the SCF discount on these pallets.

* * * * *

- Mailing Standards,
Pricing and Classification, 5-1-03

DMM REVISION

Mixed ADC and AADC Mail for BMC and ASF Entry

Effective May 1, 2003, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) Exhibit M013.2.5, M610.2.2, M810.2.2, and M820.5.3 are revised to correct changes to DMM standards published in the article in Postal Bulletin 22086 (10-3-02, pages 21-27) titled "DMM Revision: Mixed ADC Packages, Sacks, and Trays on ASF and BMC Pallets." The DMM revisions published with that article allow mailers preparing mail on pallets under the option in DMM M045.3.2 to use DMM L802 to label packages, sacks, and trays of mixed ADC mail and mixed AADC mail placed onto bulk mail center (BMC) and auxiliary service facility (ASF) pallets.

Before we published those revisions, mailers preparing letter trays and sacks could also use DMM L802 to label mixed ADC and mixed AADC containers when those containers were entered at a BMC or an ASF. The revisions in this article restore the original language that permitted mailers to use DMM L802 for specified mixed ADC and mixed AADC mail entered at a BMC or ASF.

We will incorporate these changes into the printed version of DMM Issue 58 and into the monthly update of the online DMM available via Postal Explorer at http://pe.usps.gov.

Domestic Mail Manual (DMM)

* * * * *

M Mail Preparation and Sortation

M000 General Preparation Standards

M010 Mailpieces

* * * * *

M013 Optional Endorsement Lines

* * * * *

2.0 FORMAT

* * * * *

2.5 ZIP Code Information

* * * * *

OEL Labeling Lists

Exhibit 2.5

[Revise the entry for Standard Mail in Exhibit 2.5 to read as follows:]

1. For AFSM 100-compatible flats, label according to L007 for optional 5-digit scheme preparation.

2. L802 if mail entered by mailer at a destination ASF or BMC.

3. L802 if mail prepared for a destination ASF or BMC pallet under option in M045.3.2.

* * * * *

M600 Standard Mail (Nonautomation)

M610 Presorted Standard Mail

* * * * *

2.0 PREPARATION-MACHINABLE LETTER-SIZE PIECES

* * * * *

2.2 Traying and Labeling

Only mail eligible for the 3/5 rate (i.e., 150 or more pieces for the 3-digit area) may be prepared in 5-digit and 3-digit trays. Preparation sequence, tray size, and labeling:

* * * * *

[Revise item e to read as follows:]

e. Mixed AADC (required); no minimum, with pieces grouped by AADC; labeling:

(1) Line 1: L803. If entered at an ASF or BMC or for mail placed on an ASF or BMC pallet under option in M045.3.2, L802.

(2) Line 2: "STD LTR MACH WKG."

* * * * *

M800 All Automation Mail

M810 Letter-Size Mail

* * * * *

2.0 FIRST-CLASS MAIL AND STANDARD MAIL

* * * * *

2.2 Tray Preparation

Preparation sequence, tray size, and Line 1 labeling:

* * * * *

[Revise item g to read as follows:]

g. Mixed AADC: required (no minimum); group pieces by AADC; for Line 1 labeling:

(1) For First-Class Mail, use "MXD" followed by city, state, and ZIP Code of facility serving 3-digit ZIP Code prefix of entry post office, as shown in L002, Column C.

(2) For Standard Mail, use L803. If entered at an ASF or BMC or for mail placed on an ASF or BMC pallet under option in M045.3.2, use L802.

* * * * *

M820 Flat-Size Mail

* * * * *

5.0 STANDARD MAIL

* * * * *

5.3 Sacking

Preparation sequence, sack size, and labeling:

* * * * *

[Revise item f to read as follows:]

f. Mixed ADC (required); no minimum; labeling:

(1) Line 1: L803. If entered at an ASF or BMC or for mail placed on an ASF or BMC pallet under option in M045.3.2, L802.

(2) Line 2: "STD FLTS BC WKG."

* * * * *

- Mailing Standards,
Pricing and Classification, 5-1-03

U.S. ARMED FORCES

Free Mail Program

Effective April 3, 2003, under the provisions of Section 3401 (a)(1) of Title 39, United States Code (U.S.C.), and pursuant to Executive Order 12556, dated April 16, 1986, the Secretary of Defense has authorized free mail privileges for members of the U.S. Armed Forces and designated civilians deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

In addition, free mail privileges remain in effect for the following military operations/locations:

Operation Enduring Freedom

• Afghanistan

• Bahrain

• Diego Garcia

• Djibouti

• Ethiopia

• Jordan

• Kazakhstan

• Kuwait

• Kyrgyzstan

• Oman

• Pakistan

• Qatar

• Saudi Arabia

• Tajikistan

• United Arab Emirates

• Uzbekistan

• Yemen

• Aboard ships in the Gulf of Aden

• Aboard ships in the Gulf of Oman

• Aboard ships in the North Arabian Sea (that portion of the Arabian sea that lies north of 10 degrees north latitude and west of 68 degrees east longitude)

• Aboard ships in the Persian Gulf

• Aboard ships in the Red Sea

Operation Freedom Eagle

• All of the islands of the Republic of Philippines south of the island of Luzon within the following described limits: 08-00N/116-30E; 04-45N/119-30E; 05-00N/128-00E; 13-00N/129-00E; 12-30N/116-00E.

Other

• Albania

• Hungary

• Former Republic of Yugoslavia

- Bosnia-Herzegovina

- Croatia (including Zagreb)

- Macedonia

- Serbia-Montenegro (including Kosovo and Vojvodina)

- Slovenia

• Aboard ships in the Adriatic Sea

• Aboard ships in the Ionian sea north of the 39th parallel

In accordance with 39 U.S.C. 3401(a)(1)(B), free mail privileges will also be extended to individuals hospitalized for disease or injury in a facility under the jurisdiction of the Armed Forces as a result of service in these designated areas.

Personnel authorized this privilege may mail, without postage, letters, postcards, and sound recordings (audio or video recordings) having the character of personal correspondence to any place in the United States, its possessions or territories, or to any military post office (APO/FPO).

Free mail originating from the above overseas locations should have a complete APO or FPO return address, the word "Free" in the upper right corner, and a complete delivery address. In most cases, the mailpiece will also exhibit an APO or FPO postmark. Free mail is First-Class MailŪ[7]service; however, it may not be registered, insured, or certified.

All employees who handle and deliver mail should be made aware of this free mail privilege. Do not collect postage upon delivery, or return this mail to the sender for postage. Mail having the appearance of free mail under this program should never be returned to sender. Address questions regarding the legitimacy of users of this program to:

MILITARY POSTAL SERVICE AGENCY
2461 EISENHOWER AVENUE
ALEXANDRIA VA 22331-0006

Toll free: 800-810-6098
Monday-Friday, 7:30 A.M.-4:30 P.M.
Fax: 703-325-9534
DSN prefix: 221
E-mail: mpsawebcontacts@hqda.army.mil

- International Network Operations,
Network Operations Management, 5-1-03