USPSNEWS@WORK

Top-rated, again! USPS ranks among nation's best in minority employment

For the fourth year in a row, Fortune magazine has ranked the Postal Service among the best of the nation's major companies in minority employment. The magazine ranks the Postal Service 11th on its "Best Companies for Minorities" list. Notably, USPS remains the highest ranked transportation/delivery service provider for the fourth consecutive year.

• "Fortune's selection was based on the Postal Service's commitment to hiring, promoting and retaining an inclusive workforce," said USPS Diversity Development Vice President Murry Weatherall. "Our commitment to diversity is vital to our organization."

• Fortune noted that even while the total Postal Service workforce decreased by 3 percent, minority representation increased, with minorities comprising 37 percent of new employees hired last year. The magazine also pointed to two in-house newsletters, Diversity Talk and Panorama, as further commitment to diversity.

Man of the year: Commitment to stamps nets USPS VP top honors

The American Stamp Dealers Association (ASDA) board of directors has voted unanimously to name Public Affairs and Communications VP Azeezaly S. Jaffer its 2003 Man of the Year. The board members cited Jaffer's extraordinary efforts to promote the hobby of stamp collecting as their reason for voting him the year's best, hands down.

• During his tenure as director of Stamp Services (1995-1999), Jaffer spearheaded the launch and promotion of the classic Looney Tunes stamp series; the highly successful Celebrate the Century commemorative stamp program; and the nation's first ever fundraising stamp, the Breast Cancer Research semipostal stamp, which to date has raised more than $32 million for research.

• Jaffer's efforts are credited with attracting a broader audience to the stamp collecting community.

• "Postage stamps offer insight into our country's heritage - the people, events and inventions that have helped shape our collective vision of the future," said Jaffer. "The Postal Service is committed to preserving that value by promoting the meaningful, lifelong hobby of stamp collecting," Jaffer said.

• The award will be presented at ASDA's annual Man of the Year awards dinner, Oct. 25 in New York City.

Sealed, delivered, proven: New option gives customers proof of delivery the way they want it

Signature ConfirmationTM service and Express MailŪ manifest customers can now get their proof of delivery letters in bulk on CD-ROM or in an electronic file.

• Customers who select the electronic bulk proof of delivery option will save time by not having to request and handle individual proof of delivery records. These new options also allow customers to keep their records as long as they need.

• "This is another example of the Transformation Plan at work," says Product Development VP Nick Barranca. "Through the use of technology, we are making our products easier for our customers to use."

• Full details of the program are included in Publication 80, Bulk Proof of Delivery Program, which is available on the Postal Service Web site at www.usps.com/publications, click Publications in either PDF or text format.

Safe, secure, personal: New employee ID numbers protect SSNs from preying eyes

Employees are now seeing their new personal 8-digit employee ID number in lieu of the partial Social Security number (SSN) on employee earnings statements. Using the employee ID will further safeguard employee SSNs by reducing their exposure to unauthorized sources. Legitimate sources such as the IRS and OPM will still require SSNs.

• "The change is virtually seamless to employees," said Employee Resource Management VP Dewitt Harris. "Leave balances and benefits crediting are unaffected."

• Plans are in the works to convert many Postal Service forms and systems to accept employee ID numbers in place of SSNs. Later this summer, USPS will begin incorporating employee ID numbers into TACS - the automated time and attendance collection system for all USPS offices.

Moving over

The PostalOne!TM system - an electronic suite of services for business mailers - has moved to www.usps.com. The professional look and feel of www.usps.com combined with fresh content and easier access to information will make the new PostalOne! Web site a hit with customers. You don't have to take our word for it. Visit the site and see for yourself at www.usps.com/postalone.

Update underway

It's that time again - time to update the Postal Service's five-year strategic plan. And, the Postal Service wants to hear what you have to say. The law requires USPS to update and revise its plan at least every three years. It must include a comprehensive mission statement, goals and objectives, strategies for achieving those goals, an overview of the competitive environment and other information.

Send an e-mail message with your comments to 5Year StrategicPlan@usps.gov. Don't delay. Comments must be received by July 18. For more detailed information, go to www.usps.com/communications/organization/5yearplan.htm.

Stamp masterpieces: USPS art treasures now available online

Art enthusiasts can choose from 300 exclusive stamp images, select framing and matting, and have the finished product mailed directly to their doors with custom-framed reproductions from www.postalartgallery.com.

• And for a limited time, Postal Service employees can go to http://usps.postalartgallery.com, a special employee limited time offer site, and receive a 15 percent discount on framed stamp images. Hurry! This offer expires Aug. 31. Plus, on a purchase of $90 or more, employees will receive a one-time additional $15 off.

• This access to the Postal Service's stamp art collection is made possible through a licensing agreement between USPS and ArtSelect, Inc., the largest supplier of framed and unframed art for online consumers and business-to-business markets through wholesale and online network partners.

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 ServiceTM 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@usps.gov or call 202-268-5776 (if you reach a recording, be sure to leave a message with your name, telephone number, and ZIP Code). Please be assured that we will not reduce or cancel your subscription unless you ask us to do so.

As we review our subscription list, we will begin calling facilities that seem to have duplicate subscriptions. If we call your facility, please help us determine if we can reduce your subscription.

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 started publishing this article in early April, asking you to let us know if we can reduce or eliminate your subscriptions. Since April of this year, many of you have responded, and together we have reduced the total number of printed copies by 7,475!

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, 7-10-03

Administrative Services

Directives and Forms Update

Effective immediately, Publication 223, Directives and Forms Catalog (June 1999), is revised. The tables below contain the document ID, edition date, title, national stock number (NSN), and the Postal 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

Memorandums of Policy

Publications

New Forms

Revised Directives

Handbooks

Manuals

Publications

Revised Forms

Obsolete Directives

Management Instructions

Memorandums of Policy

- Policies and Procedures Information,
Public Affairs and Communications, 7-10-03

HANDBOOK REVISION

Handbook AS-709, Credit Card Policies and Procedures for Local Buying

The May 2003 edition of Handbook AS-709, Credit Card Policies and Procedures for Local Buying, contains a misprint.

In section 422.8, the second sentence incorrectly reads as follows: "However, cardholders who are postmasters may waive the requirement that they send you their Statement of Account and supporting purchase documentation."

This is not the case. It is the credit card approving official, not the postmaster, who may grant the waiver.

The sentence should read: "However, for a cardholder who is a postmaster, you may waive the requirement that he or she send you his or her Statement of Account and supporting documentation."

We will incorporate this revision into the next printed version of Handbook AS-709 and into the online version available on the Postal ServiceTM PolicyNet Web site at http://blue.usps.gov; click on HBKs.

Handbook AS-709, Credit Card Policies and Procedures for Local Buying

* * * * *

4 Cardholder and CCAO Reconciliation Procedures

* * * * *

42 Reconciliation Procedures

* * * * *

422 CCAO Procedures

* * * * *

422.8 Waiver for Postmasters

[Replace second sentence with the following:]

***However, for a cardholder who is a postmaster, you may waive the requirement that he or she send you his or her Statement of Account and supporting documentation.***

* * * * *

- Supply Management Infrastructure,
Supply Management, 7-10-03

REVISED HANDBOOK/CORRECTION

Handbook AS-709, Credit Card Policies and Procedures for Local Buying

In Postal Bulletin 22105 (6-26-03, page 99), the PSN is incorrect. The corrected PSN for Handbook AS-709, Credit Card Policies and Procedures for Local Buying, is included in the ordering information below:

PSIN: HBK AS-709
PSN: 7610-03-000-0339
Unit of Measure: EA
Quick Pick Number: N/A
Bulk Pack Quantity: N/A
Price: $1.53
Edition Date: 05/03

- Supply Management Infrastructure,
Supply Management, 7-10-03

ASM REVISION

New Business Card Design

Effective July 10, 2003, the Administrative Services Manual (ASM) is revised to reflect a new format for United States Postal ServiceŪ business cards. This new design reflects the recent change in the way that the Postal ServiceTM generates and processes employees' e-mail addresses. This new business card format affects all Postal Service employees except for those in the Postal Inspection Service.

We will incorporate information about this new business card design into the next printed version of the ASM and into the online version available at the Postal Service PolicyNet Web site at http://blue.usps.gov; click on Manuals. We will also incorporate the new design into the business card contracts.

Administrative Services Manual (ASM)

* * * * *

3 Communications

* * * * *

37 Printing, Copying, and Duplicating

* * * * *

374 Business Cards

* * * * *

374.2 Ordering Cards

[Revise 374.2 to read as follows:]

Ordering organizations may purchase cards through a Headquarters or area office contract. Exhibit 374.2 shows the standard design. Only officers, governors, and 10 vice presidents of area operations are entitled to the three-color engraved format. Send orders for engraved cards to:

PROFESSIONAL PRINTING AND CREATIVE SERVICES CMC
UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE
475 L'ENFANT PLAZA SW RM 4541
WASHINGTON DC 20260-6237

Exhibit 374.2
Standard Design for Business Cards

* * * * *

- Brand Equity and Design,
Public Affairs and Communications, 7-10-03

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 ServiceTM 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.

Conclusion of Operational Test for Friend-to-Friend Mail Program

On April 10, 2003, the Postal ServiceTM closed entry of new customers into the initial operational test of the Friend- to-Friend MailTM program so that program management personnel could concentrate on the steps necessary to turn Friend-to-Friend Mail service into a permanent service offering. Accordingly, no new commercial customers are being invited to participate in the Friend-to-Friend Mail program test.

Friend-to-Friend Mail service is a proposed new addition to First-Class MailŪ service. It consists of postage-paid cards that are distributed by a commercial customer to a second party, such as one of its current customers. The second party then mails the cards to any third party, such as a family member or a friend.

Current commercial test customers may distribute cards produced prior to April 10, 2003, to second parties until July 31, 2003. There is no deadline for a second party to mail a card to a third party "friend." The Postal Service will continue to process any current customers' cards mailed between "friends" under the terms of the test program.

The Postal Service should continue to deliver Friend-to- Friend Mail cards as regular First-Class Mail pieces without delay. It is important that the Postal Service treat these cards as pre-paid First-Class Mail pieces and not mistake them for Business Reply Mail. Postal Service facilities and carriers should not collect Postage Due from the recipient, and should not return the cards to the commercial mailer. The Postal Service is able to account for these cards automatically during processing on automated equipment at Postal Service facilities.

If you have any questions about the Friend-to-Friend Mail program, please contact Lyn Seidler, Friend-to-Friend Program Manager, at 703-292-3861, or e-mail questions to f2friend@usps.com.

- Program Management,
Product Development, 7-10-03

Domestic Mail

DMM REVISION

Labeling List Changes

Effective July 10, 2003, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) L001, L002, L003, L005, L007, and L801 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 September 29, 2003.

We will incorporate these revisions into the printed version of DMM Issue 59 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

* * * * *

* * * * *

L002 3-Digit ZIP Code Prefix Matrix

* * * * *

* * * * *

L003 3-Digit ZIP Code Prefix Groups-3-Digit Scheme Sortation

* * * * *

* * * * *

L005 3-Digit ZIP Code Prefix Groups-SCF Sortation

* * * * *

* * * * *

L007 5-Digit Scheme-Periodicals, Standard Mail, and BPM Flats in Packages

* * * * *

* * * * *

L800 Automation Rate Mailings

L801 AADCs-Letter-Size Mailings

* * * * *

* * * * *

- Logistics, Network Operations Management, 7-10-03

DMM REVISION

Business Reply Mail, Merchandise Return Service, and Bulk Parcel Return Service - Clarification of Terminology

Effective July 10, 2003, portions of Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) R900.4, S922, S923, and S924 are revised to change all references of "per piece charges" to "per piece fees." This change is being made to align the text in the DMM with the terminology used in the Domestic Mail Classification Schedule (DMCS), which is part of Title 39 Code of Federal Regulations (39 CFR). Other minor text changes are also made to improve clarity in the standards.

We will incorporate these revisions into the printed version of DMM Issue 59 and into the monthly update of the online DMM available via Postal Explorer at http://pe.usps.gov.

Domestic Mail Manual (DMM)

* * * * *

R Rates and Fees

* * * * *

R900 Services

* * * * *

4.0 BUSINESS REPLY MAIL (BRM) (S922)

4.1 Basic BRM

[Change the words "per piece charge" to "per piece fee" to read as follows:]

Annual permit fee: $150.00.

Per piece fee (in addition to the applicable First-Class MailŪ or Priority MailŪ postage (R100)): $0.60.

4.2 High-Volume BRM

[Change the words "per piece charge" to "per piece fee" to read as follows:]

Annual permit fee: $150.00.

Annual accounting fee (for advanced deposit account): $475.00.

Per piece fee (in addition to the applicable First-Class Mail or Priority Mail postage (R100)): $0.10.

4.3 Basic Qualified BRM (QBRM)

[Change the words "per piece charge" to "per piece fee" to read as follows:]

Annual permit fee: $150.00.

Annual accounting fee (for advanced deposit account): $475.00.

Per piece fee (in addition to the automation First-Class Mail QBRM postage (R100.3)): $0.06.

4.4 High-Volume Qualified BRM

[Change the words "per piece charge" to "per piece fee" to read as follows:]

Annual permit fee: $150.00.

Annual accounting fee (for advanced deposit account): $475.00.

Quarterly fee: $1800.00.

Per piece fee (in addition to the automation First-Class Mail QBRM postage (R100.3)): $0.008.

4.5 Bulk Weight Averaged Nonletter-Size BRM

[Change the words "per piece charge" to "per piece fee" to read as follows:]

Annual permit fee: $150.00.

Annual accounting fee (for advanced deposit account): $475.00.

Monthly maintenance fee: $750.00.

Per piece fee (in addition to the applicable First-Class Mail or Priority Mail postage (R100)): $0.01.

* * * * *

S Special Services

* * * * *

S900 Special Postal Services

* * * * *

S920 Convenience

* * * * *

S922 Business Reply Mail (BRM)

1.0 BASIC INFORMATION

1.1 Description

[Change the words "per piece charge" to "per piece fee" to read as follows:]

Business reply mail (BRM) service enables a permit holder to receive First-Class Mail and Priority Mail items back from customers and pay postage and a per piece fee only for the pieces returned. BRM cards, envelopes, self-mailers, cartons, and labels may be distributed by a BRM permit holder in any quantity for return to any Post OfficeTM in the United States and its territories and possessions, including military post offices overseas. Qualified Business Reply Mail (QBRM) pieces is a subset of BRM available for specific automation-compatible letter-size pieces that qualify for an automation postage rate and a reduced per piece fee (see 7.0). Domestic BRM pieces may not be distributed to foreign countries. Standards for International Business Reply Service (IBRS) are in the International Mail Manual.

1.2 Payment Guarantee

[Change the words "per piece charge" to "per piece fee" to read as follows:]

The permit holder guarantees payment of the applicable First-Class Mail or Priority Mail postage, plus a per piece fee, on all returned BRM pieces. This includes any incomplete, blank, or empty BRM cards and envelopes and any mailable matter with a BRM label affixed.

* * * * *

2.0 PERMITS

* * * * *

2.6 Revocation of a Permit

[In the first sentence, change the word "fees" to "permit fees (i.e., annual, accounting, quarterly, monthly)" and change the words "per piece charge" to "per piece fee" to read as follows:]

The USPSŪ may revoke a BRM permit because of format errors or for refusal to pay the permit fees (i.e., annual, accounting, quarterly, monthly), postage, or per piece fees.***

* * * * *

[In the title, change the words "PER PIECE CHARGES" to "PER PIECE FEES", to read as follows:]

3.0 POSTAGE, PER PIECE FEES, AND ACCOUNTING FEES

* * * * *

[In the title, change the words "Per Piece Charges" to "Per Piece Fees" to read as follows:]

3.2 Per Piece Fees

[Change all instances of the words "per piece charges" and "per piece charge" to "per piece fees" and "per piece fee" respectively, and make other minor text revisions to read as follows:]

Per piece fees listed in R900.4.0 are charged for each piece of returned BRM (in addition to postage in 3.1). If a permit holder has not paid an annual accounting fee and established a BRM advance deposit account, then the basic (higher) BRM per piece fee must be paid. If a permit holder has paid the annual accounting fee and has established a BRM advance deposit account, then the high- volume (lower) BRM per piece fee is paid. For QBRM, see 7.0.

3.3 Advance Deposit Account and Annual Accounting Fee

[In the first sentence, change the words "per piece charge" to "per piece fee" to read as follows:]

A permit holder may choose to pay an annual accounting fee and establish an advance deposit account, which qualifies returned BRM pieces for the high-volume per piece fee.***

* * * * *

[In item 3.3d, change the words "per piece charges" to "per piece fees"; the words "per piece charge" to "per piece fee"; and the word "charges" to "fees" to read as follows:]

d. The permit holder must maintain a balance in the BRM advance deposit account that is sufficient to cover postage and per piece fees for returned mailpieces. The permit holder is notified if funds are insufficient. After 3 calendar days, if no funds are deposited, then BRM pieces on hand are charged the basic BRM per piece fee and postage and fees are collected from the permit holder (e.g., in cash) prior to delivery.

* * * * *

3.4 Renewal of Annual Accounting Fee

[In the last sentence, change all instances of the words "per piece charge" to "per piece fee" to read as follows:]

***After the expiration date, if the permit holder has not paid the annual accounting fee but still has a valid BRM permit, returned BRM pieces no longer qualify for the high-volume BRM per piece fee and are charged the basic BRM per piece fee in R900.4.1.

3.5 Combined Pieces as a Single Item

[Change all instances of the words "per piece charge" and "per piece charges" to "per piece fee" and "per piece fees", respectively, to read as follows:]

Two or more BRM pieces may be mailed as a single piece if the BRM pieces are identically addressed and prepared for mailing in accordance with C100. The permit holder is charged postage based on the total weight of the combined piece plus one per piece fee. If the combined pieces become separated, then the permit holder must pay postage and a per piece fee for each individual piece. Combined pieces are not eligible for QBRM postage rate or per piece fees.

3.6 With Postage Affixed

[In the third sentence, change the words "per piece charges" to "per piece fee" to read as follows:]

***The amount of affixed postage is not deducted from the postage or per piece fees owed.***

3.7 Payment Options

[Change all instances of the words "per piece charges" to "per piece fees" and make other minor text changes to read as follows:]

Permit holders may pay for postage and per piece fees on returned pieces by cash or check upon delivery, through a regular postage due account (P011.3.1), or through a BRM advance deposit account. A regular postage due account does not qualify the permit holder for high-volume BRM per piece fees, and no annual accounting fee is charged to maintain the account.

* * * * *

7.0 ADDITIONAL STANDARDS FOR QUALIFIED BUSINESS REPLY MAIL (QBRM)

7.1 Description

[Change all instances of the words "per piece charges" to "per piece fees" to read as follows:]

Qualified business reply mail (QBRM) is a subset of business reply mail. Permit holders distribute automation- compatible letter-size pieces that qualify for automation postage rates and reduced per piece fees. QBRM postage and per piece fees must be deducted from a BRM advance deposit account.

* * * * *

[Revise the title of 7.5 to read "Per Piece Fees" as follows:]

7.5 Per Piece Fees

[Change "R900.2.3" to "R900.4.3"; change all instance of the words "per piece charges" to "per piece fees"; and change "R900.2.2" to "R900.4.2" to read as follows:]

Per piece fees listed in R900.4.3 are charged for each piece of returned QBRM pieces (in addition to postage in 7.4). Pieces that do not meet the format requirements for QBRM pieces cannot qualify for QBRM per piece fees and are charged the high-volume BRM per piece fees in R900.4.2.

7.6 Annual Accounting Fee and Advance Deposit Account

[Change the words "per piece charges" to "per piece fees" to read as follows:]

Permit holders are required to pay QBRM postage and per piece fees through a BRM advance deposit account, which requires payment of an annual accounting fee (see 3.3).

7.7 Quarterly Fee for High-Volume QBRM

[Change all instance of the words "per piece charge" and "per piece charges" to "per piece fee" and "per piece fees" respectively, and make other minor text changes to read as follows:]

Mailers may choose to pay a quarterly fee in addition to the annual accounting fee. Payment of the quarterly fee entitles mailers to a lower per piece fee (the high-volume QBRM per piece fee listed in R900.4.4). The quarterly fee and annual accounting fee must be paid at each Post Office where mail is returned and for each separate billing desired. Mailers are eligible for the high-volume QBRM rates and per piece fees only for the time they pay the quarterly fee (i.e., mailers can opt out of the quarterly fee and related high-volume QBRM per piece fees by simply not paying the fee for the next quarter). The quarterly fee cannot be paid or renewed retroactively to receive a lower per piece fee on pieces already paid for and delivered. The quarterly fee can be paid for any 3 consecutive calendar months.

7.8 Payment Period for Quarterly Fee

[In the third sentence, change the words "per piece charge" to "per piece fee" to read as follows:]

***A mailer who pays the quarterly fee is entitled to the high-volume QBRM per piece fee from the date of payment through the end of the quarterly period.***

8.0 BRM DISTRIBUTED AND RECEIVED BY AGENTS OF A PERMIT HOLDER

8.1 Description

[In the second sentence, change the words "per piece charges" to "per piece fees" to read as follows:]

***BRM pieces are distributed by and returned to agents, who pay postage and per piece fees on those returned pieces.***

* * * * *

[In the title, change the words "per piece charges" to "per piece fees" to read as follows:]

8.4 Postage, Per Piece Fees, and Annual Accounting Fees

[Change all instance of the words "per piece charges" to "per piece fees" to read as follows:]

Agents receiving BRM or QBRM pieces pay the postage, per piece fees, and annual accounting fees listed in R900.4.0 for the type of service received. The agent may choose to pay an annual accounting fee and establish a BRM advance deposit account. The agent receiving BRM pieces is responsible for paying all postage and per piece fees.

8.5 Payment Guarantee

[Change all instance of the words "per piece charges" to "per piece fees" to read as follows:]

The permit holder is ultimately responsible for postage and per piece fees for all pieces returned under that permit number. If a local agent refuses or neglects to pay postage or per piece fees on returned pieces, then those pieces are forwarded to the Post Office that issued the original permit for collection of postage and per piece fees from the permit holder. Once forwarded to the permit holder, these pieces cannot qualify for QBRM postage and per piece fees. The permit holder's refusal to accept and pay the required postage and per piece fees for BRM pieces offered for delivery is grounds for immediate revocation of the BRM permit (2.6).

* * * * *

9.0 BULK WEIGHT AVERAGED NONLETTER-SIZE BRM

* * * * *

[Revise the title of 9.3 to read "Postage, Per Piece Charges, and Other Fees" as follows:]

9.3 Postage, Per Piece Fees, and Other Fees

[In the first sentence, change the words "per piece charges" to "per piece fees" to read as follows:]

Returned bulk weight, averaged, nonletter-size BRM pieces are charged postage and per piece fees according to R900.4.5.***

9.4 Application Procedures

* * * * *

[In item 9.4d, change the words "per piece charges" to "per piece fees" and change "S922.4.4" to "R900.4.5" to read as follows:]

d. Based on the estimated volume in 9.4c, a 24-hour estimate and a 30-day estimate of postage and per piece fees using the postage and charges listed in R900.4.5.

* * * * *

S923 Merchandise Return Service

* * * * *

3.0 POSTAGE AND FEES

* * * * *

3.2 Per Piece Fee

[In 3.2, change the words "per piece charge" to "per piece fee to read as follows:]

There is no per piece fee for returned parcels.

[Revise the title of 3.3 to read "Annual Permit Fee" as follows:]

3.3 Annual Permit Fee

[In the first two sentences, change all instances of the words "permit fee" to "annual permit fee" to read as follows:]

An annual permit fee must be paid once each 12-month period at each Post Office where an MRS permit is held. Payment of the annual permit fee is based on the anniversary date of the permit's issuance.***

* * * * *

S924 Bulk Parcel Return Service

* * * * *

[Revise the title of 3.0 to delete the words "charges and" to read as follows:]

3.0 FEES

* * * * *

[Revise the title of 3.1 to read "Annual Permit Fee" as follows:]

3.1 Annual Permit Fee

[In the first two sentences in 3.1, change the words "permit fee" to "annual permit fee" to read as follows:]

An annual permit fee must be paid once each 12-month period at each Post Office where a BPRS permit is held. Payment of the annual permit fee is based on the anniversary date of the permit's issuance.***

[Revise the title of 3.2 to read "Per Piece Fee" as follows:]

3.2 Per Piece Fee

[In the first sentence, change the words "per piece charge" to "per piece fee" to read as follows:]

Each piece returned through BPRS is charged only the per piece fee in R900.***

* * * * *

- Mailing Standards,
Pricing and Classification, 7-10-03

DMM REVISION

Standard Mail PVDS Mailings - Clarification of Minimum Volume Requirement

Effective July 10, 2003, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) E650.1.3 and E752.1.2 are revised. These revisions represent editorial modifications only and do not alter the current mailing standards or impose any new requirements. DMM E650.1.3 is revised to clarify the application of the minimum volume requirement for Standard Mail items prepared using plant-verified drop shipment (PVDS) procedures. In DMM E752.1.2, a few minor text revisions are made to the corresponding standards for Bound Printed Matter (BPM) items. The text in both sections is also reorganized for clarity.

The standards in DMM E650.1.3 will continue to require that each Standard Mail PVDS destination entry rate mailing contain at least 200 pieces or 50 pounds of addressed pieces and that each group of pieces prepared for entry at each destination Post OfficeTM be presented as a separate mailing meeting the minimum volume requirement. Pieces deposited at the same destination entry Post Office, but claimed at different destination entry rates, may be included in a single mailing when reported on the same postage statement (subject to only one minimum volume requirement), provided that the destination entry Post Office is the proper facility for claiming each of the destination entry discounts.

The clarification to DMM E650.1.3 better details the application of the minimum volume standards for PVDS mailings and aligns the standards with the existing text for destination entry BPM in DMM E752.1.2. The added text in DMM E650.1.3 clarifies that mailers may use the combined total piece count (or combined total weight) from a single presort file (showing all line items for all destinations in a mailing job) on the associated PS Form 3602-C, Consolidated Postage Statement Supplement - Supplement Standard Mail or Nonprofit Standard Mail (or a postage statement register), to meet the 200-piece or 50-pound minimum volume requirement for each mailing. By using this alternative, a mailer may enter fewer than 200 pieces at a single destination entry Post Office, provided that the single presort file listed on the associated PS Forms 3602, Statement of Mailing With Permit Imprints, and 3602-C, Statement of Mailing With Permit Imprints - First-Class Mail or International Letter Classification Mail Only (or a postage statement register) meets the 200-piece or 50-pound minimum volume requirement. When pieces from different Standard Mail mailings (Presorted, automation, and/or Enhanced Carrier Route) are presented together under PVDS procedures, each of these mailings must separately meet a 200-piece or 50-pound minimum volume requirement.

Minor text revisions are also made to the standards in DMM E752.1.2 for destination entry BPM mailings to correspond to the clarification for Standard Mail PVDS mailings.

These revisions eliminate the further need for Customer Support Ruling (CSR) PS-283, Plant Verified Drop Shipment (PVDS) Minimum Volumes. Therefore, CSR PS-283 is rescinded effective with this notice. As information, all CSRs are available at http://ribbs.usps.gov.

We will incorporate these revisions into the printed version of DMM Issue 59 and into the monthly update of the online DMM available via Postal Explorer at http://pe.usps.gov.

Domestic Mail Manual (DMM)

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E Eligibility

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E600 Standard Mail

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E650 Destination Entry

1.0 BASIC STANDARDS

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1.3 Volume

[Revise text to read as follows:]

A destination entry rate Standard Mail mailing is subject to these minimum volume requirements:

a. Each mailing must contain at least 200 addressed pieces or 50 pounds of addressed pieces.

b. Except as provided in 1.3e, each group of pieces prepared for deposit at different destination entry Post Offices must be presented as a separate mailing meeting separate minimum volume requirements and be accompanied by the appropriate Form 3602 postage statement.

c. Separate Standard Mail mailings may be copalletized under M041 and M045.

d. Pieces deposited at the same destination entry Post Office, but claimed at different destination entry rates, may be included in a single mailing and reported on the same postage statement (subject to one minimum volume requirement), if the destination entry Post Office is the proper facility for claiming each of the destination entry discounts.

e. When pieces from different Standard Mail mailings (Presorted, automation, and/or Enhanced Carrier Route) are presented together under the plant- verified drop shipment (PVDS) procedures in P950, a mailer may use the total piece count from a single presort file (i.e., mailing job) for all line items to all destinations reported on a single Form 3602 and accompanied by Form 3602-C (or a postage statement register) to meet the 200-piece or 50-pound minimum volume requirement for each mailing. Therefore, under this alternative, a mailer may enter fewer than 200 pieces or 50 pounds at a single destination entry Post Office, if there is a total of at least 200 pieces or 50 pounds of Presorted rate mail, 200 pieces or 50 pounds of automation rate mail, and/or 200 pieces or 50 pounds of Enhanced Carrier Route mail for all entry points combined for the single pre-sort file listed on Form 3602 and Form 3602-C (or a postage statement register).

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E700 Package Services

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E750 Destination Entry

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E752 Bound Printed Matter

1.0 BASIC STANDARDS

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1.2 Volume

[Revise text to read as follows:]

A destination entry rate BPM mailing is subject to these minimum volume requirements:

a. Each mailing must contain at least 300 Presorted addressed pieces or 300 Carrier Route addressed pieces.

b. Except as provided in 1.2e, each group of pieces prepared for deposit at different destination entry Post Offices must be presented as a separate mailing meeting separate minimum volume requirements and be accompanied by the appropriate Form 3605 postage statement.

c. Separate Presorted and Carrier Route mailings may be copalletized under M041 and M045.

d. Pieces deposited at the same destination entry Post Office, but claimed at different destination entry rates, may be included in a single mailing and reported on the same postage statement (subject to one minimum volume requirement), if the destination entry Post Office is the proper facility for claiming each of the destination entry discounts.

e. When Presorted or Carrier Route mailings are presented together under the plant-verified drop shipment (PVDS) procedures in P950, a mailer may use the total piece count from a single presort file (i.e., mailing job) for all line items to all destinations reported on a single Form 3605, Statement of Mailing - Bulk Zone Rates, and accompanied by a postage statement register to meet the separate 300-piece minimum volume requirement for each mailing. Under this alternative, a mailer may enter fewer than 300 pieces for a Presorted or Carrier Route mailing entered at a single destination entry Post Office, if there is a total of at least 300 Presorted rate pieces and/or 300 Carrier Route pieces for all entry points combined for the single presort file listed on Form 3605 and the postage statement register.

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- Mailing Standards,
Pricing and Classification, 7-10-03

DMM REVISION

Standard Mail Flats in Letter Trays

Effective July 10, 2003, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) Exhibit M032.1.1, M032.2.4b(3), M033.2.2, and M910.3.0 are revised to clarify several points about using letter trays instead of sacks when preparing and palletizing certain sizes of Standard Mail flat-size pieces and to add co-traying as another option. This revision also rescinds Customer Support Ruling PS-290, Enveloped Mailpieces Exceeding 1/4 Inch Thickness.

This traying option applies to Standard Mail flat-size pieces claimed at automation rates, as well as flat-size pieces claimed at Enhanced Carrier Route rates. No more than 10 percent of a mailing job prepared under this option may be claimed at Presorted rates. This 10 percent maximum applies to the entire mailing job, not to individual plant-verified drop shipment (PVDS) destination points.

All mail under this option must be prepared as follows:

• Packaging is required except for full 5-digit trays and full individual carrier route trays under DMM M033. Under the packaging exception in DMM M020.1.9, mail need not be prepared in other levels of packages when it is placed in a full tray to the corresponding tray level and none of the mail in that tray would have been more finely sorted if packaged. Packaging is required, however, for any mail prepared under the Co-traying option in DMM M910 to ensure that automation rate pieces and nonautomation rate pieces are always kept separate.

• The entire mailing job must be trayed. Sacking is not permitted except when the required minimum pallet load in DMM M041.5.3 cannot be met.

• All trays must be palletized, except for mail prepared for Priority MailŪ or Express MailŪ drop shipment or mail prepared for Enhanced Carrier Route destination delivery unit rates.

Allowing Standard Mail flat-size pieces in letter trays instead of sacks is limited to current sortation requirements and minimum required quantities in a container in order to minimize the impact on the number of containers handled by the Postal ServiceTM as well as to maintain presort and rate integrity. Each tray must be prepared under the same standards used for sacking and, in general, must contain at least 125 pieces or 15 pounds of pieces. Mailers must use as few trays as possible without jeopardizing rate eligibility.

We will incorporate these revisions into the printed version of DMM 59 and into the monthly update of the online DMM available via Postal Explorer at http://pe.usps.gov.

Domestic Mail Manual (DMM)

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M Mail Preparation and Sortation

M000 General Preparation Standards

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M030 Containers

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M032 Barcoded Labels

1.0 BASIC STANDARDS-TRAY AND SACK LABELS

1.1 Use

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Exhibit 1.1 Required Barcoded Container Labels

[Add an entry for co-trayed mail to read as follows:]

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2.0 ADDITIONAL STANDARDS-BARCODED TRAY LABELS

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2.4 Barcode

The label barcode must meet these specifications:

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b. Information. The barcode must represent these three numeric elements:

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[Revise item b(3) to read as follows:]

(3) The applicable 2-digit USPSŪ processing code:

(a) Code "01" is used for all automation rate and machinable letter-size pieces, for First-Class MailŪ automation rate flat-size pieces, and for First-Class Mail Co-trayed automation rate and Presorted rate flat-size pieces. Code "01" is also used for certain Standard Mail flat-size pieces prepared in letter trays under M033: Standard Mail automation rate flat-size pieces and Standard Mail Co-trayed automation rate and Pre- sorted rate flat-size pieces.

(b) Code "07" is used for all other mail (e.g., manual and nonmachinable letter-size pieces). Code "07" is also used for certain Standard Mail flat- size pieces prepared in letter trays under M033: Enhanced Carrier Route Standard Mail nonautomation rate and Standard Mail Presorted rate pieces.

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M033 Sacks and Trays

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2.0 FIRST-CLASS MAIL, PERIODICALS, AND STANDARD MAIL

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2.2 Letter Tray Preparation-Standard Mail Flat-Size Pieces

Standard Mail flat-size pieces may be prepared in letter trays instead of sacks only if the following standards are met:

[Revise 2.2a to read as follows:]

a. At least 90% of the mailing job must be claimed at automation rates or Enhanced Carrier Route rates. No more than 10% of the mailing job may be claimed at Presorted rates. As provided in E620, the following minimum volumes for Standard Mail pieces must be met:

(1) For the portion claimed at automation nonletter rates, a separate 200-piece minimum must be met. For any portion of the job claimed at Pre- sorted rates, no separate minimum is required.

(2) For any portion claimed at Enhanced Carrier Route nonletter rates, a separate 200-piece minimum must be met.

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[Reletter current 2.2e and 2.2f as new 2.2g and 2.2h. Add new 2.2e and 2.2f to read as follows:]

e. All mail prepared under M610, M620, or M820 must be packaged except for full 5-digit trays and full carrier route trays. The exception to packaging in M020 may be used for other sort levels. All mail prepared under M910 must be packaged.

f. All mail in the mailing job must be trayed. Sacking is not permitted except when the required minimum pallet load in M041.5.3 cannot be met.

[Revise new 2.2g and 2.2h to read as follows:]

g. All trays must be palletized under M045.3.2, except for mail prepared in trays for Priority Mail or Express Mail drop shipment or for mail prepared and claimed at Enhanced Carrier Route destination delivery unit rates. Trays of letter-size pieces must not be placed onto pallets with trays of flat-size pieces. Pallet labels must identify the mail as flat-size pieces.

h. All other applicable standards in M610, M620, M820, or M910 must be met, including required preparation sequence and use of sack minimums as tray minimums.

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M900 Advanced Preparation Options for Flats

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

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3.0 STANDARD MAIL

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[Add new 3.6 to read as follows:]

3.6 Tray Preparation and Labeling

Presorted rate and automation rate packages meeting the standards in M033 for letter trays and prepared under 3.2 must be presorted together into trays (Co-trayed) in the sequence in 3.5. Trays must be labeled using the information for Lines 1 and 2 and M032 for other tray label criteria. Co-packaging under this option is not permitted.

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- Mailing Standards,
Pricing and Classification, 7-10-03

DMM REVISION

Proof of Delivery - New Option for Mailers

Effective July 10, 2003, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) S500.1.2 and S919.1.5 are revised to add new options for mailers to use for obtaining proof of delivery information.

With these DMM revisions, mailers using Express MailŪ Manifesting and Signature ConfirmationTM service (with the electronic option or privately printed labels) will be able to obtain delivery information via bulk proof of delivery letters provided by the Postal ServiceTM in CD-ROM or Signature Extract File formats.

We will incorporate these revisions into the printed version of DMM 59 and into the monthly update of the online DMM available via Postal Explorer at http://pe.usps.gov.

Domestic Mail Manual (DMM)

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S Special Services

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S500 Special Services for Express Mail

1.0 AVAILABLE SERVICES

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

1.2 Proof of Delivery

Proof of delivery information for Express Mail is available as follows:

a. Individual requests by article number can be retrieved on the Internet at www.usps.com, or by calling 1-800-222-1811. A proof of delivery letter will be provided via fax or mail.

b. Bulk proof of delivery letters are available only to mailers using Express Mail Manifesting service and can be obtained in CD-ROM or Signature Extract File formats. For additional information, see Publication 80, Bulk Proof of Delivery Program.

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S900 Special Postal Services

S910 Security and Accountability

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S919 Signature Confirmation

1.0 BASIC INFORMATION

[Renumber current 1.5 through 1.9 as new 1.6 through 1.10. Add new 1.5, Proof of Delivery, to read as follows;]

1.5 Proof of Delivery

Proof of delivery information for Signature Confirmation service is available as follows:

a. Individual requests by article number can be retrieved on the Internet at www.usps.com, or by calling 1-800-222-1811. A proof of delivery letter will be provided via fax or mail.

b. Bulk proof of delivery letters are available only to mailers using the Signature Confirmation service electronic option or privately printed labels. Bulk proof of delivery letters can be obtained in CD-ROM or Signature Extract File formats. For additional information, see Publication 80, Bulk Proof of Delivery Program.

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- Product Information Requirements,
Product Development, 7-10-03

REMINDER

Air Transportation Surcharge for Day-Old Poultry

This article is a reminder that Retail clerks must collect the air transportation surcharge ($0.20 per pound or fraction thereof) on all day-old poultry transported by air at the Priority MailŪ and First-Class MailŪ rates.

Retail clerks must not collect the air transportation surcharge on day-old poultry shipments mailed at the Express MailŪ rate.

Airport mail centers and facilities must assign the "L" alpha designator on the routing tags for day-old poultry transported by air at the Priority Mail and First-Class Mail rates.

- Commercial Air Operations,
Network Operations Management, 7-10-03

DMM REVISION

Polywrap Specifications and Certification Program

Effective July 10, 2003, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) C820.1.0 and C820.4.0 are revised to clarify standards for the use of polywrap for flat-size mailpieces claimed at automation rates and its certification program.

Although these standards are reorganized to present the information in a logical sequence and to consolidate material, there are no material changes to current mailing standards or polywrap specifications. The principal clarifications include the following:

• Haze requirement. Revised DMM Exhibit C820.4.1 clarifies that an address label must be affixed to the outside of the polywrap used on the mailpiece in order to eliminate the need for meeting the haze requirement for approved polywrap.

• Wrap direction. Revised DMM C820.4.2 clarifies that the wrap direction of polywrap for automated flat sorting machine (AFSM) 100 flat-size pieces is only around the longer axis. Also, it clarifies that the wrap direction for flat sorting machine (FSM) 1000 flat-size pieces may be around either the longer axis or the shorter axis. This revision also defines the term axis as it relates to wrap direction.

• Selvage. Revised DMM C820.4.3 clarifies, for purposes of applying the polywrap standards for overhang (selvage) only, that the edge of the mailpiece designated as top must be one of the two physically longer edges of the piece. All automation rate flat- size mail must be rectangular.

• Certificate of conformance. Revised DMM C820.4.5 clarifies that the polywrap manufacturer, not ASTM International, provides the certificate of conformance stating that the polywrap meets the requirements in DMM Exhibit C820.4.1.

We will incorporate these revisions into the printed version of DMM 59 and into the monthly update of the online DMM available via Postal Explorer at http://pe.usps.gov.

Domestic Mail Manual (DMM)

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C Characteristics and Content

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C800 Automation-Compatible Mail

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C820 Flats

1.0 BASIC STANDARDS

[Revise 1.0 to read as follows:]

Flat-size mailpieces claimed at automation rates must meet the applicable standards in 1.0 through 8.0 and the general and specific mailability and eligibility standards for the class of mail and the rate claimed. The mailpieces may qualify for automation rates either under the dimensions and characteristics for automated flat sorting machine (AFSM) 100 processing in 2.0 or under the dimensions and characteristics for flat sorting machine (FSM) 1000 processing in 3.0, except for Bound Printed Matter (BPM) items, which can qualify only under AFSM 100 criteria. Additional standards apply as follows:

a. If a flat-size mailpiece meets all AFSM 100 criteria except for the turning ability or deflection standards under 2.5, the piece may be claimed at automation rates if all FSM 1000 criteria are met.

b. If polywrap film is used, the film and preparation of the mailpiece must meet the applicable standards in 4.0.

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[Revise 4.1 and consolidate current 4.5 and 4.6 with amended 4.1; redesignate current Exhibit 4.1a as new Exhibit 4.1 and amend comment for property 2 (haze); redesignate and amend current Exhibit 4.1b as new 4.2 and 4.3; redesignate and amend current 4.2 as new 4.5 and consolidate current 4.4 with new 4.5; and redesignate and amend current 4.3 as new 4.4 to read as follows:]

4.0 POLYWRAP COVERINGS

4.1 General Requirements

If polywrap film is used to enclose flat-size mailpieces claimed at automation rates, the pieces must meet the applicable additional standards in 4.0. Film approved for use under 4.5 must meet the specifications in Exhibit 4.1 as follows:

a. For mailpieces meeting all the dimensions, turning ability, and deflection characteristics for AFSM 100 criteria under 2.0, the film must meet all eight properties in this exhibit. If the address label is affixed to the outside of the polywrap, the haze property (property 2) is not required.

b. For mailpieces not meeting all the dimensions and characteristics of the AFSM 100 criteria but meeting all the criteria for the FSM 1000 under 3.0, the film must meet, at a minimum, only the haze property (property 2) in this exhibit. If the address label is affixed to the outside of the polywrap, the haze property is not required.

AFSM 100 Polywrap Specifications

Exhibit 4.1

4.2 Wrap Direction and Seam Placement

Wrap direction, seam direction, and seam placement must follow these standards:

a. Wrap direction and seam direction:

(1) For an AFSM 100 mailpiece, the wrap direction must be around the longer axis of the mailpiece, with the seam parallel to that axis. The longer axis is always parallel to the longer edge (the length) of the mailpiece.

(2) For an FSM 1000 mailpiece, the wrap direction may be around either the longer axis or the shorter axis of the mailpiece, with the seam parallel to that axis. The longer axis is always parallel to the longer edge (the length) of the mailpiece, and the shorter axis is always parallel to the shorter edge (the height) of the mailpiece.

b. For either an AFSM 100 or an FSM 1000 mailpiece, the preferred seam placement is on the nonaddressed side of the mailpiece. If the seam is placed on the addressed side, the seam must not cover any part of the delivery address and barcode, postage area, or any required markings or endorsements. Regardless of seam placement, the polywrap over the address area must be a smooth surface to avoid interference with address and barcode readability.

4.3 Overhang

For purposes only of the polywrap standards for overhang (selvage) in 4.0, the edge of the mailpiece designated as top must be one of the two physically longer edges of the piece, regardless of address orientation and whether bound or unbound. Any polywrap overhang (selvage) around the four edges of the mailpiece (top, bottom, and left and right sides) must meet these standards:

a. For an AFSM 100 mailpiece:

(1) When the mailpiece contents are totally positioned at the bottom of the polywrap, the overhang must not be more than 1.5 inches at the top of the mailpiece.

(2) When the mailpiece contents are totally positioned to the left or to the right side of the polywrap, the overhang must not be more than 0.5 inch on the opposite side.

(3) The polywrap covering must not be so tight that it bends the mailpiece.

b. For an FSM 1000 mailpiece:

(1) When the mailpiece contents are totally positioned at the bottom of the polywrap, the overhang must not be more than 1.5 inches at the top of the mailpiece.

(2) When the mailpiece contents are totally positioned to the left or to the right side of the polywrap, the overhang must not be more than 1.5 inches on the opposite side.

(3) The polywrap covering must not be so tight that it bends the mailpiece.

4.4 Mailpiece Identification

Polywrapped flat-size mailpieces claimed at automation rates must be endorsed to show that the polywrap meets USPSŪ approval as automation-compatible. This requirement is met by printing "USPS AFSM 100 Approved Polywrap" or "USPS 100 Approved Poly" or "USPS FSM 1000 Approved Polywrap" or "USPS 1000 Approved Poly," as applicable, directly on the address side of the pieces, preferably below the postage area or in another visible location. Alternatively, the polywrap marking may also be printed directly onto the polywrap material. The polywrap marking must not interfere with delivery address or barcode recognition.

4.5 Polywrap Certification

The USPS polywrap certification program requires plastic manufacturers to provide to a producer of polywrapped flat- size mailpieces a certificate of conformance from the manufacturer stating that the polywrap physical properties meet or exceed the minimum requirements specified in Exhibit 4.1. The certification program applies only to polywrap used for AFSM 100 mailpieces. A list of USPS- approved polywrap products is maintained on the USPS Web site http://ribbs.usps.gov; click on Polywrap Manufacturers. The first time that a specific polywrap product is to be used for an automation rate mailing of flat-size mailpieces and that product is not listed on the USPS Web site, these steps must occur:

a. The producer of the polywrapped pieces provides a USPS mailpiece design analyst (MDA) with the manufacturer's certificate of conformance verifying that the polywrap film meets the specifications in Exhibit 4.1 for AFSM 100 mailpieces.

b. The MDA reviews the manufacturer's certificate of conformance to confirm that the requirements listed on the certificate for the polywrap film meet the eight properties in Exhibit 4.1 for AFSM 100 mailpieces. The reviewing MDA provides written confirmation to the producer of the polywrapped pieces and sends a copy to the appropriate business mail entry unit or detached mail unit and a copy to Mailing Standards (see G043 for address).

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- Mailing Standards,
Pricing and Classification, 7-10-03

DMM REVISION

Customized MarketMail

Effective August 10, 2003, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) E660 and M660 are added and C010.1.0, C600, D042.7.0, E110.1.1, E610.4.0, E610.5.0, E610.9.3, E620.3.0, E630.5.0, E650.1.1, E710.1.1, F010.5.3, M011.1.4d, M012.2.1b, Exhibit M032.1.3, M072.1.0, Exhibit P040.4.1b, R600.1.2, R600.3.2, S070.1.1, S500.2.0, and Index are revised to implement the classification for Customized MarketMailTM (CMM) service as established by the Governors of the United States Postal ServiceŪ (the Governors) on the Recommended Decision of the Postal Rate Commission Approving Stipulation and Agreement on Customized MarketMail Minor Classification Change, Docket No. MC2003-1. In their decision, the Governors approved on June 27, 2003, the Commission's recommendations, adopting the recommended classification changes.

Use of CMM

CMM service represents a significant innovation for Standard Mail advertisers who want to target a specific audience with highly individualized mailpiece designs, including nonrectangular-shaped and multidimensional mailpieces such as cutouts of houses, automobiles, power boats, or wearing apparel. More creative designs could encourage greater customer interest and response rates to promotions, advertising, fund-raising campaigns, or other types of communications.

Before this service was introduced, mailing standards required that any mailpiece that was 1/4 inch thick or less could not be mailed if that piece was not rectangular. This exclusion of nonrectangular letter-size mail and, in some cases, nonrectangular flat-size mail, reduced the available options for businesses and organizations wishing to reach existing or potential customers through advertising messages and designs, including the shape of the mailpiece. CMM service will overcome this previous restraint.

Nonrectangular Shapes

A basic requirement for mailability in Domestic Mail Classification Schedule (DMCS) § 6020 (and Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) § C010.1.1) is that "[a]ll items, other than keys and identification devices, which are 0.25 inch thick or less must be rectangular in shape, at least 3.5 inches in width, and at least 5 inches in length." Administrative rulings issued by the Postal ServiceTM have interpreted and further clarified that the term "rectangular" implies that rectangular mailpieces must have four right-angle corners, four straight and regular edges, and no holes or other voids within their dimensions.

Mailpieces that are 1/4 inch thick or less typically meet the dimensional standards for "letter-size" mailpieces or "flat-size" mailpieces. These two mail processing categories represent both the vast majority of mailpieces sorted and distributed in mail processing facilities and virtually all mail sorted into cases and delivered by Postal Service carriers or distributed to Post OfficeTM boxes.

The requirement that mail must be rectangular within certain dimensions for typical letter-size or flat-size mailpieces was established to ensure that the Postal Service could efficiently handle and deliver such mail, whether by automated, mechanized, or manual means.

CMM pieces will differ from other letter-size and flat-size mailpieces that are 1/4 inch thick or less in two significant aspects. First, CMM pieces can be nonrectangular or irregular in shape. Second, such mail will be required to bypass all Postal Service handling between the mailer's plant (or point of origin) and the Post Office delivery unit. CMM pieces will therefore not be expected or required to be compatible with mechanical or automated processing because their entry profile was specifically developed to ensure that CMM pieces will bypass mail processing operations primarily designed for rectangular-shaped mail.

Employees are reminded that all mailpieces that are 1/4 inch thick or less and not prepared and mailed as CMM mailpieces must be rectangular. The exception to the mailability rule applies only to CMM pieces and to keys and identification devices. Other pieces not qualifying under this exception are nonmailable under DMM C010.1.0.

CMM Verification and Entry

At the mailer's option, CMM pieces will have to be presented for postage verification at the origin office by: (1) using existing plant-verified drop shipment (PVDS) procedures as defined in DMM P950, (2) using either Express MailŪ or Priority MailŪ drop shipment procedures in DMM M072, or (3) taking the pieces directly to a destination Postal Service facility with a business mail entry unit as a pre- sorted mailing subject to DMM E610.8.0.

Under the PVDS option in DMM P950, current standards for a 200-piece minimum volume will apply only to the entire PVDS mailing rather than to the quantity presented at each destination delivery unit (DDU). Normally, the DDU is the facility where the mail will be distributed to and cased for delivery by the corresponding mail carrier or distributed into Post Office boxes. Transportation to each destination will be the mailer's responsibility, or it will be through the use of existing Express Mail or Priority Mail drop shipment standards in DMM D072.

CMM Preparation

Each CMM mailing will be subject to the current minimum volume requirement of 200 pieces for presorted Standard Mail pieces. There will be, however, no minimum volume requirements for packaging or containerization because all mail processing operations will be bypassed.

Packaging of CMM pieces will be required for all types of containers used in order to maintain mailpiece orientation, inhibit movement of the pieces, and ensure stability in transit. At the same time, packaging will help protect the individual mailpieces from damage. The number of pieces in each package and the method of packaging will be at the mailer's discretion, subject to applicable standards for suitable materials and package sizes in DMM M020.

CMM pieces will be required to be prepared in containers as appropriate to the volume of mail destined for the DDU. Equipment such as sleeved letter trays, Express Mail and Priority Mail containers (i.e., Postal Service pouches, sacks, envelopes, and boxes), or envelopes or boxes supplied by the mailer will be permitted as containers. Each mailing presented in mailer-supplied containers, including those prepared as Express Mail and Priority Mail drop shipment, will be required to be accompanied by sample containers for tare weight calculations. Mailings with more than three different types of containers or mailings consisting of nonidentical-weight pieces will be required to be presented using a manifest mailing system (MMS) under DMM P910 or any other available postage payment system if approved by the Business Mailer Support (BMS) manager, Postal Service Headquarters.

CMM containers will be required to bear the correct container label and be endorsed to the attention of the delivery unit supervisor or postmaster with instructions to "open and distribute" the contents. At the DDU, the CMM pieces will be distributed to carriers for casing and delivery or, for Post Office box addresses, to the box section for distribution into the Post Office boxes.

At the mailer's option, every piece in a mailing will be permitted to bear the correct carrier route code under DMM M014. Under this option, the mailer must use CASS- certified software and the current USPSŪ Carrier Route File scheme, hard copy Carrier Route Files, or another AIS product containing carrier route information, subject to DMM A930 and A950. Carrier route information will also require updating within 90 days before the mailing date.

CMM Rates

CMM pieces, each of which must weigh 3.3 ounces or less, will be subject to the basic nonletter piece rates, with no destination entry discount, in the Standard Mail Regular and Nonprofit subclasses. Owing to the irregular or nonrectangular shape inherent with CMM pieces, such pieces will also be subject to the residual shape surcharge (RSS).

CMM pieces will not be eligible for any destination entry discount, automation rate, or other presort rate. In addition, because CMM pieces will not be handled in mail processing facilities, such pieces will not be eligible for the parcel barcode discount, which currently is available to appropriately barcoded pieces that are also subject to the residual shape surcharge. Special services, as provided in DMM S900, will not be available for CMM pieces.

CMM Postage Payment

CMM pieces will be subject to the same options of postage payment (precanceled stamps, metered postage, or permit imprint) for Standard Mail pieces as permitted by current standards in DMM P600. CMM mailers will not be required to obtain special mailing permits or authorizations other than those already required for Regular or Nonprofit Standard Mail service.

Mailers will, in most cases, be required to pay postage through an approved manifest mailing system (MMS) when more than three different types of mailing containers are used or when the mailing consists of nonidentical-weight pieces. Express Mail and Priority Mail drop shipments generally are also better processed through a manifesting system. The Business Mailer Support (BMS) manager at Headquarters will approve the manifest mailing systems and any other special postage payment system under DMM P900 such as an optional procedure.

Mailers presenting CMM pieces must present the appropriate documentation, if required, along with one of the following postage statements:

• PS Form 3602-PS, Postage Statement - Standard Mail Subject to Surcharge - Postage Affixed.

• PS Form 3602-RS, Postage Statement - Standard Mail Subject to Surcharge - Permit Imprint.

• PS Form 3602-NPS, Postage Statement - Nonprofit Standard Mail Subject to Surcharge - Postage Affixed.

• PS Form 3602-NS, Postage Statement - Nonprofit Standard Mail Subject to Surcharge - Permit Imprint.

The postage statements will be revised to accommodate CMM pieces as a separate line item on page 1, which corresponds to a separate part designated as "L" on the reverse. In addition, the revised statements have an additional check box under the "Processing Category" block designated as "CMM." Copies of the statements will be posted on www.usps.com and will be available from the Material Distribution Center.

Sample Mailpieces Required

At the time of mailing, mailers presenting CMM mailpieces must provide the business mail entry unit or acceptance site these additional items for each mailing:

• A sample mailpiece.

• An extra copy of the corresponding postage statement.

Employees collecting the sample CMM mailpieces and copies of the postage statements must send both items within 2 weeks of the mailing to the following address:

MANAGER
RATES AND CLASSIFICATION SERVICE CENTER
US POSTAL SERVICE
1250 BROADWAY 14TH FL
NEW YORK NY 10095-9599

CMM Markings and Endorsements

In addition to the current class and rate markings required for Standard Mail pieces, CMM pieces will have to bear the marking "CUSTOMIZED MARKETMAIL" (or the approved abbreviations "CUST MKTMAIL" or "CMM"). The standards and placement of applicable markings and endorsements will follow existing requirements for Standard Mail pieces under DMM M012.

CMM Physical Characteristics

CMM mailpieces can be constructed of any material that is safe for handling by Postal Service personnel. However, CMM pieces will have to be sufficiently flexible to withstand normal handling required for carrier casing and delivery and for placement into mail receptacles and Post Office boxes.

CMM pieces will not be allowed to have attachments or enclosures. However, CMM pieces are permitted to be constructed or assembled from layers or parts to form a single item.

For purposes of defining the dimensional requirements, a straight line drawn between the most distant outer points on a CMM mailpiece will define the axis of its length and a perpendicular line to that axis will be the axis of its height. The minimum and maximum dimensions and weight are as follows:

(1) Height: No less than 3-1/2 inches and no more than 12 inches.

(2) Length: No less than 5 inches and no more than 15 inches.

(3) Thickness: No less than 0.007 inch at its thinnest point and no more than 3/4 inch at its thickest point.

(4) Weight: No more than 3.3 ounces.

CMM pieces will be permitted to have voids or holes and to have a nonuniform thickness. If pieces are of nonuniform thickness, packages of CMM pieces will be required to be prepared by counterstacking under DMM M020 to ensure stability in transit whether transported under PVDS or under Priority Mail or Express Mail drop shipment. This packaging requirement not only stabilizes the pieces during transportation, but it also ensures Postal Service employees will more easily handle and deliver the mail.

Mailpiece design approval by the manager of business mail entry in the district serving the office of mailing, though not required, is recommended. Physical or graphic content will be subject to current standards in DMM C020 and C030 and to any applicable nonpostal statutes and regulations.

CMM Addressing

Each CMM piece will be required to bear a complete mailing address including an accurate 5-digit ZIP Code or ZIP+4Ū code. CMM pieces must bear the exceptional address format or the occupant address format under DMM A020.

The exceptional address format uses both a recipient's name and the alternative "Current Occupant" or "Current Resident," followed by a complete delivery address, city, state, and ZIP Code or ZIP+4 code. If the named recipient has moved, mail bearing an exceptional address format is neither forwarded to the recipient's new address nor returned to the sender. Instead, such mail is left at the indicated delivery address for the current resident.

The occupant address format does not use an actual recipient's name but only the designation "Occupant," "Householder," or "Resident" in place of a name, followed by a complete delivery address, city, state, and ZIP Code or ZIP+4 code. Mail bearing an occupant address is neither forwarded nor returned.

The address block could be placed anywhere on the mailpiece as currently permitted for flat-size mailpieces, whether printed directly on the mailpiece, or printed on an address label permanently affixed to the piece. The address and other mandatory information such as postage indicia and class and rate markings will be required to be clearly identifiable and legible, following current mailing standards.

CMM pieces will be subject to the standard for address quality and address list maintenance that requires all 5-digit ZIP Codes included in addresses on pieces claimed at Regular Standard Mail and Nonprofit Standard Mail rates to be verified and corrected within 12 months before the mailing date using a method approved by the Postal Service. This requirement ensures that mail is addressed for the correct ZIP Code destination and eliminates potential misdirection of mail. The use of detached address labels (DALs) will not be permitted for CMM pieces.

CMM Delivery

Delivery is considered completed and Postal Service handling of a CMM mailpiece will end when the piece is delivered to the street address or Post Office box address on the piece or when a Postal Service employee distributes the piece into the Post Office box if the piece bears a Post Office box address. CMM pieces will be delivered or left at the address, and CMM pieces that are undeliverable as addressed because of an invalid address will be discarded.

Ancillary service endorsements used for address correction services and the forwarding and return of mail will not be available. Each piece will also be required to bear the appropriate carrier release endorsement in DMM D042 ("Carrier-Leave If No Response") to indicate that a deliverable CMM piece is to be left in a safe location near the recipient's mail receptacle if the piece cannot be placed inside the receptacle.

We will incorporate these revisions into the printed version of DMM 59 and into the monthly update of the online DMM available via Postal Explorer at http://pe.usps.gov.

Domestic Mail Manual (DMM)

* * * * *

C Characteristics and Content

C000 General Information

C010 General Mailability Standards

1.0 MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM DIMENSIONS

1.1 Minimum

[Revise 1.1 to read as follows:]

For mailability, the following standards apply:

a. All mailpieces (except Customized MarketMail pieces mailed under E660 and keys and identification devices mailed under E130) that are 1/4 inch thick or less must be rectangular, with four square corners and parallel opposite sides.

b. All mailpieces must be at least 3-1/2 inches high and at least 5 inches long (see Exhibit 1.1).

c. All mailpieces must be at least 0.007 inch thick.

* * * * *

1.3 Length and Height

* * * * *

[Reletter current 1.3c as new 1.3d and add new 1.3c to read as follows:]

c. Standard Mail Customized MarketMail pieces.

* * * * *

C600 Standard Mail

1.0 DIMENSIONS

1.1 Basic Standards

These standards apply to Standard Mail pieces:

* * * * *

[Revise 1.1b to read as follows:]

b. Presorted rate and Customized MarketMail pieces are subject only to the basic mailability standards in C010.

* * * * *

[Renumber current 2.0 through 5.0 as new 3.0 through 6.0, respectively. Add new 2.0 to read as follows:]

2.0 CUSTOMIZED MARKETMAIL

Mailpieces prepared as Customized MarketMail (CMM) pieces under E660 must meet these additional standards and physical characteristics:

a. The material used for constructing the pieces must be free of sharp edges, protrusions, and other design elements that could cause harm or injury to USPS personnel handling these pieces.

b. The dimensions of the pieces must not be smaller than the minimum dimensions for letter-size mail in C050 or greater than the maximum dimensions for flat-size mail in C050. Length and height are defined as follows:

(1) The length and the axis of length are determined by drawing a straight line between the two outer points most distant from each other.

(2) The height is determined by drawing perpendicular lines to the points that are the greatest distance above and below the axis of length. The sum of these two lines defines the height.

c. The maximum weight may not exceed 3.3 ounces.

d. Pieces may be rectangular or nonrectangular, may be uniform or nonuniform in thickness, and may include die cuts, holes, and voids.

e. Pieces must be flexible enough to fit inside a minimum-size mail receptacle measuring 4-7/8 inches wide, 14-7/8 inches high, and 5-7/8 inches long (deep).

f. Design approval by the district business mail entry manager is not required, but it is recommended.

3.0 RESIDUAL SHAPE SURCHARGE

[Revise 3.0 to read as follows:]

Mail that is prepared as a parcel or is not letter-size or flat- size as defined in C050 is subject to a residual shape surcharge. Mail that is prepared as CMM pieces under E660 is also subject to the residual shape surcharge. There are different surcharges for Presorted rate pieces and Enhanced Carrier Route rate pieces. Only the surcharges for Pre- sorted rate pieces apply to CMM pieces.

* * * * *

D DEPOSIT, COLLECTION, AND DELIVERY

D000 Basic Information

* * * * *

D040 Delivery of Mail

* * * * *

D042 Conditions of Delivery

* * * * *

[Revise heading of 7.0 to read as follows:]

7.0 CARRIER RELEASE

[Renumber current text of 7.0 as 7.1 and add heading to read as follows:]

7.1 Parcels

An uninsured parcel may not be left in an unprotected place, such as a porch or stairway, unless the addressee has filed a written order, or the mailer has endorsed the parcel "Carrier-Leave If No Response." The endorsement must appear directly below the return address as specified in M012.

[Add new 7.2 to read as follows:]

7.2 Customized MarketMail

Any matter mailed as CMM pieces under E660 must bear the endorsement "Carrier-Leave If No Response" as specified in M012.

* * * * *

E Eligibility

* * * * *

E100 First-Class Mail

E110 Basic Standards

1.0 CLASSIFICATION AND DESCRIPTION

1.1 Eligibility

[Revise 1.1 to read as follows:]

All mailable matter may be sent as First-Class MailŪ items (which for the purposes of the standards in 1.0 includes Priority Mail items) or as Express Mail items, except CMM pieces under E660 or other matter prohibited by the respective standards.

* * * * *

E600 Standard Mail

E610 Basic Standards

* * * * *

4.0 ENCLOSURES AND ATTACHMENTS

* * * * *

4.3 Nonincidental First-Class Enclosures

[Revise the first sentence of 4.3 to read as follows:]

Letters or other pieces of nonincidental First-Class Mail items, subject to postage at First-Class Mail rates, may be enclosed with Standard Mail pieces (except matter mailed as CMM pieces under E660).***

4.4 Nonincidental First-Class Attachments

[Revise the first sentence of 4.4 to read as follows:]

Letters or other pieces of nonincidental First-Class Mail items may be placed in an envelope and securely attached to the address side of a Standard Mail piece (except matter mailed as CMM pieces under E660), or of the principal piece, as applicable.***

4.5 Attachment of Other Standard Mail Matter

[Revise the introductory sentence to read as follows:]

The front or back cover page of a Standard Mail piece (except CMM pieces) may bear an attachment that is also Standard Mail matter if:

* * * * *

[Revise 4.5b to read as follows:]

b. The material qualifies for and is mailed at Standard Mail rates.

* * * * *

5.0 RATES

5.1 General Information

[Revise 5.1 to read as follows:]

All Standard Mail rates are presorted rates (including all nonprofit rates). These rates apply to mailings meeting the basic standards in E610 and the corresponding standards for Presorted rates under E620, Enhanced Carrier Route rates under E630, automation rates under E640, or Customized MarketMail rates under E660. Except for Customized MarketMail pieces, destination entry discount rates are available under E650, and barcode discounts are available for machinable parcels under E620. A mailpiece is subject to the residual shape surcharge if it is prepared as a parcel, or if it is not letter-size or flat-size under C050, or if it is prepared as a Customized MarketMail piece under E660. Nonprofit rates may be used only by organizations authorized by the USPS under E670. Not all processing categories qualify for every rate. Pieces are subject to either a single minimum per piece rate or a combined piece/pound rate, depending on the weight of the individual pieces in the mailing under 5.2 or 5.3.

5.2 Minimum Per Piece Rates

The minimum per piece rates (i.e., the minimum postage that must be paid for each piece) apply as follows:

* * * * *

[Revise 5.2b and 5.2c to read as follows:]

b. Letters and Nonletters. In applying the minimum per piece rates, a mailpiece is categorized as either a letter or a nonletter, based on whether the piece meets the letter-size standard in C050, without regard to placement of the address on the piece, except under these conditions:

(1) If the piece meets both the definition of a letter in C050 and the definition of an automation flat in C820, the piece may be prepared and entered at an automation flat (nonletter) rate.

(2) If the piece is prepared for automation letter rates, address placement is used to determine the length when applying the size standards and aspect ratio requirements to qualify for automation letter rates under C810. For this purpose, the length is considered to be the dimension parallel to the address.

(3) If the piece is mailed as a Customized MarketMail piece under E660, the piece is always subject to the applicable Regular or Nonprofit Standard Mail basic nonletter per piece rate and must not exceed the maximum weight for those rates.

c. Individual Rates. There are separate minimum per piece rates for each subclass (Regular, Enhanced Carrier Route, Nonprofit, and Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route) and within each subclass for the type of mailing and the level of presort within each mailing under E620, E630, E640, and E660. Except for Customized MarketMail pieces, discounted per piece rates also may be claimed for destination entry mailings (destination bulk mail center (DBMC), destination sectional center facility (DSCF), and destination delivery unit (DDU)) under E650. DDU rates are available only for mail entered at Enhanced Carrier Route or Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route rates. See R600 for individual per piece rates.

5.3 Piece/Pound Rates

[Revise 5.3 by adding a new sentence after the first sentence to read as follows:]

***Pieces exceeding 3.3 ounces may not be mailed as Customized MarketMail pieces.***

* * * * *

[Revise heading of 5.4 to read as follows:]

5.4 Machinable Parcel Barcode Discount

[Revise the last sentence to read as follows:]

***Pieces mailed at Enhanced Carrier Route, Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route, or Customized MarketMail rates are not eligible for a barcoded discount.

5.5 Residual Shape Surcharge

[Revise 5.5 to read as follows:]

Any Standard Mail piece that is prepared as a parcel or is not letter-size or flat-size as defined in C050 is subject to a residual shape surcharge. Any piece that is prepared as a Customized MarketMail piece under E660 is also subject to the residual shape surcharge. There are different surcharges for Presorted rate pieces and Enhanced Carrier Route rate pieces. Only the surcharges for Presorted rate pieces apply to Customized MarketMail pieces.

* * * * *

9.0 SPECIAL SERVICES

* * * * *

9.3 Ineligible Matter

Special services may not be used for any of the following types of Standard Mail items:

* * * * *

[Add 9.3e to read as follows:]

e. Pieces mailed as Customized MarketMail pieces.

* * * * *

E620 Presorted Rates

* * * * *

[Revise heading and text of 3.0 to read as follows:]

3.0 RESIDUAL SHAPE SURCHARGE

Any Presorted Standard Mail piece that is prepared as a parcel or is not letter-size or flat-size as defined in C050 is subject to a residual shape surcharge.

* * * * *

E630 Enhanced Carrier Route Rates

* * * * *

5.0 RESIDUAL SHAPE SURCHARGE

[Revise 5.0 to read as follows:]

Any Enhanced Carrier Route Standard Mail piece that is prepared as a parcel or is not letter-size or flat-size as defined in C050 is subject to a residual shape surcharge.

* * * * *

E650 Destination Entry

1.0 BASIC STANDARDS

1.1 Rate Application

[Revise the first sentence of 1.1 to read as follows:]

Except for Customized MarketMail pieces as defined in E660, Regular, Nonprofit, Enhanced Carrier Route, and Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route Standard Mail pieces meeting the basic standards in E610 may qualify for the destination BMC, SCF, or DDU entry rates, as applicable, if deposited at the correct destination Postal Service facility, subject to the general standards below and the specific standards in 5.0, 6.0, and 7.0, respectively.***

* * * * *

[Add new E660 to read as follows:]

E660 Customized MarketMail

Summary

E660 describes the eligibility standards for Customized MarketMail (CMM) pieces including standards for minimum volumes, addressing, and drop shipment.

1.0 BASIC STANDARDS

1.1 General

Customized MarketMail (CMM) service is an option for mailing nonrectangular and irregular-shaped Regular Standard Mail and Nonprofit Standard Mail pieces if the pieces weigh 3.3 ounces or less and meet the physical characteristics and the dimensional requirements in C600 and the mail preparation standards in M660. Other Regular and Nonprofit Standard Mail pieces measuring 3/4 inch thick or less and meeting the applicable standards in C600, E660, and M660 may be entered as CMM at the mailer's option. CMM must be entered directly at a destination delivery unit (DDU).

1.2 Basic Standards

All pieces in a CMM mailing must:

a. Meet the basic standards for Standard Mail pieces in E610 and, for Nonprofit Standard Mail pieces, the additional standards in E670.

b. Be part of a single mailing of at least 200 addressed pieces. All pieces must be identical in size, shape, and weight unless excepted by standard under an approved postage payment system.

c. Bear a complete delivery address using the exceptional address format or occupant address format under A020 with the correct ZIP Code or ZIP+4 code. Each piece must also bear a carrier release endorsement as specified by D042. These additional addressing standards apply:

(1) Detached address labels (DALs) under A060 are not permitted.

(2) Ancillary service endorsements under F010 are not permitted.

(3) All 5-digit ZIP Codes included in addresses on pieces must be verified and corrected within 12 months before the mailing date, using a USPS- approved method. The mailer's signature on the postage statement certifies that this standard has been met when the corresponding mail is presented to the USPS. This standard applies to each address individually, not to a specific list or mailing. An address meeting this standard may be used in mailings at any other rates to which the standard applies during the 12-month period after its most recent update.

(4) At the mailer's option, a carrier route information line under M014 may be added. If this option is used, a carrier route code must be applied to every piece in the mailing and must be applied using CASS-certified software and the current USPS Carrier Route File scheme, hard copy Carrier Route Files, or another Address Information Systems (AIS) product containing carrier route information, subject to A930 and A950. Carrier route information must be updated within 90 days before the mailing date.

d. Be marked, sorted, and documented as specified in M660.

e. Be entered at the destination delivery unit appropriate to the delivery address on the corresponding mail, as a mailing subject to the applicable requirements in E610 and E650, as a mailing using Express Mail or Priority Mail drop shipment under M072, or as a plant-verified drop shipment (PVDS) mailing under P950. Minimum volumes per destination are not required.

2.0 RATES

Each CMM piece is subject to the Presorted Regular or Nonprofit Standard Mail nonletter, nondestination entry basic rate plus the residual shape surcharge. CMM pieces are not eligible for the parcel barcode discount.

3.0 SPECIAL SERVICES

CMM pieces are not eligible for any special service.

* * * * *

E700 Package Services

E710 Basic Standards

1.0 BASIC INFORMATION

1.1 Definition

[Revise the first sentence of 1.1 to read as follows:]

Package Services mail consists of mailable matter that is neither mailed or required to be mailed as First-Class Mail items nor entered as Periodicals items (unless permitted or required by standard) or as Customized MarketMail items under E660.***

* * * * *

F Forwarding and Related Services

F000 Basic Services

F010 Basic Information

* * * * *

5.0 CLASS TREATMENT FOR ANCILLARY SERVICES

* * * * *

5.3 Standard Mail

[Revise the introductory text to read as follows:]

Undeliverable-as-addressed (UAA) Standard Mail pieces are treated as described in Exhibit 5.3a and Exhibit 5.3b, with these additional conditions:

* * * * *

[Add 5.3k to read as follows:]

k. Customized MarketMail pieces under E660 are not eligible to use ancillary service endorsements.

* * * * *

M Mail Preparation and Sortation

M000 General Preparation Standards

M010 Mailpieces

M011 Basic Standards

1.0 TERMS AND CONDITIONS

* * * * *

[Revise title to read as follows:]

1.4 Mailings

Mailings are defined as:

* * * * *

[Revise the introductory text of 1.4d to read as follows:]

d. Standard Mail. Except as provided in E620.1.2, the types of Standard Mail items listed below may not be part of the same mailing. See M041, M045, M610, M620, and M900 for copalletized, combined, or mixed-rate mailings.

* * * * *

[Add 1.4d(8) to read as follows:]

(8) Customized MarketMail pieces and any other type of mail.

* * * * *

M012 Markings and Endorsements

* * * * *

2.0 MARKINGS-FIRST-CLASS MAIL AND STANDARD MAIL

2.1 Placement

Markings must be placed as follows:

* * * * *

[Revise 2.1b to read as follows:]

b. Other Markings. The rate-specific markings "AUTO," "AUTOCR," "Presorted" (or "PRSRT"); "Single-Piece" (or "SNGLP") (First-Class Mail only); and "ECRLOT," "ECRWSH," "ECRWSS," and "Customized MarketMail" (or "CUST MKTMAIL" or "CMM") (Standard Mail only)) may be placed as follows:

(1) In the location specified in 2.1a.

(2) 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 optional endorsement line information under M013 or carrier route package information under M014.

(3) If preceded by two asterisks (**), the "AUTO," "AUTOCR," "PRESORTED" (or "PRSRT"), "CUSTOMIZED MARKETMAIL" (or "CUST MKTMAIL" or "CMM"), or "Single-Piece" (or "SNGLP") marking also may be placed on the line directly above or two lines above the address in a mailer keyline or a manifest keyline, or it may be placed above the address and below the postage in an MLOCR ink-jet printed date correction/meter drop shipment line. Alternatively, the "AUTO," "AUTOCR," "PRSRT," or "SNGLP" marking may be placed to the left of the barcode clear zone (subject to the standards in C840) on letter-size pieces.

* * * * *

M030 Containers

* * * * *

M032 Barcoded Labels

1.0 BASIC STANDARDS-TRAY AND SACK LABELS

* * * * *

Exhibit 1.3 3-Digit Content Identifier Numbers

[Revise Exhibit 1.3 by adding the following entries before "ECR Irregular Parcels-Nonautomation" to read as follows:]

* * * * *

STANDARD MAIL

* * * * *

M033 Sacks and Trays

1.0 BASIC STANDARDS

* * * * *

1.2 Standard Containers

[Revise 1.2 by inserting a new sentence after the first sentence to read as follows:]

***Containers for Customized MarketMail pieces are specified in M660.***

* * * * *

Exhibit 1.2 Standard Containers

[Revise Exhibit 1.2 by adding the following entry at the end to read as follows:]

* * * * *

M070 Mixed Classes

* * * * *

M072 Express Mail and Priority Mail Drop Shipment

1.0 BASIC STANDARDS

1.1 Enclosed Mail

[Revise the last sentence of 1.1 to read as follows:]

***When a drop shipment is destined to a 5-digit facility, then sacking or traying is not required for letters or flats, if all enclosed presort destination packages are destined to the same 5-digit ZIP Code as the Express Mail or Priority Mail pouch, sack, or container.

* * * * *

1.3 Containers for Expedited Transport

[Revise 1.3 to read as follows:]

Acceptable containers for expedited transport are as follows:

a. An Express Mail drop shipment must be contained in a blue and orange Express Mail pouch, except that Customized MarketMail pieces under E660 may be contained in USPS-provided Express Mail envelopes and cartons or in any properly labeled container supplied by the mailer.

b. A Priority Mail drop shipment must be contained in either an orange Priority Mail sack or a letter-size tray, except that Customized MarketMail pieces under E660 may be contained in USPS-provided Priority Mail envelopes and cartons or in any properly labeled container supplied by the mailer.

* * * * *

1.7 Label 23

[Revise 1.7 to read as follows:]

As an alternative to sacks for Priority Mail drop shipments, letter trays or mailer-supplied containers for Customized MarketMail pieces under E660 may be used as follows:

a. Label 23 is affixed to the letter tray or mailer-supplied container. A single Label 23 may be used to identify two letter trays strapped together. Mailer-supplied containers may not be strapped together.

b. If two letter trays are strapped together, each tray must be of identical size and individually strapped under M033.1.5. Label 23 must be affixed to the sleeve of the top tray before strapping. The trays must be strapped securely around the length of the two trays.

c. The total weight of two trays strapped together or mailer-supplied containers used for CMM pieces may not exceed 70 pounds.

* * * * *

M600 Standard Mail (Nonautomation)

* * * * *

[Add new M660 to read as follows:]

M660 Customized MarketMail

Summary

M660 describes the basic preparation and marking standards for Customized MarketMail (CMM) pieces meeting the eligibility standards in E660.

1.0 BASIC STANDARDS

1.1 All Mailings

All mailings and all pieces in each mailing prepared as Customized MarketMail (CMM) pieces are subject to specific preparation standards in 1.0 and 2.0 and to these general standards:

a. All pieces must meet the standards for basic eligibility in E610 and specific eligibility in E660. Nonprofit Standard Mail pieces must meet the additional eligibility standards in E670.

b. CMM pieces must not be part of a mailing containing any other type of Standard Mail pieces.

c. Each mailing must meet the applicable standards for mail preparation in M010 and M020 and the following:

(1) Subject to the marking standards in M012, Regular Standard Mail pieces must be marked "Presorted Standard" (or "PRSRT STD"), and Nonprofit Standard Mail pieces must be marked "Nonprofit Organization" (or "Nonprofit Org." or "Nonprofit"). All pieces must also be marked "Customized MarketMail," "CUST MKTMAIL," or "CMM."

(2) At the mailer's option, a carrier route information line under M014 may be added. If this option is used, a carrier route code must be applied to every piece in the mailing and must be applied using CASS-certified software and the current USPS Carrier Route File scheme, hard copy Carrier Route Files, or another AIS product containing carrier route information, subject to A930 and A950. Carrier route information must be updated within 90 days before the mailing date.

d. All pieces in the mailing must meet the specific sortation and preparation standards in M660.

e. Pieces are subject to the rate eligibility specified in E660.

1.2 Postage

CMM pieces are subject to the same options of postage payment (precanceled stamps, metered postage, or permit imprint) for Standard Mail pieces as permitted under P600.

1.3 Documentation

A complete, signed postage statement, using the correct USPS form or an approved facsimile with the residual shape surcharge, must accompany each mailing. The mailer must also provide an extra copy of the postage statement and a sample of the CMM mailpiece. The sample and the copy postage statement are then forwarded by the USPS to the New York Rates and Classification Service Center (see G042 for address). Mailings of nonidentical- weight pieces or mailings using more than three different types of containers must also be supported by standardized documentation meeting the standards in P012. Documentation for nonidentical-weight pieces is not required if the correct rate is affixed to each piece.

2.0 PREPARATION

2.1 Packaging

Two or more pieces to the same 5-digit destination must be packaged under M020 in any container to maintain the integrity and stability of the pieces throughout transit and handling. The maximum weight for any package is 20 pounds. Pieces of irregular thickness must also be counterstacked as provided in M020. At the mailer's option, CMM pieces may be prepared in carrier route packages, subject to the applicable standards in M050 and E630.

2.2 Containers

If more than three types of containers are used, the mailing must be prepared using an approved manifest mailing system (MMS) under P910, unless the Business Mailer Support (BMS) manager approves another postage payment system. Each mailing presented in mailer-supplied containers must be accompanied by sample containers for tare weight calculations. The size of the containers must be appropriate to the dimensions of the pieces, and the number of containers must be appropriate to the volume of pieces in the mailing. If Express Mail or Priority Mail drop shipment is used, containers are subject to the standards in M072.

2.3 Containerizing and Labeling

Mail must be prepared in 5-digit, 5-digit scheme using L606, or 5-digit carrier route containers, with no minimum volume (piece or weight) required for an individual container. In addition to the required labeling, mailer-supplied containers must be marked "DELIVERY UNIT-OPEN AND DISTRIBUTE" on the container label or on the address side of the container. Containers are prepared and labeled as follows:

a. PVDS drop shipments must be prepared in 5-digit or 5-digit carrier route letter trays, sacks, or in mailer- supplied containers and labeled as follows:

(1) Line 1: City, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code on mail.

(2) Line 2: "DEL LTR STD CMM MAN" (for letter trays); "DEL FLTS STD CMM MAN" (for flat trays); "DEL STD CMM MAN" (for sacks or mailer-supplied containers).

(3) Line 3: Office of mailing or mailer information (see M031).

b. Express Mail and Priority Mail drop shipments must be prepared in USPS-provided Express Mail or Priority Mail containers (i.e., pouches, sacks, cartons, or envelopes) or in mailer-supplied containers, and must be labeled under M072.

* * * * *

P Postage and Payment Methods

P000 Basic Information

* * * * *

P040 Permit Imprints

* * * * *

4.0 INDICIA FORMAT

* * * * *

Exhibit 4.1b Indicia Formats

[Add an example of "Cust MktMail," permit imprint indicia to read as follows:]

* * * * *

R Rates and Fees

* * * * *

R600 Standard Mail

1.0 REGULAR STANDARD MAIL

* * * * *

1.2 Nonletters-3.3 oz. or Less

* * * * *

[Add footnote 2 to "Presorted" to read as follows:]

2. Customized MarketMail pieces are subject to the Basic nondestination entry nonletter rate, plus the residual shape surcharge.

* * * * *

3.0 NONPROFIT STANDARD MAIL

* * * * *

3.2 Nonletters-3.3 oz. or Less

* * * * *

[Add footnote 2 to "Presorted" to read as follows:]

2. Customized MarketMail pieces are subject to the Basic nondestination entry nonletter rate, plus the residual shape surcharge.

* * * * *

S Special Services

S000 Miscellaneous Services

* * * * *

S070 Mixed Classes

1.0 BASIC INFORMATION

1.1 Priority Mail Drop Shipment

[Revise 1.0 to read as follows:]

For a Priority Mail drop shipment, no special services may be added to the Priority Mail segment, and the mail enclosed may receive only the following services:

a. First-Class Mail pieces may be sent with Certified Mail service or special handing, or, for First-Class Mail parcels only, electronic option Delivery ConfirmationTM service or electronic option Signature ConfirmationTM service.

b. Standard Mail pieces subject to the residual shape surcharge (except Customized MarketMail pieces) may be sent with electronic option Delivery Confirmation service.

c. Package Services mail may be sent with special handling or, for Package Services parcels only, electronic option Delivery Confirmation service or electronic option Signature Confirmation service.

* * * * *

S500 Special Services for Express Mail

* * * * *

2.0 EXPRESS MAIL DROP SHIPMENT

[Revise 2.0 to read as follows:]

For an Express Mail drop shipment, the content of each Express Mail pouch is considered one mailpiece for indemnity coverage, and the mail enclosed may receive only the following services:

a. First-Class Mail pieces may be sent with Certified Mail service or special handing, or, for First-Class Mail parcels only, electronic option Delivery Confirmation service or electronic option Signature Confirmation service.

b. Priority Mail pieces may be sent with Certified Mail service, special handing, electronic option De- livery Confirmation, or electronic option Signature Confirmation.

c. Standard Mail pieces subject to the residual shape surcharge (except Customized MarketMail pieces) may be sent with electronic option Delivery Confirmation service.

d. Package Services mail may be sent with special handling or, for Package Services parcels only, electronic option Delivery Confirmation service or electronic option Signature Confirmation service.

* * * * *

I Index Information

I000 Information

* * * * *

I020 References

* * * * *

I022 Subject Index

* * * * *

[Add the following two entries to read as follows:]

Customized MarketMail, C600, E660, M660

* * * * *

Standard Mail

* * * * *

mail preparation

* * * * *

Customized MarketMail, M660

* * * * *

- Mailing Standards,
Pricing and Classification, 7-10-03

NEW PUBLICATION

Publication 80, Bulk Proof of Delivery Program

Publication 80, Bulk Proof of Delivery Program, is now available. The Bulk Proof of Delivery program allows customers who use Signature ConfirmationTM service or Express MailŪ Manifesting to get proof of delivery records in bulk (providing the customer uses a D-U-N-S NumberŪ). This program eliminates the need for mailers to request records individually, allows them to retain the records for an unlimited amount of time, and reduces the need to handle paper copies of signature records. Publication 80 also contains criteria for participation in the program.

Publication 80 is available on the Postal Service PolicyNet Web site at http://blue.usps.gov/cpim; click on PUBs. It is also accessible on the Internet at www.usps.com; click About USPS & News, then Forms & Publications, then Browse All Periodicals & Publications, then Publications (either PDF Format or Text Format).

Copies of Publication 80 will not be printed for ordering through the Material Distribution Center.

- Product Information Requirements,
Product Development, 7-10-03

DMM TRANSFORMATION

The DMM 200-A - A New Tool for Business Mailing

The second step in the redesign of the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) is complete. The DMM 200-A, A Guide to Mailing for Businesses and Organizations, is a new, must- have tool for small- and medium-volume business mailers. This latest guide helps our customers understand their mailing options and provides mailing information using clear, easy-to-follow language and illustrations. It helps new mailers begin a business mail program with retail mailing services, discount (bulk) mailing services, or by mailing from their desktop computer. You'll find example pages from the new guide, along with call-outs that give more information about the design, on pages 38-42 of this Postal Bulletin.

The first publication in the DMM redesign project, the DMM 100, A Customer's Guide to Mailing, was introduced to retail customers across the country last year. It presented retail mailing options using commonsense language and clear and direct graphics, charts, and navigational devices. It is colorful, precise, and easy to understand. A Guide to Mailing for Businesses and Organizations builds on this success by bringing clarity to the mailing services important to business customers.

The DMM transformation project calls for a modular system of books aimed at meeting the needs of different types of customers:

• Retail/consumer (DMM 100, A Customers Guide to Mailing).

• Businesses and organizations (DMM 200-A, A Guide to Mailing for Businesses and Organizations).

• High-volume mailers (DMM 300, in development).

• Special topics like hazardous materials (DMM 400, in development).

A Guide to Mailing for Businesses and Organizations will be stocked in over 30,000 Postal ServiceTM facilities around the country throughout July, and both PDF and text versions will be available online soon at www.usps.com. Once the distribution is complete and the publication is stocked in the MDC, we will publish a follow-up article in the Postal Bulletin with ordering instructions for additional copies. Do not order the DMM 200-A yet.

We hope you and your customers will find the DMM 200-A, A Guide to Mailing for Businesses and Organizations, easy to use. Please take the time to fill out and mail back the yellow survey card on the back cover of the DMM 200-A. Your comments are important and will help shape future editions of the guide.

- Mailing Standards,
Pricing and Classification, 7-10-03

PUBLICATION 227 OBSOLETION

DMM 100 Packaging Guidelines

Effective July 10, 2003, Publication 227, Preparing Parcels for Mailing, is obsoleted. Information needed by consumers and retail customers who package and mail gifts and merchandise items can be found in Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) 100, A Customer's Guide to Mailing. DMM 100 is an easy-to-understand reference for retail customers and Postal ServiceTM employees.

The illustrated section on preparing packages in DMM 100 leads the user through all the critical steps from choosing the right mailing container and cushioning material to selecting the appropriate tape for sealing and securing the package.

DMM 100 also explains how to mail fragile and heavy items, and it provides helpful instructions on the proper way to address the package and affix postage and any label for extra services such as Delivery ConfirmationTM service.

DMM 100 is available free at Post OfficesTM and can also be downloaded from the Postal Service Web site at www.usps.com; click All Products & Services, then Publications, then Browse All Periodicals & Publications, then A Customer's Guide to Mailing. To order copies, refer to the article titled "DMM 100, A Customer's Guide to Mailing" below.

- Mailing Standards,
Pricing and Classification, 7-10-03

REVISED PUBLICATION

DMM 100, A Customer's Guide to Mailing

The DMM 100, A Customer's Guide to Mailing, is a popular guide for retail customers and employees. It helps customers choose a service for mailing, calculate postage, and address their mail correctly.

In July, Post OfficesTM will receive updated copies for display and distribution in retail lobbies. Please make the guide available in your Post Office and encourage your customers to take a free copy.

Facilities that need additional copies of the DMM 100 can order them through the Material Distribution Center (MDC).

You can order the DMM 100 by one of the following means:

• Touch Tone Order Entry (TTOE): Call 800-332-0317, option 2.

Note: You must be registered to use TTOE. To register, call 800-332-0317, option 1, extension 2925, and follow the prompts to leave a message (wait 48 hours after registering before you place your first order).

• E-mail: Complete PS Form 7380, MDC Supply Requisition (manually or using FormFlow), and send it as an attachment to the e-mail address MDC, Customer Service or to mcustome@usps.gov.

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

SUPPLY REQUISITIONS
MATERIAL DISTRIBUTION CENTER
500 SW GARY ORMSBY DR
TOPEKA KS 66624-9702

Here's the information that you'll need to order the DMM 100:

PSIN: DMM100
NSN: 7610-05-000-5072
Unit of Measure: EA
Bulk Pack Quantity: 200
Quick Pick Number: 526
Price: $0.1819
Edition Date: 07/02

The DMM 100 is accessible on the Internet at www.usps.com; click All Products & Services, then Publications, then Browse All Periodicals & Publications, then A Customer's Guide to Mailing. In addition, customers who order stamps and other merchandise from The Postal Store Web site (www.usps.com/shop) will receive a free copy. Look for a Spanish-language version coming soon.

- Mailing Standards,
Pricing and Classification, 7-10-03