USPSNEWS@WORK

True blue: Now you can navigate the postal intranet with style

Take a smooth ride on the world's largest intranet. Click on the USPSŪ intranet at http://blue.usps.gov and experience the first phase of the redesign of Blue - your first- stop Postal Service source for the information you need to do your job.

• There's a new look and feel. Your searches will be more productive, targeted to give you more specific results. Links to tools and key information are better organized. And Blue itself will be lighter to download - there won't be so many byte-biting graphics.

• The redesign is a joint effort of Public Affairs and Communications (PA&C) - the "look" - and Information Technology (IT) - the "feel." Changes take into account employee feedback - remember the online user survey 3,000 of you filled out? - as well as studies of usage patterns and search requests. Key links featured on the page - eBuy, eTravel, TACS, TTMS, WebEIS, etc. - are those you click on most often.

• But remember, the Blue redesign is a work in progress. Further improvements will be made as the infrastructure allows. Who knows? In the future you might be able to customize your page. PA&C and IT will continue to seek your input as Blue goes through its transformation.

Postal Service pundits: Take the VOE survey this quarter

Crack your knuckles. Pull out your favorite pen. And then begin. The Quarter IV Voice of the Employee (VOE) survey has been mailed. And this quarter could be your turn to take the survey.

• Every career employee has the opportunity to participate once during the year. The survey is quick, easy and a lot more fun than a doctor's visit. You can do it on the clock, too.

• Remember, your feedback is critical to the continued success of the Postal ServiceTM. So when you receive the survey at work, take a few minutes to complete it.

• By the end of the fiscal year, every employee will have received the survey. So if you haven't received one so far, this time it's your turn to be Postal Service pundit. Once you get it, fill it out, place it in the postage-paid envelope and drop it in the mail by Aug. 13. After all, it's your voice. Make sure it's heard.

Early out: Some APWU-represented employees will get a chance to retire early

Some USPS employees who are represented by the American Postal Workers Union (APWU) will get a chance to retire sooner. USPS has received approval from the Office of Personnel Management to offer voluntary early retirement to career bargaining unit employees who occupy positions covered by the national agreement between USPS and APWU.

• To be eligible to retire under this offer, employees must meet one of the following minimum age and service requirements: At least 50 years of age as of Nov. 1, 2003, with at least 20 or more years of creditable service as of Oct. 31, 2003. Any age with 25 or more years of creditable service as of Oct. 31, 2003.

• If you meet the eligibility requirements you will receive a statement of interest package containing a letter explaining the voluntary early retirement offer, a summary of benefits and leave provisions under voluntary early retirement, frequently asked questions and a statement of interest form.

• If you are an eligible employee - and interested - complete and return the statement of interest document by close of business Aug. 5, 2003. The form is simply a statement of interest. It doesn't commit the employee to retire and it doesn't mean that the employee will receive an offer of voluntary early retirement.

• When USPS receives an employee's statement of interest, that employee's eligibility for voluntary early retirement will be validated. In late September, letters will be mailed to employees who have submitted the statement of interest document advising them of their status.

• If eligible - based on age, years of service and operational needs - the employee will receive a formal voluntary early retirement offer. If accepted by the employee, the offer becomes irrevocable at 5 P.M., Oct. 27, 2003.

• Ineligible employees will receive a letter explaining the basis for that determination. USPS isn't offering any financial incentives to employees who may be eligible for voluntary early retirement.

• Questions? Ask your local personnel officials.

Shaping customer perceptions: Customized MarketMail lets direct marketers push the envelope

The traditional rectangular envelope will have some new, odd-shaped friends come Aug. 10. That's when direct marketers can go triangular, octagonal, pizza-shaped or even screwdriver-shaped thanks to a new advertising mail product called Customized MarketMail.

• These aren't envelopes and they won't be inside envelopes either. These distinctly different, literally outside-the-box-shaped pieces will set mailers apart by visually communicating their products and services. For example, car dealers can send convertible- shaped mailpieces to potential customers. And, restaurants can send pizza-shaped or burger-shaped mailpieces to their clientele.

• "In the battle for audience attention, Customized MarketMail will allow business mailers to differentiate their products in the mailstream," said Product Development V.P. Nick Barranca.

• As its name implies, Customized MarketMail pieces must be prepared and mailed in special ways. Business mailers must have or obtain a Standard Mail permit, send a minimum of 200 pieces per mailing and dropship or deliver them to the ultimate destination facilities for handling.

• The postage rates for these distinctive mailpieces will be 57.4 cents for Regular Standard Mail service and 46 cents for Nonprofit Standard Mail service. Sending individual pieces or depositing them in mail or collection boxes isn't permitted.

• More information about CMM is available in this edition of the Postal Bulletin (see articles beginning on pages 6, 8, and 11).

Easy flow: Making it easier to find your favorite forms

There is an easier, faster way to keep the forms flowing at USPS. It's called FormFlow, which will replace F3Fill. Online Services and Information Technology (IT) are working together on this new process to improve the way forms are distributed - and save us all time and money.

• Access is easy. You simply go to the postal forms Web site on Blue at http://blue.usps.gov/forms, select the form - numerically or alphabetically - and then click the appropriate icon. Fill out the form and print it. New and updated forms are deployed in a matter of minutes - not days - and you can be sure you'll be filling out the latest edition of a form.

• The migration from F3Fill to FormFlow is scheduled to be completed by the end of the fiscal year. Questions about forms? Send them to Forms Management at formsma@usps.gov.

Kansas City, here we come.

Mark this on your calendar. The next National Postal Forum will be Sept. 21-23 in Kansas City, MO. Visit www.npf.org/dm for information.

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, 7-24-03

Administrative Services

NEW MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTION

AS-350-2003-6, Marketing E-mail

MI AS-350-2003-6, Marketing E-mail, establishes the Postal ServiceTM policy for marketing e-mail. This MI applies when the Postal Service, or its supplier, sends to a customer or prospective customer an e-mail message that markets a different product or service than the customer may already have received from the Postal Service.

This MI governs Postal Service marketing e-mail messaging in a manner consistent with best industry practices, standardizes the Postal Service's processes and the look and feel of its e-mail marketing, and ensures that the e-mail marketing meets customers' needs and avoids spam.

The Postal Service requires that its marketing e-mails provide customers with the following elements:

• Notice about the content of the e-mail.

• Choice about being or remaining on the e-mail address list.

• Access to their information that is collected and retained on them.

• Redress for questions and complaints about the e-mail message.

• Security of information.

• Usability and privacy through the use of appropriate technology.

MI AS-350-2003-6 is available on the Postal Service PolicyNet Web site at http://blue.usps.gov/cpim; click on MIs.

- Marketing and Consumer Advocate, 7-24-03

NEW MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTION

AS-350-2003-5, Computer Matching Programs

MI AS-350-2003-5, Computer Matching Programs, establishes the Postal ServiceTM policy for computer matching programs. This MI (1) provides procedural instructions for requesting and approving computer matching programs and (2) describes and delineates the membership and responsibilities of the Postal Service Data Integrity Board. This MI applies when any agency or Postal Service organization seeks to use records from a Postal Service automated system of records in a computerized comparison with other records.

Computer matching is a term that describes the automated comparison of databases containing records about individuals. Purposes for matching include:

• Verifying the accuracy of data.

• Uncovering waste, fraud, or abuse in federal programs.

• Locating specific individuals (e.g., absent parents owing child support or persons indebted to the government).

• Determining eligibility for federal or state benefits.

Most matching programs in which the Postal Service participates:

• Originate with an agency that has management responsibility for a program relating to one of these matching purposes.

• Involve a comparison of employee data from Privacy Act system USPS 050.020, Finance Records - Payroll System.

MI AS-350-2003-5 is available on the Postal Service PolicyNet Web site at http://blue.usps.gov/cpim; click on MIs.

This MI obsoletes MI AS-350-98-2, Establishment of the Postal Service Data Integrity Board.

- Privacy Office,
Consumer Advocate, 7-24-03

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.

Domestic Mail

DMM REVISION

Barcode Location for Parcels

Effective July 24, 2003, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) C850.3.1 is revised to allow the placement of the Postal ServiceTM routing barcode in locations other than adjacent to the address.

This revision to the DMM incorporates those standards in order to allow more flexibility in the design of barcoded parcels labels.

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

Domestic Mail Manual (DMM)

* * * * *

C Characteristics and Content

* * * * *

C800 Automation-Compatible Mail

* * * * *

C850 Barcoding Standards for Parcels

* * * * *

3.0 BARCODE LOCATION

* * * * *

3.1 General Standards

[Add text by at the end of 3.1 to read as follows:]

***The barcode may be placed on a separate label or an alternate location on the address label, or the address side of the mailpiece, subject to the clearance standards in 3.2. Barcodes that are not placed immediately adjacent to the address must not encroach on any space reserved for required markings and endorsements. A label that is separate from a prepared address label must be placed on the same side of the parcel as the address label and aligned parallel with the address as read. Separate labels must not overlap any adjacent side.

* * * * *

- Mailing Standards,
Pricing and Classification, 7-24-03

DMM REVISION

Customized MarketMail - Nonmachinable Surcharge

Effective August 10, 2003, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) C600.4.0, E620.4.0, and E660.2.0 are revised to clarify that Customized MarketMail (CMM) pieces, whether letter-size or flat-size, are not subject to the Standard Mail nonmachinable surcharge in DMM E620. That surcharge applies only to certain Standard Mail letter-size pieces weighing 3.3 ounces or less that are claimed at Presorted letter rates.

Although the size of most CMM pieces will fall within the dimensions specified in DMM C050 for flat-size mail, CMM pieces can be as small as the minimum dimensions permitted for letter-size mail. For example, a CMM piece with rounded corners could be as small as 5 inches long, 3-1/2 inches high, and 0.007 inch thick.

The dimensional standards for CMM pieces, as provided in DMM C600, expressly give mailers, advertisers, and graphic designers the flexibility to create pieces that can range in size from the minimum dimensions for letter- size pieces to the maximum dimensions for flat-size pieces.

Nonmachinable Surcharge Application

Applied

The appropriate Standard Mail nonmachinable surcharge under DMM R600.5.0 applies only to letter-size pieces (including card-size pieces) - with the exception of letter-size pieces prepared and entered as CMM pieces under DMM E660 - if the pieces weigh 3.3 ounces or less, are paid at Presorted Regular or Nonprofit Standard Mail letter rates, and are subject to one or both of these conditions:

• The pieces have one or more of the nonmachinable characteristics for letter-size mail listed in DMM C050.2.2.

• The pieces are labeled for manual processing by the mailer under the manual only option in DMM M610.1.6.

Not Applied

The Standard Mail nonmachinable surcharge for letter- size pieces does not apply to pieces (including parcels) that are paid at any Standard Mail nonletter rate. The surcharge also does not apply to Standard Mail letter-size pieces weighing 3.3 ounces or less that are paid at these letter rates:

• Automation rates.

• Enhanced Carrier Route rates.

• Presorted rates if the pieces are not subject to any nonmachinable characteristic in DMM C050.2.2 or are not prepared with the manual only option, or if the pieces are prepared and entered as CMM pieces under DMM E660.

Nonmachinable Designs

CMM pieces must be deposited at or dropshipped directly to the destination delivery unit by the mailer in order to bypass all mail processing operations. Because of this requirement, CMM pieces are permitted to feature various types of otherwise nonmachinable physical characteristics as follows:

• CMM pieces may be rectangular, nonrectangular, or irregularly shaped.

• CMM pieces may be as thin as 0.007 inch at their thinnest point and as thick as 0.75 inch at their thickest point.

• CMM pieces may have holes and other types of regular and irregular voids or cutouts.

If the size of CMM pieces presented by a mailer meets the letter-size dimensions defined in DMM C050, Postal ServiceTM employees accepting such mail still must not assess the Standard Mail nonmachinable surcharge, even if the pieces include a design element that would normally be considered a nonmachinable characteristic under DMM C050.2.2.

Manual Processing

CMM pieces are also exempt from the Standard Mail nonmachinable surcharge for letter-size pieces that is assessed if a mailer requests manual processing with the appropriate container label designation of "MAN" or "MANUAL."

When a mailer presents CMM pieces in Postal Service letter trays, flat trays, or sacks, the container labels will also show the designation "MAN" at the end of the second label line to indicate manual processing. This designation, however, should not be construed as an equivalent to the one in which a mailer specifically requests manual processing for letter-size Standard Mail pieces as an option, subject to the nonmachinable surcharge.

Additional Information

The article titled "DMM Revision: Customized MarketMail" in Postal Bulletin 22106 (7-10-03, pages 27-38) contains useful information about CMM service and the DMM text presenting the mailing standards for this new service. The article on pages 11-20 in this Postal Bulletin includes revisions to the four postage statements that CMM mailers must use when presenting CMM mailings.

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

Domestic Mail Manual (DMM)

* * * * *

C Characteristics and Content

* * * * *

C600 Standard Mail

* * * * *

4.0 NONMACHINABLE PIECES

[Revise 4.0 to read as follows:]

4.1 Surcharge Applied

The nonmachinable surcharge in R600 applies only to Regular and Nonprofit Standard Mail letter-size pieces (including card-size pieces), except for letter-size pieces prepared and entered as Customized MarketMail pieces under E660, if the pieces weigh 3.3 ounces or less, are claimed at Presorted letter rates, and are subject to either of these conditions:

a. The pieces have one or more of the nonmachinable characteristics for letter-size mail in C050.

b. The pieces are labeled for manual processing by the mailer under the manual only option in M610.

4.2 Surcharge Not Applied

The nonmachinable surcharge in R600 does not apply to Standard Mail pieces (including parcels) that are claimed at any nonletter rate. The surcharge also does not apply to Standard Mail letter-size pieces that are claimed at these letter rates:

a. Automation rates.

b. Enhanced Carrier Route rates.

c. Presorted rates if the pieces are not subject to either of the two conditions in 4.1, or if the pieces are prepared and entered as Customized MarketMail pieces under E660.

* * * * *

E Eligibility

* * * * *

E600 Standard Mail

* * * * *

E620 Presorted Rates

* * * * *

4.0 NONMACHINABLE SURCHARGE

[Revise text to read as follows:]

The nonmachinable surcharge in R600 applies only to Regular and Nonprofit Standard Mail letter-size pieces (including card-size pieces), except for letter-size pieces prepared and entered as Customized MarketMail pieces under E660, if the pieces weigh 3.3 ounces or less, are claimed at

Presorted letter rates, and are subject to either of these conditions:

a. The pieces have one or more of the nonmachinable characteristics for letter-size mail in C050.

b. The pieces are labeled for manual processing by the mailer under the manual only option in M610.

* * * * *

E660 Customized MarketMail

* * * * *

2.0 RATES

[Revise text to read as follows:]

Each piece in a CMM mailing is subject to the Presorted Regular or Nonprofit Standard Mail nondestination entry basic nonletter rate plus the residual shape surcharge. CMM pieces are not eligible for any discount including the parcel barcode discount in E620. CMM pieces are not subject to the nonmachinable surcharge for letters.

* * * * *

- Mailing Standards,
Pricing and Classification, 7-24-03

FIELD INFORMATION KIT

Customized MarketMail (CMM)

This Customized MarketMail (CMM) Field Information Kit contains the following items:

• Fact Sheet.

• Frequently Asked Questions.

• CMM Service Stand-Up Talk.

Fact Sheet

Description

• Starting August 10, 2003, CMM service is a new type of Standard Mail service.

• Virtually any design and shape that a mailer desires can qualify as a CMM item.

Piece Requirements

• A CMM item can weigh up to 3.3 ounces. There is no minimum weight requirement.

• A CMM item may be as large as 12 inches high by 15 inches long by 3/4 inch thick. The minimum dimension requirements are 3-1/2 inches high by 5 inches long by .007 inch thick.

• For safety reasons, pieces cannot have sharp or pointed edges.

• Standard Mail content restrictions apply.

• CMM pieces must bear either an exceptional address format or an occupant address format.

• CMM pieces are not eligible for any ancillary services (such as forwarding or return) or special services (such as Delivery ConfirmationTM).

• CMM pieces cannot have detached address labels.

• The Postal ServiceTM recommends that mailers provide designs to their local Postal Service acceptance units for review before production.

Mailing Requirements

• Mailers must pay or have paid the annual mailing fee for Standard Mail services.

• Mailers must submit at least 200 pieces per mailing, but not necessarily per destinating delivery unit (DDU).

• Mailers must dropship the pieces or bring them to the DDU.

• The postage rates for these distinctive mailpieces are 57.4 cents for Regular Standard Mail service, and 46 cents for Nonprofit Standard Mail service. Those are the basic non-letter, regular, or nonprofit standard rates plus the residual shape surcharge.

• Mailers must not mail individual CMM pieces or deposit CMM pieces in mailboxes or collection boxes.

Business Potential

• "Within certain size, weight, and thickness limitations, Customized MarketMail can be virtually any shape and design that the mailer desires," said Nick Barranca, Vice President of Product Development. "CMM will let advertisers put their creativity to work, designing their mailpieces to deliver high impact, to demand attention, and generate greater response rates."

• "Think of the possibilities!" said Steve Kearney, Vice President of Pricing and Classification. "Mailpieces shaped like cars, shoes, computers, pizzas - popping up in customer mailboxes, announcing new products, empowering mailer messages, and driving customer buying habits."

• "Customized MarketMail is the shape of things to come," said H. Robert Wientzen, President and CEO of the Direct Marketing Association.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is CMM service?

Customized MarketMail (CMM) service is a new type of Standard Mail service that, within certain broad requirements, allows mailpieces to be virtually any design and shape a mailer desires. It allows business mailers to send distinctive, unusually shaped advertising pieces to their customers, thereby differentiating their product in the mailbox and in the mind of the consumer. CMM service takes effect August 10, 2003.

How does it work?

Mailers must have or obtain a Standard Mail permit. They must send a minimum of 200 pieces per mailing, but not necessarily per destinating delivery unit (DDU), and must dropship them or bring them to the DDU. As a result, Post OfficeTM facilities can expect to receive some CMM pieces by Priority MailŪ service or Express MailŪ service marked "Open and Distribute." The postage rates for these distinctive mailpieces are 57.4 cents for Regular Standard Mail service, and 46 cents for Nonprofit Standard Mail service. Those are the basic non-letter, regular, or nonprofit standard rates plus the residual shape surcharge. Mailers must not mail individual CMM pieces or deposit CMM pieces in mailboxes or collection boxes.

What are the size limitations?

A CMM piece can weigh up to 3.3 ounces and may be as large as 12 inches high by 15 inches long by 3/4 inch thick. There is no minimum weight requirement, and the minimum dimension requirements are 3-1/2 inches high by 5 inches long by .007 inch thick. For the safety of the recipients and Postal Service employees, pieces cannot have sharp or pointed edges. The Postal Service encourages mailers to provide designs to their local Postal Service acceptance units for review before production.

Why are there special handling requirements?

Automated equipment cannot handle the irregular shapes and sizes of the pieces, so mailers must dropship or deliver the pieces to the DDU.

Who will probably use CMM service?

A number of prominent printers, advertising agencies, and business mailers have indicated their interest in CMM service, noting that the pieces have the potential to open up a world of design creativity that can help differentiate their merchandise and services in the marketplace. We expect the primary users to be companies with prestige brands, top-of-the-line technology products, and other high-end merchandise. However, for some local retailers, such as pizza franchises and dry cleaners, CMM service might make business sense, too. One thing is for sure - CMM pieces will stand out in the mailbox. Starting August 10, 2003, there will be new creativity and excitement in the mail.

What if consumers want to mail CMM items?

The presence of CMM items in the mail may lead some consumers to believe incorrectly that oddly shaped single- piece items such as novelty postcards are now mailable without envelopes. They are not. It is important for consumers to understand that individuals cannot mail these pieces or drop them in a mailbox for processing and delivery without putting them in envelopes and applying the postage for First-Class MailŪ service.

How should letter carriers handle the pieces?

CMM pieces can be as small as a postcard or as large as 12 inches high by 15 inches long by 3/4 inch thick. This gives a lot of flexibility to the creators, so we want letter carriers to use their best judgment on handling. Depending on the size of the CMM pieces, letter carriers may work them as letters, flats, or parcels, whichever makes the most sense. In any event, letter carriers should leave CMM pieces at the residence, even if the pieces do not fit in the mailbox. There is no forwarding or return to sender. Facilities should not hold CMM pieces for pickup. If CMM pieces come back to the delivery office as undeliverable, Postal Service personnel should dispose of them in accordance with Postal Service standards.

What should acceptance clerks look for?

Acceptance clerks should check the size, weight, and thickness dimensions. A CMM piece does not have to be uniformly thick, so long as no part of it measures more than 3/4 inch. There can be no sharp edges - we want to make sure that the recipients and our employees are not injured by the unusually shaped pieces. Make sure that the pieces have a CMM rate marking consistent with the rules in Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) M012, as well as the carrier release endorsement "Carrier - Leave If No Response." Standard Mail content restrictions apply, and CMM pieces cannot have detached address labels.

How does the mailer show postage payment?

The mailer has the option of using a permit imprint indicia, postage meter imprint, or precanceled stamps. The mailer cannot use regular adhesive stamps. Each piece must show not only "Presorted Standard" or "PRSRT STD" but also the marking "CUSTOMIZED MARKETMAIL" (or the approved abbreviations "CUST MKTMAIL" OR "CMM"). Nonprofit Standard Mail pieces must show "Nonprofit Organization" (or "Nonprofit Org." or "Nonprofit") instead of "Presorted Standard" or "PRSRT STD." The standards and placement of applicable markings and endorsements must follow existing requirements for Standard Mail pieces under DMM M012.

How does the mailer address CMM pieces?

CMM pieces must bear the exceptional address format or the occupant address format. The exceptional address format uses both a recipient's name and the alternative, either "Current Occupant" or "Current Resident," followed by a complete delivery address, city, state, and ZIP Code or ZIP+4Ū code. The occupant address format does not use an actual recipient's name but only the designation "Occupant," "Householder," or "Resident," followed by a complete delivery address, city, state, and ZIP Code or ZIP+4 code. Mailers must not use the simplified addressing format, which shows no delivery address.

We encourage mailers to bring the designs of their CMM pieces to our acceptance units for review before production. This will save everyone time and trouble, and in some cases the need for and cost of reprinting.

CMM Service Stand-Up Talk

What's New

Keep an eye out for trains, planes, and automobiles to begin arriving at back docks, carrier cases, and mailboxes near you starting August 10, 2003.

The Postal Service announced this month the launch of Customized MarketMail (CMM) service, a new advertising mail product that some people in the mailing industry are calling "the shape of things to come."

How CMM Is Different

A CMM piece can weigh up to 3.3 ounces and be up to 12 inches high by 15 inches long by 3/4 inch thick. It does not have to be uniformly thick, but no part can measure more than 3/4 inch. (There is no minimum weight requirement, and the minimum dimensions are 3-1/2 inches high by 5 inches long by .007 inch thick.) And there can be no sharp edges - we don't want the recipients or our employees getting injured. Also, a CMM piece cannot have a detached address label. Please encourage mailers to bring the CMM designs to our acceptance units before production, so we can make sure that they meet these specifications.

Within these physical limitations, CMM items can be virtually any shape and design that the mailer desires. CMM items will allow companies to put their creativity to work to distinguish their products in the marketplace, attract new customers, and generate more business.

Mailer Requirements for Sending CMM Items

CMM service is not for everyone. Mailers must:

• Meet the following three requirements:

- Already have a permit to use Standard Mail service, or pay the annual mailing fee.

- Send a minimum of 200 pieces per mailing, but not necessarily per destinating delivery unit (DDU).

- Dropship them or deliver them to the DDU. As a result, we can expect to receive some CMM pieces by Priority MailŪ or Express MailŪ service marked "Open and Distribute."

• Include on the individual pieces the carrier release marking "Carrier - Leave If No Response." Because the pieces may bear only an exceptional address format or an occupant address format, there is no forwarding or return to sender. If for any reason they are undeliverable, Postal Service personnel should dispose of the pieces in accordance with Postal Service standards. There are no ancillary service options and no special services available with CMM.

• Pay a postage rate of 57.4 cents for Regular Standard Mail service, and 46 cents for Nonprofit Standard Mail service. Those are the basic non-letter, regular, or nonprofit standard rates plus the residual shape surcharge.

You can read about all technical requirements for CMM in the article entitled "DMM Revision: Custom MarketMail," which appeared in Postal Bulletin 22106 (7-10-03, pages 27-38), and also in "DMM Revision: Customized MarketMail - Nonmachinable Surcharge," which appears in this Postal Bulletin 22107 (7-24-03, starting on page 6).

Important Acceptance and Delivery Reminders

The presence of CMM items in the mail may lead some customers to believe incorrectly that oddly shaped single piece items such as novelty postcards are now mailable without envelopes. They are not. Mailers cannot mail CMM items individually or drop them in a mailbox or collection box for processing and delivery without putting them in envelopes and applying postage for First-Class MailŪ service.

Additional Message for Letter Carriers

The carrier release marking "Carrier - Leave If No Response" endorsement requires letter carriers to leave CMM at the delivery point if it does not fit in the mail receptacle. Letter carriers must not forward or return to sender, and they must dispose of undeliverable-as-addressed CMM pieces in accordance with Postal Service standards. Because mailers can produce pieces in various shapes within the noted size restrictions, carriers should handle CMM as letters, flats, or parcels as appropriate for the mailpiece size and national and local bargaining agreements.

- Implementation and Outreach,
Pricing and Classification, 7-24-03

NOTICE

Customized MarketMail - Revised Postage Statements

Effective August 10, 2003, the following four postage statements, which appear on pages 13-20 of this Postal Bulletin, are revised to incorporate certain additional data elements that mailers entering Customized MarketMail (CMM) must complete:

• 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.

• 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.

A description of CMM service and the mailing standards for this new service appeared in the article titled "DMM Revision: Customized MarketMail" in Postal Bulletin 22106 (7-10-03, pages 27-38). That article explains how to prepare CMM items and provides information on verification and entry, rates, postage payment, markings and endorsements, physical characteristics, addressing, and delivery. See also the article titled "DMM Revision: Customized MarketMail - Nonmachinable Surcharge," which appears in this Postal Bulletin starting on page 6.

Effective Date of Postage Statements

The revised postage statements have an edition date of August 2003 to coincide with the August 10, 2003, implementation date for the new CMM service. These revised postage statements include not only new entries for CMM service and the corresponding rates but also other elements required for reporting and collecting CMM data in the Permit System. All mailers preparing and entering CMM items must use the August 2003 editions (or approved facsimiles), which contain these additions:

• A CMM checkbox in the "Processing Category" block in the "Mailing Info." section on page 1.

• A new line item that reads "For Customized MarketMail (3.3 oz. or less)" in the "Postage Computation" section on page 1.

• A Privacy Notice in the "Certification" section on page 1.

• A new Part L, "Customized MarketMail Rate," on page 2.

Use of June 2002 Editions

Mailers not preparing CMM items may continue to use the June 2002 editions of these four postage statements until August 10, 2004. However, mailers should use the August 2003 editions as soon as possible. All editions before June 2002 are obsolete, and mailers must not use them.

Availability of Revised Statements

There will be no automatic distribution to Post OfficeTM facilities of printed copies of the August 2003 editions of the postage statements. Post Office facilities can obtain these postage statements from the Material Distribution Center (MDC) using the following ordering procedures:

• Touch Tone Order Entry: 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 placing your first order).

• E-mail: Complete PS Form 7380, MDC Supply Requisition (manually or by 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

The relevant ordering information for these postage statements is as follows:

These revised postage statements will soon be available in Adobe PDF (print-only) format on the Postal Service PolicyNet Web site at http://blue.usps.gov/cpim; click on Postal Forms. They also will soon be accessible on the Internet at www.usps.com; click on Find a Form, and then All Online PDF Forms in Numeric Order. Mailers needing these postage statements - or any other postage statements - can print them locally from the Internet and complete them manually. Postmasters and managers of Business Mail Entry should encourage their customers and staff to use the Postal Service Web site to obtain the most up-to-date forms.

Managers of Business Mail Entry must ensure that all Post Office facilities and detached mail units within the service area of their district have access to all postage statements to meet the needs of any local mailer who may want to enter CMM items. District offices must supply statements to their Post Office facilities that do not have Internet access.

Mailers with questions about the use and availability of postage statements should contact the Post Office facility where they usually enter their mailings. Postal Service employees with questions should contact their district manager of Business Mail Entry.

- Mailing Standards,
Pricing and Classification, 7-24-03