International Mail

ICM UPDATES

International Customized Mail

We have combined ICM updates into one Postal Bulletin article to save space and paper. 4 ICM updates appear here.

On June 19, 2003, the Postal ServiceTM entered into an International Customized Mail (ICM) Service Agreement with a Qualifying Mailer. In accordance with International Mail Manual (IMM) 297.4, the Postal Service now makes public the following information concerning the Agreement:

a. Term: July 3, 2003, through July 2, 2004.

b. Type of mail: Global Express MailTM (EMS). Every item must conform to the mailing requirements set forth in the IMM for EMS.

c. Destination countries: Worldwide.

d. Service provided by the Postal Service: The Postal Service has agreed to transport EMS to international destinations for delivery by the appropriate authorities.

e. Minimum volume commitments: The Mailer has agreed to meet an annualized minimum commitment of 1,000 pieces of EMS.

f. Worksharing: The Mailer has agreed to:

1. Comply with the terms and conditions for mailing EMS as set forth in the IMM.

2. Pay postage for EMS by means of a dedicated Express Mail Corporate Account (EMCA) in accordance with the EMCA requirements set forth in the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM).

g. Rates: The Mailer has agreed to pay postage at a rate discounted at ten (10) percent off nondiscounted published rates in effect on the date of mailing in accordance with Exhibit 1.

Exhibit 1

On June 13, 2003, the Postal Service amended an International Customized Mail (ICM) Service Agreement dated May 31, 2002. The Agreement was published on page 17 of Postal Bulletin 22079 (6-27-02). The Amendment modifies the term of the Agreement. In accordance with International Mail Manual (IMM) 297.4, the Postal Service previously announced entering into an International Customized Mail Service Agreement with this qualifying mailer and now makes public the following information regarding this Amendment:

a. Term: June 14, 2003, through June 13, 2006.

b. Type of mail: All other provisions of the Agreement shall remain in force.

c. Destination countries: All other provisions of the Agreement shall remain in force.

d. Service provided by the Postal Service: All other provisions of the Agreement shall remain in force.

e. Minimum volume commitments: All other provisions of the Agreement shall remain in force.

f. Worksharing: All other provisions of the Agreement shall remain in force.

g. Rates: All other provisions of the Agreement shall remain in force.

On May 29, 2003, the Postal Service amended an International Customized Mail (ICM) Service Agreement dated November 16, 1999. The Agreement was published on page 29 of Postal Bulletin 22014 (12-30-99). The Amendment modifies the term of the Agreement and the rates. In accordance with International Mail Manual (IMM) 297.4, the Postal Service previously announced entering into an International Customized Mail Service Agreement with this qualifying mailer and now makes public the following information regarding this Amendment:

a. Term: June 5, 2000 , through September 3, 2003.

b. Type of mail: All other provisions of the Agreement shall remain in force.

c. Destination countries: All other provisions of the Agreement shall remain in force.

d. Service provided by the Postal Service: All other provisions of the Agreement shall remain in force.

e. Minimum volume commitments: All other provisions of the Agreement shall remain in force.

f. Worksharing: All other provisions of the Agreement shall remain in force.

g. Rates: The Mailer has agreed to:

a. Pay postage, either directly or through their designated mailing agent, to the USPSŪ for all Qualifying Mail in accordance with Exhibit 1, with the exception of mailings authorized by Paragraph 8 of this Article, until the date of midnight on June 5, 2003.

b. Pay postage, either directly or through their designated mailing agent, to the USPS for all Qualifying Mail in accordance with Exhibit 2, with the exception of mailings authorized by Paragraph 8 of this Article, beginning on June 6, 2003, until the date of midnight on September 3, 2003.

Exhibit 1 International Priority Airmail Rates

* Refer to IMM 25, Exhibit 292.442

Exhibit 2 International Priority Airmail Rates

* Refer to IMM 27, Exhibit 292.442

On June 19, 2003, the Postal Service entered into an International Customized Mail (ICM) Service Agreement with a Qualifying Mailer. In accordance with International Mail Manual (IMM) 297.4, the Postal Service now makes public the following information concerning the Agreement:

a. Term: July 3, 2003, through July 2, 2004.

b. Type of mail: Global Express MailTM (EMS). Every item must conform to the mailing requirements set forth in the IMM for EMS.

c. Destination countries: Worldwide.

d. Service provided by the Postal Service: The Postal Service has agreed to transport EMS to international destinations for delivery by the appropriate authorities.

e. Minimum volume commitments: The Mailer has agreed to meet an annualized minimum commitment of 600 pieces of EMS.

f. Worksharing: The Mailer has agreed to:

1. Comply with the terms and conditions for mailing EMS as set forth in the IMM.

2. Pay postage for EMS by means of a dedicated Express Mail Corporate Account (EMCA) in accordance with the EMCA requirements set forth in the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM).

g. Rates: The Mailer has agreed to pay postage at a rate discounted at eight (8) percent off nondiscounted published rates in effect on the date of mailing in accordance with Exhibit 1.

Exhibit 1

- Pricing Strategy,
Pricing and Classification, 7-24-03

Philately

Pictorial Cancellations Announcement

As a community service, the Postal ServiceTM offers pictorial cancellations to commemorate local events celebrated in communities throughout the nation. A list of events for which pictorial cancellations are authorized appears below. If available, the sponsor of the pictorial cancellation appears in italics under the date. Also provided, as space permits, are illustrations of those cancellations that were reproducible and available at press time.

People attending these local events may obtain the cancellation in person at the temporary Post OfficeTM station established there. Those who cannot attend the event, but who wish to obtain the cancellation, may submit a mail order request. Pictorial cancellations are available only for the dates indicated, and requests must be postmarked no later than 30 days following the requested pictorial cancellation date.

All requests must include a stamped envelope or postcard bearing at least the minimum First-Class MailŪ postage. Items submitted for cancellation may not include postage issued after the date of the requested cancellation. Such items will be returned unserviced.

Customers wishing to obtain a cancellation should affix stamps to any envelope or postcard of their choice, address the envelope or postcard to themselves or others,insert a card of postcard thickness in envelopes for sturdiness, and tuck in the flap. Place the envelope or postcard in a larger envelope and address it to: PICTORIAL CANCELLATIONS, followed by the NAME OF THE STATION,ADDRESS, CITY, STATE, ZIP+4 CODE, exactly as listed below (using all capitals and no punctuation, except the hyphen in the ZIP+4 code).

Customers can also send stamped envelopes and postcards without addresses for cancellation, as long as they supply a larger envelope with adequate postage and their return address. After applying the pictorial cancellation, the Postal Service returns the items (with or without addresses) under addressed protective cover.

The following cancellations have been extended for 30 days.

June 6, 2003

YOUR TOWN TEAM STATION

POSTMASTER

351 24TH ST N

BIRMINGHAM AL 35203-9998

June 27, 2003

Military Order of the Purple Heart Colon Rivera NYC Chapter 3

PURPLE HEART STATION

POSTMASTER

SPECIAL EVENTS

421 EIGHTH AVE RM 2029B

NEW YORK NY 10199-9998

June 28, 2003

Postal Service

OLD CAPE HENRY LIGHTHOUSE STATION

POSTMASTER

PO BOX 2156

VIRGINIA BEACH VA 23450-9998

July 3, 2003

Racine Zoo

CONSERVATION STATION

POSTMASTER

2635 4 MI RD

RACINE WI 53404-9998

July 4, 2003

City of Wilson Creek

100TH ANNIVERSARY STATION

POSTMASTER

PO BOX 9998

WILSON CREEK WA 98860-9998

July 5, 2003

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH LANDMARK BICENTENNIAL 1800 TO 2003 MAIN STREET STATION

POSTMASTER

PO BOX 9998

UNIONVILLE NY 10988-9998

The following cancellation has been extended for 30 days.

May 28, 2003

LAKELAND POST OFFICE CENTENNIAL 100 YEARS OF SERVICE STATION

POSTMASTER

9680 KRESS RD

LAKELAND MI 48143-9998

- Stamp Services,
Government Relations, 7-24-03

Dale Clites Cancellation - Withdrawn

The Dale Clites cancellation has been withdrawn.

- Stamp Services,
Government Relations, 7-24-03

Post Offices

MOVER'S GUIDE NEWS

Publication 75, Mover's Guide - September 2003

In mid-August, the September 2003 edition of Publication 75, Mover's Guide, will begin arriving at your facility. The September Mover's Guide will be shipped in new denominations, 300 count and 100 count boxes. Do not start using the new edition before September 1 unless your current quantity has been depleted. After September 1, recycle any copies of previous editions of Mover's Guide remaining at your facility.

Starting with the September edition, Mover's Guide will have a new look. It will come in an easy-to-use envelope format, which is convenient for consumers and more cost effective for the Postal ServiceTM.

Mover's Guide is printed and distributed three times a year - in April, August, and December. If you run out of copies of the September 2003 Mover's Guide before the next print cycle in December, you can order an additional 100 copies or less by contacting the MDC 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, choose 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 will need to order the September 2003 Mover's Guide from the MDC:

PSIN: PUB 75
NSN: 7610-03-000-4795
Unit of Measure: EA
Bulk Pack Quantity: 100
Quick Pick Number: 441
Price: N/A
Edition Date: 09/03

If you are requesting more than 100 additional copies or have other questions regarding the Mover's Guide, please call the Mover's Guide Field Communications Department, Imagitas, at 800-816-6837.

Please keep track of your inventory. Businesses and other organizations must purchase the Mover's Guide and can obtain order forms by calling 800-816-6837.

Remember, to change their address online, customers can visit www.usps.com and click on Change Address, or they can go directly to www.usps.com/moversguide!

- Address Management,
Intelligent Mail and Address Quality, 7-24-03

Retail

HANDBOOK M-39 REVISION

PS Form 3997, or Electronic Equivalent, Use in DOIS Offices

Effective July 24, 2003, Handbook M-39, Management of Delivery Services, is revised to incorporate the changes listed below. These changes will reflect the use of Delivery Operations Information System (DOIS) printouts in offices where DOIS has been or will be implemented. The reason for the change is that the information contained on PS Form 3997, Unit Daily Record, can be obtained from DOIS reports and used as directed by Handbook M-39.

District managers should ensure that copies of the Handbook M-39 changes are communicated to all responsible delivery unit managers. We will incorporate these revisions into the next printed version of Handbook M-39 and into the online version available on the Postal ServiceTM PolicyNet Web site at http://blue.usps.gov; click HBKs.

Handbook M-39, Management of Delivery Services

1 Administration of City Delivery Service

* * * * *

12 Office Work Routine

* * * * *

126 Office Work While Carrier Is on Route

* * * * *

126.3 Record of Carrier Work Hours, Absences, Replacements, and Overtime

[Revise text to read as follows:]

Complete PS Form 3997, Unit Daily Record, as per instructions on the form (See exhibit 126.3) or electronic equivalent from a nationally approved computer system that provides equivalent information. Prepare PS Form 3997 several days in advance. Since scheduled absences and scheduled replacements are known, add only the unscheduled absences and their unscheduled replacements.

* * * * *

127 Office Work When the Carriers Return From Route

The carrier unit managers must observe and direct carrier activity when carriers return from the route. Observe such things as:

* * * * *

[Revise item e to read as follows:]

e. Complete PS Form 1813, Late Leaving and Returning Report - First Carrier Delivery Trip, and PS Form 3997 or electronic equivalent from a nationally approved computer system that provides equivalent information.

* * * * *

13 Analyzing Operations

131 Carrier Operations

* * * * *

131.2 Types of Analyses

* * * * *

131.23 Hours Used on Auxiliary Route

131.231 Source of Information

[Revise text to read as follows:]

Obtain this information from PS Form 3997 or electronic equivalent from a nationally approved computer system that provides equivalent information.

* * * * *

14 Adjustments

141 Minor Adjustments

141.1 Route Adjustment Without Special Inspection

* * * * *

141.18 Preliminary Planning

[Revise text to read as follows:]

Management should carefully review and analyze street management records; PS Form 3997 or electronic equivalent from a nationally approved computer system that provides equivalent information; PS Form 1813, Late Leaving and Returning Report - First Carrier Delivery Trip; PS Form 3996, Carrier-Auxiliary Control; PS Form 1571, Undelivered Mail Report; PS Form 3921, Volume Recording Worksheet; PS Form 3921-A, Daily Delivery Unit Volume Worksheet (Continuation); and carrier timecards. The manager using PS Form 1840, Carrier Delivery Route - Summary of Count and Inspection, should prepare a Summary of Minor Adjustments Worksheet for each route. The summary should contain the Post OfficeTM name, ZIP Code, delivery unit name, route number, carrier's name, ID number, age, length of service, length of service on route, route designation, number of trips, type of route, type of vehicle used on route, and other appropriate information as indicated in exhibit 141.18.

* * * * *

16 Parcel Post

* * * * *

162 Analysis of Parcel Post Operations

[Revise text to read as follows:]

Review assignment records (PS Form 3997 or electronic equivalent from a nationally approved computer system that provides equivalent information) to determine which runs frequently require overtime and/or auxiliary assistance. Also, periodically make an analysis of PS Form 1571 to determine when and how frequently parcel post is curtailed.

* * * * *

2 Mail Counts and Route Inspections

21 Advance Preparations

* * * * *

213 Review and Analysis of Carrier Control Forms

Three or 4 weeks prior to the scheduled period of formal mail counts and route inspections, an analysis should be made of:

* * * * *

[Revise item f to read as follows:]

f. PS Form 3997, Unit Daily Record (see exhibit 126.3), or electronic equivalent from a nationally approved computer system that provides equivalent information.

* * * * *

24 Analysis and Adjustments - Letter Rates

* * * * *

242 Evaluation and Analysis

242.1 General

* * * * *

242.13 Information Available to Manager

The following items must be available for the manager who is to make the adjustments:

* * * * *

[Revise item c to read as follows:]

c. PS Form 3997 or electronic equivalent from a nationally approved computer system that provides equivalent information.

* * * * *

243 Adjustment Procedures

* * * * *

243.6 Evaluation of Adjustments

243.61 General Requirements

[Revise text to read as follows:]

243.611 After the adjustment of routes has been placed in effect, the manager must carefully study and analyze PS Form 3997 or electronic equivalent from a nationally approved computer system that provides equivalent information; PS Form 3997-B, Operations Analysis Report; PS Form 1813; street management records; volume recording data; and carrier's time records to see that the objective has been met, especially for those routes where extensive changes have been made.

* * * * *

243.63 PS Form 3997, Unit Daily Record

[Revise text to read as follows:]

Review PS Form 3997 or electronic equivalent from a nationally approved computer system that provides equivalent information to determine whether an excessive amount of auxiliary assistance is being used daily for the maintenance of schedules on one or more routes. Determine if carrier technicians (T-6) and carriers serving auxiliary routes exceed the time allowed for the routes.

* * * * *

- Delivery Operations,
Delivery and Retail, 7-24-03

NOTICE

Maintaining Postage Validation Imprinter (PVI) Equipment

Clearly printed destination ZIP Code barcodes on postage validation imprinter (PVI) labels are very important for the accurate and efficient handling of mail. PVIs require periodic cleaning to ensure production of legible barcodes. Poorly maintained PVIs will result in incompletely printed or smeared barcodes that cannot be read by our automated sorting equipment. Rejected articles must be rekeyed, which adds to processing time and costs.

PVI labels must be purchased through the authorized supplier to ensure that they can be read by the sorting equipment. Brand "X" labels offered in mail order office supply catalogs most likely will not have the proper fluorescent taggant.

Ordering PVI Labels

The Postal ServiceTM is currently under contract with Moore North America, Inc., to supply PVI labels. Retail units with Internet access are required to order their labels through eBuy. To order through eBuy and to obtain an eBuy logon ID and password:

From Internet Explorer (version 5.0 or higher), go to the Blue page at http://blue.usps.gov and click eBuy under Essential Links. (The direct URL is http://ebuy.usps.gov/jsp/co/Login.jsp; note that this URL is case sensitive.)

Sites not having Internet access may order labels from the Material Distribution Center by one of the following means:

• 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 mscustome@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 PVI labels is as follows:

PSIN: 07522
NSN: 7690-04-000-1181
Quick Pick Number: 503
Unit of Measure: CS
Min. Order Quantity: 1
Max. Order Quantity: 15
Bulk Pack Quantity: 12
Price: $24.5216

Those orders will be transmitted electronically to Moore.

For further information, please see Material Logistics Bulletin No. MLB-CO-03-013, National Source for Selected Labels, Decals, and Forms, Moore North America, Inc. updated July 14, 2003. This MLB is available at http://blue.usps.gov/purchase/material/mlb/mlbindex.htm.

Cleaning PVI Components

The PVI print head, pressure roller, and label sensors must be cleaned regularly to ensure printing of machine- readable barcode labels and to avoid label jams. The print head and label sensors are electronic parts that should be cleaned only with one of the following:

• Alcohol-based cleaning pens.

• Cotton swabs dipped lightly in isopropyl alcohol.

• Alcohol on a cloth (for cleaning the take-up roller).

One source for purchasing cleaning pens is the General Services Administration (GSA). The current price for part number 5120-01-356-2413 ("Thermal Printer Cleaning Pens") is $9.28 per dozen. Cleaning pens can be ordered directly from GSA or through the Material Distribution Center.

The relevant ordering information for cleaning pens is as follows:

PSIN: CP-1
NSN: 5120-01-356-2413
Quick Pick Number: N/A
Unit of Measure: DZ
Min. Order Quantity: 1
Bulk Pack Quantity: N/A
Price: $9.28 (price subject to change per General Services Administration)

Cleaning the PVI

When cleaning any part of the PVI do the following:

1. Turn off both the PVI and the POS ONE terminal or integrated retail terminal (IRT) to which it is connected.

2. Remove the cover of the PVI. Inside the cover is a diagram of the PVI with most of the key parts labeled. All the necessary cleaning can be performed without removing the labels from the PVI.

Cleaning the Print Head

1. Press the silver print head release tab located above and behind the large black take-up roller at the lower front of the PVI.

2. Lift the spring bracket (the silver rectangular bar above the black take-up roller).

3. Lift the print head (covered with a black plastic cover). The print head is on the lower surface of the mechanism, about 5/8" from the front edge.

4. Uncap the cleaning pen or dip a cotton swab lightly in isopropyl alcohol.

5. Insert the cleaning pen or cotton swab under the small black plastic roller and rub the slanted tip back and forth over the print head 5 or 6 times.

Cleaning the Pressure Roller

The pressure roller, the small black roller in the middle of the spring bracket, should be cleaned frequently to prevent jams. Cleaning the roller only when a new roll of labels is loaded may not be sufficient. We suggest that sales and services associates (SSAs) make cleaning the pressure roller a part of their daily start-up activities. The roller can be cleaned in a few seconds - much less time than is required to clear a label jam.

1. Press the silver print head release tab.

2. Lift the spring bracket for easier access to the black take-up roller.

Cleaning the Sensors

1. Lightly rub the cleaning pen or a cotton swab dipped in alcohol over the label-taken sensor. The label- taken sensor is positioned just in front of the print head at the lower right edge of the mechanism. It is a tiny blue dot.

2. Lightly rub the cleaning pen or a cotton swab dipped in alcohol over the low-label sensor. The low-label sensor is the black plastic rectangle just above the aluminum paper hanger at the back of the PVI.

After cleaning, lower the spring bracket until it clicks into place and replace the cover of the PVI.

- Retail Operations,
Delivery and Retail, 7-24-03