USPSNEWS@WORK

95 and holding! USPS closes second consecutive quarter with 95% on time delivery

We did it! And we'll keep on doing it because top notch efficiency and service is what transformation is all about.

• The Postal ServiceTM achieved its highest overnight service score for First-Class Mail^Ū delivery for the second consecutive quarter, again breaking all previous records and raising the bar for overnight service performance in the nation's major metropolitan areas.

• Vice President and Consumer Advocate Francia Smith told the USPSŪ Board of Governors that overnight First-Class Mail service maintained the milestone score of 95 percent on-time delivery service performance in quarter III, the period between Feb. 22 and May 16, 2003. This is the fifth consecutive quarter First-Class Mail delivery has hit 94 percent or above.

• Six performance clusters achieved on-time delivery performance scores of 97 percent: Erie, PA; Richmond, VA; Albany, NY; Big Sky, MT; Sacramento, CA; and Portland, OR.

• First-Class Mail delivery performance is measured externally and independently by IBM's Business Consulting Services unit, using the External First- Class measurement system, or EXFC. It provides an independent assessment of the time it takes a First- Class Mail piece, once it's deposited into a collection box, to be delivered to one of more than 140 million American s, businesses and Post OfficeTM boxes that are serviced six days a week.

They like us: They really do.

The most recent customer satisfaction survey shows 93 percent of households nationwide have a positive view of the Postal Service, rating USPS's overall performance as excellent, very good and good, according to VP and Consumer Advocate Francia Smith.

• This is the seventh consecutive quarter in which ratings of overall performance have reached 93 percent.

• Customer Satisfaction Measurement is independently measured by The Gallup Organization, which conducts surveys on a variety of Postal Service issues and services from a customer's perspective.

Summer blockbuster II: New DMM 200-A out now

It's finally out. The DMM 200-A, A Guide to Mailing for Businesses and Organizations, follows on the heels of last year's award-winning DMM 100, A Customer's Guide to Mailing.

• Like its predecessor, the new publication transforms the often-complicated Domestic Mail Manual into an easy-to-understand, customer-friendly guide. It's a handy tool for companies and organizations looking for ways to promote their products and services.

• "The guide is one of the best resources we offer for small and medium volume mailers," said Pricing and Classification Vice President Stephen Kearney.

• A Guide to Mailing for Businesses and Organizations has three sections - the first shows the advantages, costs and preparation for retail mailing services; the second outlines discounted business mail; the third covers online mailing services, which combine Internet speed with the effectiveness of traditional mail.

USPS began mailing copies of the guidebook to Post Offices and customers in mid-July. Check out the guide on www.usps.com. Click on Grow Your Business. Or go to http://pe.usps.gov/text/dmm200/.

Detecting biohazards: BDS tests continue in Baltimore, Cleveland, Lancaster, Pittsburgh

The Biohazard Detection System (BDS) preproduction test, which began July 14 at 15 processing and distribution center (PDC) sites, will continue in Baltimore, Cleveland, Lancaster, and Pittsburgh until the final production equipment is deployed.

• Extending the test enables Engineering to further improve the BDS technology before national rollout in 2004. Having the four sites in relative close proximity also allows the Postal Service to evaluate a regional emergency response concept, similar to what is used by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Environmental Protection Agency.

• To date, the BDS preproduction test has been very successful in assessing system performance. The test is scheduled to end August 9 in the remaining 11 sites and the equipment will be removed.

• The Cleveland PDC will be the first site to receive the final production equipment in November. National deployment is scheduled to begin in March with the test extension sites among the first to receive the equipment.

Diversity delivered: Nominations open for the 2003 National Awards Program for Diversity Achievement

Diversity achieved is an honor shared. USPS is seeking nominations for the 2003 National Awards Program for Diversity Achievement.

• Do you know someone on the Postal Service team who encourages, promotes and celebrates diversity, and deserves to be honored for those efforts? Make sure that person gets the recognition he or she deserves!

• Nominations are being accepted through Sept. 12 for the 2003 National Awards Program for Diversity Achievement. All employees are eligible for this prestigious program. This honor is the largest peer recognition program at USPS. It demonstrates the promise and strength of our organization and the importance of sharing values and building unity.

• For more information about the awards, or to make a nomination, visit the Diversity Development Web site at http://blue.usps.gov/diversitynet.

Fast swipe: New system processes plastic more quickly at retail counters

Say goodbye to dial-up delays. A new network-based card swipe process for Point of Service (POS) ONE retail terminals makes paying by plastic a breeze - for both the Postal Service and its customers.

• National deployment is now under way, thanks to a partnership among Information Technology, Corporate Treasury and the POS ONE program. An integrated system speeds up processing of debit card and credit card authorizations - in four to seven seconds on average - and it's also used to swipe- activate phone cards.

• The new process replaces the older dial-up system and related devices. It allows retail offices to reduce telephone lines, saving workspace and money. When POS ONE deployment is completed by January 2005, more than 65,000 integrated terminals will be helping to serve retail customers - and helping the lines move faster. Adding value for customers - that's a critical piece of the Transformation Plan.

Speak loud and clear: Take the VOE survey this quarter

Got something to say? Here's your chance to say it loud and clear. Quarter IV Voice of the Employee (VOE) survey has been mailed. And this quarter could be your turn to participate.

Every career employee has an opportunity to take the survey once during the year. It's quick, easy and you can do it on the clock, too. Your feedback is critical to the Postal Service's continued success.

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. Once you get it, fill it out, place it in the postage-paid envelope and drop it in the mail by Aug. 13. It's your voice. Make sure it's heard.

Aspiring candidates

The Postal Service will recognize suppliers who helped USPS achieve supply chain management cost reductions with Quality Supplier Awards, Oct. 29. Nominations must be completed by Aug. 15. More information and nomination forms are available on the Postal Service Intranet site at http://blue.usps.gov/purchase/root/SCMAwards.doc. Once there, see Part B.

Access made simple

Corporate Succession Planning (CSP) is going hi-tech. A secure, electronic process currently in development will expand access for eligible employees to participate in the process that develops future Postal Service leaders. When CSP open season is announced, applicants will be able to apply online using their PostalEASE personal identification number or PIN. Forgot your PIN? Call PostalEASE toll free at 877-4PS-EASE (877-477-3273).

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, 8-7-03

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

Labels

Management Instructions

Notices

Posters

Publications

New Forms

Revised Directives

Handbooks

Manuals

Publications

Revised Forms (revised forms appear on the Web before they are stocked at MDC)

Obsolete Directives

Management Instructions

Publications

- Policies and Procedures Information, Public Affairs and Communications, 8-7-03

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.

CUSTOMER COMPANION AND SUBMIT A LEAD

Two New Tools "Transform" All Employees Into Salespeople

Two important new sales support tools are now available to help Postal ServiceTM employees improve the financial bottom line, as envisioned in the Postal Service's Transformation Plan.

One new tool opens the door to a vast library of product and service information. This tool - the Customer Companion Intranet Web site - provides the very latest sales support materials, professionally produced to help facilities handle customer inquiries and promote Postal Service products and services.

The other new tool - the Submit a Lead form - gives every employee a direct connection to Postal Service Marketing professionals. This is an easy-to-complete form to identify potential new business customers - companies that can use the mail to become more successful, thereby making the Postal Service more successful, too.

Customer Companion Web Site

The Customer Companion Intranet Web site provides Postal Service facilities with access to top-of-the-line sales materials. It features six categories of information, provides descriptions of the sales support materials, and in most cases provides downloadable and printable PDF files that can be printed immediately on site or taken via disk to a local print shop. Professional, high-quality sales materials are just a couple of mouse clicks away.

To access Customer Companion, go to http://blue.usps.gov, at the top click on Headquarters, and under "Marketing" click on Customer Companion. Once you're at the site, it's easy to find the sales materials you're looking for. The following six categories help you find the most current information on any product or service:

• Basic Search - a key-word search of the full list of support materials.

• Display All - a list of all of the sales support materials, along with descriptions of each item.

• Account Manager Search - an advanced search of sales support materials by customer segments, strategy, features, and type of sales support materials.

• Product Search - a search of sales support materials by type of product, such as Direct Mail, Express MailŪ service, Package Services, etc.

• Product Fact Sheets - a listing of sales support fact sheets.

• New and Revised Items - a list of new or recently updated sales materials.

The site also has a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section to provide you with more information, and also a link to the Submit a Lead form.

If your office does not have Intranet access, you can use the order form that accompanies this article to review the available sales support materials and to place orders. The order form starts on page 9 of this Postal Bulletin.

Submit a Lead

You may not know it, but most sales leads originate internally from Postal Service employees. Letter carriers, clerks, mail handlers, support staff - anyone can submit a lead about a business customer who does not use the mail, or who could be using more of our mailing services.

To build on this foundation of success, Postal Service employees can access the new Submit a Lead system via the Internet - at or at work - or via hardcopy forms, and help make Postal Service retail terminals ring with new volume and revenue.

To access the Submit a Lead form on the Internet, type in http://mcd.tteam.com/referral/salesref.htm and then click on Submit a Lead, which is highlighted in the text. Also, the Customer Companion Intranet Web site has a button at the top of its page that provides access to the Submit a Lead form.

The Submit a Lead form asks for the following information:

• The company's name, address, and contact information.

• The Postal Service employee's name and contact information.

• How the Postal Service employee wishes to be notified of the outcome of the lead.

• The Postal Service product(s) and service(s) that the company might be interested in using.

• Competitor usage information, if known.

You can complete the form electronically, or you can print a copy of the form and mail it or fax it to your area representative. The area representative will then route the information to sales professionals who will qualify the lead and record the appropriate data, and they will make a point of letting you know what sales opportunities come from your lead.

If you are unable to access the form via the Intranet, you can use the hardcopy version - PS Form 6681, Submit a Lead - that is printed on page 8 of this Postal Bulletin. Complete the form and mail it to the appropriate area representative, as noted in the list on this page.

Submit a Lead - Representatives

The area representatives who will handle your copies of PS Form 6681, Submit a Lead, are listed below. Find your representative, enter the necessary information in the appropriate places on the form, and mail it to the address shown.

Capital Metro Area

DOUG RUTH
CAPITAL METRO AREA
US POSTAL SERVICE
22520 RANDOLPH DR
DULLES VA 20101-9990

Eastern Area

TYLER THOMAS
EASTERN AREA
US POSTAL SERVICE
PO BOX 9998
CHARLOTTE NC 28221-9998

Great Lakes Area

TIM REETER
GREAT LAKES AREA
US POSTAL SERVICE
5800 PHANTOM DR
HAZELWOOD MO 63042-2487

Headquarters

SANDY WHITE
US POSTAL SERVICE
1735 N LYNN ST RM 5029
ARLINGTON VA 22209-6620

New York Metro Area

DEBORAH CARLIN POLHILL
NEW YORK METRO AREA
US POSTAL SERVICE
421 8TH AVE RM 3211
NEW YORK NY 10199-9903

Northeast Area

TOM HUTCHINSON
NORTHEAST AREA
US POSTAL SERVICE
6 GRIFFIN RD N
WINDSOR CT 06006-7090

Pacific Area

GEORGE PARSONS
PACIFIC AREA
US POSTAL SERVICE
390 MAIN ST STE 720
SAN FRANCISCO CA 94105-2099

Southeast Area

PAUL WATKINS
SOUTHEAST AREA
US POSTAL SERVICE
255 N HUMPHREYS BLVD
MEMPHIS TN 38166-0870

Southwest Area

KEITH HILLER
SOUTHWEST AREA
US POSTAL SERVICE
8200 BROOKRIVER DR STE N500
DALLAS TX 75247-4307

Western Area

DENISE NAWAA
WESTERN AREA
US POSTAL SERVICE
1745 STOUT ST STE 301
DENVER CO 80299-0301

Sales Support Materials Available Through Customer Companion

The following is a list of the sales support materials available through the Customer Companion Intranet Web site and a brief description of each item. Facilities without access to the Postal Service Intranet may use this list to review items and place orders. Please make a copy of the form for future orders.

When placing an order with this document, write the quantities next to the materials you wish to order, and be sure to fill in the shipping information for where you want the items shipped. Then mail or fax the form to your district marketing manager.

Shipping Information

Name: ____________________________________________________________________________________________

Address: __________________________________________________________________________________________

Phone: ___________________________________________________________________________________________

- Sales Support Integration, Sales, 8-7-03

Domestic Mail

DMM REVISION

Parcel Select Exhibit ZIP Code Deletions

Effective August 7, 2003, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) E751 Exhibit 8.0 is revised to delete two ZIP Codes. Now that these ZIP Codes have been deleted from this exhibit, drop shipments for these two ZIP Codes must be deposited at the locations specified in the Drop Ship Product maintained by the National Customer Support Center (NCSC) in order to be eligible for destination delivery unit (DDU) discount rates. For more information about the entry standards, please refer to DMM E751.1.1c.

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

Domestic Mail Manual (DMM)

* * * * *

E Eligibility

* * * * *

E700 Package Services

* * * * *

E750 Destination Entry

E751 Parcel Select

* * * * *

8.0 DELIVERY FACILITIES DIFFERENT FROM THOSE IN THE DROP SHIPMENT PRODUCT

* * * * *

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

[Revise Exhibit E751.8.0 by deleting ZIP Code entries 02130 and 02134 for Massachusetts.]

* * * * *

- Operational Requirements and Integration,
Operations, 8-7-03

DMM REVISION

Presorted Priority Mail - Expiration of Experiment

Effective July 15, 2003, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) G995, is deleted to reflect the expiration of the experimental classification for Presorted Priority MailŪ service. The Postal ServiceTM conducted the experiment pursuant to the Decision of the Governors of the Postal Service on the Opinion and Recommended Decision of the Postal Rate Commission (PRC) in Docket No. MC2001-1. The experiment was approved to begin on July 15, 2001, and run for at least 2 years through July 15, 2003.

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)

* * * * *

G General Information

* * * * *

G900 Experimental Classification and Rate Filings

* * * * *

G990 Experimental Classifications and Rates

* * * * *

[Delete G995, Presorted Priority Mail, in its entirety due to the expiration of this experimental classification.]

* * * * *

- Mailing Standards,
Pricing and Classification, 8-7-03

DMM CORRECTION

Standard Mail PVDS Mailings - Clarification of Minimum Volume Requirement

The article titled "DMM Revision: Standard Mail PVDS Mailings - Clarification of Minimum Volume Requirement" in Postal Bulletin 22106 (7-10-03, pages 20-21), contained incorrect PS Form names in the second and third sentences in the third paragraph. The corrected text for the second and third sentences in that paragraph appears here:

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 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 postage statements and PS Form 3602-C (or a postage statement register) meets the 200-piece or 50-pound minimum volume requirement.

- Mailing Standards,
Pricing and Classification, 8-7-03

NOTICE

Prohibition on Mailing Animals for Fighting Purposes

A recent change in the federal law in Title 7 United States Code section 2156 (7 USC 2156) further restricts the transport of live animals for fighting purposes. Before the change, the former language in the law did allow animals intended for fighting purposes to be mailed to states (and U.S. territories) where animal fighting is a legal venture. For example, fighting animals previously could be mailed to New Mexico, Louisiana, and Guam. This, however, is no longer permitted due to the change in the federal law that took effect on May 14, 2003.

Essentially, the change in 7 USC 2156 means that a live animal cannot be mailed for purposes of animal fighting ventures even to states (and U.S. Territories) in which animal fighting is legal. However, if a mailer wishes to mail a live animal for a purpose that does not involve an animal fighting venture and does not violate 7 USC 2156, the live animal would be mailable as permitted under the applicable mailing standards in Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) C022.3.0.

Postal ServiceTM employees are not to instruct or allow a mailer to mark a mailpiece containing a live animal being sent for fighting purposes as "For Breeding Purposes," as "Show Animal," or with any similar marking that may be fraudulent.

The penalty provision in 7 USC 2156 states that any person who violates the law will be fined not more than $15,000, imprisoned for not more than 1 year, or both, for each violation.

Postal Service employees who suspect a potential violation of 7 USC 2156 should notify the local office of the Postal Inspection Service and provide detailed information of the circumstances. Such detailed information can be passed on to the proper law enforcement officials for their review and determination as to whether appropriate follow- up action is warranted.

- Mailing Standards,
Pricing and Classification, 8-7-03

NOTICE

Delivery Confirmation and Signature Confirmation Services - First-Class Mail and Package Services Parcels

Revised mailing standards were issued in Postal Bulletin 22104 (6-12-03, pages 23-25), clarifying when it is permissible to use Delivery ConfirmationTM service or Signature ConfirmationTM service with mailpieces sent at First- Class MailŪ or Package Services rates. For these two classes of mail, Delivery Confirmation service or Signature Confirmation service may be used only for mail meeting the definition of "parcel" as defined in Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) S918.1.2 and S919.1.2. As a consequence, letter- size pieces and flat-size pieces mailed at First-Class Mail rates are ineligible for Delivery Confirmation and Signature Confirmation services. Flat-size pieces sent at Package Services rates are also ineligible for either special service.

Availability by Class

Postal ServiceTM employees are reminded of these class-specific uses of Delivery Confirmation service and Signature Confirmation service:

• Priority MailŪ: All Priority Mail pieces, regardless of mail processing category, are eligible for Delivery Confirmation service or Signature Confirmation service.

• First-Class Mail: Only parcels are eligible for Delivery Confirmation service or Signature Confirmation service.

• Package Services: Only parcels are eligible for Delivery Confirmation service or Signature Confirmation service.

• Standard Mail: Only pieces subject to the residual shape surcharge are eligible for Delivery Confirmation service (and only with the electronic option). Standard Mail pieces, regardless of mail processing category or whether a residual shape surcharge is applied, are not eligible for any form of Signature Confirmation service.

The following table summarizes the availability and restrictions listed above. The definition of a parcel, for the purposes of using either Delivery Confirmation service or Signature Confirmation service, is in DMM S918.1.2 and S919.1.2.

Availability of Delivery Confirmation and Signature Confirmation Services

* Standard Mail: Signature Confirmation service not available. Only electronic option available for Delivery Confirmation service if residual shape surcharge paid.

If a customer requests Delivery Confirmation service or Signature Confirmation service for letter-size or flat-size mailpieces (other than Priority Mail pieces), Postal Service employees should explain the available alternatives, such as Certified MailTM service for First-Class Mail pieces, that might meet the customer's needs. If a First-Class Mail or Package Services mailpiece is prepared as a parcel as specified in DMM S918.1.2 or S919.1.2, the piece would be eligible for either special service.

- Mailing Standards,
Pricing and Classification, 8-7-03

DMM CORRECTION

DMM Issue Number Change on DMM Revision Articles

Postal Bulletin 22106 (7-10-03) incorrectly stated in all Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) Revision articles that the changes would be incorporated into the printed version of DMM Issue 59. All DMM Revision articles published in Postal Bulletin 22106 will be included in the printed version of DMM Issue 58.

- Mailing Standards,
Pricing and Classification, 8-7-03

NOTICE

Customized MarketMail Pieces - Attachments and Enclosures

This notice clarifies the use of attachments and enclosures with mailpieces prepared and entered under Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) E660 as Customized MarketMail (CMM) pieces. The mailing standards for this new service, which take effect at 12:01 a.m. on Sunday, August 10, 2003, were published in Postal Bulletin 22106 (7-10-03, pages 27-38).

The following standards apply to attachments and enclosures for CMM pieces:

• First-Class MailŪ Attachments and Enclosures. First- Class Mail pieces or any matter required under DMM E110 to be mailed as First-Class Mail pieces may not be attached to or enclosed within CMM pieces.

• Standard Mail Attachments. Standard Mail pieces or any matter that qualifies as Standard Mail pieces under DMM E610 may not be attached to CMM pieces. For example, repositionable notes or merchandise samples may not be attached to CMM pieces. Permanently affixed address labels, however, are not considered attachments for this standard. DMM E610.4.5 presents the mailing standards and restrictions that apply to Standard Mail attachments for other types of Standard Mail pieces.

For clarification, Standard Mail pieces or any matter that qualifies as Standard Mail pieces under DMM E610 may be included within CMM pieces if completely contained within the CMM host piece. For example, if a CMM piece is constructed as a triangular envelope, Standard Mail matter such as coupons or small merchandise samples may be placed and sealed within the envelope, provided that the total weight of the CMM piece with the enclosures does not exceed 3.3 ounces and the CMM piece is no thicker than 3/4 inch at its thickest point.

The following table summarizes the mailing standards for attachments and enclosures for CMM pieces.

Mailers or Postal ServiceTM employees who have additional questions or need further clarification about attachments or enclosures with CMM pieces should contact their local business mail entry unit for guidance on these mailing standards.

- Mailing Standards,
Pricing and Classification, 8-7-03

PUBLICATION 49 OBSOLETION

Information on Standard Mail Preparation

Effective August 7, 2003, Publication 49, Getting Started With Standard Mail (July 2001 edition), is obsolete. The new Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) 200-A, A Guide to Mailing for Business and Organizations, along with the appropriate Quick Service Guides cited on page 58 of DMM 200-A, provides the same direction needed by customers preparing Standard Mail pieces.

DMM 200-A presents practical information on choosing the appropriate mail service for meeting business or organizational needs. DMM 200-A is designed around a logical sequence of decisions, from choosing the right postage payment method to understanding mail entry. With charts and samples, several checklists, clear examples, and concise writing, DMM 200-A can answer most of the strategic questions asked by small-volume and medium-volume business mailers.

A full description of the organization and tools contained in DMM 200-A appeared in the article "DMM Transformation: The DMM 200-A - A New Tool for Business Mailing" in Postal Bulletin 22106 (pages 39-44, 7-10-03). Customers can find the new DMM 200-A on the Postal Explorer Web site (http://pe.usps.gov) and in their local Post OfficeTM or business mail entry unit.

- Mailing Standards,
Pricing and Classification, 8-7-03