USPSNEWS@WORK

HIGH MARKS: Trade magazine praises PMG's leadership

There's nothing like a good report card. Postmaster General (PMG) Jack Potter just got one from the Journal of Communication Distribution.

The publication gives the PMG "high marks" for managing the Postal ServiceTM the last two years. Potter has "steadied" the agency during a time marked by a sluggish economy, terrorist attacks and decreasing mail volume. How? By driving through new service and rate initiatives, cutting overhead and staffing and steering postal initiatives through Congress, said the article.

"Potter's experience in postal operations . . . has shown itself in service initiatives such as Confirm®, the automated package processing system and negotiated service agreements," said the Journal.

Those achievements are part of a comprehensive Transformation Plan that Potter has championed as a "21st century blueprint" for the Postal Service, said the Journal. Potter has used the plan to "earmark cost reductions of roughly $5 billion by 2006, improve mail delivery and lay the groundwork for many of the President's Commission's recommendations," said the article.

Leading the Postal Service into the 21st century, the PMG faces some tough challenges. "First and foremost on his `to-do' list is finding ways to grow mail volume," said the Journal. But the Postal Service will be able to forge ahead with this "strong leader managing the team," said the article.

PERFORMANCE: Central Plains employees lead the nation in service

Ask Central Plains employees what it takes to make a nation stand and take notice and they'll answer emphatically - top-notch service. You can take their word for it. Central Plains led the nation in overall performance in FY 2003, as measured by the national performance assessment (NPA).

The NPA system rates each cluster's performance by service scores for First-Class Mail®, Priority Mail® and Express Mail® services; OSHA Illness/Injury Rate; Voice of the Employee survey scores; national total revenue; and total factor productivity. Happy to be No. 1, Central Plains employees scored highest of 85 PCs - 11.78 on a scale of 15. Los Angeles Performance Cluster finished at a close second with a score of 11.58.

FSA FLEXIBILITY: Now you can claim over-the-counter drugs and medicines

A flexible spending account (FSA) isn't just about doctor co-pays and daycare costs. It's also about Clearasil, Benadryl, Advil, Neosporin and Claritin. And diaper rash cream, first aid kits and cough drops. And . . . well, the list is pretty l-o-n-g.

Starting in January 2004, an FSA will reimburse you for the money you spend during the year for over-the-counter drugs, medicines and medical care items.

Sure, FSAs are use it or lose it - that's an IRS rule. But now, there's no reason to lose a penny of the money you set aside in an FSA. If your trips to the doctor or dentist don't use it up, your trips to the drug store will.

Remember: Every dollar you set aside in an FSA is tax- free. Questions? Call 800-842-2026. You can ask whether specific over-the-counter items and other expenses can be covered.

Use PostalEASE to enroll. Open season ends Dec. 21 at 5 p.m. central time. Enroll now!

STAR-STUDDED LINEUP: 2004 Commemorative Stamp Program

It's a star-studded lineup that could make a Hollywood executive jealous. It's got more famous faces than the cover of the Sgt. Pepper's album. Well, almost. It's the Postal Service's 2004 Commemorative Stamp Program.

Let's drop a few names: explorers Lewis and Clark, whimsical children's book author Dr. Seuss, inventor and architect Buckminster Fuller, author James Baldwin, athlete Wilma Rudolph, dramatist and director Moss Hart and choreographers Alvin Ailey and George Balanchine.

Need more? The Black Heritage series recognizes actor, singer and activist Paul Robeson. Composer Henry Mancini gets full philatelic honors, too.

Feeling romantic or sweetly sentimental? A new Love stamp celebrates Candy Hearts - those crunchy little tokens of affection that have been a Valentine's Day tradition for more than a century.

How about patriotic? The Postal Service will honor the 50th anniversary of the U.S. Air Force Academy, the new National World War II Memorial and the 150th anniversary of the USS Constellation, the last all-sail-powered warship built by the U.S. Navy.

USPSNEWS@WORK

And pretty stamps? Customers will get a double dose with the 37-cent Garden Bouquet and 60-cent Garden Botanical stamps - perfect for weddings, anniversaries and Mother's Day.

That's a preview of next year's new stamps. Check out the whole lineup at http://www.usps.com/communications/news/stamps/welcome.htm. Images aren't available for all stamp issues yet.

CARRIER PICKUP: USPS extends Post Office to customer's doorstep

Customers who like snuggling up to a computer have a new reason to cuddle. It's Carrier Pickup, the service that lets customers notify their delivery office through a pilot Web site that packages will be ready for pick-up the next delivery day.

Here's how it works: Customers request pickup online via a unique URL. The local Post OfficeTM retrieves that information from the My Post OfficeTM system. Letter carriers are notified of any pickup requests before they hit the streets.

And since the packages are picked up as part of the carrier's normal delivery route, there's no pickup fee. Good for business . . . great for our customers.

The program includes Post Offices with My Post Office access in the Long Island, Los Angeles, San Diego, Van Nuys, Santa Ana and Arizona Districts. National rollout could begin as early as January 2004.

GREETINGS FROM THE TOP:
Media ratings giant ranks NetPost Cardstore #1

NetPost CardStore conquered the Nielsen ratings. While it didn't top Fear Factor or Everybody Loves Raymond, it did take first recently in the Special Occasions Web site category, finishing ahead of several well-known makers of greeting cards.

And yes, that's the same world-famous Nielsen Media Research Co. we grew up with that's still known for its authoritative ratings of TV audiences. It also now measures the popularity of Web sites.

At NetPost CardStore, you select from a wide collection of cards for business or personal use. Design your own cards, using a favorite photo or design. Add a personal touch by creating your own greeting. Upload your addresses quickly. You can even get automatic reminders of special occasions. Want to do something a little different for your holiday cards? NetPost CardStore is the place.

GOT BACKUP: Information Technology delivers data storage and protection

So, you think you lost your data? Probably not, if the data is in a Postal Service mainframe computer.

The Postal Service is on the leading edge of technology when it comes to storing and protecting information. More than 60 terabytes of data are stored on state-of-the-art disk devices. That's enough information to fill 360 million telephone books.

Data that's changed during the day is automatically copied to tape that night so a previous version is readily available. More than 700 terabytes of data (4 billion more phone books) are stored on state-of-the-art tape technology.

All of the storage devices are extremely reliable. On average, a device isn't expected to fail for at least 90 years. And, on the rare occasion that a device does fail, data is automatically recovered within seconds.

The Information Technology mainframe computer team is dedicated to making sure your data is there when you need it.

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.

Reducing or Canceling Your Subscription

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 CodeTM). 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.

Accessing the Postal Bulletin Online

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.

More Information

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 more than 15,000!

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, 12-11-03

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, PSN (Postal ServiceTM stock number), 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 on
More References.

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

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

F3 = F3 Fill Software.

We will incorporate these revisions into the next printed version of Publication 223 and also into the online version of Publication 223, which is available on the Postal Service PolicyNet Web site. Go to http://blue.usps.gov; click on More References, then Publications.

New Directives

Handbooks

Labels

Management Instructions

Publications

New Forms

Revised Directives

Handbooks

Labels

Posters

Publications

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

Obsolete Directives

Management Instructions

- Policies and Procedures Information,
Public Affairs and Communications, 12-11-03

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

DSF² and eLOT - Carrier Route Products

Effective December 11, 2003, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) A950.1.3, M050.2.2, M050.2.4, and M050.3.1 are revised to update information for the following two Address Information System (AIS) products: Delivery Sequence File, Second Generation (DSF²) and enhanced Line-of- Travel (eLOT).

An earlier revision to DMM A930.7.0 and A930.8.0, published in the article "Address Quality" in Postal Bulletin 22104 (6-12-03, pages 26-29), updated the descriptions and information on the availability of these two AIS products but did not amend related sections in the DMM.

DSF²

DSF² is a licensed address hygiene product that contains information on all addresses - except general delivery addresses - served by the Postal ServiceTM. DSF² includes the ZIP CodeTM, ZIP+4® code, carrier route code, walk-sequence information, and all other delivery attributes related to each specific address.

DSF² is one of the approved methods under DMM M050.2.2 for preparing mail to meet the walk-sequence criteria required for carrier route Periodicals mailpieces and Enhanced Carrier Route Standard Mail pieces mailed at high density and saturation rates.

Walk sequence is the exact order in which a carrier delivers mail from one delivery point to the next. As provided in DMM M050.2.4, walk sequence may also be used, at the mailer's option, to satisfy the LOT sequencing criteria required for carrier route Periodicals mailpieces and Enhanced Carrier Route Standard Mail pieces mailed at basic rates.

The DSF² product is updated monthly and is available through Postal Service-approved licensees. A current list of these licensees is maintained at www.ribbs.gov and can also be obtained from:

NATIONAL CUSTOMER SUPPORT CENTER
US POSTAL SERVICE
6060 PRIMACY PKWY STE 201
MEMPHIS TN 38188-0001

Telephone: 800-238-3150

eLOT

The eLOT product is a computerized file that contains address information that allows a mailer to arrange mail in a carrier's line of delivery travel. This LOT is not the exact walk sequence from one delivery point to the next, but rather a series of ZIP+4 codes arranged in the order that the carrier serves the route. Before address lists can be processed using eLOT, they must first be processed through CASS-certified ZIP+4 address-matching software.

The eLOT product is a method under DMM M050.2.4 to meet the LOT sequence criteria required for carrier route Periodicals pieces and Enhanced Carrier Route Standard Mail pieces mailed at basic rates. Mailers also have the option to prepare such mail in walk sequence, using the various available walk-sequence methods.

The eLot product is updated monthly and is available for purchase directly from the National Customer Support Center.

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

Domestic Mail Manual (DMM)

A Addressing

* * * * *

A900 Customer Support

* * * * *

A950 Coding Accuracy Support System (CASS)

1.0 BASIC INFORMATION

* * * * *

1.3 Methods

[Revise 1.3 by deleting "Delivery Sequence File (DSF) or" to read as follows:]

Delivery point or ZIP+4 coding may be obtained by using the National Change of Address (NCOA) process or NCOA^Link; CASS-certified DPC address matching software; CASS-certified Z4CHANGE process; or Delivery Sequence File, Second Generation (DSF²) process.

* * * * *

M Mail Preparation and Sortation

M000 General Preparation Standards

* * * * *

M050 Delivery Sequence

* * * * *

2.0 DELIVERY SEQUENCE INFORMATION

* * * * *

2.2 Without Simplified Addressing

[Change in the introductory text of 2.2 "simplified address" to "simplified address format under 2.1" to read as follows:]

Walk-sequence rate pieces prepared with other than a simplified address format under 2.1 must be sequenced using USPS® data from one of the following sources, issued within 90 days before the mailing date:

* * * * *

[Revise 2.2b by removing "Delivery Sequence File (DSF) or" to read as follows:]

b. The Delivery Sequence File, Second Generation (DSF²).

* * * * *

2.4 Line-of-Travel Sequence

[Revise the fourth sentence to read as follows:]

***The USPS eLOT product provides a list of the ZIP+4 codes each carrier route serves, identifies the order in which they are delivered, and provides an indicator specifying whether the addresses that share the same ZIP+4 code must be sorted in ascending or descending order.***

* * * * *

3.0 DOCUMENTATION

3.1 General

***Acceptable forms of documentation are:

* * * * *

[Revise 3.1b by deleting "DSF or" to read as follows:]

b. DSF² invoice or documentation.

* * * * *

[Revise 3.1e by deleting "LOT or" to read as follows:]

e. Form 3553 showing the date of the eLOT product used, or the date from the USPS Qualification Report produced by presort software.

* * * * *

- Mailing Standards,
Pricing and Classification, 12-11-03

REMINDER

Customized MarketMail Service - Sample Mailpieces

Effective August 10, 2003, the Postal ServiceTM introduced Customized MarketMailTM (CMM) service, a new rate category for Regular Standard Mail mailpieces and Nonprofit Standard Mail mailpieces. CMM service represents a significant innovation for advertisers, marketers, and organizations wanting to reach targeted market segments with highly individualized mailpieces that use nonrectangular shapes and multidimensional formats.

Postal Service employees - as well as mailers interested in using this new service - should review the standards for CMM mailpieces, including the standards requiring the submission of sample CMM mailpieces at the time of mailing and the use of standardized documentation for mailings with more than three different types of containers. Questions about all CMM mailing standards should be directed to the appropriate manager of business mail entry.

Sample Mailpieces

As provided under Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) M660.1.3, each CMM mailing presented to the Postal Service must include not only a signed and completed postage statement, but also an extra copy of the postage statement and a sample of the CMM mailpiece. If a consolidated postage statement is used for plant-verified drop shipment (PVDS) mailings, a copy of that consolidated postage statement with a single CMM mailpiece is sufficient. If available, documentation supporting the use of Priority Mail® or Express Mail® drop shipment should also be provided.

Sample mailpieces submitted with the extra copy of the postage statements should be similar to the "live" mailpieces and show proper markings and addressing formats. The submission of CMM mailpiece samples applies to each CMM mailing, even if the same mailpiece design is used in subsequent mailings. If a CMM mailing includes more than one physical mailpiece design or contains nonidentical- weight pieces, a sample of each unique CMM mailpiece is required.

Collection of Samples

Employees collecting the sample CMM mailpieces and postage statement copies must send these items within 2 weeks after the date of mailing to the manager of the New York Rates and Classification Service Center at the following address:

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

Mailing Standards

DMM E660 and M660 contain the specific standards for CMM eligibility and mail preparation, including postage payment methods, rate markings, packaging, labeling, and documentation.

In addition to the appropriate Standard MailTM postage statement designated for mailpieces subject to the residual shape surcharge, standardized documentation meeting the standards in DMM P012 is required for CMM mailings containing nonidentical-weight pieces or mailings using more than three different types of containers.

Reference Information

To support this new service, the Postal Service has launched a Web site dedicated to updated information on CMM service at www.usps.com/customizedmarketmail. This site includes frequently asked questions, testimonials, benefits, and a special Quick Service Guide on CMM, as well as links to related information on using the mail for selling products and services.

In addition to the special online site, extensive information about CMM service appears in the following Postal Bulletin articles, which mailers can access at www.usps.com; click All Products & Services, then Publications, then Browse All Periodicals & Publications, then Postal Bulletin, then 2003 Issues:

• "Customized MarketMail," Postal Bulletin 22106 (7-10-03, pages 27-38). This comprehensive article describes the basic standards for CMM service and provides guidance on mail preparation and proper entry. This article also presents the complete text of the mailing standards that support CMM service.

• "Customized MarketMail - Nonmachinable Surcharge," Postal Bulletin 22107 (7-24-03, pages 8-10). This article explains that CMM pieces are exempt from the nonmachinable surcharge that affects certain letter-size mailpieces claimed at Standard Mail rates.

• "Customized MarketMail - Revised Postage Statements," Postal Bulletin 22107 (7-24-03, pages 13-22). This article contains information about the postage statements used for CMM service, along with ordering instructions and sample copies of the four affected postage statements.

• "Customized MarketMail Pieces - Attachments and Enclosures," Postal Bulletin 22108 (8-7-03, page 19). This article clarifies when attachments and enclosures are permitted with CMM service.

- New York Rates and Classification Service Center,
Pricing and Classification, 12-11-03

REMINDER

Thirty Days To Go - End of Transitional Period

January 10, 2004, officially marks the end of a transitional period that the Postal ServiceTM provided for enabling parcel mailers to comply with the barcode symbology requirements. At that time, all machinable parcels qualifying for and claiming the 3-cent parcel barcode discount must be printed with the UCC/EAN Code 128 barcode symbology.

For more information, please refer to Domestic Mail Manual C850, Barcoding Standards for Parcels, at http://pe.usps.gov.

- Mailing Standards,
Pricing and Classification, 12-11-03

Holiday HAZMAT

`Tis the season. . . to make this the safest and most successful holiday season ever for the Postal ServiceTM.

With the busy holiday season upon us, it is important to take a moment to reinforce some important points regarding hazardous material (or HAZMAT) that can be found in the mail, especially at this time.

Customers rely heavily on the Postal Service to safely and efficiently deliver their gifts to friends, business associates, and loved ones during this season and also to return packages after the holidays. It is important that every Postal Service employee take steps to ensure that holiday parcels known to or suspected to contain hazardous material (Holiday HAZMAT) are properly handled.

Acceptance employees are required to ask the question "Does your parcel contain anything liquid, fragile, perishable, or potentially hazardous?"

During this festive and giving period the Postal Service handles an additional 20 billion pieces of parcels. While the vast majority of these packages contain nondangerous items, some of them may contain a material that can cause harm to employees and disrupt operations. When a parcel contains hazardous material that is unacceptable for mailing or is improperly packaged, it is a concern to everyone.

At this time of year it is important to remember that hazardous materials can be found in a wide variety of common household and consumer products. Holiday HAZMAT can be found in:

• Shipments of liquor/wine/beer (nonmailable).

• Electronic equipment containing batteries.

• Cosmetics (perfumes, hair products, body and bath oils, etc.).

• Consumer products containing petroleum products such as, but not limited to, chain saws and string trimmers.

• Parcels bearing an ORM-D/ORM-D-Air marking. See the examples in the right-hand column.

• Food shipments preserved with dry ice.

• Parcels bearing a DOT hazard class 9 label. See the example in the right-hand column.

• Fireworks and sparklers (nonmailable).

Some items are not outwardly hazardous, but when packaged improperly can be mistaken for a dangerous item. Electronic toys/games, for instance, when shipped with the batteries in place can create an electromag- netic hazard that may interfere with airplane navigation equipment.

It is also common to encounter parcels that have been mailed in reused packaging that formerly contained hazardous materials. Postal Service employees are required to assume that markings or labels present on parcels indicate the actual contents of the parcel. It is acceptable to reuse boxes for mail shipments provided that the mailer has removed or completely obliterated all former HAZMAT package markings and labels. Merely crossing out a label or marking or writing the current contents on a box is insufficient to allow mailing. If any evidence of the former contents is visible, do not accept the parcel. The former markings and labels must be blotted out even if the parcel will be wrapped in paper for mailing, because if the wrapping becomes damaged during shipment, these markings will cause the package to be returned.

While it is not possible to list every type of hazardous material that could be reasonably expected to be found in the mail, recognizing those parcels that are known to or suspected to contain Holiday HAZMAT is crucial to safe operations.

If you suspect a parcel contains an identified/undeclared Holiday HAZMAT, immediately notify your supervisor. Under no circumstances should a parcel containing undeclared HAZMAT be allowed to continue through processing. Process for delivery only Holiday HAZMAT parcels that meet the packaging and labeling requirements of the Domestic Mail Manual and Publication 52, Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail.

Responsibility for properly packaging and labeling Holiday HAZMAT ultimately rests with the mailer. However, by being alert and able to recognize HAZMAT parcels, we can all do our part to make this a successful holiday season for the Postal Service.

If you have any questions regarding the mailability of any material, contact your local Business Mail Entry Unit or Rates and Classification Service Center. Packaging and labeling requirements for HAZMAT can be found in the following Postal Service documents:

• Domestic Mail Manual C023.

• Publication 52, Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail.

• International Mail Manual.

Note: HAZMAT mail sent to Army Post Office (APO) or Fleet Post Office (FPO) addresses must conform to International Mail Manual regulations.

- Aviation Mail Security,
Network Operations Management, 12-11-03

Employees

GUIDELINES

Gifts to Postal Service Employees

The Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch ("Standards"), which are codified in Title 5, Code of Federal Regulations, Section 2635, cover all Postal ServiceTM employees, including letter carriers. The "gifts from outside sources" portion of the Standards specifies that Postal Service employees may not accept gifts from outside sources (including Postal Service customers) or gifts given to them because of their official positions. Postal Service employees are also prohibited from soliciting gifts from outside sources.

There are a number of exceptions and exclusions to the general gifts rule. Postal Service employees may accept the following items:

• Snacks and beverages that are not offered as part of a meal.

• Items with little intrinsic value (i.e., greeting cards, plaques, pens, coffee mugs, etc.).

• Perishable items (i.e., flowers, chocolates, cookies, etc.); if the items are clearly worth more than $20, employees should share them with others in the Postal Service workplace.

• Items with a market (retail) value of $20 or less.

• Gifts motivated solely because of a personal relationship.

• Gifts for which the employee has paid market (retail) value.

• Gifts paid for by the Postal Service.

Postal Service employees may not accept cash - in any amount or form (bills, change, checks, money orders) - from an outside source in connection with doing their job. This prohibition is referenced in Title 5, Code of Federal Regulations, Section 2635.202(c)(4)(ii). It is derived from a criminal statute (18 U.S.C. § 209) that prohibits an employee from receiving - for services provided as a government employee - any contribution to or supplementation of his or her salary from any source other than the government. While many Postal Service customers have traditionally thanked their letter carriers with gifts of cash during the holiday season, this practice puts our employees at risk of violating federal law.

If you need more information, please contact the U.S. Postal Service® Law Department's Ethics Helpline at 202-268-6346, or send an e-mail message to ethics.help@usps.gov.

- Ethics and Federal Requirements,
General Counsel, 12-11-03

REMINDER

Thrift Savings Plan Participant Statements

The Thrift Savings Board has sent out to Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) participants a statement covering the period June 1, 2003, through September 30, 2003. This statement will be the last mailed statement to TSP participants unless

participants send in the yellow card requesting that future statements be sent in the mail. Otherwise, TSP participants must access their participant statement information on the TSP Web site at www.tsp.gov.

- Compensation,
Employee Resource Management, 12-11-03

[D-Link]

Finance

NOTICE

Household Diary Study

The Postal Service'sTM Household Diary Study (HDS), conducted since 1987, provides information about the contents of the mail sent and received by U.S. households. The Postal Service uses this information to help understand why and how customers use the mail. The results are used to:

• Forecast mail volume.

• Plan marketing strategies.

• Provide information for rate-setting purposes.

The HDS is administered at Headquarters by the Office of Demand Forecasting and Economic Analysis, Finance. NuStats, the HDS survey research firm contractor since July 1999, conducts the interviews and collects and analyzes the HDS data throughout the year.

HDS is a two-stage survey. Stage 1 is the Household Interview. NuStats sends an advance letter, signed by the postmaster general, to a representative sample of U.S. households. This letter emphasizes the importance of the HDS and asks for participation. These sample households are contacted either by telephone or in person and asked about the mail they send and receive, their adoption and use of various communications' technologies, their attitudes about mail service in general, and information relating to their household and personal demographics. Those respondent households are recruited to participate in HDS Stage 2.

Stage 2 is the Mail Diary. NuStats asks households that agree to participate in Stage 2 to record information about the mail they send and receive for a 7-day period from Monday to Sunday. Information recorded includes: number of mailpieces received and sent, industry mail source, mail characteristics, and attitudes regarding mail received. As an incentive for HDS Stage 2 participation, households are offered the options of receiving: $30, $30 to donate to the Lance Armstrong Foundation, or a roll of 100 First-Class Mail® stamps.

Data gathered in both HDS stages is available in a final report, "The Household Diary Study - Mail Use and Attitudes." The report is published in hard copy and as a free electronic file. Order forms for the latest HDS report may be obtained via the Postal Service Internet at www.usps.com/householddiary.

For additional information, contact either of the following individuals:

Malcolm Harris
Telephone: 202-268-3650
Fax: 202-268-6841
E-mail: malcolm.c.harris@usps.gov

Greg Dawson
Telephone: 202-268-7446
Fax: 202-268-6841
E-mail: gregory.e.dawson@usps.gov

- Office of Demand Forecasting and Economic Analysis, Finance, 12-11-03

NOTICE

International Reply Coupons

The redemption rate table in the article "Instructions: International Reply Coupons" published in Postal Bulletin 22068 (1-24-02, page 25) has expired. Customers redeeming foreign issued international reply coupons must receive the exchange rate as specified in the International Mail Manual (IMM), Section 372.3, Selling Price and Rate of Exchange. IMM 372.3 (b) states:

International reply coupons purchased in foreign countries are exchangeable at U.S. Post Office facilities toward the purchase of postage stamps and embossed stamped envelopes (including aerogrammes) at the rate of $0.80 per coupon, irrespective of the country where they were purchased.

- Revenue and Field Accounting,
Finance, 12-11-03

NOTICE

2004 Pay Dates, Organization Dues, and Leave Year

The following chart lists the pay periods for 2004. For the convenience of timekeepers, each biweekly pay period appears as two separate weeks, with the beginning and ending dates indicated for each week.

Pay periods with an asterisk indicate when monthly dues for unions and employee organizations are deducted.

The leave year always begins the first day of the first full pay period in the calendar year. The 2004 leave year begins January 10, 2004 (Pay Period 03-04), and extends for 26 full pay periods, ending January 07, 2005 (Pay Period 01-05).

2004 Pay Period Inclusive Dates

2005 Pay Periods Begin

- Payroll Accounting,
Finance, 12-11-03

International Mail

ICM UPDATES

International Customized Mail

We have combined ICM updates into one Postal Bulletin article to save space and paper. 19 ICM updates appear here.

On October 31, 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: November 14, 2003, through November 13, 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 inter- national 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

On October 8, 2003, the Postal Service amended an International Customized Mail (ICM) Service Agreement dated July 17, 1999. The Agreement was published on page 35 of Postal Bulletin 22025 (6-01-00). 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: July 17, 1999, through December 31, 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: All other provisions of the Agreement shall remain in force.

On October 1, 2003, the Postal Service amended an International Customized Mail (ICM) Service Agreement dated November 21,2001. The Agreement was published on page 41 of Postal Bulletin 22091 (12-12-02). 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: December 5, 2001, through December 4, 2005.

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 August 27, 2003, the Postal Service amended an International Customized Mail (ICM) Service Agreement dated June 18, 2002. The Agreement was published on page 73 of Postal Bulletin 22082 (8-8-02). 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: July 1, 2002, through February 13, 2004.

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 August 15, 2003, the Postal Service amended an International Customized Mail (ICM) Service Agreement dated May 1, 2001. The Agreement was published on page 34 of Postal Bulletin 22105 (6-26-03). 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: May 1, 2001, through February 14, 2004.

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 November 4, 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: November 18, 2003, through November 17, 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 inter- national destinations for delivery by the appropriate authorities.

e. Minimum volume commitments: The Mailer has agreed to meet an annualized minimum commitment of $12,000 in postage for 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

On October 3, 2003, the Postal Service amended an International Customized Mail (ICM) Service Agreement dated October 17, 2002. The Agreement was published on page 34 of Postal Bulletin 22090 (11-28-02). 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: October 31, 2002, through October 30, 2004.

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 October 9, 2003, the Postal Service amended an International Customized Mail (ICM) Service Agreement dated October 17, 2002. The Agreement was published on page 37 of Postal Bulletin 22090 (11-28-02). 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: October 31, 2002, through October 30, 2004.

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 October 7, 2003, the Postal Service amended an International Customized Mail (ICM) Service Agreement dated November 13, 2002. The Agreement was published on page 44 of Postal Bulletin 22091 (12-12-02). 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: November 27, 2002, through November 26, 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 October 3, 2003, the Postal Service amended an International Customized Mail (ICM) Service Agreement dated October 17, 2002. The Agreement was published on page 34 of Postal Bulletin 22090 (11-28-02). 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: October 31, 2002, through October 30, 2004.

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 November 3, 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: November 17, 2003, through November 16, 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 inter- national 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

On November 6, 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: November 20, 2003, through November 19, 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 inter- national destinations for delivery by the appropriate authorities.

e. Minimum volume commitments: The Mailer has agreed to meet an annualized minimum commitment of $20,000 in postage for 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 August 15, 2003, the Postal Service amended an International Customized Mail (ICM) Service Agreement dated May 1, 2001. The Agreement was published on page 34 of Postal Bulletin 22105 (6-26-03). 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: May 1, 2001, through February 14, 2004.

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 September 24, 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: October 8, 2003, through October 7, 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 inter- national destinations for delivery by the appropriate authorities.

e. Minimum volume commitments: The Mailer has agreed to meet an annualized minimum commitment of $20,000 in postage for 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 October 10, 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: October 24, 2003, through October 23, 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 inter- national 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

On October 6, 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: October 20, 2003, through October 21, 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 inter- national 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 October 6, 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: October 20, 2003, through October 21, 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 inter- national 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

On September 29, 2003, the Postal Service amended an International Customized Mail (ICM) Service Agreement dated September 12, 2002. The Agreement was published on page 73 of Postal Bulletin 22086 (10-03-02). 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: September 26, 2002, through September 25, 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 September 5, 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 USPS hereby makes public the following information concerning the Agreement:

a. Term: October 1, 2003, through September 30, 2004.

b. Type of mail: Global Direct-Canada Lettermail. Every item must conform to the mailing requirements set forth in the IMM for Qualifying Mail.

c. Destination countries: Canada.

d. Service provided by the Postal Service: The Postal Service has agreed to:

1. Provide Mailer with pre-mailing consultation on postal regulations as they relate to letter mail to Canada, including information on indicia, sortation, mail preparation and presentation.

2. Furnish Mailer with letter trays as well as any postal equipment and/or supplies required for the use of Qualifying Mail.

3. Accept and verify mailings at the designated USPS location.

4. Facilitate postage payment through the use of USPS permit accounts.

5. Prepare appropriate export documentation for dispatch of Qualifying Mail to Canada.

6. Transport Qualifying Mail to the Canadian Postal Corporation (CPC) acceptance site in Canada.

7. Confirm tender of Qualifying Mail to CPC with the Mailer.

8. Coordinate with CPC for delivery of Qualifying Mail to addressees.

e. Minimum volume commitment: The Mailer has agreed to tender a minimum of 1,000,000 pieces of Qualifying Mail on an annualized basis with a minimum of 200 pieces per mailing.

f. Worksharing: The Mailer has agreed to:

1. Tender Qualifying Mail to the USPS in accordance with USPS and CPC requirements.

2. Present Qualifying Mail at the designated USPS Bulk Mail Entry unit.

3. Provide the USPS with an advance schedule of all mailings.

4. Use a dedicated permit imprint account to pay for all Qualifying Mail. For nonidentical weight items, mailings are acceptable if authorized under specific procedures in one of the special postage payment programs in DMM P710, P720, or P730.

5. Notify the USPS of any new permit numbers to be used for Qualifying Mail at least two (2) weeks in advance of using the permit numbers.

6. Provide transportation of mailings to the designated USPS Bulk Mail Entry Unit either directly or through a mailing agent.

g. Rates: The Mailer has agreed to pay postage for Qualifying Mail according to the rate chart in Exhibit 1.

Exhibit 1

- Pricing Strategy,
Pricing and Classification, 12-11-03

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(Licensing section continued)