USPSNEWS@WORK

National Postal Customer Council Day: Satellite broadcast to launch new PCC network

A nationwide address by PMG Jack Potter will highlight National Postal Customer Council (PCC) Day, May 26.

Potter's address will be part of a 35-minute live satellite broadcast from the New England Mail Expo in Boxborough, MA, where he will focus on key issues facing the Postal ServiceTM, its customers and the mailing industry.

Potter also will announce the launch of a new PCC network - reflecting the USPS® commitment to growth among PCCs.

Marketing Senior Vice President Anita Bizzotto and Vice President Northeast Area Operations Jon Steele will speak during the broadcast.

USPS officers and key executives will join the more than 140 PCCs across the country hosting local meetings and receiving the satellite broadcast.

It all starts at noon EST, May 26.

High performance: NPA score for quarter 2 year-to-date

The results are in. The Postal Service's National Performance Assessment (NPA) score for quarter 2 year-to-date is 9.6 overall. That's very good. It means that Postal Service-wide, we're working hard - well over targeted performance levels - and delivering results.

Since the targets for most of the indicators were set at cell 6, within the ambitious yet attainable range, a 9.6 means USPS® employees have exceeded targeted performance levels for service, safety and revenue.

But don't sound the bugle yet. Let's not settle for a 9.6, good as it is. With a little more effort, we could end the year at 10 - in the high contributor category.

We can achieve even greater performance for the rest of the year by staying focused on serving our customers. That means both our external customers - the people who pay our salaries - and our internal customers - our fellow employees who rely on us to get the job done.

It takes teamwork to collect, transport, process and deliver mail 6 days a week to a nation of 290 million customers. By working together, by doing it right the first time, we can continue to exceed expectations.

A world of hunger: PMG Potter and NALC President Young receive award

National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) President William Young and Postmaster General Jack Potter recently were honored with the World Hunger Year-Harry Chapin Award for conducting the NALC National Food Drive - the world's largest one-day food drive. Since its inception in 1992, USPS® employees have collected more than 500 million pounds of food.

World Hunger Year bestows the honor annually to those who demonstrate "exemplary work and dedication" to alleviate hunger and poverty on a local, national and inter- national level. The organization was co-founded in 1975 by the late singer-songwriter Harry Chapin and radio talk show host Bill Ayres to address the causes of hunger and poverty.

Food donations are delivered to local food banks and pantries in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Guam.

Vice President New York Metro Area Operations David Solomon accepted the honor on behalf of PMG Potter.

CSRS legislation: OIG report says plan unfair to customers

Congress passed Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) legislation last year, and while it saved USPS® from overfunding the retirement system by billions, the law's funding plan is unfair to Postal ServiceTM customers, according to a report by the USPS Office of Inspector General (OIG).

The OIG concluded that any CSRS overpayments being held in escrow should be released to the Postal Service, and that USPS shouldn't be saddled with pension costs for military service. Such a requirement constitutes a "hidden tax" on Postal Service customers, the OIG said. Those costs aren't borne by any other federal agency.

USPSNEWS@WORK

The report noted that Postal Service revenues shouldn't be subject to outside control, since these revenues are essentially "other people's money" - not tax dollars - and should be used for operations and capital investment. "We believe postal customers must be the beneficiaries of lowered payments," the OIG's report said.

Additionally, the report supported a review of the Office of Personnel Management's calculation of CSRS retirement costs, including reevaluating whether the costs associated with Postal Service employees' prior government service should be included in the calculation. The Postal Service was scheduled to overpay the CSRS fund by $105 billion, primarily due to higher than expected interest earnings, when Congress passed CSRS legislation. However, the legislation added a new requirement that the Postal Service fund $27 billion to cover military service time for its employees.

The full report is available on the OIG's Web site at www.uspsoig.gov/foia_files/FT-OT-04-002.pdf.

Pick, click and charge: The Postal Store's newest feature means more revenue

Quick! Name the one-stop e-shop where Postal ServiceTM customers can buy stamps, mailing products, philatelic collectibles and gift items, and order free shipping supplies and more?

You guessed it - The Postal StoreTM on usps.com®. Savvy online shoppers are discovering that The Postal Store is quick, easy and convenient.

And now the online site that has everything is even better. A new credit card retention feature lets customers pick, click and charge their orders, breezing through online purchases faster than ever.

The Postal Store boasts a lofty 2.5 million registered customers and more than a million hits a month. In 2003, sales soared to more than $64 million. Revenue is expected to top $100 million in 2004.

All revenue from transactions is reallocated to the customer's 5-digit ZIP CodeTM, making a huge impact on local revenue goals and national performance assessment, too. Encourage your customers to see what's new inside The Postal Store on usps.com.

Sometimes you need to be direct: USPS launches mail ad blitz

Being direct means saying what you mean and meaning what you say. For the world's largest delivery service, that means taking the action to the street. In this case, launching a direct mail campaign on - what else? - direct mail.

Our new "Be Here" campaign highlights the importance of mail. The advertising campaign features direct mail - that's our business after all - as well as a series of direct response print ads in marketing and business magazines, including Forbes, Business Week, Fortune, Variety, Advertising Age, AdWeek, Marketing News, DMNews, Target and Automotive News.

The campaign focuses on three things that lead people to make purchases: Generating awareness about the product or service; planting a seed that could lead to a potential purchase; and making an offer - immediate and compelling enough - that actually leads to a purchase.

The "Be Here" campaign targets advertising decision- makers at major companies nationwide.

It shows businesses how direct mail can be used to gain and retain customers, build relationships and increase the businesses' bottom line. That's delivering results - providing a valuable service and growing the business.

Semipostal stamp sales update: Customer caring comes through

Customers have purchased more than 526 million Breast Cancer Research semipostal stamps since 1998, raising $37.7 million for research. Since June 2002, USPS® has sold 118.3 million Heroes of 2001 semipostal stamps, contributing more than $9 million in aid to families of rescue workers killed or permanently disabled in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. And, since October 2003, customers have bought 12 million Stop Family Violence stamps.

[D-LINK]

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.

ALL OFFICES WITH CITY MOTORIZED, RURAL, AND HIGHWAY CONTRACT BOX DELIVERY ROUTES

Mailbox Improvement Week, May 17-23

Each year, the Postal Service designates the third full week of May to encourage customers on city motorized, rural, or highway contract box delivery routes to examine and, where necessary, improve the appearance of their mailboxes. Neat, attractive mailboxes make a significant contribution to the appearance of the countryside and to streets in suburban areas. Mailbox Improvement Week, May 17-23, calls attention to the need for providing mailboxes that are:

1. Approved by the postmaster general.

2. Designed to protect the mail from weather.

3. Safe to use.

4. Conveniently located.

5. Neat in appearance.

Mailboxes that meet these five important requirements help delivery and collection operations and improve service to the entire route. There are three approved styles of curbside mailboxes: (1) traditional design, in three standard sizes (see Exhibit A on page 6); (2) contemporary design, also in three sizes (see Exhibit B on page 6); and (3) locked, full- or limited-service. USPS STD 7B governs the design and specifications of curbside mailboxes and includes provisions for improved quality of the product.

Notice 209

Postmasters should send Notice 209, Mailbox Improvement Week, to all rural and highway contract box delivery route customers the week before Mailbox Improvement Week to alert them of the event.

Ordering Procedures:

You can order Notice 209 from the Material Distribution Center (MDC) by using touch tone order entry (TTOE): Call 800-332-0317, option 2.

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

Use the following information to order Notice 209:

PSN: 7610-03-000-9145
PSIN: NOT209
Unit of Measure: EA
Quick Pick Number: 496
Bulk Pack Quantity: N/A
Minimum Order: N/A
Price: $0.0242

City Motorized, Rural, and Highway Contract Box Delivery Routes

Customers must use only approved traditional, contemporary, or locked full- or limited-service curbside mailboxes for new installations or replacements. Postmasters should ensure that where new delivery is established or extended, customers use delivery equipment approved by the postmaster general. However, customers may use a custom-built curbside mailbox if the local postmaster gives prior approval and the mailbox conforms generally to the same requirements as approved manufactured curbside mailboxes relative to the flag, size, strength, and quality of construction. Carriers on motorized city routes may continue to serve mailboxes that are designed primarily for use by customers receiving door delivery and that have been erected and served under previous regulations (see Exhibit C on this page). However, carriers should advise customers that they may use only approved curbside mailboxes when replacing these types of mailboxes. A list of approved manufacturers of traditional curbside mailboxes appears on pages 8-9.

For motorized city routes, and where the use of street names and house numbers is authorized on rural and highway contract box delivery routes, the mailbox must display the number on the side of single mailboxes or on the door of grouped mailboxes. If the mailbox is on a street other than the one on which the customer resides, the street name and house number must be on the mailbox. When rural and highway contract box delivery route customers have assigned box numbers, the numbers must appear on the side of single mailboxes or on the doors of grouped mailboxes, visible to the approaching carrier. The street number, box number, and/or any other address information must be inscribed in contrasting color in neat letters and numerals not less than 1 inch in height. In all instances, placing the owner's name on the box is optional.

Motorized city, rural, and highway contract box delivery route customers are encouraged, but not required, to group mailboxes whenever practical, especially where many mailboxes are located at or near crossroads, service turnouts, or similar locations. Customers should also paint mailboxes and supports/posts and keep them rust-free. Advertising on mailboxes and mailbox supports is prohibited.

In areas where snow removal is a problem, the Postal Service suggests using a semi-arch or extended arm-type support (see Exhibit D), which allows snowplows to sweep near or under mailboxes without damaging supports and provides easy access to the mailboxes by carriers and customers.

Generally, mailboxes should be installed at a height of 41-45 inches from the road surface to the bottom of the mailbox or point of mail entry. Mailboxes are set back 6-8 inches from the front face of the curb or road edge to the mailbox door. However, because of varying road and curb conditions and other factors, the Postal Service recommends that customers contact their local Post Office before erecting or replacing mailboxes and supports.

Location

Customers must place mailboxes on motorized city, rural, and highway contract box delivery routes so a carrier can safely and conveniently serve them without leaving his or her vehicle. The mailboxes must be on the right-hand side of the road in the carrier's travel direction in all cases where traffic conditions make it dangerous for the carrier to drive to the left to reach the mailboxes, or where doing so would constitute a violation of traffic laws and regulations Postal Operations Manual, POM, 632.6, Apartment House Receptacles, specifies Postal Service regulations regarding locations for apartment houses and other multiple unit dwellings. On new rural and highway contract box delivery routes, all mailboxes must be on the right-hand side of the road in the direction of the route line of travel. Mailbox placement must conform with state laws and highway regulations. City motorized, rural, and highway contract box delivery route carriers are subject to the same traffic laws and regulations as other motorists. Customers must remove obstructions, including vehicles, trash cans, and snow, that impede safe and efficient delivery. Except when a mailbox is temporarily blocked, carriers must have access to the mailbox without leaving the vehicle unless authorized to dismount.

Mailbox Supports

The Postal Service does not regulate mailbox supports in any way except for purposes of carrier safety and delivery efficiency. Posts and other supports for curbside mailboxes are owned and controlled by customers, who are responsible for ensuring that posts are neat and adequate in strength and size. Heavy metal posts, concrete posts, and miscellaneous items of farm equipment, such as milk cans filled with concrete, are examples of potentially dangerous supports. The ideal support is an assembly that bends or falls away when struck by a vehicle. Post or support designs may not represent effigies or caricatures that disparage or ridicule any person. Customers may attach the box to a fixed or movable arm. POM 632.5, Curbside Mailboxes, specifies Postal Service regulations regarding construction and placement of mailboxes and supports on motorized city, rural, and highway contract box delivery routes.

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has determined that mailbox supports no larger than 4 inches by 4 inches, or a 2-inch diameter standard steel or aluminum pipe, buried no more than 24 inches, should safely break away if struck by a vehicle. According to FHWA, the mailbox must also be securely attached to its post to prevent separation if struck. See Exhibits E (page 14) and F (page 15) for examples of mailbox mountings and supports suggested by the FHWA. Further information may be obtained from:

AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF STATE HIGHWAY AND TRANSPORTATION OFFICIALS
444 N CAPITOL ST NW STE 249
WASHINGTON DC 20001-1512

FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION
OFFICE OF HIGHWAY SAFETY HHS-10
400 7TH ST SW
WASHINGTON DC 20590-0003

The following list of curbside mailboxes approved by the postmaster general supersedes all previously published lists of approved manufacturers. This list is periodically updated, and may be obtained at http://blue.usps.gov/delivery/del_growth_management.htm.

Curbside Mailboxes Approved by the Postmaster General
USPS-STD-7B

Manufacturers, Models, and Accessories

ADDRESS ART
PO BOX 90018
INDIANAPOLIS IN 46290-0018

www.addressart.com
APPL1 (Accessory)
APPL2 (Accessory)
APPL3 (Accessory)

ALPHA PRODUCTS
5570 W 70TH PL
CHICAGO IL 60638-5326

www.alphaproducts.com
MV1215 (Locking)

AMERICAN POSTAL MANUFACTURING CO
500 W OKLAHOMA AVE
MILWAUKEE WI 53207-2649

www.mailproducts.com
1812 (Contemporary)

ARCHITECTURAL MAILBOXES
1707 E DEL AMO BLVD
CARSON CA 90746-2938

www.architecturalmailboxes.com
Oasis 5100/5500 (Locking, full-service)

ARMADILLO ENCLOSURES INC
PO BOX 462199
ESCONDIDO CA 92046-2199

www.armadillomailbox.com
1000F (Traditional)
1000R (Locking, full-service)

AUTH FLORENCE MANUFACTURING
591 MITCHELL RD
GLENDALE HEIGHTS IL 60139-2582

www.auth-florence.com
MB2000 (Locking)

DAVIS TOOL INC
215 SW WOOD ST
HILLSBORO OR 97123-5627

www.lockingmailbox.com
1022-X-LIM (Locking, limited-service)
1023-X-LIM (Locking, limited-service)

DVAULT COMPANY INC
9457 S UNIVERSITY BLVD
STE 280
LITTLETON CO 80126-4976

www.dvault.com
DVC S00 15 (Locking)

FLEXIBLE COMPOSITES CO
2629 MOUNT JORDAN RD
SANDY UT 84092

www.flixiblecomposites.com
CMB-001 (Traditional)

FORT KNOX MAILBOX INC
4941 INDUSTRY DR
MEDFORD OR 97502-1200

www.fortknoxmailbox.com
Lg. Standard Mailbox (Locking)
The Fortress (Locking)

FUORISERIE IMPORTS
61 PEARL ST STE 503
BROOKLYN NY 11201

www.ecco-products.com
Ecco 3 (Traditional)

GAINES MANUFACTURING
12200 CIRKHAM RD
POWAY CA 92064-6806

www.gainesmfg.com
Keystone (Contemporary)

IMPERIAL MAILBOX SYSTEMS
3901 NORRIS LN
MILLBROOK AL 36054-2433

www.imperialmailboxsystems.com
36557 (Contemporary)
37257 (Contemporary)
37260 (Contemporary)
37262 (Contemporary)
37263 (Contemporary)
37264 (Contemporary)
37265 (Contemporary)

JAMESTOWN ADVANCED PRODUCTS INC
2855 GIRTS RD
JAMESTOWN NY 14701-9666

www.jamestownadvanced.com
49 (Traditional)
54 (Traditional)
56 (Traditional)

JANZER CORP
9 CHELTEN WAY
TRENTON NJ 08638-5000

www.janzer.com
StoneyBrae (Traditional)

KAY JAY NOVELTIES
PO BOX 96
NASELLE WA 98638-0096

kayjay@wwest.net
FF0100 (ACCESSORY)

LETTER LOCKER LLC
20594 OTTAWA RD
APPLE VALLEY CA 92308-6253

www.letterlocker.com
Supreme Letter Locker (Locking, full-service)
Standard Letter Locker (Locking, full-service)

MAIL SYSTEMS NW INC
12365 SW TOOZE RD
SHERWOOD OR 97140-7205

Belaire 16 (Locking, limited-service)
Belaire 20 (Locking, full-service)
Senator 16 (Locking, full-service)
Senator XL (Locking, full-service)

POSTAL VAULT CORP
4620 ROYAL LA
DALLAS TX 75229-4203

www.postalvault.com
PV300 15 (Locking, full-service)
PV400 (Locking, full-service)

SALSBURY INDUSTRIES
1010 E 62ND ST
LOS ANGELES CA 90001-1598

www.mailboxes.com
4325 (Locking)
4350 (Locking)
4375 (Locking)
4550 (Locking)
4850 (Contemporary)

SECURITY MANUFACTURING
815 S MAIN ST
GRAPEVINE TX 76051-5535

www.securitymanufacturing.com
Trailmaster (Locking, full-service)

SOLAR GROUP INC
107 FELLOWSHIP RD
PO BOX 525
TAYLORSVILLE MS 39168-0525

www.thesolargroup.com
AR15 (Contemporary)
CENTURY 2000 (Contemporary)
CL-1 (Contemporary)
E-11 (Contemporary)
E-16 (Traditional)
ES15 Estate (Traditional)
PL-10 (Traditional)
RSK (Locking)
ST-10 (Traditional)
ST-11 (Traditional)
ST-15 (Traditional)
ST-16 (Traditional)
ST-20 (Traditional)

STEEL CITY CORP
190 N MERIDIAN RD
YOUNGSTOWN OH 44501-1227

www.scity.com
2D Two Door Brute (Traditional)
IB IronBox (Traditional)
LE Brute (Contemporary)
PX Polybox (Traditional)
T1 (Traditional)
T2 (Traditional)
T3 (Traditional)

STEP2 CORP
PO BOX 2412
STREETSBORO OH 44241-0412

www.step2.com
5402 (Contemporary)
5452 (Contemporary)

VEEDERS MAILBOX INC
10050 MONTGOMERY RD NO 324
CINCINNATI OH 45242

www.veedersmailbox.com
LGVMB-G (Traditional)
LGVMB-SS (Traditional)
SMVMB-B (Traditional)
SMVMB-SS (Traditional)

Cluster Box Units and All-Weather Parcel Lockers

During Mailbox Improvement Week, postmasters and managers or their designees must review all cluster box units (CBUs), neighborhood delivery and collection box units (NDCBUs), and outdoor parcel lockers (OPLs) in their delivery areas to identify any hazards or irregularities, and they must record the results of the review. Note: NDCBUs are not approved for use by Postal Service employees in new delivery or as replacement units for existing NDCBUs, even when privately purchased. Postal Service officials must not install arrow locks in new NDCBUs or initiate delivery to NDCBUs installed as replacements.

Upon completion of the reviews, copies must be retained locally and consolidated copies sent to the designated growth coordinator for each district. PS Form 8143, Equipment Checklist and Follow-up Review, is the suggested format to use in conducting and recording the reviews. PS Form 8143 is available in this Postal Bulletin (see Exhibit G on page 11) and on the Delivery and Retail/Growth Management Web page (http://blue.usps.gov/delivery/del_growth_management.htm), and must be reproduced locally. Employees conducting the reviews must complete PS Form 1624, Delivery/Collection Equipment Work Request, for any equipment that poses a safety hazard to Postal Service customers or employees. Requisition PS Form 1624 from the MDC using normal ordering procedures (described on pages 5-6). The relevant ordering information for PS Form 1624 is as follows:

PSN: 7530-01-000-9392
PSIN: PS1624
Unit of Measure: SE
Quick Pick Number: N/A
Bulk Pack Quantity: 10,000
Minimum Order: 100
Price: $0.0154

Equipment Review Procedure

Employees must use the CBU and parcel locker equipment checklist and follow-up review procedure when examining the condition of CBUs, NDCBUs, and OPLs. Employees must do the following:

1. List the 5-digit, USPS-marked Postal Service ID number of the unit. This is usually visible on the front or side of the body or pedestal. If a Postal Service ID number is not available, list the unit location, equipment type, and manufacturer in the left-hand column. If you are able to access the back of the unit, list the unit's vendor-supplied serial number. The type listed must distinguish between NDCBU and CBU.

2. Assign each checklist item one of the following ratings:

a. OK - Equipment does not need attention for this item.

b. X - Equipment needs attention for this item.

c. NA - Item does not apply to this particular piece of equipment.

3. When examining the equipment, use the instructions below to complete PS Form 8143:

a. Check equipment. All CBUs, NDCBUs, and OPLs should be straight, vertical, and firmly mounted. For safety concerns, please ensure that customer compartments are facing away from the street. Visually verify that four bolts/nuts are firmly in place securing the pedestal to the concrete pad and to the CBU, NDCBU, or OPL. Apply hand pressure to the top edge of the unit from the front side. While the unit may flex under the load, verify that the pedestal stays firmly mounted to the concrete and that the unit does not separate from the pedestal.

b. Check visible welds. Make note of cracked, broken, or rusted welds. For NDCBUs and OPLs only, tap the pedestal with a lightweight hammer, especially along the seams, to check for corrosion from the inside out or perforated corrosion.

c. For CBUs and NDCBUs, observe whether the carrier access door is locked and secure. Open it and observe whether it is bowed or warped and whether the door and locking bar operate smoothly. With the carrier access door open, check whether restraining devices prevent the door from blowing closed. These devices, which may have to be set manually, should be serviceable.

d. Ensure that the arrow lock operates smoothly and easily and that the mounting hardware is tight. For NDCBUs and OPLs, the cover that protects the arrow lock from customer tampering must be serviceable and firmly attached.

e. For OPLs, the cover that protects the arrow lock from theft must be secured, with the proper quantity of tamper resistant screws.

f. Ensure that all customer access doors are present, closed, and locked with no visible damage or signs of forced entry. Check that customer door numbers are readable.

g. Ensure that the exterior surface of the unit is free from rust and graffiti.

h. Examine the unit. Check it for defects or damage and whether it reflects a proper Postal Service image.

i. Check whether the unit and/or any protecting structure appears watertight and in good repair. Check whether there are any noticeable watermarks inside the unit or any wet mail.

j. Note any other conditions that require attention. Also, look for signs of vandalism such as pry marks on doors and locks.

4. Record the results of the inspection on the checklist.

5. Submit the completed PS Form 1624 for each unit reviewed to the maintenance office responsible for centralized delivery equipment installation and/or repair in the area.

Carriers must note equipment deficiencies and report them to the postmaster, supervisor, or designee. The postmaster or designee must then submit PS Form 1624 reporting the equipment defects. In addition, carriers should complete PS Form 1767, Report of Hazard, Unsafe Condition, or Practice, for items that pose an immediate threat to safety, such as an improperly secured or leaning NDCBU/CBU. Order PS Form 1767 from the MDC using normal ordering procedures (described on pages 5-6). The relevant ordering information for PS Form 1767 is as follows:

PSN: 7530-01-000-9422
PSIN: PS1767
Unit of Measure: SE
Quick Pick Number: 141
Bulk Pack Quantity: 800
Minimum Order: 25
Price: $0.555

The postmaster or supervisor must immediately notify by telephone the office responsible for repair of reported hazards. The postmaster or supervisor must follow up to ensure that the work is satisfactorily completed and documented. The office responsible for repair should use its local buying authority to accomplish the repairs.

In January 1999, the Postal Service announced that NDCBUs cannot be installed for delivery of mail beginning in fiscal year 2000. As previously stated, there are no waivers granted for this policy. In April 2004, national contracts for CBUs were renewed for a period of 6 months. The renewals were awarded to American Locker Security Systems, Auth-Florence Manufacturing, and Security Manufacturing. OPLs are available only through the national contract with American Locker. All orders for CBUs and OPLs must be placed through these national contracts, and all orders must be placed through eBuy.

For eBuy ordering instructions, go to the Blue page at http://blue.usps.gov; under "eLinks," click on eBuy, then Training. For additional assistance, call 800-USPS-help.

Cluster Box Units (CBUs)
USPS-B-1118E, June 1994

AMERICAN LOCKER SECURITY SYSTEMS INC
608 ALLEN ST
JAMESTOWN NY 14701-3966

800-828-9118
716-664-9600
716-483-2822 (fax)
www.americanlocker.com
Contract #072368-01-P-0378 - Place orders through eBuy.
Unit is painted plastic - pedestal is painted plastic.

AUTH FLORENCE MANUFACTURING CO
591 MITCHELL RD
GLENDALE HEIGHTS IL 60139-2582

800-275-1747
630-545-1784
630-545-1896 (fax)
www.auth-florence.com
Contract #072368-01-P-0379 - Place orders through eBuy.
Unit is anodized, painted aluminum - pedestal is anodized, painted stainless steel.

SECURITY MANUFACTURING CORP
815 S MAIN ST
GRAPEVINE TX 76051-5535

800-762-6937
817-329-1600
817-481-3993 (fax)
www.securitymanufacturing.com
Contract #072368-01-P-0380 - Place orders through eBuy.
Unit is anodized, painted aluminum - pedestal is anodized, painted aluminum.

Outdoor Parcel Locker (OPL)
USPS-B-1116A, September 13, 1989

AMERICAN LOCKER SECURITY SYSTEMS INC
608 ALLEN ST
JAMESTOWN NY 14701-3966

800-828-9118
716-664-9600
716-483-2822 (fax)
www.americanlocker.com
Contract #072368-01-P-0378 - Place orders through eBuy.
Unit is plastic - pedestal is anodized aluminum. (Note:
Pedestal can be used on only American Locker units.)

Replacement Pedestals - NDCBU Universal

AUTH FLORENCE MANUFACTURING CO
591 MITCHELL RD
GLENDALE HEIGHTS IL 60139-2582

800-275-1747
630-545-1784
630-545-1896 (fax)
www.auth-florence.com
Contract #072368-01-P-0379 - Place orders through eBuy.
Pedestal is anodized aluminum. Does not fit Superior units.

SECURITY MANUFACTURING CORP
815 S MAIN ST
GRAPEVINE TX 76051-5535

800-762-6937
817-329-1600
817-481-3993 (fax)
Contract #072368-01-P-0380 - Place orders through eBuy.
Pedestal is painted aluminum. Does not fit Superior or ARA units.

PAGE SPECIALTY COMPANY
5877 S FULTON WAY
ENGLEWOOD CO 80111-3719

Contact: Bob Page
800-327-7439
303-770-2842
303-771-6837 (fax)
No national contract.
Pedestal is painted aluminum. (Note: Page is a small business.)

GREGS BODY AND FABRICATING
PO BOX 813
FRUITLAND PARK FL 34731-0813

Contact: Hansdel Gregory Swanson
352-787-6262
352-787-6262 (fax)
No national contract.
Pedestal is painted aluminum.
Designed for superior NDCBUs without need for mounting brackets.

Replacement Pedestals - OPL

AMERICAN LOCKER SECURITY SYSTEMS INC
608 ALLEN ST
JAMESTOWN NY 14701-3966

800-828-9118
716-664-9600
716-483-2822 (fax)
www.americanlocker.com
Contract #072368-01-P-0378 - Place orders through eBuy.
Pedestal is anodized aluminum. (Note: Can be used on only American Locker units.)

Replacement Pedestals - Carousel/Rotating

PAGE SPECIALTY COMPANY
5877 S FULTON WAY
ENGLEWOOD CO 80111-3719

Contact: Bob Page
800-327-7439
303-770-2842
303-771-6837 (fax)
No national contract.
Pedestal is painted steel.

Apartment House Mail Receptacles - Horizontal and Vertical

Note: USPS is finalizing a complete revision to USPS- STD-4B. The new standard will be USPS-STD-4C, Effective May 1, 1975
(pending revision)

AMERICAN DEVICE MANUFACTURING
591 MITCHELL RD
GLENDALE HEIGHTS IL 60139-2582

www.auth-florence.com
800-275-1747
630-545-1784
630-545-1896 (fax)

AMERICAN EAGLE MANUFACTURING CO
3017 WHEELOCK ST
DALLAS TX 75220-2944

800-488-4810
214-358-5544
214-358-2261 (fax)
Horizontal only.

AUTH FLORENCE MANUFACTURING CO
591 MITCHELL RD
GLENDALE HEIGHTS IL 60139-2582

www.auth-florence.com
800-275-1747
630-545-1784
630-545-1896 (fax)

BOMMER INDUSTRIES INC
PO BOX 187
LANDRUM SC 29356-0187

www.bommer.com
800-334-1654
864-457-3301
864-457-5370 (fax)

JENSEN INDUSTRIES INC
1946 E 46TH ST
LOS ANGELES CA 90058-2096

www.jensen-ind.com
323-235-6800
800-882-6489 (fax)

SALSBURY INDUSTRIES
1010 E 62ND ST
LOS ANGELES CA 90001-1598

www.mailboxes.com
800-323-3003
213-232-6181
800-725-9393 (fax)

SECURITY MANUFACTURING CORP
815 S MAIN ST
GRAPEVINE TX 76051-5535

www.securitymanufacturing.com
800-762-6937
817-329-1600
817-481-3993 (fax)

Locks and Cams, CBU/NDCBU
USPS-L-1172B, March 2, 1992
PSIN 0910A and B (locks) & PSIN 0913A through K (cams)

ESP LOCK PRODUCTS INC
375 HARVARD ST
LEOMINSTER MA 01453-3499

Contact: Sari Phibault
978-537-6121
978-537-1699 (fax)
No national contract.

HUDSON LOCK INC
81 APSLEY ST
HUDSON MA 01749-1547

Contact: Joanna Smith
978-562-3481
978-562-9859 (fax)
No national contract.

NATIONAL CABINET LOCK
200 OLD MILL RD
PO BOX 200
MAULDIN SC 29662-0200

Contact: Teresa Gilstrap
803-297-6655
803-297-9987 (fax)
Contract #266351-P0411

WIND CORPORATION
14 FINANCE DR
DANBURY CT 06810-4132

Contact: Patrick Wind
203-778-1001
203-778-1006 (fax)
Contract #266351-99-B-0987

Locks, Interlocking System, Parcel Locker, CBU
PSIN 0306P
USPS-L-1294A, November 19, 1996

KABA ILCO CORPORATION
400 JEFFREYS RD
PO BOX 2627
ROCKY MOUNT NC 27802-2627

Contact: Mike Philips (x256)
800-334-1381
252-446-3321
252-446-4702 (fax)
No national contract.

AMERICAN LOCKER SECURITY SYSTEMS INC
608 ALLEN ST
JAMESTOWN NY 14701-3966

www.americanlocker.com
800-828-9118
716-664-9600
716-483-2822 (fax)
No national contract.

Note: Apartment-style boxes are approved for indoor installation or protected outdoor locations. However, the Postal Service is prohibited from purchasing this equipment for new installations. You may order only replacement parts for Postal Service-owned equipment that was installed in the past.

State and Local Regulations

Some states have enacted laws that are more stringent and specific about the type of mailbox that may be used, the post or support that must be used to mount the mailbox, and the location of the delivery equipment. Regulations and recommendations published in this notice might not reflect appropriate requirements for your area. When providing guidance to the general public concerning mailbox placement and replacement, advise them not only of Postal Service regulations but also of any mailbox regulations that you know have been enacted by state or local authorities.

Publicity

Postmasters should give these guidelines and suggestions maximum local publicity. Consult your area Public Affairs and Communications representative for further guidance and assistance in publicizing Mailbox Improvement Week. The news release on page 16 is provided for postmasters to distribute to daily or weekly newspapers or broadcast stations in their delivery area to promote Mailbox Improvement Week. Postmasters should retype the release double-spaced on Postal Service letterhead. It may also be helpful to alert the media to locations of particularly interesting mailboxes in your delivery area.

Responsibility

Motorized city, rural, and highway contract box delivery route carriers must cooperate to ensure the success of this endeavor and later report the results to the postmaster. In addition, postmasters should use the most up-to-date list of manufacturers and mailbox suppliers when providing motorized city, rural, and highway contract box delivery route customers with information about the type of box to install.

- Delivery Support,
Delivery and Retail, 5-13-04

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: [INSERT YOUR NAME]
[INSERT DATE] [INSERT YOUR PHONE NUMBER]
Internet: www.usps.com

Mailbox Improvement Week Arrives in Time for Spring Cleaning

The U.S. Postal Service® is asking all [CITY NAME] owners to inspect and repair their mailboxes during Mailbox Improvement Week, May 17-23, says Postmaster [FULL NAME].

"Repairing suburban and rural mailboxes improves the appearance of our community and makes delivering and receiving mail safer for our carriers and customers," [LAST NAME] says.

The Postal ServiceTM makes this annual request because of the wear and tear that occurs to mailboxes every year. "This is especially important after the effects of last winter," [HE/SHE] adds [IF APPLICABLE].

Some of the typical activities that may need to be done include:

• Replacing loose hinges on a mailbox door.

• Repainting a mailbox that may have rusted or started peeling.

• Remounting a mailbox post if loosened.

• Replacing or adding house numbers.

"If a owner plans to install a new mailbox or replace a worn one, he or she must use only Postal Service-approved traditional, contemporary, or locking full- or limited-service mailboxes," said [LAST NAME]. "Customers should be careful when purchasing curbside mail receptacles because the use of unapproved boxes is prohibited. Customers may use a custom-built mailbox, but they must consult with my office to ensure it conforms to guidelines applying to flag, size, strength, and quality of construction."

For more information on the use of names or numbers on mailboxes, or answers to any other questions, contact Postmaster [FULL NAME] at [PHONE NUMBER] or call your local postmaster at [PHONE NUMBER].

# # #

National Missing Children's Day Observance Is Wednesday, May 19, 2004

The Postal ServiceTM, in partnership with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) and ADVO, Inc., leads the America's Looking For Its Missing Children® program, one of the nation's most effective public service initiatives to help find missing children.

Once a week, thousands of Postal Service letter carriers across the U.S. deliver special mail that often represents the last hope for families searching for their missing children. We are pleased to announce our 130th recovery.

The card below depicts a recently recovered child.

Recovery #130 is Isabella Bravo.

Nine-year-old Isabella, missing from her in Sacramento, California, for over 5 years, was safely recovered September 30, 2003, thanks to several leads generated in the Scranton, Pennsylvania, area by ADVO's "Have You Seen Me?®" cards.

During the week of September 21, 2003, ADVO and its direct mail partners began a nationwide mailing of 85 million missing children cards featuring photos of Isabella and her alleged (noncustodial) abductor mother. Several leads were received by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children that same week. The anonymous callers all recognized the mother's photo as a woman who worked in a pizza restaurant in Scranton. Thanks to those important tips, investigators were able to quickly recover Isabella and reunite her with her father in California.

A special thanks to all Postal Service employees for your efforts. The power of the mail continues to deliver for America's families.

- Community Relations,
Public Affairs and Communications, 5-13-04

Domestic Mail

DMM REVISION

Address Elements

Effective May 13, 2004, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) A010.1.2 and A010.4.0 are revised to clarify standards for certain address elements and for the required use of a ZIP CodeTM or ZIP+4® code in the delivery address and in the return address.

DMM A010.1.2b is revised to clarify that the private mailbox designator ("PMB" or alternative "#") and number are required only if the mailpiece is addressed to a commercial mail receiving agency (CMRA) address (see DMM D042.2.0).

DMM A010.1.2d is revised to include an abbreviation designation for the city and state address element.

DMM A010.1.2e is revised to clarify that single-piece Parcel Post® does not require a ZIP Code in the delivery address. This clarification is consistent with the standards in DMM E710.3.1. The Postal ServiceTM strongly encourages the use of correct ZIP Code information on all mail. The last sentence of DMM A010.1.2e is moved into DMM A010.4.0 to be correctly located with return address information.

Mailers with questions about addressing standards can go to their local Post OfficeTM or visit www.usps.com. Postal Service employees with questions should contact their district manager of business mail entry.

We will incorporate this revision 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

A000 Basic Addressing

A010 Standard Addressing Formats

1.0 ADDRESS CONTENT AND PLACEMENT

* * * * *

1.2 Address Elements

All mail not bearing a simplified address under A020 must bear a delivery address that contains at least the following elements in this order from the top line:

* * * * *

[Revise item b to read as follows:]

b. Private mailbox designator ("PMB" or alternative "#") and number if the mailpiece is addressed to a commercial mail receiving agency (CMRA) address.

* * * * *

[Revise item d to read as follows:]

d. City and state (or state abbreviation). The city is any acceptable mailing name for the 5-digit ZIP Code serving the intended recipient as shown in Publication 65, National Five-Digit ZIP Code and Post Office Directory, and the USPS City State Product.

[Revise item e to read as follows:]

e. ZIP Code (5-digit or ZIP + 4) where required:

(1) ZIP Codes are required on Express Mail, Pre- sorted and automation rate First-Class Mail, Periodicals mail, Standard Mail, Package Services mail (except single-piece rate Parcel Post), all mail sent to military addresses within the United States and to APO and FPO addresses, all official mail (penalty mail), all business reply mail, and all merchandise return service mail.

(2) Unless required above, ZIP Codes may be omitted from single-piece rate First-Class Mail (including Priority Mail), single-piece rate Parcel Post, and pieces bearing a simplified address.

* * * * *

4.0 RETURN ADDRESS

4.1 Purpose

[Revise 4.1 to read as follows:]

The return address tells the USPS where the sender of a mailpiece wants it returned if the piece cannot be delivered.

[Renumber 4.2 through 4.4 as 4.3 through 4.5, respectively, and add new 4.2 to read as follows:]

4.2 Address Elements

The return address contains elements corresponding to those for the delivery address. A return address is required in specific circumstances (see 4.4). If the sender's name is not included in the return address, another clear designation (apartment, suite, or room number) is required to ensure proper handling of ancillary services and/or return of the piece. ZIP Codes (5-digit or ZIP+4) are required in the return address of all mail on which postage is paid with precanceled stamps or company permit imprint, and in the sender's return address on Periodicals mail when "Address Service Requested" is specified. Official mail (penalty mail) also requires a ZIP Code in the return address.

* * * * *

4.4 Required Use

[Revise introductory text of renumbered 4.4 to read as follows:]

Except as provided in 4.2, the sender's domestic return address must appear legibly on:

* * * * *

- Mailing Standards,
Pricing and Classification, 5-13-04

NEW AND REVISED LABELS

Barcoded Presort Destination Package Labels - Ordering Instructions

In October 2003, the Postal ServiceTM revised five barcoded pressure-sensitive presort destination package labels (see page 21) that mailers affix to the address side of the top mailpiece in packages of mailpieces instead of using optional endorsement lines (OELs). Here are the five labels:

• Label F, Firm - Same Address.

• Label 5, Same 5-Digit ZIP Code.

• Label 3, Same 3-Digit ZIP Code.

• Label A, All for ADC.

• Label X, Mixed ADC.

Some of these labels are revisions with familiar names and some are new, but all of them have this new barcoded format. The new design has no impact on mail preparation and current mailing standards.

The presort labels are 3/4 inch wide by 1/2 inch high and include both a width-modulated barcode and a presort character that identify the presort level of the package. The labels are printed in colors similar to those used for the older, nonbarcoded labels. Beginning on September 1, 2004, the new, barcoded labels must be used in place of the older, nonbarcoded labels.

You can order the five barcoded labels from the Material Distribution Center (MDC) by using touch tone order entry (TTOE): 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).

Use the following information to order the barcoded labels:

Until September 1, 2004, mailers may continue using the nonbarcoded labels. Managers of business mail entry must ensure that every Post OfficeTM within the service area of their districts has access to the new barcoded pressure-sensitive package labels as needed. Mailers can request these new labels from their local Post Office or business mail entry unit.

- Mailing Standards,
Pricing and Classification, 5-13-04

DMM REMINDER

Presort Destination Package Labels - September Effective Date

Effective September 1, 2004, the new barcoded format for pressure-sensitive presort destination package labels (stickers) must be used instead of the older, nonbarcoded labels (see page 21). Extensive information on the new labels, along with the supporting changes to the Domestic Mail Manual (DMMTM), appeared in the article "DMM Revision: Presort Destination Package Labels - New Barcoded Format" (Postal Bulletin 22114, 10-30-03, pages 10-26).

Ordering instructions for these labels appear in the article "New and Revised Labels: Barcoded Presort Destination Package Labels - Ordering Instructions" on page 20 of this Postal Bulletin.

Background

In recent years, numerous automated advances in mail processing technology developed by the Postal ServiceTM have led to faster, more efficient methods of sorting individual letter-size and flat-size pieces. New equipment - designated as the Automated Package Processing System (APPS) - will extend similar benefits of automated processing to small, lightweight parcels and to flat-size pieces, such as magazines and catalogs prepared in packages (several mailpieces presorted and secured together into a single unit). The APPS equipment represents the next generation of the small parcel and bundle sorter (SPBS) currently used by the Postal Service.

With its large processing capacity, the APPS will replace current labor-intensive methods with more efficient automated methods that improve the sortation of parcels, Priority Mail® pieces, and presort destination packages of flat-size mailpieces. The APPS contains several advanced features, including an integrated optical character/barcode reader with four-sided image capture. With this feature, the APPS can read and interpret information from properly prepared parcels and presort destination packages and automatically direct the parcels and presort packages to the appropriate bins. The changes to the presort labels ensure that presort packages can be scanned and sorted efficiently on the APPS.

Purpose and Placement

Applying a pressure-sensitive package label to the top mailpiece in a presort package of banded mailpieces - rather than using an optional endorsement line (OEL) - is one method that mailers use to indicate the sortation level for certain letter-size mail, flat-size mail, and small parcels that must be packaged before being placed into a tray or sack or onto a pallet. The sortation level also determines the appropriate container level for sorting the individual packages.

For letter-size mail, the label must be placed in the lower left corner of the address side of the top piece in the package. For flat-size mail, the label should be placed to the lower left of the address area on the address side of the top piece in the package to ensure optimal recognition. The label must not be obscured by banding or shrinkwrap.

Label Format Changes

The changes affect the five pressure-sensitive package labels that mailers currently use. The size of the new rectangular labels is 3/4 inch wide by 1/2 inch high. A width- modulated barcode appears on the right side of the new labels as a unique indicator of the sortation level. The bars of the barcode are 0.02 inch wide and 0.50 inch high. The rightmost bar ends 0.04 inch from the right edge of the label. Each label also contains a human-readable single alpha or numeric character to the left of the barcode, corresponding to the sortation level of the package as shown in the following table.

Package Labels - Sortation Characters and Colors

The new label design allows the APPS equipment to find and read the necessary information quickly. At the same time, the redundant (barcode) information ensures a higher read rate. The various pressure-sensitive package labels are approximately the same color as the nonbarcoded labels. Besides label shape, label size, and barcode, the only other changes are the following:

• The alpha character "D" that appears on the older red labels for the 5-digit sortation level is replaced with the numeric "5."

• The alpha characters "MXD" that appear on the older tan labels for the mixed ADC sortation level are replaced with the single alpha character "X."

Label Availability

The new barcoded labels are all available from the Material Distribution Center in Topeka, Kansas (see page 20). Orders placed for labels will be fulfilled only with the new barcoded labels. Managers of business mail entry, working with their staffs, must ensure that all Post OfficesTM within the service area of their district have access to the new barcoded pressure-sensitive package labels as needed.

Effective September 1, 2004, mailers not using OELs will be required to use only the barcoded pressure-sensitive package labels rather than the nonbarcoded labels. Mailers with questions about the use or availability of the new labels should contact the local district manager of business mail entry.

Mailers needing to find the address and telephone number of the appropriate business mail entry unit should see DMM G042 or go to http://pe.usps.gov; click on Postal Links in the upper left corner, then on Business Mail Entry under Postal Locator.

- Mailing Standards,
Pricing and Classification, 5-13-04

Employees

ELM REVISION

Annual Leave in Lieu of Holiday Leave Pay

Effective immediately, Employee and Labor Relations Manual (ELM) 434.4, Holiday Leave Pay, is revised to notify eligible employees that they may elect to receive annual leave in lieu of holiday leave pay. This section is also reorganized to improve clarity. The substantive changes appear in 434.412 and 434.422.

The substantive changes are made necessary by revisions in Article 11, sections 3 and 4, of the national agreement between the Postal ServiceTM and the American Postal Workers' Union (APWU), pursuant to the Goldberg Interest Arbitration Award December 18, 2001, as well as by the Memorandum of Understanding between the Postal Service and the APWU, January 29, 2002.

The changes affect not only clerk and maintenance craft employees, but also employees in several other bargaining units, including the Information Technology/Accounting Service Center and the Operating Services Division, both represented by the APWU, as well as mail handlers, represented by the National Postal Mail Handlers Union, and certain nonbargaining employees in the Executive and Administrative Salary schedule.

We will incorporate these revisions into the next printed version of the ELM and also into the online version, available on the Postal Service PolicyNet Web site; go to http://blue.usps.gov; click on More References, then Manuals. It is also available on the Internet; go to www.usps.com; click on About USPS & News, then Forms & Publications, then Postal Periodicals and Publications, and then Manuals.

Employee and Labor Relations Manual (ELM)

* * * * *

4 Pay Administration

* * * * *

430 Basic and Special Pay Provisions

* * * * *

434 Overtime and Premium Pay

* * * * *

434.4 Holiday Leave Pay

[Revise 434.4 to read as follows:]

434.41 Policy

434.411 Holidays Observed

Provisions for holiday observance are as follows:

a. The following 10 days are observed as holidays:

(1) New Year's Day.

(2) Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday.

(3) Washington's Birthday (Presidents' Day).

(4) Memorial Day.

(5) Independence Day.

(6) Labor Day.

(7) Columbus Day.

(8) Veterans' Day.

(9) Thanksgiving Day.

(10) Christmas Day.

b. Variations in schedule for holiday observance are as follows:

(1) If a holiday falls on an eligible employee's regular scheduled workday, including Saturday or Sunday, the employee observes the holiday on that day.

(2) If a holiday falls on an eligible employee's scheduled nonworkday, the first scheduled day preceding the holiday is designated as the employee's holiday except as provided in 434.411b(3) and 434.421.

(3) If a holiday falls on a Sunday that is a nonscheduled workday for an eligible employee, Monday is designated as the employee's holiday. However, if Monday is also a nonscheduled workday, then Saturday is designated as the employee's holiday. For postal police officers, see the USPS- PPO Agreement.

(4) For all full-time postmasters, if a holiday falls on a Saturday that is a nonscheduled workday, the preceding Friday is designated as the postmaster's holiday. Where necessary, additional workhour allowances are authorized for those Post Offices without a senior supervisor to provide relief coverage during the postmaster's absence on holiday leave.

434.412 Application

On these holidays, eligible employees receive holiday leave pay for the number of hours equal to their regular daily work schedule, not to exceed 8 hours (see 434.421). This holiday pay is instead of other paid leave to which employees might otherwise be entitled on their holiday.

Eligible employees who work their holiday, at their option, may elect to have their annual leave balance credited with up to 8 hours of annual leave in lieu of holiday leave pay (see 434.422). When this option is chosen, the deferred holiday leave pay is subject to all applicable rules for requesting and scheduling annual leave and is combined with annual leave and counted as annual leave for purposes of annual leave carryover (see 512.32).

Note: Holiday leave pay should not be confused with holiday-worked pay, holiday scheduling premium, or Christmas-worked pay (see 434.5).

434.42 Eligibility

434.421 Eligibility for Holiday Leave Pay

Eligibility is shown by category on the following chart:

¹ Unless the holiday falls on their scheduled workday.

² Holiday pay is included in the hourly rate.

To receive holiday leave pay, these employees must be in a pay status either the last scheduled hour before or the first scheduled hour after the holiday or designated holiday.

However, for an employee on extended LWOP, paid leave for the last scheduled hour before or the first scheduled hour after the holiday or designated holiday is not approved for the purpose of qualifying the employee for holiday pay.

434.422 Eligibility for Annual Leave in Lieu of Holiday Leave Pay

Categories of employees eligible for annual leave in lieu of holiday leave pay are shown on the following chart:

* Applies to FLSA-nonexempt employees. Also applies to EAS-23 and below FLSA-exempt employees who receive additional pay (i.e., special exempt) and also choose to substitute an entire 8 hours of holiday leave pay for annual leave.

Excludes EAS postmasters, officers in charge, postal inspectors, and employees in management development programs.

434.43 Pay Computation for Holiday Leave Pay

Provisions concerning pay computation are as follows:

a. Eligible employees are paid for the holiday at their basic hourly rate for those hours equal to their regular daily working schedule, not to exceed 8 hours. Eligible employees may elect to receive annual leave in lieu of holiday leave pay (see 434.412).

b. Holiday leave pay is in lieu of other paid leave to which an employee might otherwise be entitled on the designated holiday.

c. Holiday leave pay is payable in addition to compensation for hours actually worked on a designated holiday (see 434.5).

d. Eligible full-time and part-time regular employees require no specific authorization to be absent from work on a holiday or a designated holiday, unless scheduled to work.

e. A full-time or part-time regular employee who is scheduled to actually work on a holiday or on a designated holiday, but does not work, is placed in LWOP status and does not receive holiday leave pay, unless the absence is based on an extreme emergency situation and the absence is excused by the employee's supervisor.

f. Holiday leave paid to an employee who is on a COP status should be recorded as holiday leave and is counted as one of the 45 calendar days of COP for OWCP purposes.

g. When a full-time employee has partially overcome a compensable disability and is working a partial schedule under the rehabilitation program, holiday leave is payable up to the number of hours in the partial schedule. The remainder of the holiday leave pay is received from OWCP.

* * * * *

- Compensation,
Employee Resource Management, 5-13-04

Conduct on Postal Service Property

Many people are confused about which activities are prohibited on Postal ServiceTM property and which are not. This is due to the fact that sometimes the rules governing certain activities are unclear.

The General Counsel's office has developed an online quiz and lookup resource to help postmasters and other installation heads clear up the confusion and get the answers to commonly asked questions. You can find this quiz on the General Counsel's Web site at http://blue.usps.gov/uspslaw/, click Conduct on Postal Property, then Step through the Quiz. You will be led through a series of scenarios and situations that are similar to those you encounter during the course of your business and asked whether or not the activity described is prohibited. The right answer will always be provided. If you have a question that is not covered in the quiz, you can use the online directory to contact your friendly field legal office to get an answer. Try it out - it's easy and fun!

The approaching fall elections make this is an especially good time to take the quiz. It will give you an opportunity to review regulations covering such topics as:

• Campaigning

• Soliciting signatures

• Distributing leaflets in lobbies

The regulations - which you can download and print for the public - prohibit the following:

• Campaigning for election to any public office on Postal Service property;

• Soliciting of signatures on petitions, polls, or surveys on Postal Service property; and

• Distributing leaflets, picketing, or demonstrating, and other similar conduct in Postal Service lobbies. (See the Postal Operations Manual, section 124.54a-b.)

The quiz contains helpful scenarios related to these and other topics.

- General Counsel, 5-13-04

HAZMAT

Reminder

Report and Replace Unusable Customer Notification Label DDD-1

Use of Customer Notification Label DDD-1 is an important part of the Aviation Mail Security program. Often referred to as "stop sticker," Label DDD-1 informs customers that certain types of mail cannot be deposited in collection boxes.

Over time, the effect of hot summer sun makes the label illegible. Because of continued exposure to the elements, the labels may crack or peel. Employees should report faded, cracked, and peeling labels to their supervisor or district Aviation Mail Security coordinator for replacement. By ensuring that instructions on Label DDD-1 are clearly conveyed to customers, we continue to work to keep the mail safe.

- Aviation Mail Security,
Network Operations Management, 5-13-04

REMINDER

Mailability of Articles Containing Fuel

With the arrival of spring, many of us are preparing for outdoor activities, such as yard work, camping, and hobbies. These activities may involve items (e.g., camping stoves, lanterns, lawn equipment, and toys) that use flammable material as fuel. Frequently, these items need to be mailed, repaired, or sent to a friend or relative. Spring is a good time to review the policy of the Postal ServiceTM for mailing items that contain or once contained flammable materials.

The Postal Service only accepts hazardous materials that are properly packaged, marked, labeled, and declared as specified in the Domestic Mail Manual (DMMTM). Mailing flammable and combustible liquids is extremely limited due to their ability to catch fire and burn easily. For items that exhibit flammable or combustible properties, mailers are required to follow the procedures stated in section C023.4.0 of the DMM and in section 343 of Publication 52, Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail.

Many commonly used items contain material considered hazardous by Postal Service standards. Some fuel-containing items commonly found in the mail are:

• Chainsaws.

• Lawn trimmers and edgers.

• Small motors and engines.

• Used fuel tanks (motorcycles, lawn mowers).

• Small generators.

• Camp stoves.

• Gas lanterns or lamps.

• Model cars or aircraft.

Each of the items listed is potentially mailable but only under one of the following conditions:

(a) The item has never contained fuel, or

(b) The fuel and all vapors have been completely purged from the item. Note: If the item emits a fuel odor or if any residue is present on the outside or inside of the item, then the item is not completely purged.

Items containing fuel or fuel vapors are not mailable under any circumstances. Simply removing the fuel from an item does not make the item acceptable for mailing. Fuel tanks containing only vapors can have a greater explosion risk and thus become more hazardous than tanks that are full or partially full of fuel. The fuel must be removed and all vapors must be purged to allow these items to be safely mailed.

To ensure that parcels containing flammable materials move safely through the mailstream, Postal Service employees should do the following:

• At acceptance, ask the question, "Does this parcel contain anything liquid, fragile, perishable, or potentially hazardous?"

• Look out for parcels with items that could potentially contain fuel (see Exhibit 1 on page 27), and advise mailers of the mailing limitations.

• When accepting parcels, look for oil or fuel stains on the outer packaging (see Exhibit 2 on page 27) and fuel or petroleum odors.

• If a mailpiece has markings or labels denoting a flammable or combustible material, verify the contents with the mailer and with available references that all mailability requirements have been met.

• While handling parcels, if you encounter a fuel odor, find liquid stains, or hear liquid sounds, move the parcel to the HAZMAT storage area or notify your supervisor.

If you have questions about the mailability of an item or the steps required of customers for preparing an item for mailing, contact your local Business Mail Entry office.

Exhibit 1

Exhibit 2

- Aviation Mail Security,
Network Operations Management, 5-13-04

International Mail

IMM REVISION

Discontinuance of Global Direct - Canada Service

Effective June 30, 2004, outbound Global Direct - Canada service will be discontinued. Ancillary services (business reply service and return of undeliverable mail) for Canada Admail and Canada Publications Mail will continue to be available until September 30, 2004.

We will incorporate this revision into the printed version of International Mail Manual (IMM) 30 and also into the online version of the IMM, which can be accessed via Postal Explorer® at http://pe.usps.gov.

International Mail Manual (IMM)

* * * * *

6 Special Programs

610 Global Direct Service

[Revise the text of 610 to read as follows:]

611 Global Direct - Canada Admail Ancillary Services

611.1 Business Reply Service

This service provides for the return of Canadian business reply mail through the Postal Service to a specified address in Canada. Detailed specifications for this service are contained in Publication 524, Global Direct - Canada Admail. The rates for this service are $0.45 for items not weighing over 1.06 ounces (30 grams) and $0.65 for items weighing over 1.06 ounces (30 grams) but not over 1.76 ounces (50 grams).

6.11.2 Return of Undeliverable Mail

Mailers using a Canadian identity (Canadian indicia and return address) may have undeliverable items returned to the U.S. through a Canadian return address. The sender must endorse items "Return Postage Guaranteed" and use the return address specified by the Postal Service. The rates are:

If a U.S. permit is used, returned items are subject to the applicable surface printed matter postage that would have been paid from the United States to Canada.

612 Global Direct - Canada Publications Mail Ancillary Services

612.1 Business Reply Service

This service provides for the return of Canadian business reply mail through the Postal Service to a specified address in Canada. Detailed specifications for this service are contained in Publication 524, Global Direct - Canada Admail. The rates for this service are:

a. $0.45 for items weighing 1.06 ounces (30 grams) or less.

b. $0.65 for items weighing more than 1.06 ounces (30 grams) but not more than 1.76 ounces (50 grams).

612.2 Return of Undeliverable Mail

Only the address block of the publication will be returned. The rate for this service is $0.50 per address block returned.

* * * * *

- Mailing Standards,
Pricing and Classification, 5-13-04

IMM REVISION

Certificate of Bulk Mailing for Bulk Pieces

Effective May 13, 2004, International Mail Manual (IMM) 313.2 is revised to indicate that mailers can use PS Form 3606, Certificate of Bulk Mailing, for international mail when they require a certificate of mailing to specify the number of pieces mailed.

Mailers may use the current edition of PS Form 3606 (May 1992) for international mail applications. We will release a revised edition of PS Form 3606 that will clearly indicate that mailers may use the form for both domestic mail and international mail.

We will incorporate this revision into the printed version of IMM 30 and also into the online version of the IMM, which can be accessed via Postal Explorer® at http://pe.usps.gov.

International Mail Manual (IMM)

* * * * *

3 Special Services

310 Certificate of Mailing

* * * * *

313 Fees

* * * * *

313.2 Bulk Pieces

[Revise 313.2 to read as follows:]

PS Form 3606, Certificate of Bulk Mailing, is used to specify the total number of identical pieces of ordinary letter-post mail that are paid for with regular postage stamps, precanceled stamps, or meter stamps. The following certificate of mailing fees apply:

________________________________________

Up to 1,000 pieces $4.50

Each additional 1,000 pieces or fraction 0.50

Duplicate copy 0.90

________________________________________

* * * * *

- Mailing Standards,
Pricing and Classification, 5-13-04