USPSNEWS@WORK

On hallowed Ground Zero: Church Street Station reinaugurated

New York City's Church Street Station, closed since the Sept. 11 attacks, re-opened for business earlier this month. A special re-inauguration ceremony at the facility Aug. 19 put the finishing touches on its return to business.

On hand to celebrate the event were Postmaster General (PMG) Jack Potter, New York Metro Area Vice President Dave Solomon, New York City Fire Commissioner Nick Scoppetta, New York City District Manager/Postmaster Vinnie Malloy and Church Street Station Manager Lorenzo Richardson. Richardson and his staff are credited with helping evacuate everyone safely from the building on the morning of the attacks.

The ceremony was equally special for PMG Potter, who had promised to do everything he could to see the facility reopen. On Oct. 2, 2001, when the United We Stand stamp was issued at USPS® Headquarters, postal inspectors presented Potter with the flag that had flown over Church Street Station Sept. 11, 2001.

"It was still encased in dust and dirt," said Potter at the ceremony. "The flag became a symbol of hope - hope that this building would one day be restored to service - and hope that the people of New York and this nation also would be restored.

"I salute all of our Church Street employees, with a special thanks to Station Manager Lorenzo Richardson and his supervisors who helped evacuate everyone to safety. It's got to be great to be back for the 167 carriers, clerks and mail handlers!"

Working in safe mode: OSHA injury and illness national safety indicators improve

The latest number of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) injuries and illnesses and corresponding national safety indicators are improved in all six categories - with fewer incidents reported in all nine areas.

The national number of OSHA injuries and illnesses for all areas is 18.38 percent lower year to date compared to the same period last year (SPLY) - with 7,562 fewer through June 30. In area totals, the Pacific Area led the way with 33.8 percent fewer OSHA injuries and illnesses, followed by Northeast area with 25.3 percent fewer.

The greatest improvements for OSHA injuries and illness national safety indicators are reported in musculoskeletal injuries and on-site slips, trips and falls. Nationally, area counts show the total number of musculoskeletal OSHA injuries and illnesses are 23.7 percent under SPLY, while the slip, trip and fall category shows a 20.5 percent improvement.

This update continues a positive trend started at end of Fiscal Year 2001. Since then, we've had a 35 percent reduction in OSHA injuries and illnesses - just one example of how we're transforming by focusing on achieving record safety performance every day.

Cutting the line . . . by half or more: APC earns praise in kiosk review

Chalk up another win for the Automated Postal Center® (APC).

On top of recent industry awards and passing the $12 million revenue mark Aug. 16, the APC is praised in a review for cutting wait times in Post OfficesTM.

"The End of the Line," an article in Kiosk Marketplace News, notes that APCs have increased efficiency and improved customer service.

The article points out that APCs offer added security features. Like going to the counter, the APC touch screen prompts users to answer questions like: Does the package contain anything explosive, flammable or infectious?

The machine is used only with credit or debit cards, so there is a record of each transaction. If a package weighs 16 ounces or more, a photo of the user is taken when the card is swiped, reducing the possibility of mischief.

There are more than 1,000 APCs now installed around the country, on track for 2,500 installations by the 2004 holiday season.

PERF-ect way to help: Employee relief fund available to Postal Service workers

The Postal Employees' Relief Fund (PERF) began as a way for USPS employees to help their fellow Postal Service workers affected by major natural disasters such as Hurricane Charley or the recent California wildfires.

If you are an affected employee - or if you'd like to help - contact PERF at the following address, telephone number, or e-mail address:

PO BOX 34422
WASHINGTON DC 20043-4442

Telephone: 202-408-1869
E-mail: perf9891@aol.com

Administrative Services

ASM REVISION

Miscellaneous Payments

Effective September 2, 2004, the Administrative Support Manual (ASM) is revised to update the procedure for miscellaneous payments. Headquarters and Headquarters field organizations will no longer use PS Form 2431, Request for Miscellaneous Disbursement Payment.

Note: See related articles on pages 6 and 10 of this Postal Bulletin.

We will incorporate these revisions into the next printed edition of the ASM and into the next update of the online version accessible on the Postal Service™ PolicyNet Web site.

• Go to http://blue.usps.gov.

• Under "Essential Links" in the left-hand column, click on References.

• Under "References" in the right-hand column, click on PolicyNet.

• Then click on Manuals.

(The direct URL for the Postal Service PolicyNet Web site is http://blue.usps.gov/cpim.)

Administrative Support Manual (ASM)

* * * * *

7 Supply Management

* * * * *

72 Purchasing

* * * * *

722 Local Buying Authority

* * * * *

722.6 Procedures

* * * * *

722.63 Payment

722.631 General

[Revise the text of 722.631 to read as follows:]

The approved payment method hierarchy is as follows:

a. Electronic data interchange (EDI) via eBuy.

b. I.M.P.A.C. expense credit cards.

c. Payment by the ASC through PS Form 8230, Authorization for Payment.

d. No-fee money order (one-time emergency only, up to $500).

e. Cash (one-time emergency only, up to $100).

f. Imprest fund check.

When operational needs cannot be satisfied through eBuy or other consolidated payment processes approved by Finance, the I.M.P.A.C. credit card serves as the primary means of buying and paying for day-to-day operational needs under local buying authority.

For noncapital items, when you cannot use eBuy, consolidated payment processes, or the I.M.P.A.C. card, you may pay by any of the following methods (preference is listed in descending order):

a. Invoice with PS Form 8230, Authorization for Payment, to the Scanning and Imaging Center.

b. No-fee money orders (for one-time emergency payments less than $500).

c. Cash (for one-time emergency payments less than $100). If payment must be made from the imprest fund, see Handbook F-19, Accountability of Disbursing Officers. If a cash-fixed credit is used, see also Handbook F-1, Post Office Accounting Procedures.

d. Imprest fund check (if less than $2,000).

For more information on these means of payment see Handbook F-1 and other related finance documents.

* * * * *

- National Accounting,
Finance, 9-2-04

HANDBOOK REVISION

Handbook AS-709

Effective September 2, 2004, Handbook AS-709, Credit Card Policies and Procedures for Local Buying, is revised to update the local buying payment hierarchy.

Note: See related articles on pages 4 and 10 of this Postal Bulletin.

We will incorporate these revisions into the next printed edition of Handbook AS-709 and into the next update of the online version accessible on the Postal Service™ PolicyNet Web site.

• Go to http://blue.usps.gov.

• Under "Essential Links" in the left-hand column, click on References.

• Under "References" in the right-hand column, click on PolicyNet.

• Then click on HBKs.

Handbook AS-709, Credit Card Policies and Procedures for Local Buying

* * * * *

3 Cardholder's Local Buying Procedures

* * * * *

32 Your Local Buying Authority

[Revise the "Payment Hierarchy" sidebar in 32 to read as follows:]

Payment Hierarchy

• eBuy

• Consolidated Invoices

• I.M.P.A.C. Credit Card

• ASC Payment via PS Form 8230

• No-Fee Money Orders (one-time emergency only, up to $500)

• Cash (one-time emergency only, up to $100)

• Imprest Fund Check

321 The Primary Local Buying Method

[Revise 321 to read as follows:]

When operational needs cannot be satisfied through eBuy or other consolidated payment processes approved by Finance, the I.M.P.A.C. credit card serves as the primary means of paying for day-to-day expenses under your delegated local buying authority. (See 212.6 for delegation of local buying authority.) ASM 722 promulgates the basis for local buying authority. Key points from ASM 722 are restated throughout this chapter. Other means of paying for local buys include submitting an invoice with PS Form 8230, Authorization for Payment, no-fee money orders (one-time emergency only, up to $500), cash (one-time emergency only, up to $100), and imprest fund checks. For more information on these means of payment see Handbook F-1 and other related Finance policies and procedures. Use these other means of payment only in instances where there is no VISA®-capable merchant or the I.M.P.A.C. credit card is not authorized for use (e.g., special tracking and reporting requirements). Do not use local buying authority when sound fiscal management principles make another form of purchasing more advantageous to the Postal Service.

* * * * *

- National Accounting,
Finance, 9-2-04

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 202-268-2225 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

Eligibility Requirements for Certain Nonprofit Standard Mail Material

Effective September 8, 2004, Domestic Mail Manual (DMMTM) E670.5.5 is revised as indicated below. Under the revision, mailings that are ineligible for Nonprofit Standard Mail® rates under the cooperative mail rule or other standards remain ineligible for nonprofit rates, regardless whether they violate revised standards. In applying the revised standards, mailers must continue to substantiate that mailings qualify for nonprofit rates and may be asked to provide evidence to support eligibility for those rates before a mailing is accepted.

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://www.pe.usps.gov.

Domestic Mail Manual (DMM)

* * * * *

E Eligibility

* * * * *

E600 Standard Mail

* * * * *

E670 Nonprofit Standard Mail

* * * * *

5.0 ELIGIBLE AND INELIGIBLE MATTER

* * * * *

5.5 Definitions, Insurance

[Revise 5.5 to read as follows:]

For the standard in 5.4b:

a. Except as specified in 5.5c, the phrase not generally otherwise commercially available applies to the actual coverage stated in an insurance policy, without regard to the amount of the premiums, the under- writing practices, and the financial condition of the insurer. When comparisons are made with other policies, consideration is given to coverage benefits, limitations, and exclusions, and to the availability of coverage to the targeted recipients. When insurance policy coverages are compared to determine whether coverage in a policy offered by an organization is not generally otherwise commercially available, the comparison is based on the specific characteristics of the mailpiece recipients (e.g., geographic location or demographics).

b. Except as specified in 5.5c, the types of insurance considered generally otherwise commercially available include, but are not limited to, owner's, property, casualty, marine, professional liability (including malpractice), travel, health, life, airplane, automobile, truck, motor, motorbike, motorcycle, boat, accidental death, accidental dismemberment, Medicare supplement (Medigap), catastrophic care, nursing , and hospital indemnity insurance.

c. Coverage is considered not generally otherwise commercially available if either of the following conditions applies:

(1) The coverage is provided by the nonprofit organization itself (i.e., the nonprofit organization is the insurer).

(2) The coverage is provided or promoted by the nonprofit organization in a mailing to its members, donors, supporters, or beneficiaries in such a way that the members, donors, supporters, or beneficiaries may make tax-deductible donations to the nonprofit organization of their proportional shares of any income in excess of costs that the nonprofit organization receives from the purchase of the coverage by its members, donors, supporters, or beneficiaries.

* * * * *

- Mailing Standards,
Pricing and Classification, 9-2-04

DMM REVISION

Return Receipt - Additional Options for Mailers

Effective September 9, 2004, Domestic Mail Manual (DMMTM) S911.1.1, S912.1.1, S913.1.1, S915, and S921 are revised to provide customers with the option, in certain circumstances, to obtain a return receipt electronically rather than by mail. Additionally, DMM R900.23.0 is revised to include the fee for receiving a return receipt electronically.

These changes also allow mailers using Certified MailTM, Collect on Delivery (COD), Numbered Insured Mail (over $50), and Registered Mail™ (with privately printed labels) services to obtain delivery information via bulk proof of delivery letters provided by the Postal Service™ in CD-ROM or signature extract file formats.

The return receipt electronic option represents an important addition to the service and allows the use of new, low- cost technologies. This new service will provide both household and business customers significant benefits by making secured delivery faster, more reliable, and easier to use. It is less expensive than the printed PS Form 3811, Domestic Return Receipt ($1.30 versus $1.75). It also eliminates the need for customers to maintain printed return receipts and allows customers to retain signature records longer than the Postal Service retention period. Our volume customers can enjoy the benefits of receiving their return receipts electronically in bulk as opposed to one at a time via fax or mail.

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)

* * * * *

R Rates and Fees

* * * * *

R900 Services

* * * * *

23.0 RETURN RECEIPT (S915)

[Revise 23.0 to include an additional line for "Requested at time of mailing (receive electronically)", to read as follows:]

Fee, in addition to postage and other fees, per piece:

* * * * *

S Special Services

* * * * *

S900 Special Postal Services

S910 Security and Accountability

S911 Registered Mail

1.0 BASIC INFORMATION

1.1 Description

[Revise 1.1 to read as follows:]

Registered mail is the most secure service that the USPS offers. It incorporates a system of receipts to monitor the movement of the mail from the point of acceptance to delivery. Registered mail provides the sender with a mailing receipt and, upon request, electronic verification that an article was delivered or that a delivery attempt was made. Customers can retrieve the delivery status in three ways: (1) over the Internet at www.usps.com by entering the article number shown on the mailing receipt; (2) by telephone at 1-800-222-1811; or (3) by bulk electronic file transfer for mailers who provide an electronic manifest to the Postal Service. The Postal Service maintains a record of delivery (which includes the recipient's signature) for a specified period of time. Customers may obtain a delivery record by purchasing return receipt service. See S915 for details.

* * * * *

S912 Certified Mail

1.0 BASIC INFORMATION

1.1 Description

[Revise 1.1 to read as follows:]

Certified mail service provides the sender with a mailing receipt and, upon request, electronic verification that an article was delivered or that a delivery attempt was made. Customers can retrieve the delivery status in three ways: (1) over the Internet at www.usps.com by entering the article number shown on the mailing receipt; (2) by telephone at 1-800-222-1811; or (3) by bulk electronic file transfer for mailers who provide an electronic manifest to the Postal Service. Certified Mail is dispatched and handled in transit as ordinary mail. Delivery of Certified Mail is subject to D042. No insurance coverage is provided. The Postal Service maintains a record of delivery (which includes the recipient's signature) for a specified period of time. Customers may obtain a delivery record by purchasing return receipt service. See S915 for details.

* * * * *

S913 Insured Mail

1.0 BASIC INFORMATION

1.1 Description

[Revise 1.1 to read as follows:]

Retail insured mail provides up to $5,000 indemnity coverage for a lost, rifled, or damaged article, subject to the standards for the service and payment of the applicable fee. A bulk insurance discount is available for insured articles entered by authorized mailers who meet the criteria in 3.0. No record of insured mail is kept at the office of mailing. Insured mail service provides the sender with a mailing receipt. Insured mail is dispatched and handled in transit as ordinary mail. For mail insured for more than $50, the Postal Service maintains a record of delivery (which includes the recipient's signature) for a specified period of time. Customers may obtain a delivery record by purchasing return receipt service. See S915 for details.

* * * * *

S915 Return Receipt

1.0 BASIC INFORMATION

1.1 Description

[Revise 1.1 to include the addition of the electronic option for return receipt, to read as follows:]

Return receipt service provides a mailer with evidence of delivery (to whom the mail was delivered and date of delivery), along with information about the recipient's actual delivery address. A mailer purchasing return receipt service at the time of mailing may choose to receive the return receipt by mail or electronically. The electronic option is not available for items mailed to APO or FPO addresses or U.S. territories, possessions, and freely associated states. A mailer purchasing return receipt service after mailing may choose to receive the proof of delivery record by fax, mail, or electronically. Electronic return receipts requested at the time of mailing also are available in bulk to mailers using privately printed certified mail, registered mail, numbered insured mail, or COD labels. Bulk delivery information can be obtained in CD-ROM or signature extract file formats. For additional information, see Publication 80, Bulk Proof of Delivery Program.

* * * * *

1.3 Endorsement

[Revise 1.3 to include endorsement requirements when using electronic return receipt, to read as follows:]

Mail for which return receipt service is requested by mail must be endorsed "Return Receipt Requested" above the delivery address and to the right of the return address. No endorsement is required on mail for which electronic return receipt service is requested or is provided in bulk via a signature extract file or a CD-ROM.

* * * * *

1.7 Additional Services

If return receipt service has already been purchased with one of the services listed in 1.2 then one or more of the following special services may be combined with those services at the time of mailing, if the applicable standards for the services are met and the additional service fees are paid:

[Revise item a to include First-Class Mail parcels, to read as follows:]

a. Delivery Confirmation (First-class Mail parcels, Priority Mail, and Package Services only).

* * * * *

S920 Convenience

921 Collect on Delivery (COD) Mail

1.0 BASIC INFORMATION

1.1 Description

[Revise 1.1 to read as follows:]

Any mailer may use collect on delivery (COD) service to mail an article, for which the mailer has not been paid, and have its price and the cost of the postage collected from the recipient. The recipient has the option to pay the COD charges using either cash or personal check. Only one form of payment may be used for a single mailpiece. If the recipient pays the amount due by check payable to the mailer, the USPS forwards the check to the mailer. If the recipient pays the amount due in cash, the USPS collects the money order fee(s) from the recipient and sends a postal money order(s) to the mailer. The amount collected from the recipient may not exceed $1,000. COD service provides the mailer with a mailing receipt. The Postal Service maintains a record of delivery (which includes the recipient's signature) for a specified period of time. Customers may obtain a delivery record by purchasing return receipt service. See S915 for details.

* * * * *

- Mailing Standards,
Pricing and Classification, 9-2-04

DMM CORRECTION

Realignment of ZIP Codes: Revision to Destination Entry Exhibits

In the article titled "DMM Revision: Realignment of ZIP Codes: Revision to Destination Entry Exhibits" in Postal Bulletin 22135 (8-19-04, pages 32-33), we inadvertently omitted the 3-digit ZIP Code™ "864" from exhibit E711.2.2. We have included the corrected text below with the addition in bold.

Domestic Mail Manual (DMM)

* * * * *

E Eligibility

* * * * *

E700 Package Services

E710 Basic Standards

* * * * *

E711 Parcel Post

* * * * *

2.0 BASIC STANDARDS

* * * * *

Exhibit 2.2 BMC/ASF Service Areas

* * * * *

[Under the column headed ZIP Code Areas Served, revise entry in the row corresponding to (ASF) Phoenix to delete "856" and "857" to read as follows:]

850, 852, 853, 855, 859, 860, 863, 864

* * * * *

- Mailing Standards,
Pricing and Classification, 9-2-04

DMM REVISION

Insurance - New Online Option

Effective September 16, 2004, Domestic Mail Manual (DMMTM) S010 and S913 are revised to provide mailers with a new option for purchasing insurance online for packages mailed using Click-N-Ship® service. Customers have repeatedly requested insurance online, and the Postal Service™ has delivered.

This new option will begin on September 16, 2004. Customers who purchase Priority Mail® and Express Mail® labels online through Click-N-Ship can add insurance to these purchases. Fees are the same as those at the retail counter, but coverage is limited to $200 indemnity for lost, rifled, or damaged items.

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)

* * * * *

S Special Services

S000 Miscellaneous Services

S010 Indemnity Claims

* * * * *

2.0 GENERAL FILING INSTRUCTIONS

2.1 Who May File

[Revise 2.1 by adding the online option for insurance, to read as follows:]

A claim may be filed by:

a. Only the mailer, for the complete loss of an unnumbered retail insured mail article or article insured online for $50 or less.

b. Either the mailer or addressee who is in possession of the original mailing receipt, for the complete loss of a numbered insured mail (purchased through USPS retail channels), registered mail, COD, or Express Mail article.

c. Either the mailer or addressee who is in possession of the online label record or computer printout of the Web-based application as described in 2.5e, for the complete loss of an article insured online for more than $50 up to $200.

d. Either the mailer or addressee, for damage or loss of some or all of the contents of an article for both retail insured mail and mail for which insurance is purchased online.

e. Only the merchandise return permit holder, for merchandise return service (MRS) parcels that are registered or insured as indicated by the permit holder on the MRS label.

f. Only the mailer, for bulk insured service mail.

* * * * *

2.3 Where to File

[Revise 2.3 for clarity, to read as follows:]

A claim may be filed:

a. At any post office, station, or branch, except for registered mail articles with merchandise return service.

b. Only at the post office where the merchandise return permit is held, for registered mail articles with merchandise return service.

* * * * *

2.5 Evidence of Insurance

For a claim involving insured mail, COD, registered mail, or Express Mail service, the customer must present any of the following evidence showing that the particular service was purchased:

[Revise items 2.5 a and d, and add new item e to include the insurance purchased online option, to read as follows:]

a. The original mailing receipt issued at the time of mailing (retail insured mail, registered mail, and COD receipts must contain a USPS postmark). Reproduced copies are not acceptable.

* * * * *

d. For retail insurance the original sales receipt from the USPS listing the mailing receipt number and insurance amount, if the original mailing receipt is not available. Reproduced copies of the USPS sales receipt are not acceptable.

e. For insurance purchased online, the mailer has access to an electronic record and may print a record as follows:

1. A computer printout from the Web-based application through which the label was printed and insurance was purchased. The printout must clearly identify the following information: the Delivery Confirmation or Signature Confirmation services number of the insured parcel, total postage paid, insurance fee paid, declared value, declared mailing/shipping date, origin ZIP Code, and delivery ZIP Code, if the insurance was purchased for indemnity coverage of $50 or less.

2. A printed online label record.

* * * * *

2.9 Proof of Loss

[Revise 2.9 to add the insurance purchased online option, to read as follows:]

The mailer must provide proof of loss for unnumbered insured mail and for items insured for $50 or less online. Proof of loss is not required for numbered insured mail, registered mail, COD, or Express Mail claims. The mailer must present written and signed documentation from the addressee (such as a letter), dated at least 21 days from the date of mailing, stating the addressee did not receive the article. For items with insurance purchased online, the lack of a delivery scan is used to validate proof of loss.

* * * * *

4.0 ADJUDICATION

4.1 Initial

[Revise 4.1 to add the insurance purchased online option, to read as follows:]

The St. Louis Accounting Service Center (ASC) adjudicates and pays or disallows all domestic claims, except the initial adjudication of domestic retail unnumbered insured claims that are not bulk insured service, for insurance purchased online for $50 or less, and those appealed under 4.3. Domestic retail unnumbered insured claims, except for bulk insured service, and claims for insurance purchased online for $50 or less are adjudicated and paid locally at the post office accepting the claims.

* * * * *

S900 Special Postal Services

S910 Security and Accountability

* * * * *

S913 Insured Mail

1.0 BASIC INFORMATION

1.1 Description

[Revise 1.1 to add the insurance purchased online option, to read as follows:]

Insured mail provides the following features:

a. Insured mail purchased at a retail post office provides up to $5,000 indemnity coverage for a lost, rifled, or damaged article, subject to the standards for the service and payment of the applicable fee.

b. Insured mail purchased online provides up to $200 indemnity coverage for lost, rifled, or damaged articles, subject to the standards for the service and payment of the applicable fee.

c. A bulk insurance discount is available for insured articles entered by authorized mailers who meet the criteria in 3.0. This service is not available for insurance purchased online.

d. Insured mail service provides the mailer with a mailing receipt. No record of insured mail is kept at the office of mailing. For mail insured for more than $50, the Postal Service maintains a record of delivery (which includes the recipient's signature) for a specified period of time. Customers may obtain a delivery record by purchasing return receipt service. See S915 for details.

* * * * *

1.5 Additional Services

[Revise the introductory text of 1.5 to add the insurance purchased online option, to read as follows:]

Insuring an item for more than $50 allows customers to then purchase restricted delivery service or return receipt service at a retail post office. The following additional services may be purchased at a retail post office and combined with insurance if the applicable standards for the services are met and the additional service fees are paid:

* * * * *

2.0 MAILING

2.1 Where to Mail

[Revise 2.1 by restructuring the information to include a and b, and to add insurance purchased online, to read as follows:]

Insured mail may be mailed as follows:

a. A mailer must mail insured mail at a post office, branch, or station or give the mail to a rural carrier. Such mail may be placed in, but not on, a rural box. Such mail must not be placed in a post office maildrop or in or on a street letterbox. A mailer may leave the mail in a rural box with a note showing the requested amount of insurance, if stamps are affixed for postage and fees, or money for postage and fees is left in the box. The USPS is not liable for any article or money left in a rural box until the carrier receipts the article. A mailer at a nonpersonnel rural unit must meet the rural carrier at the unit for insurance service.

b. A mailer who purchases insurance online may mail at a post office, branch, station, give the mail to the carrier assigned to that delivery address, or place the mail in a post office maildrop or a collection box. A mailer may leave the mail in a rural box, schedule an on-demand pickup, or schedule a carrier pickup using www.usps.com. The USPS is not liable for any article or money left in a rural box until the carrier receipts the article.

2.2 USPS Inquiries

[Revise 2.2 to read as follows:]

USPS employees are required to ask whether the package presented for insurance contains anything liquid, fragile, perishable, flammable, or potentially hazardous.

2.3 Markings and Use of Form 3813-P

[Revise items a through c and add item d to include insurance purchased online, to read as follows:]

The treatment of parcels is determined by the insurance amount:

a. Retail insured for $50 or less: Each parcel must be stamped on the address side with an elliptical insured marking as shown in Exhibit 2.3. This marking must be placed above the delivery address and to the right of the return address.

b. Retail insured for more than $50: Each parcel must have barcoded Form 3813-P (see Exhibit 2.3) affixed above the delivery address and to the right of the return address. Form 3813-P must not be used for parcels insured for $50 or less.

c. Mail for which insurance is purchased online must include the text "Insured" in the indicia area of the online label; the markings in 2.3a and 2.3b are not required.

d. All insured parcels, regardless of insurance amount, must be postmarked unless postage is paid by postage meter stamp, permit imprint, or PC Postage (when insurance is purchased online).

* * * * *

2.5 Integrated Barcodes

There are other options available for mailers who print their own labels:

* * * * *

[Revise item b, and add new item c to include insurance purchased online, to read as follows:]

b. Mailers have another option for privately printed labels with insurance (see Exhibit 2.5b). The privately printed label must meet the specifications described in Publication 91. Applicable certification procedures must be followed, also as specified in Publication 91.

c. An integrated barcode must be used when insurance is purchased online (see Exhibit 2.5c). This barcode combines the insurance and electronic option Delivery Confirmation or Signature Confirmation services into a single barcode on the shipping label and is available for Priority Mail and parcels mailed as Parcel Post, First-class Mail, and Media Mail. Additional information on the integrated barcode can be found in Publication 91.

1. Insurance purchased online for $50 or less with electronic option confirmation services: the human readable text above the integrated barcode must state "e/USPS DELIVERY CONFIRMATION."

2. Insurance purchased online for more than $50 up to $200 with electronic option Confirmation Services: the human readable text above the integrated barcode must state "e/USPS INSURED."

[Renumber Exhibit 2.5 as Exhibit 2.5b.]

[Add new Exhibit 2.5b as follows:]

Exhibit 2.5c Integrated Barcodes With Routing
ZIP Code

* * * * *

2.7 Receipt

[Revise 2.7 to accommodate insurance purchased online, to read as follows:]

Receipts are provided as follows:

a. For each retail insured mail article, the mailer receives a USPS sales receipt and the appropriate postmarked (i.e., round-dated) insured mail form as follows:

1. Form 3813 when the insurance coverage is $50 or less.

2. Form 3813-P when the insurance coverage is more than $50.

b. For each label for insured mail purchased online, the mailer has access to an electronic record of purchase and the option for a printed record of purchase as follows:

1. A computer printout from the Web-based application through which the label was printed and insurance was purchased. The printout must clearly identify the following information: the Delivery Confirmation or Signature Confirmation services number of the insured parcel, total postage paid, insurance fee paid, declared value, declared mailing/shipping date, origin ZIP Code, and delivery ZIP Code.

2. A printed online label record.

* * * * *

3.0 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS-BULK INSURANCE

* * * * *

3.2 Authorization

[Revise the fifth sentence of 3.2 to replace the words "St. Louis" with "the ASC," to read as follows:]

*** After reviewing the information, the ASC will notify the postmaster of its concurrence on approval of the application and provide a range of claim numbers to be used by the mailer for filing claims. ***

* * * * *

- Mailing Standards
Pricing and Classification, 9-2-04

REVISED PUBLICATION

Publication 80, Bulk Proof of Delivery Program

Effective September 9, 2004, Publication 80, Bulk Proof of Delivery Program, is revised to add new program enhancements.

Previously, the bulk proof of delivery program allowed customers who use Signature Confirmation™ service or Express Mail Manifesting Service to obtain delivery records in bulk (provided that the customer uses a DUNS number). As of September 9, 2004, the Postal Service™ has enhanced the program to support other special services: Mailers using Certified MailTM, Collect on Delivery (COD) Mail, Insured Mail (more than $50), or Registered MailTM services can participate in the program.

This new service eliminates the need for mailers to request records individually, allows them to retain the records for an unlimited amount of time, and reduces the need to handle paper copies of signature records. Publication 80 contains criteria for participation in the program.

Publication 80 is available on the Postal Service PolicyNet Web site:

• Go to http://blue.usps.gov.

• Under "Essential Links" in the left-hand column, click on References.

• Under "References" in the right-hand column, click on PolicyNet.

• Click on PUBs.

(The direct URL for the Postal Service PolicyNet Web site is http://blue.usps.gov/cpim.)

It is also available on the Postal Service Internet:

• Go to www.usps.com.

• Click on About USPS & News, then Forms & Publications, then Postal Periodicals and Publications, and then Publications.

We will not stock copies of Publication 80 at the Material Distribution Center.

- Mailing Standards,
Pricing and Classification, 9-2-04

PS FORM 3624 REMINDER

Proper Procedures for Completing and Accepting Applications to Mail at Nonprofit Standard Mail Rates

The Nonprofit Service Center (NSC) in Memphis is publishing these reminders to help customers properly complete their applications to qualify for Nonprofit Standard Mail® rates - using PS Form 3624, Application to Mail at Nonprofit Standard Mail Rates - and to help field Postal Service™ personnel review the submitted forms for accuracy and completeness before submitting to the NSC. Incomplete or improperly prepared applications delay approval.

Postal Service personnel should review the application with the customer and follow the steps below to help us reduce the number of incomplete and improperly completed applications we receive.

Before you start to complete PS Form 3624, read section B, page 2, and review the following instructions:

• Show the complete name of the organization in item 1. The name shown must exactly match the name that appears on all supporting documentation.

• Show the complete address representing a physical location for the organization (including the ZIP+4^® code) in items 2 and 3. If the organization receives mail through a Post Office™ box, then list the street address first, followed by the box number.

• Make sure the applicant named in item 5 is the individual submitting the application for the organization and is an officer of the organization. Printers and mailing agents may not sign for the organization.

• Check only one box in item 6. Do not write in other categories. To qualify, the organization can be only one of the 10 types listed.

• Check yes or no in item 7.

• Check yes or no for the three items listed in item 8. If yes is checked for the first question, you must include with the application a copy of the exemption issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that shows the section of the IRS code under which the organization is exempt. This document must be the federal IRS exemption, not the state exemption. If question 2 or 3 is checked yes, ensure required documentation is included with the application.

• Check yes or no in item 9. If yes is checked, you must include with the application a list of the Post Offices where mailings were most recently deposited at these rates.

• For item 11, fill in the Post Office, not a station or branch, where the authorization is requested and where mailings will be deposited. Identify the Post Office by city, state, and ZIP CodeTM.

• Make sure the application is signed by the applicant in item 12, and the applicant title and date of request is listed in items 13 and 14.

After thorough review to ensure all items have been properly completed and all supporting documentation is included, the postmaster or designated representative signs item 1, round-stamps the date the application was filed, and forwards all information to the NSC for processing.

By following these simple steps you will ensure the application is properly completed. Direct any questions to your district business mail entry (BME) office. You can find your district BME office with Postal Explorer® at http://pe.usps.gov; click on Postal Link, then Business Mail Entry.

- Nonprofit Service Center,
Pricing and Classification, 9-2-04

NOTICE TO POSTMASTERS/BUSINESS MAIL ENTRY EMPLOYEES

Reconciling Customer Trust Fund Accounts

Safeguarding advance deposits held in trust for Postal Service™ customers is a responsibility shared by Marketing, Operations, and Finance. This responsibility includes accurately reporting deposits, making withdrawals, and validating customer trust fund account balances.

The roles served by each function are the following:

• Marketing ensures that customer trust fund activities in business mail entry units (BMEUs) and detached mail units (DMUs) are properly reported into financial systems.

• Operations ensures that customer trust fund activities in local units are properly reported into financial systems.

• Finance establishes policies related to receiving and recording customer trust funds.

In filling these roles, each function undertakes the following responsibilities:

• Marketing maintains BMEU financial systems for recording customer trust fund activity and ensures BMEUs reconcile the data from those systems to the accounting data. (Postmasters/station managers are responsible for ensuring that customer trust fund accounts are reconciled at BMEUs and/or DMUs without dedicated BMEU supervisors who report to the Marketing function.)

• Operations maintains records of customer trust fund activity, through the shared use of Marketing systems or manually, and reconciles the data from those records with the accounting data.

• Finance monitors compliance with policies and makes accounting data available through the Accounting Data Mart to Marketing and Retail Operations as necessary.

The separation of duties among the three functions is a management control designed to protect customer funds entrusted to the Postal Service. The reconciliation of customer trust funds with accounting records is an essential practice supporting this management control. Timely accomplishment of reconciliations is a vital practice that ensures protection of advance deposits held in trust and proper reporting of revenues.

You can find instructions for reconciling customer trust fund account balances in PostalOne! with Standard Accounting for Retail (SAFR) on the Shared Services/Accounting Web site at http://acs.usps.gov/forms/ index.php. Under Instructions & guidelines, click PostalOne! Reconciliation Instructions for Balancing with SAFR. These instructions include an overview of the reconciliation process and adjustment tips, customized by reporting technology. Also included is detailed information for accessing the Accounting Data Mart (ADM) and obtaining ADM reports for trust balances.

- Business Mail Acceptance,
Marketing Technology and Channel Management, 9-2-04

REVISED LABEL

Label 62, Positioning Restraining Straps in "E" Tracks For Typical Load Configuration

We have revised Label 62, Positioning Restraining Straps in "E" Tracks For Typical Load Configuration (see label below) to better reflect changes in restraining techniques and load configuration.

You can order Label 62 through eBuy off the Whitllam Label Catalog. If you do not have a logon ID and password for eBuy, contact your district or area eBuy representative, or you can obtain those online on eBuy.

To access eBuy, go to http://blue.usps.gov; under "Essential Links," click on eBuy. (The direct URL is http://ebuy.usps.gov/eBuyWelcome.jsp.)

If you have access to the Postal Service™ intranet, you must order through eBuy.

If you do not have access to the Postal Service intranet, you can order Label 62 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 Label 62:

PSIN: Label 62
PSN: 7690-02-000-7909
Unit of Measure: EA
Minimum Order Quantity: 1
Quick Pick Number: N/A
Bulk Pack Quantity: 1,400
Price: $0.1553

- Logistics,
Network Operations Management, 9-2-04

PUBLICATION 363 REVISION

Updating Address Lists Is a Smart Move

Effective September 2, 2004, Publication 363, Updating Address Lists Is a Smart Move, is revised:

• To reflect the replacement of the acronym NCOA (National Change of Address Linkage) with NCOA^{Link TM}.

• To update the alternative methods stated in the "List Already Accurate" portion of the publication.

We will incorporate these revisions into the next printed version of Publication 363 and also into the online version, available on the Postal Service™ PolicyNet Web site:

• Go to http//blue.usps.gov.

• Under "Essential Links" in the left-hand column, click on References.

• Under "References" in the right-hand column, click on PolicyNet.

• Click on PUBs.

(The direct URL for the Postal Service PolicyNet Web site is http://blue.usps.gov/cpim.)

Publication 363 is also available on the Postal Service Internet:

• Go to www.usps.com.

• Click on About USPS & News, then Forms & Publications, then Postal Periodicals and Publications, and then Publications.

Publication 363, Updating Address Lists Is a Smart Move

[Throughout Publication 363, replace "NCOA" with "NCOA^Link".]

[Change the year in the heading to read as follows:]

More than 44 Million Americans Changed Addresses in 2003

* * * * *

Approved Move Update Options

* * * * *

[Revise the "National Change of Address" heading and all of the text to read as follows:]

National Change of Address Linkage (NCOA^{LinK TM}) System

The National Change of Address Linkage (NCOA^Link) option is available only through companies licensed by the Postal Service™ to offer this service. The mailer's computerized list is matched with official Postal Service customer-provided permanent COA orders received from individuals, families, and businesses within the past 4 years or 18 months based on the license acquired. These official records are updated and provided to NCOA^Link licensees' weekly or monthly based on the license acquired. NCOA^Link system provides mailers with ZIP+4® codes plus two extra digits for delivery point barcoding.

To make this product widely available to all mailers, three types of licenses are available.

• The first is a "Full Service License" that provides a 48-month database with weekly updates.

• The second is a "Limited Service License" that provides an 18-month database with weekly updates.

• The third is an "End User License" that provides an 18-month database with monthly updates.

For more details about these licenses and how to acquire one, contact our National Customer Support Center at 800-238-3150.

FASTforward

Mailers may use FASTforward® in one of two ways to comply with the Move Update requirement:

* * * * *

[At the end of the second bulleted item, add the following text:]

* * * This version will be discontinued effective September 30, 2005, and replaced with NCOA^Link.

* * * * *

Alternative Methods

* * * * *

List Already Accurate

* * * * *

[Revise all the text in item 5 to read as follows:]

5. After the third year of testing, if the mailer remains in compliance, the mailer will be permitted to mail based on that process for the next 4 years. However, the mailer must continue to show that the mailing list is still in compliance with the current standards. Any failure to meet compliance standards will result in reverting to the initial testing process until the applicant again passes 3 consecutive years.

Mailers who have reached the 4-year cycle are required to submit an annual letter to the Postal Service stating their current status for eligibility and detailing any business or company modifications, as outlined below:

• Any merger or acquisition of the company whose list is certified.

• An annual increase in the customer base, or address data that make up the mailing list, that is greater than 1 percent of the total base.

• Any changes in, or modifications related to, the address matching tools used (CASS, NCOA^Link, FASTforward process).

• Any change in the type of business originally certified.

• Any change in the customer method of notification or update process made to the business systems that maintain customer address information.

After receiving and reviewing the mailer's annual update letter, the Postal Service will determine whether or not the list needs to be recertified. If recertification is needed, the Postal Service must perform the recertification testing within 90 days of receiving the annual update letter.

* * * * *

- Business Mail Acceptance,
Marketing, 9-2-04