REVISED FORM

PS Form 3811-A, Request for Delivery Information/Return Receipt After Mailing

The latest edition of PS Form 3811-A, Request for Delivery Information/Return Receipt After Mailing, is dated September 2004. This form allows employees to request delivery record information for themselves or customers. Information on using PS Form 3811-A is in Handbook PO-610, Signature Capture and Electronic Record Management: Manager's Guide to Standard Operating Procedures.

We have revised PS Form 3811-A to include an option for requesting a proof of delivery record via e-mail as well as by fax and mail. The e-mail option is currently available online as follows:

• On the Track & Confirm Web site on the Internet: go to www.usps.com, and click on Track & Confirm.

• For Postal ServiceTM employee access only, on the Intranet: go to http://blue.usps.gov; at the top of the page, click on My Work; and then, under "Moving the Mail Tools," click on Track and Confirm.

In 2005, we will also add this e-mail option to our Expedited and Package Services toll-free number at 800-222-1811.

See page 4 of this Postal Bulletin for a copy of PS Form 3811-A.

PS Form 3811-A is available on the Postal Service PolicyNet Web site:

• Go to http://blue.usps.gov.

• Under "Essential Links," click on Forms.

• Browse by form number or form title.

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

You can also order PS Form 3811-A 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 PS Form 3811-A:

PSIN: PS3811A
NSN: 7530-02-000-9054
Unit of Measure: SH
Minimum Order Quantity: 250
Bulk Pack Quantity: 4,000
Quick Pick Number: 204
Price: $.0468

- Product Information Requirements,
Product Development, 9-16-04

Employees

ELM REVISION/CORRECTION

Team Awards

In the article entitled "ELM Revision: Recognition and Awards," published in Postal Bulletin 22133 (7-22-04, pages 16-33), the opening paragraph correctly stated that the fiscal year limit for the Team Award is $2,000. The eAwards system is programmed to limit Team Awards to $2,000 annually.

However, the revision of Employee and Labor Relations Manual (ELM) 470, Recognition and Awards, later in the article erroneously showed that limit to be $3,000 rather than $2,000. The correct limit of $2,000 for Team Awards appears in the ELM text below.

We will incorporate these revisions into the next printed version of the ELM and also into the online version, available on the Postal ServiceTM 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 Manuals.

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 Manuals.

Employee and Labor Relations Manual (ELM)

* * * * *

4 Pay Administration

* * * * *

470 Recognition and Awards

471 Overview

471.1 Policy

* * * * *

A summary description of service recognition and incentive awards is contained in exhibit 471.1.

Exhibit 471.1
Service Recognition and Incentive Awards

[Correct the entry for the Special Award/Team Award to read as follows:]

* * * * *

476 Special Awards

476.1 Overview

Characteristics of this award are as follows:

[Correct the entry for the Team Award to read as follows:]

* * * * *

476.2 Team Award

* * * * *

476.22 Description

[Revise the first paragraph to read as follows:]

The Team Award, a one-time cash or cash equivalent award (i.e., a check issued by the Eagan ASC or a "gift check" or similar item that can be immediately converted to cash), is valued at a minimum of $50 and is not to exceed $2,000.

* * * * *

476.24 Award Limits Ceilings

[Revise the text to read as follows:]

An employee may receive up to $2,000 in cash Team Awards in a fiscal year (independent of Spot Award dollar amounts).

* * * * *

- Compensation,
Employee Resource Management, 9-16-04

SAFETY REMINDER

Fire Prevention Week - Test Your Smoke Alarms

Fire Prevention Week this year is October 3-9, and the theme is "Test Your Smoke Alarms." According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), roughly 70 percent of fire deaths result from fires in s with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.

As part of its official sponsorship of Fire Prevention Week, the NFPA has posted Fire Prevention Week planning materials on the NFPA Web site at www.nfpa.org/FPW/index.asp.

Managers and safety professionals: use these materials when preparing local Fire Prevention Week presentations or activities. Encourage employees to visit the NFPA site for additional information. In this time of heightened security, fire prevention at work and is very important.

- Safety Performance Management,
Employee Resource Management, 9-16-04

NOTICE

Military Leave Allowances

Career full-time and part-time employees in the military reserves or National Guard who are eligible to receive paid military leave for the 2005 fiscal year will be credited in pay period 22-04, which begins October 2, 2004. This is the first pay period in the 2005 payroll fiscal year.

- Compensation,
Employee Resource Management, 9-16-04

[D-Link]

Finance

NOTICE

Household Diary Study

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

• Forecast mail volume.

• Plan marketing strategies.

• Provide information for rate-setting purposes.

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

HDS is a two-stage survey. State 1 is the Household Interview. NuStats sends an advance letter, signed by the postmaster general, to a representative sample of U.S. households. This letter emphasizes the importance of the HDS and asks for participation. These sample households ar4e contacted either by telephone or in person and asked about the mail they send and receive, their adoption and use of various communications' technologies, their attitudes abut mail service in general, and information relating to their household and personal demographics. Those respondent households are recruited to participate in HDS Stage 2.

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

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

For additional information, contact either of the following individuals:

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

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

- Office of Demand Forecasting and Economic Analysis,
Finance, 9-16-04

International Mail

ICM UPDATES

International Customized Mail

We have combined ICM updates into one Postal Bulletin article to save space and paper. 7 ICM updates appear here.

On March 30, 2004, the Postal Service entered into an International Customized Mail (ICM) Service Agreement with a Qualifying Mailer. In accordance with International Mail Manual (IMM) 297.4, the Postal Service now makes public the following information concerning the Agreement:

a. Term: April 13, 2004, through April 12, 2005.

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

c. Destination countries: Worldwide.

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

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

f. Worksharing: The Mailer has agreed to:

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

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

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

Exhibit 1

On March 26, 2004, the Postal Service entered into an International Customized Mail (ICM) Service Agreement with a Qualifying Mailer. In accordance with International Mail Manual (IMM) 297.4, the Postal Service now makes public the following information concerning the Agreement:

a. Term: April 9, 2004, through April 8, 2005.

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

c. Destination countries: Worldwide.

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

e. Minimum volume commitments: The Mailer has agreed to meet an annualized minimum of 600 pieces of Global Express MailTM (EMS).

f. Worksharing: The Mailer has agreed to:

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

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

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

Exhibit 1

On August 25, 2004, the Postal Service entered into an International Customized Mail (ICM) Service Agreement with a Qualifying Mailer. In accordance with International Mail Manual (IMM) 297.4, the Postal Service now makes public the following information concerning the Agreement:

a. Term: September 8, 2004, through September 7, 2005.

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

c. Destination countries: Worldwide.

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

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

f. Worksharing: The Mailer has agreed to:

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

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

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

Exhibit 1

On August 30, 2004, the Postal Service entered into an International Customized Mail (ICM) Service Agreement with a Qualifying Mailer. In accordance with International Mail Manual (IMM) 297.4, the Postal Service now makes public the following information concerning the Agreement:

a. Term: September 13, 2004, through September 12, 2005.

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

c. Destination countries: Worldwide.

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

e. Minimum volume commitments: The Mailer has agreed to meet an annualized minimum commitment of $60,000 in EMS postage.

f. Worksharing: The Mailer has agreed to:

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

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

g. Rates: The Mailer has agreed to pay postage at a rate discounted at twelve (12) percent off nondiscounted published rates in effect on the date of mailing in accordance with Exhibit 1.

Exhibit 1

On August 25, 2004, the Postal Service entered into an International Customized Mail (ICM) Service Agreement with a Qualifying Mailer. In accordance with International Mail Manual (IMM) 297.4, the Postal Service now makes public the following information concerning the Agreement:

a. Term: September 8, 2004, through September 7, 2005.

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

c. Destination countries: Worldwide.

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

e. Minimum volume commitments: The Mailer has agreed to meet an annualized minimum commitment of $60,000 in EMS postage.

f. Worksharing: The Mailer has agreed to:

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

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

g. Rates: The Mailer has agreed to pay postage at a rate discounted at twelve (12) percent off nondiscounted published rates in effect on the date of mailing in accordance with Exhibit 1.

Exhibit 1

On August 30, 2004, the Postal Service entered into an International Customized Mail (ICM) Service Agreement with a Qualifying Mailer. In accordance with International Mail Manual (IMM) 297.4, the Postal Service now makes public the following information concerning the Agreement:

a. Term: September 13, 2004, through September 12, 2005.

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

c. Destination countries: Worldwide.

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

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

f. Worksharing: The Mailer has agreed to:

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

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

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

Exhibit 1

On May 7, 2004, the Postal Service entered into an International Customized Mail (ICM) Service Agreement with a Qualifying Mailer. In accordance with International Mail Manual (IMM) 297.4, the Postal Service now makes public the following information concerning the Agreement:

a. Term: May 21, 2004, through May 20, 2006.

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

c. Destination countries: Worldwide.

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

e. Minimum volume commitments: The Mailer has agreed to meet an annualized minimum commitment of $20,000 in EMS postage.

f. Worksharing: The Mailer has agreed to:

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

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

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

Exhibit 1

- Pricing Strategy,
Pricing and Classification, 9-16-04

Philately

STAMP ANNOUNCEMENT 04-31

Christmas: Madonna and Child by Lorenzo Monaco Stamp

The Postal ServiceTM will issue a 37-cent, Christmas: Madonna and Child by Lorenzo Monaco special stamp in one design in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) double- sided book of 20 stamps (Item 673400), on October 14, 2004, in New York, New York. The stamp, designed by Richard Sheaff, Scottsdale, Arizona, goes on sale nationwide October 15, 2004.

The Christmas stamps, formerly known as Holiday Traditional stamps, adorn the envelopes of millions of greeting cards each year. This year, the stamp design is a detail of a tempera-on-panel Madonna and Child by Florentine painter Lorenzo Monaco. The panel dates from 1413 and is part of the Samuel H. Kress Collection at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC.

How to Order First Day of Issue Postmark

Customers have 30 days to obtain the first day of issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps at their local Post OfficeTM, by telephone at 800-STAMP-24, and at the Postal Store Web site at www.usps.com/shop. They should affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:

CHRISTMAS MADONNA AND CHILD BY LORENZO MONACO STAMP
SPECIAL EVENTS UNIT
421 8TH AVE RM 2029B
NEW YORK NY 10199-9998

After applying the first day of issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark. All orders must be postmarked by November 13, 2004.

How to Order First Day Covers

Stamp Fulfillment Services also offers first day covers for new stamp issues and Postal Service stationery items postmarked with the official first day of issue cancellation. Each item has an individual catalog number and is offered in the quarterly USA Philatelic catalog. Customers may request a free catalog by calling 800-STAMP-24 or writing to:

INFORMATION FULFILLMENT
DEPT 6270
US POSTAL SERVICE
PO BOX 219014
KANSAS CITY MO 64121-9014

Philatelic Products

There are no philatelic products for this stamp issue.

Distribution: Item 673400, $7.40 Christmas: Madonna and Child by Lorenzo Monaco, Double-Sided Booklet of 20

Stamp distribution offices (SDOs) will receive approximately one-half of their standard automatic distribution quantity for a PSA booklet. Distributions are rounded up to the nearest master carton size (4,000 booklets).

Initial Supply to Post Offices

SDOs will make a subsequent automatic distribution to Post Offices of approximately one-half of their standard automatic distribution quantities using PS Form 17, Stamp Requisition/Stamp Return. SDOs must not distribute stamps to Post Offices before October 8, 2004.

Additional Supply

Post Offices requiring additional booklets must requisition them from their designated SDO using PS Form 17. SDOs requiring additional stamps must order them from the appropriate accountable paper depository (APD) using PS Form 17.

For fulfilling supplemental orders from SDOs, the Chicago, Memphis, and New York APDs will each receive 700,000 additional booklets; the San Francisco APD will receive 600,000 additional booklets; and the Denver APD will receive 300,000 additional booklets.

Philatelic Requirement

Authorized philatelic centers requiring the $7.40 Madonna and Child by Lorenzo Monaco double-sided booklet of 20 must order Item 673400 from their designated SDO using a separate PS Form 17.

Sales Policy

All Post Offices must acquire and maintain a supply of each new commemorative stamp as long as customer demand exists, until inventory is depleted, or until the stamp is officially withdrawn from sale. If supplies run low, Post Offices must reorder additional quantities using their normal ordering procedures.

- Stamp Services,
Government Relations, 9-16-04

STAMP ANNOUNCEMENT 04-32

Hanukkah Stamp

The Postal ServiceTM will issue a 37-cent, Hanukkah special stamp in one design in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 20 stamps (Item 566600), on October 15, 2004, in New York, New York. The stamp, designed by Ethel Kessler of Bethesda, Maryland, goes on sale nationwide October 16, 2004.

Hanukkah is a joyous yearly festival spanning eight days and nights, celebrated by Jews around the world. Hanukkah is the Hebrew word for "dedication." The holiday commemorates the successful revolt of the Jews led by Judah Maccabee against the oppressive government of Antiochus IV in 165 B.C.E. One of the traditions associated with this holiday is the spinning of the dreidel, a four-sided top commonly bearing a Hebrew letter on each side.

Stamp art director Ethel Kessler combined two elements in her design: the type in the background, designed by Greg Berger, and the photograph of the dreidel, made by Elise Moore. The dreidel is from the collection of Rabbi Lennard and Dr. Linda Thal, who purchased it some years ago in Jerusalem.

How to Order First Day of Issue Postmark

Customers have 30 days to obtain the first day of issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps at their local Post OfficeTM, by telephone at 800-STAMP-24, and at the Postal Store Web site at www.usps.com/shop. They should affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:

HANUKKAH STAMP
SPECIAL EVENTS UNIT
421 8TH AVE RM 2029B
NEW YORK NY 10199-9998

After applying the first day of issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark. All orders must be postmarked by November 13, 2004.

How to Order First Day Covers

Stamp Fulfillment Services also offers first day covers for new stamp issues and Postal Service stationery items postmarked with the official first day of issue cancellation. Each item has an individual catalog number and is offered in the quarterly USA Philatelic catalog. Customers may request a free catalog by calling 800-STAMP-24 or writing to:

INFORMATION FULFILLMENT
DEPT 6270
US POSTAL SERVICE
PO BOX 219014
KANSAS CITY MO 64121-9014

Philatelic Products

There are no philatelic products for this stamp issue.

Distribution: Item 566600, 37-cent Hanukkah Special Stamp

Stamp distribution offices (SDOs) will receive approximately one-third the standard automatic distribution quantity for a PSA sheet stamp. Distributions are rounded up to the nearest master carton size (40,000 stamps).

Initial Supply to Post Offices

SDOs will make a subsequent automatic distribution to Post Offices of one-fourth their standard automatic distribution quantity using PS Form 17, Stamp Requisition/Stamp Return. SDOs must not distribute stamps to Post Offices before October 8, 2004.

Philatelic Requirement

SDOs with authorized philatelic centers will receive an automatic distribution of these stamps in 15 positions for subsequent distribution to each philatelic window.

Additional Supply

Post Offices requiring additional Item 566600 must requisition them from their designated SDO using PS Form 17. SDOs requiring additional stamps must order them from the appropriate accountable paper depository (APD) using PS Form 17.

For fulfilling supplemental orders from SDOs, the New York APD will receive 5,000,000 additional stamps; the Chicago and Memphis APDs will each receive 4,200,000 additional stamps; the San Francisco APD will receive 3,400,000 additional stamps; and the Denver APD will receive 640,000 additional stamps.

Sales Policy

All Post Offices must acquire and maintain a supply of each new commemorative stamp as long as customer demand exists, until inventory is depleted, or until the stamp is officially withdrawn from sale. If supplies run low, Post Offices must reorder additional quantities using their normal ordering procedures.

- Stamp Services,
Government Relations, 9-16-04

STAMP ANNOUNCEMENT 04-33

Kwanzaa Stamp

The Postal ServiceTM will issue a 37-cent, Kwanzaa special stamp in one design in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 20 stamps (Item 566500), on October 16, 2004, in Chicago, Illinois. The stamp, designed by Derry Noyes of Washington, DC, goes on sale nationwide October 17, 2004.

Kwanzaa is a nonreligious African American holiday that takes place over seven days from December 26 to January 1. It draws on African traditions and takes its name from the Swahili phrase for "first fruits." Its origins are in harvest celebrations that occurred in ancient and modern times in various places across the African continent.

Art director Derry Noyes and stamp artist Daniel Minter strove to create a design that appropriately balances formality with a celebratory, festive mood. The seven days of Kwanzaa, and the seven principles they signify, are represented by seven figures in colorful robes.

How to Order First Day of Issue Postmark

Customers have 30 days to obtain the first day of issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps at their local Post OfficeTM, by telephone at 800-STAMP-24, and at the Postal Store Web site at www.usps.com/shop. They should affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:

STAMPS
POSTMASTER
433 W HARRISON ST 2ND FL
CHICAGO IL 60607-9998

After applying the first day of issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark. All orders must be postmarked by November 15, 2004.

How to Order First Day Covers

Stamp Fulfillment Services also offers first day covers for new stamp issues and Postal Service stationery items postmarked with the official first day of issue cancellation. Each item has an individual catalog number and is offered in the quarterly USA Philatelic catalog. Customers may request a free catalog by calling 800-STAMP-24 or writing to:

INFORMATION FULFILLMENT
DEPT 6270
US POSTAL SERVICE
PO BOX 219014
KANSAS CITY MO 64121-9014

Philatelic Products

There are no philatelic products for this stamp issue.

Distribution: Item 566500, 37-cent Kwanzaa Special Stamp

Stamp distribution offices (SDOs) will receive approximately one-third the standard automatic distribution quantity for a PSA sheet stamp. Distributions are rounded up to the nearest master carton size (40,000 stamps).

Initial Supply to Post Offices

SDOs will make a subsequent automatic distribution to Post Offices of one-fourth their standard automatic distribution quantity using PS Form 17, Stamp Requisition/Stamp Return. SDOs must not distribute stamps to Post Offices before October 8, 2004.

Philatelic Requirement

SDOs with authorized philatelic centers will receive an automatic distribution of these stamps in eight positions for subsequent distribution to each philatelic window.

Additional Supply

Post Offices requiring additional Item 566500 must requisition them from their designated SDO using PS Form 17. SDOs requiring additional stamps must order them from the appropriate accountable paper depository (APD) using PS Form 17.

For fulfilling supplemental orders from SDOs, the New York APD will receive 4,400,000 additional stamps; the Chicago APD will receive 4,200,000 additional stamps; the Memphis APD will receive 4,000,000 additional stamps; the San Francisco APD will receive 3,000,000 additional stamps; and the Denver APD will receive 800,000 additional stamps.

Sales Policy

All Post Offices must acquire and maintain a supply of each new commemorative stamp as long as customer demand exists, until inventory is depleted, or until the stamp is officially withdrawn from sale. If supplies run low, Post Offices must reorder additional quantities using their normal ordering procedures.

- Stamp Services,
Government Relations, 9-16-04

The Postal Service Guide to U.S. Stamps, 31st Edition

The new 31st edition of The Postal Service Guide to U.S. Stamps, Item 890400, is available for sale at all Post OfficesTM, philatelic centers, and Postal Retail stores, and by mail, telephone, and Internet order from Stamp Fulfillment Services.

To obtain the initial supply for your Post Office, immediately order Item 890400 from your designated stamp distribution office (SDO) using a separate PS Form 17, Stamp Requisition/Stamp Return. All locations may place the new edition of the guide on sale as soon as initial quantities are received.

The new 31st edition features more than 100 new illustrations, hundreds of new listings and prices, plus new features and stamp-related facts. Priced at $18.95, the more than 570-page guide includes lists of market-based values for all U.S. used and unused stamps and for many valuable stamp errors. In addition, the guide contains more than 2,000 full-color stamp illustrations; extensive lists of philatelic organizations, publications, and resources; and a wealth of basic stamp collecting information. These features make it a valuable tool for beginning, intermediate, and advanced collectors, and it is still one of the best bar- gains in the hobby.

The printing contractor for the guide shipped the books (which are accountable items) in cartons of 20 to SDOs and stamp service centers (SSCs). Installations should report any discrepancies between the quantities shown on the Advice of Shipment and those actually received by using the procedure outlined in Handbook F-1, Post Office Accounting Procedures, parts 436 or 446, Handling Discrepancies in Stock Received.

Promotional copies of the guide will not be distributed. You can now display the guide in your Post Office by simply removing a copy from your inventory for promotional use. Follow the procedures outlined in Handbook F-1, Post Office Accounting Procedures, section 428.8, Obtaining Stock for Promotions or Presentations.

Offices must report all sales of Item 890400, 31st Edition, The Postal Service Guide to U.S. Stamps, in AIC 092, Philatelic Product Sales.

For the fifth year, in partnership with HarperCollins Publishers, this book as well as the 2004 Commemorative Stamp Yearbook will be available in bookstores and other retail outlets where books are purchased.

The Postal Service Guide to U.S. Stamps, 30th Edition

As the 31st edition of The Postal Service Guide to U.S. Stamps becomes available, Post Offices must withhold all remaining copies of the 30th edition (Item 880300) from sale and take the following actions:

1. Retail Outlets. Collect any copies of the 30th edition of the guide from stamp credits. Immediately return them to main stock using PS Form 17, Stamp Requisition/Stamp Return.

2. Post Offices. Consolidate all remaining copies of the 30th edition of the guide, if any, into the unit reserve stock. Prepare all 30th editions of the guide in accordance with procedures established for disposing of obsolete and redeemed stock, and submit according to local district quarterly stamp destruction or return schedules.

3. Local Office Philatelic Programs. Submit PS Form 17 to the local SDO and SSC for the number of 30th editions of the guide (Item 880300) needed for philatelic/ promotional programs. You may give one or more copies to local schools, libraries, student groups, stamp clubs, and retirement s.

4. Stamp Distribution Offices. Stamp all copies of the guide used in promoting philatelic programs "NOT FOR RESALE." The SDO custodian of accountable paper must attest that each item is so stamped and prepare PS Form 3238, Stamps and Stamped Paper Destruction Certificate, endorsed "PHILATELIC PRODUCTS GIVEN TO PHILATELIC PROGRAMS." Program coordinators must acknowledge receipt of Item 890300 and be responsible for its control.

Note: The instructions for providing obsolete editions of the guide for philatelic and promotional purposes are an exception to general guidelines for destruction of accountable items, especially regarding obsolete (withdrawn from sale) items. In this instance, it is Postal Service policy not to destroy copies of the previous year's edition of the guide when they can be used for valid promotional and/or educational purposes.

Disposition of Excess Guides

Dispose of all remaining copies of the 30th edition of The Postal Service Guide to U.S. Stamps (Item 890300) in accordance with Handbook F-1, subchapter 45, Destroying Stamp Stock. Because disposition instructions are issued annually for past issues of the guide, your office should have only the new 31st edition in inventory after completing the above procedures. If previous editions are on hand, dispose of them immediately, in accordance with Handbook F-1, subchapter 45.

- Stamp Services,
Government Relations, 9-16-04

Pictorial Cancellations Announcement

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

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

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

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

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

- Stamp Services,
Government Relations, 9-16-04

Post Offices

MOVER'S GUIDE NEWS

September 2004 Mover's Guide Now Available

The September 2004 issue of Publication 75, Mover's Guide, will begin arriving at your facility in mid-August, packed in boxes of 300, 200, and 100 copies.

Do not start using this edition before September 1, 2004, unless your current stock of this item has been depleted.

We print and distribute the Mover's Guide three times a year - the May issue in April, the September issue in August, and the January issue in December. To order up to 100 additional copies, please call the Material Distribution Center 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 the September 2004 issue of the Mover's Guide:

PSIN: PUB 75
PSN: 7610-03-000-4795
Unit of Measure: EA
Minimum Order Quantity: N/A
Bulk Pack Quantity: 100
Quick Pick Number: 441
Price: N/A
Edition Date: 09/04

To order more than 100 copies, or if you have other questions regarding Mover's Guide, please call Imagitas directly at 800-816-6837.

After September 1, 2004, recycle all remaining copies of older versions of Mover's Guide.

Please keep track of your inventory. Businesses and other organizations must purchase Mover's Guide and can get order forms by calling Imagitas at 800-816-6837. Remember, consumers can visit www.usps.com and click on Change Address or go directly to https://usps.com/moversguide to change their address online.

- Address Management
Intelligent Mail and Address Quality, 9-16-04

Retail

READYPOST SALES CONTEST

Everyone Sells, Everyone Wins!

The September Sales Contest for ReadyPost shipping supplies is now underway. With more than $83 million in sales so far this year, ReadyPost is contributing to our efforts to grow retail revenue, and we want to end the year with a real sales push. ReadyPost shipping supplies are a perfect solution for customers who want a quick, easy, convenient way to wrap and send their packages.

Some highlights and rules of the contest:

1. ReadyPost sales will be tracked from September 1 through September 30, 2004, in order to determine which offices have the largest dollar amount increase in ReadyPost retail sales for September 2004 compared with June 2004.

2. Offices selling ReadyPost items are placed in Category 1, 2, or 3 based on the office's annual sales from the previous year. Any category changes were designated effective July 1, 2004. The office's category as of that date is the category we will use for determining the first, second, and third place awards by area.

3. All Post OfficesTM selling ReadyPost as of June 2004 are eligible to participate.

4. The offices with the best sales will win gift certificates ranging from $250 to a Grand Prize of $5,000.

5. All prizes are issued to the office only and may not be distributed to individual employees.

6. Prizes will be awarded in the name of the winning Post Office and such Post Office will be responsible for determining how the prizes (gift certificates) will be used.

7. Authorized representatives of winning Post Offices may be required to sign and return affidavits and return completed documents within 10 days of issuance of notification. Failure to comply with this requirement, or if prize or prize notification is undeliverable, may result in prize being forfeited and a runner-up Post Office being selected.

8. Awarding of any prize is conditioned upon any applicable corporate policies.

9. All prize awards are subject to verification and terms of the rules.

The prizes are Premiere Choice Awards gift certificates redeemable at more than 400 national and regional retailers, restaurants, and travel and entertainment providers. The offices may choose to break up their total award amount into multiple gift certificates of smaller amounts from a variety of participating Premiere Choice Award merchants. Post Offices may visit the Premiere Choice Award site at www.premierechoiceaward.com for additional information or check out the participating Premiere Choice Award merchants at www.premierechoiceaward.com/merchlist.asp.

There are many ways an office can use its award:

• Buy some items for the swing room or break room - a new microwave and a case of microwave popcorn, a refrigerator or icemaker, a coffeemaker, a television.

• Order food from Chili's, Olive Garden, or Red Lobster for an employee appreciation lunch.

• Purchase items for a customer appreciation day to thank the customers who helped the office to win the contest. Work with the Customer Relations coordinator and/or Public Affairs and Communications representative to get some publicity for your office's achievement.

• Do something charitable - buy toys for the up- coming holidays to donate to needy children in your community.

Whatever the office chooses, the end result is a high impact reward that meets the office's needs and is customized by office.

The prizes are as follows:

1. Grand Prize (Top office in the country):
$5,000 Premiere Choice Award Gift Certificate

2. Area Grand Prize (Nine winning offices):
$2,000 Premiere Choice Award Gift Certificate

3. First-Place Office in Area by ReadyPost Category (27 winning offices):
$1,000 Premiere Choice Award Gift Certificate

4. Second-Place Office in Area by ReadyPost Category (27 winning offices):
$500 Premiere Choice Award Gift Certificate

5. Third-Place Office in Area by ReadyPost Category (27 winning offices):
$250 Premiere Choice Award Gift Certificate

Please share this information so that all sales and service associates have the opportunity to participate in this contest and remember: EVERYONE SELLS....EVERYONE WINS!

Keeping ReadyPost merchandise displays fully stocked and suggesting ReadyPost products to customers will help to meet their needs - and help your office compete in the Everyone Sells, Everyone Wins! ReadyPost sales contest.

- Retail Marketing,
Service and Market Development, 9-16-04