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USPSNEWS@WORK

Wish fulfillment: USPS teams up with eBay for holiday promotion

The Postal ServiceTM is helping eBay deliver on holiday wishes.

Many of our Post OfficesTM will display co-branded posters promoting eBay's "Just What You Wished For" sweepstakes. This instant win game offers participants a chance to win one of thousands of prizes, including family vacation packages, airline tickets and more.

The Postal Service role in this promotion is limited to simply displaying the posters in 7,500 Post Offices located in eBay's top 10 markets. If customers have any other questions about the contest or want more information, refer them to the eBay Web site, www.ebay.com/wish.

The Postal Service continues to build on its strong relationship with eBay. The Postal Service is a preferred shipper on its Web site. And, with millions of people buying and selling on eBay every day, that's a great revenue-building place for us to be.

A matter of diplomacy: Nine new Customer Service Ambassadors named

Delivering ResultsNine letter carriers were chosen this summer to represent the Postal Service in radio, television and print advertising.

Now nine customer service employees - postmasters, station managers and supervisors - have joined the ambassador ranks, and they will be followed by other employee groups.

Who are the new customer service ambassadors?

The Capital Metro Area has reeled in Fishing Creek, MD, Postmaster Jeanne Phillips to serve as its ambassador. Representing the Eastern Area is Wayne, PA, Officer- in-Charge Margie Washington. Sailing out of the Great Lakes Area is Chicago's Rogers Park Station Customer Service Manager Elizabeth Owens.

From Beachwood, NJ, Postmaster Fulin Ritt is doing New York Metro proud. Branching out of Forrest City, AR, Postmaster Normal Gilchrest will speak for Southwest Area. Western Area will be turning to Tulare, SD, Postmaster Deborah Kopplin to help educate customers.

And finally, Lakewood, CA, Postmaster Robert Mcguire will represent Pacific Area. Southeast Area is being

championed by Arcadia, FL, Postmaster Raymond Bernicchi. And Greenwich, CT, Customer Service Manager Doreen Reichard will keep Northeast Area customers updated on products and services.

No matter where they're from, the ambassadors stand for our entire organization. They symbolize our performance-driven team - from retail to collection, transportation to processing, sales to support - all of us, delivering the best service possible.

Rural signage: USPS and NRLCA sign two-year contract extension

Postmaster General Jack Potter and National Rural Letter Carriers' Association (NRLCA) President Dale Holton signed a two-year contract extension between the Postal Service and the NRLCA recently in Washington, DC.

As a result, the current collective bargaining agreement - set to expire November 20, 2004 - will be extended to November 20, 2006.

The agreement provides for a 1.3 percent wage increase effective November 27, 2004, and a 1.3 percent increase effective November 26, 2005. Other terms include continuing the cost-of-living allowance, establishing a standard time allowance for reloading and unloading vehicles, increasing the reimbursement rate for rural carriers who furnish their own vehicles and creating a joint task force to discuss issues related to future developments in mail delivery.

Other provisions of the contract remain in effect.

New priorities: Easy as one, two, three

Customers are getting more shipping options in time for holiday mailings. The Postal Service Governors have approved a two-year test of Priority Mail® flat-rate boxes. Customers will be able to mail packages - regardless of the weight or destination, as long as the contents fit inside - for just $7.70 each.

The new boxes don't have to be weighed, and no zone chart or rate calculations are required. The boxes are available in two shapes - one is ideal for garments, board games and books, and the other is perfect for shoes, model cars and taller items. (Actual sizes are 13-5/8 inches x 3-3/8 inches x 11-7/8 inches and 11 inches x 5-1/2 inches x 8-1/2 inches).

Now customers can use Click-N-Ship® to print a shipping label, pay postage and use carrier pickup to have a Priority Mail boxed-package collected the next day.

The flat-rate boxes will be available November 20 at most Post Offices and online at usps.com®.

Survey savvy: Your opinion counts in VOE survey

Delivering ResultsIf you received a Voice of the Employee (VOE) survey this quarter and have filled it out and returned it - thanks!

If you received this quarter's survey and haven't finished it yet, please take time - on the clock - to complete and return it in the postage-paid envelope by November 29.

One-fourth of USPS® career employees have the opportunity to take the survey each quarter. It's your chance to let your opinion be known - confidentially, of course - and make a difference in how the Postal Service does business.

VOE survey responses help identify what can be improved in the workplace - and what USPS does well - to ensure continued success.

Questions about the VOE process? Check the Web site at http://blue.usps.gov/hrisp/ser/voe/.


Administrative Services

Directives and Forms Update

Effective immediately, Publication 223, Directives and Forms Catalog (June 1999), is revised. The tables below contain the document ID, edition date, title, PSN (Postal ServiceTM stock number), and the Postal Service and public supply source for all new, revised, and obsolete directives and forms. Use this article to keep Publication 223 current. Information on how to order directives and forms is available in chapter 1 of Publication 223.

Publication 223 is available electronically at www.usps.com/cpim/ftp/pubs/pub223.pdf.

New Directives

Handbooks

PSIN Edition Date Title Stock Number Manual Relation Org. USPS Source Public Source
HBK AS-508 6/04 Section 508 N/A ASM5 IT WWW WWW
HBK AS-805-A 7/03 Application Information Security Assurance (ISA) Process N/A ASM 8 IT IWEB N/A
HBK AS-805-D 5/04 Information Security Network Connectivity Process N/A ASM 8 IT IWEB N/A
HBK AS-816 6/04 Open VMS Security N/A ASM 8 IT IWEB N/A
HBK F-23 8/04 Accounting Policy Reference N/A FMM2 FIN IWEB N/A
HBK
MS-187-VOL-A
6/04 Delivery Bar Code Sorter Phase II, Background Information 7610-07-000-8261 POM ENG MDC R
HBK
MS-187-VOL-B
6/04 Delivery Bar Code Sorter Phase II, Maintenance Information 7610-07-000-8262 POM ENG MDC R
HBK
MS-191-VOL-A
8/04 Delivery Bar Code Sorter 5, Output Subsystem, Background Information 7610-05-000-4559 POM ENG MDC R
HBK MS-223 6/04 Automatic Flats Tray Lidder 7610-07-000-1226 POM ENG MDC R
HBK PO-101 8/04 Post Office Discontinuance Guide 7610-01-000-9324 POM D&R MDCIWB N/A

Management Instructions

PSIN Edition Date Title Org. USPS Source Public Source
MI AS-820-2004-6 6/04 The Advanced Computing System IT IWEB N/A
MI AS-840-2004-2 4/04 Electronic Messaging (e-mail) IT IWEB N/A
MI EL-660-2004-3 8/04 Limited Personal Use of Government Office Equipment Including Information Technology IT IWEB N/A
MI PO-530-2004-2 5/04 Screening Highway Transportation Contract Employees IS IWEB N/A

New Forms

PSIN Edition Date Oldest Usable Date Title Stock Number Where Used Unit of Issue Org. USPS Source Public Source
PS 5054 9/04 9/04 BPOD Payment Authorization Form N/A CD SH MKT IWEB WWW

Revised Directives

Handbooks

PSIN Edition Date Title Stock Number Manual Relation Org. USPS Source Public Source
HBK F-45 10/04 Data Collection User's Guide for In-Office Cost System 7610-01-000-9138 FMM4 FIN MDC N/A

Publications

PSIN Edition Date Title Stock Number Manual Relation Org. USPS Source Public Source
PUB 80 9/04 Bulk Proof of Delivery Program N/A N/A MKT IWEB WWW
PUB 119 9/04 Sources of Historical Information on Post Offices, Postal Employees, Mail Routes and Mail Contractors 7610-05-000-4418 POM GR MDCIWB MDC
PUB 197 9/04 Confirm User Guide 7610-05-000-5495 POM PD MDCIWB MDCWEB

Revised Forms

PSIN Edition Date Oldest Usable Date Title Stock Number Where Used Unit of Issue Org. USPS Source Public Source
PS 1311 9/04 9/04 Carrier Transportation Agreement 7530-01-000-9279 PV SH D&R MDC N/A
PS 2848 7/04 7/04 Rural Carrier Route Mail Acceptance Data 7530-03-000-0807 CR SH ENG MDCIWB N/A
PS 3811-A 9/04 9/04 Request for Delivery Information/Return Receipt After Mailing 7530-02-000-9054 PO SH MKT MDCIWB N/A
PS 8144 9/04 9/04 Stamp Discrepancy Report N/A PO SH MKT IWEB N/A

Obsolete Forms

PSIN Edition Date Title Stock Number Org. USPS Source Public Source
PS 2431 8/99 Request for Miscellaneous Disbursement Payment N/A FIN MDCIWB N/A
PS 4800 8/98 Parts/Supplies Issue Slip 7530-02-000-9325 ENG MDC N/A
PS 5301-A 1/81 Mail Box Vandalism 7530-02-000-9444 IS MDC N/A

- Information Policies and Procedures, Public Affairs and Communications, 11-11-04


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.

Title of Mailing Class and
Type of
Mail
Requested Delivery
Dates
Number of Pieces (Millions) Distribution Presort Level Comments
JCP Gift Shop Standard/
Catalog
11/12/04-11/15/04 4.0 Nationwide Car-Rt Quebecorworld
JCP On Trend - December Standard/
Catalog
11/12/04-11/15/04 2.6 Nationwide Car-Rt Quebecorworld
JCP Pre-Holiday Catalog Standard/
Postcard
11/12/04-11/15/04 10.0 Nationwide Car-Rt Harte-Hanks
JCP Week 42 Pre-Holiday Jewelry Standard/
Flat and Letter
11/12/04-11/15/04 4.9 Nationwide Car-Rt Harte-Hanks
JCP Men's Cold Weather Standard/
Catalog
11/13/04-11/18/04 3.0 Nationwide Car-Rt Quebecorworld
Catherine's Secret Sale First-Class/Letter 11/14/04-11/18/04 1.2 Nationwide Barcoded, 3/5-Digit Cenveo,
Memphis, TN
JCP Week 42 Mega Sale Preview Standard/
Letter
11/15/04-11/17/04 14.2 Nationwide Car-Rt Harte-Hanks
Midnight Velvet Standard/
Catalog
11/15/04-11/18/04 1.0 Nationwide Barcoded, Basic, 3/5-Digit, Car-Rt Quad Graphics, Lomira, WI
REI 2004 Wintersports Sale Flyer (16 pages) Standard/
Flat
11/15/04-11/18/04 2.1 Nationwide 3/5-Digit, Car-Rt Quebecor World Color,
Bensenville, IL
The Sportsman's Guide, November Gift Standard/
Catalog
11/15/04-11/19/04 1.0 Nationwide 3/5-Digit, Car-Rt RR Donnelley, Spartanburg, SC
The Swiss Colony Standard/
Catalog
11/17/04-11/20/04 1.0 Nationwide Barcoded, Basic, 3/5-Digit, Car-Rt Quad Graphics, Lomira, WI
Pottery Barn Kids Standard/
Flat
11/22/04-11/23/04 4.61 Nationwide Barcoded, Basic, 3/5-Digit, Car-Rt Quad Graphics, Hartford, WI
Williams-Sonoma Standard/
Flat
11/22/04-11/23/04 3.87 Nationwide 3/5-Digit, Car-Rt Quad Graphics, Hartford, WI
JCP Christmas Bells Catalog Standard/
Postcard
11/22/04-11/24/04 11.0 Nationwide Car-Rt Harte-Hanks
The Sportsman's Guide, November Surplus Standard/
Catalog
11/22/04-11/26/04 1.0 Nationwide 3/5-Digit, Car-Rt RR Donnelley, Spartanburg, SC
- Business Service Network Integration, Service and Market Development, 11-11-04

NOTICE

Delivery Policy - Collection of Mail Versus On-Call and Scheduled Pickup Services

This article clarifies the difference between the collection of mail during normal delivery and collection of mail for on-call and scheduled pickup services, and when the fee for on-call and scheduled pickup services described in Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) D010.2.2 is applied.

Collection of Mail

Collection of mail is performed with consideration for the line of travel for the employee, customer convenience, and volume of mail. Collection of mail includes prepaid mail deposited in collection boxes, and outgoing mail collected from customers during normal delivery and collection and on the normal line of travel for the delivery or collection route. Postage must be prepaid, using uncanceled stamps, metered postage, Express Mail Corporate Accounts, or PC Postage®, as described in DMM D010.2.1. There is no fee for collection of mail, as described in DMM D010.2.3c.

For designated Post Offices, customers may also request collection of their Express Mail® and Priority Mail® (and Parcel Post®, if Express Mail or Priority Mail is also picked up) items through the USPS.com® carrier pickup program, using the Postal ServiceTM Internet Web site at www.usps.com. Post OfficeTM participation and requirements for Internet (online) requests can be found on the Web site. Note: Online pickup requests are fulfilled the next delivery day. For online advance notification pickup requests and online recurring pickup requests, pickups are made on the delivery day(s) for which the pickups are requested.

On-Call and Scheduled Pickup Services

On-call and scheduled pickup services are requested by customers based on their needs and schedules and are not performed as part of routine delivery or collection service for the customer. On-call and scheduled pickup services are available for Express Mail (domestic and international), Priority Mail, and single-piece rate Parcel Post items. On- call pickups are generally made within 2 hours of the request, as outlined in D010.3.2. DMM D010.2.2 outlines the fee requirements for on-call and scheduled pickup services (currently $12.50). Post Offices should schedule and route on-call and scheduled pickups to meet customer needs, maximize volume, and minimize travel requirements for employees. This does not preclude local management from authorizing deviations to lines of travel for on-call and scheduled pickup services. The fee for on-call and scheduled pickup services is due each time pickup service is provided, with no limit on the number of packages picked up for a single fee.

Specifically, the on-call and scheduled pickup fees are charged when a customer requests the pickup and either a separate trip or a significant deviation from the delivery or collection route is required. The fee is not charged when the "pickup" occurs as part of the regularly scheduled delivery or collection process, or if a reasonable deviation to an existing assignment can be made to accommodate the collection of this mail.

Packages that can be collected from locations in a reasonable proximity to a collection box, on a regularly scheduled basis, and at approximately the same time displayed on the collection box schedule should be considered part of the collection activity and no pickup fee should be assessed. For these purposes, "reasonable proximity" is defined as a stop along the line of travel to, from, or on the delivery of a collection route, at a similar time for that portion of the line of travel, or within a reasonable deviation to the normal line of travel to allow collection of the mail.

Aviation Mail Security policy, established to protect employees, the air transportation system, and the public, applies to carrier pickup and on-call and scheduled pickup services. Domestic First-class Mail® and Priority Mail packages weighing 16 ounces or more, when postage is paid with uncanceled stamps, must be directly handed to a retail sales associate or Postal Service representative or agent, or a carrier that knows the sender. International mail with stamps, meter postage, or PC Postage must also be presented directly to a retail sales associate or a Postal Service representative or agent, or a carrier that knows the sender.

- Delivery Operations,
Delivery and Retail, 11-11-04

Domestic Mail

DMM REVISION

Periodicals Ride-Along Pieces - Label Carrier Option

Effective November 11, 2004, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) C200.1.10 and E260.1.4 are revised to add a new option for the endorsement location on Periodicals mailpieces with Ride-Along attachments or enclosures.

Currently mailers must place an endorsement for Ride- Along attachments or enclosures on the outer wrapper, polybag, envelop, or cover of the host piece if the endorsement is not included in the identification statement. With this change, mailers may place the words "Ride-Along Enclosed" on the label carrier when including a Ride-Along piece in a Periodicals rate mailing.

This option is added to the existing options for endorsement placement to be consistent with the standards for First-class Mail® and Standard Mail® enclosures and attachments.

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)

* * * * *

C Characteristics and Content

* * * * *

C200 Periodicals

1.0 PERMISSIBLE MAILPIECE COMPONENTS

* * * * *

1.10 Label Carrier

* * * * *

[Revise item c to include the "Ride-Along Enclosed" label carrier option to read as follows:]

c. As applicable, the label carrier may show the endorsement "First-class Mail Enclosed," "Standard Mail Enclosed," or "Ride-Along Enclosed", or the permit imprint used to pay postage for the First-class Mail or Standard Mail enclosure if that permit imprint is below the Periodicals imprint or the word "Periodicals."

* * * * *

E Eligibility

* * * * *

E200 Periodicals

* * * * *

E260 Ride Along

1.0 BASIC ELIGIBILITY

* * * * *

1.4 Marking

[Revise 1.4 to include the "label carrier" addition to the marking requirements for a Periodicals Ride-Along piece to read as follows:]

The marking "Ride-Along Enclosed" must be placed on or in the host publication if it contains an enclosure or attachment paid at the Ride-Along rate. If placed on the outer wrapper, polybag, envelope, label carrier, or cover of the host publication, the marking must be set in type no smaller than any used in the required "POSTMASTER: Send change of address..." statement. If placed in the identification statement, the marking must meet the applicable standards. The marking must not be on or in copies not accompanied by a Ride-Along attachment or enclosure.

* * * * *

- Mailing Standards,
Pricing and Classification, 11-11-04

DMM REVISION

Barcoding Standards for Machinable Parcels

Effective November 11, 2004, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) C850 is revised to clarify and correct various mailing standards. In addition, we have added exhibits to better define this section and add clarity.

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)

* * * * *

C Characteristics and Content

* * * * *

C800 Automation-Compatible Mail

* * * * *

C850 Barcoding Standards for Parcels

1.0 GENERAL

[Revise the title and text of 1.1 to include new eligibility references to read as follows:]

1.1 Basic Requirements for Postal Routing Barcodes

The postal routing barcode discount applies to machinable parcels that meet the eligibility requirements in E610.5.4, E711.2.2, E712.3.0, E713.2.0, or E714.2.0. To be eligible for the barcode discount, each machinable parcel (see C050) must bear a properly prepared UCC/EAN Code 128 barcode symbology as described in 1.2 that accurately represents the correct ZIP Code or ZIP+4 code of the delivery address.

[Renumber current 1.2 and 1.3 as new 1.3 and 1.4. Add new 1.2 to include the required data elements and an exhibit for postal routing barcodes to read as follows:]

1.2 Basic Elements of Postal Routing Barcodes

UCC/EAN Code 128 postal routing barcode data elements (see Exhibit 1.2) include:

a. Barcode Type. UCC/EAN Code 128 is the only acceptable barcode and must be printed within Subset C.

b. Start Code. Postal routing barcodes must start with a Symbol Start Code, which is not shown in the human- readable text.

c. Function One (FNC1). The FNC1 numeric character for UCC/EAN Code 128 follows the symbol start character, is part of the symbology overhead, and is not shown in the human-readable text.

d. Application Identifier (AI). The AI for a postal routing barcode is "420" for domestic mail and is not shown in the human-readable text.

e. ZIP Code or ZIP+4 Code. Postal routing barcodes must include the 5-digit ZIP Code or ZIP+4 code of the address. Only the 5-digit ZIP Code appears in the human-readable text.

f. Check Digit. A check digit must be added at the end of the sequence of numbers to validate the authenticity of the number. UCC/EAN Code 128 postal routing barcodes must utilize a MOD 103 check digit, which is not shown in the human-readable text.

g. Stop Code. The UCC/EAN Code 128 postal routing barcode must end with a Symbol Stop Code, which is not shown in the human-readable text.

Exhibit 1.2 Postal Routing UCC/EAN Code 128 Barcode Format

Exhibit 1.2, Examples 1 and 2.

UCC/EAN Code 128 Format

Start FNC1 4 2 0 2 2 0 2 1 Mod 103 Stop

1.3 Use With Delivery Confirmation or Signature Confirmation Service

[Revise new 1.3 to read as follows:]

Eligible machinable parcels may qualify for the barcode discount and bear a Delivery Confirmation or Signature Confirmation barcode using one of the following options:

a. The Single Concatenated Barcode (see Exhibit 1.3a). Mailers may place a single concatenated barcode that combines the postal routing information and Delivery Confirmation or Signature Confirmation information. Single concatenated barcodes must be prepared in accordance with the technical specifications and requirements in S918 for Delivery Confirmation service, S919 for Signature Confirmation service, and Publication 91, Confirmation Services Technical Guide. If a parcel bears a single concatenated barcode, then no other barcode that contains the postal routing barcode may be affixed to the package.

b. Separate Barcodes (see Exhibit 1.3b). Mailers may place both a postal routing barcode described in 1.2 and a Delivery Confirmation barcode described in S918 or a Signature Confirmation barcode described in S919 (and Publication 91) on the same parcel.

Exhibit 1.3a Confirmation Services Concatenated UCC/EAN Code 128 Barcode Format

Exhibit 1.3a, Confirmation Services Concatenated UCC/EAN Code 128 Barcode Format.

Exhibit 1.3a, Barcode Format diagram.

Exhibit 1.3b Confirmation Services UCC/EAN Code 128 Barcode Format Using a Separate Postal Routing Barcode

Exhibit 1.3b, Confirmation Services UCC/EAN Code 128 Barcode Format Using a Separate Postal Routing Barcode.

Exhibit 1.3b Confirmation Services UCC/EAN Code 128 Barcode Format Using a Separate Postal Routing Barcode (Continued)

Exhibit 1.3b, Barcode Format diagram.

[Revise new 1.4 by making separate sections for concatenated and single barcodes to read as follows:]

1.4 Use With Confirmation Services and Insurance (Integrated Barcode)

To eliminate the need of placing one barcode for Delivery Confirmation service or Signature Confirmation service and another barcode for insurance, eligible machinable parcels may qualify for the barcode discount by placing a single integrated barcode that combines Delivery Confirmation service or Signature Confirmation service and insurance using one of the following options:

a. Single Concatenated Integrated Barcode. Mailers may place a single concatenated integrated barcode that combines postal routing information and postal insurance (see S913) with Delivery Confirmation service or Signature Confirmation service. The single concatenated integrated barcode option allows electronic option mailers to combine multiple special services into a single barcode on their packages. Single concatenated integrated barcodes must be prepared in accordance with the technical specifications and requirements in S918 for Delivery Confirmation service, S919 for Signature Confirmation service, and Publication 91. If a parcel bears a single concatenated integrated barcode, then no other barcode that contains the postal routing barcode may be affixed to the package.

b. Separate Barcodes. Mailers may place both a postal routing barcode described in 1.2 and an integrated barcode that combines insurance as described in 1.4a on the same parcel with Delivery Confirmation service in S918 or Signature Confirmation service in S919. The integrated barcode option allows electronic mailers to combine multiple special services into a single barcode on their packages.

2.0 BARCODE CHARACTERISTICS

2.1 Dimensions

[Revise 2.1 by deleting the last sentence, which is no longer applicable, to read as follows:]

The preferred range of widths of narrow bars and spaces is 0.015 inch to 0.017 inch. The width of the narrow bars or spaces must be at least 0.013 inch but no more than 0.021 inch. All bars must be at least 0.75 inch high.

* * * * *

2.5 Human-Readable Information

[Revise 2.5 to simplify existing standards and correct information concerning human-readable parsing to read as follows:]

The human-readable information that appears with the barcode must conform to one of the following options:

a. For postal routing barcodes printed under 1.2, 1.3b, and 1.4b, if the postal routing barcode is printed on a separate label, the human-readable equivalent of the ZIP Code or ZIP+4 code encoded in the barcode preceded by the word "ZIP" must be printed between 1/8 inch and 1/2 inch below the barcode in 10-point or larger bold sans-serif type. Alternatively, the word "ZIP" may be placed no less than 10 times the average narrow bar or space element width and no more than 1/2 inch to the left of the barcode, in 10-point or larger bold sans-serif type (see Exhibit 1.2). While not recommended, if the postal routing barcode is printed on the delivery address label and is in close proximity to the address, the human-readable equivalent of the ZIP Code (and the word "ZIP") may be omitted.

b. For barcodes printed under 1.3a or 1.4a, the human- readable information for the concatenated or concatenated/integrated barcode must include as text the Application Identifiers (AI) 420 and 91 and the full tracking identification number. When the AI 420 and ZIP Code information is used, it must be parsed separately from the main body of text. The first group will contain the 420 AI, space, 5-digit ZIP Code, space, ZIP+4 code (if used), space, with the remaining human-readable text parsed in groups of four with the remaining digits grouped at the end (e.g., 420 22021 9122 1234 5678 9123 4567 83).

* * * * *

- Mailing Standards,
Pricing and Classification, 11-11-04

DMM REVISION

Priority Mail Flat-Rate Box

Effective November 20, 2004, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) G995 is added to set forth the rate, eligibility criteria, mailing standards, and classification information for the new Priority Mail® flat-rate box experiment. The experiment is expected to last for 2 years.

The Postal ServiceTM is conducting the Priority Mail flat- rate box experiment to enhance customer convenience through the introduction of two flat-rate box options for Priority Mail items. Many Postal Service customers, especially individual consumers and small businesses, are seeking simplicity and convenience when sending a package. Much like the Priority Mail flat-rate envelope offered since 1991, the flat-rate boxes will afford customers a single, predetermined rate, regardless of the actual weight or destination of the mailpiece. The simplified transaction with these two flat-rate boxes represents an opportunity for the Postal Service to enhance value for customers. For more information about the new flat-rate box, see the Information Kit of this Postal Bulletin.

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)

* * * * *

G General Information

* * * * *

G900 Experimental Classification and Rate Filings

* * * * *

[Add new G995 to read as follows:]

G995 Priority Mail Flat-Rate Box

1.0 ELIGIBILITY

1.1 Description

The standards in G995 apply to each addressed USPS- produced Priority Mail flat-rate box (Postal Item Numbers: OFRB1 and OFRB2).

1.2 Rate Application

Each USPS-produced Priority Mail flat-rate box is charged the experimental Priority Mail flat-rate box rate regardless of weight or destination.

1.3 Basic Standards

Any amount of mailable material can be mailed in a USPS- produced Priority Mail flat-rate box. Only USPS-produced Priority Mail flat-rate boxes are eligible for the flat-rate box rate. All other applicable Priority Mail standards apply.

1.4 Package Preparation

The box flaps must be able to close within the normal folds. Tape may be applied to the flap and seams for closure or to reinforce the box, provided the design of the box is not enlarged by opening the sides of the box and taping or reconstructing the box in any way.

2.0 RATE

2.1 Priority Mail Flat-Rate Box Rate

The flat-rate box rate is $7.70. This initial rate is subject to change in a future rate proceeding.

2.2 Postage Payment Methods

Postage may be paid with postage stamps, meter stamps, information-based indicia (IBI), PC Postage system, or permit imprint, providing all the standards for the postage payment method are met.

* * * * *

- Mailing Standards,
Pricing and Classification, 11-11-04