Employees (Continued)

Exhibit 10. NONRURAL EMPLOYEE PROVIDES CHRISTMAS ASSISTANCE ON RURAL ROUTE
(EMA ONLY)

1. Clerk works as a Christmas auxiliary assistant on Route J029 and provides her or his own vehicle.

2. Complete PS Form 1314-A, using Des Code 99 and the route number of the regular route. (Use A998 if assistance is provided on an auxiliary route.)

3. Enter the hours, trips, and miles in the Equipment Allowance blocks.

4. Do not enter any Actual Weekly Work Hours or Xmas Assist Work Hours. Work hours for nonrural employees are paid using their regular timekeeping system (e.g., manual timecards, TACS).

5. If Christmas assistance is provided on more than one regular route, complete a separate PS Form 1314-A for each employee and for each route on which they provide Christmas assistance.

6. If Christmas assistance is provided on more than one auxiliary route, combine the EMA data and enter the totals on one PS Form 1314-A using route number A998.

Exhibit 11. DESIGNATION 79 PROVIDES CHRISTMAS ASSISTANCE ON ASSIGNED AUXILLIARY ROUTE

1. Des 79 assigned to route A005 carried a regular route on Saturday, Week 2 and another replacement carrier worked on Saturday. Enter an N in the DACA block.

2. Des 79 provided 1.5 hours Christmas assistance on route A005 on Saturday, Week 2.

3. Des 79 took 4 hours of annual leave on Monday, Week 2.

4. Enter hours worked (1.5) in the Xmas Assist Work Hours block. Do not include in Actual Weekly Work Hours.

5. Enter the replacement carrier that carried route A005 on Saturday and Monday on the bottom of PS Form 1314-A.

- Payroll Accounting, Finance, 11-11-04

Flexible Spending Accounts Open Season

The 2004 open season for the Flexible Spending Account (FSA) program for career employees is scheduled for November 8 through December 31, 2004, 5:00 P.M. Central Time (CT). Enrollments made during this open season are effective January 1, 2005, for the 2005 plan year (January 1 through December 31, 2005). (Enrollment ends sooner for participants who separate or have extended leave without pay.)

FSAs allow employees to set aside a portion of their pre- tax earnings for certain types of out-of-pocket health care and dependent care expenses. The money withheld for FSAs is not subject to income, Medicare, or Social Security taxes. United Health Care administers the FSA program for the Postal ServiceTM.

The booklet FSA BK1, Flexible Spending Accounts (November 2004), provides a good overview of FSAs. The following information should assist local personnel offices in conducting this open season.

Use PostalEASE to Enroll

To enroll in FSA during open season, employees have two options: (1) the PostalEASE telephone system or (2) the PostalEASE employee Web site.

To enroll by telephone: Call the PostalEASE toll-free number at 877-4PS-EASE (877-477-3273).

To enroll via the Intranet: Go to http://blue.usps.gov, click on Employee Self-Service, and then on PostalEASE. Or use an Employee Self-Service kiosk (available in some facilities).

Publicity

To publicize FSA open season, all offices must post the open season notice provided on page 4 on bulletin boards through December 31, 2004.

Direct Mailings to Employees

Headquarters (HQ) Compensation is coordinating FSA open season mailings to career employees at their mailing addresses of record. Employees receive a leaflet, postcards, and an enrollment kit comprising an FSA brochure, a PostalEASE FSA worksheet, and a withdrawal request form.

Undeliverable mailed kits are returned to the employing office of record. When an office receives a returned kit, the office should encourage the employee to update his or her address. An employee with access to Employee Change of Address on the Intranet (from the blue page) or to an Employee Self-Service kiosk (available in some facilities) should use these entry methods. Any other employee should submit an updated PS Form 1216, Employee's Current Mailing Address.

Order PS Form 1216 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 1216:

PSIN: PS 1216

PSN: 7530-02-000-7354

Unit of Measure: SE

Quick Pick Number: 118

Bulk Pack Quantity: 4,000

Minimum Order Quantity: 1

Price: $0.0147

Edition Date: 06/93

Eligibility

Participation in the FSA program is limited to career employees. To enroll, a career employee must have completed at least 26 full pay periods of postal career service during the current appointment by the end of pay period (PP) 27-2004 (December 24, 2004). A career employee who is in a leave without pay (LWOP) status that has lasted for more than eight consecutive full pay periods as of December 24, 2004, is not eligible to participate in the FSA program. However, an employee who is returning from uniformed military service may enroll, even if he or she has exceeded the eight pay periods of LWOP.

Election Opportunities

Health Care FSA and Dependent Care FSA

Eligible career employees may elect to participate in one, or both, of two FSAs - the Health Care FSA and the Dependent Care FSA. Each FSA covers eligible expenses for services that are received during the employee's period of participation during 2005 plan year (for most employees this will be January 1 through December 31, 2005). Employees who elect to participate must enroll via Postal- EASE no later than 5:00 P.M. CT on December 31, 2004. The brochure FSA BK1, Flexible Spending Accounts, that employees receive in the mail describes eligible and ineligible expenses and guidelines for estimating 2005 expenses.

FSA Open Season Contribution Levels

For the 2005 plan year, eligible career employees may elect to contribute up to $5,000 to the Health Care FSA. Eligible career employees may also elect to contribute up to $5,000 to the Dependent Care FSA. Contributions are withheld in equal amounts through payroll deductions covering 26 pay periods (PP 01-2005 through PP 26-2005). The minimum annual contribution employees may make to either FSA is $130 ($5 per pay period).

Election Changes and Enrollment Processing

Participants may neither cancel enrollments nor change contribution levels during the plan year except following qualified life status changes, as explained in the brochure FSA BK1, Flexible Spending Accounts.

Open Season Materials

Direct Mailings to Career Employees

Each career employee receives the following items at his or her mailing address of record during the open season:

• Publicity postcards:

- A postcard with instructions on how to obtain a USPS® Personal Identification Number (PIN).

- Postcards on other topics such as using FSAs to cover over-the-counter medications and other eligible expenses.

- A postcard with a reminder of the closing date.

• FSA LF1, Flexible Spending Accounts Overview and Tax Savings Estimator (October 2004). This leaflet provides an overview of the advantages of the FSA program.

• An enrollment kit that includes the following items:

- FSA BK1, Flexible Spending Accounts (November 2004), a brochure explaining plan policies and provisions.

- The FSA PostalEASE worksheet.

- FSA1, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) Withdrawal Request (November 2004). This form is used to request to withdraw funds from an FSA for payment of eligible expenses for services received during the period of participation.

Additional Supplies of Materials

During November, HQ Compensation coordinates the distribution of extra supplies of the leaflet, enrollment kit, and copies of the worksheet and withdrawal request form to Human Resources at district offices, area offices, processing and distribution centers, bulk mail centers, airport mail centers, remote encoding centers, the Office of Inspector General, Inspection Service divisions, Headquarters, and selected Headquarters field units.

Additional copies of the following FSA items will be available from the MDC but not until the distribution of extra supplies has been completed. The relevant ordering information follows.

Flexible Spending Accounts Overview and Tax Savings Estimator

PSIN: FSA LF1

PSN: 7610-04-000-5138

Unit of Measure: EA

Quick Pick Number: N/A

Bulk Pack Quantity: 2,100

Minimum Order Quantity: 1

Price: No cost

Edition Date: 10/04

Flexible Spending Accounts

PSIN: FSA BK1

PSN: 7530-02-000-9910

Unit of Measure: EA

Quick Pick Number: N/A

Bulk Pack Quantity: 250

Minimum Order Quantity: 1

Price: No cost

Edition Date: 11/04

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) Withdrawal Request

PSIN: FSA1

PSN: 7530-02-000-9911

Unit of Measure: EA

Quick Pick Number: N/A

Bulk Pack Quantity: 2,000

Minimum Order Quantity: 1

Price: No cost

Edition Date: 11/04

Responsibilities of Personnel Offices

Personnel offices are responsible for the following tasks:

• Respond to employee inquiries about eligibility.

• Determine the participant's eligibility to enroll or to change contribution levels during the plan year based on the participant's qualified life status changes.

Personnel offices are reminded of the following points:

• Refer to PostalEASE Update 2001-03 (June 4, 2001) for instructions on processing FSA elections in cases of belated election or administrative error. These instructions are found at http://blue.usps.gov/hrisp/hris/updates/postalease/2001/.

• Employees should include health care expenses for dependents in the Health Care FSA contribution amount and not in the Dependent Care FSA.

• The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) annual limits on the Dependent Care FSA contribution are $5,000 for a family and $2,500 for a married employee filing a separate return. These limits are explained fully in the FSA BK1, Flexible Spending Accounts.

• Personnel offices do not process Form FSA1, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) Withdrawal Request. Participants are responsible for mailing or faxing Form FSA1 directly to the FSA Customer Service Center in El Paso, Texas, as explained on Form FSA 1.

• Personnel offices must not provide tax advice. Offices must refer employees with tax questions to their tax advisors or to the IRS toll-free information line at 800-TAX-1040 (800-829-1040). In addition, a section of the FSA BK1, Flexible Spending Accounts, pre- sents certain tax information related to FSAs.

• Refer employees with questions about the FSA program to the FSA toll-free hotline given below.

FSA Customer Service Center Toll-Free Hotline

For inquiries about FSAs, employees should call the FSA Customer Service Center's toll-free hotline at 800-842-2026. Following enrollment, participants may use the hotline to:

• Make account inquiries.

• Discuss expenses that are eligible for payment through the FSA program.

• Obtain other plan information.

The FSA Customer Service Center also provides a teletype (TTY) line at 866-206-7810 and 866-649-4869. The Center encourages employees who want to use the TTY line to have a colleague place an advance call to the toll- free hotline.

- Compensation,
Employee Resource Management, 11-11-04

Finance

HANDBOOKS F-15 AND F-12 REVISION/CORRECTION

Fiscal Year 2005 Travel Per Diem Rates

This article corrects the article "Handbook Revisions: Travel Per Diem Rates - Handbooks F-15 and F-12" published in Postal Bulletin 22138 (9-30-04, pages 28-39).

We will incorporate these revisions into the next printed edition of Handbook F-15 and into the next update of the online version accessible 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.

• Then click on HBKs.

Handbook F-15, Travel and Relocation

* * * * *

Part 4 Appendixes

Appendix A Rates

* * * * *

A-2 Travel Per Diem Rates

* * * * *

A-2.4 High Cost Localities

* * * * *

* * * * *

Handbook F-12, Relocation Policy

* * * * *

B Reimbursement Rates

* * * * *

I Mileage Rates

* * * * *

C High cost localities

* * * * *

* * * * *

- National Accounting,
Finance, 11-11-04

REMINDER

Federal Taxation Percentages for Supplemental Wages

The percentage used to tax supplemental wages is different from the normal taxation percentage(s). As information, supplemental wages include, but are not limited to: prizes, awards, back-pay awards, severance pay, and reimbursements for moving expenses. Until further notice, all supplemental wages up to and including $1 million will continue to be taxed at the current 25 percent rate.

However, a recent change to federal taxation laws has provided for establishment of a two-tiered taxation rate for higher-end supplemental wages. Effective for payments received after December 31, 2004, once the total of monies paid to an employee as supplemental wages exceeds $1 million, the amount above the $1 million will be subject to withholding at the highest income tax rate of 35 percent.

- Payroll Accounting,
Finance, 11-11-04

[D-Link]

[D-Link]

[D-Link]

International Mail

ICM UPDATES

International Customized Mail

We have combined ICM updates into one Postal Bulletin article to save space and paper. 4 ICM updates appear here.

On October 15, 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: October 29, 2004, through October 28, 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 Pos- tal 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 October 20, 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: November 3, 2004, through November 2, 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 October 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: November 8, 2004, through November 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 October 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: November 9, 2004, through November 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 commitment of $12,000 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 eight (8) percent off nondiscounted published rates in effect on the date of mailing in accordance with Exhibit 1.

Exhibit 1

- Pricing Strategy,
Pricing and Classification, 11-11-04

IMM REVISION

Discontinuance of Volume Discount Availability for IPA and ISAL Mailers

Effective November 3, 2004, International Mail Manual (IMM) 292.212, 292.213, and 293.75 are deleted to reflect the discontinuation of discounted postage rates for mailers who spent $2 million or more combined on International Priority Airmail (IPA) and International Surface Air Lift (ISAL) in the preceding Postal ServiceTM fiscal year.

The Postal Service has discontinued these discounts due to recent reviews of costs for providing these services. These cost reviews identified increases in transportation, terminal dues, and other costs that have all risen while published rates for IPA and ISAL have remained static since 2001. When costs rise above the rate we are charging, we are obliged to adjust prices and discounts (in this case for IPA and ISAL) so they are not subsidized by other domestic or international product offerings. These changes do not affect the standards for existing or prospective customers who use IPA or ISAL mail and participate or would like to participate in the International Customized Mail (ICM) service agreement program as defined in IMM 297.

We will incorporate these revisions into the printed version of IMM 31 and also into the online version of the IMM, which can be accessed via Postal Explorer® at http://pe.usps.gov.

International Mail Manual (IMM)

* * * * *

2 Conditions for Mailing

* * * * *

290 Commercial Services

* * * * *

292 International Priority Airmail Service

* * * * *

292.2 Postage

292.21 Rates

* * * * *

[Delete 292.212 and 292.213; renumber existing 292.214 through 292.217 as new 292.212 through 292.215, respectively.]

* * * * *

293 International Surface Air Lift (ISAL) Service

* * * * *

293.7 Postage

* * * * *

[Delete 293.75; renumber existing 293.76 through 293.763 as new 293.75 through 293.753, respectively.]

* * * * *

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

Philately

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, 11-11-04

Retail

REMINDER

Postage Meter Activity Discontinued

As announced in Postal Bulletin 22104 (6-12-03, page 116), local Post OfficeTM employees must no longer install, withdraw, and refund postage meter balances. Post Office employees must not refund account balances on postage meters because these refunds are processed electronically by the product provider. Not adhering to these rules could result in a duplicate payment.

Processing refund requests for unused postage meter stamps (meter indicia) in accordance with Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) P014.3.2 is the only postage meter- related activity Post Office employees should perform. Customers may submit valid, legible, and complete unused meter stamps for refund using PS Form 3533, Application and Voucher for Refund of Postage, Fees, and Services, within 60 days of the date in the indicia. Local Post Office employees process refunds up to $500.00 and forward requests for refunds of $500.01 or more to Shared Services for disbursement in accordance with PS Form 3533.

See page 21 for new instructions specific to meter resetting activities.

- Postage Technology Management,
Product Development, 11-11-04

NOTICE

Stop Resetting Date for Postage Meters

Effective February 28, 2005, Phase II, manual set meters are being retired and Post OfficeTM employees must not reset any meters. Postage Technology Management (PTM) recently announced in the Federal Register (69 FR 59281, 10-04-04) this stop setting date for Phase II meters. Phase II meters are those meters that require manual resetting (i.e., they must be brought to a Post Office to be reset). The retirement date for all manually reset meters is May 31, 2005, and the stop setting date is February 28, 2005.

As stated in Postal Bulletin 22104 (6-12-04, page 116), there are a limited number of manual set meters (less than 100 by year end) that remain in use and may still be reset by Post Office employees when authorized by PTM. Customers must have an authorization letter or copy of an emergency e-mail message sent by PTM in order to reset a manual meter. The retirement of manual set meters effectively ends all postage meter transactions by local Post Offices after February 28, 2005.

A letter from the manager, Postage Technology Management, and communications from meter manufacturers will advise customers of these dates. Refer customers requesting postage meter resets after February 28, 2005, to their meter manufacturer or dealer.

- Postage Technology Management,
Product Development, 11-11-04

NOTICE

Tyvek Envelopes/Stamps by Mail

Supply-chain purchasing remains a Postal ServiceTM Transformation Plan initiative as well as a smart business decision. Another opportunity to support this effort is through purchasing Tyvek envelopes. These are most commonly used to package Stamps by Mail® orders, but have other uses as well.

Effective immediately, all Stamps by Mail fulfillment sites (from centralized operations to local Post OfficesTM) should purchase Tyvek envelopes from the Material Distribution Center (MDC). You may purchase envelopes locally only in an emergency. This ordering system saves the Postal Service money while assuring efficient service and quality products for you.

Ordering Information:

You can order a 7.5" x 10" peel `n' seal Tyvek envelope (inventory code EP192A) and a 9" x 12" peel `n' seal Tyvek envelope (inventory code EP192B) from the 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 EP192A:

PSIN: EP192A
PSN: 7530-07-000-0531
Unit of Measure: CT
Minimum Order Quantity: 1
Bulk Pack Quantity: 1
Quick Pick Number: 596
Price: $26.80/ctn

Use the following information to order EP192B:

PSIN: EP192B
PSN: 7530-07-000-0532
Unit of Measure: CT
Minimum Order Quantity: 1
Bulk Pack Quantity: 1
Quick Pick Number: 614
Price: $36.60/ctn

- Retail Access,
Delivery and Retail, 11-11-04

REMINDER

Stamps by Mail - Brochure Ordering Information

The next deadline date for ordering Stamps by Mail® brochures is January 12, 2005. These brochures should be delivered by no later than February 25, 2005. This print run will be for the year-round brochure design.

To order Stamps by Mail brochures, submit PS Form 3227-0, Stamps by Mail Supply Order (January 2002), to Cyril-Scott Company:

CYRIL SCOTT COMPANY
PO BOX 627
LANCASTER OH 43130-0627

Telephone: 800-466-0455
Fax: 740-689-0210

You can find this form at http://blue.usps.gov; click on Forms, then select the form by number. A copy of this form appears on page 23 in this Postal Bulletin.

Stamps by Mail centralized computer processing sites automatically receive quantities funded by Postal ServiceTM Headquarters. These quantities are based on revenue generated by site. This does not require the centralized site to place an order. However, centralized sites may order additional quantities from Cyril-Scott Company from local funds by following the ordering instructions contained within this article. Noncentralized sites must pay for all brochures ordered.

The cost per unit of 500 is $11.00. This cost includes overprinting the address of the fulfillment office placing the order. You may pay for orders with local IMPAC credit cards, checks, or money orders. However, Cyril-Scott Company cannot process the order until it receives payment. Local eBuy procedures may also apply (refer to local procurement procedures).

Cyril-Scott Company will deliver orders within 35 calendar days after printing. Actual receipt of the order will depend on the ultimate destination and the corresponding delivery service standard. You should save copies of all orders placed at your local Post OfficeTM until the order has been received.

The remaining print deadline dates for the balance of calendar year 2005 are being determined.

- Retail Marketing,
Service and Market Development, 11-11-04

Priority Mail flat-rate boxes Simplicity and convenience - delivered with new Priority Mail® flat-rate boxes. The two boxes will be available to customers Nov. 20, beginning a 2-year test. The boxes offer a single postage rate - $7.70 - regardless of the actual weight or destination of the parcel. The rate is exactly twice the postage for the Priority Mail flat-rate envelope. Customers can take care of postage with two $3.85 Jefferson Memorial postage stamps - or they can use a postage meter indicia or any combination of U.S. postage stamps, of course. For the ultimate convenience, customers can go to USPS.com® and use Click-N-Ship® service to print a shipping label with postage, and then schedule a pickup via carrier pickup online notification.

Approximately 14,000 Post OfficesTM (CAG A-G) - those with the highest customer traffic and corresponding walk-in revenue - will receive an automatic shipment of 50 each of the two boxes. Shipments began Nov. 5. Offices not included in this distribution should order boxes as needed by calling the fulfillment center directly at 800-610-8734.

For more information on the new Priority Mail flat-rate boxes, see pages 1 and 2-3 in this issue of the Postal Bulletin.

Packaged with care The Postal ServiceTM is offering specially packaged Priority Mail supplies for holiday shipping to members of the U.S. military stationed overseas. Each of these kits includes five small boxes, five large boxes, five Tyvek envelopes, and a roll of tape - all labeled for Priority Mail use - as well as Customs forms and envelopes. Customers may order the kits by calling 800-610-8734 and requesting "CAREKIT04."

eBay promotion The Postal Service is helping eBay deliver on holiday wishes. Many of our Post Offices are displaying 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. 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 at www.ebay.com/wish.

Holiday guide The Postal Service is offering America ease and convenience this holiday mailing season. The Postal Service is spreading the word by providing every household in the country with a Shipping & Mailing Holiday Guide. It covers the holiday bases: Click-N-Ship service, carrier pickup online notification, parcel shipping, NetPost® CardStore, and Priority Mail bundles. In addition to being mailed to s, the guide also will be available on USPS.com.

Signs of the holiday 'Tis the season to generate revenue!
The Holiday Drive Period is here. New point-of-purchase materials are bright red and bold to quickly communicate the benefits of our products and to help customers focus on what they need during this busy time at the Post Office. The signs feature Priority Mail bundles, Click-N-Ship service, and ReadyPost Shipping Supplies. There's also a FIRSTCLASS PHONECARD® promotion.

Put signs up now! And keep them up through Dec. 31! Go to blue.usps.gov/advertising to see them all.

Looking good! Have you seen the new look at the San Carlos, CA, Post Office? Have you seen what a lobby makeover can do for your revenue figures? Go to the Advertising Web site at blue.usps.gov/ advertising to see how easy and economical is it to transform your lobby and build revenue for the Postal Service. The San Carlos Post Office is now being featured. Beginning Nov. 15, the lobby makeover at East Sandwich, MA, will be in the spotlight on the Web site.

Feedback Send comments and questions to:

WHATS IN STORE
US POSTAL SERVICE
475 L'ENFANT PLAZA SW RM 1141
WASHINGTON DC 20260-1019

Supply Management

Redistributing and Ordering Rotary Locks

Postal ServiceTM sites can obtain rotary locks at no cost in fiscal year 2005. Previously, sites were charged for rotary locks. The change will ensure the security of registered mail and non-saleable stamp stock. You can order rotary locks from the Material Distribution Center using PSN 5340-04-000-5608, PSIN O832.

Registered MailTM is the most secure method of mailing. Rotary locks are required to secure Registered Mail and non-saleable stamp stock in transit, whether in pouches, sacks, CON-CON containers, or LD-3 Dacon containers. Under the Postal Service and FedEx CON-CON Program, Registered Mail must be secured in a red and blue CON- CON container using a rotary/registry lock. No seals or outside locks are permitted.

Handbook DM-901, Registered Mail, Section 523.1, states that numbered tin band sealed pouches (PSIN O817-C) should be used only when rotary locks are not available.

The first source of supply should always be through local redistribution. We have conducted audits showing that even when rotary locks are available locally, units are not redistributing them because they are not stored in a visible location, and coordinators thus don't have a visual reminder. Area registry coordinators must monitor and coordinate the redistribution of rotary locks within their area, and sites should maintain up to a 15-day supply of locks. Quantities greater than a 15-day supply are considered excess.

If you cannot redistribute, you can order rotary locks by contacting your area Registered Mail coordinator, listed below. You can find ordering restrictions for rotary locks in the Postal Operations Manual (POM), Sections 633.22 and 633.32.

If you have excess and non-functioning rotary locks, return them for national redistribution and repair to make sure there is a sufficient supply of rotary locks available. Please send them to:

MAIL EQUIPMENT SHOPS
2135 5TH ST NE
WASHINGTON DC 20260-6224

Telephone: 202-281-2620

You can obtain keys for rotary locks directly from the Mail Equipment Shops by using PS Form 4983, Postal Key and Lock Requisition.

- SCM Strategies,
Supply Management, 11-11-04