FIELD INFORMATION KIT

Priority Mail Flat-Rate Boxes

This information kit contains the following elements that are designed to inform Postal ServiceTM employees about the new Priority Mail® flat-rate boxes:

• Fact Sheet.

• Frequently Asked Questions.

• Postmaster Checklist.

• Stand-Up Talk for All Employees Except Retail Associates and Mail Acceptance Employees.

• Stand-Up Talk for Retail Associates and Mail Acceptance Employees.

• Employee-Only Poster.

Fact Sheet

The new Priority Mail flat-rate box options are "Quick, Easy, Convenient"TM:

• Available as a part of a 2-year experiment starting November 20, 2004.

• No weighing required by the customer.

• No zone charts needed or rate calculations to make.

Boxes come in two familiar shapes (both of which have similar cubic-inch dimensions):

• 11-7/8" x 3-3/8" x 13-5/8" - ideal for garments, board games, books, and other thin items.

• 11" x 8-1/2" x 5-1/2" - perfect for shoes, model cars, and other taller items.

• Both boxes have large red starbursts printed on all sides to identify the Priority Mail flat-rate packaging.

One price fits all:

• Postage is $7.70, regardless of weight or domestic delivery zone.

• This is exactly twice the postage of a Priority Mail flat-rate envelope.

• Boxes are not prepaid. Each box must bear $7.70 in postage.

• For postage, customers can affix any combination of stamps equaling the $7.70 rate (such as two $3.85-rate Jefferson Memorial Priority Mail stamps), they can affix a postage meter strip or a permit imprint, or they can use Click-N-Ship® or other PC Postage® options to print their shipping labels and pay for postage using their computers, their printers, and the Internet.

• Fees for any special services, if purchased, are in addition to the $7.70 rate.

Availability:

• For customers, boxes are available at most Post OfficeTM facilities. They can also order boxes at http://supplies.usps.gov; under "Browse Store" and under "Shipping Supplies," click on either Business Use or Personal Use, and then click on Priority Mail.

• Each CAG A-G office will receive an automatic shipment of 100 boxes (50 of each shape) starting November 10, 2004. They can also reorder boxes as needed by calling the Postal Service Expedited Package Supply Center at 800-610-8734 or by faxing an order to 800-270-6233 (the Center started accepting orders November 3, 2004).

• CAG H-L offices may order boxes as needed by calling the Postal Service Expedited Package Supply Center at 800-610-8734 or by faxing an order to 800-270-6233.

Customers can choose from several mailing methods:

• Enter Priority Mail flat-rate boxes at any Post Office.

• Hand them to a letter carrier when mail is delivered to a or office.

• Arrange for a next-day pickup at no extra charge using carrier pickup (which is available in most locations) using online notification at USPS.com®.

Proper acceptance:

• Update POS ONE / IRT software and use proper transaction procedures to produce the appropriate PVI label and barcode.

• Existing parcel acceptance procedures apply.

• All other existing Priority Mail standards apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much material can customers mail in the new flat- rate boxes?

Customers may mail any amount of mailable material in a USPS-produced Priority Mail flat-rate box. The postage for a flat-rate box is $7.70, regardless of weight or destination. Only USPS-produced Priority Mail flat-rate boxes are eligible for the flat-rate box rate.

Can customers alter flat-rate boxes to accommodate larger items?

No. The box flaps must be able to close within the normal folds. Customers may apply tape to the flap and seams to reinforce the box, but they cannot enlarge the design of the box by opening the sides and taping or reconstructing the box in any way.

Can customers use Click-N-Ship postage for the new flat- rate boxes?

Yes. All postage payment methods may be used, including Click-N-Ship, postage stamps, meter strips, information-based indicia (IBI) meter, PC Postage, and permit imprint, providing that the customer meets all standards for the postage payment method.

Can customers use the flat-rate box for Priority Mail drop shipments?

Yes. All applicable Priority Mail standards apply except that the Postal Services charges the flat-rate postage amount of $7.70 regardless of the mailpiece's weight or destination.

Can customers use Delivery ConfirmationTM service or other special services with the new boxes?

Yes. All special services available with Priority Mail items are also available with the new flat-rate boxes. Fees for any special services, if purchased, are in addition to the $7.70 rate.

Why two different shapes?

The two shapes give customers more options when using the Priority Mail flat rate. One box is shaped like a garment box and is ideal for clothing, books, board games, and relatively thin items. The other box is similar to a shoe box and easily holds merchandise such as shoes, model cars, and taller items. Both shapes have similar cubic-inch dimensions.

Is the flat-rate box subject to the mailer identification restrictions?

Yes. If a customer uses postage stamps and the flat- rate box is not picked up by a carrier, the customer must present the flat-rate box at a Post Office retail counter.

Can customers use the flat-rate box for other mailing services?

No. The flat-rate box is clearly marked and can be used only for Priority Mail items at the $7.70 Priority Mail flat- rate box rate.

Postmaster Checklist

[] On November 11, 2004 (or as soon as possible thereafter), obtain boxes:

• Each CAG A-G office will receive an automatic shipment of 100 boxes (50 of each shape) starting November 10, 2004. Reorder boxes as needed by calling the Postal Service Expedited Package Supply Center at 800-610-8734 or by faxing an order to 800-270-6233 (the Center started accepting orders November 3, 2004).

• CAG H-L offices may order boxes as needed by calling the Postal Service Expedited Package Supply Center at 800-610-8734 or by faxing an order to 800-270-6233.

• Order numbers are OFRB1 (longer, thinner box) and OFRB2 (square-shaped box).

[] On November 11, 2004 (or as soon as possible thereafter), get a copy of Postal Bulletin 22141 (11-11-04), which has the Field Information Kit on Priority Mail flat-rate boxes, and keep it for further use.

[] Between November 11 and November 20, 2004, use the Field Information Kit from Postal Bulletin 22141 (11-11-04) to do the following:

• Give the appropriate employee stand-up talk(s).

• Disseminate the Fact Sheet.

• Post the information and the poster on employee bulletin boards.

On November 13, 2004, ensure that all POS ONE retail associates have reviewed the Release 18 Functionality Guide.

On November 19, 2004, ensure that all POS ONE sites properly close out their systems for receipt of download.

Before opening for business on November 20, 2004, ensure that IRT sites install the Version 57 update and new keyboard labels.

On November 20, 2004 - but not before! - ensure that the boxes are available at no cost to the customer. Position boxes in lobbies with other free shipping supplies.

On November 20, 2004, remind retail associates of the following:

• A large red starburst is printed on all sides of the packaging to identify it as a Priority Mail flat-rate box.

• Boxes are not prepaid - each box must bear $7.70 in postage. (Fees for any special services, if purchased, are in addition to the $7.70 rate.)

• Use proper transaction procedures to produce the appropriate PVI label and barcode.

On November 20, 2004, remind letter carriers of the following:

• A large red starburst is printed on all sides of the packaging to identify it as a Priority Mail flat-rate box.

• Boxes are not prepaid - each box must bear $7.70 in postage. (Fees for any special services, if purchased, are in addition to the $7.70 rate.)

• Existing Priority Mail package acceptance procedures apply.

After November 20, 2004, monitor supplies:

• Based on demand, reorder boxes as needed by calling the Postal Service Expedited Package Supply Center at 800-610-8734 or by faxing an order to 800-270-6233.

• Use order numbers OFRB1 (longer, thinner box) and OFRB2 (square-shaped box).

Stand-Up Talk for All Employees Except Retail Associates and Mail Acceptance Employees

[Please read this stand-up talk to all employees except retail associates and mail acceptance employees (who will receive a separate stand-up talk) and then post it on an employee bulletin board.]

New flat-rate box options add convenience to Priority Mail service.

Starting November 20, 2004, the Postal Service is adding simplicity and convenience to Priority Mail shipping with two new flat-rate box options. This new Priority Mail feature is a 2-year experiment approved last month by the Governors of the Postal Service.

What's new?

The Priority Mail flat-rate box does not have to be weighed by the customer, and there are no zone chart or rate calculations to make. Customers get the value of a Priority Mail flat-rate box in two convenient shapes at one consistent price. One box is ideal for garments, board games, books, and other relatively thin items; the other is perfect for shoes, model cars, and taller items.

While the shapes are different, both boxes have similar cubic-inch dimensions.

You can identify the new boxes by the large red starburst with the words "Flat Rate Box" printed on all sides of the packaging. Regardless of the actual weight or destination, the postage rate is $7.70.

What stays the same?

Existing Priority Mail package acceptance rules and procedures apply. Fees for any special services, if purchased, are in addition to the $7.70 rate.

For postage, customers can affix any combination of stamps equaling the $7.70 rate (such as two $3.85-rate Jefferson Memorial Priority Mail stamps), they can affix a postage meter strip or a permit imprint, or they can use Click-N-Ship and other PC Postage options to print their shipping labels and pay for postage using their computers, their printers, and the Internet.

What's next?

The new boxes are sure to be popular with lots of Priority Mail customers, especially during the upcoming holiday season. Let them know the new boxes will be available starting November 20, 2004.

Stand-Up Talk for Retail Associates and Mail Acceptance Employees

[Please read this stand-up talk to retail associates and mail acceptance employees and then post it on an official bulletin board.]

New flat-rate box options add convenience to Priority Mail service.

Starting November 20, 2004, the Postal Service is adding simplicity and convenience to Priority Mail shipping with two new flat-rate box options. This new Priority Mail feature is a 2-year experiment approved last month by the Governors of the Postal Service.

What's new?

The Priority Mail flat-rate box does not have to be weighed by the customer, and there are no zone chart or rate calculations to make. Customers get the value of a Priority Mail flat-rate box in two convenient shapes at one consistent price. One box is ideal for garments, board games, books, and other relatively thin items; the other is perfect for shoes, model cars, and taller items.

While the shapes are different, both boxes have similar cubic-inch dimensions.

You can identify the new boxes by the large red starburst with the words "Flat Rate Box" printed on all sides of the packaging. Regardless of the actual weight or destination, the postage rate is $7.70.

What stays the same?

Existing Priority Mail package acceptance rules and procedures apply. Fees for any special services, if purchased, are in addition to the $7.70 rate.

For postage, customers can affix any combination of stamps equaling the $7.70 rate (such as two $3.85-rate Jefferson Memorial Priority Mail stamps), they can affix a postage meter strip or a permit imprint, or they can use Click-N-Ship and other PC Postage options to print their shipping labels and pay for postage using their computers, printers, and the Internet.

What should you keep in mind?

Remember: These are not prepaid boxes. The Priority Mail flat-rate box must bear $7.70 in postage. Fees for any special services, if purchased, are in addition to the $7.70 rate. Only parcels using Postal Service-supplied Priority Mail flat-rate box packaging are eligible for the $7.70 rate.

We also have to make sure that we follow guidelines for updating our POS ONE / IRT software so we can begin accepting the boxes starting November 20, and so that we use proper transaction procedures to produce the appropriate PVI label and barcode.

The boxes are available at no cost to the customer. We need to make sure we position the boxes in the lobbies with the other free shipping supplies for use starting November 20 - but not before November 20. Keep the boxes stocked. This is especially important during the upcoming holiday season.

Each CAG A-G office will receive an automatic shipment of 100 boxes (50 of each shape). Shipments should begin arriving November 10. CAG H-L offices should order boxes as needed by calling the Postal Service Expedited Package Supply Center at 800-610-8734 or by faxing an order to 800-270-6233 (the Center started accepting orders November 3, 2004). CAG A-G offices can also reorder boxes by calling or faxing the Center. Order numbers are OFRB1 (longer, thinner box) and OFRB2 (square-shaped box).

What's next?

The new boxes are sure to be popular with lots of Priority Mail customers, especially during the upcoming holiday season. Let them know the new boxes will be available starting November 20, 2004.

- Implementation and Outreach,
Pricing and Classification, 11-11-04