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Employees (Continued)

Handbook EL-803, Maintenance Employee's Guide to Safety

* * * * *

SECTION XI

In-Plant Powered Industrial Trucks

[Revise Section XI to read as follows:]

This section applies to all types of materials-handling equipment commonly known as powered industrial trucks (PITs), as described in OSHA Standard 1910.178 - such as tow motors, fork trucks, tractors, platform lift trucks, motorized hand trucks and other specialized industrial trucks powered by electric motors or internal combustion engines. Fuel-powered industrial trucks are generally prohibited indoors. Consult with your local safety professional before using a fuel-powered industrial truck.

You must be trained and authorized to operate in-plant powered industrial trucks. PIT operators are responsible for ensuring vehicle safety and following all safety requirements. Immediately report to your supervisor all PIT-related accidents and near misses, including property damage; they must be investigated and reported on a Form 1769.

A. Vehicle Regulations

• Inspect brakes, steering apparatus, horn, etc., each day prior to using in-plant powered industrial trucks. Tag all defective powered industrial trucks using Form 4707, remove them from service, and report all defects to your supervisor immediately.

• Be sure that all in-plant powered industrial trucks are equipped with horns and a flashing warning light that works.

• Do not operate industrial lift trucks with the overhead guard or load backrest removed.

B. Driving Regulations

1. Do not operate powered industrial trucks in a reckless manner; this is strictly prohibited.

2. Use a hard hat under these situations:

• When working above floor level.

• When working from mechanical lifts and platforms.

• When operating powered mechanical equipment and where an overhead hazard exists.

• When local safety rules are based upon a hazard assessment requiring hard hat protection.

3. Do not ride with any part of the body protruding from the powered industrial truck.

4. Use only the designated truck traffic aisles.

5. Make sure there is adequate clearance before proceeding under all overhead obstructions.

6. Face the direction toward which you are moving and be careful of rear-end swing when turning corners.

7. Speed

• Drive in-plant powered industrial trucks below 5 mph (that is, about the speed of a fast walk).

• Approach all intersecting aisles and towveyor crossings slowly and cautiously. Sound the horn to inform pedestrians of your approach.

• Keep the powered industrial truck at least three vehicle lengths behind other vehicles when traveling.

8. Backing Up

• Check to be certain there is a clear path to the rear before backing.

• Do not back powered industrial trucks through doorways, unless your field of vision is clear.

9. Passengers

• Never exceed powered industrial truck seating capacity.

• Provide securely attached seating for passengers.

• Never allow a passenger to ride on an in-plant powered industrial truck without securely attached seating.

10. Industrial Lift Trucks

• Use industrial lift trucks only for lifting and hauling loads. Do not use them as a means of personal transportation or for raising personnel to elevated locations, unless properly equipped and installed personnel platforms are used.

• Lift, lower, and carry loads with industrial lift trucks with the lifting mechanism vertical or tilted back, but never tilted forward.

• Keep forks on a moving lift truck low (just high enough to clear all floors and low enough to clear all overhead obstructions). Under normal conditions, 3 inches above floor level should be sufficient.

• When approaching or leaving a building where the ramp incline is greater than 10 degrees, turn the lift truck so that the load is on the upgrade side and cannot slip off the forks.

C. Work Practices

• Do not tow more than three empty or loaded containers of rolling stock (platform trucks, hampers, or containers); however, driverless tractor units are permitted to tow up to five containers empty or loaded.

• Do not obstruct aisles, passageways, fire-fighting equipment, electrical panels, exits, or towveyor lines with parked, in-plant powered vehicles.

• Fully lower the load-engaging mechanism, with controls in neutral and the brakes set, when the driver has dismounted and is within 25 feet of vehicle and the vehicle is still in view.

• If the driver is more than 25 feet away from the vehicle that remains in view, or if the vehicle is not in the driver's view, consider the vehicle unattended.

• When vehicles are to be left unattended, lower the load-engaging mechanism, put all controls in neutral, shut off the power, set the brakes, and remove the ignition key.

• Inspect trailers and trucks that are entered by in-plant powered vehicles or conveyors to ensure that the flooring appears capable of handling the load and that the trailer is prevented from rolling by wheel chocks or positive-locking parking devices.

• Inspect dock plates to ensure that they are capable of handling the load and are properly seated on the bed of the truck.

• Use the proper hooks and coupling devices for towing. Do not use your hand to hold equipment being towed.

• Never use propane-powered equipment in poorly ventilated spaces, such as in a trailer.

D. Maintenance

• Repair trucks only if you are authorized to do so. (Only authorized modifications are to be installed in powered industrial equipment.)

• Disconnect the batteries of in-plant powered trucks before performing corrective maintenance on them. Follow appropriate lockout procedures (see Section XIX, Hazardous Energy Control Procedures - Lockout).

• Do not get under a lift truck to do repairs unless it is properly held up by jack stands.

• Remove from service any power-operated industrial truck not in safe operating condition.

• Examine powered industrial trucks before placing in service and do not place them in service if the examination shows any condition adversely affecting the safety of the truck.

E. Special PIT Operating Rules -12 Foot Aisle Facilities

This section applies only to the following Logistics and Distribution Centers (L&DCs) and Priority Mail Processing Centers (PMPCs) at the following locations:

Jacksonville, Florida Northern New Jersey
Miami, Florida Bethpage, New York
Orlando, Florida Rochester, New York
Springfield, Massachusetts Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Nashua, New Hampshire Pittsburg, Pennsylvania

A maximum of seven general purpose mail containers (GPMCs) and/or Eastern Region mail containers (ERMCs) may be towed at any given time provided that the following criteria are met:

• All aisles are clearly marked.

• The aisle width must be a minimum of 12 feet to allow two-way traffic to pass; any aisle less than 12 feet wide requires one-way traffic or no passing of container trains.

• All 90-degree intersections are required to be chamfered by 4 feet at a minimum (see below).

Chamfered Intersection

Chamfered Intersection.

• All L&DC and PMPC sites are required to purchase and install Electronic Speed Control (ESC) Programmers on all existing PIT vehicles before instituting an increase of towing more than three mail containers within the facility. The ESC setting is to be adjusted to approximately 80%, not exceeding 5 mph with the Powered Industrial Vehicle (PIV).

• All newly purchased PIVs must have the ESC devices installed by the manufacturer according to the specifications mentioned above.

When towing more than three GPMC and/or ERMC containers at one time, the PIT operator must place a folding tow bar (shown below) between the third and fourth container. When towing a train of seven containers at one time, the PIT operator must use two folding tow bars. One will be placed between the third and fourth container as previously mentioned and the other will be between the fifth and sixth container (i.e., in a 3-2-2 pattern).

When towing containers, the PIT operator must use the brake levers to prevent jackknifing or loss of containers in the train.

Folding Tow Bar

Folding Tow Bar.

(See Handbook PO-502, Container Methods, for further information on proper use of mail equipment.)

* * * * *

Handbook EL-814, Postal Employee's Guide to Safety

* * * * *

SECTION VIII

Powered Industrial Trucks

[Revise Section VIII to read as follows:]

Powered industrial truck (PIT) operators are responsible for ensuring vehicle safety and following all safety requirements. Make sure that operators are trained and authorized to operate Pits described in OSHA 1910.178, such as tow motors, fork trucks, platform lift trucks, motorized hand trucks, and other specialized industrial trucks powered by electric motors or internal combustion engines. All PIT-related accidents and near misses, including property damage, must be investigated and reported on a Form 1769. Fuel-powered industrial trucks are generally prohibited indoors. Consult with your local safety professional before using a fuel-powered industrial truck.

A. Operating Rules

1. General Rules

• Do not operate Pits in a reckless manner; this is strictly prohibited.

• Always wear your seat belt any time a PIT is in motion.

• Before using a PIT, check the brakes, steering apparatus, horn, etc. Report any defects to your supervisor immediately.

• Drive Pits at or below 5 miles per hour (about the speed of a fast walk). Use only the designated vehicle traffic lanes, and keep to the right when ever possible.

• Never use the reverse control as a brake.

• Never allow a passenger to ride on a PIT unless securely attached seating is provided. Never exceed the seating capacity of the unit.

• Never disengage, cover up, or bypass any audible or visual warning devices on powered industrial equipment.

• Do not ride with any part of your body protruding from the vehicle.

• Make sure that there is adequate clearance before you drive under any overhead obstruction.

• Approach all intersecting aisles and tow conveyor crossings slowly and cautiously. Sound your horn to warn pedestrians of your approach.

• Check to be sure there is a clear path to the rear before backing up.

• Stay at least three vehicle lengths behind other vehicles when traveling.

• Check bridge or dock plates for proper stability before you drive across them.

• Before dismounting, stop your vehicle, place the gear in neutral, set the brake, and turn the ignition off.

2. Lift Trucks

• Lift, lower, and carry loads on a lift truck with the lifting mechanism in a vertical position or tilted back - never forward.

• Face the direction in which you are moving and be careful of rear-end swing when turning corners.

• When approaching or leaving a building where the ramp incline is greater than 10 degrees, turn the lift truck so the Ioad is on the upgrade side and cannot slip off the forks.

• Keep forks on a moving lift truck Iow (just high enough to clear any floor obstructions and Iow enough to clear overhead obstructions). Under normal conditions, 3 to 6 inches above floor level should be sufficient.

• Do not raise or lower forks while the forklift is in motion.

• When you park a lift truck, fully lower the forks, put the controls in neutral, shut off the power, set the brake, and remove the key.

• Before entering a truck or trailer with a forklift, inspect the floor for damage or decay which might cause the lift to break through.

• Make sure that the truck or trailer wheels are properly checked or secured by a mechanical vehicle restraint system before entering the vehicle with a forklift.

B. Warning Devices and Protective Equipment

• Be sure that any powered industrial vehicle you operate is equipped with a horn and a flashing warning beacon that is in working order.

• Do not operate industrial lift trucks with the overhead guard or load backrest removed.

• PIT drivers must wear personal protective equipment as specified by the local PPE assessment. PIT drivers must also wear hard hats when working in designated hard hat areas.

C. Towing Wheeled Equipment

• Use only approved tow bars or coupling devices for towing wheeled equipment. Do not use your hand to hold equipment being towed.

• Tow only three platform trucks, hampers, or containers (GPMC, ERMC, BMC-OTR) whether loaded or empty.

• Attach no more than five containers to a driverless tractor unit or automatic guarded vehicle (AGV).

D. Towing Wheeled Equipment -- 12 Foot Aisle Facilities

This section applies only to the following Logistics and Distribution Centers (L&DCs) and Priority Mail Processing Centers (PMPCs) at the following locations:

Jacksonville, Florida Northern New Jersey
Miami, Florida Bethpage, New York
Orlando, Florida Rochester, New York
Springfield, Massachusetts Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Nashua, New Hampshire Pittsburg, Pennsylvania

A maximum of seven general purpose mail containers (GPMCs) and/or Eastern Region mail containers (ERMCs) may be towed at any given time provided that the following criteria are met:

• All aisles are clearly marked.

• The aisle width must be a minimum of 12 feet to allow two-way traffic to pass; any aisle less than 12 feet wide requires one-way traffic or no passing of container trains.

• All 90-degree intersections are required to be chamfered by 4 feet at a minimum (see below).

Chamfered Intersection

Chamfered Intersection.

• All L&DC and PMPC sites are required to purchase and install Electronic Speed Control (ESC) Programmers on all existing PIT vehicles before instituting an increase of towing more than three mail containers within the facility. The ESC setting is to be adjusted to approximately 80%, not exceeding 5 mph with the powered industrial vehicle (PIV).

• All newly purchased PIVs must have the ESC devices installed by the manufacturer according to the specifications mentioned above.

When towing more than three GPMC and/or ERMC containers at one time, the PIT operator must place a folding tow bar (shown below) between the third and fourth container. When towing a train of seven containers at one time, the PIT operator must use two folding tow bars. One will be placed between the third and fourth container as previously mentioned and the other will be between the fifth and sixth container (i.e., in a 3-2-2 pattern).

When towing containers, the PIT operator must use the brake levers to prevent jackknifing or loss of containers in the train.

Folding Tow Bar

Folding Tow Bar.

E. Repairs

Repair Postal Service vehicles only if you are a qualified and fully trained employee.

(See Handbook PO-502, Container Methods, for further information on proper use of mail equipment.)

* * * * *

- Safety Performance Management,
Employee Resource Management, 12-23-04

NOTICE

Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Open Season: Acceptance of Belated Elections

This article assists personnel offices in administering the current FEHB open season. There has been an unexpected delay in the printing and mailing of the 2005 Guide to Federal Employees Health Benefits Plans, RI 70-2, to some employees. Therefore, under the belated election authority that the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) grants to agencies, the Postal ServiceTM is accepting elections for an additional 10 days beyond the original belated election deadline of December 28, 2004.

FEHB open season elections will be accepted until 5:00 P.M. Central Time (CT) on January 7, 2005, for all employees. This date is being programmed into the PostalEASE telephone system, employee Web site, and Human Resources Web site. Until PostalEASE is reprogrammed, it will continue to state that FEHB open season closes at 5:00 P.M. CT on December 28, 2004.

The effective date of open season elections will remain the same - January 8, 2005 - even with the later deadline. The processing deadline for the PostalEASE Human Resources Web site will also remain the same - 12:00 Midnight CT on January 9, 2005.

We encourage employees not to wait until the last day (or week) to make their elections.

Remember that FEHB guides are available at the OPM Web site, under the heading "Guides for Postal Workers:" at http://opm.gov/insure/05/guides.

To assist in publicizing this FEHB open season, all installations must post the open season notice provided on page 3 of this Postal Bulletin through January 7, 2005, on bulletin boards.

- Compensation,
Employee Resource Management, 12-23-04

It's easy to ship from Ho, Ho, Home. Pay for postage and request a carrier pickup at usps.com/clicknship.


Finance

HANDBOOK F-1 REVISION

Changes to Account Identifier Codes

Effective December 23, 2004, Account Identifier Code (AIC) 614, Vehicle Repair Parts and Materials, is deactivated. Offices must record all expenses associated with vehicle repair and parts in AIC 604, Vehicle Repair and Maintenance.

We will incorporate these revisions into the next printed edition of Handbook F-1 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, under "Policies", click on PolicyNet.

• Then click on HBKs.

Handbook F-1, Post Office Accounting Procedures

* * * * *

A Account Identifier Code and General Ledger Account Crosswalk

* * * * *

AIC Master Title General Description GLA
[Revise AIC 604 to read as follows:]
604 Vehicle Repair and Maintenance Expense associated with payment for maintenance, parts and repair work performed by commercial garages and other contractual services. 54543604
* * * * *
[Revise AIC 614 to read as follows:]
614 Reserved Reserved Reserved

* * * * *

- Revenue and Field Accounting, Finance, 12-23-04

REVISED HANDBOOK

Handbook F-1, Post Office Accounting Procedures

Effective December 23, 2004, Handbook F-1, Post Office Accounting Procedures, is revised with the December 2004 edition of PS Form 1412, Daily Financial Report. The December 2004 edition of this form replaces the August 2003 edition of PS Form 1412-A and the April 2003 edition of PS Form 1412-B. All references to "PS Form 1412-A" and "PS Form 1412-B" in Handbook F-1 will be replaced with "PS Form 1412."

We will incorporate this revision into the next printed edition of Handbook F-1 and into the next update of the online version available on the Postal Service PolicyNet Web site:

• Go to http://blue.usps.gov.

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

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

• Then click on HBKs.

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

- Revenue and Field Accounting,
Finance, 12-23-04

CLARIFICATION/HANDBOOK F-1 REVISION

Cash Retained/Cash Reserves Authorization

This article clarifies the article "Cash Retained/Cash Reserves Authorization" published in Postal Bulletin 22110 (9-4-03, pages 37-40).

We will incorporate these revisions into the next printed edition of Handbook F-1 and into the next update of the online version accessible on the Postal Service PolicyNet Web site:

• Go to http://blue.usps.gov.

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

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

• Then click on HBKs.

Handbook F-1, Post Office Accounting Procedures

* * * * *

3 Managing Postal Funds

* * * * *

33 Funds Received

331 Cash Reserves

* * * * *

[Delete the second paragraph in the note.]

* * * * *

4 Managing Accountable Paper

* * * * *

48 Managing Accountable Paper and Cash at Offices With Segmented Inventory Accountability

* * * * *

486 Cash Credits

* * * * *

486.1 Unit Cash Retained Reserve

* * * * *

[Delete the second paragraph in the note in item 1.]

* * * * *

- Revenue and Field Accounting,
Finance, 12-23-04

REVISED FORM

PS Form 1412, Daily Financial Report

Effective December 23, 2004, Post OfficesTM and postal retail units must use the revised edition of PS Form 1412, Daily Financial Report, dated December 2004. All previous editions of PS Forms 1412, 1412-A, and 1412-B are obsolete and must be discarded/recycled. This form is mandatory for Money Order Voucher Entry System (MOVES) and Small Post Office Reporting Tool (SPORT) offices, and should be used for other reporting technologies (integrated retail terminals and point-of-service terminals) if equipment or power failures occur.

The December 2004 edition of this form replaces the August 2003 edition of PS Form 1412-A and the April 2003 edition of PS Form 1412-B. Upon the arrival of the December 2004 edition of PS Form 1412, the Material Distribution Center (MDC) will discard/recycle the previous editions of PS Forms 1412-A and 1412-B and will begin using the December 2004 edition of PS Form 1412. This form appears on page 2 of the pull-out section in this Postal Bulletin so that offices may reproduce this copy locally until they order and receive the stock from the MDC.

Summary of Changes of PS Form 1412

• Deleted the following AICs: 051, 052, 129, 451, 452, 455, 541, 546, and 583.

• Added the following AICs: 070, 089, 092, 094, 096, 102, 103, 158, 175, 198, 247, 280, 470, 586, 612, 647, 751, and 846.

• Changed the descriptions to match the titles in appendix A of Handbook F-1, Post Office Accounting Procedures.

Completing PS Form 1412

Employees complete PS Form 1412 as follows:

• Include the unit or individual name.

• Include the finance number and unit ID.

• Include the account identifier code (AIC) number and amount.

• Ensure that all supporting documentation has been verified and the PS Form 1412 is balanced.

• Certify the information by signing the form.

• Date the form.

Ordering the Revised Form

Ordering information is not available at this time and will be published in a future Postal Bulletin.

Viewing PS Form 1412 on the Postal Service Intranet

PS Form 1412 is available on the Postal Service Intranet:

• Go to blue.usps.gov.

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

• Click on 1000 - 1999.

• Select PS Form 1412.

- Revenue and Field Accounting,
Finance, 12-23-04

NOTICE

2005 Pay Dates, Organization Dues, and Leave Year

The following chart lists the pay periods for 2005. For the convenience of timekeepers, each biweekly pay period appears as 2 separate weeks, with the beginning and ending dates indicated for each week.

Pay periods with an asterisk indicate when monthly dues for unions and employee organizations are deducted.

The leave year always begins the first day of the first full pay period in the calendar year. The 2005 leave year begins Pay Period 02, January 08, 2005, and extends for 26 full pay periods, ending January 06, 2006 (Pay Period 01 of 2006).

2005 Pay Period Inclusive Dates

Pay Period Week One Week Two Pay Date Holidays
*01 12-25 to 12-31 01-01 to 01-07 01-14 12-25, 01-01
02 01-08 to 01-14 01-15 to 01-21 01-28 01-17
*03 01-22 to 01-28 01-29 to 02-04 02-11 blank
04 02-05 to 02-11 02-12 to 02-18 02-25 blank
*05 02-19 to 02-25 02-26 to 03-04 03-11 02-21
06 03-05 to 03-11 03-12 to 03-18 03-25 blank
*07 03-19 to 03-25 03-26 to 04-01 04-08 blank
08 04-02 to 04-08 04-09 to 04-15 04-22 blank
09 04-16 to 04-22 04-23 to 04-29 05-06 blank
*10 04-30 to 05-06 05-07 to 05-13 05-20 blank
11 05-14 to 05-20 05-21 to 05-27 06-03 blank
*12 05-28 to 06-03 06-04 to 06-10 06-17 05-30
13 06-11 to 06-17 06-18 to 06-24 07-01 blank
*14 06-25 to 07-01 07-02 to 07-08 07-15 07-04
15 07-09 to 07-15 07-16 to 07-22 07-29 blank
*16 07-23 to 07-29 07-30 to 08-05 08-12 blank
17 08-06 to 08-12 08-13 to 08-19 08-26 blank
*18 08-20 to 08-26 08-27 to 09-02 09-09 blank
19 09-03 to 09-09 09-10 to 09-16 09-23 09-05
20 09-17 to 09-23 09-24 to 09-30 10-07 blank
*21 10-01 to 10-07 10-08 to 10-14 10-21 10-10
22 10-15 to 10-21 10-22 to 10-28 11-04 blank
*23 10-29 to 11-04 11-05 to 11-11 11-18 11-11
24 11-12 to 11-18 11-19 to 11-25 12-02 11-24
*25 11-26 to 12-02 12-03 to 12-09 12-16 blank
26 12-10 to 12-16 12-17 to 12-23 12-30 blank

2006 Pay Periods Begin

Pay Period Week One Week Two Pay Date Holidays
*01 12-24 to 12-30 12-31 to 01-06 01-13 12-25, 01-01
02 01-07 to 01-13 01-14 to 01-20 01-27 01-16

- Payroll Accounting, Finance, 12-23-04


International Mail

IMM REVISION

Change in U.S. Dollar and Special Drawing Right Conversion Rates

Effective January 1, 2005, International Mail Manual (IMM) 324.22, Exhibit 324.22, 333.2, 934.21, and the International Country Listing for every country except Canada, Iraq, and North Korea (Korea, Democratic People's Republic of) are revised to reflect a change in the US dollar and special drawing right (SDR) conversion rates and the resulting change in the maximum amount of indemnity that is payable for loss, damage, or rifling for Registered MailTM items.

Postal ServiceTM retail employees use this information whenever an insured or Registered Mail parcel is presented for mailing. Employees must write the insured amount, stated in terms of both US dollars and SDR values, in the designated blocks on PS Form 2976-A, Customs Declaration and Dispatch Note - CP 72.

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

International Mail Manual (IMM)

* * * * *

3 Special Services

* * * * *

320 Insurance

* * * * *

324 Processing Requests

* * * * *

324.2 Marking

* * * * *

324.22 Retail Employee's Responsibility

[Revise 324.22 in its entirety to read as follows:]

The retail employee must:

a. Indicate on the parcel the amount for which the parcel is insured. Write the amount in ink, and express the amount in US currency and special drawing right (SDR) values, indicating both in figures only. For example:

INSURED VALUE

$100 (US)

68.30 SDR

b. See Exhibit 324.22 for a table showing the conversion of US dollar values (up to $600) to SDR equivalents. To determine SDR equivalents above $600, the retail employee must multiply the insured amount, rounded up to the next full dollar if necessary, by the conversion factor of 0.6830.

Note: The conversion of US dollars into SDR equivalents is based on the following formulas:

1 US $ = 0.6830 SDR 1 SDR = $1.46 (1.4642)

c. Enter the insured number, insured amount, and SDR equivalent on PS Form 2976-A, Customs Declaration and Dispatch Note - CP 72.

Exhibit 324.22

Conversion Table: US Dollars to Special Drawing Right (SDR)

[Revise Exhibit 324.22 by inserting the new conversion formulas before the table as well as the new table to read as follows:]

1 US $ = 0.6830 SDR 1 SDR = $1.46 [1.4642]

US $ SDR
1 0.6830
2 1.3660
3 2.0490
4 2.7320
5 3.4150
6 4.0980
7 4.7810
8 5.4640
9 6.1470
10 6.8300
11 7.5130
12 8.1960
13 8.8790
14 9.5620
15 10.2450
16 10.9280
17 11.6110
18 12.2940
19 12.9770
20 13.6600
21 14.3430
22 15.0260
23 15.7090
24 16.3920
25 17.0750
26 17.7580
27 18.4410
28 19.1240
29 19.8070
30 20.4900
31 21.1730
32 21.8560
33 22.5390
34 23.2220
35 23.9050
36 24.5880
37 25.2710
38 25.9540
39 26.6370
40 27.3200
41 28.0030
42 28.6860
43 29.3690
44 30.0520
45 30.7350
46 31.4180
47 32.1010
48 32.7840
49 33.4670
50 34.1500
51 34.8330
52 35.5160
53 36.1990
54 36.8820
55 37.5650
56 38.2480
57 38.9310
58 39.6140
59 40.2970
60 40.9800
61 41.6630
62 42.3460
63 43.0290
64 43.7120
65 44.3950
66 45.0780
67 45.7610
68 46.4440
69 47.1270
70 47.8100
71 48.4930
72 49.1760
73 49.8590
74 50.5420
75 51.2250
76 51.9080
77 52.5910
78 53.2740
79 53.9570
80 54.6400
81 55.3230
82 56.0060
83 56.6890
84 57.3720
85 58.0550
86 58.7380
87 59.4210
88 60.1040
89 60.7870
90 61.4700
91 62.1530
92 62.8360
93 63.5190
94 64.2020
95 64.8850
96 65.5680
97 66.2510
98 66.9340
99 67.6170
100 68.3000
101 68.9830
102 69.6660
103 70.3490
104 71.0320
105 71.7150
106 72.3980
107 73.0810
108 73.7640
109 74.4470
110 75.1300
111 75.8130
112 76.4960
113 77.1790
114 77.8620
115 78.5450
116 79.2280
117 79.9110
118 80.5940
119 81.2770
120 81.9600
121 82.6430
122 83.3260
123 84.0090
124 84.6920
125 85.3750
126 86.0580
127 86.7410
128 87.4240
129 88.1070
130 88.7900
131 89.4730
132 90.1560
133 90.8390
134 91.5220
135 92.2050
136 92.8880
137 93.5710
138 94.2540
139 94.9370
140 95.6200
141 96.3030
142 96.9860
143 97.6690
144 98.3520
145 99.0350
146 99.7180
147 100.4010
148 101.0840
149 101.7670
150 102.4500
151 103.1330
152 103.8160
153 104.4990
154 105.1820
155 105.8650
156 106.5480
157 107.2310
158 107.9140
159 108.5970
160 109.2800
161 109.9630
162 110.6460
163 111.3290
164 112.0120
165 112.6950
166 113.3780
167 114.0610
168 114.7440
169 115.4270
170 116.1100
171 116.7930
172 117.4760
173 118.1590
174 118.8420
175 119.5250
176 120.2080
177 120.8910
178 121.5740
179 122.2570
180 122.9400
181 123.6230
182 124.3060
183 124.9890
184 125.6720
185 126.3550
186 127.0380
187 127.7210
188 128.4040
189 129.0870
190 129.7700
191 130.4530
192 131.1360
193 131.8190
194 132.5020
195 133.1850
196 133.8680
197 134.5510
198 135.2340
199 135.9170
200 136.6000
201 137.2830
202 137.9660
203 138.6490
204 139.3320
205 140.0150
206 140.6980
207 141.3810
208 142.0640
209 142.7470
210 143.4300
211 144.1130
212 144.7960
213 145.4790
214 146.1620
215 146.8450
216 147.5280
217 148.2110
218 148.8940
219 149.5770
220 150.2600
221 150.9430
222 151.6260
223 152.3090
224 152.9920
225 153.6750
226 154.3580
227 155.0410
228 155.7240
229 156.4070
230 157.0900
231 157.7730
232 158.4560
233 159.1390
234 159.8220
235 160.5050
236 161.1880
237 161.8710
238 162.5540
239 163.2370
240 163.9200
241 164.6030
242 165.2860
243 165.9690
244 166.6520
245 167.3350
246 168.0180
247 168.7010
248 169.3840
249 170.0670
250 170.7500
251 171.4330
252 172.1160
253 172.7990
254 173.4820
255 174.1650
256 174.8480
257 175.5310
258 176.2140
259 176.8970
260 177.5800
261 178.2630
262 178.9460
263 179.6290
264 180.3120
265 180.9950
266 181.6780
267 182.3610
268 183.0440
269 183.7270
270 184.4100
271 185.0930
272 185.7760
273 186.4590
274 187.1420
275 187.8250
276 188.5080
277 189.1910
278 189.8740
279 190.5570
280 191.2400
281 191.9230
282 192.6060
283 193.2890
284 193.9720
285 194.6550
286 195.3380
287 196.0210
288 196.7040
289 197.3870
290 198.0700
291 198.7530
292 199.4360
293 200.1190
294 200.8020
295 201.4850
296 202.1680
297 202.8510
298 203.5340
299 204.2170
300 204.9000
301 205.5830
302 206.2660
303 206.9490
304 207.6320
305 208.3150
306 208.9980
307 209.6810
308 210.3640
309 211.0470
310 211.7300
311 212.4130
312 213.0960
313 213.7790
314 214.4620
315 215.1450
316 215.8280
317 216.5110
318 217.1940
319 217.8770
320 218.5600
321 219.2430
322 219.9260
323 220.6090
324 221.2920
325 221.9750
326 222.6580
327 223.3410
328 224.0240
329 224.7070
330 225.3900
331 226.0730
332 226.7560
333 227.4390
334 228.1220
335 228.8050
336 229.4880
337 230.1710
338 230.8540
339 231.5370
340 232.2200
341 232.9030
342 233.5860
343 234.2690
344 234.9520
345 235.6350
346 236.3180
347 237.0010
348 237.6840
349 238.3670
350 239.0500
351 239.7330
352 240.4160
353 241.0990
354 241.7820
355 242.4650
356 243.1480
357 243.8310
358 244.5140
359 245.1970
360 245.8800
361 246.5630
362 247.2460
363 247.9290
364 248.6120
365 249.2950
366 249.9780
367 250.6610
368 251.3440
369 252.0270
370 252.7100
371 253.3930
372 254.0760
373 254.7590
374 255.4420
375 256.1250
376 256.8080
377 257.4910
378 258.1740
379 258.8570
380 259.5400
381 260.2230
382 260.9060
383 261.5890
384 262.2720
385 262.9550
386 263.6380
387 264.3210
388 265.0040
389 265.6870
390 266.3700
391 267.0530
392 267.7360
393 268.4190
394 269.1020
395 269.7850
396 270.4680
397 271.1510
398 271.8340
399 272.5170
400 273.2000
401 273.8830
402 274.5660
403 275.2490
404 275.9320
405 276.6150
406 277.2980
407 277.9810
408 278.6640
409 279.3470
410 280.0300
411 280.7130
412 281.3960
413 282.0790
414 282.7620
415 283.4450
416 284.1280
417 284.8110
418 285.4940
419 286.1770
420 286.8600
421 287.5430
422 288.2260
423 288.9090
424 289.5920
425 290.2750
426 290.9580
427 291.6410
428 292.3240
429 293.0070
430 293.6900
431 294.3730
432 295.0560
433 295.7390
434 296.4220
435 297.1050
436 297.7880
437 298.4710
438 299.1540
439 299.8370
440 300.5200
441 301.2030
442 301.8860
443 302.5690
444 303.2520
445 303.9350
446 304.6180
447 305.3010
448 305.9840
449 306.6670
450 307.3500
451 308.0330
452 308.7160
453 309.3990
454 310.0820
455 310.7650
456 311.4480
457 312.1310
458 312.8140
459 313.4970
460 314.1800
461 314.8630
462 315.5460
463 316.2290
464 316.9120
465 317.5950
466 318.2780
467 318.9610
468 319.6440
469 320.3270
470 321.0100
471 321.6930
472 322.3760
473 323.0590
474 323.7420
475 324.4250
476 325.1080
477 325.7910
478 326.4740
479 327.1570
480 327.8400
481 328.5230
482 329.2060
483 329.8890
484 330.5720
485 331.2550
486 331.9380
487 332.6210
488 333.3040
489 333.9870
490 334.6700
491 335.3530
492 336.0360
493 336.7190
494 337.4020
495 338.0850
496 338.7680
497 339.4510
498 340.1340
499 340.8170
500 341.5000
501 342.1830
502 342.8660
503 343.5490
504 344.2320
505 344.9150
506 345.5980
507 346.2810
508 346.9640
509 347.6470
510 348.3300
511 349.0130
512 349.6960
513 350.3790
514 351.0620
515 351.7450
516 352.4280
517 353.1110
518 353.7940
519 354.4770
520 355.1600
521 355.8430
522 356.5260
523 357.2090
524 357.8920
525 358.5750
526 359.2580
527 359.9410
528 360.6240
529 361.3070
530 361.9900
531 362.6730
532 363.3560
533 364.0390
534 364.7220
535 365.4050
536 366.0880
537 366.7710
538 367.4540
539 368.1370
540 368.8200
541 369.5030
542 370.1860
543 370.8690
544 371.5520
545 372.2350
546 372.9180
547 373.6010
548 374.2840
549 374.9670
550 375.6500
551 376.3330
552 377.0160
553 377.6990
554 378.3820
555 379.0650
556 379.7480
557 380.4310
558 381.1140
559 381.7970
560 382.4800
561 383.1630
562 383.8460
563 384.5290
564 385.2120
565 385.8950
566 386.5780
567 387.2610
568 387.9440
569 388.6270
570 389.3100
571 389.9930
572 390.6760
573 391.3590
574 392.0420
575 392.7250
576 393.4080
577 394.0910
578 394.7740
579 395.4570
580 396.1400
581 396.8230
582 397.5060
583 398.1890
584 398.8720
585 399.5550
586 400.2380
587 400.9210
588 401.6040
589 402.2870
590 402.9700
591 403.6530
592 404.3360
593 405.0190
594 405.7020
595 406.3850
596 407.0680
597 407.7510
598 408.4340
599 409.1170
600 409.8000

* * * * *

330 Registered Mail

* * * * *

333 Fees and Indemnity Limits

* * * * *

333.2 Indemnity Limit

[Revise the first paragraph of 333.2 to read as follows (showing an increase in the maximum amount of indemnity):]

Irrespective of the declared value of a registered item, the maximum amount of indemnity that is payable for loss, damage, or rifling is $43.93.

* * * * *

9 Inquiries, Indemnities, and Refunds

* * * * *

930 Indemnity Payments

* * * * *

934 Payments for Registered Mail

* * * * *

934.2 Special Provisions

934.21 All Countries (Except Canada)

[Revise the first sentence of 934.21 to read as follows (showing an increase in the maximum amount of indemnity):]

Irrespective of the declared value of a registered item, the maximum amount of indemnity that is payable for loss, damage, or rifling is $43.93.***

* * * * *

Individual Country Listings

[For every country except Canada, Iraq, and North Korea (Korea, Democratic People's Republic of), revise the Special Services section as noted below.]

* * * * *

Special Services

* * * * *

[Revise the maximum indemnity for Registered Mail to read as follows:]

Registered Mail (330) Fee: $7.50

Maximum Indemnity: $43.93

* * * * *

- Mailing Standards,
Pricing and Classification, 12-23-04

IMM REVISION

Changes in Parcel Post Size Limits for New Zealand

Effective December 23, 2004, the International Mail Manual (IMM) is revised to reflect an increase in the size limitations for parcel post items mailed to New Zealand.

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

International Mail Manual (IMM)

* * * * *

Individual Country Listings

* * * * *

New Zealand

* * * * *

Size Limits

* * * * *

[Revise the size limits for parcel post to read as follows:]

Parcel Post: Maximum length: 60 inches
Maximum length and girth combined: 108
inches

* * * * *

- Mailing Standards,
Pricing and Classification, 12-23-04

IMM REVISION

Alternative Mail Sacks for International Mail

Effective December 23, 2004, International Mail Manual (IMM) 292.451a, 292.452a, 292.453a, 292.455b, 293.942a, 293.943a, 294.44b, and 295.45b are revised to reflect that the United States Postal Service® no longer requires that items for specific international mail classes be in specific colored plastic disposable sacks. Instead, mailers and Postal ServiceTM personnel may use a plastic disposable sack of any color for any class of international mail (although the Postal Service prefers that they still use the previously designated sack colors if available). The class of the international mail in the sack will still be identifiable by the tag attached to the sack.

Previously, the color of the sack indicated the international mail class of the contents - i.e., a gray sack for International Surface Air Lift® (ISAL®) service, an orange sack for Priority Mail® service, and an orange and blue sack for Global Express Mail® service (EMS®).

However, the Postal Service is in the process of converting all of its plastic disposable sacks to a universal white plastic disposable sack. The Postal Service will use these sacks for both international mailings (air and surface products) as well as for domestic mailings. Until the conversion is complete, mailers and Postal Service personnel may use any available plastic disposable sack for any class of international mail.

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

International Mail Manual (IMM)

* * * * *

2 Conditions for Mailing

* * * * *

290 Commercial Services

* * * * *

292 International Priority Airmail Service

* * * * *

292.4 Preparation Requirements for Individual Items

* * * * *

292.45 Sacking Requirements

292.451 Direct Country Sack (11 Pounds or More)

[Revise the first sentence of item 292.451a by removing the word "blue" in the phrase "in blue international airmail sacks" (in bold here only for emphasis) so that the item in its entirety reads as follows:]

a. General. When there are 11 or more pounds of mail addressed to the same country (including Great Britain), the mail must be packaged and enclosed in international airmail sacks and labeled to the country with PS Tag 178, Airmail Bag Label LC (CN 35/AV 8) (white). All types of mail, including letter-size packages, flat-size packages, and loose items, can be commingled in the same sack for each destination and counted toward the 11-pound minimum.

* * * * *

292.452 Mixed Direct Country Package Sacks

[Revise the first sentence of item 292.452a by removing the word "orange" in the phrase "in orange Priority Mail sacks" (in bold here only for emphasis) so that the item in its entirety reads as follows:]

a. General. The direct country packages containing 10 or more pieces or 1 pound or more of mail destined to a specific country that cannot be made up in direct country sacks must be enclosed in Priority Mail sacks unless other equipment is specified by the acceptance office.

* * * * *

292.453 Worldwide Nonpresort Mail Sacks

[Revise the first sentence of item 292.453a by removing the word "orange" in the phrase "in orange Priority Mail sacks" (in bold here only for emphasis) so that the item in its entirety reads as follows:]

a. General. The working packages of mixed country mail and loose items must be enclosed in Priority Mail sacks unless other equipment is specified by the acceptance office. Nonpresorted letter-size mail may be presented in trays if authorized by the acceptance office.

Note: Working packages of mixed country mail cannot be enclosed in mixed direct country package sacks.

* * * * *

292.455 Preparation Requirements for Canada

* * * * *

[Revise the first sentence of item 292.455b by removing the word "blue" in the phrase "in blue airmail sacks" (in bold here only for emphasis) so that the item in its entirety reads as follows:]

b. Packages. Items that cannot be prepared in trays because of their size or shape must be placed loose in airmail sacks. Use PS Tag 115, International Priority Airmail, and label to either Toronto or Vancouver, as appropriate. Attach a completed PS Tag 178. See 292.451b.

* * * * *

293 International Surface Air Lift (ISAL) Service

* * * * *

293.9 Preparation Requirements

* * * * *

293.94 Makeup Requirements for ISAL

* * * * *

293.942 Sacking

Once packages of ISAL mail are prepared, the packages are then placed into one of three types of designated sacks:

[Revise the second sentence of item 293.942a by removing the words "gray" and "ISAL" in the phrase "in a gray plastic ISAL sack" (in bold here only for emphasis) so that the item in its entirety reads as follows:]

a. Direct Country Sack. Prepare a direct country sack if there are at least 11 pounds of mail to the same country. The mail must be packaged and enclosed in a plastic sack and labeled to the country with PS Tag 155, Surface Airlift Mail. The maximum weight of a direct country sack must not exceed 66 pounds.

* * * * *

293.943 Sacking Labeling

Depending on the type of sack, labels are prepared as follows:

[Revise the first sentence of item 293.943a by removing the words "gray" and "ISAL" in the phrase "a gray plastic ISAL sack" (in bold here only for emphasis) so that the item reads as follows (the revision text noted here does not include subitems (1) through (4) that follow item a):]

a. Direct Country Sack. For a direct country sack, use a plastic sack. Use PS Tag 155 to label each sack with the destination country's name. Mailers must complete four blocks on PS Tag 155:

* * * * *

294 Publishers' Periodicals

* * * * *

294.4 Makeup Requirements for Publishers' Periodicals

* * * * *

294.44 Physical Characteristics and Requirements for Sacks

Sacks must meet these requirements:

* * * * *

[Revise the first sentence of item 294.44b by removing the word "gray" in the phrase "Disposable gray plastic sacks" (in bold here only for emphasis) so that the item in its entirety reads as follows:]

b. Sacks. Disposable plastic sacks are recommended; however, other appropriate equipment may be provided by Post Office facilities.

* * * * *

295 Books and Sheet Music

* * * * *

295.4 Makeup Requirements for Books and Sheet Music

* * * * *

295.45 Physical Characteristics and Requirements for Sacks

Sacks must meet these requirements:

* * * * *

[Revise the first sentence of item 295.45b by removing the word "gray" in the phrase "Disposable gray plastic sacks" (in bold here only for emphasis) so that the item in its entirety reads as follows:]

b. Sacks. Disposable plastic sacks are recommended; however, other appropriate equipment may be provided by Post Office facilities.

* * * * *

- International Network Operations,
Network Operations Management, 12-23-04

URGENT REMINDER

Properly Addressing International Mail

The Postal ServiceTM urgently reminds mailers of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) requirements concerning all aspects of addressing international mail, as noted in the article titled "IMM and Publication 51 Revision: Requirements for Properly Addressing International Mail," published in Postal Bulletin 22140 (10-28-04, pages 85-86). The Postal Service encourages and reinforces these requirements.

• The mailer must provide complete, detailed, and legible descriptions of contents on a customs declaration form (either PS Form 2976, Customs Declaration CN 22 - Sender's Declaration (green label), or PS Form 2976-A, Customs Declaration and Dispatch Note CP - 72, whichever is applicable) - along with required import documentation - to specifically identify the contents of any package. General descriptions such as "gift" or "present" are not acceptable.

• The mailer must affix the completed customs declaration form to a properly addressed mail item in order to ensure timely and accurate delivery by foreign postal administrations.

• The mailer must write the complete name and address of both the sender and the recipient in roman letters and arabic numerals on articles of mail containing merchandise or articles subject to customs control. This required information includes the ZIP CodeTM and country of origin of the sender.

• The mailer must use only one return address. A company name or a corporation name is acceptable as a sender name as part of a properly completed address.

Instructions for properly addressing items and for completing customs declaration forms are in International Mail Manual (IMM) parts 122 and 123, respectively. The online version of the IMM can be accessed via Postal Explorer® at http://pe.usps.gov.

- Mailing Standards,
Pricing and Classification, 12-23-04

ICM UPDATES

International Customized Mail

We have combined ICM updates into one Postal Bulletin article to save space and paper. 2 ICM updates appear here.

On November 16, 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 17, 2004, through November 16, 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 1,000 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 ten (10) percent off nondiscounted published rates in effect on the date of mailing in accordance with Exhibit 1.

Exhibit 1

Annualized Volume
or Annualized Postage
Discount Applied
600 - 999 pieces or
$12,000 - $19,999
8%
1,000 - 2,999 pieces or
$20,000 - $59,999
10
3,000 or more pieces or
$60,000 or more
12

On November 5, 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 19, 2004, through November 18, 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 1,000 pieces of EMS mail or $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

Annualized Volume
or Annualized Postage
Discount Applied
600 - 999 pieces or
$12,000 - $19,999
8%
1,000 - 2,999 pieces or
$20,000 - $59,999
10
3,000 or more pieces or
$60,000 or more
12

- Pricing Strategy,
Pricing and Classification, 12-23-04

Promotion. Royel Marketing. Fax your order to 973-624-6664 or visit Web site www.royelideas.com.

'Tis the Season for Happy New Year, Glad You're Here, Thinking of You, All of the above. To order, visit website www.harmonydesigns.com or call toll-free 888-293-1109.

Hot Prices on Cool Weather Wear from Tri-Mountain. To order, go to www.postalstuff.com or call 800-877-7494.

'Tis The Season To Save On Shipping. Choose Priority Mail service.