USPSNEWS@WORK
New chairmen of the Board: Miller, Kessler elected to Board
of Governors top posts
The Postal ServiceTM Governors
have elected James Miller of
Virginia chairman and Alan
Kessler of Pennsylvania vice
chairman of the Board for 2005.
Governor Miller, a former director
of the Office of Management and
Budget, has broad government,
private sector and academic
experience and serves as chairman of The CapAnalysis Group,
an economic, financial and regulatory consulting firm associated
with the international law firm
Howrey Simon Arnold & White.
Accepting the chairmanship,
Miller said he values the contributions of every USPS® employee
and looks forward to working on
the challenges ahead.
Governor Kessler is an attorney
and partner in the Philadelphia
firm of Wolf, Block, Schorr and
Solis-Cohen, LLP. He also serves
as chairman of the Strategic
Planning Committee.
In other action, the Governors approved a Postal Rate
Commission recommendation for a one-year test of repositionable notes. The Board of Governors authorized funding
for site acquisition, design and construction of a 428,951
square-foot processing and distribution center for Southern
Maine and the renovation of the existing facility to serve as
the Portland Main Post OfficeTM.
The Board of Governors also raised the capital funding
level for projects requiring their approval from $10 million to
$25 million.
Potter applauds employee efforts:
Storm posed challenges nationwide
Postmaster General Jack Potter, speaking at the
January meeting of the Board of Governors, took time to
applaud the efforts of employees who last month dealt with
severe weather just three days before Christmas.
Despite a powerful storm which shut down the nation's
transfer air cargo hubs and the rippling effect of heavy
snow and ice storms that crippled commercial airlines and
surface transportation networks, he said Postal Service
employees worked diligently to move the mail.
Potter added a special note of thanks to employees and
volunteers in cities across America who participated in the
Santa's Helper program.
LaChance named Acting V.P. Diversity: Led national implementation
of key programs
Selection, Evaluation and Recognition Manager Susan LaChance
has been appointed acting vice
president of Diversity Development. LaChance replaces Murry
Weatherall, who retired Jan. 3.
LaChance began her career as a
part-time employee in 1974. She
has held various managerial and
operational positions at the field
and Headquarters level, working
in specialized human resources
services such as training, labor relations, and employment
and placement. She most recently completed a detail as
Hawkeye district manager.
LaChance has been responsible for national implementation of several key programs - Pay for Performance,
Voice of the Employee Survey and the deployment of new
entry-level selection criteria.
She holds a Master's degree in organizational management from George Washington University.
March mail madness: Play the Zone
tip-off leads to Final Four
Stay clear of your postmasters or station and branch
managers when they're in a fast break - they just won the
tip-off and are setting up a 3-point shot down court.
It's "Play the Zone" - a contest to help promote
USPS.com® to business customers nationwide. The
winners - in addition to building USPS business and
revenue - can score a trip to the NCAA basketball finals in
St. Louis, April 2-5.
Postmasters and station or branch managers whose offices are in the My Post Office network can "Play the Zone"
from Jan. 18 to March 11 by registering online, then score
points by making presentations to business groups or individuals. Eligible participants received a kit with video
introductions and business presentations on CD.
During "Play the Zone," a national radio, online, print and
TV advertising campaign also will promote USPS.com -
adding a full-court press to the game.
When the buzzer sounds March 11, the top 10 percent
of participants in each of four levels will be entered for a
chance to win the championship prize package. There's a
grand prize for each level and other awards like a celebration party for the winning district.
Watch the points add up. Whether it's a slam dunk, rim
shot, lay-up - or even a free throw - it's a business score
for USPS.
Greenwich green time: Customers
prefer what our carriers refer
Greenwich, CT, Letter Carrier
Cathy Portillo knows USPS
can help her customers' businesses succeed. And she's
generated sales leads to help
make it happen.
In the Northeast Area alone, leads like Portillo's have
resulted in $5 million in revenue.
USPS Account Manager Trish Riley followed up on
Portillo's first lead, Urstadt Biddle Properties in Greenwich.
Urstadt now ships 3,500 packages a year using Priority
Mail® service - with the possibility of future sales.
Portillo also referred the Drop Shop, which ships eBay
merchandise. After learning about Priority Mail service from
Riley, Urstadt switched 1,000 packages to USPS from a
competitor, generating $5,000 in USPS revenue.
Don't get duped: Scam artists target
tsunami-relief efforts
The Postal Inspection Service says charity scam artists
are using Web sites as fronts for phony relief organizations
pretending to help tsunami disaster victims. In addition, unsolicited e-mail messages asking for disaster relief contributions often contain embedded computer viruses or
links to "counterfeit" or look-alike Web sites that resemble
well-known organizations.
Consumers can avoid getting scammed by going
directly to the Web sites of recognized charities and aid
organizations, as opposed to following a link that can lead
to a fraudulent site. Another option - call the charity of
your choice directly and follow their instructions on making
a contribution.
The U.S. Agency for International Development
(USAID) provides a listing of legitimate nonprofit relief
agencies at their Web site. Go to www.usaid.gov and click
on the Click Here to Donate Now link.
The USAID link is also available on the Postal Service
Intranet at blue.usps.gov, on LiteBlue at liteblue.usps.gov and at www.usps.com.
Employees who receive suspicious, unsolicited requests for contributions by telephone or mail should contact
their local postal inspectors, www.usps.com/postal
inspectors; the Federal Trade Commission, www.ftc.gov; or
the Better Business Bureau, www.bbb.org.
LiteBlue can take the hits: PostalEASE
and LiteBlue - a one-two combo
LiteBlue can take all the hits
we dish out - and that's an
average 15,373 page views
every day - including weekends - since its launch in
November.
LiteBlue (http://liteblue.usps.gov) - the Postal Service
Web site you can reach anywhere you have Internet
access - has grown in popularity since PostalEASE was
added during open season in December.
Usage peaked at almost 60,000 page views by more
than 20,500 employees in a single day.
What could be easier than logging on to LiteBlue from
the comfort and security of your own - on your
schedule, when and where you choose? In addition to using PostalEASE, you can check out employee deals or internal job openings and read USPS News Link and other
organization-wide communications.
Have your employee ID number and USPS PIN ready
and go to http://liteblue.usps.gov - from your computer, an Internet café, a library or a laptop on the road.
LiteBlue is ready to take your hits.
Seeding sprouts success: National
Seeding Program tracks Confirm
achievements
A national program to seed
millions of mailpieces
internally - and improve performance by tracking them -
is almost a year old.
More than 7 million mailpieces have been seeded with
barcodes to enable Confirm® service tracking since
January 2004. More than 3 million pieces were seeded in
last year's fourth quarter alone.
The National Seeding Program and Confirm coordinators recently met in Denver, CO, to recognize successes
and share ideas. Representatives from Headquarters
Operations and Intelligent Mail and Address Quality
attended.
Coordinators Jim Martin of New York Metro and Bruce
Wall of Capital Metro were recognized for hitting quarter
and year-to-date goals for 2- and 3-day originating service.
Coordinator Bob Simon was singled out for helping the
Southeast Area meet its overall seeding goal.
The Eastern, Pacific and Southeast Areas were cited for
bringing in 12 new customers, while the Great Lakes and
Western Area coordinators and the National Confirm
Service Center help desk staff also were commended for
their work.
Administrative Services
CORRECTION
Directives and Forms Update
In Postal Bulletin 22145 (1-6-05, pages 4-5), the update for Publication 223, Directives and Forms Catalog, contained
incorrect information about two revised directives. The article provided incorrect titles and an incorrect stock number. The
correct information is as follows:
Revised Directives
Handbooks
| PSIN |
Edition
Date |
Title |
Stock Number |
Manual
Relation |
Org. |
USPS
Source |
Public
Source |
| HBK
MS-178-VOL-A |
8/04 |
Automated Flats Sorting Machine 100 (AFSM
100), General Information |
7610-05-000-4207 |
ASM 5 |
ENG |
MDC |
R |
| HBK
MS-178-VOL-B |
8/04 |
Automated Flats Sorting Machine 100 (AFSM
100), Maintenance Information |
7610-05-000-4208 |
ASM 5 |
ENG |
MDC |
R |
— Information Policies and Procedures, Public Affairs and Communications, 1-20-05
ASM REVISION
Administrative Support Manual (ASM) - Revised Chapter 6, Subchapter 64
Effective January 20, 2005, ASM 13 chapter 6, subchapter 64 is revised. This revision updates the functional
responsibility for Stamp Services.
We will incorporate these revisions into the next printed
version of the ASM, and also into the online version, available on the Postal ServiceTM PolicyNet Web site:
• Go to http://blue.usps.gov.
• Under "Essential Links" in the left-hand column, click
on References.
• Under "References" in the right-hand column, under
"Policies," click on PolicyNet.
• Click on Manuals.
Administrative Support Manual (ASM)
* * * * *
6 Support Services
* * * * *
64 Stamp Services
[Revise 641 to read as follows:]
641 General
641.1 Responsibilities
Stamp Services is responsible for creating, producing, distributing, and maintaining adequate quantities of postage
stamps, stationery products, and philatelic products for
nationwide sales. By developing an annual stamp program
that is diverse and meets the needs of business and household customers, as well as the stamp-collecting community,
Stamp Services supports the Postal Service's overall corporate goals to satisfy customers and generate revenue.
641.2 Functions
Stamp Services consists of the following functional areas:
a. Stamp Development. Manages stamp subject and
design, manages the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee, develops and designs the annual stamp program, and produces the USA Philatelic catalog.
b. Stamp Acquisition and Distribution. Produces and
distributes stamps and stationery products nationwide through the Stamp Distribution Network.
c. Stamp Fulfillment Services. Oversees national order
processing center that fulfills mail orders, telephone
orders, and Internet orders for stamps, stationery,
philatelic products, cancellation services, and other
retail merchandise.
d. Stamp Products and Exhibitions. Develops philatelic
products and subscription programs; and manages
the national pictorial postmark program, the national
Stamp Archives, stamp retention studies, domestic
stamp shows, in-store messaging and advertising
support, and the mandated semipostal stamp
program.
[Revise title of 642 to read as follows:]
642 Stamp Development
642.1 Responsibilities
[Revise text to read as follows:]
Stamp Development is responsible for the management of
stamp planning; the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee
(CSAC); stamp subject selection; stamp design; rights of
publicity; and the development and production of the quarterly USA Philatelic catalog. Stamp Development maintains
regular contact with customers through stamp subject correspondence and catalog concerns and questions, and
through negotiations in obtaining rights to stamp images.
[Revise 642.2 to read as follows:]
642.2 Functions
642.21 General
Stamp Development has four principal functions:
a. Planning. The Stamp Development staff develops the
annual stamp program (i.e., the list of stamp subjects
for 1 year) and coordinates stamp-related activities
with Advertising, Public Affairs and Communications,
Retail, and Stamp Acquisition to make sure that each
organization's contribution to the program is
maximized.
b. Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee. The Stamp
Development staff coordinates the activities of the
Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee (CSAC) to
ensure that the stamp program is developed on time.
CSAC includes the following activities:
• Stamp Subject Selection. Coordinating, receiving,
processing, and responding to an average of
50,000 letters and petitions annually from the
public, which are then prepared for the committee's review.
• Stamp Design. Coordinating development of all
stamp designs. At any time, the committee is developing stamp designs for a 3-year period.
c. Right of Publicity. The Stamp Development staff
works with estate holders to secure right of publicity
agreements for stamp subjects.
d. USA Philatelic Catalog. The Stamp Development
staff coordinates design and production of a
quarterly, 24-page catalog promoting all stamps
available by the Postal Service.
642.22 Planning
The annual stamp program is developed from customer
and employee ideas that the CSAC reviews and the postmaster general approves. There is substantial input to this
process from all involved areas. Once a stamp program is
completed (subjects for a given year can be added or deleted at any time), Stamp Development coordinates with
Advertising, Public Affairs and Communications, and
Stamp Acquisition to maximize each organization's contribution to the program. This is accomplished by developing and implementing a coordinated plan for each stamp
subject. This plan includes elements from functional areas
such as marketing, advertising, publicity, events, and
licensing as appropriate, all coordinated to maximize the
recognition of and revenues from the individual subjects.
642.23 Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee
642.231 Description
Stamp Development coordinates and supports the CSAC
in its continuing activities to achieve the contributory goals
of the Postal Service.
642.232 Authority
The CSAC was established by the U.S. Post Office Department on March 26, 1957 (see 22 FR 1996; March 26,
1957).
642.233 Membership
The committee consists of a maximum of 15 members
whose backgrounds reflect a wide range of educational, artistic, historical, and professional knowledge. Members are
appointed and serve at the discretion of the postmaster
general. The postmaster general appoints one member to
serve as chairperson and another as vice chairperson.
642.234 Functional Responsibilities
The committee has the following principal functions:
a. Providing technical information, advice, and recommendations to the Postal Service on stamp-related
subjects.
b. Assisting and supporting the Postal Service in
achieving its corporate goals and strategies.
c. Providing broad judgment and experience on various
factors that lead to the issuance of stamps and stationery items.
d. Establishing criteria for selecting stamp subjects.
e. Providing technical expertise, advice, and recommendations to the Postal Service on stamp designs.
642.235 Subcommittees
CSAC meetings are scheduled four times yearly or at the
call of the chairperson. Each meeting includes subcommittee meetings and a general committee meeting. The subcommittees and their duties are:
a. Design Subcommittee. This subcommittee provides
professional guidance to design coordinators and
stamp design staff in the development of stamp and
stationery designs. The subcommittee also provides
guidance to the committee on the visual potential of
subjects.
b. Subject Subcommittee. This subcommittee provides
stamp subject recommendations that support the
Postal Service in achieving its corporate goals and
strategies. The subcommittee also provides educational, historical, and professional expertise in the
subject selection.
c. Ad Hoc Subcommittees. These subcommittees provide educational, historical, and professional expertise to the committee and the Postal Service. An ad
hoc subcommittee may be created by the committee
or the Postal Service when special needs arise.
642.236 Travel Expenses and Compensation
Allowances
CSAC members are eligible for travel reimbursement in accordance with current Postal Service travel regulations.
a. Travel Expenses: Members are allowed reimbursement on an actual expense basis for transportation
and subsistence (per diem and lodging) for time
spent away from their s or regular places of
business while performing their duties as limited by
Handbook F-15, Travel and Relocation, and provided
that their address is not within the Washington, DC,
metropolitan area or a customary and reasonable
commuting distance of the meeting site. The maximum amount of subsistence may not exceed the
daily rate for subsistence established in Handbook
F-15 for each calendar day or fraction of a day.
b. Compensation Allowance: Compensation for CSAC
members is calculated as follows:
1) CSAC members who are not employed by the
U.S. government are paid at a daily rate based on
the maximum EAS pay scale.
2) Compensation obligations as set forth in
642.236a, incurred because of the members' employment, are chargeable to the assigned finance
number for CSAC, account number 56301.
3) CSAC members may not receive payment for designing U.S. postage stamps or stationery items.
642.24 Right of Publicity
Stamp Development is responsible for securing right-of-
publicity agreements with the estate holders for all stamp
subjects. This arrangement allows reproduction of the
image and name of the selected subjects on stamp designs, in philatelic products, and frequently on cachets.
Typically, nonstamp items such as T-shirts and coffee cups
require a separate agreement developed through the licensing process. The Postal Service obtains right-of-
publicity agreements by identifying the holders of the
estates either through the public domain or through a contracted estate search firm. Stamp Development writes to
the holder using a standard form so that rights can be received. Stamp Development works with the estate holder to
reach an agreement if the standard form is not agreeable.
Once a final agreement is achieved, the licensing agent
works with the signatories to obtain approval of a licensing
agreement.
642.25 USA Philatelic Catalog
Stamp Development is responsible for coordinating all
stamp-related material included in its quarterly, 24-page,
full-color catalog. Stamp Development coordinates the latest information on new stamps, prices, item numbers, and
images; oversees design and production of the catalog by
outside contractors; and approves color or printing. Approximately 1.2 million copies are produced and a majority of
those copies are mailed to regular subscribers. These subscribers use this catalog to order stamps, primarily for collecting purposes, from Stamp Fulfillment Services in
Kansas City, MO.
643 Stamp Acquisition and Distribution
[Revise title and text of 643.1 to read as follows:]
643.1 Responsibilities
Stamp Acquisition and Distribution manages acquisition
and distribution of postage stamps and stationery products
nationally. Through the field Stamp Distribution Network,
stamps are provided to retail sales units, associated retail/revenue generating outlets and venues, and to individual
consumers. Stamp Acquisition and Distribution is responsible for forecasting the national supply demand for postage
stamps and stationery products, and assists in providing financial accountability and national inventory management.
[Revise title and text of 643.2 to read as follows:]
643.2 Functions
Stamp Acquisition and Distribution has four principal
functions:
a. Manufacturing. Manages the national acquisition of
United States postage stamps and stationery
products.
b. Distribution. Manages the national distribution of
United States postage stamps and stationery products through the Stamp Distribution Network.
c. Inventory Management. Maintains oversight of national inventory levels.
d. Accountability. Assists in managing national accountability of stamps, stamped stationery, and philatelic
products.
643.21 Manufacturing
Stamp Acquisition and Distribution is responsible for the
development and implementation of new and revised national programs, policies, procedures, methods, and standards for the acquisition of postage stamps and postal
stationery products.
Stamp Acquisition and Development establishes stamp
and stationery production schedules and determines quantities, physical characteristics, and material requirements. It
manages contractual agreements with Security Printers
and provides security and quality assurance standards.
643.22 Distribution
Stamp Acquisition and Distribution coordinates stamp and
stationery distribution activities and the management of a
logistical network through which postage stamps, postal
stationery, and stamp products are ordered and shipped
from manufacturers to the Stamp Distribution Network.
Stamp Acquisition and Distribution assists in the establishment, activation, and conversion of new and existing
distribution locations.
643.23 Inventory Management
Stamp Acquisition and Distribution provides national oversight of stamps and stationery inventory levels by monitoring Stamp Distribution Network inventory levels.
643.24 Accountability
Stamp Acquisition and Distribution assists in managing national accountability through the use of a software application, which tracks products from the point of receipt to
ultimate withdrawal from sale.
[Revise title of 644 to read as follows:]
644 Stamp Fulfillment Services
[Revise title and text of 644.1 to read as follows:]
644.1 Responsibilities
Stamp Fulfillment Services (SFS) is responsible for the
management of a national order processing center. This
facility fulfills and ships national orders for stamps, stationery items, philatelic products, and other retail merchandise. SFS receives and fulfills orders from individual
purchasers, large-volume customers, international agents,
and subscription customers, and provides requests for cancellation services for philatelists and philatelic dealers (see
chapter 2, POM). Customer orders are received by mail order, telephone, and through the Internet.
644.2 Functions
[Revise 644.2 to read as follows:]
SFS has five primary functions:
a. Order Fulfillment. Manages the nationwide fulfillment
of stamps, stationery items, philatelic products, and
retail merchandise orders received over the telephone through 800-STAMP-24, online through www.usps.com, and through the USA Philatelic catalog.
b. Postmarking Services. Provides commemorative
postmarking services for stamp collectors, stamp
dealers, special events, and Postal Service
personnel.
c. Subscription Programs. Supports the production and
automatic distribution of subscription programs to
customers.
d. Personalized Envelope Program. Provides customer
support and banking activities for the Personalized
Envelope Program (PEP).
e. Technological Support. Provides technology and
computer support for Postal Service programs.
644.21 Order Fulfillment
SFS is a national fulfillment center for the Postal Service.
SFS manages order fulfillment of stamps, stationery, philatelic products, and retail merchandise orders to customers
worldwide. Customer orders are received from the USA
Philatelic catalog, which is mailed to selected customers on
a quarterly basis through the 800-STAMP-24 telephone
number, and through the www.usps.com Web site.
644.22 Postmarking Services
SFS provides national support to Post Offices by managing
all mail order first day of issue postmark requests from customers nationwide. Post Offices designated as the official
first day issue city forward all mail order postmark requests
to SFS. Additionally, SFS supports cachet manufacturers
and cover servicers who consistently request that a large
number of collectible items be postmarked. This service is
done for a fee. SFS also provides pictorial postmarking
support, digital color postmarks, and postmarking for philatelic products produced and sold by the Postal Service.
644.23 Subscription Programs
SFS produces products and provides fulfillment, banking,
and data collection activities for the American
Commemorative Collectibles subscription programs. Program segments include the following: American Commemorative Panels, American Commemorative Cancellations,
American Commemorative Collection, First Day Ceremony
Programs, and the Standing Order Program.
644.24 Personalized Envelope Program
SFS provides data entry, customer service, and banking
services support for all personalized envelopes national orders. Personalized envelopes consist of the customer's return name and address preprinted on prestamped
envelopes. SFS manages the fulfillment of orders through a
Postal Service contracted vendor.
644.25 Technological Support
SFS provides technology and computer system support for
Postal Service business drivers. This support includes providing and tracking financial transactions, generating reports, warehousing data, and banking. The National
Customer Management System (NCMS) enables SFS to
partner with internal Postal Service organizations to implement national programs in support of corporate initiatives.
[Revise title of 645 to read as follows:]
645 Stamp Products and Exhibitions
[Revise title and text of 645.1 to read as follows:]
645.1 Responsibilities
Stamp Products and Exhibitions is responsible for designing, printing, and distributing philatelic products and subscription programs; managing the national pictorial
postmark program, in-store messaging and advertising
support, domestic stamp shows, and the mandated semipostal stamp program; and maintaining the national stamp
archives and the national stamp retention revenue studies.
[Revise title and text of 645.2 to read as follows:]
645.2 Functions
645.21 General
Stamp Products and Exhibitions has eight principal
functions:
a. Philatelic Products. Manages the product planning,
development, and nationwide distribution of philatelic
products.
b. Subscription Programs. Manages the product planning, design, production, and automatic distribution
of subscription programs to customers.
c. Pictorial Postmarks. Manages the national pictorial
postmark policy and coordinates the publication of
approved postmarks in the Postal Bulletin.
d. Stamp Archives. Manages the national archive that
houses original stamp art, stamp printing models,
and samples of stamps and philatelic products for
historical purposes.
e. Stamp Retention Studies. Manages a research contract that projects the annual national retention of
revenues.
f. In-Store Messaging/Advertising. Coordinates Stamp
Services' marketing initiatives with Retail Marketing
and Advertising to ensure stamps and philatelic products are promoted to customers and employees.
g. Domestic Stamp Shows. Maintains partnerships with
philatelic organizations and manages the sponsorship of three Mega Stamp Shows annually.
h. Semipostal Stamp Program. Coordinates and manages the implementation, re-pricing, and retail integration of the mandated semipostal stamp
program.
645.22 Philatelic Products
Stamp Products and Exhibitions plans and manages the
design, production, and the nationwide distribution of philatelic products. Stamp Products and Exhibitions conducts
cost benefit/breakeven analysis to ensure proper pricing.
Core philatelic products include the annual Commemorative Stamp Yearbooks, annual Postal Service Guide to U.S.
Stamps, stamped cards, and uncut stamp press sheets.
645.23 Subscription Programs
Stamp Products and Exhibitions manages the design and
coordinates the production and automatic distribution of
subscription programs to customers. Stamp Products and
Exhibitions conducts cost benefit/breakeven analysis to
ensure proper pricing. Under the umbrella name of
American Commemorative Collectibles, the subscription
programs include the following: American Commemorative
Panels, American Commemorative Cancellations, American Commemorative Collection, First Day of Issue Ceremony Programs, and the Gift Collection for Kids.
645.24 Pictorial Postmarks
Pictorial postmarks are managed by Stamp Products and
Exhibitions/Stamp Services.
645.241 Requests
Field office requests are forwarded to Stamp Services for
approval and placement in the Postal Bulletin. Sponsors or
organizers who want to use a pictorial postmark must submit a request at least 10 weeks before the event to the
postmaster of the city where the event is scheduled to take
place. The request must provide the following information:
a. Complete description and schedule of the event to be
observed.
b. Proposed artwork for the cancellation.
645.242 Postal Service Procedure
Postmasters must submit pictorial postmark requests to
their district manager or designee. The manager makes the
final approval and arranges for procurement of the hand
stamp. The district manager or designee submits to Stamp
Services all authorized pictorial postmarks using the
Pictorial Postmark Announcement form at least 4 weeks
prior to the event so that national publicity can be arranged.
645.243 Sponsor Artwork
Once the postmark is approved, the sponsor must provide
camera-ready artwork.
645.25 Stamp Archives
Stamp Products and Exhibitions maintains in archival condition the original stamp art for all stamps and stationery
items developed for the U.S. Postal Service stamp program. This material must be inventoried and maintained in
an archival form. Additionally, the archives houses file copies of all stamp printing models, philatelic products, first day
ceremony programs, and first day covers produced over
the past 25 years. The archives uses a tracking system to
monitor loan of original art to museums and galleries nationwide. The Postal Service loans original art to museums
and galleries to help promote awareness of the stamp
program.
645.26 Stamp Retention Studies
Stamp Products and Exhibitions manages a research contract that conducts quarterly stamp retention research studies and forecasts national retention revenues. The
research study projects the quantity of postage stamps
being sold to collectors and the dollar amount of postage
not being used for mailing services.
645.27 In-Store Messaging/Advertising
Stamp Products and Exhibitions coordinates with Retail
Marketing and Advertising to ensure that Stamp Services'
marketing initiatives are promoted to customers and employees. Advertising and promotional initiatives include in-
store messaging signage in Post Offices, print ads, direct
mail, promotional brochures, payroll stuffers, and product
sell sheets. Stamp Products and Exhibitions also develops
and distributes educational kits to over 250,000 teachers
and classrooms nationwide.
645.28 Domestic Stamp Shows
Stamp Products and Exhibitions maintains partnerships
with philatelic organizations such as the American Stamp
Dealers Association and the American Philatelic Society,
and manages Postal Service sponsorship of three Mega
Stamp Shows annually.
645.29 Semipostal Stamp Program
Stamp Products and Exhibitions coordinates and manages
the implementation, re-pricing, and retail integration of the
mandated semipostal stamp program. Mandated semipostals include Breast Cancer Research (1998-2005), Heroes
of 2001 (2002-2004) and Domestic Violence (2004-2006).
645.291 Definitions
a. Semipostal Stamps. The term semipostal stamp means a postage stamp that is issued and sold by
the Postal Service at a price that exceeds the postage value of the stamp. The stamp helps provide
funding for a particular cause.
b. Differential. The term differential means the difference between the sales price of a semipostal stamp
(as determined by the Governors of the United States
Postal Service) and the First-Class Mail single-piece
first-ounce rate in effect at the time of purchase.
645.292 Offsets
The Postal Service determines its reasonable costs to implement statutes that authorize the Postal Service to issue
semipostal stamps. To the extent permitted by authorizing
statutes, the reasonable costs of the Postal Service are offset against the differential associated with each semipostal
stamp. The Postal Service retains any reasonable costs it
offsets under section 645.285. The Postal Service also
retains revenue from the sale of semipostal stamps that
represents the First-Class Mail single-piece first-ounce rate
in effect at the time of purchase.
645.293 Payments From the Sale of a Semipostal
The Postal Service makes payments to the sponsoring
agencies of the semipostal stamps as follows:
a. Breast Cancer Research Semipostal Stamp: The
Postal Service pays the following agencies as
follows:
1) National Institutes of Health (NIH). At least twice a
year, the Postal Service pays NIH 70 percent of
the difference between the amount of the differential associated with the Breast Cancer Research semipostal stamp and the amount to recover any
reasonable costs to the Postal Service (see section 645.285 to determine reasonable costs).
2) Department of Defense (DOD). At least twice a
year, the Postal Service pays DOD 30 percent of
the difference between the amount of differential
associated with the Breast Cancer Research semipostal stamp and the amount to recover any
reasonable costs to the Postal Service (see section 645.285 to determine reasonable costs).
Note: We specify how often we make payments in
Memoranda of Understanding with the NIH and
DOD.
b. Heroes of 2001 Semipostal Stamp: The Postal Service pays the Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA) the differential associated with the Heroes of 2001 semipostal stamp less an amount to
recover the reasonable costs of the Postal Service as
determined by the Postal Service under section
645.285. Before transferring to FEMA any amount
becoming available from the sale of the semipostal
over any period, the Postal Service ensures that it
has recovered the full cost incurred by the Postal
Service in connection with the semipostal stamp
through the end of the reporting period. The Postal
Service and FEMA execute a Memorandum of Understanding that specifies the frequency of payment
terms.
c. Domestic Violence Program Semipostal Stamp: The
Postal Service pays the U.S. Department of Health
and Human Services (DHHS) the differential associated with the Domestic Violence Program semipostal
stamp less an amount to recover the reasonable
costs of the Postal Service as determined by the
Postal Service under section 645.285. Before transferring to DHHS any amount becoming available
from the sale of the Domestic Violence Program semipostal stamp over any period, the Postal Service
ensures that it has recovered the full cost incurred by
the Postal Service in connection with the semipostal
stamp through the end of the reporting period. Frequency of payment is specified according to the
terms of a Memorandum of Understanding executed
with DHHS.
645.294 Cost Reporting and Estimation
Costs related to semipostal stamps are tracked by various
offices at Postal Service Headquarters as follows:
a. Headquarters Offices: The following offices at Postal
Service Headquarters are responsible for tracking or,
as appropriate, estimating costs related to
semipostal stamps:
| Item |
Office |
| Development, Shipping, and Manufacturing |
| Design |
Stamp Services |
| Shipping to Stamp Distribution
Offices, Stamp Services
Centers, and Stamp Fulfillment
Services |
Stamp Services |
| Printing and Manufacturing |
Stamp Services |
| Administrative and Recordkeeping |
| Sales and Services Associate
Training |
Retail Operations* |
| Rural Carrier Training |
Delivery Operations |
| Programming Window
Automation Devices |
Customer Service System
Support* |
| Inventory Costs |
Stamp Services |
| Destruction Costs |
Stamp Services |
| Market Research (if applicable) |
Stamp Services |
| Flyer Cost |
Advertising |
| Promotional Event Costs |
Stamp Services |
| Advertising |
Advertising |
| Distribution |
| Postage to Post Offices |
Stamp Services |
| Retail |
| Customer Receipt Printing
Costs |
Accounting |
| Packaging for Self Service |
Self Service and Access
Management* |
| Vending
Machine Training Costs |
Self
Service and Access Management* |
| Vending Machine
Reconfiguration |
Self Service and Access
Management* |
| Packaging for Postal Stores |
Retail Marketing |
| Revaluation Costs (if
applicable) |
Self Service & Access
Management, Customer
Service System Support, Retail
Operations |
| * These organizations are part of the Customer Service
Operations segment of the Delivery and Retail organization. |
b. Requirements:
1) When to Report Costs. All offices listed in section
645.294a must report the cost information each
month to the office of Accounting, Finance, Controller. Send the report no later than 4 weeks after
the close of the period in which the costs were
incurred. The report should be sent via e-mail if
possible.
2) Separate Reports. The report should identify the
semipostal stamp to which the incurred costs apply. Report the costs for each semipostal stamp
separately.
3) Recordkeeping. Each office must maintain cost
records for 1 year after the date that sales end for
the semipostal stamp to which the incurred costs
apply.
4) Local Promotional Events: Unless the office of
Stamp Services grants an exception, costs for
promotional events of field offices must not exceed $3,000 and must be funded locally. Field promotional expenses not exceeding $3,000 need
not be reported pursuant to ASM 645.295.
645.295 Policy to Offset Costs for Semipostal Stamps
The Postal Service's policy to offset costs for all semipostal
stamps, including the Breast Cancer Research semipostal
stamp, is as follows:
a. Responsibility. Overall responsibility for tracking
costs associated with semipostal stamps rests with
the office of Accounting, Finance, Controller. Individual organizational units incurring costs will provide
supporting documentation to the office of Accounting,
Finance, Controller.
b. Policy. Postal Service policy is to recover from the differential revenue for each semipostal stamp those
costs that are determined to be attributable to the
semipostal stamp and that would not normally be incurred for commemorative stamps having similar
sales; physical characteristics; and marketing, promotional, and public relations activities (hereinafter
"comparable stamps").
c. Procedure:
1) For each semipostal stamp, the office of Stamp
Services, in coordination with Accounting,
Finance, Controller, must, based on judgment and
available information, identify the comparable
commemorative stamp(s) and create a profile of
the typical cost characteristics of the comparable
stamp(s) (e.g., manufacturing process, gum type),
thereby establishing a baseline for cost comparison purposes. The determination of comparable
commemorative stamps may change during or after the sales period, if the projections of stamp
sales differ from actual experience.
2) Except as specified, all costs associated with
semipostal stamps will be tracked by the office of
Accounting, Finance, Controller. Costs that will
not be tracked include:
a) Costs that the Postal Service determines to be
inconsequentially small, which include those
cost items not exceeding $3,000 per invoice.
b) Costs for which the cost of tracking would be
burdensome (e.g., costs for which the cost of
tracking exceeds the cost to be tracked).
c) Costs attributable to mail to which semipostal
stamps are affixed (which are attributable to
the appropriate class and/or subclass of mail).
d) Administrative and support costs that the
Postal Service would have incurred whether or
not the Semipostal Stamp Program had been
established.
3) Cost items recoverable from the differential
revenue may include, but are not limited to, the
following:
a) Packaging costs in excess of the cost to package comparable stamps.
b) Printing costs of flyers and special receipts.
c) Costs of changes to equipment.
d) Costs of developing and executing marketing
and promotional plans in excess of the cost for
comparable stamps.
Other costs specific to the semipostal stamp that
would not normally have been incurred for comparable stamps.
d. Differential Maximization. The Semipostal Stamp
Program incorporates the following provisions that
are intended to maximize differential revenues available to the selected causes. These include, but are
not limited to, the following:
1) Avoiding, to the extent practicable, promotional
costs that exceed those of comparable stamps.
2) Establishing restrictions on the number of concurrently issued semipostal stamps.
3) Making financial and retail system changes in
conjunction with regularly scheduled revisions.
e. Other Costs. Other costs that are attributable to
semipostals that would normally be incurred for comparable stamps are recovered through the postage
component of the semipostal stamp price. These include, but are not limited to, the following:
1) Stamp design (including market research).
2) Stamp production and printing.
3) Stamp shipping and distribution.
4) Estimated training for field staff, except for special
training associated with semipostal stamps.
5) Stamp sales (including employee salaries and
benefits).
6) Withdrawal of the stamp issue from sale.
7) Destruction of unsold stamps.
8) Incorporation of semipostal stamp images into advertising for the Postal Service as an entity.
645.296 Sales Periods
a. Breast Cancer Research Semipostal Stamp. The Breast Cancer Research semipostal stamp will be
sold through December 31, 2005.
b. Heroes of 2001 Semipostal Stamp. The Heroes of
2001 semipostal stamp, issued in June 2002, was
sold to the public through December 31, 2004. The
office of Stamp Services determines the dates of the
sales period.
c. Domestic Violence Program Semipostal Stamp. The Domestic Violence Program semipostal stamp,
which was issued in October 2003, may be sold to
the public for a period ending on or before December
31, 2006. The office of Stamp Services determines
the dates of the sales period.
— Stamp Services,
Government Relations, 1-20-05
Customer Relations
Mail Alert
The mailings below will be deposited in the near future.
Offices should honor the requested delivery dates.
Mailers wishing to participate in these alerts, for mailings of
1 million pieces or more, should contact Business Service
Network Integration at 202-268-2225 at least 1 month preceding the requested delivery dates. The Postal ServiceTM
also offers electronic Mail Alerts via ADVANCE. For more
information, see the ADVANCE Notification & Tracking
System Technical Guide on the Internet at http://www.ribbs.usps.gov/files/advance/ADVTECH.PDF or
contact the National Customer Support Center at
800-458-3181.
| Title of Mailing |
Class and
Type of
Mail |
Requested
Delivery
Dates |
Number
of Pieces
(Millions) |
Distribution |
Presort Level |
Comments |
| JCP Big and Tall Collection |
Standard/
Catalog |
1/21/05-1/24/05 |
1.6 |
Nationwide |
Car-Rt |
Quebecorworld |
| JCP New Customer |
Standard/
Catalog |
1/21/05-1/24/05 |
1.5 |
Nationwide |
Car-Rt |
Quebecorworld |
| JCP Nu Acquisition Version |
Standard/
Catalog |
1/21/05-1/24/05 |
1.5 |
Nationwide |
Car-Rt |
Quebecorworld |
| JCP Week 1 Sale with
Furniture |
Standard/
Flat |
1/22/05-1/25/05 |
6.9 |
Nationwide |
Car-Rt |
Harte-Hanks |
| JCP Spring Values |
Standard/
Catalog |
1/22/05-1/27/05 |
7.3 |
Nationwide |
Car-Rt |
RR Donnelley |
| Seventh Avenue |
Standard/
Catalog |
1/24/05-1/27/05 |
2.45 |
Nationwide |
Barcoded, Basic,
3/5-Digit, Car-Rt |
Quad Graphics,
Lomira, WI |
| JCP Week 1 Sale |
Standard/
Flat |
1/26/05-1/28/05 |
5.4 |
Nationwide |
Car-Rt |
Harte-Hanks |
| JCP Week 1 Valentine's Jewelry |
Standard/
Flat &
Letter |
1/26/05-1/28/05 |
4.7 |
Nationwide |
Car-Rt |
Harte-Hanks |
| JCP on Trend - Early Spring |
Standard/
Catalog |
1/28/05-1/31/05 |
2.1 |
Nationwide |
Car-Rt |
RR Donnelley |
| JCP Week 1 Two-Day Sale |
Standard/
Letter |
1/29/05-2/1/05 |
10.2 |
Nationwide |
Car-Rt |
Harte-Hanks |
| Midnight Velvet |
Standard/
Catalog |
1/31/05-2/3/05 |
1.0 |
Nationwide |
Barcoded, Basic,
3/5-Digit, Car-Rt |
Quad Graphics,
Lomira, WI |
| Seventh Avenue |
Standard/
Catalog |
1/31/05-2/3/05 |
2.4 |
Nationwide |
Barcoded, Basic,
3/5-Digit, Car-Rt |
Quad Graphics,
Lomira, WI |
| Seventh Avenue |
Standard/
Catalog |
2/2/05-2/5/05 |
1.4 |
Nationwide |
Barcoded, Basic,
3/5-Digit, Car-Rt |
Quad Graphics,
Lomira, WI |
| — Business Service Network Integration, Service and Market Development, 1-20-05 |
Domestic Mail
PUBLICATION 91 REVISION
Updated PS Form 3152 Appears in Online Publication 91
Effective January 20, 2005, the online version of
Publication 91, Confirmation Services Technical Guide, is
revised to include the January 2005 edition of PS Form
3152, Confirmation Services Certification. We have revised
the "Instructions for Mailer" section of PS Form 3152 to
reflect that, as of January 31, 2005, the Postal ServiceTM
will accept only the UCC/EAN 128 barcode symbology for
Confirmation Services Electronic File Numbers.
Publication 91 is 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.
• Click on PUBs.
(The direct URL for the Postal Service PolicyNet Web
Site is http://blue.usps.gov/cpim.)
Publication 91 is also available on the Postal Service
Internet Web site:
• Go to www.usps.com.
• Click on About USPS & News, then Forms & Publications, then Postal Periodicals and Publications, and
then Publications.
This revised version of Publication 91 is available only
online - the printed copies that are available from the
Material Distribution Center (MDC) do not include this
revision.
Within the next few months, we expect to print a revised
edition of Publication 91, which will also be available online.
When the new edition becomes available, we will publish
an announcement and will provide ordering information in
the Postal Bulletin. For now, Publication 91 is revised online
as follows:
Publication 91, Confirmation Services Technical
Guide
* * * * *
9 Forms
[Revise chapter 9 by replacing the September 2003 edition
of PS Form 3152 with the January 2005 edition.]
* * * * *
— Product Information Requirements,
Product Development, 1-20-05
PUBLICATION 363 REVISION
Publication 363, Updating Address Lists Is a Smart Move
Effective January 20, 2005, Publication 363, Updating
Address Lists Is a Smart Move, is revised.
We will incorporate these revisions into the next printed
version of Publication 363 and also into the online version,
which is available on the Postal ServiceTM PolicyNet Web
site:
• Go to http//blue.usps.gov.
• Under "Essential Links" in the left-hand column, click
on References.
• Under "References" in the right-hand column, under
"Policies," click on PolicyNet.
• Click on PUBs.
(The direct URL for the Postal Service PolicyNet Web
site is http://blue.usps.gov/cpim.)
Publication 363 is also available on the Postal Service
Internet:
• Go to www.usps.com.
• Click on About USPS & News, then Forms & Publications, then Postal Periodicals and Publications, and
then Publications.
Publication 363, Updating Address Lists Is a
Smart Move
[Change the first heading to read as follows:]
More than 44 Million Americans Change Their
Addresses Each Year
* * * * *
Approved Move Update Options
* * * * *
National Change of Address Linkage (NCOALinkTM)
System
* * * * *
[After the first paragraph, add two new paragraphs to read
as follows:]
Before using the list processed through NCOALink, the mailer must apply the address changes. By using NCOALink prior to mailing, the mailer greatly reduces the possibility
that items sent by First-Class Mail service will be undeliverable as addressed (UAA), and this reduces the cost for
both the mailer and the Postal Service for rehandling those
mailpieces. The First-Class Mail discount (for both Pre-
sorted and automation rates) is at least $50 per thousand
and can be as high as $95 per thousand.
The NCOALink system also provides mailers with documentation showing that a list was updated on a given date and
that the Move Update requirements have been met if the
address for which a move is indicated is updated.
* * * * *
— Address Management,
Intelligent Mail and Address Quality, 1-20-05
Employees
ELM REVISION
Use of Leave on a Worked Holiday
Effective January 20, 2005, Employee and Labor Relations Manual (ELM) 510, Leave, is revised to clarify how
leave without pay (LWOP), annual leave, and sick leave
can be used when an eligible employee elects annual leave
credit in lieu of holiday leave pay and then works a partial
day. These changes are pursuant to the changes recently
made to ELM 434.4, Holiday Leave Pay, and announced in Postal Bulletin 22126 (5-13-04, pages 24-26).
We will incorporate this revision into the next printed version of the ELM and also into the online version, available
on the Postal ServiceTM PolicyNet Web site:
• Go to http://blue.usps.gov.
• Under "Essential Links" in the left-hand column, click
on References.
• Under "References" in the right-hand column, under
"Policies," click on PolicyNet.
• Click on Manuals.
(The direct URL for the Postal Service PolicyNet Web
site is http://blue.usps.gov/cpim.)
It is also available on the Postal Service Internet:
• Go to www.usps.com.
• Click on About USPS & News, then Forms & Publications, then Postal Periodicals and Publications, and
then Manuals.
Employee and Labor Relations Manual (ELM)
* * * * *
5 Employee Benefits
510 Leave
* * * * *
512 Annual Leave
* * * * *
512.5 Leave Charge Information
512.51 Full-Time Employees
* * * * *
512.512 Holidays
Leave cannot be charged for national legal holidays, days
designated as holidays, or absences authorized by administrative order.
[Add new exception to 512.512 to read as follows:]
Exception: If an employee shown to be eligible in 434.422
elects to receive annual leave credit in lieu of holiday leave
pay (see 512.65), annual leave may be charged to
supplement work hours, up to the limit of the employee's
regular work schedule, on the holiday worked.
* * * * *
512.6 Vacation Planning and Special Programs
* * * * *
[Add new 512.65 to read as follows:]
512.65 Annual Leave Credit in Lieu of Holiday Leave
Pay
Employees shown to be eligible in 434.422 who work a holiday may elect to receive annual leave credit in lieu of holiday leave pay. If they do so and then work only a partial
day, they may use LWOP, annual leave, or sick leave (if
they become ill during their scheduled tour) to supplement
work hours, up to the limit of their regular work schedule, on
the holiday worked.
* * * * *
513 Sick Leave
* * * * *
513.4 Charging Sick Leave
513.41 Full-Time Employees
513.411 General
General provisions are as follows:
a. Sick leave is not charged for holidays or for nonworkdays established by Executive Order.
[Add new exception to 513.411a to read as follows:]
Exception: If employees shown to be eligible in
434.422 elect to receive annual leave credit in lieu of
holiday leave pay (see 512.65) and then become ill
during their scheduled tour, sick leave may be
charged to supplement work hours, up to the limit of
their regular work schedule, on the holiday worked,
provided the requirements of section 513.32 are met.
* * * * *
513.42 Part-Time Employees
513.421 General
General provisions are as follows:
a. Absences due to illness are charged as sick leave on
any day that an hourly rate employee is scheduled to
work except national holidays.
[Add new exception to 513.421a to read as follows:]
Exception: If employees shown to be eligible in
434.422 elect to receive annual leave credit in lieu of
holiday leave pay (see 512.65), sick leave may be
charged to supplement work hours, up to the limit of
their regular work schedule, on the holiday worked,
provided the requirements of section 513.32 are met.
* * * * *
514 Leave Without Pay
* * * * *
514.4 Acceptable Reasons and Instructions
* * * * *
Exhibit 514.4
Acceptable Reasons and Instructions for LWOP
[Add new item l to Exhibit 514.4 to read as follows:]
| Acceptable Reasons for
LWOP |
Instructions |
| * * * * * |
| l. Absence on worked
holiday. |
If an employee shown to
be eligible in 434.422
elects to receive annual
leave credit in lieu of
holiday leave pay (see
512.65), LWOP may be
granted to supplement
work hours, up to the limit
of the employee's regular
work schedule, on the
holiday worked. |
* * * * *
— Compensation,
Employee Resource Management, 1-20-05
PS FORM 61 AND HANDBOOK EL-312 REVISION
Appointment Affidavit
Effective January 20, 2005, PS Form 61, Appointment
Affidavit, and Handbook EL-312, Employment and Placement, section 581.1, Completing Form 61, are revised to
accommodate the addition of a question to PS Form 61.
This new question asks applicants whether they have been
awarded a contract with the Postal ServiceTM. The new
question resulted from a recommendation by the Office of
the Inspector General.
PS Form 61, Appointment Affidavit
An initial supply of 200 copies of PS Form 61 will be distributed to each district. Upon receipt of the updated forms,
discard/recycle all older copies.
You may order additional copies of the revised PS Form
61 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 61:
PSIN: PS61
PSN: 7530-02-000-7226
Unit of Measure: EA
Minimum Order Quantity: 1
Bulk Pack Quantity: N/A
Quick Pick Number: N/A
Price: $0.0189
Edition Date: 12/04
Handbook EL-312, Employment and Placement
We will incorporate the revision to Handbook EL-312
into 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.
• Click on HBKs.
(The direct URL for the Postal Service PolicyNet Web
site is http://blue.usps.gov/cpim.)
Handbook EL-312 is available also on the Internet:
• Go to www.usps.com.
• Click on About USPS & News, then Forms & Publications, then Postal Periodicals and Publications, and
then Handbooks.
Summary of Changes
581.1, Completing Form 61, is revised to accommodate
the new question 5 asking applicants whether they have
been awarded a Postal Service contract. The insertion of
the new question on the form caused the items that followed to be renumbered for a total of 14 items that are completed by the applicant. The prohibition to hire an applicant
as an employee who was awarded a contract is stated in
this section along with how waivers of this policy are
handled.
Handbook EL-312, Employment and Placement
* * * * *
5 Suitability
* * * * *
580 Post Hire Suitability
581 Appointment Affidavit
581.1 Completing Form 61
[Revise the text to read as follows:]
Items 1-14 of Form 61, Appointment Affidavit, must be
completed at the interview or job offer stage of the screening process, and each item must be verified prior to
administering the oath of office.
Applicants who indicate that they have been awarded a
contract by the Postal Service are prohibited from being appointed as employees. Such an applicant is ineligible for
USPS® employment unless the circumstances allow the
contracting officer to waive the prohibition, the situation is
not covered by the prohibition, or the contract is terminated.
See section 1.6.4, Contracts With Postal Service Employees and Their Immediate Families, in the Purchasing
Manual. Waivers must be in writing from the contracting officer and are filed on the permanent side of the Official Personnel Folder.
* * * * *
— Selection, Evaluation, and Recognition,
Employee Resource Management, 1-20-05
LEVEL 15-18 POST OFFICES
Safety and Health Inspections
Employee and Labor Relations Manual (ELM) 824.33,
PC Installations With Less Than One Hundred Workyears,
requires an annual safety and health inspection of main
facilities, subordinate stations, and branches. Installation
heads (IHs) in facilities without full-time safety personnel, or
their management designees, act as the collateral duty
facility safety coordinators (FSCs) (see ELM 813.32, Collateral Duty Facility Safety Coordinator).
In offices with fewer than 100 employees, the FSC
should lead the inspection (see ELM 824.422, Inspection
Rules). In offices with 100 or more employees in the main
facility, the servicing safety office should conduct the
inspection. However, the IH must ensure that subordinate
stations and branches with fewer than 100 employees conduct their inspections.
Note: Headquarters will not be conducting any mailings.
You can find the inspection checklists and inspection instructions on the Postal ServiceTM Intranet:
• Go to http://blue.usps.gov.
• Under "Essential Links" in the left-hand column, click
on Safety Resources.
• In the left-hand column, click on Safety Checklists.
For the certification letter, click on Safety and Health
Inspection Certification. For instructions, click on Annual
Safety and Health Inspection Letter of Instruction. For
checklists, click on the options under the heading "Level
15-18." Postmasters (PMs) or IHs in Level 15 through 18
Post OfficesTM should contact their servicing safety office
for technical or programmatic assistance.
The PMs/IHs, or their designees, must:
1. Complete a safety and health inspection using the
checklist within 30 days of the date of this Postal
Bulletin (January 20, 2005).
2. Post the inspection.
3. Ensure abatement of all deficiencies in accordance
with the instructions.
4. Certify completion of the inspection to the servicing
safety office.
— Safety Performance Management,
Employee Resource Management, 1-20-05
Facilities
REVISED HANDBOOK
Handbook RE-6, Facilities Environmental Guide
We have revised Handbook RE-6, Facilities Environmental Guide.
Postal ServiceTM environmental regulations (Title 40,
CFR Parts 775 and 776) have been revised since Handbook RE-6 was last published in 1997. The November 2004
revision updates the procedure for complying with wetlands
and floodplains regulations and the revised National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process.
The following list summarizes additional revisions to
RE-6:
• The section Historic Preservation has been completely rewritten and expanded under a new section,
Socioeconomic Regulatory Areas, which also includes Environmental Justice (complying with Executive Order 12989).
• Environmental due diligence requirements have
been updated with new sections on electric and magnetic fields, brownfields, and biohazards.
• The sections on asbestos and lead in drinking water
have been revised for clarification and to reinforce
Facilities policy regarding asbestos surveys and
evaluating drinking water.
• Policy changes are explained regarding the execution of the Record of Environmental Consideration
that was revised in December 2002 (PS Form 8194, Record of Environmental Consideration).
• Chapter 5, Design & Construction (D&C), has been
greatly expanded to serve as a resource to D&C
project managers for sustainable design, beneficial
landscaping, as well as the renovation of historic
properties (any Postal Service-owned or -leased
building 50 or more years old).
• Several new construction projects are also showcased.
Handbook RE-6 is 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.
• Click on HBKs.
(The direct URL for the Postal Service PolicyNet Web
site is http://blue.usps.gov/cpim.)
Handbook RE-6 will not be stocked at the Material Distribution Center (MDC), but an initial distribution of the
printed copies was given to Facilities Service Offices
(FSOs), district managers, and Environmental Compliance
managers.
— Real Estate,
Facilities, 1-20-05
Finance
ANNOUNCEMENT
Internal Control Process Diagrams
Postal ServiceTM management is responsible for establishing and maintaining internal control to achieve the following
objectives:
• Effective and efficient operations.
• Reliable financial reporting.
• Compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Management will consistently apply the internal control standards to meet each of the internal control objectives and to
assess internal control effectiveness.
The Internal Control Group (ICG) operates as an internal consultant for enterprise risk management, assisting management in proactively improving processes towards a more performance-based culture. Internal Control analysts partner with
management at the performance cluster, area, and national levels to identify through analysis, risk assessment, and review
those internal controls that may keep Postal Service goals from being achieved.
As a result of these partnerships, various processes have been documented and reviews developed. Process flow diagrams may be used to review - and improve - current practices in your office. The process flow diagrams are available on
the Internal Control Web site on the Postal Service Intranet:
• Go to http://blue.usps.gov.
• Click on the Inside USPS tab.
• Under "Other," click on Internal Control Group.
• Click on Process Improvement, and then Process Index.
You may send questions via e-mail to Webmaster-ICBlue.
| Process Category Description |
Process Diagram
Number |
Process Diagram Name |
| Stamp Stock Accountability: Small Post Office Reporting
Tool (SPORT), Money Order Voucher Entry System
(MOVES), and Integrated Retail Terminal (IRT) Offices |
1000-1 |
SSA Stamp Stock Requisition |
| blank |
1000-2 |
Replenishment of Unit Reserve |
| blank |
1000-3 |
Stamp Credit Exam |
| Stamp Stock Accountability/Segmented Inventory
Accountability (SIA) Office |
2000-1 |
SIA Retail Floor Stock Replenishment |
| blank |
2000-2 |
SIA Unit Cash Reserve |
| blank |
2000-3 |
SIA Cash Count |
| blank |
2000-4 |
SIA Retail Floor Stock Count |
| blank |
2000-5 |
SIA Unit Reserve Stock Count |
| blank |
2000-6 |
Security of Postal Store |
| blank |
2000-7 |
Unit Reserve Stock Management |
| blank |
2000-8 |
SIA Segment Count |
| blank |
2000-9 |
Retail Transaction Control |
| blank |
2000-10 |
Forms Control |
| Money Orders |
3000-1 |
Overview of Money Order Trail |
| blank |
3000-2 |
Management Controls |
| blank |
3000-3 |
Replenishment of Money Orders |
| blank |
3000-4 |
Money Order Transactions |
| blank |
3000-5 |
Money Order Sales |
| blank |
3000-6 |
Money Order Replacement |
| blank |
3000-7 |
Bank Secrecy Act Requirements |
| blank |
3000-8 |
Cashing Money Orders |
| blank |
3000-9 |
Money Order Reconciliation |
| blank |
3000-10 |
Money Order Post Audit Research |
| Contract Units |
4000-1 |
CPU Accountability Audit |
| Asset Security |
5000-1 |
Asset Security |
| Customs/Collect on Delivery |
6000-1 |
Customs Handling |
| blank |
6000-2 |
Customs Duty Refunds |
| blank |
6000-3 |
COD Handling |
| blank |
6000-4 |
COD Acceptance and Claim |
| Windows Operations/Retail |
7000-1 |
Opening Retail Window Operations |
| blank |
7000-2 |
Closing Retail Window Operations |
| blank |
7000-3 |
Window Security |
| Disbursements |
8000-1 |
eBuy Purchase Request |
| blank |
8000-2 |
Adding Excess to eBuy |
| blank |
8000-3 |
IMPAC Oversight |
| blank |
8000-4 |
IMPAC Purchase |
| blank |
8000-5 |
IMPAC Reconciliation |
| blank |
8000-6 |
Voyager Card |
| blank |
8000-7 |
Contract Cleaning Service |
| blank |
8000-8 |
Contract Nurse Payment |
| blank |
8000-9 |
Refund of Retail Services |
| blank |
8000-10 |
Refund of Advanced Deposit |
| blank |
8000-11 |
eTravel EAS and Bargaining Unit |
| blank |
8000-12 |
Travel Reimbursement via Web Alias |
| blank |
8000-13 |
PS Form 1164-A Process |
| blank |
8000-14 |
Carrie Drive Out Agreements |
| Post Office Box and Caller Service |
9000-1 |
Obtain PO Box or Caller Service |
| blank |
9000-2 |
Closing PO Box Service |
| Payroll |
10000 |
Process Flows Coming Soon |
| Express Mail |
11000-1 |
Express Mail Acceptance |
| blank |
11000-2 |
Express Mail Delivery |
| Vending |
12000 |
Process Flows Coming Soon |
| Registered Mail |
50000-1 |
Registry Coordinator Responsibility |
| blank |
50000-2 |
Incoming Registry Articles |
| blank |
50000-3 |
Incoming Registry Bank Remits |
| Automated Postal Data Center |
52000-1 |
APC Stamp Stock Replenishment |
| blank |
52000-2 |
APC Credit Exam |
| blank |
52000-3 |
APC Service & Maintenance |
| blank |
52000-4 |
APC Refunds & Exchanges |
| Hiring Suitability |
53000-1 |
Hiring Suitability |
| Maintenance Plant Automation Equipment |
54000-1 |
Maintenance Flowchart A |
| blank |
54000-2 |
Maintenance Flowchart B |
| Business Mail Entry Unit (BMEU) |
90000-1 |
BMEU Administrative Functions #1 |
| blank |
90000-2 |
BMEU Administrative Functions #2 |
| blank |
90000-3 |
BMEU MERLIN Acceptance 1 |
| blank |
90000-4 |
BMEU 1 Pass/2 Pass Acceptance |
| Detached Mail Unit (DMU) |
91000-1 |
BMEU Administrative Functions #1 |
| blank |
91000-2 |
BMEU Administrative Functions #2 |
| blank |
91000-3 |
BMEU Plant Load |
| blank |
91000-4 |
Detached Mail Unit |
| blank |
91000-5 |
BMEU 1 Pass/2 Pass Acceptance |
| blank |
91000-6 |
Optional Procedures at DMU |
| blank |
91000-7 |
Manifest Mail System DMU |
| blank |
91000-8 |
Merlin Acceptance DMU |
| Postage Payment Systems |
92000-1 |
BMEU Administrative Functions 1 |
| blank |
92000-2 |
BMEU Administrative Functions 2 |
| blank |
92000-3 |
BMEU Merlin Acceptance 1 |
| blank |
92000-4 |
BMEU SAVE Acceptance (Automation) |
| blank |
92000-5 |
BMEU 1 Pass/2 Pass Acceptance |
| Presort House Operations |
93000-1 |
BMEU Administrative Functions 1 |
| blank |
93000-2 |
BMEU Administrative Functions 2 |
| blank |
93000-3 |
BMEU Plant Load |
| blank |
93000-4 |
BMEU Presort House Operations - Combined Mailing/Value
Added Refunds |
| blank |
93000-5 |
BMEU Presort House Operations with SAVE/Value Added
Refunds |
| Value Added Refunds (VAR) |
94000-1 |
BMEU Administrative Functions 2 |
| blank |
94000-2 |
BMEU Presort House Operations with SAVE/Value Added
Refunds |
| blank |
94000-3 |
BMEU Presort House Operations (Combined Mailing/Value
Added Refunds) |
| Business Reply Mail |
97000-1 |
Process Flows Coming Soon |
— Internal Control Group, Finance, 1-20-05
International Mail
IMM AND PUBLICATION 51 REVISIONS
Global Airmail Parcel Post and Global Express Mail Service
Effective January 20, 2005, the International Mail
Manual (IMM) and Publication 51, International Postal
Rates and Fees, are revised to reflect new delivery requirements for Global Airmail® parcel post items (air parcels)
and Global Express Mail® (EMS®) items in the following
countries:
• Andorra.
• Austria.
• Belgium.
• Denmark.
• Finland.
• France.
• Germany.
• Gibraltar.
• Greece.
• Ireland.
• Italy.
• Liechtenstein.
• Luxembourg.
• Malta.
• Netherlands.
• Norway.
• Portugal.
• San Marino.
• Slovak Republic (Slovakia).
• Spain.
• Sweden.
• Switzerland.
• Vatican City.
Generally, the revisions for these countries are as
follows:
• The maximum size limits for air parcels and EMS
items are 60 inches in length and 108 inches in
length and girth combined.
• The maximum weight for air parcels and EMS items
is 66 pounds.
• An air parcel item or an EMS item may be addressed
to either a street address or to a post office box, and
a local telephone number for the addressee should
be provided when the item is addressed to a street
address and must be provided when the item is addressed to a post office box.
In the IMM, revisions appear in section 283.23 and in the
Individual Country Listings (ICLs). In Publication 51, revisions appear in the Country Listing table. Some countries
might not have all these revisions, and some might have
more. For specific information, see the ICL for each
country.
We will incorporate these revisions into the printed version of IMM 31 and the next printed version of Publication
51, and also into the online versions of the IMM and Publication 51, both of which are accessible via Postal Explorer®
at http://pe.usps.gov.
International Mail Manual (IMM)
* * * * *
2 Conditions of Mailing
* * * * *
280 Parcel Post
* * * * *
283 Weight and Size Limits
* * * * *
283.2 Size Limits
* * * * *
283.23 Exceptional Size Limits
The maximum size limit for rectangular-shaped parcels of
42 inches in maximum length and 79 inches in maximum
length and girth combined applies to all countries except as
follows:
[Revise the items in 283.23 to read as follows (moving
former item c to be new item a, moving former item a to be
new item b, moving former item b to be new item c, and
revising new item c to reflect differences in maximum size
limits for air and economy parcel post and to reflect the
addition of Norway and Slovak Republic (Slovakia):]
a. Maximum length and girth combined: 108 inches
Canada
Hong Kong
b. Maximum length: 60 inches
Maximum length and girth combined: 108 inches
Azerbaijan
Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Japan
Macao
c. Airmail Parcel Post:
Maximum length: 60 inches
Maximum length and girth combined: 108 inches
Economy Parcel Post:
Maximum length: 42 inches
Maximum length and girth combined: 79 inches
Andorra
Austria
Belgium
Denmark
Finland
France
Germany
Gibraltar
Greece
Ireland
Italy
Liechtenstein
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands
Norway
Portugal
San Marino
Slovak Republic (Slovakia)
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Vatican City
* * * * *
Individual Country Listings
* * * * *
Andorra
Country Conditions for Mailing
* * * * *
Observations
[Revise Observation 1 to read as follows:]
1. An air parcel post item may be addressed to a street
address or to a post office box. A local telephone
number for the addressee should be provided when
the item is addressed to a street address and must
be provided when the item is addressed to a post
office box.
* * * * *
Size Limits
* * * * *
Air Parcel Post:
[Revise the maximum length for air parcel post to read as
follows (reflecting a reduction):]
Maximum length: 60 inches
* * * * *
Airmail
Parcel Post Rates
[Revise the airmail parcel post rate table by removing the
entries for 67 pounds through 70 pounds and revising the
last line of the table to read "Weight Limit: 66 lbs."]
* * * * *
Global Express Mail (EMS) (220)
Postal employees must tell customers that there is no
service guarantee on any EMS item to Andorra.
[Revise the EMS rate table by revising the last line of the
table to read "Weight Limit: 66 lbs."]
* * * * *
Size Limits (223.2)
[Revise the size limits for EMS to read as follows (reflecting
an increase in the maximum size limits):]
Maximum length: 60 inches
Maximum length and girth combined: 108 inches
* * * * *
Austria
Country Conditions for Mailing
* * * * *
Observations
[Revise Observation 1 to read as follows:]
1. An air parcel post item may be addressed to a street
address or to a post office box. A local telephone
number for the addressee should be provided when
the item is addressed to a street address and must
be provided when the item is addressed to a post
office box.
* * * * *
Size Limits
* * * * *
Air Parcel Post:
[Revise the maximum length for air parcel post to read as
follows (reflecting a reduction):]
Maximum length: 60 inches
* * * * *
Airmail
Parcel Post Rates
[Revise the airmail parcel post rate table by removing the
entries for 67 pounds through 70 pounds and revising the
last line of the table to read "Weight Limit: 66 lbs."]
* * * * *
Global Express Mail (EMS) (220)
[Revise the EMS rate table by revising the last line of the
table to read "Weight Limit: 66 lbs."]
* * * * *
Size Limits (223.2)
[Revise the maximum length for EMS to read as follows
(reflecting a reduction):]
Maximum length: 60 inches
* * * * *
Notes:
* * * * *
[Revise Note 4 to read as follows:]
4. An Express Mail shipment may be addressed to a
street address or to a post office box. A local telephone number for the addressee should be provided
when the item is addressed to a street address and
must be provided when the item is addressed to a
post office box.
* * * * *
Belgium
Country Conditions for Mailing
* * * * *
Size Limits
* * * * *
Air Parcel Post:
[Revise the maximum length for air parcel post to read as
follows (reflecting a reduction):]
Maximum length: 60 inches
* * * * *
Airmail
Parcel Post Rates
[Revise the airmail parcel post rate table by removing the
entries for 67 pounds through 70 pounds and revising the
last line of the table to read "Weight Limit: 66 lbs."]
* * * * *
Global Express Mail (EMS) (220)
[Revise the EMS rate table by revising the last line of the
table to read "Weight Limit: 66 lbs."]
* * * * *
Size Limits (223.2)
[Revise the maximum length for EMS to read as follows
(reflecting a reduction):]
Maximum length: 60 inches
* * * * *
Denmark
Country Conditions for Mailing
* * * * *
Observations
[Revise Observation 1 to read as follows:]
1. An air parcel post item may be addressed to a street
address or to a post office box. A local telephone
number for the addressee should be provided when
the item is addressed to a street address and must
be provided when the item is addressed to a post
office box.
* * * * *
Size Limits
* * * * *
Air Parcel Post:
[Revise the maximum length for air parcel post to read as
follows (reflecting a reduction):]
Maximum length: 60 inches
* * * * *
Airmail
Parcel Post Rates
[Revise the airmail parcel post rate table by removing the
entries for 67 pounds through 70 pounds and revising the
last line of the table to read "Weight Limit: 66 lbs."]
* * * * *
Global Express Mail (EMS) (220)
[Revise the EMS rate table by revising the last line of the
table to read "Weight Limit: 66 lbs."]
* * * * *
Size Limits (223.2)
[Revise the maximum length for EMS to read as follows
(reflecting a reduction):]
Maximum length: 60 inches
* * * * *
Notes:
* * * * *
[Revise Note 4 to read as follows:]
4. An Express Mail shipment may be addressed to a
street address or to a post office box. A local telephone number for the addressee should be provided
when the item is addressed to a street address and
must be provided when the item is addressed to a
post office box.
* * * * *
Finland
Country Conditions for Mailing
* * * * *
Observations
[Revise Observation 1 to read as follows:]
1. An air parcel post item may be addressed to a street
address or to a post office box. A local telephone
number for the addressee should be provided when
the item is addressed to a street address and must
be provided when the item is addressed to a post
office box.
* * * * *
Size Limits
* * * * *
Air Parcel Post:
[Revise the maximum length for air parcel post to read as
follows (reflecting a reduction):]
Maximum length: 60 inches
* * * * *
Airmail
Parcel Post Rates
[Revise the airmail parcel post rate table by removing the
entries for 67 pounds through 70 pounds and revising the
last line of the table to read "Weight Limit: 66 lbs."]
* * * * *
Global Express Mail (EMS) (220)
[Revise the EMS rate table by revising the last line of the
table to read "Weight Limit: 66 lbs."]
* * * * *
Size Limits (223.2)
[Revise the maximum length for EMS to read as follows
(reflecting a reduction):]
Maximum length: 60 inches
* * * * *
Notes:
* * * * *
[Revise Note 4 to read as follows:]
4. An Express Mail shipment may be addressed to a
street address or to a post office box. A local telephone number for the addressee should be provided
when the item is addressed to a street address and
must be provided when the item is addressed to a
post office box.
* * * * *
France
Country Conditions for Mailing
* * * * *
Observations
[Revise Observation 1 to read as follows:]
1. An air parcel post item may be addressed to a street
address or to a post office box. A local telephone
number for the addressee should be provided when
the item is addressed to a street address and must
be provided when the item is addressed to a post
office box.
* * * * *
Size Limits
* * * * *
Air Parcel Post:
[Revise the maximum length for air parcel post to read as
follows (reflecting a reduction):]
Maximum length: 60 inches
* * * * *
Airmail
Parcel Post Rates
[Revise the airmail parcel post rate table by removing the
entries for 67 pounds through 70 pounds and revising the
last line of the table to read "Weight Limit: 66 lbs."]
* * * * *
Global Express Mail (EMS) (220)
[Revise the EMS rate table by revising the last line of the
table to read "Weight Limit: 66 lbs."]
* * * * *
Size Limits (223.2)
[Revise the maximum length for EMS to read as follows
(reflecting a reduction):]
Maximum length: 60 inches
* * * * *
Notes:
* * * * *
[Revise Note 7 to read as follows:]
7. An Express Mail shipment may be addressed to a
street address or to a post office box. A local telephone number for the addressee should be provided
when the item is addressed to a street address and
must be provided when the item is addressed to a
post office box.
* * * * *
Germany
Country Conditions for Mailing
* * * * *
Observations
[Revise Observation 1 to read as follows:]
1. An air parcel post item may be addressed to a street
address or to a post office box. A local telephone
number for the addressee should be provided when
the item is addressed to a street address and must
be provided when the item is addressed to a post
office box.
* * * * *
[As noted on page 73 in Postal Bulletin 22145 (1-6-05), add
the following item as Observation 3, to read as follows:]
3. Mailpieces delivered through international bulk mail
services should be addressed with the correct postcode number or delivery zone number, if one exists.
Without this number, the German postal administration will return such pieces to the sender or the country of origin due to insufficient addressing, unless the
mailer pays the relevant surcharge for updating the
addresses.
[The addition of this new Observation 3 required the renumbering of Observations 3 through 6 as Observations 4
through 7. However, before this revised list of Observations
could be published online, this list of Observations received
other additions and deletions. Therefore, to reflect the most
current list of Observation, noted here are the remaining
items in the list, to read as follows:]
4. Import licenses or certificates are required for meat
and meat products; pasta products; dairy products;
egg and egg products; plant and plant products; tobacco products; and cigarette paper. Senders should
ascertain before mailing whether the necessary documents are held by the addressee.
5. The customs treatment of gift parcels will be facilitated if the customs declaration is marked by the
sender "Private Geschenksendung" (personal gift
package).
6. Customs authorities require invoices with books valued at 50 DM or more (currently $32.75).
7. Germany will not accept any Global Express Mail or
airmail parcel post insured item valued at more than
$500. Items valued at more than $500 will be returned to sender.
* * * * *
Size Limits
* * * * *
Air Parcel Post:
[Revise the maximum length for air parcel post to read as
follows (reflecting a reduction):]
Maximum length: 60 inches
* * * * *
Airmail
Parcel Post Rates
[Revise the airmail parcel post rate table by removing the
entries for 67 pounds through 70 pounds and revising the
last line of the table to read "Weight Limit: 66 lbs."]
* * * * *
Special Services
* * * * *
Insurance (320)
[Revise the last row of the insurance table by removing the
first and second sentences (reflecting a reduction in the
maximum insurance limit for air parcel post from $5,000 to
$500) and retaining only the third sentence.]
* * * * *
Global Express Mail (EMS) (220)
[Revise the EMS rate table by revising the last line of the
table to read "Weight Limit: 66 lbs."]
Insurance (221.3)
Available for EMS Merchandise Shipments only.
[Revise the EMS insurance table to read as follows (reflecting a reduction in the maximum allowable insurance from
$5,000 to $500):]
Insured Amount
not over |
Fee |
| $100 |
No Fee |
| $200 |
$1.00 |
| $300 |
$2.00 |
| $400 |
$3.00 |
| $500 |
$4.00 |
* * * * *
Size Limits (223.2)
[Revise the maximum length for EMS to read as follows
(reflecting a reduction):]
Maximum length: 60 inches
* * * * *
Notes:
* * * * *
[Revise Note 4 to read as follows:]
4. An Express Mail shipment may be addressed to a
street address or to a post office box. A local telephone number for the addressee should be provided
when the item is addressed to a street address and
must be provided when the item is addressed to a
post office box.
* * * * *
Gibraltar
Country Conditions for Mailing
* * * * *
Observations
[Revise Observation 1 to read as follows:]
1. An air parcel post item may be addressed to a street
address or to a post office box. A local telephone
number for the addressee should be provided when
the item is addressed to a street address and must
be provided when the item is addressed to a post
office box.
* * * * *
Size Limits
* * * * *
Air Parcel Post:
[Revise the maximum length for air parcel post to read as
follows (reflecting a reduction):]
Maximum length: 60 inches
* * * * *
Airmail
Parcel Post Rates
[Revise the airmail parcel post rate table by removing the
entries for 67 pounds through 70 pounds and revising the
last line of the table to read "Weight Limit: 66 lbs."]
* * * * *
Greece
Country Conditions for Mailing
* * * * *
Observations
[Revise Observation 1 to read as follows:]
1. An air parcel post item may be addressed to a street
address or to a post office box. A local telephone
number for the addressee should be provided when
the item is addressed to a street address and must
be provided when the item is addressed to a post
office box.
* * * * *
Size Limits
* * * * *
Air Parcel Post:
[Revise the maximum length for air parcel post to read as
follows (reflecting a reduction):]
Maximum length: 60 inches
* * * * *
Airmail
Parcel Post Rates
[Revise the airmail parcel post rate table by removing the
entries for 67 pounds through 70 pounds and revising the
last line of the table to read "Weight Limit: 66 lbs."]
* * * * *
Global Express Mail (EMS) (220)
[Revise the EMS rate table by revising the last line of the
table to read "Weight Limit: 66 lbs."]
* * * * *
Size Limits (223.2)
[Revise the maximum length for EMS to read as follows
(reflecting a reduction):]
Maximum length: 60 inches
* * * * *
Notes:
* * * * *
[Revise Note 4 to read as follows:]
4. An Express Mail shipment may be addressed to a
street address or to a post office box. A local telephone number for the addressee should be provided
when the item is addressed to a street address and
must be provided when the item is addressed to a
post office box.
* * * * *
Ireland (Eire)
Country Conditions for Mailing
* * * * *
Observations
[Revise Observation 1 to read as follows:]
1. An air parcel post item may be addressed to a street
address or to a post office box. A local telephone
number for the addressee should be provided when
the item is addressed to a street address and must
be provided when the item is addressed to a post
office box.
* * * * *
Size Limits
* * * * *
Air Parcel Post:
[Revise the maximum length for air parcel post to read as
follows (reflecting a reduction):]
Maximum length: 60 inches
* * * * *
Airmail
Parcel Post Rates
[Revise the airmail parcel post rate table by removing the
entries for 67 pounds through 70 pounds and revising the
last line of the table to read "Weight Limit: 66 lbs."]
* * * * *
Global Express Mail (EMS) (220)
[Revise the EMS rate table by revising the last line of the
table to read "Weight Limit: 66 lbs."]
* * * * *
Size Limits (223.2)
[Revise the maximum length for EMS to read as follows
(reflecting a reduction):]
Maximum length: 60 inches
* * * * *
Notes:
* * * * *
[Revise Note 4 to read as follows:]
4. An Express Mail shipment may be addressed to a
street address or to a post office box. A local telephone number for the addressee should be provided
when the item is addressed to a street address and
must be provided when the item is addressed to a
post office box.
* * * * *
Italy
Country Conditions for Mailing
* * * * *
Observations
[Revise Observation 1 to read as follows:]
1. An air parcel post item may be addressed to a street
address or to a post office box. A local telephone
number for the addressee should be provided when
the item is addressed to a street address and must
be provided when the item is addressed to a post
office box.
* * * * *
Size Limits
* * * * *
Air Parcel Post:
[Revise the maximum length for air parcel post to read as
follows (reflecting a reduction):]
Maximum length: 60 inches
* * * * *
Airmail
Parcel Post Rates
[Revise the airmail parcel post rate table by removing the
entries for 67 pounds through 70 pounds and revising the
last line of the table to read "Weight Limit: 66 lbs."]
* * * * *
Global Express Mail (EMS) (220)
[Revise the EMS rate table by revising the last line of the
table to read "Weight Limit: 66 lbs."]
* * * * *
Size Limits (223.2)
[Revise the maximum length for EMS to read as follows
(reflecting a reduction):]
Maximum length: 60 inches
* * * * *
Notes:
* * * * *
[Revise Note 4 to read as follows:]
4. An Express Mail shipment may be addressed to a
street address or to a post office box. A local telephone number for the addressee should be provided
when the item is addressed to a street address and
must be provided when the item is addressed to a
post office box.
* * * * *
Liechtenstein
Country Conditions for Mailing
* * * * *
Observations
[Revise Observation 1 to read as follows:]
1. An air parcel post item may be addressed to a street
address or to a post office box. A local telephone
number for the addressee should be provided when
the item is addressed to a street address and must
be provided when the item is addressed to a post
office box.
* * * * *
Size Limits
* * * * *
Air Parcel Post:
[Revise the maximum length for air parcel post to read as
follows (reflecting a reduction):]
Maximum length: 60 inches
* * * * *
Airmail
Parcel Post Rates
[Revise the airmail parcel post rate table by removing the
entries for 67 pounds through 70 pounds and revising the
last line of the table to read "Weight Limit: 66 lbs."]
* * * * *
Global Express Mail (EMS) (220)
[Revise the EMS rate table by revising the last line of the
table to read "Weight Limit: 66 lbs."]
* * * * *
Size Limits (223.2)
[Revise the maximum length for EMS to read as follows
(reflecting a reduction):]
Maximum length: 60 inches
* * * * *
Notes:
* * * * *
[Revise Note 4 to read as follows:]
4. An Express Mail shipment may be addressed to a
street address or to a post office box. A local telephone number for the addressee should be provided
when the item is addressed to a street address and
must be provided when the item is addressed to a
post office box.
* * * * *
Luxembourg
Country Conditions for Mailing
* * * * *
Observations
[Revise Observation 1 to read as follows:]
1. An air parcel post item may be addressed to a street
address or to a post office box. A local telephone
number for the addressee should be provided when
the item is addressed to a street address and must
be provided when the item is addressed to a post
office box.
* * * * *
Size Limits
* * * * *
Air Parcel Post:
[Revise the maximum length for air parcel post to read as
follows (reflecting a reduction):]
Maximum length: 60 inches
* * * * *
Airmail
Parcel Post Rates
[Revise the airmail parcel post rate table by removing the
entries for 67 pounds through 70 pounds and revising the
last line of the table to read "Weight Limit: 66 lbs."]
* * * * *
Global Express Mail (EMS) (220)
[Revise the EMS rate table by revising the last line of the
table to read "Weight Limit: 66 lbs."]
* * * * *
Size Limits (223.2)
[Revise the maximum length for EMS to read as follows
(reflecting a reduction):]
Maximum length: 60 inches
* * * * *
Notes:
* * * * *
[Revise Note 4 to read as follows:]
4. An Express Mail shipment may be addressed to a
street address or to a post office box. A local telephone number for the addressee should be provided
when the item is addressed to a street address and
must be provided when the item is addressed to a
post office box.
* * * * *
Malta
Country Conditions for Mailing
* * * * *
Observations
[Revise Observation 1 to read as follows:]
1. An air parcel post item may be addressed to a street
address or to a post office box. A local telephone
number for the addressee should be provided when
the item is addressed to a street address and must
be provided when the item is addressed to a post
office box.
* * * * *
Size Limits
* * * * *
Air Parcel Post:
[Revise the maximum length for air parcel post to read as
follows (reflecting a reduction):]
Maximum length: 60 inches
* * * * *
Airmail
Parcel Post Rates
[Revise the airmail parcel post rate table by removing the
entries for 67 pounds through 70 pounds and revising the
last line of the table to read "Weight Limit: 66 lbs."]
* * * * *
Global Express Mail (EMS) (220)
[Revise the EMS rate table by revising the last line of the
table to read "Weight Limit: 66 lbs."]
* * * * *
Size Limits (223.2)
[Revise the maximum length for EMS to read as follows
(reflecting a reduction):]
Maximum length: 60 inches
* * * * *
Notes:
* * * * *
[Revise Note 4 to read as follows:]
4. An Express Mail shipment may be addressed to a
street address or to a post office box. A local telephone number for the addressee should be provided
when the item is addressed to a street address and
must be provided when the item is addressed to a
post office box.
* * * * *
Netherlands
Country Conditions for Mailing
* * * * *
Observations
[Revise Observation 1 to read as follows:]
1. An air parcel post item may be addressed to a street
address or to a post office box. A local telephone
number for the addressee should be provided when
the item is addressed to a street address and must
be provided when the item is addressed to a post
office box.
* * * * *
Size Limits
* * * * *
Air Parcel Post:
[Revise the maximum length for air parcel post to read as
follows (reflecting a reduction):]
Maximum length: 60 inches
* * * * *
Airmail
Parcel Post Rates
[Revise the airmail parcel post rate table by removing the
entries for 67 pounds through 70 pounds and revising the
last line of the table to read "Weight Limit: 66 lbs."]
* * * * *
Global Express Mail (EMS) (220)
[Revise the EMS rate table by revising the last line of the
table to read "Weight Limit: 66 lbs."]
* * * * *
Size Limits (223.2)
[Revise the maximum length for EMS to read as follows
(reflecting a reduction):]
Maximum length: 60 inches
* * * * *
Notes:
* * * * *
[Revise Note 4 to read as follows:]
4. An Express Mail shipment may be addressed to a
street address or to a post office box. A local telephone number for the addressee should be provided
when the item is addressed to a street address and
must be provided when the item is addressed to a
post office box.
* * * * *
Norway
Country Conditions for Mailing
* * * * *
Size Limits
* * * * *
[Revise the size limits for parcel post to read as follows
(reflecting different size limits for air parcel post and economy parcel post):]
Air Parcel Post:
Maximum length: 60 inches
Maximum length and girth combined: 108 inches
Economy Parcel Post:
Maximum length: 42 inches
Maximum length and girth combined: 79 inches
* * * * *
Global Express Mail (EMS) (220)
* * * * *
Size Limits (223.2)
[Revise the size limits for EMS to read as follows (reflecting
an increase in the maximum size limits):]
Maximum length: 60 inches
Maximum length and girth combined: 108 inches
* * * * *
Portugal
Country Conditions for Mailing
* * * * *
Observations
[Revise Observation 1 to read as follows:]
1. An air parcel post item may be addressed to a street
address or to a post office box. A local telephone
number for the addressee should be provided when
the item is addressed to a street address and must
be provided when the item is addressed to a post
office box.
* * * * *
Size Limits
* * * * *
Air Parcel Post:
[Revise the maximum length for air parcel post to read as
follows (reflecting a reduction):]
Maximum length: 60 inches
* * * * *
Airmail
Parcel Post Rates
[Revise the airmail parcel post rate table by removing the
entries for 67 pounds through 70 pounds and revising the
last line of the table to read "Weight Limit: 66 lbs."]
* * * * *
Global Express Mail (EMS) (220)
[Revise the EMS rate table by revising the last line of the
table to read "Weight Limit: 66 lbs."]
* * * * *
Size Limits (223.2)
[Revise the size limits for EMS to read as follows (reflecting
an increase in the maximum size limits):]
Maximum length: 60 inches
Maximum length and girth combined: 108 inches
* * * * *
San Marino
Country Conditions for Mailing
* * * * *
Observations
[Revise Observation 1 to read as follows:]
1. An air parcel post item may be addressed to a street
address or to a post office box. A local telephone
number for the addressee should be provided when
the item is addressed to a street address and must
be provided when the item is addressed to a post
office box.
* * * * *
Size Limits
* * * * *
Air Parcel Post:
[Revise the maximum length for air parcel post to read as
follows (reflecting a reduction):]
Maximum length: 60 inches
* * * * *
Airmail
Parcel Post Rates
[Revise the airmail parcel post rate table by removing the
entries for 67 pounds through 70 pounds and revising the
last line of the table to read "Weight Limit: 66 lbs."]
* * * * *
Global Express Mail (EMS) (220)
[Revise the EMS rate table by revising the last line of the
table to read "Weight Limit: 66 lbs."]
* * * * *
Size Limits (223.2)
[Revise the maximum length for EMS to read as follows
(reflecting a reduction):]
Maximum length: 60 inches
* * * * *
Notes:
* * * * *
[Revise Note 4 to read as follows:]
4. An Express Mail shipment may be addressed to a
street address or to a post office box. A local telephone number for the addressee should be provided
when the item is addressed to a street address and
must be provided when the item is addressed to a
post office box.
* * * * *
Slovak Republic (Slovakia)
Country Conditions for Mailing
* * * * *
Observations
[Revise the Observations by renumbering Observations 1,
2, and 3 as 2, 3, and 4 and by adding a new Observation 1
to read as follows:]
1. An air parcel post item may be addressed to a street
address or to a post office box. A local telephone
number for the addressee should be provided when
the item is addressed to a street address and must
be provided when the item is addressed to a post
office box.
* * * * *
Size Limits
* * * * *
[Revise the size limits for parcel post to read as follows
(reflecting different size limits for air parcel post and
economy parcel post):]
Air Parcel Post:
Maximum length: 60 inches
Maximum length and girth combined: 108 inches
Economy Parcel Post:
Maximum length: 42 inches
Maximum length and girth combined: 79 inches
* * * * *
Global Express Mail (EMS) (220)
* * * * *
Size Limits (223.2)
[Revise the size limits for EMS to read as follows (reflecting
an increase in the maximum size limits):]
Maximum length: 60 inches
Maximum length and girth combined: 108 inches
* * * * *
[Revise the section currently titled "Note" by revising the
title to read "Notes," by renumbering the current Note as
Note 1, and by adding a new Note 2, so that the entire
section reads as follows:]
Notes:
1. Coins; banknotes; currency notes (paper money);
securities of any kind payable to bearer; traveler's
checks; platinum, gold, and silver (manufactured or
not); precious stones; jewelry; and other valuable
articles are prohibited in EMS shipments to the
Slovak Republic.
2. An Express Mail shipment may be addressed to a
street address or to a post office box. A local telephone number for the addressee should be provided
when the item is addressed to a street address and
must be provided when the item is addressed to a
post office box.
* * * * *
Spain
Country Conditions for Mailing
* * * * *
Observations
[Revise Observation 1 to read as follows:]
1. An air parcel post item may be addressed to a street
address or to a post office box. A local telephone
number for the addressee should be provided when
the item is addressed to a street address and must
be provided when the item is addressed to a post
office box.
* * * * *
Size Limits
* * * * *
Air Parcel Post:
[Revise the maximum length for air parcel post to read as
follows (reflecting a reduction):]
Maximum length: 60 inches
* * * * *
Airmail
Parcel Post Rates
[Revise the airmail parcel post rate table by removing the
entries for 67 pounds through 70 pounds and revising the
last line of the table to read "Weight Limit: 66 lbs."]
* * * * *
Global Express Mail (EMS) (220)
[Revise the EMS rate table by revising the last line of the
table to read "Weight Limit: 66 lbs."]
* * * * *
Size Limits (223.2)
[Revise the size limits for EMS to read as follows (reflecting
an increase in the maximum size limits):]
Maximum length: 60 inches
Maximum length and girth combined: 108 inches
* * * * *
Sweden
Country Conditions for Mailing
* * * * *
Observations
[Revise Observation 1 to read as follows:]
1. An air parcel post item may be addressed to a street
address or to a post office box. A local telephone
number for the addressee should be provided when
the item is addressed to a street address and must
be provided when the item is addressed to a post
office box.
* * * * *
Size Limits
* * * * *
Air Parcel Post:
[Revise the maximum length for air parcel post to read as
follows (reflecting a reduction):]
Maximum length: 60 inches
* * * * *
Airmail
Parcel Post Rates
[Revise the airmail parcel post rate table by removing the
entries for 67 pounds through 70 pounds and revising the
last line of the table to read "Weight Limit: 66 lbs."]
* * * * *
Global Express Mail (EMS) (220)
[Revise the EMS rate table by revising the last line of the
table to read "Weight Limit: 66 lbs."]
* * * * *
Size Limits (223.2)
[Revise the maximum length for EMS to read as follows
(reflecting a reduction):]
Maximum length: 60 inches
* * * * *
Notes:
* * * * *
[Revise Note 4 to read as follows:]
4. An Express Mail shipment may be addressed to a
street address or to a post office box. A local telephone number for the addressee should be provided
when the item is addressed to a street address and
must be provided when the item is addressed to a
post office box.
* * * * *
Switzerland
Country Conditions for Mailing
* * * * *
Observations
[Revise Observation 1 to read as follows:]
1. An air parcel post item may be addressed to a street
address or to a post office box. A local telephone
number for the addressee should be provided when
the item is addressed to a street address and must
be provided when the item is addressed to a post
office box.
* * * * *
Size Limits
* * * * *
Air Parcel Post:
[Revise the maximum length for air parcel post to read as
follows (reflecting a reduction):]
Maximum length: 60 inches
* * * * *
Airmail
Parcel Post Rates
[Revise the airmail parcel post rate table by removing the
entries for 67 pounds through 70 pounds and revising the
last line of the table to read "Weight Limit: 66 lbs."]
* * * * *
Global Express Mail (EMS) (220)
[Revise the EMS rate table by revising the last line of the
table to read "Weight Limit: 66 lbs."]
* * * * *
Size Limits (223.2)
[Revise the maximum length for EMS to read as follows
(reflecting a reduction):]
Maximum length: 60 inches
* * * * *
Notes:
* * * * *
[Revise Note 4 to read as follows:]
4. An Express Mail shipment may be addressed to a
street address or to a post office box. A local telephone number for the addressee should be provided
when the item is addressed to a street address and
must be provided when the item is addressed to a
post office box.
* * * * *
Vatican City
Country Conditions for Mailing
* * * * *
Observations
[Revise Observation 1 to read as follows:]
1. An air parcel post item may be addressed to a street
address or to a post office box. A local telephone
number for the addressee should be provided when
the item is addressed to a street address and must
be provided when the item is addressed to a post
office box.
* * * * *
Size Limits
* * * * *
Air Parcel Post:
[Revise the maximum length for air parcel post to read as
follows (reflecting a reduction):]
Maximum length: 60 inches
* * * * *
Airmail
Parcel Post Rates
[Revise the airmail parcel post rate table by removing the
entries for 67 pounds through 70 pounds and revising the
last line of the table to read "Weight Limit: 66 lbs."]
* * * * *
Global Express Mail (EMS) (220)
[Revise the EMS rate table by revising the last line of the
table to read "Weight Limit: 66 lbs."]
* * * * *
Size Limits (223.2)
[Revise the maximum length for EMS to read as follows
(reflecting a reduction):]
Maximum length: 60 inches
* * * * *
Notes:
* * * * *
[Revise Note 4 to read as follows:]
4. An Express Mail shipment may be addressed to a
street address or to a post office box. A local telephone number for the addressee should be provided
when the item is addressed to a street address and
must be provided when the item is addressed to a
post office box.
* * * * *
Publication 51, International Postal Rates and Fees
* * * * *
Country Listing
[In the Country Listing, revise the entries for the following countries to read as follows (all countries except Gibraltar have
revisions in the "EMS Max. Weight Limit (lb.)" column and the "Parcel Post Max. Weight Limit (lb.)" column, and Germany also
has a revision in the "Parcel Post Insurance Indemnity Limit ($)" column; Gibraltar has a revision only in the "Parcel Post Max.
Weight Limit (lb.)" column):]
| Country |
EMS
Rate Group |
EMS
Max. Weight Limit (lb.) |
Airmail
Parcel Post Rate Group |
Economy
(Surface) Parcel Post Rate Group |
Parcel
Post Max. Weight
Limit (lb.) |
Parcel
Post
Insurance
Indemnity
Limit ($) |
Letter-post
Rate
Group |
GXG
Rate Group |
| * * * * * |
| Andorra |
6 |
66 |
7 |
6 |
66 Air
44 Econ. |
5000 Air
600 Econ. |
3 |
6 |
| * * * * * |
| Austria |
7 |
66 |
7 |
6 |
66 Air
70 Econ. |
5000 |
5* |
6 |
| * * * * * |
| Belgium |
7 |
66 |
6 |
6 |
66 Air
70 Econ. |
5000 |
3* |
3 |
| * * * * * |
| Denmark |
7 |
66 |
6 |
6 |
66 Air
70 Econ. |
5000 |
3* |
6 |
| * * * * * |
| Finland |
7 |
66 |
6 |
6 |
66 Air
70 Econ. |
5000 |
3* |
6 |
| France 4 |
6 |
66 |
6 |
6 |
66 |
5000 |
3* |
3 |
| * * * * * |
| Germany |
7 |
66 |
6 |
6 |
66 Air
70 Econ. |
500 Air |
3* |
3 |
| * * * * * |
| Gibraltar |
- |
- |
6 |
6 |
66 Air
44 Econ. |
5000 Air
85 Econ. |
3 |
6 |
| * * * * * |
| Greece |
7 |
66 |
6 |
6 |
66 Air
44 Econ. |
5000 Air
500 Econ. |
3 |
6 |
| * * * * * |
| Ireland (Eire) |
6 |
66 |
6 |
6 |
66 |
5000 Air
1425 Econ. |
3* |
3 |
| * * * * * |
| Italy |
7 |
66 |
6 |
6 |
66 Air
44 Econ. |
5000 Air
2200 Econ. |
3 |
3 |
| * * * * * |
| Liechtenstein |
7 |
66 |
6 |
6 |
66 |
5000 |
3* |
6 |
| * * * * * |
| Luxembourg |
6 |
66 |
6 |
6 |
66 Air
70 Econ. |
5000 |
3* |
3 |
| * * * * * |
| Malta |
7 |
66 |
7 |
7 |
66 Air
44 Econ. |
5000 Air only |
5 |
6 |
| * * * * * |
| Netherlands |
7 |
66 |
6 |
6 |
66 Air
44 Econ. |
5000 Air
4405 Econ. |
3* |
3 |
| * * * * * |
| Portugal 9 |
7 |
66 |
7 |
7 |
66 |
5000 |
3* |
6 |
| * * * * * |
| San Marino |
7 |
66 |
9 |
8 |
66 Air
44 Econ. |
5000 Air
2200 Econ. |
3 |
3 |
| * * * * * |
| Spain 11 |
6 |
66 |
7 |
6 |
66 Air
44 Econ. |
5000 Air
880 Econ. |
3* |
6 |
| * * * * * |
| Sweden |
7 |
66 |
7 |
7 |
66 Air
44 Econ. |
5000 Air
1350 Econ. |
3* |
6 |
| Switzerland |
7 |
66 |
6 |
6 |
66 |
5000 |
3* |
6 |
| * * * * * |
| Vatican City |
7 |
66 |
6 |
6 |
66 Air
44 Econ. |
5000 Air
2200 Econ. |
3 |
3 |
| * * * * * |
* * * * *
— Mailing Standards, Pricing and Classification, 1-20-05
IMM AND PUBLICATION 51 REVISIONS
Global Express Mail and Airmail Parcel Post Items Sent to Germany
The article titled "Global Express Mail and Airmail Parcel
Post Items Sent to Germany" in Postal Bulletin 22145
(1-6-05, page 73) noted that we would soon publish a revision to the International Mail Manual (IMM) indicating that
Germany will not accept any Global Express Mail® (EMS®)
or Global Airmail® parcel post item that is either valued at
more than $500 or that is insured for more than $500, and
that Germany will return such items to the sender.
The relevant revisions to the IMM and also to Publication 51, International Postal Rates and Fees, concerning
this issue appear with other IMM and Publication 51 revisions in the article titled "IMM and Publication 51 Revisions:
Global Airmail Parcel Post and Global Express Mail
Service," which starts on page 21 in this issue of the Postal
Bulletin.
For the relevant IMM revisions in that article, see the following sections in the Individual Country Listing (ICL) for
Germany:
• In "Country Conditions for Mailing," under
"Observations," see Observation 7.
• In "Special Services," under "Insurance," see the
revised insurance table.
• In "Global Express Mail," under "Insurance," see the
revised insurance table.
For the relevant Publication 51 revision in that article,
see the following section: in the Country Listing, under the
"Parcel Post Insurance Indemnity Limit ($)" column, see the
entry for Germany.
We will incorporate these revisions into the printed version of IMM 31 and the next printed version of Publication
51, and also into the online versions of the IMM and Publication 51, both of which are accessible via Postal Explorer®
at http://pe.usps.gov.
— Mailing Standards,
Pricing and Classification, 1-20-05
ICM UPDATES
International Customized Mail
The International Customized Mail (ICM) updates now
appear on the Postal ServiceTM Internet Web site at www.usps.com.
To read the latest updates:
• Go to www.usps.com.
• Click "All Products and Services," then "International
Customized Mail Updates."
(The direct URL is http://www.usps.com/publications/icm/welcome.htm.)
— Pricing Strategy,
Pricing and Classification, 1-20-05
