Licensing

Post Offices

NOTICE

Postal Service Develops Two New Semiclear Plastic Mailbags

The United States Postal Service® has developed two new semiclear plastic mailbags for use in all mailbag operations (items EIRS 01V and EIRS 03V). The mailbags are made from 100-percent polypropylene plastic and are recyclable. A Velcro strap, similar to Velcro systems used in clothing and shoes, allows for repeated securing and opening of the mailbags.

In addition, the mailbags include the following features:

• Plastic opaque material that allows the handler to view the contents of the mailbags.

• A Velcro strap sewn to the top outside edge of the mailbags for securing the mailbags.

• A fill line printed on the exterior of the bags. The fill line will identify the level of mail to be placed in the mailbags to ensure easy closure.

• Four grommet holes punched through the material at the top edge of the mailbags that permit use with either sack racks or selected automation. A designated labeling area is printed on the front of the mailbags for placement of scan where you band or other destination labeling.

• A 2-inch wide tray label holder pocket affixed to the front side of the mailbags within the designated label area for a 2-inch wide barcoded distribution label.

• A neck or area above the Velcro strap that is approximately 6.5 inches long. This feature allows personnel to easily maneuver or lift the mailbags after they have been closed and sealed.

• Two-layer construction that will prevent moisture or contaminates from either entering or leaking from the mailbags after they are sealed.

Closing Procedure for the EIRS 01V or EIRS 03V Semiclear Plastic Mailbags

Insert a 2-inch by 3-inch distribution label into the label holder pocket affixed to the front midsection of the mailbag.

If using a sack rack to assist with filling the mailbag, hang the mailbag in the rack by placing the hooks of the sack rack through the four prepunched grommet holes near the top or open end of the mailbag. The prepunched grommet holes are outlined by black circles or bulls eyes.

Fill the mailbag to the fill line. The fill line can either be a dashed or solid line as illustrated in the photograph below and is directly below the Velcro strap.

To secure the mailbag for dispatch, do the following steps:

1. If using a sack rack, remove the sack from the sack rack.

2. Position the mailbag so that the sewn edge of the Velcro strap resides between the thumb and forefinger of the left hand.

From this position, completely gather the neck of the mailbag, using the right hand to guide the top edge of the mailbag in a level plane while the left hand is gathering.

Once the mailbag's neck has been completely gathered in the left hand, hold it securely and use your right hand to grasp the edge of the Velcro strap opposite the sewn edge.

In a clockwise movement, wrap the strap around the gathered neck of the mailbag while maintaining tension on the strap and securing it completely to itself.

After securing the mailbag as directed, grasp the neck, that is the portion of the mailbag above the strap, and place the secured mailbag either in a container or on a pallet.

— Mail Transport Equipment,
Network Operations Management, 1-20-05