Domestic Mail

The Postal ServiceTM is finding ways to make it easier for customers to enter mail. One way is by offering optional entry of unsacked bundles for specified flat-size mail. This will help reduce dependency on sacks and also help us increase efficiency and reduce costs.

Effective June 9, 2005, the Postal Service is revising Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) 343 and 345 to allow mailers to enter unsacked bundles of Standard Mail Enhanced Carrier Route (ECR) flats at destination delivery units (DDUs). Under these revised standards, there may be no more than one bundle for every 10 pounds (or increment) of mail per carrier route, a requirement we have included to minimize the number of bundles handled at DDUs. We also are revising DMM 346.2.8.9 to add standards for maintaining separation of mail when unloading unsacked mailings at DDU facilities. We have reworded portions of DMM 346.5.2, 365, 366, 465, 466, 707.13.2.1, 707.23, and 707.28.4.6 regarding unsacked bundles of Bound Printed Matter flats, irregular parcels, and Periodicals nonletters for clarity and consistency.

When entering mail at DDUs facilities, mailers (or their drivers) must unload the mail within 1 hour of arrival and place the mail into containers that entry facility employees specify. DDU facility employees also may require drivers to keep bundles separated by individual 5-digit ZIP CodesTM or by 5-digit schemes.

We will incorporate these revisions into the next printed version of the DMM and into the monthly update of the online DMM available via Postal Explorer® at http://pe.usps.com. Mailers may begin preparing mail according to these options immediately.

Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM)

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300 Discount Flats

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340 Standard Mail

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343 Rates and Eligibility

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6.0 Additional Eligibility Standards for Enhanced Carrier Route Standard Mail Flats

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6.3 Basic Rate Enhanced Carrier Route Standards

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6.3.2 Basic Rate Eligibility

Basic rates apply to each piece in a carrier route bundle of 10 or more pieces that is:

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[Add new item d to read as follows:]

d. Entered at a destination delivery unit as unsacked bundles, according to preparation standards in 345.2.0 and entry standards in 346.5.0.

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345 Mail Preparation

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[Renumber current 2.6 through 2.12 as new 2.7 through 2.13. Add new 2.6 to read as follows:]

2.6 Additional Standards for Unsacked Bundles Entered at DDU Facilities

Mailers may enter unsacked, nonpalletized bundles of flat- size pieces at destination delivery units (DDUs) if all the following conditions are met:

a. The maximum weight for a single bundle is 40 pounds; the maximum number of bundles per carrier route is one bundle for each 10 pounds (or increment) of mail for that route, as listed below:

1. Mailers must make the fewest number of bundles possible, up to the 40-pound maximum, while maintaining bundle integrity. To determine the maximum number of bundles allowable for a route, divide the total weight of mail for that route by 10 and round up to the next whole number. For example, if there are 34 pounds of mail for a carrier route, the maximum number of bundles for that route is four (34 ÷ 10 = 3.4 = 4 bundles).

2. Mailers may balance the weight of the bundles across the maximum number of allowable bundles for a route. For example, if there are 36 pounds of mail for a carrier route, the maximum number of bundles for that route is four (36 ÷ 10 = 3.6 = 4 bundles), which may be in four 9-pound bundles.

b. Mailers must prepare bundles to comply with standards in 2.1 through 2.4 and 2.7 through 2.13.

c. Mailers must enter bundles at DDUs according to standards in 346.5.0.

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6.0 Preparation for Enhanced Carrier Route Flats

6.1 Basic Standards

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[Revise item c2 to read as follows:]

2. Generally, flat-size pieces must be in sacks or in bundles on pallets. Certain flat-size pieces may be in letter trays under 3.4. When entering flat-size pieces at DDUs, mailers may prepare and transport unsacked, nonpalletized bundles according to standards in 2.6. [M620.1.1]

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6.6 Required Sack Minimums

[Revise introductory text in 6.6 to read as follows:]

When sacking is required, mailers must prepare a sack when the quantity of mail for a required presort destination reaches either 125 pieces or 15 pounds of pieces, which- ever occurs first. The following conditions apply: [M620.4.1]

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346 Enter and Deposit

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2.0 Destination Entry

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2.8 Deposit

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2.8.9 Vehicle Unloading

Unloading of destination entry mailings is subject to these conditions:

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[Revise item c to read as follows:]

c. At delivery units, drivers must unload all mail within 1 hour of arrival. Unloading procedures are as follows:

1. If pallets or pallet boxes are stacked, drivers must unload, unstrap, and unstack them.

2. When drivers unload containerized mail, delivery unit employees may require drivers to place the containers together by 5-digit ZIP Codes or 5-digit schemes.

3. When mail is not containerized or on pallets, drivers must place the mail into containers as delivery unit employees specify. Delivery unit employees may require drivers to place mail into containers to separate mail by 5-digit ZIP Codes or 5-digit schemes.

4. At facilities that cannot handle pallets, drivers must unload any palletized mail from the pallets and place it into containers as delivery unit employees specify. [E650.3.9c]

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5.0 Destination Delivery Unit (DDU) Entry

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5.2 Eligibility

[Revise 5.2 to read as follows:]

Properly prepared Enhanced Carrier Route (ECR) flat-size pieces entered according to standards in 2.0 and 5.0 are eligible for the DDU rate when deposited at a DDU and addressed for delivery within that facility's service area. Mailers must unload mail at DDUs according to standards in 2.8.9. Only pieces eligible for and claimed at ECR rates are eligible for the DDU discount. No other rates or discounts are available for pieces receiving the DDU discount. When mailings contain pieces claimed at more than one destination entry rate, mailers must separate mail according to standards in 2.7.2. [E650.7.2]

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360 Bound Printed Matter

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365 Mail Preparation

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2.0 Bundles

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2.5 Preparing Bundles

Bundles of flat-size pieces must be secure and stable, subject to the following:

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[Add new item c to reference new 2.6, to read as follows:]

c. If bundles are prepared for entry as unsacked bundles under 366.5.2 or 366.5.3, the weight limits and other standards in 2.6.

[Renumber current 2.6 through 2.11 as new 2.7 through 2.12. Add new 2.6 to read as follows:]

2.6 Additional Standards for Unsacked Bundles Entered at DDU Facilities

Mailers may enter unsacked, nonpalletized bundles of flat- size pieces at destination delivery units (DDUs) if all the following conditions are met:

a. The maximum weight for a single bundle is 40 pounds; the maximum number of bundles per carrier route is one bundle for each 10 pounds (or increment) of mail for that route, as follows:

1. Mailers must make the fewest number of bundles possible, up to the 40-pound maximum, while maintaining bundle integrity. To determine the maximum number of bundles allowable for a route, divide the total weight of mail for that route by 10 and round up to the next whole number. For example, if there are 34 pounds of mail for a carrier route, the maximum number of bundles for that route is four (34 ÷ 10 = 3.4 = 4 bundles).

2. Mailers may balance the weight of the bundles across the maximum number of allowable bundles for a route. For example, if there are 36 pounds of mail for a carrier route, the maximum number of bundles for that route is four (36 ÷ 10 = 3.6 = 4 bundles), which may be in four 9-pound bundles.

b. Mailers must prepare 5-digit bundles for entry at DDUs according to standards in 6.2.1. Only pre- sorted flats that weigh more than 1 pound are eligible for the DDU rate.

c. Mailers must prepare bundles to comply with standards in 2.1 through 2.5 and 2.8 through 2.12.

d. Mailers must enter bundles at DDUs according to standards in 366.5.0.

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5.0 Preparation for Presorted Flats

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5.2 Bundling

5.2.1 Required Bundling

[Revise 5.2.1 by adding reference to unsacked bundles, to read as follows:]

Mailers must bundle pieces before putting them in sacks. Mailers must prepare a bundle when the quantity of addressed pieces for a required presort level reaches a minimum of 10 pieces or 10 pounds, whichever occurs first. Only mixed ADC bundles may contain smaller volumes. Five-digit bundles placed in 5-digit sacks and unsacked 5-digit bundles prepared for DDU entry may weigh a maximum of 40 pounds. For all other bundles, the maximum weight for each bundle is 20 pounds.

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5.3 Sacking

5.3.1 Required Sacking

[Revise introductory text in 5.3.1 to read as follows:]

Mailers may prepare flats as unsacked bundles under 2.6 or in bundles on pallets. Otherwise, mailers must prepare a sack when the quantity of mail for a required presort destination reaches either 20 addressed pieces or 20 pounds, whichever occurs first. Only mixed ADC sacks may contain smaller volumes. Optional SCF sacks are subject to the same minimum piece or pound provision as required sacks. Sacking also is subject to these conditions: [M722.2.3]

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6.0 Preparation for Carrier Route Flats

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6.3 Sacking

6.3.1 Required Sacking

[Revise introductory text in 6.3.1 to read as follows:]

Mailers may prepare flats as unsacked bundles under 2.6 or in bundles on pallets. Otherwise, mailers must prepare a direct carrier route sack when the quantity of mail for an individual carrier route reaches either 20 addressed pieces or 20 pounds, whichever occurs first; smaller volumes are not permitted. Mailers then must place remaining bundles in 5-digit scheme carrier routes sacks or 5-digit carrier routes sacks, which have no minimum sack size. Carrier route sacks also are subject to these conditions: [M723.2.2]

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366 Enter and Deposit

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2.0 Destination Entry

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[Revise title and text of 2.7 to read as follows:]

2.7 Mailings of Unsacked Bundles

Mailers may present unsacked, nonpalletized bundles of BPM flats that are properly prepared for and entered at DDU rates and unloaded according to standards in 2.9.9. Pieces in these bundles are not eligible for barcoded discounts. [E752.1.7]

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5.0 Destination Delivery Unit (DDU) Entry

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5.2 Presorted Flats

[Revise 5.2 to read as follows:]

Presorted flats that weigh more than 1 pound in 5-digit sacks, on 5-digit scheme or 5-digit pallets, or prepared as unsacked 5-digit bundles may claim DDU rates. Mailers must enter mail at the appropriate facility under 5.1. Pre- sorted flats weighing 1 pound or less are not eligible for DDU rates. [E752.4.2]

5.3 Carrier Route Flats

[Revise 5.3 to read as follows:]

Carrier Route flats in sacks, on 5-digit carrier routes scheme and 5-digit carrier routes pallets, or prepared as unsacked carrier route bundles may claim DDU rates. Mailers must enter mail at the appropriate facility under 5.1. [E752.4.5]

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400 Discount Parcels

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460 Bound Printed Matter

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465 Mail Preparation

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2.0 Bundles

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2.5 Bundle Sizes

[Revise 2.5 to read as follows:]

Mailers must prepare unsacked, nonpalletized bundles of Presorted irregular parcels for DDU entry according to 2.6 and 5.2 for parcels weighing less than 10 pounds and according to 5.3 for parcels weighing 10 pounds or more. Mailers must prepare unsacked, nonpalletized bundles of carrier route irregular parcels for DDU entry according to 2.6 and 6.2 for parcels weighing less than 10 pounds and according to 6.3 for parcels weighing 10 pounds or more. [M020.1.6]

[Renumber current 2.6 through 2.10 as new 2.7 through 2.11. Add new 2.6 to read as follows:]

2.6 Additional Standards for Unsacked Bundles Entered at DDU Facilities

Mailers may enter unsacked, nonpalletized bundles of irregular parcels at destination delivery units (DDUs) if all the following conditions are met:

a. The maximum weight for a single bundle is 40 pounds; the maximum number of bundles per carrier route is one bundle for each 10 pounds (or increment) of mail for that route, as follows:

1. Mailers must make the fewest number of bundles possible, up to the 40-pound maximum, while maintaining bundle integrity. To determine the maximum number of bundles allowable for a route, divide the total weight of mail for that route by 10 and round up to the next whole number. For example, if there are 34 pounds of mail for a carrier route, the maximum number of bundles for that route is four (34 ÷ 10 = 3.4 = 4 bundles).

2. Mailers may balance the weight of the bundles across the maximum number of allowable bundles for a route. For example, if there are 36 pounds of mail for a carrier route, the maximum number of bundles for that route is four (36 ÷ 10 = 3.6 = 4 bundles), which may be in four 9-pound bundles.

b. Mailers must prepare 5-digit bundles for entry at DDUs according to standards in 6.2.1.

c. Mailers must prepare bundles to comply with other applicable standards in 2.0.

d. Mailers must enter bundles at DDUs according to standards in 466.5.0.

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6.0 Preparation for Carrier Route Parcels

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6.2 Preparation for Irregular Parcels Weighing Less Than 10 Pounds

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6.2.2 Required Sacking

[Revise introductory text in 6.2.2 to read as follows:]

Mailers may prepare irregular parcels as unsacked bundles under 2.6 or in bundles on pallets. Otherwise, mailers must prepare a direct carrier route sack when the quantity of mail for an individual carrier route reaches either 10 addressed pieces or 20 pounds, whichever occurs first; smaller volumes are not permitted. Mailers then must place remaining bundles in 5-digit scheme carrier routes sacks or 5-digit carrier routes sacks, which have no minimum sack size. Carrier route sacks also are subject to these conditions: [M723.3.2]

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[Delete 6.2.5.]

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6.3 Preparation for Irregular Parcels Weighing 10 Pounds or More

[Revise introductory text of 6.3 to read as follows:]

Mailers may prepare irregular parcels as unsacked bundles under 2.6 or in bundles on pallets. When preparing irregular parcels in sacks, place parcels only in direct carrier route sacks. Each carrier route sack must contain a minimum of 20 pounds. Required preparation: [M723.4.0]

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466 Enter and Deposit

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2.0 Destination Entry

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[Revise title and text of 2.7 to read as follows:]

2.7 Mailings of Unsacked Bundles

Mailers may present unsacked, nonpalletized bundles of BPM irregular parcels that are properly prepared for and entered at DDU rates and unloaded according to standards in 2.9.9. Pieces in these bundles are not eligible for barcoded discounts. [E752.1.7]

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5.0 Destination Delivery Unit (DDU) Entry

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5.3 Presorted Irregular Parcels

[Revise 5.3 to read as follows:]

Presorted irregular parcels in 5-digit scheme sacks and 5-digit sacks, on 5-digit scheme or 5-digit pallets, or prepared as unsacked 5-digit bundles may claim DDU rates. Mailers must enter mail at the appropriate facility under 5.1. [E752.4.4]

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5.5 Carrier Route Irregular Parcels

[Revise 5.5 to read as follows:]

Carrier Route irregular parcels in sacks, on 5-digit scheme and 5-digit pallets, or prepared as unsacked carrier route bundles may claim DDU rates. Mailers must enter mail at the appropriate facility under 5.1. [E752.4.7]

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700 Special Standards

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707 Periodicals

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13.0 Carrier Route Rate Eligibility

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13.2 Sortation

13.2.1 Sequencing

Preparation to qualify eligible pieces for carrier route rates is optional and need not be performed for all carrier routes in a 5-digit area. Carrier route rates apply to copies that are prepared in carrier route bundles of six or more addressed pieces each, subject to these standards:

[Revise item b to read as follows:]

b. Nonletter-size mailings. Carrier route rates apply to carrier route bundles that are sorted in one of the following ways:

1. Bundles sorted onto pallets prepared under 705.8.0, 705.10.0, 705.12.0, or 705.13.0, as appropriate.

2. Bundles in carrier route, 5-digit scheme carrier routes, or 5-digit carrier routes sacks under 23.0. Sacks may be palletized under 705.8.0.

3. Unsacked bundles entered at a destination delivery unit according to preparation standards in 23.4.2 and entry standards in 28.4.6.

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23.0 Preparation of Carrier Route Periodicals

23.1 Basic Information

23.1.1 General Preparation Standards

[Revise introductory text to read as follows:]

Mailers must meet the following standards for carrier route mailings:

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[Revise item d to read as follows:]

d. Except as noted in 23.4.2, mailers must sack or palletize bundles of nonletter-size pieces according to one of the following:

1. Sack under 23.4, or under 705.10.1 if eligible to be cosacked with automation rate and presorted rate Periodicals pieces.

2. Palletized under 705.8.0, 705.10.0, 705.12.0, or 705.13.0. [M220.1.1]

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23.4 Preparation-Flat-Size Pieces and Irregular Parcels

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23.4.2 Exception to Sacking

[Revise 23.4.2 to read as follows:]

Sacking is not required for bundles prepared for and entered at a DDU, when the mailer unloads bundles under standards in 28.4.6. Mailers must prepare unsacked bundles as follows:

a. The maximum weight for a single bundle is 40 pounds; the maximum number of bundles per carrier route is one bundle for each 10 pounds (or increment) of mail for that route, as follows:

1. Mailers must make the fewest number of bundles possible, up to the 40-pound maximum, while maintaining bundle integrity. To determine the maximum number of bundles allowable for a route, divide the total weight of mail for that route by 10 and round up to the next whole number. For example, if there are 34 pounds of mail for a carrier route, the maximum number of bundles for that route is four (34 ÷ 10 = 3.4 = 4 bundles).

2. Mailers may balance the weight of the bundles across the maximum number of allowable bundles for a route. For example, if there are 36 pounds of mail for a carrier route, the maximum number of bundles for that route is four (36 ÷ 10 = 3.6 = 4 bundles), which may be in four 9-pound bundles.

b. Mailers must clearly label carrier route bundles using optional endorsement lines under 708.7.0 or facing slips under 19.15. [M220.4.2]

23.5 Firm Bundles

[Revise 23.5 to read as follows:]

A firm bundle is two or more copies for the same address placed in one bundle. If each copy has a delivery address, each may be claimed as a separate piece for presort and on the postage statement or the firm bundle may be claimed as one piece. The Postal Service considers a firm bundle that is sorted and claimed as one piece to be one addressed piece for rate eligibility purposes, regardless of the number of copies in the bundle. Mailers must clearly label firm bundles using facing slips or barcoded pressure- sensitive labels under 19.0, or optional endorsement lines under 708.7.0. [M220.1.4]

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28.0 Destination Entry Rate Eligibility

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28.4 Destination Delivery Unit (DDU)

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28.4.6 Vehicle Unloading

[Revise 28.4.6 to read as follows:]

At delivery units, drivers must unload all mail within 1 hour of arrival. Unloading procedures are as follows:

a. If pallets or pallet boxes are stacked, drivers must unload, unstrap, and unstack them.

b. When drivers unload containerized mail, delivery unit employees may require drivers to place the containers together by 5-digit ZIP Codes or 5-digit schemes.

c. When mail is not containerized or on pallets, drivers must place the mail into containers as delivery unit employees specify. Delivery unit employees may require drivers to place mail into containers to separate mail by 5-digit ZIP Codes or 5-digit schemes.

d. At facilities that cannot handle pallets, drivers must unload any palletized mail from the pallets and place it into containers as delivery unit employees specify.

e. For scheduled arrivals at DDUs when USPS employees are not present, drivers must place the mail in a secure location protected from the weather. [E250.4.6]

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- Mailing Standards,
Pricing and Classification, 6-9-05