FIELD INFORMATION KIT

Parcel Select "Hold For Pickup" Endorsement

This information kit is designed to inform Postal ServiceTM employees about the new Parcel Select® "Hold For Pickup" endorsement. At this time, the use of this endorsement is limited to destination delivery unit (DDU) rate Parcel Select mail. This kit contains the following materials:

• Briefing Article.

• Image of the "Hold For Pickup" Address Label and Instructions.

• Image of the Official "Hold For Pickup" Endorsement ID Label.

• Frequently Asked Questions.

• Standup Talk for Employees.

Briefing Article

Beginning September 29, 2005, senders of Parcel Select DDU mail are able to endorse their parcels "Hold For Pickup." This endorsement is used by mailers for items they do not want left at the recipient's door. This enhancement is designed to meet the unique needs of mailers who ship high-value goods or to better meet customer needs regarding convenience. The new "Hold For Pickup" endorsement is being implemented initially only for Parcel Select service, but we anticipate that the endorsement will be expanded to all parcel products where applicable. The "Hold For Pickup" endorsement is another way we are transforming our products and services to better meet the needs of our customers.

The "Hold For Pickup" endorsement works within the established processes for Parcel Select service. Parcels bearing the Parcel Select "Hold For Pickup" endorsement are drop shipped to a designated Postal Service facility. Each parcel is identified with a designated Postal Service facility name and ZIP CodeTM, along with the name and address of the customer. Each parcel is also identified with an official endorsement ID label that reads "Hold For Pickup" in a red-white-and-blue color scheme.

When the parcel arrives at the designated "Hold For Pickup" facility, the merchant/agent notifies the customer that the parcel is available for pickup at that location. The addressee has up to 10 calendar days to pick up the mailpiece. If the parcel is not picked up by the third day, the Postal Service carrier delivers a Parcel Select "Hold For Pickup" reminder notification to the customer's delivery address.

The following procedures apply for a "Hold For Pickup"-endorsed parcel that the customer has not picked up after 10 calendar days, that the customer has "Refused," that the merchant/agent has "Recalled," or that the Postal Service has stamped "Return to Sender" because of visible damage:

• A merchant/agent who is a Parcel Return Services (PRS) participant is responsible for picking up the parcel from the Return Delivery Unit (RDU) and is charged the appropriate PRS RDU rate for the parcel.

• If the merchant/agent is not a PRS participant, the Postal Service returns the parcel to the sender at the appropriate Parcel Post single-piece rate as provided in Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) 507.1.5.4.

Not all Postal Service facilities are designated as "Hold For Pickup" facilities. Participating merchants/agents are provided with the list of "Hold For Pickup" designated Postal Service facilities.

The Parcel Select "Hold For Pickup" endorsement is another way the Postal Service is transforming itself to meet changing customers needs. By providing this new endorsement and handling these parcels effectively, we help fulfill the needs of customers and, at the same time, generate more parcels and new revenue for the Postal Service.

Parcel Select "Hold For Pickup" Handling Instructions and Address Label

Handling Instructions

• Scan parcel "Arrive at Pickup Point."

• Place all Parcel Select "Hold For Pickup" parcels in "Left Notice" area.

• When the customer arrives for pickup, the customer must provide a valid government-issued photo ID.

• If the name on the parcel does not match the customer's ID, the designee must know the name and address on the address label and the last four digits of the Confirmation Service number, and must provide a valid government-issued photo ID.

• If the customer meets the appropriate requirements noted above, scan the parcel as "Delivered."

"Hold For Pickup" Address Label

Official "Hold For Pickup" Endorsement ID Label

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Parcel Select "Hold For Pickup"?

The Parcel Select "Hold For Pickup" endorsement is an option for merchants who prefer to have their customers pick up parcels at Postal Service facilities, rather than have the Postal Service attempt delivery to the customer's street address. With the Parcel Select "Hold For Pickup" endorsement, the merchant/agent drop ships the parcel at a designated Postal Service facility, where it is held for pickup. When the item is scanned "Arrive at Pickup Point," the merchant/agent notifies the customer that a parcel is available for pickup. The designated Postal Service facility dates and initials the parcel upon arrival and holds it for the customer for up to 10 calendar days.

2. Will all Postal Service facilities handle Parcel Select "Hold For Pickup" mailpieces?

No. Only those Postal Service facilities designated by their district will handle Parcel Select "Hold For Pickup" mailpieces.

3. Are parcels that are endorsed "Hold For Pickup" handled differently from other Parcel Select parcels?

Rather than have a carrier attempt delivery, parcels endorsed "Hold For Pickup" are held at a designated Postal Service facility for pickup by the customer.

4. How do Parcel Select "Hold For Pickup" parcels arrive at designated Postal Service facilities?

Parcel Select "Hold For Pickup" parcels are presented with Parcel Select shipments. They should be separated by slip sheet or separate pallet. Parcels are identified by a red-white-and-blue official "Hold For Pickup" endorsement ID label as well as an endorsement on the address label. They may be on the same pallet as other Parcel Select mail.

5. How is Parcel Select "Hold For Pickup" mail identified?

Parcel Select "Hold For Pickup" parcels have a red- white-and-blue official "Hold For Pickup" endorsement ID label on the address label side of the parcel designating the item as "Hold For Pickup." A reverse black-and-white print endorsement that states "Hold For Pickup" also appears on the address label.

6. What scan is used when an office receives Parcel Select "Hold For Pickup" parcels?

All Parcel Select "Hold For Pickup" parcels must be scanned as "Arrive at Pickup Point" unless they are misshipped or have visible damage.

If the parcel seems to have visible damage and you believe the internal contents could be damaged, you must scan the parcel "Visible Damaged," hand stamp it "Return to Sender," and then place it in the Parcel Return Services designated area. The parcel must be scanned "Picked Up By Agent" when returned to the merchant/agent.

If the parcel is not for your office, you must scan the parcel "Misshipped" and then place it in the Parcel Return Services designated area. Parcels must be scanned "Picked Up By Agent" when returned to the merchant/agent.

7. How is the pick-up area for a designated Postal Service facility determined?

The pick-up area for a designated Postal Service facility includes ZIP Codes within approximately a 20-mile radius of the designated Postal Service facility.

8. How are customers notified that they have a parcel available for pickup?

Four times a day, the Postal Service transmits an extract file containing a list of scans to the merchant/agent with information about which designated Postal Service facilities have parcels that need to be picked up. When it receives this information, the merchant/agent sends a notification to the customer that the parcel is available for pickup at the Postal Service facility. My Post Office will generate an additional notice on the morning of the third day for all parcels that have not been picked up by customers. The carrier assigned to the customer's delivery address delivers the third-day notice to the customer.

9. What is the carrier's role?

The carrier is involved with the Parcel Select "Hold For Pickup" process only if the customer has not picked up the parcel within 3 days. Carriers are responsible for delivering the notification form generated by My Post Office. But as requested by the merchant, carriers do not deliver Parcel Select "Hold For Pickup" parcels.

10. Is the Postal Service responsible for sending notifications to customers informing them that they have a parcel available for pickup at a designated Postal Service facility?

The initial notification is the sole responsibility of the merchant/agent. The only notification required by the Postal Service is generated by My Post Office if the parcel has not been picked up by the morning of the third day.

11. How long are Parcel Select "Hold For Pickup" parcels held at the designated Postal Service facility?

Parcel Select "Hold For Pickup" parcels are held at the Postal Service facility for up to 10 calendar days.

12. What should be done with parcels that are not picked up after 10 days?

The following procedures apply:

• For "Hold For Pickup" participants who also participate in Parcel Return Services, scan the parcel as "Return to Sender Unclaimed," hand stamp the parcel "Return to Sender" near the address label, and place the parcel in the Parcel Return Services designated staging area. The merchant/agent should pick up the parcel within 24 hours after the scan event. Both the merchant/agent's driver and the Postal Service dispatch employee should complete and sign PS Form 6354, Parcel Return Service Dispatch Log. When the parcel is returned to the merchant/agent, scan the parcel "Picked Up By Agent."

• For non-Parcel Return Services participants, scan the parcel as "Return to Sender-Unclaimed," hand stamp the parcel "Return to Sender" near the address label, and with a black grease pencil mark out the words "Hold For Pickup" on the address label. Return the parcel to the sender at the appropriate Parcel Post single-piece rate as provided in DMM 507.1.5.4.

13. How will merchants/agents know they have parcels ready to be picked up at designated Postal Service facilities?

Four times a day, an extract file containing a list of scans is transmitted to merchants/agents with information about which designated Postal Service facilities have parcels that need to be picked up.

14. Are Parcel Select "Hold For Pickup" parcels included in Delivery ConfirmationTM measurement?

Yes, Parcel Select "Hold For Pickup" parcels are included in the Delivery Confirmation and Confirmation Services Scan Performance.

15. How do we handle Parcel Select "Hold For Pickup" parcels that are recalled by the merchant/agent?

The designated Postal Service facility receives a notification from the merchant/agent with a list of parcels that have been recalled through My Post Office. The notification includes the customer's name, address, and Confirmation Type/Service number. Scan parcels "Return to Sender-Other" (Recall), hand stamp the parcel "Return to Sender" near the address label, write the word "Recall" next to the "Return to Sender" stamp, and place the parcel in the Parcel Return Services designated staging area.

• For merchants who participate in Parcel Return Services, complete PS Form 6354 and have it signed by both the merchant/agent's driver and the Postal Service dispatch employee. When the parcel is returned to the merchant/agent, scan the parcel "Picked Up By Agent."

• For non-Parcel Return Services participants, return the parcels to the sender at the appropriate Parcel Post single-piece rate as provided in DMM 507.1.5.4.

16. What is the difference between "Refused" and "Recalled"?

A parcel is "Refused" when the customer refuses to accept the parcel. A parcel is "Recalled" when the merchant/agent requests that the parcel be returned before 10 calendar days have elapsed.

17. What will the merchant/agent pay to have Parcel Select "Hold For Pickup" parcels returned?

The following charges apply:

• For each parcel bearing the marking "Parcel Return Services Requested," a $2.00 fee is charged. The charge is automatically assessed when the parcel is scanned "Picked Up By Agent." Oversized Parcel Select "Hold For Pickup" parcels (those exceeding 108 inches but not more than 130 inches in combined length and girth) are charged $7.51 and should be scanned under the Returns Mode: Random Sampling with the handheld scanner.

• For parcels that do not bear the "Parcel Return Services Requested" marking, the return address Postal Service facility will assess the appropriate Parcel Post single-piece rate via a Postage Due Account as provided in DMM 507.1.5.4.

18. Who can pick up Parcel Select "Hold For Pickup" parcels?

The customer whose name appears on the address label or the customer's designee can pick up a Parcel Select "Hold For Pickup" parcel.

19. What does the customer need to bring when picking up a Parcel Select "Hold For Pickup" parcel?

• The customer whose name appears on the address label must present a valid government-issued photo ID.

• The customer's designee must provide the name and address of the customer on the address label and the last four digits of the Confirmation Service number, and must present a valid government-issued photo ID.

20. What if the address on the customer's identification does not match the address on the parcel?

As long as the name on the customer's ID matches the name on the address label, the address does not need to match.

21. How is postage paid?

Postage is paid at the Parcel Select DDU rate. The mailpieces are prepared using a manifest and are verified at the merchant/agent's plant. No postage is charged at the retail unit. For Parcel Return Services (PRS) participants, each return is charged a flat $2.00 fee. Merchants/agents who do not participate in PRS are charged the appropriate Parcel Post single-piece rate as provided in DMM 507.1.5.4.

22. Is the designated Postal Service facility ever required to deliver a Parcel Select "Hold For Pickup" parcel?

No, the designated Postal Service facility should never deliver a Parcel Select "Hold For Pickup" parcel.

23. What if the customer wants to pay to have it delivered to their residence - for instance, if a parcel is too heavy or too big for their car, or for any other reason?

In such cases, the customer must take possession of the parcel, take the parcel back into the retail unit, and pay postage to have the parcel delivered to their residence. The customer should obliterate or remove from the parcel all references to Parcel Select "Hold For Pickup." The retail unit charges the customer the applicable rate for the delivery service chosen.

24. What extra services can be added to Parcel Select "Hold For Pickup" parcels?

Delivery Confirmation, Signature ConfirmationTM, and insurance can be used with parcels bearing the Parcel Select "Hold For Pickup" endorsement. These extra services are selected by the merchant when the parcels are shipped and are not applied at retail. One of these Confirmation Services must be included with each Parcel Select "Hold For Pickup" parcel.

25. Is there an oversized fee for Parcel Select "Hold For Pickup" parcels?

Yes, oversized parcels exceeding 108 inches but not more than 130 inches in combined length and girth are charged $7.51. Scan returns under the Returns Mode: Random Sampling with the handheld scanner. The charge is automatically assessed when the parcel is scanned.

Standup Talk for All Employees

[Please read this stand-up talk to all employees and post a copy on employee bulletin boards.]

The Postal Service is enhancing Parcel Select service to meet the unique needs of mailers who ship high-value and heavyweight parcels. Starting September 29, 2005, Parcel Select service offers these merchants a new endorsement option - "Hold For Pickup" - that enables their customers to pick up parcels at designated Postal Service facilities.

Parcel Select "Hold For Pickup" parcels are drop shipped to a designated Postal Service facility where they will be picked up by the addressee or their designee. The Postal Service is a favored choice for many shippers who value our quality and convenience at the "Last Mile" and use Parcel Select destination delivery unit (DDU) service. Several merchants have requested the option of letting their customers pick up Parcel Select parcels at a nearby Postal Service facility rather than having a carrier attempt delivery unsuccessfully.

The primary advantages of this endorsement are customer convenience and security. The Postal Service benefits by eliminating the need for carriers to make multiple delivery attempts of heavyweight parcels and/or reducing the risk of theft for items left unattended. Parcel Select "Hold For Pickup" endorsement gives our direct-to-consumer shippers a Quick, Easy, ConvenientTM solution for the delivery of bulky and/or high-value items.

Each Parcel Select "Hold For Pickup" parcel is identified with the "Deliver To" Postal Service facility name and ZIP Code, along with the name and address of the merchant's customer. Each parcel is identified with an official "Hold For Pickup" endorsement ID label that reads "Hold For Pickup" in a red-white-and-blue color scheme. A "Hold For Pickup" endorsement in reverse black-and-white print also appears on the address label directly underneath the "Deliver To" information. The merchant/agent is responsible for notifying the customer that the parcel has arrived at the Postal Service facility and is available for pickup for 10 calendar days or it will be returned to sender.

The Postal Service has created a database of Postal Service facilities designated as Parcel Select "Hold For Pickup" offices and provides the list to participating or prospective merchants and agents. Not every Postal Service facility is designated as a Parcel Select "Hold For Pickup" office. Parcels may arrive for customers to pick up in your office that are not part of your normal delivery area. Your responsibility is to know how to recognize a Parcel Select "Hold For Pickup" parcel so that delivery of these items to the street address of the customer is not attempted.

The Parcel Select "Hold For Pickup" endorsement is another way the Postal Service is transforming to meet the changing needs of customers. By providing this new endorsement and handling these parcels effectively, we will generate more parcels and revenue for the Postal Service, and will help fulfill the needs of our customers.

— Package Services, Product Development, 9-29-05