Domestic Mail

Currently, we process and transport Periodicals flats separate from other classes of mail. Effective October 27, 2005, Periodicals mailers have a new option to create an additional bundle and sack. This option is offered to improve service for Periodicals without adding costs by processing some working (mixed ADC) flats for specified ZIP CodesTM within a limited area around the office of entry, typically a 500- to 800-mile radius, with First-Class Mail® service. These ZIP Codes are identified using new labeling list L201. Mail for the remainder of the country is labeled according to existing labeling list L009.

Periodicals Prepared in Bundles and Sacks

Here's how the new preparation will work:

Mailers will continue to prepare Periodicals in 5-digit, 3-digit, and ADC bundles according to current standards. Mailers will divide the remaining pieces into working (mixed ADC) bundles containing pieces for destinations in L201 and working bundles labeled according to L009.

Mailers will then continue to prepare the Periodicals bundles in 5-digit, 3-digit, SCF, and ADC sacks according to current standards. After preparing all finer sort level sacks, mailers will place remaining bundles in two working (mixed ADC) sacks: one according to new labeling list L201 with an "origin mixed ADC" designation, and the other according to current labeling list L009 with a "mixed ADC" designation.

After all appropriate 5-digit, 3-digit, SCF, and ADC sacks are prepared, the remaining bundles are sacked according to the proposed mixed ADC split illustrated below:

As a note, the nature of labeling list L201 is somewhat different from other list formats. In L201 mailers must use the origin and destination of the mail to determine the appropriate bundle or sack.

Periodicals Prepared in Trays

Effective October 27, 2005, as a further option, mailers may place Automated Flat Sorting Machine (AFSM) 100-compatible mailpieces in ADC and mixed ADC flat trays with lids instead of in ADC and mixed ADC sacks. The minimum quantity per flat tray is 24 pieces of mail. Mailers must not secure mail in bundles when placed in flat trays but must group the mail together by bundle presort destinations.

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

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700 Special Standards

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705 Advanced Preparation and Special Postage Payment Systems

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8.0 Preparation for Pallets

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8.10 Pallet Presort and Labeling

8.10.1 Periodicals-Bundles, Sacks, or Trays

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[Revise the introductory text of item k to prohibit the preparation of origin mixed ADC sacks on mixed ADC pallets.]

k. Mixed ADC (optional). Permitted for sacks and trays only. Pallet may contain carrier route, automation rate, and/or presorted rate mail. Pallets must not contain origin mixed ADC (OMX) sacks. Pallet labeling:

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9.0 Preparation for Cotraying and Cosacking Bundles of Automation and Presorted Flats

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9.2 Periodicals

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9.2.5 Sack Preparation and Labeling

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[Renumber item f as item g. Insert new item f for the new bundle labeling for origin mixed ADC mail.]

f. Origin mixed ADC. Optional; permitted for any remaining pieces for destinations in L201, Column C, of the origin ZIP Code in Column A. No minimum, except that bundles of fewer than six pieces at 5-digit, 3-digit, and ADC bundle levels are not permitted.

1. Line 1: Use L201, Column C.

2. Line 2: "PER" or "NEWS" as applicable, followed by "FLTS," followed by "WKG W FCM" for flats.

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[Insert new 9.2.6, Optional Tray Preparation-Flat-Size Pieces, which allows mailers to prepare flat trays for ADC, origin mixed ADC, and mixed ADC mail.]

9.2.6 Optional Tray Preparation-Flat-Size Pieces

As an option, mailers may choose to place in flat trays mailpieces meeting the standards in 301.3.3, Criteria for AFSM 100 Flats, that would normally be placed in ADC, origin mixed ADC, or mixed ADC sacks. Pieces must not be secured in bundles, and mailers must group together pieces for each 5-digit scheme, 5-digit, 3-digit scheme, 3-digit, and ADC destination.

a. ADC: required (24-piece minimum); overflow tray not allowed.

1. Line 1: use L004, Column B.

2. Line 2: "PER" or "NEWS" as applicable, followed by "FLTS," followed by "ADC."

b. Origin mixed ADC. No minimum for any remaining pieces for destinations of the origin ZIP Code in L201, Column C, of the origin ZIP Code in Column A. Fewer than six pieces at 5-digit, 3-digit, and ADC levels are not permitted.

1. Line 1: Use L201, Column C.

2. Line 2: "PER" or "NEWS" as applicable, followed by "FLTS WKG W FCM."

c. Mixed ADC: No minimum.

1. Line 1: Use L009.

2. Line 2: "PER" or "NEWS" as applicable, followed by "FLTS."

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10.0 Preparation for Merged Containerization of Bundles of Flats Using City State Product

10.1 Periodicals

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10.1.4 Sack Preparation and Labeling

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[Revise item h to include the preparation requirements for origin mixed ADC mail.]

h. 3-Digit through Mixed ADC Sacks. Any 5-digit scheme and 5-digit bundles remaining after preparing sacks under 10.1.4a through 10.1.4g, and all 3-digit scheme, 3-digit, ADC, origin mixed ADC (optional), and mixed ADC bundles must be sacked and labeled according to the applicable requirements under 9.2 for cosacking of automation rate and pre-sorted rate bundles, except if there are no automation rate pieces in the mailing job, sack and label under 707.22.6, or, if there are no presorted rate bundles in the mailing job, sack and label under 707.25.3.

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11.0 Preparation of Cobundled Automation Rate and Presorted Rate Flats

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11.2 Periodicals

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11.2.2 Bundle Preparation

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[Renumber item g as item h. Insert new item g for the new bundling for origin mixed ADC mail.]

g. Origin mixed ADC (optional); no minimum; for any remaining pieces for destinations of the origin ZIP Code in L201, Column C, of the origin ZIP Code in Column A; tan Label X or OEL.

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707 Periodicals

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12.0 Presorted Rate Eligibility

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12.2 Rates

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12.2.3 Basic Rates

[Revise 12.2.3 to indicate that basic rates apply to mail sorted under optional flat tray sortation.]

Basic rates apply to pieces that are not eligible for and claimed at 5-digit and 3-digit rates, including pieces prepared using the optional flat tray sortation under 22.7.

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18.0 General Information for Mail Preparation

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18.3 Terms for Presort Levels

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[Renumber items u and v as items v and w. Insert new item u for the new separation for origin mixed ADC mail.]

u. Origin mixed [ADC]: the pieces are for delivery in the service area of the origin processing facility's surface preferential transportation network (see L201).

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18.4 Preparation Definition and Instructions

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[Renumber items f through z as items h through ab. Insert new items f and g for flat trays for the new optional tray- based preparation for flats in 25.4.]

f. A full flat tray is one that is physically full. Although a specific minimum volume may be required (at least a single stack of mail lying flat on the bottom of the tray and filling the tray to the bottom of the handholds) before a tray may or must be prepared for certain pre-sort destinations, trays must be filled with additional available pieces (up to the reasonable capacity of the tray) when standards require preparation of full trays.

g. A less-than-full flat tray is one that contains Periodicals mail for the same destination regardless of quantity or whether a full tray was previously prepared for that destination. Less-than-full flat trays may be prepared only if permitted by the standards for the rate claimed.

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19.0 Bundles

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19.12 Labeling Bundles

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[Renumber item e as item f. Insert new item e for the new labeling for origin mixed ADC mail.]

e. Origin mixed ADC presort level, tan label X or OEL.

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20.0 Sacks and Trays

20.1 Basic Standards

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[Add new 20.1.8 for description of origin mixed ADC sacks.]

20.1.8 Periodicals Flats and Irregular Parcels Origin Mixed ADC Sacks (Optional)

For flat-size and irregular parcel-size Periodicals, after all finer sort levels are prepared, mailers may prepare an origin mixed sack containing any remaining bundles for the ZIP Codes listed in L201, Column B, that correspond to the 3-digit origin entry point of the mailing as listed in Column A. Mailers may prepare only one less-than-full origin mixed sack.

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[Add new 20.4 for flat trays.]

20.4 Use of Flat Trays (Optional)

20.4.1 Standard Containers

When using this option, mailers must prepare mailpieces in flat trays with white lids.

20.4.2 Tray Sizes

These approximate measurements define the flat tray sizes that apply to mail prepared under 25.4.

a. Inside bottom dimensions: 14-3/4 inches long by 10-3/4 inches wide.

b. Height: 8 inches to bottom of handhold, 11-1/4 inches to top of tray.

20.4.3 Tray Preparation

Mailers using this option must prepare flat trays subject to these standards:

a. Addresses on all pieces must face upward in the same direction.

b. Pieces must be placed in trays to maintain their orientation (double stacks of mail are allowed). Once the required minimum volume is reached to allow or require preparation of an ADC tray, additional pieces must be placed in the same tray up to its capacity to minimize the number of trays used. Mail must not fill the tray enough to inhibit adequate closure or covering of the contents.

c. The weight of a tray and its content must not exceed 70 pounds.

d. Each tray must bear the correct tray label.

e. For mailings prepared under the optional tray-based preparation in 25.4, when pieces remain after one or more full trays for an ADC destination are prepared, an additional ADC tray must be prepared if the remaining pieces reach the required volume. If the remaining volume is below the required minimum, the pieces must be moved to the appropriate origin mixed ADC or mixed ADC tray.

f. Each flat tray must be covered with a white lid. Each covered flat tray must be secured with two straps placed tightly around the width (shorter dimension) of the tray.

21.0 Sack and Tray Labels

21.1 Sack and Tray Labels

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21.1.3 Line 2 (Content Line)

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[Insert new "Origin Mixed" as content type and "OMX" as code into table in item b.]

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22.0 Preparation of Presorted Periodicals

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22.2 Bundle Preparation

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[Renumber item e as item f. Insert new item e for the new bundling labeling for origin mixed ADC mail.]

e. Origin mixed ADC (optional); no minimum; for any remaining pieces for destinations in L201, Column C, of the origin ZIP Code in Column A; tan label X or OEL.

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22.6 Sack Preparation-Flat-Size Pieces and Irregular Parcels

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[Renumber item f as item g. Insert new item f for the new origin mixed ADC sack.]

f. Origin mixed ADC: optional (no minimum) for any remaining bundles for destinations in L201, Column C, of the origin ZIP Code in Column A.

1. Line 1: Use L201.

2. Line 2: "PER" or "NEWS" as applicable; followed by "FLTS" or "IRREG" as applicable; followed by "WKG W FCM."

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[Insert new 22.7, Optional Tray Preparation-Flat-Size Nonbarcoded Pieces, which allows mailers to prepare flat trays for ADC, mixed ADC, and origin mixed ADC mail.]

22.7 Optional Tray Preparation-Flat-Size Nonbarcoded Pieces

As an option for flat-size mailpieces, mailers may choose to place in flat trays mailpieces meeting the standards in 301.3.3, Criteria for AFSM 100 Flats, that would normally be placed in ADC, origin mixed ADC, or mixed ADC sacks. Pieces must not be secured in bundles, and mailers must group together pieces for each 5-digit scheme, 5-digit, 3-digit scheme, 3-digit, and ADC destination.

a. ADC: required (24-piece minimum), no overflow tray allowed.

1. Line 1: use L004, Column B.

2. Line 2: "PER" or "NEWS" as applicable; followed by "FLTS"; followed by "ADC"; followed by "NON BC."

b. Origin mixed ADC: No minimum; for any remaining pieces for destinations in L201, Column C, of the origin ZIP Code in Column A.

1. Line 1: Use L201.

2. Line 2: "PER" or "NEWS" as applicable; followed by "FLTS"; followed by "WKG W FCM" for flats.

c. Mixed ADC: No minimum.

1. Line 1: Use L009.

2. Line 2: "PER" or "NEWS" as applicable; followed by "FLTS"; followed by "NON BC WKG."

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25.0 Preparation of Flat-Size Automation Periodicals

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25.2 Bundling and Labeling

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[Renumber item f as item g. Insert new item f for the new bundling and labeling for origin mixed ADC mail.]

f. Origin mixed ADC (optional); no minimum; for any remaining pieces for destinations in L201, Column C, of the origin ZIP Code in Column A; tan label X or OEL.

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25.3 Sacking and Labeling

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[Renumber item g as item h. Insert new item g for the new sacking and labeling for origin mixed ADC mail.]

g. Origin mixed ADC (optional); no minimum; for any remaining pieces for destinations in L201, Column C, of the origin ZIP Code in Column A; labeling:

1. Line 1: Use L201, Column C.

2. Line 2: "PER FLTS BC WKG W FCM" or "NEWS FLTS WKG W FCM," as applicable.

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[Insert new 25.4, Optional Tray Preparation-Flat-Size Barcoded Pieces, which allows mailers to prepare flat trays for ADC, mixed ADC, and origin mixed ADC mail.]

25.4 Optional Tray Preparation-Flat-Size Barcoded Pieces

As an option for flat-size pieces, mailers may choose to place in flat trays mailpieces meeting the standards in 301.3.3, Criteria for AFSM 100 Flats, that would normally be placed in ADC, origin mixed ADC, or mixed ADC sacks. Pieces must not be secured in bundles, and mailers must group together pieces for each 5-digit scheme, 5-digit, 3-digit scheme, 3-digit, and ADC destination.

a. ADC: required (24-piece minimum); overflow tray not allowed.

1. Line 1: use L004, Column B.

2. Line 2: "PER" or "NEWS" as applicable; followed by "FLTS"; followed by "ADC"; followed by "BC."

b. Origin mixed ADC: Optional (no minimum); for any remaining pieces for destinations in L201, Column C, of the origin ZIP Code in Column A; labeling:

1. Line 1: Use L201, Column C.

2. Line 2: "PER" or "NEWS" as applicable; followed by "FLTS"; followed by "WKG W FCM" for flats.

c. Mixed ADC: required (no minimum).

1. Line 1: Use L009.

2. Line 2: "PER" or "NEWS" as applicable; followed by "FLTS"; followed by "BC WKG."

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708 Technical Specifications

1.0 Standardized Documentation for First-Class Mail, Periodicals, Standard Mail, and Flat-Size Bound Printed Matter

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1.2 Format and Content

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[Revise item c3 to include origin mixed ADC documentation.]

3. Depending on mail preparation: *** (c) group destination for automation flats prepared under the tray-based option for each 3-digit in ADC trays and for each ADC in mixed ADC and origin mixed ADC (for Periodicals) trays; ***

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1.4 Sortation Level

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[Insert new sortation level for origin mixed ADC mail into table.]

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6.0 Barcoding Standards for Container Labels

6.1 Basic Standards-Tray and Sack Labels

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Exhibit 6.1.4 3-Digit Content Identifier Numbers

[Revise Exhibit 6.1.4 by adding new content identifier numbers for the new origin mixed ADC sack and optional origin mixed ADC tray.]

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PER Flats - Automation

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PER Flats - Nonautomation

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PER Flats - Cosacked Automation and Presorted

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PER Irregular Parcels - Nonautomation

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NEWS Flats - Automation

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NEWS Flats - Nonautomation

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NEWS Flats - Cosacked Automation and Presorted

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NEWS Irregular Parcels - Nonautomation

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7.0 Optional Endorsement Lines (OELs)

7.1 OEL Use

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Exhibit 7.1.1 OEL Formats

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[Revise Exhibit 7.1.1 to include the origin mixed (OMX) sortation level.]

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7.2 OEL Format

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Exhibit 7.2.5 OEL Labeling Lists

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[Revise Exhibit 7.2.5 to specify new labeling list L201 for Periodicals flats and irregular parcels for origin mixed ADC (OMX).]

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We will incorporate the following revisions into the next printed version of the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) and into the monthly update of the online DMM available on Postal Explorer® at pe.usps.com. We also will include new labeling list L201 in the online update.

— Mailing Standards,
Pricing and Classification, 10-27-05