Domestic Mail

DMM REVISION

Reassignment of ZIP Code Range 880 for DBMC Mailings and Intra-BMC Parcel Post

Beginning July 6, 2006, mailers must prepare destination bulk mail center (DBMC) mailings for 3-digit ZIP CodeTM 880 in containers for Dallas, Texas, and enter that mail at the Dallas bulk mail center (BMC) instead of the Albuquerque, New Mexico, auxiliary service facility (ASF). This change is due to changes in mail processing operations as shown in the labeling list revisions on pages 13-19 of this Postal Bulletin.

We will revise the DBMC Rate Eligibility exhibits for Standard Mail®, Parcel Post®, and Bound Printed Matter items in the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) to reflect this change.

Also effective July 6, 2006, we will change the BMC/ASF exhibits for Parcel Post mailed at intra-BMC rates to reflect ZIP Code range 880 as served by the Dallas BMC.

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

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100 Retail Mail Letters, Cards, Flats, and Parcels

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150 Parcel Post

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153 Rates and Eligibility

1.0 Parcel Post Rates and Fees

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Exhibit 1.1 BMC/ASF Service Areas

[Revise Exhibit 1.1 by shifting ZIP Code prefix 880 from ASF Albuquerque NM to BMC Dallas TX as follows. Make identical changes to Exhibit 453.3.1 (for Parcel Post).]

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200 Discount Mail Letters and Cards

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240 Standard Mail

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246 Enter and Deposit

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3.0 Destination Bulk Mail Center (DBMC) Entry

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Exhibit 3.1 BMC/ASF - DBMC Rate Eligibility

[Revise Exhibit 3.1 by shifting ZIP Code prefix 880 from ASF Albuquerque NM to BMC Dallas TX as follows. Make identical changes to exhibits 346.3.1 (for Standard Mail flats), 366.3.1 (for Bound Printed Matter flats), 446.3.1 (for Standard Mail parcels), 456.2.2.2 (for Parcel Select), 466.3.3 (for Bound Printed Matter parcels), and 705.6.1.6 (for combined Standard Mail and Package Services parcels).]

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We will incorporate these revisions into the next printed version of the DMM and into the July update of the online DMM available via Postal Explorer® at http://pe.usps.com.

—Mailing Standards,
Pricing and Classification, 4-13-06

DMM REVISION

Parcel Return Service

Effective April 2, 2006, Parcel Return Service (PRS) is a permanent mail classification in section 507.11.0 of the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®). We ended the experimental Parcel Return Service offering at midnight on April 1, 2006, and implemented the permanent classification and fees.

PRS allows authorized permit holders or their agents to pick up parcels returned by consumers at return bulk mail centers and return delivery units across the country. All Postal ServiceTM customers can now use PRS, provided they meet all of the requirements in the new DMM 507.11.

There are two major changes in the permanent PRS classification as compared with the experimental service offering. We are not offering Bound Printed Matter (BPM) Return Service as part of the permanent set of rates for PRS, because there was no reported BPM volume during the experiment. Only Parcel Select Return Service is available. And, at the request of PRS mailers, we now offer Certificate of Mailing as an extra service for PRS parcels. A mailer returning a parcel using PRS can bring it to a local Post OfficeTM facility and purchase a Certificate of Mailing as proof that the parcel was mailed.

We chose to retain the name "Parcel Select Return Service" for labeling, rating, and data collection purposes. This continuity will allow mailers to use their existing label stock; no label redesign is necessary.

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

* * * * *

500 Additional Services

* * * * *

507 Mailer Services

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[Delete mailing standards for the Parcel Return Services experiment in 709.5.0. Add new 507.11.0 to make Parcel Return Service a permanent classification as follows:]

11.0 Parcel Return Service

11.1 Basic Information

11.1.1 Description

The Parcel Return Service (PRS) standards in 11.0 apply to parcels that are retrieved in bulk by authorized permit holders or their agents. The permit holder guarantees payment of postage and retrieval of all PRS parcels mailed with a PRS label. When a merchant or other party provides an approved PRS label to its customers or others, the merchant or other party designates the permit holder identified on the label as their agent for receipt of mail bearing that label, and authorizes the USPS to provide that mail to the permit holder or its designee. The permit holder has the option of retrieving parcels at a designated return delivery unit (a postal facility designated as a pickup location for PRS parcels, also known for PRS purposes as an "RDU") or at the return bulk mail center (also known for PRS purposes as an "RBMC") that serves the post office where returned parcels are deposited by customers. Payment for parcels returned under PRS is deducted from a separate advance deposit (postage-due) account funded through the Centralized Account Processing System (CAPS).

11.1.2 Conditions for Mailing

Parcels may be mailed as PRS when all of the following conditions apply:

a. Parcels contain eligible matter as described in 153.3 and 153.4.

b. Parcels bear a PRS label that meets the standards in 11.4.

c. Parcels show the permit number, and the permit holder has paid the annual PRS permit fee and the annual PRS accounting fee.

11.1.3 Services

Pieces using PRS may not bear an ancillary service endorsement (see 102.4.0 and 507.1.5). Only a Certificate of Mailing, when the fee is paid by the mailer returning the parcel, is available as an extra service.

11.1.4 Customer Mailing Options

Returned parcels may be deposited as follows:

a. At any post office, station, or branch.

b. In any collection box (except an Express Mail box).

c. With any letter carrier.

d. As part of a collection run for other mail (special arrangements may be required).

e. At any place designated by the postmaster for the receipt of mail.

11.1.5 Application

Companies, who wish to participate in PRS, must send a request on company letterhead to the manager, Business Mailer Support (see 608.8.0 for address). The request must contain the following information:

a. Company name and address.

b. An individual's contact name, telephone number, fax number, and e-mail address.

c. The rate category or categories to be used, and the proposed retrieval locations (delivery units and bulk mail centers).

d. A description of the electronic returns manifesting system to be used to document returns listed by location and rate eligibility.

11.1.6 Approval

The manager, Business Mailer Support reviews each request and proceeds as follows:

a. If the applicant meets the criteria, the manager, Business Mailer Support approves the letter of request. The USPS will require the customer to enter into a service agreement, may require additional documentation, and may conduct periodic review and inspection of each participant's PRS processing and accounting operations.

b. If the application does not meet the criteria, the manager, Business Mailer Support denies the request and sends a written notice to the applicant with the reason for denial.

11.1.7 Cancellation

USPS may cancel a PRS permit for any of the following reasons:

a. The permit holder fails to pay the required postage and fees for returned parcels.

b. The permit holder does not maintain adequate available funds to cover postage and fees for returned parcels.

c. The permit holder does not fulfill the terms and conditions of the PRS permit authorization.

d. The return labels do not conform to the specifications in 11.4.

11.1.8 Reapplying After Cancellation

To receive a new PRS permit after cancellation under 11.1.7 the mailer must:

a. Submit a letter to the manager, Business Mailer Support requesting a permit and a new agreement.

b. Pay a new permit fee.

c. Provide evidence showing that the reasons for cancellation no longer exist.

d. Maintain adequate available funds to cover the expected number of returns.

11.1.9 Pickup Schedule

Permit holders or their agents must set up a recurring or standing appointment to retrieve PRS parcels. If the permit holders (or their agent) already have existing appointments to deliver Parcel Select parcels to a destination bulk mail center or to a destination delivery unit, those same appointments can be used for retrieving PRS parcels. Permit holders or their agents must retrieve parcels on a regular schedule as follows:

a. From RBMCs, at a minimum of every 48 hours, excluding Sundays and USPS holidays.

b. From RDUs, according to the service agreement.

11.1.10 Parcels Endorsed Hold For Pickup

PRS participants must pay the appropriate Parcel Return Service RDU rate under 11.3 for any unclaimed, refused, undeliverable as addressed, or recalled parcels that are endorsed "Hold For Pickup" (under 455.4.6 and 508.1.3) and that bear the marking "PARCEL RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED" or "PRS REQUESTED" followed by a unique 569 prefix ZIP Code.

11.2 Postage and Fees

11.2.1 Postage

There are two PRS rate categories:

a. Parcel Return Service - RDU. Parcels returned as Parcel Post to, and retrieved in bulk from, a designated delivery unit.

b. Parcel Return Service - RBMC. Parcels returned as Parcel Post to, and retrieved in bulk from, a designated BMC.

11.2.2 Permit Fee

The participant must pay a $160.00 permit fee annually at the post office where the PRS permit is held.

11.2.3 Advance Deposit Account and Annual Accounting Fee

The participant must pay postage through an advance deposit account and must pay an annual accounting fee of $500.00.

11.3 Rates

11.3.1 Parcel Return Service - Return Delivery Unit

Regardless of weight (up to the maximum weight of 70 pounds), any parcel that measures more than 108 inches (but not more than 130 inches) in combined length and girth must pay the oversized rate.

11.3.2 Parcel Return Service - Return BMC Machinable

Parcels that weigh less than 15 pounds but measure more than 84 inches in combined length and girth are charged the applicable rate for a 15-pound parcel.

See Exhibit 11.3.2, Parcel Return Service - Return BMC Machinable.

Exhibit 11.3.2 Parcel Return Service - Return BMC Machinable

11.3.3 Parcel Return Service - Return BMC Nonmachinable

Parcels that weigh less than 15 pounds but measure more than 84 inches in combined length and girth are charged the applicable rate for a 15-pound parcel. Regardless of weight, any parcel that measures more than 108 inches (but not more than 130 inches) in combined length and girth must pay the oversized rate. See Exhibit 11.3.3, Parcel Return Service - Return BMC Nonmachinable.

Exhibit 11.3.3 Parcel Return Service - Return BMC Nonmachinable

11.4 Label Formats

11.4.1 Label Preparation

PRS labels must be certified by the USPS for use prior to distribution as defined in the service agreement. In addition, permit holders must obtain USPS certification for barcode symbologies. Any photographic, mechanical, or electronic process or any combination of these processes may be used to produce PRS labels. The background of the label may be any light color that allows the address, barcodes, and other required information to be easily distinguished. If labels are electronically transmitted to customers for their local printing, the permit holder must advise customers of these printing requirements as part of the instructions in 11.4.3.

11.4.2 Labeling Methods

If all applicable contents and formats are approved (including instructions to the user), permit holders or their agents may distribute a PRS label by any of the following methods:

a. As an enclosure with merchandise when initially shipped as part of the original invoice accompanying the merchandise, or as a separate label preprinted by the permit holder. If the reverse side of the label bears an adhesive, it must be strong enough to bond the label securely to the mailpiece.

b. As an electronic file created by the permit holder for local printing by the customer.

11.4.3 Instructions

Regardless of label distribution method, permit holders or their agents must always provide written instructions to the user of the PRS label that, at a minimum, direct the user to do the following:

a. "If your name and address are not already printed in the return address area, please print them neatly in that area or attach a return address label there."

b. "Attach the label provided by the merchant squarely onto the largest side of the mailpiece, unless you need to use another side to make the parcel more stable. Place the label at least 1 inch from the edge of the parcel, so that it does not fold over to another side. If you are using tape to attach the new label, do not put tape over any barcodes on the label, even if the tape is clear."

c. "If you are reusing the original container to return the merchandise, use the label to cover your original delivery address, barcodes, and any other postal information on the container. If it is not possible to cover all that information with the label, remove the old labels, mark them out completely with a permanent marker, or cover them completely with blank labels or paper that cannot be seen through. If that cannot be done, or if the original container is no longer sound, please use a new box to return the merchandise and attach the return label to the new box."

d. "Once repackaged and labeled, mail the parcel at a post office, deposit it in a collection box, or leave it with your letter carrier."

11.4.4 Label Format Elements

There is no minimum size for PRS labels; however, the label must be big enough to accommodate all of the label elements and standards in this section. All PRS label elements must be legible. Except where a specific type size is required, elements must be large enough to be legible from a normal reading distance and be separate from other elements on the label. See the PRS label format examples in 11.4.5a and 11.4.5b. The following elements are required:

a. Postage guarantee. The imprint "No Postage Necessary If Mailed in the United States" must appear in the upper right corner.

b. Horizontal bars. A minimum of three horizontal bars must appear directly below the imprint in the upper right corner. The bars must be uniform in length, at least 1 inch long, 1/16 inch thick, and evenly spaced.

c. Parcel Return Service legend. The legend must be placed directly above the address and must include:

1. Line 1: In capital letters at least 3/16" high, "PARCEL SELECT RETURN SERVICE" (or "PARCEL SELECT RTN SVC").

2. Line 2: In all capital letters, the permit holder's name, left justified, followed by "PERMIT NO.", followed by the actual permit number.

d. Customer's return address. The return address of the customer using the label to mail the parcel back to the permit holder must appear in the upper left corner. If it is not preprinted by the permit holder or merchant, space must be provided for the customer to enter the return address.

e. Address for Parcel Return Service labels. The address must contain the unique PRS ZIP Code (569 prefix) assigned by the USPS to the particular customer or agent. The address must consist of two or three lines in all capital letters, as specified below. The ZIP Code must be printed in at least 12-point type on a line directly below the Parcel Return Service line.

1. Line 1: PRS AGENT'S OR MERCHANT'S NAME.

2. Line 2: "PARCEL RETURN SERVICE" (or "PARCEL RETURN SVC").

3. Line 3: The unique PRS 569## ZIP Code assigned by the USPS in the service agreement. The unique ZIP Code may alternatively be located as part of the second line of the address.

f. Parcel Return Service barcode. A PRS barcode must be printed directly on the label. The barcode may appear in any location on the label except the upper left, upper right, and lower right corners. The barcode must meet the standards for barcodes in Publication 91, Confirmation Services Technical Guide, with the following exceptions:

1. The barcode must be produced using the UCC/EAN Code 128 barcode symbology.

2. The service type code (STC) contained in the barcode on PRS labels must contain the value "58."

3. Text above the barcode must read "USPS PARCEL RETURN SERVICE" (or "USPS PARCEL RTN SVC"). If the barcode is a single concatenated barcode with the postal routing code described in 11.4.4g, the text above the barcode must read "BMC ZIP - USPS PARCEL RETURN SERVICE" (or "BMC ZIP - USPS PARCEL RTN SVC"). In the text below the barcode, the leading application identifier ("420"), ZIP Code information, and subsequent numbers must be parsed as shown in 11.4.5b.

4. The clear zone between the barcode, the human- readable text, and the horizontal bar above and below the barcode must be at least 1/16 inch.

g. Postal routing barcode. If a single concatenated barcode is not used for the PRS barcode, a postal routing barcode also must be printed directly on the label. The barcode may appear in any location on the label, except the upper left, upper right, and lower right corners. Postal routing barcodes must meet the standards in 708.5.0, except that the text below the barcode must read "BMC ZIP -," followed by the unique PRS ZIP Code assigned by USPS in the service agreement.

h. Mailer identification (ID). The permit holder assigns a mailer ID to each individual client (merchant). An individual mailer ID must appear in the lower right corner as follows:

1. The mailer ID must consist of a single, uppercase alpha character followed by a two-, three-, or four- digit number, with no spaces or dashes. For example: X0123.

2. The mailer ID must be at least 3/16 inch high and be surrounded by a box, with a clearance of at least 3/16 inch between the mailer ID characters and the edges of the box.

3. The mailer ID may be reverse-printed.

i. Additional information. Additional information (e.g., company logo, return authorization number, inventory barcode) is permitted on the PRS label if it does not interfere with any required format elements. Inventory barcodes must not resemble the barcodes described in 708.5.0, Barcoding Standards for Parcels.

11.4.5 PRS Label Format Examples

The following are PRS label format examples.

Note: The ZIP Code 56999 appears in each example for demonstration purposes only.

a. Parcel Select Return Service label using a separate PRS barcode and postal routing barcode.

b. Parcel Select Return Service label using a concatenated barcode.

* * * * *

700 Special Standards

* * * * *

709 Experimental Classifications and Rates

* * * * *

[Delete 709.5.0, Parcel Return Services, and renumber sections 709.6.0 through 709.8.0 accordingly.]

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We incorporated these revisions into the April 2, 2006, update of the online DMM available via Postal Explorer® at http://pe.usps.com. We will also include them into the next printed edition.

—Mailing Standards,
Pricing and Classification, 4-13-06

DMM REVISION

Labeling List Changes

Effective April 13, 2006, we are revising Labeling Lists L001, L002, L004, L005, L007, L008, L011, L201, L602, L605, L606, and L801 of the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) to reflect changes in mail processing operations. Mailers are encouraged to label according to these revised lists immediately, but must comply with these changes no later than June 25, 2006.

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

* * * * *

Index and Appendices

* * * * *

Appendix 1 - Labeling Lists

L000 General Use

L001 5-Digit Scheme - Periodicals, Standard Mail, and Package Services Flats and Irregular Parcels

* * * * *

* * * * *

L002 3-Digit ZIP Code Prefix Matrix

* * * * *

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L004 3-Digit ZIP Code Prefix Groups - ADC Sortation

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* * * * *

L005 3-Digit ZIP Code Prefix Groups - SCF Sortation

* * * * *

* * * * *

L007 5-Digit Scheme - Periodicals, Standard Mail, and BPM Flats in Bundles

* * * * *

* * * * *

L008 3-Digit Scheme - Periodicals, Standard Mail, and BPM Flats in Bundles

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L011 Non-BMC/ASF Entry - Periodicals and Standard Mail Letters

* * * * *

* * * * *

L200 Periodicals

L201 Periodicals Origin Split

* * * * *

* * * * *

L600 Standard Mail and Package Services

* * * * *

L602 ASFs

* * * * *

* * * * *

L605 BMCs/ASFs - Nonmachinable Parcel Post BMC Presort and OBMC Presort

* * * * *

* * * * *

L606 5-Digit Scheme - Standard Mail and Package Services Parcels

* * * * *

* * * * *

L800 Automation Rate Mailings

L801 AADCs - Letter-Size Mailings

* * * * *

* * * * *

We will incorporate these revisions into the monthly update of the online DMM available via Postal Explorer® at http://pe.usps.com.

—Logistics,
Network Operations Management, 4-13-06

DMM REVISION

Combining Package Services Parcels

Effective April 13, 2006, we are revising 705.7.0 of the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) to allow mailers to combine different subclasses of Package Services machinable parcels for destination BMC entry and, where applicable, at destination bulk mail center (BMC) rates. Currently, mailers dropshipping parcels to BMCs may commingle different subclasses of Package Services machinable parcels only when they are combined with Standard Mail® machinable parcels. To provide consistency, we are adding a new section to authorize mailers to combine different subclasses of Package Services machinable parcels to destination BMCs without the inclusion of Standard Mail machinable parcels. At the same time, we are revising DMM 705.6.1 and 7.1 for clarity.

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

* * * * *

700 Special Standards

* * * * *

705 Advanced Preparation and Special Postage Payment Systems

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[Revise title in 6.0 as follows:]

6.0 Combining Mailings of Standard Mail and Package Services Parcels

[Revise title in 6.1 as follows:]

6.1 Combined Machinable Parcels - DBMC Entry

6.1.1 Qualification

[Revise 6.1.1 for clarity as follows:]

Mailers may combine Standard Mail and Package Services machinable parcels for entry at a BMC when authorized by the USPS under 6.1.5. These parcels may be eligible for Standard Mail, Parcel Post, Parcel Select DBMC/ASF, single-piece and Presorted Media Mail, single-piece and Presorted Library Mail, Bound Printed Matter DBMC, and single-piece and Presorted Bound Printed Matter rates. Mailers may not combine Carrier Route Bound Printed Matter with other parcels.

6.1.2 Basic Standards

[Revise the title and text in 6.1.2 as follows:]

Standard Mail and Package Services parcels must meet the following conditions:

a. Each piece in a combined Standard Mail and Package Services machinable parcels mailing must meet the criteria for machinable parcels in 401.1.5.

b. Each parcel in a combined machinable parcels mailing is subject to the applicable content and rate eligibility standards for the rate claimed.

c. Mailers must be authorized under 6.1.5.

d. Mailers must pay all applicable presort mailing and destination entry mailing fees.

e. Minimum volume requirements for Standard Mail, Parcel Select, Presorted Bound Printed Matter, Presorted Library Mail, and Presorted Media Mail must be met separately and are based solely on the quantity of pieces eligible for each rate at the required presort level. Pieces claimed at other rates in the same sack or on the same pallet do not count towards these minimum volume requirements.

f. Parcels may be claimed at single-piece, Presorted, and DBMC/ASF destination entry rates as applicable.

g. Mailers must prepare all parcels in sacks under 6.1.6, or on pallets or in pallet boxes under 8.0, to achieve the finest level of sortation.

h. Mailers must deposit combined machinable parcels at BMCs under applicable standards in 705.15.

6.1.3 Postage Payment

[Revise the text in 6.1.3 as follows:]

Postage for all pieces must be paid with permit imprint under manifest mailing procedures in 2.0 at the post office serving the mailer's plant.

6.1.4 Documentation

[Revise the text in 6.1.4 as follows:]

Mailers must prepare separate postage statements for Standard Mail and Package Services pieces for each of the mailings contained in the combined mailing. At the time of mailing, mailers must provide all postage statements and a Business Mailer Support-approved manifest prepared according to 2.0 and this section.

6.1.5 Authorization

[Revise the text in 6.1.5 as follows:]

A mailer who wants to present combined parcel mailings must submit a written request to Business Mailer Support (see 608.8.1 for address). The request must show the mailer's name and address, the mailing office, evidence of authorization to mail under 2.0, procedures for combined mailing, the expected date of first mailing, a sample of the required manifest, and a sample USPS Qualification report. Business Mailer Support will review documentation and provide written authorization, which may not exceed 2 years. A mailer may terminate an authorization at any time by written notice to the postmaster of the office serving the mailer's location. Business Mailer Support may terminate an authorization, by written notice, if the mailer does not meet the standards.

* * * * *

7.0 Combining Package Services Parcels for Destination Entry

[Revise the title in 7.1 as follows:]

7.1 Combining Parcels for DSCF and DDU Entry

[Revise the title in 7.1.1 as follows:]

7.1.1 Qualification

[Revise text of 7.1.1 to read as follows:]

Mailers may combine Package Services parcels in 5-digit scheme and 5-digit sacks or on 5-digit scheme and 5-digit pallets for entry either at a destination sectional center facility (DSCF) or a destination delivery unit (DDU) when authorized by the USPS under 7.5. Mailers must pay all applicable fees for presort and drop shipment and must meet the minimum volume requirements for Presort rates and Parcel Select rates. Combined Package Services mailings must meet the standards in 456.2.0 and 466.2.0 through 5.0, except as provided by this section. Mailers may not combine Carrier Route Bound Printed Matter with other parcels. Parcels entered at SCFs and DDUs are not eligible for the barcoded discount.

* * * * *

[Delete current 7.1.3; this information is now included in new 7.5.]

[Renumber current 7.2.1 as new 7.1.3 and rename as follows:]

7.1.3 Combined Parcels Prepared in Sacks - Rate Eligibility

* * * * *

[Renumber current 7.2.2 as new 7.1.4 and current 7.2.3 as new 7.1.5.]

[Renumber current 7.3.1 as new 7.1.6 and rename as follows:]

7.1.6 Combined Parcels Prepared on Pallets - Rate Eligibility

[Renumber current 7.3.2 as new 7.1.7, current 7.3.3 as new 7.1.8, and current 7.3.4 as new 7.1.9.]

[Delete 7.4, this information is now included in new 7.5.]

[Insert new 7.2 to read as follows:]

7.2 Combining Package Services Machinable Parcels for DBMC Entry

7.2.1 Qualification

Mailers may combine Package Services machinable parcels for entry at a BMC when authorized by the USPS under 7.5. These parcels may be eligible for Parcel Post, Parcel Select DBMC/ASF, single-piece and Presorted Media Mail, single-piece and Presorted Library Mail, Bound Printed Matter DBMC, and single-piece and Presorted Bound Printed Matter rates. Mailers may not combine Carrier Route Bound Printed Matter with other parcels.

7.2.2 Basic Standards

Package Services parcels must meet the following conditions:

a. Each piece in a combined Package Services machinable parcels mailings must meet the criteria for machinable parcels in 401.1.5.

b. Each parcel in a combined Package Services machinable parcels mailing is subject to the applicable content and rate eligibility standards for the rate claimed.

c. Mailers must be authorized under 7.5.

d. Mailers must pay all applicable presort mailing and destination entry mailing fees.

e. Minimum volume requirements for Parcel Select, Presorted Bound Printed Matter, Presorted Library Mail, and Presorted Media Mail must be met separately and are based solely on the quantity of pieces eligible for each rate at the required presort level. Pieces claimed at other rates in the same sack or on the same pallet do not count toward these minimum volume requirements.

f. Parcels may be claimed at single-piece, Presorted, and DBMC/ASF destination entry rates as applicable.

g. Mailers must prepare all parcels in sacks under 6.1.6, or on pallets or in pallet boxes under 8.0, to achieve the finest level of sortation.

h. Mailers must deposit combined Package Services machinable parcels at BMCs under applicable standards in 705.15.

7.2.3 Sacking Presort and Labeling

Preparation sequence, sack size, and labeling:

a. 5-digit scheme (optional);10-piece or 20-pound minimum; labeling:

1) Line 1: Use L606, Column B.

2) Line 2: "PSVC MACH 5D SCH."

b. 5-digit (optional except for Bound Printed Matter); required for 5-digit rate for Media Mail and Library Mail; 10-piece or 20-pound minimum; labeling:

1) Line 1: Use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code on mail (see 705.8 for overseas military mail).

2) Line 2: "PSVC MACH 5D."

c. ASF (optional; allowed only for mail deposited at an ASF to claim DBMC rate); 10-piece or 20-pound minimum; labeling:

1) Line 1: Use L602, Column B. DBMC rate eligibility is determined by Exhibit 705.6.1.6.

2) Line 2: "PSVC MACH ASF."

d. BMC (required);10-piece or 20-pound minimum; labeling:

1) Line 1: Use L601, Column B. DBMC rate eligibility is determined by Exhibit 705.6.1.6.

2) Line 2: "PSVC MACH BMC."

7.2.4 Pallet Presort and Labeling

Mailers must prepare pallets in the sequence listed below and complete each required level before preparing the next optional or required level. Unless indicated as optional, all sort levels are required under the conditions shown. Destination entry rate eligibility applies only to Parcel Select (see 456.2.0) and Bound Printed Matter (see 466.2.0). Mailers may, at their option, prepare all Package Services machinable parcels for destination entry (see 705.7.0). Mailers must label pallets according to the Line 1 and Line 2 information listed below and under 705.8.

a. 5-Digit Scheme (optional). Pallet may contain parcels for the same 5-digit scheme under L606. Pallets need not be prepared for all 5-digit scheme destinations. For 5-digit destinations not part of L606, or for which scheme sorts are not performed, prepare 5-digit pallets under 2.4. Pallet labeling:

(1) Line 1: Use L606, column B.

(2) Line 2: "PSVC MACH 5D," as applicable; followed by "SCHEME" (or "SCH").

b. 5-Digit (optional except for Bound Printed Matter). Required for 5-digit rate eligibility for Media Mail and Library Mail. Pallet must contain parcels only for the same 5-digit ZIP Code. Pallet labeling:

(1) Line 1: Use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code destination (see 705.8 for military mail).

(2) Line 2: "PSVC MACH 5D," as applicable.

c. ASF (required if claiming DBMC rates, otherwise optional). Not available for the Buffalo, NY, ASF. Pallets must contain only parcels for the 3-digit ZIP Code groups in L602. Pallet labeling:

(1) Line 1: Use L602, column B.

(2) Line 2: "PSVC MACH ASF," as applicable.

d. BMC (required). Pallets must contain only parcels for the 3-digit ZIP Code groups in L601. Pallet labeling:

(1) Line 1: Use L601, column B. DBMC rate eligibility is determined by Exhibit 446.3.1.

(2) Line 2: "PSVC MACH BMC," as applicable.

[Add new 7.3 through 7.5 to read as follows:]

7.3 Postage Payment

Postage for all pieces must be paid with permit imprint at the post office serving the mailer's plant under 2.0.

7.4 Documentation

Mailers must complete separate postage statements for each of the mailings contained within the combined mailing. At the time of mailing, mailers must provide all postage statements and a Business Mailer Support-approved manifest prepared according to 2.0 and this section.

7.5 Authorization

A mailer who wants to present combined parcel mailings must submit a written request to Business Mailer Support (see 608.8.1 for address). The request must show the mailer's name and address, the mailing office, evidence of authorization to mail under 2.0, procedures for combined mailing, the expected date of first mailing, a sample of the required manifest, and a sample USPS Qualification report. Business Mailer Support will review documentation and provide written authorization, which may not exceed 2 years. A mailer may terminate an authorization at any time by written notice to the postmaster of the office serving the mailer's location. Business Mailer Support may terminate an authorization, by written notice, if the mailer does not meet the standards.

* * * * *

We will incorporate this revision 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.

—Mailing Standards,
Pricing and Classification, 4-13-06

REVISED PUBLICATION

Publication 52, Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail

Publication 52, Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail, is updated and available on Postal Explorer® at http://pe.usps.com. Publication 52 provides important information to help mailers determine what may be mailed and how certain items must be packaged to keep the mail safe. It also provides guidance to Postal ServiceTM employees accepting this mail.

Readers will notice minor updates throughout the publication and major revisions in the following areas:

• New references to the current edition of the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®).

• Information reflecting the June 6, 2003, Federal Register rule change regarding infectious substances.

• Up-to-date hazardous materials packaging requirements in Appendix C.

Take a look at the revised Publication 52, and be sure your customers know it's updated and available on Postal Explorer. It's up to all of us to keep the mail safe.

—Mailing Standards,
Pricing and Classification, 4-13-06

REVISED PUBLICATION

Publication 417, Nonprofit Standard Mail Eligibility: Nonprofit and Other Qualified Organizations

Publication 417, Nonprofit Standard Mail Eligibility: Nonprofit and Other Qualified Organizations, is updated and available on Postal Explorer® at http://pe.usps.com. Publication 417 provides important information to help mailers understand nonprofit authorization and the content standards for mailings sent at the Nonprofit Standard Mail® rates. It also provides important information for Postal ServiceTM employees responsible for accepting Nonprofit Standard Mail.

Readers will notice minor updates throughout the publication and major revisions in the following areas:

• New resource links to Postal Explorer (pe.usps.com), including to the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®); An Introduction to Mailing for Businesses and Organizations; Quick Service Guides; and Customer Support Rulings.

• Updates to chapters 5 and 6 to incorporate developments in content standards since the last edition published in 1996.

• New and revised case studies in Appendix A.

• A new nonprofit Customer Support Rulings index in Appendix C that provides links to individual customer support rulings.

Take a look at the revised Publication 417, and be sure your customers know it's updated and available on Postal Explorer.

—Mailing Standards,
Pricing and Classification, 4-13-06