Domestic Mail

'DMM REVISION

Sack Labels

The Postal ServiceTM is in the process of replacing mailing sacks with two new semiclear plastic sacks. The new sacks will eventually take the place of all sacks used by mailers for presorted mailings.

These new semiclear plastic sacks (USPS items EIRS 01VM and EIRS 03VM) use a Velcro strap to secure the contents and have a 2-inch label holder on the body of the sack. As a result, effective May 11, 2006, we are revising standards throughout the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) to clarify that during this transition period mailers may use 2-inch labels with sacks that contain 2-inch label holders. The use of 2-inch labels in these new sacks is important to ensure that the label does not fall out of the label holder during transportation and processing.

Many customers who use presort software have been able to produce either 1-inch or 2-inch labels for some time. Customers who do not use presort software can obtain 1-inch or 2-inch labels from many major Post OfficesTM using the Passport or Atlas system.

As we transition to these new sacks, we encourage mailers to work closely with their local Post Office, Business Mail Entry Office, or Business Service Network to obtain the correct sack for the size of label they will use for a particular mailing.

In addition, we are eliminating the requirement to use "zebra codes" on barcoded labels because it is no longer needed operationally.

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

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300 Discount Mail Flats

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345 Mail Preparation

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4.0 Sack and Tray Labels

4.1 Basic Standards

[Revise 4.1 to clarify when to use 1-inch and 2-inch labels as follows:]

Sack and tray labels are subject to the following:

a. Use 1-inch labels for sacks with metal 1-inch label holders/closures.

b. Use 2-inch labels for sacks with 2-inch label holder pockets.

c. Use 2-inch labels for sacks with dual plastic label holders/closures. One-inch labels may be used but are not recommended.

d. Use 2-inch labels for trays.

e. Illegible labels are not acceptable. Machine-printed labels (available from the USPS) ensure legibility. Legible hand-printed labels are acceptable.

f. Container labels for automation rate mailings are subject to 4.9 and 708.6.0.

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4.7 Sack Label

4.7.1 Physical Characteristics of a Sack Label

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[Revise items c and d to clarify the specifications for 1-inch and 2-inch sack labels as follows:]

c. Length (parallel to printing): 3.250 inches minimum; 3.515 inches maximum.

d. Height (perpendicular to printing):

1. For 1-inch labels: 0.937 inch minimum; 0.980 inch maximum.

2. For 2-inch labels: 1.860 inches minimum; 2.015 inches maximum.

[Revise the heading and text of 4.7.2 as follows:]

4.7.2 Additional Standards for Barcoded Sack Labels

In addition to 4.7.1, barcoded sack labels must meet the standards in 4.9 and 708.6.2 (for 2-inch labels) or 708.6.3 (for 1-inch labels).

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[Revise the heading and text in 4.9 as follows (current 4.9.1, 4.9.2, and 4.9.3 are now incorporated into text of 4.9).]

4.9 Use of Barcoded Sack and Tray Labels

Exhibit 4.9 shows the types of mail requiring barcoded sack or tray labels. Barcoded labels must meet these general standards:

a. Mailers must use the appropriate size label as described in 4.1.

b. Mailer-produced barcoded labels must meet the standards in 708.6.0.

c. All information on barcoded labels must be machine- printed. Do not make alterations (such as handwritten changes) to preprinted barcoded labels.

d. Mailers must insert a barcoded label completely into the label holder on the sack or tray to prevent its loss during transport and processing.

[Renumber current Exhibit 4.9.1 as new Exhibit 4.9.]

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360 Discount Flats Bound Printed Matter

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365 Mail Preparation

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4.0 Sack Labels

4.1 Basic Standards

[Revise 4.1 to clarify when to use 1-inch and 2-inch labels as follows:]

Sack labels are subject to the following:

a. Use 1-inch labels for sacks with metal 1-inch label holders/closures.

b. Use 2-inch labels for sacks with 2-inch label holder pockets.

c. Use 2-inch labels for sacks with dual plastic label holders/closures. One-inch labels may be used but are not recommended.

d. Illegible labels are not acceptable. Machine-printed labels (available from the USPS) ensure legibility. Legible hand-printed labels are acceptable.

e. Container labels for automation rate mailings are subject to 4.9 and 708.6.0.

4.2 Physical Characteristics of a Sack Label

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[Revise items c and d to clarify the specifications for 1-inch and 2-inch sack labels as follows:]

c. Length (parallel to printing): 3.250 inches minimum; 3.515 inches maximum.

d. Height (perpendicular to printing):

1. For 1-inch labels: 0.937 inch minimum; 0.980 inch maximum.

2. For 2-inch labels: 1.860 inches minimum; 2.015 inches maximum.

[Renumber current 4.3 through 4.8 as new 4.4 through 4.9. Insert new 4.3 as follows:]

4.3 Additional Standards for Barcoded Sack Labels

In addition to 4.2, barcoded sack labels must meet the standards in 4.9 and 708.6.2 (for 2-inch labels) or 708.6.3 (for 1-inch labels).

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4.9 Basic Standards for Barcoded Sack Labels

[Revise 4.9 as follows:]

Mailers must use barcoded sack labels for barcoded flat- size mailings. Barcoded labels must meet these general standards:

a. Mailers must use the appropriate size label as described in 4.2.

b. Mailer-produced barcoded labels must meet the standards in 708.6.0.

c. All information on barcoded labels must be machine- printed. Do not make alterations (such as handwritten changes) to preprinted barcoded labels.

d. Mailers must insert a barcoded label completely into the label holder on the sack to prevent its loss during transport and processing.

[Delete 4.9.2.]

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370 Discount Flats Media Mail

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375 Mail Preparation

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4.0 Sack Labels

4.1 Basic Standards

[Revise 4.1 to clarify when to use 1-inch and 2-inch labels as follows:]

Sack labels are subject to the following:

a. Use 1-inch labels for sacks with metal 1-inch label holders/closures.

b. Use 2-inch labels for sacks with 2-inch label holder pockets.

c. Use 2-inch labels for sacks with dual plastic label holders/closures. One-inch labels may be used but are not recommended.

d. Illegible labels are not acceptable. Machine-printed labels (available from the USPS) ensure legibility. Legible hand-printed labels are acceptable.

4.2 Physical Characteristics of a Sack Label

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[Revise items c and d to clarify the specifications for 1-inch and 2-inch sack labels as follows:]

c. Length (parallel to printing): 3.250 inches minimum; 3.515 inches maximum.

d. Height (perpendicular to printing):

1. For 1-inch labels: 0.937 inch minimum; 0.980 inch maximum.

2. For 2-inch labels: 1.860 inches minimum; 2.015 inches maximum.

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[Replace the text in 385.4.1 and 4.2, 435.4.1 and 4.2, 445.4.1 and 4.2, 455.3.1 and 3.2, 465.4.1 and 4.2, 475.4.1 and 4.2, and 485.4.1 and 4.2 with the same text above. Delete 375.4.8, 385.4.8, 435.4.8, 445.4.8, 455.3.8, 465.4.8, 475.4.8, and 485.4.8.]

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700 Special Standards

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707 Periodicals

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21.0 Sack and Tray Labels

21.1 Sack and Tray Labels

21.1.1 Basic Standards

[Revise 21.1.1 to clarify when to use 1-inch and 2-inch labels as follows:]

Sack and tray labels are subject to the following:

a. Use 1-inch labels for sacks with metal 1-inch label holders/closures.

b. Use 2-inch labels for sacks with 2-inch label holder pockets.

c. Use 2-inch labels for sacks with dual plastic label holders/closures. One-inch labels may be used but are not recommended.

d. Use 2-inch labels for trays.

e. Illegible labels are not acceptable. Machine-printed labels (available from the USPS) ensure legibility. Legible hand-printed labels are acceptable.

f. Container labels for automation rate mailings are subject to 4.9 and 708.6.0.

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[Revise 21.2 as follows:]

21.2 Sack Labels

21.2.1 Physical Characteristics of a Sack Label

A sack label must meet these specifications:

a. Color: pink for Periodicals.

b. Weight: minimum 70-pound stock (500 sheets, 24 by 36 inches).

c. Length (parallel to printing): 3.250 inches minimum; 3.515 inches maximum.

d. Height (perpendicular to printing):

1. For 1-inch labels: 0.937 inch minimum; 0.980 inch maximum.

2. For 2-inch labels: 1.860 inches minimum; 2.015 inches maximum.

21.2.2 Additional Standards for Barcoded Sack Labels

In addition to 21.2.1, barcoded sack labels must meet the standards in 21.4 and 708.6.2 (for 2-inch labels) or 708.6.3 (for 1-inch labels).

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[Renumber current Exhibit 21.3 as new Exhibit 21.4.]

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[Revise 21.4 as follows:]

21.4 Use of Barcoded Sack and Tray Labels

Exhibit 21.4 shows the types of mail requiring barcoded sack or tray labels. Barcoded labels must meet these general standards:

a. Mailers must use the appropriate size label as described in 21.1.1.

b. Mailer-produced barcoded labels must meet the standards in 708.6.0.

c. All information on barcoded labels must be machine- printed. Do not make alterations (such as handwritten changes) to preprinted barcoded labels.

d. Mailers must insert barcoded labels completely into the label holder on the sack or tray to prevent their loss during transport and processing.

[Delete 707.21.5.]

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708 Technical Specifications

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6.0 Barcoding Standards for Container Labels

6.1 Basic Standards - Sack and Tray Labels

6.1.1 Use

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[Revise item a as follows:]

a. Mailers must use the appropriate size label for the sack or tray.

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[Change title in Exhibit 6.1.2a as follows:]

Exhibit 6.1.2a Barcoded 2-Inch Sack Labels and Barcoded Tray Labels

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[Change title in Exhibit 6.1.2b as follows:]

Exhibit 6.1.2b Barcoded 1-inch Sack Labels

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[Revise title of 6.2 as follows:]

6.2 Additional Standards - Barcoded 2-Inch Sack Labels and Barcoded Tray Labels

6.2.1 Paper Stock, Size, and Color

[Revise the introductory sentence in 6.2.1 as follows:]

Barcoded 2-inch sack labels and barcoded tray labels must meet these specifications:

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[Delete 708.6.2.3, which requires zebra codes for automation mailings prepared in trays, and renumber current 6.2.4 as new 6.2.3.]

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[Revise title of 6.3 as follows:]

6.3 Additional Standards - Barcoded 1-Inch Sack Labels

6.3.1 Paper Stock, Size, and Color

[Revise the introductory sentence and item e in 6.3.1 as follows:]

Barcoded 1-inch sack labels must meet these specifications:

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e. Length (parallel to printing): 3.250 inches minimum; 3.515 inches maximum.

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We will incorporate these revisions into the next printed edition of the DMM and into the May 11, 2006, update of the online DMM available via Postal Explorer at http://pe. usps.com.

— Mailing Standards,
Pricing and Classification, 5-11-06

DMM REVISION

Authorized Sacks for Periodicals Mail

The Postal ServiceTM is introducing two new semi-clear plastic sacks for presorted mailings (see the related articles on pages 1-6 of this Postal Bulletin). These new sacks will eventually replace all mailer sacks, including the brown sacks used for Periodicals mail. We are revising Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) to allow mailers to use either brown sacks or the new plastic sacks for Periodicals mail prepared as flats or parcels. Mailers may continue to use the brown sacks until inventories are depleted.

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

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700 Special Standards

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707 Periodicals

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20.0 Sacks and Trays

20.1 Basic Standards

20.1.1 Standard Containers

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Exhibit 20.1.1 Standard Containers

[Revise Exhibit 20.1.1 by removing the word "brown" as follows:]

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We will incorporate these revisions into the next printed edition of the DMM and into the May 11, 2006, update of the online DMM available via Postal Explorer at http://pe.usps.com.

— Mailing Standards,
Pricing and Classification, 5-11-06

NOTICE

Modification to 01V and 03V Sacks

The Postal ServiceTM is modifying the 01V and 03V sacks - 20 million of them. The modification is the inclusion of a "target area" located to the left of the label holder. The target area is to be used to affix the distribution and routing (D&R) tags.

Exhibit 1 shows the currently used sack without modification. Exhibit 2 shows the modified sack with the added target area. Exhibit 3 (see next page) shows the modified sack with a D&R tag affixed to the target area. We developed the new target area because the D&R tags were not adhering to the sacks. The modified area has been tested to ensure that the D&R tags will adhere.

The Equipment Inventory Reporting System (EIRS) number for the modified 01V sack is 01VM. The EIRS number for the modified 03V is 03VM. The tare weights (0.37 for the 01VM and 0.27 for the 03VM) include the target area.

During the next 6 to 12 months, the Postal Service will replace all Postal Service mailbags with the modified sacks, except for the EIRS 09 registered pouch and the 18G security liner.

When using the modified sacks:

• Ensure that the hook and loop strap are completely closed around the neck of the sack.

• Do not load sacks above the fill line (identified by a dashed or solid line about 3 inches below the hook and loop strap).

Overfilling the sack will make the sack difficult to close and susceptible to opening in transit and processing. Sacks with spilled contents cause reworking of the mail [see "Notice: Postal Service Develops Two New Semiclear Plastic Mailbags," Postal Bulletin 22146 (1-20-05, pages 75-77), for instructions on proper use]. Weight limits noted in the article are suggested maximums.

Mailers may continue to use 70 pounds for the 01VM and 03VM sacks for determining presort levels and for software purposes. The Postal Service will no longer require a 35-pound weight limit for the 03VM sack.

Exhibit 1
Current Sack Without Modification

Exhibit 2
Modified Sack With Added Target Area

Exhibit 3
Modified Sack With D&R Tag Affixed to Target Area

— Mail Transport Equipment,
Network Operations Management, 5-11-06

NOTICE

New Enhanced Distribution Label Specification Available to Mailers

A new tray and sack label specification is available to mailers for design and development purposes only. This Enhanced Distribution Label (EDL) specification includes 10-digit and 24-digit barcodes, as well as human-readable information. The specification is available on the Rapid Information Bulletin Board System (RIBBS) at http://ribbs/files/EDLandATLAS/; click on Barcoded 10-24-Digit Enhanced Distribution Mailer Labels for Trays and Sacks 5-3-06.doc.

Through an article to be published in an upcoming issue of the Postal Bulletin and a revision to Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM), the Postal ServiceTM will announce when mailers may begin using this label in place of the 10-digit tray and sack labels described in DMM 708.6, Barcoding Standards for Container Labels.

— Marketing Technology and Channel Management,
Customer Service, 5-11-06