Domestic Mail

DMM REVISION

New 4-State Customer Barcode

Effective September 1, 2006, we are revising 202, 233, 243, 503, 507, 707, and 708 of the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM), to allow mailers to use a new barcode on automation rate letters. The Postal Service-developed "4-State Customer Barcode" is a new barcode that mailers may use to encode routing and tracking information.

Automation-rate letters must have a valid delivery point barcode (DPBC). As of September 1, 2006, mailers who are Confirm service subscribers or Address Change Service (ACSTM) participants may use either a 4-State Customer Barcode or a DPBC on automation-rate letters. While neither Confirm nor ACS services are new, mailers will be able to access these services by using the new 4-State Customer Barcode.

OneCode ACSTM users must use 4-State Customer Barcodes on First-Class Mail letters to access the "Address Service Requested" ancillary service. For ACS mail, the 4-State Customer Barcode will include a numeric Business Entity Identifier in place of the ACS participant code as well as a unique numeric mailpiece identifier instead of the mailer keyline. Complete specifications for 4-State Customer Barcodes are defined in the Postal Service publication USPS-B-3200, which is available at http://ribbs.usps.gov/OneCodeSOLUTION.

Revised standards in DMM 503 will allow mailers to use a 4-State Customer Barcode instead of a PLANET Code barcode for OneCode ConfirmTM service. Mailers accessing OneCode Confirm and OneCode ACS also will be able to use 4-State Customer Barcodes instead of DPBCs for automation rate eligibility. As our technology evolves, we will accommodate additional mail classes, processing categories, and endorsements. We also revise DMM 708 to provide an overview for 4-State Customer Barcodes.

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

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200 Discount Letters and Cards

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202 Elements on the Face of a Mailpiece

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3.0 Placement and Content of Mail Markings

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3.4 Exceptions to Markings

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[Revise the first sentence in item a to add the option of a 4-State Customer Barcode as follows:]

a. Automation Letter. Non-carrier route First-Class Mail and Standard Mail letters do not require an "AUTO" marking if they bear a DPBC or a 4-State Customer Barcode with a delivery point routing code in the address block or on an insert visible through a window.***

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5.0 Barcode Placement

5.1 Barcode Clear Zone

[Revise the first sentence in 5.1 to add the option of a 4-State Customer Barcode as follows:]

Each letter-size piece in an automation rate mailing or claimed at an Enhanced Carrier Route saturation or high density rate must have a barcode clear zone unless the piece bears a DPBC or a 4-State Customer Barcode with a delivery point routing code (see 708.4.3) in the address block.***

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5.2 General Barcode Placement for Letters

[Revise 5.2 as follows:]

Automation rate pieces and pieces claimed at an Enhanced Carrier Route saturation or high density rate that weigh 3 ounces or less may bear a DPBC or (for pieces that are part of a OneCode Confirm mailing under 503.13.0 or a OneCode ACS mailing under 507.3.2) a 4-State Customer Barcode with a delivery point routing code. Mailers must print the barcode either in the address block or in the barcode clear zone, except that pieces in a OneCode ACS mailing and pieces that weigh more than 3 ounces must bear the barcode in the address block. A 4-State Customer Barcode placed in the address block, when used with OneCode ACS (see 507.3.2), must appear above the address information according to standards in 5.7.

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5.4 5-Digit and ZIP+4 Barcode Permissibility

[Revise the first sentence in 5.4 by breaking it into two sentences and adding reference to 4-State Customer Barcodes as follows:]

An automation rate letter-size piece may not bear a 5-digit or ZIP+4 barcode in the lower right corner (barcode clear zone). The piece may bear a 5-digit or ZIP+4 barcode in the address block only if a DPBC or a 4-State Customer Barcode (for pieces that are part of a OneCode Confirm mailing) with a delivery point routing code appears in the lower right corner.***

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5.7 Barcode in Address Block

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[Revise item a2 to add exception when using a 4-State Customer Barcode for ACS as follows:]

2. Below the city, state, and ZIP Code line, except when using a 4-State Customer Barcode to access OneCodeACS (see 507.3.2).

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230 First-Class Mail

233 Rates and Eligibility

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5.0 Additional Eligibility Standards for Automation Rate First-Class Mail (and Carrier Route) Letters

5.1 Basic Standards for Automation First-Class Mail

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[Revise item e as follows:]

e. Bear an accurate DPBC or (for pieces that are part of a OneCode Confirm mailing under 503.13.0 or a OneCodeACS mailing under 507.3.2) 4-State Customer Barcode (see 708.4.3) matching the delivery address and meeting the standards in 202.5.0, Barcode Placement, and 708.4.0, Barcoding Standards for Letters and Flats. Mailers must apply the barcode either on the piece or on an insert showing through a window.

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240 Standard Mail

243 Rates and Eligibility

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6.0 Additional Eligibility Standards for Enhanced Carrier Route Standard Mail

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6.4 High Density Enhanced Carrier Route Standards

6.4.1 Basic Eligibility Standards for High Density Rates

[Revise 6.4.1 as follows:]

High density rates apply to each piece that is automation- compatible according to 201.3.0, Physical Standards for Automation Letters and Cards, and has an accurate delivery point barcode or 4-State Customer Barcode (for pieces that are part of a OneCode Confirm mailing under 503.13.0) under 202.5.0, Barcode Placement, and 708.4.0, Barcoding Standards for Letters and Flats. High density rates also apply under these additional conditions:

a. Mailpieces must be in a full carrier route tray or in a carrier route bundle of 10 or more pieces placed in a 5-digit carrier routes or 3-digit carrier routes tray.

b. Pieces that are not automation-compatible or not barcoded are mailable at the high density rate for flat- size pieces.

c. Pieces bearing a simplified address do not need to meet the standards in 201.3.0, Physical Standards for Automation Letters and Cards, and are not required to have a barcode to qualify for letter rates.

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6.5 Saturation ECR Standards

6.5.1 Basic Eligibility Standards for Saturation Rates

[Revise 6.5.1 as follows:]

Saturation rates apply to each piece that is automation- compatible according to 201.3.0, Physical Standards for Automation Letters and Cards, and has an accurate delivery point barcode or 4-State Customer Barcode (for pieces that are part of a OneCode Confirm mailing under 503.13.0) under 202.5.0, Barcode Placement, and 708.4.0, Barcoding Standards for Letters and Flats. Saturation rates also apply under these additional conditions:

a. Mailpieces must be in a full carrier route tray or in a carrier route bundle of 10 or more pieces placed in a 5-digit carrier routes or 3-digit carrier routes tray.

b. Pieces that are not automation-compatible or not barcoded are mailable at the saturation rate for flat-size pieces.

c. Pieces bearing a simplified address do not need to meet the standards in 201.3.0, Physical Standards for Automation Letters and Cards, and are not required to have a barcode to qualify for letter rates.

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6.6 Automation ECR Standards

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6.6.2 Basic Eligibility Standards

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[Revise item e as follows:]

e. Bear an accurate DPBC or 4-State Customer Barcode (for pieces that are part of a OneCode Confirm mailing under 503.13.0) matching the delivery address and meeting the standards in 202.5.0, Barcode Placement, and 708.4.0, Barcoding Standards for Letters and Flats. Mailers must apply the barcode either on the piece or on an insert showing through a window.

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7.0 Eligibility Standards for Automation Rate Standard Mail

[Revise title of 7.1 as follows:]

7.1 Basic Eligibility Standards for Automation Rate Standard Mail

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[Revise item e as follows:]

e. Bear an accurate DPBC or 4-State Customer Barcode (for pieces that are part of a OneCode Confirm mailing under 503.13.0) matching the delivery address and meeting the standards in 202.5.0, Barcode Placement, and 708.4.0, Barcoding Standards for Letters and Flats. Mailers must apply the barcode either on the piece or on an insert showing through a window.

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500 Additional Mailing Services

503 Extra Services

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[Revise title of 13.0 as follows:]

13.0 Confirm Service

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13.2 Basic Information

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13.2.3 Authorization

[Revise 13.2.3 as follows:]

Participation in Confirm service requires USPS authorization after mailers pay applicable fees and meet technical requirements. As part of the application process, a mailer must submit mailpieces with the appropriate PLANET Code barcodes, POSTNET barcodes, or 4-State Customer Barcodes for evaluation and approval to the National Customer Support Center (see 608.8.0 for address). The application process also includes, if applicable, evaluating and approving of the electronic format and uploading the Advance Shipping Notice (ASN) file and the associated shipment identification barcode printed on required documentation accompanying mailings. Mailers may use Confirm service only after receiving authorization. Information generated from the service is provided only to mailers meeting the standards for participation.

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13.3 Barcodes

13.3.1 General Barcode Requirement

[Revise 13.3.1 as follows:]

At the time of mailing, each piece in a mailing that is intended to generate Confirm service information must bear a customer-applied PLANET Code barcode under 13.3.4 or (for letter-size mail only) a 4-State Customer Barcode under 13.3.2. Mailers must apply barcodes that meet the applicable specifications in 708.4.0 and the following standards:

a. Origin Confirm pieces:

1. For business reply mail, the piece must bear a PLANET Code barcode and a POSTNET barcode that corresponds to the subscriber's business reply mail ZIP+4 codes assigned by the USPS under 507.8.0.

2. For all other letter-size reply mail, the piece must bear either a 4-State Customer Barcode or both a PLANET Code barcode and a POSTNET barcode at the time of mailing. The 4-State Customer Barcode or POSTNET barcode must correctly correspond to the delivery address.

3. For all other flat-size reply mail, the piece must bear both a PLANET Code barcode and a POSTNET barcode that correctly corresponds to the delivery address.

b. Destination Confirm pieces must bear either a 4-State Customer Barcode (for letter-size mail only) or a PLANET Code barcode. If required by the rate claimed at the time of mailing, 4-State Customer Barcodes must correctly correspond to the delivery address. Mailers not using a 4-State Customer Barcode for Destination Confirm must use PLANET Code and POSTNET barcodes under these conditions:

1. If required by the rate claimed at the time of mailing, Destination Confirm pieces with a PLANET Code barcode also must bear an appropriate POSTNET barcode that correctly corresponds to the delivery address.

2. If a POSTNET barcode is not required by the rate claimed, the mailer has the option to apply the POSTNET barcode to such pieces for optimal Confirm service information if the barcode correctly corresponds to the delivery address.

[Renumber current 13.3.2 through 13.3.7 as new 13.3.3 through 13.3.8. Add new 13.3.2 as follows:]

13.3.2 4-State Customer Barcode

Customers participating in OneCode Confirm may apply 4-State Customer Barcodes on letter-size pieces mailed at automation letter rates. Automation-compatible letter-size pieces (see 201.3.0) mailed at presorted and carrier-route rates also may participate in OneCode Confirm when they bear correct 4-State Customer Barcodes. Do not apply a PLANET Code barcode to any mailpiece with a 4-State Customer Barcode. Only one 4-State Customer Barcode may appear on each piece, according to the standards below.

a. 4-State Customer Barcodes meeting all applicable standards may be used in lieu of POSTNET barcodes. When using a 4-State Customer Barcode for rate eligibility and OneCode Confirm, place the barcode in any position permitted in 202.5.0.

b. When using a 4-State Customer Barcode only for OneCode Confirm, place the barcode according to 202.5.0 or directly above the address block with the top of the each bar less than 4 inches from the bottom of the mailpiece.

c. Mailers must generate 4-State Customer Barcodes by the same method used to receive USPS barcode certification during the application process in 13.2.3.

d. 4-State Customer Barcodes must meet the barcode and format standards in 708.4.0 and in Specification USPS-B-3200 at http://ribbs.usps.gov/OneCodeSOLUTION.

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507 Mailer Services

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3.0 Address Correction Services

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3.2 Address Change Service (ACS)

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3.2.3 Participant Code

[Revise 3.2.3 by converting existing text to item a and adding the 4-State Customer Barcode option for ACS in new item b as follows:]

The following options are available to identify Address Change Service (ACS) mailpiece participant codes:

a. ACS human-readable participant codes are provided to authorized mailers by the National Customer Support Center (NCSC) (see 608.8.0 for address). This participant code consists of seven alpha characters, aligned left, and must be preceded by a single pound sign (#) delimiter. Additional information for using the human-readable option is available in Publication 8, Address Change Service.

b. When using 4-State Customer Barcodes, mailers are participating in the OneCode ACS option of ACS. See 3.2.6 for restrictions. The NCSC provides the numeric OneCode ACS participant code to authorized mailers using the 4-State Customer Barcode (see 708.4.2). As part of the application process, a Business Entity Identifier (BEI) is assigned to identify the participant, or a mailer can choose to register one or more of their existing BEIs for use with OneCode ACS. Mailers must incorporate the BEI code in the Customer Identifier field, the unique mailpiece identifier in the Sequence Number field, and the appropriate Service Type Identifier field of the 4-State Customer Barcode according to Specification USPS B-3200. Customers can access the 4-State Customer Barcode specification at http://ribbs.usps.gov/OneCodeSOLUTION.

[Revise title and text of new 3.2.4 and 3.2.5 as follows:]

3.2.4 Basic Standards for All ACS Mailpieces

Mailers preparing ACS mailpieces must meet these specifications:

a. When using a window envelope, maintain a clearance between the top line of the address block and the top edge of the address window of at least 1/25 inch. This clearance must be maintained during the insert's range of movement in the envelope.

b. When using an address label, maintain a clearance between the top line of the address block and the top edge of the address label of at least 1/25 inch.

3.2.5 Additional Standards - When Using Human-Readable ACS Participant Codes

Mailers must use human-readable ACS participant codes according to the following specifications:

a. Print and place the ancillary service endorsement according to the requirements in 102.4 and 507.1.5.

b. Print the ancillary service endorsement and the participant code in a non-narrow variant of Helvetica or Arial sans serif font in the range of 10 to 12 points.

c. Use equal line spacing in the address block, including the participant code line and mailer keyline.

d. When placing the participant code in an optional endorsement line (OEL), the participant code must occupy the first eight positions in the left part of the OEL and be formatted as indicated in 708.7.2.3.

e. When placing the participant code in the address block, place it on the top line. The address block information may be on an insert in a window, on an address label, or preprinted on the mailpiece.

f. Mailers preprinting the participant code on an envelope (rather than printing it in the address block or on a label) must meet the conditions in 3.2.4 in addition to the following:

1. The participant code must be left-justified with the address block, with a tolerance of 1/4 inch left or right. Place the participant code not more than two line spaces above the top line of the address block (using the same line spacing size as used in the address block).

2. When using a mailer keyline, place it in the top line of the address block (but below the preprinted participant code).

3. OELs are prohibited when a mailer keyline is used.

g. If using delivery point barcodes in the address block, mailers must place them in one of the following positions:

1. When using a mailer keyline, place the barcode between the top line of the address information and the mailer keyline.

2. When not using a mailer keyline, place the barcode between the top line of the address information and the participant code.

3. Below the City-State-ZIP Code line.

4. Above the participant code and OEL, except when placing the participant code under 3.2.5f.

[Renumber current 3.2.6 through 3.2.9 as new 3.2.7 through 3.2.10. Add new 3.2.6 for additional standards when using 4-State Customer Barcodes as follows:]

3.2.6 Additional Standards - 4-State Customer Barcodes

Mailers can access OneCode ACS using 4-State Customer Barcodes, which are capable of encoding a numeric Business Entity Identifier (the equivalent of a participant code) as well as a unique numeric mailpiece identifier (keyline). Only "Address Service Requested" ancillary service is available when using the 4-State Customer Barcode; however, no endorsement is required. Mailpieces must meet the following specifications:

a. The mailpieces must be letter-size and automation- compatible.

b. The mailpieces must be mailed at First-Class Mail rates.

c. The 4-State Customer Barcode must appear at the top of or above the address block and must contain the correct delivery point routing code that corresponds to the delivery address.

d. If using a window envelope, maintain a clearance between the leftmost and rightmost bars and any printing or window edge of at least 1/8 inch, and maintain a clearance between the 4-State Customer Barcode and the top and bottom window edges of at least 1/25 inch. These clearances must be maintained during the insert's range of movement in the envelope.

e. The 4-State Customer Barcode must meet the technical specifications described in 708.4.2 and USPS publication Specification USPS-B-3200.

* * * * *

700 Special Standards

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707 Periodicals

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14.0 Automation Rate Eligibility

14.1 Basic Standards

14.1.1 General

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[Revise item d as follows:]

d. Bear an accurate barcode meeting the standards in 708.4.0, under these conditions:

1. If a letter, the mailer may use a DPBC.

2. If a letter and part of a OneCode Confirm mailing under 503.13.0, the mailer may use a 4-State Customer Barcode (see 708.4.3).

3. If a flat, the mailer may use a ZIP+4 barcode or DPBC. Mailers may apply the barcode either on the piece or on an insert showing through a window.

* * * * *

708 Technical Specifications

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4.0 Barcoding Standards for Letters and Flats

4.1 General

[Renumber current 4.1.1 through 4.1.4 as new 4.2.1 through 4.2.4. Add new 4.1 as follows:]

POSTNET (Postal Numeric Encoding Technique) and 4-State Customer Barcodes are USPS-developed methods to encode ZIP Code information on mail that can be read for sorting by automated machines. 4-State Customer Barcodes also encode other tracking information.

[Renumber current 4.2 as new 4.2.5, Add new title for 4.2 as follows:]

4.2 POSTNET Barcode

[Revise title of renumbered 4.2.1 as follows:]

4.2.1 General

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[Revise renumbered 4.2.5 title and first sentence as follows:]

4.2.5 POSTNET Barcode Dimensions and Spacing

POSTNET barcodes are subject to these standards for bar dimensions and spacing.***

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[Renumber current 4.3 through 4.5 as new 4.4 through 4.6. Add new 4.3 to describe 4-State Customer Barcodes as follows:]

4.3 4-State Customer Barcodes

4.3.1 Definition

A 4-State Customer Barcode is the USPS-developed barcode that mailers use to encode routing and tracking information on mail that can be read by automated mail processing equipment to sort mail and to provide tracking information to the mailers. A 4-State Customer Barcode consists of 65 vertical bars, each representing one of four possible states: full bar, ascender, tracker, and descender. These 65 bars encode a string of 31 digits, divided into two parts: a 20-digit tracking code, and an 11-digit routing code. The 11-digit routing code may contain a ZIP Code, a ZIP+4 code, or a delivery-point code. When used on letters for automation-rate eligibility purposes, the routing code must contain a delivery-point code that accurately matches the delivery address. The 20-digit tracking code consists of several components:

a. A 2-digit Barcode Identifier that defines the barcode type.

b. A 3-digit Service Type Identifier that identifies the extra services requested by the mailer.

c. A 6-digit Customer Identifier, including a USPS- assigned Business Entity Identifier, to identify the mailer.

d. A 9-digit Sequence Number assigned by the mailer to uniquely identify individual mailpieces.

4.3.2 Specifications

Complete specifications for 4-State Customer Barcodes are defined in USPS publication USPS-B-3200, which is available at http://ribbs.usps.gov/OneCodeSOLUTION. This publication also provides details on how to encode the routing code and tracking code into a 4-State Customer Barcode, barcode dimensions and spacing, clear zone, skew and rotation tolerance, and print characteristics. The assignment of a Barcode Identifier, Service Type Identifier, and Business Entity Identifier are described by the respective publications of each extra service. These publications are also available at http://ribbs.usps.gov/OneCodeSOLUTION.

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7.0 Optional Endorsement Lines (OELs)

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7.2 OEL Format

7.2.1 Presort Identification

[Replace the last sentence in 7.2.1 by adding the qualifier "human-readable" as follows:]

***A mailer receiving address corrections through Address Change Service (ACS) may use the first eight positions on the left side of the OEL for an ACS human-readable participant code.

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7.2.3 ACS Code in OEL

[Replace the first sentence in 7.2.3 by adding the qualifier "human-readable" as follows:]

If an ACS human-readable participant code (see 507.3.2) is used in an OEL on a label or in an address block, the delimiter symbol (#) must be in the first position at the left margin of the OEL, followed by the seven-character USPS- assigned ACS participant code, then one blank space.***

7.2.4 No ACS Code in OEL

[Replace the first sentence in 7.2.4 by adding the qualifier "human-readable" as follows:]

If an ACS human-readable participant code is not placed in the OEL as permitted by 507.3.2.4, the OEL must be filled with asterisks from the left margin of the label or address block up to the first character in the OEL.***

* * * * *

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, 8-17-06

Delivery Confirmation Now Available to More Locations

Effective August 19, 2006, we will offer Delivery ConfirmationTM service to most APO/FPO destinations and to some Pacific islands. We are able to provide this additional level of Delivery Confirmation service because of enhancements to scanning equipment and transmission capabilities.

We identify the 5-digit APO/FPO ZIP CodesTM to which Delivery Confirmation service is not available with a "V1" restriction in the APO/FPO table. We update the APO/FPO table in the Postal Bulletin under the heading "Overseas Military Mail."

Mailers may now add Delivery Confirmation service for the following Pacific island ZIP Codes:

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

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500 Additional Services

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503 Extra Services

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9.0 Delivery Confirmation

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9.2 Basic Information

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9.2.4 Ineligible Matter

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[Revise items f and g as follows:]

f. Mail addressed to restricted APO/FPO destinations.

g. Mail addressed to any U.S. territory, possession, or Freely Associated State listed in 608.2.0, with the exception of the following ZIP Codes:

* * * * *

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

— Mailing Standards,
Pricing and Classification, 8-17-06

DMM REVISION

FIM C for Permit Reply Mail

Effective August 3, 2006, we expanded the use of facing identification mark (FIM) C to include permit reply mail. We use facing identification marks to help us orient and separate certain types of First-Class Mail items during the facing and canceling process.

FIM C is used to identify mail with a business reply mail ZIP+4 barcode. We are revising 708.9.2 of the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) to add permit reply mail to the types of mail that use FIM C.

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

* * * * *

700 Special Standards

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708 Technical Specifications

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9.0 Facing Identification Mark (FIM)

9.1 Using FIMs

[Revise the second sentence to include permit reply mail.]

***Mailers must use the appropriate FIM on all letter-size business reply mail (BRM) under 507.8.0 and on all letter- size permit reply mail (PRM) under 507.9.0.***

* * * * *

9.2 Pattern

* * * * *

[Revise item c to include permit reply mail.]

c. FIM C is used for BRM with a preprinted BRM ZIP+4 barcode and for PRM with a preprinted ZIP+4 barcode. (FIM C binary code is 110101011.)

* * * * *

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

— Mailing Standards,
Pricing and Classification, 8-17-06

PUBLICATION 431 REVISION

Changes to Post Office Box Fee Groups

Effective August 17, 2006, Publication 431, Post Office Box Fee Groups, is revised with the changes noted below.

We will incorporate these revisions into the online version of Publication 431, which is available on the Postal ServiceTM PolicyNet Web site:

• Go to http://blue.usps.gov.

• Under "Essential Links" in the left-hand column, click on References.

• Under "References" in the right-hand column under "Policies," click on PolicyNet.

• Click on PUBs.

(The direct URL for the Postal Service PolicyNet Web site is http://blue.usps.gov/cpim.)

Publication 431, Post Office Box Fee Groups

* * * * *

[Add the following entries:]

[Revise the fee groups for the following ZIP CodesTM to read as follows:]

* * * * *

— Value Added and Special Services,
Product Development, 8-17-06