Domestic Mail

DMM REVISION

Bound Printed Matter Flats and Parcels and All Standard Mail: ZIP Code Ranges for Drop Shipment Eligibility

Effective January 18, 2007, we are correcting an anomaly in the range of ZIP CodesTM used to determine eligibility for destination bulk mail center entry (DBMC) rates. Currently, DBMC entry eligibility, for area distribution center (ADC) and automated area distribution center (AADC) containers, links the destination container ZIP Code under BMC service areas as shown in DBMC rate eligibility exhibits. These ZIP Code ranges were not included in the exhibits. However, destination ZIP Codes on container labels for three processing facilities do not correlate to delivery ZIP Codes. For example, mail in an ADC container labeled to St. Paul MN 55209 does not contain any mail addressed to a 3-digit ZIP Code area of 552. Use of the "unique" ZIP Codes for these facilities assists with proper identification and transport of the container.

We are revising DBMC rate eligibility exhibits in chapters 246, 346, 366, 446, and 466 of Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) to add ZIP Code ranges 552, 632, and 663. This revision enables mailers to update their mailing documentation to include containers of Standard Mail® letters and Standard Mail and Bound Printed Matter flats and parcels labeled to ADC facilities with these ZIP Codes when claiming DBMC entry rates. By including these ZIP Codes in the appropriate DMM exhibits, software used to align ADC labeling lists with BMC entry eligibility will include mail labeled to all ADC facilities.

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

* * * * *

200 Discount Letters and Cards

* * * * *

240 Standard Mail

* * * * *

246 Enter and Deposit

* * * * *

3.0 Destination Bulk Mail Center (DBMC) Entry

3.1 Definition

* * * * *

Exhibit 3.1 BMC/ASF - DBMC Rate Eligibility

* * * * *

[Repeat these changes in exhibits 346.3.1, 366.3.1, 446.3.1, and 466.3.4.]

* * * * *

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, 1-18-07

DMM REVISION

New Polywrap Standards for Automation-Rate Flat-Size Mail

We are revising 301.3.5 of the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®), which addresses the standards for polywrap film used on automation-rate flat-size mailpieces, to eliminate the difference in specifications for polywrap designed for processing on the automated flat sorting machine (AFSM) 100 and polywrap designed for the upgraded flat sorting machine (UFSM) 1000. Customers must meet only one set of standards, instead of the previous two. The new standards include the following changes:

• We removed two characteristics, tensile strength and density, because they were irrelevant to performance.

• We removed the "USPS AFSM 100 Approved Polywrap" endorsement requirement.

• We changed the testing protocol to measure the minimum film-to-metal coefficient of friction.

• We increased the allowable film-to-film coefficient of friction to be more compatible with mailer bindery operations.

• We changed the method to measure blocking to more closely match the environment that mailpieces undergo during normal transportation and storage.

• We will allow successful testing of the thinnest gauge of a specific polywrap film to suffice for certification of all thicknesses of the same film.

New Test Procedures

To ensure that all manufacturers use the same criteria to meet the new specifications, we developed specification USPS-T-3204, Test Procedures for Automatable Polywrap Films. Manufacturers may obtain the new test procedures at http://ribbs.usps.gov (click on Polywrap Manufacturers in the left frame) or by contacting the Postal ServiceTM's Engineering office at:

ENGINEERING FLAT MAIL TECHNOLOGY
POSTAL SERVICE
8403 LEE HWY
MERRIFIELD VA 22082-8101

The specification describes exact test procedures and acceptable values for polywrap film characteristics. If the manufacturer lacks the facilities or experience to conduct each of the test procedures, the specification also provides a list of testing laboratories that have experience in conducting these tests.

Polywrap Certification

Currently, manufacturers must provide us with a certificate stating that their film complies with polywrap specifications before we include the film in the list of approved polywrap for flat-size mailpieces mailed at automation rates. We will require manufacturers to provide an updated certificate of conformance on their letterhead to the Postal Service's Mailing Standards office after verifying that each polywrap film meets the new characteristics. The certificate of conformance must state the values of the six characteristics for each film to be listed as approved.

Implementation

As of February 4, 2007, polywrap not meeting the new standards will no longer be listed as approved for automation rates, but we will allow mailpieces presented with "old" polywrap on automation-rate flats through March 3, 2007. The conditions for mailing are as follows:

• Mailpieces with polywrap approved for AFSM 100 pieces under the "old" standards will be accepted at automation flat rates through March 3, 2007.

• Beginning March 4, 2007, mailers who present polywrapped flats that do not meet the new standards for polywrap may request an exception to the new standards in writing. Requests will be handled on a case- by-case basis.

We encourage manufacturers to certify their polywrap under the new specifications as soon as possible, but no later than February 3, 2007. We encourage mailers to use polywrap meeting the new specifications on their mailpieces as soon as practical. Beginning March 4, 2007, all polywrap films used on automation-rate flat-size mailpieces must meet the new standards.

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

* * * * *

300 Discount Flats

301 Physical Standards

* * * * *

3.0 Physical Standards for Automation Flats

* * * * *

3.5 Polywrap Coverings

3.5.1 Polywrap Films

[Revise 3.5.1 to change the introduction and remove items a and b to eliminate the distinction between polywrap used on pieces qualifying for the AFSM 100 and the UFSM 1000, as follows:]

Polywrapped flat-size mailpieces claimed at automation rates must meet the standards in 3.5. Film approved for use under 3.5.4 and 3.5.5 must meet the specifications in Exhibit 3.5.1. If mailers affix the address label to the outside of the polywrap, the film need not meet the haze property.

[Revise title of Exhibit 3.5.1 as follows:]

Exhibit 3.5.1 Polywrap Specifications

[Revise Exhibit 3.5.1 introduction to eliminate the distinction between AFSM 100 and UFSM 1000 pieces. Delete current properties 4 and 5. Renumber current properties 6 through 8 as new properties 4 through 6 to change the specification and testing methods for coefficients of friction, the comments for "blocking," and to specify testing methods, as follows:]

Effective March 4, 2007, mailers who polywrap automation- rate flats must use polywrap that meets all of the properties in this exhibit.

* * * * *

[Delete 3.5.4 to remove the requirement for markings on polywrap. Renumber 3.5.5 as new 3.5.4. Revise title and text of renumbered 3.5.4 to require polywrap meeting new standards as of March 4, 2007, as follows:]

3.5.4 Polywrap on Mailpieces

Effective March 4, 2007, mailers claiming automation flat rates for polywrapped pieces must use polywrap that meets the new specifications in 3.5.1. Only products listed on the USPS RIBBS Web site (http://ribbs.usps.gov) may be used on automation-rate flats.

[Add new 3.5.5 to specify the certification process for polywrap manufacturers, as follows:]

3.5.5 Polywrap Certification Process for Manufacturers

To ensure that all polywrap manufacturers use the same criteria in meeting the new specifications, the Postal Service developed specification USPS-T-3204, Test Procedures for Automatable Polywrap Films. This specification describes exact test procedures and acceptable values for polywrap film characteristics. Independent testing laboratories may certify products for manufacturers who do not have the facilities or experience to conduct each of the test procedures in specification USPS-T-3204. The specification includes a list of laboratories experienced in conducting these tests. Customers may obtain the new test procedures by contacting USPS Engineering (see 608.8.1 for address) or on the USPS RIBBS Web site (http://ribbs.usps.gov). Effective February 4, 2007, manufacturers must submit a letter, on their letterhead, indicating the value for each of the specifications in 3.5.1 for each polywrap film, to USPS Mailing Standards (see 608.8.1 for address). Manufacturers are encouraged to submit the certificate of conformance before February 4, 2007. When USPS receives the certificate of conformance, films with values meeting the standards will be listed on http://ribbs.usps.gov. Manufacturers should follow this process before submitting the letter certifying compliance with the specifications:

a. Test each film according to procedures listed in USPS-T-3204, Test Procedures for Automatable Polywrap Films.

b. Test each surface treatment separately. Manufacturers may test the thinnest film of one product with identical surface treatment and characteristics. If the thinnest film satisfactorily meets the characteristics after being tested, USPS will list the product as approved for all gauges of that product that also meet the gauge test.

* * * * *

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

— Mailing Standards,
Pricing and Classification, 1-18-07

DMM REVISION

Express Mail Open and Distribute and Priority Mail Open and Distribute

Effective February 1, 2007, we will implement two new mailing options, Express Mail® Open and DistributeTM and Priority Mail® Open and DistributeTM in 705.16 of the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®). Express Mail Open and Distribute and Priority Mail Open and Distribute replace Express Mail and Priority Mail Drop Shipment. Our revised standards, newly developed address labels, and USPS tags will enhance the Postal ServiceTM's ability to provide mailers with expedited service to destination delivery units or other processing facilities.

The Express Mail Open and Distribute and Priority Mail Open and Distribute options provide alternatives to mailer- transported drop shipments for mailers who want to expedite mailings of other classes of mail to destination postal facilities. Mailers may use Express Mail Open and Distribute or Priority Mail Open and Distribute for all or part of a mailing. Mailers prepare mailings according to standards for the enclosed class of mail and present the mailings to the postal acceptance unit for USPS® shipment in containers as either Express Mail or Priority Mail. Mailers should contact acceptance offices in advance regarding critical entry times.

We eliminated the previous standards for mailings with postage-affixed contents that required advance notice and special authorizations, since there are no similar requirements for mailer-transported shipments and no operational reason to retain those requirements. We encourage the use of the electronic option for Delivery ConfirmationTM for Priority Mail Open and Distribute containers, and we may require it in the future. Mailers who want access to delivery or service performance data for their Priority Mail Open and Distribute shipments will use the electronic option for Delivery Confirmation on address labels for Priority Mail containers, in accordance with requirements in Publication 91, Confirmation Services Technical Guide. As a reminder, the destination facility ZIP CodeTM used in Delivery Confirmation electronic file records is validated by using the Drop Shipment Address File available at the USPS FAST Web site at https://fast.usps.com.

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

* * * * *

700 Special Standards

* * * * *

705 Advanced Preparation and Special Postage Payment Systems

* * * * *

[Revise titles of 705.16.0 and 16.1 as follows:]

16.0 Express Mail Open and Distribute and Priority Mail Open and Distribute

16.1 Description of Express Mail Open and Distribute and Priority Mail Open and Distribute

[Add introductory text to 16.1 as follows:]

Express Mail Open and Distribute and Priority Mail Open and Distribute provide alternatives for mailers who want to expedite mailings of other classes of mail to destination postal facilities. Mailers prepare the mailings according to standards for the enclosed class of mail, enclose the mail in containers for expedited service as either Express Mail Open and Distribute or Priority Mail Open and Distribute, and present the mailings to a postal acceptance unit by the critical entry time for USPS shipment under 16.0. Mailers may use Express Mail Open and Distribute or Priority Mail Open and Distribute for all or part of their mailings.

16.1.1 Standards

[Revise 16.1.1 by merging with text from current 16.4.2 as follows:]

The Express Mail or Priority Mail shipment and the enclosed mail must meet all corresponding eligibility and preparation standards (see 110 for Express Mail standards and 120 for Priority Mail standards). For mail enclosed in an Express Mail Open and Distribute container, available extra services are indicated in 16.2.5. For mail enclosed in a Priority Mail Open and Distribute container, available extra services are indicated in 16.3.3.

16.1.2 Enclosed Mail

[Revise 16.1.2 by replacing "pouch" with "container" and by deleting the phrase about the PCSC as follows:]

The mail enclosed in an Express Mail or Priority Mail container must be either entirely single-piece rate matter or entirely presorted matter that is part of the same mailing.

16.1.3 Authorization

[Revise 16.1.3 as follows:]

No authorization is required for Express Mail Open and Distribute or Priority Mail Open and Distribute. The mailer must pay all applicable fees, obtain necessary authorizations for the enclosed mail, and pay postage at the post office where the Express Mail Open and Distribute or Priority Mail Open and Distribute shipment is mailed.

[Delete current 16.1.4 and 16.1.5. Renumber current 16.1.6 through 16.1.10 as new 16.1.4 through 16.1.8.]

16.1.4 Basis of Rate

[Revise renumbered 16.1.4 as follows:]

Express Mail and Priority Mail postage must be paid on the weight of the entire contents of the Express Mail or Priority Mail shipment. (Do not include the tare weight of the external container.)

16.1.5 Zone Rates

[Revise renumbered 16.1.5 as follows:]

Compute zone rates for Priority Mail from the accepting post office to the destination facility for the container (not the destination post office for the enclosed mail).

16.1.6 Calculating Payment for Enclosed Mail

[Revise renumbered 16.1.6 as follows:]

Mailers must prepay postage and fees for the enclosed mail under the applicable standards. When the enclosed mail is zone-rated, the zone is computed from the postal facility where the Express Mail Open and Distribute or Priority Mail Open and Distribute container destinates.

16.1.7 Payment Method

[Revise renumbered 16.1.7 to clarify that stamps requiring cancellation are not permitted on enclosed mail, as follows:]

Postage on the enclosed mail may be paid by any method permitted for that mail class, except for ordinary postage stamps requiring cancellation. Express Mail postage must be paid under 114. Priority Mail postage must be paid with adhesive stamps or meter stamps affixed to green Tag 161, pink Tag 190, or orange Label 23 - or with a permit imprint through a manifest mailing system, optional procedure mailing system, or alternate mailing system authorized under 2.0, 3.0, or 4.0. If a permit imprint is used for Priority Mail postage, the permit imprint must be affixed to or hand- stamped on the Tag 161, Tag 190, or Label 23, or be part of the address label.

16.1.8 Postage Statement for Enclosed Mail

[Revise renumbered 16.1.8 as follows:]

The mailer must provide the correct postage statement for the enclosed mail. The postage statement must show the total number of Express Mail Open and Distribute or Priority Mail Open and Distribute containers used for the mailing in addition to the number of sacks, trays, or other enclosed containers. If the enclosed mail is zone-rated, the mailer must either provide documentation that details the pieces and postage, by zone for each Express Mail Open and Distribute or Priority Mail Open and Distribute shipment destination, or provide a separate postage statement for each Express Mail Open and Distribute or Priority Mail Open and Distribute shipment destination. The mailer must always present the mailing to the designated USPS acceptance unit for verification of postage and fees. A postage statement is not required for the Express Mail or Priority Mail portion of the Open and Distribute shipment, unless Priority Mail postage is paid by permit imprint.

[Revise title and text of 16.2 as follows:]

16.2 Additional Standards for Express Mail Open and Distribute

16.2.1 Description

Express Mail Open and Distribute shipments expedite movement of any other class of mail between domestic postal facilities. The shipment receives Express Mail service from the origin post office to the destination facility of the container. For containers not addressed directly to delivery units, the enclosed mail is processed and provided the appropriate service from the destination facility to the delivery unit.

16.2.2 Open and Distribute Shipment Service Objectives

The Express Mail service guarantee for an Express Mail Open and Distribute shipment ends upon receipt of the Express Mail container at the destination postal facility of the shipment. The service guarantee does not apply to the delivery of the enclosed mail to the addressees.

16.2.3 Preparation for Open and Distribute Shipments

Mailers must present matter prepared as Express Mail Open and Distribute shipments in USPS-approved sacks, except as allowed in 16.4.2. Mailers must place the proper Express Mail mailing labels in EP-13 envelopes and attach the envelope and a black and white Tag 157 to each sack or container.

16.2.4 Deposit Site

Mailers must prepare Express Mail Open and Distribute shipments under 16.4 and 16.5 and present shipments at a business mail entry unit (BMEU) or other location designated by the postmaster to accept both the enclosed mail and Express Mail. Mailers must present shipments to the BMEU with enough time for acceptance, processing, and dispatch to the Express Mail unit before the facility's critical entry time for Express Mail.

[Delete 16.2.5. Renumber current 16.2.6 as new 16.2.5 and revise as follows:]

16.2.5 Extra Services

No extra services may be added to the Express Mail segment of an Express Mail Open and Distribute shipment, and the enclosed mail may receive only the following extra services:

a. First-Class Mail pieces may be sent with Certified Mail service or special handling or, for parcels only, Delivery Confirmation or Signature Confirmation service.

b. Priority Mail pieces may be sent with Certified Mail, special handling, Delivery Confirmation, or Signature Confirmation service.

c. Standard Mail pieces subject to the residual shape surcharge (except Customized MarketMail pieces) may be sent with electronic option Delivery Confirmation service.

d. Package Services mail may be sent with special handling or, for parcels only, Delivery Confirmation or Signature Confirmation service.

[Revise title and text of 16.3 as follows:]

16.3 Additional Standards for Priority Mail Open and Distribute

16.3.1 Description

Priority Mail Open and Distribute shipments expedite movement of any other class or subclass of mail (except Express Mail) between domestic postal facilities. The shipment receives Priority Mail service from the origin post office to the destination facility of the container. For containers not addressed directly to delivery units, the enclosed mail is processed and provided the appropriate service from the destination facility to the delivery unit.

16.3.2 Deposit Site

Mailers must prepare Priority Mail Open and Distribute shipments under 16.4 and 16.5 and present shipments at a BMEU or other location authorized by the postmaster to accept the enclosed mail. Mailers must present shipments to the BMEU with enough time for acceptance and processing before the facility's critical entry time for Priority Mail.

[Delete current 16.3.3. Renumber current 16.3.4 as new 16.3.3 and revise as follows:]

16.3.3 Extra Services

The only authorized extra service for Priority Mail Open and Distribute containers is the electronic option for Delivery Confirmation service (see 16.4.5c). The mail enclosed in the container may receive only the following services:

a. First-Class Mail pieces may be sent with Certified Mail service or special handling or, for parcels only, Delivery Confirmation or Signature Confirmation service.

b. Standard Mail pieces subject to the residual shape surcharge (except Customized MarketMail pieces) may be sent with electronic option Delivery Confirmation service.

c. Package Services mail may be sent with special handling or, for parcels only, Delivery Confirmation or Signature Confirmation service.

16.4 Basic Preparation Standards

[Revise 16.4 as follows:]

16.4.1 Enclosed Mail

Mail enclosed in an Open and Distribute container must meet the eligibility and preparation standards for its class and rate and for any extra services used. Mailpieces requiring cancellation may not be included in an Express Mail Open and Distribute or a Priority Mail Open and Distribute shipment. Mailers are not required to place bundles of mail in sacks or trays when all of the mail enclosed in an Open and Distribute container is destined to a 5-digit facility.

16.4.2 Containers for Expedited Transport

Acceptable containers for expedited transport are as follows:

a. An Express Mail Open and Distribute shipment must be contained in a USPS-approved sack, except as provided in 16.4.2c.

b. A Priority Mail Open and Distribute shipment must be contained in either a USPS-approved sack using either Tag 161 or Tag 190 or in a letter-size tray using Label 23, except as provided in 16.4.2c.

c. Customized MarketMail (CMM) pieces may be contained in USPS-provided Express Mail or Priority Mail envelopes and boxes or in any properly labeled container supplied by the mailer.

16.4.3 Express Mail and Priority Mail Container Labels

Sack and tray labels for Express Mail or Priority Mail sacks and trays containing Open and Distribute shipments must be barcoded and meet the requirements in 708.6.0. All lines of information must be completely visible when inserted into the label holder. Label sacks and trays as follows:

a. Line 1 (destination line) provides information on the destination entry office where the enclosed mail is to be distributed. For destination delivery unit (DDU) distribution, use the facility name and ZIP Code found in the Drop Shipment Address File available on the USPS FAST Web site at https://fast.usps.com. (click on Resources in the left-hand navigation bar, then click on Drop Ship Product File Download).

1. For SCF distribution, use the destination in L005, column B. For ADC distribution, use the destination in L004, column B. For BMC distribution, use the destination in L601, column B. For ASF distribution, use L602, column B.

2. For Line 2 (content line), print "EXPRESS MAIL OPEN AND DIST" or "PRIORITY MAIL OPEN AND DIST," as applicable.

3. For Line 3 (origin line), show the city and state of the entry post office or the mailer's name and the city and state of the mailer's location. It is recommended that the mailer's name also appear with the city and state of the entry post office. See 708.6.1.5 for additional standards.

16.4.4 Tag 157 - Express Mail Open and Distribute

In addition to the Express Mail mailing label, black and white Tag 157 must be attached to each Express Mail sack to identify it as an Express Mail Open and Distribute shipment. This tag or an approved facsimile also must be affixed to containers used for Express Mail Open and Distribute shipments of CMM.

16.4.5 Tags 161 and 190 - Priority Mail Open and Distribute

Tag 161 and Tag 190 (or approved facsimiles) provide a place to affix Priority Mail postage and the address label for the destination facility. In addition to the Priority Mail sack label, Tag 161 or Tag 190 must be attached to each Priority Mail sack to identify it as a Priority Mail Open and Distribute shipment as follows:

a. Attach Tag 161 to sacks used as Priority Mail Open and Distribute containers to a BMC, ASF, ADC, or SCF facility.

b. Attach Tag 190 to sacks used as Priority Mail Open and Distribute containers to a DDU. This tag also must be affixed to containers used for Priority Mail Open and Distribute shipments of CMM.

c. Electronic option Delivery Confirmation service is the only authorized extra service for the Open and Distribute Priority Mail containers. Delivery Confirmation barcodes must be incorporated in the address label and formatted as specified in Publication 91, Confirmation Services Technical Guide.

16.4.6 Label 23 - Priority Mail Open and Distribute

As an alternative to sacks for Priority Mail Open and Distribute shipments, mailers may use letter trays (or mailer- supplied containers for CMM pieces) as follows:

* * * * *

[Renumber current 16.4.8 as new 16.5. Revise title and text of renumbered 16.5, and add exhibits as follows:]

16.5 Addressing Open and Distribute Labels

In addition to Tag 157, Label 23, Tag 161, or Tag 190, USPS-supplied containers and envelopes and mailer- supplied containers used as Express Mail Open and Distribute or Priority Mail Open and Distribute containers must be addressed "OPEN AND DISTRIBUTE AT:" followed by the facility name. Find the facility name and other information to address the labels according to the type of facility in 16.5.2 through 16.5.5.

16.5.1 Addressing Priority Mail Open and Distribute Labels

Mailers are encouraged to use the electronic option Delivery Confirmation service, under 503.9.4, on all address labels on Label 23, Tag 161, or Tag 190. Mailers who want access to delivery or service performance data for their Priority Mail Open and Distribute shipments must use electronic Delivery Confirmation service in accordance with requirements in Publication 91. Mailers should prepare address labels on Label 23 and on Tag 161 and Tag 190 using the formats in 16.5.2 through 16.5.5.

16.5.2 DDU Address Labels

For the DDU address label, use the name of the DDU on the top line, the street address of the facility on the next line, and city, state, and ZIP+4 Code on the last line of the address block. For DDU distribution, use the facility name and ZIP Code found in the Drop Shipment Address File available on the USPS FAST Web site at https://fast.usps.com. (click on Resources in the left-hand navigation bar, then click on Drop Ship Product File Download). Directly below the address, indicate the class and processing category of the enclosed mail. See Exhibit 16.5.2 for an example of a DDU address label.

Exhibit 16.5.2 DDU Address Label

16.5.3 SCF Address Labels

For the SCF address label, use the destination information in column B of labeling list L005. Directly below the SCF facility name, indicate the class and processing category of the enclosed mail. See Exhibit 16.5.3 for an example of an SCF address label.

Exhibit 16.5.3 SCF Address Label

16.5.4 ADC Address Labels

For the ADC address label, use the destination information in column B of labeling list L004. Directly below the ADC facility name, indicate the class and processing category of the enclosed mail. See Exhibit 16.5.4 for an example of an ADC address label.

Exhibit 16.5.4 ADC Address Label

16.5.5 BMC Address Labels

For a BMC address label, use the destination information in column B of labeling list L601. (For an ASF address label, use column B of labeling list L602.) Directly below the facility name, indicate the class and processing category of the enclosed mail. See Exhibit 16.5.5 for an example of a BMC address label.

Exhibit 16.5.5 BMC Address Label

16.6 Markings on Enclosed Mail

[Renumber current 16.5 as new 16.6. Revise 16.6 by deleting title and text of renumbered 16.6.1. Delete title of renumbered 16.6.2, and make the text of renumbered 16.6.2 the entire text of new 16.6, as follows:]

The enclosed mail may show one of the optional markings below. The optional marking must be placed directly below or to the left of the postage area. The optional marking may appear in any type font. When an optional marking is used, the type size of the required rate marking (202 for letters, 302 for flats, or 402 for parcels) must be at least 8 points.

* * * * *

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, 1-18-07

DMM CORRECTION

Labeling Single-Piece Rate Pieces Presented With Presort Mailings

Effective January 4, 2007, section 235.5.1.2 of the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) is corrected to specify that the tray labeling instructions are optional for single-piece rate First- Class Mail® letters presented as part of a presorted mailing.

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

* * * * *

200 Discount Letters and Cards

* * * * *

230 First-Class Mail

* * * * *

235 Mail Preparation

* * * * *

5.0 Preparation for Nonautomation Letters

5.1 Basic Standards

* * * * *

5.1.2 Single-Piece Rate Pieces Presented With Presort Mailings

[Revise 5.1.2 to clarify labeling instructions for single-piece rate pieces as follows:]

Regardless of postage payment method, mailers may present single-piece rate First-Class Mail with pieces claimed at automation or presort rates, and report all pieces on the same postage statement. The following standards apply:

a. The mailer must prepare the single-piece rate pieces in separate trays from the automation and presort pieces. As an option, mailers may label the trays with barcoded or nonbarcoded tray labels. Create barcoded tray labels under 708.6.0 using content identifier numbers 246, 260, or 268, as appropriate. Label barcoded and nonbarcoded trays as follows:

1. Line 1: Use L201; for mail originating in ZIP Code areas in Column A, use "MXD" followed by city, state, and 3-digit ZIP Code prefix in Column C (use "MXD" instead of "OMX" in the destination line and ignore Column B).

2. Line 2: For barcoded labels, use the human- readable content line corresponding to the content indentifier number (see Exhibit 708.6.1.4); for nonbarcoded labels, use "FCM SNGLP WKG."

3. Line 3: Office of mailing or mailer information.

b. The single-piece rate pieces must bear no rate marking or be marked "First-Class" or, if not affixed with full single-piece rate postage, "Single-Piece" (or "SNGLP"). See 202.3.0, Placement and Content of Mail Markings.

c. The mailer must affix additional postage to the single- piece rate pieces to yield the correct amount on each piece, or (if prepared with a corrective rate marking) the mailer must pay all additional postage at the time of mailing.

* * * * *

We will incorporate this revision 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, 1-18-07

PUBLICATION 431 REVISION

Changes to Post Office Box Fee Groups

Effective January 18, 2007, Publication 431, Post Office Box Fee Groups, is revised with the changes noted below.

Publication 431, Post Office Box Fee Groups

* * * * *

[Add the following entry:]

[Remove the entry for the following ZIP CodeTM:]

* * * * *

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.)

— Value Added and Special Services,
Product Development, 1-18-07