DMM Revision: Electronic Verification System

Effective May 14, 2007, 402.4.3, 466.1.2, 503.4.3.5, 609.1.3, 609.1.5, 609.3.1, 705.2.4.3, 705.2.4.4, 705.2.9.2, 705.2.9.3, 705.2.9.4, 705.2.9.8, 705.6.3.2, and 705.6.3.4 of the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) are revised to reflect mailing requirements resulting from the R2006-1 rate case that affect the Electronic Verification System (eVS) for man­ifesting parcel mail.

I. Required eVS Participation Date Delayed

The Postal Service™ is rescinding the original mandate to require eVS by August 1, 2007, for all permit imprint Parcel Select® mailings, as well as all commin­gled permit imprint parcel mailings containing Parcel Select under DMM 705.6.0 or 705.7.0. The announcement of the original mandate was first published July 10, 2006, in the Federal Register (71 FR 38966–38978).

The Postal Service is delaying the required use of eVS because of the large number of format and coding changes required by the R2006-1 rate case and which must be implemented on May 14, 2007, and because of the addition of several new subclasses of mail that will become avail­able under eVS.

Current eVS mailers will be required to meet all new rate and classification changes on May 14, 2007. These mailers have already developed the fundamental requirements and processes for eVS and only have to revise some file formats and rate coding as well as update appropriate rate tables used for calculating the correct postage rates. Other aspects of eVS remain the same.

Mailers who are currently not eVS mailers but planning to participate in the eVS program after the rate case have requested additional time to meet these new requirements and to create the electronic infrastructure necessary to support and test eVS with its greater complexity. These mailers do not have experience with eVS requirements and processes and are already changing their systems for the traditional forms of manifesting to comply with the new rates and classifications. To convert to eVS at the same time would create unnecessary burdens for these non-eVS mailers and adversely affect their mailing operations. As a result, the Postal Service is re-evaluating a suitable date for new mailer implementation of eVS. Once the Postal Service determines an appropriate date, we will publish the new date in the Federal Register and the Postal Bulletin.

II. eVS Benefits

The Postal Service and the parcel shipping industry have worked together to develop eVS into a new manifest­ing model that simplifies verification, acceptance, and induction of parcel mailings. Under eVS, mailers barcode and manifest all parcels before transmitting the electronic manifest files to the Postal Service.

The eVS manifest file structure, similar to the traditional postage payment manifests, lists all parcels in a mailing and includes pertinent information that supports postage and fee payment for each parcel. Under eVS, the Postal Service generally no longer verifies parcel mailings at a mailer’s plant, and the mailer is no longer required to create paper documentation for induction activities.

eVS mailers manifest the parcels, transmit their elec­tronic files to the Postal Service, schedule appointments through the Facility Access and Shipment Tracking (FAST) system, and present the parcels at the desired destination entry facilities according to their FAST appointments.

The Postal Service draws random statistical samples of mailings at the appropriate Postal Service plants and deliv­ery units, and electronically compares the sampling data against the transmitted electronic manifest data in order to verify the accuracy of the mailing. Electronic reports pro­vide information on the discrepancies noted. These reports are available via the eVS Web site and can facilitate an automated reconciliation process.

Parcel mailers can benefit from using eVS for the follow­ing operational and financial reasons:

  • Flexibility. On-site Postal Service verification sched­ules no longer constrain the management of a mailer’s internal workflows, thereby allowing more rapid responses to changes in production, order ful­fillment, and customer business needs. Under eVS, most verification and sampling activities now occur off-site at Postal Service destination entry facilities such as bulk mail centers and delivery units rather than at origin sites such as the mailer’s plant or a Postal Service business mail entry unit serving that plant.
  • Precision. Barcoding each parcel ensures greater precision for the accounting and postage payment processes.
  • Efficiency. Transmitting specifically prepared elec­tronic manifest files eliminates the need for paper documentation, significantly improves the efficiency of operations and reporting, and provides greater flexibility for updating information. eVS is a paperless system. All documentation is prepared and received electronically, and clearance documents are no longer needed.
  • Cash Flow. Transmitting electronic files on the day when the mailer deposits the mail at the destination facilities allows the mailer to pay postage closer to the actual time that the mail is entered into the mailstream.
  • Information. Having access to a wealth of online reports provides up-to-date mailing and transaction information. This information (accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week) facilitates convenient information sharing between the Postal Service and eVS mailers.

III. eVS Requirements

eVS has two fundamental technical requirements that provide the necessary data and configuration for success­ful processing. The requirements are as follows:

  • Electronic Manifest Files. The creation and success­ful transmission of electronic manifest files to the Postal Service for postage payment is required. The electronic file format and data elements used for these manifest files are in Postal Service Publication 205, Electronic Verification System Technical Guide. The eVS electronic manifest files replace today’s hardcopy manifest, as well as the associated hard­copy postage statement and, for drop shipments, PS Form 8125, Plant-Verified Drop Shipment (PVDS) Verification and Clearance.
  • Parcel Barcoding. The application of a unique bar­code to each parcel is required. eVS uses two stan­dardized barcode formats: a Confirmation Services barcode (that is, the barcode used for Delivery Confirmation™ and Signature Confirma­tion™) or a parcel barcode not using Confirma­tion Services. The barcode represents the 22-digit package identification code (PIC) recorded in each parcel detail record in the eVS manifest file, using the five data elements as shown in the following table.

 

Description

Number of Digits

Application Identifier

2

Service Type Code

2

DUNS Number or Customer ID

9

Sequential Package ID

8

MOD 10 Check Digit

1

Total Number of Digits

22

Publication 205 outlines the technical requirements for each parcel barcode, as follows:

  • Barcode Format. The barcode must be an authorized UCC/EAN Code 128 barcode meeting the technical requirements in Publication 205.
  • Barcode Uniqueness. Each barcode must be unique for 12 consecutive months. (The Postal Service is developing requirements to shorten this period to 6 consecutive months.)
  • Mailer Identification. The DUNS number or customer ID used in the barcode must be unique to the parcel shipper or the parcel shipper’s client.

Because Delivery Confirmation service does not require any additional fees for Parcel Select items, mailers are encouraged to apply a Delivery Confirmation service bar­code to all Parcel Select pieces. Effective May 14, 2007, Delivery Confirmation service is available for $0.18 when using the electronic option for other Package Services and Standard Mail® parcels. Mailers may choose to apply the alternate parcel barcode, as described in Publication 205, to avoid paying this fee. However, no delivery informa­tion is available if this barcode used.

IV. eVS Manifest Mailing Operations

The principal eVS manifest mailing operations for the eVS mailer and the Postal Service occur in the following sequence:

1. Transmitting Electronic Manifest Files. On or before the actual date of deposit (also called the date of mailing), the mailer transmits electronic manifests to the Postal Service detailing all eVS parcels to be de­posited into the mailstream.

2. Generating Postage Statements. eVS generates postage statements using the information contained in the mailer’s transmitted manifest files and submits these postage statements directly to PostalOne!®

3. Paying Postage and Fees. From the information on the generated postage statements, postage and any fees for Extra Services are withdrawn from the mail­er’s PostalOne! postage payment account. Account information, including current balances and transac­tions, is updated on the eVS Web site. The eVS mailer can access the password-protected Web pages to view postage statements and associated funds deb­ited from the account.

4. Transporting and Depositing Parcels. The eVS mailer makes appointments through the Postal Service’s FAST system and then the mailer transports and de­posits the parcels at the appropriate Postal Service destination entry facility, based on these entry rates available for the mail class claimed:

a. Destination bulk mail center.

b. Destination sectional center facility.

c. Destination delivery unit.

5. Sampling Deposited Parcels. As the eVS mailer deposits parcels at destination entry facilities, the Postal Service randomly samples the parcels using scanning devices and electronic scales and uploads the collected sampling data to eVS. The sampling data and additional data generated by the sampling software are matched to the data manifested by the mailer. The data is then compared to verify whether the manifested postage for the sampled parcels has been calculated correctly, based on the rate determi­nants and physical characteristics of the parcels. The comparison results are recorded in the eVS database and used to calculate the postage adjustment factor (PAF) described in the next section. Sampling data collected by the Postal Service includes the following:

a. Barcode information representing the PIC, class marking, and mailer’s name or abreviation in the permit imprint indicia on the mailing label.

b. Facility type (bulk mail center, auxiliary service facility, sectional center facility, destination deliv­ery unit, or none), ZIP Code™ of service area of facility type, and destination ZIP Code on the mailing label.

c. Size (dimensions) of the parcel, if warranted by an unusual size that could result in a balloon rate, oversize rate, or dimensional-weight pricing.

d. Weight of the parcel.

e. Machinability of the parcel.

f. Any extra service such as Delivery Confirmation.

6. Determining Unmanifested and Mis-Shipped DDU Parcels. When barcodes on the mailing labels are scanned during normal processing and acceptance and delivery operations (for example, delivery scans for parcels prepared with Delivery Confirmation), the barcode data is transmitted from the Product Track­ing System to the eVS database to determine wheth­er the parcels are unmanifested or destination delivery unit (DDU) mis-shipped. Unmanifested par­cels are parcels that are scanned by the Postal Service but not included on the mailer’s manifest. Mis-shipped DDU parcels are parcels deposited by the eVS mailer at the incorrect destination delivery unit entry facility and transported by the Postal Service to the correct entry facility.

7. Assessing Additional Postage. As described in the next section, the mailer is assessed postage for dis­crepancies found in the electronic manifests for any of the following:

a. Incorrectly rated parcels.

b. Unmanifested parcels.

c. Mis-shipped DDU parcels.

V. Postage Adjustments

eVS collects postage daily based on the electronic man­ifests received that day from mailers. For calculating post­age adjustments in eVS, a mailing period is defined as a calendar month. A reconciliation period is defined as the 20 days immediately following the mailing period. In addi­tion to the daily collection of postage based on the mani­fests, postage is calculated and assessed each month for the following types of errors:

  • Incorrectly Rated Parcels. If total postage paid for the parcels on the manifests received for a mailing period is understated by more than 1.5% (based on sampling), a postage adjustment factor (PAF) is cal­culated by dividing the total postage for the sampled parcels by the postage claimed for the sampled par­cels on the mailer’s manifests. If the PAF exceeds 1.015 (that is, the percentage of underpayment is greater than 1.5%), then the manifested postage amount for the entire mailing period is multiplied by the PAF minus 1 (for example, 1.02 -1) to determine the additional postage due.
  • Unmanifested Parcels. If a parcel is not identified on a manifest, the mailer ID in the barcode is used to establish accountability for payment of postage. Postage for unmanifested parcels is based on data collected on these parcels at Postal Service facilities. The eVS database receives a weekly update of unmanifested parcels from the Product Tracking System. The mailer is allowed to reconcile unmani­fested parcels by transmitting electronic manifest files for the unmanifested parcels during the mailing period and no later than 10 days after the close of the mailing period. Any unmanifested parcel receiving a manifest record prior to the 11th day of the subse­quent month will be removed from this assessment and charged the appropriate postage. Unmanifested parcels do not become part of the postage adjust­ment factor calculation.
  • Mis-Shipped DDU Parcels. For destination delivery unit (DDU) parcels dropped at an incorrect entry location, the eVS mailer is charged the difference between the manifested postage and the appropriate single-piece rate for the parcel. In the case of Stan­dard Mail parcels, the mailer is charged the differ­ence between the manifested postage and the appropriate First-Class Mail® single-piece rate or the unzoned 1-pound Priority Mail® rate for par­cels weighing more than 13 ounces. For destination bulk mail center (DBMC) and destination sectional center facility (DSCF) parcels dropped at an incorrect entry location, any sampled pieces from such mis-shipments become part of the postage adjustment factor calculation.

The Postal Service will work with mailers required to pay postage adjustments for incorrectly rated parcels, unman­ifested parcels, and mis-shipped DDU parcels to determine the causes that led to the adjustments and to review quality control procedures. It is important that the mailer maintain such procedures to ensure accountability of parcels entered under the eVS manifest program.

VI. Postage Payment Schedule

Under eVS, the collection of postage and any postage adjustment for postage due occurs as follows:

  • Postage Payment for Manifests. The mailer’s PostalOne! postage payment account is debited on a daily basis. Payment for each manifest is debited on the day the manifest is submitted.
  • Postage Payment for Adjustments. On the 21st day of the month following the monthly mailing period, defined as a calendar month, the mailer’s PostalOne! postage payment account may be further debited for (1) postage adjustments on the manifested postage if the PAF exceeds 1.015, (2) postage for unmani­fested parcels, and (3) additional postage for mis-shipped DDU parcels. These additional postage amounts are processed on the 21st day of the month following the mailing period to allow mailers time to investigate and reconcile discrepancies. Between the end of a mailing period and the 21st day of the following month, eVS provides two consecutive 10–day review periods, as follows:
    • Mailer Investigation Period. The first 10-day period is the mailer review period, which begins immediately after the end of the monthly mailing period and extends through the 10th day of the month following the mailing period. During the 10–day review period, the mailer may submit man­ifest files to reconcile and pay for unmanifested parcels.
    • Joint Mailer/Postal Service Investigation Period. The second 10-day period is a joint review period between the mailer and the Postal Service and begins immediately following the 10-day mailer review period and extends through the 20th day of the month following the mailing period. During this period, at the mailer’s request, the mailer may jointly review the sampling data with the Postal Service to dispute any data indicating a postage adjustment is due. Appeals and refund requests must be submitted in writing to the Business Mailer Support manager within 30 days following the end of the joint review period.

Schedule of Postage Payments and Adjustments

 

Payment or Adjustment

When Account Debited

Manifest postage payment

Day transmitted manifest received

Manifest accuracy adjustment
(postage adjustment factor)

On 21st day of next month

Unmanifested parcels adjustment

On 21st day of next month

Mis-shipped DDU parcels adjustment

On 21st day of next month

VII. eVS Parcel Subclasses and Rate Categories

Currently only the classes, subclasses, rate categories, and processing categories shown in the following table are available for eVS. The Postal Service plans to include the additional classes of mail and rate categories indicated in the lower part of the table by the dates shown.

A. First-Class Mail and Priority Mail

Beginning July 1, 2007, First-Class Mail® and Priority Mail® will be offered only on a test basis. Both sub­classes are handled in a preferential network and will require alternative sampling procedures. Current eVS-approved mailers interested in testing First-Class Mail or Priority Mail must send a written request to:

MANAGER
BUSINESS MAILER SUPPORT
US POSTAL SERVICE
475 L’ENFANT PLZ SW RM 2P846
WASHINGTON DC 20260-0846

B. Available eVS Mail Classes, Rate Categories, and Processing Categories

 

 

Class or Subclass

Rate Category

Processing Category

Parcel Post®

Parcel Select®:

 

Bound Printed Matter®

Media Mail®

Standard Mail®
Regular

Additional or Revised Subclasses, Rate Categories, and Mail Processing Categories
Available on May 14, 2007.

Standard Mail
Regular

Standard Mail
Nonprofit Regular

Additional or Revised Subclasses, Rate Categories, and Mail Processing Categories
Available after May 14, 2007 for field testing.

Library Mail®

Media Mail

Bound Printed Matter

Standard Mail
Regular

Standard Mail
Nonprofit Regular

Additional Subclasses, Rate Categories, and Mail Processing Categories
Available July 1, 2007 for field testing only

First-Class Mail

Priority Mail

 

VIII. Resources and Information

Mailers interested in eVS can obtain further information about the program from the following sources:

  • Publication 205, Electronic Verification System Tech­nical Guide. This publication contains business and technical information about eVS, with coding and file format updates for the May 14, 2007, implementation of new rates. The publication is available online at http://www.usps.com/cpim/ftp/pubs/pub205.pdf.
  • “DMM Revision: Electronic Verification System” in Postal Bulletin 22196 (12-21-06, pages 8–26 and 47– 48) (comprehensive mailing standards) and “Publication 205, Electronic Verification System File Format and Coding Changes, Revision” in Postal Bulletin 22201 (3-1-07, pages 8–13) (complete infor­mation about coding and file format changes for the R2006-1 rate case). The Postal Bulletin is available online at http://www.usps.com/cpim/ftp/bulletin/pb.htm.
  • PostalOne! Help Desk. The Help Desk can provide general business and technical information about the program, provide required forms, and assist mailers in completing the eVS application. Mailers can con­tact the Help Desk either by e-mail at postalone@usps.gov or by telephone at 800–522–9085.

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

* * * * * 

400 Discount Mail Parcels

* * * * * 

402 Elements on the Face of a Mailpiece

* * * * * 

4.0 General Barcode Placement for Parcels

* * * * * 

[Add new 4.3 for POSTNET barcodes to read as follows:]

4.3 POSTNET Barcodes

First-Class Mail parcels, Standard Mail irregular parcels, and Not Flat-Machinable pieces less than 6 ounces may bear POSTNET barcodes or UCC/EAN Code 128 bar­codes. First-Class Mail parcels, Standard Mail irregular parcels, and Not Flat-Machinable parcels less than 6 ounces bearing POSTNET barcodes representing only the postal routing barcode (destination ZIP Code) are eligi­ble to be mailed using eVS. POSTNET barcodes may not be used on eVS parcels bearing concatenated UCC/EAN Code 128 barcodes. Place POSTNET barcodes on First-Class Mail parcels, Standard Mail irregular parcels, or Not Flat-Machinable pieces as described under 4.3.1 through 4.3.3.

* * * * * 

460 Bound Printed Matter

* * * * * 

466 Enter and Deposit 1.0 Presenting a Mailing

* * * * * 

1.2 Verification and Entry — Nonpresorted Mailings

***Mailers must deposit Nonpresorted Bound Printed Mat­ter as follows:

* * * * * 

[Revise 1.2c to read as follows:]

c. For permit imprint mail, only at the post office where the permit is held (see 604.5.0) unless using the Elec­tronic Verification System (eVS) under 705.2.9.

* * * * * 

500 Additional Services 503 Extra Services

* * * * * 

4.0 Insured Mail

* * * * * 

4.3 Mailing

* * * * * 

4.3.5 Integrated Barcodes

* * * * * 

[Revise 4.3.5c by adding a new sentence after the first sen­tence to read as follows:]

c. ***The online purchase of insurance is not available for parcels prepared using eVS under 705.2.9.***

[Revise items c1 and c2 to read as follows:]

1. Mailers may purchase insurance online for indem­nity coverage of $200 or less with electronic option Delivery Confirmation service. The human-readable text above the integrated barcode must state, “e/USPS DELIVERY CONFIRMATION.”

2. Mailers may purchase insurance online for indem­nity coverage of more than $200, up to $500, with electronic option Delivery Confirmation service. The human-readable text above the integrated barcode must state, “e/USPS DELIVERY CONFIRMATION.”

* * * * * 

600 Basic Standards for All Mailing Services

* * * * * 

609 Filing Indemnity Claims for Loss or Damage 1.0 General Filing Instructions

* * * * * 

1.3 Who May File for Loss or Damage

* * * * * 

[Revise 1.3f to read as follows:]

f. Only the mailer, for insured or collect on delivery (COD) parcels paid using eVS under 705.2.9.

* * * * * 

1.5 Where to File for Loss or Damage

* * * * * 

[Add new item 1.5d to read as follows:]

d. Only at the administering post office where the per­mit is held and PS Forms 3877 are presented for in­sured or COD parcels paid using eVS under 705.2.9.

* * * * * 

3.0 Providing Evidence of Insurance and Value 3.1 Evidence of Insurance

* * * * * 

[Add new 3.1f to read as follows:]

f. For insured mail or COD mail paid using eVS under 705.2.9, the mailer must present a printout of the part of PS Form 3877 that identifies the parcel by includ­ing the article number (the package identification code) of the insured or COD parcel, total postage paid, fee paid, declared insured value, amount due sender if COD, mailing date, origin ZIP Code, and de­livery ZIP Code reported in the parcel record in the eVS manifest file. This information is used by the administering Post Office where the eVS permit account is held and the PS Form 3877 was presented to confirm payment through eVS.

* * * * * 

700 Special Standards

* * * * * 

705 Advanced Preparation and Special Postage Payment Systems

* * * * * 

2.0 Manifest Mailing System

* * * * * 

2.4 Authorization

* * * * * 

2.4.3 General Requirements for Authorization

* * * * * 

[Revise 2.4.3c to read as follows:]

c. For eVS mailings prepared under 705.2.9, USPS charges eVS mailers for postage due for any under­paid, unmanifested, or mis-shipped destination delivery unit (DDU) parcels at the end of the review period following the monthly mailing period as follows:

1. Underpaid Parcels. If the total postage of parcels sampled during the mailing period indicates that the mailer has underpaid postage by more than 1.5% when compared with the corresponding parcel records in the mailer’s manifest files, USPS determines additional postage due based on the total postage already paid for the mailing month using the procedures in Publication 205.

2. Unmanifested Parcels. USPS charges eVS mailers for parcels not listed in the mailer's manifest files but identified by USPS processing scans or acceptance and delivery scans as being mailed. USPS determines the postage charges using sampling data and the procedures in Publication 205.

3. Mis-Shipped DDU Parcels. USPS charges eVS mailers the appropriate single-piece rate less the original rate paid for parcels identified by accep­tance scans to be deposited at incorrect destina­tion delivery units. USPS transports these mis-shipped parcels to the correct destination delivery units. USPS determines the additional postage using scanning data and the procedures in Publi­cation 205. Parcels mis-shipped at destination BMCs or destination SCFs are handled through parcel sampling and are treated as underpaid parcels.

* * * * * 

2.4.4 Approval Authority

* * * * * 

[Revise 2.4.4b to read as follows:]

b. The Business Mailer Support manager, USPS Head­quarters, approves manifest mailing systems that produce presorted First-Class Mail or Standard Mail mailings, Package Services presorted mailings, PVDS mailings, or eVS mailings.

* * * * * 

2.9 Electronic Verification System

* * * * * 

2.9.2 Availability

[Revise 2.9.2 to read as follows:]

eVS may be used only for parcel mail paid with a permit imprint and only for the following classes and subclasses of mail, rate categories, and mail processing categories, except for those rates or processing categories as noted:

a. First-Class Mail. Single-piece rate and presorted rates; machinable and nonmachinable parcel pro­cessing categories. Field testing for First-Class Mail rates available effective July 1, 2007.

b. Priority Mail. Single-piece rate, flat-rate envelope, and flat-rate box; all parcel processing categories. Field testing for Priority Mail rates available effective July 1, 2007.

c. Regular Standard Mail. Presorted rates, destination bulk mail center (DBMC) rates, destination sectional center facility (DSCF) rates, and destination delivery unit (DDU) rates; machinable parcels, irregular par­cels, and Not Flat-Machinable pieces. Field testing for irregular presorted rates and Not Flat-Machinable rates available after May 14, 2007.

d. Nonprofit Regular Standard Mail. Presorted rates, DBMC rates, DSCF rates, and DDU rates; machinable parcels, irregular parcels, and Not Flat-Machinable parcels. Field testing for irregular pre­sorted rates and Not Flat-Machinable rates available after May 14, 2007.

e. Parcel Post. Parcel Post rates include the following:

1. Intra-BMC rates and inter-BMC rates (including balloon and oversized rates and origin BMC and BMC presort discounts); machinable parcels and nonmachinable parcels.

2. Parcel Select DBMC rates, DSCF rates, and DDU rates (including balloon and oversized rates); machinable parcels and nonmachinable parcels.

f. Bound Printed Matter. Nonpresorted rates (single-piece rates), presorted rates, DBMC rates, DSCF rates, and DDU rates; machinable parcels and irreg­ular parcels. Field testing for nonpresorted rates (single-piece rates), machinable and irregular par­cels, available after May 14, 2007.

g. Media Mail. Single-piece rates, basic rates, and 5–digit rates; machinable parcels. Field testing for all irregular parcels available after May 14, 2007.

h. Library Mail. Single-piece rates, basic rates, and 5–digit rates; machinable parcels and irregular par­cels. Field testing for all Library Mail rates available after May 14, 2007.

2.9.3 Extra Services

[Revise text of 2.9.3 to read as follows:]

eVS mailers may use the following Extra Services if they are available for the specific class of mail used:

a. Delivery Confirmation.

b. Signature Confirmation.

c. Certified Mail.

d. Insured Mail, if PS Form 3877 is used.

e. Collect on Delivery (COD), if PS Form 3877 is used.

f. Return Receipt.

g. Return Receipt for Merchandise.

h. Restricted Delivery.

i. Special Handling.

j. Bulk Insurance.

[Revise title and text of 2.9.4 to read as follows:]

2.9.4 Use

Mailers depositing permit imprint parcels for those classes of mail and rate categories specified in 2.9.2 may docu­ment and pay postage using eVS. Mailers authorized to commingle Standard Mail parcels or Package Service pre­sorted parcels under 705.6.0 and 705.7.0 also may use eVS to document and pay postage for all parcels in the mailing for those mail classes and subclasses available under 2.9.2.

* * * * * 

2.9.8 Verification and Postage Adjustments

[Revise 2.9.8 to read as follows:]

USPS randomly samples parcels and considers verification samples to be representative of the entire mailing period. Verification data is used to make the following monthly adjustments for postage due, collected on the 21st day after the last day of the month of mailing:

a. Postage Adjustment Factor (PAF) Payment. USPS applies postage adjustment calculations, based on verification samples, to all mailpieces mailed during the mailing period. A mailing period is defined as a calendar month for purposes of calculating adjust­ments in eVS. USPS adjusts the total postage for the mailing period if the total postage of the pieces sam­pled during the mailing period results in an underpay­ment greater than 1.5%. The mailer must pay postage for any underpayments identified by USPS verification. The mailer must maintain sufficient funds in the mailer’s postage account to cover any under­payments discovered after acceptance of the mail.

b. Unmanifested Parcel Payment. The mailer is respon­sible for postage payment of unmanifested parcels. Unmanifested parcels are those parcels for which the Postal Service has obtained information from scan­ning operations but has not received or successfully processed manifest files and records corresponding to the parcels. The mailer must pay postage for un­manifested parcels or pieces identified by USPS. The mailer must maintain sufficient funds in the mailer’s postage account to cover postage due discovered after acceptance of the mail.

c. Mis-shipped DDU Parcel Payment. The mailer is responsible for postage payment of destination delivery unit (DDU) mis-shipped parcels. DDU Mis­shipped parcels are DDU rate parcels delivered to the incorrect Postal Service facility by the mailer and transported by the Postal Service to the correct facil­ity. The mailer must pay postage for DDU mis–shipped parcels identified by USPS. The mailer must maintain sufficient funds in the mailer’s postage account to cover postage due discovered after acceptance of the mail.

* * * * * 

6.0 Combining Mailings of Standard Mail and Package Services Parcels

* * * * * 

6.3 Combining Package Services and Standard Mail — Optional 3-Digit SCF Entry

* * * * * 

6.3.2 Documentation

[Add the following sentence to the end of 6.3.2 to read as follows:]

***For mailings presented under 705.6.3, mailers may doc­ument and pay postage using the Electronic Verification System (eVS) under 705.2.9.

* * * * * 

6.3.4 Postage Payment

[Add the following sentence to the end of 6.3.4 to read as follows:]

***For mailings presented under 705.6.3, mailers may doc­ument and pay postage using the Electronic Verification System (eVS) under 705.2.9.

* * * * * 

We will incorporate these revisions 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.