Effective May 7, 2012, the Postal Service™ will revise Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) 705.18 and Exhibit 708.6.2.4 to provide an expanded choice of content identification number (CIN) codes for use with Priority Mail Open and Distribute® (PMOD) shipments.
PMOD provides a cost-effective alternative for mailers who want to expedite mailings of other classes of mail to destination postal facilities, and is a means to attain eligibility for destination entry prices for the applicable classes and shapes of mail. When using PMOD, mailers prepare the mailings according to standards for the enclosed class of mail, enclose the mail in containers for expedited service as PMOD, and present the mailings to a postal acceptance unit by the critical entry time for USPS® dispatch.
The expansion of CIN code options will allow USPS routing systems to recognize the PMOD container as an expedited product, and also the applicable entry-level, mail class, and/or shape of the contents. Use of these new CIN code options will also allow PMOD tray or sack labels to be scanned by “Scan Where You Band” (SWYB) equipment, enabling the generation of dispatch and routing labels (D&R tag) for routing and distribution to the USPS air networks.
As a result of the improved scanning processes made possible by the use of barcoded tray and sack labels, these new CIN codes will result in increased visibility of PMOD shipments through to each of their intended destinations. When a barcoded PMOD barcode is scanned, along with its accompanying barcoded tray or sack label, the barcode is associated with a specific D&R tag, providing unique visibility for the PMOD container and its contents within USPS internal networks. Once a tray or sack label is associated with a D&R tag, the container and its contents can be associated with any subsequent D&R tag scan events through to its destination. USPS Operations is also exploring similar visibility solutions for its surface network.
To increase network and processing operational efficiencies, the Postal Service will be adding new CIN codes that more accurately describe the contents of several of the most commonly used applications for PMOD shipments. In accordance with DMM 705.18.5.2, trays and sacks used with PMOD shipments must include the appropriate CIN code. Mailers must also use the CIN code that best describes the class and/or processing category of the contents of the shipment and its destination-entry level. When no specific CIN code can accurately describe the contents of the PMOD container, the “165” generic CIN code must be used.
In order to allow adequate time for mailers to make the appropriate changes to their systems, the Postal Service will provide a transitional period from the online publication date of the DMM that includes this revision. Therefore, mailers may continue to use the current “165” CIN codes with their PMOD shipments until June 24, 2012.
The Postal Service is revising portions of 705.18.5.2 and 18.5.6 to clarify that, in addition to Express Mail open and distribute (EMOD) and PMOD shipments enclosed in sacks, shipments enclosed in tray boxes and similar containers must also bear barcoded tray labels. It was the intent of the Postal Service, when providing the new tray box options, to process and transport these shipments similarly to shipments enclosed in sacks. The Postal Service will be providing tray label holders (USPS item 09330) with all future requests for EMOD and PMOD tray boxes and similar USPS-provided containers. Mailers may continue to use their current inventory of tray boxes and similar containers without including tray labels, but must affix tray labels to their EMOD and PMOD containers once tray label holders are provided. Effective June 24, 2012, mailers must affix tray labels, including an accurate CIN code, to all EMOD and PMOD tray boxes and similar containers. Although mailers may affix the tray label holders on either end of a tray box, or similar container, to the right of the hand-hold cutout, the Postal Service recommends that the tray label holder be placed on the end of the tray box nearest to the EMOD or PMOD address label.
Mailers without the ability to print their own tray labels may obtain tray labels from the USPS Customer Label Distribution System (CLDS). CLDS allows mailers to create, edit, and submit for printing their own Intelligent Mail® tray label orders online. Mailers will first need to register within the CLDS system to receive sign-in information. To obtain more information go to https://clds.usps.com/CLDS/.
The Postal Service will also remove an obsolete reference to the provision to allow Delivery Confirmation™ not flat-machinable (NFM) items in PMOD shipments. The NFM product category has been eliminated.
These changes will be reflected in the May 7, 2012, online DMM update, but mailers may begin using these new CIN codes with their PMOD shipments immediately.
Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM)
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700 Special Services
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705 Advanced Preparation and Special Postage Payment Systems
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18.0 Express Mail Open and Distribute and Priority Mail Open and Distribute
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18.3 Additional Standards for Express Mail Open and Distribute
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18.3.2 Extra Services
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[Revise 18.3.2c to remove reference to NFMs as follows:]
c. Standard Mail parcels (except Customized MarketMail pieces) may be sent with electronic option Delivery Confirmation service.
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18.5 Preparation
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[Revise title of 18.5.2 as follows:]
18.5.2 Express Mail and Priority Mail Tray and Sack Labels
[Revise text of the introductory paragraph of 18.5.2 as follows:]
Labels for Express Mail Open and Distribute trays, sacks, and similar containers must be barcoded and meet the requirements in 708.6.0. Tray boxes, sacks, and other containers (except pallets and pallet boxes) used for Priority Mail Open and Distribute shipments must bear a barcoded tray or sack label that includes the appropriate CIN code that best describes the class and processing category of the contents of the shipment. When no specific CIN code accurately describes all of these elements, the “165” generic code must be used. It is recommended that all EMOD and PMOD shipments bear Intelligent Mail tray barcodes prepared under 708.6.5. Although mailers may affix tray labels on either end of a tray box (or similar container), to the right of the hand-hold cutout, the recommended placement is on the end of the tray box nearest to the EMOD or PMOD address label. All lines of information must be completely visible when inserted into the label holder. Label trays or sacks as follows:
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[Revise 18.5.2b as follows:]
b. For Line 2 (content line), for Express Mail Open and Distribute shipments, print “EXPRESS MAIL OPEN AND DIST.” For Priority Mail Open and Distribute shipments, print the appropriate human-readable content line from Exhibit 708.6.2.4, or “PMOD” (CIN code 165) when the correct content line is not provided in Exhibit 708.6.2.4.
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708 Technical Specifications
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6.0 Standards for Barcoded Tray Labels, Sack Labels, and Container Placards
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6.2 Specifications for Barcoded Tray and Sack Labels
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6.2.4 3-Digit Content Identifier Numbers
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Exhibit 6.2.4 3-Digit Content Identifier Numbers
[Revise the “EXPRESS MAIL” heading to reflect the current product name as follows, and revise text as follows:]
EXPRESS MAIL OPEN AND DISTRIBUTE
[Revise the “PRIORITY MAIL” heading, delete current text, and add new text as follows:]
PRIORITY MAIL OPEN AND DISTRIBUTE
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We will incorporate these revisions into the next monthly update of the online version of the DMM, which is available via Postal Explorer® at http://pe.usps.com.
— Product Classification,
Pricing, 3-22-12
