Effective July 28, 2013, the Postal Service™ will revise Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®), in various related sections to reflect the renaming of Express Mail® as Priority Mail Express™ and new standards to include insurance coverage in the price of barcoded domestic Priority Mail.
While the Express Mail name will change to Priority Mail Express, the product retains all of its existing features including next day or second day delivery, a money back guarantee, and $100.00 of insurance coverage. Mailers, including those paying by permit imprint, are encouraged to update their indicia information to “Priority Mail Express“, effective July 28, 2013; however, this will not be required until January 26, 2014.
Additionally, as a result of this product name change, the Express Mail Corporate Account (EMCA) will be renamed USPS® Corporate Account (USPSCA). USPS-provided expedited packaging will be redesigned to include the new Priority Mail Express name and the service features of Priority Mail®. Customers and Post Offices may continue to use existing packaging supplies until they are depleted.
The Postal Service will also include insurance coverage (against loss, damage, or missing contents) on barcoded domestic Priority Mail pieces at no additional charge. Insurance coverage will be provided as follows:
1. $100.00 of insurance coverage on all Priority Mail pieces that bear an Intelligent Mail® package barcode (IMpb) and either pay Commercial Plus® prices or use a qualifying postage payment method (including eVS® or Manifest Mailing System).
2. $50.00 of insurance coverage on all domestic Priority Mail pieces that bear an Intelligent Mail® package barcode (IMpb) or USPS retail tracking barcode.
No other changes will be made to the Postal Service’s extra service offerings or Priority Mail (including Critical Mail®). Customers who need to file a domestic claim in the event of loss, damage, or missing contents, may do so at www.usps.com/domestic-claims.
Next, to meet consumer needs for more day-specific delivery information, the Postal Service will include delivery day specific designations, when available, on retail receipts and on customer shipping labels using the origin and destination ZIP® Code pairs. For example:
Furthermore, 1-Day, 2-Day, 3-Day, International, Military and DPO will be considered “add-ons” to the Priority Mail product as part of the mail-class name after origin and destination ZIP Codes have been supplied. These “add-ons” may be included on customer shipping labels:
As a result of the Express Mail name change, the following global changes will be made to the DMM language; replace Express Mail with Priority Mail Express; Express Mail Corporate Account (EMCA) with USPS Corporate Account (USPSCA); Express Mail Military Service (EMMS) with Priority Mail Express Military Service (PMEMS); Express Mail International (EMI) with Priority Mail Express International (PMEI), Express Mail Open and Distribute (EMOD) with Priority Mail Express Open and Distribute (PMEOD) and Express Mail Manifesting (EMM) with Priority Mail Express Manifesting (PMEM). Some additional editorial changes are made throughout the former Express Mail (now Priority Mail Express) sections for ease-of-use and clarity.
Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM)
* * * * *
100 Retail Letters, Cards, Flats, and Parcels
* * * * *
[Revise the title of 110 as follows:]
110 Retail Priority Mail Express
113 Prices and Eligibility
[Revise the title of 1.0 as follows:]
1.0 Priority Mail Express Prices and Fees
1.1 Prices Charged Per Piece
[Revise the text of 1.0 as follows:]
Except for Flat Rate Envelopes (see 1.4), Priority Mail Express postage is charged for each addressed piece according to its weight and zone. The 0.5-pound price is charged for items up to 0.5 pound and items over 0.50 pound are rounded up to the next whole pound. For example, if a piece weighs 0.25 pound, the weight (postage) increment is 0.50 pound; if a piece weighs 0.75 pound, the weight increment is 1 pound; if a piece weighs 1.2 pounds, the weight (postage) increment is 2 pounds.
[Delete item 1.2 in its entirety (text relocated to revised item 1.1)]
* * * * *
1.4 Flat Rate Packaging
[Delete heading for 1.4.1 and revise text by adding a new last sentence as follows:]
***See Notice 123 — Price List for prices.
[Delete items 1.4.2 Flat Rate Envelopes — Price Eligibility and 1.4.3 Flat Rate Boxes — Price Eligibility in their entirety (applicable text already in 1.4.1)]
* * * * *
1.6 Pickup on Demand
[Delete heading for 1.6.1 and revise text as follows.]
The Pickup on Demand fee is charged every time pickup service is provided, regardless of the number of pieces picked up. See Notice 123 — Price List. This service may be combined with Priority Mail, Standard Post, Package Services, and international mail pickups. For additional information on Pickup on Demand service, see 507.7.0.
[Delete item 1.6.2 Pickup on Demand Service in its entirety (text relocated to 1.6.1)]
[Renumber item 1.7 Computing Postage as new item 1.2]
* * * * *
[Revise the title of 2.0 as follows.]
2.0 Basic Eligibility Standards for Priority Mail Express
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2.2 Matter Closed Against Postal Inspection
[Revise the text of item 2.2 as follows:]
Priority Mail Express matter is closed against postal inspection.
* * * * *
[Revise the title of 4.0 as follows.]
4.0 Service Features of Priority Mail Express
4.1 General
[Revise the text of 4.1 as follows:]
A mailing receipt showing the time and date of mailing must be provided to the mailer on acceptance of Priority Mail Express by the USPS. This receipt is a copy of the multipart Priority Mail Express label affixed to the mailpiece and serves as evidence of mailing. A delivery record, including the addressee’s signature (see 115.2.2 and 115.2.3), will be provided upon request. Customers may access proof of delivery information for Priority Mail Express as follows:
a. Individual requests by article number can be retrieved at www.usps.com, or by calling 800-222-1811 and providing the article number. A proof of delivery letter (signature data) is provided electronically via email or signature extract file as provided in 4.1b.
b. Bulk proof of delivery (503.6.0) is available only to mailers using Priority Mail Express Manifesting service and obtained in a signature extract file format.
* * * * *
[Revise the title of 4.4 as follows.]
4.4 Priority Mail Express Military Service (PMEMS)
4.4.1 Objectives
[Revise 4.4.1 as follows:]
For Priority Mail Express Military Service (PMEMS), items presented at APO/FPO and DPO facilities before the published cut-off time are delivered the second day after acceptance. Items presented after the published cut-off time are delivered the third day after acceptance. For PMEMS, the USPS refunds postage for an item not available for customer pickup at the APO/FPO or DPO address or for which delivery to the addressee was not attempted domestically within the times specified by the standards for this service, unless the item was delayed by Customs; the item was destined for an APO/FPO or DPO that was closed on the intended day of delivery (delivery is attempted the next business day); or the delay was caused by one of the situations in 114.2.0, Postage Refunds.
4.4.2 Availability
[Revise 4.4.2 as follows:]
PMEMS (under 703.2.6) is available between the United States and designated APO/FPO and DPOs to provide Department of Defense personnel stationed overseas, and others entitled to APO/FPO and DPO mailing privileges, an expedited delivery service to or from the United States. PMEMS Custom Designed Service and PMEMS Open and Distribute service are available to authorized APO/FPO and DPO destinations.
* * * * *
200 Commercial Letters and Cards
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[Revise the title of 210 as follows.]
210 Priority Mail Express
213 Prices and Eligibility
1.0 Prices and Fees
1.1 Prices Charged Per Piece
[Revise the text of 1.1 as follows:]
Except for Flat Rate Envelopes (see 1.5), Priority Mail Express postage is charged for each addressed piece according to its weight and zone. The 0.5-pound price is charged for items up to 0.5 pound and items over 0.50 pound are rounded up to the next whole pound. For example, if a piece weighs 0.25 pound, the weight (postage) increment is 0.50 pound; if a piece weighs 0.75 pound, the weight increment is 1 pound. Priority Mail Express items mailed under a specific customer agreement are charged according to the individual agreement. For shipments presented in Priority Mail Express containers under a Priority Mail Express Custom Designed agreement, each container is considered an addressed piece.
[Delete 1.2 Price Application in its entirety (relocated text in revised 1.1) and replace with newly renumbered 1.9 Determining Single-Piece Weight]
* * * * *
1.7 Pickup on Demand
[Revise the second sentence of item 1.7 as follows:]
***This service may be combined with Priority Mail, Standard Post, and Package Services pickups (see 507.7.0). See Notice 123 — Price List.
[Renumber current 1.9 as new 1.2]
* * * * *
[Revise the title of 3.0 as follows.]
3.0 Basic Standards for Priority Mail Express
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3.3 Matter Closed Against Postal Inspection
[Revise the text of item 3.3 as follows:]
Priority Mail Express matter is closed against postal inspection.
[Revise the title of 4.0 as follows.]
4.0 Service Features of Priority Mail Express
4.1 General
[Revise the text of 4.1 as follows:]
A mailing receipt showing the time and date of mailing must be provided to the mailer on retail acceptance of Priority Mail Express by the USPS. This receipt is a copy of the multipart Priority Mail Express label affixed to the mailpiece and serves as evidence of mailing. Mailers authorized to present Priority Mail Express under Priority Mail Express Manifesting procedures in 705.2.0 must use a one-ply label and retain the verification manifest as the mailing receipt. Mailers using an online application to create their Priority Mail Express label must retain the customer online record or shipping history as evidence of mailing. A delivery record, including the addressee’s signature (see 215.2.2 and 215.2.3), will be provided upon request. Customers may access proof of delivery information for Priority Mail Express as follows:
a. Individual requests by article number can be retrieved at www.usps.com, or by calling 800-222-1811 and providing the article number. A proof of delivery letter (signature data) is provided electronically via email or signature extract file as provided in 4.1b.
b. Bulk proof of delivery (503.6.0) is available only to mailers using Priority Mail Express Manifesting (PMEM) service and is obtained in a signature extract file format.
* * * * *
[Revise the title and text of 4.5 as follows:]
4.5 Priority Mail Express Military Service (PMEMS)
4.5.1 Objectives
[Revise 4.5.1 as follows:]
For Priority Mail Express Military Service (PMEMS), items presented at APO/FPO and DPO facilities before the published cut-off time are delivered the second day after acceptance. Items presented after the published cut-off time are delivered the third day after acceptance. For PMEMS, the USPS refunds postage for an item not available for customer pickup at the APO/FPO and DPO address or for which delivery to the addressee was not attempted domestically within the times specified by the standards for this service, unless the item was delayed by Customs; the item was destined for an APO/FPO and DPO that was closed on the intended day of delivery (delivery is attempted the next business day); or the delay was caused by one of the situations in 214.3.0.
4.5.2 Availability
[Revise 4.5.2 as follows:]
PMEMS (under 703.2.6) is available between the United States and designated APO/FPO and DPOs to provide Department of Defense personnel stationed overseas, and others entitled to APO and FPO mailing privileges, an expedited delivery service to or from the United States. PMEMS Custom Designed Service and PMEMS Open and Distribute service are available to authorized APO/FPO destinations.
* * * * *
[Revise the title of 4.6 as follows.]
4.6 Open and Distribute
[Revise the text of 4.6 as follows:]
Priority Mail Express Custom Designed, Priority Mail Express Next Day Delivery, and Priority Mail Express Second Day Delivery may be used to expedite movement of any other class of mail from one domestic USPS facility to another by Priority Mail Express Open and Distribute subject to the standards in 705.18.0.
* * * * *
300 Commercial Flats
[Revise the title of 310 as follows.]
310 Priority Mail Express
313 Prices and Eligibility
1.0 Prices and Fees
1.1 Prices Charged Per Piece
[Revise the text of 1.1 as follows:]
Except for Flat Rate Envelopes (see 1.5), Priority Mail Express postage is charged for each addressed piece according to its weight and zone. The 0.5-pound price is charged for items up to 0.5 pound and items over 0.50 pound are rounded up to the next whole pound. For example, if a piece weighs 0.25 pound, the weight (postage) increment is 0.50 pound; if a piece weighs 0.75 pound, the weight increment is 1 pound. Priority Mail Express items mailed under a specific customer agreement are charged according to the individual agreement. For shipments presented in Priority Mail Express containers under a Priority Mail Express Custom Designed agreement, each container is considered an addressed piece.
[Delete 1.2 Price Application in its entirety (relocated text in revised 1.1) and replace with newly renumbered 1.9 Determining Single-Piece Weight]
1.3 Commercial Base Prices
[Revise 1.3 as follows:]
Priority Mail Express Commercial Base prices are less than Priority Mail Express retail prices (see Notice 123 — Price List). These prices apply to:
a. Customers who use a USPS Corporate Account (USPSCA), including Federal Agency Accounts.
* * * * *
1.4 Commercial Plus Prices
* * * * *
1.4.1 Eligibility
[Revise 1.4.1 and 1.4.1a as follows:]
Commercial Plus prices are available for customers whose cumulative account volume exceeds 5,000 pieces in the previous four quarters or who have a customer commitment agreement with the USPS (see 1.4.2) and who are:
a. USPS Corporate Account (USPSCA) customers, including Federal Agency Accounts.
* * * * *
1.7 Pickup on Demand
[Revise the second sentence of item 1.7 as follows:]
***This service may be combined with Priority Mail, Standard Post, and Package Services pickups (see 507.7.0). See Notice 123 — Price List.
* * * * *
[Renumber current item 1.9 as new item 1.2]
* * * * *
[Revise the title of 3.0 as follows.]
3.0 Basic Standards for Priority Mail Express
* * * * *
3.3 Matter Closed Against Postal Inspection
[Revise 3.3 as follows:]
Priority Mail Express matter is closed against postal inspection.
[Revise the title of 4.0 as follows.]
4.0 Service Features of Priority Mail Express
4.1 General
[Revise 4.1 as follows:]
A mailing receipt showing the time and date of mailing must be provided to the mailer on retail acceptance of Priority Mail Express by the USPS. This receipt is a copy of the multipart Priority Mail Express label affixed to the mailpiece and serves as evidence of mailing. Mailers authorized to present Priority Mail Express under Priority Mail Express Manifesting (PMEM) procedures in 705.2.0 must use a one-ply label and retain the verification manifest as the mailing receipt. Mailers using an online application to create their Priority Mail Express label must retain the customer online record or shipping history as evidence of mailing. A delivery record, including the addressee’s signature (see 315.2.2 and 315.2.3), will be faxed or mailed upon request. Customers may access proof of delivery information for Priority Mail Express as follows:
a. Individual requests by article number can be retrieved at www.usps.com, or by calling 800-222-1811 and providing the article number. A proof of delivery letter (signature data) is provided electronically via email or signature extract file as provided in 4.1b.
b. Bulk proof of delivery (503.6.0) is available only to mailers using Priority Mail Express Manifesting service and is obtained in a signature extract file format.
* * * * *
[Revise the title of 4.5 as follows.]
4.5 Priority Mail Express Military Service (PMEMS)
4.5.1 Objectives
[Revise 4.5.1 as follows:]
For Priority Mail Express Military Service (PMEMS), items presented at APO/FPO and DPO facilities before the published cut-off time are delivered the second day after acceptance. Items presented after the published cut-off time are delivered the third day after acceptance. For PMEMS, the USPS refunds postage for an item not available for customer pickup at the APO/FPO and DPO address or for which delivery to the addressee was not attempted domestically within the times specified by the standards for this service, unless the item was delayed by Customs; the item was destined for an APO/FPO and DPO that was closed on the intended day of delivery (delivery is attempted the next business day); or the delay was caused by one of the situations in 314.3.0.
4.5.2 Availability
[Revise 4.5.2 as follows:]
PMEMS (under 703.2.6) is available between the United States and designated APO/FPO and DPOs to provide Department of Defense personnel stationed overseas, and others entitled to APO and FPO mailing privileges, an expedited delivery service to or from the United States. PMEMS Custom Designed Service and PMEMS Open and Distribute service are available to authorized APO/FPO destinations.
* * * * *
[Revise the title of 4.6 as follows]
4.6 Open and Distribute
[Revise the text of 4.6 as follows:]
Priority Mail Express Custom Designed, Priority Mail Express Next Day Delivery, and Priority Mail Express Mail Day Delivery may be used to expedite movement of any other class of mail from one domestic USPS facility to another by Priority Mail Express Open and Distribute subject to the standards in 705.18.0.
* * * * *
400 Commercial Parcels
* * * * *
[Revise the title of 410 as follows]
410 Priority Mail Express
413 Prices and Eligibility
1.0 Prices and Fees
1.1 Prices Charged Per Piece
[Revise 1.1 as follows:]
Except for Flat Rate packaging (see 1.5), Priority Mail Express postage is charged for each addressed piece according to its weight and zone. The 0.5-pound price is charged for items up to 0.5 pound and items over 0.50 pound are rounded up to the next whole pound. For example, if a piece weighs 0.25 pound, the weight (postage) increment is 0.50 pound; if a piece weighs 0.75 pound, the weight increment is 1 pound. Priority Mail Express items mailed under a specific customer agreement are charged according to the individual agreement. For shipments presented in Priority Mail Express containers under Priority Mail Express Custom Designed agreements, each container is considered an addressed piece.
[Delete 1.2 Price Application in its entirety (relocated text in revised 1.1) and replace with newly renumbered 1.9 Determining Single-Piece Weight]
1.3 Commercial Base Prices
Priority Mail Express Commercial Base prices, (see Notice 123 — Price List). These prices apply to:
[Revise 1.3 item a as follows:]
a. Customers who use an USPS Corporate Account (USPSCA), including federal agency accounts.
* * * * *
1.4 Commercial Plus Prices
* * * * *
1.4.1 Eligibility
Commercial Plus pricing is available to existing customers whose cumulative account volume exceeds 5,000 pieces in the previous four quarters or who have a customer commitment agreement with the USPS (see 1.4.2) and who are:
[Revise 1.4.1 item a as follows:]
a. USPS Corporate Account (USPSCA) customers, including federal agency accounts.
* * * * *
1.7 Pickup on Demand
[Revise the second sentence of item 1.7 as follows:]
***This service may be combined with Priority Mail, Standard Post, and Package Services pickups (see 507.7.0). See Notice 123 — Price List.
* * * * *
[Renumber current 1.9 as new item 1.2]
* * * * *
[Revise the title of 3.0 as follows]
3.0 Basic Standards for Priority Mail Express
* * * * *
3.3 Matter Closed Against Postal Inspection
[Revise the text of item 3.3 as follows:]
Priority Mail Express matter is closed against postal inspection.
[Revise the title of 4.0 as follows]
4.0 Service Features of Priority Mail Express
4.1 General
[Revise 4.1 as follows:]
A mailing receipt showing the time and date of mailing must be provided to the mailer on retail acceptance of Priority Mail Express by the USPS. This receipt is a copy of the multipart Priority Mail Express label affixed to the mailpiece and serves as evidence of mailing. Mailers authorized to present Priority Mail Express under Priority Mail Express Manifesting procedures in 705.2.0 must use a one-ply label and retain the verification manifest as the mailing receipt. Mailers using an online application to create their Priority Mail Express label must retain the customer online record or shipping history as evidence of mailing. A delivery record, including the addressee’s signature (see 415.2.2 and 415.2.3), will be faxed or mailed upon request. Customers may access proof of delivery information for Priority Mail Express as follows:
a. Individual requests by article number can be retrieved at www.usps.com, or by calling 800-222-1811 and providing the article number. A proof of delivery letter (signature data) is provided electronically via email or signature extract file as provided in 4.1b.
b. Bulk proof of delivery (503.6.0) is available only to mailers using Priority Mail Express Manifesting service and is obtained in a signature extract file format.
* * * * *
[Revise the title of 4.5 as follows]
4.5 Priority Mail Express Military Service (PMEMS)
4.5.1 Objectives
[Revise 4.5.1 as follows:]
For Priority Mail Express Military Service (PMEMS), items presented at APO/FPO and DPO facilities before the published cut-off time are delivered the second day after acceptance. Items presented after the published cut-off time are delivered the third day after acceptance. For PMEMS, the USPS refunds postage for an item not available for customer pickup at the APO/FPO and DPO address or for which delivery to the addressee was not attempted domestically within the times specified by the standards for this service, unless the item was delayed by Customs; the item was destined for an APO/FPO and DPO that was closed on the intended day of delivery (delivery is attempted the next business day); or the delay was caused by one of the situations in 414.3.0, Postage Refunds.
4.5.2 Availability
[Revise 4.5.2 as follows:]
PMEMS (under 703.2.6) is available between the United States and designated APO/FPO and DPOs to provide Department of Defense personnel stationed overseas, and others entitled to APO and FPO mailing privileges, an expedited delivery service to or from the United States. PMEMS Custom Designed Service and PMEMS Open and Distribute service are available to authorized APO/FPO destinations.
* * * * *
[Revise title of 4.6 as follows.]
4.6 Open and Distribute
[Revise the text of 4.6 as follows:]
Priority Mail Express Custom Designed, Priority Mail Express Next Day Delivery, and Priority Mail Express Second Day Delivery may be used to expedite movement of any other class of mail from one domestic USPS facility to another by Priority Mail Express Open and Distribute subject to the corresponding standards. For more information, see 705.18.0.
* * * * *
500 Additional Mailing Services
503 Extra Services
[Delete 1.0 Extra Services for Express Mail in its entirety and renumber current 2.0 through 16.0 as new items 1.0 through 15.0]
* * * * *
3.0 Insured Mail
[Renumber 3.1 through 3.5 as new 3.3 through 3.7 and add new items 3.1 and 3.2 as follows:]
3.1 Insurance Coverage — Priority Mail Express
Priority Mail Express is insured against loss, damage, or missing contents, subject to these standards:
a Insurance coverage for Priority Mail Express Open & Distribute shipments ends on receipt at the destination postal facility and the content of each Priority Mail Express container is considered one mailpiece for indemnity coverage.
b. All Priority Mail Express signed for by the addressee or the addressee’s agent constitutes a valid delivery, and no indemnity for loss is paid. For Priority Mail Express items not requiring a signature, a delivered scan event constitutes a valid delivery, and no indemnity for loss is paid.
c. Merchandise insurance coverage is provided against loss, damage, or missing contents, and limited to a maximum liability of $100.00. (Additional insurance under 3.1.1 may be purchased up to a maximum coverage of $5,000.00.) Nonnegotiable documents are insured against loss, damage, or missing contents, up to $100.00 per piece, subject to the maximum limit per occurrence as defined in 609, Filing Indemnity Claims for Loss or Damage.
d. Customers may file a claim online for insured Priority Mail Express at www.usps.com/domestic-claims. Additional terms, coverage, and procedures of indemnity claims are in 609.0.
3.1.1 Additional Insurance-Priority Mail Express
Additional insurance, up to a maximum coverage of $5,000.00, may be purchased for merchandise valued at more than $100.00 sent by Priority Mail Express. The insurance fee is entered in the block marked “Insurance” on the mailing label. If the label does not contain this specific block, the mailer uses the “COD” block by crossing out “COD,” writing “INS” to the right, and entering the fee for the applicable coverage. Coverage is limited to the actual value of the contents, regardless of the fee paid, or the highest insurance value increment for which the fee is fully paid, whichever is lower. When “signature required” service is not requested or when “waiver of signature” is requested, additional insurance is not available.
3.1.2 Fees for Priority Mail Express Insurance
The Priority Mail Express additional insurance fee is in addition to postage and other fees. Priority Mail Express merchandise maximum coverage: $5,000.00. Document reconstruction maximum liability: $100.00. See Notice 123 — Price List.
* * * * *
3.2 Insurance Coverage — Priority Mail
Priority Mail pieces bearing an Intelligent Mail package barcode (IMpb) or USPS retail tracking barcode (see 10.3.1) are insured against loss, damage, or missing contents, up to a maximum of $50.00 or $100.00, subject to the following:
a. Insurance coverage is provided against loss, damage, or missing contents and is limited to a maximum liability of $100.00 when the Priority Mail pieces bear an Intelligent Mail package barcode (IMpb) and postage is paid at either Commercial Plus prices or through eVS or approved Manifest Mailing System. Additional Priority Mail insurance may be purchased up to a maximum coverage of $5,000.00. Nonnegotiable documents are insured against loss, damage, or missing contents, up to $100.00 per piece, subject to the maximum limit per occurrence as defined in 609.0.
b. Insurance coverage is provided against loss, damage, or missing contents, and limited to a maximum liability of $50.00 when the Priority Mail pieces bear an IMpb or USPS retail tracking barcode, and does not otherwise qualify for $100.00 of insurance coverage as described in 3.2a. Additional Priority Mail insurance may be purchased up to a maximum coverage of $5,000.00. Nonnegotiable documents are insured against loss, damage, or missing contents, up to $50.00 per piece, subject to the maximum limit per occurrence as defined in 609.0.
c. The Priority Mail pieces are not sent using the following services: Merchandise Return Service, Priority Mail Open and Distribute, or Premium Forwarding Service.
d. Customers may file a domestic claim online for insured Priority Mail at www.usps.com/domestic-claims. Additional terms, coverage, and procedures for indemnity claims are in 609.0.
3.2.1 Additional Insurance-Priority Mail
Additional insurance, up to a maximum coverage of $5,000.00, may be purchased for merchandise valued at more than either $50.00 or $100.00 as provided in 3.2a and 3.2b, sent by Priority Mail.
* * * * *
3.4 Basic Information
3.4.1 Description
The following standards apply to insured mail service:
[Revise the first sentence of 3.4.1 item a as follows:]
a. Insured mail purchased at a retail Post Office location, including self-service or online through Click-N-Ship or a USPS-approved provider of PC Postage products and including customer-generated integrated barcodes (3.5.5), provides up to $5,000.00 indemnity coverage for articles that are lost, damaged, or have missing contents, subject to the standards for the service and payment of the applicable fees.***
[Revise the first sentence of 3.2.1 item b as follows:]
b. A bulk insurance discount is available for insured articles entered by authorized mailers who meet the criteria in 3.6.***
[Revise the fourth sentence of item c as follows:]
c. ***Customers may obtain a delivery record by purchasing additional services; see 5.0 for details.
[Revise the first sentence of item d as follows:]
d. Postal insurance may be purchased at only one source for each mailpiece; combining postal insurance from multiple sources is not permitted.
* * * * *
3.4.4 Additional Services
[Revise the second sentence of 3.4.4 as follows:]
***Customers purchasing electronic return receipt service at the time of mailing may also receive bulk proof of delivery (6.0).
* * * * *
3.4.5 Delivery Record
[Revise the first sentence of 3.4.5 as follows:]
Mailers may request a delivery record after mailing under 5.3.2.
3.5 Mailing
* * * * *
3.5.3 Markings and Forms
The treatment of pieces is determined by the insurance amount:
[Revise 3.5.3 items a, b, and c as follows:]
a. Retail pieces insured for $200.00 or less: The mailer must affix a barcoded Form 3813 (see Exhibit 3.5.3a) to each piece above the delivery address and to the right of the return address. No signature is obtained.
* * * * *
b. Retail pieces insured for more than $200.00: The mailer must affix a barcoded Form 3813-P (see Exhibit 3.5.3b) to each piece above the delivery address and to the right of the return address.
* * * * *
c. Mail for which insurance is purchased online must include the text “Insured” in the indicia area of the online label; the markings and forms in 3.5.3a and 3.5.3b are not required.
* * * * *
3.5.4 Privately Printed Form 3813-P
[Revise the fourth sentence of 3.5.4 as follows:]
***Unless printing integrated forms under 3.5.5, forms must retain the label design elements and color consistent with USPS Form 3813-P.***
3.5.5 Integrated Barcodes
The following options are available for mailers who print their own labels:
* * * * *
b. Mailers have another option for printing labels with insurance (see Exhibit 3.5.5d).***
* * * * *
Exhibit 3.5.5d Mailer-Printed Label With Integrated Barcode
[Insert new exhibit 3.5.5d]
[Revise 3.5.5 item e as follows:]
e. Mailers must use an integrated barcode (see Exhibit 3.5.5e) when insurance is purchased online for Priority Mail and for parcels mailed at First-Class Mail, First-Class Package Service, Media Mail, Standard Post, or Parcel Select prices.***
1. Mailers may purchase insurance online for indemnity coverage of $200.00 or less with electronic option USPS Tracking/Delivery Confirmation service. Prepare barcodes under 3.5.5c.
2. Mailers may purchase insurance online for indemnity coverage of more than $200.00, up to $5,000.00, with electronic option USPS Tracking/Delivery Confirmation service or Signature Confirmation service using integrated barcodes under 3.5.5d.
Exhibit 3.5.5e Integrated Barcodes With Routing ZIP Code
[Insert new exhibit 3.5.5e:]
* * * * *
3.6 Bulk Insurance for Standard Mail
3.6.1 Eligibility
[Revise the first sentence of 3.6.1 as follows:]
To mail at the bulk insured service prices, mailers must obtain an authorization under 3.6.2 and meet the following criteria:
* * * * *
3.6.2 Authorization
[Revise 3.6.2 by deleting the third sentence and revising the second sentence as follows:]
***The Postmaster or designee will verify on this form that the mailer meets the requirements in 3.6.1. If the mailer does not meet the requirements, the application will be denied. If the mailer meets the requirements in 3.6.1, the Postmaster or designee will certify on the bulk insured service verification form that the mailer qualifies and forward the form to the manager of Claims Processing at the St. Louis Accounting Service Center (ASC).***
* * * * *
5.0 Return Receipt
* * * * *
5.2 Basic Information
5.2.1 Description
[Revise the second sentence of 5.2.1 as follows:]
***A mailer purchasing return receipt service at the time of mailing may choose to receive the return receipt by mail (Form 3811) or electronically (by email or by signature extract file format as provided in 6.0).***
5.2.2 Eligible Matter
Return receipt service is available for:
[Revise 5.2.2 item a as follows:]
a. Priority Mail Express (receive by mail (Form 3811) option only). If a return receipt is requested, the mailer must show a complete return address on the mailpiece. The return address on the Priority Mail Express label meets this requirement.
* * * * *
5.2.4 Additional Services
[Revise the text of 5.2.4 as follows:]
If return receipt service has been purchased with one of the services listed in 5.2.2, one or more of the following extra services may be added at the time of mailing if the standards for the services are met and the additional service fees are paid:
* * * * *
6.0 Bulk Proof of Delivery
6.1 Description
***Bulk proof of delivery records are available as follows:
[Revise 6.1 by adding new item f as follows:]
f. Bulk proof of delivery is available only to mailers using Priority Mail Express Manifesting service and is obtained in a signature extract file format.
6.2 Eligibility
Mailers who use extra service labels procured from a Postal Service retail location cannot participate in bulk proof of delivery. Bulk proof of delivery is available to mailers who participate in the following mailing programs:
* * * * *
[Revise 6.2 item c as follows:]
c. Priority Mail Express Manifesting (PMEM).
* * * * *
12.0 Collect on Delivery (COD)
* * * * *
12.2.2 Eligible Matter
[Revise the introductory text of 12.2.2 as follows:]
COD service may be used for Priority Mail Express (next day and second day service only), First-Class Mail, Priority Mail (excluding Critical Mail), Standard Post, and any Package Services or Parcel Select (except Parcel Select Lightweight) sub-category if:
* * * * *
12.2.3 Additional Services
Purchasing COD service allows customers to then purchase restricted delivery service or a return receipt. The following additional services may be combined with COD if the applicable standards for the services are met and the additional service fees are paid:
[Revise 12.2.3 items a and c as follows:]
a. USPS Tracking (not available for purchase with Priority Mail Express COD).
* * * * *
c. Signature Confirmation (not available for purchase with Priority Mail Express COD).
* * * * *
[Revise the title of 12.2.5 as follows]
12.2.5 Priority Mail Express COD
[Revise the text of 12.2.5 as follows:]
Any article sent COD also may be sent by Priority Mail Express Next Day and Priority Mail Express Second Day service when a signature is requested. Such mail is handled in the same manner as other Priority Mail Express. The maximum amount collectible from the addressee on an individual article is $1,000.00, and indemnity for failure to collect or issue payment is limited to $1,000.00. Priority Mail Express postage and the proper COD fees must be paid. Both the Priority Mail Express label and COD form must be affixed to each article. The Priority Mail Express article number is used for delivery receipt and indemnity claims.
* * * * *
[Revise the title and text of 12.2.7 as follows:]
12.2.7 Redirecting COD
The mailer of a COD article may use USPS Package Intercept service to redirect the COD mailpiece to a new addressee, to a designated Post Office using Hold For Pickup service, or to the sender by paying the applicable fee as provided in 507.5.
[Delete 12.2.8, Notice to Mailer, in its entirety.]
12.3 Forms
12.3.1 PS Form 3816
[Revise the first sentence of 12.3.1 as follows:]
Mailers must complete barcoded PS Form 3816 (see Exhibit 12.3.1) and attach it either above the delivery address and to the right of the return address, or to the left of the delivery address on parcels. If more than three articles are sent at a time, the mailer may use PS Form 3816-AS.
Exhibit 12.3.1 PS Form 3816
[Replace Exhibit 12.3.1, PS Form 3816 as follows:]
* * * * *
507 Mailer Services
1.0 Treatment of Mail
* * * * *
1.5 Treatment for Ancillary Services by Class of Mail
1.5.1 First-Class Mail, First-Class Package Service, and Priority Mail
Undeliverable-as-addressed First-Class Mail (including postcards), First-Class Package Service, and Priority Mail pieces are treated under Exhibit 1.5.1, with these additional conditions:
* * * * *
[Revise 1.5.1 item c as follows:]
c. The Priority Mail portion of a Priority Mail Open and Distribute shipment receives the forwarding, return, and address correction services described in Exhibit 1.5.1. The mail enclosed within the Priority Mail Open and Distribute shipment receives the services appropriate for its class.
* * * * *
[Revise the title of 1.5.5 as follows]
1.5.5 Priority Mail Express
Undeliverable-as-addressed (UAA) Priority Mail Express is treated as described in Exhibit 1.5.5, with these additional conditions:
* * * * *
[Revise 1.5.5 item c as follows:]
c. The Priority Mail Express portion of a Priority Mail Express Open and Distribute shipment receives the forwarding, return, and address correction services described in Exhibit 1.5.5. The mail enclosed within the Open and Distribute shipment receives the services appropriate for its class.
* * * * *
7.0 Pickup on Demand Service
* * * * *
7.2 Basic Standards
* * * * *
7.2.5 Standards
[Revise the first sentence of 7.2.5 as follows:]
Each piece of Express Mail, Priority Mail, or Standard Post must meet all applicable eligibility and preparation standards. Material prepared as Express Mail or Priority Mail Open and Distribute shipments must meet the applicable standards in 705.18.0.
* * * * *
600 Basic Standards For All Mailing Services
* * * * *
604 Postage Payment Methods
* * * * *
5.0 Permit Imprint (Indicia)
* * * * *
5.3 Indicia Design, Placement, and Content
* * * * *
5.3.11 Indicia Formats
Unless prepared under 5.3.12 or 5.4, permit imprint indicia on mailpieces must be prepared in one of the formats in Exhibit 5.3.11, as applicable to the price claimed or type of mail. (Not all permissible combinations of content elements are shown.) Specific markings may be required as applicable for the price claimed. Express Mail markings may be used in lieu of Priority Mail Express (made effective July 28, 2013) until January 26, 2014.
Exhibit 5.3.11 Indicia Formats for Official Mail and Other Classes
[Revise Exhibit 5.3.11 by replacing Express Mail with Priority Mail Express]
* * * * *
609 Filing Indemnity Claims for Loss or Damage
1.0 General Filing Instructions
* * * * *
1.4 When to File
File claims as follows:
[Revise 1.4 by inserting the updated chart as follows:]
1.5 Where to File
[Revise the text and items in 1.5 as follows:]
A domestic claim should be filed online at www.usps.com/domestic-claims for domestic insured mail, Priority Mail Express, COD, and Registered Mail. Customers without internet access may file by mail (1.6.2) or at the Post Office (1.6.3).
1.6 How to File
[Renumber current 1.6.2 as new item 1.6.1 and revise newly renumbered 1.6.1 as follows:]
1.6.1 Claims Filed Online
[Revise the text of 1.6.1 as follows:]
Customers may file a claim online for insured mail, including Priority Mail with insurance coverage as provided in 503.3.2, Priority Mail Express, COD, and Registered Mail at www.usps.com/domestic-claims. Evidence of value is required and should be submitted as an uploaded file (pdf or .jpeg); otherwise, the claim cannot be completed online (see 1.6.2 to file by mail or 1.6.3 to file at the Post Office). Evidence of insurance must be retained by the customer until the claim is resolved. Upon written request by the USPS, the customer must submit proof of damage (see 2.0) for damaged items or missing contents, in person, to a local Post Office for inspection, retention, and disposition in accordance with the claims decision.
[Renumber current 1.6.1 as new 1.6.2 and revise the second sentence of item 1.6.2 as follows:]
1.6.2 Claims Filed by Mail
***Customers may print PS Form 1000 from www.usps.com/insuranceclaims.***
1.6.3 Claims Filed at the Post Office
[Revise the first two sentences of 1.6.3 as follows:]
A customer may file PS Form 1000 at a local Post Office, which will then forward the form to Accounting Services in St. Louis. Customers may print PS Form 1000 from www.usps.com/insuranceclaims.
* * * * *
3.0 Providing Evidence of Insurance and Value
3.1 Evidence of Insurance
For a claim involving insured mail, Registered Mail, COD, or Priority Mail Express, the customer must retain evidence showing that the particular service was purchased until the claim is resolved. Examples of acceptable evidence of insurance are:
[Revise the fourth sentence of item a as follows:]
a. ***Customers filing online claims may scan the receipt and submit as an uploaded file; otherwise, the claim cannot be completed online (see 1.6.2 to file by mail or 1.6.3 to file at the Post Office).
* * * * *
[Revise item e as follows.]
e. For insured mail or COD mail paid using eVS under 705.2.9, the mailer must include either a Detail Record in their Shipping Services files, version 1.6 or higher, which contains recipient name and address information for the accountable Extra Services pieces in the mailing as provided in Publication 205, eVS® Business & Technical Guide, Pub 199, Intelligent Mail Package Barcode (IMpb) Implementation Guide, and Pub 122, Customer Guide to Filing Domestic Insurance Claims or Registered Mail Inquiries or present a printout of the part of 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. The Detail Records of Shipping Services files or Form 3877 are presented to confirm payment through eVS. This information is used by the administering Post Office where the eVS permit account is held and for claims processing.
3.2 Evidence of Value
[Revise the introductory test of 3.2 as follows:]
The customer (either the mailer or the addressee) must submit acceptable evidence to establish the cost or value of the article at the time it was mailed. For claims submitted online, evidence of value should be submitted as an uploaded file; otherwise, the claim cannot be completed online (see 1.6.2 to file by mail or 1.6.3 to file at the Post Office). Other evidence may be requested to help determine an accurate value. Examples of acceptable evidence are:
* * * * *
[Revise 3.2 item b as follows:]
b. For items valued up to $100, the customer’s own statement describing the lost or damaged article and including the date and place of purchase, the amount paid, and whether the item was new or used (only if a sales receipt or invoice is not available). If the article mailed is a hobby, craft, or similar handmade item, the statement must include the cost of the materials used in making the item. The statement must describe the article in sufficient detail to determine whether the value claimed is accurate. (For example, a claim for an heirloom item would include the customer’s own statement explaining it was not purchased, costs for materials are not available, along with estimates of repair costs or appraisals from a reputable dealer or a picture from a catalog showing the value of a similar article).
* * * * *
700 Special Standards
* * * * *
705 Advanced Preparation and Special Postage Payment Systems
* * * * *
[Revise the title of 18.0 as follows]
18.0 Priority Mail Express Mail Open and Distribute and Priority Mail Open and Distribute
* * * * *
18.3.2 Extra Services
No extra services may be added to the Priority Mail Express segment of Priority Mail Express Open and Distribute shipment, and the enclosed mail may receive only the following extra services:
* * * * *
[Revise 18.3.2 item d as follows:]
d. Parcel Select, Standard Post, and Package Services mail may be sent with special handling or, for parcels only, USPS Tracking/Delivery Confirmation or Signature Confirmation service.
* * * * *
18.5.8 DDU Address Labels
* * * * *
Exhibit 18.5.8 DDU Address Label
[Add new Exhibit 18.5.8.]
* * * * *
18.5.9 SCF Address Labels
* * * * *
Exhibit 18.5.9 SCF Address Label
[Add new Exhibit 18.5.9.]
* * * * *
18.5.10 ADC Address Labels
* * * * *
Exhibit 18.5.10 ADC Address Label
[Add new Exhibit 18.5.10.]
* * * * *
18.5.11 NDC Address Labels
* * * * *
Exhibit 18.5.11 NDC Address Label
[Add new Exhibit 18.5.11.]
* * * * *
18.5.12 ASF Address Labels
* * * * *
Exhibit 18.5.12 ASF Address Label
[Add new Exhibit 18.5.12.]
* * * * *
We will incorporate these revisions into the July update of the online DMM, which is available via Postal Explorer® at http://pe.usps.com.
— Product Classification,
Pricing, 6-27-13
