The Postal Service will require all commercial BPM, Media Mail®, and Library Mail parcels to bear an IMpb. When Media Mail and Library Mail parcels are entered at retail, pay the retail price, and are entered through a retail transaction, the Postal Service will apply an IMpb-compliant barcode if one is not already affixed. Mailers requesting USPS Tracking service for their Package Services parcels would continue to be assessed the electronic fee. Mailers would also have the option of affixing an IMpb-compliant, mail class-only tracking barcode to their Package Services mailpieces at no charge
The Postal Service is also clarifying the DMM to specify that BPM pieces including USPS Tracking may also bear an exceptional address format.
Similar to the IMpb compliance process for Standard Mail parcels, Package Services parcels will also be required to meet the IMpb requirements effective January 26, 2014, but will also be subject to an extended transitional period until July 27, 2014, to allow additional time for mailers to modify their systems. Noncompliant Package Services pieces will also not be subject to a monetary noncompliance fee at this time. The Postal Service acknowledges delays in implementing enhancements to translate Mail.dat files to Shipping Services files impacted some mailers’ ability to change their systems to meet IMpb requirements and is therefore affording this extended transitional period.
The Postal Service will require all parcels bearing metered postage to bear a unique IMpb, meet the Shipping Services File requirements, and include the correct destination delivery address or ZIP+4 Code for each record in the file to be eligible for commercial plus or commercial base pricing. To support the less sophisticated meter mailers, the Postal Service will continue to provide pre-printed IMpb-compliant labels to mailers who are unable to print their own labels. A special version of the IMpb label will be made available to customers who ship parcels but do not use a postage meter capable of transmitting electronic manifest and address information. This special version of the IMpb label does not qualify for commercial plus or commercial base pricing, or automatic insurance for Priority Mail (unless accompanied by acceptance information); however, use of these preprinted USPS labels or other IMpb-compliant barcodes will be a requirement for eligibility to ship USPS parcel products.
To afford meter mailers who currently receive commercial base pricing additional time to prepare for this new requirement, the Postal Service will provide a transitional period for these mailers until January 25, 2015. Effective January 25, 2015, meter mailers must meet all IMpb requirements to qualify for commercial base prices. After January 25, 2015, meter mailers unable to comply with these requirements may continue to mail at retail prices, but must affix a USPS tracking label (Special IMpb or Label 400) or other IMpb-compliant label to each mailpiece. However, these mailers will not be required to transmit a Shipping Services File for mailpieces paid at retail prices. Whether claiming commercial or retail prices, postage meter mailers must affix preprinted USPS labels or other IMpb-compliant barcodes as a requirement for eligibility to ship USPS parcel products using a postage meter. However, Priority Mail pieces must include Priority Mail IMpb shipping labels or those special IMpb labels supported by a Shipping Services file to qualify for automatic insurance.
Metered Priority Mail pieces using IMpb labels that are not supported by a Shipping Services file must have a full acceptance scan at a retail location in order to qualify for automatic insurance coverage.
As stated in the July 11, 2013 proposed rule, the Postal Service has implemented a process to allow mailers to temporarily use unique tracking barcodes, prepared in a legacy format, on parcels and mailpieces that include extra services. Any such authorization would be granted via an exception process. Mailers requesting an exception must be able to demonstrate their ability to transmit piece-level documentation to the Postal Service through a Shipping Services File and include a destination delivery address or ZIP+4 code for each record in the file. These exceptions are intended to provide additional time, when needed, to transition to the use of IMpb. Requests for exceptions must be directed to the Vice President of Sales. All mailers must be fully IMpb-compliant, including use of version 1.6 or higher of the Shipping Services File, by January 25, 2015.
Effective July 28, 2013, the Postal Service provided automatic insurance coverage, at no additional charge, on domestic Priority Mail pieces bearing an IMpb. Mailers should note that Priority Mail pieces bearing barcodes prepared in the legacy format are not eligible for automatic insurance coverage.
In response to input from the mailing industry, the Postal Service will modify the requirements described in the July 11, 2013 proposed rule relative to the identification of the mail owner, mailing agent By/For relationship. After consultation and discussion with multiple industry groups, mailers, and other stakeholders, the Postal Service will strongly encourage, but not require, mailing agents (mail service providers and consolidators) to include information in their electronic documentation that identifies both the mailing agent and mail owner (i.e. By/For mailing relationship) for all mailings made on behalf of mail owners who mail, or are expected to mail, more than 7,500 parcels per year. As part of past and current visibility initiatives, onboarding processes, and payment programs, the Postal Service notes that package mailing agents generally provide By/For information at a relatively high level. In recognition of this fact and in consideration of its recent discussions with the mailing industry, the Postal Service now believes it to be mutually beneficial to work collaboratively toward maintaining and improving the level of disclosure of By/For relationships without introducing formalized requirements and compliance enforcements. The Postal Service is generally pleased with the progress made in providing this information for package mailings.
Going forward, the Postal Service expects By/For identification to continually improve for all mailing agents, and will monitor each mailing agent’s performance to ensure the level of disclosure of the mail owner information consistently increases towards the compliance thresholds outlined in this Postal Bulletin article for Shipping Services File versions 1.6 or higher. The Postal Service intends to examine the progress of disclosure of the By/For information six months following the implementation of this final rule. In the event the level of By/For disclosures degrades below these thresholds, the Postal Service will consider making By/For information a compliance requirement.
When mailing agents make mailings on behalf of one or more clients (mail owners), the Postal Service expects agents to continue to make requests for a unique mailer ID (MID) for each client to designate package ownership. Both eVS and non-eVS mailing agents are to use this process to assign a unique MID for each client. This unique MID will be used exclusively for that client, for mailings with that particular mailing agent, and shall not be reassigned to other clients.
In addition, mailing agents may include a unique Customer Registration ID (CRID) for the mail owner in the electronic documentation to identify By/For relationships. Fields are provided in Shipping Services File version 1.6 or higher, Mail.dat and Mail.XML for this purpose.
However, the Postal Service will require mail owners who claim commercial plus prices or Nonprofit Standard Mail prices and mail owners of parcels containing hazardous material to disclose the By/For mailing relationship regardless of volume.
The Postal Service defines these entities as follows:
n Mail Owner: The mail owner is the business entity, organization, or individual who makes business decisions regarding the parcel or mailpiece content, directly benefits from the mailing, and ultimately pays for postage on the mailpiece directly or by way of a mailing agent.
n Mailing Agent: The mailing agent is a business entity, consolidator, organization, or individual acting on behalf of one or more mail owners by providing mailing services for which the mail owners compensate the mailing agent. A business entity, organization, or individual whose services define it as a mailing agent may also be considered a mail owner, but only for its own mail or the mail of its subsidiaries. Mailing agents include, but are not limited to parcel consolidators, printers, address list providers/managers mail preparers, postage payment providers, mailing logistics providers, mailing tracking providers, ad agencies, and mailing information managers.
Mailers using an IMpb will be required to use a conforming MID. Mailers who are not currently compliant with this requirement must obtain and use a conforming MID as soon as possible, and must use a conforming MID by January 26, 2014.
A MID is considered to be compliant when the following requirements are met:
n A conforming six-digit MID must begin with 0 through 8.
n A conforming nine-digit MID must begin with 9.
Questions in regard to converting to conforming MIDs may be directed to the National Customer Support Center (NCSC) by calling 877-264-9693 and selecting option 3 or by sending an email to IMpb@usps.gov.
Electronic documentation requirements in support of IMpb include the use of Shipping Services File version 1.6 or higher, identifying serialization of each parcel or trackable Extra Services mailpiece supported by the file and destination delivery address information or accurate ZIP+4 code for each record in the file. Shipping Services Files must be transmitted to the Postal Service prior to the physical presentation of the mailing for acceptance. Mailers will be required to correctly populate Shipping Services electronic manifest files with the piece level detail information that describes the parcels and mailpieces being shipped. Furthermore, to simplify the processing and coding requirements for mailers, the Postal Service itself and software vendors, the rules for populating fields (e.g. required versus optional fields, defaults, content values) in file type 2 will now be the same as for file type 1. Mailers can reference Publication 199 for details on Shipping Services Files Types 1 and 2.
In addition to accurate piece level information, the proper definition of the mailing By/For relationship and the use of a conforming MID, Shipping Services Files include, but are not limited to, the following fields:
n Transaction ID (TID). This is a unique 12-digit number assigned to associate Shipping Services File manifests to file transmissions. The TID must also be included on the Postage Statement and must match the Shipping Services manifest file for the corresponding mailing. The TID field must follow the format of YYYYMMDD####, where YYYY is the year, MM is the month, DD is the date of mailing, and ‘####’ is the numeric sequence number to support multiple postage statements on the same day. For example, TID 201311130001 represents the first postage statement created for November 13, 2013.
n Payment Account number. This is the USPS account number from which the mailing will be paid.
n Method of payment. This is the approved payment method (permit imprint, postage meter, PC Postage, OMAS, franked mail, and stamps) for the mail being entered.
n Post Office of Account. This is the 5-digit ZIP Code of the Post Office™ issuing the permit number, meter license, or precanceled stamp, and should agree with the information on the postage statement.
The Transaction ID (TID) in conjunction with the Payment Account Number, Method of Payment, and Post Office of Account, enable the Postal Service to calculate IMpb compliance for each mailing at the postage statement level. If any of these fields are missing or inaccurate, an IMpb compliance fee will be assessed for each competitive product mailpiece.
As stated in the July 11, 2013 proposed rule, the Postal Service will strongly encourage, but not require, mailers to provide an electronic association between IMpb piece-level record and Intelligent Mail tray labels and/or Intelligent Mail container placards. However, the Postal Service may require these electronic associations for certain products, price categories, or value-added services. Technical requirements for the electronic association of parcels to containers will be provided in Publication 199.
The Postal Service adopted the recommendations of the mailing industry, and will implement a schedule of gradually increasing compliance thresholds for mailings including mailpieces without IMpb-compliant barcodes, without a compliant destination delivery address or ZIP+4 code in the electronic documentation for each mailpiece or not supported by an approved Shipping Services File (or a Shipping Services File with missing or erroneous data elements), or authorized alternative documentation and will implement a per-piece price adjustment for non-compliant pieces. The Postal Service will apply these compliance thresholds at the manifest level for PC Postage and postage meter mailings, and at the postage statement level for permit imprint or precanceled stamp mailings. A new sampling procedure for barcode evaluation will be added to the current acceptance process for the purpose of evaluating compliance with these new barcode thresholds. Barcode and file compliance will be measured against the specifications defined in Publication 199. Each record in Shipping Services Files will be subject to data evaluation for file version and required elements within the file. Assessments for non-eVS packages are expected to be due at the time of mailing. eVS mailers will be assessed monthly for non-compliant mailpieces in excess of the established thresholds. For any mailing, compliance can be calculated separately for each of the three compliance categories. MRS and other returns mailpieces will be sampled for compliance under these new compliance thresholds at the facility where the pieces are rated and/or prepared for shipment to the permit holder. When a mailing fails more than one compliance category, a per-piece price adjustment will be assessed against the category yielding the highest number of noncompliant pieces. Noncompliant pieces will be assessed the per-piece price adjustment only once, even when failing more than one compliance category. The Postal Service will enforce compliance thresholds as follows:
* Destination delivery address or 11-Digit DPV ZIP Code required effective January 25, 2015.
For competitive products (i.e. Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, First-Class Package Service® and Parcel Select®), the Postal Service will implement the thresholds and per-piece price adjustments described above for noncompliant pieces. In conformance with the recently filed competitive price case (PRC Docket No. CP2014-5), the Postal Service will begin enforcement of the thresholds and per-piece price adjustments on January 26, 2014.
For market-dominant products (i.e. First-Class Mail® parcels, Standard Mail parcels, and Package Services parcels), the Postal Service intends to apply the thresholds and noncompliance price adjustment to Market Dominant mailpieces at a future date, after filing with, and receiving approval from, the PRC. Regulatory review will take up to 45 days from the date of that filing. The proposed effective date for the per-piece price adjustments for Market Dominant products will be predicated on the PRC’s decision.
Effective January 26, 2014, mailers inducting parcels containing mailable hazardous material or mailable live animals will be required to include an indicator in the appropriate field of the Shipping Services File, or other authorized electronic documentation, identifying each applicable mailpiece as containing either hazardous material or live animals. MRS and other returns mailpieces containing hazardous materials will be required to bear a unique IMpb barcode, including a specific 3-digit service type code specifying the class of mail and identifying the mailpiece as containing hazardous material. For the purposes of this requirement mailpieces containing hazardous material would include any package containing material requiring hazardous material markings, requiring special packaging, contents limitations, or transportation restrictions provided for in DMM 601 or Publication 52, Hazardous, Restricted or Perishable Mail. Mailers will be provided an extended transitional period until July 27, 2014, to allow additional time for mailers to modify their systems for these new requirements.
The Postal Service has also developed similar identifying indicators to provide enhanced visibility of shipments containing cremated remains. Mailer use of the cremated remains indicators is strongly recommended, but will not be required.
In response to feedback from the mailing industry, the Postal Service did not adopt its proposal to limit Certified Mail® service to use with only First-Class Mail. At a future date, the Postal Service expects to provide a new option for mailers to combine restricted delivery service with Signature Confirmation™ service. The combination of restricted delivery service with Signature Confirmation service will provide an option for mailers to restrict delivery of Priority Mail, First-Class Package Service, Package Services, Standard Post, and Parcel Select pieces without also having to purchase insurance for more than $200 to obtain this service.
The Postal Service will also provide a transitional period for IMpb compliance with Certified Mail and Registered Mail™ until January 25, 2015. This transitional period will provide additional time for mailers to prepare their systems, change label and envelope stock, and deplete their inventories of preprinted forms.
The Postal Service expects to provide new Registered Mail and Certified Mail “banner only” labels for mailer use early in the 2014 calendar year. These “banner only” labels will help identify these specific products when used in an IMpb-compliant barcode format, and will meet USPS mailing standards for privately printed forms when used as specified.
Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM)
* * * * *
200 Commercial Letters and Cards
* * * * *
210 Priority Mail Express
213 Prices and Eligibility
* * * * *
3.0 Basic Standards for Priority Mail Express
* * * * *
3.2 IMpb Standards
[Revise the text of 3.2 to read as follows:]
All Priority Mail Express pieces, unless inducted through a retail transaction or a USPS self-service kiosk, those bearing postage meter imprints and using Label 11-B, or those pieces paying postage through USPSCA, must bear an Intelligent Mail package barcode (IMpb) prepared under 708.5.0. Unless otherwise excepted, mailpieces not meeting the requirements for use of unique Intelligent Mail package barcodes or extra services barcodes, as outlined in Publication 199, will be assessed an IMpb noncompliance fee. For details, see the RIBBS website at https://ribbs.usps.gov.
* * * * *
220 Priority Mail
223 Prices and Eligibility
* * * * *
3.0 Basic Standards for Priority Mail
* * * * *
3.3 IMpb Standards
[Revise the text of 3.3 to read as follows:]
Unless authorized to use a unique IMb on Priority Mail letters and flats prepared in high-speed environments, all Priority Mail pieces (except Critical Mail pieces without an extra service) must bear an Intelligent Mail package barcode prepared under 708.5.0. To obtain information on how to acquire an authorization to use an IMb on Priority Mail letters and flats, mailers can contact USPS Shipping Information Systems at IMPB@usps.gov. Mailpieces not meeting the requirements for use of unique Intelligent Mail package barcodes or extra services barcodes, as outlined in Publication 199, will be assessed an IMpb noncompliance fee. For details, see the RIBBS website at https://ribbs.usps.gov.
* * * * *
300 Commercial Flats
* * * * *
310 Priority Mail Express
313 Prices and Eligibility
* * * * *
3.0 Basic Standards for Priority Mail Express
* * * * *
3.2 IMpb Standards
[Revise the text of 3.2 to read as follows:]
All Priority Mail Express pieces, unless inducted through a retail transaction or a USPS self-service kiosk, those bearing postage meter imprints and using Label 11-B, or those pieces paying postage through USPSCA, must bear an Intelligent Mail package barcode (IMpb) prepared under 708.5.0. Unless otherwise excepted, mailpieces not meeting the requirements for use of unique Intelligent Mail package barcodes or extra services barcodes, as outlined in Publication 199, will be assessed an IMpb noncompliance fee. For details, see the RIBBS website at https://ribbs.usps.gov.
* * * * *
320 Priority Mail
323 Prices and Eligibility
* * * * *
3.0 Basic Standards for Priority Mail
* * * * *
3.3 IMpb Standards
[Revise the text of 3.3 to read as follows:]
Unless authorized to use a unique IMb on Priority Mail letters and flats prepared in high-speed environments, all Priority Mail pieces (except Critical Mail pieces without an extra service) must bear an Intelligent Mail package barcode prepared under 708.5.0. To obtain information on how to acquire an authorization to use an IMb on Priority Mail letters and flats, mailers can contact USPS Shipping Information Systems at IMPB@usps.gov. Mailpieces not meeting the requirements for use of unique Intelligent Mail package barcodes or extra services barcodes, as outlined in Publication 199, will be assessed an IMpb noncompliance fee. For details, see the RIBBS website at https://ribbs.usps.gov.
* * * * *
400 Commercial Parcels
* * * * *
401 Physical Standards
1.0 Physical Standards for Parcels
* * * * *
1.5 Machinable Parcels
* * * * *
1.5.2 Criteria for Lightweight Machinable Parcels
A parcel that weighs less than 6 ounces (but not less than 3.5 ounces) is machinable if it meets all of the following conditions:
* * * * *
[Delete 1.5.2b and renumber the current 1.5.2c and 2d as the new 2b and 2c.]
* * * * *
2.0 Additional Standards by Class of Mail
* * * * *
2.5 Parcel Select
2.5.1 General Standards
These standards apply to Parcel Select:
* * * * *
[Delete 2.5.1c in its entirety.]
* * * * *
410 Priority Mail Express
413 Prices and Eligibility
* * * * *
3.0 Basic Standards for Priority Mail Express
* * * * *
3.2 IMpb Standards
[Revise the text of 3.2 to read as follows:]
All Priority Mail Express pieces, unless inducted through a retail transaction or a USPS self-service kiosk, those bearing postage meter imprints and using Label 11-B, or those pieces paying postage through USPSCA, must bear an Intelligent Mail package barcode (IMpb) prepared under 708.5.0. Unless otherwise excepted, mailpieces not meeting the requirements for use of unique Intelligent Mail package barcodes or extra services barcodes, as outlined in Publication 199, will be assessed an IMpb noncompliance fee. For details, see the RIBBS website at https://ribbs.usps.gov.
* * * * *
420 Priority Mail
423 Prices and Eligibility
* * * * *
3.0 Basic Standards for Priority Mail
* * * * *
3.2 IMpb Standards
[Revise the text of 3.2 to read as follows:]
All Priority Mail pieces, unless inducted through a retail transaction or a USPS self-service kiosk, must bear an Intelligent Mail package barcode (IMpb) prepared under 708.5.0. Mailpieces not meeting the requirements for use of unique Intelligent Mail package barcodes or extra services barcodes, as outlined in Publication 199, will be assessed an IMpb noncompliance fee. For details, see the RIBBS website at https://ribbs.usps.gov.
* * * * *
430 First-Class Package Service
433 Price and Eligibility
1.0 Prices and Fees for First-Class Package Service
* * * * *
1.4 Commercial Plus Prices
First-Class Package Service machinable parcels less than 16 ounces and Merchandise Return Service parcels are eligible for Commercial Plus prices for customers that:
* * * * *
[Delete 1.4f in its entirety and renumber 1.4g as new 1.4f.]
1.5 Surcharge
[Delete 1.5b, restructure and revise 1.5 to read as follows:]
Unless prepared in 5-digit/scheme containers, a surcharge applies for presorted parcels that are irregularly shaped, such as rolls, tubes, and triangles.
* * * * *
3.0 Basic Standards for First-Class Package Service Parcels
* * * * *
3.3 Additional Basic Standards
All presorted First-Class Package Service parcels must:
* * * * *
[Delete 3.3c in its entirety.]
3.4 IMpb Standards
[Revise the text of 3.4 to read as follows:]
All First-Class Package Service parcels must bear an Intelligent Mail package barcode (IMpb) prepared under 708.5.0. Mailpieces not meeting the requirements for use of unique Intelligent Mail package barcodes or extra services barcodes, as outlined in Publication 199, will be assessed an IMpb noncompliance fee. For details, see the RIBBS website at https://ribbs.usps.gov.
* * * * *
440 Standard Mail
443 Prices and Eligibility
* * * * *
3.0 Basic Standards for Standard Mail Parcels
* * * * *
3.3 Additional Basic Standards for Standard Mail
Each Standard Mail mailing is subject to these general standards:
* * * * *
[Revise the text of 3.3g to read as follows:]
g. The IMpb applied to each Standard Mail parcel must be correct for the delivery address and must meet the standards in 708.5.0.
* * * * *
[Renumber the current 3.4 through 3.9 as the new 3.5 through 3.10 and add new section 3.4 to read as follows:]
3.4 IMpb Standards
[Revise the text of 3.4 to read as follows:]
All Standard Mail parcels, except Standard Mail Marketing parcels mailed as product samples, except those using detached address labels (DAL) and those bearing simplified addresses, must bear an Intelligent Mail package barcode (IMpb) prepared under 708.5.0. Standard Mail parcels may optionally use an IMb in lieu of an IMpb when parcels which are presorted and containerized in 5-digit sacks or other approved containers prepared to the 5-digit level, provided each parcel bears a unique IMb that cannot be reused for 45 days. In situations where the IMb is used in lieu of the IMpb, a Mail.dat or Mail.XML file will be accepted in lieu of a Shipping Service File.
* * * * *
4.0 Price Eligibility for Standard Mail
* * * * *
[Delete 4.4 in its entirety and renumber the current 4.5 as the new 4.4.]
* * * * *
450 Parcel Select
* * * * *
453 Prices and Eligibility
* * * * *
[Renumber the current section 453.3 as the new 453.4 and add new section 453.3 to read as follows:]
3.0 Basic Standards for Parcel Select Parcels
3.1 Service Objectives
The USPS does not guarantee the delivery of Parcel Select mailpieces within a specified time. Parcel Select mailpieces might receive deferred service. The local Post Office can provide more information concerning delivery times within its area.
3.2 Delivery and Return Addresses
All Parcel Select mailpieces must bear a delivery address. The delivery address on each piece must include the correct ZIP Code or ZIP+4 code. Alternative addressing formats under 602.3.0 may be used. Each piece must bear the sender’s return address.
3.3 IMpb Standards
All Parcel Select mailpieces must bear an Intelligent Mail package barcode (IMpb) prepared under 708.5.0. Mailpieces not meeting the requirements for use of unique Intelligent Mail package barcodes or extra services barcodes. as outlined in Publication 199, will be assessed an IMpb noncompliance fee. For details, see the RIBBS website at https://ribbs.usps.gov.
* * * * *
4.0 Price Eligibility for Parcel Select and Parcel Select Lightweight
4.1 Destination Entry Price Eligibility
* * * * *
4.1.2 Basic Standards
For Parcel Select destination entry, pieces must meet the applicable standards in 455.4.0 and the following criteria:
* * * * *
[Delete renumbered 4.1.2f in its entirety.]
* * * * *
4.2 Parcel Select NDC and ONDC Presort Price Eligibility
[Delete the last two sentences of renumbered 4.2 in their entirety.]
4.3 Parcel Select Nonpresort Price Eligibility
[Delete the first sentence of the introductory paragraph of renumbered 4.3.]
* * * * *
4.4 Parcel Select Lightweight
* * * * *
4.4.1 General Eligibility
Parcel Select Lightweight parcels are presorted machinable or irregular parcels. The following also applies:
* * * * *
[Delete renumbered 4.41e in its entirety, and renumber the renumbered 4.4.1f as the new renumbered 4.4.1e.]
* * * * *
460 Bound Printed Matter
463 Prices and Eligibility
* * * * *
2.0 Basic Eligibility Standards for Bound Printed Matter
* * * * *
[Add a new 2.4 and 2.5 to read as follows:]
2.4 USPS Tracking
BPM parcels with alternative address formats may be mailed with USPS Tracking, but must not bear an ancillary service endorsement (see 602.3.1.2).
2.5 IMpb Standards
All BPM parcels must bear an Intelligent Mail package barcode (IMpb) prepared under 708.5.0.
* * * * *
4.0 Price Eligibility for Bound Printed Matter Parcels
4.1 Price Eligibility
***Price categories are as follows:
* * * * *
[Revise the text of 4.1b and 4.1c to read as follows:]
b. Presorted Price. The Presorted price applies to BPM prepared in a mailing of at least 300 BPM pieces, prepared and presorted as specified in 465.5.0, 705.8.0, or 705.22.0.
c. Carrier Route Price. The Carrier Route price applies to BPM prepared in a mailing of at least 300 pieces presorted to carrier routes, prepared and presorted as specified in 465.6.0, or 705.8.0.
* * * * *
470 Media Mail and Library Mail
473 Prices and Eligibility
* * * * *
[Revise the title of 2.0 to read as follows:]
2.0 Basic Standards for Media Mail and Library Mail Parcels
* * * * *
[Add a new 2.5 to read as follows:]
2.5 IMpb Standards
All Media Mail and Library Mail parcels, unless inducted through a retail transaction or a USPS self-service kiosk, must bear an Intelligent Mail package barcode (IMpb) prepared under 708.5.0.
* * * * *
6.0 Price Eligibility for Media Mail and Library Mail Parcels
* * * * *
6.2 Price Eligibility Standards
[Delete the second and third sentences of 6.2 in their entirety.]
* * * * *
6.3 Price Categories for Media Mail and Library Mail Parcels
[Delete 6.3c in its entirety.]
* * * * *
475 Mail Preparation
* * * * *
5.0 Preparing Media Mail and Library Mail Parcels
* * * * *
5.2 Preparing Machinable Parcels
* * * * *
[Delete 5.2.3 in its entirety.]
* * * * *
500 Additional Mailing Services
503 Extra Services
* * * * *
3.0 Insured Mail
* * * * *
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:
* * * * *
[Add new 3.2d. Renumber the current 3.2d as the new 3.2e to read as follows:]
d. Priority Mail pieces meeting the requirements under 3.2, but not supported by a Shipping Services file, must have a full acceptance scan in order to qualify for automatic insurance coverage.
* * * * *
5.0 Return Receipt
* * * * *
5.2 Basic Information
* * * * *
5.2.2 Eligible Matter
Return receipt service is available for:
* * * * *
[Add new 2c. Renumber the current 2c and 2d as the new 2d and 2e, and revise 2b to read as follows:]
b. First-Class Mail when purchased with Certified Mail, COD, insured mail (for more than $200.00) or Registered Mail service.
c. First-Class Package Service, and Priority Mail (excluding Critical Mail) when purchased at the time of mailing with COD, insured mail (for more than $200.00), or Registered Mail service.
* * * * *
7.0 Restricted Delivery
* * * * *
7.2 Basic Information
* * * * *
7.2.2 Eligible Matter
Restricted Delivery service is available for:
[Add new 2b. Renumber the current 2b and 2c as the new 2c and 2d, and revise 2a to read as follows:]
a. First-Class Mail when purchased with Certified Mail, COD, insured mail (for more than $200.00), or Registered Mail service.
b. First-Class Package Service, and Priority Mail (excluding Critical Mail) when purchased at the time of mailing with COD, insured mail (for more than $200.00), or Registered Mail service.
* * * * *
505 Return Services
1.0 Business Reply Mail (BRM)
* * * * *
1.4 General Information
1.4.1 Description
[Revise the second sentence of, and add a new sentence to, 1.4.1 as follows:]
Business Reply Mail (BRM) service enables a permit holder to receive First-Class Mail and Priority Mail back from customers and pay postage and a per piece fee for only the pieces returned. BRM cards, envelopes, self-mailers, flats, and labels may be distributed by a BRM permit holder in any quantity for return to any Post Office in the United States and its territories and possessions, including military Post Offices overseas. Only card-, letter- and flat-sized pieces are eligible for BRM service.***
* * * * *
3.0 Merchandise Return Service
* * * * *
3.2 Basic Standards
* * * * *
[Renumber the current 3.2.5 through 3.2.13 as the new 3.2.6 through 3.2.14 and add new section 3.2.5 to read as follows:]
3.2.5 IMpb Standards
All MRS labels must bear a unique Intelligent Mail package barcode (IMpb) prepared under 708.5.0.
* * * * *
3.3 Additional Standards for Permit Holder
* * * * *
3.3.3 USPS Tracking
[Revise the text of 3.3.3 to read as follows:]
USPS Tracking service is optional, but provided without charge for mailpieces bearing authorized MRS labels. MRS labels requesting USPS Tracking must meet the standards in 503.10.0. USPS Tracking may be combined with insurance and special handling, or both.
* * * * *
3.5 Preparation
* * * * *
3.5.13 Format Elements
Format standards required for the merchandise return label are shown in Exhibit 3.5.13a through Exhibit 3.5.13d, and described as follows:
* * * * *
Exhibit 3.5.13a Merchandise Return Label With No Extra Services or With Insurance, Special Handling, or Pickup on Demand Service (*see 3.5.13d)
[Placeholder for revised Exhibit 3.5.13a]
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Exhibit 3.5.13b Merchandise Return Label With Registered Mail Service
[Placeholder for revised Exhibit 3.5.13b]
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Exhibit 3.5.13c Merchandise Return Label With Mailing Acknowledgment (*see 3.5.13d)
[Placeholder for revised Exhibit 3.5.13c]
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Exhibit 3.5.13d Merchandise Return Label With USPS Tracking Service
[Placeholder for revised Exhibit 3.5.13d]
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507 Mailer Services
1.0 Treatment of Mail
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1.5 Treatment for Ancillary Services by Class of Mail
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507.1.5.4 Standard Post, Package Services, and Parcel Select
Undeliverable-as-addressed (UAA) Standard Post, Package Services, and Parcel Select mailpieces are treated as described in Exhibit 1.5.4, with these additional conditions:
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[Revise the first sentence of 1.5.4b to read as follows:]
b. Except for Bound Printed Matter pieces including USPS Tracking, the exceptional address format under 602.3.0 may not be used on mail with any ancillary service endorsement or mail with any extra service (see 463.2.4).***
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700 Special Standards
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705 Advanced Preparation and Special Postage Payment Systems
* * * * *
7.0 Combining Package Services and Parcel Select Parcels for Destination Entry
7.1 Combining Parcels—DSCF and DDU Entry
7.1.1 Qualification
[Delete the last three sentences of 7.1.1 in their entirety.]
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708 Technical Specifications
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5.0 Standards for Package and Extra Service Barcodes
5.1 Intelligent Mail Package Barcode
* * * * *
5.1.7 Electronic File
***Electronic files must include the following elements:
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[Revise the text of 5.1.7d to read as follows:]
d. Version 1.6 (or subsequent versions) of the electronic shipping services manifest files including each destination delivery address or ZIP + 4 Code. Effective January 25, 2015, shipping services manifests, or other approved electronic documentation, must include the destination delivery address or delivery point validated (DPV) 11-digit ZIP Code for each record in the file.
[Delete the current 5.1.7e in its entirety and add a new 7e as follows:]
e. Electronic shipping manifest files, or approved alternative electronic documentation, must include data identifying the mailing agent and mail owner, as applicable.
* * * * *
5.2 Other Package Barcodes
5.2.1 Basic Standards for Postal Routing Barcodes
[Revise the first sentence of 5.2.1 to read as follows:]
A separate postal routing barcode may be used on parcels to provide routing information, when used in conjunction with an IMpb.
— Product Classification,
Pricing, 12-26-13
