Effective July 7, 2016, the Postal Service™ is revising the Postal Operations Manual (POM) to update the process for actual delivery in multiple-floor or multiple-unit buildings.
Postal Operations Manual (POM)
* * * * *
6 Delivery Services
* * * * *
61 Conditions of Delivery
* * * * *
617 Other Delivery Procedures
* * * * *
617.1 Delivery in Multiple-Floor Buildings
[Revise the text of 617.1 to read as follows:]
Accountable mailpieces and⁄or items that do not fit into the mailbox or parcel locker are attempted in person to the addressee or authorized agent, without regard to the floor on which his or her office or apartment is located.
Exception: If there is no working elevator in buildings with more than three (3) floors, delivery of accountable mailpieces and⁄or items that do not fit into the mailbox or parcel locker (if available) will be delivered to one (1) authorized, designated location on the first floor, or PS Form 3849 will be completed and left in the customer’s mailbox.
Cooperation of customers is requested, however, in making arrangements for mail to be delivered on the first floor.
* * * * *
632.622 Location and Arrangement
* * * * *
[Add new item a. and redesignate current items a. and b. as new items b. and c. to read as follows:]
a. All new or remodeled apartment houses can only install USPS-approved 4C equipment. When installing this equipment, a requirement is to have at least one parcel locker for every 10 customer mail compartments. For those buildings with a minimum of 10 mail compartments, there must be at least one parcel locker installed.
b. Receptacles and parcel lockers in apartment houses should be located reasonably close to the entrance in vestibules, halls, or lobbies. The carriers must be able to serve the boxes without interference from swinging or open doors. The area must be adequately lighted to afford the best protection to the mail and to let carriers read addresses on mail and names on boxes without difficulty.
c. Installation of standard, approved apartment receptacles in exterior walls of buildings may be authorized, provided that they are not installed directly on the street or a public sidewalk. Wherever possible, keep at least 15 feet between the boxes and the street or sidewalk; the location should be clearly visible from one or more apartment windows. A canopy must be provided, and it must be designed and located to afford maximum protection from the weather, including driving rains. In addition, adequate night lighting must be installed.
* * * * *
We will incorporate this revision into the next online update of the POM, which is available on the Postal Service PolicyNet website:
n Go to http:⁄⁄blue.usps.gov.
n Under “Essential Links” in the left-hand column, click PolicyNet.
n Click Manuals.
The direct URL for the Postal Service PolicyNet website is http:⁄⁄blue.usps.gov⁄cpim.
— City Delivery Operations,
Delivery Operations, 7-7-16
