98-1935. Expansion of Global Priority Mail

  • [Federal Register Volume 63, Number 17 (Tuesday, January 27, 1998)]
    [Rules and Regulations]
    [Pages 3814-3819]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 98-1935]
    
    
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    POSTAL SERVICE
    
    39 CFR Part 20
    
    
    Expansion of Global Priority Mail
    
    AGENCY: Postal Service.
    
    ACTION: Final rule.
    
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    SUMMARY: On March 29, 1996, the Postal Service published in the Federal 
    Register, 61 FR 14025, an interim rule with a request for comments 
    which expanded Global Priority Mail service by increasing the number of 
    acceptance points, increasing the number of destination countries, and 
    adding weight variable rates for items weighing up to 4 pounds. The 
    Postal Service now adopts the interim regulations, with amendments, as 
    final.
    
    EFFECTIVE DATE: January 27, 1998.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: R. Jay Thabet, (202) 268-2269.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On March 29, 1996, the Postal Service 
    published an interim rule expanding Global Priority Mail and requesting 
    comments, 61 FR 14025. Global Priority Mail is an expedited airmail 
    letter service providing fast, reliable, and economical delivery of all 
    items mailable as letters or merchandise up to 4 pounds. Global 
    Priority Mail items receive priority handling in the United States and 
    destination countries. Service is limited to the 34 destination 
    countries identified in the International Mail Manual 226.2. Service is 
    available from designated post offices identified in the International 
    Mail Manual 226.32.
        The weight limit for Global Priority Mail items is 4 pounds. The 
    Postal Service offers two sizes of preprinted flat-rate envelopes. The 
    rates for these envelopes are based on a geographic rate zone 
    regardless of the actual weight. Although these envelopes are valid for 
    weights of up to 4 pounds, the practical limitations of the envelopes 
    limit the weight to less than 4 pounds.
        The interim rule increased the number of post offices where Global 
    Priority Mail would be available, increased the number of destination 
    countries, and added variable weight-based rates to increase customer 
    convenience.
        The Postal Service received one letter containing nine comments on 
    the interim rule.
        Comment one suggests that, for those states where all post offices 
    within the state are on the list of acceptance sites, just the state 
    should be listed without showing the different facilities. This 
    suggestion does not take into account that there may arise a case where 
    a post office within a state may not be able to accept Global Priority 
    Mail at some time in the future. The present system of listing the 
    acceptance facilities allows the Postal Service to delete post offices 
    when appropriate.
        Comment two suggests that ZIP Codes be listed in numerical order 
    rather than in alphabetical order of the acceptance facility. While 
    both numerical and alphabetical listings are valid, neither is more 
    valid than the other. The Postal Service elects to retain the 
    alphabetical listing.
        Comment three states that, in New York State, Postal Codes 117/118 
    are no longer listed as acceptance sites, whereas they were listed as 
    acceptance sites for the original test. This was a typographical error; 
    ZIP Codes 117/118 are acceptance sites.
        Comment four asks for an explanation of certain abnormalities in 
    the rate structure for variable weights and the volume rates. The 
    differences between weight steps does not have to be equal or linear or 
    based totally on cost changes. The competitions' rates for similar 
    products are a factor. The size and weight of the volume the USPS most 
    wants to attract is another factor in the determination of weight level 
    increases.
        Comment five asks for an explanation for the relationship between 
    rates for Canadian and European destinations. The expected traffic to 
    each country group, the competition that we face going to that country 
    group, and the cost to get into each country group were factors used to 
    determine rates. In the example cited, competitors' rates and delivery 
    costs in the country were the most influential.
        Comment six states that the relationship between the flat rate 
    envelopes and the variable weight rate should be clarified and the 
    relationship between the flat rate envelope and the volume rate should 
    be clarified. The flat rate developed for envelopes that the Postal 
    Service provides is independent
    
    [[Page 3815]]
    
    of the variable weight rate and the volume rate. The Postal Service 
    developed the flat rates as a convenience for the customer. To receive 
    either the variable weight or volume rate options, the customer must 
    provide the appropriate packaging. The envelopes the Postal Service 
    provides are for the convenience of the customer and are not eligible 
    for either the variable weight or volume rate options.
        Comment seven suggests a change in wording to Chapter 2 of the 
    International Mail Manual, part 226.62, to read * * * * sticker rate 
    must have the DEC-10 sticker affixed to the address side of the 
    package, for clarification purposes. The Postal Service accepts this 
    comment and revises Chapter 2 of the International Mail Manual, part 
    226.62.
        Comment eight notes that section 226.82 of the International Mail 
    Manual does not state where the single piece rate packages can be 
    mailed. In light of this comment the Postal Service revises Chapter 2 
    of the International Mail Manual, part 226.82, to state that single 
    piece variable weight option may be deposited in the normal manner of 
    deposit for Global Priority Mail.
        Comment nine questions the legality of not providing Global 
    Priority Mail service from every post office under the jurisdiction of 
    the United States Postal Service. The United States Postal Service 
    provides service throughout the entire United States as mandated by 39 
    USC 3623(d). There are some products and services that are not 
    available at all postal retail units. Acceptance of passport 
    applications is an example. In the case of Global Priority Mail, the 
    service is offered at all post offices from which transportation is 
    available which allows the mailpiece to reach the appropriate airmail 
    facility in time to make the scheduled airline departure on the day 
    after the mailpiece is deposited. If the transportation network at a 
    given post office does not allow for the mailpiece to leave the United 
    States on the day after deposit, that post office does not accept 
    Global Priority Mail. This restriction is in place to preserve the 
    integrity of a premium service for which the customer pays a premium 
    fee.
        A transmittal letter making the changes in the pages of the 
    International Mail Manual will be published and transmitted 
    automatically to subscribers. Notice of issuance of the transmittal 
    letter will be published in the Federal Register as provided by 39 CFR 
    20.3.
        The Postal Service amends part 226 of the International Mail 
    Manual, which is incorporated by reference in the Code of Federal 
    Regulations. See 39 CFR 20.1.
    
    List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 20
    
        Foreign relations, Incorporation by reference, International postal 
    services.
    
    PART 20--[AMENDED]
    
        The authority citation for 39 CFR Part 20 continues to read as 
    follows:
    
        Authority: 5 U.S.C. 552(a); 39 U.S.C. 401, 407, 408.
    
        2. The International Mail Manual is amended to incorporate part 
    226, Global Priority Mail, as follows:
    
    226  Global Priority Mail
    
    226.1  General
    
    226.11  Definition
    
        Global Priority Mail is an expedited airmail letter service 
    providing fast, reliable, and economical delivery of all items mailable 
    as letters or merchandise up to 4 pounds. Global Priority Mail items 
    receive priority handling in the United States and in destination 
    countries. Service is available only to destination countries 
    identified in 226.2, from post offices identified in 226.3.
    
    226.12  Permissible Items
    
        All items sent as letter class mail (see 221.1) are accepted in 
    Global Priority Mail provided that the contents are mailable and fit 
    securely in the envelope. Global Priority Mail items may contain 
    dutiable merchandise unless the country of destination specifically 
    prohibits dutiable merchandise in letters (see 224.51). Any item that 
    is prohibited in international mail is prohibited in Global Priority 
    Mail. Refer to the ``Country Conditions of Mailing'' in the Individual 
    Country Listings for individual country prohibitions.
    
    226.13  Packaging
    
        Items must fit comfortably within the flat-rate envelope without 
    distorting or bursting the container. Do not use excessive tape to keep 
    the envelopes from bursting. Use only one piece of tape to secure the 
    flap.
    
    226.2  Availability
    
        Global Priority Mail is available to the following countries. 
    Countries specifically identified will have service only to specific 
    cities within those countries, as noted below:
    
                                                Countries of Destination                                            
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Western Europe          Pacific Rim           North America          South America           Middle East    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Austria                Australia              Canada                 Brazil \4\             Israel.\6\          
    Belgium                China \2\              Mexico \3\             Chile \5\              Saudi Arabia.\7\    
    Denmark                Hong Kong                                                                                
    Finland                Japan                                                                                    
    France (including      Korea, Republic of                                                                       
     Monaco)               New Zealand                                                                              
    Germany                Philippines                                                                              
    Great Britain and      Singapore                                                                                
     Northern Ireland \1\  Taiwan                                                                                   
    Iceland                Thailand                                                                                 
    Ireland                Vietnam                                                                                  
    Liechtenstein                                                                                                   
    Luxembourg                                                                                                      
    Netherlands, The                                                                                                
    Norway                                                                                                          
    Portugal                                                                                                        
    Spain                                                                                                           
    Sweden                                                                                                          
    Switzerland                                                                                                     
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \1\ Includes England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Guernsey, Jersey, and the Isle of Man.                 
    \2\ Destinations in China are limited to Beijing, Dalian, Guangzhou, Qingdao, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Suzhou,       
      Tianjin, Wuxi, Xiamen, and Zhuhai ONLY.                                                                       
    
    [[Page 3816]]
    
                                                                                                                    
    \3\ Destinations in Mexico are limited to Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey ONLY.                         
    \4\ Destinations in Brazil are limited to Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro ONLY.                                    
    \5\ Destinations in Chile are limited to Santiago, Valparaiso, and Vina del Mar ONLY.                           
    \6\ Destinations in Israel are limited to Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Haifa ONLY.                                  
    \7\ Destinations in Saudi Arabia are limited to Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam ONLY.                                
    
    226.3  Mailing Locations
    
    226.31  Acceptance Offices and Pickup Service Locations
    
        Global Priority Mail service is available only through the 
    designated post offices and the additional post offices listed in 
    226.32. Pickup Service is available for an additional fee. (See 
    226.83.)
    
    226.32  Service Areas
    
        Service is available only from the metropolitan areas as defined by 
    the ZIP Code ranges shown in Exhibit 226.32. If Global Priority Mail is 
    presented at a non-participating retail unit, advise the customer that 
    the item cannot be accepted as Global Priority Mail. Refer customer to 
    the nearest Global Priority Mail retail acceptance unit. Within these 
    service areas, prepaid items may be given to carriers, deposited in 
    Express Mail collection boxes, or mailed at post offices, stations, and 
    branches.
    Exhibit 226.32  Global Priority Mail Acceptance Cities and Three-Digit 
    ZIP Codes
    
    ALABAMA
    
    Anniston: 362
    Birmingham: 352
    Huntsville: 356, 357, 358
    Mobile: 366
    Montgomery: 361, 368
    
    ARIZONA
    
    Phoenix: 850, 852, 853
    Tucson: 857
    
    ARKANSAS
    
    Little Rock: 722
    West Memphis: 723
    
    CALIFORNIA
    
    Industry: 917, 918
    Inglewood: 902, 903, 904, 905
    Long Beach: 906, 907, 908
    Los Angeles: 900, 901
    North Bay: 949
    Oakland: 945, 946, 947, 948,
    Pasadena: 910, 911, 912
    Salinas: 939
    San Diego: 919, 920, 921
    San Francisco: 940, 941, 943, 944
    San Jose: 950, 951
    Santa Ana: 926, 927, 928
    Van Nuys: 913, 914, 915, 916
    
    COLORADO
    
    Brighton: 806
    Colorado Springs: 808, 809
    Denver: 800, 801, 802, 803
    Longmont: 805
    Pueblo: 810
    
    CONNECTICUT
    
    Hartford: 060, 061, 062
    New Haven: 063, 064, 065, 066
    Stamford: 068, 069
    Waterbury: 067
    
    DELAWARE
    
    Wilmington: 197, 198, 199
    
    DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA (Washington, DC)
    
    Washington: 200, 202, 203, 204, 205
    
    FLORIDA
    
    Daytona Beach: 321
    Fort Myers: 339
    Ft. Lauderdale: 333
    Gainesville: 326, 344
    Jacksonville: 320, 322
    Lakeland: 338
    Manasota: 342
    Miami: 331, 332
    Mid-Florida: 327
    Orlando: 328, 329, 347
    South Florida: 330
    St. Petersburg: 337
    Tallahassee: 323
    Tampa: 335, 336, 346
    West Palm Beach: 334, 349
    
    GEORGIA
    
    Albany: 317
    Athens: 306
    Atlanta: 303, 311
    Augusta: 298, 308, 309
    Columbus: 318, 319
    Macon: 310, 312
    North Metro: 300, 301, 302, 305
    Savannah: 299, 313, 314
    Swainsboro: 304
    Valdosta: 316
    Waycross: 315
    
    INDIANA
    
    Bloomington: 474
    Columbus: 472
    Evansville: 424, 476, 477
    Fort Wayne: 467, 468
    Gary: 463, 464
    Indianapolis: 460, 461, 462
    Kokomo: 469
    Lafayette: 479
    Muncie: 473
    South Bend: 465, 466
    Terre Haute: 478
    Washington: 475
    
    ILLINOIS
    
    Bloomington: 617
    Carbondale: 629
    Carol Stream: 601, 603
    Centralia: 628
    Chicago: 606, 607, 608
    East St. Louis: 622
    Effingham: 624
    Champaign: 618, 619
    Fox Valley: 605
    Galesburg: 614
    Kankakee: 609
    La Salle: 613
    Palatine: 600, 602
    Peoria: 615, 616
    Quincy: 623, 634, 635
    Rockford: 610, 611
    Rock Island: 612
    Springfield: 625, 626, 627
    South Suburban: 604
    
    IOWA
    
    Burlington: 526
    Cedar Rapids: 522, 523, 524
    Davenport: 527, 528
    Des Moines: 500, 501, 502, 503, 509
    Dubuque: 520
    Mason City: 504
    Ottumwa: 525
    Sioux City: 510, 511
    Waterloo: 506, 507
    
    KANSAS
    
    Fort Scott: 667
    Kansas City: 660, 661, 662
    Hays: 676
    Salina: 674
    Topeka: 664, 665, 666, 668
    Wichita: 672
    
    KENTUCKY
    
    Ashland: 411, 412
    Bowling Green: 421, 422
    Campton: 413, 414
    Elizabeth: 427
    Louisville: 400, 401, 402, 471
    Lexington: 403, 404, 405, 406
    Owensboro: 423
    Pikeville: 415, 416
    
    LOUISIANA
    
    Baton Rouge: 707, 708
    New Orleans: 700, 701
    Hammond: 704
    Thibodaux: 703
    
    MAINE
    
    Bangor: 044, 046, 047
    Portland: 040, 041, 042, 043, 045, 048, 049
    
    MARYLAND
    
    Baltimore: 210, 211, 212, 214, 219
    Cumberland: 215, 267
    Easton: 216
    Frederick: 217
    Salisbury: 218
    Southern: 206, 207
    Suburban: 208, 209
    
    MASSACHUSETTS
    
    Boston: 021, 022
    Brockton: 020, 023, 024
    Buzzards Bay: 025, 026
    Middlesex-Essex: 018, 019
    Pittsfield: 012
    Springfield: 010, 011, 013
    Worcester: 014, 015, 016, 017
    
    MICHIGAN
    
    Detroit: 481, 482
    Flint: 484, 485
    Gaylord: 497
    Grand Rapids: 493, 494, 495
    Jackson: 492
    Kalamazoo: 490, 491
    
    [[Page 3817]]
    
    Lansing: 488, 489
    Royal Oak: 480, 483
    Saginaw: 486, 487
    Traverse City: 496
    
    MINNESOTA
    
    Detroit Lakes: 565
    Duluth: 558
    Mankato: 560
    Minneapolis: 553, 554
    Rochester: 559
    Saint Cloud: 563
    St. Paul: 550, 551, 540
    Thief River Falls: 567
    Willmar: 562
    Windom: 561
    
    MISSISSIPPI
    
    Grenada: 389
    Gulfport: 395
    Hattiesburg: 394
    Jackson: 392
    McComb: 396
    
    MISSOURI
    
    Cape Girardeau: 636, 637, 638, 639
    Chillicothe: 646
    Harrisonville: 647
    Kansas City: 640, 641
    Mid-Missouri: 650, 651, 652, 653
    Saint Joseph: 644, 645
    Springfield: 648, 654, 655, 656, 657, 658
    St. Louis: 620, 630, 631, 633
    
    MONTANA
    
    Billings: 591
    
    NEBRASKA
    
    Lincoln: 683, 684, 685
    Norfolk: 686, 687
    Omaha: 515, 516, 680, 681
    
    NEVADA
    
    Las Vegas: 891
    
    NEW HAMPSHIRE
    
    Manchester: 030, 031, 032, 033, 034
    Portsmouth: 038, 039
    
    NEW JERSEY
    
    Hackensack: 076
    Kilmer: 088, 089
    Monmouth: 077
    Newark: 070, 071, 072, 073
    Paterson: 074, 075
    South Jersey: 080, 081, 082, 083, 084
    Trenton: 085, 086, 087
    West Jersey: 078, 079
    
    NEW MEXICO
    
    Albuquerque: 871
    
    NEW YORK
    
    Albany: 120, 121, 122, 123
    Binghamton: 137, 138, 139
    Bronx: 104
    Brooklyn: 112
    Buffalo: 140, 141, 142, 143
    Elmira: 148, 149
    Glen Falls: 128
    Hicksville: 118
    Jamestown: 147
    Long Island: 111
    Mid-Hudson: 124, 125, 126, 127
    Mid Island: 117, 119
    New York: 100, 101, 102
    Plattsburgh: 129
    Queens: 110, 113, 114, 116
    Rochester: 144, 145, 146
    Rockland: 109
    Staten Island: 103
    Syracuse: 130, 131, 132
    Utica: 133, 134, 135
    Watertown: 136
    Westchester: 105, 106, 107, 108
    Western Nassau: 115
    
    NORTH CAROLINA
    
    Asheville: 287, 288, 289
    Charlotte: 280, 281, 282, 297
    Greensboro: 270, 271, 272, 273, 274
    Hickory: 286
    Raleigh: 275, 276, 277
    
    NORTH DAKOTA
    
    Bismarck: 585
    Dickinson: 586
    Devils Lake: 583
    Fargo: 580, 581
    Grand Forks: 582
    Jamestown: 584
    Minot: 587
    Williston: 588
    
    OHIO
    
    Akron: 442, 443
    Athens: 457
    Canton: 446, 447
    Chillicothe: 456
    Cincinnati: 410, 450, 451, 452, 470
    Cleveland: 440, 441
    Columbus: 430, 431, 432, 433
    Dayton: 453, 454, 455
    Lima: 458
    Mansfield: 448, 449
    Steubenville: 439
    Toledo: 434, 435, 436
    Youngstown: 444, 445
    Zanesville: 437, 438
    
    OKLAHOMA
    
    Ardmore: 734
    Clinton: 736
    Durant: 747
    Enid: 737
    Lawton: 735
    McAlester: 745
    Muskogee: 744
    Oklahoma City: 730, 731
    Ponca City: 746
    Poteau: 749
    Shawnee: 748
    Tulsa: 740, 741, 743
    Woodard: 738
    
    OREGON
    
    Portland: 972
    
    PENNSYLVANIA
    
    Altoona: 166, 168
    Bradford: 167
    Dubois: 158
    Erie: 164, 165
    Greensburg: 156
    Harrisburg: 170, 171, 172, 178
    Johnstown: 155, 157, 159
    Lancaster: 173, 174, 175, 176
    Lehigh Valley: 180, 181, 183
    New Castle: 160, 161, 162
    Oil City: 163
    Philadelphia: 190, 191
    Pittsburgh: 150, 151, 152, 153, 154
    Reading: 179, 195, 196
    Scranton: 184, 185, 188
    Southeastern: 189, 193, 194
    Wilkes-Barre: 182, 186, 187
    
    PUERTO RICO/VIRGIN ISLANDS
    
    San Juan: 006, 007, 008, 009
    
    RHODE ISLAND
    
    Providence: 027, 028, 029
    
    SOUTH CAROLINA
    
    Charleston: 294
    Columbia: 290, 291, 292
    Florence: 295
    Greenville: 293, 296
    
    SOUTH DAKOTA
    
    Aberdeen: 574
    Dakota Central: 572, 573
    Mobridge: 576
    Pierre: 575
    Rapid City: 577
    Sioux Falls: 570, 571
    
    TENNESSEE
    
    Chattanooga: 307, 373, 374
    Columbia: 384
    Cookeville: 385
    Jackson: 383
    Johnson City: 376
    Knoxville: 377, 378, 379
    McKenzie: 382
    Memphis: 380, 381, 386
    Nashville: 370, 371, 372
    
    TEXAS
    
    Abilene: 768, 795, 796
    Amarillo: 791
    Austin: 786, 787, 789
    Beaumont: 776, 777
    Bryan: 778
    Corpus Christi: 784
    Dallas: 751, 752, 753
    El Paso: 799
    Fort Worth: 760, 761, 762, 764
    Greenville: 754
    Houston: 770, 772
    Longview: 756
    Lubbock: 794
    Lufkin: 759
    North Houston: 773, 774, 775
    North Texas: 750
    Palestine: 758
    San Angelo: 769
    San Antonio: 780, 781, 782, 788
    Texarkana: 755
    Tyler: 757
    Waco: 765, 766, 767
    Wichita Falls: 763
    
    UTAH
    
    Provo: 845, 846, 847
    Salt Lake City: 840, 841, 843, 844
    
    VERMONT
    
    Burlington: 054, 056
    White River Junction: 035, 036, 037, 050, 051, 052, 053, 057, 058, 
    059
    
    VIRGINIA
    
    Charlottesville: 228, 229, 244
    Culpeper: 227
    Farmville: 239
    Northern Virginia: 201, 220, 221, 222, 223
    Norfolk: 233, 234, 235, 236, 237
    Richmond: 224, 225, 230, 231, 232, 238
    Winchester: 226
    
    [[Page 3818]]
    
    WASHINGTON
    
    Everett: 982
    Olympia: 985
    Seattle: 980, 981
    Tacoma: 983, 984
    Wenatchee: 988
    Yakima: 989
    
    WEST VIRGINIA
    
    Bluefield: 246, 247, 248
    Charleston: 250, 251, 252, 253
    Huntington: 255, 256, 257
    Martinsburg: 254
    Wheeling: 260
    
    WISCONSIN
    
    Eau Claire: 547
    Green Bay: 543
    La Crosse: 546
    Madison: 537
    Milwaukee: 530, 531, 532
    Oshkosh: 549
    Racine: 534
    Spooner: 548
    
    WYOMING
    
    Cheyenne: 820
    
    226.4  Postage
    
    226.41  Flat-Rate Envelopes Postage
    
        Each Global Priority Mail flat-rate envelope is charged at a flat 
    rate. The rate is based on the geographic rate zone regardless of its 
    actual weight. Postage is required for each piece. (See Exhibit 
    226.41.)
    Exhibit 226.41
    
                        Flat-Rate Envelope Postage Rates                    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                      Destination                      Small        Large   
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Western Europe and Middle East................        $3.75        $6.95
    Canada and Mexico.............................         3.75         6.95
    Pacific Rim and South America.................         4.95         8.95
        Weight Limit 4 Lbs.                                                 
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    226.42  Variable Weight Option Postage--Single Piece Rates
    
        Global Priority Mail variable weight rates are calculated in half 
    (or fraction thereof) increments based on the weight of each piece the 
    destination geographic rate zone up to four pounds. (See Exhibit 
    226.42.)
    Exhibit 226.42
    
               Variable Weight Sticker Option--Single Piece Rates           
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                              Western                       
                                               Europe    Pacific     Canada 
                  Weight level                  and      Rim and      and   
                                               Middle     South      Mexico 
                                                East     America            
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \1/2\ lb...............................      $7.00      $8.00      $5.95
    1.0 lb.................................      10.50      12.50      10.00
    1.5 lbs................................      12.50      16.95      13.50
    2.0 lbs................................      15.00      21.00      16.50
    2.5 lbs................................      17.50      23.95      18.00
    3.0 lbs................................      19.95      27.25      19.50
    3.5 lbs................................      22.00      31.50      21.00
    4.0 lbs................................      24.75      34.50      22.50
      Weight Limit 4 Lbs.                                                   
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    226.43  Global Priority Mail Sticker--Volume Rates
    
    226.431  Minimum Quantity Requirement
    
        The mailer must have a minimum of five or more pieces to one or 
    more Global Priority Mail countries. The minimum does not apply to each 
    geographic zone rate. (See Exhibit 226.43.)
    
    226.432  Mailing Statement
    
        Postage for volume rate mail and permit imprint must be computed on 
    PS Form 3653, Global Priority Mail Statement of Mailings.
    Exhibit 226.43
    
                  Variable Weight Sticker Option--Volume Rates              
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                              Western                       
                                               Europe    Pacific     Canada 
                  Weight level                  and      Rim and      and   
                                               Middle     South      Mexico 
                                                East     America            
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \1/2\ lb...............................      $5.95      $6.95      $5.00
    1.0 lb.................................       8.50      10.00       7.50
    1.5 lbs................................      10.00      13.50      10.00
    2.0 lbs................................      12.00      16.95      12.50
    2.5 lbs................................      14.00      19.25      13.50
    3.0 lbs................................      16.95      21.95      14.50
    3.5 lbs................................      19.95      25.50      15.50
    4.0 lbs................................      22.50      27.75      16.50
      Weight Limit 4 Lbs.                                                   
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    226.5  Payment Methods
    
    226.51  Postage Payment Methods
    
        Nonidentical weight piece mailings must have the applicable postage 
    affixed by adhesive stamps, meter stamps or if presented at a post 
    office, postal validation imprinter (PVI labels). Identical weight 
    piece mailings may be paid by meter stamps, adhesive stamps, PVI labels 
    or permit imprint subject to certain standards. To use permit imprint, 
    the mailing must consist of 200 or more pieces and be of identical 
    weight. The 200-piece criterion for permit imprint applies to both 
    volume rate and flat-rate mail. Mailers may use permit imprint with 
    nonidentical weight items only if authorized by the USPS under a 
    Manifest Mailing System (MMS), in DMM P710.
    
    226.52  Postal Marking Related to Volume Rate Postage
    
        When pieces are paid at the volume rate and paid by stamps or meter 
    impression, each piece must be legibly marked with the words ``Volume 
    Rate Global Priority Mail.'' If stamps are used the endorsement must 
    appear on the address side of each piece and must be applied by a 
    printing press, hand stamp or other similar printing device. If meter 
    impression is used the endorsement must be in the ad plate or the slug 
    area. If part of the slug, the abbreviation GPM Vol. Rate may be used. 
    See DMM P030.4.14 for specification of size requirements.
    
    226.53  Permit Imprint Content and Format
    
        All permit imprints on Global Priority Mail must show city and 
    state, ``Global Priority Mail,'' U.S. Postage Paid, and permit number. 
    They may show the mailing date, amount of postage paid or the number of 
    ounces for each postage.
    
    226.54  Meter Stamps Content
    
        At a minimum, a meter stamp must show the month, day, and year in 
    the postmark, city and state designation of the licensing post office, 
    the number, and the amount of postage. See DMM P030.4.6.
    
    226.6  Preparation Requirements
    
    226.61  Addressing
    
        All items must bear the complete delivery address of the addressee 
    and the full name (no abbreviations) of the destination country. See 
    122.
    
    226.62  Marking
    
        Global Priority Mail items must be mailed in special envelopes (EP-
    15A,
    
    [[Page 3819]]
    
    EP-15B) or with the Global Priority Mail sticker (DEC-10) provided by 
    the Postal Service. (These supplies may be obtained by calling 800-222-
    1811.) Unmarked pieces are subject to the applicable LC/AO airmail 
    regular rates and treatment. Pieces paid at the Global Priority Mail 
    sticker rate must have the DEC-10 sticker affixed to the address side 
    of the package.
    
    226.63  Customs
    
        A green customs label must be affixed if the package is 16 ounces 
    or more, regardless of its contents. Only documents and correspondence 
    under 16 ounces do not require a customs form.
    
    226.7  Size and Weight Limits
    
    226.71  Size Limits
    
    226.711  Flat-Rate Envelope Sizes
    
        a. Small Size--6 x 10 inches.
        b. Large Size--9\1/2\ x 12\1/2\ inches.
    
    226.712  Package Sizes for Variable Weight Option
    
        a. Minimum length and height: 5\1/2\ x 3\1/2\ inches.
        b. Minimum depth (thickness): .007 inches.
        c. Maximum length: 24 inches.
        d. Maximum length, height, depth (thickness) combined: 36 inches.
    
    226.713  Rolls
    
        a. Minimum length: 4 inches.
        b. Minimum length plus twice the diameter combined: 6\3/4\ inches.
        c. Maximum length: 36 inches.
        d. Maximum length plus twice the diameter combined: 42 inches.
    
    226.72  Weight Limit
    
        Items sent as Global Priority Mail in envelopes and the variable 
    weight option must not exceed 4 pounds.
    
    226.73  Special Services
    
        Mailers may obtain certificates of mailing (see NO TAG). No other 
    special services such as registry, insurance, restricted delivery, 
    return receipt, or recorded delivery are available.
    
    226.8  Mailer Preparation
    
    226.81  Mailer Requirement
    
        Global Priority Mail claimed at the volume rate must be separated 
    by geographic rate zone (Western Europe, Pacific Rim, and Canada) when 
    presented to the business mail entry unit unless otherwise authorized 
    by the USPS. All pieces in a permit imprint mailing and metered mail 
    must be facing the same direction.
    
    226.82  Deposit of Mail
    
        Global Priority Mail pieces paid by permit imprint and pieces 
    claimed at the Global Priority Mail volume rates must be deposited at a 
    business mail acceptance unit as authorized by the postmaster in the 
    designated Global Priority Mail sites for weighing. Single piece 
    variable weight option may be deposited in the normal manner of deposit 
    for Global Priority Mail. Flat-rate envelopes with postage affixed may 
    be deposited in any Express Mail Street collection box or other such 
    place where Express Mail is accepted. Metered mail must be deposited in 
    locations under the jurisdiction of the licensing post office except as 
    permitted under DMM P030.
    
    226.83  Pickup Service
    
        On call and scheduled pickup service are available for Global 
    Priority Mail from the designated Global Priority Mail acceptance 
    cities. There is a charge of $4.95 for each pickup stop, regardless of 
    the number of pieces picked up. (See DMM D010 for standards of pickup 
    service.) Pickup is not available for Global Priority Mail pieces if 
    paid by permit imprint or claimed at the volume rate.
    Stanley F. Mires,
    Chief Counsel, Legislative.
    [FR Doc. 98-1935 Filed 1-26-98; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 7710-12-P
    
    
    

Document Information

Effective Date:
1/27/1998
Published:
01/27/1998
Department:
Postal Service
Entry Type:
Rule
Action:
Final rule.
Document Number:
98-1935
Dates:
January 27, 1998.
Pages:
3814-3819 (6 pages)
PDF File:
98-1935.pdf
CFR: (1)
39 CFR 20