00-25. Preparation Changes for Palletized Standard Mail (A) and Bound Printed Matter and for Standard Mail (A) and Standard Mail (B) Claimed at DBMC Rates  

  • [Federal Register Volume 65, Number 2 (Tuesday, January 4, 2000)]
    [Proposed Rules]
    [Pages 264-270]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 00-25]
    
    
    =======================================================================
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    POSTAL SERVICE
    
    39 CFR Part 111
    
    
    Preparation Changes for Palletized Standard Mail (A) and Bound 
    Printed Matter and for Standard Mail (A) and Standard Mail (B) Claimed 
    at DBMC Rates
    
    AGENCY: Postal Service, USPS.
    
    ACTION: Proposed rule.
    
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    SUMMARY: The USPS proposes changes to the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) 
    that would require mailers to utilize one Labeling List (L605) for 
    Standard Mail (A) packages of flats, letter trays, and sacks prepared 
    on pallets, regardless of whether the mail is prepared for entry at 
    destination bulk mail center (DBMC) rates; to require mailers to 
    utilize Labeling List L605 for Standard Mail (A) and Standard Mail (B) 
    machinable parcels prepared in sacks or on pallets when mail for 
    auxiliary service facility (ASF) service areas is prepared for and 
    claimed at DBMC rates; to implement package reallocation between ASFs 
    and BMCs for Standard Mail (A) packages of flats placed on pallets; and 
    to utilize Labeling List L605 for the preparation of all Standard Mail 
    (B) when mail for ASF service areas is prepared for and claimed at DBMC 
    rates and for Bound Printed Matter other than machinable parcels 
    prepared on pallets.
    
    DATES: Comments must be received on or before February 3, 2000.
    
    ADDRESSES: Mail or deliver written comments to the Manager, Mail 
    Preparation and Standards, USPS Headquarters, 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW, 
    Room 6800, Washington DC 20260-2405. Copies of all written comments 
    will be available for inspection and photocopying between 9 a.m. and 4 
    p.m., Monday through Friday at USPS Headquarters Library, 475 L' Enfant 
    Plaza SW, 11th Floor N, Washington, DC.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Karen A. Magazino, (202) 268-3854 or 
    Barry Elliott, (202) 268-2731.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Two labeling lists currently are used by 
    mailers to prepare Standard Mail (A) machinable parcels and all 
    Standard Mail (A) placed on pallets. Generally, when a mailing is being 
    prepared, either DMM Labeling List L601 or Labeling List L602 is used 
    to sort the mail, depending on whether or not the mailer is planning to 
    claim DBMC rates. Regardless of which list is used, the overall result 
    is less than optimal because L601 does not include the ASFs as a 
    separate sort level and L602 does not include ZIP Codes for offshore 
    destinations. L601 also is used to sort Standard Mail (B) machinable 
    parcels. ASFs are not included on L601 because the Postal Service wants 
    to direct machinable parcels to BMCs, where they are processed on 
    parcel sorting machines. Consequently, when Standard Mail (A) flats, 
    letter trays, and sacks are not being prepared for drop shipment at 
    DBMC rates and Labeling List L601 is used, the beneficial ASF pallets 
    are not prepared, even when there is sufficient volume (e.g., 500 
    pounds) to prepare such pallets. Consequently, the mail for the ASF 
    service area is placed on a BMC service area pallet and must be 
    processed by the parent BMC.
        Labeling List L602 is used to define DBMC rate eligibility for 
    Standard Mail. Because mail for offshore destinations is not entitled 
    to DBMC rates, these ZIP
    
    [[Page 265]]
    
    Codes are not included in L602 and mail for such destinations cannot 
    currently be placed on DBMC pallets prepared using this list. The 3-
    digit service areas that are considered offshore destinations are 006-
    009, 967-969, and 995-999. As a result, when a mailer sorts an address 
    file for entry at DBMC rates using this labeling list, the offshore 
    mail is generally entered at origin and must be processed at the origin 
    BMC and transported through the postal network to the destination BMC 
    serving the offshore destination. This mail is frequently placed in 
    sacks because it cannot be placed on DBMC pallets and it is not 
    permissible to prepare packages of flats on mixed BMC pallets. 
    Ultimately, the preparation and entry point of the offshore mail is 
    determined by which labeling list is used to prepare the mailing.
    
    Proposal To Use One Labeling List (L605) for Standard Mail (A) 
    Flats, Letter Trays and Sacks Prepared on Pallets
    
        The Mailers' Technical Advisory Committee (MTAC) approved a work 
    group, the Presort Optimization Work Group, comprised of 
    representatives of the Postal Service, presort software vendors, mail 
    owners, and printers, to identify opportunities to improve the overall 
    presort of mailings. This group identified the two anomalies discussed 
    above. They indicated that the most viable solution for the offshore 
    mail is to allow it to ride along on DBMC pallets (or in sacks if 
    machinable parcels) that may be drop shipped to destination BMCs.
        Based on the input of the MTAC Work Group, the Postal Service 
    proposes to address these anomalies by requiring mailers to use a 
    single Labeling List, L605, for all Standard Mail (A) flats, letter 
    trays, and sacks prepared on pallets, regardless of where the mail is 
    deposited or what rates are claimed. L605 delineates the ASF service 
    areas and also includes the ZIP Codes for the offshore destinations 
    within their respective BMC service areas. With this change, the 
    offshore mail will ``ride along'' with the DBMC mail but will not be 
    eligible for the DBMC discount. The benefit is that the handling of 
    offshore mail at the origin BMC will be bypassed and service to the 
    offshore mail should improve. The three BMCs (New Jersey, San 
    Francisco, and Seattle) that presently service offshore destinations 
    are already receiving BMC service area pallets and sacks that contain 
    offshore mail prepared using Labeling List L601. Therefore, the 
    addition of offshore mail to these DBMC containers should have no 
    negative impact.
        Requiring the use of Labeling List L605 for all Standard Mail (A) 
    flats, letter trays, and sacks prepared on pallets will also ensure 
    that the eight ASFs are always included in the presort logic hierarchy 
    and that ASF pallets are prepared when the volume warrants.
        Labeling List L601 will be retained and will continue to be 
    applicable for Standard Mail (A) and Standard Mail (B) machinable 
    parcels, except when mail for ASF service areas is prepared for and 
    claimed at DBMC rates.
        Current Labeling List L602, which contains the ZIP Code ranges for 
    DBMC rate eligibility will be deleted from the Domestic Mail Manual. 
    This information will appear, instead, in DMM Module E. This revision 
    will not change current standards for DBMC rate eligibility.
    
    Package Reallocation of Packages of Standard Mail (A) Flats To 
    Protect the BMC Pallet
    
        To ensure that the creation of an ASF pallet is not detrimental to 
    a BMC pallet, the Postal Service also proposes to allow protection of 
    the BMC pallet through the optional use of package reallocation between 
    a ``child'' ASF and the ``parent'' BMC pallet. Package reallocation for 
    protecting a BMC pallet is similar to the option implemented on July 
    29, 1999, for protecting the SCF pallet. In protecting a BMC pallet, 
    any amount of mail necessary to achieve the minimum BMC pallet weight 
    could be reallocated from one ASF pallet and the ASF pallet could be 
    eliminated if necessary. Mailers who choose to utilize package 
    reallocation to protect the BMC pallet must use Presort Accuracy 
    Validation and Evaluation (PAVE) certified presort software.
    
    Utilization of DMM Labeling Lists L601 and L605 for Preparation of 
    Standard Mail (B)
    
        The proposed elimination of L602 also affects Parcel Post (Parcel 
    Select) claimed at DBMC rates because that list is currently used to 
    define eligibility and preparation for all mail claimed at those rates. 
    Accordingly, the Postal Service proposes that all Standard Mail (B) 
    entered at BMCs or ASFs for DBMC rates be prepared using L605 and DBMC 
    rate eligibility, which would not change, will be determined based on 
    an exhibit in DMM E652. In addition, palletized Bound Printed Matter 
    (other than machinable parcels) will be prepared using L605 for 
    sortation to ASF/BMC pallets. L605 will also remain applicable for BMC 
    Presort and OBMC presort of nonmachinable Parcel Post. L601 will 
    continue to be used for machinable parcels except when mail for ASF 
    service areas is prepared for and claimed at DBMC rates.
        The proposed implementation date for all of the changes contained 
    in this proposed rule is July 13, 2000.
        Although exempt from the notice and comment requirements of the 
    Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 553(b), (c), regarding proposed 
    rulemaking by 39 U.S.C. 410(a), the Postal Service invites comments on 
    the following revisions of the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM), incorporated 
    by reference in the Code of Federal Regulations. See 39 CFR part 111.
    
    List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 111
    
        Administrative practice and procedure, Postal Service.
    
    PART 111--[AMENDED]
    
        1. The authority citation for 39 CFR Part 111 continues to read as 
    follows:
    
        Authority: 5 U.S.C. 552(a); 39 U.S.C. 101, 401, 403, 404, 414, 
    3001-3011, 3201-3219, 3403-3406, 3621, 3626, 5001.
    
        2. Revise the following sections of the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) 
    as set forth below:
    
    Domestic Mail Manual (DMM)
    
    E. Eligibility
    
    * * * * *
    
    E651  Regular, Nonprofit, and Enhanced Carrier Route Standard Mail
    
    * * * * *
    5.0  DBMC DISCOUNT
    [Amend 5.1 by replacing ``L602'' with ``Exhibit 5.1'' to read as 
    follows.]
    
    5.1  Definition
    
        For this standard, destination bulk mail center (DBMC) includes all 
    bulk mail centers (BMCs) and auxiliary service facilities (ASFs) as 
    shown in Exhibit 5.1.
    
    [Add new Exhibit 5.1.]
    
                        Exhibit 5.1.--BMC/ASF--DBMC RATES
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Eligible destination ZIP codes               Entry BMC/ASF
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    005, 068-079, 085-098, 100-119, 124-127, 340.  BMC NEW JERSEY NJ 00102.
    
    [[Page 266]]
    
     
    010-067, 120-123, 128, 129...................  BMC SPRINGFIELD MA 05500.
    130-136, 140-149.............................  ASF BUFFALO NY 140.
    150-168, 260-266, 439-447....................  BMC PITTSBURGH PA 15195.
    080-084, 137-139, 169-199....................  BMC PHILADELPHIA PA
                                                    19205.
    200-212, 214-239, 244, 254, 267, 268.........  BMC WASHINGTON DC 20499.
    240-243, 245-249, 270-297, 376...............  BMC GREENSBORO NC 27075.
    298, 300-312, 317-319, 350-352, 354-368, 373,  BMC ATLANTA GA 31195.
     374, 377-379, 399.
    299, 313-316, 320-339, 341, 342, 344, 346,     BMC JACKSONVILLE FL
     347, 349.                                      32099.
    369-372, 375, 380-397, 700, 701, 703-705,      BMC MEMPHIS TN 38999.
     707, 708, 713, 714, 716, 717, 719-729.
    250-253, 255-259, 400-418, 421, 422, 425-427,  BMC CINCINNATI OH 45900.
     430-433, 437, 438, 448-462, 469-474.
    434-436, 465-468, 480-497....................  BMC DETROIT MI 48399.
    500-516, 520-528, 612, 680, 681, 683-689.....  BMC DES MOINES IA 50999.
    498, 499, 540-551, 553-564, 566..............  BMC MPLS/ST PAUL MN
                                                    55202.
    570-577......................................  ASF SIOUX FALLS SD 570.
    565, 567, 580-588............................  ASF FARGO ND 580.
    590-599, 821.................................  ASF BILLINGS MT 590.
    463, 464, 530-532, 534, 535, 537-539, 600-     BMC CHICAGO IL 60808.
     611, 613.
    420, 423, 424, 475-479, 614-620, 622-631, 633- BMC ST LOUIS MO 63299.
     639.
    640, 641, 644-658, 660-662, 664-679, 739.....  BMC KANSAS CITY KS 64399.
    730, 731, 734-738, 740, 741, 743-746, 748,     ASF OKLAHOMA CITY OK 730.
     749.
    706, 710-712, 718, 733, 747, 750-799, 885....  BMC DALLAS TX 75199.
    690-693, 800-816, 820, 822-831...............  BMC DENVER CO 80088.
    832-834, 836, 837, 840-847, 893, 898, 979....  ASF SALT LAKE CTY UT 840
    850, 852, 853, 855-857, 859, 860, 863, 864...  ASF PHOENIX AZ 852.
    865, 870-875, 877-884........................  ASF ALBUQUERQUE NM 870.
    889-891, 900-908, 910-928, 930-935...........  BMC LOS ANGELES CA 90901.
    894, 895, 897, 936-966.......................  BMC SAN FRANCISCO CA
                                                    94850.
    835, 838, 970-978, 980-986, 988-994..........  BMC SEATTLE WA 98000.
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    5.2  Eligibility
    
    [Amend 5.2 by replacing ``BMC or ASF'' with ``DBMC'' to read as 
    follows:]
        Pieces in a mailing that meet the standards in 1.0 through 5.0 are 
    eligible for the DBMC rate when deposited at a BMC or ASF, addressed 
    for delivery within that facility's service area (ZIP Code range), and 
    placed in a tray, sack, or pallet (subject to the standards for the 
    rate claimed) that is labeled to that BMC or ASF or to a postal 
    facility within its service area. With the exception of pieces for 3-
    digit service areas that are not listed in Exhibit 5.1, all pieces in 
    an ADC or AADC sack or tray are eligible for the DBMC discount if the 
    ADC or AADC facility ZIP Code (as shown on Line 1 of the corresponding 
    container label) is within the service area of the BMC or ASF at which 
    the sack or tray is deposited. With the exception of pieces for 3-digit 
    service areas that are not listed in Exhibit 5.1, all pieces in a 
    palletized ADC package are eligible for the DBMC discount if the ADC 
    facility that is the destination of the package (determined by using 
    the label to ZIP Code in Column B of L004) is within the service area 
    of the BMC or ASF at which it is deposited. DBMC rate mail may also be 
    eligible for a presort or automation discount, subject to the 
    corresponding standards.
    * * * * *
    
    E652  Parcel Post
    
    1.0  BASIC STANDARDS
    * * * * *
    
    1.2  General
    
    [Revise 1.2 to read as follows:]
        For Parcel Post mailings claimed at DBMC, DSCF, and DDU rates, 
    pieces must meet the applicable standards in 1.0 through 6.0 and meet 
    the following criteria:
        a. May be bedloaded, on pallets, in pallet boxes on pallets, in 
    sacks, or in other authorized containers as specified in 2.0 through 
    6.0, depending on the facility at which the pieces are deposited.
        b. May not be plant-loaded.
        c. Be part of a single mailing of 50 or more pieces that are 
    eligible for and claimed at any Parcel Post rate or rates.
        d. Be deposited at a destination BMC (DBMC) or auxiliary service 
    facility or other equivalent facility; destination sectional center 
    (DSCF); or destination delivery unit (DDU) as applicable for the rate 
    claimed and as specified by the USPS.
        e. Be addressed for delivery within the ZIP Code ranges that the 
    applicable entry facility serves.
    
    [Revise 1.3 to read as follows:]
    
    1.3  DBMC Rates
    
        For DBMC rates, pieces must meet the applicable standards in 1.0 
    through 6.0. In addition, pieces must be part of a Parcel Post mailing 
    that is deposited at a BMC or ASF under L605, the pieces deposited at 
    each BMC or ASF must be addressed for delivery within the ZIP Code 
    range of that facility, must be within a ZIP Code eligible for DBMC 
    rates under Exhibit 1.3, and must be prepared in accordance with M041 
    and M045 or M630. Mail meeting the additional criteria in 5.0 may be 
    deposited at a designated facility other than the BMC or ASF where the 
    DBMC parcels would otherwise be deposited.
    [Add new Exhibit 1.3]
    
                        Exhibit 1.3.--BMC/ASF--DBMC Rates
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Eligible destination ZIP codes               Entry BMC/ASF
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    005, 068-079, 085-098, 100-119, 124-127, 340.  BMC NEW JERSEY NJ 00102.
    010-067, 120-123, 128, 129...................  BMC SPRINGFIELD MA 05500.
    
    [[Page 267]]
    
     
    130-136, 140-149.............................  ASF BUFFALO NY 140.
    150-168, 260-266, 439-447....................  BMC PITTSBURGH PA 15195.
    080-084, 137-139, 169-199....................  BMC PHILADELPHIA PA
                                                    19205.
    200-212, 214-239, 244, 254, 267, 268.........  BMC WASHINGTON DC 20499.
    240-243, 245-249, 270-297, 376...............  BMC GREENSBORO NC 27075.
    298, 300-312, 317-319, 350-352, 354-368, 373,  BMC ATLANTA GA 31195.
     374, 377-379, 399.
    299, 313-316, 320-339, 341, 342, 344, 346,     BMC JACKSONVILLE FL
     347, 349.                                      32099.
    369-372, 375, 380-397, 700, 701, 703-705,      BMC MEMPHIS TN 38999.
     707, 708, 713, 714, 716, 717, 719-729.
    250-253, 255-259, 400-418, 421, 422, 425-427,  BMC CINCINNATI OH 45900.
     430-433, 437, 438, 448-462, 469-474.
    434-436, 465-468, 480-497....................  BMC DETROIT MI 48399.
    500-516, 520-528, 612, 680, 681, 683-689.....  BMC DES MOINES IA 50999.
    498, 499, 540-551, 553-564, 566..............  BMC MPLS/ST PAUL MN
                                                    55202.
    570-577......................................  ASF SIOUX FALLS SD 570.
    565, 567, 580-588............................  ASF FARGO ND 580.
    590-599, 821.................................  ASF BILLINGS MT 590.
    463, 464, 530-532, 534, 535, 537-539, 600-     BMC CHICAGO IL 60808.
     611, 613.
    420, 423, 424, 475-479, 614-620, 622-631, 633- BMC ST LOUIS MO 63299.
     639.
    640, 641, 644-658, 660-662, 664-679, 739.....  BMC KANSAS CITY KS 64399.
    730, 731, 734-738, 740, 741, 743-746, 748,     ASF OKLAHOMA CITY OK 730.
     749.
    706, 710-712, 718, 733, 747, 750-799, 885....  BMC DALLAS TX 75199.
    690-693, 800-816, 820, 822-831...............  BMC DENVER CO 80088.
    832-834, 836, 837, 840-847, 893, 898, 979....  ASF SALT LAKE CTY UT 840.
    850, 852, 853, 855-857, 859, 860, 863, 864...  ASF PHOENIX AZ 852.
    865, 870-875, 877-884........................  ASF ALBUQUERQUE NM 870.
    889-891, 900-908, 910-928, 930-935...........  BMC LOS ANGELES CA 90901.
    894, 895, 897, 936-966.......................  BMC SAN FRANCISCO CA
                                                    94850.
    835, 838, 970-978, 980-986, 988-994..........  BMC SEATTLE WA 98000.
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    [Redesignate 1.4 through 1.5 as 1.5 through 1.6 and insert new number 
    1.4 to read as follows:
    
    1.4  DSCF and DDU Rates
    
        For DSCF and DDU rates, pieces must meet the applicable standards 
    in 1.0 through 1.6 and meet the following criteria:
    [Move former 1.3 (e) and (f) to new section as 1.4 (a) and (b).]
    * * * * *
    
    L  Labeling Lists
    
    * * * * *
    
    L600  Standard Mail
    
    [Amend the heading of Labeling List 601 by removing ``Machinable 
    Parcels'' to read as follows:]
    
    L601  BMCs
    
    [Revise introductory paragraph to read as follows:]
        Use this list for:
        (a) Standard Mail (A) machinable parcels if ASF mail is not 
    prepared for and claimed at DBMC rates,
        (b) Bound Printed Matter machinable parcels,
        (c) Parcel Post if ASF mail is not prepared for and claimed at DBMC 
    rates except non-machinable BMC Presort and OBMC Presort, and
        (d) Presorted Special Standard Mail and Presorted Library Mail to 
    BMC destinations.
    * * * * *
    [Remove Labeling List 602, BMCs/ASFs-DBMC Rates.]
    * * * * *
    [Revise the heading of Labeling List 605 to read as follows:]
    
    L605  BMCs/ASFs
    
    [Revise introductory paragraph to read as follows:]
        Use this list for:
        (a) Standard Mail (A) pallets of packages of flats, letter trays, 
    and/or sacks,
        (b) Standard Mail (A) machinable parcels when mail for ASF service 
    areas is prepared for and claimed at DBMC rates,
        (c) Parcel Post when mail for ASF service areas is prepared for and 
    claimed at DBMC rates,
        (d) Parcel Post nonmachinable parcels claimed at BMC Presort and 
    OBMC Presort rates, and
        (e) Bound Printed Matter packages and/or sacks on pallets.
    * * * * *
    
    M  MAIL PREPARATION AND SORTATION
    
    M010  Mailpieces
    
    M011  Basic Standards
    
    1.0  TERMS AND CONDITIONS
    * * * * *
    
    1.2  Presort Levels
    
    [Amend 1.2 by revising 1.2n to read as follows:]
        Terms used for presort levels are defined as follows:
    * * * * *
        n. ASF/BMC: all pieces are addressed for delivery in the service 
    area of the same auxiliary service facility (ASF) or bulk mail center 
    (BMC) (see L601 or L605, as applicable).
    * * * * *
    
    M040  PALLETS
    
    M041  General Standards
    
    * * * * *
    5.0  PREPARATION
    * * * * *
    
    5.1  Presort
    
    [Amend 5.1 by revising the last two sentences to read as follows:]
        * * * The standards for package reallocation to protect the SCF or 
    BMC pallet (M045.5.0 and 6.0) are optional methods of pallet 
    preparation designed to retain as much mail as possible at the SCF or 
    BMC level. These standards may result in some packages of Periodicals 
    flats and irregular parcels and Standard Mail (A) flats, and irregular 
    parcels that are part of a mailing job prepared in part as palletized 
    flats at automation rates, not being placed on the finest level of 
    pallet possible. Mailers must use PAVE-certified presort software to 
    prepare mailings using package reallocation (package reallocation is 
    optional, but, if
    
    [[Page 268]]
    
    performed, must be done for the complete mailing job).
    
    5.2  Required Preparation
    
    [Amend 5.2 by revising 5.2a to read as follows:]
        These standards apply to:
        a. Periodicals, Standard Mail (A) and Parcel Post (other than BMC 
    Presort, OBMC Presort, DSCF, and DDU rate mail). For mail that is 
    prepared on pallets, a pallet must be prepared to a required sortation 
    level when there are 500 pounds of Periodicals or Standard Mail 
    packages, sacks, or parcels, or six layers of Periodicals or Standard 
    Mail (A) letter trays. For packages of Periodicals flats and irregular 
    parcels and Standard Mail (A) packages of flats on pallets prepared 
    under the standards for package reallocation (M045.5.0), not all mail 
    for a required 5-digit destination is required to be on a 5-digit 
    pallet or optional 5-digit scheme pallet. For packages of Standard Mail 
    (A) flats on pallets prepared under the standards for package 
    reallocation to protect the BMC pallet (M045.6.0), not all mail for a 
    required ASF pallet is required to be on an ASF pallet. Mixed pallets 
    of sacks, trays, or machinable parcels must be labeled to the BMC or 
    ADC (as appropriate) serving the post office where mailings are entered 
    into the mailstream. The processing and distribution manager of that 
    facility may issue a written authorization to the mailer to label mixed 
    BMC or mixed ADC pallets to the post office or processing and 
    distribution center serving the post office where mailings are entered. 
    These pallets contain all mail remaining after required and optional 
    pallets are prepared to finer sortation levels under M045, as 
    appropriate.
    * * * * *
    6.0  COPALLETIZED COMBINED OR MIXED-RATE LEVEL MAILINGS OF FLAT-SIZE 
    PIECES
    * * * * *
    
    6.4  Standard Mail (A)
    
    [Amend 6.4 by revising the first sentence to read as follows:]
        To copalletize different Standard Mail (A) flat-size mailings, the 
    mailer must consolidate on pallets all independently sorted packages 
    from each mailing to achieve the finest presort level for the mailing, 
    except that a copalletized mailing prepared under M045.5.0 or 6.0, 
    using package reallocation, may not always result in all packages being 
    placed on the finest pallet level possible.* * *
    * * * * *
    
    M045  Palletized Mailings
    
    * * * * *
    4.0  PALLET PRESORT AND LABELING
    4.1  Packages, Bundles, Sacks or Trays on Pallets
    [Amend 4.1 by revising 4.1e to read as follows:]
        Preparation and Line 1 labeling:
    * * * * *
        e. As appropriate:
        (1) Periodicals: ADC: required; for Line 1, use L004.
        (2) Standard Mail: BMC/ASF: required; for Line 1, use L605. If 
    package reallocation to protect the BMC pallet is used and the BMC 
    pallet contains mail for the ASF service area, for Line 1, use L601.
    * * * * *
    
    4.2  Machinable Parcels-Standard Mail
    
    [Amend 4.2 by revising 4.2b and 4.2c to read as follow:]
        Preparation sequence and Line 1 labeling:
    * * * * *
        b. ASF: allowed and required only when mail for ASF service areas 
    is prepared for and claimed at DBMC rates; for Line 1, use L605. DBMC 
    rate eligibility is determined by Exhibit E651.5.1 and Exhibit 
    E652.1.3.
        c. Destination BMC: required; for Line 1, use L601 (L605 when mail 
    for ASF service areas is prepared for and claimed at DBMC rates). DBMC 
    rate eligibility is determined by Exhibit E651.5.1 and Exhibit 
    E652.1.3.
    * * * * *
    [Revise heading of 5.0 to read as follows:]
    5.0  PACKAGE REALLOCATION TO PROTECT SCF PALLET FOR PERIODICALS FLATS 
    AND IRREGULAR PARCELS AND STANDARD MAIL (A) FLATS ON PALLETS
    
    5.1  Basic Standards
    
    [Amend 5.1 by revising the first sentence to read as follows:]
        Package reallocation to protect the SCF pallet is an optional 
    preparation method (if performed, package reallocation must be done for 
    the complete mailing job); only PAVE-certified presort software may be 
    used to create pallets under the standards in 5.2 through 5.5 * * *
    * * * * *
    [Redesignate 6.0 through 14.0 as 7.0 through 15.0, respectively, and 
    insert new number 6.0 to read as follows:]
    6.0  PACKAGE REALLOCATION TO PROTECT BMC PALLET FOR STANDARD MAIL (A) 
    FLATS ON PALLETS
    
    6.1  Basic Standards
    
        Package reallocation to protect the BMC pallet level is an optional 
    preparation method (if performed, package reallocation to protect the 
    BMC pallet must be done for the complete mailing job); only PAVE-
    certified presort software may be used to create pallets under the 
    standards in 6.2 through 6.4. The software will determine if mail for a 
    BMC service area would fall beyond the BMC level when ASF pallets are 
    prepared. Reallocation is performed only when there is mail for the BMC 
    service area that would fall beyond the BMC pallet level. The amount of 
    mail required to bring the mail that would fall beyond the BMC pallet 
    level back to a BMC level is the minimum volume that would be 
    reallocated from an ASF pallet, where possible. The following 
    ``parent'' BMCs can be protected with package reallocation by using 
    mail from the ASF ``child'' pallets indicated in Exhibit 6.1.
    
                   Exhibit 6.1.--``Parent'' BMC/``Child'' ASF
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    ``Parent'' BMC: service areas     ``Child'' ASF: ZIP Code areas served
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Pittsburgh BMC...............  Buffalo ASF: 130-136; 140-149.
    Denver BMC...................  Albuquerque ASF: 865, 870-875, 877-884.
                                   Phoenix ASF: 850, 852, 853, 855-857, 859,
                                    860, 863, 864.
                                   Salt Lake City ASF: 832-834, 836, 837,
                                    840-847, 893, 898, 979.
                                   Billings ASF: 590-599, 821.
    Dallas BMC...................  Oklahoma City ASF: 730, 731, 734-738,
                                    740, 741, 743-746, 748, 749.
    Des Moines BMC...............  Sioux Falls ASF: 570-577
    Minneapolis BMC..............  Fargo ASF: 565, 567, 580-588.
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    
    [[Page 269]]
    
    6.2  General Reallocation Rules
    
        Reallocation rules:
        a. The reallocation process does not affect package preparation. 
    Reallocate only complete packages and only the minimum number of 
    packages necessary to create a BMC pallet meeting the minimum pallet 
    weight. Based on the weight of individual pieces within a package and 
    packaging parameters, the weight of mail that is reallocated may be 
    slightly more than the minimum volume required to create a BMC pallet.
        b. Using the parent BMC/child ASF table provided in Exhibit 6.1, 
    reallocate packages from the ASF pallet to create a BMC pallet. The ASF 
    pallet can be eliminated if necessary to protect the BMC pallet.
        c. When reallocating mail to create a BMC pallet, reallocate mail 
    only from the ASF pallet. Package reallocation is only to be used 
    between the ``parent'' BMC and the ``child'' ASF. Mail from finer 
    levels of pallets (e.g., SCF pallet) may not be reallocated to protect 
    BMC pallets.
        d. Mailers may use any minimum pallet weight(s) permitted by DMM 
    standards and may use different minimum weights for different pallet 
    levels in conjunction with package reallocation.
    
    6.3  Reallocation of Packages From ASF Pallets
    
        When reallocating packages from ASF pallets:
        a. Using the parent BMC/child ASF table provided in Exhibit 6.1, 
    attempt to identify an ASF pallet of adequate weight that can support 
    reallocation of one or more packages to bring the mail that has fallen 
    through the BMC level back to the BMC level without eliminating the ASF 
    pallet. A sufficient amount of mail must remain on the ASF pallet after 
    reallocation to meet the ASF pallet weight minimum. If an ASF pallet of 
    adequate weight is available, create a BMC pallet by combining the 
    reallocated mail from the ASF pallet with the mail that would fall 
    beyond the BMC pallet level.
        b. If no single ASF pallet within the BMC service area contains an 
    adequate volume of mail to allow reallocation of the portion of the 
    mail on a pallet as described in the previous step, then eliminate one 
    ASF pallet and reallocate all of the mail to create a BMC pallet by 
    combining it with the mail that would fall beyond the BMC pallet level. 
    As a result, the software will not prepare one ASF pallet for the ASF 
    service area if it is detrimental to the BMC pallet.
    
    6.4  Documentation
    
        Mailings must be supported by documentation produced by PAVE-
    certified software meeting the standards in P012.
    * * * * *
    
    M073  COMBINED MAILINGS OF STANDARD (A) AND STANDARD (B) PARCELS
    
    1.0  COMBINED MACHINABLE PARCELS--RATES OTHER THAN PARCEL POST OBMC 
    PRESORT, BMC PRESORT, DSCF, AND DDU
    
    * * * * *
    
    1.6   Sack Preparation
    
    [Amend 1.6 by revising 1.6a(2) and 1.6a(3) to read as follows:]
        The requirements for sack preparation are as follows:
        a. Sack size, preparation sequence, and Line 1 labeling:
    * * * * *
        (2) Destination ASF: allowed and required only when mail for ASF 
    service areas is prepared for and claimed at DBMC rates (minimum of 10 
    pieces/20 pounds/1,000 cubic inches, smaller volume not permitted); for 
    Line 1, use L605. DBMC rate eligibility is determined by Exhibit 
    E651.5.1 and Exhibit E652.1.3.
        (3) Destination BMC: required (minimum of 10 pieces/20 pounds/1.000 
    cubic inches, smaller volume not permitted); for Line 1, use L601 (L605 
    when mail for ASF service areas is prepared for and claimed at DBMC 
    rates). DBMC rate eligibility is determined by Exhibit E651.5.1 and 
    Exhibit E652.1.3.
    * * * * *
    
    M610  Presorted Standard Mail (A)
    
    * * * * *
    5.0  MACHINABLE PARCELS
    * * * * *
    
    5.2  Sack Preparation
    
    [Amend 5.2 by revising 5.2(b) and 5.2(c) to read as follows:]
        Sack size, preparation sequence, and Line 1 labeling:
    * * * * *
        b. Destination ASF: allowed and required only when mail for ASF 
    service areas is prepared for and claimed at DBMC rates (10 pound 
    minimum, smaller volume not permitted); for Line 1 use L605. DBMC rate 
    eligibility is determined by Exhibit E651.5.1.
        c. Destination BMC: required (10 pound minimum, smaller volume not 
    permitted); for Line 1, use L601 (L605 when mail for ASF service areas 
    is prepared for and claimed at DBMC rates). DBMC rate eligibility is 
    determined by Exhibit E651.5.1.
    * * * * *
    
    M630  Standard Mail (B)
    
    * * * * *
    6.0  MACHINABLE PARCELS
    * * * * *
    
    6.2  Sack Preparation
    
    [Amend 6.2 by revising 6.2b and 6.2c to read as follows:]
        Sack size, preparation sequence, and Line 1 labeling:
    * * * * *
        b. ASF: allowed and required only when mail for ASF service areas 
    is prepared for and claimed at DBMC rates (minimum of 10 pieces/20 
    pounds/1,000 cubic inches, smaller volume not permitted); for Line 1, 
    use L605. DBMC rate eligibility is determined by Exhibit E652.1.3.
        c. Destination BMC: required (minimum of 10 pieces/20 pounds/1,000 
    cubic inches, smaller volume not permitted); for Line 1, use L601 (L605 
    when mail for ASF service areas is prepared for and claimed at DBMC 
    rates). DBMC rate eligibility is determined by Exhibit E652.1.3.
    * * * * *
    
    P POSTAGE AND PAYMENT METHODS
    
    P000  Basic information
    
    P010  General Standards
    
    * * * * *
    
    P012  DOCUMENTATION
    
    * * * * *
    2.0  STANDARDIZED DOCUMENTATION--FIRST-CLASS MAIL, PERIODICALS, AND 
    STANDARD MAIL (A)
    
    2.2  Format and Content
    
    [Amend 2.2 by replacing last two sentences of 2.2d (4) to read as 
    follows:]
        For First-Class Mail, Periodicals, and Standard Mail (A), 
    standardized documentation includes:
    * * * * *
        (4) * * * Document SCF or BMC pallets created as a result of 
    package reallocation under M045.5.0 or 6.0 on the USPS Qualification 
    Report by designating the protected pallet with an identifier of 
    ``PSCF'' (for an SCF pallet) or ``PBMC'' (for a BMC pallet). These 
    identifiers are required to appear only on the USPS Qualification 
    Report; they are not required to appear on pallet
    
    [[Page 270]]
    
    labels or in any other mailing documentation.
    * * * * *
    
    2.4  Sortation Level
    
    [Amend 2.4 by inserting new sortation level and abbreviation 
    immediately below SCF pallets (created from package reallocation) to 
    read as follows:]
        The actual sortation level (or corresponding abbreviation) is used 
    for the package, tray, sack, or pallet levels required by 2.2 and shown 
    below.
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Sortation level                       Abbreviation
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
     
                      *        *        *        *        *
    BMC [pallets created from package           PBMC
     reallocation].
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    * * * * *
        An appropriate amendment to 39 CFR 11.3 to reflect these changes 
    will be published if the proposal is adopted.
    Stanley F. Mires,
    Chief Counsel, Legislative.
    [FR Doc. 00-25 Filed 1-3-00; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 7710-12-P
    
    
    

Document Information

Published:
01/04/2000
Department:
Postal Service
Entry Type:
Proposed Rule
Action:
Proposed rule.
Document Number:
00-25
Dates:
Comments must be received on or before February 3, 2000.
Pages:
264-270 (7 pages)
PDF File:
00-25.pdf
CFR: (1)
39 CFR 111