[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 246 (Friday, December 20, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 67218-67229]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-32280]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
POSTAL SERVICE
39 CFR Part 111
Domestic Mail Manual; Miscellaneous Amendments
AGENCY: Postal Service.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This final rule describes the amendments consolidated in the
transmittal letters for issues 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, and 49 of the
Domestic Mail Manual (DMM), which is incorporated by reference in the
Code of Federal Regulations (see 39 CFR 111.1). This final rule
constitutes a historic record of changes, presented in chronological
sequence by issue date of the DMM. As such, any amendment shown in this
final rule may have been rescinded or superseded by a later amendment
to the same requirement or rule.
EFFECTIVE DATES: DMM issue 44, September 20, 1992; DMM issue 45,
December 20, 1992; DMM issue 46, July 1, 1993; DMM issue 47, April 10,
1994; DMM issue 48, January 1, 1995; and DMM issue 49, September 1,
1995.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Neil Berger, (202) 268-2859.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Domestic Mail Manual (DMM), incorporated
by reference in title 39, Code of Federal Regulations, part 111,
contains the basic standards of the U.S. Postal Service governing its
domestic mail services; describes the mail classes and special services
and conditions governing their use; and provides detailed instructions
on the standards for rate eligibility and mail preparation. The DMM is
amended and republished about every 6 months, with each issue
sequentially numbered.
This final rule shows in historic sequence the amendments to DMM
issues 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, and 49. These amendments reflect changes in
mail preparation standards and other miscellaneous mailing requirements
that occurred during a 4-year interval. These changes were previously
announced in the Postal Bulletin, a biweekly document issued to post
office personnel and to public subscribers through a service
administered by the U.S. Government Printing Office. The Postal Service
temporarily ceased publication in the Federal Register of the
transmittals for the DMM because any significant amendment or revision
to a rate or fee was also issued as a final rule in the Federal
Register. With the publication of DMM issue 46 on July 1, 1993, the
Postal Service introduced a thoroughly revised document that was
reorganized using a new alphanumeric codification system. That issue
also introduced a transmittal summary of changes organized by topic.
DMM issue 50, the current edition of the DMM, was released on July
1, 1996. That issue contains substantive changes to mail preparation
standards and mail classification as published in the Federal Register
on March 12, 1996 (61 FR 10068-10217). These standards were approved on
March 4, 1996, by the Postal Service to implement the Decision of the
Governors of the Postal Service in Postal Rate Commission Docket No.
MC95-1, Classification Reform I. These standards took effect at 12:01
a.m., July 1, 1996.
DMM issue 51, the next edition of the DMM, is scheduled for release
on January 1, 1997. That issue will contain substantive changes to mail
preparation standards and mail classification for nonprofit rate
categories for Periodicals and Nonprofit Standard Mail. These standards
were published on August 15, 1996, in the Federal Register (61 FR
42478-42489), as approved on August 6, 1996, by the USPS to implement
the Decision of the Governors of the Postal Service in Postal Rate
Commission Docket No. MC96-2, Classification Reform II. Those standards
took effect at 12:01 a.m., October 6, 1996, aligning the preparation
rules adopted on July 1 for commercial mail with those for nonprofit
mail.
The following excerpts from the Summary of Changes sections of the
transmittals for DMM issues 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, and 49 generally cover
the minor changes not previously described in other interim or final
rules published in the Federal Register. These changes were first
announced in notices in various issues of the Postal Bulletin published
by the Postal Service to state or to revise policy and procedure for
certain mailing standards.
DMM Issue 44 (September 20, 1992)
Section 111.54 reminds mailers and employees that changes to the
Domestic Mail Manual are published not only in the Federal Register but
also in the Postal Bulletin. No notice of this revision was published.
Section 119.22 tells customers where and how they can buy
Publication 65, National Five-Digit ZIP Code and Post Office Directory.
No notice of this revision was published.
Subchapters 120, 310, 320, 340, 350, 360, 380, 410, 420, 440, 510,
520, 530, 550, 570, 610, 620, 640, and 660 provide rules and guidelines
for the lower rates for First-, second-, and third-class barcoded flat-
size mail. On June 21, 1991, under 39 U.S.C. 3622 and 3623, the Postal
Service asked the Postal Rate Commission (PRC) for a recommended
decision on these postage discounts. The PRC issued its recommendation
on the filing (Docket MC91-1) on March 19, 1992. On May 4, 1992, the
Governors of the Postal Service approved the PRC's recommended rate and
classification changes to take effect September 20, 1992. The Postal
Service published its proposed rules for public comment in the Federal
Register on April 21, 1992 (57 FR 14525-14551), and June 1, 1992 (57 FR
23072). (Postal Bulletin (PB) 21819A (7-16-92).)
Exhibits 121.5 and 121.56 are reduced to save space. No notice of
these changes was published.
[[Page 67219]]
Section 122.412a clarifies that government agencies may omit the
addressee's name and street address or post office box number, as well
as city, state, and ZIP Code, from the delivery address on official
mail with a simplified address format. Agencies using this format must
send the mailing to each stop or possible delivery on city carrier
routes or to each post office boxholder at a post office with city
carrier service. Effective September 20, 1992 (PB 21818 (6-25-92)).
Section 122.37 rearranges the rules for addresses on parcels.
Exhibits 122.37a and 122.37b are renumbered as Exhibits 122.371 and
122.372. No notice of these revisions was published.
Exhibits 122.63a and 122.63c through 122.63t reflect changes in
mail processing operations. These changes include the assignment of 3-
digit ZIP Code prefixes 344 and 607. Sections 441.321, 446.36, 646.36,
and 769.36 reflect changes in label preparation. Exhibits 624.721 and
722.411 are deleted. Sections 624.72 and 722.4 change the references
for these deleted exhibits to Exhibit 122.63s. Effective July 9, 1992;
mandatory September 20, 1992 (PB 21819 (7-9-92); PB 21820 (7-23-92)).
Exhibits 122.63m and 122.63n indicate that customers may order
distribution labels for listed sites in the exhibits from the Postal
Service Label Printing Center in Topeka, KS. Set numbers 004 and 005
identify the two exhibits. When customers order labels, the Postal
Service supplies them in lots of 300 (minimum) for each label. To order
these free labels, customers fill in the header data on Form 1578-B,
Requisition for Facing Slips or Labels, and show how many labels they
need in the detail data lines. Effective August 6, 1992 (PB 21821 (8-6-
92)).
Section 124.336 is added to specify how mailers can obtain
authorization to ship cigarette lighters. The authorization includes
obtaining approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Effective September 20, 1992 (PB 21818 (6-25-92)).
Sections 124.382e and 124.382f are added to define the terms
``sharps'' and ``other medical devices''; sections 124.385 and 124.386
are renumbered as 124.387 and 124.388; new sections 124.385 and
124.386, both effective December 28, 1992, are added to provide mailers
advance notice of changes in packaging standards. New sections 124.385a
and 124.386a, effective June 30, 1992, require mailers to send sharps
and other medical devices at the First-Class or Priority Mail rates.
The renumbering of these sections corrects errors published in both the
Federal Register and the Postal Bulletin. Exhibits 124.385a and
124.385h are added to illustrate the infectious substance label
required on the packaging and the information needed for the manifest.
Effective December 26, 1992 (PB 21819 (7-9-92); PB 21820 (7-23-92)).
Section 133.1 permits a mailer to request an expedited oral
decision after an acceptance post office issues an adverse
classification decision. Postal Bulletin 21794 (7-25-91) had earlier
revised section 133.1 on a temporary basis. Effective September 20,
1992 (PB 21819 (7-9-92)).
Sections 143.134 through 143.137 and 144.114 through 144.117 are
added to specify the basic requirements for using precanceled or meter
stamps on bulk or presort rate mailings of nonidentical-weight pieces
or when the amount of postage does not represent the full postage of
the mailpieces to which they are affixed. If precanceled or meter
stamps are used representing an amount other than the full and correct
postage applicable to the piece, or if used in bulk or presort rate
mailings of nonidentical-weight pieces, or if used in mailings where
pieces qualify for different discounts or rates, the mailer must
provide documentation detailing the contents of the mailing. This
documentation must be submitted with each mailing, with provisions for
the presentation of only the summary portion if the mailer has
repeatedly demonstrated the ability to produce accurate information and
mailings. Concurrent revisions are made to sections 381.1, 382.1,
382.26, 382.31, 382.33, 382.34, 382.4, 382.44, 661.1, and 661.21.
Effective May 14, 1992 (PB 21815 (5-14-92)); effective June 11, 1992
(PB 21817 (6-11-92)).
Part 149, sections 295.22, 295.24, 911.52, and 911.53 simplify the
steps and language for filing claims for lost or damaged mail. These
revised instructions include guidelines for the new Postal Service Form
1000, Domestic Claim or Registered Mail Inquiry. Sections 295.32,
295.4, 296.2, and 296.3 are deleted; section 295.33 is renumbered as
295.32. Form 1000 replaces Forms 565, 3812, and 5690 for filing claims.
Effective September 20, 1992 (PB 21823 (9-3-92)).
Sections 149.21, 149.222, 149.312, 149.333, and 914.18 extend the
waiting period from 45 to 60 days before a customer may file a claim
for loss of a COD article. Sections 149.312 and 149.333 were renumbered
as 149.243 and 149.261. Changes to these procedures also restrict the
filing of a claim to the mailer. This change is consistent with filing
procedures for insured, registered, COD, and Express Mail. The
procedures for addressee filing in section 149.333 are thus eliminated,
with changes reflected in renumbered section 149.261. The sections
cited in this revision are replaced by the complete reorganization of
part 149; however, all revisions are included in that reorganization
(see entry for part 149). Effective September 20, 1992 (PB 21821 (8-6-
92)).
Sections 153.4, 153.5, and 159.211 clarify that the prohibition on
forwarding mail for individuals is applied to all persons and
organizations receiving mail at a business address. Such individuals
include employees, contractors, clients, and officers of the
organization located at that address. Because of the similarity of
their provisions, sections 153.4 and 153.5 are combined into 153.4.
Effective September 20, 1992 (PB 21821 (8-6-92)).
Section 153.72 and Exhibit 159.14 clarify that accountable mail is
not held indefinitely, pending the resolution of a dispute between
parties unable to agree upon a receiver of the mail. Instead, Express
Mail, registered, insured, certified, and return receipt for
merchandise mail is held for the maximum time according to the sender's
instructions and, otherwise, as prescribed in DMM 159.323f and 159.324.
Effective September 20, 1992 (PB 21821 (8-6-92)).
Exhibits 159.151a through 159.151f reference section 122.17 for the
required placement and type size of endorsements mailers may print
under return addresses. Effective September 20, 1992 (PB 21822 (8-20-
92)).
Section 159.17 is added to clarify that postal employees are not
permitted to take undeliverable mail/waste or waste receptacles from
postal facilities for personal use or for any use unauthorized by the
Postal Service. Effective September 20, 1992 (PB 21822 (8-20-92)).
Section 164.751 allows customers to request replacements for
pictorial cancellations up to 60 days after the date of the
cancellation. Effective September 20, 1992 (PB 21819 (7-9-92)).
Part 222 expands security measures for the mailing of Express Mail
Same Day Airport Service. Effective September 20, 1992 (PB 21821 (8-6-
92)).
Part 296 updates the policy for Express Mail postage refunds for
shipments not meeting the service commitment marked on Label 11.
Originally published numbering was later changed by the complete
revision
[[Page 67220]]
of part 149. Section 296.2 was deleted and section 296.1 was renumbered
as part 296. Effective September 20, 1992 (PB 21820 (7-23-92)).
Exhibits 352 and 752 are renumbered as Exhibits 352.12 and 752.1.
No notice of this renumbering was published.
Exhibits 363.33, 441.32, 641.133, and 764.213 are added to
illustrate formats for barcoded sack and tray labels. References to
these exhibits are added to sections 363.333, 364.11, 365.11, 366.11,
367.211, 441.321g, 447.36, 561.471, 641.133j, 641.224j, 641.423j,
647.225, 764.213g, 767.233g, and 767.333g. No notice of these revisions
was published.
Part 369 is amended to permit customers who prepare First-Class
Mail to use barcoded sack and tray labels. The revision repeats
existing provisions for sacked mailings of second-, third-, and fourth-
class mail, although new content identifier codes are added for First-
Class Mail. The same set of content identifier codes are used on
barcoded tray labels. Exhibit 369.2 is added to show sample tray labels
with and without the new zebra code. Parts 446 and 646 are also
redesignated as 446.1 and 646.1, respectively, and new sections 446.2
and 646.2 are added to allow preparation of barcoded tray labels for
automation-compatible second- and third-class mail, respectively.
Exhibits 446.21 and 646.21 are also added to illustrate sample barcoded
tray labels. Effective September 20, 1992 (PB 21821 (8-6-92)).
Sections 423.152, 423.232, 423.332, 423.442, 423.532, and 423.632
revise accounting procedures for second-class mail when an application
is pending. Effective September 20, 1992 (PB 21818 (6-25-92)).
Sections 423.164a, 423.244a, 423.344a, 423.454a, 423.544a, and
423.644a revise procedures for refunds made to applicants who mail
second-class publications while an application is pending and which
later becomes authorized. Effective September 20, 1992 (PB 21818 (6-25-
92)).
Exhibits 423.221a(3) and 423.431 (p.3) are deleted and replaced
with shorter examples in sections 423.221a(3) and 423.422. No notice of
these changes was published.
Section 423.621b revises the procedures for news agent registry at
an entry post office. No notice of this revision was published.
Sections 424.442, 426.41, 624.717, 722.421, and 722.432 include
additional requirements and guidelines for scheduling and depositing
second-, third-, and fourth-class drop shipment mailings. Effective
September 20, 1992 (PB 21820 (7-23-92)).
Exhibit 424.783 is deleted to conserve space. Previous references
of the sample listing of documentation are made to similar Exhibit
624.883. No notice of this deletion was published.
Section 429.14p is added to allow mailers to imprint impersonal
messages on the pages and covers of second-class publications after
they are printed. Mailers must not use messages that would require the
publications to be sent as First-Class Mail. Effective September 20,
1992 (PB 21821 (8-6-92)).
Sections 441.321, 446.36, 646.36, and 769.36 reflect changes in
label preparation. Exhibits 624.721 and 722.411 are deleted. Sections
624.72 and 722.4 change the references to Exhibit 122.63s. Effective
September 20, 1992 (PB 21819 (7-9-92)).
Section 441.218 eliminates Exhibit 122.63j as the second reference.
No notice of this correction was published.
Section 445.243e(2) is corrected to state that extraneous
information is not permitted on or between the lines reserved for
Postal Service required information. No notice of this correction was
published.
Section 531.162 extends to November 30, 1992, the grace period for
Coding Accuracy Support System (CASS) certification of address matching
software. Effective September 20, 1992 (PB 21821 (8-6-92); PB 21822 (8-
20-92)).
Exhibits 551.3, 561.421a, and 561.421b are revised and resized to
save space. No notice of these revisions was published.
Section 576.42 allows mailers to place barcoded flats on the same
5-digit pallets with flats claimed at the carrier route presort and
walk-sequence rates if the barcoded rates are not claimed. Effective
September 20, 1992 (PB 21823 (9-3-92)).
Section 625.522b provides guidelines for determining whether the
coverage for a certain insurance policy is generally not available
commercially. Effective June 25, 1992 (PB 21819 (7-9-92)).
Sections 626.21 and 626.23 are revised; a new section 626.24 is
added; current sections 626.24, 626.25, and 626.26 are renumbered as
626.25, 626.26, and 626.27, respectively; renumbered 626.25 expedites
the application process for organizations already authorized to mail at
the special bulk third-class rates and wanting to mail at those rates
at an additional post office. Effective September 20, 1992 (PB 21818
(6-25-92)).
Exhibits 641.135, 641.22, 641.4, 644.1, 644.2, 767a, and 767b
clarify sacking and packaging instructions for third- and fourth-class
mail. No notice of these revisions was published.
Sections 641.2, 644.2, 644.3, and Exhibit 641.22 make the
preparation of mailings of machinable third-class parcels and combined
mailings of machinable third- and fourth-class parcels consistent with
those for the destination bulk mail center (DBMC) rate. In general, the
revisions specify that BMC sacks and pallets include auxiliary service
facility (ASF) sacks and pallets for mailings claimed at the DBMC rate.
The mailer must meet existing volume and labeling requirements and must
deposit the mailings as specified for the DBMC rate, if claimed.
Sections 641.223, 641.232c, and 767.323 also specify that the second
(contents) line of labels on mixed BMC sacks or pallets include the
words ``Mixed BMC'' to distinguish them from other sacks for the same
facility that contain only destinating mail. Section 624.72 also
clarifies that presorted sacks or pallets of third-class machinable
parcels may contain both pieces eligible for and claimed at the DBMC
rate and pieces not eligible for or claimed at that rate. Effective
September 20, 1992 (PB 21818 (6-25-92)).
Exhibits 641.22, 644.2, and 767b indicate that auxiliary service
facilities (ASFs) are also included with regular bulk mail centers
(BMCs) when a destination BMC rate is claimed. No notice of these
revisions was published.
Section 723.1 permits a mailpiece to contain more than one bound
printed matter piece to meet the minimum 1-pound weight required for
mailing at the bound printed matter rates of postage. For example, a
mailpiece containing two bound catalogs weighing 8 ounces each or one
containing four bound directories weighing 4 ounces each would both
meet the minimum 1-pound weight. Effective September 20, 1992 (PB 21818
(6-25-92)).
Section 724.1g clarifies guidelines for mailing educational
reference charts at the special fourth-class postage rates. Effective
September 20, 1992 (PB 21818 (6-25-92)).
Exhibits 919.5a and 919.5b standardize capitalization and
punctuation. No notice of these revisions was published.
Section 941.36d provides customers and employees with a direct
telephone number for questions about the status of purchased money
orders. No notice of this revision was published.
Exhibit 951.222 adds several ZIP Codes for category 1B post office
box
[[Page 67221]]
rent. Effective July 23, 1992 (PB 21819 (7-9-92); PB 21820 (7-23-92)).
DMM Issue 45 (December 20, 1992)
Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 9 at the time of printing of
Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) issue 45 do not reflect the comprehensive
reorganization and realignment of the internal structure of the U.S.
Postal Service begun late in the summer of 1992. Organizational units
within the Postal Service were renamed, and the functional duties and
responsibilities of those units were rearranged. Internal delegations
of authority, reporting relationships, and channels of communication
were modified as necessary. The authority delegated by statute or
regulation to any official or organizational unit of the Postal Service
that is renamed or succeeded because of this reorganization is
exercised by the renamed or successor official or unit without specific
notice of the change. All currently effective rules, regulations,
orders, determinations, rulings, permits, contracts, and similar
matters issued or approved by a renamed or succeeded official or unit
stay in effect according to their terms until modified, terminated,
superseded, set aside, or repealed by the Postal Service. Regulations
in the DMM (39 CFR 111.1) reflect such changes in the transmittal
letter from a notice published on October 30, 1992, in the Federal
Register (57 FR 49200-49201).
Sections 115.94, 115.95, 115.96, 115.97, and 115.98 reorganize
information on customs inspection by subject. No notice of this
reorganization was published.
Sections 122.17 and 159.151 and Exhibits 122.17 and 122.33 clarify
instructions for mailer endorsements. Duplicated text in section
159.151 is deleted or combined with revised section 122.17. Effective
December 20, 1992 (PB 21828 (11-12-92)).
Section 122.442 clarifies that address information obtained from
post offices under this section applies only to post office boxes,
rural routes, and highway contract routes. Effective December 20, 1992
(PB 21828 (11-12-92)).
Exhibits 122.63c through 122.63e, 122.63h, 122.63l through 122.63o,
122.63s, and 122.63t reflect changes in mail processing operations.
Effective October 15, 1992; mandatory December 20, 1992 (PB 21826 (10-
15-92)).
Section 122.814 corrects the military organization shown in the
address example. No notice of this correction was published.
Section 124.385a adds a note to advise employees and customers that
the effective date of the requirements for mailing sharps and other
medical devices may change. No notice of this note was published.
Section 125.164 corrects the wording of the mail restriction for
military retirees. No notice of this correction was published.
Section 125.2 reflects the actual frequency at which the APO/FPO
ZIP Code table is published in the Postal Bulletin. No notice of this
revision was published.
Exhibit 137.251a adds to the list of federal agency authorization
codes four new agencies: Alaska Natives Commission; National Advisory
Council on the Public Service; National Commission on Financial
Institution Reform, Recovery and Enforcement; and Presidential
Commission on the Assignment of Women in the Armed Forces. The names of
three agencies are changed, and two agencies are moved directly under
the Executive Office of the President. This amended list reflects other
additions, revisions, and deletions of several business reply mail
permits, as well as changes to the sampling numbers (RPW) for some
agencies. Boldface type indicates these revisions. No notice of these
revisions was published.
Section 137.275f(4) permits federal agencies to order smaller
quantities of $1 and $5 penalty mail stamps. No notice of this revision
was published.
Section 138.4 is renumbered as 138.5 and a new section 138.4 is
added to incorporate language omitted with the recent reorganization of
part 137 regarding official mail. This revision clarifies that absentee
balloting materials must not be detained or treated as unpaid mail.
Exhibits 138.41 and 138.42 are renumbered as Exhibits 138.51 and
138.52, respectively. Effective October 15, 1992 (PB 21826 (10-15-92)).
Parts 143, 144, and 147; subchapter 310; parts 324, 325, 327, and
328; subchapter 360; part 382; subchapter 410; parts 424, 441, and 447;
subchapters 510, 560, 570, and 580; subchapter 610; and parts 624, 628,
647, and 661 amend requirements for preparing letter-size mail at ZIP+4
and ZIP+4 Barcoded rates. This revision consolidates all requirements
for automation-based rates into chapter 5. It also amends and adds
presort and documentation options to subchapter 560. In addition,
letter-size mailings at ZIP+4 rates or ZIP+4 Barcoded rates are
required to be prepared under one of these revised options beginning
March 21, 1993. The provisions on preparation of letter-size pieces to
qualify for ZIP+4 rates and ZIP+4 Barcoded rates in chapters 3, 4, and
6 are eliminated on March 21, 1993. The revised options in chapter 5
require all letter-size automation rate mailings to be prepared in
trays, require the preparation of automated area distribution center
(AADC) trays in package-based mailings, and, with ZIP+4 Barcoded rate
mailings, require 100 percent ZIP+4 barcoded or delivery point barcoded
mail in the part of the mailing sorted to 5-digit ZIP Codes. This
revision also moves to chapter 5 the general eligibility and postage
payment requirements for both letter-size and flat-size automation rate
mailings formerly under chapters 3, 4, and 6. Effective October 5, 1992
(Special Postal Bulletin 21825A (10-8-92)).
Section 144.46 adds the standardized formats for military postage
meters. No notice of this addition was published.
Section 153.84 allows mailers of perishable matter to include their
own toll-free 1-800 telephone numbers on mailing labels. Mailers
endorse the labels ``Postmaster: Perishable. If not delivered in 5
days, call 1-800-XXX-XXXX.'' To ensure that the customer is contacted,
a postal employee will prepare a second notice 5 days after the first
delivery attempt. In addition, an employee calls the mailer's telephone
number printed on the label. The mailer will then notify the addressee
by telephone that the item at the post office is perishable and that
the customer should pick up the item soon or arrange for delivery.
Effective October 29, 1992 (PB 21827 (10-29-92)).
Section 159.441 updates the mailing address for returning
undeliverable Canadian mail to the Canada Post Corporation. Effective
October 29, 1992 (PB 21827 (10-29-92)).
Sections 164.31 and 164.32 are revised to incorporate new Exhibits
164.31 and 164.32. No notice of this revision was published.
Section 164.77b permits temporary philatelic stations at military
post offices overseas on an exceptional basis. No notice of this
revision was published.
Section 224.222b eliminates references to Form 3849-C, Express
MailNotice of Attempted Delivery. That form is incorporated in the
revised Form 3849, Delivery Notice/Reminder/Receipt. Effective December
20, 1992 (PB 21824 (9-17-92); PB 21826 (10-15-92)).
Sections 366.15, 531.1, 531.2, 532.22, 532.32, 532.33, 533, 534.4,
and 551.12 revise Coding Accuracy Support System (CASS) certification
procedures for testing the accuracy of delivery point coding (DPC)
software and two-digit DPC utilities rather than address matching
software with the limited
[[Page 67222]]
capability of verifying and assigning ZIP+4 codes only. Effective
October 30, 1992 (PB 21828 (11-12-92)).
Exhibits 441a, 441b, 551.122, 561.422a, 561.422b, 561.431, 561.432,
641.122, and 917.593 are modified or resized to present information in
easier-to-follow formats. No notice of these revisions was published.
Exhibits 446.21 and 646.21 show actual barcodes corresponding to
the addresses. No notice of this revision was published.
Sections 551.33, 551.34, and 917.533b relax the requirements for
the printing of barcode bar widths and horizontal spacing to
accommodate mechanical impact printers producing barcodes. No notice of
these revisions was published.
Section 551.522 makes the specifications for baseline shift of
barcodes consistent for both letter-size and flat-size mail. The
baseline shift for the individual bars of a POSTNET barcode on a flat-
size mailpiece is 0.015 inch. Exhibit 551.5 is revised to reflect this
change. Effective October 15, 1992 (PB 21826 (10-15-92)).
Section 551.732 corrects from 1/25 inch to 3/16 inch the permitted
distance between a ZIP+4 barcode and the bottom edge of the mailpiece.
No notice of this correction was published.
Part 553 is added to provide manufacturers and vendors with
information about optional certification of barcoding software and
hardware. Effective December 20, 1992 (PB 21828 (11-12-92)).
Section 573.274b corrects line 2 to read ``Class of contents,
followed by FLTS 5D BARCODE WKG'' rather than ``FCM followed by FLTS 5D
BARCODE WKG'' to reflect the availability of residual sacking for
second- and third-class mail bearing 5-digit barcodes only. No notice
of this correction was published.
Sections 611.221 and 663.123 change the breakpoint for nonletter-
size special bulk third-class rate mail. Exhibits 611.2a, 611.2e,
611.2f, and 611.2g reflect the increase in special bulk third-class
rates for flats. Rates for this category were increased because of the
Postal Service Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 1992. Effective 12:01
a.m., October 4, 1992 (PB 21824 (9-17-92)).
Sections 664.25, 664.431, 664.452, 664.51, 664.53, and part 665
require mailers to use Forms 3602-PV and 8125-PV for plant-verified
drop shipments not processed by the Multiple Entry Point Payment System
(MEPPS). Effective December 20, 1992 (PB 21823 (9-3-92)).
Sections 917.51, 917.525, 917.527, 917.53, 917.55, and 917.56
incorporate terms commonly used for automation-compatible letter-size
mailpiece specifications. This revision also provides consistency
between the requirements for automation-based bulk rate mailings and
business reply mail (BRM). Effective December 20, 1992 (PB 21828 (11-
12-92)).
DMM Issue 46 (July 1, 1993)
General
Except as described below, no substantive changes are intended in
this revision of the standards governing domestic mail services.
Customers and employees who think that a substantive change has been
made in a mailing standard may obtain an interpretation of that
standard by using the procedures in I010.
Armed Forces Free Mail Privileges
E030.2.4 (former DMM 134.222) extends free mail privileges for
military personnel assigned to the United States Central Command and
serving in Somalia, Kenya, Djibouti, and adjacent coastal waters. This
privilege also applies to service members hospitalized from wounds or
injuries received while deployed with Operation Restore Hope. Effective
December 18, 1992 (PB 21832 (1-7-93)).
Barcode Specifications
C840.3.4 (former DMM 551.34) makes specifications for the
horizontal spacing of bars within a barcode more compatible with the
reading capability of Postal Service automated barcode sorters and
multiline optical character readers. Effective April 1, 1993 (PB 21838
(4-1-93)).
Chickens
C023.3.3 and C023.3.4 (former DMM 124.632a) eliminate the rule that
adult chickens shipped by Express Mail must be enclosed in biologically
secure containers. Effective March 21, 1993 (PB 21829 (11-26-93)).
Claims Adjudication
S010.3.5, S010.4.0, and S010.5.0 (former DMM 149.42, 149.52,
149.53, 149.61, and 149.64) transfer the responsibility for
adjudicating indemnity claims appeals from the former Office of
Classification and Rates Administration to the Consumer Advocate. No
notice of this revision was published.
Congressional Mailings
A040.4.2 (former DMM 122.452a) implements Public Law 102-392, which
restricts mailings from members of the House of Representatives that
are sent under the congressional frank and alternative address to the
district that elected those members. Effective October 1, 1992 (PB
21831 (12-24-92)).
Delivery Point Barcode for Automation Rates
C810, C830, C840, E142, E144, E147, E148, E242, E244, E342, E344,
M812, M813, M814, M815, M816, M817, M818, and M819 (former DMM 312.2,
313.7, 313.8, 325, 411.126, 424.843, 514, 515, 517.1, 531.1, 534, 541,
542, 545.4, 546.1, 551, 552.1, 628.21, and related rate charts and
tables) require mailers to apply a delivery point barcode to any
letter-size mailpiece claimed at the Barcoded rates. This change does
not affect mailings prepared for flat-size Barcoded rates, courtesy
reply mail, or business reply mail. Business reply mail may not bear a
delivery point barcode. The implementing changes include mail sortation
standards for both ZIP+4 rate and letter-size Barcoded rate mailings.
Effective March 21, 1993 (PB 21837 (3-18-93)).
Labeling List Changes
L002, L003, L004, L101, L201, L202, L203, L701, L702, L703, L704,
L705, L706, L707, L708, L801, L802, L803, and L804 (former DMM Exhibits
122.63b through 122.63t) reflect changes in mail processing operations.
In L003, Los Angeles, CA 900, was deleted; there were no other
deletions. Effective January 7, 1993; mandatory March 21, 1993 (PB
21832 (1-7-93)).
L803 and L804 (former DMM Exhibit 122.63o and Exhibit 122.63t) note
that customers may order distribution labels for sites shown in these
lists from the USPS Label Printing Center in Topeka, KS. Set numbers
006 and 007 identify L803 and L804. When customers order labels, the
Postal Service supplies them in lots of 300 (minimum) for each label.
To order these free labels, customers fill in the header data on Form
1578-B, Requisition for Facing Slips or Labels, and write in how many
labels they need on the detail data lines. Effective February 4, 1993
(PB 21834 (2-4-93)).
L101, L201, L701, L801, L802, and L803 (former DMM Exhibits 122.63e
through 122.63g and 122.63m through 122.63o) reflect additional changes
in mail processing operations. There were no deletions. Effective April
1, 1993; mandatory May 30, 1993 (PB 21838 (4-1-93)).
Pallet Weight Minimum
M041.4.2, M042, M043, and M044 (former DMM 445.24, 445.44, 644.14,
Exhibit 644.1, 644.22, 644.44, 767.53, and 767.62) allow mailers to use
either 500 or 650 pounds as the minimum mail load for all second-,
third-, and fourth-class mailings on pallets. The same
[[Page 67223]]
minimum (500 or 650 pounds) applies to all pallets in a single mailing,
except that up to 10 percent of the pallets may contain less than the
500- or 650-pound minimum. Effective April 1, 1993 (PB 21838 (4-1-93)).
Return Receipts
A010.4.2, A010.4.3, and S915.2.1 (former DMM 932.31) specify that
if a return receipt is used, the mailpiece may have the return address
of either the mailer or mailer's agent. The name and address of the
person or organization to which the receipt is to be returned by mail
must be that of the mailer or the mailer's agent. Effective April 15,
1993 (PB 21839 (4-15-93)).
SDC Pallets for Second-Class Copalletization
M042 and M043 (former DMM 424.861 and 445.342) allow mailers who
prepare copalletized second-class mailings the option of preparing
state distribution center (SDC) pallets. Effective November 26, 1992
(PB 21829 (11-26-92)).
Sexually Oriented Mail Form
C032.4.1 and C032.6.4 (former DMM 123.541, 123.543, and 123.565)
require postmasters to send all completed Forms 2201, Application for
Listing Pursuant to 39 USC 3010, to the National Customer Support
Center. Effective February 18, 1993 (PB 21835 (2-18-93)).
Sharps and Medical Devices
C042.8.5, Exhibit C042.8.5a, and Exhibit C042.8.5h (former DMM
section 124.385, Exhibit 124.385a, Exhibit 124.385h, section 124.382e,
and section 124.388) incorporate new labeling and manifesting standards
for mailing sharps and other medical devices. These standards reduce
the paperwork required for mailing this material without compromising
safety standards. Effective March 21, 1993 (PB 21829 (11-26-92)).
Stickers on Publications
C200.4.3 (former DMM 429.14) permits stickers as acceptable
additions to second-class publications. The stickers may be of any
shape, but they must be affixed completely to the front cover. They may
be used for any purpose, including advertising. Effective April 1, 1993
(PB 21838 (4-1-93)).
Tray Availability for Automation Rate Mail
M033 (former DMM 561.2) allows mailers to tray pieces more than
4\1/2\ inches high or 10\1/2\ inches long in standard managed mail (MM)
trays if extended MM trays are not available. Mailers are also allowed
to use sacks instead of trays for presorted automation rate mailings of
First-, second-, and third-class letter-size mail. Effective January
21, 1993 (PB 21833 (1-21-93)).
ZIP+4 Barcoded Flats Option
E145, E245, E345, M823, M825 (former DMM 325.12, 424.62, 445.223,
445.224, 445.233, 445.234, 445.243, 445.25, 445.323, 445.324, 445.333,
445.334, 445.343, 445.35, 445.42, 445.432, 445.433, 516, 571.1, 571.2,
571.3, 572.14, 572.22, 572.231, 574.1, 574.3, 575.2, 575.3, 576.2,
576.3, 576.4, 578.1, 578.2, 578.3, 628.22, 644.1, 644.42, 644.43, and
644.44) add an optional preparation method that requires a finer sort
of flat-size ZIP+4 Barcoded rate mailings into 5-digit packages that
are 100 percent ZIP+4 barcoded or delivery point barcoded and 5-digit
packages that are not barcoded. This option requires that mailers
suppress the printing of any barcode on pieces in the nonbarcoded 5-
digit packages. Effective January 21, 1993 (PB 21833 (1-21-93)).
ZIP+4 Barcoded Flats, 85 Percent Rule
E145, E147, E245, E345 (former DMM 516.31 and 574.32) temporarily
relax the 85 percent ZIP+4 or delivery point barcode standard for
barcoded flats mailings. There are two options for preparing these
mailings. Under the first option, at least 85 percent of the pieces in
a mailing must have a correct ZIP+4 or delivery point barcode. All
other pieces must have a 5-digit barcode. Under the first option,
mailers may qualify Barcoded flats rate mailings if at least 80 percent
of the pieces in the mailing have a ZIP+4 or delivery point barcode and
all remaining pieces have 5-digit barcodes. This temporary standard
expires on October 1, 1993. Under the second option, flats must be more
finely sorted at the 5-digit level and barcodes must be suppressed in
certain cases. There is no minimum percentage of ZIP+4 or delivery
point barcoded pieces to qualify. Under this second option, mailers
must prepare two types of 5-digit packages: 5-digit packages with 100
percent of the pieces ZIP+4 or delivery point barcoded and 5-digit
packages with no barcodes of any kind. Under the second option the
standards do not change. Effective April 1, 1993 (PB 21838 (4-1-93)).
Zone Chart Exhibit
Exhibit E450.1.5 (former DMM Exhibit 722.44) corrects several zone
chart label numbers. Effective March 21, 1993 (PB 21830 (12-10-92)).
DMM Issue 47 (April 10, 1994)
Barcoded Flats, ADC Sacks
M823.4.7e and the title of L101 clarify that second- and third-
class flat-size Barcoded rate mailings may be sorted to ADC sacks using
the ADC list in L101. Effective November 25, 1993 (PB 21855 (11-25-
93)).
Checks for Bulk Mail
P040.5.5 (renumbered as P040.5.6) allows business mail entry units
to accept checks for bulk mail. Effective September 2, 1993 (PB 21849
(9-2-93)).
Classroom Publications
E273.1.4 (renumbered as E270.5.4) and P013.3.3 clarify procedures
for computing postage for outside-county rate classroom publications.
Effective December 9, 1993 (PB 21856 (12-9-93)).
Combined Rate Mailings
E238, E312, M041, M042, M043, M201, M202, M203, M302, M303, P014,
and P760 allow second- and third-class mailers to prepare combined
mailings of regular rate and special rate mailpieces. Effective
November 11, 1993 (PB 21854 (11-11-93)).
Contents Identifier Codes
Exhibit M032.1.3a and Exhibit M032.1.3c are added to show the
format and three-digit contents identifier codes for barcoded sack and
tray labels. Effective May 13, 1993 (PB 21841 (5-13-93) and 21845 (7-8-
93)).
Digest-Size Flats, Barcode Discounts
C820.1.4 is revised to include the dimensions for digest-size flat
mail under the processing category of flats to allow mailers to receive
discounted rates and enhanced service for this mail. Effective November
1, 1993 (PB 21851 (9-30-93)).
Enclosures, Second-Class Mail
C200.3.0 permits a single sheet of printed matter containing
information related exclusively to a receipt or order (or request) for
a subscription to a second-class publication to be included with the
receipt or order (or request). Effective August 19, 1993 (PB 21848 (8-
19-93)).
Facsimiles
P012, P040, P100, P200, P300, and P400 clarify the correct approval
and use of facsimile mailing statements. Effective November 25, 1993
(PB 21855 (11-25-93)).
Labeling List Changes
L201, L202, and L203 reflect that all second-class operations for
the Chicago area were moved to the Chicago Second-
[[Page 67224]]
Class Metro Processing Facility at the Chicago Bulk Mail Center.
Effective May 29, 1993; mandatory July 18, 1993 (PB 21841 (5-13-93)).
L001, L003, L004, L101, L201 through L203, L701 through L708, and
L801 through L804 reflect changes in mail processing operations. In
L203, 995-999 (AK) was deleted; in L705, 006-007, 009 (BMC New Jersey
NJ 100002) and 006-007, 009 (BMC Jacksonville FL 320993) were
deleted; in L706, 995-999 was deleted; and in L707, 995-999 was
deleted. Effective October 14, 1993; mandatory December 18, 1993 (PB
21852 (10-14-93); PB 21855 (11-25-93)).
L002 is revised to consolidate and replace L002, L003, and L004.
This list consolidates all labeling requirements for unique 3-digit ZIP
Code prefix offices, SCFs serving a single 3-digit ZIP Code area, and
SCFs serving more than one 3-digit ZIP Code area. Effective April 10,
1994 (PB 21855 (11-25-93)).
L002, L702, L704, L706, L803, and L804 reflect additional changes
in mail processing operations. Effective December 23, 1993; mandatory
March 1, 1994 (PB 21857 (12-23-93)).
Mail Security
G011 references Administrative Support Manual 274, which now
contains the rules on mail security formerly in G012. Effective January
6, 1994 (PB 21858 (1-6-94)).
Mailing Statements, Third-Class Carrier Route and \3/5\ Presort
D300, M302, and M303 allow third-class mailers to report a carrier
route presort mailing and a separate \3/5\ presort rate mailing on the
same mailing statement if (1) the mailings are presented at the same
time and are part of the same job; (2) the ``Carrier Route Presort'' or
``CAR-RT SORT'' endorsement is placed only on carrier route rate
pieces. Effective November 11, 1993 (PB 21854 (11-11-93)).
Meter Date Corrections, Barcoded Mail
P030.4.12 allows mailers to correct meter dates with ink jet
printers on preaddressed letter-size mailpieces in barcoded mailings as
an alternative to redating with a .00 postage meter impression.
Effective August 19, 1993 (PB 21848 (8-19-93)).
Optional Endorsement Line, EX3C, BBM/SPMS
M013.1.2, M013.2.1, M013.2.4, and M303.1.6 allow format exceptions
for mailings in the External Third-Class Mail (EX3C) measurement system
or Bulk Business Mail/Service Performance Measurement System (BBM/
SPMS). Effective December 9, 1993 (PB 21856 (12-9-93)).
Palletization by Type
M040 allows mailers to palletize all eligible mailings of the same
preparation type produced at a single location. Effective September 2,
1993 (PB 21849 (9-2-93)).
Penalty lndicia
E060 revises use of the standard penalty indicia; most agencies may
no longer use the indicia. Effective October 1, 1993 (PB 21858 (1-6-
94)).
Perforating Stamps
P022 is corrected to restore the standard for marking postage
stamps with perforation holes. Effective July 1, 1993 (PB 21852 (10-14-
93)).
Permit Imprint, Enclosures
P040.1.7 clarifies that an enclosure may bear a permit imprint if
postage for neither the host piece nor the enclosure is paid by that
permit imprint, and if the enclosure is not prohibited by other DMM
standards. Effective January 6, 1994 (PB 21858 (1-6-94)).
Permit Imprint, Priority Mail Drop Shipment
P072.2.4 allows the Priority Mail portion of a Priority Mail drop
shipment to be paid by permit imprint under the Manifest Mailing
System, Optional Procedure Mailing System, or Alternate Mailing
Systems. Effective August 19, 1993 (PB 21848 (8-19-93)).
Preferred Postage Rate Changes
E419, R200, R300, and R400 reflect changes to some preferred
postage rates under the Revenue Forgone Reform Act signed into law on
October 28, 1993. These rates changed effective 12:01 a.m., November
21, 1993. Effective November 21, 1993 (PB 21854 (11-11-93)).
Privately Printed Forms
S900 amends requirements for customers who print forms privately
for accountable mail. Effective January 6, 1994 (PB 21858 (1-6-94)).
Residual Mail, ZIP+4 and Barcoded
M810, M820, and new L805 revise tray labeling standards for
residual mail in letter-size ZIP+4 rate mailings and the tray and sack
label standards for letter-size and flat-size Barcoded rate mailings.
Effective December 23, 1993 (PB 21857 (12-23-93)).
Rigid Flats
C820.4.1 allows some rigid flat-size mailpieces to qualify for
ZIP+4 Barcoded rates for flats. Effective December 23, 1993 (PB 21857
(12-23-93)).
Second-Class Entry
D230 changes procedures for the application for second-class
additional entry, reentry, or special rate requests. Effective December
9, 1993 (PB 21856 (12-9-93)).
Stamp Conversion
P014.1.7 revises procedures for converting stamps into metered
postage or permit imprint advance deposit accounts. Effective September
16, 1993 (PB 21850 (9-16-93)).
USPS Penalty Mail
E060 revises USPS use of the standard penalty indicia, penalty
permit imprint, and penalty business reply mail. Effective January 20,
1994 (PB 21859 (1-20-94)).
DMM Issue 48 (January 1, 1995)
New Postal Rates and Fees
Module R reflects changes in domestic postal rates and fees for
various classes and services as directed by the Board of Governors of
the United States Postal Service on recommendations from the Postal
Rate Commission. As requested by the Board on December 12, 1994, the
USPS implemented these changes at 12:01 a.m. on Sunday, January 1,
1995. Special Postal Bulletin 21883A (1-1-95) was the first official
document to contain full charts of these new domestic postal rates and
fees. Effective January 1, 1995 (PB 21883A (1-1-95)).
Address Adjustments
F010.2.0 clarifies the types of adjustments to mailing addresses
that the USPS may make and the time periods for delivering mail
improperly addressed because of these adjustments. Effective December
12, 1994 (PB 21882 (12-8-94)).
Barcoded Tray Labels
M032.1.0 shows the correct minimum and maximum length for tray
labels. Effective August 4, 1994; mandatory October 8, 1994 (PB 21873
(8-4-94)).
Carrier Route--APO/FPO
M102.3.2, M103.3.2, M203.3.2, M303.3.7, M403.4.2, and M406.2.2
permit mail meeting eligibility standards in E132, E230, E333, or E414
that is addressed to military post offices overseas to be eligible for
carrier route presort rates. Effective September 1, 1994 (PB 21875 (9-
1-94)).
[[Page 67225]]
Carrier Route--Information Codes
M013, M014, and M303 reflect new formats for carrier route
identifiers in the Address Management System ZIP+4 Data Base (AMSII).
Effective June 9, 1994; mandatory September 2, 1995 (PB 21869 (6-9-
94)).
Carrier Route--Sack, Tray, Pallet Labels
M031.5.0, M102.3.0, and M203.3.3 standardize the route
abbreviations for the second line of carrier route sack, tray, and
pallet labels. The abbreviations are consistent with the format for
carrier route identifiers in the new Address Management System ZIP+4
Data Base (AMSII). Effective September 29, 1994; mandatory September 2,
1995 (PB 21877 (9-29-94)).
Controlled Substances
C023.6.8 and C023.6.9 remove a provision that restricts use of the
mails to carry prescription medicine containing narcotic drugs. This
revision is in accord with the Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. 801
et seq., and its implementing regulations in 21 CFR 1300 et seq.
Effective October 5, 1994 (PB 21879 (10-27-94)).
DBMC Parcels Bedloading
E450.2.1 sets a minimum volume for presenting bedloaded parcels at
the destination bulk mail center (DBMC) parcel post rates. Effective
March 31, 1994 (PB 21864 (3-31-94)).
Deposit and Delivery of Mail
D042.1.7, D500.4.0, D910, D920, D930, P070.6.2, S911.4. 1,
S912.3.0, S913.3.0, S915.3.0, S916.3.0, S917.3.0, S921.4.0 revise
standards for the deposit of mail by Express Mail or Priority Mail drop
shipment, the delivery of accountable mail, and the conditions of post
office box service, general delivery, and firm holdout service.
Effective July 3, 1994 (October 2, 1994, for D042.1.7 and D930.2.0) (PB
21870 (6-23-94)).
D042.1.7 and D920.1.0 correct references to the 5-day retention
period for Express Mail after notice to the addressee, include a
statement affirming the availability of caller service to former firm
holdout customers, and include the authority for postmasters to except
former firm holdout customers from the otherwise applicable requirement
that their mail show a post office box (caller service) number in the
address. Effective October 2, 1994 (PB 21873 (8-4-94)).
Destination SCFs
E350.6.1 corrects a reference error to destination sectional center
facilities (DSCFs) listed in L002. Effective June 23, 1994 (PB 21870
(6-23-94)).
Detached Address Labels
A060 standardizes the different uses of detached address labels.
Effective December 13, 1994 (PB 21877 (9-29-94)).
Drop Shipment Endorsement--Metered Mail
D072.4.2 provides authorized alternative formats for markings on
dropshipped metered mail. Customers may print a numeric ZIP Code in
place of the mailing office name, or they may abbreviate the
endorsement if desired. Effective September 29, 1994 (PB 21877 (9-29-
94)).
Express Mail Claims
S010.2.12a(3) corrects the amount shown for the maximum payable
indemnity for nonnegotiable documents for Express Mail that cannot be
reconstructed from $50,000 to $5,000. Effective with DMM issue 47 (4-
10-94) (PB 21869 (6-9-94)).
Label Abbreviations
M031.4.9, M042.5.0, and M043.5.5 eliminate inconsistencies in the
abbreviations authorized for the second line information on pallet
labels. Effective July 7, 1994 (PB 21871 (7-7-94)).
Labeling List Changes
L203 and L803 correct typographical errors found after the printing
of DMM issue 47 (4-10-94). Postal Bulletin 21852 (10-14-93) correctly
showed the labeling changes for L203 and L803. Effective October 14,
1993; mandatory December 18, 1993 (PB 21867 (5-12-94)).
L002, L101, L201, L203, L701, L706, L707, L801, L802, L803, and
L804 reflect changes in mail processing operations. Effective June 23,
1994; mandatory August 20, 1994 (PB 21870 (6-23-94)).
L102, ADC Labeling List for Presorted Priority Mail, is added to
show the area distribution centers (ADCs) handling Presorted Priority
Mail. Effective July 7, 1994 (PB 21871 (7-7-94)).
L002 and L102 correct typographical errors published in Postal
Bulletin 21870 and 21871, respectively. Effective August 4, 1994 (PB
21873 (8-4-94)). L002, L101, L102, L701, L702, L703, L704, L705, L708,
and L804 reflect changes in mail processing operations. Effective
October 1, 1994; mandatory November 12, 1994 (PB 21876 (9-15-94)).
L101 and L701 correct information published in Postal Bulletin
21876 (9-15-94). Effective September 29, 1994; mandatory November 12,
1994 (PB 21877 (9-29-94)).
L002, L101, L201, L203, L701, L706, L801, and L803 reflect changes
in mail processing operations. Effective November 10, 1994; mandatory
January 7, 1995 (PB 21880 (11-10-94)).
L002 and L701 reflect changes in mail processing operations.
Effective November 24, 1994; mandatory January 14, 1995 (PB 21881 (11-
24-94)).
Machinable Parcels--3/5 Presort
E332, M302, and M305 clarify language for the rate eligibility
standards that apply to machinable parcels prepared to qualify for the
third-class 3/5 presort rate. Effective August 4, 1994 (PB 21873 (8-4-
94)).
Merchandise Return Service--Pickup Service
D010.2.0, S923.3.2, and S923.5.6 allow shippers using merchandise
return service to authorize pickup service for their customers and
indicate the applicable pickup fee to be included with the other
postage and fees paid when the mail is returned. Effective May 26, 1994
(PB 21868 (5-26-94)).
Military Mail
E060.5.6 and E060.5.7 authorize postage-penalty mail for a military
unit engaged in hostile operations or operating under arduous
conditions. Effective May 26, 1994 (PB 21868 (5-26-94)).
Money Orders
S020 reorganizes and consolidates existing standards and removes
internal postal procedures. Effective January 1, 1995 (PB 21873 (8-4-
94)).
Official Mail
E060 reflects the change in postage payment for federal agencies
since October 1, 1993 (through January 1, 1995, for a few exempted
agencies), that all mail from federal agencies placed in a collection
box or presented to a delivery employee must bear stamps, meter strips,
or have meter impressions directly on the mail. Effective January 1,
1995 (PB 21882 (12-8-94)).
Palletized Mailings
M042.4.1 and M042.5.3 allow second-class mailers to prepare 5-digit
pallets with a minimum load of 250 pounds each in mailings of
palletized packages. These pallets need not be considered when
determining whether a mailer exceeds the allowable 10 percent limit for
all other pallets in a mailing that may weigh less than a minimum of
500 or 650 pounds. Effective January 20, 1994 (PB 21859 (1-20-94)).
E230.1.4 adds information contained in former DMM 424.813 and
[[Page 67226]]
inadvertently omitted when DMM issue 46 was released on July 1, 1993.
Effective September 15, 1994 (PB 21876 (9-15-94)).
Penalty Meters
E060.8.1 (renumbered as E060.7.1) corrects the internal references
because of previous renumbering when DMM issue 46 was released (7-1-
93). Effective July 7, 1994 (PB 21871 (7-7-94)).
Priority Mail Presort
L102 and M101.2.0 extend eligibility for Presorted Priority Mail
rates to pieces presorted to area distribution center (ADC)
destinations. Effective July 7, 1994 (PB 21871 (7-7-94); PB 21873 (8-4-
94)).
Private Express Statutes
G011.4.6 and G011.4.7 reflect the shift of administrative
responsibilities for the Private Express Statutes from the Postal
Inspection Service to the Chicago Rates and Classification Service
Center. Effective November 24, 1994 (PB 21881 (11-24-94)).
Second-Class Mail--Postage Payment
P200 removes duplicate information about documentation and the
Centralized Postage Payment (CPP) System. Effective January 1, 1995 (PB
21868 (5-26-94)).
Special Rates--Eligibility Restrictions
E370.5.0 retains existing restrictions on advertising for
insurance, travel, and financial promotions. The Postal Service will
delay implementation of standards for special bulk third-class content-
based restrictions enacted in the Revenue Forgone Reform Act published
in Postal Bulletin 21867 (5-12-94). Effective August 18, 1994 (PB 21874
(8-18-94)).
Special Rates--Second- and Third-Class Mail
R200.2.0, R200.3.0, R200.4.0, and R300.6.0 were revised to reflect
annual changes for special rates as mandated by the Revenue Forgone
Reform Act signed into law on October 28, 1993. The Postal Service
Board of Governors directed implementation of these changes for 12:01
a.m. on October 2, 1994. Effective October 2, 1994 (PB 21871 (7-7-94)).
Special Rates--Second-Class Publications
E270.2.3 and E270.5.4 include standards defining the rate
applicable to the advertising portion of second-class publications
authorized to claim nonprofit or classroom rates. Effective October 13,
1994 (PB 21878 (10-13-94); PB 21880 (11-10-94)).
Third-Class Mail--3/5 Presort, Carrier Route, and Walk-Sequence
E332.1.4, E333.1.3, E334.1.4, and P300.2.1 align reporting
standards with similar standards revised under Postal Bulletin 21854
(11-11-93). Effective May 26, 1994 (PB 21868 (5-26-94)).
Undeliverable Mail
F010 corrects typographical errors in DMM issue 47 (4-10-94) to
show USPS procedures for handling undeliverable First-Class Mail,
Priority Mail, and Express Mail during months 13 through 18 after the
expiration of a forwarding order. Effective May 26, 1994 (PB 21868 (5-
26-94); PB 21869 (6-9-94)).
Voting Registration Officials
E370.3.0 and E370.5.0 are revised as a result of the enactment of
Public Law 103-31, the National Voter Registration Act of 1993, and the
addition of section 3629 to title 39, United States Code. The revision
authorizes voting registration officials to mail certain third-class
matter at the special bulk third-class rates. Effective January 1, 1995
(PB 21882 (12-8-94)).
Walk-Sequenced Third-Class Mail
M304.1.3 and M304.3.2 require an identifying marking on each piece
of walk-sequenced bulk third-class mail. Effective December 10, 1994
(PB 21875 (9-1-94)).
ZIP+4 Barcoded Mailings--AADC Trays
M815.3.4c changes the position of the term LTRS on the second line
of qualifying tray labels for AADC trays to be consistent with other
tray labels. Effective June 12, 1994 (PB 21865 (4-14-94)).
ZIP+4 Barcoded Mailings--Residuals
E240, E340, E350, M013, M020, M812, M813, M814, M815, and M816
change the standards for preparing the residual portion of second- and
third-class letter-size automation rate mailings. This revision
includes an optional procedure for preparing the residual portion of
First-Class ZIP+4 and barcoded letter-size mail and changes to Line 2
of AADC tray labels for letter-size mail. Effective May 8, 1994;
mandatory June 12, 1994 (PB 21864 (3-31-94); PB 21865 (4-14-94)).
DMM Issue 49 (September 1, 1995)
Addressing--Z4CHANGE
A950.1.3, A950.3.1, and A950.3.2 permit mailers to use a new
process called Z4CHANGE for address matching and coding to qualify
address lists for automation mailings. Effective May 11, 1995 (PB 21893
(5-11-95)).
Annual Fees--Advance Payment
E110.6.1, E312.2.6, E312.2.7, E411.4.0, E412.4.1, E412.4.2,
E416.2.0, S922.3.3, and S923.3.1 clarify the standards for advance
payment of annual permit, mailing, and accounting fees. Effective
January 5, 1995 (PB 21884 (1-5-95)).
Barcoded Mail--``Heavy'' Letters
C810.1.5, C810.2.3, C840.2.2, C840.2.3, C840.2.9, C840.6.2,
C840.6.3, E144.1.2, E144.1.3, E144.1.4, E144.1.5, E144.1.6, E147.1.1,
E244.1.2, E244.1.3, E244.1.4, E244.1.5, E244.1.6, E344.1.2, E344.1.3,
E344.1.4, E344.1.5, E344.1.6, M814.1.9, M815.1.7, M816.1.7, and R100
reflect changes for USPS testing and accepting barcoded letter mail
exceeding 3.0 ounces as follows: First-Class and second-class rates
(between 3.0 and 3.4383 ounces), regular bulk third-class rates
(between 3.0 and 3.3071 ounces), and special bulk third-class rates
(between 3.0 and 3.4383 ounces). Effective January 16, 1995 (PB 21884
(1-5-95); PB 21886 (2-2-95)).
Barcoded Mail--Pieces Without DPBCS
C840.2.2, C840.2.4, C840.6.0, C840.7.1, E142.1.1, E142.1.3,
E144.1.1, E144.1.4, E144.2.1, E144.2.2, E144.2.3, E145.1.1, E145.1.2,
E145.1.4, E145.2.1, E145.2.2, E147.1.1, E147.1.2, E147.1.3, E147.1.6,
E148.1.1, E148.1.3, E149.1.1, E149.1.2, E149.1.4, E242.1.1, E242.1.2,
E242.1.3, E242.1.6, E242.2.1, E242.2.2, E244.1.1, E244.1.3, E244.1.4,
E244.2.1, E244.2.2, E244.2.3, E245.1.1, E245.1.2, E245.1.4, E245.2.1,
E245.2.2, E245.2.3, E342.1.1, E342.1.2, E342.1.3, E342.1.6, E342.2.1,
E342.2.2, E344.1.1, E344.1.3, E344.1.4, E344.2.1, E344.2.2, E344.2.3,
E345.1.1, E345.1.2, E345.1.4, E345.2.1, and E345.2.2 consolidate and
clarify the standards for pieces in Barcoded rate letter-size mailings,
particularly for pieces without a delivery point barcode (DPBC) that
must have a barcode clear zone. To qualify for any automation rate, any
piece with a barcode window must have a DPBC appearing through that
window. Lower right ZIP+4 barcodes are permitted only in mailings where
the DPBC appears in the lower right corner of the pieces. The
abbreviation ``DPBC'' replaces the term ``delivery point barcode[d]''
throughout these revised sections. Effective March 2, 1995 (PB 21888
(3-2-95)).
BRM Format
S922.6.7 shows that the business reply mail (BRM) format element
``FIRST-CLASS MAIL PERMIT NO.'' requires a hyphen between ``FIRST'' and
``CLASS.'' Effective April 13, 1995 (PB 21891 (4-13-95)).
[[Page 67227]]
BRMAS Cards
S922.7.2 clarifies the application of the aspect ratio standard to
card-size mailpieces prepared for return under the Business Reply Mail
Accounting System (BRMAS). Effective February 2, 1995 (PB 21886 (2-2-
95)).
Carrier Release Endorsement
D042.7.0, M011.4.1, and M011.4.3 clarify current policy for placing
the endorsement used with the carrier release program. Effective
February 2, 1995 (PB 21886 (2-2-95)).
Carrier Route Presort--Traying Letters
E230.2.1, E230.7.2, E230.8.2, E333.3.1, E334.1.4, M203.1.4,
M203.2.2, M203.3.1, M203.3.2, M203.3.3, M203.3.4, M302.1.2, M302.3.1,
M302.4.1, M302.4.2, M302.4.3, M303.1.2, M303.2.2, M303.2.5, M303.3.1,
M303.3.2, M303.3.3, M303.3.4, M303.3.5, M303.3.6, and M303.4.2 permit
mailers to use trays for second- and third-class carrier route presort
mailings of letter-size pieces. The use of trays instead of sacks for
carrier route presort letter-size mail does not extend to the
provisions in M040 for palletization of sacks. M308 is deleted.
Effective March 2, 1995 (PB 21888 (3-2-95)).
Forms 3541-C and 3541-E
Exhibits E216.5.1 and E216.5.2 (Forms 3541-C and 3541-E,
respectively) are eliminated and the forms are published in the Postal
Bulletin for local reproduction. Effective July 20, 1995 (PB 21898 (7-
20-95)).
Forwarding--Official Orders
F020.2.6 clarifies the standards for forwarding mail to persons
relocating because of official military orders. Effective February 2,
1995 (PB 21886 (2-2-95)).
Fourth-Class Mail--Commingling Zone-Rated Pieces
M044.3.5, M044.4.6, M401.2.0, M402.1.3, M406.1.2, M407.1.5,
M407.2.1, M407.3.1, M407.3.2, and M408.1.0 include consolidated
standards under which mailers of zone-rated fourth-class mail may
commingle correctly presorted pieces for different zones in the same
sack or on the same pallet. The documentation provided with such
mailings must enable verification of postage computation and payment.
Effective February 2, 1995 (PB 21886 (2-2-95)).
Hazardous Matter
C023 reorganizes and clarifies (without substantive changes) the
standards for mailing hazardous matter. Effective April 27, 1995 (PB
21892 (4-27-95)).
Labeling Instructions
M073.3.2, M101.2.9, M102.3.2, M103.3.2, M201.3.2, M202.3.2,
M203.3.2, M302.3.7, M303.3.7, M305.2.3, M402.3.2, M403.4.2, M404.3.2,
M406.2.2, M812.2.2, M813.3.3, M814.2.2, M815.3.3, M816.3.3, and
M823.4.7 consolidate the instructions for Line 1 information on labels
for sacks and trays of military mail prepared for carrier route and 5-
digit presort levels. A single instruction is added to M031.1.2, which
is cited in the above-referenced sections to replace previous detailed
wording. Effective March 2, 1995 (PB 21888 (3-2-95)).
Labeling List Changes
L101, L803, and L804 reflect changes in mail processing operations.
Effective February 2, 1995; mandatory April 1, 1995 (PB 21886 (2-2-
95)).
L102, L201, L202, L203, L701, L702, L703, and L704 reflect changes
in mail processing operations. Effective May 25, 1995; mandatory July
22, 1995 (PB 21894 (5-25-95)).
L002, L101, L102, L201, L202, L203, L701, L702, L703, L704, L705,
L706, L707, L708, L801, L802, L803, and L804 reflect changes in mail
processing operations. Mailers must comply with these changes by July
8, 1995. Effective July 1, 1995; mandatory July 8, 1995 (PB 21895 (6-8-
95)).
Merchandise Samples--Bound Printed Matter
E414.1.4b clarifies that merchandise samples mailed with bound
printed matter must promote either the sale of such merchandise or the
sale of such merchandise and the bound printed matter. Effective
February 2, 1995 (PB 21886 (2-2-95)).
Miscellaneous Revisions
C840.2.2 and C840.2.5 exempt address block delivery point barcoded
pieces from the requirement of a reserved barcode clear zone in the
lower right corner. C840.4.2 corrects the formula for determining print
reflectance difference (PRD). S922.7.2 specifies the type of card stock
permitted under the Business Reply Mail Accounting System (BRMAS).
E147.1.1, M203.1.0, M203.2.0, M203.3.0, M302.3.0, M303.2.0, and
M303.3.0 reconcile revisions to those sections made in Postal Bulletin
21888. Effective May 11, 1995 (PB 21893 (5-11-95)).
Money OrdersPayment
S020.1.3 permits automated teller machine (ATM) debit cards as an
acceptable payment method for money orders bought at certain post
offices. Effective February 2, 1995 (PB 21886 (2-2-95)).
Money OrdersReplacement
S020.1.5 clarifies the requirement for a customer to return both
the negotiable portion of the money order and the matching customer
receipt in order to replace a spoiled money order at no extra charge.
Effective March 2, 1995 (PB 21888 (3-2-95)).
Optional Endorsement Lines
M013.2.3 gives mailers more flexibility in using an optional
endorsement line (OEL) to identify package presort. The current
standard that nothing may appear above the OEL except an address block
barcode remains in force, but this revision allows the barcode to
appear above and to the right of the OEL. Address characters, sort
marks, and other mailer-applied information are permitted to the right
of the OEL on the third and lower lines below the OEL. Effective March
2, 1995 (PB 21888 (3-2-95)).
Palletization Authorization
M041, M042, M043, and M044 revise authorization and preparation
standards for mail presented on pallets. Effective July 20, 1995 (PB
21898 (7-20-95)).
Permit Imprint Revocations
P040.1.6 (renumbered as P040.1.8 and amended earlier by Postal
Bulletin 21892 (4-27-95)) increases from 12 to 24 months the period of
nonuse allowed for a permit imprint before the USPS revokes the
authorization. Effective July 9, 1995 (PB 21896 (6-22-95)).
Plant-Verified Drop Shipment
P750.1.0, P750.2.0, and P750.3.0 eliminate the requirement for
mailers to submit written requests to mail under a plant-verified drop
shipment (PVDS) postage payment system. Effective July 6, 1995 (PB
21897 (7-6-95)).
Polywrapped Barcoded Flats
C820.2.1 is revised to permit authorized mailers to use USPS-
certified polywrap materials for Barcoded rate flat mailings. Effective
July 8, 1995 (PB 21899 (8-3-95)).
Postage Meters
P030 strengthens administrative controls on postage meters to
minimize meter misuse. Effective June 30, 1995 (PB 21896 (6-22-95)).
[[Page 67228]]
Priority Mail Rates
Exhibit R100.10.0a and Exhibit R100.10.0b reflect changes in
certain Priority Mail rates that were recommended by the Postal Rate
Commission on June 7, 1995, and adopted for implementation on August
27, 1995, by the Governors of the Postal Service. Effective August 27,
1995 (PB 21900 (8-17-95)).
Rate Application and Computation
P013.1.1, P013.1.2, P013.1.3, P013.1.4, P013.1.5, P013.1.6,
P013.2.1, P013.2.2, P013.2.3, P013.2.4, P013.2.5, P013.4.1, P013.4.2,
P013.4.3, P013.5.1, P013.5.2, P013.5.3, P013.5.4, P013.5.5, P013.5.6,
P013.5.7, P013.6.0, P013.7.3, P013.7.4, P013.7.5, P013.7.6, P013.7.7,
P013.8.1, P013.8.2, P013.8.3, P013.8.4, P013.8.5, P013.9.1, P013.9.2,
P013.9.3, P013.9.4, P013.9.5, and P013.9.6 reflect revisions and
consolidation. P013.1.2c clarifies the term ``intermediate'' postage
figures for purposes of rounding; P013.1.4, P013.1.5, and P013.1.6
consolidate standards for affixing postage; P013.2.1, P013.2.2,
P013.2.3, P013.2.4, P013.2.5, and P013.6.0 accommodate standards for
Express Mail and flat-rate envelopes; P013.4.1, P013.4.2, and P013.4.3
reflect changes in the third-class single-piece rate structure and bulk
rate breakpoints from the January 1, 1995, rate implementation. These
revisions make no changes to basic policy on computation or postage
payment. Effective March 2, 1995 (PB 21888 (3-2-95)).
RCSC Directory
G042 updates addresses, telephone numbers, and ZIP Code ranges
served for several business mail entry units and rates and
classification service centers (RCSCs). Effective April 13, 1995 (PB
21891 (4-13-95)).
Second-Class MailContents
A010.7.1, A010.7.2, A010.7.3, and A010.7.4 are added; C200 is
revised and reorganized; and E211.3.0, E211.7.3, E211.9.0, E211.11.2,
P070.2.0, and P200.1.7 clarify the types of material and supplements
mailable at second-class rates. A200 is deleted. Effective March 27,
1995 (PB 21889 (3-16-95)).
Second-Class MailCopalletization
M042.5.9 facilitates copalletizing of short-run second-class
publications to reduce mailers'' costs and decrease USPS handling.
Effective March 16, 1995 (PB 21889 (3-16-95)).
Second-Class Mail--Form 3526, Permit Imprints, Key Rates
E216.4.3 modifies the publishing requirements for Form 3526,
Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation, to allow
flexibility in selecting the issue in which the required information is
printed; P040.1.6, P040.1.7, P040.1.8, P040.1.9, P040.2.4, P040.3.5,
P040.4.1, P040.4.2, P040.5.3, P040.5.4, and P040.5.6 relax conditions
under which a company permit imprint may be used; P200.3.5 eliminates
on November 1, 1995, the use of key rates for publications. Effective
June 2, 1995 (PB 21892 (4-27-95)).
Special Rates--Content Restrictions
E370.5.0 implements additional requirements on material mailed at
the special bulk third-class rates, effecting statutes enacted by the
Treasury, Postal Service, and General Appropriations Acts for 1994 and
1995 that establish content-based restrictions on advertisements,
promotions, and offers for certain products mailed at the special bulk
third-class rates. Effective October 1, 1995 (PB 21893 (5-11-95)).
Special Rates--Form 3623
E370.8.1 and E370.8.3 reflect procedural changes in the filing of
Form 3623, Application for Special Bulk Third-Class Rates at Additional
Mailing Office. Effective February 2, 1995 (PB 21886 (2-2-95)).
Special Rates--Rate Increases
R200.2.0, R200.3.0, R200.4.0, R300.6.0, R300.7.0, R300.8.0, and
R400.6.0 reflect increases in certain special postage rates mandated by
the Revenue Forgone Act signed into law on October 28, 1993. Effective
October 1, 1995 (PB 21897 (7-6-95); PB 21899 (8-3-95)).
Stamped Envelopes
P022.2.1 deletes Exhibit P022.2.1, Nondenominated Postage
(transferred to the DMM Utilities). R000.1.0 and R000.2.0 amend the
listing and prices of stamped envelopes. Effective February 16, 1995
(PB 21887 (2-16-95)).
Third-Class Mail--Residual Carrier Route
E333.1.3, E333.3.1, M303.2.0, M303.3.0, M303.4.1, and M303.4.2
clarify the preparation of the residual portion of carrier route
presort bulk third-class mailings. Effective January 5, 1995 (PB 21884
(1-5-95)).
Third-Class Mail--SCF Sack
M020.1.4f permits bulk third-class mailers to prepare one sectional
center facility (SCF) sack containing fewer than 125 addressed pieces
or less than 15 pounds of addressed pieces for a 3-digit ZIP Code area
served by the origin SCF. Effective June 22, 1995 (PB 21896 (6-22-
95)).
Verified Delivery
S912.1.4 clarifies the use of verified delivery receipts. Effective
February 16, 1995 (PB 21887 (2-16-95)).
Walk-Sequence Mail
M020.2.1, M202.1.4, M203.1.4, M203.1.5, M203.2.2, M203.2.6,
M203.3.3, M303.1.4, M303.1.7, M303.1.8, M303.2.2, M303.2.5, and
M303.3.8 revise walk-sequence mail preparation; new M050.1.1, M050.1.2,
M050.2.1, M050.2.2, M050.3.1, M050.3.2, M050.3.3, M050.4.1, M050.4.2,
M050.4.3, M050.4.4, M050.4.5, M050.4.6, M050.4.7, and M050.4.8 transfer
the basic preparation standards from M204 and M304, which are both
deleted. Because walk-sequence mail is a form of carrier route presort,
the remaining standards from those deleted units that are specific to
second- and third-class mail are transferred to M203 and M303,
respectively. These revisions make no changes in rate eligibility or
mail preparation. Effective March 2, 1995 (PB 21888 (3-2-95)).
PART 111--[AMENDED]
In consideration of the foregoing, 39 CFR part 111 is amended as
set forth below:
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, 3001-
3011, 3201-3219, 3403-3406, 3621, 3626, 5001.
2. The table at the end of Sec. 111.3(e) is amended by adding new
entries at the end:
Sec. 111.3 Amendments to the Domestic Mail Manual.
* * * * *
(e) * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Federal Register
Transmittal letter for issue Dated publication
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * *
44.............................. September 20, 1992 61 FR [INSERT PAGE
NUMBER]
45.............................. December 20, 1992. 61 FR [INSERT PAGE
NUMBER]
[[Page 67229]]
46.............................. July 1, 1993...... 61 FR [INSERT PAGE
NUMBER]
47.............................. April 10, 1994.... 61 FR [INSERT PAGE
NUMBER]
48.............................. January 1, 1995... 61 FR [INSERT PAGE
NUMBER]
49.............................. September 1, 1995. 61 FR [INSERT PAGE
NUMBER]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stanley F. Mires,
Chief Counsel, Legislative.
[FR Doc. 96-32280 Filed 12-19-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7710-12-P
