96-31116. Domestic Mail Manual; Miscellaneous Amendments  

  • [Federal Register Volume 61, Number 236 (Friday, December 6, 1996)]
    [Rules and Regulations]
    [Pages 64618-64622]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 96-31116]
    
    
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    POSTAL SERVICE
    
    39 CFR Part 111
    
    
    Domestic Mail Manual; Miscellaneous Amendments
    
    AGENCY: Postal Service.
    
    ACTION: Final rule.
    
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    SUMMARY: This document describes the numerous amendments consolidated 
    in the Transmittal Letter for Issue 51 of the Domestic Mail Manual, 
    which is incorporated by reference in the Code of Federal Regulations, 
    see 39 CFR 111.1. These amendments reflect changes in mail preparation 
    requirements and miscellaneous other rules and regulations.
    
    EFFECTIVE DATE: January 1, 1997.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Neil Berger, (202) 268-2859.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The 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; 
    descriptions of the mail classes and special services and conditions 
    governing their use; and standards for rate eligibility and mail 
    preparation. The document is amended and republished about every 6 
    months, with each issue sequentially numbered.
        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 excerpt from section I010, Summary of Changes, of the 
    transmittal for DMM Issue 51 covers the minor changes not previously 
    described in that final rule or in other interim or final rules 
    published in the Federal Register. In addition, the revised contents of 
    DMM Issue 51 are also presented.
    
    Domestic Mail Manual Issue 51 Summary of Changes
    
    Address Adjustments
    
        F010.2.0 clarifies the policy for delivery and address list 
    correction services provided to mailers who send mail to addresses 
    converted by the USPS. Such mail is delivered to the correct locations 
    for 1 year from the date when the converted addresses appear in the 
    bimonthly USPS Address Information System (AIS) products. For up to 3 
    years after the conversion date, postmasters must provide manual galley 
    list corrections. Effective October 1, 1996 (PB 21929 (9-26-96)).
    
    Automation Flats Length
    
        C820.2.3b(2) decreases from 6 to 5\3/8\ inches the required length 
    for pieces claimed at automation rates for flats if the pieces are not 
    more than 7\1/2\ inches
    
    [[Page 64619]]
    
    high. Effective July 1, 1996 (PB 21922 (6-20-96)). The expiration date 
    for this exception is extended through June 30, 1997. Effective October 
    1, 1996 (PB 21929 (9-26-96)).
    
    Bound Printed Matter
    
        M630.2.6d shows that the ADC sortation for Bound Printed Matter is 
    required, not optional as printed in DMM Issue 50. Effective July 1, 
    1996 (PB 21923 (7-4-96)).
    
    Carrier Route Mail--Hard Copy CRIS Files
    
        E230.2.1 and E630.2.4 provide an option for assigning carrier route 
    codes to nonautomation carrier route mail by using hard copy Carrier 
    Route Information System (CRIS) files for assigning these codes within 
    90 days before the mailing date. Additional matching against the USPS 
    ZIP+4 database with software certified by the Coding Accuracy Support 
    System (CASS) is not required when this optional method is used for 
    assigning carrier codes. Effective October 1, 1996 (PB 21929 (9-26-
    96)).
    
    Carrier Route Mail--Simplified Addressing
    
        E140.1.4, E231.2.1 (renumbered as 230.2.1), E632.1.4 (E630.2.4), 
    and E641.2.3 (E640.2.3) clarify that mailings prepared with a 
    simplified address under A040 are exempt from the standard for use of 
    CASS-certified software for carrier route coding. Effective July 1, 
    1996 (PB 21923 (7-4-96)).
    
    Collect on Delivery (COD)
    
        S921.1.2 specifies the availability of COD service for single-piece 
    Standard Mail (A) and for all Standard Mail (B). Effective October 1, 
    1996 (PB 21929 (9-26-96)).
    
    Content Identifier Codes
    
        Exhibit M032.1.3c adds content identified codes and corresponding 
    content identifier names (CINs) for Periodicals and Standard Letters. 
    Effective July 1, 1996; mandatory August 17, 1996 (PB 21922 (6-20-96)).
    
    Domestic Mail Definition
    
        G011.2.0 and S921.1.3 amend the definitions of domestic and 
    international mail and update the places to which U.S. domestic mail 
    service extends. Effective July 1, 1996 (PB 21922 (6-20-96)).
    
    Editorial Amendments
    
        A010, A040, A920, A930, C010, C023, C100, C500, C600, C810, D010, 
    D020, D042, D072, D100, D910, D920, E060, E110, F010, M072, M500, P023, 
    and S020 reflect changes that combine and renumber certain sections. 
    Exhibits A010.1.2, A010.2.3, A010.5.1, A920.2.5, A920.2.6, C600.1.2b, 
    C810.7.2b, P023.1.8, P023.1.11a, P023.1.11b, and P023.1.12 are removed. 
    Effective October 1, 1996 (PB 21928 (9-12-96)).
    
    Express Mail--Adult Fowl
    
        C022.3.3 and C022.3.4 permit the mailing of adult fowl by Express 
    Mail without the condition of available next-day delivery as a 
    requirement. Effective October 1, 1996 (PB 21929 (9-26-96)).
    
    Label Dimensions
    
        M031.2.1c corrects the shortest permitted length for sack labels to 
    3.250 inches. M032.2.3d corrects the maximum length for barcoded sack 
    labels to 3.375 inches. Effective November 1, 1996 (PB 21931 (10-24-
    96)).
    
    Labeling Lists
    
        L004 includes instructions for ordering labels from the USPS Label 
    Printing Center. Effective July 1, 1996 (PB 21922 (6-20-96)). L002, 
    L003, L004, L005, L102, L801, L802, and L803 reflect changes in mail 
    processing operations. Effective August 1, 1996; mandatory October 6, 
    1996 (PB 21925 (8-1-96)). L002, L003, L004, L005, L102, L604, and L801 
    reflect changes in mail processing operations. Effective November 21, 
    1996; mandatory January 18, 1997 (PB 21933 (11-21-96)).
    
    Marking Standards
    
        M012.2.1. M130.1.1, M610.2.1e, M620.1.1e, M810.1.3, and M820.1.4 
    revise the marking standards for non-carrier route automation rate 
    First-Class Mail and Standard Mail (A), nonautomation rate Enhanced 
    Carrier Route Standard Mail, and all bulk rate First-Class Mail and 
    Standard Mail (A). Effective July 1, 1996 (PB 21922 (6-20-96)).
    
    Metered Mail Preparation
    
        E130.2.0, E620.1.4, and P030.5.2 remove the packaging requirement 
    for letter-size metered mail paid at the single-piece rate for First-
    Class Mail or Standard Mail (A) if the mail is placed in a 1-foot or 2-
    foot letter tray and can fill at least three-fourths of the tray. For 
    single-piece rate metered mail not placed in trays, five or more pieces 
    must be faced and prepared as packages. Effective November 1, 1996 (PB 
    21931 (10-24-96)).
    
    Military Mail
    
        E010.2.6 reflects the use of customs forms and acceptance 
    procedures for certain military mail. Effective August 16, 1996 (PB 
    21920 (5-23-96) and PB 21926 (8-15-96)).
    
    Nonstandard Surcharge
    
        C100.4.0 and E140.1.6 clarify that the surcharge for nonstandard-
    size mail applies to flats weighing 1 ounce or less that are mailed at 
    First-Class automation rates and come within the range of dimensions 
    specified in C100.4.0. Effective October 1, 1996 (PB 21929 (9-26-96)).
    
    Optional Package Labeling
    
        M130.2.1a, M200.2.4c, and M610.3.1a clarify that labeling 
    nonautomation presorted First-Class Mail, Periodicals, and Standard 
    Mail (A) is optional for mail placed in full 5-digit trays. Effective 
    November 1, 1996 (PB 21931 (10-24-96)).
    
    Overflow Tray
    
        M033.2.1j is added to clarify that an overflow tray is permitted 
    when the minimum number of pieces required for rate or presort 
    eligibility is available but exceeds the capacity of a 2-foot tray. 
    Effective July 1, 1996 (PB 21923 (7-4-96)).
    
    Pallets and Manifesting
    
        M013.1.0, M014.2.0, M031.4.0, M031.5.0, M033.1.0, M033.2.0, 
    M041.1.0, M041.3.0, M041.5.0, M041.6.0, M045.4.0, M045.5.0, M630.2.0, 
    M630.3.0, P710.2.0, P710.3.0, and P710.4.0 clarify and correct 
    standards for palletized and manifested mail. Effective October 1, 1996 
    (PB 21928 (9-12-96)).
    
    Parcel Restrictions
    
        D100.2.1 and D100.2.3 are revised and D100.2.6 is added to restrict 
    the mailing of single-piece rate Priority Mail parcels weighing 16 
    ounces or more that are paid with adhesive stamps. E010.1.7 is added to 
    reflect restrictions on the mailing of all single-piece rate packages 
    weighing 16 ounces or more that are addressed to overseas military 
    installations, regardless of postage payment method. The affected 
    military mail is single-piece rate Parcel Post, Bound Printed Matter, 
    and Special Standard Mail; single-piece rate Priority Mail; and all 
    Library Mail. The classes and subclasses of mail affected by D100.2.6 
    and E010.1.7 must be presented at a post office or handed to a USPS 
    delivery employee known to the employee and at the sender's residence 
    or place of business. Effective August 16, 1996 (PB 21930 (10-10-96)).
    
    [[Page 64620]]
    
    Periodicals--Additional Entry
    
        D210.2.2 (redesignated as D210.2.0), D210.4.0, D230.1.0, D230.2.0, 
    D230.3.2, D230.3.5, D230.4.2, D230.4.3, D230.4.4, D230.4.7, P200.3.0, 
    P750.1.0, P750.2.4, and P750.2.6 amend the additional entry standards 
    for Periodicals. Effective August 1, 1996 (PB 21925 (8-1-96)).
    
    Periodicals--Enclosures
    
        E070.3.2c is removed from E070.3.2 to reconcile the standards in 
    that section with DMM C200.3.0 for the dimension of enclosures inserted 
    in Periodicals publications. Effective August 1, 1996 (PB 21925 (8-1-
    96)).
    
    Periodicals--In-County Rates
    
        E212.2.0, E270.1.0, and E270.4.0, clarify the advertising standards 
    for publications of institutions and societies and the eligibility 
    standards for In-County and Nonprofit Preferred periodicals. Effective 
    October 1, 1996 (PB 21928 (9-12-96)).
    
    Periodicals--Original Entry
    
        E213.1.7 removes the requirement to submit two copies each of at 
    least four issues of a publication distributed primarily through news 
    agents. Effective October 1, 1996 (PB 21928 (9-12-96)).
    
    Periodicals--Previous Issues
    
        P200.1.8 clarifies how to determine the advertising percentage for 
    a mailing consisting in whole or in part of copies of back issues. The 
    advertising and nonadvertising percentages of the edition making up the 
    bulk of the current issue are to be used for all copies in the combined 
    mailing. Effective November 1, 1996 (PB 21930 (10-10-96)).
    
    Periodicals--Sacking
    
        M200.1.4 clarifies that the exception for preparing packages with 
    fewer than six pieces and sacks with as few as one package is an option 
    available only for nonletter-size mail. Effective November 1, 1996 (PB 
    21931 (10-24-96)).
    
    Plants and Animals
    
        C022.6.0 and C022.7.0 clarify and add provisions about certain 
    statutes (39 U.S.C. 3015 and 18 U.S.C. 1716D) on nonmailable plants, 
    plant products, and plant pests; injurious animals; and illegally taken 
    fish, wildlife, and plants. D500.1.0, P014.2.0, P014.5.0, and S500.2.0 
    clarify that an Express Mail postage refund is not made for a proper 
    detention of mail for law enforcement purposes. Effective October 1, 
    1996 (PB 21929 (9-26-96)).
    
    Reply Pieces
    
        C810.8.1, E140.1.5, E241.1.2 (renumbered as E240.1.2), (E641.1.2) 
    (E640.1.2), and (E641.2.4 (E640.2.4) clarify that the standards for 
    letter-size cards and letters enclosed in automation rate mail apply 
    only if those reply pieces are returned to a domestic address. 
    Effective July 1, 1996 (PB 21923 (7-4-96)).
    
    Scheme Designation
    
        M810.2.3c and M810.3.2a clarify that ``SCHEME'' is replaced on Line 
    2 of tray labels with the information shown for the destination in 
    L002, Column B. Effective July 1, 1996 (PB 21923 (7-4-96)).
    
    Sharps
    
        C023.10.0 adds the terms etiologic agents and sharps to the heading 
    of C023.10.0, which provides standards for mailable medical and 
    biological matter. Effective October 1, 1996 (PB 21929 (9-26-96) and PB 
    21930 (10-10-96)).
    
    Sortation Levels
    
        M011.1.2h clarifies that the presort term origin 3-digit(s) can 
    include as an option the 3-digit ZIP Code area where the mail is 
    entered but not necessarily verified. M011.1.2i clarifies that mail 
    prepared on pallets as an SCF sort may include mail for only a single 
    3-digit ZIP Code area for the SCF and still be considered an SCF sort. 
    Effective November 1, 1996 (PB 21931 (10-24-96)).
    
    Upgradable Mail
    
        M011.1.4, M130.3.1, M130.3.2a, M610.4.1, M610.4.2a clarify that 
    upgradable letter-size pieces prepared under the applicable option for 
    First-Class Mail or Standard Mail (A) may not be combined (sorted) with 
    nonupgradable pieces or automation rate pieces in the same mailing. 
    Effective October 1, 1996 (PB 21929 (9-26-96)).
    
    Zebra Code
    
        M033.1.4 permits mailers to print the zebra code either as a series 
    of vertical marks or as a series of diagonal marks. The zebra code is 
    required on all barcoded tray labels used for trays that contain 
    automation rate mail. Effective November 1, 1996 (PB 21931 (10-24-96)).
    
    List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 111
    
        Postal Service.
    
        In consideration of the foregoing, 39 CFR part 111 is amended as 
    set forth below:
    
    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, 3001-
    3011, 3201-3219, 3403-3406, 3621, 3626, 5001.
    
        2. The table at the end of Sec. 111.3(e) is amended by adding at 
    the end thereof a new entry to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 111.3   Amendments to the Domestic Mail Manual.
    
    * * * * *
        (e) * * *
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Federal Register 
      Transmittal letter for issue           Dated            publication   
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                            
                              *    *    *    *    *                         
    51..............................  January 1, 1997...  61 FR [INSERT PAGE
                                                           NUMBER]          
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        3. Section 111.5 is revised to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 111.5  Contents of the Domestic Mail Manual.
    
    A000  Basic Addressing
    
    A010  General Addressing Standards
    A040  Alternative Addressing Formats
    A060  Detached Address Labels (DALs)
    
    A800  Addressing for Automation
    
    A900  Customer Support
    
    A910  Mailing List Services
    A920  Addressing Sequencing Services
    A930  Other Services
    A950  Coding Accuracy Support System (CASS)
    
    C000 General Information
    
    C010  General Mailability Standards
    C020  Restricted or Nonmailable Articles and Substances
        C021  Articles and Substances Generally
        C022  Perishables
        C023  Hazardous Matter
        C024  Other Restricted or Nonmailable Matter
    C030  Nonmailable Written, Printed, and Graphic Matter
        C031  Written, Printed, and Graphic Matter Generally
        C032  Sexually Oriented Advertisements
        C033  Pandering Advertisements
    C050  Mail Processing Categories
    
    C100  First-Class Mail
    
    C200  Periodicals
    
    C500  Express Mail
    
    C600  Standard Mail
    
    C800  Automation-Compatible Mail
    
    C810  Letters and Cards
    C820  Flats
    C830  OCR Standards
    C840  Barcoding Standards
    
    [[Page 64621]]
    
    D000  Basic Information
    
    D010  Pickup Service
    D020  Plant Load
    D030  Recall of Mail
    D040  Delivery of Mail
        D041  Customer Mail Receptacles
        D042  Conditions of Delivery
    D070  Drop Shipment
        D071  Express Mail and Priority Mail
        D072  Metered Mail
    
    D100  First-Class Mail
    
    D200  Periodicals
    
        D210  Basic Information
        D230  Additional Entry
    
    D500  Express Mail
    
    D600  Standard Mail
    
    D900  Other Delivery Services
    
        D910  Post Office Box Service
        D920  Caller Service
        D930  General Delivery and Firm Holdout
    
    E000  Special Eligibility Standards
    
        E010  Overseas Military Mail
        E020  Department of State Mail
        E030  Mail Sent by U.S. Armed Forces
        E040  Free Matter for the Blind and Other Handicapped Persons
        E050  Official Mail (Franked)
        E060  Official Mail (Penalty)
        E070  Mixed Classes
        E080  Absentee Balloting Materials
    
    E100  First-Class Mail
    
        E110  Basic Standards
        E120  Priority Mail
        E130  Nonautomation Rates
        E140  Automation Rates
    
    E200  Periodicals
    
    E210  Basic Standards
    E211  All Periodicals
        E212  Qualification Categories
        E213  Periodicals Mailing Privileges
        E214  Reentry
        E215  Copies Not Paid or Requested by Addressee
        E216  Publisher Records
    E230  Nonautomation Rates
    E240  Automation Rates
    E250  Destination Entry
    E270  Preferred Periodicals
    
    E500  Express Mail
    
    E600  Standard Mail
    
    E610  Basic Standards
        E611  All Standard Mail
        E612  Additional Standards for Standard Mail (A)
        E613  Additional Standards for Standard Mail (B)
    E620  Nonautomation Nonpresort Rates
    E630  Nonautomation Presort Rates
    E640  Automation Rates
    E650  Destination Entry
        E651  Regular, Nonprofit, and Enhanced Carrier Route Standard 
    Mail
        E652  Parcel Post
    E670  Nonprofit Standard Mail
    
    F000  Basic Services
    
    F010  Basic Information
    F020  Forwarding
    F030  Address Correction, Address Change, and Return Services
    
    G000  The USPS and Mailing Standards
    
    G010  Basic Business Information
        G011  Post Offices and Postal Services
        G013  Trademarks and Copyrights
    G020  Mailing Standards
    G030  Postal Zones
    G040  Information Resources
        G041  Postal Business Centers
        G042  Rates and Classification Service Centers
        G043  Address List for Correspondence
    G090  Experimental Classifications and Rates
        G091  Barcoded Small Parcels
    
    G900  Philatelic Services
    
    L000  General Use
    
        L002  3-Digit ZIP Code Prefix Matrix
        L003  3-Digit ZIP Code Prefix Groups for 3-Digit Scheme 
    Sortation
        L004  3-Digit ZIP Code Prefix Groups for ADC Sortation
        L005  3-Digit ZIP Code Prefix Groups for SCF Sortation
    
    L100  First-Class Mail
    
        L102  ADCs--Presorted Priority Mail
    
    L600  Standard Mail
    
        L601  BMCs--Machinable Parcels
        L602  BMCs--DBMC Rates
        L603  ADCs--Irregular Parcels
        L604  Originating ADCs--Irregular Parcels
    
    L800  Automation Rate Mailings
    
        L801  AADCs--Letter-Size Mailings
        L802  BMC/ASF Entry--Periodicals and Standard Mail (A)
        L803  Non-BMC/ASF Entry--Periodicals and Standard Mail (A)
    
    M000  General Preparation Standards
    
    M010  Mailpieces
        M011  Basic Standards
        M012  Markings and Endorsements
        M013  Optional Endorsement Lines
        M014  Carrier Route Information Lines
    M020  Packages and Bundles
    M030  Containers
        M031  Labels
        M032  Barcoded Labels
        M033  Sacks and Trays
    M040  Pallets
        M041  General Standards
        M045  Palletized Mailings
    M050  Delivery Sequence
    M070  Mixed Classes
        M071  Basic Information
        M072  Express Mail and Priority Mail Drop Shipment
        M073  Combined Mailings of Standard Mail Machinable Parcels
        M074  Plant Load Mailings
    
    M100  First-Class Mail (Nonautomation)
    
        M120  Priority Mail
        M130  Presorted First-Class Mail
    
    M200  Periodicals (Nonautomation)
    
    M500  Express Mail
    
    M600  Standard Mail (Nonautomation)
    
        M610  Single-Piece and Nonautomation Standard Mail (A)
        M620  Enhanced Carrier Route Standard Mail
        M630  Standard Mail (B)
    
    M800  All Automation Mail
    
        M810  Letter-Size Mail
        M820  Flat-Size Mail
    
    P000  Basic Information
    
    P010  General Standards
        P011  Payment
        P012  Documentation
        P013  Rate Application and Computation
        P014  Refunds and Exchanges
    P020  Postage Stamps and Stationery
        P021  Stamped Stationery
        P022  Adhesive Stamps
        P023  Precanceled Stamps
    P030  Postage Meters and Meter Stamps
    P040  Permit Imprints
    P070  Mixed Classes
    
    P100  First-Class Mail
    
    P200  Periodicals
    
    P500  Express Mail
    
    P600  Standard Mail
    
    P700  Special Postage Payment Systems
    
    P710  Manifest Mailing System (MMS)
    P720  Optional Procedure (OP) Mailing System
    P730  Alternate Mailing Systems (AMS)
    P750  Plant-Verified Drop Shipment (PVDS)
    P760  Fist-Class or Standard Mail Mailings With Different Payment 
    Methods
    
    R000  Stamps and Stationery
    
    R100  First-Class Mail
    
    R200  Periodicals
    
    R500  Express Mail
    
    R600  Standard Mail
    
    R900  Services
    
    S000  Miscellaneous Services
    
    S010  Indemnity Claims
    S020  Money Orders and Other Services
    S070  Mixed Classes
    
    S500  Special Services for Express Mail
    
    S900  Special Postal Services
    
    S910  Security and Accountability
        S911  Registered Mail
        S912  Certified Mail
        S913  Insured Mail
        S914  Certificate of Mailing
        S915  Return Receipt
        S916  Restricted Delivery
        S917  Return Receipt for Merchandise
    S920  Convenience
        S921  Collect on Delivery (COD) Mail
        S922  Business Reply Mail (BRM)
        S923  Merchandise Return Service
    S930  Handling
    
    I000  Information
    
    I010  Summary of Changes
    I020  References
        1021  Forms Glossary
    
    [[Page 64622]]
    
        1022  Subject Index
    Stanley F. Mires,
    Chief Counsel, Legislative.
    [FR Doc. 96-31116 Filed 12-5-96; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 7710-12-M
    
    
    

Document Information

Effective Date:
1/1/1997
Published:
12/06/1996
Department:
Postal Service
Entry Type:
Rule
Action:
Final rule.
Document Number:
96-31116
Dates:
January 1, 1997.
Pages:
64618-64622 (5 pages)
PDF File:
96-31116.pdf
CFR: (2)
39 CFR 111.3
39 CFR 111.5