[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 60 (Friday, March 28, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 15056-15066]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-7952]
[[Page 15055]]
_______________________________________________________________________
Part IV
Postal Service
_______________________________________________________________________
39 CFR Part 111
Address Correction Information; Final Rule
Federal Register / Vol. 62, No. 60 / Friday, March 28, 1997 / Rules
and Regulations
[[Page 15056]]
POSTAL SERVICE
39 CFR Part 111
Address Correction Information
AGENCY: Postal Service.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This final rule sets forth the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM)
standards adopted by the Postal Service to change the ancillary service
endorsements that mailers use to request an addressee's new address and
to provide the Postal Service with instructions on how to handle
undeliverable-as-addressed (UAA) mail. These new endorsements provide a
simpler and more consistent system than the one currently in place.
Only four endorsements will be available. Endorsements will consist
of one keyword: ``Address,'' ``Forwarding,'' ``Return,'' or ``Change,''
followed by the two words ``Service Requested.'' The endorsements will
be the same for all classes of mail, but the treatment for each class
and applicable charges will generally remain the same as the treatment
under the current system of endorsements.
DATES: This final rule is effective July 1, 1997. Comments as allowed
herein must be received on or before April 14, 1997.
ADDRESSES: Mail or deliver written comments to the Manager, Address
Management, U.S. Postal Service, 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW, Room 7431,
Washington, DC 20260-6802. Copies of all written comments will be
available at the above address for inspection and photocopying between
9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rocky Matthews, (202) 268-5790.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On October 10, 1996, the Postal Service
published for public comment in the Federal Register (61 FR 53280-
53285) a proposed rule to change the ancillary service endorsements
that mailers use to request an addressee's new address and to provide
the Postal Service with instructions on how to handle undeliverable-as-
addressed (UAA) mail. This final rule contains the DMM standards
adopted by the Postal Service. Changes introduced since publication of
the proposed rule are enumerated in section A. Responses to public
comments are provided in section B.
The provision for which comments are solicited is the new standard
applied to the treatment of unendorsed UAA Single-Piece Standard Mail
as described in section A.1 and discussed in section B.2 of this
supplementary information.
After considering the potential effect of this provision, the
Postal Service has determined to allow 15 days for public comment.
First, mailers should have little difficulty evaluating the effect of
this provision on their operations and preparing comments in a short
period. Second, the Postal Service wants to ensure that mailers have
sufficient time after the close of the comment period and publication
of any possible revision to this final rule to make necessary changes
to their operations before the July 1, 1997, implementation date. After
review of the comments received, the Postal Service will modify the
corresponding standard if such modification is determined to be
appropriate.
A. Changes and Additions Since Publication of Proposed Rule
This section identifies additions and changes to the final DMM
ancillary service endorsements that have been drafted in response to
comments on the proposed rules.
1. A fourth ancillary service endorsement, ``Forwarding Service
Requested,'' is added. For First-Class Mail and Standard Mail (B), the
optional use of this endorsement ensures that UAA pieces receive the
same treatment accorded these classes of mail not bearing this or any
other endorsement. For Standard Mail (A), this endorsement provides for
the forwarding and return of mail without requiring a separate address
correction notification.
2. The ``Change Service Requested'' endorsement is restricted
within First-Class Mail to electronic Address Change Service (ACS)
participants only. This restriction is sensible, because it limits this
service to mailers who are most likely to be familiar with the
consequences of electing this option--that is, disposal of UAA pieces
bearing this endorsement. The mailer receives a separate notice of an
address change or reason for nondelivery.
3. Unendorsed single-piece rate Standard Mail (A) that is
undeliverable as addressed will be discarded by the Postal Service. An
endorsement is required on the piece if forwarding or return is
desired.
B. Summary of Comments
The Postal Service received 16 pieces of correspondence offering
comments on the proposed rule. Respondents included major mailer
associations, marketing groups, individual publishers, presort bureaus,
government agencies, and other major mailers. The specific points
raised in the comments are presented in the following paragraphs.
Five comments were received regarding the proposed effective date.
Most of the commenters asked for more time before implementation of the
new ancillary service endorsements, requesting that the final rules
become effective no earlier than May 1, 1997. Several commenters
recommended that the Postal Service consider implementing the change to
coincide with July 1, 1997, which is the effective date for the
Classification Reform move update requirement for addresses used on
presorted and automation First-Class Mail. In response, the Postal
Service has postponed the effective date of this rulemaking to July 1,
1997.
Five commenters stated that by eliminating the option of using the
endorsement ``Do Not Forward,'' Standard Mail (A) mailers were being
forced to accept the return of Single-Piece Standard Mail and pay
postage due. Currently, Single-Piece Standard Mail bearing no
endorsement is returned to sender; all other Standard Mail (A) without
an endorsement is neither forwarded nor returned. Two commenters
suggested that all unendorsed Standard Mail (A) be given the same
treatment. The Postal Service agrees. The current exception for Single-
Piece Standard Mail is eliminated. All unendorsed Standard Mail (A)
that is undeliverable as addressed will be discarded by the Postal
Service. If forwarding or return is desired, Single-Piece Standard Mail
will have to bear an endorsement.
Six commenters indicated that by eliminating the option of using
the endorsement ``Forwarding and Return Postage Guaranteed,'' Standard
Mail (A) mailers were being forced to receive unwanted address
correction notices. Several commenters noted that Standard Mail (A),
unlike the other mail classes, is not provided any forwarding or return
treatment if it lacks an ancillary service endorsement. In response to
these comments and concerns, the Postal Service has added ``Forwarding
Service Requested'' as a fourth ancillary service endorsement. This
endorsement will replace the current ``Forwarding and Return Postage
Guaranteed'' endorsement and provide the same treatment.
Six commenters questioned the need for the ``Change Service
Requested'' option for First-Class Mail and believed that the disposal
of UAA First-Class Mail should not be permitted. They believed that
this option could cause confusion over when it is appropriate to
discard UAA First-Class Mail. In response, the Postal Service will make
this endorsement option available only to electronic Address Change
Service
[[Page 15057]]
(ACS) participants. Only after the Computerized Forwarding System (CFS)
clerk is able to confirm the ACS participation code will the Postal
Service honor the ``Change Service Requested'' endorsement. The CFS
will then transmit an electronic notification and generate a label
directing that the UAA mailpiece should be discarded by the Postal
Service. This limited access will ensure that only mailers most
familiar with this service will receive it.
Six commenters requested additional options that are beyond the
scope of this rulemaking process. These requests entail changes in
rates, rate structure, and product definitions that are beyond the
scope of this rulemaking.
Under the new rule, only four ancillary service endorsements will
be available. Endorsements will consist of one keyword: ``Address,''
``Forwarding,'' ``Return,'' or ``Change,'' followed by the two words
``Service Requested.'' The endorsements will be the same for all
classes of mail. Treatment for each class of mail and applicable
charges will remain unchanged with the following exceptions:
1. First-Class Mail. All current treatment options will remain
available. In addition, a new option will be available for requesting
that UAA mailpieces not be forwarded or returned, but that the mailer
be provided with a separate address correction, subject to the address
correction fee. This new option will be available under the endorsement
``Change Service Requested.'' For First-Class Mail, this option will be
available only via electronic Address Change Service (ACS)
participation.
2. Standard Mail (A) Single-Piece Rate. Currently, a mailer has the
option of endorsing the mailpiece ``Do Not Forward'' to request that
the Postal Service discard the piece if it is undeliverable, with no
forwarding, no return, and no address correction provided. Under the
new rule, the treatment given to pieces bearing this endorsement will
become the default method of handling unendorsed UAA Single-Piece
Standard Mail. Thus, Single-Piece Standard Mail mailers not desiring
forwarding will be able to choose among three options: (a) using no
endorsement, in which case a UAA piece (if uninsured) will be discarded
if it is undeliverable; (b) using the endorsement ``Return Service
Requested,'' in which case a UAA piece will be returned with the new
address or reason for nondelivery attached, subject to return postage
at the single-piece rate; or (c) using the endorsement ``Change Service
Requested,'' in which case a UAA piece will be discarded and the mailer
provided with a separate notice of new address or reason for
nondelivery, subject to the address correction fee.
3. Standard Mail (A). Currently, if a UAA mailpiece weighing 1
ounce or less is endorsed ``Address Correction Requested,'' the piece
is returned to the mailer with the new address or reason for
nondelivery, subject to return postage at the single-piece rate; any
heavier UAA piece bearing that endorsement is discarded and the mailer
is provided with a separate notice of the new address or reason for
nondelivery, subject to the address correction fee. Under the new rule,
the Postal Service will no longer make distinctions based on the weight
of the piece. Regardless of weight, any UAA piece with the endorsement
``Change Service Requested'' will receive the treatment currently
accorded to a piece weighing more than 1 ounce--that is, the Postal
Service will discard UAA pieces and provide the mailer with separate
notices of new address or reason for nondelivery, subject to the
address correction fee. The endorsement ``Return Service Requested''
will provide, regardless of weight, for the return of UAA pieces to the
mailer with the new address or reason for nondelivery, subject to the
appropriate single-piece rate postage.
4. Standard Mail (B). Currently, a mailer has the option of
endorsing the mailpiece ``Do Not Forward, Do Not Return'' to request
that the Postal Service discard the piece if it is undeliverable, with
no forwarding, no return, and no address correction provided. Under the
new rule, this option will no longer be available. Instead, a mailer
will be able to use the endorsement ``Change Service Requested,'' in
which case the Postal Service will discard UAA pieces and provide the
mailer with separate notices of new address or reason for nondelivery,
subject to the appropriate address correction fee.
The following tables summarize the current and new (effective July
1, 1997) ancillary service endorsements, along with the corresponding
treatment of undeliverable-as-addressed (UAA) mail bearing those
endorsements.
BILLING CODE 7710-12-P
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[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR28MR97.010
[[Page 15059]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR28MR97.011
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[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR28MR97.012
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[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR28MR97.013
BILLING CODE 7710-12-C
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The new ancillary service endorsements take effect July 1, 1997.
The Postal Service will honor current endorsements for a period of 6
months after that date, with the exception of mail bearing no
endorsement. Unendorsed mail received after July 1, 1997, will be
handled under the new system that takes effect July 1, 1997.
After January 1, 1998, the current endorsements and endorsements
other than those adopted will be deemed invalid. For mail bearing
invalid endorsements, the service under ``Address Service Requested''
or ``Return Service Requested'' will be provided to such mail as
appropriate. Specifically, if a mailpiece bears an endorsement that
implies that forwarding service was desired, ``Address Service
Requested'' will be provided. If a mailpiece bears an endorsement that
implies that no forwarding was desired, ``Return Service Requested''
will be provided.
List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 111
Postal Service.
PART 111--[AMENDED]
1. The authority citation for 39 CFR part 111 continues to read as
follows:
Authority: 5 U.S.C. 552(a); 39 U.S.C. 101, 401, 403, 404, 3001-
3011, 3201-3219, 3403-3406, 3621, 5001.
2. Revise the Domestic Mail Manual as set forth below:
A ADDRESSING
A000 Basic Addressing
A010 General Addressing Standards
* * * * *
4.0 RETURN ADDRESS
* * * * *
4.2 Ancillary Services
[Amend 4.2 by replacing ``(e.g., ``Return Postage Guaranteed'')'' in
the first sentence with ``(e.g., ``Return Service Requested'')'' to
read as follows:]
The USPS uses the return address to provide ancillary services
requested by the mailer (e.g., ``Return Service Requested'').* * *
* * * * *
7.0 ADDITIONAL STANDARDS FOR PERIODICALS
* * * * *
7.4 Return Address
[Amend 7.4 by replacing ``Return Postage Guaranteed'' with ``Address
Service Requested'' to read as follows:]
The return address must appear on any mailing wrapper that is
endorsed ``Address Service Requested.''
* * * * *
A900 Customer Support
A910 Mailing List Services
* * * * *
6.0 ELECTION BOARDS AND VOTER REGISTRATION COMMISSIONS
6.1 General
[Amend 6.1 by replacing ``Address Correction Requested'' with ``Return
Service Requested'' to read as follows:]
Election boards or voter registration commissions may use the
``Return Service Requested'' endorsement and/or the National Change of
Address (NCOA) system to maintain current address lists.
* * * * *
E ELIGIBILITY
* * * * *
E100 First-Class Mail
* * * * *
E130 Nonautomation Rates
* * * * *
3.0 PRESORTED RATE
* * * * *
3.3 Address Quality
[Amend 3.3 by replacing in the first sentence ``(e.g., the ``Address
Correction Requested'' endorsement, ACS, or NCOA)'' with ``(e.g.,
appropriate ancillary service endorsement under F010, Address Change
Service (ACS), or National Change of Address (NCOA))'' to read as
follows:]
Effective July 1, 1997, addresses on all pieces claimed at the
Presorted rate must be updated within 180 days before the mailing date
by a USPS-approved address update tool (e.g., appropriate ancillary
service endorsement under F010, Address Change Service (ACS), or
National Change of Address (NCOA)). * * *
* * * * *
E140 Automation Rates
1.0 BASIC STANDARDS
* * * * *
1.3 Address Quality
[Amend 1.3 by replacing in the first sentence ``(e.g., the ``Address
Correction Requested'' endorsement, ACS, or NCOA)'' with ``(e.g.,
appropriate ancillary service endorsement under F010, Address Change
Service (ACS), or National Change of Address (NCOA))'' to read as
follows:]
Effective July 1, 1997, addresses on all pieces claimed at
automation rates must be updated within 180 days before the mailing
date by a USPS-approved address update tool (e.g., appropriate
ancillary service endorsement under F010, Address Change Service (ACS),
or National Change of Address (NCOA)). * * *
* * * * *
F FORWARDING AND RELATED SERVICES
F000 Basic Services
F010
Basic Information
* * * * *
[Revise heading of 5.0 to read as follows:]
5.0 CLASS TREATMENT FOR ANCILLARY SERVICES
5.1 Priority Mail and First-Class Mail
* * * * *
Priority Mail and First-Class Mail
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mailer endorsement USPS action on UAA pieces
------------------------------------------------------------------------
``Address Service Months 1 through 12: mailpiece forwarded;
Requested''\1\. no charge; separate notice of new
address provided; address correction fee
charged.
Months 13 through 18: mailpiece returned
with new address attached; no charge.
After month 18, or if undeliverable:
mailpiece returned with reason for
nondelivery attached; no charge.
``Forwarding Service Months 1 through 12: mailpiece forwarded;
Requested''. no charge.
Months 13 through 18: mailpiece returned
with new address attached; no charge.
After month 18, or if undeliverable:
mailpiece returned with reason for
nondelivery attached; no charge.
``Return Service Requested''. Mailpiece returned with new address or
reason for nondelivery attached; no
charge.
[[Page 15063]]
``Change Service Separate notice of new address or reason
Requested''\2\. for nondelivery provided; in either
case, address correction fee charged;
mailpiece disposed of by USPS.
Option available only via Not available for Priority Mail or mail
electronic Address Change with special services (e.g., certified
Service (ACS) and only for or registered mail).
letters and sealed parcels
and postal and postcard
subclasses.
No endorsement............... Same as USPS action for ``Forwarding
Service Requested.''
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Valid for all mailpieces, including Address Change Service (ACS)
participating mailpieces.
\2\ Valid only for Address Change Service (ACS) participating First-
Class mailpieces.
5.2 Periodicals
Undeliverable Periodicals publications (including publications
pending Periodicals authorization) are treated as described in the
chart below and under these conditions:
* * * * *
e. The publisher may request the return of copies of undelivered
Periodicals publications by printing the endorsement ``Address Service
Requested'' on the envelopes or wrappers, or on one of the outside
covers of unwrapped copies, immediately preceded by the sender's name,
address, and ZIP+4 or 5-digit ZIP Code. The per piece rate charged for
return is the appropriate Standard Mail single-piece rate. When the
address correction is provided incidental to the return of the piece,
there is no charge for the correction. This endorsement obligates the
publisher to pay return postage.
* * * * *
Periodicals
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mailer endorsement USPS action on UAA pieces
------------------------------------------------------------------------
``Address Service Requested'' First 60 days: mailpiece forwarded; no
\1\. charge.
After 60-day period, or if undeliverable:
mailpiece returned with address
correction or reason for nondelivery
attached; appropriate Standard Mail
single-piece rate charged.
``Forwarding Service Not available for Periodicals.
Requested''.
``Return Service Requested''. Not available for Periodicals.
``Change Service Requested''. Not available for Periodicals.
No endorsement \1\........... First 60 days: mailpiece forwarded; no
charge.
After 60-day period, or if undeliverable:
separate address correction or reason
for nondelivery provided; address
correction fee charged; mailpiece
disposed of by USPS.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Valid for all mailpieces, including Address Change Service (ACS)
participating mailpieces.
5.3 Standard Mail (A)
Undeliverable Standard Mail (A) is treated as described in the
chart below and under these conditions:
a. Insured Standard Mail (A) is treated as though endorsed
``Address Service Requested.''
* * * * *
e. When a large volume of identical-weight pieces originates from a
single mailer and is endorsed ``Return Service Requested,'' the USPS
may use the weight of a sample of at least 25 pieces and divide that
weight by the number of pieces in the sample. After the average per
piece weight is determined, the pieces are weighed in bulk to determine
the number of pieces subject to the single-piece rate for return.
Pieces of identical weight counted in this manner, regardless of
weight, are returned to the sender with the new address or the reason
for nondelivery endorsed on the piece.
f. The weighted fee is the appropriate Standard Mail (A) single-
piece rate, multiplied by a factor of 2.472 and rounded up to the next
whole cent (if the computation yields a fraction of a cent). The
weighted fee is computed (and rounded if necessary) for each mailpiece
individually. Neither the applicable postage, the factor, nor any
necessary rounding is applied cumulatively to multiple pieces. The fee
is charged when an unforwardable or undeliverable piece is returned to
the sender and the piece bears the endorsement ``Address Service
Requested'' or ``Forwarding Service Requested.'' Use of these
endorsements obligates the sender to pay the weighted fee on any
returns.
* * * * *
Standard Mail (A)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mailer endorsement USPS action on UAA pieces
------------------------------------------------------------------------
``Address Service Requested'' Months 1 through 12: mailpiece forwarded;
\1\. no charge; separate notice of new
address provided; address correction fee
charged.
Months 13 through 18: mailpiece returned
with new address attached; only Standard
Mail (A) weighted fee charged (address
correction fee not charged).
After month 18, or if undeliverable:
mailpiece returned with reason for
nondelivery attached; only Standard Mail
(A) weighted fee charged (address
correction fee not charged).
``Forwarding Service Months 1 through 12: mailpiece forwarded;
Requested''. no charge.
Months 13 through 18: mailpiece returned
with new address attached; only Standard
Mail (A) weighted fee charged (address
correction fee not charged).
[[Page 15064]]
After month 18, or if undeliverable:
mailpiece returned with reason for
nondelivery attached; only Standard Mail
(A) weighted fee charged (address
correction fee not charged).
``Return Service Requested''. Mailpiece returned with new address or
reason for nondelivery attached; only
return postage at Standard Mail (A)
single-piece rate charged (address
correction fee not charged).
``Change Service Requested'' Separate notice of new address or reason
\1\. for nondelivery provided; in either
case, address correction fee charged;
mailpiece disposed of by USPS.
No endorsement............... Mailpiece disposed of by USPS. (No
exception for Single-Piece Standard
Mail.) Single-Piece Standard Mail must
be endorsed if forwarding or return is
desired.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Valid for all mailpieces, including Address Change Service (ACS)
participating mailpieces.
5.4 Standard Mail (B)
* * * * *
Standard Mail (B)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mailer endorsement USPS action on UAA pieces
------------------------------------------------------------------------
``Address Service Requested'' Months 1 through 12: mailpiece forwarded
\1\. locally at no charge; forwarded out of
town as postage due; separate notice of
new address provided; address correction
fee charged.
Months 13 through 18: mailpiece returned
with new address attached; only return
postage at appropriate single-piece rate
charged (address correction fee not
charged).
After month 18, or if undeliverable, or
addressee refused to pay postage due:
mailpiece returned with reason for
nondelivery attached; only forwarding
(where attempted) and return postage at
appropriate single-piece rate charged
(address correction fee not charged).
``Forwarding Service Months 1 through 12: mailpiece forwarded
Requested''. locally at no charge; forwarded out of
town as postage due.
Months 13 through 18: mailpiece returned
with new address attached; only return
postage at appropriate single-piece rate
charged (address correction fee not
charged).
After month 18, or if undeliverable, or
addressee refused to pay postage due:
mailpiece returned with reason for
nondelivery attached; only forwarding
(where attempted) and return postage at
appropriate single-piece rate charged
(address correction fee not charged).
``Return Service Requested''. Mailpiece returned with new address or
reason for nondelivery attached; only
return postage at appropriate single-
piece rate charged (address correction
fee not charged).
``Change Service Requested'' Separate notice of new address or reason
\1\. for nondelivery provided; in either
case, address correction fee charged;
mailpiece disposed of by USPS.
No endorsement............... Same as USPS action for ``Forwarding
Service Requested.''
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Valid for all mailpieces, including Address Change Service (ACS)
participating mailpieces.
5.5 Express Mail
* * * * *
Express Mail
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mailer endorsement USPS action on UAA pieces
------------------------------------------------------------------------
``Address Service Requested'' Months 1 through 12: mailpiece forwarded;
no charge; separate notice of new
address provided; address correction fee
charged.
Months 13 through 18: mailpiece returned
with new address attached; no charge.
After month 18, or if undeliverable:
mailpiece returned with reason for
nondelivery attached; no charge.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
``Forwarding Service Months 1 through 12: mailpiece forwarded;
Requested''. no charge.
------------------------------------------
Months 13 through 18: mailpiece returned
with new address attached; no charge.
After month 18, or if undeliverable:
mailpiece returned with reason for
nondelivery attached; no charge.
``Return Service Requested''. Mailpiece returned with new address or
reason for nondelivery attached; no
charge.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
``Change Service Requested''. Not available for Express Mail.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
No endorsement............... Same as USPS action for ``Forwarding
Service Requested.''
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 15065]]
6.0 ENCLOSURES OR ATTACHMENTS
6.1 Periodicals
[Amend 6.1 by replacing ``Return Postage Guaranteed.'' with ``Address
Service Requested.'' in the last sentence to read as follows:]
* * * Undeliverable Periodicals publications (including
publications pending Periodicals authorization) with an incidental
First-Class Mail attachment or enclosure are treated as dead mail
unless endorsed ``Address Service Requested.''
* * * * *
F020 Forwarding
* * * * *
3.0 POSTAGE FOR FORWARDING
* * * * *
3.5 Standard Mail (A)
[Amend 3.5 by replacing ``address correction service endorsement'' with
``ancillary service endorsement'' and ``(e.g, ``Special Standard Mail
Rate, Forwarding and Return Postage Guaranteed'' )'' with ``(e.g.,
``Special Standard Mail Rate, Forwarding Service Requested'')'' to read
as follows:]
Standard Mail (A) is subject to collection of additional postage
from the mailer when forwarding and return service is provided. Mail
that qualifies for a single-piece Standard Mail (B) rate is returned at
that rate if the mailer's ancillary service endorsement specifies the
Standard Mail (B) rate (e.g., ``Special Standard Mail Rate, Forwarding
Service Requested'').
3.6 Standard Mail (B)
[Amend 3.6 by replacing ``Do Not Forward, Do Not Return'' in the second
sentence with ``Change Service Requested'' to read as follows:]
Standard Mail (B) is subject to the collection of additional
postage at the applicable rate for nonlocal forwarding if guaranteed by
the sender. Unless endorsed ``Change Service Requested,'' all Standard
Mail (B) is delivered as directed without additional postage charge
when the old and new addresses are served by the same post office. The
addressee may refuse any piece of Standard Mail (B) that has been
forwarded. This refusal does not revoke the right to have other
Standard Mail (B) forwarded. If the addressee does not want to pay
forwarding postage for all Standard Mail (B), the addressee must ask
the postmaster of the new address to use Form 3546 to notify the
postmaster of the old address to discontinue the forwarding of Standard
Mail (B).
* * * * *
F030 Address Correction, Address Change, and Return Services
1.0 ADDRESS CORRECTION SERVICE
1.1 Purpose
[Revise 1.1 to read as follows:]
If mail cannot be delivered as addressed, address correction
service allows the sender on request, using the appropriate ancillary
service endorsement under F010, to obtain the addressee's new
(forwarding) address (if the addressee filed a change-of-address order
with the USPS) or the reason for nondelivery. Address correction
service is available alone or in combination with forwarding and return
service.
[Redesignate current 1.2 through 1.4 as 1.3 through 1.5, respectively;
add new 1.2 to read as follows:]
1.2 Invalid Endorsement
Any obsolete ancillary service endorsement or similar sender
endorsement not shown in F010 is considered invalid for address
correction service. A mailpiece bearing an invalid endorsement is
handled as follows:
a. If forwarding service is implied, ``Address Service Requested''
is provided.
b. If forwarding is not implied, ``Return Service Requested'' is
provided.
* * * * *
3.0 SENDER INSTRUCTION
3.1 Mail Not Forwarded
[Amend 3.1 by revising 3.1b to read as follows:]
The following types of mail are not forwarded:
* * * * *
b. Mail showing specific instructions of the sender (e.g., ``Return
Service Requested'' or ``Change Service Requested'').
* * * * *
3.2 Special Services
[Amend 3.2 by revising 3.2d to read as follows:]
A change-of-address order covers certified, collect on delivery
(COD), insured, registered, and return receipt for merchandise mail
unless the sender gives other instructions or the addressee moves
outside the United States. This mail is treated as follows:
* * * * *
d. Insured Standard Mail (A) without any other endorsement is
treated as though endorsed ``Forwarding Service Requested.'' The USPS
forwards the mail and, if still undeliverable as addressed, returns it
to the sender with the new address or reason for nondelivery attached.
* * * * *
G GENERAL INFORMATION
* * * * *
G090 Experimental Classifications and Rates
G091 Barcoded Small Parcels
* * * * *
4.0 ADDRESS INFORMATION
* * * * *
4.3 Address Quality
[Amend 4.3 by replacing in the first sentence ``(e.g., the ``Address
Correction Requested'' endorsement, ACS, or NCOA)'' with ``(e.g.,
appropriate ancillary service endorsement under F010, Address Change
Service (ACS), or National Change of Address (NCOA))'' to read as
follows:]
Effective July 1, 1997, addresses on all pieces claimed at
automation rates must be updated within 180 days before the mailing
date by a USPS-approved address update tool (e.g., appropriate
ancillary service endorsement under F010, Address Change Service (ACS),
or National Change of Address (NCOA)). * * *
* * * * *
P POSTAGE AND PAYMENT METHODS
P000 Basic Information
* * * * *
P020 Postage Stamps and Stationery
P021 Stamped Stationery
* * * * *
2.0 PERSONALIZED STAMPED ENVELOPE
* * * * *
[Revise 2.5 to read as follows:]
2.5 Optional Information
The following endorsements and instructions printed in at least 8-
point type may be included as part of the return address:
a. Any ancillary service endorsement under F010 that requests
address correction, forwarding, or return appropriate for the intended
class of mail (e.g., ``Address Service Requested''). The endorsement
must appear directly below the return address, separated with a minimum
clear space of 1/4 inch.
b. Any sender instruction under F030 that specifies a period for
holding mail, not fewer than 3 and not more than 30
[[Page 15066]]
days (e.g., ``AFTER 5 DAYS RETURN TO''). The instruction must appear
directly above the return address. If such an instruction is printed on
envelopes at Standard Mail (A) rates, those envelopes must also bear an
authorized ancillary service endorsement that provides for return
postage.
* * * * *
An appropriate amendment to 39 CFR 111.3 will be published to
reflect these changes.
Stanley F. Mires,
Chief Counsel, Legislative.
[FR Doc. 97-7952 Filed 3-25-97; 3:13 pm]
BILLING CODE 7710-12-P
