[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 68 (Friday, April 8, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-8445]
[[Page Unknown]]
[Federal Register: April 8, 1994]
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POSTAL SERVICE
39 CFR Part 111
Revisions to Standards for Detached Address Cards
AGENCY: Postal Service.
ACTION: Proposed rule.
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SUMMARY: The Postal Service proposes changes in the Domestic Mail
Manual (DMM) standards concerning use of detached address cards (DACs).
The proposed revisions are intended to standardize the rules for the
different uses of DACs (second-, third-, and fourth-class flats, and
third-class merchandise samples).
DATES: Comments must be received by May 23, 1994.
ADDRESSES: Written comments should be mailed or delivered to Manager,
Mailing Standards, USPS Headquarters, 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW.,
Washington, DC 20260-2419. Copies of all written comments will be
available for inspection and photocopying between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, in Room 5610 at the above address.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Leo F. Raymond, (202) 268-5199.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The proposed changes to Domestic Mail Manual
(DMM) standards described below arose from suggestions presented during
the 1993 DMM redesign project.
In previous issues of the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM), the
regulations for each class of mail were presented in separate chapters,
and topics that were present in two or more chapters appeared in
essentially duplicate form. When combined into subject-based modules in
DMM 47, differences between the classes' rules for the same services or
mailing methods became apparent, and these instances were identified
for eventual revision to eliminate the regulatory complexity and
confusion for DMM readers that consequently existed. Among those where
this situation occurred were the standards in A060 for detached address
cards (DACs). The revisions below propose to eliminate as much as
possible the distinctions between how second-, third-, and fourth-class
flats, and third-class merchandise samples can each be mailed using
DACs. This proposal does not introduce significantly new requirements
or options for existing uses (other than occurs from standardization
across classes), nor does it permit new uses of DACs.
To avoid wordiness, the term item is used instead of second-class
flat, third-class flat or merchandise sample, or fourth-class bound
printed matter when discussing that which is distributed with the DAC.
Existing part 1.0 is reorganized to present an overview of the uses
of DACs; basic instructions formerly contained in 1.0 have been
relocated elsewhere. New section 1.1 establishes a clear definition of
``saturation'' in the context of DAC use as opposed to its definition
for purposes of other standards. It also makes clear that alternative
addressing formats can be used for DAC mailings when otherwise
available.
Revised part 2.0 remains focused on the standards for preparation
of the DACs themselves. Most changes involve rewording and
reorganization of material. The most significant revisions propose
consistent information for the recipient on all DACs. A notice, which
reads ``USPS regulations require that this address card be delivered
with its accompanying postage-paid mail. If you should receive this
card without its accompanying mail, please notify your local
postmaster.'' is currently required on DACs used with second- or third-
class matter; other information describing the material being
distributed with the DAC is required only for third-class samples; and
existing standards for second- and third-class prohibit the presence on
the address side of the DAC of anything other than the information
required above, postage, and matter provided by the National Center for
Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). The Postal Service believes
that the use of DACs is simpler and more consistent for the mailer when
the standards for the information that must or may appear on them is
the same regardless of the class of mail to be used. Similarly, the
Postal Service believes that the interests of the recipient are better
served when this information is provided uniformly regardless of what
is mailed with a DAC. Therefore, this revision would require all DACs
to bear the italicized notice cited above as well as the title or brand
name of the item accompanying the DAC, and would limit other content to
the postage indicium, NCMEC material, and other required information.
Existing parts 3.0 and 4.0, which contain class-specific
information, are replaced, respectively, with information about
preparing a DAC mailing and the disposition of excess or undeliverable
DACs or items. Part 3.0, which contains existing standards relocated
from other current locations, standardizes the content of the label on
the package of DACs or the carton or pallet of items. Existing
standards are somewhat different for each. Part 4.0 proposes consistent
standards for handling excess or undeliverable DACs and items,
regardless of class. DAC mailers should note that the proposed rule
states that undeliverable DAC material would be handled exclusively as
prescribed under 4.0 (rather than under the standards in F010), and
that the ancillary service endorsements otherwise required by F010 are
neither required nor permitted for DAC matter. Generally, under the
proposed rule, the mailer would be obligated to inform the delivery
office if notice is required concerning excess or undeliverable DACs or
items; other mailer actions would be required following such notice.
Absent any request, undeliverable or excess DACs or items would be
disposed of as waste. Existing standards are inconsistent in discussing
excess or undeliverable DACs or items and the treatment available for
each. As with the information requirements above, the Postal Service
believes that mailers' use of DACs and their ability to understand the
corresponding standards are improved by making those standards uniform
regardless of class. To the extent that such standardization causes
consistent rules to apply where none now exists, or where differences
now exist, the Postal Service does not believe that they are burdens to
the mailer that are more significant than the benefits of simpler,
consistent procedures for mailing.
As in the existing standards, part 5.0 discusses postage payment.
Revisions to this part are basically organizational.
Although exempt from the notice and comment requirements of the
Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 553(b), (c)) regarding proposed
rulemaking by 39 U.S.C. 410(a), the Postal Service invites comments on
the following proposed revisions of the DMM, incorporated by reference
in the Code of Federal Regulations. See 39 CFR part 111.
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. Replace Domestic Mail Manual A060 with the following:
A060 Detached Address Cards
1.0 USE
1.1 Second- or Third-Class Flats
Saturation mailings of unaddressed second- or third-class flats may
be mailed with detached address cards (DACs) (labels). For purposes of
this standard, a saturation mailing is one sent to at least 75% of the
total addresses within each carrier route or 90% of the residential
addresses within the route, whichever is less. Deliveries are not
required to every carrier route of a delivery unit.
1.2 Third-Class Merchandise Samples
Merchandise samples more than 5 inches wide (high) or \1/4\ inch
thick, or nonuniform in thickness, mailed at bulk third-class rates for
general distribution on city delivery routes, must be mailed with DACs.
For this standard, ``general distribution'' means distribution of
samples to at least 25% of the addresses in a 5-digit ZIP Code delivery
area. Merchandise samples may be mailed with DACs for general
distribution on other routes (e.g., rural routes) and for the residual
portion of a general distribution mailing (i.e., those 5-digit delivery
areas for which samples are prepared to less than 25% of the
addresses).
1.3 Fourth-Class Bound Printed Matter
DACs may also be used to mail unaddressed pieces of bound printed
matter for delivery in the local zone of the post office of mailing.
1.4 Alternative Address Formats
The addresses on DACs may be prepared using an alternative address
format, subject to the applicable eligibility, volume, density, and
preparation standards.
1.5 Definition
For purposes of the standards below, the term ``item[s]'' refers
inclusively to the types of mail described in 1.1 through 1.3.
2.0 PREPARING DETACHED ADDRESS CARDS
2.1 Construction
Each DAC must be made of paper or cardboard stock that is not
folded, perforated, or creased, and that is:
a. Between 3\1/2\ and 5 inches high (perpendicular to the
address label).
b. Between 5 and 9 inches long (parallel to the address label).
c. At least 0.007 inch thick.
2.2 Addressing
The address for each item must be placed on a DAC, parallel to the
longest dimension of the DAC, and may not appear on the item it
accompanies. The DAC must contain the recipient's delivery address and
the mailer's return address. A ZIP+4 code or 5-digit ZIP Code is
required unless an alternative address format is used. The delivery
address may include the correct delivery point barcode.
2.3 Ratio
Only one DAC may be prepared for each accompanying item, and only
one item may be identified for delivery per DAC (i.e., one DAC may not
be prepared to deliver with one each of multiple different accompanying
items or with multiples of the same item).
2.4 Required Information
The following words must appear in bold type at least \1/8\ inch
high on the front of each DAC: ``USPS regulations require that this
address card be delivered with its accompanying postage-paid mail. If
you should receive this card without its accompanying mail, please
notify your local postmaster.'' The title or brand name of the item (or
equivalent identifying information, which may include an illustration
of the item) must also appear on the front or back of the DAC to
associate it with the accompanying item.
2.5 Other Information
Nothing may appear on the front of a DAC except the information
described above, an indicium of postage payment, and official pictures
and data circulated by the National Center for Missing and Exploited
Children. Ancillary service endorsements are not permitted;
undeliverable material is treated under 4.0.
30. PREPARING THE MAILING
3.1 Notice to Delivery Office
Each delivery office to receive a DAC mailing must be notified in
writing at least 10 days in advance of the requested delivery period. A
copy of that letter must be enclosed with the DACs to the corresponding
destination. The letter must show:
a. Name and telephone number of mailer or representative.
b. Origin post office of mailing.
c. Expected mailing date.
d. Description of mailing.
e. Number of addressees for each 5-digit ZIP Code.
f. Number of DACs per carton or package.
g. Number of items per carton or package.
h. Expected delivery period (range of dates).
i. Requested disposition of any excess or undeliverable DACs or
items (see 4.0).
3.2 Preparing the DACs
The DACs must be presorted, counted, and packaged by 5-digit ZIP
Code delivery area. DAC mailings claimed at carrier route or walk-
sequence rates must be further prepared under the corresponding
standards. Each package of DACs must bear a label showing the
information in 3.4. Multiple containers of DACs must be numbered
sequentially (1 of ____, 2 of ____, etc.).
3.3 Items
Subject to the standards applicable to the rate claimed, items to
be distributed with the DACs must be placed in full cartons or prepared
in packages placed in sacks or on pallets; a label bearing the content
description information in 3.4 must be affixed to each carton, package,
or pallet. Containers of items (including those on pallets) must not
weigh more than 40 pounds each.
3.4 Label Information
Sacks, cartons, or pallets of DAC mail must be labeled under the
preparation standards applicable to the rate claimed. Subject to 3.2 or
3.3, another label must be affixed to each carton, package, or pallet
to provide this information:
a. Delivery post office name and 5-digit ZIP Code delivery area.
b. Title, brand name, or other description of the items.
c. Name and telephone number of the mailer or representative.
d. Number of cards in the package, or items in the carton (or
package), as applicable.
e. Instructions to open and distribute either the DACs with
matching items or the items with matching DACs, as appropriate.
3.5 Bound Printed Matter
Bound printed matter distributed with DACs must be deposited at the
acceptance point specified by the postmaster. Local zone rates are
available subject to G030.
3.6 Mailing Statement
The mailer must complete and provide the appropriate mailing
statement with each mailing.
3.7 Available Rates
Mailings prepared with DACs are not eligible for any automation
rate, but may qualify for carrier route or walk-sequence rates subject
to the applicable standards.
4.0 DISPOSITION OF EXCESS OR UNDELIVERABLE MATERIAL
4.1 Mailer Request
If requested by the mailer in the letter required under 3.1, the
delivery office notifies the mailer (or representative) of excess or
undeliverable material, as follows:
a. In case of excess DACs, additional items must be supplied to
the delivery office within 15 days or the excess DACs are returned
to the mailer at the third-class single-piece rate.
b. In case of excess or undeliverable items, they are returned
to (or picked up by) the mailer or disposed of as waste by the USPS,
based on the mailer's instructions. If the mailer picks up any
excess or undeliverable items, there is no charge if the mailer does
so within 15 days of being notified. After that time, the material
is returned to the mailer with postage due at the applicable single-
piece rate.
c. DACs with incorrect, nonexistent, or otherwise undeliverable
addresses, which are not handled under the standards in F010, but
are corrected or endorsed to show why they are undeliverable, placed
in an envelope, and returned ``postage due'' to the mailer.
4.2 No Request
If the mailer has not requested notification of excess or
undeliverable DACs or items, such material is disposed of as waste by
the USPS.
5.0 POSTAGE
Postage is computed based on the combined weight of the item and
the accompanying DAC. In addition, postage for:
a. Second-class flats must be prepaid and show a notice of entry
in the upper right corner of the DAC.
b. Third-class flats and samples must be paid by permit imprint,
which appears on each DAC. Postage is computed at the applicable
nonletter rates.
c. Bound printed matter must be paid by permit imprint, which
appears on each DAC.
d. Excess or undeliverable cards is computed at the applicable
single-piece third- or fourth-class rate and collected upon their
return to the mailer. The total amount due for the cards includes
both the return postage and the applicable address-correction fee
for each DAC.
An appropriate amendment to 39 CFR 111.3 to reflect these changes
will be published if the proposal is adopted.
Stanley F. Mires,
Chief Counsel, Legislative.
[FR Doc. 94-8445 Filed 4-7-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7710-12-U
