97-17068. Amendments to Domestic Mail Classification Schedule  

  • [Federal Register Volume 62, Number 126 (Tuesday, July 1, 1997)]
    [Rules and Regulations]
    [Pages 35424-35441]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 97-17068]
    
    
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    POSTAL RATE COMMISSION
    
    39 CFR Part 3001
    
    [Docket Nos. RM97-3, MC96-2, MC96-3 and MC97-1; Order No. 1185]
    
    
    Amendments to Domestic Mail Classification Schedule
    
    AGENCY: Postal Rate Commission.
    
    ACTION: Final rule.
    
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    SUMMARY: This final rule sets forth the changes to the Domestic Mail 
    Classification Schedule (DMCS) and the accompanying rate changes as a 
    result of the Governors' Decisions on the Recommended Decisions of the 
    Postal Rate Commission in Docket Nos. MC96-2, MC96-3 and MC97-1. The 
    Commission's Recommended Decision in Docket No. MC96-2 (issued July 19, 
    1996) and its Further Opinion and Recommended Decision in Docket No. 
    MC96-2 (issued May 14, 1997) changed the classification provisions for 
    Nonprofit Standard Mail, Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route Standard 
    Mail, Nonprofit Periodicals, Within County Periodicals and Classroom 
    Publications. The Commission's Decision in Docket No. MC96-3 (issued 
    April 2, 1997) changed the classification provisions for selected 
    Special Services. An Experimental Nonletter-Size Business Reply Mail 
    Category, to begin June 8, 1997 and expire June 8, 1999, was 
    established with the Governors' Decision accepting the Commission's 
    Recommended Decision in Docket No. MC97-1. For this reason Appendix A 
    to Subpart C has been revised to reflect those changes.
    
    DATES: This rule is effective July 1, 1997.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stephen L. Sharfman, Legal Advisor, 
    Postal Rate Commission, 1333 H Street, NW, Suite 300, Washington, D.C. 
    20268-0001, (202) 789-6820.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On April 4, 1996, the Postal Service, 
    pursuant to its authority under 39 U.S.C. 3621, et seq., filed a 
    request with the Postal Rate Commission for a recommended decision on 
    classification reform proposals for some types of preferred rate mail. 
    The Commission designated this filing as Docket No. MC96-2, 
    Classification Reform II (Nonprofit Mail) and on April 11, 1996, the 
    Commission published a notice in the Federal Register (61 FR 16129-
    16146) outlining the Postal Service request and allowing interested 
    parties an opportunity to intervene.
        The Commission issued its recommended decision on the Postal 
    Service request on July 19, 1996. The recommended decision followed 
    closely the settlement agreement signed by 13 participants and the 
    Postal Service, with the exception of the proposal for Classroom 
    Periodicals. In Order No. 1125, issued simultaneously with the 
    Recommended Decision, the Commission directed the Postal Service to 
    provide further data and information on the proposed changes in 
    Classroom Periodicals.
        On August 5, 1996, the Governors issued a decision accepting the 
    Recommended Decision of the Postal Rate Commission, and by Resolution 
    No. 96-4 established October 6, 1996 as the effective date for 
    implementation. Decision of the Governors of the United States Postal 
    Service on Recommended Decision of the Postal Rate Commission on 
    Nonprofit Standard Mail, Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route Standard 
    Mail, Nonprofit Periodicals, and Within County Periodicals, Docket No. 
    MC96-2, August 5, 1996.
        In response to Order No. 1125, the Postal Service filed additional 
    testimony. On May 14, 1997, the Commission issued its Further Opinion 
    and Recommended Decision on Classroom Publications. On June 5, 1997, 
    the Governors' issued a decision accepting the Commission's Recommended 
    Decision, and by Resolution No. 97-9, established October 5, 1997 as 
    the effective date for implementation.
        The Request of the United States Postal Service for a Recommended 
    Decision on Special Service Changes was filed on June 7, 1996. It 
    proposed changes in provisions of the Domestic Mail Classification 
    Schedule and fees for selected special services. The Postal Service 
    proposed changes in the terms of service or fees for post office boxes 
    (including caller service), certified mail, return receipt, insurance 
    and registered mail service. The proposal established a new special 
    service for postal cards, and renamed postal cards ``Stamped Cards''. 
    The proposal also eliminated special delivery service. The Commission 
    published a notice in the Federal Register (61 FR 31968-31979) 
    outlining the Postal Service Request and allowing interested parties an 
    opportunity to intervene. The Commission issued its Recommended 
    Decision on April 2, 1997.
        On May 6, 1997, the Governors issued a decision accepting the 
    Recommended Decision of the Postal Rate Commission and by Resolution 
    97-7 established June 8, 1997 as the effective date for implementation. 
    Decision of the Governors of the United States Postal Service on the 
    Recommended Decision of the Postal Rate Commission on Special Services 
    Fees and Classifications, Docket No. MC96-3, May 6, 1997.
        The proceedings in Docket No. MC97-1 were initiated to consider a 
    Request of the United States Postal Service, filed on December 13, 
    1996, for establishment, on an experimental basis, of new mail 
    classifications and fees for nonletter-size Business Reply Mail. The 
    Postal Service proposed to conduct this experiment over a two-year 
    period with a limited number of participants. This experimental filing 
    was made under sections 67 through 67d of the Commission's rules of 
    practice, 39 CFR 3001.67 through 3001.67d. The Commission gave notice 
    of the Postal Service's Request in Order No. 1148
    
    [[Page 35425]]
    
    which was published in the Federal Register (61 FR 67860-67862).
        On April 2, 1997, the Commission issued a Recommended Decision in 
    this docket establishing the experimental classification for a period 
    of two years. On May 6, 1997, the Governors issued a decision accepting 
    the Commission's decision and by Resolution 97-8, established June 8, 
    1997 as the effective date for this experiment. These provisions will 
    expire on June 8, 1999. (Decision of the Governors of the United States 
    Postal Service on the Recommended Decision of the Postal Rate 
    Commission on the Experimental Nonletter-Size Business Reply Mail 
    Categories and Fees, Docket No. MC97-1.)
        The amendments to the DMCS which are published in this order 
    reflect the Governors' decisions on August 5, 1996, May 6, 1997, and 
    June 5, 1997. These revisions are published as a final rule, since 
    procedural safeguards and ample opportunity for opposition have already 
    been afforded to all interested parties.
    
    Regulatory Flexibility Act
    
        Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 605(b) of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, the 
    Commission certifies that this rulemaking is not expected to have a 
    significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. 
    Accordingly, regulatory flexibility analysis in not required.
    
    List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 3001
    
        Administrative practice and procedure, Confidential business 
    information, Freedom of information, Postal Service, Sunshine Act.
    
        For reasons set out in the preamble, 39 CFR part 3001 is amended as 
    follows:
    
    PART 3001--RULES OF PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE
    
        1. The authority citation for part 3001 continues to read as 
    follows:
    
        Authority: 39 U.S.C. 404(b), 3603, 3622-3624, 3661, 3662.
    
    Subpart C--Rules Applicable to Requests for Establishing or 
    Changing the Mail Classification Schedule
    
        2. Appendix A to Subpart C--Postal Service Rates and Charges is 
    amended as follows:
        a. Place sections 1000-6030 in correct numerical order following 
    section 484 and preceding Classification Schedule SS-1--Address 
    Correction Service.
        b. Remove the terms ``special delivery'' and ``SS-17'' wherever 
    they appear.
        c. In section 260 in the table, remove entry h. and redesignate 
    entries i. and j. as h. and i.; in Classification Schedule SS-4, 
    section 4.030 in the table, remove entry b., and redesignate entry c. 
    as b.; in Classification Schedule SS-6, section 6.060 in the table, 
    remove entry c., and redesignate entry d. as c.; in Classification 
    Schedule SS-13, section 13.070 in the table, remove entry e., and 
    redesignate entry f. as e., and in Classification Schedule SS-14, 
    section 14.060 in the table, remove entry d., and redesignate entry e. 
    as d.
        d. In sections 222, 222.31, 222.32, 222.41, 270, Classification 
    Schedule SS-11, section 11.0221, and the First-Class Mail Rate Schedule 
    222 heading, remove the word ``Postal'' or ``postal'' and add, in its 
    place, the words ``Stamped Cards'', wherever it appears. In Section 
    222.11, remove the word ``Postal'' in the heading and replace it with 
    the word ``Stamped''; and revise the sentence to read ``A Stamped Card 
    is a card with postage imprinted or impressed on it and supplied by the 
    Postal Service for the transmission of messages.'' In section 222.13, 
    in the first sentence, remove the word ``postal'' wherever it appears 
    and replace it with ``Stamped Cards''; in the second sentence, remove 
    the word ``postal'' and replace it with ``Stamped Card''. In section 
    222.2, remove the word ``postal'' the first time it appears and replace 
    it with ``Stamped Card''.
        e. Amend the Table of Contents by:
        1. Revising the entry for Section 180 to read ``Refunds''.
        2. Revising the entry for Section 181 to read ``Procedure''.
        3. Revising the entry for Section 182 to read ``Availability''.
        4. Removing the entries for Section 183, 184, 460 and 
    Classification Schedule SS-17.
        f. In section 110 add the following sentence at the end of the 
    paragraph: ``Insurance is either included in Express Mail postage or is 
    available for an additional charge, depending on the value and nature 
    of the item sent by Express Mail.''
        g. Amend the table in section 160 by adding, under the heading 
    ``Service'' the words ``d. Express Mail Insurance'', and under the 
    heading ``Schedule'', the words ``SS-9''.
        h. Sections 180 through 182 are revised to read as set forth below; 
    and sections 183 and 184 are removed.
        i. In section 260 in the table, in entry h. under the heading 
    ``Service'' revise the parenthetical phrase to read ``(limited to 
    merchandise sent by Priority Mail)''.
        j. Sections 320 through 423 are revised to read as set forth below.
        k. Section 460 is removed.
        l. Section 1009 is added to read as set forth below.
        m. In the second sentence of section 3080, remove the words ``and 
    insured'' and add the words ``general insurance, and Express Mail 
    Insurance'' in their place.
        n. Classification Schedule SS-2--Business Reply Mail is revised to 
    read as set forth below.
        o. In Classification Schedule SS-3, section 3.010, remove the word 
    ``his'' and the article ``a'' the third time it appears, and add the 
    words ``the customer's'' before the words ``box number''.
        p. In Classification Schedule SS-3, section 3.022, remove the ``,'' 
    and the word ``rented'', and add the word ``used'' in its place.
        q. Revise Classification Schedule SS-9 to read as set forth below.
        r. In Classification Schedule SS-10, section 10.010, remove the 
    word ``his''.
        s. In Classification Schedule SS-10, section 10.021, revise the 
    first sentence to read ``A post office box holder may ask the Postal 
    Service to deliver to the post office box all mail properly addressed 
    to the holder.''
        t. In Classification Schedule SS-10, section 10.031, remove the 
    words ``periods of rental and'', and add ``administered as follows'' 
    after the words ``boxes are''. In the table in section 10.031, revise 
    the first column heading to read ``Period of box use''.
        u. In Classification Schedule SS-10, section 10.032, remove the 
    words ``boxes rented'' and add, in their place, the words ``post office 
    box fees paid''.
        v. In Classification Schedule SS-13, section 13.070 in the table, 
    entries c. and d., remove the amount ``$25'' and add the amount ``$50'' 
    in its place.
        w. In Classification Schedule SS-14, revise section 14.021 to read 
    as set forth below.
        x. In Classification Schedule SS-14, section 14.026, after the word 
    ``which'', add the words ``insurance is provided, or for articles 
    valued $100 or less on which''; and add a ``,'' after the word 
    ``elected''.
        y. In Classification Schedule SS-14, section 14.070, after the word 
    ``mail'', remove the words ``and related optional indemnity purchase''.
        z. In Classification Schedule SS-16, section 16.020 in the table, 
    in entry f., remove the words ``First Class'' and add, in their place, 
    the words ``Priority Mail''; in entry g., revise the parenthetical 
    phrase to read ``(limited to merchandise sent by Single Piece, Parcel 
    Post, Bound Printed Matter, Special, and Library Subclasses)''.
        aa. In Classification Schedule SS-16, section 16.021, after the 
    words ``mailing
    
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    or'' add the following '', when purchased in conjunction with 
    certified, COD, insured (if for more than $50), registered, or Express 
    Mail,''.
        bb. Amend Classification Schedule SS-16, by revising section 
    16.0211 as set forth below.
        cc. Classification Schedule SS-17 is removed.
        dd. In Classification Schedule SS-18, section 18.021 remove the 
    words ``(or special delivery)''.
        ee. Classification Schedule 19A is added to read as set forth 
    below.
        ff. Standard Mail Rate Schedule 321.4 is removed.
        gg. Rate Schedules 321.4A, 321.4B and 321.5 are added to read as 
    set forth below.
        hh. Rate Schedules 423.2, 423.3 and 423.4 are revised to read as 
    set forth below.
        ii. In the table which appears after Rate Schedule 423.4, Rate 
    Schedules SS-2--Business Reply Mail, SS-5--Certified Mail, SS-9--
    Insured Mail, SS-10--Post Office Boxes and Caller Service, SS-14--
    Registered Mail and SS-16--Return Receipts are revised to read as set 
    forth below.
        jj. Rate Schedule SS-17--Special Delivery is removed.
        kk. In Rate Schedule SS-19--Stamped Envelopes add the following 
    parenthetical phrase ``(in addition to postage)'', under the word 
    ``Fee''.
        ll. Rate Schedule SS-19A--Stamped Cards is added to read as set 
    forth below.
    
    Appendix A to Subpart C--Postal Service Rates and Charges
    
    * * * * *
    180  REFUNDS
    
    181  Procedure
    
        Claims for refunds of postage must be filed within the period of 
    time and under terms and conditions prescribed by the Postal Service.
    
    182  Availability
    
        182.1  Same Day Airport. The Postal Service will refund the postage 
    for Same Day Airport Express Mail not available for claim by the time 
    specified, unless the delay is caused by:
        a. Strikes or work stoppage;
        b. Delay or cancellation of flights; or
        c. Governmental action beyond the control of Postal Service or air 
    carriers.
        182.2  Custom Designed. Except where a service agreement provides 
    for claim, or delivery, of Custom Designed Express Mail more than 24 
    hours after scheduled tender at point of origin, the Postal Service 
    will refund postage for such mail not available for claim, or not 
    delivered, within 24 hours of mailing, unless the item was delayed by 
    strike or work stoppage.
        182.3  Next Day. Unless the item was delayed by strike or work 
    stoppage, the Postal Service will refund postage for Next Day Express 
    Mail not available for claim or not delivered:
        a. By 10:00 a.m., or earlier time(s) prescribed by the Postal 
    Service, of the next delivery day in the case of Post Office-to-Post 
    Office service;
        b. By 3:00 p.m., or earlier time(s) prescribed by the Postal 
    Service, of the next delivery day in the case of Post Office-to-
    Addressee service.
        182.4  Second Day. Unless the item was delayed by strike or work 
    stoppage, the Postal Service will refund postage for Second Day Express 
    Mail not available for claim or not delivered:
        a. By 10:00 a.m., or earlier time(s) prescribed by the Postal 
    Service, of the second delivery day in the case of Post Office-to-Post 
    Office service;
        b. By 3:00 p.m., or earlier time(s) prescribed by the Postal 
    Service, of the second delivery day in the case of Post Office-to-
    Addressee service.
    * * * * *
    320  DESCRIPTION OF SUBCLASSES
    
    321  Subclasses Limited to Mail Weighing Less than 16 Ounces
    
    321.1  Single Piece Subclass
    
        321.11  Definition. The Single Piece subclass consists of Standard 
    Mail weighing less than 16 ounces that is not mailed under sections 
    321.2, 321.3, 321.4, 321.5 or 323.
        321.12  Basic Rate Category. The basic rate category applies to 
    Single Piece subclass mail not mailed under section 321.13.
        321.13  Keys and Identification Devices Rate Category. The keys and 
    identification devices rate category applies to keys, identification 
    cards, identification tags, or similar identification devices mailed 
    without cover, and which bear, contain, or have securely attached the 
    name and complete address of a person, organization, or concern, with 
    instructions to return to such address and a statement guaranteeing the 
    payment of postage due on delivery.
        321.14  Nonstandard Size Surcharge. Single Piece subclass mail, 
    other than that mailed under section 321.13, is subject to a surcharge 
    if it is nonstandard size mail, as defined in section 333.
    
    321.2  Regular Subclass
    
        321.21  General. The Regular subclass consists of Standard Mail 
    weighing less than 16 ounces that is not mailed under sections 321.1, 
    321.3, 321.4, 321.5 or 323.
        321.22  Presort Rate Categories
        321.221  General. The presort rate categories apply to Regular 
    subclass mail that:
        a. Is prepared in a mailing of at least 200 addressed pieces or 50 
    pounds of addressed pieces;
        b. Is presorted, marked, and presented as prescribed by the Postal 
    Service; and
        c. Meets the machinability, addressing, and other preparation 
    requirements prescribed by the Postal Service.
        321.222  Basic Rate Categories. The basic rate categories apply to 
    presort rate category mail not mailed under section 321.223.
        321.223  Three- and Five-Digit Rate Categories. The three- and 
    five-digit rate categories apply to presort rate category mail 
    presorted to single or multiple three- and five-digit ZIP Code 
    destinations as prescribed by the Postal Service.
    
    321.23  Automation Rate Categories
    
        321.231  General. The automation rate categories apply to Regular 
    subclass mail that:
        a. Is prepared in a mailing of at least 200 addressed pieces or 50 
    pounds of addressed pieces;
        b. Is presorted, marked, and presented as prescribed by the Postal 
    Service;
        c. Bears a barcode representing not more than 11 digits (not 
    including ``correction'' digits) as prescribed by the Postal Service;
        d. Meets the machinability, addressing, barcoding, and other 
    preparation requirements prescribed by the Postal Service.
        321.232  Basic Barcoded Rate Category. The basic barcoded rate 
    category applies to letter-size automation rate category mail not 
    mailed under section 321.233 or 321.234.
        321.233  Three- Digit Barcoded Rate Category. The three-digit 
    barcoded rate category applies to letter-size automation rate category 
    mail presorted to single or multiple three-digit ZIP Code destinations 
    as prescribed by the Postal Service.
        321.234  Five-Digit Barcoded Rate Category. The five-digit barcoded 
    rate category applies to letter-size automation rate category mail 
    presorted to single or multiple five-digit ZIP Code destinations as 
    prescribed by the Postal Service.
        321.235  Basic Barcoded Flats Rate Category. The basic barcoded 
    flats rate category applies to flat-size automation rate category mail 
    not mailed under section 321.236.
    
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        321.236  Three- and Five-Digit Barcoded Flats Rate Category. The 
    three- and five-digit barcoded flats rate category applies to flat-size 
    automation rate category mail presorted to single or multiple three- 
    and five-digit ZIP Code destinations as prescribed by the Postal 
    Service.
        321.24  Destination Entry Discount. The destination entry discounts 
    apply to Regular subclass mail prepared as prescribed by the Postal 
    Service and addressed for delivery within the service area of the BMC 
    (or auxiliary service facility), or sectional center facility (SCF), at 
    which it is entered, as defined by the Postal Service.
    
    321.3  Enhanced Carrier Route Subclass
    
        321.31  Definition. The Enhanced Carrier Route subclass consists of 
    Standard Mail weighing less than 16 ounces that is not mailed under 
    section 321.1, 321.2, 321.4, 321.5 or 323, and that:
        a. Is prepared in a mailing of at least 200 addressed pieces or 50 
    pounds of addressed pieces;
        b. Is prepared, marked, and presented as prescribed by the Postal 
    Service;
        c. Is presorted to carrier routes as prescribed by the Postal 
    Service;
        d. Is sequenced as prescribed by the Postal Service; and
        e. Meets the machinability, addressing, and other preparation 
    requirements prescribed by the Postal Service.
        321.32  Basic Rate Category. The basic rate category applies to 
    Enhanced Carrier Route subclass mail not mailed under section 321.33, 
    321.34 or 321.35.
        321.33  Basic Pre-Barcoded Rate Category. The basic pre-barcoded 
    rate category applies to letter-size Enhanced Carrier Route subclass 
    mail which bears a barcode representing not more than 11 digits (not 
    including ``correction'' digits), as prescribed by the Postal Service, 
    and which meets the machinability, addressing, and barcoding 
    specifications and other preparation requirements prescribed by the 
    Postal Service.
        321.34  High Density Rate Category. The high density rate category 
    applies to Enhanced Carrier Route subclass mail presented in walk-
    sequence order and meeting the high density requirements prescribed by 
    the Postal Service.
        321.35  Saturation Rate Category. The saturation rate category 
    applies to Enhanced Carrier Route subclass mail presented in walk-
    sequence order and meeting the saturation requirements prescribed by 
    the Postal Service.
        321.36  Destination Entry Discounts. Destination entry discounts 
    apply to Enhanced Carrier Route subclass mail prepared as prescribed by 
    the Postal Service and addressed for delivery within the service area 
    of the BMC (or auxiliary service facility), sectional center facility 
    (SCF), or destination delivery unit (DDU) at which it is entered, as 
    defined by the Postal Service.
    
    321.4  Nonprofit Subclass
    
        321.41  General. The Nonprofit subclass consists of Standard 
    Mail weighing less than 16 ounces that is not mailed under section 
    321.1, 321.2, 321.3, 321.5 or 323, and that is mailed by authorized 
    nonprofit organizations or associations of the following types:
        a. Religious, as defined in section 1009,
        b. Educational, as defined in section 1009,
        c. Scientific, as defined in section 1009,
        d. Philanthropic, as defined in section 1009,
        e. Agricultural, as defined in section 1009,
        f. Labor, as defined in section 1009,
        g. Veterans', as defined in section 1009,
        h. Fraternal, as defined in section 1009,
        i. Qualified political committees,
        j. State or local voting registration officials when making a 
    mailing required or authorized by the National Voter Registration Act 
    of 1993.
        321.411  Qualified Political Committees. The term ``qualified 
    political committee'' means a national or State committee of a 
    political party, the Republican and Democratic Senatorial Campaign 
    Committees, the Democratic National Congressional Committee, and the 
    National Republican Congressional Committee:
        a. The term ``national committee'' means the organization which, by 
    virtue of the bylaws of a political party, is responsible for the day-
    to-day operation of such political party at the national level; and
        b. The term ``State committee'' means the organization which, by 
    virtue of the bylaws of a political party, is responsible for the day-
    to-day operation of such political party at the State level.
        321.412  Limitation on Authorization. An organization authorized to 
    mail at the nonprofit Standard rates for qualified nonprofit 
    organizations may mail only its own matter at these rates. An 
    organization may not delegate or lend the use of its permit to mail at 
    special Standard rates to any other person, organization or 
    association.
    
    321.42  Presort Rate Categories
    
        321.421  General. The presort rate categories apply to Nonprofit 
    subclass mail that:
        a. Is prepared in a mailing of at least 200 addressed pieces or 50 
    pounds of addressed pieces;
        b. Is presorted, marked, and presented as prescribed by the Postal 
    Service; and
        c. Meets the machinability, addressing, and other preparation 
    requirements prescribed by the Postal Service.
        321.422  Basic Rate Categories. The basic rate categories apply to 
    presort rate category mail not mailed under section 321.423.
        321.423  Three-and Five-Digit Rate Categories. The three-and five-
    digit rate categories apply to presort rate category mail presorted to 
    single or multiple three-and five-digit ZIP Code destinations as 
    prescribed by the Postal Service.
        321.43  Automation Rate Categories
        321.431  General. The automation rate categories apply to Nonprofit 
    subclass mail that:
        a. Is prepared in a mailing of at least 200 addressed pieces or 50 
    pounds of addressed pieces;
        b. Is presorted, marked, and presented as prescribed by the Postal 
    Service;
        c. Bears a barcode representing not more than 11 digits (not 
    including ``correction'' digits) as prescribed by the Postal Service;
        d. Meets the machinability, addressing, barcoding, and other 
    preparation requirements prescribed by the Postal Service.
        321.432  Basic Barcoded Rate Category. The basic barcoded rate 
    category applies to letter-size automation rate category mail not 
    mailed under section 321.433 or 321.434.
        321.433  Three-Digit Barcoded Rate Category. The three-digit 
    barcoded rate category applies to letter-size automation rate category 
    mail presorted to single or multiple three-digit ZIP Code destinations 
    as prescribed by the Postal Service.
        321.434  Five-Digit Barcoded Rate Category. The five-digit barcoded 
    rate category applies to letter-size automation rate category mail 
    presorted to single or multiple five-digit ZIP Code destinations as 
    prescribed by the Postal Service.
        321.435  Basic Barcoded Flats Rate Category. The basic barcoded 
    flats rate category applies to flat-size automation rate category mail 
    not mailed under section 321.436.
        321.436  Three- and Five-Digit Barcoded Flats Rate Category. The 
    three-
    
    [[Page 35428]]
    
    and five-digit barcoded flats rate category applies to flat-size 
    automation rate category mail presorted to single or multiple three-and 
    five-digit ZIP Code destinations as prescribed by the Postal Service.
        321.44  Destination Entry Discounts. Destination entry discounts 
    apply to Nonprofit subclass mail prepared as prescribed by the Postal 
    Service and addressed for delivery within the service area of the BMC 
    (or auxiliary service facility) or sectional center facility (SCF) at 
    which it is entered, as defined by the Postal Service.
    
    321.5  Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route Subclass
    
        321.51  Definition. The Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route subclass 
    consists of Standard Mail weighing less than 16 ounces that is not 
    mailed under section 321.1, 321.2, 321.3, 321.4 or 323, that is mailed 
    by authorized nonprofit organizations or associations (as defined in 
    section 321.41) under the terms and limitations stated in section 
    321.412, and that:
        a. Is prepared in a mailing of at least 200 addressed pieces or 50 
    pounds of addressed pieces;
        b. Is prepared, marked, and presented as prescribed by the Postal 
    Service;
        c. Is presorted to carrier routes as prescribed by the Postal 
    Service;
        d. Is sequenced as prescribed by the Postal Service; and
        e. Meets the machinability, addressing, and other preparation 
    requirements prescribed by the Postal Service.
        321.52  Basic Rate Category. The basic rate category applies to 
    Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route subclass mail not mailed under section 
    321.53, 321.54 or 321.55.
        321.53  Basic Pre-Barcoded Rate Category. The basic pre-barcoded 
    rate category applies to letter-size Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route 
    subclass mail which bears a barcode representing not more than 11 
    digits (not including ``correction'' digits), as prescribed by the 
    Postal Service, and which meets the machinability, addressing, and 
    barcoding specifications and other preparation requirements prescribed 
    by the Postal Service.
        321.54  High Density Rate Category. The high density rate category 
    applies to Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route subclass mail presented in 
    walk-sequence order and meeting the high density requirements 
    prescribed by the Postal Service.
        321.55  Saturation Rate Category. The saturation rate category 
    applies to Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route subclass mail presented in 
    walk-sequence order and meeting the saturation requirements prescribed 
    by the Postal Service.
        321.56  Destination Entry Discounts. Destination entry discounts 
    apply to Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route subclass mail prepared as 
    prescribed by the Postal Service and addressed for delivery within the 
    service area of the BMC (or auxiliary service facility), sectional 
    center facility (SCF), or destination delivery unit (DDU) at which it 
    is entered, as defined by the Postal Service.
    
    322  Subclasses Limited to Mail Weighing 16 Ounces or More
    
        322.1  Parcel Post Subclass
        322.11  Definition. The Parcel Post subclass consists of Standard 
    Mail weighing 16 ounces or more that is not mailed under sections 
    322.3, 323.1, or 323.2.
        322.12  Basic Rate Category. The basic rate category applies to all 
    Parcel Post subclass mail not mailed under sections 322.13 or 322.14.
    
    322.13  [Reserved] **
    
        **Revised language describing the bulk parcel post rate category 
    was not accepted in Docket No. MC95-1. The following description, 
    last amended in Docket No. R84-1, remains in effect.
    
    400.0202  Bulk
    
        Bulk parcel post mail is fourth-class parcel post mail consisting 
    of properly prepared and separated single mailings of at least 300 
    pieces or 2000 pounds. Pieces weighing less than 15 pounds and 
    measuring over 84 inches in length and girth combined are not mailable 
    as bulk parcel post. Provision for mailing nonidentical pieces is set 
    forth in section 400.046.
        322.14  Destination BMC Rate Category. Parcel Post subclass mail is 
    eligible for destination BMC rates if it is included in a mailing of at 
    least 50 pieces deposited at the destination BMC, auxiliary service 
    facility, or other equivalent facility, as prescribed by the Postal 
    Service.
        322.15  Intra-BMC Discount. Basic rate category Parcel Post 
    subclass mail is eligible for the intra-BMC discount if it originates 
    and destinates within the same BMC or auxiliary service facility 
    service area, Alaska, Hawaii or Puerto Rico.
        322.16  Nonmachinable Surcharge. Basic rate category Parcel Post 
    subclass mail that does not meet machinability criteria prescribed by 
    the Postal Service is subject to a nonmachinable surcharge.
        322.17  Pickup Service. Pickup service is available for Parcel Post 
    subclass mail under terms and conditions prescribed by the Postal 
    Service.
    
    322.2  [Reserved]
    
    322.3  Bound Printed Matter Subclass
    
        322.31  Definition. The Bound Printed Matter subclass consists of 
    Standard Mail weighing at least 16 ounces, but not more than 10 pounds, 
    which:
        a. Consists of advertising, promotional, directory, or editorial 
    material, or any combination thereof;
        b. Is securely bound by permanent fastenings including, but not 
    limited to, staples, spiral bindings, glue, and stitching; loose leaf 
    binders and similar fastenings are not considered permanent;
        c. Consists of sheets of which at least 90 percent are imprinted 
    with letters, characters, figures or images or any combination of 
    these, by any process other than handwriting or typewriting;
        d. Does not have the nature of personal correspondence;
        e. Is not stationery, such as pads of blank printed forms.
        322.32  Single Piece Rate Category. The single piece rate category 
    applies to Bound Printed Matter subclass mail which is not mailed under 
    section 322.33 or 322.34.
        322.33  Bulk Rate Category. The bulk rate category applies to Bound 
    Printed Matter subclass mail prepared in a mailing of at least 300 
    pieces, prepared and presorted as prescribed by the Postal Service.
        322.34  Carrier Route Presort Rate Category. The carrier route rate 
    category applies to Bound Printed Matter subclass mail prepared in a 
    mailing of at least 300 pieces of carrier route presorted mail, 
    prepared and presorted as prescribed by the Postal Service.
    
    323  Subclasses With No 16-Ounce Limitation
    
    323.1  Special Subclass
    
        323.11  Definition. The Special subclass consists of Standard Mail 
    of the following types:
        a. Books, including books issued to supplement other books, of at 
    least eight printed pages, consisting wholly of reading matter or 
    scholarly bibliography or reading matter with incidental blank spaces 
    for notations, and containing no advertising matter other than 
    incidental announcements of books. Not more than three of the 
    announcements may contain as part of their format a single order form, 
    which may also serve as a post card. The order forms permitted in this 
    subsection are in addition to and not in lieu of order forms which may 
    be enclosed by virtue of any other provision;
    
    [[Page 35429]]
    
        b. 16 millimeter or narrower width films which must be positive 
    prints in final form for viewing, and catalogs of such films, of 24 
    pages or more, at least 22 of which are printed, except when sent to or 
    from commercial theaters;
        c. Printed music, whether in bound form or in sheet form;
        d. Printed objective test materials and accessories thereto used by 
    or in behalf of educational institutions in the testing of ability, 
    aptitude, achievement, interests and other mental and personal 
    qualities with or without answers, test scores or identifying 
    information recorded thereon in writing or by mark;
        e. Sound recordings, including incidental announcements of 
    recordings and guides or scripts prepared solely for use with such 
    recordings. Not more than three of the announcements permitted in this 
    subsection may contain as part of their format a single order form, 
    which may also serve as a post card. The order forms permitted in this 
    subsection are in addition to and not in lieu of order forms which may 
    be enclosed by virtue of any other provision;
        f. Playscripts and manuscripts for books, periodicals and music;
        g. Printed educational reference charts, permanently processed for 
    preservation;
        h. Printed educational reference charts, including but not limited 
    to;
        i. Mathematical tables;
        ii. Botanical tables;
        iii. Zoological tables; and
        iv. Maps produced primarily for educational reference purposes;
        i. Looseleaf pages and binders therefor, consisting of medical 
    information for distribution to doctors, hospitals, medical schools, 
    and medical students; and
        j. Computer-readable media containing prerecorded information and 
    guides or scripts prepared solely for use with such media.
        323.12  Single Piece Rate Category. The single piece rate category 
    applies to Special subclass mail not mailed under section 323.13 or 
    323.14.
        323.13  Level A Presort Rate Category. The Level A presort rate 
    category applies to mailings of at least 500 pieces of Special subclass 
    mail, prepared and presorted to five-digit destination ZIP Codes as 
    prescribed by the Postal Service.
        323.14  Level B Presort Rate Category. The Level B presort rate 
    category applies to mailing of at least 500 pieces of Special subclass 
    mail, prepared and presorted to destination Bulk Mail Centers as 
    prescribed by the Postal Service.
    
    323.2  Library Subclass
    
    323.21  Definition
    
        323.211  General. The Library subclass consists of Standard Mail of 
    the following types, separated or presorted as prescribed by the Postal 
    Service:
        a. Matter designated in subsection 323.213, loaned or exchanged 
    (including cooperative processing by libraries) between:
        i. Schools or colleges, or universities;
        ii. Public libraries, museums and herbaria, nonprofit religious, 
    educational, scientific, philanthropic, agricultural, labor, veterans' 
    or fraternal organizations or associations, or between such 
    organizations and their members, readers or borrowers.
        b. Matter designated in subsection 323.214, mailed to or from 
    schools, colleges, universities, public libraries, museums and herbaria 
    and to or from nonprofit religious, educational, scientific, 
    philanthropic, agricultural, labor, veterans' or fraternal 
    organizations or associations; or
        c. Matter designated in subsection 323.215, mailed from a publisher 
    or a distributor to a school, college, university or public library.
        323.212  Definition of Nonprofit Organizations and Associations. 
    Nonprofit organizations or associations are defined in section 1009.
        323.213  Library subclass mail under section 323.211a. Matter 
    eligible for mailing as Library subclass mail under section 323.211a 
    consists of:
        a. Books consisting wholly of reading matter or scholarly 
    bibliography or reading matter with incidental blank spaces for 
    notations and containing no advertising other than incidental 
    announcements of books;
        b. Printed music, whether in bound form or in sheet form;
        c. Bound volumes of academic theses in typewritten or other 
    duplicated form;
        d. Periodicals, whether bound or unbound;
        e. Sound recordings;
        f. Other library materials in printed, duplicated or photographic 
    form or in the form of unpublished manuscripts; and
        g. Museum materials, specimens, collections, teaching aids, printed 
    matter and interpretative materials intended to inform and to further 
    the educational work and interest of museums and herbaria.
        323.214  Library subclass mail under section 323.211b. Matter 
    eligible for mailing as Library subclass mail under section 323.211b 
    consists of:
        a. 16-millimeter or narrower width films; filmstrips; 
    transparencies; slides; microfilms; all of which must be positive 
    prints in final form for viewing;
        b. Sound recordings;
        c. Museum materials, specimens, collections, teaching aids, printed 
    matter, and interpretative materials intended to inform and to further 
    the educational work and interests of museums and herbaria;
        d. Scientific or mathematical kits, instruments or other devices;
        e. Catalogs of the materials in section 323.214 a through d and 
    guides or scripts prepared solely for use with such materials.
        323.215  Library subclass mail under section 323.211c. Matter 
    eligible for mailing as Library subclass mail under section 323.211c 
    consists of books, including books to supplement other books, 
    consisting wholly of reading matter or scholarly bibliography or 
    reading matter with incidental blank spaces for notations, and 
    containing no advertising matter other than incidental announcements of 
    books.
        323.22  Basic Rate Category. The basic rate category applies to all 
    Library subclass mail.
    330  PHYSICAL LIMITATIONS
    
    331  Size
    
        Standard Mail may not exceed 108 inches in length and girth 
    combined. Additional size limitations apply to individual Standard Mail 
    subclasses. The maximum size for mail presorted to carrier route in the 
    Enhanced Carrier Route and Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route subclasses 
    is 14 inches in length, 11.75 inches in width, and 0.75 inch in 
    thickness. For merchandise samples mailed with detached address cards, 
    the carrier route maximum dimensions apply to the detached address 
    cards and not to the samples.
    
    332  Weight
    
        Standard Mail may not weigh more than 70 pounds. Additional weight 
    limitations apply to individual Standard Mail subclasses.
    
    333  Nonstandard Size Mail
    
        Single Piece subclass mail weighing one ounce or less is 
    nonstandard size if:
        a. Its aspect ratio does not fall between 1 to 1.3 and 1 to 2.5 
    inclusive; or
        b. It exceeds any of the following dimensions:
        i. 11.5 inches in length;
        i. 6.125 inches in width; or
        iii. 0.25 inch in thickness.
    340  POSTAGE AND PREPARATION
    
    341  Postage
    
        Postage must be paid as set forth in section 3000. When the postage 
    computed at a Single Piece, Regular,
    
    [[Page 35430]]
    
    Enhanced Carrier Route, Nonprofit or Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route 
    Standard rate is higher than the rate prescribed in any of the Standard 
    subclasses listed in 322 or 323 for which the piece also qualifies (or 
    would qualify, except for weight), the piece is eligible for the 
    applicable lower rate. All mail mailed at a bulk or presort rate must 
    have postage paid in a manner not requiring cancellation.
    
    342  Preparation
    
        All pieces in a Standard mailing must be separately addressed. All 
    pieces in a Standard mailing must be identified as prescribed by the 
    Postal Service, and must contain the ZIP Code of the addressee when 
    prescribed by the Postal Service. All Standard mailings must be 
    prepared and presented as prescribed by the Postal Service. Two or more 
    Standard mailings may be commingled and mailed only when specific 
    methods approved by the Postal Service for ascertaining and verifying 
    postage are followed.
    
    343  Non-Identical Pieces
    
        Pieces not identical in size and weight may be mailed at a bulk or 
    presort rate as part of the same mailing only when specific methods 
    approved by the Postal Service for ascertaining and verifying postage 
    are followed.
    
    344  Attachments and Enclosures
    
    344.1  Single Piece, Regular, Enhanced Carrier Route, Nonprofit and 
    Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route Subclasses (section 321)
    
        344.11  General. First-Class Mail may be attached to or enclosed in 
    Standard books, catalogs, and merchandise entered under section 321. 
    The piece must be marked as prescribed by the Postal Service. Except as 
    provided in section 344.12, additional postage must be paid for the 
    attachment or enclosure as if it had been mailed separately. Otherwise, 
    the entire combined piece is subject to the First-Class rate for which 
    it qualifies.
        344.12  Incidental First-Class Attachments and Enclosures. First-
    Class Mail, as defined in section 210 b through d, may be attached to 
    or enclosed with Standard merchandise entered under section 321, 
    including books but excluding merchandise samples, with postage paid on 
    the combined piece at the applicable Standard rate, if the attachment 
    or enclosure is incidental to the piece to which it is attached or with 
    which it is enclosed.
    
    344.2  Parcel Post, Bound Printed Matter, Special, and Library 
    Subclasses (sections 322 and 323)
    
        344.21  General. First-Class Mail or Standard Mail from any of the 
    subclasses listed in section 321 (Single Piece, Regular, Enhanced 
    Carrier Route, Nonprofit or Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route) may be 
    attached to or enclosed in Standard Mail mailed under sections 322 and 
    323. The piece must be marked as prescribed by the Postal Service. 
    Except as provided in sections 344.22 and 344.23, additional postage 
    must be paid for the attachment or enclosure as if it had been mailed 
    separately. Otherwise, the entire combined piece is subject to the 
    First-Class or section 321 Standard rate for which it qualifies (unless 
    the rate applicable to the host piece is higher), or, if a combined 
    piece with a section 321 Standard Mail attachment or enclosure weighs 
    16 ounces or more, the piece is subject to the Parcel Post rate for 
    which it qualifies.
        344.22  Specifically Authorized Attachments and Enclosures. 
    Standard Mail mailed under sections 322 and 323 may contain enclosures 
    and attachments as prescribed by the Postal Service and as described in 
    section 323.11 a and e, with postage paid on the combined piece at the 
    Standard rate applicable to the host piece.
        344.23  Incidental First-Class Attachments and Enclosures. First-
    Class Mail that meets one or more of the definitions in section 210 b 
    through d, may be attached to or enclosed with Standard Mail mailed 
    under section 322 or 323, with postage paid on the combined piece at 
    the Standard rate applicable to the host piece, if the attachment or 
    enclosure is incidental to the piece to which it is attached or with 
    which it is enclosed.
    350  DEPOSIT AND DELIVERY
    
    351  Deposit
    
        Standard Mail must be deposited at places and times designated by 
    the Postal Service.
    
    352  Service
    
        Standard Mail may receive deferred service.
    
    353  Forwarding and Return
    
    353.1  Single Piece, Regular, Enhanced Carrier Route, Nonprofit and 
    Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route Subclasses (section 321)
    
        Undeliverable-as-addressed Standard Mail mailed under section 321 
    will be returned on request of the mailer, or forwarded and returned on 
    request of the mailer. Undeliverable-as-addressed combined First-Class 
    and Standard pieces will be returned as prescribed by the Postal 
    Service. The Single Piece Standard rate is charged for each piece 
    receiving return only service. Charges for forwarding-and-return 
    service are assessed only on those pieces which cannot be forwarded and 
    are returned. The charge for those returned pieces is the appropriate 
    Single Piece Standard rate for the piece plus that rate multiplied by a 
    factor equal to the number of section 321 Standard pieces nationwide 
    that are successfully forwarded for every one piece that cannot be 
    forwarded and must be returned.
    
    353.2  Parcel Post, Bound Printed Matter, Special, and Library 
    Subclasses (sections 322 and 323)
    
        Undeliverable-as-addressed Standard Mail mailed under sections 322 
    and 323 will be forwarded on request of the addressee, returned on 
    request of the mailer, or forwarded and returned on request of the 
    mailer. Pieces which combine Standard Mail from one of the subclasses 
    described in 322 and 323 with First-Class Mail or Standard Mail from 
    one of the subclasses described in 321 will be forwarded if 
    undeliverable-as-addressed, and returned if undeliverable, as 
    prescribed by the Postal Service. When Standard Mail mailed under 
    sections 322 and 323 is forwarded or returned from one post office to 
    another, additional charges will be based on the appropriate Single 
    Piece Standard rate.
    360  ANCILLARY SERVICES
    
    361  All Subclasses
    
        All Standard Mail will receive the following services upon payment 
    of the appropriate fees:
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       Service                             Schedule         
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    a. Address correction.......................  SS-1                      
    b. Certificates of mailing indicating that a  SS-4                      
     specified number of pieces have been mailed.                           
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        Certificates of mailing are not available for Regular, Enhanced 
    Carrier Route, Nonprofit and Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route subclass 
    mail when postage is paid by permit imprint.
    
    362  Single Piece, Parcel Post, Bound Printed Matter, Special, and 
    Library Subclasses
    
        Single Piece, Parcel Post, Bound Printed Matter, Special, and 
    Library subclass mail will receive the following additional services 
    upon payment of the appropriate fees:
    
    [[Page 35431]]
    
    
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       Service                             Schedule         
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    a. Certificates of mailing..................  SS-4                      
    b. COD......................................  SS-6                      
    c. Insured mail.............................  SS-9                      
    d. Special handling.........................  SS-18                     
    e. Return receipt (merchandise only)........  SS-16                     
    f. Merchandise return.......................  SS-20                     
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        Insurance, special handling, and COD services may not be used 
    selectively for individual pieces in a multi-piece Parcel Post subclass 
    mailing unless specific methods approved by the Postal Service for 
    ascertaining and verifying postage are followed.
    370  RATES AND FEES
        The rates and fees for Standard Mail are set forth as follows:
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Schedule         
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    a. Single Piece subclass....................  321.1                     
    b. Regular subclass.........................  321.2                     
    c. Enhanced Carrier Route subclass..........  321.3                     
    d. Nonprofit subclass.......................  321.4                     
    e. Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route subclass  321.5                     
    f. Parcel Post subclass:                                                
      Basic.....................................  322.1A                    
      Destination BMC...........................  322.1B                    
    g. Bound Printed Matter subclass:                                       
      Single Piece..............................  322.3A                    
      Bulk and Carrier Route....................  322.3B                    
    h Special subclass..........................  323.1                     
    i. Library subclass.........................  323.2                     
    j. Fees.....................................  1000                      
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    380  AUTHORIZATIONS AND LICENSES
    
    381  Regular, Enhanced Carrier Route, Nonprofit and Nonprofit Enhanced 
    Carrier Route Subclasses
    
        A mailing fee as set forth in Rate Schedule 1000 must be paid once 
    each year by mailers of Regular, Enhanced Carrier Route, Nonprofit and 
    Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route subclass mail.
    
    382  Special Subclass
    
        A presort mailing fee as set forth in Rate Schedule 1000 must be 
    paid once each year at each office of mailing by or for any person who 
    mails presorted Special subclass mail. Any person who engages a 
    business concern or other individuals to mail presorted Special 
    subclass mail must pay the fee.
    
    383  Parcel Post Subclass
    
        A mailing fee as set forth in Rate Schedule 1000 must be paid once 
    each year by mailers of Destination BMC rate category mail in the 
    Parcel Post subclass.
    
    Periodicals Classification Schedule
    
    410  DEFINITION
    
    411  General Requirements
    
        411.1  Definition. A publication may qualify for mailing under the 
    Periodicals Classification Schedule if it meets all of the requirements 
    in sections 411.2 through 411.5 and the requirements for one of the 
    qualification categories in sections 412 through 415. Eligibility for 
    specific Periodicals rates is prescribed in section 420.
        411.2  Periodicals. Periodicals class mail is mailable matter 
    consisting of newspapers and other periodical publications. The term 
    ``periodical publications'' includes, but is not limited to:
        a. Any catalog or other course listing including mail announcements 
    of legal texts which are part of post-bar admission education issued by 
    any institution of higher education or by a nonprofit organization 
    engaged in continuing legal education.
        b. Any looseleaf page or report (including any index, instruction 
    for filing, table, or sectional identifier which is an integral part of 
    such report) which is designed as part of a looseleaf reporting service 
    concerning developments in the law or public policy.
    
    411.3  Issuance
    
        411.31  Regular Issuance. Periodicals class mail must be regularly 
    issued at stated intervals at least four times a year, bear a date of 
    issue, and be numbered consecutively.
        411.32  Separate Publication. For purposes of determining 
    Periodicals rate eligibility, an ``issue'' of a newspaper or other 
    periodical shall be deemed to be a separate publication when the 
    following conditions exist:
        a. The issue is published at a regular frequency more often than 
    once a month either on (1) the same day as another regular issue of the 
    same publication; or (2) on a day different from regular issues of the 
    same publication, and
        b. More than 10 percent of the total number of copies of the issue 
    is distributed on a regular basis to recipients who do not subscribe to 
    it or request it, and
        c. The number of copies of the issue distributed to nonsubscribers 
    or nonrequesters is more than twice the number of copies of any other 
    issue distributed to nonsubscribers or nonrequesters on that same day, 
    or, if no other issue that day, any other issue distributed during the 
    same period. ``During the same period'' shall be defined as the periods 
    of time ensuing between the distribution of each of the issues whose 
    eligibility is being examined. Such separate publications must 
    independently meet the qualifications for Periodicals eligibility.
        411.4  Office of Publication. Periodicals class mail must have a 
    known office of publication. A known office of publication is a public 
    office where business of the publication is transacted during the usual 
    business hours. The office must be maintained where the publication is 
    authorized original entry.
        411.5  Printed Sheets. Periodicals class mail must be formed of 
    printed sheets. It may not be reproduced by stencil, mimeograph, or 
    hectograph processes, or reproduced in imitation of typewriting. 
    Reproduction by any other printing process is permissible. Any style of 
    type may be used.
    
    412  General Publications
    
        412.1  Definition. To qualify as a General Publication, Periodicals 
    class mail must meet the requirements in section 411 and in sections 
    412.2 through 412.4.
        412.2  Dissemination of Information. A General Publication must be 
    originated and published for the purpose of disseminating information 
    of a public character, or devoted to literature, the sciences, art, or 
    some special industry.
    
    412.3  Paid Circulation
    
        412.31  Total Distribution. A General Publication must be designed 
    primarily for paid circulation. At least 50 percent or more of the 
    copies of the publication must be distributed to persons who have paid 
    above a nominal rate.
        412.32  List of Subscribers. A General Publication must be 
    distributed to a legitimate list of persons who have subscribed by 
    paying or promising to pay at a rate above nominal for copies to be 
    received during a stated time. Copies mailed to persons who are not on 
    a legitimate list of subscribers are nonsubscriber copies.
        412.33  Nominal Rates. As used in section 412.31, nominal rate 
    means:
        a. A token subscription price that is so low that it cannot be 
    considered a material consideration;
        b. A reduction to the subscriber, under a premium offer or any 
    other arrangements, of more than 50 percent of the amount charged at 
    the basic annual rate for a subscriber to receive one copy of each 
    issue published during the subscription period. The value of a premium 
    is considered to be its actual cost to the publishers, the recognized 
    retail value, or the represented value, whichever is highest.
    
    [[Page 35432]]
    
    412.34  Nonsubscriber Copies
    
        412.341  Up to Ten Percent. Nonsubscriber copies, including sample 
    and complimentary copies, mailed at any time during the calendar year 
    up to and including 10 percent of the total number of copies mailed to 
    subscribers during the calendar year are mailable at the rates that 
    apply to subscriber copies provided that the nonsubscriber copies would 
    have been eligible for those rates if mailed to subscribers.
        412.342  Over Ten Percent. Nonsubscriber copies, including sample 
    and complimentary copies, mailed at any time during the calendar year, 
    in excess of 10 percent of the total number of copies mailed to 
    subscribers during the calendar year which are presorted and commingled 
    with subscriber copies are charged the applicable rates for Regular 
    Periodicals. The 10 percent limitation for a publication is based on 
    the total number of all copies of that publication mailed to 
    subscribers during the calendar year.
        412.35  Advertiser's Proof Copies. One complete copy of each issue 
    of a General Publication may be mailed to each advertiser in that issue 
    as an advertiser's proof copy at the rates that apply to subscriber 
    copies, whether the advertiser's proof copy is mailed to the advertiser 
    directly or, instead, to an advertising representative or agent of the 
    publication. These copies count as subscriber copies.
        412.36  Expired Subscriptions. For six months after a subscription 
    has expired, copies of a General Publication may be mailed to a former 
    subscriber at the rates that apply to copies mailed to subscribers, if 
    the publisher has attempted during that six months to obtain payment, 
    or a promise to pay, for renewal. These copies do not count as 
    subscriber copies.
    
    412.4  Advertising Purposes
    
        A General Publication may not be designed primarily for advertising 
    purposes. A publication is ``designed primarily for advertising 
    purposes'' if it:
        a. Has advertising in excess of 75 percent in more than one-half of 
    its issues during any 12-month period;
        b. Is owned or controlled by individuals or business concerns and 
    conducted as an auxiliary to and essentially for the advancement of the 
    main business or calling of those who own or control it;
        c. Consists principally of advertising and editorial write-ups of 
    the advertisers;
        d. Consists principally of advertising and has only a token list of 
    subscribers, the circulation being mainly free;
        e. Has only a token list of subscribers and prints advertisements 
    free for advertisers who pay for copies to be sent to a list of persons 
    furnished by the advertisers; or
        f. Is published under a license from individuals or institutions 
    and features other businesses of the licensor.
    
    413  Requester Publications
    
        413.1  Definition. A publication which is circulated free or mainly 
    free may qualify for Periodicals class as a Requester Publication if it 
    meets the requirements in sections 411, and 413.2 through 413.4.
        413.2  Minimum Pages. It must contain at least 24 pages.
    
    413.3  Advertising Purposes
    
        413.31  Advertising Percentage. It must devote at least 25 percent 
    of its pages to nonadvertising and not more than 75 percent to 
    advertisements.
        413.32  Ownership and Control. It must not be owned or controlled 
    by one or more individuals or business concerns and conducted as an 
    auxiliary to and essentially for the advancement of the main business 
    or calling of those who own or control it.
    
    413.4  Circulated to Requesters
    
        413.41  List of Requesters. It must have a legitimate list of 
    persons who request the publication, and 50 percent or more of the 
    copies of the publication must be distributed to persons making such 
    requests. Subscription copies paid for or promised to be paid for, 
    including those at or below a nominal rate may be included in the 
    determination of whether the 50 percent request requirement is met. 
    Persons will not be deemed to have requested the publication if their 
    request is induced by a premium offer or by receipt of material 
    consideration, provided that mere receipt of the publication is not 
    material consideration.
    
    413.42  Nonrequester Copies
    
        413.421 Up to Ten Percent. Nonrequester copies, including sample 
    and complimentary copies, mailed at any time during the calendar year 
    up to and including 10 percent of the total number of copies mailed to 
    requesters during the calendar year are mailable at the rates that 
    apply to requester copies provided that the nonrequester copies would 
    have been eligible for those rates if mailed to requesters.
        413.422  Over Ten Percent. Nonrequester copies, including sample 
    and complimentary copies, mailed at any time during the calendar year, 
    in excess of 10 percent of the total number of copies mailed to 
    requesters during the calendar year which are presorted and commingled 
    with requester copies are charged the applicable rates for Regular 
    Periodicals. The 10 percent limitation for a publication is based on 
    the total number of all copies of that publication mailed to requesters 
    during the calendar year.
        413.43  Advertiser's Proof Copies. One complete copy of each issue 
    of a Requester Publication may be mailed to each advertiser in that 
    issue as an advertiser's proof copy at the rates that apply to 
    requester copies, whether the advertiser's proof copy is mailed to the 
    advertiser directly or, instead, to an advertising representative or 
    agent of the publication. These copies count as requester copies.
    
    414  Publications of Institutions and Societies
    
        414.1  Publisher's Own Advertising. Except as provided in section 
    414.2, a publication which meets the requirements of sections 411 and 
    412.4, and which contains no advertising other than that of the 
    publisher, qualifies for Periodicals class as a publication of an 
    institution or society if it is:
        a. Published by a regularly incorporated institution of learning;
        b. Published by a regularly established state institution of 
    learning supported in whole or in part by public taxation;
        c. A bulletin issued by a state board of health or a state 
    industrial development agency;
        d. A bulletin issued by a state conservation or fish and game 
    agency or department;
        e. A bulletin issued by a state board or department of public 
    charities and corrections;
        f. Published by a public or nonprofit private elementary or 
    secondary institution of learning or its administrative or governing 
    body;
        g. Program announcements or guides published by an educational 
    radio or television agency of a state or political subdivision thereof, 
    or by a nonprofit educational radio or television station;
        h. Published by or under the auspices of a benevolent or fraternal 
    society or order organized under the lodge system and having a bona 
    fide membership of not less than 1,000 persons;
        i. Published by or under the auspices of a trade(s) union;
        j. Published by a strictly professional, literary, historical, or 
    scientific society; or,
        k. Published by a church or church organization.
        414.2  General Advertising. A publication published by an 
    institution or society identified in sections 414.1 h
    
    [[Page 35433]]
    
    through k, may contain advertising of other persons, institutions, or 
    concerns, if the following additional conditions are met:
        a. The publication is originated and published to further the 
    objectives and purposes of the society;
        b. Circulation is limited to:
        i. Copies mailed to members who pay either as a part of their dues 
    or assessment or otherwise, not less than 50 percent of the regular 
    subscription price;
        ii. Other actual subscribers; and
        iii. Exchange copies.
        c. The circulation of nonsubscriber copies, including sample and 
    complimentary copies, does not exceed 10 percent of the total number of 
    copies referred to in 414.2b.
    
    415  Publications of State Departments of Agriculture
    
        A publication which is issued by a state department of agriculture 
    and which meets the requirements of sections 411 qualifies for 
    Periodicals class as a publication of a state department of agriculture 
    if it contains no advertising and is published for the purpose of 
    furthering the objects of the department.
    
    416  Foreign Publications
    
        Foreign newspapers and other periodicals of the same general 
    character as domestic publications entered as Periodicals class mail 
    may be accepted on application of the publishers thereof or their 
    agents, for transmission through the mail at the same rates as if 
    published in the United States. This section does not authorize the 
    transmission through the mail of a publication which violates a 
    copyright granted by the United States.
    420  DESCRIPTION OF SUBCLASSES
    
    421  Regular Subclass
    
        421.1  Definition. The Regular subclass consists of Periodicals 
    class mail that is not mailed under section 423 and that:
        a. Is presorted, marked, and presented as prescribed by the Postal 
    Service; and
        b. Meets machinability, addressing, and other preparation 
    requirements prescribed by the Postal Service.
    
    421.2  Regular Pound Rates
    
        An unzoned pound rate applies to the nonadvertising portion of 
    Regular subclass mail. A zoned pound rate applies to the advertising 
    portion and may be reduced by applicable destination entry discounts. 
    The pound rate postage is the sum of the nonadvertising portion charge 
    and the advertising portion charge.
    
    421.3  Regular Piece Rates
    
        421.31  Basic Rate Category. The basic rate category applies to all 
    Regular subclass mail not mailed under section 421.32 or 421.33.
        421.32  Three-Digit City and Five-Digit Rate Category. The rates 
    for this category apply to Regular subclass mail presorted to three-
    digit cities and five-digit ZIP Code destinations as prescribed by the 
    Postal Service.
        421.33  Carrier Route Rate Category. The carrier route rate 
    category applies to Regular subclass mail presorted to carrier routes 
    as prescribed by the Postal Service.
    
    421.4  Regular Subclass Discounts
    
        421.41  Barcoded Letter Discounts. Barcoded letter discounts apply 
    to letter size Regular subclass mail mailed under sections 421.31 and 
    421.32 which bears a barcode representing not more than 11 digits (not 
    including ``correction'' digits) as prescribed by the Postal Service, 
    and which meets the machinability, addressing, and barcoding 
    specifications and other preparation requirements prescribed by the 
    Postal Service.
        421.42  Barcoded Flats Discounts. Barcoded flats discounts apply to 
    flat size Regular subclass mail mailed under sections 421.31 and 421.32 
    which bear a barcode representing not more than 11 digits (not 
    including ``correction'' digits) as prescribed by the Postal Service, 
    and meet the flats machinability, addressing, and barcoding 
    specifications and other preparation requirements prescribed by the 
    Postal Service.
        421.43  High Density Discount. The high density discount applies to 
    Regular subclass mail mailed under section 421.33, presented in walk 
    sequence order, and meeting the high density and preparation 
    requirements prescribed by the Postal Service.
        421.44  Saturation Discount. The saturation discount applies to 
    Regular subclass mail mailed under section 421.33, presented in walk-
    sequence order, and meeting the saturation and preparation requirements 
    prescribed by the Postal Service.
        421.45  Destination Entry Discounts. Destination entry discounts 
    apply to Regular subclass mail which is destined for delivery within 
    the service area of the destination sectional center facility (SCF) or 
    the destination delivery unit (DDU) in which it is entered, as defined 
    by the Postal Service. The DDU discount only applies to Carrier Route 
    rate category mail.
        421.46  Nonadvertising Discount. The nonadvertising discount 
    applies to all Regular subclass mail and is determined by multiplying 
    the proportion of nonadvertising content by the discount factor set 
    forth in Rate Schedule 421 and subtracting that amount from the 
    applicable piece rate.
    
    422  [Reserved]
    
    423  Preferred Rate Periodicals
    
        423.1  Definition. Periodicals class mail, other than publications 
    qualifying as Requester Publications, may qualify for Preferred Rate 
    Periodicals rates if it meets the applicable requirements for those 
    rates in sections 423.2 through 423.5.
    
    423.2  Within County Subclass
    
        423.21  Definition. Within County mail consists of Preferred Rate 
    Periodicals class mail mailed in, and addressed for delivery within the 
    county where published and originally entered, from either the office 
    of original entry or additional entry. In addition, a Within County 
    publication must meet one of the following conditions:
        a. The total paid circulation of the issue is less than 10,000 
    copies; or
        b. The number of paid copies of the issue distributed within the 
    county of publication is at least one more than one-half of the total 
    paid circulation of such issue.
        423.22  Entry in an Incorporated City. For the purpose of 
    determining eligibility for Within County mail, when a publication has 
    original entry at an independent incorporated city which is situated 
    entirely within a county or which is contiguous to one or more counties 
    in the same state, such incorporated city shall be considered to be 
    within the county with which it is principally contiguous. Where more 
    than one county is involved, the publisher will select the principal 
    county.
    
    423.3  Nonprofit Subclass
    
        Nonprofit mail is Preferred Rate Periodicals class mail entered by 
    authorized nonprofit organizations or associations of the following 
    types:
        a. Religious, as defined in section 1009,
        b. Educational, as defined in section 1009,
        c. Scientific, as defined in section 1009,
        d. Philanthropic, as defined in section 1009,
        e. Agricultural, as defined in section 1009,
        f. Labor, as defined in section 1009,
        g. Veterans', as defined in section 1009,
        h. Fraternal, as defined in section 1009, and
        i. Associations of rural electric cooperatives,
    
    [[Page 35434]]
    
        j. One publication, which contains no advertising (except 
    advertising of the publisher) published by the official highway or 
    development agency of a state,
        k. Program announcements or guides published by an educational 
    radio or television agency of a state or political subdivision thereof 
    or by a nonprofit educational radio or television station.
        l. One conservation publication published by an agency of a state 
    which is responsible for management and conservation of the fish or 
    wildlife resources of such state.
    
    423.4  Classroom Subclass
    
        Classroom mail is Preferred Rate Periodicals class mail which 
    consists of religious, educational, or scientific publications designed 
    specifically for use in school classrooms or religious instruction 
    classes.
    
    423.5  Science of Agriculture
    
        Science of Agriculture mail consists of Preferred Rate Periodicals 
    class mail devoted to the science of agriculture if the total number of 
    copies of the publication furnished during any 12-month period to 
    subscribers residing in rural areas amounts to at least 70 percent of 
    the total number of copies distributed by any means for any purpose.
    
    423.6  Preferred Rate Pound Rates
    
        For Preferred Rate Periodicals entered under sections 423.3, 423.4 
    and 423.5, and unzoned pound rate applies to the nonadvertising 
    portion. A zoned pound rate applies to the advertising portion and may 
    be reduced by applicable destination entry discounts. The pound rate 
    postage is the sum of the nonadvertising portion charge and the 
    advertising portion charge. For Preferred Rate Periodicals entered 
    under section 423.2, one pound rate applies to the pieces presorted to 
    carrier route to be delivered within the delivery area of the 
    originating post office, and another pound rate applies to all other 
    pieces.
    
    423.7  Preferred Rate Piece Rates
    
        423.71  Basic Rate Category. The basic rate category applies to all 
    Preferred Rate Periodicals not mailed under section 423.72 or 423.73.
        423.72  Three-digit City and Five-Digit Rate Category. The rates 
    for this category apply to Preferred Rate Periodicals entered under 
    sections 423.3, 423,4, or 423.5 that are presorted to three-digit 
    cities and five-digit ZIP code destinations as prescribed by the Postal 
    Service.
        423.73  Carrier Route Rate Category. The carrier route rate 
    category applies to Preferred Rate Periodicals presorted to carrier 
    routes as prescribed by the Postal Service.
    
    423.8  Preferred Rate Discounts
    
        423.81  Barcoded Letter Discounts. Barcoded letter discounts apply 
    to letter size Preferred Rate Periodicals mailed under sections 423.71 
    and 423.72 which bear a barcode representing not more than 11 digits 
    (not including ``correction'' digits) as prescribed by the Postal 
    Service, and which meet the machinability, addressing, and barcoding 
    specifications and other preparation requirements prescribed by the 
    Postal Service.
        423.82  Barcoded Flats Discounts. Barcoded flats discounts apply to 
    flat size Preferred Rate Periodicals mailed under sections 423.71 and 
    423.72 which bear a barcode representing not more than 11 digits (not 
    including ``correction'' digits) as prescribed by the Postal Service, 
    and meet the flats machinability, addressing, and barcoding 
    specifications and other preparation requirements prescribed by the 
    Postal Service.
        423.83  High Density Discount. The high density discount applies to 
    Preferred Rate Periodicals mailed under section 423.73, presented in 
    walk sequence order, and meeting the high density and preparation 
    requirements prescribed by the Postal Service.
        423.84  Saturation Discount. The saturation discount applies to 
    Preferred Rate Periodicals mailed under section 423.73, presented in 
    walk sequence order, and meeting the saturation and preparation 
    requirements prescribed by the Postal Service.
        423.85  Destination Entry Discounts. Destination entry discounts 
    apply to Preferred Rate Periodicals which are destined for delivery 
    within the service area of the destination sectional center facility 
    (SCF) or the destination delivery unit (DDU) in which they are entered, 
    as defined by the Postal Service. The DDU discount only applies to 
    Carrier Route rate category mail; the SCF discount is not available for 
    mail entered under section 423.2.
        423.86  Nonadvertising Discount. The nonadvertising discount 
    applies to Preferred Rate Periodicals entered under sections 423.3, 
    423.4, 423.5 and is determined by multiplying the proportion of 
    nonadvertising content by the discount factor set forth in Rate 
    Schedules 421. 423.3 or 423.4 and subtracting that amount from the 
    applicable piece rate.
    * * * * *
    
    1009  Nonprofit Organizations and Associations
    
        Nonprofit organizations or associations are organizations or 
    associations not organized for profit, none of the net income of which 
    benefits any private stockholder or individual, and which meet the 
    qualifications set forth below for each type of organization or 
    association. The standard of primary purpose applies to each type of 
    organization or association, except veterans' and fraternal. The 
    standard of primary purpose requires that each type of organization or 
    association be both organized and operated for the primary purpose. The 
    following are the types of organizations or associations which may 
    qualify as authorized nonprofit organizations or associations.
        a. Religious. A nonprofit organization whose primary purpose is one 
    of the following:
        i. To conduct religious worship;
        ii. To support the religious activities of nonprofit organizations 
    whose primary purpose is to conduct religious worship;
        iii. To perform instruction in, to disseminate information about, 
    or otherwise to further the teaching of particular religious faiths or 
    tenets.
        b. Educational. A nonprofit organization whose primary purpose is 
    one of the following:
        i. The instruction or training of the individual for the purpose of 
    improving or developing his capabilities;
        ii. The instruction of the public on subjects beneficial to the 
    community.
        An organization may be educational even though it advocates a 
    particular position or viewpoint so long as it presents a sufficiently 
    full and fair exposition of the pertinent facts to permit an individual 
    or the public to form an independent opinion or conclusion. On the 
    other hand, an organization is not educational if its principal 
    function is the mere presentation of unsupported opinion.
        c. Scientific. A nonprofit organization whose primary purpose is 
    one of the following:
        i. To conduct research in the applied, pure or natural sciences;
        ii. To disseminate systematized technical information dealing with 
    applied, pure or natural sciences.
        d. Philanthropic. A nonprofit organization primarily organized and 
    operated for purposes beneficial to the public. Philanthropic 
    organizations include, but are not limited to, organizations which are 
    organized for:
        i. Relief of the poor and distressed or of the underprivileged;
    
    [[Page 35435]]
    
        ii. Advancement of religion;
        iii. Advancement of education or science;
        iv. Erection or maintenance of public buildings, monuments, or 
    works;
        v. Lessening of the burdens of government;
        vi. Promotion of social welfare by organizations designed to 
    accomplish any of the above purposes or:
        (A) To lessen neighborhood tensions;
        (B) To eliminate prejudice and discrimination;
        (C) To defend human and civil rights secured by law; or
        (D) To combat community deterioration and juvenile delinquency.
        e. Agricultural. A nonprofit organization whose primary purpose is 
    the betterment of the conditions of those engaged in agriculture 
    pursuits, the improvement of the grade of their products, and the 
    development of a higher degree of efficiency in agriculture. The 
    organization may advance agricultural interests through educational 
    activities; the holding of agricultural fairs; the collection and 
    dissemination of information concerning cultivation of the soil and its 
    fruits or the harvesting of marine resources; the rearing, feeding, and 
    management of livestock, poultry, and bees, or other activities 
    relating to agricultural interests. The term agricultural nonprofit 
    organization also includes any nonprofit organization whose primary 
    purpose is the collection and dissemination of information or materials 
    relating to agricultural pursuits.
        f. Labor. A nonprofit organization whose primary purpose is the 
    betterment of the conditions of workers. Labor organizations include, 
    but are not limited to, organizations in which employees or workmen 
    participate, whose primary purpose is to deal with employers concerning 
    grievances, labor disputes, wages, hours of employment and working 
    conditions.
        g. Veterans'. A nonprofit organization of veterans of the armed 
    services of the United States, or an auxiliary unit or society of, or a 
    trust or foundation for, any such post or organization.
        h. Fraternal. A nonprofit organization which meets all of the 
    following criteria:
        i. Has as its primary purpose the fostering of brotherhood and 
    mutual benefits among its members;
        ii. Is organized under a lodge or chapter system with a 
    representative form of government;
        iii. Follows a ritualistic format; and
        iv. Is comprised of members who are elected to membership by vote 
    of the members.
    * * * * *
    
    CLASSIFICATION SCHEDULE SS-2--BUSINESS REPLY MAIL
    
    2.01  Definitions
    
        2.010  Business reply mail is a service whereby business reply 
    cards, envelopes, cartons and labels may be distributed by or for a 
    business reply distributor for use by mailers for sending First-Class 
    Mail without prepayment of postage to an address chosen by the 
    distributor. A distributor is the holder of a business reply license.
        2.011  A business reply mail piece is nonletter-size for purposes 
    of Classification Schedule SS-2 if it meets addressing and other 
    preparation requirements, but does not meet the machinability 
    requirements prescribed by the Postal Service for mechanized or 
    automated letter sortation.
        This provision expires June 8, 1999.
    
    2.02  Description of Service
    
        2.020  The distributor guarantees payment on delivery of postage 
    and fees for all returned business reply mail. Any distributor of 
    business reply cards, envelopes, cartons and labels under any one 
    license for return to several addresses guarantees to pay postage and 
    fees on any returns refused by any such addressee.
    
    2.03  Requirements of the Mailer
    
        2.030  Business reply cards, envelopes, cartons and labels must be 
    readdressed and bear business reply markings.
        2.031  Handwriting, typewriting or handstamping are not acceptable 
    methods of preaddressing or marking business reply cards, envelopes, 
    cartons, or labels.
    
    2.04  Fees
    
        2.040  The fees for business reply mail are set forth in Rate 
    Schedule SS-2.
        2.041  To qualify as an active business reply mail advance deposit 
    trust account, the account must be used solely for business reply mail 
    and contain sufficient postage and fees due for returned business reply 
    mail.
        2.042  An accounting fee as set forth in Rate Schedule SS-2 must be 
    paid each year for each advance deposit business reply account at each 
    facility where the mail is to be returned.
    
    2.043  Experimental Reverse Manifest Fees
    
        2.0431  A set-up/qualification fee as set forth in Rate Schedule 
    SS-2 must be paid by each business reply mail advance deposit trust 
    account holder at each destination postal facility at which it applies 
    to receive nonletter-size business reply mail for which the postage and 
    fees will be accounted for through a reverse manifest method approved 
    by the Postal Service for ascertaining and verifying postage.
        A distributor must pay this fee for each business reply mail 
    advance deposit trust account for which participation in the nonletter-
    size business reply mail experiment is requested.
        This provision expires June 8, 1999.
        2.0432  A nonletter-size reverse manifest monthly fee as set forth 
    in Rate Schedule SS-2 must be paid each month during which the 
    distributor's reverse manifest account is active.
        This fee applies to the (no more than) 10 advance deposit account 
    holders which are selected by the Postal Service to participate in the 
    reverse manifest nonletter-size business reply mail experiment and 
    which utilize reverse manifest accounting methods approved by the 
    Postal Service for ascertaining and verifying postage and fees.
        This provision expires June 8, 1999.
    
    2.044  Experimental Weight Averaging Fees
    
        2.0441  A set-up/qualification fee as set forth in Rate Schedule 
    SS-2 must be paid by each business reply mail advance deposit trust 
    account holder at each destination postal facility at which it applies 
    to receive nonletter-size business reply mail for which the postage and 
    fees will be accounted for through a weight averaging method approved 
    by the Postal Service for ascertaining and verifying postage.
        A distributor must pay this fee for each business reply mail 
    advance deposit trust account for which participation in the nonletter-
    size business reply mail experiment is requested.
        This provision expires June 8, 1999.
        2.0442  A nonletter-size weight averaging monthly fee as set forth 
    in Rate Schedule SS-2 must be paid each month during which the 
    distributor's weight averaging account is active.
        This fee applies to the (no more than) 10 advance deposit account 
    holders which are selected by the Postal Service to participate in the 
    weight averaging nonletter-size business reply mail experiment.
        This provision expires June 8, 1999.
    
    2.05  Authorizations and Licenses
    
        2.050  In order to distribute business reply cards, envelopes, 
    cartons or labels, the distributor must obtain a license or licenses 
    from the Postal Service and pay the appropriate fee as set forth in 
    Rate Schedule SS-2.
        2.0501  Except as provided in section 2.0502, the license to 
    distribute business
    
    [[Page 35436]]
    
    reply cards, envelopes, cartons, or labels must be obtained at each 
    office from which the mail is offered for delivery.
        2.0502  If the business reply mail is to be distributed from a 
    central office to be returned to branches or dealers in other cities, 
    one license obtained from the post office where the central office is 
    located may be used to cover all business reply mail.
        2.051  The license to mail business reply mail may be canceled for 
    failure to pay business reply postage and fees when due, and for 
    distributing business reply cards or envelopes which do not conform to 
    prescribed form, style or size.
        2.052  Authorization to pay experimental nonletter-size business 
    reply mail fees as set forth in Rate Schedule SS-2 may be canceled for 
    failure of a business reply mail advance deposit trust account holder 
    to meet the standards prescribed by the Postal Service for the 
    applicable reverse manifest or weight averaging accounting method.
        This provision expires June 8, 1999.
    * * * * *
    
    CLASSIFICATION SCHEDULE SS-9--INSURED MAIL
    
    Part a--Express Mail Insurance
    
    9a.01  Definition
    
        9a.010  Express Mail Insurance is a service that provides the 
    mailer with indemnity for loss of, rifling of, or damage to items sent 
    by Express Mail.
    
    9a.02  Description of Service
    
        9a.020  Express Mail Insurance is available only for Express Mail.
        9a.021  Insurance coverage is provided, for no additional charge, 
    up to $500 per piece for document reconstruction, up to $5,000 per 
    occurrence regardless of the number of claimants. Insurance coverage is 
    also provided, for no additional charge, up to $500 per piece for 
    merchandise. Insurance coverage for merchandise valued at more than 
    $500 is available for an additional fee, as set forth in Rate Schedule 
    SS-9. The maximum liability for merchandise is $5,000 per piece. For 
    negotiable items, currency, or bullion, the maximum liability is $15.
        9a.022  Indemnity claims for Express Mail must be filed within a 
    specified period of time from the date the article was mailed.
        9a.023  Indemnity will be paid under terms and conditions 
    prescribed by the Postal Service.
        9a.024  Among other limitations prescribed by the Postal Service, 
    indemnity will not be paid by the Postal Service for loss, damage or 
    rifling:
        a. Of nonmailable matter;
        b. Due to improper packaging;
        c. Due to seizure by any agency of government; or,
        d. Due to war, insurrection or civil disturbances.
    
    9a.03  Fees
    
        9a.030  The fees for Express Mail Insurance service are set forth 
    in Rate Schedule SS-9.
    
    Part b--General Insurance
    
    9b.01  Definition
    
        9b.010  General Insurance is a service that provides the mailer 
    with indemnity for loss of, rifling of, or damage to mailed items.
    
    9b.02  Description of Service
    
        9b.020  The maximum liability of the Postal Service under this part 
    is $5000.
        9b.021  General Insurance is available for mail sent under the 
    following classification schedules:
    
    a. First-Class Mail, if containing matter which may be mailed as 
    Standard Mail
    b. Single Piece, Parcel Post, Bound Printed Matter, Special, and 
    Library Standard Mail
    
        9b.022  This service is not available for matter offered for sale, 
    addressed to prospective purchasers who have not ordered or authorized 
    their sending. If such matter is received in the mail, payment will not 
    be made for loss, rifling, or damage.
        9b.023  The mailer is issued a receipt for each item mailed. For 
    items insured for more than $50, a receipt of delivery is obtained by 
    the Postal Service.
        9b.024  For items insured for more than $50, a notice of arrival is 
    left at the mailing address when the first attempt at delivery is 
    unsuccessful.
        9b.025  A claim for complete loss may be filed by the mailer only. 
    A claim for damage or for partial loss may be filed by either the 
    mailer or addressee.
        9b.026  A claim for damage or loss on a parcel sent merchandise 
    return (SS-20) may only be filed by the purchaser of the insurance.
        9b.027  Indemnity claims must be filed within a specified period of 
    time from the date the article was mailed.
        9b.028  Additional copies of the original mailing receipt may be 
    obtained by the mailer, upon payment of the applicable fee set forth in 
    Rate Schedule SS-9.
    
    9b.03  Deposit of Mail
    
        9b.030  Mail insured under this part must be deposited in a manner 
    specified by the Postal Service.
    
    9b.04  Forwarding and Return
    
        9b.040  By insuring an item, the mailer guarantees forwarding and 
    return postage unless instructions on the piece mailed indicate that it 
    not be forwarded or returned.
        9b.041  Mail undeliverable as addressed sent under this part will 
    be returned to the sender as specified by the sender or by the Postal 
    Service.
    
    9b.05  Other Services
    
        9b.050  The following services, if applicable to the class of mail, 
    may be obtained in conjunction with mail sent under this part upon 
    payment of the applicable fees:
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   Classification                          Schedule         
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    a. Parcel Airlift..........................  SS-13                      
    b. Restricted delivery (for items insured    SS-15                      
     for more than $50).                                                    
    c. Return receipt (for items insured for     SS-16                      
     more than $50).                                                        
    d. Special handling........................  SS-18                      
    e. Merchandise return (shippers only)......  SS-20                      
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    9b.06  Fees
    
        9b.060  The fees for General Insurance are set forth in Rate 
    Schedule SS-9.
    * * * * *
    
    CLASSIFICATION SCHEDULE SS-14--REGISTERED MAIL
    
        14.021  Registered mail service provides insurance up to a maximum 
    of $25,000, depending upon the actual value at the time of mailing, 
    except that insurance is optional for articles valued $100 or less.
    * * * * *
    
    CLASSIFICATION SCHEDULE SS-16--RETURN RECEIPTS
    
        16.0211  Mailers requesting return receipt service at the time of 
    mailing will be provided, as appropriate, the signature of the 
    addressee or addressee's agent, the date delivered, and the address of 
    delivery, if different from the address on the mailpiece.
    * * * * *
    
    CLASSIFICATION SCHEDULE SS-19A--STAMPED CARDS
    
    * * * * *
    
    19A.01  Definition
    
        19A.010  Stamped Cards. Stamped Cards are cards with postage 
    imprinted or impressed on them and supplied by the Postal Service for 
    the transmission of messages.
        19A.011  Double Stamped Cards. Double Stamped Cards consist of two 
    attached cards, one of which may be
    
    [[Page 35437]]
    
    detached by the receiver and returned by mail as a single Stamped Card.
        19A.020  Description of Service. Stamped Cards are available for 
    First-Class Mail.
        19A.030  Fees. The fees for Stamped Cards are set forth in Rate 
    Schedule SS-19A.
    * * * * *
    
         Standard Mail Rate Schedule 321.4A--Nonprofit Subclass Presort     
                                 Categories \1\                             
                                  [Full Rates]                              
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                      Rate  
                                                                     (cents)
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Letter Size:                                                            
      Piece Rate:                                                           
        Basic.....................................................  ........
        \3/5\-Digit...............................................  ........
      Destination Entry Discount per Piece:                                 
        BMC.......................................................  ........
        SCF.......................................................  ........
    Non-Letter Size:                                                        
      Piece Rate:                                                           
        Minimum per Piece: \2\                                      ........
          Basic...................................................  ........
          \3/5\-Digit.............................................  ........
        Destination Entry Discount per Piece:                               
          BMC.....................................................  ........
          SCF.....................................................  ........
      Pound Rate:\2\                                                        
        Plus per Piece Rate:                                                
          Basic...................................................  ........
          \3/5\-Digit.............................................  ........
        Destination Entry Discount per Pound:                               
          BMC.....................................................  ........
          SCF.....................................................  ........
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Schedule 321.4A Notes                                                   
    \1\ A fee of $85.00 must be paid once each 12-month period for each bulk
      mailing permit.                                                       
    \2\ Mailer pays either the minimum piece rate or the pound rate,        
      whichever is higher.                                                  
    
    
        Standard Mail Rate Schedule 321.4B--Nonprofit Subclass Automation   
                                  Categories\1\                             
                                  [Full Rates]                              
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                      Rate  
                                                                     (cents)
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Letter Size                                                             
      Piece Rate:                                                           
        Basic Letter \3\..........................................  ........
        3-Digit Letter \4\........................................  ........
        5-Digit Letter \5\........................................  ........
      Destination Entry Discount per Piece:                                 
        BMC.......................................................  ........
        SCF.......................................................  ........
    Flat Size: \6\                                                          
      Piece Rate:                                                           
      Minimum per Piece: \7\                                                
        Basic Flat \8\............................................  ........
        3/5-Digit \9\.............................................  ........
      Destination Entry Discount per Piece:                                 
        BMC.......................................................  ........
        SCF.......................................................  ........
      Pound Rate: \7\                                                       
        Plus per Piece Rate                                                 
          Basic Flat..............................................  ........
          3/5-Digit Flat..........................................  ........
        Destination Entry Discount per Pound:                               
          BMC.....................................................  ........
          SCF.....................................................  ........
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Schedule 321.4B Notes                                                   
    \1\ A fee of $85.00 must be paid once each 12-month period for each bulk
      mailing permit.                                                       
    \2\ For letter-size automation pieces meeting applicable Postal Service 
      regulations.                                                          
    \3\ Rate applies to letter-size automation mail not mailed at 3-digit, 5-
      digit or carrier route rates.                                         
    \4\ Rate applies to letter-size automation mail presorted to single or  
      multiple three-digit ZIP Code destinations as prescribed by the Postal
      Service.                                                              
    \5\ Rate applies to letter-size automation mail presorted to single or  
      multiple five-digit ZIP Code destinations as prescribed by the Postal 
      Service.                                                              
    \6\ For flat-size automation mail meeting applicable Postal Service     
      regulations.                                                          
    \7\ Mailer pays minimum piece rate or pound rate, whichever is higher.  
    \8\ Rate applies to flat-size automation mail not mailed at 3/5-digit   
      rate.                                                                 
    \9\ Rate applies to flat-size automation mail presorted to single or    
      multiple three-and five-digit ZIP Code destinations as specified by   
      the Postal Service.                                                   
    
    
       Standard Mail Rate Schedule 321.5--Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route  
                                  Subclass \1\                              
                                  [Full Rates]                              
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                      Rate  
                                                                     (cents)
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Letter Size:                                                            
      Piece Rate:                                                           
        Basic.....................................................  ........
        Basic Automated Letter \2\................................  ........
        High Density..............................................  ........
        Saturation................................................  ........
      Destination Entry Discount per Piece:                                 
        BMC.......................................................  ........
        SCF.......................................................  ........
        DDU \3\...................................................  ........
    Non-Letter Size:                                                        
      Piece Rate:                                                           
        Minimum per Piece: \4\                                              
          Basic...................................................  ........
          High Density............................................  ........
          Saturation..............................................  ........
        Destination Entry Discount per Piece:                               
          BMC.....................................................  ........
          SCF.....................................................  ........
          DDU \3\.................................................  ........
      Pound Rate: \4\                                                       
        Plus per Piece Rate:                                                
          Basic...................................................  ........
          High Density............................................  ........
          Saturation..............................................  ........
        Destination Entry Discount per Pound:                               
          BMC.....................................................  ........
          SCF.....................................................  ........
          DDU \3\.................................................  ........
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Schedule 321.5 Notes                                                    
    \1\ A fee of $ must be paid each 12-month period for each bulk mailing  
      permit.                                                               
    \2\ Rate applies to letter-size automation mail presorted to routes     
      specified by the Postal Service.                                      
    \3\ Applies only to enhanced carrier route mail.                        
    \4\ Mailer pays either the minimum piece rate or the pound rate,        
      whichever is higher.                                                  
    
    * * * * *
    
                 Periodicals Rate Schedule 423.2--Within County             
                                  [Full Rates]                              
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                      Rate  
                                                                     (cents)
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Per Pound:                                                              
      General.....................................................  ........
      Delivery Office\1\..........................................  ........
    Per Piece:                                                              
      Required Presort............................................  ........
      Carrier Route...............................................  ........
      Presort.....................................................  ........
    Per Piece Discounts:                                                    
      Delivery Office\2\..........................................  ........
      High Density (formerly 125 piece)\3\........................  ........
      Saturation..................................................  ........
      Automation Discounts for Automation Compatible Mail\4\ From           
       Required:                                                            
        3-Digit Pre-barcoded Letter size..........................  ........
        5-Digit Pre-barcoded Letter size..........................  ........
        3/5-Digit Pre-barcoded Flats..............................  ........
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Schedule 423.2 Notes                                                    
    \1\ Applicable only to the pound charge of carrier route (including high
      density and saturation) presorted pieces to be delivered within the   
      delivery area of the originating post office                          
    \2\ Applicable only to carrier presorted pieces to be delivered within  
      the delivery area of the originating post office.                     
    \3\ Applicable to high density mail, deducted from carrier route presort
      rate.                                                                 
    \4\ For automation compatible pieces meeting applicable Postal Service  
      regulations.                                                          
    
    
    [[Page 35438]]
    
    
     Rate Schedule 423.3--Publications of Authorized Nonprofit Organizations
                                      \10\                                  
                                  [Full Rates]                              
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                    Rate \1\
                                                Postage rate unit    (cents)
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Per Pound:                                                              
      Nonadvertising portion................  Pound...............  ........
      Advertising portion:\9\                                               
        Delivery Office \2\.................  Pound...............  ........
            SCF \3\.........................  Pound...............  ........
            1&2.............................  Pound...............  ........
            3...............................  Pound...............  ........
            4...............................  Pound...............  ........
            5...............................  Pound...............  ........
            6...............................  Pound...............  ........
            7...............................  Pound...............  ........
            8...............................  Pound...............  ........
    Per Piece: Less Nonadvertising Factor of                                
     cents.\4\                                                              
      Required Preparation \5\..............  Piece...............  ........
      Presorted to 3-digit city/5-digit.....  Piece...............  ........
      Presorted to Carrier Route............  Piece...............  ........
      Discounts:                                                            
        Prepared to Delivery Office \2\.....  Piece...............  ........
        High Density (formerly 125-Piece)     Piece...............  ........
         \6\.                                                               
        Saturation \7\......................  Piece...............  ........
      Automation Discounts for Automation                                   
       Compatible Mail \8\                                                  
      From Required:                                                        
        Pre-barcoded Letter size............  Piece...............  ........
        Pre-barcoded Flats..................  Piece...............  ........
      From 3/5 Digit:                                                       
        3-Digit Pre-barcoded Letter size....  Piece...............  ........
        5-Digit Pre-barcoded Letter size....  Piece...............  ........
        Pre-barcoded Flats..................  Piece...............  ........
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Schedule 423.3 Notes                                                    
    \1\ Charges are computed by adding the appropriate per-piece charge to  
      the sum of the nonadvertising portion and the advertising portion, as 
      applicable.                                                           
    \2\ Applies to carrier route (including high density and saturation)    
      mail delivered within the delivery area of the originating post       
      office.                                                               
    \3\ Applies to mail delivered within the SCF area of the originating SCF
      office.                                                               
    \4\ For postage calculation, multiply the proportion of nonadvertising  
      content by this factor and subtract from the applicable piece rate.   
    \5\ Mail presorted to 3-digit (other than 3-digit city), SCF, states, or
      mixed states.                                                         
    \6\ Applicable to high density mail, deducted from carrier route presort
      rate.                                                                 
    \7\ Applicable to saturation mail, deducted from carrier route presort  
      rate.                                                                 
    \8\ For automation compatible mail meeting applicable Postal Service    
      regulations.                                                          
    \9\ Not applicable to publications containing 10 percent or less        
      advertising content.                                                  
    \10\ If qualified, nonprofit publications may use Within-County rates   
      for applicable portions of a mailing.                                 
    
    
          Periodicals Rate Schedule 423.4--Classroom Publications \10\      
                                  [Full Rates]                              
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                    Rate \1\
                                                Postage rate unit    (cents)
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Per Pound:                                                              
      Nonadvertising Portion................  Pound...............  ........
      Advertising Portion: \9\                                              
        Delivery Office \2\.................  Pound...............  ........
            SCF \3\.........................  Pound...............  ........
            1&2.............................  Pound...............  ........
            3...............................  Pound...............  ........
            4...............................  Pound...............  ........
            5...............................  Pound...............  ........
            6...............................  Pound...............  ........
            7...............................  Pound...............  ........
            8...............................  Pound...............  ........
    Per Piece: Less Nonadvertising Factor of                                
     cents: \4\                                                             
      Required Preparation \5\..............  Piece...............  ........
      Presorted to 3-digit city/5-digit.....  Piece...............  ........
      Presorted to Carrier Route............  Piece...............  ........
      Discounts:                                                            
        Prepared to Delivery Office. \2\....  Piece...............  ........
        Prepared to SCF.....................  Piece...............  ........
        High Density (formerly 125-piece)...  Piece...............  ........
        Saturation \7\......................  Piece...............  ........
      Automation Discounts for Automation                                   
       Compatible Mail: \8\                                                 
        From Required:                                                      
          Pre-barcoded Letter size..........  Piece...............  ........
          Pre-barcoded Flats................  Piece...............  ........
        From 3/5-Digit:                                                     
          3-Digit Pre-barcoded Letter size..  Piece...............  ........
          5-Digit Pre-barcoded Letter size..  Piece...............  ........
          Pre-barcoded Flats................  Piece...............  ........
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Schedule 423.4 Notes                                                    
    \1\ Charges are computed by adding the appropriate per-piece charge to  
      the sum of the nonadvertising portion and the advertising portion, as 
      applicable.                                                           
    \2\ Applies to carrier route (including high density and saturation)    
      mail delivered within the delivery area of the originating post       
      office.                                                               
    \3\ Applies to mail delivered within the SCF area of the originating SCF
      office.                                                               
    \4\ For postage calculation, multiply the portion of nonadvertising     
      content by this factor and subtract from the applicable piece rate.   
    \5\ Mail presorted to 3-digit (other than 3-digit city), SCF, states, or
      mixed states.                                                         
    \6\ Applicable to high density mail, deducted from carrier route presort
      rate.                                                                 
    \7\ Applicable to saturation mail, deducted from carrier route presort  
      rate.                                                                 
    \8\ For automation compatible mail meeting applicable Postal Service    
      regulations.                                                          
    \9\ Not applicable to publications containing 10 percent or less        
      advertising content.                                                  
    \10\ If qualified, Classroom Mail may use Within County rates for       
      applicable portions of a mailing.                                     
    
    * * * * *
    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Special services                    Description                                Fee \1\                  
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                    
    *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *                
                                                             *                                                      
    Schedule SS-2--Business Reply     Active business reply advance                                                 
     Mail.                            deposit account:                                                              
                                       Per piece:                                                                   
                                        Pre-barcoded                                                                
                                        Nonletter-size, using reverse                                               
                                         manifest (experimental)                                                    
                                        Nonletter-size, using weight                                                
                                         averaging (experimental)                                                   
                                        Other                                                                       
                                     Payment of postage due charges if                                              
                                      active business reply mail                                                    
                                      advance deposit account not                                                   
                                      used:                                                                         
                                         Per piece                                                                  
                                     Annual License and Accounting                                                  
                                      Fees:                                                                         
                                        Accounting Fee for Advance                                                  
                                         Deposit Account                                                            
                                       Permit fee (with or without                                                  
                                        Advance Deposit Account)                                                    
                                     Monthly Fees for customers using                                               
                                      a reverse manifest or weight                                                  
                                      averaging for nonletter-size                                                  
                                      business reply                                                                
                                       Nonletter-size, using reverse                                                
                                        manifest (experimental)                                                     
    
    [[Page 35439]]
    
                                                                                                                    
                                       Nonletter-size, using weight                                                 
                                        averaging (experimental)                                                    
                                     Set-up/Qualification fee for                                                   
                                      customers using a reverse                                                     
                                      manifest or weight averaging for                                              
                                      nonletter-size business reply                                                 
                                       Nonletter-size, using reverse                                                
                                        manifest (experimental)                                                     
                                       Nonletter-size, using weight                                                 
                                        averaging (experimental)                                                    
                                     \1\ Experimental per piece,                                                    
                                      monthly, and set-up/                                                          
                                      qualification fees are                                                        
                                      applicable only to participants                                               
                                      selected by the Postal Service                                                
                                      for the nonletter-size business                                               
                                      reply mail experiment. The                                                    
                                      experimental fees expire June 8,                                              
                                      1997.\1\                                                                      
                                                                                                                    
    *                  *                    *                  *                  *                  *              
                                                             *                                                      
    Schedule SS-5--Certified Mail..  Service (per mailpiece)..........  (in addition to postage).                   
                                                                                                                    
    *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *                
                                                             *                                                      
    Schedule SS-9--Insured Mail      Document Reconstruction Coverage.  (in addition to postage) no charge.         
     Part a--Express Mail Insurance. $0.01 to $500....................                                              
                                     Merchandise Declared Value Fee...  no charge for each $100 (or fraction        
                                     $ 0.01 to $ 500..................   thereof) over $500 in value.               
                                     500.01 to 5000...................                                              
    Part b--General Insurance......  Declared Value Fee...............  (in addition to postage).                   
                                     $ 0.01 to $ 50...................  plus for each $100 (or fraction thereof)    
                                     50.01 to $ 100...................   over $100 in declared value.               
                                     100.01 to $5000..................                                              
      Schedule SS-10--Post Office    I. Semi-annual Box Fees \1\......  Fee Group A, B, C, D and E \3\              
     Boxes and Caller Service                                                                                       
                                     1. Semi-annual Box Fees\1\.......  Fee Group--A, B, C, D, E\3\                 
                                       Box Size \2\                                                                 
                                        1                                                                           
                                        2                                                                           
                                        3                                                                           
                                        4                                                                           
                                        5                                                                           
                                     II. Semi-annual Caller Service     Fee Group A, B, C, D                        
                                      Fees                                                                          
                                     III. Annual Call Number                                                        
                                      Reservation Fee (all applicable                                               
                                      fee groups)                                                                   
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \1\ A customer ineligible for carrier delivery may obtain a post office box at no charge, subject to            
      administrative decisions regarding customer's proximity to post office.                                       
    \2\ Box Size 1=under 296 cubic inches; 2=296-499 cubic inches; 3=500-999 cubic inches; 4=1000-1999 cubic inches;
      5=2000 cubic inches and over.                                                                                 
    \3\ Group E post office box customers subject to these fees are those eligible for carrier delivery.            
    
    * * * * *
    
    [[Page 35440]]
    
    
    
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                           Fees \2\ (in addition to                                                         
                                       Declared Value of Article \1\               postage)                                Handling charge                  
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Schedule SS-14--Registered Mail  $0.00 to $100....................  (without insurance)             None.                                               
                                     0.00 to 100......................  (with insurance)..............                                                      
                                     100.01 to 500                                                                                                          
                                     500.01 to 1,000                                                                                                        
                                     1,000.01 to 2,000                                                                                                      
                                     2,000.01 to 3,000                                                                                                      
                                     3,000.01 to 4,000                                                                                                      
                                     4,000.01 to 5,000                                                                                                      
                                     5,000.01 to 6,000                                                                                                      
                                     6,000.01 to 7,000                                                                                                      
                                     7,000.01 to 8,000                                                                                                      
                                     8,000.01 to 9,000                                                                                                      
                                     9,000.01 to 10,000                                                                                                     
                                     10,000.01 to 11,000                                                                                                    
                                     11,000.01 to 12,000                                                                                                    
                                     12,000.01 to 13,000                                                                                                    
                                     13,000.01 to 14,000                                                                                                    
                                     14,000.01 to 15,000                                                                                                    
                                     15,000.01 to 16,000                                                                                                    
                                     16,000.01 to 17,000                                                                                                    
                                     17,000.01 to 18,000                                                                                                    
                                     18,000.01 to 19,000                                                                                                    
                                     19,000.01 to 20,000                                                                                                    
                                     20,000.01 to 21,000                                                                                                    
                                     21,000.01 to 22,000                                                                                                    
                                     22,000.01 to 23,000                                                                                                    
                                     23,000.01 to 24,000                                                                                                    
                                     24,000.01 to 25,000                                                                                                    
                                     25,000.01 to $1 million..........  plus..........................  cents for each $1,000 (or fraction thereof) over    
                                                                                                         $25,000.                                           
                                     Over $1 million to $15 million...  plus..........................  cents for each $1,000 (or fraction thereof) over $1 
                                                                                                         million.                                           
                                     Over $15 million.................  plus..........................  Amount determined by the Postal Service based on    
                                                                                                         weight, space and value.                           
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \1\ Articles with a declared value of more than $25,000 can be registered, but compensation for loss or damage is limited to $25,000.                   
    \2\ Fees for articles with declared values of more than $100 include insurance.                                                                         
    
    * * * * *
    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                     Description                   Fee (in addition to postage)     
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                    
    *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *                
                                                            *                                                       
    Schedule SS-16--Return Receipts...  Receipts Issued at Time of Mailing                                          
                                         \1\                                                                        
                                          Items other than merchandise                                              
                                          Merchandise (without another                                              
                                           special service)                                                         
                                        Receipt Issued after Mailing \2\                                            
                                                                                                                    
    *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *                
                                                            *                                                       
    Schedule SS-19A--Stamped Cards....  Stamped Card........................  (in addition to postage).             
                                        Double Stamped Card.................                                        
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \1\ This receipt shows the signature of the person to whom the mailpiece was delivered, the date of delivery and
      the delivery address, if such address is different from the address on the mailpiece.                         
    \2\ This receipt shows to whom the mailpiece was delivered and the date of delivery.                            
    
    
    [[Page 35441]]
    
        Issued by the Commission on June 25, 1997.
    Margaret P. Crenshaw,
    Secretary.
    [FR Doc. 97-17068 Filed 6-30-97; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 7710-FW-P
    
    
    

Document Information

Effective Date:
7/1/1997
Published:
07/01/1997
Department:
Postal Regulatory Commission
Entry Type:
Rule
Action:
Final rule.
Document Number:
97-17068
Dates:
This rule is effective July 1, 1997.
Pages:
35424-35441 (18 pages)
Docket Numbers:
Docket Nos. RM97-3, MC96-2, MC96-3 and MC97-1, Order No. 1185
PDF File:
97-17068.pdf
CFR: (1)
39 CFR 3001