[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 146 (Monday, July 31, 1995)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 39080-39088]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-18629]
[[Page 39079]]
_______________________________________________________________________
Part II
Postal Service
_______________________________________________________________________
39 CFR Part 111
Revisions to Standards for Palletization; Proposed Rule
Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 146 / Monday, July 31, 1995 /
Proposed Rules
[[Page 39080]]
POSTAL SERVICE
39 CFR Part 111
Revisions to Standards for Palletization
AGENCY: Postal Service.
ACTION: Proposed rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This proposed rule modifies previously published proposed
revisions to the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) standards concerning the
preparation of mail on pallets. See 59 FR 42536-42540 (August 18,
1994). As a result of further review of postal operating needs and
comments received in response to the proposal, both in writing and at a
public meeting, the Postal Service has modified its original proposal
and has decided to provide additional opportunity for comment.
This proposed rule is intended to establish certain basic
preparation standards, such as levels of sortation and maximum pallet
loads, that mailers will be required to meet for all classes of mail.
Mailers will have more flexibility in other areas of pallet
preparation, such as top-capping, stacking, pallet box construction,
absolute minimum volumes, and stretchwrapping of pallets.
DATES: Comments must be received on or before August 30, 1995.
ADDRESSES: Written comments should be mailed or delivered to the
Manager, Business Mail Acceptance, U.S. Postal Service, 475 L'Enfant
Plaza SW, Room 8430, Washington, DC 20260-6808. Copies of all written
comments will be available for inspection and photocopying between 9
a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, in room 8430 at the above
address.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cheryl Beller, (202) 268-5166.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The proposed revised makeup standards grew
out of the proposed rule published in the Federal Register on August
18, 1994 (59 FR 42536-42540). These standards are based both on current
Postal Service processing needs and safety concerns and on mailers'
comments concerning their processing abilities, service needs, and
transportation methods.
1. General
This proposed rule is intended to establish certain basic
preparation standards, such as levels of sortation and maximum pallet
loads, that mailers will be required to meet for all classes of mail.
Mailers will have more flexibility in other areas of pallet
preparation, such as top-capping, stacking, pallet box construction,
absolute minimum volumes, and stretchwrapping of pallets.
Pallet loads may be prepared according to best industry practices,
provided that these standards result in pallets that can be handled
safely and that maintain their integrity throughout transportation and
postal processing. Recommended guidelines, developed by Postal Service
Engineering, will also be published in the DMM for those mailers
seeking assistance in establishing optimal preparation methods to
ensure that their products arrive at the proper destinations in the
condition expected.
The use of pallets that are not provided by the Postal Service and
that are not prepared to the required levels of sortation (sometimes
referred to as ``courtesy pallets'') is recognized as a key issue to
many mailers. A revised policy regarding the definition, preparation,
and acceptance of such pallets is included in the new proposed rule
published below.
The Postal Service will rely on a consistent mechanism to enforce
standards and provide feedback to those mailers who are not preparing
pallets in a manner that maintains the integrity of loads throughout
transportation and processing. Under the revised proposed standards,
all pallets presented to the Postal Service for acceptance, whether the
pallets are provided by the Postal Service or the mailer, must meet the
basic standards in the DMM pertaining to the following:
a. Pallet labels.
b. Physical pallet dimensions (40 inches by 48 inches, designed for
four-way entry, etc.).
c. Pallet load integrity, stacking, and minimum and maximum loads
and heights.
d. Package, sack, and tray preparation.
e. Permissible levels of sortation applicable to the class and type
of mail placed on the pallets.
The flexibility in pallet minimum weights and the increase in
maximum pallet height and tiers of trays described below should promote
and facilitate mailers' adherence to makeup requirements. Exceptions
for acceptance of pallets that do not meet basic DMM standards for
height, weight, safety, load integrity, and permissible levels of
sortation undermine efforts to assure safe and efficient handling of
palletized loads. Such exceptions will not be permitted. (See section
8, Pallets Not Prepared to Finest Depth of Sort, which provides some
relief for mailers who currently have difficulty preparing mailings on
pallets to the required levels of sortation.)
In addition, the Postal Service will consider individual pallet
shipments that are entered under the plant-verified drop shipment
(PVDS) program to be bedloaded if the load integrity of the pallets is
compromised when they are presented for acceptance at a destination
entry postal facility, such that the shipment requires driver
unloading.
The Postal Service will establish a standardized system to monitor
load integrity of customers' pallets at mailers' plants where mailings
are prepared (when mail is verified by on-site postal personnel) and at
postal facilities where mailings are entered and will inform mailers
when their preparation methods result in pallets that do not meet the
basic pallet integrity and safety standards (for example, the load on
pallet is not secure, has toppled, is leaning, or exceeds the maximum
weight or height restrictions). In conjunction with a steering
committee of customers, the Postal Service is currently formulating
specific standards for identifying, quantifying, handling, and
providing feedback regarding pallet load integrity problems and
requests comments on that issue. Where possible, this feedback system
will be incorporated into the existing Drop Shipment Appointment System
(DSAS).
After notification and an opportunity to make changes to improve
load integrity, if the mailer's methods still do not work, the mailer
will be required to meet the specifications developed by Postal Service
Engineering for strapping of single pallets, stretchwrapping of
pallets, pallet box construction and dimensions, stacking of pallets,
maximum height/tiers of trays, and top-cap use. The specifications were
published in the original proposed rule and are included in the
proposed DMM revisions that follow. Mailers will be suspended from the
pallet program if their pallets continue to fail to meet the minimum
load integrity levels that Postal Service Engineering specifications
are aimed to reach.
2. Bulk Mail Center Processing Needs
The proposed sortation and preparation standards described below
will address existing capacity constraints and keep the bulk mail
center (BMC) network flowing smoothly by moving as much mail as
possible farther into the distribution network through pallet cross-
dock operations.
These standards will further the Postal Service's current priority
of providing relief to the BMCs for processing packages of flats and
trayed letter mail. Relaxed standards on pallet minimum and maximum
load size for
[[Page 39081]]
these mail types will provide the most relief to the BMCs without
extending Postal Service pallet-handling resources beyond supportable
limits.
The initial proposal to require that all trays on BMC pallets and
working pallets must be strapped, regardless of where the pallets are
deposited, remains unchanged. Mailers will not be required to strap
trays placed on pallets made up to finer levels of sortation. This
option will provide an inducement to mailers to prepare pallets to the
finest depth of sort, allowing for greater cross-dock opportunities at
the BMCs and providing relief for BMC operations heavily affected by
unstrapped trays.
The requirement that exists in current regulations to sleeve all
trays containing letter-size automation rate mail that does not
originate and destinate in the delivery area of the same SCF and that
may be processed at a BMC or AMF is extended to include trays
containing non-automation rate letter-size mail.
3. Height and Weight Restrictions
The maximum weight for any single pallet or any pallets stacked
together (pallets and mail) is 2,200 pounds as originally proposed.
Pallet maximum height restrictions are increased to 84 inches for
stacked pallets as well as for single pallets with pallet boxes. Pallet
loads exceeding 84 inches, however, pose safety concerns and handling
problems because of the heights of dock doors and ceilings within
postal facilities and the heights of doors and internal spaces within
Postal Service trailers and other vehicles. This change is more
consistent with current practices of many mailers using pallet boxes
and stacking smaller pallets to make optimum use of transportation for
drop shipping and is an increase from the initial proposed maximum of
77 inches for all pallets including stacked pallets.
The maximum height for single pallets containing packages or sacks
(not placed in pallet boxes) will remain at 77 inches as originally
proposed. This height limit should not negatively impact mailers
because packages on pallets will usually reach the weight maximum of
2,200 pounds before reaching the height limit.
If the Postal Service identifies any non-BMC postal facilities that
cannot accommodate a pallet load as high as 84 inches because of
physical limitations (for example, low dock door or ceiling heights or
other physical obstructions), mailers participating in the plant-
verified drop shipment (PVDS) program will be advised of these
limitations when they make appointments to deposit mailings. In any
such limited situation, mailers may be asked to prepare pallets less
than 84 inches high until the plants are modified to accept standard
pallet loads.
Under the revised rules for packages, parcels, and sacks on
pallets, mailers must prepare a required level of pallet when they have
500 pounds of mail for that destination. When smaller loads are
desirable, mailers may prepare pallets for any required or optional
levels of sortation when they have from 250 to 499 pounds of mail for a
destination. The minimum weight used to build pallet loads may vary
from 250 to 500 pounds for pallets within a single mailing. The
original proposal required pallet preparation at 250 pounds.
Trays of letter-size mail on pallets are prepared based on the
number of tiers. The revised rules give mailers the option of preparing
a pallet when they have from three to five tiers of 1- or 2-foot
managed mail (MM) or extended managed mail (EMM) trays with a mandatory
preparation requirement at six tiers. The minimum may vary for pallets
within a single mailing.
The maximum load for trays on pallets is 12 tiers, not to exceed
2,200 pounds gross. The original proposal would have required mailers
to prepare a pallet when they had three tiers of MM trays or two tiers
of EMM trays for a required level of sortation.
When placing trays on pallets, mailers must take extra precautions
to place the fullest trays on the bottom and the least full trays on
top to avoid crushing the lower trays and causing the entire load to
topple.
Mailers are reminded that under the Postal Service's guidelines for
the plant-verified drop shipment (PVDS) program, the driver is required
to unload mail entered at delivery units. In some instances, this
unloading requires breaking down palletized loads because of the
physical limitations of a delivery unit such as small or congested
offices that cannot accommodate large or stacked pallets.
4. Stacking Pallets
The Postal Service is proposing to allow mailers to double-stack or
triple-stack pallets up to the maximum allowable height and weight (84
inches/2,200 pounds total for the stacked pallets), provided that such
pallets are presented for acceptance at the mailer's plant or a postal
facility in a manner that ensures safe and efficient unloading,
handling, and transporting. Triple-stacking will allow mailers to make
better use of transportation for drop shipments when low-weight pallets
are prepared.
When stacking pallets, the mailer must place the heaviest pallet on
the bottom and the lightest pallet on the top to prevent crushing or
other damage to mail on the bottom. If part of the load is crushed, the
entire load is likely to collapse.
Stacked pallets must be top-capped (except for the top pallet) and
banded together. The top caps must provide a flat surface for safe and
efficient stacking and must be of sufficient quality to maintain the
integrity of the load and protect the mailpieces. The Postal Service
will closely monitor the preparation of all stacked pallets,
particularly those that are triple-stacked, to ensure that they can be
handled safely and without damage to the mail on the pallets.
Whenever possible, Mailers are requested to place pallets for the
same processing facility together to facilitate moving as much mail as
possible directly into cross-dock operations at BMCs for further
movement into the distribution network.
5. Pallet Boxes
Pallet boxes may be used to hold parcels and sacks. The revised
proposal allows mailers to use pallet boxes constructed of single-wall
or double-wall corrugated fiberboard, as well as triple-wall corrugated
fiberboard, provided that the pallet box and its load maintain their
stability and integrity throughout transportation and postal
processing. In the original proposal, mailers were required to use
pallet boxes constructed of triple-wall corrugated fiberboard.
The height of pallet boxes will not be limited except by the
maximum combined pallet, box, and mail load (contents of the box)
height of 84 inches or by those non-BMC postal facilities that do not
have equipment for handling or unloading full-size pallet boxes (boxes
more than 60 inches high).
Boxes must be secured to the pallet to ensure that they can be
safely unloaded from vehicles (and reloaded, if necessary) and
processed as a single unit to the point where the contents are
distributed. The mail must be evenly distributed within the pallet box
so that the load does not shift in transit and cause the box to break,
topple, or fall off the pallet in transit or during processing.
The flexibility in box construction will provide mailers with the
opportunity to use boxes that are compatible with those used in their
other manufacturing processes and to minimize costs. However, if the
Postal Service notifies a mailer that the mailer's pallet boxes
continually fail to
[[Page 39082]]
remain intact or that the loads in any way do not meet the basic pallet
integrity standards (for example, the load on pallet is not secure or
completely contained, has toppled, is leaning, or exceeds the maximum
weight or height restrictions), the mailer will be required to meet the
Postal Service preparation standards developed by Postal Service
Engineering, including the use of triple-wall corrugated fiberboard
boxes.
6. Top-Capping
Under the new proposal, mailers are required to top-cap only
stacked pallets (the bottom pallet if pallets are presented to the
Postal Service double-stacked; the bottom and middle pallets if pallets
are presented triple-stacked). Mailers may determine the best method
for ensuring pallet integrity and will have the opportunity to use
manufacturing materials that already come into their plants as top-
capping material. Mailers must not use flimsy paper obtained from ends
of paper rolls or similar material as top caps because this material,
used alone, can cause stack failure.
The Postal Service's original proposal required top caps meeting
strict Postal Service Engineering construction standards on all pallets
other than on full-size pallet boxes. Mailers will be required to meet
these strict standards only after they are informed by the Postal
Service that their methods do not ensure the integrity of mail on
pallets that they prepare.
7. Pallet Strapping
The original proposal to require mailers to strap or band (the
terms are used interchangeably) all pallets is also relaxed. Depending
on the characteristics of a mail load, strapping might not be the most
effective method of ensuring load integrity throughout transportation
and processing.
Loads can compress themselves during storage in a mailer's plant or
while in transit, causing strapping to become loose. In those
instances, stretchwrap can be more effective in securing loads on a
single pallet.
Mailers are required to strap all stacked pallets together with at
least two straps. The strap must be plastic or metal at least \1/2\
inch wide. The minimum breaking strength for plastic strapping must be
at least 800 pounds and for metal strapping at least 1,200 pounds.
These minimums ensure that the strapping does not break and cause
injuries to postal employees handling pallets.
8. Pallets Not Prepared to Finest Level of Sort
The Postal Service recognizes that some mailers have difficulty
preparing mailings on pallets to the proposed required levels of
sortation and that these mailers will need an opportunity to make
necessary changes to their systems and to work with their customers to
generate mailings in a manner that is more compatible with placing the
mailings onto the required levels of pallets.
To accommodate these needs, the Postal Service will allow mailers
to place mailings onto pallets that are not prepared to the required
finest levels of sortation for a period not to exceed 6 months from the
effective date of the final rule implementing this proposed rule.
Regardless of the level of sortation and whether postal or mailer-
provided pallets are used, all pallets must meet all other DMM
standards for preparation and labeling based on the class and type of
mail.
During this 6-month transition, mailers will be required, at a
minimum, to sort individual mailings (a mailing represented by a single
mailing statement) to a destination BMC (state distribution center
(SDC) for second-class mail) when there are 500 pounds or more of mail
(or six tiers of trays) within a single mailing to that BMC/SDC if
mailings are presented to destination entry offices under the PVDS
program.
Remaining mail may be sacked or bedloaded or placed onto residual
or working pallets properly labeled to the origin BMC/SDC or plant (see
section 10, Pallet Sortation). Mailers will be required to comply with
all DMM standards after the 6-month phase-in.
9. Placement of Automation and Non-Automation Rate Letter-Size
Mailings in Trays on Pallets
Mailers may place trays from letter-size automation rate mailings
onto pallets together with trays from letter-size non-automation rate
mailings prepared to any level of sortation except the optional 5-digit
level. This placement will allow mailers to achieve finer levels of
sortation using fewer pallets.
10. Pallet Sortation
The proposed required and optional sortations, which are consistent
with national distribution network policy changes, are shown in the
following chart.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class and category Sortation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2C/3C letter-size mail (in trays/sacks on pallets)..... Required: SCF, BMC \1\ (3C)/SDC(2C).
Optional: 5D, ADC, working pallet.\2\
2C/3C/4C flats, irregular parcels, and outside parcels. Required: 5D, SCF.
Optional: 3D, ADC, BMC \1\ (3C/4C)/SDC(2C), working
pallet.\2\
3C/4C machinable parcels............................... Required: 5D, BMC.\1\
Optional: working.\2\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Or ASF for third-class and fourth-class DBMC discounts, as applicable.
\2\ Origin BMC(3C/4C)/SDC(2C) or plant pallet for residual mail. Labeled to BMC/SDC or plant serving post office
where mailings are entered (accepted) into mailstream. May be prepared after all required and optional levels
of pallets are prepared. Limited to 10 percent of total pallets in any mailing or job. When insufficient
volume to prepare finer levels of required pallets for a mailing or job, working pallets for non-PVDS mailings
may be prepared in excess of 10 percent limit (all possible optional BMC/SDC pallets must be prepared first,
where applicable).
The proposed option to prepare area distribution center (ADC)
pallets for mail other than machinable parcels will improve processing
opportunities.
Current DMM standards preclude mailers from placing onto pallets
SDC, state, and mixed-states packages of second-, third-, and fourth-
class mail and trays of residual mail from automation-rate mailings.
SDC, state, and mixed-states packages are generally placed into sacks.
These sacks, like trays of residual mail, may not be placed onto an
authorized level of pallet and are generally bedloaded, placed loose in
a vehicle on top of authorized pallets, or placed onto unauthorized or
``courtesy pallets'' for transport to an entry postal facility.
Because of these restrictions, some mailers cannot create 100
percent palletized mailstreams and these mailers might have to retain
sacking operations for a small portion of their mail, while preparing
the balance as packages placed directly onto pallets.
[[Page 39083]]
These operational inefficiencies also affect the Postal Service when
these partially palletized loads are unloaded from vehicles at entry or
downstream postal facilities.
In order to provide mailers with additional opportunities to
eliminate split production lines (for example, packages on pallets and
packages in sacks), the new proposed rule allows mailers to palletize
trays of residual letter-size mail and to place SDC, state, and mixed-
states packages of flats meeting the package preparation standards for
packages onto pallets.
Trays of residual mail from automation mailings may be placed onto
the appropriate level of pallet where possible (for example, AADC trays
on ADC or BMC pallets). Trays of working mail and SDC, state, and
mixed-states packages may be placed onto working pallets labeled to the
origin BMC or SDC or to the plant serving the office where mailings are
entered.
As noted above, working pallets must not exceed 10 percent of the
total number of pallets for a single mailing or job. These working
pallets must be loaded to the maximum to minimize pallet handlings.
When placing mail onto pallets, if there is a conflict between the
labeling lists (service area ZIP Codes) of the container (for example,
tray or sack) and the pallet on which it is placed (for example, the
range of ZIP Codes assigned to a single SCF or a single AADC may be
assigned (split) to two or more BMCs), mailers must place the container
onto the pallet for the facility serving the ZIP Code on the
destination (top) line of the container. Any applicable destination
entry discounts may be claimed for mail properly palletized in this
manner.
Although exempt from the notice and comment requirements of the
Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 553(b), 553(c)) regarding
proposed rulemaking by 39 U.S.C. 410(a), the Postal Service invites
comments on the following proposed revisions of the Domestic Mail
Manual, incorporated by reference in the Code of Federal Regulations.
See 39 CFR part 111.
List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 111
Postal Service.
PART 111--[AMENDED]
1. The authority citation for 39 CFR part 111 continues to read as
follows:
Authority: 5 U.S.C. 552(a); 39 U.S.C. 101, 401, 403, 404, 3001-
3011, 3201-3219, 3403-3406, 3621, 3626, 5001.
2. Revise the following units of the Domestic Mail Manual as noted
below:
E--Eligibility
* * * * *
E300 THIRD-CLASS MAIL
* * * * *
E333 CARRIER ROUTE PRESORT
* * * * *
3.0 PRESORT
[Introductory paragraph 3.1 previously revised in Postal Bulletin
21888, March 2, 1995, as follows:]
3.1 Qualifying Mail
Each qualifying piece must be part of a group of 10 or more
addressed pieces correctly packaged to the same carrier route that is,
in turn, correctly placed in a carrier route, 5-digit carrier routes,
or 3-digit carrier routes tray or sack. Such trays must be full; sacks
must contain at least 125 addressed pieces or 15 pounds of addressed
pieces. Qualifying mail also includes:
* * * * *
[Add new 3.1c as follows:]
c. Correctly presorted carrier route packages correctly sorted to
the appropriate level of pallet.
* * * * *
E350 Destination Entry Discounts
* * * * *
3.0 Deposit
* * * * *
[Revise the heading and introductory paragraph of 3.8 as follows:]
3.8 Unloading
The unloading of vehicles is subject to these conditions:
[Add new 3.8a and redesignate current 3.8a through 3.8c as 3.8b through
3.8d, respectively.]
a. Properly prepared containerized loads (e.g., pallets) are
unloaded by the USPS at BMCs, ASFs, and SCFs. The USPS does not unload
or permit a mailer/mailer agent to unload containerized loads that have
not maintained their integrity in transit.
[Amend redesignated 3.8b by deleting the second sentence as follows:]
b. At delivery units, the driver must unload containerized drop
shipments within 1 hour of arrival.
* * * * *
E400 FOURTH-CLASS MAIL
* * * * *
E416 Special Fourth-Class Rates
* * * * *
2.0 SPECIAL FOURTH-CLASS PRESORT
* * * * *
[Revise the first sentence of the introductory paragraph of 2.6
(previously revised and redesignated from 2.5 to 2.6 in Postal Bulletin
21884, January 5, 1995) as follows:]
2.6 Level A
To qualify for the special fourth-class presort level A rate, a
piece must be in a mailing of at least 500 pieces receiving identical
service, properly prepared and presorted under M404 in full 5-digit
sacks or under M044 on 5-digit pallets. These conditions also apply:
* * * * *
[Revise the first sentence of 2.7 (previously revised and redesignated
from 2.6 to 2.7 in Postal Bulletin 21884, January 5, 1995) as follows:]
2.7 Level B
To qualify for the special fourth-class presort level B rate, a
piece must be in a mailing of at least 500 pieces receiving identical
service, properly prepared and presorted under M404 in full or
substantially full bulk mail center (BMC) sacks or under M044 on
destination BMC pallets. Mailings of at least 500 nonmachinable outside
parcels may qualify for presort level B if made up to preserve presort
by BMC as prescribed by the mailing office postmaster. The postmaster
may require up to a 24-hour notice before the mailing is presented.
* * * * *
E450 DESTINATION BMC/ASF DISCOUNT
* * * * *
3.0 DEPOSIT
* * * * *
[Revise the introductory paragraph of 3.8 as follows:]
3.8 Unloading
The unloading of DBMC mailings is subject to these conditions:
[Revise 3.8a as follows:]
a. Properly prepared containerized loads (e.g., pallets) are
unloaded by the USPS. The USPS does not unload or permit a mailer/
mailer agent to unload containerized loads that have not maintained
their integrity in transit.
* * * * *
L--Labeling Lists
* * * * *
[Revise the heading of L101 as follows:]
L101 ADCs--PRESORTED FIRST-CLASS, ALL ZIP+4 BARCODED FLAT-SIZE
MAILINGS, AND ALL ADC PALLETS
* * * * *
[[Page 39084]]
M--Mail Preparation and Sortation
M000 GENERAL PREPARATION STANDARDS
* * * * *
M030 Container Preparation
M031 Labels
* * * * *
[Amend 4.8 by deleting the words ``optional city'' in the first
sentence as follows:]
4.8 Delivery Office, SCF, DDU, and DSCF Rates
If a 5-digit, 3-digit, or SCF pallet contains copies claimed at
second-class delivery office and SCF zone rates, or third-class DDU and
DSCF rates, as applicable, the contents line of the pallet label must
show the designation DDU/SCF, after the description of the contents.
* * * * *
M033 Sacks and Trays
1.0 BASIC STANDARDS
* * * * *
[Add new 1.4 and 1.5 as follows:]
1.4 Sleeving and Strapping
Except under 1.5, each letter mail tray must be sleeved. All
nonpalletized trays of letter mail transported from the mailer's plant
to a BMC, ASF, or AMF on USPS or mailer transportation and all trays
placed on BMC or mixed BMC/SDC pallets must also be secured by a
plastic strap placed tightly around the length of the tray. The strap
must not crush the tray or sleeve. Strapping is not required on trays
placed on pallets prepared to finer levels of sortation.
1.5 Sleeving Exception
When all pieces in a mailing originate and destinate in the
delivery area of the same SCF and the trays containing those pieces are
not processed at a BMC or AMF, the processing and distribution manager
may (on request) issue a written authorization to the mailer to submit
the mailing in trays without sleeves.
* * * * *
[Revise the heading of 3.0 as follows:]
3.0 BASIC STANDARDS FOR TRAYS--AUTOMATION RATES
* * * * *
[Delete current 3.6 and 3.7.]
M040 Palletization
[Revise the heading of M041 as follows:]
M041 Standards for Palletized Mailings
[Revise the heading of 1.0 as follows:]
1.0 PHYSICAL PALLET CHARACTERISTICS
[Amend 1.1 by deleting ``and a volume of up to 65 cubic feet'' in the
second sentence as follows:]
1.1 Construction
Whether provided by the USPS or mailer, all pallets in a palletized
mailing must be made of high-quality material. Pallets must be designed
to hold loads equal to a gross weight of 2,200 pounds.
* * * * *
[Revise the heading of 1.4 and amend the section by adding ``Except for
pallet boxes under 4.3,'' as follows:]
1.4 Stretchwrap
Except for pallet boxes under 4.3, loaded pallets of mail must be
wrapped with shrinkable or stretchable plastic strong enough to retain
the integrity of the pallet during transportation and handling.
[Add new 1.5 and 1.6 as follows:]
1.5 Nonstandard Pallets Prohibited
All mail on pallets presented to the USPS, whether on postal
pallets or mailer-provided pallets, must meet the standards in 1.1
through 1.4 and the standards applicable to the class and type of mail
placed on the pallets.
1.6 Nonconforming Mailers
The USPS informs mailers when their preparation methods result in
pallets that fail to meet the basic pallet integrity and safety
standards (e.g., load on pallet is not secure, has toppled, is leaning,
exceeds the maximum weight or height restrictions). Where possible,
this feedback system is incorporated into the existing Drop Shipment
Appointment System (DSAS). Once notified and given an opportunity to
make changes to improve load integrity, if a mailers methods do not
work, the mailer is considered nonconforming and is required to meet
the specifications in 2.0 through 5.0 for nonconforming mailers for
top-cap use, stacking of pallets, pallet box construction, and maximum
height/tiers of trays. Mailers are suspended from the pallet program if
their pallets continue to fail to meet the minimum load integrity
levels.
[Revise current 2.0 as follows:]
2.0 TOP CAPS
2.1 Use
Top caps are required on the lower pallet(s) when pallets are
stacked. Pallets that are not stacked when presented to the USPS for
acceptance are not required to be top-capped. Flimsy paper (e.g., the
ends of paper rolls) or similar material must not be used alone as a
top cap. Any other material that protects the integrity of the mail may
be used.
2.2 Securing
When used, a top cap must be secured to the pallet, horizontal to
the plane of the pallet, with strapping, banding, or stretchwrap strong
enough to keep the cap in place so that it protects the mail and
maintains the integrity of the pallet load. At least two straps are
required.
2.3 Nonconforming Mailers
Nonconforming mailers (see 1.6) must use top caps on all loaded
pallets, regardless of weight, holding letter trays (MM and EMM) of
mail, packages of mail, and bricklayed parcels. Top caps are not
required on loaded pallets, regardless of weight, holding either sacks
or parcels contained in fiberboard pallet boxes prepared under 4.0. Top
caps must be approximately 48 inches long, 40 inches wide, and meet any
of these construction standards:
a. Five wood boards with uniform edges and nine-leg pallet contact
for stacking.
b. Fiberboard box end style, with minimum 3-inch side, with wall
material a minimum of double-wall corrugated fiberboard C and/or B
flute.
c. Fiberboard honeycomb covered on both sides with heavy
linerboard, minimum \1/2\ inch thick.
d. Corrugated fiberboard C flute sheet covering the entire top of
the load with standard pallet solid fiberboard corner edge protectors.
[Amend current 3.0 by combining current 3.1 and 3.2 and adding new 3.2
and 3.3 as follows:]
3.0 STACKING PALLETS
3.1 Double- or Triple-Stacking
Pallets may be double- or triple-stacked if the combined gross
weight of the stacked pallets is not more than 2,200 pounds; the
heaviest pallet is on the bottom and the lightest pallet is on the top;
the pallets are banded together with appropriate strapping material to
maintain their integrity during transportation and handling; each lower
pallet is top-capped; and the combined height of the stacked pallets is
not more than 84 inches.
3.2 Same Facility
Pallets for the same processing facility should be stacked together
when possible.
3.3 Nonconforming Mailers
Nonconforming mailers (see 1.6) who stack pallets must do so as
follows:
a. Pallets may be double-stacked if the combined gross weight of
the stacked
[[Page 39085]]
pallets is not more than 2,200 pounds; the heavier pallet is on the
bottom; the pallets are banded together with appropriate strapping
material to maintain their integrity during transportation and
handling; and the combined height of the stacked pallets is not more
than 77 inches. Pallets of sacks not placed in fiberboard boxes must
not be double-stacked.
b. Pallets holding MM or EMM trays of letter-size mail or
bricklayed parcels may be triple-stacked if the combined gross weight
of the stacked pallets is not more than 2,200 pounds. No other type of
pallet may be triple-stacked. The heaviest pallet must be on the bottom
and the lightest on the top; the pallets must be banded together with
appropriate strapping material to maintain their integrity during
transportation and handling; and the combined height of the stacked
pallets must not be more than 77 inches.
[Redesignate current 4.0 as 5.0; add new 4.0 as follows:]
4.0 PALLET BOXES
4.1 Use
Mailers may use pallet boxes constructed of single-, double-, or
triple-wall corrugated fiberboard placed on pallets to hold sacks or
parcels prepared under M042, M043, or M044. The box must protect the
mail and maintain the integrity of the pallet load throughout
transportation, handling, and processing.
4.2 Maximum Height
The combined height of the pallet, pallet box, and mail must not be
more than 84 inches. The USPS may restrict the use of pallet boxes more
than 60 inches high at non-BMC postal facilities that do not have
equipment for handling or unloading such containers.
4.3 Securing
A pallet box must be secured to the pallet base with strapping,
banding, stretchable plastic, shrinkwrap, or by any other means that
ensures that the pallet can be safely unloaded from vehicles (and
reloaded, if necessary) and processed as a single unit to the point
where the contents are distributed. The mail must be evenly distributed
within the pallet box so that the load remains intact and does not
shift in transit causing the box to break, topple, or fall off the
pallet in transit or during processing.
4.4 Nonconforming Mailers
Nonconforming mailers (see 1.6) may use pallet boxes only if
constructed of triple-wall corrugated fiberboard (C and/or B flute)
material with a maximum height of 77 inches.
[Revise the heading of redesignated 5.0 as follows:]
5.0 PALLET PREPARATION
[Revise redesignated 5.1 as follows:]
5.1 Presort
Pallet preparation and sortation is subject to the specific
standards in M042 through M048. Pallet sortation is intended to presort
the palletized portion of a mailing to at least the finest extent
required for the rate claimed. Generally, pallet sortation is
sequential from the lowest (finest) level to the highest and must be
completed at each required level before the next optional or required
level is prepared. As applicable, presort levels and standard
preparation terms for pallets are defined in M020, M042, M043, M044,
and M048.
[Revise redesignated 5.2 as follows:]
5.2 Minimum Load
In a single mailing, the minimum load per pallet is 250 pounds (of
second-, third-, and fourth-class packages, parcels, and sacks); or
three layers of MM or EMM trays (of second- or third-class letter-size
mail).
[Renumber redesignated 5.3 as 5.7; add new 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, and 5.6 as
follows:]
5.3 Required Preparation
Pallets are prepared as follows:
a. A pallet must be prepared to a required level of sortation
whenever there are 500 pounds of mail (for second-, third-, and fourth-
class packages, sacks, and parcels) or six layers of MM or EMM trays
(for second- and third-class letter-size mail).
b. Up to 10 percent of the total pallets in any mailing or job may
be working pallets labeled to the BMC (third- or fourth-class mail) or
SDC (second-class mail) serving the post office where mailings are
entered (accepted) into the mailstream. The processing and distribution
manager may issue a written authorization to the mailer to label
working pallets to the post office or processing and distribution
center serving the post office where mailings are entered. For non-PVDS
mailings, the 10 percent limit may be exceeded when finer levels of
pallets could not be prepared.
5.4 Maximum Weight
The maximum weight is 2,200 pounds (mail and pallet) for all
pallets.
5.5 Maximum Height
The combined height of a single pallet and its load must not exceed
the following:
a. 84 inches for a fiberboard pallet box and its contents (sacks or
parcels) on a pallet.
b. 77 inches for packages, bundles, parcels, or sacks on pallets.
c. 12 layers of MM or EMM trays.
5.6 Nonconforming Mailers
For nonconforming mailers (see 1.6) the combined height of a pallet
and its load must not exceed 77 inches for sacks, packages, bundles,
parcels, and full-size fiberboard pallet boxes; or five layers of EMM
trays; or six layers of MM trays.
5.7 Mixed Rates
Regular rate and special rate mail may be placed on the same
pallet, subject to the terms of the mailer's pallet authorization and
the standards applicable to the rates claimed.
[Add new 6.0 as follows:]
6.0 ADDITIONAL STANDARDS FOR TRAYS (LETTER MAIL), PACKAGES, BUNDLES,
AND SACKS ON PALLETS
6.1 Other Standards
Trays of letter mail, packages, bundles, and sacks must be prepared
under the respective standards for the class of mail and rate claimed.
6.2 Trays--Second- and Third-Class Mail
Trays from automation rate mailings must not be placed on 5-digit
pallets with trays from non-automation rate mailings.
6.3 Records--Second- and Third-Class Mail
When two or more mailings are placed together on pallets, the
mailer must maintain records for each mailing as required by standard.
6.4 Packages, Bundles, and Sacks
Subject to the applicable standards, mailers must sack mail that is
not prepared as packages or bundles on pallets. For second-class mail,
mailers must separately sack packages of each second-class publication
not palletized under M042 or excluded from palletization; however,
packages of each publication and edition may be sacked together if
adequate documentation is provided. Sacks (including sacks of packages
not placed on pallets) containing packages remaining after all pallets
are prepared may be presented with the palletized mail (on the same
mailing statement) if segregated from the palletized portion of the
mailing.
[[Page 39086]]
M042 Second-Class Mail
* * * * *
2.0 PACKAGES
[Amend 2.1 by adding a second sentence as follows:]
2.1 Standards
Package presort and labeling must meet the applicable general
standards in M020 and M030, except as noted below. The palletized
portion of a mailing may not include packages sorted to foreign
destinations.
* * * * *
[Delete current 2.5.]
3.0 OPTIONAL BUNDLES
[Amend 3.1 by adding a second sentence as follows:]
3.1 Standards
Bundle presort and labeling must meet the applicable general
standards in M020 and M030, except as noted below. The palletized
portion of a mailing may not include bundles sorted to foreign
destinations.
* * * * *
[Revise 3.3 as follows:]
3.3 Sortation
Sortation is in the same sequence as sacks.
* * * * *
[Delete current 3.5.]
[Add new 4.0 as follows; delete current 6.0 and redesignate current 4.0
and 5.0 as 5.0 and 6.0, respectively.]
4.0 PALLET PRESORT AND LABELING
Presort sequence and labeling:
a. 5-digit (required for packages, bundles, sacks, and machinable
parcels; optional for trays); use destination of packages, etc., for
Line 1.
b. 3-digit (optional); use L002, Column A, for Line 1.
c. SCF (required); use L002, Column B, for Line 1.
d. ADC (optional); use L101 for Line 1.
e. SDC (required); use L201 for Line 1.
f. Working (optional), mixed SDC; use L201 for Line 1 based on ZIP
Code of entry office (in ``Destination ZIP Codes'' column); (label to
plant serving entry post office if authorized by processing and
distribution manager).
[Revise the heading of redesignated 5.0 as follows:]
5.0 ADDITIONAL STANDARDS FOR PALLETS OF PACKAGES, BUNDLES, OR SACKS
[Delete redesignated 5.1, 5.3, and 5.5; renumber redesignated 5.2 and
5.4 as 5.1 and 5.2, respectively.]
* * * * *
[Amend renumbered 5.2 by deleting ``optional city'' in the first
sentence as follows:]
5.2 Delivery Office Rates
When a 5-digit, 3-digit, or SCF pallet contains copies claimed at
delivery office rates and copies claimed at other rates, the copies
claimed at delivery office rates must be placed on the top of the
pallet. These copies must be separated from the other copies. Any
effective method (such as a slipsheet) may be used.
[Revise the heading of redesignated 6.0 as follows:]
6.0 PALLETS OF COPALLETIZED FLAT-SIZE PUBLICATIONS
[Delete redesignated 6.3, 6.4, and 6.6; renumber redesignated 6.5 and
6.7 through 6.10 as 6.3 and 6.4 through 6.7, respectively.]
* * * * *
[Revise 6.2 as follows:]
6.2 Exclusion
The palletized portion of a mailing may not include packages or
bundles sorted to foreign destinations.
* * * * *
M043 Third-Class Mail
* * * * *
[Revise the heading of 2.0 as follows:]
2.0 PACKAGES
[Amend 2.1 by adding a second sentence as follows:]
2.1 Standards
Package presort and labeling must meet the applicable general
standards in M020 and M030, except as noted below. The palletized
portion of a mailing may not include packages sorted to foreign
destinations.
* * * * *
[Delete current 2.5.]
3.0 OPTIONAL BUNDLES
[Amend 3.1 by adding a second sentence as follows:]
3.1 Standards
Bundle presort and labeling must meet the applicable general
standards in M020 and M030, except as noted below. The palletized
portion of a mailing may not include bundles sorted to foreign
destinations.
* * * * *
[Revise 3.3 as follows:]
3.3 Sortation
Sortation is the same sequence as sacks.
* * * * *
[Add new 4.0; delete current 9.0 and redesignate current 4.0 through
8.0 as 5.0 through 9.0, respectively.]
4.0 PALLET PRESORT AND LABELING
4.1 Pallets of Packages, Bundles, Sacks, or Trays
Presort sequence and labeling:
a. 5-digit (required for packages, bundles, and sacks; optional for
trays); use destination of packages, etc., for Line 1.
b. 3-digit (optional); use L002, Column A, for Line 1.
c. SCF (required); use L002, Column B, for Line 1.
d. ADC (optional); use L101 for Line 1 (deposit pallet at BMC
serving 3-digit ZIP Code on Line 1 if DBMC rate claimed).
e. Destination BMC (required); use L705 (or L708 if DBMC rate
claimed) for Line 1 and show any required processing code right-
justified on Line 2.
f. Working (optional), mixed BMC; use L705 for Line 1 based on ZIP
Code of entry office (in ``Destination ZIP Codes'' column) and show any
required processing code right-justified on Line 2; (label to plant
serving entry post office if authorized by processing and distribution
manager).
4.2 Pallets of Machinable Parcels
Presort sequence and labeling:
a. 5-digit (required); use destination of parcels for Line 1.
b. ASF (allowed and required only if DBMC rate is claimed for mail
deposited at ASF); use L708 for Line 1.
c. Destination BMC (required); use L705 for Line 1 (or L708 if DBMC
rate claimed) and show any required processing code right-justified on
Line 2.
d. Mixed BMC (optional); use L705 for Line 1 based on ZIP Code of
entry office (in ``destination ZIP Codes'' column) and show any
required processing code right-justified on Line 2.
4.3 Line 2
Line 2: 3C, processing category, and any processing code if
required by 4.2.
[Revise the heading of redesignated 5.0 as follows:]
[[Page 39087]]
5.0 ADDITIONAL STANDARDS FOR PALLETS OF PACKAGES OR BUNDLES
[Delete redesignated 5.1, 5.3, and 5.6; renumber redesignated 5.2, 5.4,
and 5.5 as 5.1, 5.2, and 5.3, respectively.]
* * * * *
[Amend 5.2 by deleting ``optional city'' in the first sentence as
follows:]
5.2 DDU Rates
When a 5-digit, 3-digit, or SCF pallet contains pieces claimed at
destination delivery unit (DDU) rates and pieces claimed at other
rates, the pieces claimed at DDU rates must be placed on the top of the
pallet. These pieces must be separated from the other pieces. Any
effective method (such as a slipsheet) may be used.
* * * * *
[Revise the heading of redesignated 7.0 as follows:]
7.0 ADDITIONAL STANDARDS FOR PALLETS OF COPALLETIZED FLAT-SIZE
MAILINGS
[Amend redesignated 7.1 by changing the references from ``4.2 through
4.6'' to ``5.1 through 5.3.'']
7.1 Standards
Copalletized flat-size mailings must meet the standards in 5.1
through 5.3 and those below.
* * * * *
[Delete redesignated 7.3, 7.4, and 7.9 and renumber 7.5 through 7.12 as
7.3 through 7.9, respectively.]
* * * * *
[Revise the heading of redesignated 8.0 as follows:]
8.0 ADDITIONAL STANDARDS FOR PALLETS OF MACHINABLE THIRD-CLASS PARCELS
[Delete redesignated 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, and 8.5; renumber 8.4 as 8.0. Amend
8.0 by changing the references in the first sentence from ``7.2a
through 7.2c'' to ``4.2a through 4.2c'' and in the second sentence from
``7.2b and 7.2c'' to ``4.2b and 4.2c'' as follows:] Pieces may be
eligible for the 3/5 presort rate if prepared under 4.2a through 4.2c.
This eligibility includes pieces correctly presorted under 4.2b and
4.2c to the service area of the origin ASF/BMC.
* * * * *
[Revise the heading of redesignated 9.0 as follows:]
9.0 ADDITIONAL STANDARDS FOR PALLETS OF THIRD- AND FOURTH-CLASS
MACHINABLE PARCELS
[Delete redesignated 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, and 9.6; renumber 9.4 through 9.8
as 9.1 through 9.4, respectively.]
[Amend 9.1 by changing the reference ``8.3'' to ``4.2'' as follows:]
9.1 Line 2
Line 2: 3C/4C MACH and any processing code if required by 4.2.
[Amend 9.2 by changing the references in the first sentence from ``8.2a
through 8.2c'' to ``4.2a through 4.2c'' and in the second sentence from
``8.2b and 8.2c'' to ``4.2b and 4.2c'' as follows:]
9.2 3/5 Presort Rate
Pieces may be eligible for the 3/5 presort rate if prepared under
4.2a through 4.2c. This eligibility includes pieces correctly presorted
under 4.2b and 4.2c to the service area of the origin ASF/BMC.
* * * * *
M044 Fourth-Class Mail
* * * * *
[Revise the heading of 2.0 as follows:]
2.0 PACKAGES
[Amend 2.1 by adding a second sentence as follows:]
2.1 Standards
Package presort and labeling must meet the applicable general
standards in M020 and M030, except as noted below. The palletized
portion of a mailing may not include packages sorted to foreign
destinations.
* * * * *
[Delete current 2.4.]
[Add new 3.0; delete current 5.0; redesignate current 3.0 and 4.0 as
4.0 and 5.0, respectively.]
3.0 PALLET PRESORT AND LABELING
3.1 Pallets of Packages, Bundles, or Sacks
Presort sequence and labeling:
a. 5-digit (required); use destination of packages, etc., for Line
1.
b. 3-digit (optional); use L002, Column A, for Line 1.
c. SCF (required); use L002, Column B, for Line 1.
d. ADC (optional); use L101 for Line 1 (deposit pallet at BMC
serving 3-digit ZIP Code on Line 1 if DBMC rate claimed).
e. Destination BMC (optional); use L705 (or L708 if DBMC rate
claimed) for Line 1 and show any required processing code right-
justified on Line 2.
f. Working (optional), mixed BMC; use L705 for Line 1 based on ZIP
Code of entry office (in ``Destination ZIP Codes'' column) and show any
required processing code right-justified on Line 2; (label to plant
serving entry post office if authorized by processing and distribution
manager).
3.2 Pallets of Machinable Parcels
Presort sequence and labeling:
a. 5-digit (required); use destination of parcels for Line 1.
b. ASF (allowed and required only if DBMC rate is claimed for mail
deposited at ASF); use L708 for Line 1.
c. Destination BMC (required); use L705 for Line 1 (or L708 if DBMC
rate claimed) and show any required processing code right-justified on
Line 2.
d. Mixed BMC (optional); use L705 for Line 1 based on ZIP Code of
entry office (in ``Destination ZIP Codes'' column) and show any
required processing code right-justified on Line 2.
3.3 Pallets of Special Fourth-Class Presort
a. 5-digit (Level A only; required); use destination of pieces or
packages for Line 1.
b. Destination BMC (Level B only; required); use L705 for Line 1
and show any required processing code right-justified on Line 2.
3.4 Line 2
Line 2: 4C, processing category, and any processing code if
required by 3.1 through 3.3.
[Revise the heading of redesignated 4.0 as follows:]
4.0 ADDITIONAL STANDARDS FOR PALLETS OF PACKAGES
[Delete redesignated 4.1, 4.2, and 4.4; renumber 4.3 and 4.5 as 4.1 and
4.2, respectively.]
* * * * *
[Revise the heading of redesignated 5.0 as follows:]
5.0 ADDITIONAL STANDARDS FOR PALLETS OF MACHINABLE PARCELS
[Delete redesignated 5.1, 5.2, and 5.3; renumber 5.4 through 5.6 as 5.1
through 5.3, respectively.]
* * * * *
M048 Automation-Compatible Flats
* * * * *
2.0 PACKAGE AND PALLET PREPARATION
[Revise 2.1 as follows:]
2.1 Packages
Packages to be presented on pallets must be prepared and presorted
under the general standards in M020 and M030 and those applicable to
the class and rate claimed.
[Revise 2.2 as follows:]
[[Page 39088]]
2.2 Pallets
Pallets must be prepared under the general standards in M041.
* * * * *
An appropriate amendment to 39 CFR 111.3 to reflect these changes
will be published if the proposal is adopted.
Stanley F. Mires,
Chief Counsel, Legislative.
[FR Doc. 95-18629 Filed 7-28-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7710-12-P
