Federal Register Notices
Below is a current list of the Federal Register notices filed by the Mailing Standards Department of the United States Postal Service. To search all USPS Federal Register notices please see: GPO Federal Register Collection.
View Previous Federal Register Notices:
Published in the Federal Register December 13, 2024.
Dual Shipping Labels Discontinued
AGENCY: Postal Service™.
ACTION: Final rule.
SUMMARY:
The Postal Service is amending Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) subsection 602.10 to discontinue the use of dual shipping labels.
DATES: Effective Date: January 1, 2025.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Catherine Knox at (202) 268-5636 or Garry Rodriguez at (202) 268-7281.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
On October 15, 2024, the Postal Service published a notice of proposed rulemaking (89 FR 82948) to discontinue the use of dual shipping labels. In response to the proposed rule, the Postal Service received four formal responses, one of which was in agreement with the proposal. Two of the responses had several comments.
Published in the Federal Register TEXT
Published in the Federal Register November 27, 2024.
39 CFR Part 111
Domestic Competitive Products Pricing and Mailing Standards Changes
AGENCY: Postal Service™.
ACTION: Final rule.
SUMMARY:
The Postal Service is amending Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMMâ), to reflect changes to prices and mailing standards for competitive products.
DATES: Effective January 19, 2025.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steven Jarboe at (202) 268-7690, Catherine Knox (202) 268-5636, or Garry Rodriguez at (202) 268-7281.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
This final rule describes new prices and product features for competitive products, by class of mail, established by the Governors of the United States Postal Serviceâ. New prices are available under Docket Number CP2025-1 on the Postal Regulatory Commission PRC website at http://www.prc.gov, and on the Postal Explorer® website at http://pe.usps.com.
Published in the Federal Register TEXT
Published in the Federal Register November 26, 2024.
39 CFR Parts 111 and 211
Cremated Remains Packaging Requirements
AGENCY: Postal Service™
ACTION: Proposed Rule.
SUMMARY:
The Postal Service is proposing to amend Publication 52, Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail (Pub 52) by requiring mailers to solely use the Cremated Remains shipping supplies provided by the Postal Service when mailing human or animal cremated remains, also referred to as cremains or ashes, domestically or internationally.
DATES: Submit comments on or before December 26, 2024.
Addresses: Mail or deliver written comments to the Director, Product Classification, U.S. Postal Service, 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW, Room 4446, Washington, DC 20260-5015. If sending comments by email, include the name and address of the commenter and send to PCFederalRegister@usps.gov, with a subject line of “Cremated Remains Packaging Requirements.” Faxed comments will not be accepted.
You may inspect and photocopy all written comments, by appointment only, at USPS® Headquarters Library, 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW, 11th Floor North, Washington, DC 20260. These records are generally available for review Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., by calling 202-268-2906.
For Further Information Contact: Dale Kennedy, (202) 268-6592, or Jennifer Cox, (202) 268-2108.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
All submitted comments and attachments are part of the public record and subject to disclosure. Do not enclose any material in your comments that you consider to be confidential or inappropriate for public disclosure.
The Postal Service proposes to amend Publication 52, Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail (Pub 52), with the provisions set forth herein. While not codified in title 39 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Publication 52 is a regulation of the Postal Service, and changes to it may be published in the Federal Register. 39 CFR 211.2(a)(2). Moreover, Publication 52 is incorporated by reference into Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) section 601.8.1, which is incorporated by reference, in turn, into the Code of Federal Regulations. 39 CFR 111.1 and 111.3. Publication 52 is publicly available, in a read-only format, via the Postal Explorer® website at https://pe.usps.com. In addition, links to Postal Explorer are provided on the landing page of USPS.com, the Postal Service's primary customer-facing website, and on Postal Pro, an online informational source available to postal customers.
Proposal
The Postal Service will require mailers shipping human or animal cremated remains in any state (e.g. ashes, keepsakes and jewelry) to be shipped in the Cremated Remains packaging supplied by the Postal Service. Previously, mailers were permitted to use any box if it was marked with Label 139 – Cremated Remains.
Published in the Federal Register TEXT
Published in the Federal Register October 15, 2024
Dual Shipping Labels Discontinued
AGENCY: Postal Service™.
ACTION: Proposed rule.
SUMMARY:
The Postal Service is proposing to amend Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) to discontinue the use of dual shipping labels.
DATES: Submit comments on or before November 14, 2024.
ADDRESSES: Mail or deliver written comments to the manager, Product Classification, U.S. Postal Service, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Room 4446, Washington, DC 20260-5015. If sending comments by email, include the name and address of the commenter and send to PCFederalRegister@usps.gov, with a subject line of “Dual Shipping Labels”. Faxed comments are not accepted.
You may inspect and photocopy all written comments, by appointment only, at USPS® Headquarters Library, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, 11th Floor North, Washington, DC, 20260. These records are available for review on Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., by calling 202-268-2906.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Catherine Knox at (202) 268-5636 or Garry Rodriguez at (202) 268-7281.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
All submitted comments and attachments are part of the public record and subject to disclosure. Do not enclose any material in your comments that you consider to be confidential or inappropriate for public disclosure.
Background
On January 21, 2018, the Postal Service revised the DMM to provide information regarding the use of dual shipping labels based on feedback that some of our industry shipping partners had adopted the practice of using shipping labels which included both the USPS® and their own address formats to address their items.
Proposal
The Postal Service has reviewed the practice of using dual shipping labels and has found that this practice no longer serves the interests of the Postal Service. As a result, the Postal Service is proposing to discontinue the use of dual shipping labels. Items bearing dual shipping labels should not be accepted and may be returned to the sender. The Postal Service is proposing to implement this change effective January 1, 2025.
Published in the Federal Register TEXT
Published in the Federal Register September 30, 2024.
Address Correction Notices IMpb
AGENCY: Postal Service™.
ACTION: Final rule.
SUMMARY:
The Postal Service is amending Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) in various sections to remove the hardcopy address correction notice option for all packages bearing an Intelligent Mail® package barcode (IMpb®).
DATES: Effective: March 5, 2025.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michelle Evans at (901) 681-4474 or Garry Rodriguez at (202) 268-7281.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
On August 6, 2024, the Postal Service published a notice of proposed rulemaking (89 FR 63850-63851) to remove the option to request PS Forms 3547, Notice to Mailer of Correction in Address, and PS Form 3579, Notice of Undeliverable Periodical, for packages with an IMpb. In response to the proposed rule, the Postal Service received one formal response containing two comments.
Published in the Federal Register TEXT
Published in the Federal Register September 17, 2024.
OEL and Carrier Route Information Lines
AGENCY: Postal Service™.
ACTION: Final rule.
SUMMARY:
The Postal Service is amending Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) in section 203.8.1 to revise the requirements for using optional endorsement lines or carrier route information lines on USPS Marketing Mail carrier route letters.
DATES: Effective: January 19, 2025.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dale Kennedy at (202) 268-6592 or Doriane Harley at (202) 268-2537.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
The Postal Service will revise the standards in DMM section 203.8.1 to require optional endorsement lines or carrier route information lines on all USPS Marketing Mail carrier route letters to become effective on January 19, 2025.
Comments on Proposed changes and USPS responses:
The Postal Service received one formal comment on the June 28, 2024, proposed rule.
- Commenter expressed concerns related to costs to implement this change by the proposed effective date. The Postal Service has decided to delay the implementation date of this change to become effective on January 19, 2025.
Published in the Federal Register TEXT
Published in the Federal Register August 23, 2024.
Removal of International Money Transfer Service – Outbound and International Money Transfer Service – Inbound
AGENCY: Postal Service™.
ACTION: Final rule.
SUMMARY:
On July 12, 2024, the Postal Service™ published notice of international product changes concerning the requests by the Postal Service for classification changes filed at the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) about International Money Transfer Service – Outbound and International Money Transfer Service – Inbound. On August 9, 2024, the PRC favorably reviewed the classification changes, which have an effective date of October 1, 2024, for International Money Transfer Service – Outbound, and an effective date of October 1, 2025, for International Money Transfer Service – Inbound. Therefore, the Postal Service is revising Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, International Mail Manual (IMM®), to reflect the discontinuation of International Money Transfer Service – Outbound, effective October 1, 2024, and the discontinuation of International Money Transfer Service – Inbound, effective October 1, 2025. Notice 123, Price List, will be updated accordingly.
DATES: Applicable dates: October 1, 2024, and October 1, 2025.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dale Kennedy at 202-268-6592 or Kathy Frigo at 202-268-4178.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
On July 5, 2024, in PRC Docket No. MC2024-413, the Postal Service filed a request to remove International Money Transfer Service – Outbound, effective October 1, 2024, and International Money Transfer Service – Inbound, effective October 1, 2025, from the Competitive Product List in the Mail Classification Schedule. On July 12, 2024, the Postal Service published notice of the filing in PRC Docket No. MC2024-413 in the Federal Register notice entitled “International Product Change—Removal of International Money Transfer Service – Outbound and International Money Transfer Service - Inbound” (89 FR 57174).
Published in the Federal Register TEXT
Published in the Federal Register August 16, 2024.
Parcel Processing Categories Simplification
AGENCY: Postal Service™.
ACTION: Final rule.
SUMMARY:
The Postal Service is amending Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) in various sections to simplify the parcel processing categories.
DATES: Effective Date: November 4, 2024.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steven Jarboe at (202) 268-7690, or Garry Rodriguez at (202) 268-7281.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
On June 28, 2024, the Postal Service published a notice of proposed rulemaking (89 FR 53914-53932) to simplify the parcel processing categories by making revisions to the physical standards of the machinable processing category, and consolidating the irregular and nonmachinable processing categories and renaming it “Nonstandard Parcels.” In response to the proposed rule, the Postal Service received three formal responses each containing several comments as follows:
Comment: One comment questioned whether the Postal Service intended to reduce the maximum height from 18 inches to 15 inches, and increase the maximum thickness/width from 15 inches to 18 inches?
Response: No, the Postal Service is just expressing the industry wide terms of length, width, and height for consistency within the DMM. The Postal Service will also revise the renumbered DMM Exhibit 201.7.5 and USPS Marketing Mail DMM subsection 201.8.4.2a to reflect width and height.
Published in the Federal Register TEXT
Published in the Federal Register August 6, 2024.
Address Correction Notices IMpb
AGENCY: Postal Service™.
ACTION: Proposed rule.
SUMMARY:
The Postal Service is proposing to amend Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) in various subsections to remove the hardcopy address correction notice option for all packages bearing an Intelligent Mail® package barcode (IMpb®).
DATES: Submit comments on or before September 5, 2024.
ADDRESSES: Mail or deliver written comments to the manager, Product Classification, U.S. Postal Service, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Room 4446, Washington, DC 20260-5015. If sending comments by email, include the name and address of the commenter and send to PCFederalRegister@usps.gov, with a subject line of “Address Correction Notices IMpb”. Faxed comments are not accepted.
You may inspect and photocopy all written comments, by appointment only, at USPS® Headquarters Library, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, 11th Floor North, Washington, DC, 20260. These records are available for review on Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., by calling 202-268-2906.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michelle Evans at (901) 681-4474 or Garry Rodriguez at (202) 268-7281.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
All submitted comments and attachments are part of the public record and subject to disclosure. Do not enclose any material in your comments that you consider to be confidential or inappropriate for public disclosure.
Background
Ancillary service endorsements provide an option for mailers to instruct the Postal Service on how to treat their mail if it is determined to be undeliverable-as-addressed and to request address correction services. Address corrections are currently available in four available formats: a returned mailpiece with the new address or reason for nondelivery attached; PS Form 3547, Notice to Mailer of Correction in Address, that is mailed to the return address on a mailpiece; PS Form 3579, Notice of Undeliverable Periodical, mailed to the publisher address indicated in the publication ID Statement; or via ACS™ (Address Change Service) which is an electronic address correction notice made available to the sender via download from a secure USPS website that requires a login and password to access the files. Address correction fees are charged based on the method in which they are provided, with return mail costs and manual address correction fees that reflect the USPS costs to handle those notices.
Published in the Federal Register TEXT
Published in the Federal Register June 28, 2024.
OEL and Carrier Route Information Lines
AGENCY: Postal Service™.
ACTION: Proposed rule.
SUMMARY:
The Postal Service is proposing to amend Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) to revise the requirements for using optional endorsement lines or carrier route information lines on USPS Marketing Mail carrier route letters.
DATES: Submit comments on or before July 29, 2024.
ADDRESSES: Mail or deliver written comments to the Director, Product Classification, U.S. Postal Service, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Room 4446, Washington, DC 20260-5015. If sending comments by email, include the name and address of the commenter and send to PCFederalRegister@usps.gov, with a subject line of “OEL and Carrier Route Information Lines”. Faxed comments are not accepted.
You may inspect and photocopy all written comments, by appointment only, at USPS® Headquarters Library, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, 11th Floor North, Washington, DC, 20260. These records are available for review on Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., by calling 202-268-2906.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dale Kennedy at (202) 268-6592 or Doriane Harley at (202) 268-2537.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
All submitted comments and attachments are part of the public record and subject to disclosure. Do not enclose any material in your comments that you consider to be confidential or inappropriate for public disclosure.
Currently, the standards in DMM section 203.4.8.1 do not require the use of optional endorsement lines or carrier route information lines on USPS Marketing Mail letters in full carrier route trays. The Postal Service is proposing to amend the standards in DMM section 203.8.1 to require optional endorsement lines or carrier route information lines on all USPS Marketing Mail carrier route letters.
Published in the Federal Register TEXT
Published in the Federal Register June 28, 2024.
Parcel Processing Categories Simplification
AGENCY: Postal Service™.
ACTION: Proposed rule.
SUMMARY:
The Postal Service is proposing to amend Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) in various sections to simplify the parcel processing categories.
DATES: Submit comments on or before July 29, 2024.
ADDRESSES: Mail or deliver written comments to the manager, Product Classification, U.S. Postal Service, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Room 4446, Washington, DC 20260-5015. If sending comments by email, include the name and address of the commenter and send to PCFederalRegister@usps.gov, with a subject line of “Parcel Processing Categories”. Faxed comments are not accepted.
You may inspect and photocopy all written comments, by appointment only, at USPS® Headquarters Library, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, 11th Floor North, Washington, DC, 20260. These records are available for review on Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., by calling 202-268-2906.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steven Jarboe at (202) 268-7690, or Garry Rodriguez at (202) 268-7281.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
All submitted comments and attachments are part of the public record and subject to disclosure. Do not enclose any material in your comments that you consider to be confidential or inappropriate for public disclosure.
Currently, the Postal Service has three parcel processing categories: machinable, irregular, and nonmachinable. The Postal Service is proposing to simplify the parcel processing categories by making revisions to the physical standards of the machinable processing category and consolidating the irregular and nonmachinable processing categories and renaming it “Nonstandard Parcels”.
Published in the Federal Register TEXT
Published in the Federal Register June 24, 2024.
International Mailing Services: Price Changes
AGENCY: Postal Service™.
ACTION: Final action.
SUMMARY:
On April 9, 2024, the Postal Service published notice of mailing services price adjustments with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC). The PRC concluded that the price adjustments contained in the Postal Service’s notification may go into effect on July 14, 2024. The Postal Service will revise Notice 123, Price List, to reflect the new mailing services prices.
DATES: Effective July 14, 2024.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dale Kennedy at 202-268-6592 or Kathy Frigo at 202-268-4178
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Proposed Rule and Response
On April 9, 2024, the Postal Service filed a notice with the PRC in Docket No. R2024-2 of mailing services price adjustments to be effective on July 14, 2024. On April 17, 2024, the Postal Service published notification of proposed price changes in the Federal Register entitled “International Mailing Services: Proposed Price Changes” (89 FR 27403). The notification included the price changes that the Postal Service would adopt for certain services covered by Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, International Mail Manual (IMM®) and publish in Notice 123, Price List, on Postal Explorer® at pe.usps.com. The Postal Service received no comments.
II. Order of the Postal Regulatory Commission
In PRC Order No. 7155 issued on May 30, 2024, in PRC Docket No. R2024-2, the PRC concluded that the international prices in the Postal Service’s notice in Docket No. R2024-2 may go into effect on July 14, 2024. The new prices will be posted accordingly in Notice 123, Price List, on Postal Explorer at pe.usps.com.
Published in the Federal Register TEXT
Published in the Federal Register June 21, 2024.
Customs Declaration Exceptions
AGENCY: Postal Service™.
ACTION: Final Rule.
SUMMARY:
The Postal Service is revising Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®), in various sections, to delete the “known mailer” and “official mail” exceptions for customs declarations for mail to, from, or between overseas U.S. military and diplomatic Post Office® addresses. Corresponding changes to the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, International Mail Manual (IMM®), are being addressed under separate cover to delete associated exceptions for customs declarations for international mail.
DATES: Effective: September 29, 2024.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Vlad Spanu at (202) 268-4180 or Kathy Frigo at (202) 268-4178.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
On May 10, 2023, the Postal Service published a notice of proposed rulemaking (88 FR 30068) to delete section 703.2.3.9, “Customs Declarations — Exceptions,” to align Postal Service regulations with current customs policy. The Postal Service also proposed to make minor revisions to the text in sections 608.2.4.4 and 703.2.3.8 to align with deleting section 703.2.3.9.
Additionally, due to deleting section 703.2.3.9, the Postal Service is renumbering current sections 703.2.3.10 through 703.2.3.13, respectively, and revising the introductory text in renumbered section 703.2.3.10.
Published in the Federal Register TEXT
Published in the Federal Register on June 18, 2024.
Known Mailer and Exceptions
AGENCY: Postal Service™.
ACTION: Final rule.
SUMMARY:
The Postal Service is revising the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, International Mail Manual (IMM®) in various sections to remove the “known mailer” definition and exceptions for customs declarations. Corresponding changes to the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) are provided under separate cover.
DATES: Effective September 29, 2024.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Vlad Spanu at (202) 268-4180 or Kathy Frigo at (202) 268-4178.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
On May 12, 2023, the Postal Service published a notice of proposal (88 FR 30689) to remove IMM section 123.62 regarding known mailers and other related information in the IMM associated with known mailers to align postal regulations with current customs policy.
Published in the Federal Register TEXT
Published in the Federal Register June 14, 2024.
Securing Bundles of Flats
AGENCY: Postal Service™.
ACTION: Proposed rule.
SUMMARY:
The Postal Service is proposing to amend Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) to modify the requirements for securing bundles of flats.
DATES: Submit comments on or before July 15, 2024.
ADDRESSES: Mail or deliver written comments to the Director, Product Classification, U.S. Postal Service, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Room 4446, Washington, DC 20260-5015. If sending comments by email, include the name and address of the commenter and send to PCFederalRegister@usps.gov, with a subject line of “Securing Bundles of Flats”. Faxed comments are not accepted.
You may inspect and photocopy all written comments, by appointment only, at USPS® Headquarters Library, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, 11th Floor North, Washington, DC, 20260. These records are available for review on Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., by calling 202-268-2906.
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dale Kennedy at (202) 268-6592 or Doriane Harley at (202) 268-2537.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
All submitted comments and attachments are part of the public record and subject to disclosure. Do not enclose any material in your comments that you consider to be confidential or inappropriate for public disclosure.
Currently, the standards in DMM section 203.4.5 require bundles of flats to be secured with banding, shrinkwrap, or shrinkwrap plus one or more bands. Additionally, it allows the use of rubber bands and twine/string as banding materials on bundles of flats.
Published in the Federal Register TEXT
Published in the Federal Register June 10, 2024.
New Mailing Standards for Domestic Mailing Services Products
AGENCY: Postal Service™.
ACTION: Final rule.
SUMMARY:
On April 9, 2024, the Postal Service (USPS®) filed a notice of mailing services price adjustments with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC), effective July 14, 2024. This final rule contains the revisions to Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) to implement the changes coincident with the price adjustments and other DMM changes.
DATES: Effective July 14, 2024.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Doriane Harley at (202) 268-2537 or Dale Kennedy at (202) 268-6592.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
On May 30, 2024, the PRC favorably reviewed the price adjustments proposed by the Postal Service. The price adjustments and DMM revisions are scheduled to become effective on July 14, 2024. Final prices are available under Docket No. R2024-2 (Order No. 7155) on the Postal Regulatory Commission’s Web site at www.prc.gov.
Published in the Federal Register TEXT
Published in the Federal Register May 15, 2024.
Domestic Competitive Products Pricing and Mailing Standards Changes
AGENCY: Postal Service™.
ACTION: Final rule.
SUMMARY:
The Postal Service is revising Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMMâ), to reflect changes to pricing and mailing standards for certain competitive products.
DATES: Effective July 14, 2024.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steven Jarboe at (202) 268-7690, Catherine Knox (202) 268-5636, or Garry Rodriguez at (202) 268-7281.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
This final rule describes new price and product features for competitive products, by class of mail, established by the Governors of the United States Postal Serviceâ. New prices are available under Docket Number CP2024-295 on the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) Web site at http://www.prc.gov, and on the Postal Explorer® Web site at http://pe.usps.com.
Published in the Federal Register TEXT
Published in the Federal Register May 2, 2024.
Commercial Mail Receiving Agencies Clarification
AGENCY: Postal Service™.
ACTION: Final rule.
SUMMARY:
The Postal Service is amending Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) to clarify Commercial Mail Receiving Agencies (CMRA) notary responsibilities for the addressee’s signature.
DATES: Effective date: May 1, 2024.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Heidi Michel at (414) 239-2976, Clayton Gerber at (202) 449-8076, or Garry Rodriguez at (202) 268-7281.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
On December 29, 2023, the Postal Service published a notice of proposed rulemaking (88 FR 90137-90138) to clarify CMRA notary responsibilities for the addressee’s signature. In response to the proposed rule, the Postal Service received one response to the notice of proposed rulemaking which included comments on multiple topics. The commenter is a business that provides remote notarial services to the public. Comments and the Postal Service responses are summarized as follows.
Comment: The commenter stated allowing CMRA owner/managers to witness the execution of PS Form 1583 remotely via a real-time audio and video session provided insufficient fraud controls.
Response: CMRAs are authorized to operate upon application to the Postal Service. This is a longstanding requirement, as the Postal Service required CMRA owner/managers to sign PS Form 1583 as far back as 1967. In 1973, the Postal Service required the CMRA owner/manager to witness the execution of PS Form 1583. It was not until 1982 that the Postal Service allowed a notary public to witness the execution of PS Form 1583. The final rule continues the practice of allowing CMRA owner/managers to witness the execution of PS Form 1583 provided the applicant presents themself along with two acceptable forms of identification in accordance with Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) sections 608.10.3-.4. The final rule permitting CMRA owners/managers to witness the execution of PS Form 1583 via real-time audio and video is consistent with these longstanding in-person practices and does not diminish any fraud controls that are already in place.
Published in the Federal Register TEXT
Published in the Federal Register April 25, 2025.
Electronic Verification System Migrated to USPS Ship
AGENCY: Postal Service™.
ACTION: Final rule.
SUMMARY:
The Postal Service is amending Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) in various sections to require the use of USPS Ship™ (aka Package Platform) for the acceptance and payment of all commercial domestic and international parcel mailings and discontinue the use of the Electronic Verification System (eVS®).
DATES: Effective Date: February 1, 2025.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Diane Smith at (202) 268-8091, Vicki Bosch (202) 268-4978 or Garry Rodriguez at (202) 268-7281.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
On November 28, 2023, the Postal Service published a notice of proposed rulemaking (88 FR 83056-83062) to require the use of USPS Ship. In response to the proposed rule, the Postal Service received two responses containing multiple comments, as follows:
Comment: One commenter recommended the final rule clarify that USPS Ship will replace only eVS and that all other payment and acceptance channels including Click-N-Ship, ePostage, PC Postage, IBI postage meters, non-eVS (BMEU entered and permit imprint) will be unaffected unless specifically addressed.
Response: All commercial packages will be verified through USPS Ship.
Published in the Federal Register TEXT
Published in the Federal Register April 17, 2024.
Changes in Classifications of General Applicability for International Competitive Services
AGENCY: Postal Service™.
ACTION: Final action.
SUMMARY:
The Postal Service™ is revising Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, International Mail Manual (IMM®), and Notice 123, Price List, to reflect classification changes to Competitive services, as established by the Governors of the United States Postal Service. These changes implement changes in the minimum dimensions for First-Class Package International Service® (FCPIS®), International Priority Airmail® (IPA®) service and International Surface Air Lift® (ISAL®) service letter-post rolls to bring them closer to compliance with standards established by the Universal Postal Union (UPU) Convention Regulations, which serves as applicable authority in this instance, as adopted at a meeting of the UPU Postal Operations Council in May 2023.
To be in compliance with the UPU regulations, the Postal Service must revise its minimum dimensions for international letter-post rolls, so that the minimum length will be 8.25 inches instead of 4 inches, and so that the minimum length plus twice the diameter will be 12 inches instead of 6.75 inches.
In addition, the Postal Service is eliminating a competitive international electronic money transfer service known as Sure Money® (DineroSeguro®).
DATES: Effective July 14, 2024.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dale Kennedy at 202-268-6592 or Kathy Frigo at 202-268-4178.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Revisions to the size limitations for international rolls are posted under Docket No. MC2024-224, and the removal of prices for International Money Transfer Service (Sure Money) is posted under Docket Number CP2024-230 and on the Postal Regulatory Commission’s website at http://www.prc.gov.
Published in the Federal Register TEXT
Published in the Federal Register April 17, 2024.
International Mailing Services: Proposed Price Changes
AGENCY: Postal Service™.
ACTION: Proposed Rule; request for comments.
SUMMARY:
The Postal Service proposes to revise Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, International Mail Manual (IMM®), to reflect changes coincident with the recently announced mailing services price adjustments.
DATES: We must receive your comments on or before May 17, 2024.
ADDRESSES: Mail or deliver comments to the director, Product Classification, U.S. Postal Service®, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, RM 4446, Washington, DC 20260-5015. You may inspect and photocopy all written comments at USPS® Headquarters Library, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, 11th Floor N, Washington DC by appointment only between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday by calling 1-202-268-2906 in advance. Email comments, containing the name and address of the commenter, to: PCFederalRegister@usps.gov, with a subject line of “July 14, 2024, International Mailing Services Proposed Price Changes.” Faxed comments are not accepted.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dale Kennedy at 202-268-6592 or Kathy Frigo at 202-268-4178
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
All submitted comments and attachments are part of the public record and subject to disclosure. Do not enclose any material in your comments that you consider to be confidential or inappropriate for public disclosure.
International Price and Service Adjustments
On April 9, 2024, the Postal Service filed a notice of mailing services price adjustments with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC), effective on July 14, 2024. The Postal Service proposes to revise Notice 123, Price List, available on Postal Explorer® at https://pe.usps.com, to reflect these new price changes. The new prices are or will be available under Docket Number R2024-2 on the Postal Regulatory Commission’s website at www.prc.gov.
Published in the Federal Register TEXT
Published in the Federal Register April 16, 2024.
New Mailing Standards for Domestic Mailing Services Products
AGENCY: Postal Service™.
ACTION: Proposed rule.
SUMMARY:
On April 9, 2024, the Postal Service (USPS®) filed a notice of mailing services price adjustments with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC), effective July 14, 2024. This proposed rule contains the revisions to Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) that we would adopt to implement the changes coincident with the price adjustments.
DATES: Submit comments on or before May 16, 2024.
ADDRESSES: Mail or deliver written comments to the Manager, Product Classification, U.S. Postal Service, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Room 4446, Washington, DC 20260-5015. If sending comments by email, include the name and address of the commenter and send to PCFederalRegister@usps.gov, with a subject line of “January 2024 Domestic Mailing Services Proposal.” Faxed comments are not accepted.
You may inspect and photocopy all written comments, by appointment only, at USPS® Headquarters Library, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, 11th Floor North, Washington, DC, 20260. These records are available for review on Monday through Friday, 9 am – 4 pm, by calling 202-268-2906.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steven Mills at (202) 268-7433 or Doriane Harley at (202) 268-2537.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
All submitted comments and attachments are part of the public record and subject to disclosure. Do not enclose any material in your comments that you consider to be confidential or inappropriate for public disclosure. Proposed prices will be available under Docket No. R2024-2 on the Postal Regulatory Commission's Web site at
Published in the Federal Register TEXT
Published in the Federal Register March 4, 2024.
International Mail Manual; Incorporation by Reference
AGENCY: Postal Service™.
ACTION: Final rule.
SUMMARY:
The Postal Service announces the issuance of the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, International Mail Manual (IMM®) dated January 21, 2024, and its incorporation by reference in the Code of Federal Regulations.
DATES: This rule is effective March 4, 2024. The incorporation by reference of certain material listed in this rule is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of March 4, 2024.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dale Kennedy, (202) 268-6592.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
The International Mail Manual (IMM) provides our standards for all international mailing services and references for the applicable prices. It was issued on January 21, 2024, and was updated with Postal Bulletin revisions through December 28, 2023. It replaces all previous editions. The IMM continues to enable the Postal Service to fulfill its long-standing mission of providing affordable, universal mail service. It continues to: (1) increase the user’s ability to find information; (2) increase the user’s confidence that he or she has found the information they need; and (3) reduce the need to consult multiple sources to locate necessary information. The provisions throughout this issue support the standards and mail preparation changes implemented since the version of July 10, 2022. The International Mail Manual is available to the public on the Postal Explorer® Internet site at https://pe.usps.com.
Published in the Federal Register TEXT
Published in the Federal Register March 4, 2024.
Domestic Mail Manual; Incorporation by Reference
AGENCY: Postal Service™.
ACTION: Final rule.
SUMMARY:
The Postal Service announces the issuance of the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) dated July 9, 2023, and its incorporation by reference in the Code of Federal Regulations.
DATES: This rule is effective March 4, 2024. The incorporation by reference of certain material listed in this rule is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of March 4, 2024.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dale Kennedy (202) 268-6592.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
The Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) provides the United States Postal Service’s official prices and standards for all domestic mailing services. The most recent issue of the DMM is dated January 21, 2024. This issue of the DMM contains all Postal Service domestic mailing standards and continues to: (1) increase the user’s ability to find information; (2) increase confidence that users have found all the information they need; and (3) reduce the need to consult multiple chapters of the Manual to locate necessary information.
Published in the Federal Register TEXT
Published in the Federal Register January 19, 2024.
Shipping Address Label
AGENCY: Postal Service™.
ACTION: Final rule.
SUMMARY:
The Postal Service is amending Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) in various sections to clarify the requirement of the service icon and service banner when a shipping address label is used.
DATES: Effective date: January 21, 2024.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steven Jarboe at (202) 268-7690, Catherine Knox at (202) 268-5636, or Garry Rodriguez at (202) 268-7281.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
On December 5, 2023, the Postal Service published a notice of proposed rulemaking (88 FR 84251-84252) to clarify the requirement of the service icon and service banner when a shipping address label is used. In response to the proposed rule, the Postal Service received two responses, both containing multiple comments,
Published in the Federal Register TEXT