DMM TOC > 300 Discount Flats > 360 Bound Printed Matter363 Rates and Eligibility1.0 Rates and Fees for Bound Printed Matter 2.0 Basic Eligibility Standards for Bound Printed Matter 3.0 Content Standards for Bound Printed Matter Flats 4.0 Rate Eligibility for Bound Printed Matter Flats 5.0 Additional Eligibility Standards for Presorted and Carrier Route Bound Printed Matter Flats 6.0 Additional Eligibility Standards for Barcoded Bound Printed Matter Flats 1.0 Rates and Fees for Bound Printed Matter1.1 Nonpresorted Bound Printed MatterApply the rates and discounts for nonpresorted Bound Printed Matter as follows: 1.1.1 RatesBound Printed Matter (BPM) rates are based on the weight of a single addressed piece or 1 pound, whichever is higher, and the zone to which the piece is addressed. The nonpresorted rate applies to BPM not mailed at the Presorted or carrier route rates. 1.1.2 Rigid Flat-Size PiecesRigid flat-size pieces (see 301.1.3) must pay the applicable postage for a parcel size piece based on weight and zone. 1.1.3 Rate ApplicationThe nonpresorted BPM rate is charged per half-pound from 1 through 5 pounds, and per pound from more than 5 through 15 pounds. For pieces weighing 5 pounds or under, any fraction of a half-pound is considered a whole half-pound. For pieces weighing more than 5 but not more than 15 pounds, any fraction of a pound is considered a whole pound. For example, if a BPM item weighs 4.325 pounds, the weight (postage) increment is 4.5 pounds; if an item weighs 6.25 pounds, the weight (postage) increment is 7 pounds. The minimum postage rate per piece is the 1-pound rate. 1.1.4 Barcoded Discount—FlatsThe barcoded discount applies only to BPM flat-size pieces that bear a correct, readable ZIP+4 or delivery point barcode (DPBC) under 708.4.0, Standards for POSTNET and Intelligent Mail Barcodes, for the ZIP+4 code or numeric DPBC of the delivery address. The pieces must be part of a nonpresorted rate mailing of 50 or more flat-size pieces. To qualify for the barcoded discount, the flat-size piece must meet the automation requirements under 301.3.0. 1.1.5 Bound Printed Matter—NonpresortedFor barcoded discount, deduct $0.03 per piece (automatable flats only, 50-piece minimum). Exhibit 1.1.5 Bound Printed Matter Nonpresorted Rates
1.1.6 Computing Postage—Bound Printed Matter With Permit ImprintTo compute the total postage for a mailing, for each weight increment, multiply the number of pieces by the applicable rate per piece. 1.1.7 Computing Postage—Bound Printed Matter With Postage AffixedFor each piece, affix the postage (see authorized methods in 364.1.1.2) for the weight increment for the zone to which the piece is addressed, as shown in 1.1.5, Bound Printed Matter—Nonpresorted. 1.2 Discount Bound Printed MatterApply the rates, fees and discounts for discounted Bound Printed Matter as follows: 1.2.1 RatesPostage is based on the rate that applies to the weight (postage) increment of each addressed piece. 1.2.2 Rigid Flat-Size PiecesRigid flat-size pieces (see 301.1.3) must pay the applicable postage for a parcel size piece based on weight and zone. 1.2.3 Rate ApplicationThe presorted Bound Printed Matter rate has a per piece charge and a per pound charge. Postage is based on the rate that applies to the weight (postage) increment of each addressed piece and on the zone to which the piece is addressed. The minimum postage rate for an addressed piece is one unit of the per piece charge plus the per pound charge for an addressed piece weighing 1 pound. 1.2.4 Bound Printed Matter Presorted and Carrier Route Rates1.2.5 Bound Printed Matter Destination Entry RatesPresorted DDU rates are not available for flats that weigh 1 pound or less. Exhibit 1.2.5 Bound Printed Matter Presorted, Carrier Route, and Destination Entry Rates
1.2.6 Destination Entry Mailing Fee1.2.7 Determining Single-Piece WeightTo determine single-piece weight in any mailing of nonidentical-weight pieces, weigh each piece individually. To determine single-piece weight in a mailing of identical-weight pieces, weigh a sample group of at least 10 randomly selected pieces and divide the total sample weight by the number of pieces in the sample. Express all single-piece weights in decimal pounds rounded off to four decimal places. 1.2.8 Computing Postage for Affixed PostagePresorted and Carrier Route Bound Printed Matter mailings with postage affixed are charged a per pound rate and a per piece rate as follows: a. For each addressed piece, calculate the per pound rate: 1. If the piece weighs 1 pound or less, the per pound rate is the rate listed in 1.2.4 or 1.2.5 for the rate category and zone. 2. If the piece weighs more than 1 pound, compute the per pound rate by multiplying the unrounded weight of the piece by the pound rate for the category and zone. Do not round this result. b. Postage per piece. Compute the postage for each piece by adding the calculated per pound rate to the per piece rate for the category and zone. Round this number up to the next tenth of a cent. Affix this amount of postage to the piece. c. Total Postage for Mailing. Add all of the affixed postage amounts for each piece in the mailing. 1.2.9 Computing Postage for Permit ImprintPresorted and Carrier Route Bound Printed Matter mailings paid with permit imprint are charged a per pound rate and a per piece rate as follows: 1. For pieces weighing 1 pound or less, compute the per pound rate by multiplying the total number of addressed pieces by the 1-pound rate for the rate category and zone. Do not round this result. 2. For pieces weighing more than 1 pound, compute the per pound rate by multiplying the unrounded total weight of the addressed pieces by the pound rate for the category and zone. Do not round this result. b. Per piece rate. Multiply the total number of addressed pieces by the applicable piece rate. c. Total Postage. Calculate total postage by adding the total per piece calculation to the total per pound calculation. Round off the total postage to the nearest whole cent. 2.0 Basic Eligibility Standards for Bound Printed Matter2.1 Service ObjectivesThe USPS does not guarantee the delivery of BPM within a specified time. BPM might receive deferred service. The local post office can provide more information concerning delivery times within its area. 2.2 Postal InspectionBPM is not sealed against postal inspection. Regardless of physical closure, the mailing of articles at BPM rates constitutes consent by the mailer to postal inspection of the contents. 2.3 Delivery and Return AddressesAll BPM mail must bear a delivery address. The delivery address on each piece must include the correct ZIP Code or ZIP+4 code. Alternative addressing formats under 602.3.0 may be used. Except for unendorsed BPM, each piece must bear the sender's return address. 3.0 Content Standards for Bound Printed Matter Flats3.1 Basic Content StandardsBound Printed Matter (BPM) is a subclass of Package Services and must: a. Meet the basic standards in 2.0. b. Weigh no more than 15 pounds. Pieces might be subject to other minimum weights or dimensions based on the standards for specific rates. c. Consist of advertising, promotional, directory, or editorial material (or any combination of such material). d. Be securely bound by permanent fastenings such as staples, spiral binding, glue, or stitching. Loose-leaf binders and similar fastenings are not considered permanent. e. Consist of sheets of which at least 90% are imprinted by any process other than handwriting or typewriting with words, letters, characters, figures, or images (or any combination of them). f. Not have the nature of personal correspondence. g. Not be stationery, such as pads of blank printed forms. h. Consist of mailable matter that is neither mailed or required to be mailed as First-Class Mail nor entered as Periodicals (except as permitted under 3.2 or permitted or required under 707.7.9). 3.2 Attachments or Enclosures of Periodicals Sample CopiesSample copies of authorized and pending Periodicals publications may be enclosed or attached with merchandise sent at BPM rates. Postage at BPM rates is based on the combined weight of the host piece and the sample copies enclosed. 3.3 Attachments and Enclosures3.3.1 InvoiceAn invoice, whether it also serves as a bill, may be placed either inside a Bound Printed Matter piece or in an envelope marked "Invoice Enclosed" and attached to the outside of the piece if the invoice relates solely to the matter with which it is mailed. The invoice may show this information: a. Names and addresses of the sender and addressee. b. Names and quantities of the articles enclosed, descriptions of each (e.g., price, tax, style, stock number, size, and quality, and, if defective, nature of defects). c. Order or file number, date of order, date and manner of shipment, shipping weight, postage paid, and initials or name of packer or checker. 3.3.2 Incidental First-Class Attachments and EnclosuresIncidental First-Class matter may be enclosed in or attached to any Bound Printed Matter piece without payment of First-Class postage. An incidental First-Class attachment or enclosure must be matter that, if mailed separately, would require First-Class postage, is closely associated with but secondary to the host piece, and is prepared so as not to interfere with postal processing. An incidental First-Class attachment or enclosure may be a bill for the product or publication, a statement of account for past products or publications, or a personal message or greeting included with a product, publication, or parcel. Postage at the Bound Printed Matter rate for the host piece is based on the combined weight of the host piece and the incidental First-Class attachment or enclosure. 3.3.3 Additional EnclosuresBound Printed Matter may have the following additions and enclosures: a. Any printed matter mailable as Standard Mail. b. Nonprint attachments and enclosures. The combined weight of all nonprint attachments and enclosures in the mailpiece must be less than or equal to 25% of the weight of the BPM in the mailpiece. The individual cost of each nonprint attachment or enclosure must be less than or equal to the cost of a "low cost" item as defined in 703.1.6.11, Products Mailable at Nonprofit Standard Mail Rates. In addition, the combined cost of all nonprint attachments and enclosures must not exceed two times the cost of a "low cost" item as defined in 703.1.6.11. 3.4 Written AdditionsMarkings that have the character of personal correspondence require, with certain exceptions, additional postage at the First-Class rates. The following written additions and enclosures do not require additional First-Class postage: a. The sender's and the addressee's names, occupations, and addresses, preceded by "From" or "To," and directions for handling. b. Marks, numbers, names, or letters describing the contents. c. Words or phrases such as "Do Not Open Until Christmas" and "Happy Birthday, Mother." d. Instructions and directions for the use of the item mailed. e. A manuscript dedication or inscription not having the nature of personal correspondence. f. Marks to call attention to words or passages in the text. g. Corrections of typographical errors in printed matter. h. Manuscripts accompanying related proof sheets and corrections of proof sheets including corrections of typographical and other errors, changes in the text, insertions of new text, marginal instructions to the printer, and corrective rewrites of parts. i. Handstamped imprints, unless the added material is in itself personal or converts the original matter to a personal communication. j. Matter mailable separately as Standard Mail printed on the wrapper, envelope, tag, or label. 4.0 Rate Eligibility for Bound Printed Matter Flats4.1 Rate EligibilityBPM rates are based on the weight of a single addressed piece or 1 pound, whichever is higher, and the zone (where applicable) to which the piece is addressed. Rate categories are as follows: a. Nonpresorted Rate. The nonpresorted rate applies to mailings of fewer than 300 pieces and to BPM not mailed at the Presorted or carrier route rates. b. Presorted Rate. The Presorted rate applies to BPM prepared in a mailing of at least 300 pieces, prepared and presorted as specified in 705.8.0, Preparing Pallets, or 365.5.0, Preparing Presorted Flats. c. Carrier Route Rate. The Carrier Route rate applies to BPM prepared in a mailing of at least 300 pieces presorted to carrier routes, prepared and presorted as specified in 705.8.0, Preparing Pallets, or 365.5.0, Preparing Presorted Flats. d. Barcoded Discount—Flats. The barcoded discount applies only to BPM flat-size pieces that bear a correct, readable ZIP+4 or delivery point barcode (DPBC) under Exhibit 708.4.0 for the ZIP+4 Code or numeric DPBC of the delivery address. The pieces must be part of a nonpresorted rate mailing of 50 or more flat-size pieces or part of a presort rate mailing of at least 300 BPM flat-size pieces prepared under 705.8.0, Preparing Pallets, and 365.7.0, Preparing Barcoded Flats. The barcoded discount is not available for flat-size pieces mailed at Presorted DDU rates or carrier route rates. To qualify for the barcoded discount, the flat-size piece must meet the requirements under 301.3.0. 4.2 Nonidentical Weight PiecesMailings may contain nonidentical-weight pieces only if the correct postage is affixed to each piece or if Business Mailer Support (BMS) has authorized payment of postage by permit imprint under 705.2.0, Manifest Mailing System, or 705.4.0, Alternate Mailing System. 4.3 ZIP Code Accuracy4.3.1 Basic StandardsThe ZIP Code accuracy standard is a means of ensuring that the 5-digit ZIP Code in the delivery address correctly matches the delivery address information. For the purposes of this standard, address means a specific address associated with a specific 5-digit ZIP Code. Addresses used on pieces claiming certain rates under 4.3.1d that are subject to the ZIP Code accuracy standard must meet these requirements: a. Each address and associated 5-digit ZIP Code used on the mailpieces in a mailing must be verified and corrected within 12 months before the mailing date with one of the USPS-approved methods in 4.3.2. b. Each individual address in the mailing is subject to the ZIP Code accuracy standard. c. If an address used on a mailpiece in a mailing at one class of mail and rate is verified and corrected with an approved method, the same address may be used during the following 12 months to meet the ZIP Code accuracy standard required for mailing at any other class of mail and rate. d. Except for mail bearing a simplified address, addresses used on pieces claiming Bound Printed Matter Presorted and Carrier Route rates, regardless of any required surcharges, must meet the ZIP Code accuracy standard. 4.3.2 USPS-Approved MethodsThe following methods are authorized for meeting the ZIP Code accuracy standard: a. For computerized lists, Coding Accuracy Support System (CASS)-certified address matching software and current USPS City State Product, within a mailer's computer systems or through an authorized service provider. b. For manually maintained lists or small computerized lists, options include the following: 1. Surveys of addressees on mailer's address list inquiring about the accuracy of ZIP Code information. 2. Any mailing list service in 507.6.0. 3. An authorized service provider. 4. CASS-certified matching software. 5. USPS Web site, www.usps.com. 4.3.3 Mailer CertificationThe mailer's signature on the postage statement certifies that the ZIP Code accuracy standard has been met for each address in the corresponding mailing presented to the USPS. 5.0 Additional Eligibility Standards for Presorted and Carrier Route Bound Printed Matter Flats5.1 Basic StandardsIn addition to the standards in 2.0 and 3.0, all pieces in a Bound Printed Matter mailing must: a. Bear a delivery address that includes the correct ZIP Code or ZIP+4 code and that meets these address quality standards: 1. The ZIP Code accuracy standard in 3.3. 2. If the barcode discount for flat-size pieces is claimed (see 3.1), the additional address matching and coding standards in 6.3, Address Standards for Barcode Discount, and 708.3.0, Coding Accuracy Support System (CASS). 3. If the carrier route discount is claimed, the carrier route accuracy standard in 5.3. 4. If an alternative addressing format is used, the additional standards in 602.3.0. 5. If pieces are prepared with detached address labels, the additional standards in 602.4.0. b. Meet the applicable preparation standards under 365.5.0, Preparing Presorted Flats, or 365.6.0, Preparing Carrier Route Flats, 365.7.0, Preparing Barcoded Flats, or 705.8.0, Preparing Pallets. 5.2 Additional Standards for Carrier Route Bound Printed MatterIn addition to the basic standards in 2.0, Basic Eligibility Standards for Bound Printed Matter, and 3.2, Attachments or Enclosures of Periodicals Sample Copies, all pieces in a Bound Printed Matter carrier route rate mailing must: a. Bear a delivery address that includes the correct ZIP Code or ZIP+4 code and that meets these address quality standards: 1. The carrier route accuracy standard in 5.3. 2. If an alternative addressing format is used, the additional standards in 602.3.0. 3. If pieces are prepared with detached address labels, the additional standards in 602.4.0. b. Meet the preparation standards in 365.6.0, Preparing Carrier Route Flats, or 705.8.0, Preparing Pallets. 5.3 Carrier Route Accuracy5.3.1 Basic StandardsThe carrier route accuracy standard is a means of ensuring that the carrier route code correctly matches the delivery address information. For the purposes of this standard, address means a specific address associated with a specific carrier route code. Addresses used on pieces claiming carrier route rates that are subject to the carrier route accuracy standard must meet these requirements: a. Each address and associated carrier route code used on the mailpieces in a mailing must be updated within 90 days before the mailing date with one of the USPS-approved methods in 5.3.2. b. Each individual address in the mailing is subject to the carrier route accuracy standard. c. If the carrier route code (and accuracy) of an address used on a mailpiece in a carrier route mailing at one class of mail and rate is updated with an approved method, the same address may be used during the following 90 days to meet the carrier route accuracy standard required for mailing at any other class of mail and rate. d. Except for mail bearing a simplified address, addresses used on pieces claiming Bound Printed Matter Carrier Route rates must meet the ZIP Code accuracy standards. 5.3.2 USPS-Approved MethodsCarrier route coding must be performed using CASS-certified software and the current USPS Carrier Route Product or another Address Information System (AIS) product containing carrier route information subject to 509.1.0, Address Information System Products, and 708.3.0, Coding Accuracy Support System (CASS). 5.3.3 Mailer CertificationThe mailer's signature on the postage statement certifies that the carrier route accuracy standard has been met for each address in the corresponding mailing presented to the USPS. 6.0 Additional Eligibility Standards for Barcoded Bound Printed Matter Flats6.1 Basic Eligibility Standards for Barcoded Bound Printed MatterThe barcode discount applies only to BPM flat-size pieces that bear a correct, readable ZIP+4 or delivery point barcode (DPBC) under 708.4.0, Standards for POSTNET and Intelligent Mail Barcodes, for the ZIP+4 code or numeric DPBC of the delivery address. Instead of ZIP+4 codes or DPBCs, pieces may bear Intelligent Mail barcodes (under 708.4.0) containing a ZIP+4 or delivery point routing code for the delivery address. The pieces must be part of a nonpresorted rate mailing of 50 or more flat-size pieces or part of a presort rate mailing of at least 300 BPM flat-size pieces prepared under 705.8.0, Preparing Pallets, and 365.7.0, Preparing Barcoded Flats. The barcode discount is not available for flat-size pieces mailed at Presorted DDU rates or carrier route rates. To qualify for the barcode discount, the flat-size piece must meet the flat sorting machine requirements under 301.3.2, Additional Criteria for Automation Flats. 6.2 Weight StandardMaximum weight limit for barcoded Bound Printed Matter is 20 ounces. 6.3 Address Standards for Barcode Discount6.3.1 Basic Address StandardsTo qualify for barcode discounts, addresses must be sufficiently complete to enable matching to the current USPS ZIP+4 Product when used with current CASS-certified address matching software. Standardized address elements are not required. Any barcode as defined in 708.2.0 that appears on a mailpiece claimed at an automation rate must be the correct barcode for the corresponding delivery address on the piece. 6.3.2 Numeric ZIP+4A numeric ZIP+4 code must consist of five digits, a hyphen, and four digits. 6.3.3 Numeric DPBCA numeric equivalent of the delivery point barcode (DPBC) consists of five digits followed by a hyphen and seven digits as specified in 708.4.0. The numeric equivalent is formed by adding three digits directly after the ZIP+4 code. 6.3.4 Address ElementsAddresses must include the correct street number, predirectional, street name, suffix, and postdirectional that are input to obtain a match with the current USPS ZIP+4 Product. 6.3.5 Firm NameAn address must include a firm name when necessary to obtain a match with the finest level of ZIP+4 code in the USPS ZIP+4 Product. If an address contains a firm name assigned a unique ZIP+4 code in the USPS ZIP+4 Product, the unique ZIP+4 code must be used. If the firm name is not one assigned a unique ZIP+4 code in the USPS ZIP+4 Product and the apartment/suite number is included in the address, the ZIP+4 code for the range in which the apartment/suite number appears must be used in that address. If the firm name does not correspond to a firm name that has a unique ZIP+4 code assigned in the USPS ZIP+4 Product and the apartment/suite number is not included in the address, the ZIP+4 code for the building must be used. 6.3.6 Secondary DesignatorIf a secondary address designator (e.g., an apartment number) is shown in the address, the mailpiece must show the appropriate ZIP+4 code representing the range for that secondary address as contained in the current USPS ZIP+4 Product. If a secondary address designator is required to obtain an exact match with the finest level of ZIP+4 code in the USPS ZIP+4 Product but the information is not available, the alternative ZIP+4 code or ZIP+4 or delivery point barcode for the building must be used. 6.3.7 Rural and Highway Contract RoutesIf a rural route or highway contract route box number is included in the address, the mailpiece must show the appropriate ZIP+4 code representing the range for that box number as contained in the current USPS ZIP+4 Product. If a rural route or highway contract route box number is required to obtain a match with the finest level of ZIP+4 code but is not available, the alternative ZIP+4 code or ZIP+4 or delivery point barcode for the rural route or highway contract route must be used. If used, the rural route or highway contract route box number must be placed on the line immediately above the city/state/ZIP Code line. 6.3.8 Post Office BoxA post office box address must contain a post office box number that can be exactly matched with the USPS ZIP+4 Product in effect.
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