705 Advanced Preparation and Special Postage Payment Systems

1. Line 1: use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code destination of pieces.

b. 5-digit, labeling:

Pallet labels must be prepared as follows:

7.1.6 Combined Parcels Prepared on Pallets—Price Eligibility

In addition to the applicable standards in 455.4.0, Preparing Destination Entry Parcel Select, and 466.3.0 through 466.6.0 in Enter and Deposit for destination entry parcels, the following standards apply for combined parcels prepared on pallets:

a. Parcel Select DSCF prices apply to pieces that are prepared on 5-digit scheme and 5-digit pallets, each containing at least 50 pieces and 250 pounds or 36 inches of Parcel Select and Package Services mail, or contained in overflow sacks under 7.1.8, and deposited at a DSCF under 455.4.0. Parcel Select DDU prices apply to pieces that are prepared on 5-digit scheme and 5-digit pallets, each containing at least 50 pieces and 250 pounds or 36 inches of Parcel Select and Package Services mail, or contained in overflow sacks under 7.1.8, and deposited at a DDU under 455.4.0.

b. Presorted Bound Printed Matter DSCF prices apply to pieces that are prepared on 5-digit scheme and 5-digit pallets, each containing at least 50 pieces and 250 pounds or at least 36 inches of Parcel Select and Package Services mail, or contained in overflow sacks under 7.1.8, and deposited at a DSCF under 466.3.0 through 466.6.0. Presorted Bound Printed Matter DDU prices apply to pieces that are prepared on 5-digit scheme and 5-digit pallets, each containing at least 50 pieces and 250 pounds or at least 36 inches of Parcel Select and Package Services mail, or contained in overflow sacks under 7.1.8, and deposited at a DDU under 466.3.0 through 466.6.0.

c. Presorted Library Mail 5-digit prices apply to pieces that are prepared on 5-digit scheme and 5-digit pallets, each containing at least 50 pieces and 250 pounds or 36 inches of Parcel Select and Package Services mail, or contained in overflow sacks under 7.1.8.

d. Presorted Media Mail 5-digit prices apply to pieces that are prepared on 5-digit scheme and 5-digit pallets, each containing at least 50 pieces and 250 pounds or 36 inches of Parcel Select and Package Services mail, or contained in overflow sacks under 7.1.8.

e. Single-piece price parcels that are prepared on 5-digit scheme and 5-digit pallets, each containing at least 50 pieces and 250 pounds or 36 inches of Parcel Select and Package Services mail, or contained in overflow sacks under 7.1.8, qualify for single-piece prices.

7.1.7 Pallet Preparation

Only 5-digit scheme and 5-digit pallets may be prepared. Each 5-digit scheme and 5-digit pallet of combined Parcel Select and Package Services must contain at least:
(1) 50 parcels and 250 pounds of mail, or (2) 36 inches of mail (excluding the height of the pallet). Pallets prepared using either minimum requirement may be combined in the same mailing.

7.1.8 Overflow Sacks

After filling pallets to a 5-digit scheme or 5-digit destination, any remaining pieces that do not meet the minimum pallet requirements may be prepared in 5-digit scheme or 5-digit overflow sacks. Overflow sacks must be labeled under 7.2.3.

7.1.9 Pallet Labeling

a. 5-digit scheme, optional; labeling:

1. Line 1: use L606, Column B.

1. Line 1: use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code destination of pieces.

b. 5-digit, labeling:

Parcel Select and Package Services parcels must meet the following conditions:

7.2 Combining Parcel Select and Package Services Machinable Parcels for DNDC Entry

7.2.1 Qualification

Mailers may combine Parcel Select and Package Services machinable parcels for entry at a NDC when authorized by the USPS under 7.5. These parcels may be eligible for Parcel Post, Parcel Select DNDC/ASF, single-piece and Presorted Media Mail, single-piece and Presorted Library Mail, Bound Printed Matter DNDC, and single-piece and Presorted Bound Printed Matter prices. Mailers may not combine Carrier Route Bound Printed Matter with other parcels.

7.2.2 Basic Standards

a. Each piece in a combined machinable parcels mailing must meet the criteria for machinable parcels in 401.1.5.

b. Each parcel in a combined machinable parcels mailing is subject to the applicable content and price eligibility standards for the price claimed.

c. Parcel Select machinable parcels must bear a barcode under 708.5.0 for the ZIP Code of the delivery address.

d. Postage must be paid via permit imprint under an approved manifest mailing system as provided in 3.0. For mailings presented under 7.0, mailers may document and pay postage using the Electronic Verification System (eVS) under 2.9.

e. Mailers must pay all applicable presort mailing and destination entry mailing fees.

f. Minimum volume requirements for Parcel Select, Presorted Bound Printed Matter, Presorted Library Mail, and Presorted Media Mail must be met separately and are based solely on the quantity of pieces eligible for each price at the required presort level. Pieces claimed at other prices in the same sack or on the same pallet do not count toward these minimum volume requirements.

g. Parcels may be claimed at single-piece, Presorted, and DNDC/ASF destination entry prices as applicable.

h. Mailers must prepare all parcels in sacks under 6.2.3, or on pallets or in pallet boxes under 8.0, to achieve the finest level of sortation.

i. Mailers must deposit combined machinable parcels at NDCs under applicable standards in 16.0.

7.2.3 Sacking and Labeling

Preparation sequence, sack size, and labeling:

a. 5-digit scheme, optional,10-piece or 20-pound minimum; labeling:

1. Line 1: use L606, Column B.

2. Line 2: “PSVC MACH 5D SCH.”

b. 5-digit, optional except for Bound Printed Matter, required for 5-digit price for Media Mail and Library Mail, 10-piece or 20-pound minimum; labeling:

1. Line 1: use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code on mail (see 8.0 for overseas military mail).

2. Line 2: “PSVC MACH 5D.”

c. ASF, optional, allowed only for mail deposited at an ASF to claim DNDC price, 10-piece or 20-pound minimum; labeling:

1. Line 1: use L602, Column B. DNDC price eligibility is determined by 6.3.

2. Line 2: “PSVC MACH ASF.”

d. NDC, required,10-piece or 20-pound minimum; labeling:

1. Line 1: use L601, Column B. DNDC price eligibility is determined by 6.3.

2. Line 2: “PSVC MACH NDC.”

7.2.4 Pallet Presort and Labeling

Mailers must prepare pallets in the sequence listed below and complete each required level before preparing the next optional or required level. Unless indicated as optional, all sort levels are required under the conditions shown. Destination entry price eligibility applies only to Parcel Select (see 453.3.0 and 455.4.0) and Bound Printed Matter (see 466.3.0). Mailers may, at their option, prepare all machinable parcels for destination entry (see 7.0). Mailers must label pallets according to the Line 1 and Line 2 information listed below and under 8.0.

a. 5-digit scheme, optional. Pallet may contain parcels for the same 5-digit scheme under L606. Pallets need not be prepared for all 5-digit scheme destinations. For 5-digit destinations not part of L606, or for which scheme sorts are not performed, prepare 5-digit pallets under 2.4. Labeling:

1. Line 1: use L606, column B.

2. Line 2: “PSVC MACH 5D,” as applicable; followed by “SCHEME” (or “SCH”).

b. 5-digit, optional except for Bound Printed Matter, required for 5-digit price eligibility for Media Mail and Library Mail. Pallet must contain parcels only for the same 5-digit ZIP Code. Labeling:

1. Line 1: use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code destination (see 8.0 for military mail).

2. Line 2: “PSVC MACH 5D,” as applicable.

c. ASF, required if claiming DNDC prices, otherwise optional. Not available for the Buffalo, NY ASF. Pallets must contain only parcels for the 3-digit ZIP Code groups in L602. Labeling:

1. Line 1: use L602, column B.

2. Line 2: “PSVC MACH ASF,” as applicable.

d. NDC, required. Pallets must contain only parcels for the 3-digit ZIP Code groups in L601. Labeling:

1. Line 1: use L601, column B. DNDC price eligibility is determined by Exhibit 446.3.1.

2. Line 2: “PSVC MACH NDC,” as applicable.

7.3 Postage Payment

Postage for all pieces must be paid with permit imprint at the Post Office serving the mailer's plant under 2.0.

7.4 Documentation

Mailers must complete separate postage statements for each of the mailings contained within the combined mailing. At the time of mailing, mailers must provide all postage statements and a Business Mailer Support-approved manifest prepared according to 2.0 and this section.

7.5 Authorization

8.0 Preparing Pallets

8.1 Physical Characteristics

8.1.1 Standards

All pallets presented to the USPS, whether USPS-provided or mailer-provided, must meet the standards in 8.1.2 through 8.1.4. Mail on such pallets must meet the standards for the class and price claimed.

8.1.2 Construction

Pallets must be made of high-quality material that can hold loads equal to a gross weight of 2,200 pounds. Pallets must measure 48 by 40 inches and must allow four-way entry by forklift trucks and two-way entry by pallet jacks.

8.1.3 Securing Pallets

Except for stacked pallets under 8.3.1 and pallet boxes under 8.4.3, each loaded pallet of mail must be prepared to maintain the integrity of the mail and the entire pallet load during transport and handling using one of the following methods:

a. Securing with at least two straps or bands of appropriate material. Wire or metal bands, straps, buckles, seals, and similar metal fastening devices cannot be used.

b. Wrapping with stretchable or shrinkable plastic.

c. Securing with at least two straps or bands of appropriate material and wrapping with stretchable or shrinkable plastic. Wire and metal bands and straps, metal buckles, metal seals, and similar metal fastening devices cannot be used.

8.1.4 Nonconforming Mailer

The USPS informs any mailer or mailer’s agent who presents palletized mailings, including plant-verified drop shipment (PVDS), when the mailer’s pallets fail to meet basic pallet integrity and safety standards. After a mailer is notified and allowed to make changes to improve load integrity, if the mailer’s methods, or those of the mailer’s agent, do not work, the mailer is considered nonconforming. A nonconforming mailer must meet the specifications for nonconforming mailers for top-cap use, stacking of pallets, pallet box construction, and maximum height/tiers of trays in 8.2 through 8.5, respectively. A mailer is suspended from the pallet program if the mailer’s pallets continue to fail to meet the minimum load integrity levels after being notified and allowed to make changes.

8.2 Top Caps

8.2.1 Use

Top caps are used as follows:

a. Except as provided below, all pallets of sacks, trays, parcels, bundles of mail, or pallet boxes must be top-capped if the pallets are stacked two, three, or four tiers high when presented to the USPS for acceptance.

b. The top pallet need not be top-capped if the strapping or banding securing the stacked pallets together neither damages the mail on the top pallet nor allows the stack to shift.

c. Lower pallet(s) containing either parcels or bundles of mail need not be top-capped if the top surface of each pallet load provides a sturdy, flat surface, parallel to the pallet base, that allows safe and efficient stacking of pallets placed on top and prevents sliding of the top pallet(s), damage to the loaded mail, or crushing of the load.

8.2.2 Construction

Any material may be used as a top cap if it provides a flat, level surface horizontal to the base pallet, protects the integrity of the mail below it while supporting a loaded pallet above, and allows easy entry of a forklift to remove the upper pallet(s). Flimsy paper or fiberboard (e.g., the ends of paper rolls) or similar material is inadequate and may not be used as a top cap.

8.2.3 Securing

A top cap must be secured to the pallet horizontal to the plane of the base pallet, with either stretchwrap or at least two crossed straps or bands, so that the cap stays in place to protect the mail and maintain the integrity of the pallet load.

8.2.4 Use by Nonconforming Mailer

A nonconforming mailer (see 8.1.4) must use top caps on all pallets of sacks, letter mail trays, parcels, or bundles of mail, regardless of weight, or on pallets containing pallet boxes no more than 60 inches high. Top caps must be approximately 48 by 40 inches and meet one of these construction standards:

a. Five-wood boards, with uniform edges and nine-leg pallet contact for stacking.

b. Fiberboard box-end style, with a minimum 3-inch side and wall material of at least double-wall corrugated fiberboard C-flute and/or B-flute.

c. Fiberboard honeycomb covered on both sides, with heavy linerboard at least 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.

8.3 Stacking Pallets

8.3.1 Physical Characteristics

Pallets may be stacked two, three, or four tiers high if:

a. The combined gross weight of the stacked pallets (pallets, top caps, and mail) does not exceed 2,200 pounds.

b. The heaviest pallet is on the bottom and the lightest is on the top.

c. Individual pallets are secured with straps or stretchable or shrinkable plastic as specified in 8.1.3.

d. The stack of pallets is secured with at least two straps or bands of appropriate material to maintain the integrity of the stacked pallets during transport and handling. Wire or metal bands, straps, buckles, seals, and similar metal fastening devices cannot be used. The stack of pallets cannot be secured together with stretchable or shrinkable plastic.

e. Each pallet is top-capped as specified in 8.2.

f. The combined height of the stacked pallets and their loads does not exceed 84 inches. Exception: Pallets prepared for entry at Anchorage or Fairbanks, Alaska, cannot exceed 72 inches (pallets, top caps, and mail).

8.3.2 Pallet Height Restriction for Nonconforming Mailer

A nonconforming mailer (see 8.1.4) who stacks pallets is subject to the requirements of 8.3.1 with the additional restrictions that the combined height of any stacked pallets may not exceed 77 inches and that stacking pallets four tiers high is permitted only for pallets of parcels.

8.4 Pallet Boxes

8.4.1 Use

A mailer may use pallet boxes constructed of single-, double-, or triple-wall corrugated fiberboard placed on pallets to hold sacks or parcels. Pallet boxes must protect the mail and maintain the integrity of the pallet loads throughout transportation, handling, and processing. Single-wall corrugated fiberboard may be used only for light loads (such as lightweight parcels) that do not require transportation by the USPS beyond the entry office, or for Parcel Select DSCF price mail. Mailers must supply their own pallet boxes. The base of the boxes must measure approximately 40 by 48 inches. Pallet standards require the use of pallet boxes meeting the size requirements in 8.4.2 for machinable Parcel Select claiming ONDC Presort and NDC Presort discounts. Pallet standards prohibit use of pallet boxes for nonmachinable Parcel Select claiming ONDC Presort and NDC Presort discounts. Pallet boxes meeting the size dimensions in 8.4.2 also may be used at the mailer's option for Parcel Select DSCF and Parcel Select DDU price mail.

8.4.2 Height

The combined height of a single pallet, pallet box, and mail may not exceed 77 inches. The contents of the box may not extend above the top rim of the box. For all Parcel Select and Package Services mailings entered at a DSCF or DDU, the height of the pallet box may not exceed 60 inches (excluding the pallet). For Parcel Select ONDC Presort and NDC Presort price mailings of machinable pieces, the height of the pallet box must not exceed 69 inches (excluding the pallet).

8.4.3 Securing

Pallet boxes must be secured to the pallet with strapping, banding, stretchable plastic, shrinkwrap, or other material (wire or metal bands, straps, buckles, seals, and similar metal fastening devices cannot be used) that ensures that the pallet can be safely unloaded from vehicles, transported, and processed as a single unit to the point where the contents are distributed with the load intact if:

a. The pallet and its contents are transported by the USPS from the office where the mail is accepted to another postal facility where the contents are distributed; and

b. The weight of the mail in the box is not sufficient to hold the box in place on the pallet during transportation and processing.

8.4.4 Use by Nonconforming Mailer

Except when mailing Parcel Select claiming a DSCF or DDU price, a nonconforming mailer (see 8.1.4) may use pallet boxes only if the boxes are constructed of triple-wall corrugated fiberboard (C-flute and/or B-flute material) with a maximum height (pallet and box) of 77 inches.

8.5 General Preparation

8.5.1 Presort

Pallet sortation is generally intended to presort the palletized portion of a mailing to at least the finest extent required for the corresponding class of mail and method of preparation. 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. Standard preparation terms are defined in the Mail Preparation section for each class of mail, standard presort levels are defined in 8.0, and advanced presort levels are defined in 10.0, 12.0, and 13.0. For sacks, trays, or machinable parcels on pallets, the mailer must prepare all required pallet levels before any mixed ADC or mixed NDC pallets are prepared for a mailing or job. Bundles must not be placed on mixed ADC or mixed NDC pallets. Bundles that cannot be placed on pallets must be prepared in sacks under the standards for the price claimed. The standards for bundle reallocation to protect the SCF, ADC, or NDC pallet (8.11, 8.13, and 8.14) are optional methods of pallet preparation designed to retain as much mail as possible at the SCF, ADC, or NDC level. These standards may result in some bundles of Periodicals flats and irregular parcels and Standard Mail flats that are part of a mailing job prepared in part as palletized flats at automation prices not being placed on the finest level of pallet possible. Mailers must use PAVE-certified presort software to prepare mailings using bundle reallocation (bundle reallocation is optional, but if performed, it must be done for the complete mailing job).

8.5.2 Required Preparation

[4-17-11] The following standards apply to Periodicals, Standard Mail, Parcel Select, Parcel Select Regional Ground, and Package Services, except Parcel Select mailed at NDC Presort, ONDC Presort, DSCF, and DDU prices.

a. Mailers must prepare a pallet to the required sortation level(s) for the class of mail when a mailing contains 500 or more pounds of bundles, sacks, or parcels or 72 linear feet or six layers of letter trays for the destination.

b. For bundles of flat-size mailpieces or bundles of irregular parcels on pallets, after preparing all possible pallets under 8.5.2a., when 250 or more pounds of bundles remain for an ADC (Periodicals) or for a NDC/ASF (Standard Mail, Parcel Select, and Package Services), mailers must prepare the ADC or NDC/ASF pallet, as applicable for the class of mail. Exception: If there are no ADC or NDC/ASF pallets in a mailing and 250 or more pounds remain for an SCF, mailers must prepare the SCF pallet.

c. If bundles remain that cannot be prepared on an ADC, NDC/ASF, or SCF pallet, mailers must place those bundles in sacks (8.9.1).

8.5.3 Minimum Load

The following minimum load standards apply to mail prepared on pallets:

a. For Periodicals, Standard Mail, Parcel Select, and Package Services (except for Parcel Select mailed at NDC Presort, ONDC Presort, DSCF, and DDU prices):

1. In a single mailing, the minimum load per pallet is 250 pounds of bundles, parcels, or sacks, except as provided in items 2 through 4 below. When preparing letter trays on pallets, the minimum load is 36 linear feet or three layers of trays, except as provided in item 3 below.

2. There is no minimum load for pallets entered at a destination delivery unit (DDU) if the mail on those pallets is for that unit's service area.

3. The minimum load for pallets is 200 pounds of Standard Mail parcels (machinable, irregulars, or NFMs) entered at origin (NDC only) or at a DNDC to claim the 5-digit or NDC price.

4. A pallet may contain a minimum of 100 pounds of nonletter-size mail or 12 linear feet of letter trays if it is a NDC or ASF pallet entered at the destination NDC or ASF; an ADC pallet entered at the destination ADC; an SCF pallet entered at the destination SCF; or the only pallet entered at an individual destination NDC or ASF, ADC, or SCF facility.

5. At an SCF, a 5-digit, 3-digit, or SCF pallet may contain less than the required minimum load of mail for that SCF’s service area only if the SCF manager provides written authorization for such preparation.

b. Parcel Select mailed at NDC Presort, ONDC Presort, DSCF, and DDU prices. A minimum load for the price claimed may be stated in terms of weight, combined piece minimum and weight, or minimum height. There are separate minimum mail heights for machinable parcels and for nonmachinable parcels claimed at ONDC Presort and NDC Presort prices. Mail entered at the Parcel Post DSCF prices and prepared directly on pallets or in pallet boxes on pallets must be prepared under either a minimum height requirement or under one of two options requiring a minimum number of pieces and pounds per pallet. There is no minimum weight requirement for an SCF pallet containing 5-digit scheme and 5-digit sacks prepared for the DSCF price. There are no minimums for the Parcel Select DDU price.

8.5.4 Minimum Height of Mail

The definitions of the minimum height of mail used to qualify for ONDC Presort, NDC Presort, and DSCF Parcel Select prices are as follows:

a. Machinable parcels. The minimum height of mail in a pallet box is the shortest vertical distance measured from the bottom of a pallet box to the top of the lowest mailpiece. The height of the pallet is not included in this measurement.

b. Nonmachinable parcels. The minimum height of mail on a pallet is the shortest vertical distance measured from the top of the pallet to the top of the lowest mailpiece. The height of the pallet is not included in this measurement.

8.5.5 Maximum Load

The maximum weight (mail and pallet) is 2,200 pounds. The maximum height of a single pallet (mail and pallet) is 77 inches for bundles, parcels, sacks, or pallet boxes, or 77 inches or 12 layers of trays (whichever occurs first) for letter trays. Exception: A single pallet that is prepared for entry at Anchorage or Fairbanks, Alaska, has a maximum height of 72 inches (pallet, top cap, and mail).

8.5.6 Mail on Pallets

These standards apply to mail on pallets:

a. Pieces in trays, bundles, and sacks must be prepared under the standards for the class of mail and price claimed.

b. When two or more Periodicals mailings, two or more Standard Mail mailings, or two or more Bound Printed Matter mailings are placed together on pallets, the mailer must keep records for each mailing as required by the standards for the class of mail.

c. For letter-size Standard Mail and Periodicals prepared in trays on pallets, mailers must prepare carrier route price mail on separate 5-digit pallets (5-digit carrier routes pallets) from automation price or nonautomation price mail (5-digit pallets).

d. For determining minimum pallet volume, mail in letter trays is measured in full layers of trays or in linear feet. A 2-foot tray equals 2 linear feet; a 1-foot tray equals 1 linear foot.

e. Heavier, fuller trays must be placed at the bottom of the load.

f. For Bound Printed Matter irregular parcels, Presorted and Carrier Route price mail may be combined on all levels of pallet. For Bound Printed Matter flats, Presorted and Carrier Route price mail may be combined on all levels of pallet except as provided in 8.5.6g.

g. For sacks of Periodicals, Standard Mail, and Bound Printed Matter flats or irregular parcels, carrier route price mail must be prepared on separate 5-digit pallets from automation price and/or presorted price mail.

h. Periodicals, Standard Mail, and Bound Printed Matter flats or irregular parcels prepared in carrier route and noncarrier route 5-digit bundles may be placed on the same merged 5-digit scheme, merged 5-digit pallet, as appropriate.

i. All presort bundles on pallets must be placed with the addresses facing up.

8.5.7 Arranging Pieces in a Bundle (“Facing”)

Except as noted in 8.5.8, all pieces in a bundle must be “faced” (arranged with the addresses in the same read direction), with an address visible on the top piece.

8.5.8 Counter-Stacking—Sacked and Palletized Mail

Bundles of flats and other pieces of nonuniform thickness may be prepared by counter-stacking under these conditions:

a. Counter-stacking should be used only to create bundles of more uniform thickness that are more likely to maintain their integrity during transportation and processing.

b. Counter-stacking is appropriate for saddle-stitched mailpieces and pieces where one edge is thicker than other edges or one corner is thicker than other corners.

c. When counter-stacking, pieces must all have addresses facing up and be divided into no more than four approximately equal groups, with each group rotated 180 degrees from the preceding and succeeding group(s); prepare as few groups as possible to create a bundle of uniform thickness.

d. Counter-stacked groups within a bundle should be as thick as possible, generally at least 1 inch thick.

e. When pieces are nonuniform in thickness because they are thicker in the center instead of along an edge or corner, counter-stacking will generally not result in a bundle of uniform thickness (i.e., a football-shaped bundle would be created). Instead of counter-stacking such pieces, limit the height (thickness) of the bundle to 3 to 6 inches to ensure the bundle will stay together during normal transit and handling.

8.5.9 Address Visibility

Mailers preparing presort bundles must ensure that the delivery address information on the top mailpiece in each bundle is visible and readable by the naked eye. Mailers using strapping that might cover the address can avoid obstructing visibility by using clear, smooth strapping tightly secured around the bundle. Mailers using barcoded pressure-sensitive bundle labels, optional endorsement lines, carrier route information lines, or carrier route facing slips also must ensure that the information in these presort designations is visible and readable by the naked eye. This standard does not apply to the following:

a. Customized MarketMail.

b. Bundles placed in or on 5-digit or 5-digit scheme (L001) sacks or pallets.

c. Bundles placed in carrier route and 5-digit carrier routes sacks.

d. Bundles of mailpieces at carrier route prices entered at a destination delivery unit (DDU).

e. Bundles of Standard Mail flat-size pieces prepared in letter trays under 345.3.4.

8.5.10 Labeling Bundles

Unless excepted by standard, the presort level of each bundle (other than carrier route bundles) must be identified either with an optional endorsement line under 708.7.0 or with a barcoded pressure-sensitive bundle label. On letter-size mail (including card-size pieces), the bundle label must be placed in the lower left corner of the address side of the top piece in the bundle. On flat-size mail, the label may be placed anywhere on the address side of the top piece in the bundle. Barcoded pressure-sensitive bundle labels must not obscure the delivery address block. Banding or shrinkwrap must not obscure any bundle label. The following colors and presort characters apply to bundle labels:

a. Firm (Periodicals use only), blue Label F.

b. 5-digit scheme presort level, red Label 5 SCH.

c. 5-digit presort level, red Label 5.

d. 3-digit scheme presort level, green Label 3 SCH.

e. 3-digit presort level, green Label 3.

f. ADC presort level, pink Label A.

g. Mixed ADC presort level, tan Label X.

8.5.11 Securing Bundles on Pallets

Bundles must withstand normal transit and handling without breaking and without causing injury to USPS employees or damage to USPS equipment. Mailers must meet the following standards when preparing and securing bundles:

a. Secure bundles with banding, shrinkwrap, or shrinkwrap supplemented with one or more bands. Banding includes plastic bands, rubber bands, twine, string, and similar material. Mailers must meet the following standards when banding bundles:

1. Do not place any bands closer than 1 inch from any bundle edge.

2. When using twine or string to band bundles, secure the knot(s) so the twine or string does not come loose during transit and processing.

3. Do not use wire or metal banding.

4. Do not use any loose banding.

b. When using only banding to secure bundles, apply banding under the following additional requirements:

1. Use at least one band to encircle the length of the bundle and use at least one band to encircle the girth of the bundle.

2. Use tension sufficient to tighten and depress the edges of the bundle so that pieces do not slip out of the banding during transit and processing.

8.5.12 Sacked Mail

Mail that is not palletized (e.g., the mailer chooses not to prepare NDC pallets, or the bundles do not meet the machinability standards in 8.5.7 through 8.5.11) must be prepared under the standards for the price claimed. For Periodicals, the mailer must separately sack bundles of each publication that are not palletized or that are excluded from palletization. Trays that are not palletized must be bedloaded. Sacks (including sacks of bundles not placed on pallets) containing bundles remaining after all pallets are prepared may be presented with the palletized mail (and reported on the same postage statement) if separated from the palletized portion of the mailing.

8.5.13 Nonconforming

For a nonconforming mailer (see 8.1.4) of letter-size mail in trays, the combined height of a pallet and its load cannot exceed six layers of MM or EMM letter trays.

8.6 Pallet Placards

8.6.1 Placement

At least two clearly visible labels must be affixed on two adjacent sides of each pallet. Pallets prepared through plant-load or drop-shipment agreements must be placed on transportation so that a pallet placard on each pallet faces toward the rear of the vehicle.

8.6.2 Specifications

Pallet placards must be pink for Periodicals and white for First-Class Mail, Standard Mail, Package Services, and Parcel Select. Pallet placards must measure at least 8 inches by 11 inches, except that pallet or other USPS container placards bearing Intelligent Mail container barcodes may measure no less than 4 inches by 7 inches when prepared under 708.6.6.6. Placards, affixed to pallets containing Periodicals, bearing an Intelligent Mail container barcode and prepared in the optional smaller format under 708.6.6.6, may be white instead of pink, when a vertical pink one-half inch wide identification bar is included along the left-hand side of the placard; or may be white when used in conjunction with an adjacent pink designator label, under 708.6.6.5.

8.6.3 Lettering

Lettering for required information on pallet labels must be at least 1/2 inch high (or at least 48-point type). Exception: When customers apply USPS-specified pallet barcodes to pallet labels, the lettering for the required information on line 3 (origin line) must be at least 1/8 inch high (or at least 12-point type). See the “surface visibility” information at http://ribbs.usps.gov for more information about pallet barcodes.

8.6.4 Line 1 (Destination Line)

Line 1 (destination line) must meet these standards:

a. Placement. Line 1 must be the first visible line on the label. It must be completely visible and legible when placed on the pallet. If the pallet label does not provide enough space for all required Line 1 information, the destination ZIP Code may be placed right-justified on the line immediately below the rest of Line 1 and above Line 2 (content line). A standard abbreviation for the destination city name may be used.

b. Information. Line 1 must contain only the information specified by standard, including the appropriate destination facility prefix (e.g., “ADC”). Two zeros may follow the 3-digit ZIP Code prefix required by labeling standards (e.g., 223 as 22300).

c. Overseas military mail. On 5-digit pallets for overseas military destinations, Line 1 shows, from left to right, “APO” or “FPO,” followed by “AE” (for ZIP Codes within the ZIP Code prefix range 090-098), “AA” (for ZIP Codes within the 3-digit ZIP Code prefix 340), or “AP” (for ZIP Codes within the ZIP Code prefix range 962-966), followed by the destination 5-digit ZIP Code of the mail on the pallet.

8.6.5 Line 2 (Content Line)

Line 2 (content line) must meet these standards:

a. Content line information. Pallet labels must indicate whether the mail on the pallet is barcoded, or not barcoded, or both. The content line (line 2 of required information) must be the second visible line on the label. This line must show the class and processing category of the mail on the pallet and other information as specified by standard. If the content line of a pallet label does not provide enough space for all required information, the content information may be continued right-justified on the line immediately below the content line and above the office of mailing or mailer information line.

b. Codes. The codes shown below must be used as appropriate on Line 2 of sack, tray, and pallet labels.

Content type	Code
Barcoded	BC
Barcoded and Nonbarcoded	BC/NBC
Carrier Route	C (type of route)
Carrier Routes	CR-RT or CR-RTS
Digit	D
First-Class Mail	FCM
Flats	FLTS
General Delivery Unit	G
Highway Contract Route	H
Irregular Parcels	IRREG (Periodicals, Standard Mail, and Package Services only)
Letters	LTR or LTRS
Machinable	MACH
Mixed	MXD
Mixed Machinable and Irregular Parcels	MACH & IRREG (Standard Mail only)
Nonmachinable	NON MACH
Nonbarcoded	NON BC (sacks) NBC (pallets and cotrayed or cosacked mail under 705.9.0)
Nonmachinable Parcels	NON MACH
Package Services	PSVC
Parcels	PARCELS (First-Class Mail and Package Services only)
Periodicals	PER (see 707.21.1.3) NEWS (see 707.21.1.3)
Post Office Box Section	B
Rural Route	R
Scheme	SCH
Standard Mail	STD
Working	WKG

8.6.6 Line 3 (Origin Line)

The office of mailing or mailer information line (line 3 of required information) must be the bottom line of required information unless the pallet or pallet box contains mail prepared under the Electronic Verification System (eVS). Line 3 must show either the city and state of the entry Post Office or the mailer's name and the city and state of the mailer's location. It is recommended that the mailer's name also appear with the city and state of the entry Post Office.Electronic Verification System

All pallets and pallet boxes containing parcels prepared and identified using the Electronic Verification System (eVS) under 2.9 must show “eVS” (or the alternatives “EVS” or “E-VS”) directly below line 3 (origin line) using the same size and lettering used for Line 3.

8.6.7 5-Digit, 5-Digit Carrier Routes, and 5-Digit Scheme Carrier Routes Pallets

All 5-digit carrier routes or 5-digit scheme carrier routes pallets must show the words “CARRIER ROUTES” (or “CR-RTS”) after the processing category description on the content line under 8.0, 10.0, 12.0, and 13.0. 5-digit pallets of Bound Printed Matter that contain only carrier route price mail also must show the words “CARRIER ROUTES” (or “CR-RTS”) after the “5D” pallet level description on the contents line.

8.6.8 Extraneous Information

Extraneous information is permitted on pallet labels if:

a. The print size is smaller than 1/2 inch; with a maximum 12 point font on the optional smaller placards under 708.6.6.6.

b. It does not consist of a numbered series resembling a ZIP Code or 3-digit ZIP Code prefix.

c. It does not appear on or between the lines reserved for USPS required information (blank lines are permitted). Exception: For combined mailings of Standard Mail and Package Services machinable parcels, mailer codes and extraneous information may appear between the content line and the office of mailing or mailer information line.

d. It is below the office of mailing or mailer information line.

e. A 1-inch clear space is maintained around the lines reserved for USPS required information.

f. On the office of mailing or mailer information line, the mailer’s name or abbreviation, “Mailer,” “From” (or “FR”), “Entered at,” or a similar notation precedes the required information, or mailer codes or other extraneous information appear to the right of the required information.

8.6.9 Periodicals Publications

Except as provided in 8.16 for copalletized mailings, Periodicals publications must use one of the following for Line 2 class information:

a. “PER.”

b. “NEWS” if published weekly or more often or if authorized newspaper treatment as of March 1, 1984.

8.6.10 Pallet Bundle Information

It is recommended that mailers preparing bundles on pallets add to the pallet label, below the office of mailing or mailer information line and according to the provisions of 8.6.8, additional information listing the number of bundles for each bundle sortation and price level on the pallet (i.e., the number of carrier route bundles, the number of 5-digit, 3-digit, and ADC automation price bundles, and the number of 5-digit, 3-digit, and ADC Presorted price bundles on each pallet).

8.7 Copalletized, Combined, or Mixed-Price Level Palletized Mailings

8.7.1 General

Copalletized, combined, or mixed-price level palletized mailings of letter-size or flat-size pieces must be prepared under the standards for the class of mail, subject to specific authorization by Business Mailer Support when required. The following conditions apply when making copalletized mailings:

a. Postage statements and mailing documentation must be transmitted to the USPS using an approved electronic method.

b. In accordance with 708.6.5 and 708.6.6, Intelligent Mail tray labels must be used on trays and sacks and Intelligent Mail container placards must be used on pallets or similar containers.

c. If consolidating multiple mailings on pallets, update the electronic data for each of the original mailings. This updated data must be reflected in the electronic data transmitted to the USPS.

d. Meet postage payment requirements as specified by Business Mailer Support.

8.7.2 Application

The mailer (or publisher or agent) must submit a written request to Business Mailer Support to present the types of pallets described in this section. A separate request is required for each type of pallet at each location, but multiple, concurrent applications are acceptable. A mailer who cannot meet the minimum palletization standards without copalletizing, combining, or commingling mixed price mailings might still qualify if the total copalletized, combined, or commingled mailing meets minimum pallet standards. The request must be received at least 30 days before the first mailing and include the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the mail owner and of the firm or person preparing the mail; a description of the mailing (e.g., size, weight, class, price, volume, mailing frequency, and postage payment method); the type of authorization requested; and a sample of the applicable documentation under 8.0, or 10.0, 12.0, and 13.0.

8.7.3 Periodicals Publications

To combine more than one Periodicals publication on pallets, the mailer must merge and presort copies of all the publications into common bundles to achieve the finest presort level for the combined mailing. To copalletize different Periodicals flat-size publications, the mailer must consolidate on pallets all independently sorted bundles for each publication to achieve the finest presort level for the mailing. Postage for copalletized mailings of flat-size Periodicals must be paid at the consolidator's site. A combined or copalletized mailing prepared using bundle reallocation under 8.11 or 8.13 may not always result in all bundles being placed on the finest pallet level possible. Both combined and copalletized publications must be supported by the documentation required in 8.0, or 10.0, 12.0, and 13.0. Preferred Periodicals may be combined with Regular Periodicals only as permitted by standard.

8.7.4 Standard Mail

To copalletize different Standard Mail letter- or flat-size mailings, the mailer must consolidate on pallets all independently sorted trays or bundles from each mailing to achieve the finest presort level for the mailing, except that a flat-size copalletized mailing prepared under 8.11 or 8.14 using the bundle reallocation option may not always result in all bundles being placed on the finest pallet level possible. At the time of mailing, the mailer must present computer-generated listings required in 8.0, or 10.0, 12.0, and 13.0 that include a summary list consolidating the copalletized multiple mailings and a list of the contents of each pallet by ZIP Code and presort level. Origin mailers participating in a copalletized mailing of Standard Mail letters in trays must prepare a separate postage statement for the portion entered at the origin site and another postage statement for the portion directed to the consolidator.

8.7.5 Cancellation

An authorization may be canceled by Business Mailer Support if the mailer does not meet the standards for pallets or the prices claimed or the mailer does not submit information on future mailings as requested by Business Mailer Support. A mailer may appeal canceled authorizations through Business Mailer Support to the Business Mail Acceptance manager, USPS Headquarters.

8.8 Basic Uses

These types of mail may be palletized:

a. Letter-size mail in trays.

b. Bundles of nonletter-size mail not prepared in sacks.

c. Bundles or parcels in sacks.

d. Machinable or irregular parcels.

e. Copalletized multiple letter-size mailings, prepared in trays, subject to 8.0.

f. Copalletized multiple flat-size mailings, subject to 8.0, Preparing Pallets.

g. Combined mailings of machinable parcels (Standard Mail and Package Services), subject to 6.0.

h. Two or more Periodicals publications combined or copalletized, subject to 8.0.

i. Combined mailings of Nonprofit Standard Mail mixed price levels, subject to 8.0.

j. Commingled zoned price Parcel Select and Package Services, subject to 455.1.7.

8.9 Bundles on Pallets

8.9.1 Applicability

Presort destination bundles of Periodicals, Standard Mail, and Package Services flats and irregular parcels may be placed directly on pallets under 8.9.2 through 8.9.5 and 8.10. Mail that cannot be placed on pallets must be prepared in sacks under the applicable standards. Sacks containing any remaining bundles after all pallets are prepared may be presented with the palletized portion of the mailing job (and, subject to 8.16.5, reported on the same postage statement) if the sacked portion is presented separately from the palletized portion.

8.9.2 Basic Bundling Standards

Bundle preparation for Periodicals, Standard Mail, and Package Services mailpieces must meet the applicable standards for each class or subclass of mail. Bundles may be sorted onto pallets under 8.10 and 10.0, 12.0, and 13.0.

8.9.3 Periodicals

Bundle size: Six-piece minimum (lower volume bundles permitted under 707.22.0, Preparing Nonbarcoded (Presorted) Periodicals, and 707.23.0, Preparing Carrier Route Periodicals), 20-pound maximum, except that:

a. Firm bundles may contain as few as two copies of a publication. Mailers must not consolidate firm bundles with other bundles to the same 5-digit destination. Only In-County firm bundles may be counted as an addressed piece for presort standards (see 707.22.0 and 707.23.0).

b. All pieces for the same presort destination must be in one bundle if they weigh less than 10 pounds. Otherwise, bundles must weigh from 10 to 20 pounds each.

c. Carrier route and 5-digit bundles placed on 5-digit or finer pallets may weigh up to 40 pounds when entered at a DDU.

d. The last bundle to a presort destination may contain less than 10 pounds.

8.9.4 Standard Mail

Bundle size: 10-piece or 15-piece minimum as applicable; 20-pound maximum, except that:

a. All pieces for the same presort destination must be in one bundle if they weigh less than 10 pounds. Otherwise, bundles must weigh from 10 to 20 pounds each.

b. The last bundle to a presort destination may contain less than 10 pounds.

8.9.5 Bound Printed Matter

Bound Printed Matter on pallets must be bundled as follows:

a. Minimum Bundle Size. Bundle mail under the minimum bundle size of “10 pieces or 10 pounds, whichever comes first” according to these standards:

1. For identical-weight pieces, a single-piece weight of 1 pound results in 10 pieces weighing 10 pounds. Identical-weight pieces weighing 1 pound or less must be prepared using the 10-piece minimum; those that weigh more must be prepared using the 10-pound minimum.

2. For nonidentical-weight pieces, mailers must either use the minimum that applies to the average piece weight for the entire mailing (divide the net weight of the mailing by the number of pieces; the resulting average single-piece weight determines whether the 10-piece or 10-pound minimum applies). Alternatively, bundle by the actual piece count or mail weight for each bundle destination, provided documentation can be presented with the mailing that shows (specifically for each bundle) the number of pieces and their total weight.

3. Mailers must note on the accompanying postage statement whether they applied the 10-piece or 10-pound threshold, or both.

b. Presorted and Carrier Route Bound Printed Matter:

1. Only individual pieces of flats or irregular parcels that weigh less than 10 pounds each may be prepared as bundles on pallets. Presorted price pieces that weigh 10 or more pounds each must be prepared and palletized as machinable parcels under 8.10.4, Package Services Flats—Bundles and Sacks, or prepared in sacks under 365.5.0 for flats and 465.5.0 for parcels. Carrier route pieces that individually weigh 10 or more pounds each must either be prepared and palletized as machinable parcels under 8.10.4, Package Services Flats—Bundles and Sacks, and qualify for Presorted prices or be prepared in sacks under 365.6.0 for flats and 465.6.0 for parcels and qualify for carrier route prices.

2. Bundles must be prepared under 365.5.0 for presorted flats and 465.5.0 for presorted parcels, or 11.0, as appropriate. The minimum bundle size is 10 addressed pieces or 10 pounds, whichever occurs first, except that the last bundle to a presort destination may contain fewer than 10 pieces or weigh less than 10 pounds. When there are at least 10 pieces but less than 10 pounds for a presort destination, the pieces must be prepared in a single physical bundle. The maximum physical bundle size for pallets prepared under 8.10.4a through 8.10.4d, and 8.10.5a through 8.10.5g is 40 pounds. The maximum physical bundle size for pallets prepared under 8.10.4d through 8.10.4h, and 8.10.5g through 8.10.5k is 20 pounds. The total number of bundles for a single presort destination must not exceed the number of 10-pound increments to that destination. Each physical bundle must contain at least two addressed pieces.

8.10 Pallet Presort and Labeling

8.10.1 First-Class Mail—Letter or Flats Trays

Mailers may palletize First-Class Mail according to a local customer/supplier agreement or under 8.10.1. First-Class Mail palletization is optional, but mailers using this option must prepare pallets in the sequence listed below and complete each required level before preparing the next optional or required level. Pallets must contain at least 72 linear feet of letter trays (six full layers) or 24 linear feet of flats trays (three full layers). Maximum pallet height is 12 layers or 77 inches of letter trays (whichever occurs first) or 77 inches of flats trays. When available and with approval by the plant manager of the origin facility, mailers may use all-purpose containers (APCs) or other USPS-approved containers. Mailers approved to use APCs must prepare containers when they have a minimum of 48 linear feet of letter trays or 16 linear feet of flats trays to a presort destination. Preparation, sequence, and labeling:

a. 5-digit. Optional. Based on the origin ZIP Code, for 5-digit ZIP codes within the 3-digit destinations listed in L201 column B. Pallet may contain trays only for the same 5-digit ZIP Code (for non-automation letters and flats) or 5-digit scheme ZIP codes (automation letters only). Place 5-digit scheme trays on 5-digit pallets according to the destination shown in the current City State Product. Labeling:

1. Line 1: city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code destination.

2. Line 2: “FCM LTRS” or “FCM FLTS,” followed by “5D.”

b. b. Origin SCF (local mail). Required; no minimum. Pallets contain trays destined for the 3-digit ZIP Codes serviced by the origin SCF facility in L005; all MXD AADC and MXD ADC trays. Mailers may, at their option, place AADC or ADC trays on origin SCF pallets when the tray's “label to” 3-digit ZIP Code (from L801 for AADC trays and L004 for ADC trays) is within the origin SCF's service area. Labeling:

1. Line 1: L002, Column C.

2. Line 2: “FCM LTRS” or “FCM FLTS,” followed by “SCF.”

c. SCF. Required. For destinations listed in L201, based on origin ZIP Code. Pallets contain trays destined for the 3-digit ZIP Codes in L005. Mailers may, at their option, place AADC or ADC trays on SCF pallets when the tray's “label to” 3-digit ZIP Code (from L801 for AADC trays and L004 for ADC trays) is within that SCF's service area. Labeling:

1. Line 1: L002, Column C.

2. Line 2: “FCM LTRS” or “FCM FLTS,” followed by “SCF.”

d. AADC. Required, for machinable and automation letters only. For destinations listed in L201, based on origin ZIP Code. Pallet may contain letter trays only for the 3-digit ZIP Code group in L801. Labeling:

1. Line 1: L801, Column B.

2. Line 2: “FCM LTRS,” followed by “AADC.”

e. ADC. Required, for flats and nonmachinable letters only. For destinations listed in L201, based on origin ZIP Code. Pallet may contain trays only for the 3-digit ZIP Code groups in L004. Labeling:

1. Line 1: L004, Column B.

2. Line 2: “FCM LTRS” or “FCM FLTS,” followed by “ADC.”

f. Origin Mixed ADC Surface. Required. Pallet may contain trays destined for the 3-digit ZIP Codes in L201, based on origin ZIP Code. Labeling:

1. Line 1: “OMX” followed by city, state, and ZIP Code information for ADC serving 3-digit ZIP Code prefix of entry post office, as shown in L201.

2. Line 2: “FCM LTRS” or “FCM FLTS,” followed by “WKG.”

g. Mixed ADC Air (all other). Required; no minimum. May contain surface trays when no mixed ADC surface container is prepared under 8.10.1f. Labeling:

1. Line 1: “MXD” followed by city, state, and ZIP Code information for ADC serving 3-digit ZIP Code prefix of entry post office, as shown in L004.

2. Line 2: “FCM LTRS” or “FCM FLTS,” followed by “WKG.”

8.10.2 Periodicals—Bundles, Sacks, or Trays

Pallets must be prepared under 8.0 in the sequence listed below and completed at each required level before the next optional or required level is prepared. Unless indicated as optional, all sort levels are required under the conditions shown. See 707.29.0 for additional requirements for destination entry prices eligibility. For mailings of sacks or trays on pallets, pallet preparation begins with 8.10.2e. Pallets must be labeled according to the Line 1 and Line 2 information listed below and under 8.6. All pallets prepared under 8.10.2 may contain firm bundles, and pallets prepared under 8.10.2a through 8.10.2h may contain low-volume bundles. Bundles of Periodicals flats and irregular parcels may also be palletized under 10.0, 12.0, or 13.0. For pieces meeting the standards in 707.26.0, mailers may prepare the nonpalletized (residual) portion of a mailing in sacks under 10.0.

a. Merged 5-digit scheme, required, permitted for bundles only. Not permitted for bundles containing noncarrier route automation-compatible flats under 301.3.0. Required for bundles containing all other flats or irregular parcels. Pallet must contain carrier route bundles and noncarrier route 5-digit bundles (automation price and/or Presorted price bundles) for the same 5-digit scheme under L001. For 5-digit destinations not part of L001, merged 5-digit pallet preparation begins with 8.10.2d. Labeling:

1. Line 1: L001.

2. Line 2: “PER” or “NEWS,” as applicable; followed by “FLTS” or “IRREG,” as applicable; followed by “CR/5D”; followed by “SCHEME” (or “SCH”).

b. 5-digit scheme carrier routes, required, permitted for bundles only. Pallet must contain only carrier route bundles for the same 5-digit scheme under L001. For 5-digit destinations not part of L001, 5-digit carrier routes pallet preparation begins with 8.10.2e. Labeling:

1. Line 1: L001.

2. Line 2: “PER” or “NEWS,” as applicable; followed by “FLTS” or “IRREG,” as applicable; followed by “CARRIER ROUTES” (or “CR-RTS”); followed by “SCHEME” (or “SCH”).

c. 5-digit scheme, required, permitted for bundles only. Not permitted for bundles containing automation-compatible flats under 301.3.0. Required for bundles containing all other flats and irregular parcels. Pallet must contain only 5-digit bundles of automation price and/or Presorted price mail for the same 5-digit scheme under L001. For 5-digit destinations not part of L001, 5-digit pallet preparation begins with 8.10.2f. Labeling:

1. Line 1: L001.

2. Line 2: “PER” or “NEWS,” as applicable; followed by “FLTS” or “IRREG,” as applicable; followed by “5D”; followed by “BARCODED” (or “BC”) if pallet contains automation price mail; followed by “NONBARCODED” (or “NBC”) if pallet contains Presorted price mail; followed by “SCHEME” (or “SCH”).

d. Merged 5-digit, required, permitted for bundles only. Not permitted for bundles containing noncarrier route automation-compatible flats under 301.3.0. Required for bundles containing all other flats or irregular parcels. Pallet must contain carrier route bundles and noncarrier route 5-digit bundles (automation price and/or Presorted price bundles) for the same 5-digit ZIP Code. Labeling:

1. Line 1: city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code destination (see 8.6.4c for overseas military mail).

2. Line 2: “PER” or “NEWS,” as applicable; followed by “FLTS” or “IRREG,” as applicable; followed by “CR/5D.”

e. 5-digit carrier routes, required, except for trays; permitted for bundles, sacks, and trays. Pallet must contain only carrier route mail for the same 5-digit ZIP Code. Labeling:

1. Line 1: city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code destination (see 8.6.4c for overseas military mail).

2. Line 2: “PER” or “NEWS,” as applicable; followed by “FLTS,” “IRREG,” or “LTRS,” as applicable; followed by “CARRIER ROUTES” (or “CR-RTS”).

f. 5-digit, required, except for trays; permitted for bundles, sacks, and trays. Pallet must contain only automation price and/or Presorted price mail for the same 5-digit ZIP Code or the same 5-digit scheme under L007 (for automation- compatible flats only under 301.3.0). Five-digit scheme bundles are assigned to pallets according to the “label to” 5-digit ZIP Code in L007. Labeling:

1. Line 1: city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code destination (see 8.6.4c for overseas military mail).

2. Line 2: “PER” or “NEWS,” as applicable; followed by “FLTS,” “IRREG,” or “LTRS,” as applicable; followed by “5D”; followed by “BARCODED” (or “BC”) if pallet contains automation price mail; followed by “NONBARCODED” (or “NBC”) if pallet contains Presorted price mail.

g. 3-digit, optional, option not available for bundles for 3-digit ZIP Code prefixes marked “N” in L002. Pallet may contain mail for the same 3-digit ZIP Code or the same 3-digit scheme under L008 (for automation-compatible flats only under 301.3.0). Three-digit scheme bundles are assigned to pallets according to the “label to” 3-digit ZIP Code in L008. Labeling:

1. Line 1: L002, Column A.

2. Line 2: “PER” or “NEWS,” as applicable; followed by “FLTS,” “IRREG,” or “LTRS,” as applicable; followed by “3D”; followed by “BARCODED” (or “BC”) if pallet contains automation price mail; followed by “NONBARCODED” (or “NBC”) if pallet contains carrier route and/or Presorted price mail.

h. SCF, required, permitted for bundles, sacks, and trays. Pallet may contain carrier route, automation price, and/or Presorted price mail for the 3-digit ZIP Code groups in L005. Mailers may place origin mixed ADC (OMX) sacks on origin SCF pallets. Labeling:

1. Line 1: L002, Column C.

2. Line 2: “PER” or “NEWS,” as applicable; followed by “FLTS,” “IRREG,” or “LTRS,” as applicable; followed by “SCF”; followed by “BARCODED” (or “BC”) if pallet contains automation price mail; followed by “NONBARCODED” (or “NBC”) if pallet contains carrier route and/or Presorted price mail.

i. ADC, required, permitted for bundles, sacks, and trays. Pallet may contain carrier route, automation price, and/or Presorted price mail for the 3-digit ZIP Code groups in L004. Labeling:

1. Line 1: L004.

2. Line 2: “PER” or “NEWS,” as applicable; followed by “FLTS,” “IRREG,” or “LTRS,” as applicable; followed by “ADC”; followed by “BARCODED” (or “BC”) if pallet contains automation price mail; followed by “NONBARCODED” (or “NBC”) if pallet contains carrier route and/or Presorted price mail.

j. Origin Mixed ADC (OMX), optional, no minimum, permitted for sacks only. Pallet may contain carrier route, automation price, and/or presorted price mail. Labeling:

1. Line 1: Use the destination information shown in L201, Column C for mail entered at the corresponding entry Post Offices in L201, Column A.

2. Line 2: “PER” or “NEWS,” as applicable; followed by “FLTS,” “IRREG,” or “LTRS,” as applicable; followed by “BARCODED” (or “BC”) if pallet contains automation price mail; followed by “NONBARCODED” (or “NBC”) if pallet contains nonautomation price mail; followed by “WKG.”

k. Mixed ADC, optional, permitted for sacks and trays only. Pallet may contain carrier route, automation price, and/or presorted price mail. Pallets must not contain origin mixed ADC (OMX) sacks. Labeling:

1. Line 1: “MXD” followed by city, state, and ZIP Code information for ADC serving 3-digit ZIP Code prefix of entry Post Office as shown in L004, Column A (label to plant serving entry Post Office if authorized by processing and distribution manager).

8.10.3 Standard Mail—Bundles, Sacks, or Trays

Mailers must prepare pallets under 8.0 in the sequence listed below and complete each required level before preparing the next optional or required level. Unless indicated as optional, all sort levels are required. For irregular parcels, use this preparation only for pieces in carrier route bundles or in sacks. Palletize unbundled or unsacked irregular parcels under 8.10.8. Pallets must be labeled according to the Line 1 and Line 2 information listed below and under 8.6. Mailers also may palletize bundles of Standard Mail flats under 10.0, 12.0, or 13.0.

a. 5-digit scheme carrier routes, required, permitted for bundles only. Pallet must contain only carrier route bundles for the same 5-digit scheme under L001. For 5-digit destinations not part of L001, 5-digit carrier routes pallet preparation begins with 8.10.3b. Labeling:

1. Line 1: L001.

2. Line 2: “STD” followed by “FLTS” or “IRREG,” as applicable; followed by “CARRIER ROUTES” (or “CR-RTS”); followed by “SCHEME” (or “SCH”).

b. 5-digit carrier routes, required except for trays, permitted for bundles, sacks, and trays. Pallet must contain only carrier route mail for the same 5-digit ZIP Code. Labeling:

1. Line 1: city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code destination (see 8.6.4c for overseas military mail).

2. Line 2: For flats and irregular parcels, “STD” followed by “FLTS” or “IRREG,” as applicable; followed by “CARRIER ROUTES” (or “CR-RTS”). For letters, “STD LTRS”; followed by “CARRIER ROUTES” (or “CR-RTS”); followed by “BC” if pallet contains barcoded letters; followed by “MACH” if pallet contains machinable letters; followed by “MAN” if pallet contains nonmachinable letters.

c. 5-digit, required except for trays, permitted for bundles, sacks, and trays. Pallet must contain only automation price and/or Presorted price mail for the same 5-digit ZIP Code or same 5-digit scheme. 5-digit scheme bundles and sacks are assigned to 5-digit pallets according to the “label to” 5-digit ZIP Code. Labeling:

1. Line 1: city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code destination (see 8.6.4c for overseas military mail).

2. Line 2: For flats and irregular parcels, “STD” followed by “FLTS” or “IRREG,” as applicable; followed by “5D”; followed by “BARCODED” (or “BC”) if pallet contains automation price mail; followed by “NONBARCODED” (or “NBC”) if pallet contains Presorted price mail. For letters, “STD LTRS 5D”; followed by “BC” if pallet contains barcoded letters; followed by “MACH” if pallet contains machinable letters; followed by “MAN” if pallet contains nonmachinable letters.

d. 3-digit, optional, option not available for bundles for 3-digit ZIP Code prefixes marked “N” in L002. Pallet may contain mail for the same 3-digit ZIP Code or the same 3-digit scheme under L008 (for automation-compatible flats only under 301.3.0, Physical Standards for Automation Flats). Three-digit scheme bundles are assigned to pallets according to the “label to” 3-digit ZIP Code in L008. Labeling:

1. Line 1: L002, Column A.

2. Line 2: For flats and irregular parcels, “STD” followed by “FLTS” or “IRREG,” as applicable; followed by “3D”; followed by “BARCODED” (or “BC”) if pallet contains automation price mail; followed by “NONBARCODED” (or “NBC”) if pallet contains carrier route and/or Presorted price mail. For letters, “STD LTRS 3D”; followed by “BC” if pallet contains barcoded letters; followed by “MACH” if pallet contains machinable letters; followed by “MAN” if pallet contains nonmachinable letters.

e. SCF, required, permitted for bundles, sacks, and trays. Pallet may contain carrier route, automation price, and/or Presorted price mail for the 3-digit ZIP Code groups in L005. Mailers may, at their option, place AADC trays on SCF pallets when the tray's “label to” 3-digit ZIP Code (from L801) is within that SCF's service area. Mailers may also, at their option, place mixed ADC or mixed AADC trays, labeled per L010, on an SCF pallet entered at the SCF facility responsible for the processing of mixed ADC or mixed AADC trays for that NDC/ASF facility. Labeling:

1. Line 1: L002, Column C.

2. Line 2: For flats and irregular parcels, “STD” followed by “FLTS” or “IRREG,” as applicable; followed by “SCF”; followed by “BARCODED” (or “BC”) if pallet contains automation price mail; followed by “NONBARCODED” (or “NBC”) if pallet contains carrier route and/or Presorted price mail. For letters, “STD LTRS SCF”; followed by “BC” if pallet contains barcoded letters; followed by “MACH” if pallet contains machinable letters; followed by “MAN” if pallet contains nonmachinable letters.

f. ASF, required unless bundle reallocation used under 8.13, permitted for bundles, sacks, and trays. Pallet may contain carrier route, automation price, and/or Presorted price mail for the 3-digit ZIP Code groups in L602. ADC bundles, sacks, or trays are assigned to pallets according to the “label to” ZIP Code in L004 as appropriate. AADC trays are assigned to pallets according to the “label to” ZIP Code in L801. At the mailer’s option, appropriate mixed ADC bundles and sacks of flats; and mixed ADC and mixed AADC trays of letters, may be sorted to ASF pallets according to the “label to” ZIP Code in L010. All mixed ADC bundles, sacks, and trays and mixed AADC trays must contain only pieces destinating within the ASF as shown in Exhibit 246.3.1. Labeling:

1. Line 1: L602.

2. Line 2: For flats and irregular parcels, “STD” followed by “FLTS” or “IRREG,” as applicable; followed by “ASF”; followed by “BARCODED” (or “BC”) if pallet contains automation price mail; followed by “NONBARCODED” (or “NBC”) if pallet contains carrier route and/or Presorted price mail. For letters, “STD LTRS ASF”; followed by “BC” if pallet contains barcoded letters; followed by “MACH” if pallet contains machinable letters; followed by “MAN” if pallet contains nonmachinable letters.

g. NDC, required, permitted for bundles, sacks, and trays. Pallet may contain carrier route, automation price, and/or Presorted price mail for the 3-digit ZIP Code groups in L601. ADC bundles, sacks, or trays are assigned to pallets according to the “label to” ZIP Code in L004 as appropriate. AADC trays are assigned to pallets according to the “label to” ZIP Code in L801. At the mailer’s option, appropriate mixed ADC bundles and sacks of flats; and mixed ADC trays and mixed AADC trays of letters, may be sorted to NDC pallets according to the “label to” ZIP Code in L010. All mixed ADC bundles, sacks, and trays and mixed AADC trays must contain only pieces destinating within the NDC as shown in Exhibit 246.3.1. Labeling:

1. Line 1: L601.

2. Line 2: For flats and irregular parcels, “STD” followed by “FLTS” or “IRREG,” as applicable; followed by “NDC”; followed by “BARCODED” (or “BC”) if pallet contains automation price mail; followed by “NONBARCODED” (or “NBC”) if pallet contains carrier route and/or Presorted price mail. For letters, “STD LTRS NDC”; followed by “BC” if pallet contains barcoded letters; followed by “MACH” if pallet contains machinable letters; followed by “MAN” if pallet contains nonmachinable letters.

h. Mixed NDC, optional, permitted for sacks and trays only. Pallet may contain carrier route, automation price, and/or Presorted price mail. Labeling:

1. Line 1: “MXD” followed by information in L601, Column B, for NDC serving 3-digit ZIP Code prefix of entry Post Office (label to plant serving entry Post Office if authorized by processing and distribution manager).

2. Line 2: For flats and irregular parcels, “STD” followed by “FLTS” or “IRREG,” as applicable; followed by “BARCODED” (or “BC”) if pallet contains automation price mail; followed by “NONBARCODED” (or “NBC”) if pallet contains carrier route and/or Presorted price mail; followed by “WKG.” For letters, “STD LTRS”; followed by “BC” if pallet contains barcoded letters; followed by “MACH” if pallet contains machinable letters; followed by “MAN” if pallet contains nonmachinable letters; followed by “WKG.”

8.10.4 Package Services Flats—Bundles and Sacks

Pallets must be prepared under 8.0 in the sequence listed below and completed at each required level before the next optional or required level is prepared. Unless indicated as optional, all sort levels are required under the conditions shown. Carrier route mail and Presorted price mail with a barcode apply only to Bound Printed Matter mailings. Destination entry price eligibility also applies only to Bound Printed Matter (see 366 for flats). At the mailer’s option, all Package Services flats may be prepared for destination entry. For mailings of sacks on pallets, pallet preparation begins with 8.10.4b. Pallets must be labeled according to the Line 1 and Line 2 information listed below and under 8.6.

1. Line 1: L001.

2. Line 2: “PSVC FLTS”; followed by “CARRIER ROUTES” (or “CR-RTS”); followed by “SCHEME” (or “SCH”).

b. 5-digit carrier routes, required, permitted for bundles and sacks. Pallet must contain only carrier route mail for the same 5-digit ZIP Code. Labeling:

1. Line 1: city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code destination (see 8.6.4c for overseas military mail).

2. Line 2: “PSVC FLTS”; followed by “CARRIER ROUTES” (or “CR-RTS”).

c. 5-digit, required, permitted for bundles and sacks. Pallet must contain only Presorted price mail with or without a barcode for the same 5-digit ZIP Code or same 5-digit scheme under L007 (for automation-compatible flats only under 301.3.0). Five-digit scheme bundles are assigned to pallets according to the “label to” 5-digit ZIP Code in L007. Labeling:

1. Line 1: city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code destination (see 8.6.4c for overseas military mail).

2. Line 2: “PSVC FLTS 5D”; followed by “BARCODED” (or “BC”) if pallet contains Presorted price mail with a barcode; followed by “NONBARCODED” (or “NBC”) if pallet contains Presorted price mail without a barcode.

d. 3-digit, optional, option not available for bundles for 3-digit ZIP Code prefixes marked “N” in L002. Pallet may contain mail with or without a barcode for the same 3-digit ZIP Code or the same 3-digit scheme under L008 (for automation-compatible flats only under 301.3.0). Three-digit scheme bundles are assigned to pallets according to the “label to” 3-digit ZIP Code in L008. Labeling:

1. Line 1: L002, Column A.

2. Line 2: “PSVC FLTS 3D”; followed by “BARCODED” (or “BC”) if pallet contains Presorted price mail with a barcode; followed by “NONBARCODED” (or “NBC”) if pallet contains carrier route and/or Presorted price mail without a barcode.

e. SCF, required, permitted for bundles and sacks. Pallet may contain carrier route and/or Presorted price mail with or without a barcode for the 3-digit ZIP Code groups in L005. Labeling:

1. Line 1: L002, Column C.

2. Line 2: “PSVC FLTS SCF”; followed by “BARCODED” (or “BC”) if pallet contains Presorted price mail with a barcode; followed by “NONBARCODED” (or “NBC”) if pallet contains carrier route and/or Presorted price mail without a barcode.

f. ASF, required, permitted for bundles and sacks. Pallet may contain carrier route and/or Presorted price mail with or without a barcode for the 3-digit ZIP Code groups in L602. ADC bundles or sacks are assigned to pallets according to the “label to” ZIP Code in L004. At the mailer’s option, appropriate mixed ADC bundles or sacks may be sorted to ASF pallets according to the “label to” ZIP Code in L010. All mixed ADC bundles and sacks must contain only pieces destinating within the ASF as shown in Exhibit 446.3.1. Labeling:

1. Line 1: L602.

2. Line 2: “PSVC FLTS ASF”; followed by “BARCODED” (or “BC”) if pallet contains Presorted price mail with a barcode; followed by “NONBARCODED” (or “NBC”) if pallet contains carrier route and/or Presorted price mail without a barcode.

g. NDC, required, permitted for bundles and sacks. Pallet may contain carrier route and/or Presorted price mail with or without a barcode for the 3-digit ZIP Code groups in L601. ADC bundles or sacks are assigned to pallets according to the “label to” ZIP Code in L004. At the mailer’s option, appropriate mixed ADC bundles or sacks may be sorted to NDC pallets according to the “label to” ZIP Code in L010. All mixed ADC bundles and sacks must contain only pieces destinating within the NDC as shown in Exhibit 446.3.1 Labeling:

1. Line 1: L601.

2. Line 2: “PSVC FLTS NDC”; followed by “BARCODED” (or “BC”) if pallet contains Presorted price mail with a barcode; followed by “NONBARCODED” (or “NBC”) if pallet contains carrier route and/or Presorted price mail without a barcode.

h. Mixed NDC, optional, permitted for sacks only. Pallet may contain carrier route and/or Presorted price mail with or without a barcode. Labeling:

2. Line 2: “PSVC FLTS WKG.”

8.10.5 Package Services Irregular Parcels—Bundles and Sacks

Pallets must be prepared under 8.0 in the sequence listed below and completed at each required level before the next optional or required level is prepared. Unless indicated as optional, all sort levels are required under the conditions shown. Carrier route (8.10.5a, 8.10.5b, 8.10.5d, and 8.10.5e) applies to Bound Printed Matter mailings only. Destination entry price eligibility applies only to Parcel Select (see 456) and Bound Printed Matter (see 466 for parcels). At the mailer’s option, all Package Services irregular parcels also may be prepared for destination entry (see 7.0). For mailings of sacks on pallets, pallet preparation begins with 8.10.5e. Pallets must be labeled according to the Line 1 and Line 2 information listed below and under 8.6.

a. Merged 5-digit scheme, required, permitted for bundles only. Pallet must contain carrier route bundles and noncarrier route 5-digit bundles (Presorted price bundles) for the same 5-digit scheme under L001. For 5-digit destinations not part of L001, merged 5-digit pallet preparation begins with 8.10.5d. Labeling:

1. Line 1: L001.

2. Line 2: “PSVC IRREG CR/5D”; followed by “SCHEME” (or “SCH”).

1. Line 1: L001.

2. Line 2: “PSVC IRREG”; followed by “CARRIER ROUTES” (or “CR-RTS”); followed by “SCHEME” (or “SCH”).

c. 5-digit scheme, required, permitted for bundles only. Pallet must contain only 5-digit bundles of Presorted price mail for the same 5-digit scheme under L001. For 5-digit destinations not part of L001, 5-digit pallet preparation begins with 8.10.5d. Labeling:

1. Line 1: L001.

2. Line 2: “PSVC IRREG 5D”; followed by “SCHEME” (or “SCH”).

d. Merged 5-digit, required, permitted for bundles only. Pallet must contain carrier route bundles and noncarrier route 5-digit bundles (Presorted price bundles) for the same 5-digit ZIP Code. Labeling:

1. Line 1: city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code destination (see 8.6.4c for overseas military mail).

2. Line 2: “PSVC IRREG CR/5D.”

e. 5-digit carrier routes, required, permitted for bundles and sacks. Pallet must contain only carrier route mail for the same 5-digit ZIP Code. Labeling:

1. Line 1: city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code destination (see 8.6.4c for overseas military mail).

2. Line 2: “PSVC IRREG”; followed by “CARRIER ROUTES” (or “CR-RTS”).

f. 5-digit, required, permitted for bundles and sacks. Pallet must contain only Presorted price mail for the same 5-digit ZIP Code. Labeling:

1. Line 1: city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code destination (see 8.6.4c for overseas military mail).

2. Line 2: “PSVC IRREG 5D.”

g. 3-digit, optional, option not available for bundles for 3-digit ZIP Code prefixes marked “N” in L002. Pallet must contain parcels only for the same 3-digit ZIP Code. Labeling:

1. Line 1: L002, Column A.

2. Line 2: “PSVC IRREG 3D.”

h. SCF, required, permitted for bundles and sacks. Pallet may contain carrier route and/or Presorted price mail for the 3-digit ZIP Code groups in L005. Labeling:

1. Line 1: L002, Column C.

2. Line 2: “PSVC IRREG SCF.”

i. ASF, required, permitted for bundles and sacks. Pallet may contain carrier route and/or Presorted price mail for the 3-digit ZIP Code groups in L602. ADC bundles or sacks are assigned to pallets according to the “label to” ZIP Code in L004. At the mailer’s option, appropriate mixed ADC bundles or sacks may be sorted to ASF pallets according to the “label to” ZIP Code in L010. All mixed ADC bundles and sacks must contain only pieces destinating within the ASF as shown in Exhibit 446.3.1. Labeling:

1. Line 1: L602.

2. Line 2: “PSVC IRREG ASF.”

j. NDC, required, permitted for bundles and sacks. Pallet may contain carrier route and/or Presorted price mail for the 3-digit ZIP Code groups in L601. ADC (L004) bundles or sacks are assigned to pallets according to the “label to” ZIP Code in L004. At the mailer’s option, appropriate mixed ADC bundles or sacks may be sorted to NDC pallets according to the “label to” ZIP Code in L010. All mixed ADC bundles and sacks must contain only pieces destinating within the NDC as shown in Exhibit 446.3.1. Labeling:

1. Line 1: L601.

2. Line 2: “PSVC IRREG NDC.”

k. Mixed NDC, optional, permitted for sacks only. Pallet may contain carrier route and/or Presorted price mail. Labeling:

1. Line 1: “MXD” followed by information in L601, Column B, for NDC serving 3-digit ZIP Code prefix of entry Post Office (or labeled to plant serving entry Post Office if authorized by processing and distribution manager).

2. Line 2: “PSVC IRREG WKG.”

8.10.6 Package Services, Parcel Select

Pallets must be prepared under 8.0 in the sequence listed below and completed at each required level before the next optional or required level is prepared. Unless indicated as optional, all sort levels are required under the conditions shown. At the mailer's option, Parcel Select and Parcel Post mailings may be prepared on pallets under this section. Destination entry price eligibility applies only to Parcel Select (see 456), and Bound Printed Matter (see 466). Combined mailings of Standard Mail, Parcel Select, and Package Services machinable parcels also must meet the standards in 6.0 or 21.0. Pallets must be labeled according to the Line 1 and Line 2 information listed below and under 8.6.

a. 5-digit scheme, required. Pallet must contain parcels or NFMs for the same 5-digit scheme under L606. For 5-digit destinations not part of L606, or for which scheme sorts are not performed, 5-digit pallets are prepared under 8.10.6b. Labeling:

2. Line 2: “STD MACH 5D,” “STD NFM MACH 5D,” or “PSVC MACH 5D,” as applicable; followed by “SCHEME” (or “SCH”).

b. 5-digit, required. Pallet must contain parcels or NFMs only for the same 5-digit ZIP Code. Labeling:

1. Line 1: city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code destination (see 8.6.4c for overseas military mail).

2. Line 2: “STD MACH 5D,” “STD NFM MACH 5D,” or “PSVC MACH 5D,” as applicable.

c. ASF, optional, but required for DNDC prices. Not available for the Buffalo NY ASF in L602. Pallets must contain only parcels or NFMs for the 3-digit ZIP Code groups in L602. Labeling:

2. Line 2: “STD MACH ASF,” “STD NFM MACH ASF,” or “PSVC MACH ASF,” as applicable.

d. NDC, required. Pallets must contain only parcels or NFMs for the 3-digit ZIP Code groups in L601. Labeling:

2. Line 2: “STD MACH NDC,” “STD NFM MACH NDC,” or “PSVC MACH NDC,” as applicable.

e. Mixed NDC, optional. Labeling:

2. Line 2: “STD MACH WKG,” “STD NFM MACH WKG,” or “PSVC MACH WKG,” as applicable.

8.10.7 Standard Mail Machinable Parcels and Not Flat-Machinable Pieces Weighing 6 Ounces or More

Mailers who palletize machinable parcels or Not Flat-Machinable pieces must make pallets or pallet boxes when there are 250 pounds or more for the destination levels below for DNDC, DSCF, or DDU prices. When prepared at origin, a 200-pound minimum is required for the NDC price. Pallets must be prepared under 8.0 in the sequence listed below and completed at each required level before the next optional or required level is prepared. Unless indicated as optional, all sort levels are required under the conditions shown. At the mailer's option, Parcel Select and Parcel Post mailings may be prepared on pallets under this section. Destination entry price eligibility applies only to Standard Mail (see 446 for parcels and NFMs that weigh 6 ounces or more). Combined mailings of Standard Mail, Parcel Select, and Package Services machinable parcels also must meet the standards in 6.0 or 21.0. Pallets must be labeled according to the Line 1 and Line 2 information listed below and under 8.6.

2. Line 2: “STD MACH 5D,” or “STD NFM MACH 5D,” as applicable.

2. Line 2: “STD MACH 5D,” or “STD NFM MACH 5D,” as applicable; followed by “SCHEME” (or “SCH”).

b. 5-digit, required. Pallet must contain parcels or NFMs only for the same 5-digit ZIP Code. Labeling:

1. Line 1: city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code destination (see 8.6.4c for overseas military mail).

c. ASF, optional, but required for DNDC prices. Not available for the Buffalo NY ASF in L602. Pallets must contain only parcels or NFMs for the 3-digit ZIP Code groups in L602. Labeling:

2. Line 2: “STD MACH ASF,” or “STD NFM MACH ASF,” as applicable.

d. NDC, required. Pallets must contain only parcels or NFMs for the 3-digit ZIP Code groups in L601. Labeling:

2. Line 2: “STD MACH NDC,” or “STD NFM MACH NDC,” as applicable.

e. Origin NDC (required); no minimum; labeling:

1. Line 1: L601, Column B.

2. Line 2: “STD MACH NDC,” or “STD NFM MACH NDC,” as applicable.

f. Mixed NDC, optional; no minimum. Labeling:

2. Line 2: “STD MACH WKG,” or “STD NFM MACH WKG,” as applicable.

8.10.8 Standard Mail Irregular Parcels Weighing 2 Ounces or More

Mailers who palletize unbundled or unsacked irregular parcels must make pallets or pallet boxes when there are 250 pounds or more for the destination levels below for DNDC, DSCF, or DDU prices. When prepared at origin, a 200 pound minimum is required for the NDC price. Pallets or pallet boxes of irregular parcels (except tubes, rolls, and similar pieces) weighing 2 ounces or more must be prepared under 8.0 in the sequence listed below and completed at each required level before the next optional or required level is prepared. Unless indicated as optional, all sort levels are required. Label pallets or pallet boxes according to the Line 1 and Line 2 information listed below and under 8.6. Mailers may not prepare tubes, rolls, and similar pieces or pieces that weigh less than 2 ounces on pallets or in pallet boxes, except for pieces in carrier route bundles or in sacks under 8.10.3.

a. 5-digit scheme, required. Pallet or pallet box must contain parcels only for the same 5-digit scheme under L606. Mailers may combine NFMs weighing under 6 ounces with irregular parcels under 8.10.7. For 5-digit destinations not part of L606 prepare 5-digit pallets under 8.10.8b. Labeling:

2. Line 2: “STD IRREG 5D; followed by “SCHEME” (or “SCH”).

b. 5-digit, required. Pallet or pallet box must contain parcels only for the same 5-digit ZIP Code. Labeling:

1. Line 1: city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code destination (see 8.6.4c for overseas military mail).

2. Line 2: “STD IRREG 5D.”

c. SCF, required. Allowed only for mail deposited at a DSCF to claim SCF price; labeling:

1. For Line 1, L002, Column C.

2. For Line 2, “STD IRREG SCF.”

d. ASF, optional, but required for DNDC prices. Not available for the Buffalo NY ASF in L602. Pallets must contain only parcels or NFMs for the 3-digit ZIP Code groups in L602. Labeling:

2. Line 2: “STD IRREG ASF”.

e. NDC, required. Pallets must contain only parcels or NFMs for the 3-digit ZIP Code groups in L601. Labeling:

2. Line 2: “STD IRREG NDC”.

f. Origin NDC (required); no minimum; labeling:

1. Line 1: L601, Column B.

2. Line 2: “STD IRREG NDC”.

g. Mixed NDC, optional. Labeling:

2. Line 2: “STD IRREG WKG”.

8.10.9 Standard Mail Not Flat-Machinable Pieces Weighing Less Than 6 Ounces

Mailers must prepare unsacked pieces on pallets or in pallet boxes when there are 250 pounds or more of NFMs for the destination levels below for DNDC, DSCF, or DDU prices. When prepared at origin, a 200 pound minimum is required for the NDC price. Prepare pallets or pallet boxes of NFM pieces weighing less than 6 ounces under 8.0 in the sequence listed below and completed at each required level before the next optional or required level is prepared. Unless indicated as optional, all sort levels are required. The height of a 5-digit bundle must be at least 1 inch less than the longest dimension of the individual mailpiece. For example, a mailpiece measuring 7 inches long, 5 inches high, and 1/2 inch thick must be placed in a bundle no higher than 6 inches. Mailers may combine NFMs under 6 ounces with irregular parcels over 2 ounces (that are not tubes or rolls) under 8.10.8. Label pallets or pallet boxes according to the Line 1 and Line 2 information listed below and under 8.6.

a. 5-digit scheme, required. Pallet or pallet box must contain NFMs only for the same 5-digit scheme under L606. For 5-digit destinations not part of L606 prepare 5-digit pallets under 8.10.9b. Labeling:

2. Line 2: “STD NFM 5D”; followed by “SCHEME” (or “SCH”).

b. 5-digit, required. Pallet or pallet box must contain NFMs only for the same 5-digit ZIP Code. Labeling:

1. Line 1: city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code destination (see 8.6.4c for overseas military mail).

2. Line 2: “STD NFM 5D.”

c. SCF, required. Allowed only for mail deposited at a DSCF to claim SCF price; labeling:

1. For Line 1, L002, Column C.

2. For Line 2, “STD NFM SCF.”

d. ASF, optional, but required for DNDC prices. Not available for the Buffalo NY ASF in L602. Pallets must contain only parcels or NFMs for the 3-digit ZIP Code groups in L602. Labeling:

2. Line 2: “STD NFM ASF.”

e. NDC, required. Pallets must contain only parcels or NFMs for the 3-digit ZIP Code groups in L601. Labeling:

f. Origin NDC (required); no minimum; labeling:

2. Line 2: “STD NFM NDC”.

1. Line 1: L601, Column B.

2. Line 2: “STD NFM NDC”.

g. Mixed NDC, optional. Labeling:

2. Line 2: “STD NFM WKG”.

8.11 Bundle Reallocation to Protect SCF Pallet for Periodicals Flats and Irregular Parcels and Standard Mail Flats on Pallets

8.11.1 Basic Standards

Bundle reallocation to protect the SCF pallet is an optional preparation method (if performed, bundle reallocation must be done for the entire mailing job); only PAVE-certified presort software may be used to create pallets under the standards in 8.11.2 through 8.11.4. Presort software determines if mail for an SCF service area would fall beyond the SCF level if all finer level pallets are prepared. Reallocation is performed only when there is mail for the SCF service area that would fall beyond the SCF pallet level (e.g., to an ADC or NDC pallet). The amount of mail required to bring the mail that would fall beyond the SCF level back to an SCF level is the minimum volume that will be reallocated.

8.11.2 General Rules

a. Bundle preparation is not affected by the reallocation process. Reallocate only complete bundles and only the minimum number of bundles necessary to create an SCF pallet meeting the minimum pallet weight. Based on the weight of individual pieces within a bundle and bundling parameters, the weight of mail that is reallocated may be slightly more than the minimum volume required to create an SCF pallet.

b. Reallocate bundles from the highest (least fine) pallet level possible. If it is not possible to reallocate some mail from a 3-digit pallet first, then attempt to eliminate a 3-digit pallet and reallocate all mail from that pallet to create an SCF pallet; if mail cannot be reallocated from a 3-digit pallet, then attempt to reallocate some mail from any 5-digit level pallet.

c. The reallocation process may result in the elimination of a 3-digit pallet to create an SCF pallet, but a 5-digit level pallet may not be eliminated to create an SCF pallet.

d. When reallocating mail to create an SCF pallet, reallocate mail from only one more finely sorted pallet. This may be accomplished by reallocating a portion of a 3-digit pallet, reallocating all mail from a 3-digit pallet, or reallocating a portion of one of the following pallets: 5-digit, 5-digit carrier routes, merged 5-digit, 5-digit scheme, 5-digit scheme carrier routes, or merged 5-digit scheme.

e. Mailers may use any minimum pallet weight(s) permitted by standards and may use different minimum weights for different pallet levels in conjunction with bundle reallocation.

8.11.3 Reallocation of Bundles If Optional 3-Digit Pallets Are Prepared

a. Attempt to identify a 3-digit pallet of adequate weight that can support reallocation of one or more bundles to bring the mail that has fallen through the SCF level back to the SCF level without eliminating the pallet. A sufficient volume of mail must remain on the 3-digit pallet after reallocation to meet the 3-digit pallet weight minimum established by the mailer in compliance with applicable standards. If a 3-digit pallet of adequate weight is available, create an SCF pallet by combining the reallocated mail from the 3-digit pallet with the mail that would fall beyond the SCF pallet level.

b. If no single 3-digit pallet within the SCF service area contains an adequate volume of mail to allow reallocation of a portion of the mail on a pallet as described in the previous step, then eliminate one 3-digit pallet and reallocate all of the mail to create an SCF pallet by combining it with the mail that would fall beyond the SCF pallet level. As a result, the software will not prepare one 3-digit pallet for the SCF service area if it is detrimental to the SCF pallet.

c. If preparation is under 8.0 and there are no 3-digit pallets, attempt to identify a 5-digit level pallet of adequate weight to support reallocation of one or more bundles to bring the mail that would fall beyond the SCF pallet level back to the SCF level. If preparation is under 10.0, 12.0, or 13.0 and there are no 3-digit pallets, attempt to identify a 5-digit level pallet of adequate weight to support reallocation of one or more bundles to bring the mail that would fall beyond the SCF pallet level back to the SCF level. A sufficient volume of mail must remain on the applicable pallet after reallocation to meet the pallet weight minimum established by the mailer in compliance with applicable standards. If a 5-digit level pallet of adequate weight is available, create an SCF pallet by combining the reallocated bundles with the mail that would fall beyond the SCF pallet level.

d. If no single 5-digit level pallet within the SCF service area contains an adequate volume of mail to allow reallocation of a portion of the mail on a pallet as described in 8.11.3c, then no bundles will be reallocated and an SCF pallet will not be prepared; the mail that falls beyond the SCF pallet level must be placed on the next appropriate pallet (ADC, ASF, or NDC) or in the next appropriate sack.

8.11.4 Reallocation of Bundles If Optional 3-Digit Pallets Are Not Prepared

a. Attempt to identify a 5-digit level pallet of adequate weight to support reallocation of one or more bundles to bring the mail that would fall beyond the SCF pallet level back to the SCF level. A sufficient volume of mail must remain on the 5-digit level pallet after reallocation to meet the pallet weight minimum established by the mailer in compliance with applicable standards. If a 5-digit level pallet of adequate weight is available, create an SCF pallet by combining the reallocated bundles with the mail that would fall beyond the SCF pallet level.

b. If no single 5-digit level pallet within the SCF service area contains an adequate volume of mail to allow reallocation of a portion of the mail on a pallet as described in 8.11.4a, then no bundles will be reallocated and an SCF pallet will not be prepared; the mail that falls beyond the SCF pallet level must be placed on the next appropriate pallet (ADC, ASF, or NDC) or in the next appropriate sack.

8.11.5 Documentation

Mailings must be supported by documentation produced by PAVE-certified software meeting the standards in 708.1.0.

8.12 Bundle Reallocation to Protect ADC Pallet for Periodicals Flats and Irregular Parcels on Pallets

8.12.1 Basic Standards

Bundle reallocation to protect the ADC pallet is an optional preparation method authorized for mailers using PAVE-certified presort software and may be used to create pallets under the standards in 8.12.2 and 8.12.3. Presort software determines if mail for an ADC service area falls beyond the ADC level if all finer level pallets are prepared. Reallocation is performed only when there is mail for the ADC service area that falls beyond the ADC pallet level (e.g., to sacks). Reallocate only the minimum number of bundles necessary to create an ADC pallet at the minimum required weight.

8.12.2 General Rules

In general, when reallocating:

a. Bundle preparation is not affected by the reallocation process. Reallocate only complete bundles and only the minimum number of bundles necessary to create an ADC pallet meeting the minimum pallet weight. Based on the weight of individual pieces within a bundle and bundling parameters, the weight of mail that is reallocated may be slightly more than the minimum volume required to create an ADC pallet.

b. Reallocate only bundles of an SCF pallet from the same city and state as the ADC (L005, Column B). This may be accomplished by reallocating a portion of the bundles from an SCF pallet or reallocating all mail from the SCF pallet. Bundles may be reallocated from a protected SCF (PSCF) pallet prepared under 8.11.

c. Mailers may use any minimum pallet weight(s) permitted by standards and may use different minimum weights for different pallet levels in conjunction with bundle reallocation.

8.12.3 Documentation

Mailings must be supported by documentation produced by PAVE-certified software meeting the standards in 708.1.0.

8.13 Bundle Reallocation to Protect NDC Pallet for Standard Mail Flats on Pallets

8.13.1 Basic Standards

Bundle reallocation to protect the NDC pallet level is an optional preparation method (if performed, bundle reallocation must be done for the complete mailing job); only PAVE-certified presort software may be used to create pallets under the standards in 8.13.2 through 8.13.4. The software will determine if mail for a NDC service area would fall beyond the NDC level when ASF pallets are prepared. Reallocation is performed only when there is mail for the NDC service area that would fall beyond the NDC pallet level as a result of an ASF pallet being prepared. The amount required to bring the mail back to the NDC level is the minimum volume that would be reallocated from an ASF pallet, when possible. The following “parent” NDCs can be protected with bundle reallocation by using mail from the ASF “child” pallets indicated in Exhibit 8.13.1.

Exhibit 8.13.1 “Parent” NDC/“Child” ASF

“Parent” NDC Service Areas	“Child” ASF ZIP Code Areas Served
Pittsburgh NDC	Buffalo ASF: 130-136; 140-149
Denver NDC	Albuquerque ASF: 865, 870-875, 877-879, 881-884 Phoenix ASF: 850-853, 855, 859, 860, 863, 864 Salt Lake City ASF: 832-834, 836, 837, 840-847, 898, 979 Billings ASF: 590-599, 821
Dallas NDC	Oklahoma City ASF: 730, 731, 734-738, 740, 741, 743-746, 748, 749
Des Moines NDC	Sioux Falls ASF: 570-577
Minneapolis NDC	Fargo ASF: 565, 567, 580-588

8.13.2 General Rules

a. The reallocation process does not affect bundle preparation. Reallocate only complete bundles and only the minimum number of bundles necessary to create a NDC pallet that meets the minimum pallet weight. Based on the weight of individual pieces within a bundle and bundling parameters, the weight of mail that is reallocated may be slightly more than the minimum volume required to create a NDC pallet.

b. Use Exhibit 8.13.1 to reallocate bundles from the ASF pallet to create a NDC pallet. The ASF pallet may be eliminated to protect the NDC pallet.

c. Reallocate mail only from one ASF pallet. Bundle reallocation is to be used only between the “parent” NDC and the “child” ASF. Mail from finer levels of pallets (e.g., SCF pallets) may not be reallocated.

d. Mailers may use any minimum pallet weight(s) permitted by standard and may use different minimum weights for different pallet levels in conjunction with bundle reallocation.

8.13.3 Reallocation of Bundles From ASF Pallets

When reallocating bundles from ASF pallets:

a. Use Exhibit 8.13.1 to identify an ASF pallet of adequate weight that can support reallocation of one or more bundles to bring the mail that has fallen through the NDC level back to the NDC level without eliminating the ASF pallet. A sufficient amount of mail must remain on the ASF pallet after reallocation to meet the minimum ASF pallet weight. If an ASF pallet of adequate weight is available, then create a NDC pallet by combining the reallocated mail from the ASF pallet with the mail that would fall beyond the NDC pallet level.

b. If no single ASF pallet within the NDC service area contains an adequate volume of mail to allow reallocation of the portion of the mail on a pallet as described in 8.13.3a, then eliminate one ASF pallet and reallocate all of the mail to create a NDC pallet.

8.13.4 Documentation

Mailings must be supported by documentation produced by PAVE-certified software meeting the standards in 708.1.0.

8.14 Pallets of Bundles, Sacks, and Trays

8.14.1 Periodicals

Additional pallet preparation:

a. Combined mailings. When two or more publications are part of a combined mailing, the mailer must keep records for each mailing (publication) as required by standard.

b. Destination Delivery Unit prices. Pieces claimed at destination delivery unit prices do not require separation from pieces claimed at other prices on the same pallet.

c. Carrier route mail on separate 5-digit pallets. Carrier route sorted pieces must be prepared on separate 5-digit pallets (5-digit carrier routes or 5-digit scheme carrier routes pallets). Exception: When flats are prepared as bundles on pallets under 10.0, 12.0, or 13.0, then carrier route mail, 5-digit machinable barcoded price mail, and 5-digit machinable nonbarcoded price mail may be placed on the same merged 5-digit pallet or on the same merged 5-digit scheme pallet for those 5-digit ZIP Codes for which 1) there are “A” or “C” indicators in the City State Product under 10.0, or 2) the 5-digit bundles are within the 5% threshold requirement under 12.0, or 3) the 5-digit bundles are either all for 5-digit ZIP Codes that have an “A” or “C” indicator in the City State Product or are for 5-digit ZIP Codes with a “B” or “D” indicator in the City State Product and the pieces in such 5-digit bundles meet the 5% threshold under 13.0.

8.14.2 Standard Mail

Additional pallet preparation:

a. Combined mailings. Nonprofit Standard Mail may be included in the same mailing or palletized on the same pallet as Regular Standard Mail only as permitted by standard. Mailers may include machinable parcels, irregular parcels, and Not Flat-Machinable pieces on 5-digit pallets.

b. Destination Delivery Unit prices. Pieces claimed at destination delivery unit prices do not require separation from pieces claimed at other prices on the same pallet.

c. Carrier route mail on separate 5-digit pallets. Carrier route price pieces must be prepared on separate 5-digit pallets (5-digit carrier routes or 5-digit scheme carrier routes pallets) from automation price and/or Presorted price pieces (prepared on 5-digit pallets or 5-digit scheme pallets). Exception: When flat-size pieces are prepared as bundles on pallets under 10.0, 12.0, or 13.0, then carrier route sorted mail, 5-digit sorted automation price mail, and 5-digit sorted Presorted price mail may be placed on the same merged 5-digit pallet or on the same merged 5-digit scheme pallet for those 5-digit ZIP Codes for which 1) there are “A” or “C” indicators in the City State Product under 10.0, or 2) the 5-digit bundles are within the 5% threshold requirement under 12.0, or 3) the 5-digit bundles are either all for 5-digit ZIP Codes that have an “A” or “C” indicator in the City State Product, or are for 5-digit ZIP Codes with a “B” or “D” indicator in the City State Product and the pieces in such 5-digit bundles meet the 5% threshold under 13.0.

8.14.3 NDC and Mixed NDC Pallets

Bundles placed on NDC pallets must be machinable on NDC parcel sorting equipment. Line 2 on pallet labels must reflect the processing category of the pieces. A NDC or mixed NDC (trays and sacks only) pallet may include pieces that are eligible for the DNDC price and others that are ineligible.

8.14.4 Commingled Zones

Pieces of Parcel Select and Package Services for different zones may be commingled only under 455.1.7 for Parcel Select parcels or 365.5.3.3 or 365.6.3.3 for Bound Printed Matter flats or 465.5.1.3 or 465.6.1.3 for Bound Printed Matter parcels.

8.14.5 Securing Trays

Trays must be sleeved and strapped under 235.3.0 for First-Class Mail letters, 245.3.0 for Standard Mail letters, 335.3.0 for First-Class Mail flats, 345.3.0 for Standard Mail flats, 365.3.0 for Bound Printed Matter flats, 375.3.0 for Media Mail flats, 385.3.0 for Library Mail flats, except that strapping is not required for any letter tray placed on a 5-digit, 3-digit, or SCF pallet secured with stretchwrap. In addition, if the processing and distribution manager gives a written waiver, strapping is not required for any letter tray that originates and destinates in the same SCF (mail processing plant) service area.

8.15 Sacks

All sacks remaining after all pallets are prepared may be presented with the palletized mailing (on the same postage statement) if the sacks are set apart from the palletized portion of the mailing.

8.16 Copalletized Letter-size and Flat-size Pieces—Periodicals or Standard Mail

8.16.1 Basic Standards

Copalletized letter- and flat-size mailings must meet the applicable standards in 8.0. In addition, if copalletized under 10.0, 12.0, or 13.0, the applicable provisions of that preparation option must also be met. Any combination of automation mailings and nonautomation mailings is subject to the restrictions in 8.14. Trays and bundles in a copalletized mailing qualify for the appropriate presort level price, regardless of the pallet level on which they are placed. Mailers participating in copalletized mailings must:

a. Transmit postage statements and mailing documentation to the USPS using an approved electronic method.

b. In accordance with 708.6.5 and 708.6.6, use Intelligent Mail tray labels on trays and sacks and Intelligent Mail container placards on pallets or similar containers.

c. If consolidating multiple mailings on pallets, update the electronic data for each of the original mailings. This updated data must be reflected in the electronic data transmitted to the USPS by the consolidator.

d. Meet postage payment requirements as specified by Business Mailer Support.

8.16.2 Periodicals

Additional standards are as follows:

a. Periodicals eligible for preferred prices (In-County, Nonprofit, Classroom, and Science-of-Agriculture) may be combined with Periodicals eligible for Outside-County prices.

b. All pallets in a copalletized mailing are identified on the content line (Line 2) of the label with only “NEWS” (see 8.6) or “PER” as the class designation under these conditions:

1. If at least 51% of the total number of copies in the copalletized mailing can qualify for “NEWS” treatment, then all pallets in such a mailing are labeled “NEWS,” unless the mailer chooses to use “PER.”

2. If less than 51% of the total number of copies in a copalletized mailing can qualify for “NEWS” treatment, then all pallets in such a mailing are labeled “PER.”

c. Documentation meeting the basic standard in 708.1.0 must be provided with each mailing. Before copalletizing, the mailer must obtain the written approval of the Business Mailer Support manager. Approval is based on the mailer’s demonstrated ability to provide documentation meeting these standards:

1. Documentation by bundle and by publication and edition showing the number of addressed pieces and copies in each bundle and the per piece presort price claimed, or a listing by pallet showing (by presort level and destination) the number of copies and pieces for each publication and edition. For large volume mailing jobs reported on a single listing, the mailer may provide the abbreviated documentation in 708.b.

2. Documentation showing the number of copies and pieces claimed at the SCF price.

3. Documentation showing that bundles are sorted to the appropriate finest pallet level in the mailing.

4. Documentation showing that 5-digit, 3-digit, SCF, and ADC pallets are prepared when the applicable minimum volume is developed in the copalletized mailing for these destinations.

5. A listing showing the destination of pallets in the copalletized mailing.

6. If the sacked portion of the mailing is presented with the copalletized portion, a report by sack showing the number of pieces (and copies) at each presort level.

d. Postage for copalletized mailings of flat-size Periodicals must be paid at the consolidator's site.

8.16.3 Standard Mail

Additional standards are as follows:

a. Nonprofit Standard mailings may be copalletized with one another but not with mailings at other prices unless permitted by standard.

b. Nonidentical-weight pieces may be copalletized only if the correct postage is affixed to each piece or if otherwise authorized by Business Mailer Support.

c. All pieces in mailings to be copalletized must be subject to the minimum per piece price, or all subject to the per pound price, unless otherwise authorized by Business Mailer Support.

d. All pieces must have postage paid with permit imprint, or all pieces must have postage affixed.

e. When requested, the mailer must present pallets selected by USPS employees for verification.

f. Origin mailers participating in a copalletized mailing of Standard Mail letters in trays must prepare a separate postage statement for the portion entered at the origin site and another postage statement for the portion directed to the consolidator.

8.16.4 Pallet Labels

Pallet labels for copalletized mailings must meet the provisions of 8.6 and 8.10, or if applicable, 8.6 and 10.0, 12.0, or 13.0.

8.16.5 Postage Statement

Separate postage statements are required:

a. For Periodicals, a separate postage statement is required for each publication and/or edition that is part of the copalletized mailing. The mailer must note on or in an attachment to the postage statement the name and issue date of the publications with which each publication and/or edition was copalletized.

b. For Standard Mail, a separate postage statement must be prepared for each mailing that is part of a single copalletized shipment, except that copalletized Regular and Enhanced Carrier Route mailings (or Nonprofit and Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route mailings) produced as part of the same job may be reported on the same postage statement.

8.17 Pallets of Machinable Parcels

8.17.1 Standard Mail

Pieces may be eligible for the 3/5 price when prepared under 8.10.6a. through 8.10.6d.. This eligibility includes pieces sorted under 8.10.6c. and 8.10.6d. to the service area of the entry ASF/NDC.

8.17.2 DNDC Price

A NDC pallet may include pieces that are eligible for the DNDC price and pieces that are ineligible.

8.17.3 Top Caps

When top caps are used, the mailer must write the tare weight of the top cap on the pallet label or in another prominent location.

8.18 Parcel Select—Network Distribution Center (NDC) Presort Discount

8.18.1 Machinable Parcels

To qualify for the NDC Presort discount:

a. Machinable pieces must be sorted to NDCs under L601 in 69-inch pallet boxes. Each pallet box must contain at least 52 inches of mail (not including pallet) for a NDC. Overflow pallet boxes are not permitted. Preparation in sacks, directly on pallets, or in other containers is not permitted.

b. Pallet box preparation and Line 1 labeling: destination NDC (required); for Line 1 use L601.

c. Pallet box Line 2 labeling: “PSVC MACH NDC.”

8.18.2 Nonmachinable Parcels

To qualify for the NDC Presort discount:

a. Nonmachinable pieces must be sorted to NDCs and ASFs under L605 directly on pallets. Each pallet for a NDC or ASF destination must have a minimum height of 42 inches of mail (not including the height of the pallet). Overflow pallets are not permitted. Preparation in sacks, pallet boxes, or in other containers is not permitted.

b. Pallet preparation and Line 1 labeling: destination NDC or destination ASF, required; for Line 1, use L605.

c. Pallet Line 2 labeling: “PSVC NON MACH NDC” or “PSVC NON MACH ASF” as applicable.

8.19 Parcel Select—Origin Network Distribution Center (ONDC) Presort Discount

8.19.1 Machinable Parcels

To qualify for the ONDC Presort discount:

b. Pallet box preparation and Line 1 labeling: destination NDC, required; for Line 1, use L601.

c. Pallet box Line 2 labeling: “PSVC MACH NDC.”

8.19.2 Nonmachinable Parcels

To qualify for the ONDC Presort discount:

a. Nonmachinable pieces must be sorted to NDCs and ASFs under L605 directly on pallets. Each pallet for a NDC or ASF destination must have a minimum height of 42 inches of mail (not including the height of the pallet). Overflow pallets are not allowed. Preparation in sacks, pallet boxes, or in other containers is not permitted.

b. Pallet preparation and Line 1 labeling: destination NDC or destination ASF, required; for Line 1, use L605.

c. Pallet Line 2 labeling: “PSVC NON MACH NDC” or “PSVC NON MACH ASF” as applicable.

8.20 Parcel Select DSCF Prices—Parcels on Pallets

8.20.1 Basic Preparation, Parcels on Pallets

Unless prepared under 8.20.2, or in sacks, mail must be prepared for the DSCF price as follows:

a. General. Parcels for each SCF area must be sorted to 5-digit scheme, 5-digit, or 3-digit (nonmachinable) destinations on pallets. For purposes of this section, the term “pallets” includes preparation of parcels directly on pallets and in pallet boxes on pallets. Except when prepared under 8.20.2, each 5-digit scheme, 5-digit, and 3-digit pallet must meet a minimum volume requirement under one of the criteria in 8.20.1b. Machinable and nonmachinable pieces may be combined on the same pallet or in the same overflow sack when sorted to 5-digit scheme or 5-digit destinations. In a single mailing mailers may prepare some pallets under the minimum volume requirement in 8.20.1b..1. and some pallets under the minimum volume requirement in 8.20.1b..2.. A mailing entered at a destination SCF facility containing pallets prepared under 8.20.1 also may include mail that is sacked for the DSCF price. Double-stacking is permitted if the requirements of 8.3 are met.

b. Minimum volume. The minimum volume per 5-digit scheme, 5-digit, and 3-digit pallet can be met in one of the following ways:

1. Pieces may be placed on 5-digit scheme, 5-digit, and 3-digit pallets, each containing at least 50 pieces and 250 pounds.

2. Pieces may be placed on 5-digit scheme, 5-digit, and 3-digit pallets, each having a minimum height of 36 inches of mail (excluding the height of the pallet) (see 8.5.4).

c. Overflow. After filling a pallet(s) to a 5-digit scheme, 5-digit, or 3-digit destination, any remaining pieces that do not meet the minimum pallet requirements may be prepared in one or both of the following ways:

1. Placed in 5-digit scheme, 5-digit, or 3-digit overflow sacks (no minimum number of pieces per sack) that are labeled in accordance with the 5-digit scheme, 5-digit, or 3-digit sacking requirements for the DSCF price in 455.4.2. Overflow pieces sacked in this manner are eligible for the DSCF prices.

2. Placed on a 5-digit scheme, 5-digit, or 3-digit pallet labeled under 8.20.1d that does not meet the minimums for the DSCF price. Overflow pieces palletized in this manner are not eligible for the DSCF prices but are eligible for the DNDC prices.

d. 5-digit scheme. Pallet labeling:

1. Line 1: use L606, Column B.

1. Line 1: use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code destination of contents.

e. 5-digit. Pallet labeling:

2. Line 2: “PSVC PARCELS 3D.”

f. 3-digit. Pallet labeling:

1. Line 1: use L002, Column C.

g. Separation. If sacks prepared under 455 are included in the same mailing as pallets prepared under this section, at the time of acceptance the mailer must separate sacks that are overflow from palletized mail from those sacks that were prepared under the provisions of 455.

8.20.2 Alternate Preparation, Parcels on Pallets

DSCF price mailings not prepared under 8.20.1 may be prepared as follows:

a. General. All DSCF price mail in the mailing must be sorted to 5-digit scheme, 5-digit, or 3-digit destinations under 8.20.2 (i.e., mail prepared under 8.20.1 and mail sacked under 455.4.2 must not be included in a mailing prepared under 8.20.2). For purposes of this section, the term “pallets” includes preparation of parcels directly on pallets and in pallet boxes on pallets. Machinable and nonmachinable pieces may be combined on the same pallet. Double-stacking is permitted if the requirements of 8.3 are met.

b. Minimum volume. To qualify for the DSCF price, no pallet may contain fewer than 35 pieces and 200 pounds, and for the entire mailing the average number of DSCF price pieces per 5-digit scheme, 5-digit, or 3-digit destination must be at least 50.

c. Overflow. After filling pallets to a 5-digit scheme, 5-digit, or 3-digit destination, any remaining pieces that do not meet the minimum pallet requirements may be prepared in one or both of the following ways:

1. Placed in 5-digit scheme, 5-digit, or 3-digit overflow sacks (no minimum number of pieces per sack) that are labeled in accordance with the DSCF sacking requirements in 455.4.2. Overflow pieces sacked in this manner are eligible for the DSCF prices.

2. Placed on a 5-digit scheme, 5-digit, or 3-digit pallet labeled under 8.20.2d that does not meet the minimums for the DSCF price. Overflow pieces palletized in this manner are not eligible for the DSCF prices but are eligible for the DNDC prices.

d. 5-digit scheme. Pallet labeling:

1. Line 1: use L606, Column B.

3. In the mailer area below Line 3: use the pallet ID number.

e. 5-digit. Pallet labeling:

1. Line 1: city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code destination of contents.

3. In mailer area below line 3: use the pallet ID number.

f. 3-digit. Pallet labeling:

1. Line 1: use L002, Column C.

2. Line 2: “PSVC PARCELS 3D.”

3. In the mailer area below Line 3: use the pallet ID number.

g. Documentation. A list of each 5-digit scheme, 5-digit, and 3-digit pallet in the mailing that qualifies for the DSCF price must be submitted. The pallets in the mailing that qualify for the DSCF price must be renumbered sequentially, and this pallet identification number must be printed below Line 3 on the pallet label. The documentation must list each pallet in sequential order by pallet identification number. For each pallet, the listing must show: the pallet identification number, the applicable 5-digit scheme, 5-digit, or 3-digit destination of the pallet, the total weight of pieces on the pallet, the total number of pieces on the pallet, and the running total of pieces (i.e., the number equal to the number of pieces for that pallet plus the sum of the pieces on all pallets listed before it). This documentation must not include: pieces prepared in overflow sacks at the DSCF prices, pieces prepared on overflow pallets at the DNDC prices, or pieces claimed at any other price in the mailing.

8.20.3 5-Digit ZIP Codes for Which Pallets May Not Be Prepared

Refer to the Drop Shipment Product available from the National Customer Support Center (NCSC) (see 608.8.0) to determine if the facility serving the 5-digit ZIP Code destination can handle pallets. If a facility cannot handle pallets, the DSCF price is not applicable unless the mail can be prepared under the sacking requirement in 455.4.2.

8.21 Parcel Select DSCF Prices—Sacks on Pallets

Mailers who prepared DSCF price mail in 5-digit scheme or 5-digit sacks under 455.4.2 may place 5-digit sacks for the same SCF area on an SCF pallet (including a pallet box on a pallet). Mailers who prepare overflow from pallets under 8.20.1 or 8.20.2 may place 5-digit scheme or 5-digit sacks for the same SCF area on an SCF pallet (including a pallet box on a pallet). See 8.20.1g for requirements concerning separation of sacks prepared under 455.4.2 from sacks prepared under 8.20.1. There are no pallet minimums for such pallets. Mailers may prepare such SCF pallets without preparing all possible 5-digit scheme and 5-digit pallets. The pallets must be labeled in the following manner:

a. 5-digit scheme pallets, optional; labeling:

1. Line 1: use L606, Column B.

2. Line 2: “PSVC PP 5D SCHEME” or “PSVC PP 5D SCH.”

b. 5-digit pallets, labeling:

1. Line 1: use L002, Column C.

2. Line 2: “PSVC PP 5D.”

8.22 Parcel Select and Bound Printed Matter DDU Prices

Parcels may be bedloaded, sacked, or palletized. For purposes of this section the term “pallets” includes preparation of parcels directly on pallets and preparation of parcels in pallet boxes on pallets. There are no preparation or presort requirements for DDU price mailings other than separation by 5-digit scheme and 5-digit destination. Machinable and nonmachinable pieces may be combined. Refer to the Drop Shipment Product maintained by the National Customer Support Center (NCSC) (see 608.8.0) and the information in 455.4.1. If a DDU facility cannot handle pallets, and a mailer transports mail to the DDU facility on pallets, the driver must unload the pallets into a container specified by the delivery unit. If pieces are sacked or palletized, they must be prepared to 5-digit scheme (optional) and 5-digit destinations, and labeled as follows:

a. 5-digit scheme sacks or pallets, optional; labeling:

1. Line 1: use L606, Column B.

1. Line 1: use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code destination of pieces.

b. 5-digit sacks or pallets, labeling:

2. Line 2: “FCM FLTS 5D BC/NBC.”

9.0 Combining Bundles of Automation and Nonautomation Flats in Trays and Sacks

9.1 First-Class Mail

9.1.1 Basic Standards

Bundles of flats in an automation price mailing prepared under 335.6.5 must be cotrayed with bundles of flats in a Presorted price mailing under the following conditions:

a. The automation price pieces and Presorted price pieces are part of the same mailing job and reported on the same postage statement.

b. Pieces in the automation price mailing must meet the criteria for a flat under 301.3.0. Pieces in the Presorted price mailing must meet the criteria for a flat under 301.1.1.

c. The automation price mailing must meet the eligibility criteria in 333.5.0, except that the traying criteria in 9.1.4 must be met rather than the traying criteria in 335.6.0.

d. The Presorted price mailing must meet the eligibility criteria in 333.3.0, except that the traying and documentation criteria in 9.1.1 and 9.1.4 must be met rather than the traying and documentation criteria in 335.6.0.

e. The prices for pieces in the automation price mailing are applied based on the level of bundle to which they are sorted under 333.5.3, Price Application—Bundle-Based Flats, and 333.5.4, Price Application—Tray-Based Flats.

f. The pieces must be marked according to 302.

g. The bundles prepared from the automation price mailing and the bundles prepared from the Presorted price mailing must be sorted into the same trays as described in 9.1.4.

h. A complete, signed postage statement, using the correct USPS form or an approved facsimile, must accompany each mailing job prepared under these procedures. In addition to the applicable postage statement, documentation produced by PAVE-certified software or standardized documentation under 708.1.0 must be submitted with each cotrayed mailing job that describes for each tray sortation level the number of pieces qualifying for each applicable automation price and the number of pieces qualifying for the Presorted price.

i. Barcoded tray labels under 708.6.0 must be used to label the trays.

9.1.2 Bundle Preparation

Except for mail prepared under the cobundling option in 9.1.3, the automation price mailing must be bundled and labeled under 335.6.5. The Presorted price mailing must be bundled and labeled under 335.5.0.

9.1.3 Optional Cobundling Preparation

As an option to the basic bundling requirements in 9.1.2, a mailer may choose to cobundle automation price and Presorted price flat-size pieces, subject to the conditions in 11.0.

9.1.4 Tray Preparation and Labeling

Presorted price and automation price bundles prepared under 9.1.2 or 9.1.3 must be presorted together into trays (cotrayed) in the sequence listed below. Trays must be labeled using the following information for Lines 1 and 2 and 335.4.0 for other sack label criteria.

a. 5-digit, required, full trays only (no overflow trays); labeling:

1. Line 1: use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code destination (see 335.4.3 for military mail).

b. 3-digit, required, full trays only (no overflow trays); labeling:

1. Line 1: use L002, Column A.

2. Line 2: “FCM FLTS 3D BC/NBC.”

c. Origin/entry 3-digit, required for each 3-digit ZIP Code served by the SCF of the origin (verification) office, optional for each 3-digit ZIP Code served by the SCF of an entry office other than the origin office, no minimum; labeling:

1. Line 1: use L002, Column A.

2. Line 2: “FCM FLTS 3D BC/NBC.”

d. ADC, required, full trays only (no overflow trays); use L004 to determine ZIP Codes served by each ADC; labeling:

1. Line 1: use L004, Column B.

2. Line 2: “FCM FLTS ADC BC/NBC.”

e. Mixed ADC, required, no minimum; labeling:

1. Line 1: use L201; for mail originating in ZIP Code areas in Column A, use “MXD” followed by the city, state, and 3-digit ZIP Code prefix in the corresponding row in Column C (use “MXD” instead of “OMX” in the destination line and ignore Column B).

2. Line 2: “FCM FLTS BC/NBC WKG.”

9.2 Periodicals

9.2.1 Basic Standards

Bundles of flat-size pieces in a machinable barcoded (automation) price mailing must be cosacked with bundles of flat-size pieces in a machinable nonbarcoded price mailing under the following conditions:

a. The pieces in the machinable barcoded price mailing and in the machinable nonbarcoded price mailing must be part of the same mailing job and must be reported on the appropriate postage statement(s).

b. The machinable barcoded price mailing must meet the eligibility criteria in 707.14.0, except that the sacking and documentation criteria in 9.2.1, 9.2.3, and 9.2.4 must be met rather than the sacking and documentation criteria in 707.25.0.

c. The machinable nonbarcoded price mailing must meet the eligibility criteria in 707.12.0, except that the sacking and documentation criteria in 9.2.1, 9.2.3, and 9.2.4 must be met rather than the sacking and documentation criteria in 707.25.0.

d. The bundles prepared from the machinable barcoded price mailing and the bundles prepared from the machinable nonbarcoded price mailing must be sorted into the same sacks as described in 9.2.3 and 9.2.4.

e. A complete, signed, appropriate postage statement(s), using the correct USPS form or an approved facsimile, must accompany each mailing job prepared under these procedures. In addition to the applicable postage statement, documentation produced by PAVE-certified software or standardized documentation under 708.1.0 must be submitted with each cosacked mailing job that describes for each sack sortation level the number of pieces qualifying for each applicable price.

f. Barcoded sack labels under 708.6.0 must be used to label sacks.

9.2.2 Bundle Preparation

The machinable barcoded price mailing must be bundled and labeled under 707.25.0 (all bundle levels) and the machinable nonbarcoded price mailing must be bundled and labeled under 707.22.0 (excluding carrier route bundles).

9.2.3 Bundles With Fewer Than Six Pieces

5-digit and 3-digit bundles prepared under 707.22.0 and 707.25.0 may contain fewer than six pieces when the publisher determines that such preparation improves service. These low-volume bundles may be placed in 5-digit, 3-digit, and SCF sacks that contain at least 24 pieces or on 5-digit, 3-digit, or SCF pallets. Pieces in low-volume bundles must claim the applicable mixed ADC price (Outside-County) or basic price (In-County).

9.2.4 Sack Preparation and Labeling

Machinable barcoded price and machinable nonbarcoded price bundles must be presorted together into sacks (cosacked) in the sequence listed below. Sacks must be labeled using the following information for Lines 1 and 2 and 707.21.0 for other sack label criteria. If, due to the physical size of the mailpieces, the machinable barcoded price pieces are considered flat-size under 301.3.0 and the machinable nonbarcoded price pieces are considered irregular parcels under 401.1.6, the processing category shown on the sack label must show “FLTS.”

a. 5-digit/scheme, required; scheme sort required only for pieces meeting the criteria in 301.3.0; 24-piece minimum, fewer pieces not permitted; labeling:

1. Line 1: For 5-digit scheme sacks, use L007, Column B. For 5-digit sacks, use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code destination on pieces.

2. Line 2: “PER” or “NEWS” as applicable and, for 5-digit scheme sacks, “FLT 5D SCH BC/NBC”; for 5-digit sacks, “FLT 5D BC/NBC.”

b. 3-digit, required at 24 pieces, fewer pieces not permitted; labeling:

1. Line 1: use L002, Column A.

2. Line 2: “PER” or “NEWS” as applicable and “FLTS 3D BC/NBC.”

c. SCF, required at 24 pieces, fewer pieces not permitted; labeling:

1. Line 1: use L002, Column C.

2. Line 2: “PER” or “NEWS” as applicable and “FLTS SCF BC/NBC.”

d. Origin/entry SCF, required for the SCF of the origin (verification) office, optional for the SCF of an entry office other than the origin office, no minimum; labeling:

1. Line 1: use L002, Column C.

2. Line 2: “PER” or “NEWS” as applicable and “FLTS SCF BC/NBC.”

e. ADC, required at 24 pieces, fewer pieces not permitted (bundles of fewer than six pieces are not permitted); labeling:

1. Line 1: use L004, Column B.

2. Line 2: “PER” or “NEWS” as applicable and “FLTS ADC BC/NBC.”

f. Origin mixed ADC, required for any remaining pieces for destinations in L201, Column B, corresponding to the origin ZIP Code in Column A. There is no minimum for the number of pieces in the sack, but bundles of fewer than six pieces at 5-digit, 3-digit, and ADC bundle levels are not permitted.

1. Line 1: Use L201, Column C.

2. Line 2: “PER” or “NEWS” as applicable, followed by “FLTS WKG W FCM.”

g. Mixed ADC, required, no minimum, except that bundles of fewer than six pieces at 5-digit, 3-digit, and ADC bundle levels are not permitted. Labeling:

1. Line 1: use L009, Column B.

2. Line 2: “PER” or “NEWS” as applicable and “FLTS BC/NBC WKG.”

9.2.5 Optional Tray Preparation—Machinable Flat-Size Pieces

As an option, mailers may place in flats trays (see 707.20.4) machinable pieces meeting the criteria in 301.3.0 that would normally be placed in sacks. Mailers must either bundle or group all pieces as specified in 707.25.0 and 707.22.0 for each 5-digit scheme, 5-digit, 3-digit scheme, 3-digit, SCF, and ADC destination. Bundling is not permitted unless it achieves a finer presort than the presort destination of the tray. The trays are subject to a container charge, and any bundles are subject to a bundle charge. Tray preparation, sequence, and labeling:

a. 5-digit scheme (required), 24-piece minimum, labeling:

1. Line 1: L007, Column B.

2. Line 2: “PER” or “NEWS” as applicable; followed by “FLTS”; followed by “5D SCH BC/NBC.”

b. 5-digit (required), 24-piece minimum, labeling:

1. Line 1: city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code on mail (see 708.6.2.2 for overseas military mail).

2. Line 2: “PER” or “NEWS” as applicable; followed by “FLTS”; followed by “5D BC/NBC.”

c. 3-digit (required), 24-piece minimum, labeling:

1. Line 1: L002, Column A.

2. Line 2: “PER” or “NEWS” as applicable; followed by “FLTS”; followed by “3D BC/NBC.”

d. SCF (required), 24-piece minimum, labeling:

1. Line 1: L002, Column C.

2. Line 2: “PER” or “NEWS” as applicable; followed by “FLTS”; followed by “SCF BC/NBC.”

e. Origin SCF (required) and entry SCF(s) (optional), no minimum, labeling:

1. Line 1: L002, Column C.

2. Line 2: “PER” or “NEWS” as applicable; followed by “FLTS”; followed by “SCF BC/NBC.”

f. ADC (required), 24-piece minimum, no overflow tray allowed, labeling:

1. Line 1: use L004, Column B.

2. Line 2: “PER” or “NEWS” as applicable; followed by “FLTS”; followed by “ADC”; followed by “ BC/NBC.”

g. Origin mixed ADC (required), no minimum, for any remaining pieces for destinations in L201, Column B, of the origin ZIP Code in Column A, labeling:

1. Line 1: Use L201, Column C.

2. Line 2: “PER” or “NEWS” as applicable; followed by “FLTS”; followed by “WKG W FCM.”

h. Mixed ADC (required), no minimum, labeling:

1. Line 1: Use L009.

2. Line 2: “PER” “NEWS” as applicable; followed by “FLTS”; followed by “BC/NBC WKG.”

9.3 Standard Mail

9.3.1 Basic Standards

Bundles of flats in an automation price mailing must be cosacked with bundles of flats in a Presorted price mailing under the following conditions:

a. The automation price pieces and the Presorted price pieces are part of the same mailing job and are reported on the same postage statement.

b. Pieces in the automation price mailing must meet the criteria for a flat under 301.3.0. Pieces in the Presorted price mailing must meet the criteria for a flat under 301.1.1.

c. The automation price mailing must meet the eligibility criteria in 343.7.0, except that the sacking and documentation criteria in 9.3.1, 9.3.4, and 9.3.5 must be met rather than the sacking and documentation criteria in 345.7.0.

d. The Presorted price mailing must meet the eligibility criteria in 343.2.0 and 343.3.0, except that the sacking and documentation criteria in 9.3.1, 9.3.4, and 9.3.5 must be met rather than the sacking and documentation criteria in 345.5.0.

e. The prices for pieces in the automation price mailing are applied based on the number of pieces in the bundle and the level of bundle to which they are sorted under 343.7.0. The prices for pieces in the Presorted price mailing are based on the number of pieces in the bundle and the level of sack in which they are placed under 343.3.6 and 343.3.7.

f. The pieces must be marked according to 302.

g. The bundles prepared from the automation price mailing and the bundles prepared from the Presorted price mailing must be sorted into the same sacks as described in 9.3.4 and 9.3.5.

h. A complete, signed postage statement(s), using the correct USPS form or an approved facsimile, must accompany each mailing job prepared under these procedures. In addition to the applicable postage statement, documentation produced by PAVE-certified software or standardized documentation under 708.1.0 must be submitted with each cosacked mailing job that describes for each sack sortation level the number of pieces qualifying for each applicable automation price and the number of pieces qualifying for each applicable Presorted price.

i. Barcoded sack labels under 708.6.0 must be used to label the sacks.

9.3.2 Bundle Preparation

Except for mail prepared under the cobundling option in 9.3.3, the automation price mailing must be bundled and labeled under 345.7.0 and the Presorted price mailing must be bundled and labeled under 345.5.0. Loose packing under 345.5.0 is not permitted.

9.3.3 Optional Cobundling Preparation

As an option to the basic bundling requirements in 9.3.2, a mailer may choose to cobundle automation price and Presorted price flat-size pieces, subject to the conditions in 11.0.

9.3.4 Sacking Under 125-Piece or 15-Pound Rules

When the minimum quantity of 125 pieces or 15 pounds of mail is specified for a sack sortation level in 9.3.5, the provisions of 345.7.4.2 apply.

9.3.5 Sack Preparation and Labeling

Presorted price and automation price bundles prepared under 9.3.2 and 9.3.3 must be presorted together into sacks (cosacked) in the sequence listed below. Sacks must be labeled using the following information for Lines 1 and 2, and 345.4.0 for other sack label criteria.

a. 5-digit/scheme, required; scheme sort required, only for pieces meeting the automation-compatibility criteria in 301.3.0; 125-piece/15-pound minimum; labeling:

1. Line 1: For 5-digit scheme sacks, use L007, Column B. For 5-digit sacks, use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code destination on pieces.

2. Line 2: For 5-digit scheme sacks, “STD FLT 5D SCH BC/NBC”; for 5-digit sacks, “STD FLT 5D BC/NBC.”

b. 3-digit, required, 125-piece/15-pound minimum; labeling:

1. Line 1: use L002, Column A.

2. Line 2: “STD FLTS 3D BC/NBC.”

1. Line 1: use L002, Column A.

2. Line 2: “STD FLTS 3D BC/NBC.”

d. ADC, required, 125-piece/15-pound minimum; use L004 to determine ZIP Codes served by each ADC; labeling:

1. Line 1: use L004, Column B.

2. Line 2: “STD FLTS ADC BC/NBC.”

e. Mixed ADC, required, no minimum; labeling:

1. Line 1: use L009, Column B.

2. Line 2: “STD FLTS BC/NBC WKG.”

9.3.6 Tray Preparation and Labeling

Presorted price and automation price bundles meeting the standards in 345.3.0 for letter trays and prepared under 9.3.2 must be presorted together into trays (cotrayed) in the sequence in 9.3.5. Trays must be labeled using the information for Lines 1 and 2 and 345.4.0 for other tray label criteria. Cobundling under this option is not permitted.

9.4 Bound Printed Matter

9.4.1 Basic Standards

Bundles of flat-size pieces in a Presorted price mailing qualifying for and claiming the barcode discount under 363.2.0, 363.3.0, and 363.5.0 must be cosacked with bundles of flat-size pieces from a Presorted price mailing (not claiming the barcode discount) under the following conditions:

a. The Presorted price pieces qualifying for and claiming the barcode discount and the Presorted price pieces must be part of the same mailing job and be reported on the same postage statement.

b. The Presorted price pieces qualifying for and claiming the barcode discount must meet the criteria for flat-size mail under 301.3.0. Pieces in the Presorted price mailing must meet the criteria for flat-size mail under 301.2.0.

c. The Presorted price mailing qualifying for and claiming the barcode discount must meet the eligibility criteria in 363.2.0, 363.3.0, and 363.5.0, the mail preparation standards in 365.7.0, the sacking requirements in 9.4.4, and the documentation criteria in 9.4.1h.

d. The Presorted price mailing must meet the eligibility criteria in 363.2.0, 363.3.0, and 363.5.0, the mail preparation standards in 365.5.0, the sacking requirements in 9.4.4, and the documentation criteria in 9.4.1h.

e. The prices for pieces in the Presorted price mailing qualifying for and claiming the barcode discount are applied based on meeting the sortation requirements in 365.7.0, and when applicable, the zone. The prices for pieces in the Presorted price mailing are based on meeting the sortation requirements in 365.5.0, and when applicable, the zone.

f. The pieces must be marked according to 302.

g. The bundles prepared from the Presorted price mailing qualifying for the barcode discount and the bundles prepared from the Presorted price mailing must be sorted into the same sacks as described in 9.4.4.

h. A complete, signed postage statement(s), using the correct USPS form or an approved facsimile, must accompany each mailing job prepared under these procedures. In addition to the applicable postage statement, standardized documentation under 708.1.0 must be submitted with each cosacked mailing job that describes for each sack sortation level the number of pieces qualifying for the barcode discount and the number of pieces qualifying for each applicable Presorted price.

i. Barcoded sack labels under 708.6.0 must be used to label the sacks.

9.4.2 Bundle Preparation

Except for mail prepared under the cobundling option in 9.4.3, the Presorted price mailing qualifying for and claiming the barcode discount must be bundled and labeled under 365.7.0, and the Presorted price mailing must be bundled and labeled under 365.5.0.

9.4.3 Optional Cobundling Preparation

As an alternative to the basic bundling requirements in 9.4.2, flat-size Presorted price pieces qualifying for and claiming the barcode discount may be cobundled with flat-size Presorted price pieces, subject to 11.0.

9.4.4 Sack Preparation and Labeling

Bundles of Presorted price pieces qualifying for and claiming the barcode discount and Presorted price pieces prepared under 9.4.2 or 9.4.3 must be presorted together into sacks (cosacked) using the following preparation sequence, sack size, and labeling:

a. 5-digit/scheme, required; scheme sort required, only for pieces meeting the automation-compatibility criteria in 301.3.0; minimum 20 addressed pieces; labeling:

1. Line 1: For 5-digit scheme sacks, use L007, Column B. For 5-digit sacks, use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code destination on pieces.

2. Line 2: For 5-digit scheme sacks, “PSVC FLT 5D SCH BC/NBC”; for 5-digit sacks, “PSVC FLT 5D BC/NBC.”

b. 3-digit, required, except for optional bundles with 3-digit ZIP Code prefixes indicated by an “N” in L002, when optional SCF sacks are prepared; minimum 20 addressed pieces; labeling:

1. Line 1: L002, Column A.

2. Line 2: “PSVC FLTS 3D BC/NBC.”

c. SCF, optional, minimum 20 addressed pieces; labeling:

1. Line 1: L005, Column B.

2. Line 2: “PSVC FLTS SCF BC/NBC.”

d. ADC, required, minimum 20 addressed pieces (use L004 to determine ZIP Codes served by each ADC); labeling:

1. Line 1: L004, Column B.

2. Line 2: “PSVC FLTS ADC BC/NBC.”

e. Mixed ADC, required, no minimum; labeling:

1. Line 1: use L009, Column B.

2. Line 2: “PSVC FLTS BC/NBC WKG.”

10.0 Merging Bundles of Flats in Sacks and Pallets Using the City State Product

10.1 Periodicals

10.1.1 Basic Standards

Carrier route bundles in a carrier route price mailing may be placed in the same sack or on the same pallet as 5-digit bundles from a machinable barcoded price mailing and 5-digit bundles from a machinable nonbarcoded price mailing (including pieces cobundled under 11.0) under the following conditions:

a. A carrier route mailing must be part of the mailing job, unless cobundled under 11.0 using 5-digit scheme (L007) or 3-digit scheme (L008) bundle preparation, and sacked under 10.1.4.

b. The pieces in the carrier route mailing, the machinable barcoded price mailing, and the machinable nonbarcoded price mailing must be part of the same mailing job.

c. Pieces in the machinable price mailing must meet the flats criteria in 301.3.0; pieces that meet the flats criteria in 707.26.0 also may be sacked under this option. Pieces in the machinable nonbarcoded price mailing and the carrier route mailing must be flat-size.

d. Mailers must use the Carrier Route Indicators field in the City State Product (see 509.1.2) to prepare the mailing and enter the mailing no later than 90 days after the release date of the City State Product used.

e. Carrier route bundles may be cosacked or copalletized with machinable barcoded price 5-digit bundles, machinable nonbarcoded price 5-digit bundles, and cobundled 5-digit bundles only for those 5-digit ZIP Codes that have an “A” or “C” indicator in the Carrier Route Indicators field in the City State Product indicating eligibility for such cosacking or copalletization. Containers of mail sorted in this manner are called “merged 5-digit” sacks or pallets. Containers of mail sorted in this manner for which scheme (L001) sortation is also performed are called “merged 5-digit scheme” sacks or pallets. Pieces in 5-digit scheme (L007) bundles may not be placed in merged 5-digit containers.

f. If sortation under this section is performed, merged 5-digit sacks or pallets must be prepared for all 5-digit ZIP Codes with an “A” or “C” indicator in the City State Product that permits such preparation when there is enough volume for the 5-digit ZIP Code to prepare such a sack under 10.1.4 or such a pallet under 10.1.5. In addition, all possible merged 5-digit scheme sacks must be prepared under 10.1.4, or all possible merged 5-digit scheme and 5-digit scheme pallets must be prepared under 10.1.5.

g. For mailings prepared in sacks, mailers may not combine firm bundles and 5-digit scheme pieces in 5-digit scheme bundles or in 5-digit scheme sacks. Firm bundles must be placed in a separate individual 5-digit sack under 10.1.4g to maintain 5-digit price eligibility. Mailers may combine firm bundles with 5-digit scheme, 3-digit scheme, and other presort destination bundles in carrier route, 5-digit, 3-digit, SCF, ADC, and mixed ADC sacks. Only an In-County firm bundle can contribute toward the six-piece minimum for price eligibility.

h. The bundles from each separated mailing must be sorted together into sacks (cosacked) under 10.1.4 or on pallets (copalletized) under 10.1.5 using presort software that is PAVE-certified.

i. A complete, signed postage statement(s), using the correct USPS form or an approved facsimile, must accompany each mailing job prepared under these procedures. In addition to the postage statement(s), documentation prepared by PAVE-certified software must be submitted with each cosacked or copalletized mailing job that describes for each sack sortation level and sack, or each pallet sortation level and pallet, the number of pieces qualifying for each applicable price.

j. Barcoded sack labels under 708.6.0 must be used to label sacks.

10.1.2 Bundle Preparation

Bundles must be prepared as follows:

a. Sacked mailings. The carrier route mailing must be bundled and labeled under 707.23.0. Except when prepared under the cobundling option in 11.0, the barcoded price mailing must be bundled and labeled under 707.25.0 and the nonbarcoded price mailing must be bundled and labeled under 707.22.0.

b. Palletized mailings. Bundles placed on pallets must be prepared under the standards in 8.9.

10.1.3 Bundles With Fewer Than Six Pieces

Carrier route, 5-digit scheme, 5-digit, 3-digit scheme, and 3-digit bundles may contain fewer than six pieces when the publisher determines that such preparation improves service. Pieces in these low-volume bundles must be claimed at the applicable mixed ADC price (Outside-County) or basic price (In-County). Low-volume bundles are permitted only when they are sacked or prepared on pallets as follows:

a. Place low-volume carrier route, 5-digit, 3-digit scheme, and 3-digit bundles in only the following containers:

1. Carrier route, merged 5-digit scheme, 5-digit scheme carrier routes, merged 5-digit, 5-digit carrier routes, 5-digit, 3-digit, and SCF sacks that contain at least 24 pieces.

2. Merged 3-digit sacks that contain at least one six-piece carrier route bundle.

3. Origin/entry SCF sacks.

4. On merged 5-digit scheme, 5-digit scheme carrier routes, 5-digit scheme, merged 5-digit, 5-digit carrier routes, 5-digit, 3-digit, or SCF pallets, as appropriate.

b. Place low-volume 5-digit scheme bundles in only 5-digit scheme, 3-digit, and SCF sacks that contain at least 24 pieces, or in origin/entry SCF sacks, or on 3-digit or SCF pallets, as appropriate.

10.1.4 Sack Preparation and Labeling

Mailers must prepare sacks containing the individual carrier route and 5-digit bundles from the carrier route, barcoded, and nonbarcoded price mailings in the mailing job in the following manner and sequence. All carrier route bundles must be placed in sacks under 10.1.4a. through 10.1.4e. and 10.1.4h. as described below. When sorting is performed under this section, mailers must prepare merged 5-digit scheme sacks, 5-digit scheme carrier routes sacks, and merged 5-digit sacks for all possible 5-digit schemes or 5-digit ZIP Codes as applicable, using L001 (merged 5-digit scheme and 5-digit scheme carrier routes sort only) and the Carrier Route Indicators field in the City State Product when there is enough volume for the 5-digit scheme or 5-digit ZIP Code to prepare such sacks under 10.1.4, Sack Preparation and Labeling. Mailers must label sacks according to the Line 1 and Line 2 information listed below and under 707.20.1, Basic Standards. If, due to the physical size of the mailpieces, the barcoded pieces are considered flat-size under 707.26.0, and the carrier route pieces and nonbarcoded pieces are considered irregular parcels under 401.1.6, “FLTS” must be shown as the processing category on the sack label. If a mailing job does not contain barcoded price pieces and the carrier route pieces and the nonbarcoded pieces are irregular parcel shaped, use “IRREG” for the processing category on the contents line of the label.

a. Carrier route, required, may contain only carrier route bundles. Must be prepared when there are 24 or more pieces for the same carrier route. Smaller volume not permitted. Labeling:

1. Line 1: use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code destination (see 707.21.1.2 for military mail).

2. Line 2: “PER” or “NEWS” as applicable; followed by “FLTS” or “IRREG” as applicable; followed by “CR” for basic price, “WSH” for high-density price, or “WSS” for saturation price; followed by the route type and number.

b. Merged 5-digit scheme, required at 24 pieces, fewer pieces not permitted. Must contain at least one 5-digit ZIP Code in the scheme with an “A” or “C” indicator in the City State Product. May contain carrier route bundles for any 5-digit ZIP Code(s) in a single scheme listed in L001 as well as machinable barcoded price 5-digit bundles and machinable nonbarcoded price 5-digit bundles for those 5-digit ZIP Codes in the schemes that have an “A” or “C” indicator in the City State Product. For 5-digit ZIP Code(s) in a scheme that has a “B” or “D” indicator in the City State Product, prepare sack(s) under 10.1.4g. and 10.1.4h.. For 5-digit ZIP Codes not included in a scheme, prepare sacks under 10.1.4d. through 10.1.4h.. Labeling:

1. Line 1: use L001, Column B.

2. Line 2: “PER” or “NEWS” as applicable, followed by “FLTS” or “IRREG” as applicable, followed by “CR/5D SCH.”

c. 5-digit scheme carrier routes, required at 24 pieces, fewer pieces not permitted. May contain only carrier route bundles for 5-digit ZIP Code(s) in a single scheme listed in L001 when all the 5-digits in the scheme have a “B” or “D” indicator in the City State Product. Mailers must prepare this sack if there are any carrier route bundle(s) for such a scheme. Labeling:

1. Line 1: use L001, Column B.

2. Line 2: “PER” or “NEWS” as applicable, followed by “FLTS” or “IRREG” as applicable, followed by “CR-RTS SCH.”

d. Merged 5-digit, required at 24 pieces, fewer pieces not permitted. Must be prepared only for those 5-digit ZIP Codes that are not part of a scheme and that have an “A” or “C” indicator in the City State Product. May contain carrier route bundles, machinable barcoded price 5-digit bundles, and machinable nonbarcoded price 5-digit bundles. Labeling:

1. Line 1: use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code destination (see 707.21.1.2 for military mail).

2. Line 2: “PER” or “NEWS” as applicable, followed by “FLTS” or “IRREG” as applicable, followed by “CR/5D.”

e. 5-digit carrier routes, required at 24 pieces, fewer pieces not permitted. Include only carrier route bundles for a 5-digit ZIP Code remaining after preparing sacks under 10.1.4a. through 10.1.4d.. May contain only carrier route bundles for any 5-digit ZIP Code that is not part of a scheme listed in L001 and that has a “B” or “D” indicator in the City State Product. Labeling:

1. Line 1: use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code destination (see 707.21.1.2 for military mail).

2. Line 2: “PER” or “NEWS” as applicable, followed by “FLTS” or “IRREG” as applicable, followed by “CR-RTS.”

f. 5-digit scheme, required at 24 pieces, fewer pieces not permitted. May contain only machinable barcoded price and cobundled machinable barcoded and nonbarcoded price 5-digit scheme bundles for the same 5-digit scheme destination. Labeling:

1. Line 1: L007, Column B.

2. Line 2: “PER” or “NEWS” as applicable, followed by “FLTS 5D SCH BC.”

g. 5-digit, required at 24 pieces, fewer pieces not permitted, except as provided in 10.1.1g. for firm bundles. May contain only barcoded price 5-digit bundles and nonbarcoded price 5-digit bundles for the same 5-digit ZIP Code for any 5-digit ZIP Code that has a “B” or “D” indicator in the City State Product. Labeling:

1. Line 1: use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code destination (see 707.21.1.2 for military mail).

2. Line 2: “PER” or “NEWS” as applicable, followed by “FLTS 5D BC/NBC,” except if there are no barcoded price bundles in the mailing job, label under 707.22.6.

h. Merged 3-digit. May contain carrier route bundles, any 5-digit and 5-digit scheme bundles remaining after preparing sacks under 10.1.4a. through 10.1.4g., and any 3-digit and 3-digit scheme bundles. When preparation of this sack level is permitted, mailers must prepare a sack if there are any remaining carrier route bundles for the 3-digit area. Required with at least one six-piece carrier route bundle. Must contain at least one carrier route bundle for the 3-digit area, or a minimum of 24 pieces. As an option to preparing bundles in merged 3-digit sacks, mailers may place those bundles in flats trays (see 707.20.4). Labeling:

1. Line 1: use L002, Column A.

2. Line 2: “PER” or “NEWS” as applicable, followed by “FLTS” or “IRREG” as applicable, followed by “CR/5D/3D.” If there are no barcoded price bundles in the mailing job, label under 707.22.6.

i. SCF through mixed ADC. Any 5-digit scheme and 5-digit bundles remaining after preparing sacks under 10.1.4a. through 10.1.4h. and all 3-digit, 3-digit scheme, ADC, origin mixed ADC, and mixed ADC bundles must be sacked and labeled under 9.2 for cosacking of barcoded price and nonbarcoded price bundles, except if there are no barcoded price bundles in the mailing job, sack and label under 707.22.6, or if there are no nonbarcoded price bundles in the mailing job, sack and label under 707.25.4.

10.1.5 Pallet Preparation and Labeling

Mailers must prepare pallets of bundles in the manner and sequence listed below and under 8.0, Preparing Pallets. When sortation under this option is performed, mailers must prepare all merged 5-digit scheme, 5-digit scheme carrier routes, 5-digit scheme, and merged 5-digit pallets that are possible in the mailing based on the volume of mail to the destination using L001 and/or the City State Product. Mailers must label pallets according to the Line 1 and Line 2 information listed below and under 8.6, Pallet Placards.

a. Merged 5-digit scheme, required and permitted only when there is at least one 5-digit ZIP Code in the scheme that has an “A” or “C” indicator in the City State Product. May contain carrier route bundles for any 5-digit ZIP Code(s) in a single scheme listed in L001 as well as machinable barcoded price 5-digit bundles and machinable nonbarcoded price 5-digit bundles for those 5-digit ZIP Codes in the scheme that have an “A” or “C” indicator in the City State Product. For schemes in which all of the 5-digit ZIP Codes have a “B” or “D” indicator in the City State Product, begin preparing pallets under 10.1.5c (5-digit scheme carrier routes pallet). For 5-digit ZIP Codes not included in a scheme, begin preparing pallets under 10.1.5c (merged 5-digit pallet). Labeling:

1. Line 1: use L001, Column B.

2. Line 2: “PER” or “NEWS” as applicable; followed by “FLTS”; followed by “CR/5D SCHEME.”

b. 5-digit scheme carrier routes, required. May contain only carrier route bundles for carrier routes in an L001 scheme for which all of the 5-digit ZIP Codes in the scheme have a “B” or “D” indicator in the City State Product. Labeling:

1. Line 1: use L001, Column B.

2. Line 2: “PER” or “NEWS” as applicable; followed by “FLTS”; followed by “CR-RTS SCHEME.”

c. Merged 5-digit, required. May contain carrier route bundles, machinable barcoded price 5-digit bundles, and machinable nonbarcoded price 5-digit for those 5-digit ZIP Codes that are not part of a scheme and that have an “A” or “C” indicator in the City State Product. Labeling:

1. Line 1: use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code destination (see 8.6.4 for military mail).

2. Line 2: “PER” or “NEWS” as applicable; followed by “FLTS”; followed by “CR/5D.”

d. 5-digit carrier routes, required. May contain only carrier route price bundles for the same 5-digit ZIP Code for those 5-digit ZIP Codes that are not part of a scheme and that have a “B” or “D” indicator in the City State Product. Labeling:

1. Line 1: use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code destination (see 8.6.4 for military mail).

2. Line 2: “PER” or “NEWS” as applicable; followed by “FLTS”; followed by “CARRIER ROUTES” or “CR-RTS.”

e. 5-digit, required. May contain only machinable barcoded price 5-digit bundles and machinable nonbarcoded price 5-digit bundles for the same 5-digit ZIP Code with a “B” or “D” indicator in the City State Product, or 5-digit scheme (L007) bundles. Five-digit scheme bundles are assigned to 5-digit pallets according to the “label to” 5-digit ZIP Code in L007. Labeling:

1. Line 1: use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code destination (see 8.6.4 for military mail).

2. Line 2: “PER” or “NEWS” as applicable; followed by “FLTS”; followed by “5D”; followed by “BARCODED” or “BC” if the pallet contains machinable barcoded mail; followed by “NONBARCODED” or “NBC” if the pallet contains machinable nonbarcoded mail.

f. 3-digit, optional. Option not available for 3-digit ZIP Code prefixes marked “N” in L002. May contain carrier route price, machinable barcoded price, and machinable nonbarcoded price mail, including 3-digit scheme (L008) bundles. Three-digit scheme bundles are assigned to 3-digit pallets according to the “label to” 3-digit ZIP Code in L008. Labeling:

1. Line 1: use L002, Column A.

2. Line 2: “PER” or “NEWS” as applicable; followed by “FLTS”; followed by “3D,” followed by “BARCODED” or “BC” if the pallet contains machinable barcoded price mail; followed by “NONBARCODED” or “NBC” if the pallet contains machinable nonbarcoded price mail and/or carrier route mail.

g. SCF, required. May contain carrier route price, machinable barcoded price, and machinable nonbarcoded price bundles. Labeling:

1. Line 1: use L002, Column C.

2. Line 2: “PER” or “NEWS” as applicable; followed by “FLTS”; followed by “SCF”; followed by “BARCODED” or “BC” if the pallet contains machinable barcoded price mail; followed by “NONBARCODED” or “NBC” if the pallet contains machinable nonbarcoded price mail and/or carrier route mail.

h. ADC, required. May contain carrier route price, machinable barcoded price, and machinable nonbarcoded price bundles. Labeling:

1. Line 1: use L004, Column B.

2. Line 2: “PER” or “NEWS” as applicable; followed by “FLTS”; followed by “ADC”; followed by “BARCODED” or “BC” if the pallet contains machinable barcoded price mail; followed by “NONBARCODED” or “NBC” if the pallet contains machinable nonbarcoded price mail and/or carrier route mail.

10.2 Standard Mail

10.2.1 Basic Standards

Carrier route bundles from a carrier route price mailing may be placed in the same sack or on the same pallet as 5-digit bundles from an automation price mailing and 5-digit bundles from a Presorted price mailing (including pieces cobundled under 11.0) under the following conditions:

a. A carrier route mailing must be part of the mailing job, unless cobundled under 11.0 utilizing 5-digit scheme (L007) or 3-digit scheme (L008) bundle preparation and sacked under 10.1.4.

b. The pieces in the carrier route price mailing, the automation price mailing, and the Presorted price mailing must be part of the same mailing job, and all three mailings must be reported on the same postage statement.

c. Pieces in the automation price mailing must meet the criteria for a flat under 301.3.0. Pieces in the Presorted price mailing and the carrier route mailing must meet the criteria for a flat under 301.1.0.

d. Mailers must use the Carrier Route Indicators field in the City State Product to prepare the mailing and enter the mailing no later than 90 days after the release date of the City State Product used.

e. Carrier route bundles may be cosacked or copalletized with automation price 5-digit bundles, Presorted price 5-digit bundles, and cobundled 5-digit bundles only for those 5-digit ZIP Codes that have an “A” or “C” indicator in the Carrier Route Indicators field in the City State Product indicating eligibility for such cosacking or copalletization. Containers of mail sorted in this manner are called “merged 5-digit” sacks or pallets. Containers of mail sorted in this manner for which scheme (L001) sortation is also performed are called “merged 5-digit scheme” sacks or pallets. Pieces in 5-digit scheme (L007) bundles may not be placed in merged 5-digit containers.

g. For sacked mailings, the prices for pieces in the carrier route mailing are based on the criteria in 343.6.0, the prices for pieces in the automation price mailing are applied based on the number of pieces in the bundle and the level of bundle to which they are sorted under 343.7.0, and the prices for pieces in the Presorted price mailing are based on the number of pieces in the bundle and the level of sack to which they are sorted under 343.5.0.

h. The pieces in each separate mailing must bear the applicable markings required under 345.5.0, 345.6.0, or 345.7.0 and under 302.

i. For palletized mailings, the prices are based on the level of bundle that the pieces are contained in under 343.6.0 and 343.7.0.

j. The bundles from each separate mailing must be sorted together into sacks (cosacked) under 10.2.3 and 10.2.4 or on pallets (copalletized) under 10.2.5 using presort software that is PAVE-certified.

k. A complete, signed postage statement, using the correct USPS form or an approved facsimile, must accompany each mailing job prepared under these procedures.

l. In addition to the applicable postage statement, documentation produced by PAVE-certified software must be submitted with each cosacked or copalletized mailing job that describes for each sack sortation level and sack, or each pallet sortation level and pallet, the number of pieces qualifying for each applicable carrier route price, each applicable automation price, and each applicable Presorted price.

m. Barcoded sack labels under 708.6.0 must be used to label sacks.

10.2.2 Bundle Preparation

Bundles must be prepared as follows:

a. Sacked mailings. The carrier route mailing must be bundled and labeled under 345.6.0. Except when prepared under the cobundling option in 11.0, the automation price mailing must be bundled and labeled under 345.7.0 and the Presorted price mailing must be bundled and labeled under 345.5.0.

b. Palletized mailings. Bundles placed on pallets must be prepared under the standards in 8.0, Preparing Pallets.

10.2.3 Sacking Under 125-Piece or 15-Pound Rules

When the minimum quantity of 125 pieces or 15 pounds of mail is specified for a sack sortation level in 10.2.4, the provisions of 345.7.4.2 apply.

10.2.4 Sack Preparation and Labeling

Mailers must prepare sacks in the following manner and sequence. All carrier route bundles must be placed in sacks under 10.2.4a through 10.2.4e as described below. Mailers must prepare all merged 5-digit scheme sacks, 5-digit scheme carrier routes sacks, and merged 5-digit sacks that are possible in the mailing based on the volume of mail to the destination using L001 and the Carrier Route Indicators field in the City State Product. Mailers must label sacks according to the Line 1 and Line 2 information listed below and under 345.4.0, Sack and Tray Labels.

a. Carrier route, required, may contain only carrier route bundles. Must be prepared when there are 125 pieces or 15 pounds of pieces for the same carrier route. Smaller volume not permitted. Labeling:

1. Line 1: use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code destination (see 345.4.2 for military mail).

2. Line 2: “STD FLTS”; followed by “ECRLOT,” “ECRWSH,” or “ECRWSS” as applicable for basic, high-density, and saturation price mail; followed by the route type and number.

b. Merged 5-digit scheme, required and permitted only when there is at least one 5-digit ZIP Code in the scheme with an “A” or “C” indicator in the City State Product. May contain carrier route bundles for any 5-digit ZIP Code(s) in a single scheme listed in L001 as well as automation price 5-digit bundles and Presorted price 5-digit bundles for those 5-digit ZIP Codes in the scheme with an “A” or “C” indicator in the City State Product. When preparation of this sack level is permitted, a sack must be prepared if there are any carrier route bundle(s) for the scheme. If there is not at least one carrier route bundle for any 5-digit destination in the scheme, preparation of this sack is required when there are at least 125 pieces or 15 pounds of pieces in 5-digit bundles for any of the 5-digit ZIP Codes in the scheme that have an “A” or “C” indicator in the City State Product (smaller volume not permitted). For a 5-digit ZIP Code(s) in a scheme with a “B” or “D” indicator in the City State Product, prepare sack(s) for the automation price and Presorted price bundles under 10.2.4g and 10.2.4h. For 5-digit ZIP Codes not included in a scheme, prepare sacks under 10.2.4d through 10.2.4h. Labeling:

1. Line 1: use L001, Column B.

2. Line 2: “STD FLTS CR/5D SCH.”

c. 5-digit scheme carrier routes, required, may contain only carrier route bundles for 5-digit ZIP Code(s) in a single scheme listed in L001 when all the 5-digit ZIP Codes in the scheme have a “B” or “D” indicator in the City State Product. Must be prepared if there are any carrier route bundle(s) for such a scheme. Labeling:

1. Line 1: use L001, Column B.

2. Line 2: “STD FLTS CR-RTS SCH.”

d. Merged 5-digit, required. Must be prepared only for those 5-digit ZIP Codes that are not part of a scheme and that have an “A” or “C” indicator in the City State Product. May contain carrier route bundles, automation price 5-digit bundles, and Presorted price 5-digit bundles. Must be prepared if there are any carrier route bundles for the 5-digit destination. If there is not at least one carrier route bundle for the 5-digit destination, must be prepared when there are at least 125 pieces or 15 pounds of pieces in 5-digit bundles for the same 5-digit destination (smaller volume not permitted). Labeling:

1. Line 1: use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code destination (see 345.4.2 for military mail).

2. Line 2: “STD FLTS CR-RTS.”

e. 5-digit carrier routes, required. Sack only carrier route bundles for a 5-digit ZIP Code remaining after preparing sacks under 10.2.4a through 10.2.4d to this level. May contain only carrier route bundles for any 5-digit ZIP Code that is not part of a scheme listed in L001 and that has a “B” or “D” indicator in the City State Product. No sack minimum. Labeling:

1. Line 1: use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code destination (see 345.4.2 for military mail).

f. 5-digit scheme, required. May contain automation price, Presorted price, and cobundled automation and Presorted price 5-digit scheme bundles for the same 5-digit scheme destination. Must be prepared when there are at least 125 pieces or 15 pounds of pieces for the 5-digit scheme destination. Smaller volume not permitted. Labeling:

1. Line 1: L007, Column B.

2. Line 2: “STD FLTS 5D SCH BC/NBC.”

g. 5-digit, required, may contain only automation price 5-digit bundles and Presorted price 5-digit bundles for a 5-digit ZIP Code that has a “B” or “D” indicator in the City State Product. Must be prepared when there are at least 125 pieces or 15 pounds of pieces for the 5-digit ZIP Code. Smaller volume not permitted. Labeling:

1. Line 1: use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code destination (see 345.4.2 for military mail).

2. Line 2: “STD FLTS 5D BC/NBC,” except if there are no automation price bundles in the mailing job, use “STD FLTS 5D NON BC.”

h. 3-digit through mixed ADC sacks. Any 5-digit scheme and 5-digit bundles remaining after preparing sacks under 10.2.4a through 10.2.4g, and all 3-digit, ADC, and Mixed ADC bundles, must be sacked and labeled according to the applicable requirements under 9.3 for cosacking of automation price and Presorted price bundles, except if there are no automation price bundles in the mailing job, sack and label under 345.5.7, or, if there are no Presorted price bundles in the mailing job, sack and label under 345.7.4.3.

10.2.5 Pallet Preparation and Labeling

Mailers must prepare pallets in the manner and sequence listed below and under 8.0. Mailers must prepare all merged 5-digit scheme, 5-digit scheme carrier routes, 5-digit scheme, and merged 5-digit pallets that are possible in the mailing based on the volume of mail to the destination using L001 and/or the City State Product. Mailers must label pallets according to the Line 1 and Line 2 information listed below and under 8.6.

a. Merged 5-digit scheme, required and permitted only when there is at least one 5-digit ZIP Code in the scheme that has an “A” or “C” indicator in the City State Product. May contain carrier route bundles for any 5-digit ZIP Code(s) in a single scheme listed in L001 as well as automation price 5-digit bundles and Presorted price 5-digit bundles for those 5-digit ZIP Codes in the scheme that have an “A” or “C” indicator in the City State Product. For schemes in which all of the 5-digit ZIP Codes have a “B” or “D” indicator in the City State Product, begin preparing pallets under 10.2.5b (5-digit scheme carrier routes pallet). For 5-digit ZIP Codes not included in a scheme, begin preparing pallets under 10.2.5c (merged 5-digit pallet). Labeling:

1. Line 1: use L001, Column B.

2. Line 2: “STD FLTS CR/5D SCHEME.”

b. 5-digit scheme carrier routes, required, may contain only carrier route bundles for carrier routes in an L001 scheme for which all of the 5-digit ZIP Codes in the scheme have a “B” or “D” indicator in the City State Product. Labeling:

1. Line 1: use L001, Column B.

2. Line 2: “STD FLTS CR-RTS SCHEME.”

c. Merged 5-digit, required, may contain carrier route price bundles, automation price 5-digit bundles, and Presorted price 5-digit bundles for those 5-digit ZIP Codes that are not part of a scheme and that have an “A” or “C” indicator in the City State Product. Labeling:

1. Line 1: use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code destination (see 8.6.4 for military mail).

2. Line 2: “STD FLTS,” followed by “CARRIER ROUTES” or “CR-RTS.”

d. 5-digit carrier routes, required, may contain only carrier route price bundles for the same 5-digit ZIP Code for those 5-digit ZIP Codes that are not part of a scheme and that have a “B” or “D” indicator in the City State Product. Labeling:

1. Line 1: use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code destination (see 8.6.4 for military mail).

e. 5-digit, required, may contain only automation price 5-digit bundles and Presorted price 5-digit bundles for the same 5-digit ZIP Code with a “B” or “D” indicator in the City State Product, or 5-digit scheme (L007) bundles (automation price and cobundled automation and Presorted price pieces only). Five-digit scheme bundles are assigned to 5-digit pallets according to the “label to” 5-digit ZIP Code in L007. Labeling:

1. Line 1: use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code destination (see 8.6.4 for military mail).

2. Line 2: “STD FLTS 5D”; followed by “BARCODED” or “BC” if the pallet contains automation price mail; followed by “NONBARCODED” or “NBC” if the pallet contains Presorted price mail.

f. 3-digit, optional, option not available for 3-digit ZIP Code prefixes marked “N” in L002. May contain carrier route price, automation price, and Presorted price mail, including 3-digit scheme (L008) bundles (automation and cobundled automation and Presorted price pieces only). Three-digit scheme bundles are assigned to 3-digit pallets according to the “label to” 3-digit ZIP Code in L008. Labeling:

1. Line 1: use L002, Column A.

2. Line 2: “STD FLTS 3D”; followed by “BARCODED” or “BC” if the pallet contains automation price mail; followed by “NONBARCODED” or “NBC” if the pallet contains Presorted price mail and/or carrier route price mail.

g. SCF, required, may contain carrier route price, automation price, and Presorted price bundles. Labeling:

1. Line 1: use L002, Column C.

2. Line 2: “STD FLTS SCF”; followed by “BARCODED” or “BC” if the pallet contains automation price mail; followed by “NONBARCODED” or “NBC” if the pallet contains Presorted price mail and/or carrier route price mail.

h. ASF, required, except that an ASF sort may not be required if using bundle reallocation under 8.13.3. May contain carrier route price, automation price, and/or Presorted price bundles. Sort ADC bundles to ASF pallets based on the “label to” ZIP Code for the ADC destination of the bundle in L004. At the mailer’s option, sort appropriate mixed ADC bundles to ASF pallets based on the “label to” ZIP Code for the ADC destination of the bundle in L010. All optional mixed ADC bundles on ASF pallets must contain only pieces destinating within the ASF as shown in 6.3. See 346.3.0 for additional requirements for DNDC price eligibility. Labeling:

1. Line 1: use L602, Column B.

2. Line 2: “STD FLTS ASF”; followed by “BARCODED” or “BC” if the pallet contains automation price mail; followed by “NONBARCODED” or “NBC” if the pallet contains Presorted price mail and/or carrier route price mail.

i. NDC, required, may contain carrier route price, automation price, and/or Presorted price bundles. Sort ADC bundles to NDC pallets based on the “label to” ZIP Code for the ADC destination of the bundle in L004. At the mailer’s option, sort appropriate mixed ADC bundles to NDC pallets based on the “label to” ZIP Code for the ADC destination of the bundle in L010. All optional mixed ADC bundles on NDC pallets must contain only pieces destinating within the NDC as shown in 6.3. See 346.3.0 for additional requirements for DNDC price eligibility. Labeling:

1. Line 1: use L601, Column B.

2. Line 2: “STD FLTS NDC”; followed by “BARCODED” or “BC” if the pallet contains automation price mail; followed by “NONBARCODED” or “NBC” if the pallet contains Presorted price mail and/or carrier route price mail.

11.0 Combining Automation Price and Nonautomation Price Flats in Bundles

11.1 First-Class Mail

11.1.1 Basic Standards

Mailers may choose to cobundle (see 335.1.4m.) automation price and nonautomation price pieces as an option to the basic bundling requirements in 9.0, Combining Bundles of Automation and Nonautomation Flats in Trays and Sacks, subject to the following conditions:

a. The pieces in the automation price mailing and the nonautomation price mailing must be part of the same mailing job and must be reported on the appropriate postage statement.

b. The pieces in the mailing job must be flat-size and meet any other size and mailpiece design requirements applicable to the price category for which they are prepared.

c. The basic standards in 9.0 must be met.

d. A minimum of 500 automation price pieces and 500 nonautomation price pieces are required. The total number of automation price and nonautomation price pieces must be used to meet the minimum volume requirements for bundles and containers to a presort destination.

e. Nonautomation price pieces must contain a 5-digit barcode and be cobundled with automation price pieces for the same presort destination. If this optional preparation method is used, all automation price and nonautomation price pieces in the same mailing job and reported on the same postage statement must be cobundled.

f. Mailers must sort automation price pieces and nonautomation price pieces for each presort destination so that only one physical bundle for each logical presort destination (see 335.1.4l.) includes both automation price pieces (containing a ZIP+4 or delivery point barcode) and nonautomation price pieces (containing a 5-digit barcode).

11.1.2 Bundle Preparation

Preparation sequence, bundle size, and labeling:

a. 5-digit, required, 10-piece minimum; red Label 5 or optional endorsement line (OEL).

b. 3-digit, required, 10-piece minimum; green Label 3 or OEL.

c. ADC, required, 10-piece minimum; pink Label A or OEL.

d. Mixed ADC, required, no minimum; tan Label X or OEL.

11.2 Periodicals

11.2.1 Basic Standards

Mailers may choose to cobundle (see 707.18.4z.) barcoded price and nonbarcoded price flat-size pieces as an option to the basic bundling requirements in 707.22.0 and 707.25.0. 5-digit scheme and 3-digit scheme bundles also must meet the additional standards in 707.18.4i. and 707.18.4q.. Mailing jobs (for flats meeting the criteria in 301.3.0) prepared using the 5-digit scheme and/or the 3-digit scheme bundle preparation must be sacked under 9.0 or 10.0 or palletized under 10.0, 12.0, or 13.0. All bundles are subject to the following conditions:

a. The pieces in the barcoded price mailing and the nonbarcoded price mailing must be part of the same mailing job and must be reported on the appropriate postage statement.

b. Mailings prepared in sacks must meet the basic standards in 9.0 or 10.0.

c. Mailings prepared on pallets must meet the basic standards in 8.0, 10.0, 12.0, or 13.0.

d. The total number of barcoded price and nonbarcoded price pieces must be used to meet the minimum volume requirements for bundles and containers.

e. Nonbarcoded price pieces must contain a 5-digit barcode and be cobundled with barcoded price pieces for the same presort destination. All pieces in the mailing job are reported on the same postage statement and must be cobundled.

f. Within a bundle, all pieces must meet the machinable flats requirements in 301.3.0 or all pieces must meet the nonmachinable flats requirements in 707.26.0.

g. Mailers must sort pieces for each presort destination so that only one physical bundle for each logical presort destination (see 707.18.4y.) includes both barcoded price pieces (containing a ZIP+4 or delivery point barcode) and nonbarcoded price pieces (containing a 5-digit barcode).

11.2.2 Bundle Preparation

Pieces meeting the criteria in 301.3.0 must be prepared in 5-digit scheme bundles for those 5-digit ZIP Codes identified in L007 and in 3-digit scheme bundles for those 3-digit ZIP Codes identified in L008. Preparation sequence, bundle size, and labeling:

a. Firm, two-piece minimum; blue Label F or optional endorsement line (OEL).

b. 5-digit scheme, required for pieces prepared under 301.3.0, six-piece minimum, fewer pieces permitted under 11.2.3; red Label 5 SCH, or OEL.

c. 5-digit, required, six-piece minimum, fewer pieces permitted under 11.2.3; red Label 5 or OEL.

d. 3-digit scheme, required for pieces prepared under 301.3.0, six-piece minimum, fewer pieces permitted under 11.2.3; green Label 3 SCH or OEL.

e. 3-digit, required, six-piece minimum, fewer pieces permitted under 11.2.3; green Label 3 or OEL.

f. ADC, required, six-piece minimum; pink Label A or OEL.

g. Origin mixed ADC, required, no minimum; for any remaining pieces for destinations in L201, Column B, corresponding to the origin ZIP Code in Column A; tan Label X or OEL.

h. Mixed ADC, required, no minimum; tan Label X or OEL.

11.2.3 Bundles With Fewer Than Six Pieces

5-digit scheme, 5-digit, 3-digit scheme, and 3-digit bundles may contain fewer than six pieces when the publisher determines that such preparation improves service. Pieces in these low-volume bundles must be claimed at the applicable mixed ADC price (Outside-County) or basic price (In-County). Low-volume bundles are permitted only when they are sacked or prepared on pallets as follows:

a. Place low-volume 5-digit and 3-digit bundles in only 5-digit scheme, 5-digit, 3-digit, and SCF sacks that contain at least 24 pieces; or in origin/entry SCF sacks; or on merged 5-digit scheme, 5-digit scheme, merged 5-digit, 5-digit, 3-digit, or SCF pallets, as appropriate.

b. Place low-volume 5-digit scheme and 3-digit scheme bundles in only 5-digit scheme, 3-digit, and SCF sacks that contain at least 24 pieces, or in origin/entry SCF sacks, or on 3-digit or SCF pallets, as appropriate.

11.3 Standard Mail

11.3.1 Basic Standards

Mailers may choose to cobundle (see 345.1.4t.) automation price and nonautomation price flat-size pieces as an option to the basic bundling requirements in 345.5.0 and 345.7.0. All pieces in the same bundle must meet the standards in 301.3.0. 5-digit scheme and 3-digit scheme bundles must meet the additional standards in 345.1.4f. and 345.1.4m. Mailing jobs prepared using the 5-digit scheme and/or 3-digit scheme bundle preparation (for flats meeting the criteria in 301.3.0) must be sacked under 10.0 or palletized under 10.0, 12.0, or 13.0. All bundles are subject to the following conditions:

a. The pieces in the automation price mailing and the nonautomation price mailing must be part of the same mailing job and must be reported on the appropriate postage statement.

b. Mailings prepared in sacks must meet the basic standards in 9.0 or 10.0.

c. Mailings prepared on pallets must meet the basic standards in 8.0, 10.0, 12.0, or 13.0.

d. A minimum of 200 pieces or 50 pounds of automation price pieces are required; the nonautomation price mailing may meet the residual volume requirements in 343.3.6. The total number of automation price and nonautomation price pieces must be used to meet the minimum volume requirements for bundles and containers.

f. Mailers must sort nonautomation price pieces and automation price pieces for each presort destination so that only one physical bundle for each logical presort destination (see 345.1.4s.) includes both nonautomation price pieces (containing a 5-digit barcode) and automation price pieces (containing a ZIP+4 or delivery point barcode).

11.3.2 Bundle Preparation

a. 5-digit scheme, required:

1. For mailings containing only pieces weighing 5 ounces (0.3125 pound) or less: 15-piece minimum; red Label 5 SCH or OEL.

2. For mailings containing any pieces weighing more than 5 ounces (0.3125 pound): 10-piece minimum; red Label 5 or OEL.

b. 5-digit, required:

1. For mailings containing only pieces weighing 5 ounces (0.3125 pound) or less and measuring 3/4 inch thick or less: 15-piece minimum; red Label 5 or OEL.

2. For mailings containing any pieces weighing more than 5 ounces (0.3125 pound) or measuring more than 3/4 inch thick: 10-piece minimum; red Label 5 or OEL.

c. 3-digit scheme, required, 10-piece minimum; green Label 3 SCH or OEL.

d. 3-digit, required, 10-piece minimum; green Label 3 or OEL.

e. ADC, required, 10-piece minimum; pink Label A or OEL.

f. Mixed ADC, required, no minimum; tan Label X or OEL.

11.4 Bound Printed Matter

11.4.1 Basic Standards

Mailers may choose to cobundle (see 365.1.5k.) nonautomation price flat-size with and without a barcode, as an option to the basic bundling requirements in 365.5.0 and 365.7.0, subject to the following conditions:

a. The pieces in the nonautomation price mailing qualifying for and claiming the barcode discount and the pieces in the nonautomation price mailing must be part of the same mailing job and reported on the same postage statement.

b. The mailing job must consist entirely of automation-compatible pieces meeting the criteria in 301.3.0, and may be prepared in 5-digit scheme bundles using L007 and 3-digit scheme bundles using L008.

c. Cobundled pieces must be cosacked under 9.0 or palletized under 8.0.

d. A separate minimum of 300 nonautomation price pieces qualifying for and claiming the barcode discount and a separate minimum of 300 nonautomation price pieces are required. The combined total number of pieces qualifying for and claiming the barcode discount and the nonautomation price must be used to meet the minimum volume requirements for bundles and sacks.

e. Nonautomation price pieces must contain a 5-digit barcode and be cobundled with nonautomation price pieces qualifying for and claiming the barcode discount for the same presort destination.

f. Unless presented using an approved manifest mailing system under 2.0, nonautomation price pieces qualifying for and claiming the barcode discount and nonautomation price pieces for each presort destination must be sorted so that only one physical bundle for each logical presort destination includes both nonautomation price pieces qualifying for the barcode discount (containing a ZIP+4 or delivery point barcode) and nonautomation price pieces (containing a 5-digit barcode).

11.4.2 Bundle Preparation

Preparation sequence, bundle size, and labeling:

a. 5-digit scheme, optional, minimum 10 addressed pieces or 10 pounds, maximum bundle weight 20 pounds; red Label 5 SCH or OEL.

b. 5-digit, required, minimum 10 addressed pieces or 10 pounds, maximum bundle weight 20 pounds; red Label 5 or optional endorsement line (OEL).

c. 3-digit scheme, optional, minimum 10 addressed pieces or 10 pounds, maximum bundle weight 20 pounds; green Label 3 SCH or OEL.

d. 3-digit, required, minimum 10 addressed pieces or 10 pounds, maximum bundle weight 20 pounds; green Label 3 or OEL.

e. ADC, required, minimum 10 addressed pieces or 10 pounds, maximum bundle weight 20 pounds; pink Label A or OEL.

f. Mixed ADC, required, no minimum, maximum bundle weight 20 pounds; tan Label X or OEL.

12.0 Merging Bundles of Flats on Pallets Using a 5% Threshold

12.1 Periodicals

12.1.1 Basic Standards

Five-digit scheme bundles (under L007) and 3-digit scheme bundles (under L008) must be prepared according to standards in 12.1.5. However, neither 5-digit scheme bundles nor 3-digit scheme bundles may be copalletized on any merged pallets. Five-digit bundles from a barcoded price mailing and 5-digit bundles from a nonbarcoded price mailing (including pieces cobundled under 11.0) may be placed on the same pallet as carrier route bundles under the following conditions:

a. A carrier route mailing must be part of the same mailing job as the barcoded price mailing and/or the nonbarcoded price mailing.

b. Pieces in the barcoded price mailing must meet the criteria for a flat under 301.3.0 or 707.26.0. These two types of flats cannot be combined in the same bundle.

c. When firm bundles, carrier route bundles, and 5-digit bundles are placed together on the same merged 5-digit scheme or merged 5-digit pallet, pieces in 5-digit bundles (other than firm bundles) must not exceed the 5% limit described in 12.1.4.

d. All possible merged 5-digit scheme and 5-digit scheme pallets must be prepared according to standards in 12.1.5.

e. The bundles from each separate mailing must be sorted together on pallets (copalletized) under 12.1.5 using presort software that is PAVE-certified.

f. A complete, signed postage statement, using the correct USPS form or an approved facsimile, must accompany each mailing job. In addition, documentation prepared by PAVE-certified software must be submitted with each mailing job. Documentation, under 708.1.0, must describe for each “logical” pallet sortation level and each physical pallet the number of addressed pieces qualifying for each carrier route price, each Presorted price, and each automation price. Within the body of the documentation beneath the listing for the last physical pallet for each logical pallet presort destination, a separate 5% threshold summary also must be provided for each merged 5-digit scheme and each merged 5-digit logical pallet destination. Note: The separate 5% threshold summary must be for the mail on all of the physical pallets (i.e., the “logical” pallet) for that presort destination. This summary must describe for each 5-digit ZIP Code:

1. The total number of all addressed pieces.

2. The total number of addressed pieces sorted in carrier route bundles and firm bundles (each firm bundle is claimed as one addressed piece).

3. The total number of addressed pieces sorted in 5-digit bundles (other than firm bundles).

4. Of the total number of all addressed pieces in 12.1.1f..1., the percentage of addressed pieces sorted in 5-digit bundles (other than firm bundles).

g. Portions of the mailing job that cannot be palletized must be prepared in sacks.

12.1.2 Bundle Preparation

Bundles must be prepared under the standards in 8.0.

12.1.3 Low-Volume Bundles

Carrier route and 5-digit bundles may contain fewer than six pieces when the publisher determines that such preparation improves service. Pieces in these low-volume bundles must be claimed at the applicable mixed ADC price (Outside-County) or basic price (In-County).

12.1.4 5% Threshold

Firm bundles (claimed as one addressed piece), carrier route bundles, and 5-digit bundles may be placed together on the same merged 5-digit scheme or merged 5-digit logical pallet under 12.1.5 if all of the following conditions in items 12.1.4a through 12.1.4e below are met:

a. For the purpose of calculating the 5% threshold, firm bundles (regardless of the price claimed) are added together with the number of addressed pieces in carrier route bundles.

b. The number of pieces prepared in 5-digit bundles (other than firm bundles) for any single 5-digit ZIP Code on a “logical” merged 5-digit scheme or merged 5-digit pallet must not exceed 5% of the total number of addressed pieces for the 5-digit ZIP Code on the logical pallet for that presort destination.

c. The 5% threshold is calculated separately for each 5-digit ZIP Code. For example, if a scheme contains four different 5-digit ZIP Codes, a separate 5% threshold applies to each 5-digit ZIP Code for the scheme on a merged 5-digit scheme pallet. Since 5-digit scheme bundles may not be placed on merged pallets, pieces in 5-digit scheme bundles do not count as 5-digit sorted pieces for purposes of determining the 5% limit.

d. When firm bundles, other than those claimed at carrier route prices, are placed on a merged 5-digit scheme or a merged 5-digit pallet, addressed pieces in all corresponding 5-digit bundles up to 5% also must be merged. If the number of addressed pieces placed in 5-digit bundles (for an individual 5-digit ZIP Code) exceeds the 5% threshold, the mailer may place a portion of the addressed pieces (up to 5%) on a merged 5-digit scheme or a merged 5-digit pallet. Mailers are encouraged, but not required, to include such pieces on a merged pallet in this sequence: nonbarcoded price bundles, followed by barcoded price bundles.

e. For the purpose of determining the 5% threshold, addressed pieces in low-volume carrier route bundles count as carrier route sorted pieces, and addressed pieces in low-volume 5-digit bundles count as 5-digit sorted pieces, even though the mixed ADC price (Outside-County) or basic price (In-County) is paid for such pieces.

12.1.5 Pallet Preparation and Labeling

Mailers must prepare pallets of bundles in the manner and sequence listed below and under 8.0. Mailers must prepare all merged 5-digit scheme, 5-digit scheme carrier routes, 5-digit scheme, and merged 5-digit pallets that are possible in the mailing based on the volume of mail to the destination using L001 and the 5% threshold, as applicable. Mailers must label pallets according to the Line 1 and Line 2 information listed below and under 8.6. If, due to the physical size of the mailpieces, the barcoded price pieces are considered flat-size under 301.3.0 and the carrier route sorted pieces and nonbarcoded price pieces are considered irregular parcels under 401.1.6, “FLTS” must be shown as the processing category on the pallet label. If a mailing contains no barcoded price pieces and the carrier route mailing and the nonbarcoded price mailing are irregular parcels, use “IRREG” for the processing category on the contents line of the pallet label.

a. Merged 5-digit scheme, required; permitted only when 5-digit bundles for at least one 5-digit ZIP Code in the scheme may be merged with carrier route bundles under the 5% threshold standard in 12.1.4. May contain carrier route bundles for any 5-digit ZIP Code in a single scheme listed in L001. May also contain barcoded price 5-digit bundles and nonbarcoded price 5-digit bundles up to a maximum of 5% of the total number of pieces for each 5-digit ZIP Code in the scheme under 12.1.4. For 5-digit ZIP Codes not included in a scheme, begin preparing pallets under 12.1.5d (merged 5-digit pallet). Labeling:

1. Line 1: use L001, Column B.

2. Line 2: “PER” or “NEWS” as applicable; followed by “FLTS” or “IRREG” as applicable; followed by “CR/5D SCHEME.”

b. 5-digit scheme carrier routes, required; may contain only carrier route bundles for all carrier routes in an L001 scheme when a merged 5-digit scheme pallet could not be prepared under 12.1.5a. Labeling:

1. Line 1 use L001, Column B.

2. Line 2: “PER” or “NEWS” as applicable; followed by “FLTS” or “IRREG” as applicable; followed by “CR-RTS SCHEME.”

1. Line 1: use L001, Column B.

2. Line 2: “PER” or “NEWS” as applicable; followed by “FLTS” or “IRREG” as applicable; followed by “5D”; followed by “BARCODED” or “BC” if the pallet contains barcoded price mail; followed by “NONBARCODED” or “NBC” if the pallet contains nonbarcoded price mail; followed by “SCHEME” or “SCH.”

d. Merged 5-digit, required; permitted only when 5-digit bundles may be merged with carrier route bundles under the 5% threshold standard in 12.1.4 for a 5-digit ZIP Code that is not part of an L001 scheme. May contain carrier route bundles, barcoded price 5-digit bundles, and nonbarcoded price 5-digit bundles. The number of pieces in 5-digit bundles is limited to 5% of the total number of pieces placed on the pallet under 12.1.4. Labeling:

1. Line 1: use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code destination (see 8.6.4 for military mail).

2. Line 2: “PER” or “NEWS” as applicable; followed by “FLTS” or IRREG” as applicable; followed by “CR/5D.”

e. 5-digit carrier routes, required; may contain only carrier route price bundles for the same 5-digit ZIP Code that is not part of a scheme for which a merged 5-digit pallet could not be prepared under 12.1.5d. Labeling:

1. Line 1: use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code destination (see 8.6.4 for military mail).

2. Line 2: “PER” or “NEWS” as applicable; followed by “FLTS” or “IRREG” as applicable; followed by “CARRIER ROUTES” or “CR-RTS.”

f. 5-digit, required; may contain only barcoded price 5-digit bundles and nonbarcoded price 5-digit bundles for the same 5-digit ZIP Code that could not be placed on a merged 5-digit pallet, or 5-digit scheme (L007) bundles (barcoded price and cobundled barcoded and nonbarcoded price pieces only). Five-digit scheme bundles are assigned to 5-digit pallets according to the OEL “label to” 5-digit ZIP Code. Labeling:

1. Line 1: use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code destination (see 8.6.4 for military mail).

g. 3-digit, optional; option not available for 3-digit ZIP Code prefixes marked “N” in L002. May contain carrier route price, barcoded price, and nonbarcoded price mail, including 3-digit scheme (L008) bundles (barcoded and cobundled barcoded and nonbarcoded price pieces only). Three-digit scheme bundles are assigned to 3-digit pallets according to the “label to” 3-digit ZIP Code in L008. Labeling:

1. Line 1: use L002, Column A.

2. Line 2: “PER” or “NEWS” as applicable; followed by “FLTS” or “IRREG” as applicable; followed by “3D”; followed by “BARCODED” or “BC” if the pallet contains barcoded price mail; followed by “NONBARCODED” or “NBC” if the pallet contains nonbarcoded price mail and/or carrier route mail.

h. SCF, required; may contain carrier route price, barcoded price, and nonbarcoded price bundles. Labeling:

1. Line 1: use L002, Column C.

2. Line 2: “PER” or “NEWS” as applicable; followed by “FLTS” or “IRREG” as applicable; followed by “SCF”; followed by “BARCODED” or “BC” if the pallet contains barcoded price mail; followed by “NONBARCODED” or “NBC” if the pallet contains nonbarcoded price mail and/or carrier route mail.

i. ADC, required; may contain carrier route price, barcoded price, and nonbarcoded price bundles. Labeling:

1. Line 1: use L004, Column B.

2. Line 2: “PER” or “NEWS” as applicable; followed by “FLTS” or “IRREG” as applicable; followed by “ADC”; followed by “BARCODED” or “BC” if the pallet contains barcoded price mail; followed by “NONBARCODED” or “NBC” if the pallet contains nonbarcoded price mail and/or carrier route mail.

12.2 Standard Mail

12.2.1 Basic Standards

Five-digit scheme bundles (under L007) and 3-digit scheme bundles (under L008) must be prepared. Five-digit scheme bundles may not be copalletized on any merged pallets. Five-digit bundles from an automation price mailing and 5-digit bundles from a Presorted price mailing (including pieces cobundled under 11.0) may be placed on the same pallet as carrier route bundles under the following conditions:

a. A carrier route mailing must be part of the mailing job.

b. The pieces in the carrier route price mailing, the automation price mailing, and the Presorted price mailing must be part of the same mailing job and all three mailings must be reported on the same postage statement.

d. Automation price 5-digit bundles, Presorted price 5-digit bundles, and cobundled 5-digit bundles may be copalletized with carrier route bundles only when the pieces in the 5-digit bundles do not exceed the 5% limit described in 12.2.3. Pallets of mail sorted in this manner are called “merged 5-digit” pallets. Pallets of mail sorted in this manner for which scheme sortation is also performed are called “merged 5-digit scheme” pallets. Since 5-digit scheme bundles cannot be placed on merged pallets, pieces in 5-digit scheme bundles do not count as 5-digit sorted pieces for purposes of determining the 5% limit.

e. If sortation under this section is performed, merged 5-digit scheme pallets must be prepared whenever there is enough volume of carrier route and 5-digit bundles under 8.0 and 12.2.3 to prepare such pallets.

f. The carrier route mailing must meet the eligibility criteria in 343.6.0, the automation price mailing must meet the eligibility criteria in 343.7.0, and the Presorted price mailing must meet the eligibility criteria in 343.5.0.

g. The prices are based on the level of bundle that the pieces are contained in under 343.5.0 and 343.7.0.

h. The bundles from each separate mailing must be sorted together on pallets (copalletized) using presort software that is PAVE-certified.

i. The pieces in each separate mailing must bear the applicable markings required under 345.5.0, Preparing Nonautomation Flats, 345.6.0, Preparing Enhanced Carrier Route Flats, or 345.7.0, Preparing Automation Flats, and under 302, Elements on the Face of a Mailpiece.

j. A complete, signed postage statement, using the correct USPS form or an approved facsimile, must accompany each mailing job prepared under these procedures.

k. In addition to the postage statement(s), documentation prepared by PAVE-certified software must be submitted with each copalletized mailing job that describes for each pallet sortation level and pallet the number of pieces qualifying for each applicable carrier route price, each applicable automation price, and each applicable Presorted price under 708.1.0. A separate 5% threshold summary also must be provided under 708.1.0 for each “logical” merged 5-digit scheme or “logical” merged 5-digit pallet presort destination. This 5% threshold summary must show for each 5-digit ZIP Code on the logical merged 5-digit scheme or logical merged 5-digit pallet: the total number of pieces on the pallet for the 5-digit ZIP Code; the total number of pieces sorted in carrier route bundles for the 5-digit ZIP Code; the total number of pieces sorted in 5-digit bundles for the 5-digit ZIP Code, and; of the total number of pieces for the 5-digit ZIP Code, the percentage of pieces sorted in 5-digit bundles for that 5-digit ZIP Code. This additional 5% threshold summary must appear within the body of the documentation beneath the pallet price listing for the last physical pallet for the logical pallet presort destination. Note: If there are two or more physical pallets for the same presort destination, for example, the same merged 5-digit pallet destination, these two or more physical pallets would be considered as one “logical pallet.” The separate pallet summary must be for the mail on all of the physical pallets (the “logical pallet”) for that presort destination.

l. Portions of the mailing job that cannot be palletized must be prepared in sacks.

12.2.2 Bundle Preparation

Bundles placed on pallets must be prepared under the standards in 8.0, Preparing Pallets.

12.2.3 5%-Threshold Standard

Five-digit bundles and carrier route bundles may be placed on the same merged 5-digit scheme and merged 5-digit pallet if all of the following conditions are met:

a. The number of pieces prepared in 5-digit bundles for any single 5-digit ZIP Code on a logical merged 5-digit or merged 5-digit scheme pallet does not exceed 5% of the total number of pieces for the 5-digit ZIP Code on the pallet(s) for the presort destination. That is, the total number of pieces for a 5-digit ZIP Code in 5-digit and carrier route bundles must not be greater than the number of pieces in carrier route bundles divided by 0.95.

b. The 5% threshold is calculated separately for each 5-digit ZIP Code. For example, if a scheme contains four different 5-digit ZIP Codes, a separate 5% threshold applies to each 5-digit ZIP Code for the scheme on a merged 5-digit scheme pallet. Since 5-digit scheme bundles may not be placed on merged pallets, pieces in 5-digit scheme bundles do not count as 5-digit sorted pieces for purposes of determining the 5% limit.

c. Except when bundles are prepared under the cobundling option in 11.0, all the mail in a logical 5-digit bundle must be able to be placed on the logical pallet under the 5% rule. A logical 5-digit bundle is all pieces for a mailing (price level) prepared in a 5-digit bundle or bundles for the same 5-digit destination. For each 5-digit ZIP Code, it is possible to have a logical 5-digit bundle of automation price mail and a logical 5-digit bundle of Presorted price mail. If the total number of pieces in a logical 5-digit bundle exceeds the 5% limit, none of the pieces for that 5-digit bundle level may be placed on a merged 5-digit or merged 5-digit scheme pallet. For some ZIP Codes, the total number of pieces prepared in logical 5-digit bundles (both an automation price 5-digit bundle and a Presorted price 5-digit bundle) may exceed 5% of the total mail for that ZIP Code, but the number of pieces for an individual automation price logical 5-digit bundle for that ZIP Code does not exceed the 5% limit nor does an individual Presorted price logical 5-digit bundle for that ZIP Code exceed the 5% limit. In such instances, mailers may choose to place all of the pieces in a logical 5-digit bundle for a single price category on the logical merged 5-digit or merged 5-digit scheme pallet so that the 5% threshold is not exceeded.

d. Except for bundles prepared under the cobundling option in 11.0, if the total number of pieces in both the logical 5-digit automation price bundle and the logical 5-digit Presorted price bundle each separately exceed 5% of the total number of pieces for the 5-digit ZIP Code, none of the pieces in 5-digit bundles may be merged with carrier route bundles on a merged 5-digit or merged 5-digit scheme pallet.

e. For mailing jobs prepared using the cobundling option in 11.0, if the total number of pieces prepared in a logical 5-digit bundle (containing automation price and Presorted price pieces) exceeds the 5% limit for a 5-digit ZIP Code in 12.2.3a, a mailer may, for each 5-digit ZIP Code, choose to place a portion of the pieces prepared in the logical 5-digit bundle on a merged 5-digit or 5-digit scheme pallet using one of the options below. Regardless of the option selected, a minimum of 10 pieces or 15 pieces as applicable must be prepared in 5-digit bundle(s) placed on the merged pallet and a minimum of 10 or 15 remaining pieces as applicable prepared in 5-digit bundle(s) not placed on the merged pallet, with the total number of pieces not exceeding the 5% limit. The options are:

1. Place either all automation price pieces or all Presorted price pieces for the 5-digit ZIP Code on the merged pallet.

2. Place a portion of either the automation price pieces or the Presorted price pieces for the 5-digit ZIP Code on the merged pallet.

3. Place either all the automation price pieces plus a portion of the Presorted price pieces or all the Presorted price pieces plus a portion of the automation price pieces for the 5-digit ZIP Code on the merged pallet.

12.2.4 Pallet Preparation and Labeling

a. Merged 5-digit scheme, required, permitted only when 5-digit bundles for at least one 5-digit ZIP Code in the scheme may be merged with carrier route bundles under the 5% threshold standard in 12.2.3. May contain carrier route bundles for any 5-digit ZIP Code in a single scheme listed in L001. May also contain automation price 5-digit bundles and Presorted price 5-digit bundles up to a maximum of 5% of the total number of pieces for each 5-digit ZIP Code in the scheme under 12.2.3. For 5-digit ZIP Codes not included in a scheme, begin preparing pallets under 12.2.4c (merged 5-digit pallet). Labeling:

1. Line 1: use L001, Column B.

2. Line 2: “STD FLTS CR/5D SCHEME.”

b. 5-digit scheme carrier routes, required, may contain only carrier route bundles for all carrier routes in an L001 scheme when a merged 5-digit scheme pallet could not be prepared under 12.2.4a. Labeling:

1. Line 1: use L001, Column B.

2. Line 2: “STD FLTS CR-RTS SCHEME.”

c. Merged 5-digit, required, permitted only when 5-digit bundles may be merged with carrier route bundles under the 5% threshold standard in 12.2.3 for a 5-digit ZIP Code that is not part of an L001 scheme. May contain carrier route price bundles, automation price 5-digit bundles, and Presorted price 5-digit bundles. The number of pieces in 5-digit bundles is limited to 5% of the total number of pieces placed on the pallet under 12.2.3. Labeling:

1. Line 1: use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code destination (see 8.6.4 for military mail).

2. Line 2: “STD FLTS”; followed by “CARRIER ROUTES” or “CR-RTS.”

d. 5-digit carrier routes, required, may contain only carrier route price bundles for the same 5-digit ZIP Code that is not part of a scheme and for which a merged 5-digit pallet could not be prepared under 12.2.4c. Labeling:

1. Line 1: use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code destination (see 8.6.4 for military mail).

e. 5-digit, required, may contain only automation price 5-digit bundles and Presorted price 5-digit bundles for the same 5-digit ZIP Code that could not be placed on a merged 5-digit pallet, or 5-digit scheme (L007) bundles (automation price and cobundled automation and Presorted price pieces only). Five-digit scheme bundles are assigned to 5-digit pallets according to the “label to” 5-digit ZIP Code in L007. Labeling:

1. Line 1: use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code destination (see 8.6.4 for military mail).

1. Line 1: use L002, Column A.

g. SCF, required, may contain carrier route price, automation price, and Presorted price bundles. Labeling:

1. Line 1: use L002, Column C.

1. Line 1: use L602, Column B.

1. Line 1: use L601, Column B.

13.0 Merging Bundles of Flats on Pallets Using the City State Product and a 5% Threshold

13.1 Periodicals

13.1.1 Basic Standards

Five-digit scheme bundles (using L007) and 3-digit scheme bundles (using L008) must be prepared according to standards in 13.1.4. Five-digit scheme bundles and 3-digit scheme bundles may not be copalletized on any merged pallets. Five-digit bundles from a barcoded price mailing and 5-digit bundles from a nonbarcoded price mailing (including pieces cobundled under 11.0) may be placed on the same pallet as carrier route bundles under the following conditions:

a. A carrier route mailing must be part of the same mailing job as the barcoded price mailing and/or the nonbarcoded price mailing.

b. Pieces in the barcoded price mailing must meet the criteria for a flat under 301.3.0 or 707.26.0. These two types of flats cannot be combined in the same bundle.

c. Mailers must use the Carrier Route Indicators field in the City State Product and the 5% limit criteria in 13.1.4 to prepare the mailing. The mailing must be entered no later than 90 days after the release date of the City State Product used.

d. When firm bundles, carrier route bundles, and 5-digit bundles are placed together on the same merged 5-digit scheme or merged 5-digit pallet according to standards in 13.1.4 and 13.1.5, the following conditions also apply:

1. For 5-digit ZIP Codes identified with an “A” or “C” indicator in the City State Product, merged 5-digit scheme and merged 5-digit pallets may be prepared with no limit to the number of addressed pieces placed in 5-digit bundles.

2. For 5-digit ZIP Codes identified with a “B” or “D” indicator in the City State Product, the number of addressed pieces placed in 5-digit bundles (other than firm bundles) must not exceed 5% of the total number of addressed pieces placed on the merged 5-digit scheme or merged 5-digit pallet, for each corresponding 5-digit ZIP Code. For merged 5-digit scheme pallets, the 5% threshold is calculated separately for each individual 5-digit ZIP Code.

e. All possible merged 5-digit scheme, 5-digit scheme carrier routes, and 5-digit scheme pallets must be prepared according to standards in 13.1.5.

f. The bundles from each separate mailing must be sorted together on pallets (copalletized) under 13.1.5 using presort software that is PAVE-certified.

g. A complete, signed postage statement, using the correct USPS form or an approved facsimile, must accompany each mailing job. In addition, documentation produced by PAVE-certified software must be submitted with each mailing job. Documentation, under 708.1.0, must describe for each “logical” pallet sortation level and each physical pallet the number of addressed pieces qualifying for each carrier route price, each nonbarcoded price, and each barcoded price. Within the body of the documentation beneath the listing for the last physical pallet for each logical pallet presort destination, a separate 5% threshold summary also must be provided for each merged 5-digit scheme and each merged 5-digit logical pallet destination that contains mail for one or more 5-digit ZIP Codes with a “B” or “D” indicator in the City State Product. Note: The separate 5% threshold summary must be for the mail on all of the physical pallets (i.e., the “logical” pallet) for that presort destination. This summary must describe for each 5-digit ZIP Code:

1. The total number of all addressed pieces.

2. The total number of addressed pieces sorted in carrier route bundles and firm bundles (each firm bundle is claimed as one addressed piece).

3. The total number of addressed pieces sorted in 5-digit bundles (other than firm bundles).

4. Of the total number of all addressed pieces in 13.1.1g..1., the percentage of addressed pieces sorted in 5-digit bundles (other than firm bundles).

h. Portions of the mailing job that cannot be palletized must be prepared in sacks.

13.1.2 Bundle Preparation

Bundles must be prepared under the standards in 8.0.

13.1.3 Low-Volume Bundles

13.1.4 5% Threshold—5-Digit ZIP Codes Identified with a “B” or “D” Indicator

Firm bundles (claimed as one addressed piece), carrier route bundles, and 5-digit bundles may be placed together on the same merged 5-digit scheme or merged 5-digit logical pallet under 13.1.5 if all of the following conditions in items 13.1.4a through 13.1.4e below are met:

a. For the purpose of calculating the 5% threshold, firm bundles (regardless of the price claimed) are added together with the number of addressed pieces in carrier route bundles.

b. The number of pieces prepared in 5-digit bundles (other than firm bundles) for any single 5-digit ZIP Code with a “B” or “D” indicator (in the City State Product) on a logical merged 5-digit scheme or merged 5-digit pallet must not exceed 5% of the total number of addressed pieces for the 5-digit ZIP Code on the logical pallet for the presort destination. Five-digit ZIP Codes with an “A” or “C” indicator (in the City State Product) are not subject to the 5% limit.

c. The 5% threshold is calculated separately for each 5-digit ZIP Code with a “B” or “D” indicator. For example, if a scheme contains four different 5-digit ZIP Codes, a separate 5% threshold applies to each 5-digit ZIP Code with a “B” or “D” indicator for the scheme on a merged 5-digit scheme pallet. (5-digit ZIP Codes with an “A” or “C” indicator are not subject to the 5% limit.) Since 5-digit scheme bundles may not be placed on merged pallets, pieces in 5-digit scheme bundles do not count as 5-digit sorted pieces for purposes of determining the 5% limit.

d. When firm bundles, other than those claimed at carrier route prices, are placed on a merged 5-digit scheme or a merged 5-digit pallet, addressed pieces in all corresponding 5-digit bundles up to 5% also must be merged. If the number of addressed pieces placed in 5-digit bundles (for an individual 5-digit ZIP Code) exceeds the 5% threshold, the mailer may place a portion of the addressed pieces (up to 5%) on a merged 5-digit scheme or a merged 5-digit pallet. Mailers are encouraged, but not required, to include such pieces on a merged pallet in this sequence: presorted price bundles, followed by cobundles (if using 11.0), followed by automation price bundles.

13.1.5 Pallet Preparation and Labeling

Mailers must prepare pallets of bundles in the manner and sequence listed below and under 8.0. Mailers must prepare all merged 5-digit scheme, 5-digit scheme carrier routes, 5-digit scheme, and merged 5-digit pallets that are possible in the mailing based on the volume of mail to the destination (8.0) using L001, the City State Product, and the 5% threshold (13.1.4), as applicable. Mailers must label pallets according to the Line 1 and Line 2 information listed below and under 8.6. If, due to the physical size of the mailpieces, the barcoded price pieces are considered flat-size under 301.3.0 and the carrier route sorted pieces and nonbarcoded price pieces are considered irregular parcels under 401.1.6, “FLTS” must be shown as the processing category on the pallet label. If a mailing contains no barcoded price pieces and the carrier route mailing and the nonbarcoded price mailing are irregular parcels, use “IRREG” for the processing category on the contents line of the pallet label.

a. Merged 5-digit scheme, required; for schemes that contain at least one 5-digit ZIP Code that has an “A” or “C” indicator in the City State Product, the pallet contains 1) carrier route bundles for all 5-digit ZIP Codes in the scheme, 2) 5-digit barcoded price and 5-digit nonbarcoded price bundles for those 5-digit ZIP Codes in the scheme with an “A” or “C” indicator in the City State Product, and 3) 5-digit barcoded price and/or 5-digit nonbarcoded price bundles for those 5-digit ZIP Codes in the scheme with a “B” or “D” indicator when the number of pieces in the 5-digit bundle(s) does not exceed 5% of the total number of pieces for that 5-digit ZIP Code under 13.1.4. For schemes in which all 5-digit ZIP Codes have “B” or “D” indicators and for which there is at least one 5-digit ZIP Code for which 5-digit bundles may be placed on the pallet under the 5% limit in 13.1.4, place all carrier route bundles plus the 5-digit bundles within the 5% limit on the pallet. For schemes in which all 5-digit ZIP Codes have “B” or “D” indicators and for which there are no 5-digit ZIP Codes for which 5-digit bundles may be placed on the pallet under the 5% limit, do not prepare a merged 5-digit scheme pallet (sort bundles to pallets under 13.1.5b through 13.1.5i). Labeling:

1. Line 1: use L001, Column B.

2. Line 2: “PER” or “NEWS” as applicable; followed by “FLTS” or “IRREG” as applicable; and followed by “CR/5D SCHEME.”

b. 5-digit scheme carrier routes, required, may contain only carrier route bundles for all carrier routes in an L001 scheme for which all 5-digit ZIP Codes in the scheme have a “B” or “D” indicator and for which no 5-digit bundles could be placed on a merged 5-digit scheme pallet with the carrier route bundles because the 5-digit bundles exceeded the 5% threshold. Labeling:

1. Line 1: use L001, Column B.

2. Line 2: “PER” or “NEWS” as applicable; followed by “FLTS” or “IRREG” as applicable; and followed by “CR-RTS SCHEME.”

c. 5-digit scheme, not permitted for flats that meet the dimension, weight, and flexibility criteria for automation flats in 301.3.0 (including pieces in merged bundles) and not permitted for sacks or trays. Required for all other flats and irregular parcels. May contain only 5-digit bundles of barcoded price and nonbarcoded price mail for the same 5-digit scheme under L001 for which one or more 5-digit ZIP Codes in the scheme had a “B” or “D” indicator in the City State Product, and the 5-digit bundles could not be placed on a merged 5-digit scheme pallet (the pieces exceeded the 5% threshold). Labeling:

1. Line 1: use L001, Column B.

d. Merged 5-digit, required, may contain carrier route bundles, barcoded price 5-digit bundles, and nonbarcoded price 5-digit bundles for those 5-digit ZIP Codes that are not part of a scheme. For 5-digit ZIP Codes with an “A” or “C” indicator in the City State Product, there is no limit on the number of pieces in 5-digit bundles that may be placed on the pallet and a merged 5-digit pallet is prepared even if there are no 5-digit bundles for that ZIP Code. For those 5-digit ZIP Codes with a “B” or “D” indicator in the City State Product, the number of pieces in 5-digit bundles is limited to 5% of the total number of pieces for the 5-digit pallet destination under 13.1.4. However, if no 5-digit bundles for ZIP Codes with “B” or “D” indicators can be placed on this level pallet under the 5% limit, do not prepare this a merged 5-digit pallet (sort bundles under 13.1.5e through 13.1.5i). Labeling:

1. Line 1: use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code destination (see 8.6.4 for military mail).

2. Line 2: “PER” or “NEWS” as applicable; followed by “FLTS” or IRREG” as applicable; and followed by “CR/5D.”

e. 5-digit carrier routes, required, may contain only carrier route price bundles for the same 5-digit ZIP Code that is not part of a scheme and that could not be placed on a merged 5-digit pallet. Labeling:

1. Line 1: use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code destination (see 8.6.4 for military mail).

2. Line 2: “PER” or “NEWS” as applicable; followed by “FLTS” or “IRREG” as applicable; and followed by “CARRIER ROUTES” or “CR-RTS.”

f. 5-digit, required, may contain only barcoded price 5-digit bundles and nonbarcoded price 5-digit bundles for the same 5-digit ZIP Code that could not be placed on a merged 5-digit pallet, or 5-digit scheme (L007) bundles (barcoded price and cobundled barcoded and nonbarcoded price pieces only). Five-digit scheme bundles are assigned to 5-digit pallets according to the “label to” 5-digit ZIP Code in L007. Labeling:

1. Line 1: use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code destination (see 8.6.4 for military mail).

2. Line 2: “PER” or “NEWS” as applicable; followed by “FLTS” or “IRREG” as applicable; followed by “5D”; followed by “BARCODED” or “BC” if the pallet contains barcoded price mail; and followed by “NONBARCODED” or “NBC” if the pallet contains nonbarcoded price mail.

g. 3-digit, optional, option not available for 3-digit ZIP Code prefixes marked “N” in L002. May contain carrier route price, barcoded price, and nonbarcoded price mail, including 3-digit scheme (L008) bundles (barcoded and cobundled barcoded and nonbarcoded price pieces only). Three-digit scheme bundles are assigned to 3-digit pallets according to the “label to” 3-digit ZIP Code in L008. Labeling:

1. Line 1: use L002, Column A.

2. Line 2: “PER” or “NEWS” as applicable; followed by “FLTS” or IRREG” as applicable; followed by “3D”; followed by “BARCODED” or “BC” if the pallet contains barcoded price mail; and followed by “NONBARCODED” or “NBC” if the pallet contains nonbarcoded price mail and/or carrier route mail.

h. SCF, required, may contain carrier route price, barcoded price, and nonbarcoded price bundles. Labeling:

1. Line 1: use L002, Column C.

2. Line 2: “PER” or “NEWS” as applicable; followed by “FLTS” or “IRREG” as applicable; followed by “SCF”; followed by “BARCODED” or “BC” if the pallet contains barcoded price mail; and followed by “NONBARCODED” or “NBC” if the pallet contains nonbarcoded price mail and/or carrier route mail.

i. ADC, required, may contain carrier route price, barcoded price, and nonbarcoded price bundles. Labeling:

1. Line 1: use L004, Column B.

2. Line 2: “PER” or “NEWS” as applicable; followed by “FLTS” or “IRREG” as applicable; followed by “ADC”; followed by “BARCODED” or “BC” if the pallet contains barcoded price mail; and followed by “NONBARCODED” or “NBC” if the pallet contains nonbarcoded price mail and/or carrier route mail.

13.2 Standard Mail

13.2.1 Basic Standards

a. A carrier route mailing must be part of the mailing job.

d. Mailers must use the Carrier Route Indicators field in the City State Product and the 5% limit criteria in 13.2.3 to prepare the mailing. The mailing must be entered no later than 90 days after the release date of the City State Product used.

e. Automation price 5-digit bundles, Presorted price 5-digit bundles, and cobundled 5-digit bundles may be copalletized with carrier route bundles and firm bundles on merged 5-digit or merged 5-digit scheme pallets as follows:

1. For 5-digit ZIP Codes with an “A” or “C” indicator in the Carrier Route Indicators field in the City State Product, carrier route and 5-digit bundles may be merged with no limit on the number of pieces in 5-digit bundles placed on the pallet. 5-digit scheme bundles may not be used.

2. For 5-digit ZIP Codes with a “B” or “D” indicator in the Carrier Route Indicators field in the City State Product, the pieces in the 5-digit bundles must not exceed 5% of the total number of pieces for each individual 5-digit ZIP Code on the pallet as described in 13.2.3. Since 5-digit scheme bundles cannot be placed on merged pallets, pieces in 5-digit scheme bundles do not count as 5-digit sorted pieces for purposes of determining the 5% limit.

f. If sortation under this section is performed, then merged 5-digit scheme pallets must be prepared whenever there is enough volume of carrier route and 5-digit bundles under 8.0 to prepare such pallets using the criteria in 13.2.1e and the sortation criteria in 13.2.4.

g. The carrier route mailing must meet the eligibility criteria in 343.6.0, the automation price mailing must meet the eligibility criteria in 343.7.0, and the Presorted price mailing must meet the eligibility criteria in 343.5.0.

h. The prices are based on the level of bundle that the pieces are contained in under 343.5.0 and 343.7.0.

i. The pieces in each separate mailing must bear the applicable markings required under 345.5.0, 345.6.0, or 345.7.0 and under 302, Elements on the Face of a Mailpiece.

j. The bundles from each separate mailing must be sorted together on pallets (copalletized) using presort software that is PAVE-certified.

k. A complete, signed postage statement, using the correct USPS form or an approved facsimile, must accompany each mailing job prepared under these procedures.

l. In addition to the applicable postage statement, documentation produced by PAVE-certified software must be submitted with each copalletized mailing job that describes for each pallet sortation level and pallet the number of pieces qualifying for each applicable carrier route price, each applicable automation price, and each applicable Presorted price. A separate 5% threshold summary also must be provided under 708.1.0 for each “logical” merged 5-digit scheme or “logical” merged 5-digit pallet presort destination that contains mail for one or more 5-digit ZIP Codes with a “B” or “D” indicator in the City State Product. This 5% threshold summary must show for each 5-digit ZIP Code with a “B” or “D” indicator on the logical merged 5-digit scheme or logical merged 5-digit pallet: the total number of pieces on the pallet for the 5-digit ZIP Code; the total number of pieces sorted in carrier route bundles for the 5-digit ZIP Code; the total number of pieces sorted in 5-digit bundles for the 5-digit ZIP Code, and; of the total number of pieces for the 5-digit ZIP Code, the percentage of pieces sorted in 5-digit bundles for that 5-digit ZIP Code. This additional 5% threshold summary must appear within the body of the documentation beneath the pallet price listing for the last physical pallet for the logical pallet presort destination. Note: If there are two or more physical pallets for the same presort destination, for example, the same merged 5-digit pallet destination, these two or more physical pallets would be considered as one “logical pallet.” The separate pallet summary must be for the mail on all of the physical pallets (the “logical pallet”) for that presort destination.

m. Portions of the mailing job that cannot be palletized must be prepared in sacks.

13.2.2 Bundle Preparation

Bundles placed on pallets must be prepared under the standards in 8.0.

13.2.3 5% Threshold Standard

Five-digit bundles, carrier route bundles, and firm bundles may be placed on the same merged 5-digit scheme or merged 5-digit pallet under 13.2.4 if all of the following conditions are met:

a. The number of pieces prepared in 5-digit bundles for any single 5-digit ZIP Code with a “B” or “D” indicator on a logical merged 5-digit or merged 5-digit scheme pallet does not exceed 5% of the total number of pieces for the 5-digit ZIP Code on the logical pallet for the presort destination. That is, the total number of pieces for a 5-digit ZIP Code in 5-digit and carrier route bundles must not be greater than the number of pieces in carrier route bundles divided by 0.95. 5-digit ZIP Codes with an “A” or “C” indicator are not subject to the 5% limit.

b. The 5% threshold is calculated separately for each 5-digit ZIP Code with a “B” or “D” indicator. For example, if a scheme contains four different 5-digit ZIP Codes, a separate 5% threshold applies to each 5-digit ZIP Code with a “B” or “D” indicator for the scheme on a merged 5-digit scheme pallet. (Five-digit ZIP Codes with an “A” or “C” indicator are not subject to the 5% limit.) Since 5-digit scheme bundles cannot be placed on merged pallets, pieces in 5-digit scheme bundles do not count as 5-digit sorted pieces for purposes of determining the 5% limit.

c. Except when bundles are prepared under the cobundling option in 11.0, all mail in a logical 5-digit bundle for a 5-digit ZIP Code with a “B” or “D” indicator must be able to be placed on the logical pallet under the 5% rule. A logical 5-digit bundle is all pieces for a mailing (price level) prepared in a 5-digit bundle or bundles for the same 5-digit destination. For each 5-digit ZIP Code, it is possible to have a logical 5-digit bundle of automation price mail and a logical 5-digit bundle of Presorted price mail. If the total number of pieces in a logical 5-digit bundle exceeds the 5% limit, none of the pieces for that 5-digit bundle level may be placed on a merged 5-digit or merged 5-digit scheme pallet. For some ZIP Codes, the total number of pieces prepared in logical 5-digit bundles (both an automation price logical 5-digit bundle and a Presorted price logical 5-digit bundle) may exceed 5% of the total mail for that ZIP Code, but the number of pieces for an individual automation price logical 5-digit bundle for that ZIP Code does not exceed the 5% limit nor does an individual Presorted price logical 5-digit bundle for that ZIP Code exceed the 5% limit. In such instances, mailers may choose to place all of the pieces in a logical 5-digit bundle for a single price category on the logical merged 5-digit or merged 5-digit scheme pallet so that the 5% threshold is not exceeded.

d. Except for bundles prepared under the cobundling option in 11.0, if the total number of pieces in both the logical 5-digit automation price bundle and the logical 5-digit Presorted price bundle each separately exceed 5% of the total number of pieces for the 5-digit ZIP Code with a “B” or “D” indicator, none of the pieces in 5-digit bundles may be merged with carrier route bundles on a merged 5-digit or merged 5-digit scheme pallet.

e. For mailing jobs prepared using the cobundling option in 11.0, if the total number of pieces prepared in a logical 5-digit bundle (containing automation price and Presorted price pieces) exceeds the 5% limit for a 5-digit ZIP Code in 13.2.3a, a mailer may, for each 5-digit ZIP Code, choose to place a portion of the pieces prepared in the logical 5-digit bundle on a merged 5-digit or 5-digit scheme pallet using one of the options below. Regardless of the option selected, a minimum of 10 pieces or 15 pieces as applicable must be prepared in 5-digit bundle(s) placed on the merged pallet and a minimum of 10 or 15 remaining pieces as applicable prepared in 5-digit bundle(s) not placed on the merged pallet, with the total number of pieces not exceeding the 5% limit. The options are:

1. Place either all automation price pieces or all Presorted price pieces for the 5-digit ZIP Code on the merged pallet.

2. Place a portion of either the automation price pieces or the Presorted price pieces for the 5-digit ZIP Code on the merged pallet.

13.2.4 Pallet Preparation and Labeling

a. Merged 5-digit scheme, required; for schemes that contain at least one 5-digit ZIP Code that has an “A” or “C” indicator in the City State Product, the pallet contains: carrier route bundles for all 5-digit ZIP Codes in the scheme; 5-digit automation price and 5-digit Presorted price bundles for those 5-digit ZIP Codes in the scheme with an “A” or “C” indicator in the City State Product; and 5-digit automation price and/or 5-digit Presorted price bundles for those 5-digit ZIP Codes in the scheme with a “B” or “D” indicator when the number of pieces in the 5-digit bundle(s) does not exceed 5% of the total number of pieces for that 5-digit ZIP Code under 13.2.3. For schemes in which all 5-digit ZIP Codes have “B” or “D” indicators and for which there is at least one 5-digit ZIP Code for which 5-digit bundles may be placed on the pallet under the 5% limit in 13.2.3, place all carrier route bundles plus the 5-digit bundles within the 5% limit on the pallet. For schemes in which all 5-digit ZIP Codes have “B” or “D” indicators and for which there are no 5-digit ZIP Codes for which 5-digit bundles may be placed on the pallet under the 5% limit, do not prepare a merged 5-digit scheme pallet (sort bundles to pallets under 13.2.4b through 13.2.4i). Labeling:

1. Line 1: use L001, Column B.

2. Line 2: “STD FLTS CR/5D SCHEME.”

1. Line 1: use L001, Column B.

2. Line 2: “STD FLTS CR-RTS SCHEME.”

c. Merged 5-digit, required, may contain carrier route bundles, automation price 5-digit bundles, and Presorted price 5-digit bundles for those 5-digit ZIP Codes that are not part of a scheme. For 5-digit ZIP Codes with an “A” or “C” indicator in the City State Product, there is no limit on the number of pieces in 5-digit bundles that may be placed on the pallet, and a merged 5-digit pallet is prepared even if there are no 5-digit bundles for that ZIP Code. For those 5-digit ZIP Codes with a “B” or “D” indicator in the City State Product, the number of pieces in 5-digit bundles is limited to 5% of the total number of pieces for the 5-digit pallet destination under 13.2.3. However, if no 5-digit bundles for ZIP Codes with “B” or “D” indicators can be placed on this level pallet under the 5% limit, do not prepare a merged 5-digit pallet (sort bundles to pallets under 13.2.4d through 13.2.4i). Labeling:

1. Line 1: use city, state abbreviation, and 5-digit ZIP Code destination (see 8.6.4 for military mail).