ARCHIVED DMM - JUL 28, 2014
  DMM TOC > 600 Basic Standards for All Mailing Services

608 Postal Information and Resources

1.0 About the Domestic Mail Manual

1.1 Content of the DMM

Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) contains the basic standards of the United States Postal Service (USPS) governing its domestic mail services; descriptions of the mail classes and extra services and conditions governing their use; and standards for price eligibility and mail preparation. Domestic mail is classified by size, weight, content, service, and other factors.

1.2 Copies of the DMM

[7-28-14] The DMM is available online on Postal Explorer (pe.usps.com). Copies of the DMM may be inspected during normal business hours at USPS Headquarters; area and district offices. A copy is also filed at the Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration.

1.3 Revisions to the DMM

USPS may change the standards in the DMM. Substantive revisions are published in the Postal Bulletin and, when appropriate, the Federal Register.

1.4 Terms in the DMM

[7-28-14] Terms in the DMM referring to the singular also apply to the plural, unless the context indicates otherwise. The term postmaster also applies to an officer-in-charge and, in district host cities, to the district manager.

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2.0 Domestic Mail

2.1 Definition of “Domestic”

[3-3-14] Domestic mail is mail transmitted within, among, and between the United States of America, its territories and possessions, Army Post Offices (APOs), Fleet Post Offices (FPOs), Diplomatic Post Offices (DPO), and the United Nations, NY. For this standard, the term “territories and possessions” comprises the following:

American Samoa

Manua Island, Swain’s Island, Tutuila Island

Guam

Northern Mariana Islands, Commonwealth of the

Rota Island, Saipan Island, Tinian Island

Puerto Rico, Commonwealth of

U.S. Virgin Islands

St. Croix Island, St. John Island,
St. Thomas Island

Wake Atoll

Wake Island

2.2 Mail Treated as Domestic

[3-3-14] Mail originating in the United States of America, its territories and possessions, APOs, FPOs, DPOs, and the United Nations, NY, for delivery in the Freely Associated States, and mail originating in the Freely Associated States for delivery within, among, and between the Freely Associated States and the United States of America, its territories and possessions, APOs, FPOs, DPOs, and the United Nations, NY, is treated as if it were domestic mail. The term “Freely Associated States” comprises the following:

Marshall Islands, Republic of the
Ebeye Island
Kwajalein Island
Majuro Island

Micronesia, Federated States of
Chuuk (Truk) Island
Kosrae Island
Pohnpei Island
Yap Island

Palau, Republic of
Koror Island

2.3 International Mail

International mail is mail addressed to or received from foreign countries, except under 2.2. Provisions for international mail are published in the International Mail Manual.

2.4 Customs Forms Required

2.4.1 Items Weighing 16 Ounces or More

Except for items sent via Priority Mail Express, or Priority Mail combined with Registered Mail service, any mailpiece (regardless of contents) weighing 16 ounces or more must bear a properly completed PS Form 2976, Customs Declaration CN 22, or, if the customer prefers, a PS Form 2976-A, Customs Declaration and Dispatch Note  CP 72, when the item is:

a. Sent from the United States, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands to the ZIP Code destinations listed in the table below.

b. Sent from the ZIP Code destinations listed in the table below to the United States, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands.

c. Sent between two different destinations listed in the “Territory, Possession, or Freely Associated States” column in the table below.

d. Sent within American Samoa, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, or the Republic of the Marshall Islands. This standard does not apply to items sent within Guam or Palau.

ZIP Code

Two-Letter State Abbreviation

City

Territory, Possession, or Freely Associated State

96799

AS

PAGO PAGO

AMERICAN SAMOA

96910

GU

HAGATNA

GUAM

96912

GU

DEDEDO

GUAM

96913

GU

BARRIGADA

GUAM

96915

GU

SANTA RITA

GUAM

96916

GU

MERIZO

GUAM

96917

GU

INARAJAN

GUAM

96919

GU

AGANA HEIGHTS

GUAM

96921

GU

BARRIGADA

GUAM

96923

GU

MANGILAO

GUAM

96928

GU

AGAT

GUAM

96929

GU

YIGO

GUAM

96931

GU

TAMUNING

GUAM

96932

GU

HAGATNA

GUAM

96939
96940

PW

PALAU

PALAU

96941

FM

POHNPEI

FEDERATED STATES OF MICRONESIA

96942

FM

CHUUK

FEDERATED STATES OF MICRONESIA

96943

FM

YAP

FEDERATED STATES OF MICRONESIA

96944

FM

KOSRAE

FEDERATED STATES OF MICRONESIA

96950

MP

SAIPAN

COMMONWEALTH OF THE NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS

96951

MP

ROTA

COMMONWEALTH OF THE NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS

96952

MP

TINIAN

COMMONWEALTH OF THE NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS

96960

MH

MAJURO

REPUBLIC OF THE MARSHALL ISLANDS

96970

MH

EBEYE

REPUBLIC OF THE MARSHALL ISLANDS

2.4.2 Items Containing Goods

Regardless of mail class or weight, items containing goods (i.e., contents other than documents; see IMM 123.63 for “document” eligibility) must bear a properly completed PS Form 2976, Customs Declaration CN 22, or, if the customer prefers, a PS Form 2976-A, Customs Declaration and Dispatch Note  CP 72, when the items are sent to the United States or Puerto Rico from the ZIP Code destinations listed in the table in 2.4.1, or from the U.S. Virgin Islands.

2.4.3 Improperly Prepared Items

Mailpieces deposited without a properly completed customs form under 2.4.1 and 2.4.2 will be returned to the sender.

2.4.4 Overseas Military Mail

For determining customs declarations' required usage when mailing to or from APO, FPO, or DPO addresses, see 703.2.3.6 through 703.2.3.8.

2.4.5 Items Eligible for Deposit or Pickup

Items under 2.4.1 bearing a computer-generated customs form (e.g., using Click-N-Ship service, an authorized PC Postage vendor, or the USPS Web Tools system) may be deposited through any of the following methods, provided postage is paid by a means other than the use of postage stamps:

a. In a mailbox bearing a return address that matches the address at the point of pickup, when the customer or business is known to reside or do business at that location.

b. Through Pickup on Demand service.

c. Through Package Pickup service.

d. At a Postal Service retail counter.

e. Into a Postal Service lobby drop.

f. In a collection box.

g. At a Contract Postal Unit (CPU).

h. At a USPS Approved Shipper location.

2.4.6 Items Not Eligible for Deposit or Pickup

Except for items under 2.4.7, customers must present the following items requiring a customs form to an employee at a Post Office retail service counter. Deposit and pickup methods listed items under 2.4.5 are prohibited. The Postal Service will return these improperly presented items to the sender for proper entry and acceptance:

a. Any item bearing a customs form and paid with only postage stamps.

b. Any item bearing a handwritten customs form.

c. Any item bearing a customs form that was not computer-generated.

2.4.7 Items Paid with a Permit Imprint

Items requiring a customs form and paid with permit imprint may be entered at a business mail entry unit (BMEU) regardless if the customs form is computer-generated or handwritten.

2.4.8 Freely Associated States—Items Requiring an Export License

Items sent to the Freely Associated States listed in 2.2 that require an export license under 2.5.8, regardless of weight or class of mail, always require a PS Form 2976-A. See IMM 530 for additional information on export licenses.

2.5 Foreign Trade Regulations—U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Bureau of the Census

This section describes the various U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Bureau of the Census requirements when shipping goods to, from, and between U.S. territories, possessions, and Freely Associated States. Shipments to APO/FPO/DPO addresses are not subject to these requirements. Customers may be subject to civil and criminal penalties if they fail to electronically file their export information when required, or if they fail to comply with the Foreign Trade Regulations in any other way. Refer to IMM 520 for additional standards about the Census Bureau's requirements.The following are not subject to these requirements:

a. Items mailed to or from APO/FPO/DPO addresses.

b. Items mailed from the Freely Associated States (see 608.2.2).

c. Items mailed from the U.S. Virgin Islands to the United States or Puerto Rico.

d. Items mailed to or from American Samoa, Guam, or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

2.5.1 Mandatory Electronic Filing—U.S. Territories, Possessions, and Freely Associated States

[7-28-14] Under the authority of 13 U.S.C. Chapter 9, as amended by the Foreign Relations Authorization Act of 2002, P.L. 107-228, U.S. Census Bureau regulations require electronic filing of export information through the U.S. Census Bureau's Automated Export System or AESDirect website for certain shipments of goods. Electronic filing of export information is required when any of the following applies, subject to certain exemptions (see 2.5.4):

a. The item requires an export license under U.S. law when sent to the Freely Associated States. See 2.5.5 and 2.5.6.

b. One or more classes of goods (per Schedule B Export Codes at www.census.gov/foreign-trade/schedules/b) within the item is valued at more than $2,500 and the item is mailed as follows:

1. From Puerto Rico to the United States or U.S. Virgin Islands.

2. From the United States to Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands.

3. From the United States, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands to the Freely Associated States.

2.5.2 Value Criterion

Following are three examples to illustrate the value criterion defined in 2.5.1:

a. A package contains one mechanically operated watch (Schedule B item # 9101.11.0000) valued at $2600. The total value of goods to be mailed is $2600, and the value of all items within the same Schedule B number is over $2500. Consequently, electronic filing and an ITN would be required (unless an exemption applies).

b. A package contains one mechanically operated watch (Schedule B item # 9101.11.0000) valued at $2400, and one electronically operated watch (Schedule B item # 9101.91.0000) valued at $2400. The total value of goods to be mailed is $4800, but no group of items within the same Schedule B number is valued over $2500. Consequently, electronic filing and an ITN would not be required, because the mechanical watch and electronic watch are in different Schedule B groups,

c. A package contains two mechanically operated watches (Schedule B item # 9101.11.0000) one valued at $1400 and one valued at $1500. The total value of goods to be mailed is $2900 and the value of all items within the same Schedule B number is over $2500. Consequently, electronic filing and an ITN would be required, unless an exemption applies.

2.5.3 How to File Electronic Export Information and Obtain an Internal Transaction Number

[7-28-14] For additional information on electronic filing, call the U.S. Census Bureau's toll-free information hotline at 800-549-0595. To file electronic export information through AESDirect and obtain an Internal Transaction Number (ITN), customers should use the following steps:

a. Go to http://aesdirect.census.gov.

b. Register for an AESDirect account or log into your existing account.

c. Follow the instructions for the Automated Export System Certification Quiz.

d. The Port of Export code for shipping through the Postal Service is 8000.

e. The Mode of Transport is Mail.

f. Leave the carrier as 'SCAC/IATA' and the conveyance name fields blank.

g. After successfully filing electronic export information, AESDirect will provide an alphanumeric Internal Transaction Number (ITN) as confirmation. The ITN consists of the letters AES followed by the ITN: for example, AES X20080930987654.

2.5.4 AES Downtime Citation

If electronic information filing is required but U.S. Census Bureau's Automated Export System or AESDirect website is unavailable, the goods may be shipped but the customer is responsible for providing the appropriate AES Downtime Citation instead of an ITN. This citation includes the word “AESDOWN,” the customer's AES filer identification number, and the date: for example, “AESDOWN 123456789 09/30/2009.” If the Automated Export System system is down, call 800-549-0595, option 1.

2.5.5 AES Exemption

In many circumstances, electronic export information filing and an Internal Transaction Number (ITN) may not be required. In these circumstances, and only when a customs declaration form is required under 2.4, customers are responsible for presenting an applicable AES Exemption on the customs declaration form upon mailing. Customers may forgo this requirement if no customs declaration form is required. When a customs declaration form is used, customers should enter the applicable AES Exemption on the customs declaration form. Customers must only enter one AES Exemption per addressed mailpiece. When multiple AES Exemptions may apply, the mailer may select any one that applies. For more information on these and other exemptions, customers should consult Appendix C of the Foreign Trade Regulations, 15 C.F.R. Part 30. The following is a list of the most commonly applicable AES Exemption for items mailed to, from, or between destinations under 2.0.

a. Regardless of value, for all goods shipped to, from, or between the following U.S. Territories, use NOEEI 30.2(d)(2):

1. American Samoa.

2. Guam Island.

3. Northern Mariana Islands.

b. For items destined to the Freely Associated States listed in 2.2, customers may apply “NOEEI 30.37(a)” if the value of each class of goods is $2,500 or less, provided an export license is not required (see 2.5.7 and 2.5.8).

2.5.6 Placement of ITN, AES Downtime Citation, or AES Exemption

If no customs declaration form is required (e.g., items sent between the United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands), no other action for recording the ITN or AES Downtime Citation on the package is required. However, when a shipment requires an ITN, or AES Downtime Citation, or AES Exemption, and a PS Form 2976-A is used under 2.4, it is the customer’s responsibility to legibly write one ITN, AES Downtime Citation, or applicable AES Exemption in block 10 of PS Form 2976-A, Customs Declaration and Dispatch Note CP 72. The only authorized editions for this form are September 2012 and July 2013.

2.5.7 Additional Standards for the Freely Associated States

The Freely Associated States listed in 2.2 are foreign destinations for the purposes of the Foreign Trade Regulations and other laws and regulations governing imports and exports. As such, certain goods shipped to these destinations from the United States, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, or other U.S. territories may require an export license. To determine if an export license is required, go to http://www.export.gov/regulation/index.asp or call: 1-800-USA-TRAD(E) (1-800-872-8723).

2.5.8 When an Export License Is Required

[7-28-14] When an export license is required under 2.5.7, a PS Form 2976-A, Customs Declaration and Dispatch Note — CP 72, is always required. The only authorized editions for this form are September 2012 and July 2013. The electronically generated License Number must appear in Block 16, and an ITN or AES Downtime Citation must appear in block 10 of the form. See IMM 520 and 530 for complete requirements. In addition, it is the mailer's responsibility to comply with the U.S. Census Bureau's requirements for filing electronic export information, as described in 2.5.1 and 2.5.2.

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3.0 Post Offices and Holidays

[7-28-14] Information on discontinuing, consolidating, and suspending services can be found in United States Code 39 U.S. C. §404(b), and the Postal Operations Manual (POM). Information on holidays observed by the USPS can be found in the POM and online at USPS.com.

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4.0 Philatelic (Stamp Collecting) Services

[7-28-14] Information on philatelic (stamp collecting) services and special cancellations can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations (39 CFR Part 123).

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5.0 Private Express Statutes

[7-28-14] By the laws known as the Private Express Statutes, Congress has generally conferred on the USPS the exclusive right to carry letters for others over post routes. USPS regulations under the Private Express Statutes are in the Code of Federal Regulations, 39 CFR 310 and 320, as amended by final rules published in the Federal Register. These regulations take precedence over all prior rulings and USPS publications. Information on the Private Express Statutes can also be found in Publication 542, Understanding the Private Express Statutes.

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6.0 Complaints and Postal Law Violations

6.1 Consumer Complaints and Inquiries

Any postal customer may complain or inquire about postal products, services, or employees at any Post Office or directly to the USPS Consumer Advocate (see 8.1 for address). A complaint or inquiry may be made in person, by telephone, by e-mail, or by letter. A complaint or inquiry about the handling of a specific piece of mail should include the related envelope or wrapper and copies of all postal forms filed. A customer who is dissatisfied with the local handling of a complaint or inquiry may send a written appeal to the Consumer Advocate. A court of law can require such appeal as a legal prerequisite for hearing a customer’s suit against the USPS.

6.2 Postal Law Violations

Instructions on mail security as it relates to unauthorized opening, inspection, tampering, or delay of mail are in Administrative Support Manual 274. Information and complaints on a possible postal law violation must be sent to the appropriate address according to the ZIP Code ranges shown below:

ZIP Codes

Address

003-079, 08005, 08006, 08008, 08050, 08087, 08092, 08501-08504, 08506-08510, 08512-08514, 08516, 08517, 08519-08553, 08555-08561, 08600-08639, 08642-08691, 087-098, 100-149

Postal Inspection Service

PO Box 2613

Jersey City NJ 07303‑2613

08001-08004, 08007, 08009-08049, 08051-08086, 08088-08091, 08093-08099, 081-084, 08505, 08511, 08515, 08518, 08554, 08562, 08640-08641, 150-39776, 700-799

Postal Inspection Service

225 N Humphreys Blvd

Memphis TN 38120‑2149

400-693, 800-884, 850-999

Postal Inspection Service

222 S Riverside Plz Ste 1250

Chicago IL 60606‑6100

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7.0 Trademarks and Copyrights of the USPS

7.1 USPS Trademarks

[7-28-14] Information on USPS trademarks can be found on USPS.com or by contacting General Counsel, USPS Headquarters (see 8.1 for address).

7.2 Inquiries about Copyrights and Use of USPS Trademarks

Inquiries about USPS copyrights or use of USPS trademarks and service marks, copyright materials, and intellectual property other than patents and technical data rights in USPS contracts must be sent to USPS Stamp Development (see 8.1 for address). Inquiries about licenses to publish or reproduce ZIP Code information must be sent to the National Customer Support Center (see 8.1 for address).

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8.0 USPS Contact Information

8.1 Postal Service

Business Mail Acceptance
US Postal Service
475 L’Enfant Plz SW, Rm 2P846
Washington DC 20260-0846

Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee
Stamp Services
US Postal Service
1735 North Lynn Street, Room 5013
Arlington, VA 22209-6432

Business Mailer Support
US Postal Service
475 L’Enfant Plz SW, Rm 3676
Washington DC 20260-0911

Consumer Advocate
US Postal Service
475 L’Enfant Plz SW
Washington DC 20260-2200

Corporate Accounting Manager
US Postal Service
475 L’Enfant Plz SW Rm 8831
Washington DC 20260-5241

Material Distribution Center
US Postal Service
500 SW Gary Ormsby Dr
Topeka KS 66624-9502
(800) 332-0317

Customer Service Standardization
US Postal Service
475 L’Enfant Plz SW Rm 6816
Washington DC 20260-6816

Money Order Branch
Accounting Service Center
US Postal Service
PO Box 82450
St Louis MO 63182-2450

Domestic Claims
Accounting Services
US Postal Service
PO Box 80143
St Louis MO 63180-0143

National Customer Support Center
US Postal Service
225 N. Humphreys Blvd, Ste 501
Memphis, TN 38188-1001

Domestic Claims Appeals
Accounting Services
US Postal Service
PO Box 80141
St Louis MO 63180-0141

National Print Center (NPC)
US Postal Service
500 SW Gary Ormsby Dr
Topeka KS 66624-9502
(800) 332-0317

Domestic Products
US Postal Service
475 L'Enfant Plz SW Room 5337
Washington DC 20260-5337

Network Distribution Center Operations
US Postal Service
475 L’Enfant Plz SW Rm 7631
Washington DC 20260-2806

Distribution Operations
Washington DC Post Office
900 Brentwood Rd NE
Washington DC 20066-9704

Network Integration Support
475 L' Enfant Plz SW Rm 7536
Washington DC 20260-2806

Engineering
US Postal Service
8403 Lee Hwy
Merrifield VA 22082-8101

Payment Technology
US Postal Service
475 L’Enfant Plz SW Rm 3660
Washington DC 20260-4110

General Counsel
US Postal Service
475 L’Enfant Plz SW
Washington DC 20260-1100

Postal Inspection Service
222 S Riverside Plz Ste 1250
Chicago IL 60606-6100

Integrated Business Solutions, Shipping Services
US Postal Service
475 L'Enfant Plz SW Rm 5149
Washington DC 20260-5149

Postal Inspection Service
PO Box 2613
Jersey City NJ 07303-2613

Licensing
Marketing
US Postal Service
475 L’Enfant Plz SW Rm 1P801
Washington DC 20260-0801

Postal Inspection Service
225 N Humphreys Blvd
Memphis TN 38120-2149

Mail Entry and Payment Technology
US Postal Service
475 L’Enfant Plz SW, Rm 3707
Washington, DC 20260-0911

Pricing
US Postal Service
475 L’Enfant Plz SW Rm 4016
Washington DC 20260-4016
(see 8.4.1 for Pricing and Classification Service Center (PCSC) address)

Pricing Strategy
US Postal Service
475 L’Enfant Plz SW Rm 4316
Washington DC 20260-4316

Senior Counsel
Ethics and Information
US Postal Service
475 L’Enfant Plz SW
Washington DC 20260-1127

Product Classification (formerly Mailing Standards)
US Postal Service
475 L’Enfant Plz SW Rm 4446
Washington DC 20260-5015

Shipping Support, Shipping Services
US Postal Service
475 L'Enfant Plz SW NB Ste 5437
Washington DC 20260-0001

Product Development
US Postal Service
475 L’Enfant Plz SW Rm 5012
Washington DC 20260-5012

Stamp Services
US Postal Service
475 L’Enfant Plz SW Rm 3300
Washington DC 20260-3501

Prohibitory Order Processing Center
PO Box 1500
New York NY 10008-1500

Stamp Fulfillment Services
US Postal Service
8300 NE Underground Dr. Pillar 210
Kansas City MO 64144-0011

Recorder
Judicial Officer
US Postal Service
2101 Wilson Blvd Ste 600
Arlington VA 22201-3078

Transactions and Correspondence
US Postal Service
475 L'Enfant Plz SW Rm 5621
Washington DC 20260-0230

Revenue Assessment and Control
US Postal Service
475 L’Enfant Plaza SW Rm 8430
Washington DC 20260-8430

 

8.2 Federal Agencies

Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms
US Department of the Treasury
1200 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington DC 20226-0001

Plant Protection and Quarantine Programs
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
US Department of Agriculture
4700 River Rd
Riverdale MD 20737-1228

Bureau of the Public Debt
US Department of the Treasury
PO Box 1328
Parkersburg WV 26106-1328

Postal Regulatory Commission
901 New York Ave NW Ste 200
Washington DC 20268-0001

Diplomatic Pouch Division
US Department of State
1375 K St NW
Washington DC 20522-0508

Superintendent of Documents
US Government Printing Office
732 N Capitol St NW
Washington DC 20401-0003

Office of the Federal Register
National Archives and Records Administration
1100 L St NW Rm 8401
Washington DC 20005-0001

US Fish and Wildlife Service
US Department of the Interior
18TH and C St NW
Washington DC 20240-0001

8.3 Other Agencies

American National Standards Institute
11 W 42ND St
New York NY 10036-8002
(212) 642-4900
www.ansi.org

Uniform Code Council INC
7887 Washington Village Dr Ste 300
Dayton OH 45459
(937) 435-3870
www.uc-council.org

Automatic Identification Manufacturers (AIM)
634 Alpha Dr
Pittsburgh PA 15238-2802
(412) 963-8588
www.aimusa.org

 

8.4 PCSC and District Business Mail Entry Offices Contact Information

[7-28-14] The Pricing and Classification Service Center (PCSC) and the district business mail entry offices provide guidance on mail classification, prices, and mail preparation standards. Questions about mail classification and special mail services should be directed to local postal officials. The PCSC can help local officials by providing guidance in answer these questions.

8.4.1 Pricing and Classification Service Center (PCSC)

[7-28-14] Pricing and Classification Service Center contact information is as follows:

90 Church St Ste 3100
New York NY 10007-2951
Telephone: (212) 330-5300 / Fax: (212) 330-5320

For return receipts mailed under the provisions in 601.8.0 use the following address:

PCSC, PACT MAILING OFFICE
USPS ELIGIBILITY NO. XX-00-0000
90 Church Street Suite 3100
New York, NY 10007-2951

8.4.2 District Business Mail Entry Offices

[7-28-14] For District Business Mail Entry contact information use the District Business Mail Entry Locator tool on RIBBS at ribbs.usps.gov.

ARCHIVED DMM - JUL 28, 2014
ARCHIVED DMM - JUL 28, 2014