Federal Register Notices

Postal Explorer

The Postal Service is reminding customers that metallic mercury and devices containing metallic mercury are always prohibited in the mail stream. This includes antique items such as thermometers, barometers, blood pressure monitors and similar devices.

Below is a current list of the Federal Register notices filed by the Mailing Standards Department of the United States Postal Service. To search all USPS Federal Register notices please see: GPO Federal Register Collection.

View Previous Federal Register Notices:

Published in the Federal Register December 29, 2023.

Commercial Mail Receiving Agencies Clarification

AGENCY: Postal Service^™.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

SUMMARY:

The Postal Service is proposing to amend Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM^®) to clarify Commercial Mail Receiving Agencies (CMRA) notary responsibilities for the addressee’s signature.

DATES: Submit comments on or before January 29, 2024.

ADDRESSES:

Mail or deliver written comments to the manager, Product Classification, U.S. Postal Service, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Room 4446, Washington, DC 20260-5015. If sending comments by email, include the name and address of the commenter and send to PCFederalRegister@usps.gov, with a subject line of “CMRA Clarification”. Faxed comments are not accepted.

You may inspect and photocopy all written comments, by appointment only, at USPS® Headquarters Library, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, 11th Floor North, Washington, DC, 20260. These records are available for review on Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., by calling 202-268-2906.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Heidi Michel at (414) 239-2976, Clayton Gerber at (202) 449-8076, or Garry Rodriguez at (202) 268-7281.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Postal Service is proposing to revise DMM subsection 508.1.8.3a3 to clarify that the notary public must be commissioned in a United States state, territory, possession, or the District of Columbia and to clarify the notary public’s responsibilities with respect to the addressee’s signature on PS Form 1583. This clarification is needed to establish that the notary public is domestically commissioned and to address particularities of some state notary public laws that do not authorize notaries public to attest a signature. The revision allows notaries public to recognize the PS Form 1583 applicant’s acknowledged signature.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT

Published in the Federal Register December 26, 2023.

Use of Foreign Return Addresses on Domestic Mailpieces

AGENCY: Postal Service^™.

ACTION: Final rule.

SUMMARY:

The Postal Service is amending Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM^®) to clarify the consequences for using a foreign return address on a domestic mailpiece.

DATES: Effective date: January 1, 2024.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Catherine Knox at (202) 268-5636, Treishawna Harris at (202) 268-2965, or Garry Rodriguez at (202) 268-7281.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

On November 6, 2023, the Postal Service published a notice of proposed rulemaking (88 FR 76162-76163) to further amend subsections 602.1.5.4 and 609.4.3 to clarify the procedures applicable to undeliverable domestic mailpieces bearing a foreign return address. The Postal Service did not receive any formal comments.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT

Published in the Federal Register December 18, 2023.

International Mailing Services: Price Changes

AGENCY: Postal Service™.

ACTION: Final action.

SUMMARY:

On October 6, 2023, the Postal Service published notice of mailing services price adjustments with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC). The PRC concluded that the price adjustments contained in the Postal Service’s notification may go into effect on January 21, 2024. The Postal Service will revise Notice 123, Price List, to reflect the new mailing services prices.

DATES: Effective January 21, 2024.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dale Kennedy at 202-268-6592 or Kathy Frigo at 202-268-4178.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Proposed Rule and Response

On October 6, 2023, the Postal Service filed a notice with the PRC In Docket No. R2024-1 of mailing services price adjustments to be effective on January 21, 2024. On October 24, 2023, the Postal Service published notification of proposed price changes in the Federal Register entitled “International Mailing Services: Proposed Price Changes” (88 FR 72972). The notification included price changes that the Postal Service would adopt for certain services covered by Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, International Mail Manual (IMM®) and publish in Notice 123, Price List, on Postal Explorer® at pe.usps.com. The Postal Service received no comments.

II. Order of the Postal Regulatory Commission

In PRC Order No. 6814, issued on November 22, 2023, in PRC Docket No. R2024-1, the PRC concluded that prices in the Postal Service’s notice in Docket No. R2024-1 may go into effect on January 21, 2024. The new prices will accordingly be posted in Notice 123, Price List, on Postal Explorer at pe.usps.com.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT

Published in the Federal Register December 15, 2023.

New Mailing Standards for Hazardous Materials Outer Packaging and Nonregulated Toxic Materials

AGENCY: Postal Service™

ACTION: Proposed rule.

SUMMARY:

The Postal Service is proposing to amend Publication 52, Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail (Pub 52) by requiring specific outer packaging strength standards when mailing hazardous materials or dangerous goods and remove quantity restrictions for nonregulated toxic materials. Additionally, the Postal Service proposes to allow mailers to use poly or padded bags as outer packaging for shipments containing lithium batteries installed in the equipment they operate if the shipment does not display hazardous text, markings or labels as permitted in sections 349 and 622.

DATE:Submit comments on or before January 16, 2024.

Addresses:

Mail or deliver written comments to the Director, Product Classification, U.S. Postal Service, 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW, Room 4446, Washington, DC 20260-5015. If sending comments by email, include the name and address of the commenter and send to PCFederalRegister@usps.gov, with a subject line of “New Mailing Standards for Hazardous Materials Outer Packaging and Nonregulated Toxic Materials.” Faxed comments will not be accepted.

You may inspect and photocopy all written comments, by appointment only, at USPS® Headquarters Library, 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW, 11th Floor North, Washington, DC 20260. These records are generally available for review Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., by calling 202-268-2906.

For Further Information Contact: Dale Kennedy, (202) 268-6592, or Jennifer Cox, (202) 268-2108.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Postal Service proposes to amend Publication 52, Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail (Pub 52), with the provisions set forth herein. While not codified in Title 39, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Publication 52 is a regulation of the Postal Service, and changes to it may be published in the Federal Register. 39 CFR 211.2(a)(2). Moreover, Publication 52 is incorporated by reference into Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) section 601.8.1, which is incorporated by reference, in turn, into the Code of Federal Regulations. 39 CFR 111.1, 111.3. Publication 52 is publicly available, in a read-only format, via the Postal Explorer^® website at https://pe.usps.com. In addition, links to Postal Explorer are provided on the landing page of USPS.com, the Postal Service's primary customer-facing website, and on Postal Pro, an online informational source available to postal customers.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT

Published in the Federal Register December 8, 2023.

New Mailing Standards for Domestic Mailing Services Products

AGENCY: Postal Service™.

ACTION: Final rule.

SUMMARY:

DATES: Effective date: January 21, 2024.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Doriane Harley at (202) 268-2537 or Dale Kennedy at (202) 268-6592.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

On November 22, 2023, the PRC favorably reviewed the price adjustments proposed by the Postal Service. The price adjustments and DMM revisions are scheduled to become effective on January 21, 2024. Final prices are available under Docket No. R2024-1 (Order No. 6814) on the Postal Regulatory Commission’s Web site at www.prc.gov.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT

Published in the Federal Register December 5, 2023.

Shipping Address Label

AGENCY: Postal Service^™.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

SUMMARY:

The Postal Service is proposing to amend Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM^®) in various sections to clarify the requirement of the service icon and service banner when a shipping address label is used.

DATES: Submit comments on or before [INSERT DATE 30 DAYS AFTER DATE OF PUBLICATION IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steven Jarboe at (202) 268-7690, Devin Qualls at (202) 268-3287, or Garry Rodriguez at (202) 268-7281.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Currently, when a shipping address label is used, the standards provide it is recommended the service icon and service banner be included on the label. Effective October 1, 2023, pursuant to the Federal Register Notice (88 FR 54239-54240) the Postal Service added a new validation requirement to Barcode Quality (BQ), a metric underneath its Intelligent Mail^® package barcode (IMpb^®) noncompliance measurement. The final rule outlined that the information provided on the label and the data contained within the barcodes, including Service Type Codes (STCs) must align and be correct. As a result, the Postal Service is proposing to require the correct service indicator composed of the service icon and service banner be included when a shipping address label is used.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT

Published in the Federal Register November 28, 2023.

Electronic Verification System Migrated to USPS Ship

AGENCY: Postal Service^™.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

SUMMARY:

The Postal Service is proposing to amend Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM^®) in various sections to require the use of USPS Ship^™ (aka Package Platform) for the acceptance and payment of all commercial domestic and international parcel mailings and discontinue the use of the Electronic Verification System (eVS^®).

DATES: Submit comments on or before December 28, 2023.

ADDRESSES:

Mail or deliver written comments to the Director, Product Classification, U.S. Postal Service, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Room 4446, Washington, DC 20260-5015. If sending comments by email, include the name and address of the commenter and send to PCFederalRegister@usps.gov, with a subject line of “eVS Migrated to USPS Ship.” Faxed comments are not accepted.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Diane Smith at (202) 268-8091, Vicki Bosch (202) 268-4978 or Garry Rodriguez at (202) 268-7281.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

The Postal Service™ currently has the following options/channels to pay and enter commercial parcel mailings:

Click-N-Ship^®
ePostage^®
PC Postage^®
eVS^®
non-eVS (BMEU entered permit imprint)
USPS Ship

The Postal Service has streamlined, simplified, and improved the payment and acceptance processes for parcels. Most commercial shippers are currently enrolled in eVS for payment and acceptance of their commercial package mailings. eVS has enabled many companies to easily ship parcels with the Postal Service. Over the past 20 years since eVS started, the Postal Service has upgraded equipment to automatically capture package attributes such as weight, dimensions, USPS packaging, zone, and entry. This robust infrastructure has enabled the simplification of verifications that currently require offline and manual processes.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT

Published in the Federal Register November 24, 2023.

Domestic Competitive Products Pricing and Mailing Standards Changes

AGENCY: Postal Service^™.

ACTION: Final rule.

SUMMARY:

The Postal Service is amending Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM^â), to reflect changes to prices and mailing standards for competitive products.

DATES: Effective Date: January 21, 2024.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steven Jarboe at (202) 268-7690, Catherine Knox (202) 268-5636, or Garry Rodriguez at (202) 268-7281.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

This final rule describes new prices and product features for competitive products, by class of mail, established by the Governors of the United States Postal Service^â. New prices are available under Docket Number CP2024-52 on the Postal Regulatory Commission PRC website at http://www.prc.gov, and on the Postal Explorer^® website at http://pe.usps.com.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT

Published in the Federal Register November 21, 2023.

International Competitive Services Price Changes

AGENCY: Postal Service^™.

ACTION: Final action.

SUMMARY:

The Postal Service is revising Notice 123, Price List, to reflect the price changes to Competitive Services as established by the Governors of the United States Postal Service.

DATES: The revisions to Notice 123 are effective January 21, 2024.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dale Kennedy at 202-268-6592 or Kathy Frigo at 202-268-4178.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

This final rule describes new prices established by the Governors of the United States Postal Service and submitted for review by the Postal Regulatory Commission in Docket Number CP2024-52 (see https://prc.gov).

Published in the Federal Register TEXT

Published in the Federal Register November 20, 2023.

Ballot Mail Ancillary Service Endorsements

AGENCY: Postal Service^™.

ACTION: Final rule.

SUMMARY:

The Postal Service is amending Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM^®) subsections 507.1.5.1 and 507.1.5.3, to remove Change Service Requested, as an ancillary service endorsement option for Ballot Mail.

DATES: Effective date: January 21, 2024.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Emily Matyas (202) 826-7157 or Garry Rodriguez at (202) 268-7281.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

On September 29, 2023, the Postal Service published a notice of proposed rulemaking (88 FR 67159) to remove Change Service Requested, Option 1, as an ancillary service endorsement option for Ballot Mail. The Postal Service did not receive any formal comments.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT

Published in the Federal Register November 6, 2023.

Use of Foreign Return Addresses on Domestic Mailpieces

AGENCY: Postal Service^™.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

SUMMARY:

The Postal Service is proposing to amend Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM^®) in various subsections to clarify the consequences of the use of a foreign return address on a domestic mailpiece.

DATES: Submit comments on or before December 6, 2023.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Catherine Knox at (202) 268-5636, Treishawna Harris at (202) 268-2965, or Garry Rodriguez at (202) 268-7281.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Effective April 1, 2023, DMM subsection 602.1.5.4, Using Return Addresses, was amended by publication in Postal Bulletin 22619 (3-9-23) to eliminate an exception that allowed a domestic mailpiece to have a foreign return address in certain circumstances as a courtesy. The Postal Service is proposing to further amend subsection 602.1.5.4 and various other subsections in the DMM to clarify the procedures applicable to the undeliverable domestic mailpieces bearing a foreign return address.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT

Published in the Federal Register on October 24, 2023.

International Mailing Services: Proposed Price Changes

AGENCY: Postal Service™.

ACTION: Proposed rule; request for comments.

SUMMARY:

The Postal Service proposes to revise Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, International Mail Manual (IMM^®), to reflect changes coincident with the recently announced mailing services price adjustments.

DATES: We must receive your comments on or before November 24, 2023.

ADDRESSES: Mail or deliver comments to the director, Product Classification, U.S. Postal Service^®, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, RM 4446, Washington, DC 20260-5015. You may inspect and photocopy all written comments at USPS^® Headquarters Library, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, 11^th Floor N, Washington DC by appointment only between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday by calling 1-202-268-2906 in advance. Email comments, containing the name and address of the commenter, to: PCFederalRegister@usps.gov, with a subject line of “January 21, 2024, International Mailing Services Proposed Price Changes.” Faxed comments are not accepted.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dale Kennedy at 202-268-6592 or Kathy Frigo at 202-268-4178.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: All submitted comments and attachments are part of the public record and subject to disclosure. Do not enclose any material in your comments that you consider to be confidential or inappropriate for public disclosure.

International Price and Service Adjustments

On October 6, 2023, the Postal Service filed a notice of mailing services price adjustments with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC), effective on January 21, 2024. The Postal Service proposes to revise Notice 123, Price List, available on Postal Explorer^® at https://pe.usps.com, to reflect these new price changes. The new prices are or will be available under Docket Number R2024-1 on the Postal Regulatory Commission’s website at www.prc.gov.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT

Published in the Federal Register October 16, 2023.

New Mailing Standards for Domestic Mailing Services Products

AGENCY: Postal Service^™.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

SUMMARY:

On October 6, 2023, the Postal Service (USPS^®) filed a notice of mailing services price adjustments with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC), effective January 21, 2024. This proposed rule contains the revisions to Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM^®) that we would adopt to implement the changes coincident with the price adjustments. Additionally, various portions of DMM section 207 will be revised to implement the changes coincident with collapsing zones for Periodicals which was effective as of July 9, 2023.

DATES: Submit comments on or before November 15, 2023.

ADDRESSES: Mail or deliver written comments to the Manager, Product Classification, U.S. Postal Service, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Room 4446, Washington, DC 20260-5015. If sending comments by email, include the name and address of the commenter and send to PCFederalRegister@usps.gov, with a subject line of “January 2024 Domestic Mailing Services Proposal.” Faxed comments are not accepted.

You may inspect and photocopy all written comments, by appointment only, at USPS^® Headquarters Library, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, 11^th Floor North, Washington, DC, 20260. These records are available for review on Monday through Friday, 9 am – 4 pm, by calling 202-268-2906.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steven Mills at (202) 268-7433, Lynne Hallett at (202) 268-2213, or Doriane Harley at (202) 268-2537.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Proposed prices will be available under Docket No. R2024-1 on the Postal Regulatory Commission's Web site at www.prc.gov. The Postal Service's proposed rule includes: changes to prices, mail classification updates, product simplification efforts, and minor revisions to the DMM.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT

Published in the Federal Register September 29, 2023.

Ballot Mail Ancillary Service Endorsements

AGENCY: Postal Service^™.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

SUMMARY:

The Postal Service is proposing to amend Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM^®) to remove Change Service Requested, Option 1, as an ancillary service endorsement option for Ballot Mail.

DATES: Submit comments on or before October 30, 2023.

ADDRESSES: Mail or deliver written comments to the manager, Product Classification, U.S. Postal Service, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Room 4446, Washington, DC 20260-5015. If sending comments by email, include the name and address of the commenter and send to PCFederalRegister@usps.gov, with a subject line of “Ballot Mail Service Endorsements”. Faxed comments are not accepted.

Confidentiality

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Emily Matyas (202) 826-7157 or Garry Rodriguez at (202) 268-7281.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Ancillary service endorsements provide an option for mailers to instruct the Postal Service on how to treat their mail if it is determined to be undeliverable-as-addressed and to request address correction services.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT

Published in the Federal Register August 21, 2023.

First-Class Mail and USPS Marketing Mail Growth Incentive

Agency: Postal Service™.

Action: Notice.

Summary:

The Postal Service is providing notice that it has filed with the Postal Regulatory Commission a market dominant price change creating two new incentives.

Dates: August 21, 2023.

For Further Information Contact: Steven Mills, Director Product Management (Mailing Svcs.) at (202) 268-7433.

Supplementary Information:

On August 11, 2023, the United States Postal Service^® filed with the Postal Regulatory Commission a notice of market dominant price change creating two new incentives.

As indicated in the filing, the Postal Service will offer two new incentives designed to promote the growth of First-Class Mail^® (the “First-Class Mail Growth Incentive”) and USPS Marketing Mail^® (the “Marketing Mail Growth Incentive”). The effective dates of both incentives is January 1, 2024, and the incentive period runs through December 31, 2024. Qualifying Market Dominant products eligible for the incentive are: First-Class Mail Presort Letters, First-Class Mail Presort Cards, First-Class Mail Presort Flats, USPS Marketing Mail Letters and High Density/Saturation Letters, USPS Marketing Mail Flats and High Density/Saturation Flats, USPS Marketing Mail Carrier Route Letters and Flats, and USPS Marketing Mail and Saturation Parcels.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT

Published in the Federal Register August 10, 2023.

Intelligent Mail Package Barcode Compliance Quality

AGENCY: Postal Service^™.

ACTION: Final rule.

SUMMARY:

The Postal Service is amending Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM^®) to add an additional Intelligent Mail^® package barcode (IMpb^®) validation under the “Barcode Quality” compliance category.

DATES: Effective October 1, 2023.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steven Jarboe at (202) 268-7690, Devin Qualls at (202) 268-3287, or Garry Rodriguez at (202) 268-7281.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On June 28, 2023, the Postal Service published a notice of proposed rulemaking (88 FR 41871-41872) to add an additional IMpb validation. In response to the proposed rule, the Postal Service did not receive any formal comments.

The Postal Service is adding a third validation under the “Barcode Quality” compliance category that will require that an IMpb must include a valid, unique 3-digit STC that accurately represents the mail class, product, and service combination on the physical label affixed to the package. Additionally, the IMpb on the package must also correspond with electronic package level details and Extra Services Code(s) contained within the Shipping Services File (SSF). Any variance in the data presented in the electronic submission of a parcel or a variance with the physical aspect of the label affixed to a parcel presented for mailing will be subject to the IMpb noncompliance fee if a mailer falls below the 98 percent threshold.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT

Published in the Federal Register June 30, 2023.

Priority Mail Express Refunds

AGENCY: Postal Service^™.

ACTION: Final rule.

SUMMARY:

The Postal Service is amending Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM^®) to discontinue Priority Mail Express^® postage refunds for guaranteed service for Alaska and Hawaii.

DATES: Effective August 1, 2023.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Catherine Knox at (202) 268-5636 or Garry Rodriguez at (202) 268-7281.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

On May 23, 2023, the Postal Service published a notice of proposed rulemaking (88 FR 33066) to discontinue Priority Mail Express postage refunds for guaranteed service for Alaska and Hawaii. The Postal Service did not receive any formal comments.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT

Published in the Federal Register June 28, 2023.

Intelligent Mail Package Barcode Compliance Quality

AGENCY: Postal Service^™.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

SUMMARY:

The Postal Service is proposing to amend Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM^®) to add an additional Intelligent Mail^® package barcode (IMpb^®) validation under the “Barcode Quality” category.

DATES: Submit comments on or before July 28, 2023.

Confidentiality

All submitted comments and attachments are part of the public record and subject to disclosure. Do not enclose any material in your comments that you consider to be confidential or inappropriate for public disclosure. You may inspect and photocopy all written comments, by appointment only, at USPS® Headquarters Library, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, 11th Floor North, Washington, DC, 20260. These records are available for review on Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., by calling 202-268-2906.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steven Jarboe at (202) 268-7690, Devin Qualls at (202) 268-3287, or Garry Rodriguez at (202) 268-7281.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

In section 204.2.1.8, IMpb Compliance Quality Thresholds, the “Barcode Quality” compliance category checks that the barcode in the manifest passes two critical validations: 1. Valid and Certified Mailer ID in the label that is in Program Registration/Online Enrollment, 2. IMpb must be unique for 120 days.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT

Published in the Federal Register June 14, 2023.

International Mailing Services: Price Changes

AGENCY: Postal Service™.

ACTION: Final action.

SUMMARY:

On April 10, 2023, the Postal Service published notice of price adjustments with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC). The PRC concluded that price adjustments contained in the Postal Service’s notification may go into effect on July 9, 2023. The Postal Service will revise Notice 123, Price List to reflect the new prices.

DATES: Effective July 9, 2023.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dale Kennedy at 202-268-6592 or Kathy Frigo at 202-268-4178

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Proposed Rule and Response

On April 10, 2023, the Postal Service filed a notice with the PRC in Docket No. R2023-2 of mailing services price adjustments to be effective on July 9, 2023. On April 17, 2023, the Postal Service published a notification of proposed price changes in the Federal Register entitled “International Mailing Services: Proposed Price Changes” (88 FR 23386). The notification included price changes that the Postal Service would adopt for certain services covered by Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, International Mail Manual (IMM®) and publish in Notice 123, Price List, on Postal Explorer® at pe.usps.com. The Postal Service received no comments.

II. Order of the Postal Regulatory Commission

In PRC Order No. 6526, issued on May 31, 2023, in PRC Docket No. R2023-2, the PRC concluded that the prices in the Postal Service’s notice in Docket No. R2023-2 may go into effect on July 9, 2023. The new prices will accordingly be posted in Notice 123, Price List on Postal Explorer at pe.usps.com.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT

Published in the Federal Register June 6, 2023.

New Mailing Standards for Domestic Mailing Services Products

AGENCY: Postal Service^TM.

ACTION: Final rule.

SUMMARY:

On April 10, 2023, the Postal Service (USPS^®) filed a notice of mailing services price adjustments with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC), effective July 9, 2023. This final rule contains the revisions to Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM^®) to implement the changes coincident with the price adjustments and other minor DMM changes.

DATES: Effective July 9, 2023.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Doriane Harley at (202) 268-2537 or Dale Kennedy at (202) 268-6592.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

On May 31, 2023, the PRC favorably reviewed the price adjustments proposed by the Postal Service. The price adjustments and DMM revisions are scheduled to become effective on July 9, 2023. Final prices are available under Docket No. R2023-2 (Order No. 6526) on the Postal Regulatory Commission's website at www.prc.gov.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT

Published in the Federal Register May 23, 2023.

Priority Mail Express Refunds

AGENCY: Postal Service^™.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

SUMMARY: The Postal Service is proposing to amend Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM^®) to discontinue Priority Mail Express^® postage refunds for guaranteed service for Alaska and Hawaii.

DATES: Submit comments on or before June 22, 2023.

Confidentiality

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Catherine Knox at (202) 268-5636 or Garry Rodriguez at (202) 268-7281.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Currently, except as provided in DMM 604.9.5.5, the Postal Service offers postage refunds for guaranteed service. The Postal Service has determined that operationally we cannot meet the service commitments for Priority Mail Express expected by customers for Alaska and Hawaii.

As a result, the Postal Service is proposing to discontinue postage refunds for guaranteed service for Priority Mail Express pieces destined to or originating from Alaska or Hawaii. Postage refunds for loss will still be available for pieces destined to or originating from Alaska or Hawaii.

The Postal Service is proposing to implement this change effective August 1, 2023. We believe the proposed revision will provide customers with a more efficient mailing experience.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT

Published in the Federal Register May 22, 2023.

Domestic Competitive Products Pricing and Mailing Standards Changes

AGENCY: Postal Service^™.

ACTION: Final rule.

SUMMARY:

The Postal Service is amending Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM^â), to reflect changes to prices and mailing standards for competitive products.

DATES: Effective July 9, 2023.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steven Jarboe at (202) 268-7690, Margaret Pepe (202) 268-3078, or Garry Rodriguez at (202) 268-7281.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

This final rule describes new prices and product features for competitive products, by class of mail, established by the Governors of the United States Postal Service^â. New prices are available under Docket Number CP2023-XX on the Postal Regulatory Commission PRC website at http://www.prc.gov, and on the Postal Explorer^® website at http://pe.usps.com.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT

Published in the Federal Register May 22, 2023.

International Competitive Services: Price Changes

AGENCY: Postal Service^™.

ACTION: Final action.

SUMMARY:

The Postal Service is revising Notice 123, Price List, to reflect the price changes to Competitive Services as established by the Governors of the United States Postal Service^â.

DATES: Effective July 9, 2023.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dale Kennedy at 202-268-6592 or Kathy Frigo at 202-268-4178.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Published in the Federal Register TEXT

Published in the Federal Register May 19, 2023.

Commercial Mail Receiving Agencies

AGENCY: Postal Service^™.

ACTION: Final rule.

SUMMARY:

The Postal Service is revising Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM^®) to update the regulations concerning Commercial Mail Receiving Agencies (CMRAs).

DATES: Effective July 1, 2023.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Judi Mummy at (858) 674-3155, Clayton Gerber at (202) 449-8076, or Garry Rodriguez at (202) 268-7281.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

On January 12, 2023, the Postal Service published a notice of proposed rulemaking (88 FR 2047-2049) to revise subsection 508.1.8 by reorganizing and revising the subsections in 508.1.8. The proposed rule included changes to accommodate the development of an electronic database to collect and manage the information collected on PS Form 1583, Application for Delivery of Mail Through Agent, which has been collected and maintained as paper records. In this final rule, the Postal Service is adopting the proposed rule with three minor changes described below. As part of the final rule, CMRAs will receive direct notification from the Postal Service informing them how to gain access to the CMRA Customer Registration Database (CRD). Following notification, the CMRA will have a period of approximately 9 months to collect and enter into the CRD new PS Form 1583s for each of their existing Private Mailbox (PMB) customers. PS Form 1583 applications for new PMB customers must be entered into the new CMRA CRD when they are received.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT

Published in the Federal Register May 12, 2023.

Known Mailer and Exceptions

AGENCY: Postal Service^™.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

SUMMARY:

The Postal Service proposes amending Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, International Mail Manual (IMM^®) in various sections to remove the “known mailer” definition and exceptions for customs declarations.

DATES: Submit comments on or before June 12, 2023.

Confidentiality

All submitted comments and attachments are part of the public record and subject to disclosure. Do not enclose any material in your comments that you consider confidential or inappropriate for public disclosure. You may inspect and photocopy all written comments, by appointment only, at USPS® Headquarters Library, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, 11th Floor North, Washington, DC, 20260. These records are available for review on Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., by calling 202-268-2906.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Vlad Spanu at (202) 268-4180 or Kathy Frigo at (202) 268-4178.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Postal Service proposes removing IMM section 123.62 regarding known mailers in its entirety, and other related information in the IMM associated with known mailers, as noted in this article. This proposal helps align postal regulations with current customs policy. Associated revisions to the DMM will be published separately.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT

Published in the Federal Register May 10, 2023.

Custom Declaration Exceptions

AGENCY: Postal Service^™.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

SUMMARY:

The Postal Service proposes amending Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM^®) in various subsections to remove the “known mailer” and “official mail” exceptions for customs declarations for mail to or from overseas military and diplomatic post office addresses. Corresponding changes to the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, International Mail Manual (IMM^®) are being proposed under separate cover to remove certain of these types of exceptions for customs declarations for international mail.

DATES: Submit comments on or before June 9, 2023.

Confidentiality

All submitted comments and attachments are part of the public record and subject to disclosure. Do not enclose any material in your comments that you consider confidential or inappropriate for public disclosure. You may inspect and photocopy all written comments, by appointment only, at USPS® Headquarters Library, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, 11th Floor North, Washington, DC, 20260. These records are available for review Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., by calling 202-268-2906.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Vlad Spanu at (202) 268-4180 or Kathy Frigo at (202) 268-4178.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Postal Service proposes removing subsection 703.2.3.9, Customs Declarations—Exceptions, to help align postal regulations with current customs policy. The Postal Service also proposes making minor revisions to the text in subsections 608.2.4.4 and 703.2.3.8 to align with the removal of subsection 703.2.3.9. Associated revisions to the IMM will be provided under separate cover.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT

Published in the Federal Register April 25, 2023.

Hardcopy Postage Statements Discontinued

AGENCY: Postal Service^™.

ACTION: Final rule.

SUMMARY:

The Postal Service is amending Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM^®) in various sections to discontinue the use of hardcopy postage statements for domestic commercial mailings.

DATES: Effective Date: January 28, 2024.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Filipski at (312) 765-3089 or Garry Rodriguez at (202) 268-7281.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

On February 13, 2023, the Postal Service published a notice of proposed rulemaking (88 FR 9218-9221) to discontinue the use of hardcopy postage statements for domestic commercial mailings.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT

Published in the Federal Register April 21, 2023.

Electronic Indicators for the Mailing of Hazardous Materials

AGENCY: Postal Service^™.

ACTION: Final Rule.

SUMMARY:

The Postal Service revises Publication 52, Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail (Pub 52) to incorporate new requirements, for mailers to use unique service type codes and extra service codes within the tracking barcodes and electronic data submission for package shipments containing hazardous materials (HAZMAT) or dangerous goods (DG). This rule standardizes the acceptance and handling of package shipments containing HAZMAT/DG by collecting electronic data to ensure these items are handled appropriately with regards to the category of HAMZAT/DG contained within the package and to create electronic manifests for the Postal Service’s air carrier suppliers.

The Postal Service also amends the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) to alter refund eligibility of Priority Mail Express containing HAZMAT.

DATES: This rule is effective July 9, 2023, except section 323.3 of Pub 52, which will be effective January 21, 2024.

For Further Information Contact: Jennifer Cox at (202) 268-2108, Juliaann Hess at (202) 268-7663, or Dale Kennedy at (202) 268-6592.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Postal Service hereby amends Publication 52, Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail (Pub 52), with the provisions set forth herein. While not codified in Title 39, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Publication 52 is a regulation of the Postal Service, and changes to it may be published in the Federal Register. 39 CFR 211.2(a)(2). Moreover, Pub 52 is incorporated by reference into Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) section 601.8.1, which is incorporated by reference, in turn, into the Code of Federal Regulations. 39 CFR 111.1, 111.3. Pub 52 is publicly available, in a read-only format, via the Postal Explorer^® website at https://pe.usps.com. In addition, links to Postal Explorer are provided on the landing page of USPS.com, the Postal Service’s primary customer-facing website, and on Postal Pro, an online informational source available to postal customers.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT

Published in the Federal Register April 17, 2023.

International Mailing Services: Proposed Price Changes

AGENCY: Postal Service™.

ACTION: Proposed Rule; request for comments.

SUMMARY:

DATES: We must receive your comments on or before May 17, 2023.

ADDRESSES: Mail or deliver comments to the manager, Product Classification, U.S. Postal Service^®, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, RM 4446, Washington, DC 20260-5015. You may inspect and photocopy all written comments at USPS^® Headquarters Library, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, 11^th Floor N, Washington DC by appointment only between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday by calling 1-202-268-2906 in advance. Email comments, containing the name and address of the commenter, to: PCFederalRegister@usps.gov, with a subject line of “July 9, 2023, International Mailing Services Proposed Price Changes.” Faxed comments are not accepted. All submitted comments and attachments are part of the public record and subject to disclosure. Do not enclose any material in your comments that you consider to be confidential or inappropriate for public disclosure.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dale Kennedy at 202-268-6592 or Kathy Frigo at 202-268-4178

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

International Price and Service Adjustments

On April 10, 2023, the Postal Service filed a notice of mailing services price adjustments with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC), effective on July 9, 2023. The Postal Service proposes to revise Notice 123, Price List, available on Postal Explorer^® at https://pe.usps.com, to reflect these new price changes. The new prices are or will be available under Docket Number R-2023-2 on the Postal Regulatory Commission’s website at www.prc.gov. This proposed rule describes the price changes for the following market dominant international services:

First-Class Mail International (FCMI) service.
International extra services and fees

Published in the Federal Register TEXT

Published in the Federal Register April 14, 2023.

New Mailing Standards for Domestic Mailing Services Products

AGENCY: Postal Service^™.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

SUMMARY:

On April 10, 2023, the Postal Service (USPS^®) filed a notice of mailing services price adjustments with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC), effective July 9, 2023. This proposed rule contains revisions to Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM^®) to coincide with the price adjustments. NOTE: The Postal Service filed to rebrand First-Class Package Service® as USPS Ground Advantage®. Additional information can be found in the upcoming Federal Register Notice, Domestic Competitive Products Pricing and Mailing Standards Changes.

DATES: Submit comments on or before May 15, 2023.

ADDRESSES: Mail or deliver written comments to the Manager, Product Classification, U.S. Postal Service, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Room 4446, Washington, DC 20260-5015. If sending comments by email, include the name and address of the commenter and send to PCFederalRegister@usps.gov, with a subject line of “July 2023 Domestic Mailing Services Proposal.” Faxed comments are not accepted.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Doriane Harley at (202) 268-2537, or Dale Kennedy at (202) 268-6592.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Proposed prices will be available under Docket No. R2023-2 on the Postal Regulatory Commission's Web site at www.prc.gov. The Postal Service's proposed rule includes changes to prices, mail classification updates, product simplification efforts, and minor revisions to the DMM.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT

Published in the Federal Register April 11, 2023.

Counterfeit Postage

AGENCY: Postal Service^™.

ACTION: Final rule.

SUMMARY:

The Postal Service is amending Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM^®) in various sections to clarify the handling of items found in the mail bearing counterfeit postage.

DATES: Effective Date: May 7, 2023.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jane Quenk at (202) 268-7098 or Garry Rodriguez at (202) 268-7281.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

On February 16, 2023, the Postal Service published a notice of proposed rulemaking (88 FR 10068-10069) to revise the DMM in various sections to clarify the handling of items found in the mail bearing counterfeit postage. The Postal Service received numerous comments on that notice, and it appreciates the valuable public input.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT

Published in the Federal Register March 8, 2023.

Mailing Currency

AGENCY: Postal Service^™.

ACTION: Final rule.

SUMMARY: The Postal Service is amending Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM^®) to clarify the standards for mailing currency.

DATES: Effective Date: April 30, 2023.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dale Kennedy at (202) 268-6592 or Garry Rodriguez at (202) 268-7281.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

On January 23, 2023, the Postal Service published a notice of proposed rulemaking (88 FR 3944-3945) to clarify the standards for mailing currency. The proposed standards required commercial cash deposits over $500.00 be sent using Registered Mail^® service. In response to the proposed rule, the Postal Service received comments from nine commenters.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT

Published in the Federal Register February 16, 2023.

Counterfeit Postage

AGENCY: Postal Service^™.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

SUMMARY:

The Postal Service is proposing to amend Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM^®) in various sections to clarify the handling of items found in the mail bearing counterfeit postage.

DATES: Submit comments on or before March 20, 2023.

ADDRESSES: Mail or deliver written comments to the manager, Product Classification, U.S. Postal Service, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Room 4446, Washington, DC 20260-5015. If sending comments by email, include the name and address of the commenter and send to PCFederalRegister@usps.gov, with a subject line of “Counterfeit Postage”. Faxed comments are not accepted.

Confidentiality - All submitted comments and attachments are part of the public record and subject to disclosure. Do not enclose any material in your comments that you consider to be confidential or inappropriate for public disclosure. You may inspect and photocopy all written comments, by appointment only, at USPS® Headquarters Library, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, 11th Floor North, Washington, DC, 20260. These records are available for review on Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., by calling 202-268-2906.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jane Quenk at (202) 268-7098 or Garry Rodriguez at (202) 268-7281.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

In recent years, the use of counterfeit postage has increased substantially, especially on packages. Use of counterfeit postage is a crime; it reflects an intentional effort to defraud the Postal Service; and it has resulted in a significant loss of revenue to the Postal Service. Typically, such mail does not have an accurate return address. The Postal Service proposes to amend current regulations to distinguish counterfeit postage from mail without any postage affixed and to address the use of counterfeit postage more effectively.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT

Published in the Federal Register February 13, 2023.

Hardcopy Postage Statements Discontinued

AGENCY: Postal Service^™.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

SUMMARY:

The Postal Service is proposing to amend Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM^®) in various sections to discontinue the use of hardcopy postage statements for domestic commercial mailings.

DATES: Submit comments on or before March 15, 2023.

ADDRESSES: Mail or deliver written comments to the Director, Product Classification, U.S. Postal Service, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Room 4446, Washington, DC 20260-5015. If sending comments by email, include the name and address of the commenter and send to PCFederalRegister@usps.gov, with a subject line of “Hardcopy Postage Statements Discontinued”. Faxed comments are not accepted. Confidentiality - All submitted comments and attachments are part of the public record and subject to disclosure. Do not enclose any material in your comments that you consider to be confidential or inappropriate for public disclosure.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Filipski at (312) 765-3089 or Garry Rodriguez at (202) 268-7281.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Currently, unless manifested using eVS^® or mailings entered under the full-service automation program, domestic commercial mailers had the option to submit a completed hardcopy or electronic postage statement for any mailing claiming a discount and all permit imprint mailings.

The Postal Service is proposing to discontinue the use of hardcopy postage statements to improve efficiency by expediting the acceptance of commercial mail. Except for eVS mailings, all domestic commercial mailings must use an approved electronic method to transmit a postage statement to the

PostalOne!^® system.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT

Published in the Federal Register February 7, 2023.

Address Correction Notices

AGENCY: Postal Service^™.

ACTION: Final rule.

SUMMARY:

The Postal Service is amending Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM^®) sections 507.4.2.6 and 705.23, to update information regarding address correction requests and to remove hardcopy address correction notice options for Full-Service and Seamless Acceptance mailers.

DATES: Effective Date: July 9, 2023.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Starlene Blackwood at (901) 681-4475 or Garry Rodriguez at (202) 268-7281.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

On November 9, 2022, the Postal Service published a notice of proposed rulemaking (87 FR 67615-67617) to update information regarding address correction requests and to remove hardcopy address correction notice options for Full-Service and Seamless Acceptance mailers.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT

Published in the Federal Register January 25, 2023.

Post Office Box Fee Refund

AGENCY: Postal Service^™.

ACTION: Final rule.

SUMMARY:

The Postal Service is amending Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM^®) subsection 508.4.6 by adding a new subsection 508.4.6.3 to clarify the refund policy for customers who qualified for a Group “E” (free) Post Office Box^™ and subsection 508.4.5.2c for clarity. The Postal Service is also amending subsection 604.9.0 for consistency with refund standards.

DATES: Effective March 1, 2023.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Phong T. Quang at (202) 268-2857 or Garry Rodriguez at (202) 268-7281.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

On December 13, 2022, the Postal Service published a notice of proposed rulemaking (87 FR 76170-76171) to clarify the refund policy for customers who qualified for a Group “E” (free) PO Box. The Postal Service did not receive any customer comments.

To ensure uniform treatment of customers who were not provided Group E PO Box service, the Postal Service is providing a refund policy if it has been determined that a customer paying for PO Box service is entitled to Group E PO Box service. A refund of prorated fees may be issued for each full consecutive month preceding the determination, up to a maximum of 24 months. Interest will not be paid on the amount refunded.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT

Published in the Federal Register January 23, 2023.

Mailing Currency

AGENCY: Postal Service^™.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

SUMMARY:

The Postal Service is proposing to amend Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM^®) subsections 503.2.1 and 601.1.0 to clarify mailing standards for currency.

DATES: Submit comments on or before February 22, 2023.

ADDRESSES: Mail or deliver written comments to the manager, Product Classification, U.S. Postal Service, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Room 4446, Washington, DC 20260-5015. If sending comments by email, include the name and address of the commenter and send to PCFederalRegister@usps.gov, with a subject line of “Mailing Currency”. Faxed comments are not accepted.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dale Kennedy at (202) 268-6592 or Garry Rodriguez at (202) 268-7281.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Postal Service is proposing to revise subsection 503.2.1 to require commercial cash deposits over $500.00 be sent using Registered Mail^® service. As more business customers look to the Postal Service to mail their cash deposits, it has become necessary to determine the most appropriate method to meet this mailing need. As a result, the Postal Service has determined that requiring commercial cash deposits over $500.00 be sent using Registered Mail, our most secured service, would benefit both customers and the Postal Service.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT

Published in the Federal Register January 12, 2023.

Commercial Mail Receiving Agencies

AGENCY: Postal Service^™.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

SUMMARY:

The Postal Service is proposing to amend Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM^®) section 508.1.8, to update the regulations concerning Commercial Mail Receiving Agencies (CMRAs).

DATES: Submit comments on or before February 13, 2023.

ADDRESSES: Mail or deliver written comments to the manager, Product Classification, U.S. Postal Service, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Room 4446, Washington, DC 20260-5015. If sending comments by email, include the name and address of the commenter and send to PCFederalRegister@usps.gov, with a subject line of “Commercial Mail Receiving Agencies”. Faxed comments are not accepted.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Judi Mummy at (858) 674-3155, Clayton Gerber at (202) 449-8076, or Garry Rodriguez at (202) 268-7281.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Postal Service is proposing to revise subsection 508.1.8 by reorganizing and revising the subsections in 508.1.8. These changes are occurring, in part because the Postal Service has developed an electronic database to collect and manage the information collected on PS Form 1583, Application for Delivery of Mail Through Agent, which has been collected and maintained as paper records. Following are the proposed changes to subsection 508.1.8.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT

Published in the Federal Register January 12, 2023.

Caller Service - Customized Address

AGENCY: Postal Service^™.

ACTION: Proposed rule; withdrawal.

SUMMARY: The Postal Service is withdrawing the proposed rule that announced a new service feature, Caller Service – Customized Address, which would’ve allowed current Caller Service customers to omit their Post Office Box number from the address of the mailpiece.

DATES: The proposed rule published June 17, 2022 (87 FR 36432-36433) is withdrawn as of January 12, 2023.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dale Kennedy at (202) 268-6592 or Doriane Harley at (202) 268-2537.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

In the proposed rule that was published in the Federal Register (87 FR 36432-36433) on June 17, 2022, the Postal Service proposed to allow approved Caller Service customers with a unique 5-digit ZIP Code to add Customized Address by paying for the right to omit the PO Box number and replacing it with a different approved address line. In consideration of concerns expressed by members of the mailing community during the proposed rule comment period, the Postal Service has elected to withdraw the proposed rule. Nevertheless, the Postal Service reserves the right to revisit this initiative at a later date.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT

Published in the Federal Register January 5, 2023.

Removal of Sacks – USPS Marketing Mail and Periodicals Flats

AGENCY: Postal Service™.

ACTION: Final rule.

SUMMARY:

The Postal Service™ will revise Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM^®) to remove references to sacks as a handling unit for USPS Marketing Mail^® and Periodicals Flats.

DATES: Effective Date: January 22, 2023.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dale Kennedy at (202) 268-6592 or Doriane Harley at (202) 268-2537.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

As part of its network redesign efforts, the Postal Service will eliminate the use of sacks as containers for Flats acceptance/entry but will continue to allow Flat trays as acceptable containers for acceptance and entry along with bundles on pallets for USPS Marketing Mail and Periodicals flat Mail. Carrier route, 5-digit scheme carrier routes and 5-digit carrier routes USPS Marketing Mail^® and Periodicals flat mail will continue to be allowed to use sacks as a handling unit.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT