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E600 Standard Mail
E650 Destination Entry
Summary
E650 describes the eligibility standards to mail Regular, Nonprofit, and Enhanced Carrier Route mail at destination entry rates. This includes the destination bulk mail center (DBMC), destination sectional center facility (DSCF), and destination delivery unit (DDU) discount rates.
1.0 Basic Standards
1.1Rate Application
[8-10-03] Except for Customized MarketMail pieces as defined in E660, Regular, Nonprofit, Enhanced Carrier Route, and Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route Standard Mail pieces meeting the basic standards in E610 may qualify for the destination BMC, SCF, or DDU entry rates, as applicable, if deposited at the correct destination postal facility, subject to the general standards below and the specific standards in 5.0, 6.0, and 7.0. Only one destination reduction may be claimed for each piece. An individual pallet may contain mail claimed at different destination entry rates.
1.2Other Rates
Mailings must separately qualify under the standard for any other rate or discount claimed.
1.3Volume
[7-10-03] A destination entry rate Standard Mail mailing is subject to these minimum volume requirements:
a. Each mailing must contain at least 200 addressed pieces or 50 pounds of addressed pieces.
b. Except as provided in 1.3e, each group of pieces prepared for deposit at different destination entry post offices must be presented as a separate mailing meeting separate minimum volume requirements and be accompanied by the appropriate Form 3602 postage statement.
c. Separate Standard Mail mailings may be copalletized under M041 and M045.
d. Pieces deposited at the same destination entry post office but claimed at different destination entry rates may be included in a single mailing and reported on the same postage statement (subject to one minimum volume requirement) if the destination entry post office is the proper facility for claiming each of the destination entry discounts.
e. When pieces from different Standard Mail mailings (Presorted, automation, and/or Enhanced Carrier Route) are presented together under the plant-verified drop shipment (PVDS) procedures in P950, a mailer may use the total piece count from a single presort file (i.e., mailing job) for all line items to all destinations reported on a single Form 3602 and accompanied by Form 3602-C (or a postage statement register) to meet the 200-piece or 50-pound minimum volume requirement for each mailing. Under this alternative, a mailer may enter fewer than 200 pieces or 50 pounds at a single destination entry post office if there is a total of at least 200 pieces or 50 pounds of Presorted rate mail, 200 pieces or 50 pounds of automation rate mail, and/or 200 pieces or 50 pounds of Enhanced Carrier Route mail for all entry points combined for the single presort file listed on Form 3602 and Form 3602-C (or a postage statement register).
1.4Postage
Postage payment for destination entry mailings is subject to the same standards that apply generally to Standard Mail. Postage and fees are paid to the post office that verifies the mailings. The correct mailing fee(s) must be paid for the current 12-month period at the postal facility where postage is paid for the mailing.
1.5Place of Mailing
Unless the mailing is paid and deposited as a metered mail drop shipment (see D072) or a plant-verified drop shipment (see P950), mail paid with meter postage, precanceled stamps, or permit imprint must be deposited at the post office that issued the corresponding license or permit, or at the destination bulk mail center serving that post office. Under the latter alternative, only the DBMC rate is available.
1.6Documentation
No documentation for destination entry discounts is required, although the mailing must be accompanied by the appropriate postage statement. Documentation may be required by other rates or discounts claimed for the same mailing.
1.7Plant Loads
Plant load mailings, including expedited plant load shipments, are not eligible for destination entry discounts.
2.0 Verification
2.1Place
As directed by the postmaster, the mailer must present destination entry mailings to USPS employees for verification either:
a. At the origin mailer’s plant or the origin post office serving the mailer’s plant under an authorized plant-verified drop shipment system.
b. At the destination post office or business mail entry unit.
2.2Mail Separation and Presentation
Destination entry rate mail must be verified under a PVDS system (P950) or be presented for verification and acceptance at a BMEU located at a destination BMC, destination sectional center facility, or other designated destination postal facility. Only plant-verified drop shipments may be deposited at a destination delivery unit not co-located with a post office or other postal facility having a business mail entry unit. When presented to the USPS, destination entry mailings must meet the following requirements:
a. Each mailing must be separated from other mailings for verification. For PVDS, destination entry rate mailings for deposit at one destination postal facility must be separated from mailings for deposit at other facilities to allow for reconciliation with each accompanying Form 8125, 8125-C, or 8125-CD.
b. Mail must be separated from freight transported on the same vehicle.
c. If Periodicals mail is on the same vehicle as Standard Mail, then the Periodicals mail should be loaded toward the tail of the vehicle so that, for each destination entry, Periodicals mail can be offloaded first.
d. Form 8125, 8125-C, or 8125-CD must accompany all PVDS mailings.
2.3Form 8125
When mailings are verified and paid for at a postal facility different from the one at which they are accepted as mail and deposited into the mailstream, the mailer must ensure that they are accompanied by a Form 8125 completed by the mailer and the verifying post office.
2.4At BMC
For a mailing to be verified at a BMC, the post office where the mailer’s account or license is held must be within the service area of that BMC. The post office must authorize the BMC to act as its agent by sending Form 4410 to the BMC.
2.5PVDS Seal
The mailer may ask that a PVDS band seal secure the vehicle containing verified mailings before dispatch to the destination facility.
2.6Mailer Transport
The mailer must transport the PVDS mailing from the place where it was verified to the destination postal facility (BMC, SCF, or delivery unit), appropriate to the mailing and the rate claimed.
2.7Volume Standards
Except as permitted for a local mailer under 4.0, destination entry mailings are subject to these volume standards:
a. Regardless of total volume, the pieces for which a destination rate is claimed must represent more than 50% of the mail (by weight or pieces, whichever is greater) presented by the same mailer within any 24-hour period. For this standard, mailer is the party presenting the material to the USPS (or for whom a transportation company has presented the material to the USPS).
b. The same mailer may not in a 24-hour period present for verification and acceptance more than four destination rate mailings at the same destination postal facility (or at another acting as its agent). The mailer may ask for a waiver of this limit when scheduling the deposit of the mailings. There is no maximum for plant-verified drop shipments.
3.0 Deposit
3.1When, Where
Each mailing claimed at a destination rate must be deposited at the time and location specified by the USPS.
3.2Freight
Drop shipments are freight until deposited and accepted as mail at the destination facility.
3.3Appointments
Appointments must be made for destination entry rate mail as follows:
a. Except for a local mailer under 4.0 and mailings of perishable commodities, appointments for deposit of destination entry rate mail at BMCs, ASFs, and SCFs must be scheduled through the appropriate appointment control center at least one business day in advance. Same-day appointments may be granted by a control center only through a telephone request. All appointments for BMC loads must be scheduled by the appropriate BMC control center. Appointments for SCFs and ASFs must be scheduled through the appropriate district control center. Appointments may be made up to 30 calendar days before a desired appointment date. The mailer must adhere to the scheduled mail deposit time and location. The mailer must cancel any appointment by notifying the appropriate control center at least 24 hours in advance of a scheduled appointment.
b. Electronic appointments may be made by a mailer or agent using a USPS-issued computer logon ID. Electronic appointments or cancellations must be made at least 12 hours before the desired time and date. All information required by the USPS appointment system regarding a mailing must be provided.
c. For deposit of DDU mailings, an appointment must be made by contacting the DDU at least 24 hours in advance. If the appointment must be canceled, the mailer must notify the DDU at least one business day in advance of a scheduled appointment. Recurring appointments are allowed if shipment frequency is once a week or more often.
d. When Periodicals are transported together with Standard Mail or Package Services as a mixed load (E250), an appointment must be obtained for deposit at a destination entry facility.
3.4Advance Scheduling
Except under 4.0, a mailer must schedule deposit of destination rate mailings at least 24 hours in advance by contacting the proper district or BMC control center or destination delivery unit. Appointments at delivery units must be made by calling the delivery unit at least 24 hours in advance. Appointments for ASFs, SCFs, or for any multistop loads must be made through the USPS district control center. Appointments for BMC loads must be scheduled by the proper BMC control center. When making an appointment, or as soon as available, the mailer must provide the control center or DDU with the following information:
a. Mailer’s name and address and, when applicable, the name and telephone number of the mailer’s agent or local contact.
b. Description of what is being mailed, product name, number of mailings, volume of mail, how prepared and whether containerized (e.g., pallets). For DDU entries, the mailer also must provide the 5-digit ZIP Code(s) of the mail being deposited.
c. Where the mailing was verified.
d. Postage payment method.
e. Requested date and destination facility for mailing.
f. Vehicle identification number, size, and type.
3.5Adherence to Schedule
The mailer must follow the scheduled deposit time or cancel the appointment by notifying the designated control center. Destination facilities may refuse acceptance or deposit of unscheduled mailings or shipments that arrive more than 2 hours after the scheduled appointment at ASFs, BMCs, or SCFs or more than 20 minutes at delivery units.
3.6Redirection by USPS
A mailer may be directed to transport destination entry rate mailings to a facility other than the designated DDU, SCF, or BMC due to facility restrictions, building expansions, peak season mail volumes, or emergency constraints.
3.7Redirection at Mailer’s
Request
For service reasons, a mailer may ask to transport destination SCF rate mail to a facility other than the designated SCF. This exception may be approved only by the district control center serving the destination facility. To qualify for the SCF rate in this situation, mail deposited at a facility other than the SCF must destinate for processing within that facility and must not require backhauling to the SCF.
3.8Recurring Appointments
Recurring refers to a drop shipment that is delivered to a destination office with a frequency of at least once a week on the same time and day(s). Mailings must be of a comparable product in terms of mail class, size, volume, and containerization (pallets, pallet boxes, etc.). A request to establish recurring appointments must be written on company letterhead to the postal facility manager/postmaster. The drop shipment appointment control office/postmaster will respond to all requests within 10 days. Recurring appointments may be made for a period not to exceed 6 months. Thereafter, a new application must be submitted to ensure that up-to-date mailer information is on file. Written request for an additional 6 months may be made within 60 days prior to the expiration of a current arrangement. Failure to adhere to scheduled appointments or other abuse of the procedures will result in revocation of recurring appointment privileges. Requests for recurring appointments must include the following:
a. Name, address, and telephone number of the mailer.
b. Transportation agent's name (contact person) and telephone number(s).
c. Mail volume and preparation (trays/sacks/parcels).
d. Containerization.
e. Size and type of trailer(s) transporting mail.
f. Frequency/schedule.
3.9Vehicle Unloading
Unloading of destination entry mailings is subject to these conditions:
a. Properly prepared containerized loads (e.g., pallets) are unloaded by the USPS at BMCs, ASFs, and SCFs. The USPS does not unload or permit the mailer (or mailer’s agent) to unload palletized loads that are unstable or severely leaning or that have otherwise not maintained their integrity in transit.
b. At BMCs, ASFs, and SCFs, the driver must unload bedloaded shipments within 8 hours of arrival. Combination containerized and bedloaded mailings are classified as bedloaded shipments for unload times. The USPS may assist in unloading.
c. At delivery units, the driver must unload all mail within 1 hour of arrival. If pallets (including pallet boxes on pallets) are stacked, the driver is required to unload, unstack, and unstrap them. If a mailer transports palletized mail to a DDU facility that cannot handle pallets, then the driver must unload the pallets into a container specified by the delivery unit.
d. When driver unloading is required, the driver or assistant must stay with and continue to unload the vehicle once at the dock.
e. The driver must remove the vehicle from USPS property after unloading. The driver and assistant are not permitted in USPS facilities except for the dock and designated driver rest area.
3.10Drop and Pick
Drop and pick service is not available for destination entry Standard Mail.
3.11Demurrage
The USPS is not responsible for demurrage or detention charges incurred by a mailer who presents destination entry rate mailings.
3.12Appeals
Mailers who believe they are denied equitable treatment may appeal to the manager, customer service (district), responsible for the destination postal facility.
4.0 Exception for Local Mailer
The restrictions in 2.7 and 3.4 do not apply when a mailer deposits mailings for verification and acceptance at the local post office serving the facility where the mail was prepared, if the mailings are not verified under a plant load authorization or plant-verified drop shipment postage payment authorization. Under this exception, the mailer may claim the destination entry rates for mailings or portions of mailings deposited at the local post office that meet the standards in 5.0, 6.0, or 7.0.
5.0 DBMC Discount
5.1Definition
For this standard, destination bulk mail center (DBMC) includes all bulk mail centers (BMCs) and auxiliary service facilities (ASFs) as shown in Exhibit 5.1.
Exhibit 5.1BMC/ASF DBMC Rates
[11-14-02]
| Eligible Destination ZIP Codes | Entry Facility |
|---|---|
| 005, 068-079, 085-098, 100-119, 124-127, 340 | BMC NEW JERSEY NJ 00102 |
| 010-067, 120-123, 128, 129 | BMC SPRINGFIELD MA 05500 |
| 130-136, 140-149 [Except machinable parcels] | ASF BUFFALO NY 140 |
| 130-136, 140-168, 260-266, 439-447 [Machinable parcels only or machinable parcels combined with bedloaded nonmachinable parcels] | BMC PITTSBURGH PA 15195 |
| 150-168, 260-266, 439-447 [Except machinable parcels] | BMC PITTSBURGH PA 15195 |
| 080-084, 137-139, 169-199 | BMC PHILADELPHIA PA 19205 |
| 200-212, 214-239, 244, 254, 267, 268 | BMC WASHINGTON DC 20499 |
| 240-243, 245-249, 270-297, 376 | BMC GREENSBORO NC 27075 |
| 298, 300-312, 317-319, 350-352, 354-368, 373, 374, 377-379, 398, 399 | BMC ATLANTA GA 31195 |
| 299, 313-316, 320-339, 341, 342, 344, 346, 347, 349 | BMC JACKSONVILLE FL 32099 |
| 369-372, 375, 380-397, 700, 701, 703-705, 707, 708, 713, 714, 716, 717, 719-729 | BMC MEMPHIS TN 38999 |
| 250-253, 255-259, 400-418, 421, 422, 425-427, 430-433, 437, 438, 448-462, 469-474 | BMC CINCINNATI OH 45900 |
| 434-436, 465-468, 480-497 | BMC DETROIT MI 48399 |
| 500-516, 520-528, 612, 680, 681, 683-689 | BMC DES MOINES IA 50999 |
| 498, 499, 540-551, 553-564, 566 | BMC MPLS/ST PAUL MN 55202 |
| 570-577 | ASF SIOUX FALLS SD 570 |
| 565, 567, 580-588 | ASF FARGO ND 580 |
| 590-599, 821 | ASF BILLINGS MT 590 |
| 463, 464, 530-532, 534, 535, 537-539, 600-611, 613 | BMC CHICAGO IL 60808 |
| 420, 423, 424, 475-479, 614-620, 622-631, 633-639 | BMC ST LOUIS MO 63299 |
| 640, 641, 644-658, 660-662, 664-679, 739 | BMC KANSAS CITY KS 64399 |
| 730, 731, 734-738, 740, 741, 743-746, 748, 749 | ASF OKLAHOMA CITY OK 730 |
| 706, 710-712, 718, 733, 747, 750-799, 885 | BMC DALLAS TX 75199 |
| 690-693, 800-816, 820, 822-831 | BMC DENVER CO 80088 |
| 832-834, 836, 837, 840-847, 898, 979 | ASF SALT LAKE CTY UT 840 |
| 850, 852, 853, 855-857, 859, 860, 863, 864 | ASF PHOENIX AZ 852 |
| 865, 870-875, 877-884 | ASF ALBUQUERQUE NM 870 |
| 889-891, 893, 900-908, 910-928, 930-935 | BMC LOS ANGELES CA 90901 |
| 894, 895, 897, 936-966 | BMC SAN FRANCISCO CA 94850 |
| 835, 838, 970-978, 980-986, 988-994 | BMC SEATTLE WA 98000 |
5.2General Eligibility
Pieces in a mailing that meet the standards in 1.0 through 5.0 are eligible for the DBMC rate when they meet all of the following conditions: 1) are deposited at a BMC or ASF; 2) are addressed for delivery to one of the 3-digit ZIP Codes served by the BMC or ASF where deposited that are listed in Exhibit 5.1; and 3) are placed in a tray, sack, or pallet (subject to the standards for the rate claimed) that is labeled to the BMC or ASF where deposited, or labeled to a postal facility within the service area of that BMC or ASF (see Exhibit 5.1). If packages of flats on pallets are reallocated from an ASF pallet to a BMC pallet under M045.6.0, mail for the ASF ZIP Codes placed on the BMC pallet is not eligible for the DBMC rates. DBMC rate mail also must be eligible for Presorted, automation, or Enhanced Carrier Route rates, subject to the corresponding standards for those rates.
5.3Eligibility for ADC or AADC Sortation
All pieces in an ADC sack or tray or AADC tray are eligible for the DBMC discount if the ADC or AADC facility ZIP Code (as shown on Line 1 of the corresponding container label) is within the service area of the BMC or ASF as shown in Exhibit 5.1 at which the sack or tray is deposited. All pieces in a palletized ADC package are eligible for the DBMC discount if the ADC facility that is the destination of the package (determined by using the “Label To” ZIP Code in Column B of L004) is within the service area of the BMC or ASF as shown in Exhibit 5.1 at which it is deposited.
5.4Eligibility in Mixed ADC Packages,
Sacks, or Trays or Mixed AADC Trays
[10-3-02] Mailpieces either in a mixed ADC package, sack, or tray or in a mixed AADC tray can qualify for the DBMC rates if the following standards are met:
a. All pieces in the package, sack, or tray must destinate within the ASF or BMC service area shown in Exhibit 5.1.
b. The package, sack, or tray containing such pieces must be labeled to the ADC serving the destination ASF or BMC as specified in L802.
c. Pieces claiming DBMC rates and any mixed ADC or mixed AADC pieces not claiming DBMC rates must be prepared in separate mixed ADC packages, sacks, or trays or in separate mixed AADC trays.
d. Otherwise applicable restrictions (e.g., minimum volume, number of less-than-full trays) are excepted when necessary to meet the standards in 5.4.
5.5Additional Standards for Machinable Parcels
Additional standards for machinable parcels are as follows:
a. [11-14-02] Destination BMC/ASF Containers. Machinable parcels palletized under M045 or sacked under M610 may be sorted to destination BMCs under L601 or to destination BMCs and ASFs under L601 and L602. When machinable parcels are sorted to both destination BMCs and ASFs under L601 and L602, they qualify for DBMC rates under 5.2. Except as provided in Exhibit 5.1, sortation of machinable parcels to ASFs is optional but is required for the ASF mail to be eligible for DBMC rates. Mailers may opt to sort some or all machinable parcels for ASF service area ZIP Codes to ASFs only when the mail will be deposited at the respective ASFs where the DBMC rate is claimed, under applicable volume standards, using L602; otherwise, mailers must sort machinable parcels only to destination BMCs under L601. If machinable parcels are sorted under L601, only mail for 3-digit ZIP Codes served by a BMC as listed in Exhibit 5.1 is eligible for DBMC rates (i.e., mail for 3-digit ZIP Codes served by an ASF in Exhibit 5.1 is not eligible for DBMC rates, nor is mail for 3-digit ZIP Codes that do not appear on Exhibit 5.1).
b. Mixed BMC Containers. Pieces in mixed BMC sacks or on mixed BMC pallets that are sorted to the origin BMC under M045 or M610 are eligible for the DBMC rates if both of the following conditions are met: 1) the mixed BMC sack or pallet is entered at the origin BMC facility to which it is labeled; and 2) the pieces are for 3-digit ZIP Codes listed as eligible destination ZIP Codes for that BMC in Exhibit 5.1.
5.6Vehicles
Mailings deposited at a DBMC must be presented in vehicles compatible with BMC dock and yard operations.
5.7Form 4410
Mailings may be deposited at the DBMC only if that facility is authorized (by Form 4410) to act as acceptance agent for the entry post office (i.e., where the meter license, precanceled stamp permit, or permit imprint authorization is held). Form 4410 is not required for plant-verified drop shipments.
6.0 DSCF Discount
6.1Definition
For this standard, destination sectional center facility (DSCF) refers to the facilities listed in L002, Column C, and L006, Column C.
6.2Eligibility
Pieces in a mailing that meet the standards in 1.0 through 4.0 and 6.0 are eligible for the DSCF rate when deposited at a DSCF, addressed for delivery within that facility’s service area, and placed in other than an ADC, AADC, mixed ADC, or mixed AADC tray or sack, or BMC sack or pallet (as permitted by the standards for the rate claimed) that is labeled to that DSCF or to a postal facility within its service area. Pieces prepared under 1.0 through 4.0 and 6.0 and that are prepared in 5-digit packages placed in a merged 5-digit sack or pallet or in a merged 5-digit scheme sack or pallet that is deposited at the destination delivery unit as defined in 7.1 are eligible for the DSCF rate. DSCF rate mail may also be eligible for a presort or automation discount, subject to the corresponding standards.
6.3Vehicles
Mailings deposited at a DSCF must be presented in vehicles that are compatible with SCF dock and yard operations.
7.0 DDU Discount
7.1Definition
For this standard, destination delivery unit (DDU) refers to the facility designated by the USPS district drop shipment coordinator (for automation rate Standard Mail) or the facility (post office, branch, station, etc.) where the carrier cases mail for delivery to the addresses on pieces in the mailing (for other Standard Mail).
7.2Eligibility
Pieces in a mailing that meet the standards in 1.0 through 4.0 and 7.0 are eligible for the DDU rate when deposited at a DDU, addressed for delivery within that facility's service area (carrier routes), and placed in properly prepared and labeled carrier route packages sorted to carrier route trays (letters) or sacks (flats and irregular parcels), 5-digit carrier routes trays (letters) or sacks (flats and irregular parcels), 5-digit scheme carrier routes sacks (flats) under M600 or M920, merged 5-digit sacks (flats), merged 5-digit scheme sacks (flats) under M920, or palletized under M045 or M920, M930, or M940 and otherwise eligible for and claimed at a carrier route rate. Pieces for which the DDU discount is claimed must also be eligible for and claimed at either the carrier route or a walk-sequence rate. No other rates or discounts are available. A mailing that contains copies claimed at the DDU rates may include pieces claimed at other destination entry discounts and pieces for which no destination discount is claimed, subject to the standard for separation in 2.2.
DMM Issue 58 (8-10-03)