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S900 Special Postal Services
S930 Handling
Summary
S930 describes special handling for material that requires extra care (e.g., bees, poultry) and the required marking for this service. It also covers parcel airlift (PAL) to or from military post offices.
1.0 Special Handling
1.1Description
Special handling service provides preferential handling, but not preferential delivery, to the extent practicable in dispatch and transportation. The service does not itself insure the article against loss or damage. Special handling service is mandatory for material that requires extra care in handling, transportation, and delivery.
1.2Availability
Special handling service is available only for First-Class Mail, Priority Mail, and Package Services.
1.3Additional Services
The following special services may be combined with special handling if the applicable standards for the services are met and the additional service fees are paid:
a. COD.
b. Delivery Confirmation.
c. Insurance.
d. PAL (for Package Services only).
e. Return receipt for merchandise.
f. Signature Confirmation.
1.4Bees and Poultry
Unless sent at the First-Class Mail or Priority Mail rates, special handling is required for parcels containing honeybees or baby poultry. Under C022.3.7, only queen honeybees may be shipped by aircraft. Check with your local post office for mailability prior to mailing honeybees other than queen honeybees at First-Class Mail or Priority Mail rates.
1.5Fee and Postage
The applicable special handling fee must be paid in addition to postage for each addressed piece for which special handling service is desired. Except for official mail, the special handling fee must be paid at the time of mailing. For official mail, the special handling fee is collected under established reimbursement procedures.
1.6Marking
The marking “Special Handling” must appear prominently above the address and to the right of the return address on each piece for which special handling service is requested.
1.7Nonmachinable Parcel Post
The Parcel Post nonmachinable surcharge is not charged on parcels sent special handling.
2.0 Parcel Airlift (PAL)
2.1Description
Parcel airlift service (PAL) provides for air transportation of parcels on a space-available basis to or from military post offices (MPOs) outside the 48 contiguous states (from the post office of origin to the appropriate port of embarkation) for onward dispatch to other overseas MPOs or (from the port of embarkation for onward dispatch) to a post office within the 48 contiguous states.
2.2Availability
PAL is available for Package Services that does not exceed 30 pounds in weight or 60 inches in length and girth combined, when it is mailed at or addressed to any overseas military post office outside the 48 contiguous states.
2.3Additional Services
The following special services may be combined with PAL if the applicable standards for the services are met and the additional service fees paid:
a. Certificate of mailing.
b. Insured mail.
c. Restricted delivery (if insured for more than $50).
d. Return receipt (if insured for more than $50).
e. Special handling.
2.4Fee and Postage
The applicable PAL fee must be paid in addition to the regular surface rate of postage for each addressed piece sent by PAL service.
2.5Marking
PAL parcels must be marked with the large letters “PAL” on the address side.
DMM Issue 58 (8-10-03)