446 Enter and Deposit

1.0 Presenting a Mailing

1.1 Basic Standards for Standard Mail Deposit

Standard Mail must be presented at the post office where the permit or license is held and the presort mailing fee is paid. Mailings must be presented at the locations and times specified by the postmaster. Plant-verified drop shipment (PVDS) mailings must be presented for verification, acceptance, and entry under 705.15.0. Plant-loaded mailings must be presented, verified, accepted, and entered as specified by the plant load agreement and applicable standards. Metered Standard Mail may be deposited at other than the licensing post office only as permitted under 705.17.0. Nonprofit Standard Mail must be presented only at post offices where the organization producing the mailing has an approved nonprofit authorization (703.1.0).

1.2 Separation of Mailings

Pieces at different rates (e.g., 3/5 and basic) may be combined in the same mailing as provided in 445.1.0, General Information for Mail Preparation. Separate mailings may be reported on the same postage statement if the pieces in the mailings are in the same processing category, are part of the same mailing job, and are presented for verification at the same time.

Back to Top

2.0 Destination Entry

2.1 General

Except for Customized MarketMail pieces as defined in 705.1.0, Regular, Nonprofit, Enhanced Carrier Route, and Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route Standard Mail pieces meeting the basic standards in 443.5.0, Additional Eligibility Standards for Presorted Standard Mail Parcels, 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 3.0, Destination Bulk Mail Center (DBMC) Entry, 4.0, Destination Sectional Center Facility (DSCF) Entry, and 5.0, Destination Delivery Unit (DDU) Entry. Only one destination reduction may be claimed for each piece. An individual pallet may contain mail claimed at different destination entry rates.

2.2 Minimum Volume

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 2.2e., 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 705.8.0.

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 705.15.0, 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).

2.3 Postage Payment

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.

2.4 Office of Mailing

Unless the mailing is paid and deposited as a metered mail drop shipment (see 705.17.0) or a plant-verified drop shipment (see 705.15.0), 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.

2.5 Documentation

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.

2.6 Plant Loads

Plant load mailings, including expedited plant load shipments, are not eligible for destination entry discounts.

2.7 Verification

2.7.1 Place

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.

2.7.2 Mail Separation and Presentation

Destination entry rate mail must be verified under a PVDS system (705.15.0) 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.

2.7.3 Form 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.

2.7.4 At 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.

2.7.5 PVDS Seal

The mailer may ask that a PVDS band seal secure the vehicle containing verified mailings before dispatch to the destination facility.

2.7.6 Mailer 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.

2.7.7 Volume Standards

Except as permitted for a local mailer under 2.8.13, 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.

2.8 Deposit

2.8.1 Time and Location of Deposit

Each mailing claimed at a destination rate must be deposited at the time and location specified by the USPS.

2.8.2 Freight

Drop shipments are freight until deposited and accepted as mail at the destination facility.

2.8.3 Appointments

Appointments must be made for destination entry rate mail as follows:

a. Except for a local mailer under 2.8.13 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.

2.8.4 Advance Scheduling

Except under 2.8.13, Exception for Local Mailer, 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.

2.8.5 Adherence 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.

2.8.6 Redirection 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.

2.8.7 Redirection 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.

2.8.8 Recurring 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.

2.8.9 Vehicle 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.

2.8.10 Drop and Pick

Drop and pick service is not available for destination entry Standard Mail.

2.8.11 Demurrage

The USPS is not responsible for demurrage or detention charges incurred by a mailer who presents destination entry rate mailings.

2.8.12 Appeals

Mailers who believe they are denied equitable treatment may appeal to the manager, customer service (district), responsible for the destination postal facility.

2.8.13 Exception for Local Mailer

The restrictions in 2.7.7, Volume Standards, and 2.8.4, Advance Scheduling, 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 3.0, Destination Bulk Mail Center (DBMC) Entry, 4.0, Destination Sectional Center Facility (DSCF) Entry, and 5.0, Destination Delivery Unit (DDU) Entry.

Back to Top

3.0 Destination Bulk Mail Center (DBMC) Entry

3.1 Definition

For this standard, destination bulk mail center (DBMC) includes all bulk mail centers (BMCs) and auxiliary service facilities (ASFs) as shown in Exhibit 3.1.

Exhibit 3.1 BMC/ASF—DMBC Rate Eligibility

Eligible Destination ZIP Codes	Entry Facility
005, 068-079, 085-098, 100-119, 124-127	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, 320-342, 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 Minneapolis/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, 856, 857	BMC Denver CO 80088
832-834, 836, 837, 840-847, 898, 979	ASF Salt Lake City UT 840
850, 852, 853, 855, 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

3.2 Eligibility

Pieces in a mailing that meet the standards in 2.0 and 3.0 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 3.1; and 3) are placed in a 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 3.1). DBMC rate mail also must be eligible for Presorted or Enhanced Carrier Route rates, subject to the corresponding standards for those rates.

3.3 Eligibility for ADC Mailpieces

All pieces in an ADC sack are eligible for the DBMC discount if the ADC facility ZIP Code (as shown on Line 1 of the corresponding container label) is within the service area of the BMC or ASF at which the sack or tray is deposited as shown in Exhibit 3.1. All pieces in a palletized ADC bundle are eligible for the DBMC discount if the ADC facility that is the destination of the bundle (determined by using the "Label To" ZIP Code in Column B of L004) is within the service area of the BMC or ASF at which it is deposited as shown in Exhibit 3.1.

3.4 Eligibility for Mixed ADC Bundles

[3-17-05] [2-3-05] Mailpieces in a mixed ADC bundle or sack can qualify for the DBMC rates if the following standards are met:

a. All pieces in the bundle or sack must destinate within the ASF or BMC service area shown in Exhibit 3.1.

b. Use labeling list L010 when labeling bundles or sacks containing such pieces. For irregular parcels of uniform thickness, use L009.

c. Pieces claiming DBMC rates and any mixed ADC not claiming DBMC rates must be prepared in separate mixed ADC bundles or sacks.

d. Otherwise applicable restrictions (e.g., minimum volume) are excepted when necessary to meet the standards in 3.4.

3.5 Additional Standards for Machinable Parcels

Additional standards for machinable parcels are as follows:

a. Destination BMC/ASF Containers. Machinable parcels palletized or sacked may be sorted to destination BMCs or to destination BMCs and ASFs. When machinable parcels are sorted to both destination BMCs and ASFs they qualify for DBMC rates. Except as provided in Exhibit 3.1, 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 3.1 is eligible for DBMC rates (i.e., mail for 3-digit ZIP Codes served by an ASF in Exhibit 3.1 is not eligible for DBMC rates, nor is mail for 3-digit ZIP Codes that do not appear on Exhibit 3.1).

b. Mixed BMC Containers. Pieces in mixed BMC sacks or on mixed BMC pallets that are sorted to the origin BMC under 705.8.0, Preparation for Pallets, or 445.5.0, Preparation for Presorted Parcels, 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 3.1.

3.6 Vehicles

Mailings deposited at a DBMC must be presented in vehicles compatible with BMC dock and yard operations.

3.7 Form 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 (where the meter license, precanceled stamp permit, or permit imprint authorization is held). Form 4410 is not required for plant-verified drop shipments.

Back to Top

4.0 Destination Sectional Center Facility (DSCF) Entry

4.1 Definition

For this standard, destination sectional center facility (DSCF) refers to the facilities listed in L002, Column C, and L006, Column C.

4.2 Eligibility

Pieces in a mailing that meets the standards in 2.0 and 4.0 are eligible for the DSCF rate, as follows:

a. When deposited at a DSCF (or USPS-designated facility), addressed for delivery within that facility's service area, and placed in or on a sack or pallet that is labeled to that DSCF or to a postal facility within its service area.

b. When prepared in 5-digit bundles and placed on a 5-digit pallet or in a 5-digit scheme or 5-digit sack that is deposited at the destination delivery unit as defined in 5.1.

4.3 Vehicles

Mailings deposited at a DSCF must be presented in vehicles that are compatible with SCF dock and yard operations.

Back to Top

5.0 Destination Delivery Unit (DDU) Entry

5.1 Definition

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).

5.2 Eligibility

Pieces in a mailing that meet the standards in 2.0 and 5.0 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 bundles sorted to carrier route sacks (irregular parcels), 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 2.7.2.