443 Rates and Eligibility

1.0 Rates and Fees for Standard Mail

1.1 Standard Mail Rate Application

Standard Mail rates are based on the weight of the pieces and are applied differently to pieces weighing less than or equal to 3.3 ounces (0.2063 pound) and those weighing more, as follows:

a. The appropriate minimum per piece rate applies to any Standard Mail piece that weighs 3.3 ounces or less.

b. A rate determined by adding the appropriate fixed per piece charge and the corresponding variable per pound charge (based on the weight of the piece) applies to any Standard Mail piece that weighs more than 3.3 ounces.

1.2 Regular Standard Mail—Presorted and Enhanced Carrier Route Rates

	Entry Discount	Presorted1		Enhanced Carrier Route2
		Basic	3/5	Basic	High Density	Saturation
Parcels weighing 3.3 oz. or less per piece rate	None	$0.6053	$0.546	$0.415	$0.389	$0.380
	DBMC	0.583	0.524	0.393	0.367	0.358
	DSCF	0.578	0.519	0.388	0.362	0.353
	DDU			0.382	0.356	0.347
more than 3.3 oz4 per pound rate	None	$0.746	$0.746	$0.643	$0.643	$0.643
	DBMC	0.641	0.641	0.538	0.538	0.538
	DSCF	0.614	0.614	0.511	0.511	0.511
	DDU	---	---	0.477	0.477	0.477
+		+	+	+	+	+
per piece rate		0.4515	0.392 5	0.282	0.256	0.247

1.3 Nonprofit Standard Mail—Presorted and Enhanced Carrier Route Rates

	Entry Discount	Presorted1		Enhanced Carrier Route2
		Basic	3/5	Basic	High Density	Saturation
Parcels weighing 3.3 oz. or less per piece rate	None	$0.4793	$0.431	$0.351	$0.333	$0.327
	DBMC	0.457	0.409	0.329	0.311	0.305
	DSCF	0.452	0.404	0.324	0.306	0.300
	DDU	---	---	0.318	0.300	0.294
more than 3.3 oz4 per pound rate	None	$0.602	$0.602	$0.411	$0.411	$0.411
	DBMC	0.497	0.497	0.306	0.306	0.306
	DSCF	0.470	0.470	0.279	0.279	0.279
	DDU	---	---	0.245	0.245	0.245
+		+	+	+	+	+
per piece rate		0.3555	0.307 5	0.266	0.248	0.242

1.4 Fees

1.4.1 Annual Mailing Fee

Mailing fee, per 12-month period: $160.00.

1.4.2 Weighted Fee

For return of pieces bearing the ancillary service markings "Address Service Requested" and "Forwarding Service Requested."

weighted fee
Single Piece Weight Not Over (ounces)	Weighted Fee per Piece1
1	$0.97
2	1.56
3	2.16
4	2.75
5	3.34
6	3.94
7	4.53
8	5.12
9	5.72
10	6.31
11	6.90
12	7.50
13	8.09
Over 13 but under 16	10.02

1.5 Computing Postage for Standard Mail

1.5.1 Weight

To compute the total weight of the addressed pieces in a mailing or mailing segment for:

a. Identical-weight pieces, multiply the computed average weight of a single piece by the corresponding number of pieces; do not round the product.

b. Nonidentical-weight pieces, add the actual weight of the individual pieces or weigh the entire mailing in bulk; do not round either result.

1.5.2 Determining Single-Piece Weight

To determine single-piece weight in any mailing of nonidentical-weight pieces, weigh each piece individually. To determine single-piece weight in a mailing of identical weight pieces, weigh a sample group of at least 10 randomly selected pieces and divide the total sample weight by the number of pieces in the sample. Express all single-piece weights in decimal pounds rounded off to four decimal places.

1.5.3 Net Postage

Postage is computed at the applicable rates on the entire mailing to be mailed at one time. The net postage rate that must be paid is either the applicable minimum per piece rate or the piece/pound rate, as reduced by any discounts for which the piece is eligible, and/or as increased by any surcharge to which the piece is subject. The net postage rate is commonly designated by the name of the primary rate category or discount (e.g., Enhanced Carrier Route rate and Presorted rate).

1.5.4 Per Piece and Per Pound Charges

The per piece charge is computed based on the total number of addressed pieces for each rate category claimed. The minimum rate may apply to each piece as detailed in 1.1, Standard Mail Rate Application. Otherwise, the per piece charge must be added to the per pound charge to determine total postage. Where applicable, the per pound charge is computed based on the total weight of the addressed pieces for each rate category claimed, and is added to the per piece charge to determine total postage. For example, a quantity of pieces weighing 100.25 pounds is charged 100.25 times the applicable rate per pound, based on the rate claimed, plus one unit of the applicable per piece charge for each addressed piece.

1.5.5 Computing Affixed Postage

To compute postage to be affixed to each piece, multiply the weight of the piece (in pounds) by the applicable rate per pound; add the applicable per piece charge and any surcharge; and round the sum up to the next tenth of a cent. The applicable minimum per piece charge must be affixed if it is more than the total computed per piece postage.

1.5.6 Permit Imprint

In any permit imprint mailing:

a. For each rate or rate category, multiply the number of addressed pieces by the corresponding rate per piece and (if applicable) multiply the unrounded total weight of the pieces by the corresponding rate per pound; round off each product to four decimal places.

b. Add the per piece and per pound charges and round off the total postage to the nearest whole cent.

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2.0 Content Standards for Standard Mail Parcels

2.1 Definition and Weight

Standard Mail consists of mailable matter that is neither mailed or required to be mailed as First-Class Mail nor entered as Periodicals (unless permitted or required by standard) and that weighs less than 16 ounces.

2.2 Personal Information

Personal information may not be included in a Standard Mail mailpiece unless all of the following conditions are met:

a. The mailpiece contains explicit advertising for a product or service for sale or lease or an explicit solicitation for a donation.

b. All of the personal information is directly related to the advertising or solicitation.

c. The exclusive reason for inclusion of all of the personal information is to support the advertising or solicitation in the mailpiece.

2.3 Bills and Statements of Account

Mail containing bills or statements of account as defined in 433.2.2 may not be entered as Standard Mail except under the conditions described in 2.5.2.

2.4 Handwritten and Typewritten Matter

Mail containing handwritten or typewritten matter may not be entered as Standard Mail except under the conditions described in 2.6.

2.5 Attachments and Enclosures

2.5.1 Invoice

An invoice, whether it also serves as a bill, may be placed either inside a Standard Mail piece or in an envelope marked "Invoice Enclosed" and attached to the outside of the piece if the invoice relates solely to the matter with which it is mailed. The invoice may show this information:

a. Names and addresses of the sender and addressee.

b. Names and quantities of the articles enclosed, descriptions of each (e.g., price, tax, style, stock number, size, and quality, and, if defective, nature of defects).

c. Order or file number, date of order, date and manner of shipment, shipping weight, postage paid, and initials or name of packer or checker.

2.5.2 Incidental First-Class Attachments and Enclosures

Incidental First-Class matter may be enclosed in or attached to Standard Mail merchandise (including books but excluding merchandise samples) without payment of First-Class postage. Incidental First-Class matter may not be enclosed in or attached to matter mailed as Customized MarketMail under 705.1.0. An incidental First-Class attachment or enclosure must be matter that, if mailed separately, would require First-Class postage, is closely associated with but secondary to the host piece, and is prepared not to encumber postal processing. An incidental First-Class attachment or enclosure may be a bill for the product or publication, a statement of account for past products or publications, or a personal message or greeting included with a product, publication, or parcel. Postage at the Standard Mail or Package Services rate for the host piece is based on the combined weight of the host piece and the incidental First-Class attachment or enclosure.

2.5.3 Nonincidental First-Class Enclosures

Letters or other pieces of nonincidental First-Class Mail, subject to postage at First-Class Mail rates, may be enclosed with Standard Mail pieces (except matter mailed as Customized MarketMail under 705.1.0). Postage for the First-Class enclosure must be placed on the outside of the piece. It may be affixed separately or added to the postage for the host piece. The endorsement "First-Class Mail Enclosed" must be placed on the piece, below the postage and above the address.

2.5.4 Nonincidental First-Class Attachments

Letters or other pieces of nonincidental First-Class Mail may be placed in an envelope and securely attached to the address side of a Standard Mail piece (except matter mailed as Customized MarketMail under 705.1.0), or of the principal piece, as applicable. Combination envelopes or containers with separate parts for the two classes of mail may be used. The names and addresses of the sender and addressee must be placed on both the principal piece and the attachment. Alternatively, the sender's name and address must be placed on one part and the addressee's name and address on the other. If the piece is a combination container with inseparable parts or compartments, the names and addresses may appear on only one part. The applicable Standard Mail postage for the Standard Mail matter must be prepaid and placed in the upper right corner of the address space. Postage at the applicable First-Class rate must be paid for and affixed to the First-Class attachment, unless other payment methods are permitted by standard.

2.5.5 Attachment of Other Standard Mail Matter

Standard Mail pieces may bear an attachment that is eligible as Standard Mail matter if these additional conditions are met:

a. The piece bearing the attachment is claimed as Customized MarketMail (CMM) under 705.1.0 or as Enhanced Carrier Route Standard Mail under 6.0.

b. The face of the attachment may bear only the rate markings and endorsements permitted for the rate claimed for the host piece.

c. At the time of mailing, the piece shows only one complete delivery address. If the attachment is a reply card, the address for returning the piece is not visible.

d. Enhanced Carrier Route host pieces are larger than 6 by 11 inches. CMM host pieces are any size permitted under 705.1.1.3, Physical Standards.

e. The attachment is not larger than the host piece and does not extend beyond the host piece. An attachment affixed to a CMM piece may not be greater than 1/4 inch thick at its thickest point.

f. Each piece in the mailing bears the attachment, and the attachment is of identical size, weight, and positioning on the host piece. Different wording or designs may be used.

g. The attachment does not interfere with processing or delivery. Folded or multipage attachments must be secured to prevent opening during handling.

2.6 Written Additions

Markings that have the character of personal correspondence require, with certain exceptions, additional postage at the First-Class rates. The following written additions and enclosures do not require additional First-Class postage:

a. The sender's and the addressee's names, occupations, and addresses, preceded by "From" or "To," and directions for handling.

b. Marks, numbers, names, or letters describing the contents.

c. Words or phrases such as "Do Not Open Until Christmas" and "Happy Birthday, Mother."

d. Instructions and directions for the use of the item mailed.

e. A manuscript dedication or inscription not having the nature of personal correspondence.

f. Marks to call attention to words or passages in the text.

g. Corrections of typographical errors in printed matter.

h. Manuscripts accompanying related proof sheets and corrections of proof sheets including corrections of typographical and other errors, changes in the text, insertions of new text, marginal instructions to the printer, and corrective rewrites of parts.

i. Handstamped imprints, unless the added material is in itself personal or converts the original matter to a personal communication.

j. Matter mailable separately as Standard Mail printed on the wrapper, envelope, tag, or label.

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3.0 Basic Standards for Standard Mail Parcels

3.1 Description of Service

3.1.1 Service Objectives

Standard Mail may receive deferred handling. Service objectives for delivery are 2 to 9 days; however, delivery time is not guaranteed.

3.1.2 Minimum Quantity

Standard Mail provides economical rates for mailings of 200 or more pieces or 50 or more pounds of mail.

3.2 Defining Characteristics

3.2.1 Mailpiece Weight Limit

All Standard Mail pieces must weigh less than 16 ounces.

3.2.2 Preparation Requirements

Standard Mail is subject to specific volume, marking, and preparation requirements.

3.2.3 Inspection of Contents

Standard Mail is not sealed against postal inspection.

3.2.4 Forwarding Service

The price of Standard Mail typically does not include forwarding service. Forwarding service is available under 507.1.5.

3.2.5 Return Service

The price of Standard Mail does not include return service. Return service is available under 507.1.5 for an additional fee.

3.2.6 Extra Services

Extra services available with Standard Mail are insured mail service (bulk insurance only), certificate of mailing service (bulk certificate of mailing only), return receipt for merchandise service, and Delivery Confirmation service (parcels only). See information regarding extra services in 503.

3.2.7 Periodicals

Authorized Periodicals may not be entered as Standard Mail unless permitted by standard.

3.2.8 Identical Pieces

The contents of printed matter in a Standard Mail mailing must be identical to a piece sent to at least one other addressee. Standard Mail may include the addressee's name and address but may not transmit personal information except as permitted under 2.2.

3.3 Additional Basic Standards for Standard Mail

Each Standard Mail mailing is subject to these general standards:

a. All pieces in a mailing must be of the same processing category, except that irregular and machinable parcels may be combined in 5-digit scheme and 5-digit sacks or on 5-digit scheme and 5-digit pallets.

b. Each mailing must contain at least 200 pieces or 50 pounds of pieces. See 3.6, Residual Volume Requirement, for volume requirement eligibility unique to Presorted Standard rate mailings. Other volume standards also can apply, based on the rate claimed.

c. All pieces in a mailing must be sorted together and marked under the standards for the rate claimed.

d. Each piece must bear the addressee's name and delivery address, including the correct ZIP Code or ZIP+4 code, unless an alternative addressing format is used subject to 602.3.0. Detached address labels may be used subject to 602.4.0.

e. Postage must be paid under 444.1.0 through 444.3.0 in Postage Payment and Documentation with precanceled stamps, meter stamps, or permit imprint.

f. A postage statement, completed and signed by the mailer, using the correct USPS form or an approved facsimile, must be submitted with each mailing. In addition, mailings must be documented under 444.3.0.

g. Any postal routing code barcode on a machinable parcel must be correct for the delivery address and must meet the standards in 708.5.0, Barcoding Standards for Parcels.

h. Mailings must be deposited at a business mail entry unit of the post office where the postage permit or license is held and the annual mailing fee paid, unless deposit elsewhere is permitted by standard.

3.4 Presort Mailing Fees

[1-4-07] An annual mailing fee must be paid once each 12-month period at each post office of mailing. For mail manifested using the Electronic Verification System (eVS) under 705.2.9, only one annual mailing fee, paid at the Post Office of account where the permit imprint account is held, is required regardless of the number of Post Offices of mailing. A mailer paying this fee may enter clients' mail as well as the mailer's own. The mailer whose permit imprint appears on pieces in a mailing paid with a permit imprint must show that permit number on the postage statement and must pay the annual mailing fee for that permit; this fee is in addition to the one-time fee for an application to use permit imprints. The fee may be paid in advance only for the next 12 months and only during the last 60 days of the current service period. The fee charged is that which is in effect on the date of payment.

3.5 Merging Similar Standard Mailings

Mailings are subject to the general definitions and conditions in 445.1.0, General Information for Mail Preparation. Generally, mailers may merge similar Standard Mail matter into a single mailing. Differences in text, address labels, and address lists or list key numbers do not prohibit the mailer from merging and sorting pieces together. Pieces with different methods of postage payment may be combined in the same mailing only if authorized by Business Mailer Support (BMS). Pieces of nonidentical weight, if merged in the same mailing, must bear the correct postage when mailed, unless otherwise authorized by BMS.

3.6 Residual Volume Requirement

Pieces in an Enhanced Carrier Route rate mailing that has separately met a 200-piece or 50-pound minimum quantity requirement may be counted toward the minimum quantity requirement for a Presorted rate mailing, provided that the Enhanced Carrier Route rate mailing and the Presorted rate mailing are part of the same mailing job. Likewise, pieces in an automation rate mailing that has separately met a 200-piece or 50-pound minimum quantity requirement may be counted toward the minimum quantity requirement for a Presorted rate mailing, provided that the automation rate mailing and the Presorted mailing are part of the same mailing job. Pieces mailed at Presorted Standard Mail rates must not be counted toward the minimum volume requirements for an Enhanced Carrier Route rate or an automation rate mailing.

3.7 Residual Mail Subject to First-Class or Priority Mail Rates

Pieces prepared as Standard Mail (i.e., that bear Standard Mail rate markings, ACS codes, etc.) that do not qualify for Enhanced Carrier Route, automation, or Presorted Standard Mail rates are subject to the single-piece First-Class or Priority Mail rates as applicable for the weight of the mailpiece. Metered pieces weighing over 13 ounces but less than 16 ounces that do not qualify for Standard Mail rates and any pieces that do not qualify for Standard Mail rates for which First-Class or Priority Mail service is desired must be re-enveloped or otherwise prepared so that they do not bear Standard Mail markings, endorsements, and ACS codes and must bear the proper First-Class Mail or Priority Mail rate markings and ACS codes. Mailers who have pieces (other than metered pieces weighing over 13 ounces but less than 16 ounces) that do not qualify for Standard Mail rates but that are prepared as Standard Mail and who do not desire to receive First-Class Mail or Priority Mail service for those pieces may enter their mailpieces "as is" (i.e., bearing the Standard Mail markings and endorsements), provided the requirements in 444.1.0, Basic Standards for Postage Payment, are met.

3.8 ZIP Code Accuracy

3.8.1 Basic Standards

The ZIP Code accuracy standard is a means of ensuring that the 5-digit ZIP Code in the delivery address correctly matches the delivery address information. For the purposes of this standard, address means a specific address associated with a specific 5-digit ZIP Code. Addresses used on pieces claiming certain rates under 3.8.1d, Basic Standards that are subject to the ZIP Code accuracy standard must meet these requirements:

a. Each address and associated 5-digit ZIP Code used on the mailpieces in a mailing must be verified and corrected within 12 months before the mailing date with one of the USPS-approved methods in 3.8.2.

b. Each individual address in the mailing is subject to the ZIP Code accuracy standard.

c. If an address used on a mailpiece in a mailing at one class of mail and rate is verified and corrected with an approved method, the same address may be used during the following 12 months to meet the ZIP Code accuracy standard required for mailing at any other class of mail and rate.

d. Except for mail bearing a simplified address, addresses used on pieces claiming the Standard Mail rates must meet the ZIP Code accuracy standard, regardless of any required surcharges.

3.8.2 USPS-Approved Methods

The following methods are authorized for meeting the ZIP Code accuracy standard:

a. For computerized lists, Coding Accuracy Support System (CASS)-certified address matching software and current USPS City State Product, within a mailer's computer systems or through an authorized service provider.

b. For manually maintained lists or small computerized lists, options include the following:

1. Surveys of addressees on mailer's address list inquiring about the accuracy of ZIP Code information.

2. Any mailing list service in 507.6.0.

3. An authorized service provider.

4. CASS-certified matching software.

5. USPS Web site www.usps.com.

3.8.3 Mailer Certification

The mailer's signature on the postage statement certifies that the ZIP Code accuracy standard has been met for each address in the corresponding mailing presented to the USPS.

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4.0 Rate Eligibility for Standard Mail

4.1 General Information

All Standard Mail rates are Presorted rates (including all nonprofit rates). These rates apply to mailings meeting the basic standards in 2.0 through 4.0 and the corresponding standards for Presorted rates under 5.0, Enhanced Carrier Route rates under 6.0, or Customized MarketMail rates under 705.1.0. Except for Customized MarketMail pieces, destination entry discount rates are available under 446.2.0 through 446.5.0 in Enter and Deposit and barcode discounts are available for machinable parcels under 5.5. Nonprofit rates may be used only by organizations authorized by the USPS under 703.1.0. Pieces are subject to either a single minimum per piece rate or a combined piece/pound rate, depending on the weight of the individual pieces in the mailing under 4.2 or 4.3.

4.2 Minimum Per Piece Rates

The minimum per piece rates (i.e., the minimum postage that must be paid for each piece) apply as follows:

a. Basic Requirement. Pieces mailed at Regular, Enhanced Carrier Route, Nonprofit, and Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route rates are subject to minimum per piece rates when they weigh no more than 3.3 ounces (0.2063 pound).

b. In applying the minimum per piece rates, a mailpiece is categorized as either a letter or a nonletter, based on whether the piece meets the letter-size standard in 201, Physical Standards, without regard to placement of the address on the piece. However, if the piece is mailed as a Customized MarketMail piece under 705.1.0, the piece is always subject to the applicable Regular or Nonprofit Standard Mail basic nonletter per piece rate and must not exceed the maximum weight for those rates.

c. Individual Rates. There are separate minimum per piece rates for each subclass (Regular, Enhanced Carrier Route, Nonprofit, and Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route) and within each subclass for the type of mailing and the level of presort within each mailing. Except for Customized MarketMail pieces, discounted per piece rates also may be claimed for destination entry mailings (destination bulk mail center (DBMC), destination sectional center facility (DSCF), and destination delivery unit (DDU)) under 446.2.0 through 446.5.0 in Enter and Deposit. DDU rates are available only for mail entered at Enhanced Carrier Route or Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route rates. See 1.0, Rates and Fees for Standard Mail, for individual per piece rates.

4.3 Piece/Pound Rates

Pieces that exceed 3.3 ounces (0.2063 pound) are subject to a two-part piece/pound rate that includes a fixed charge per piece and a variable pound charge based on weight. Pieces exceeding 3.3 ounces may not be mailed as Customized MarketMail. There are separate per piece rates for each subclass (Regular, Enhanced Carrier Route, Nonprofit, and Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route) and within each subclass for the type of mailing and the level of presort within each mailing. There are separate per pound rates for each subclass (Regular, Enhanced Carrier Route, Nonprofit, and Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route). Discounted per pound rates also may be claimed for destination entry mailings (destination bulk mail center (DBMC), destination sectional center facility (DSCF), and destination delivery unit (DDU)) under 446.2.0 through 446.5.0 in Enter and Deposit.

4.4 Residual Shape Surcharge

Any Standard Mail piece that is prepared as a parcel or is not letter-size under 201 or flat-size under 301 is subject to a residual shape surcharge. Any piece that is prepared as Customized MarketMail under 705.1.0 is also subject to the residual shape surcharge.

4.5 Surcharge Cost

Surcharge per piece for items that are prepared as a parcel or are not letter-size or flat-size:

a. Presorted Regular and Nonprofit: $0.242.

b. Enhanced Carrier Route and Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route: $0.211.

4.6 Extra Services for Standard Mail

4.6.1 Available Services

Only the following extra services may be used with Standard Mail that is eligible under 4.6.2, Eligible Matter:

a. Bulk insurance.

b. Return receipt for merchandise.

c. Delivery Confirmation (electronic option only).

d. Certificate of mailing, as provided in 503.5.0.

4.6.2 Eligible Matter

Extra services available for Standard Mail may be used only with Standard Mail subject to the residual shape surcharge under 4.4.

4.6.3 Ineligible Matter

Extra services (other than certificate of mailing service) may not be used for any of the following types of Standard Mail:

a. Pieces not subject to the residual shape surcharge.

b. Machinable parcels mailed using Bulk Parcel Return Service.

c. Pieces mailed with detached address labels under 602.4.0.

d. Pieces mailed at Enhanced Carrier Route rates.

e. Pieces mailed as Customized MarketMail.

4.6.4 Additional Preparation Requirements

Any eligible mailpiece with an extra service must bear a return address under 602.1.0, Elements of Addressing, and an ancillary service endorsement under 507.1.0 as follows:

a. Pieces with bulk insurance or return receipt for merchandise must bear an endorsement that returns any undeliverable-as-addressed piece to the sender. Required endorsements are "Address Service Requested," "Forwarding Service Requested," or "Return Service Requested."

b. Pieces with Delivery Confirmation must bear one of the required endorsements in 4.6.4a or "Change Service Requested."

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5.0 Additional Eligibility Standards for Presorted Standard Mail Parcels

5.1 Basic Standards

All pieces in a Regular Standard Mail or Nonprofit Standard Mail Presorted rate mailing must:

a. Meet the basic standards for Standard Mail in 2.0 through 4.0.

b. Except as provided in 3.6, Residual Volume Requirement, be part of a single mailing of at least 200 addressed pieces or 50 pounds of pieces qualifying for Presorted Standard Mail. Basic rate and 3/5 rate pieces prepared as part of the same mailing are subject to a single minimum volume standard. Regular and Nonprofit mailings must meet separate minimum volumes.

c. Bear a delivery address that includes the correct ZIP Code or ZIP+4 code and that meets these address quality standards:

1. The ZIP Code accuracy standard in 3.8.

2. If an alternative addressing format is used, the additional standards in 602.3.0.

3. If merchandise samples are prepared with detached address labels, the additional standards in 602.4.0.

d. Be marked, sorted, and documented as specified in 445.5.0, Preparation for Presorted Parcels, and 705.8.0, Preparation for Pallets.

5.2 Rate Application

Presorted rates for Regular and Nonprofit Standard Mail apply to machinable and irregular parcels that meet the eligibility standards in 2.0 through 4.0 and the preparation standards in 445.5.0, Preparation for Presorted Parcels, or 705.8.0, Preparation for Pallets.

5.3 Basic Rate

The basic rate applies to pieces that do not meet the standards for 3/5 rates described in 5.4.

5.4 3/5 Rates

Mailers may claim the 3/5 rates for machinable and irregular parcels presented as follows:

a. Machinable parcels (see 401.1.5):

1. In a 5-digit scheme, 5-digit, ASF, or BMC sack containing at least 10 pounds of parcels. All possible 5-digit scheme or 5-digit sacks must be prepared. Scheme sorting is optional and need not be done for all 5-digit scheme destinations.

2. On a 5-digit scheme, 5-digit, ASF, or BMC pallet. All possible 5-digit scheme or 5-digit pallets must be prepared. Scheme sorting is optional and need not be done for all 5-digit scheme destinations.

b. Irregular parcels (see 401.1.6):

1. In a 5-digit bundle of 10 or more pieces on pallets under 705.8.0, or in a 3-digit bundle of 10 or more pieces on pallets, if the pieces are uniformly thick and more than 15 inches long or more than 12 inches high.

2. In a 5-digit scheme, 5-digit, or 3-digit sack containing at least 125 parcels or 15 pounds of parcels. All possible 5-digit scheme or 5-digit sacks must be prepared. Scheme sorting is optional and need not be done for all 5-digit scheme destinations.

c. Commingled machinable and irregular parcels in a 5-digit scheme or 5-digit sack containing at least 10 pounds of parcels. Scheme sorting is optional and need not be done for all 5-digit scheme destinations.

5.5 Barcode Discount for Presorted Standard Mail Parcels

The barcode discount applies to Presorted rate machinable parcels that are subject to the residual shape surcharge; bear a correct, readable barcode under 708.5.0 for the ZIP Code shown in the delivery address; and are prepared as machinable parcels under 445.5.0, Preparation for Presorted Parcels, or 705.8.0, Preparation for Pallets. Machinable parcels entered at the DSCF rates are eligible for the barcode discount only if prepared in 5-digit sacks or on 5-digit pallets (i.e., are not prepared in ASF, BMC, or mixed BMC sacks or pallets). Machinable parcels claiming the DBMC rates that are entered at an ASF are not eligible for the barcode discount except that mail entered at the Phoenix, AZ, ASF may claim the barcode discount because that facility uses barcode scanning equipment. Pieces mailed at Enhanced Carrier Route, Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route, or Customized MarketMail rates are not eligible for a barcode discount.

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6.0 Additional Eligibility Standards for Enhanced Carrier Route Standard Mail Parcels

6.1 General Enhanced Carrier Route Standards

6.1.1 Optional Preparation

Preparation to qualify for any Enhanced Carrier Route rate is optional and need not be performed for all carrier routes in a 5-digit area. An Enhanced Carrier Route mailing may include pieces at basic, high density, and saturation Enhanced Carrier Route rates.

6.1.2 Basic Eligibility Standards

All pieces in an Enhanced Carrier Route or Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route Standard Mail mailing must:

a. Meet the basic standards for Standard Mail in 2.0 through 4.0.

b. Be part of a single mailing of at least 200 pieces or 50 pounds of pieces of Enhanced Carrier Route Standard Mail. Regular and Nonprofit mailings must meet separate minimum volumes.

c. Be sorted to carrier routes, marked, and documented under 445.6.0, Preparation for Enhanced Carrier Route Parcels, or 705.8.0, Preparation for Pallets.

d. Bear a delivery address that includes the correct ZIP Code, ZIP+4 code, or numeric equivalent to the delivery point barcode (DPBC) and that meets these address quality standards:

1. The carrier route accuracy standard in 6.2.

2. If an alternative addressing format is used, the additional standards in 602.3.0.

e. Meet the applicable sequencing requirements in 6.3 through 6.5 and in 445.6.6, Delivery Sequence Standards.

f. Enhanced Carrier Route rate mail may not be more than 11-3/4 inches high, 14 inches long, or 3/4-inch thick. Exception: Merchandise samples with detached address labels (DALs) may exceed these dimensions if the labels meet the standards in 602.4.0, Detached Address Labels (DAL).

6.2 Carrier Route Accuracy

6.2.1 Basic Standards

The carrier route accuracy standard is a means of ensuring that the carrier route code correctly matches the delivery address information. For the purposes of this standard, address means a specific address associated with a specific carrier route code. Addresses used on pieces claiming certain rates that are subject to the carrier route accuracy standard must meet these requirements:

a. Each address and associated carrier route code used on the mailpieces in a mailing must be updated within 90 days before the mailing date with one of the USPS-approved methods in 6.2.2.

b. Each individual address in the mailing is subject to the carrier route accuracy standard.

c. If the carrier route code (and accuracy) of an address used on a mailpiece in a carrier route mailing at one class of mail and rate is updated with an approved method, the same address may be used during the following 90 days to meet the carrier route accuracy standard required for mailing at any other class of mail and rate.

d. Except for mail bearing a simplified address, addresses used on pieces claiming Standard Mail Enhanced Carrier Route rates must meet the carrier route accuracy standard, regardless of any required surcharge.

6.2.2 USPS-Approved Methods

Carrier route coding must be performed using CASS-certified software and the current USPS Carrier Route Product or another Address Information System (AIS) product containing carrier route information subject to 509.1.0, Address Information System Products, and 708.3.0, Coding Accuracy Support System (CASS).

6.2.3 Mailer Certification

The mailer's signature on the postage statement certifies that the carrier route accuracy standard has been met for each address in the corresponding mailing presented to the USPS.

6.3 Basic Rate Enhanced Carrier Route Standards

6.3.1 Sequencing

All pieces mailed at basic rates must be prepared in walk sequence or in line-of-travel (LOT) sequence according to LOT schemes prescribed by the USPS (see 445.6.6, Delivery Sequence Standards).

6.3.2 Basic Rate Discount for Irregular Parcels

Basic rates apply to each piece in a carrier route sack or carton containing at least 125 pieces or 15 pounds of pieces, or in a 5-digit carrier routes sack or carton. DALs must be in carrier route bundles of 10 or more pieces and prepared under 602.4.0.

6.4 High Density Enhanced Carrier Route Standards

6.4.1 Basic Eligibility Standards for High Density Rates

All pieces mailed at high density rates must:

a. Be prepared in walk sequence according to schemes prescribed by the USPS (see 445.6.6, Delivery Sequence Standards).

b. Meet the density requirement of at least 125 pieces for each carrier route. Multiple pieces per delivery address can count toward this density standard. Fewer pieces may be prepared for routes with fewer than 125 possible deliveries if a piece is addressed to every possible delivery on the route.

6.4.2 High Density Rate Discount for Irregular Parcels

High density rates apply to each piece in a carrier route sack or carton containing at least 125 pieces or 15 pounds of pieces, or in a 5-digit carrier routes sack or carton. DALs must be in carrier route bundles of 10 or more pieces and prepared under 602.4.0.

6.5 Saturation Enhanced Carrier Route Standards

6.5.1 Basic Eligibility Standards for Saturation Rates

All pieces mailed at saturation rates must:

a. Be prepared in walk sequence according to schemes prescribed by the USPS (see 445.6.6, Delivery Sequence Standards).

b. Meet the density requirement of at least 90% or more of the active residential addresses or 75% or more of the total number of active possible delivery addresses on each carrier route receiving this mail. Pieces bearing a simplified address must meet the coverage standards in 602.3.0, Use of Alternative Addressing. Multiple pieces per delivery address do not count toward this density standard.

6.5.2 Saturation Rate Discount for Irregular Parcels

Saturation rates apply to each piece in a carrier route sack or carton containing at least 125 pieces or 15 pounds of pieces, or in a 5-digit carrier routes sack or carton. DALs must be in carrier route bundles of 10 or more pieces and prepared under 602.4.0.

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