November 4, 2011

What to Do When Required MTE is Not Available

Customers should first follow normal channels to order Mail Transport Equipment (MTE) through their local contacts. However, when the required MTE is unavailable, local Business Mail Entry (BME) offices are authorized to grant exceptions based on the Mailer Authorized Alternative Container List (below).

When the authorized alternative containers are also not available, you may contact your local BME or Business Service Network representative, who will enact the escalation request procedures for other alternative mail preparation or equipment, defined by the Pricing Classification & Service Center (PCSC). You can find your local BME manager by using the BME locator on the RIBBS^® web site at https://ribbs.usps.gov/locators/find-bme.cfm.

The escalation process has been developed to rapidly respond to requests and to minimize impacts on mailers as well as on the Postal Service™ in case authorized MTE is unavailable.

Local BME and Operations personnel are not authorized to deviate from the approved alternative container list. Mail entered in containers on the authorized alternative container list approved at the office of acceptance, or in an alternative approved by the PCSC, will be processed by employees on the dock or workroom floor as appropriate for the mailpiece class and shape, regardless of the containerization.

MAILER AUTHORIZED ALTERNATIVE CONTAINER LIST

* Securely stretchwrapped pallets comprised of brick-layered, un-sleeved trays do not require strapping. However, First-Class Mail^® trays designated for air transportation must be sleeved and strapped.