Federal Register Notices

Below is a current list of the Federal Register notices filed by the Mailing Standards Department of the United States Postal Service. To search all USPS Federal Register notices please see: GPO Federal Register Collection.


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Published in the Federal Register December 19, 2018.

New Mailing Standards for Domestic Mailing Services Products

AGENCY:  Postal Service.

ACTION:  Final rule.

SUMMARY:

On October 10, 2018, the Postal Service filed a notice of mailing services price adjustments with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC), effective January 27, 2019. This final rule contains the revisions to Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) to implement the changes coincident with the price adjustments and other minor DMM changes.

DATES: Effective Date: January 27, 2019.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:  Jacqueline Erwin at (202) 268-2158.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

On November 13, 2018, the PRC found that the price adjustments proposed by the Postal Service may take effect as planned. The price adjustments and DMM revisions are scheduled to become effective on January 27, 2019. Final prices are available under Docket No. R2019-1 (Order No. 4875) on the Postal Regulatory Commission’s Web site at www.prc.gov.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT


Published in the Federal Register December 11, 2018.

Change Address Quality Threshold for Intelligent Mail Package Barcode

AGENCY:  Postal Service.

ACTION:  Interim final rule with request for comments.

SUMMARY:

The Postal Service is revising Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) section 204.2.1.8 to update the Address Quality (AQ) Compliance threshold, for all mailers who enter commercial parcels.

DATES:  Effective date: January 31, 2019.

Comment deadline:  Comments must be received on or before December 31, 2018.

ADDRESSES:  Mail or deliver written comments to the manager, Product Classification, U.S. Postal Service®, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Room 4446, Washington, DC 20260-5015. If sending comments by email, include the name and address of the commenter and send to ProductClassification@usps.gov, with a subject line of “Change Address Quality-IMpb” Faxed comments are not accepted. You may inspect and photocopy all written comments, by appointment only, at USPS® Headquarters Library, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, 11th Floor North, Washington, DC, 20260. These records are available for review on Monday through Friday, 9 am - 4 pm, by calling 202-268-2906.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:  Malaki Gravely at (202) 268-7553 or Malaki.l.gravely@usps.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

The Postal Service will increase the IMpb® Address Quality (AQ) threshold from 89 percent to 90 percent. The effective date of the new IMpb Address Quality threshold will coincide with the effective date for the previously determined threshold increases for Manifest Quality (MQ) and Barcode Quality (BQ).

Published in the Federal Register TEXT


Published in the Federal Register October 17, 2018.

New Mailing Standards for Domestic Mailing Services Products

AGENCY: Postal Service.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

SUMMARY:

On October 10, 2018, the Postal Service filed a notice of mailing services price adjustments with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC), effective January 27, 2019. This proposed rule contains the revisions to Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) that we would adopt to implement related regulatory changes coincident with the price adjustments.

DATES: Submit comments on or before November 16, 2018.

ADDRESSES: Mail or deliver written comments to the manager, Product Classification, U.S. Postal Service®, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Room 4446, Washington, DC 20260-5015. You may inspect and photocopy all written comments, by appointment only, at USPS® Headquarters Library, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, 11th Floor North, Washington, DC, 20260. These records are available for review Monday through Friday, between the hours of 9 A.M. and 4 P.M., by calling 202-268-2906. Send email comments, including the name and address of the commenter, to ProductClassification@usps.gov, with a subject line of “January 2019 Domestic Mailing Services Proposal.” Faxed comments are not accepted.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jacqueline Erwin at 202-268-2158, or Alexander Petr at 202-268-4116.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Proposed prices will be available under Docket No. R2019-1 on the PRC Web site at www.prc.gov. The proposed rule includes changes to prices, mail classification updates, product simplification efforts, and a few minor revisions to the DMM.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT


Published in the Federal Register October 17, 2018.

Domestic Competitive Products Pricing and Mailing Standards Changes

AGENCY:  Postal Service.

ACTION:  Final rule.

SUMMARY:

The Postal Service is amending Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMMâ), to reflect changes to prices and mailing standards for competitive products.

DATES:  Effective Date:  January 27, 2019.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:  Tom Foti at (202) 268-2931 or Garry Rodriguez at (202) 268-7281.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

This final rule describes new prices and product features for competitive products, by class of mail, established by the Governors of the United States Postal Serviceâ. New prices are available under Docket Number CP2019-3 on the Postal Regulatory Commission PRC Web site at http://www.prc.gov, and on the Postal Explorer® Web site at http://pe.usps.com.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT


Published in the Federal Register October 17, 2018.

International Mailing Services: Proposed Product and Price Changes - CPI

AGENCY: Postal Service™.

ACTION: Proposed Rule; request for comments.

SUMMARY:

The Postal Service proposes to revise Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, International Mail Manual (IMM®), to reflect changes in the prices, product features, and classification changes to Mailing Services. These changes would also implement a lower maximum weight limit on First-Class Mail International® (FCMI) large envelopes (flats), to bring them closer to compliance with Universal Postal Union (UPU) standards.

DATES: We must receive your comments on or before [INSERT DATE 30 DAYS FROM DATE OF PUBLICATION IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER].

ADDRESSES: Mail or deliver comments to the manager, Product Classification, U.S. Postal Service®, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, RM 4446, Washington, DC 20260-5015. You may inspect and photocopy all written comments, by appointment only, at USPS® Headquarters Library, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, 11th Floor North, Washington DC 20260, between the hours of 9 A.M. and 4 P.M., Monday through Friday, by calling 202-268-2906 in advance. Send email comments, including the name and address of the commenter, to: ProductClassification@usps.gov, with a subject line of “January 2019 International Mailing Services Price Change — CPI.” Faxed comments are not accepted.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paula Rabkin at 202-268-2537.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

International Price and Service Adjustments

On October 10, 2018, the Postal Service filed a notice with the Postal Regulatory Commission in Docket No. R2019-1 of mailing services price adjustments, effective on January 27, 2019. The Postal Service proposes to revise Notice 123, Price List, available on Postal Explorer® at https://pe.usps.com, to reflect these new price changes. Proposed prices are or will be available under Docket Number R2019-1 on the Postal Regulatory Commission’s website at www.prc.gov.

Over the course of time, country names have changed due to a variety of political or cultural reasons. In collaboration with International Postal Affairs and requests made through the UPU, the Postal Service is updating country names throughout mailing standards, changing Great Britain and Northern Ireland to United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and changing Swaziland to Eswatini.

This proposed rule also describes the price and classification changes and the corresponding mailing standards changes for the following market dominant international services:

  • First-Class Mail International (FCMI) service
  • International extra services and fees.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT


Published in the Federal Register October 17, 2018.

International Competitive Services Product and Price Changes

AGENCY:  Postal Service.

ACTION:  Final rule.

SUMMARY:

The Postal Service is revising Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, International Mail Manual (IMM®), to reflect the prices, product features, and classification changes to Competitive Services, as established by the Governors of the Postal Service.

DATES:  Effective date:  January 27, 2019.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:  Paula Rabkin at 202-268-2537.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

New prices will be posted under Docket Number CP2019-3 on the Postal Regulatory Commission website at http://www.prc.gov. Over the course of time, country names have changed due to a variety of political or cultural reasons. In collaboration with International Postal Affairs and requests made through the Universal Postal Union, the Postal Service is updating country names throughout mailing standards, changing Great Britain and Northern Ireland to United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and changing Swaziland to Eswatini.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT


Published in the Federal Register October 11, 2018.

POSTNET Barcode

AGENCY:  Postal Service.

ACTION:  Final rule.

SUMMARY:  The Postal Service is amending Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) to remove all references to the POSTNET barcode.

DATES:  Effective Date: October 11, 2018.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:  Lizbeth Dobbins at (202) 268-3789 or Garry Rodriguez at (202) 268-7261.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Postal Service published a notice of proposed rulemaking on July 23, 2018, (83 FR 34806–07) to amend the DMM to remove all references to the POSTNET barcode. This decision was based on the limited use of the POSTNET barcode and the need to simplify the standards in regard to barcoding letter-size and flat-size mailpieces.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT


Published in the Federal Register September 21, 2018.

Changes to Validations for Intelligent Mail Package Barcode

AGENCY:  Postal Service.

ACTION:  Final rule.

SUMMARY:

The Postal Service is amending Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) to add new Intelligent Mail® package barcode (IMpb) validations for evaluating compliance with IMpb requirements for all mailers who enter commercial parcels.

DATES:  Effective Date:  September 21, 2018.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:  Juliaann Hess at (202) 268-7663 or via email at jsanders.hess@usps.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

The Postal Service published a notice of proposed rulemaking on February 27, 2018, (83 FR 8399) to amend the DMM to update IMpb requirements relative to Compliance Quality Validations for Address Quality, Shipping Services File Manifest Quality, and Barcode Quality. These validations will allow the Postal Service to further improve service, tracking, and visibility, all of which will facilitate the identification of noncompliant mailpieces and customer experiences.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT


Published in the Federal Register August 29, 2018.

Overweight Items

AGENCY:  Postal Service.

ACTION:  Final rule.

SUMMARY:

The Postal Service is amending Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) to implement a process to remove overweight items from the postal network.

DATES:  Effective Date:  August 29, 2018.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:  Lizbeth Dobbins at (202) 268-3789 or Garry Rodriguez at (202) 268-7261.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Postal Service published a notice of proposed rulemaking on April 20, 2018, (83 FR 17518-17519) to amend the DMM to add a process, which included a fee, for removing overweight items that are found in the postal network. Items that exceed the 70 pound weight limit are nonmailable and are not provided service.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT


Published in the Federal Register August 23, 2018.

USPS Marketing Mail Content Standards

AGENCY:  Postal Service™.

ACTION:  Advance notice of proposed rulemaking; request for comments.

SUMMARY:

The Postal Service is contemplating amendment of the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®), to revise content standards for USPS Marketing Mail® letter-size and flat-size pieces regardless of level of sortation. This proposed change would limit all USPS Marketing Mail, regular and nonprofit, letter-size and flat-size, to content that is only paper-based/printed matter; no merchandise or goods will be allowed of any type regardless of “value.”  All items not eligible to be sent as USPS Marketing Mail letter-size or flat-size pieces would need to shift to another product (e.g., Priority Mail®, Parcel Select®) to be mailed. In an effort to obtain as much customer and mailer feedback as possible, the Postal Service will post this notice for an extended comment period.   

DATES:  Comments on this advance notice are due October 22, 2018. 

ADDRESSES:  Mail or deliver written comments to the Manager, Product Classification, U.S. Postal Service, 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW, Room 4446, Washington DC 20260-5015. Comments and questions can also be emailed to ProductClassification@usps.gov using the subject line “USPS Marketing Mail Content Eligibility.”

For Further Information ContactDirect questions to Elke Reuning-Elliott by email at elke.reuning-elliott@ups.gov or phone (202) 268-4063.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

In order to improve both processing and the delivery of goods and merchandise moving through the mail stream, the Postal Service proposes to limit content in USPS Marketing Mail, regular and nonprofit, letter-size and flat-size pieces, to paper-based/printed matter content.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT


Published in the Federal Register July 23, 2018.

POSTNET Barcode

AGENCY: Postal Service.

ACTION: Proposed Rule.

SUMMARY:

The Postal Service is proposing an amendment of the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual, (DMM®) to remove all references to the POSTNET barcode.

DATES: Submit comments on or before August 22, 2018.

ADDRESSES: Mail or deliver written comments to the manager, Product Classification, U.S. Postal Service, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Room 4446, Washington, DC 20260-5015. If sending comments by email, include the name and address of the commenter and send to ProductClassification@usps.gov, with a subject line of “POSTNET.” Faxed comments are not accepted.

You may inspect and photocopy all written comments, by appointment only, at USPS® Headquarters Library, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, 11th Floor North, Washington, DC, 20260. These records are available for review on Monday through Friday, 9 am - 4 pm, by calling 202-268-2906.

For Further Information Contact: Lizbeth Dobbins at (202) 268-3789 or Garry Rodriguez at (202) 268-7261.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

On March 2, 2012, the Postal Service published a proposed rule in the Federal Register (77 FR 12764-12769) to discontinue automation price eligibility for POSTNET barcodes. This was followed by publication of a final rule in the Federal Register (77 FR 26185-26191) on May 3, 2012.

Effective January 27, 2013, the Postal Service revised the DMM throughout various sections to discontinue automation price eligibility based on the use of POSTNET barcodes on all types of mail. However, while the use of the POSTNET barcode was discontinued for price eligibility, the Postal Service continued to allow the use of the POSTNET barcode to qualify for certain Business Reply Mail® prices and in other circumstances. The DMM therefore retained language referring to POSTNET barcodes.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT


Published in the Federal Register July 23, 2018.

New Mailing Standards for Merchandise Return Service

AGENCY: Postal Service™.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

SUMMARY:

The Postal Service is proposing to revise Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) to provide for new procedures for the processing and rating of Merchandise Return Service (MRS) pieces, and in the future, to transition all current MRS permit holders to use the new procedures.

DATES: Submit comments on or before August 22, 2018.

ADDRESSES: Mail or deliver written comments to the manager, Product Classification, U.S. Postal Service, 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW, Room 4446, Washington, DC 20260-5015. If sending comments by email, include the name and address of the commenter and send to ProductClassification@usps.gov with a subject line of “Merchandise Return Service”. Faxed comments are not accepted. You may inspect and photocopy all written comments, by appointment only, at USPS Headquarters Library, 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW, 11th Floor North, Washington, DC 20260. These records are available for review Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., by calling 202-268-2906.


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Direct questions to Karen F. Key by email at karen.f.key@usps.gov  or phone at (202) 268-7492, or Vicki Bosch by email at vicki.m.bosch@usps.gov  or phone at (202) 268-4978.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

As part of its Package Platform initiative, the Postal Service is leveraging the devices that were installed as part of the Automated Verification System to enhance the capability of equipment used for the processing of package-size mailpieces. The upgraded equipment is able to capture near real-time data on mailpiece dimensions, weight, mail class or product, and the presence of Extra Services, and to transmit these data to Postal Service information systems as applicable. The Postal Service is proposing to use this new technology to streamline its processes for the identification, rating, and postage assessment of returns. Under this process, automated package-sorting equipment will identify return packages as they pass special scanners, determine the weight, dimension and mail class of the packages, use the captured data to determine postage charges associated with each package, and enable account holders to pay the postage for the returns electronically.

This improved functionality will generally eliminate the need to manually weigh and rate MRS mailpieces, eliminate the scan-based payment process used with USPS Return Services (a current category of MRS), and eliminate the need for processes to estimate postage for MRS pieces via sampling under the Postage Due Weight Averaging Program.

The Postal Service is now proposing to create a new rating and payment methodology within the MRS product line. This new process will incorporate features of both traditional MRS and USPS Return Services. Returns able to meet the eligibility criteria for this new methodology will be categorized under the MRS product line. The new methodology is expected to replace the existing USPS Return Services process at some point in the near future, and is intended to ultimately eliminate the need for the manual rating process used with traditional MRS. The Postal Service expects to eliminate the use of USPS Return Services and the scan-based payment process no sooner than January 2020 and traditional MRS no sooner than January 2021. During the transition to the new methodology, the Postal Service intends to work with the mailing industry to ensure all existing USPS Return Services and MRS permit holders are transitioned to the new process before these deadlines arrive.  Permit holders who are unable to meet the deadlines stated above can contact the Postal Service to request consideration for an extension.  The Postal Service will evaluate extension requests on a case-by-case basis.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT


Published in the Federal Register July 20, 2018.

New Mailing Standards for Mailpieces Containing Liquids: Extension of Comment Period

AGENCY:  Postal Service.

ACTION:  Proposed Rule; extension of comment period.

SUMMARY:

On July 9, 2018, the United States Postal Service (USPS®) published a Federal Register proposed rule titled, “New Mailing Standards for Mailpieces Containing Liquids.” The USPS has received several requests to extend the comment period for this proposed rule and is, accordingly, extending the comment period scheduled to close on August 8, 2018, until September 30, 2018.

DATES:  Submit comments on or before September 30, 2018.

ADDRESSES:  Mail or deliver written comments to the manager, Product Classification, U.S. Postal Service, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Room 4446, Washington, DC 20260-5015. If sending comments by email, include the name and address of the commenter and send to ProductClassification@usps.gov, with a subject line of “New Standards for Liquids.” Faxed comments are not accepted.

You may inspect and photocopy all written comments, by appointment only, at USPS Headquarters Library, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, 11th Floor North, Washington, DC, 20260. These records are available for review on Monday through Friday, 9 am - 4 pm, by calling 202-268-2906.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:  Direct questions to Wm. Kevin Gunther at wkgunther@uspis.gov or phone at (202) 268-7208, or Michelle Lassiter at michelle.d.lassiter@usps.gov or phone at (202) 268-2914.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

This document extends the public comment period for the proposed rule entitled “New Mailing Standards for Mailpieces Containing Liquids,” published in the Federal Register On July 9, 2018.  USPS is extending the comment period to ensure that the public has sufficient time to review and comment on the proposal. USPS is proposing this rule under the authorities listed in the July 9th document.  Further information on this proposal may be found in the USPS notice published in the Federal Register on July 9, 2018 (83 FR 31712).

Published in the Federal Register TEXT


Published in the Federal Register July 9, 2018.

New Mailing Standards for Mailpieces Containing Liquids

AGENCY: Postal Service

ACTION: Proposed rule.

SUMMARY:

The Postal Service is proposing to revise Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) section 601.3.4 to provide for more rigorous packaging requirements for mailpieces containing liquids.

DATES: Submit comments on or before August 8, 2018.

ADDRESSES: Mail or deliver written comments to the manager, Product Classification, U.S. Postal Service, 475 L'Enfant Plaza S.W., Room 4446, Washington, DC 20260-5015. If sending comments by email, include the name and address of the commenter and send to ProductClassification@usps.gov with a subject line of “New Standards for Liquids”. Faxed comments are not accepted. You may inspect and photocopy all written comments, by appointment only, at USPS Headquarters Library, 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW., 11th Floor North, Washington, DC 20260. These records are available for review Monday through Friday, 9 A.M.-4 P.M., by calling 202-268-2906.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Direct questions or comments to Wm. Kevin Gunther at wkgunther@uspis.gov  or phone at (202) 268-7208, or Michelle Lassiter at michelle.d.lassiter@usps.gov or phone at (202) 268-2914.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Postal Service and United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) have observed an increased frequency of incidents involving containers of liquids rupturing while in Postal Service networks. A typical result of these incidents is damage to surrounding mailpieces and to Postal Service equipment.

When responding to incidents involving liquid spills, Postal Service employees frequently note that mailpieces containing liquids are often not marked on the outer mailing container as required by DMM 601.3.4. Many of these leaking mailpieces contain plastic primary receptacles. Mailers often do not consider plastic primary receptacles to be breakable, and therefore do not cushion these primary receptacles with absorbent material or include secondary containers, as specified by DMM 601.3.4.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT


Published in the Federal Register April 25, 2018.

International Mail Manual; Incorporation by Reference

AGENCY:  Postal Service™.

ACTION:  Final rule.

SUMMARY:  The Postal Service announces the issuance of the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, International Mail Manual (IMM®) dated March 5, 2018, and its incorporation by reference in the Code of Federal Regulations.

DATES:  This final rule is effective on April 25, 2018.  The incorporation by reference of the IMM is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of April 25, 2018.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:  Lizbeth Dobbins, (202) 268-3789.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The International Mail Manual was issued on March 5, 2018, and was updated with Postal Bulletin revisions through February 2, 2018.  It replaced all previous editions.  The IMM continues to enable the Postal Service to fulfill its long-standing mission of providing affordable, universal mail service.  It continues to:  (1) increase the user’s ability to find information; (2) increase the user’s confidence that they have found the information they need; and (3) reduce the need to consult multiple sources to locate necessary information.  The provisions throughout this issue support the standards and mail preparation changes implemented since the version of January 22, 2017.  The International Mail Manual is available to the public on the Postal Explorer® Internet site at http://pe.usps.com.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT


Published in the Federal Register April 25, 2018.

Domestic Mail Manual; Incorporation by Reference

AGENCY:  Postal Service™.

ACTION:  Final rule.

SUMMARY:

The Postal Service announces the issuance of the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) dated March 5, 2018, and its incorporation by reference in the Code of Federal Regulations.

DATES:  This final rule is effective on April 25, 2018.  The incorporation by reference of the DMM dated March 5, 2018, is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of April 25, 2018.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:  Lizbeth Dobbins (202) 268-3789.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The most recent issue of the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) is dated March 5, 2018.  This issue of the DMM contains all Postal Service domestic mailing standards, and continues to:  (1) increase the user’s ability to find information; (2) increase confidence that users have found all the information they need; and (3) reduce the need to consult multiple chapters of the Manual to locate necessary information.  The issue dated March 5, 2018, sets forth specific changes, including new standards throughout the DMM to support the standards and mail preparation changes implemented since the version issued on January 22, 2017.

Changes to mailing standards will continue to be published through Federal Register notices and the Postal Bulletin, and will appear in the next online version available via the Postal Explorer® website at:  http://pe.usps.com.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT


Published in the Federal Register April 23, 2018.

Revision to ZIP Code Zone Charts for APO/FPO/DPO Inbound Mail

AGENCY:  Postal Service™.

ACTION:  Notice.

SUMMARY:

The Postal Service will rezone Inbound Mail from APO/FPO/DPO ZIP Codes to coordinate the Origin/Destination ZIP Codes with the designated International Service Centers (ISC) through which each originating ZIP Code dispatches mail.

DATES:  Effective:  June 1, 2018.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:  Direct questions or comments to Kimberly G. Forehan by email at kimberly.g.forehan@usps.gov or phone (859) 447-2652.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

 Effective with the ZIP Code Zone Charts update on June 1, 2018, Inbound Mail from APO/FPO/DPO ZIP Codes will be rezoned to coordinate the Origin/Destination ZIP Codes with the designated International Service Centers (ISC) through which each originating ZIP Code dispatches mail.  This means that mail being sent from the various APO/FPO/DPO ZIP codes will be realigned so that both outbound and inbound ZIPs will be paired with the areas they serve. The US Postal Service refers to these relationships as “reciprocal” or “retrograde” pairs.

 

This is a change from the current process where Pacific ZIP Codes are zoned through the San Francisco ISC and the European ZIP Codes are zoned through the JFK ISC.  After June 1, 2018, each of the five ISCs will be aligned with reciprocal pairs for inbound mail from APO/FPO/DPO ZIP Codes.  This will result in a more accurate pricing model for Military customers mailing items back to the United States.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT


Published in the Federal Register April 20, 2018.

Overweight Items

AGENCY: Postal Service™.

ACTION: Proposed Rule

SUMMARY:

The Postal Service recently published an advanced notice requesting comments on how the Postal Service should proceed to prevent overweight items from entering into the postal network. After considering the comments received, the Postal Service is now moving forward to propose amendment of the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual, (DMM®) to prevent overweight items from entering the postal network.

DATES: Submit comments on or before May 21, 2018.

ADDRESSES: Mail or deliver written comments to the manager, Product Classification, U.S. Postal Service, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Room 4446, Washington, DC 20260-5015. If sending comments by email, include the name and address of the commenter and send to ProductClassification@usps.gov, with a subject line of “Overweight Items.” Faxed comments are not accepted. You may inspect and photocopy all written comments, by appointment only, at USPS® Headquarters Library, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, 11th Floor North, Washington, DC, 20260. These records are available for review on Monday through Friday, 9 am - 4 pm, by calling 202-268-2906.

For Further Information Contact: Lizbeth Dobbins at (202) 268-3789 or Garry Rodriguez at (202) 268-7261.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

On October 3, 2017, the Postal Service published an advanced notice requesting comments on how the Postal Service should proceed to prevent overweight items from entering into the postal network (82 FR 46010). The Postal Service received 18 responses and those suggestions have been incorporated into this proposed rule, as appropriate. The Postal Service now proposes to amend the DMM to add a penalty for attempting to enter nonmailable, overweight items into the mailstream. Implementation of this proposed rulemaking will require action by Postal Service management.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT


Published in the Federal Register April 4, 2018.

Green & Secure

AGENCY: Postal Service.

ACTION: Final rule.

SUMMARY:

The Postal Service is amending Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) to add Green & Secure as an Address Change Service option utilizing existing Change Service Requested Service Type ID’s (STID).

DATES: Effective: April 4, 2018.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Heather Dyer at (207) 482-7217 or Jacqueline Erwin at (202) 268-2158.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

The Postal Service published a notice of proposed rulemaking on January 9, 2018, (83 FR 995-997) to amend the DMM to add a new alternative Move Update method, Green & Secure, for mailers who enter eligible letter- and flat-size pieces of First-Class Mail® and USPS Marketing Mail® (formerly Standard Mail®) that meet the requirements for presort, Basic automation, or Full-Service automation mailings.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT


Published in the Federal Register March 12, 2018.

POSTAL SERVICE

Revenue Deficiency

AGENCY:  Postal Service.

ACTION:  Final rule.

SUMMARY:

The Postal Service is amending the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMMâ) to clarify the Postal Service revenue deficiency policy.

DATES:  Effective Date: May 7, 2018.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:  Janet Meddick at (202) 268-2652 or Pierre DeFelice at (724) 993-3596 or Garry Rodriguez at (202) 268-7281.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Postal Service published a notice of

proposed rulemaking on December 13, 2017, (82 FR 58580-58582) to amend DMM section 604.10.0, Revenue Deficiency, to update the definition of a revenue deficiency; designate Postal Service contacts for submitting appeals; and add sections to provide the definition of a mailer, description of assessments and mailers responsibilities, and policy on assessed revenue deficiencies.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT


Published in the Federal Register February 27, 2018.

Proposed Changes to Validations for Intelligent Mail Package Barcode

AGENCY:  Postal Service™.

ACTION:  Proposed Rule.

SUMMARY:

The Postal Service is proposing to revise the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®), to add new Intelligent Mail® package barcode (IMpb) validations for evaluating compliance with IMpb requirements for all mailers who enter commercial parcels.

DATES:  Submit comments on or before March 29, 2018.

ADDRESSES:  Mail or deliver written comments to the manager, Product Classification, U.S. Postal Service, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Room 4446, Washington, DC 20260-5015. If sending comments by email, include the name and address of the commenter and send to ProductClassification@usps.gov, with a subject line of “Intelligent Mail Package Barcode Validations.” Faxed comments are not accepted. You may inspect and photocopy all written comments, by appointment only, at USPS® Headquarters Library, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, 11th Floor North, Washington, DC, 20260. These records are available for review on Monday through Friday, 9 am - 4 pm, by calling 202-268-2906.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:  Direct questions or comments to Juliaann Hess at jsanders.hess@usps.gov or (202) 268-7663.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Postal Service is proposing to update IMpb requirements relative to Compliance Quality Validations for Thresholds, Address Quality, Shipping Services File Manifest Quality, and Barcode Quality. These proposed validations would allow the Postal Service to further improve service, tracking, visibility, and positive customer experiences along with better identifying noncompliant mailpieces.

 

Technical and in-depth IMpb guidance is available in Publication 199, Intelligent Mail Package Barcode Implementation Guide for: Confirmation Services and Electronic Verification System Mailers, which is conveniently located on the PostalPro website at https://postalpro.usps.com. This publication would be updated to reflect all adopted changes.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT


Published in the Federal Register January 10, 2018.

Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail (Publication 52); Incorporation by Reference

AGENCY: Postal Service™.

ACTION: Final rule.

SUMMARY:

The Postal Service announces the issuance of Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail (Publication 52) dated August 2017, and its incorporation by reference in the Code of Federal Regulations.

DATES: This final rule is effective on January 10, 2018. The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the rule is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of January 10, 2018.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lizbeth Dobbins (202) 268-3789.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The most recent issue of Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail (Publication 52) is dated August 2017. This issue of Publication 52 contains Postal Service mailing standards relating to the shipment of hazardous, restricted, and perishable materials. Publication 52 provides a complete and comprehensive source for users to find information necessary to properly prepare mailings of hazardous, restricted, and perishable materials, and limits the need for users to consult other information sources when preparing such mailings.

Publication 52 is available, in a read-only format, to the mailing industry and general public via the Postal Explorer® website at http://pe.usps.com. The Postal Explorer application can be accessed directly at any time. In addition, links to Postal Explorer are provided on:

  • The landing page of USPS.com, the Postal Service’s primary customer-facing website; and
  • The USPS application Postal Pro, an online informational source available to both mailing industry members and Postal customers, intended to eventually replace RIBBS.

New editions of Publication 52 will be published at regular intervals, generally no less frequently than once each calendar year. Changes to mailing standards applicable to hazardous, restricted, and perishable materials will be made as necessary, and incorporated into each successive edition of Publication 52. The incorporation by reference of each edition of Publication 52 will be announced through publication in the Federal Register. Details of the revisions to Publication 52 will be published in the Postal Bulletin, available at https://about.usps.com/postal-bulletin/welcome.htm.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT


Published in the Federal Register January 9, 2018.

eInduction Option, Seamless Acceptance Program, and Full-Service Automation Option, Verification Standards

AGENCY: Postal Service.

ACTION: Final rule.

SUMMARY:

The Postal Service is amending Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMMâ), to add verification standards for the eInduction Option, Seamless Acceptance Program, and Full-Service Automation Option.

DATES: Effective: March 5, 2018.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Heather Dyer at (207) 482-7217, or Garry Rodriguez at (202) 268-7281.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Postal Service published a notice of proposed rulemaking on October 31, 2017, (82 FR 50346-50348) to add the verification standards for the eInduction Option, Seamless Acceptance Program, and Full-Service Automation Option, which included a 30-day comment period.

The Postal Service received 2 formal responses on the proposed rule, both of which included multiple comments.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT


Published in the Federal Register January 9, 2018.

Green & Secure Alternative Move Update Method Option

AGENCY: Postal Service™.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

SUMMARY:

The Postal Service is proposing to amend Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®), to introduce a new alternative method to meet the Move Update standard for mailers who enter eligible letter- and flat-size pieces of First-Class Mail® and USPS Marketing Mail® (formerly Standard Mail®) that meet the requirements for Basic or Full-Service mailings.

DATES: Submit comments on or before February 8, 2018.

ADDRESSES: Mail or deliver written comments to the manager, Product Classification, U.S. Postal Service, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Room 4446, Washington, DC 20260-5015. If sending comments by email, include the name and address of the commenter and send to ProductClassification@usps.gov, with a subject line of “Green & Secure.” Faxed comments are not accepted. You may inspect and photocopy all written comments, by appointment only, at USPS® Headquarters Library, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, 11th Floor North, Washington, DC, 20260. These records are available for review on Monday through Friday, 9 am - 4 pm, by calling 202-268-2906.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Heather Dyer at (207) 482-7217, or Garry Rodriguez at (202) 268-7281.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

Pursuant to Postal Service regulations, compliance with the Move Update standard is a basic eligibility requirement for mailers of USPS Marketing Mail and First-Class Mail letters and flats using commercial automation and presort rates. The Move Update standard requires mailers to update addresses for which a change of address (COA) order exists within a specified period of time. By requiring mailers to comply with the Move Update standard, the Postal Service aims to improve address quality and ensure mailpieces reach their intended recipients, which benefits both the Postal Service and its customers. The Move Update standard also is intended to reduce mail processing and delivery costs for the Postal Service.

Today, mailers can meet the Move Update standard using the USPS-approved methods of Address Change Service (ACS™), NCOALink®, or Ancillary Service Endorsements. In addition, mailers of First-Class Mail may apply to use one of two alternative methods, 99 Percent Accuracy or Legal Restraint, which are available under the following limited circumstances:

  • 99 Percent Accuracy Method: This method is available to mailers who enter First-Class Mail and demonstrate that their internal list management maintains address quality at 99 percent or greater accuracy for COAs.
  • Legal Restraint Method: This method is available to mailers who enter First-Class Mail pieces and demonstrate that a legal restriction prevents them from updating their customer’s address without direct contact from the customer.

The overarching goal of the Move Update standard is to reduce the incidence of undeliverable-as-addressed (UAA) mail, which is costly for the Postal Service because UAA pieces must be forwarded, returned, or discarded, and costly for mailers because these pieces fail to reach their intended recipients. The Postal Service incurs the most costs returning pieces, while discarding UAA pieces imposes the lowest cost. The 2016 per-piece cost for each disposition type (FCM only) is shown below:

Disposition Type

Per-piece Cost – Letters

Per-Piece Cost – All Shapes

Return

$0.394

$0.427

Forward

$0.193

$0.198

Discard

$0.110

$0.111

First-Class Mail UAA pieces represent most of the Postal Service’s costly return-to-sender volume; a First-Class Mail mailpiece must be returned-to-sender if it is associated with a COA record that is more than 12 months old, or if it is otherwise identified as UAA as specified in DMM 507.1.5.1. In 2017, the Postal Service discarded only 3 percent of First-Class Mail UAA pieces; in comparison, 98.5 percent of USPS Marketing Mail UAA pieces were discarded. The reason for this discrepancy is that UAA USPS Marketing Mail pieces are destroyed unless the mailers pays for forwarding or return after requesting those services using an ancillary service endorsement.

Published in the Federal Register TEXT


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