Customer Support Ruling

Preparing Periodicals Flat Trays Without Lids Option

January 2018

PS-347 (203.5.6.2, 207.22.7, 207.25.5)

This Customer Support Ruling (CSR) provides an option for Periodicals mailers to prepare flat-size pieces in flat trays entered at certain facilities without the use of lids and strapping.

The Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) sections 207.22, Preparing Nonbarcoded (Presorted) Periodicals, and 207.25, Preparing Flat-Size Barcoded (Automation) Periodicals, provide for nonbarcoded and automation Periodicals flats to be prepared in flat trays. DMM 203.5.6.2, Preparation for Flats in Flat Trays, provides that each flat tray must be covered and be secured with two plastic straps.

This CSR provides an option for Periodicals mailers to prepare flat-size pieces, under the applicable DMM standards, in flat trays without the use of lids and strapping for pieces that will be worked or processed at the entry facility or associated Sectional Center Facility (SCF). All other flats trays that are not worked or processed at the entry office or associated SCF must contain green lids and strapping and be in compliance with DMM standards.

As a reminder, the mailing must meet all the applicable DMM standards including pieces have to be placed horizontally in the flat tray with addresses facing upward in the same direction and for this option pieces cannot be loaded above the bottom of the flat tray handle slots.

The Postal Service reserves the right to rescind this CSR if we discover any operational impacts due to this support ruling.

(Signed)

Lizbeth J. Dobbins

Manager

Product Classification

Headquarters, US Postal Service

Washington, DC  20260-5015