# Presentation: 460668

## FLAT MAIL PREPARATION OPTIMIZATIONWORK GROUP #81

- MTAC Report
- February 5, 2004

## MAJOR TOPICS COVERED

- Simplified Mail Prep Proposal
- Co-Palletization for high editorial content
- Flats Palletization: testing of new methods
- APPS Issues:
- 	Address Block
- 	OEL Update
- Co-palletization, co-packaging of mixed classes

## SIMPLIFIED MAIL PREP PROPOSAL

- Presented by Mauro Licciardello, Gary Hegstead
- AFSM 100 higher processing throughput
- Sort plans were revised
- Image keying process reorganized
- Machine utilization maximized
- Remaining issue: adapt mail preparation

## SIMPLIFIED MAIL PREP PROPOSAL

- Mailers: prepare bundles with less strapping, no counterstacking, avoid shrinkwrapping, place on pallets in sequence specified by USPS
- USPS: bypass SPBS, put mail in tubs, conveyors directly to AFSM 100
- Mailers save materials
- USPS reduces work hours
- Mail pieces need fewer handlings

## SIMPLIFIED MAIL PREP PROPOSAL

- Could revise packaging types and sizes as a future outgrowth of the concept
- Could fit in to future flats processing
- Mailer issues: material handling, pallet integrity, need for software to know sequences
- Concept has had preliminary testing
- Subgroup organized to carry out further tests

## CO-PALLETIZATION FOR HIGH EDITORIAL CONTENT

- Presented by Ashley Lyons
- Extension of earlier niche classification
- Will require PRC action
- Not a response but related to complaint case
- Aims at high weight, high editorial publications

## CO-PALLETIZATION FOR HIGH EDITORIAL CONTENT

- Original co-palletization results to date:
- 17 million pieces
- 350,000 sacks to 7,000 pallets
- 150 publications involved
- Beginning to attract new entrants

## CO-PALLETIZATION FOR HIGH EDITORIAL CONTENT

- New requirements expected to include:
- Copy weight: Minimum of 9 ounces
- Advertising content: 15% or less
- Meet the conditions of current co-palletization
- Discount will apply to editorial pounds

## FLATS PALLETIZATION: TESTING OF NEW METHODS

- Presented by Tony Dobush, Joe Schick
- Similar to first topic but based on current mail prep
- Outgrowth of prior Flats Containerization work group
- Recommendation: carrier route mail on bottom of pallet, other mail on top, separated by paper slip sheet
- Two printers to test in Indianapolis

## APPS ISSUES: ADDRESS BLOCK

- Presented by Barry Walsh
- Visibility of address block has been required in DMM
- Clarification to define that in terms of readability
- Seeking greater bundle integrity
- Contrast with first topic which seeks easier handling
- This is not contradictory because first topic involves bypass of SPBS and APPS
- Need for transparent strapping
- May need to define what is transparent

## APPS ISSUES: OEL UPDATE 

- Revised proposal handed out
- Based on 30 character line length
- Includes definition of package types
- Includes markings for APPS readability
- Allows room for ACS codes
- USPS tests needed before final requirements definition

## CO-PALLETIZATION AND CO-PACKAGING OF MIXED CLASSES 

- Presented by Cheryl Beller
- Issue: Mixed pallets would get Standard service
- Issue: drop ship appointments required
- Issue: need publisher acknowledgement
- Issue: need for ADC pallets
- ADC packages need a home
- Avoid splitting mailings
- Issue: need for drop shipping of pallets

## CO-PALLETIZATION AND CO-PACKAGING OF MIXED CLASSES 

- Issue: Standard mail at ADC level
- Already there are ADC sacks
- Pallets are preferred to sacks
- Trend is to move mail away from the BMC
- Relation to cost-based rates
- Next steps: survey of mailers

## OTHER ISSUES 

- Revised rules on Periodicals firm bundles on pallets
- Three digit schemes being developed
- Five digit scheme issues continue to stabilize
- Full merging of non-AFSM 100 flats on pallets