# Presentation: 132562

** **
**FLAT MAIL PREPARATION**
**OPTIMIZATION**
**Issue #81**
**MTAC**
**August 6, 2003**

## NEW WORK GROUP INITIATIVE

_**3-Digit Package Scheme for Flats**_
**AFSM 100-compatible Periodicals, Standard Mail, and BPM flats**
**Presorted, automation and co-packaged automation and presorted pieces**
**Pieces in packages would be rated as 3-digit **
**Possible OEL **** *************SCH 3-DIGIT 123**
**Customer preparation aligned with postal automated handling**

## NEW WORK GROUP INITIATIVE

**3D 110  **

**3D  111**

**3D  113**

**SCH 3D 110**

**AFSM 100**
**INC PRIMARY**
**SORT PLAN**

- _3-Digit Package Scheme for Flats_

**Before**

**After**

## Co-Palletization of Mixed Classes

**Provide opportunities to consolidate flats mail streams where it makes sense for efficiency **
**Build on opportunities of Periodicals co-palletization experiment **
**Reduce the number of containers prepared by customers**
**Move mail from sacks to pallets**
**Match preparation with postal processing**
**Eliminate residual mail**
**Move mail closer to destination**

## Co-Palletization Pool

**Classes**
**Periodicals (NEWS???)**
**Standard Mail **
**Bound Printed Matter**
**Package levels**
**Carrier-Route**
**FIRM (Periodicals Only)**
**5-Digit **
**3-Digit**
**Drop Ship**
**DDU **
**DSCF**

## Co-Palletization Levels

**CR**

**FIRM**

**5D**

**3D**

**PER**

**STD**

**BPM**

## Co-Palletization Parameters

**Pallets are treated as Standard Mail, but Periodicals CR packages will still receive preferential treatment in delivery **
**Finest level not required**
**Independently presorted pallet may not be degraded through co-palletization**
**Packages cannot be co-palletized on 3D, and SCF pallets if quantity exists to prepare independent 5D pallet**

## Co-Palletization – Customer Benefits

**Decreased use of sacks by moving mail onto pallets**
**Improved Palletization **
**Move Standard and BPM from BMC pallets to finer level pallets (e.g., SCF)**
**Increased pallet discounts for Periodicals portion**
**Increased drop ship penetration/discounts**
**Improved delivery consistency**
**Decreased bundle breakage with decreased use of sacks**
**Reduced attributable costs for the benefit of all customers in the respective classes**

## Co-Palletization Implementation

**Application Process**
**Establish Documentation Requirements**
**Acceptance and Verification**
**Pallet Labels for Mixed Classes**
**Recognition by USPS facilities**
**Software Support**

## Co-Packaging of Standard and Periodicals Flats

**Periodicals, Standard Mail, and Bound Printed Matter flat-size pieces**
**Combined in CR, 5D, 3D, ADC, and Mixed-ADC packages (no FIRM)**
**Packages must contain pieces all within the same automation category (AFSM 100 vs. FSM 1000)**
**Packages would be palletized at a minimum on 5D, 3D, and SCF pallets**
**Package minimum of at least 10 pieces per package**

## Co-Packaging – Customer Benefits

**Increased presort discounts by moving pieces to more finely presorted packages**
**Decreased use of sacks **
**Fewer packages to prepare**
**Improved palletization**
**Increased drop ship penetration/discounts**
**Decreased bundle breakage with decreased use of sacks**
**Reduced attributable costs for the benefit of all customers in the respective classes **

## APPS - Mail Preparation

**Supply mailers with barcoded presort labels **
**Width modulated barcode on 5 pressure-sensitive stickers**
**Federal Register notice expected this Fall**
**Maximize automated processing of bundles with OEL format ****=>** *** * C * * C * * C * * CAR RT SORT C011**
**Improve package integrity**
**Minimize bundle breakage**
**Develop standards for shrinkwrap and banding**
**Locate seamed edges beyond address block**
**Use clear plastic**
**Position strapping away from address**
**	****	**