[Federal Register: March 30, 2000 (Volume 65, Number 62)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 16859-16864]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr30mr00-25]

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POSTAL SERVICE

39 CFR Part 111


Amendments to Proposed Domestic Mail Manual Changes for Sacking
and Palletizing Periodicals Nonletters and Standard Mail (A) Flats, for
Traying First-Class Flats, and for Labeling Pallets

AGENCY: Postal Service.

ACTION: Proposed Rule; Amendment.

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SUMMARY: This rule sets forth amendments to the proposed rule published
in the Federal Register issue of February 29, 2000 (65 FR 10735). The
Postal Service has determined to add a 5-digit scheme carrier routes
sack and a 5-digit scheme carrier routes pallet to the proposed presort
rules published in the aforementioned Federal Register.
    Dates: Comments to this proposed rule amendment and to the proposed
rule published February 29, 2000 (65 FR 10735) must be received on or
before April 14, 2000.

ADDRESSES: Mail or deliver written comments to the Manager, Mail
Preparation and Standards, USPS Headquarters, 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW,
Room 6800, Washington, DC 20260-2413. Copies of all written comments
will be available for inspection and photocopying between 9 a.m. and 4
p.m., Monday through Friday at the Postal Service Library, 475 L'Enfant
Plaza SW, Room 11-N, Washington DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lynn Martin, (202) 268-6351, or Linda
Kingsley, (202) 268-2252.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On February 29, 2000, the Postal Service
published a proposed rule in the Federal Register (65 FR 10735). This
proposed rule set forth, along with other proposed Domestic Mail Manual
(DMM) changes, the addition of new DMM section M720. This proposed DMM
M720, if adopted, will allow mailers to place carrier route, 5-digit
automation rate, and 5-digit Presorted rate packages of Periodicals and
Standard Mail (A) in the same 5-digit container. The new 5-digit
containers are named ``merged 5-digit'' and if scheme sortation is
opted

[[Page 16860]]

by the mailer, ``merged 5-digit scheme.'' To use this new sortation
option, it was proposed that mailers be required to use a new ``Carrier
Route Indicators'' Field in the AMS City State Product to determine
when such merged 5-digit or merged 5-digit scheme containers may be
prepared.
    The Postal Service is hereby amending that proposal by adding a new
sack and pallet level, 5-digit scheme carrier routes, when Periodicals
and Standard Mail (A) mailings are prepared using the new ``Carrier
Route Indicators'' Field in the AMS City State Product with 5-digit
scheme sortation using Labeling List L001 under proposed Domestic Mail
Manual (DMM) sections M720.1.5, M720.1.7, M720.2.5, and M720.2.7 that
were contained in the February 29 Federal Register (65 FR 10735).
    The original proposed rule instructed mailers to prepare containers
as follows if the City State Product indicates that mailers are not
allowed to merge carrier route packages with 5-digit packages for any
of the 5-digit ZIP Codes in an L001 scheme. For palletized mail,
mailers were instructed to prepare a merged 5-digit scheme pallet
containing carrier route packages for the scheme and a 5-digit scheme
pallet containing the 5-digit packages of automation rate and Presorted
rate packages. For sacked mail, mailers were instructed to prepare a
merged 5-digit scheme sack(s) containing the carrier route packages for
all 5-digit ZIP Codes in the scheme and to prepare separate 5-digit
sacks containing packages of automation rate and Presorted rate mail
for each 5-digit ZIP Code in the scheme.
    The original proposal was to identify sacks and pallets containing
only carrier route packages for a scheme as ``merged'' if they are
created under DMM M720, even though the City State Product indicates
that mailers may not merge carrier route packages with 5-digit packages
for any of the 5-digit ZIP Codes in an L001 scheme. Upon further
consideration, the Postal Service believes this proposal is
inconsistent with the concept of ``merging.'' This amendment to the
proposed rule ensures that a ``merged'' sack or pallet is created, and
identified accordingly, only when there is the possibility, based on
the ``Carrier Route Indicators'' field in the AMS City State Product,
that carrier route packages are allowed to be merged with 5-digit
automation and Presorted rate packages for at least one of the 5-digit
ZIP Codes in a scheme.
    In instances when no 5-digit ZIP Codes in a scheme are permitted to
be merged with carrier route packages based on the ``Carrier Route
Indicators'' field in the AMS City State product, the Postal Service is
further proposing that mailers prepare and label any carrier route
packages for the 5-digit ZIP Codes in the scheme as ``5-digit scheme
carrier routes'' pallets or sacks. This new pallet and sack level is
contained in amended DMM sections M720.1.5c, M720.1.7b, M7202.5c, and
M720.2.7b set forth in this proposal. These new container levels would
be also consistent with the contents and identification of scheme
pallets containing only carrier route packages prepared under proposed
DMM M045.4.1a and M045.4.2a, and of scheme sacks containing only
carrier route packages prepared under current DMM M200.3.1c and
M620.4.2c.
    This notice also amends proposed DMM sections M720.1.5e, M720.1.7e,
M720.1.7f, M720.2.5e, M720.2.7e, and M720.2.7f, to clarify that 5-digit
carrier routes pallets and sacks would be prepared only for 5-digit ZIP
Codes that are not part of a scheme in L001 and that have an indicator
in the City State Product that does not allow co-containerization of
carrier route packages and 5-digit packages. Proposed DMM sections
M720.1.5f and M720.2.5f are also amended to clarify that 5-digit sacks
would only prepared for 5-digit ZIP Codes that have an indicator in the
City State Product that does not allow co-containerization of carrier
route packages and 5-digit packages.
    Although exempt from the notice and comment requirements of the
Administrative Procedure Act (5 USC 553 (b), (c)) regarding rulemaking
by 39 USC 410, the Postal Service hereby gives notice of the following
proposed revisions to the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM), incorporated by
reference in the Code of Federal Regulations (see 39 CFR Part 111).

List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 111

    Administrative practice and procedure, Postal Service.

PART 111--[AMENDED]

    1. The authority citation for 39 CFR Part 111 continues to read as
follows:

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 552(a); 39 U.S.C. 101, 401, 403, 404, 414,
3001-3011, 3201-3219, 3403-3406, 3621, 3626, 5001.

    2. Revise the following sections of the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM)
as set forth below:

Domestic Mail Manual

M720 Merged Containerization of Periodicals and Standard Mail (A)
Carrier Route, Automation, and Presorted Rate Mail Packages for the
Same 5-Digit ZIP Code or 5-Digit Scheme

1.0  PERIODICALS MAIL
* * * * *

[Amend proposed 1.5 to read as follows:]

1.5  Optional Sack Preparation and Labeling With Scheme Sort

    When mailers choose to prepare mail under this option they must
prepare sacks containing the individual carrier route and 5-digit
packages from the carrier route, automation rate, and Presorted rate
mailings in the mailing job in the following manner and sequence. All
carrier route packages must be placed in sacks under 1.5a through e as
described below. When sortation under this section is performed, merged
5-digit scheme sacks, 5-digit scheme carrier routes sacks, and merged
5-digit sacks must be prepared for all possible 5-digit schemes or 5-
digit ZIP Codes as applicable, using L001 (merged 5-digit scheme and 5-
digit scheme carrier routes sort only) and the Carrier Route Indicators
field in the City State Product when there is enough volume for the 5-
digit scheme or 5-digit ZIP Code to prepare such sacks under 1.5.
Mailers must label sacks according to the Line 1 and Line 2 information
listed below and under M032. If, due to the physical size of the
mailpieces, the automation rate pieces are considered flat-size under
C820 and the carrier route sorted pieces and Presorted rate pieces are
considered irregular parcels under C050, ``FLTS'' must be shown as the
processing category shown on the sack label. If a mailing job does not
contain an automation rate mailing and the carrier route mailing and
the Presorted rate mailing are irregular parcel shaped, use ``IRREG''
for the processing category on the contents line of the label.
    a. Carrier Route. Required. May only contain carrier route
packages. Must be prepared when there are 24 or more pieces for the
same carrier route. Smaller volume not permitted.
    (1) Line 1: use city, state abbreviation, and 5-digit ZIP Code
destination (see M032 for military mail).
    (2) Line 2: ``PER'' or ``NEWS'' as applicable, followed by ``FLTS''
or ``IRREG'' as applicable, followed by ``CR'' for basic rate, ``WSH''
for high density rate, or ``WSS'' for saturation

[[Page 16861]]

rate, followed by the route type and number.
    b. Merged 5-Digit Scheme. Required and permitted only when there is
at least one 5-digit ZIP Code in the scheme for which the City State
Product indicates carrier route packages may be co-containerized with
5-digit packages. May contain carrier route packages for any 5-digit
ZIP Code(s) in a single scheme listed in L001 as well as automation
rate 5-digit packages and Presorted rate 5-digit packages for those 5-
digit ZIP Codes in the scheme that are also identified in the City
State Product as eligible for co-containerization of carrier route
packages and 5-digit packages. When preparation of this sack level is
permitted, a sack must be prepared if there are any carrier route
package(s) for the scheme. If there is not at least one carrier route
package for any 5-digit destination in the scheme, preparation of this
sack is required at 24 pieces in 5-digit packages for any of the 5-
digit ZIP Codes in the scheme that are identified in the City State
Product as eligible for co-containerization of carrier route packages
and 5-digit packages, and is optional with one six-piece 5-digit
package or at least one 5-digit package of fewer pieces for the scheme
in L001 under 1.3 (for any ZIP Codes that are identified in the City
State Product as eligible for co-containerization of carrier route
packages and 5-digit packages). For a 5-digit ZIP Code(s) in a scheme
for which the indicator in the City State Product does not allow co-
containerization of carrier route packages and 5-digit packages,
prepare a 5-digit sack(s) for the automation rate and Presorted rate
packages under 1.5f. For 5-digit ZIP Codes not included in a scheme,
prepare sacks under 1.5d through g.
    (1) Line 1: use L001, Column B.
    (2) Line 2: ``PER'' or ``NEWS'' as applicable, followed by ``FLTS''
or ``IRREG'' as applicable, followed by ``CR/5D SCH.''
    c. 5-Digit Scheme Carrier Routes. Required. May contain only
carrier route packages for any 5-digit ZIP Code(s) in a single scheme
listed in L001 when the indicator in the City State Product does not
allow co-containerization of carrier route packages and 5-digit
packages for any of the 5-digit ZIP Codes in the scheme. Must be
prepared if there are any carrier route package(s) for the scheme.
    (1) Line 1: use L001, Column B.
    (2) Line 2: ``PER'' or ``NEWS'' as applicable, followed by ``FLTS''
or ``IRREG'' as applicable, followed by ``CR-RTS SCH.''
    d. Merged 5-Digit. Required. Must be prepared only for those 5-
digit ZIP Codes that are not part of a scheme and that have an
indicator in the City State Product that allows carrier route packages
to be co-containerized with 5-digit packages. May contain carrier route
packages, automation rate 5-digit packages, and Presorted rate 5-digit
packages. Must be prepared if there are any carrier route packages for
the 5-digit. If there is not at least one carrier route package for the
5-digit destination, preparation of this sack is required at 24 pieces
in 5-digit packages for the same 5-digit destination, and is optional
with one six piece package or at least one package of fewer pieces
under 1.3.
    (1) Line 1: use city, state abbreviation, and 5-digit ZIP Code
destination (see M032 for military mail).
    (2) Line 2: ``PER'' or ``NEWS'' as applicable, followed by ``FLTS''
or ``IRREG'' as applicable, followed by ``CR/5D.''
    e. 5-Digit Carrier Routes. Required. Sack only carrier route
packages for a 5-digit ZIP Code remaining after preparing sacks under
1.5a through d to this level. May contain only carrier route packages
for any 5-digit ZIP Code that is not part of a scheme listed in L001
and the indicator in the City State Product does not allow co-
containerization of carrier route packages and 5-digit packages for the
5-digit ZIP Code. No sack minimum.
    (1) Line 1: use city, state abbreviation, and 5-digit ZIP Code
destination (see M032 for military mail).
    (2) Line 2: ``PER'' or ``NEWS'' as applicable, followed by ``FLTS''
or ``IRREG'' as applicable, followed by ``CR-RTS.''
    f. 5-Digit. Required. May only contain automation rate 5-digit
packages and Presorted rate 5-digit packages for any 5-digit ZIP Code
when the indicator in the City State Product does not allow co-
containerization of carrier route packages and 5-digit packages for the
5-digit ZIP Code. Must be prepared at 24 or more pieces, optional with
one six-piece package or at least one package of fewer pieces under
1.3.
    (1) Line 1 labeling: use city, state abbreviation, and 5-digit ZIP
Code destination (see M032 for military mail).
    (2) Line 2: ``PER'' or ``NEWS'' as applicable, followed by ``FLTS
5D BC/NBC'', except if there are no automation rate packages in the
mailing job, label under M200.3.2f.
    g. Three-digit through mixed ADC sacks. Any 5-digit packages
remaining after preparing sacks under 1.5a through f, and all 3-digit,
ADC, and Mixed ADC packages, must be sacked and labeled according to
the applicable requirements under M710.2.0 for co-sacking of automation
rate and Presorted rate packages, except if there are no automation
rate packages in the mailing job, sack and label under M200.3.0.
* * * * *

[Amend proposed 1.7 to read as follows:]

1.7  Optional Pallet Preparation and Labeling With Scheme (L001) Sort

    When mailers choose to prepare mail under this option they must
prepare pallets of packages and/or bundles in the manner and sequence
listed below and under M041. When sortation under this option is
performed, mailers must prepare all merged 5-digit scheme, 5-digit
scheme carrier routes, 5-digit scheme, and merged 5-digit pallets that
are possible in the mailing based on the volume of mail to the
destination using L001 and/or the City State Product as applicable.
Mailers must label pallets according to the Line 1 and Line 2
information listed below and under M031. If, due to the physical size
of the mailpieces, the automation rate pieces are considered flat-size
under C820 and the carrier route sorted pieces and Presorted rate
pieces are considered irregular parcels under C050, ``FLTS'' must be
shown as the processing category shown on the sack label. If a mailing
contains no automation rate pieces and the carrier route mailing and
the Presorted rate mailing are irregular parcel shaped, use ``IRREG''
for the processing category on the contents line of the label.
    a. Merged 5-Digit Scheme. Required and permitted only when there is
at least one 5-digit ZIP Code in the scheme for which the City State
Product indicates carrier route packages may be co-containerized with
5-digit packages. May contain carrier route packages for any 5-digit
ZIP Code(s) in a single scheme listed in L001 as well as automation
rate 5-digit packages and Presorted rate 5-digit packages for those 5-
digit ZIP Codes in the scheme that are also identified in the City
State Product as eligible for co-containerization of carrier route
packages and 5-digit packages.
    (1) Line 1: use L001, Column B.
    (2) Line 2: ``PER'' or ``NEWS'' as applicable, followed by ``FLTS''
or ``IRREG'' as applicable, followed by ``CR/5D SCHEME.''
    b. 5-Digit Scheme Carrier Routes. Required. May contain only
carrier route packages and bundles for all carrier routes in an L001
scheme when the indicator in the City State Product does not allow co-
containerization of carrier route packages and 5-digit packages for any
of the 5-digit ZIP Codes in the scheme.

[[Page 16862]]

    (1) Line 1: use L001, Column B.
    (2) Line 2: ``PER'' or ``NEWS'' as applicable, followed by ``FLTS''
or ``IRREG'' as applicable, followed by ``CR-RTS SCHEME.''
    c. 5-Digit Scheme. Required. May contain only 5-digit packages and
bundles of automation rate and Presorted rate mail for the same 5-digit
scheme under L001 for ZIP Codes in the scheme that have an indicator in
the City State Product that does not allow carrier route packages to be
co-containerized with 5-digit packages.
    (1) Line 1: use L001, Column B.
    (2) Line 2: ``PER'' or ``NEWS'' as applicable, followed by ``FLTS''
or ``IRREG'' as applicable, followed by ``5D,'' followed by
``BARCODED'' or ``BC'' if the pallet contains automation rate mail,
followed by ``NONBARCODED'' or ``NBC'' if the pallet contains Presorted
rate mail, followed by ``SCHEME'' or ``SCH.''
    d. Merged 5-Digit. Required. May contain carrier route packages and
bundles, automation rate 5-digit packages and bundles, and Presorted
rate 5-digit packages and bundles for those 5-digit ZIP Codes that are
not part of a scheme and that have an indicator in the City State
Product that allows co-containerization of carrier route packages and
5-digit packages.
    (1) Line 1: use city, state abbreviation, and 5 -digit ZIP Code
destination (see M031 for military mail).
    (2) Line 2: ``PER'' or ``NEWS'' as applicable, followed by ``FLTS''
or IRREG'' as applicable, followed by ``CR/5D.''
    e. 5-Digit Carrier Routes. Required. May contain only carrier route
rate packages and bundles for the same 5-digit ZIP Code that is not
part of a scheme and that has an indicator in the City State Product
that does not allow co-containerization of carrier route packages and
5-digit packages.
    (1) Line 1: use city, state abbreviation, and 5-digit ZIP Code
destination (see M031 for military mail).
    (2) Line 2: ``PER'' or ``NEWS'' as applicable, followed by ``FLTS''
or ``IRREG'' as applicable, followed by ``CARRIER ROUTES'' or ``CR-
RTS.''
    f. 5-Digit. Required. May contain only automation rate 5-digit
packages and bundles and Presorted rate 5-digit packages and bundles
for the same 5-digit ZIP Code that is not part of a scheme and that has
an indicator in the City State Product that does not allow co-
containerization of carrier route packages and 5-digit packages.
    (1) Line 1: use city, state abbreviation, and 5-digit ZIP Code
destination (see M031 for military mail).
    (2) Line 2: ``PER'' or ``NEWS'' as applicable, followed by ``FLTS''
or ``IRREG'' as applicable, followed by ``5D,'' followed by
``BARCODED'' or ``BC'' if the pallet contains automation rate mail, and
followed by ``NONBARCODED'' or ``NBC'' if the pallet contains Presorted
rate mail.
    g. 3-Digit. Optional. May contain carrier route rate, automation
rate, and Presorted rate packages and bundles.
    (1) Line 1: use L002, Column A.
    (2) Line 2: ``PER'' or ``NEWS'' as applicable, followed by ``FLTS''
or ``IRREG'' as applicable, followed by ``3D,'' followed by ``DDU'' if
DDU rates are claimed, followed by ``DSCF'' if SCF rates are claimed,
followed by ``BARCODED'' or ``BC'' if the pallet contains automation
rate mail, and followed by ``NONBARCODED'' or ``NBC'' if the pallet
contains Presorted rate mail.
    h. SCF. Required. May contain carrier route rate, automation rate,
and Presorted rate packages and bundles.
    (1) Line 1: use L002, Column C.
    (2) Line 2: ``PER'' or ``NEWS'' as applicable, followed by ``FLTS''
or ``IRREG'' as applicable, followed by ``SCF,'' followed by ``DDU'' if
DDU rates are claimed, followed by ``DSCF'' if SCF rates are claimed,
followed by ``BARCODED'' or ``BC'' if the pallet contains automation
rate mail, and followed by ``NONBARCODED'' or ``NBC'' if the pallet
contains Presorted rate mail.
    i. ADC. Required. May contain carrier route rate, automation rate,
and Presorted rate packages and bundles.
    (1) Line 1: use L004.
    (2) Line 2: ``PER'' or ``NEWS'' as applicable, followed by ``FLTS''
or ``IRREG'' as applicable, followed by ``ADC,'' followed by
``BARCODED'' or ``BC'' if the pallet contains automation rate mail, and
followed by ``NONBARCODED'' or ``NBC'' if the pallet contains Presorted
rate mail.

2.0  STANDARD MAIL (A)
* * * * *

[Amend proposed 2.5 to read as follows:]

2.5  Optional Sack Preparation and Labeling With Scheme Sort

    When mailers choose to prepare mail under this option they must
prepare sacks containing the individual carrier route and 5-digit
packages from the carrier route rate, automation rate, and Presorted
rate mailings in the mailing job in the following manner and sequence.
All carrier route packages must be placed in sacks under 2.5a through e
as described below. When sortation under this section is performed,
merged 5-digit scheme sacks, 5-digit scheme carrier routes sacks, and
merged 5-digit sacks must be prepared for all possible 5-digit schemes
or 5-digit ZIP Codes as applicable, using L001 (merged 5-digit scheme
and 5-digit scheme carrier routes sort only) and the Carrier Route
Indicators field in the City State Product when there is enough volume
for the 5-digit scheme or 5-digit ZIP Code to prepare such sacks under
2.5. Mailers must label sacks according to the Line 1 and Line 2
information listed below and under M032.
    a. Carrier Route. Required. May only contain carrier route
packages. Must be prepared when there are 125 pieces or 15 pounds of
pieces for the same carrier route. Smaller volume not permitted.
    (1) Line 1 labeling: use city, state abbreviation, and 5-digit ZIP
Code destination (see M032 for military mail).
    (2) Line 2 labeling: ``STD FLTS'' followed by ``ECRLOT,''
``ECRWSH'' or ``ECRWSS'' as applicable for basic, high density, and
saturation rate mail, followed by the route type and number.
    b. Merged 5-Digit Scheme. Required and permitted only when there is
at least one 5-digit ZIP Code in the scheme for which the City State
Product indicates carrier route packages may be co-containerized with
5-digit packages. May contain carrier route packages for any 5-digit
ZIP Code(s) in a single scheme listed in L001 as well as automation
rate 5-digit packages and Presorted rate 5-digit packages for those 5-
digit ZIP Codes in the scheme that are also identified in the City
State Product as eligible for co-containerization of carrier route
packages and 5-digit packages. When preparation of this sack level is
permitted, a sack must be prepared if there are any carrier route
package(s) for the scheme. If there is not at least one carrier route
package for any 5-digit destination in the scheme, preparation of this
sack is required when there are at least 125 pieces or 15 pounds of
pieces in 5-digit packages for any of the 5-digit ZIP Codes in the
scheme that are identified in the City State Product as eligible for
co-containerization of carrier route packages and 5-digit packages
(smaller volume not permitted). For a 5-digit ZIP Code(s) in a scheme
for which the indicator in the City State Product does not allow co-
containerization of carrier route packages and 5-digit packages,
prepare a 5-digit sack(s) for the automation rate and Presorted rate
packages under 2.5f. For 5-digit ZIP Codes not included in a scheme,
prepare sacks under 2.5d through g.
    (1) Line 1: use L001, Column B.
    (2) Line 2: ``STD FLTS CR-RTS SCH.''

[[Page 16863]]

    c. 5-Digit Scheme Carrier Routes. 5-Digit Scheme Carrier Routes.
Required. May contain only carrier route packages for any 5-digit ZIP
Code(s) in a single scheme listed in L001 when the indicator in the
City State Product does not allow co-containerization of carrier route
packages and 5-digit packages for any of the 5-digit ZIP Codes in the
scheme. Must be prepared if there are any carrier route package(s) for
the scheme.
    (1) Line 1: use L001, Column B.
    (2) Line 2: ``STD FLTS CR-RTS SCH.''
    d. Merged 5-Digit. Required. Must be prepared only for those 5-
digit ZIP Codes that are not part of a scheme and that have an
indicator in the City State Product that allows carrier route packages
to be co-containerized with 5-digit packages. May contain carrier route
packages, automation rate 5-digit packages, and Presorted rate 5-digit
packages. Must be prepared if there are any carrier route packages for
the 5-digit. If there is not at least one carrier route package for the
5-digit destination, must be prepared when there are at least 125
pieces or 15 pounds of pieces in 5-digit packages for the same 5-digit
destination (smaller volume not permitted).
    (1) Line 1: use city, state abbreviation, and 5-digit ZIP Code
destination (see M032 for military mail).
    (2) Line 2: ``STD FLTS CR-5D.''
    e. 5-Digit Carrier Routes. Required. Sack only carrier route
packages for a 5-digit ZIP Code remaining after preparing sacks under
2.5a through d to this level. May contain only carrier route packages
for any 5-digit ZIP Code that is not part of a scheme listed in L001
and the indicator in the City State Product does not allow co-
containerization of carrier route packages and 5-digit packages for the
5-digit ZIP Code. No sack minimum.
    (1) Line 1: use city, state abbreviation, and 5-digit ZIP Code
destination (see M032 for military mail).
    (2) Line 2: ``STD FLTS CR-RTS.''
    f. 5-Digit. Required. May only contain automation rate 5-digit
packages and Presorted rate 5-digit packages for any 5-digit ZIP Code
when the indicator in the City State Product does not allow co-
containerization of carrier route packages and 5-digit packages for the
5-digit ZIP Code. Must be prepared when there are at least 125 pieces
or 15 pounds of pieces for the 5-digit ZIP Code. Smaller volume not
permitted.
    (1) Line 1: use city, state abbreviation, and 5-digit ZIP Code
destination (see M032 for military mail).
    (2) Line 2: ``STD FLTS 5D BC/NBC,'' except if there are no
automation rate packages in the mailing job use ``STD FLTS 5D NON BC.''
    g. Three-digit through Mixed AADC Sacks. Any 5-digit packages
remaining after preparing sacks under 2.5 a through f, and all 3-digit,
ADC, and Mixed ADC packages, must be sacked and labeled according to
the applicable requirements under M710.3.0 for co-sacking of automation
rate and Presorted rate packages, except if there are no automation
rate packages in the mailing job, sack and label under M610.
* * * * *

[Amend proposed 2.7 to read as follows:]

2.7  Optional Pallet Preparation and Labeling With Scheme (L002) Sort

    When mailers choose to prepare mail under this option they must
prepare pallets of packages and/or bundles in the manner and sequence
listed below and under M041. When sortation under this option is
performed, mailers must prepare all merged 5-digit scheme, 5-digit
scheme carrier routes, 5-digit scheme, and merged 5-digit pallets that
are possible in the mailing based on the volume of mail to the
destination using L001 and/or the City State Product as applicable.
Mailers must label pallets according to the Line 1 and Line 2
information listed below and under M031.
    a. Merged 5-Digit Scheme. Required and permitted only when there is
at least one 5-digit ZIP Code in the scheme for which the City State
Product indicates carrier route packages may be co-containerized with
5-digit packages. May contain carrier route packages for any 5-digit
ZIP Code(s) in a single scheme listed in L001 as well as automation
rate 5-digit packages and Presorted rate 5-digit packages for those 5-
digit ZIP Codes in the scheme that are also identified in the City
State Product as eligible for co-containerization of carrier route
packages and 5-digit packages. When preparation of this sack level is
permitted, a sack must be prepared if there are any carrier route
package(s) for the scheme. For 5-digit ZIP Codes in a scheme for which
the indicator in the Carrier Route Indicators field does not allow co-
containerization of carrier route and 5-digit packages, begin preparing
pallets under 2.7c (5-digit scheme pallet). For 5-digit ZIP Codes not
included in a scheme, begin preparing pallets under 2.7d (merged 5-
digit pallet).
    (1) Line 1: labeling: use L001, Column B.
    (2) Line 2: ``STD FLTS CR-5D SCHEME.''
    b. 5-Digit Scheme Carrier Routes. Required. May contain only
carrier route packages and bundles for all carrier routes in an L001
scheme when the indicator in the City State Product does not allow co-
containerization of carrier route packages and 5-digit packages for any
of the 5-digit ZIP Codes in the scheme.
    (1) Line 1: use L001, Column B.
    (2) Line 2: ``STD FLTS CR-RTS SCHEME.''
    c. 5-Digit Scheme. Required. May contain 5-digit packages and
bundles of automation rate and 5-digit Presorted rate mail for the same
5-digit scheme under L001 for ZIP Codes in the scheme that do not have
an indicator in the City State Product that allows co-containerization
of carrier route packages and 5-digit packages.
    (1) Line 1: use L001, Column B.
    (2) Line 2: STD FLTS 5D,'' followed by ``BARCODED'' or ``BC'' if
the pallet contains automation rate mail, followed by ``NONBARCODED''
or ``NBC'' if the pallet contains Presorted rate mail, followed by
``SCHEME'' or ``SCH.''
    d. Merged 5-Digit. Required. May contain carrier route rate
packages and bundles, automation rate 5-digit packages and bundles, and
Presorted rate 5-digit packages and bundles for those 5-digit ZIP Codes
that are not part of a scheme and that have an indicator in the City
State Product that allows co-containerization of carrier route packages
and 5-digit packages.
    (1) Line 1: use city, state abbreviation, and 5-digit ZIP Code
destination (see M031 for military mail).
    (2) Line 2: ``STD FLTS CR/5D.''
    e. 5-Digit Carrier Routes. Required. May contain only carrier route
rate packages and bundles for the same 5-digit ZIP Code for those 5-
digit ZIP Codes that are not part of a scheme and that have an
indicator in the City State Product that does not allow co-
containerization of carrier route packages and 5-digit packages.
    (1) Line 1: use city, state abbreviation, and 5-digit ZIP Code
destination (see M031 for military mail).
    (2) Line 2: ``STD FLTS,'' followed by ``CARRIER ROUTES'' or ``CR-
RTS.''
    f. 5-Digit. Required. May contain automation rate 5-digit packages
and bundles and Presorted rate 5-digit packages and bundles for the
same 5-digit ZIP Code for those 5-digit ZIP Codes that are not part of
a scheme and that have an indicator in the City State Product that does
not allow co-containerization of carrier route packages and 5-digit
packages.
    (1) Line 1: use city, state abbreviation, and 5-digit ZIP Code
destination (see M031 for military mail).
    (2) Line 2: ``STD FLTS 5D,'' followed by ``BARCODED'' or ``BC'' if
the pallet contains automation rate mail, and

[[Page 16864]]

followed by ``NONBARCODED'' or ``NBC'' if the pallet contains Presorted
rate mail.
    g. 3-Digit. Optional. May contain carrier route rate, automation
rate, and Presorted rate packages and bundles.
    (1) Line 1: use L002, Column A.
    (2) Line 2: ``STD FLTS 3D,'' followed by ``DDU'' if DDU rates are
claimed, followed by ``DSCF'' if DSCF rates are claimed, followed by
``BARCODED'' or ``BC'' if the pallet contains automation rate mail, and
followed by ``NONBARCODED'' or ``NBC'' if the pallet contains Presorted
rate mail.
    h. SCF: Required. May contain carrier route rate, automation rate,
and Presorted rate packages and bundles.
    (1) Line 1: use L002, Column C.
    (2) Line 2: ``STD FLTS SCF;'' followed by ``DDU'' if DDU rates are
claimed, followed by ``DSCF'' if DSCF rates are claimed; followed by
``BARCODED'' or ``BC'' if the pallet contains automation rate mail; and
followed by ``NONBARCODED'' or ``NBC'' if the pallet contains Presorted
rate mail.
    i. If DBMC rates are not claimed: Destination BMC. Required. May
contain carrier route rate, automation rate, and Presorted rate
packages and bundles. Sort ADC packages and bundles to BMC pallets
based on the ``label to'' ZIP Code shown for the ADC of the package or
bundle in L004.
    (1) Line 1: use L601.
    (2) Line 2: ``STD FLTS BMC,'' followed by ``BARCODED'' or ``BC'' if
the pallet contains automation rate mail, and followed by
``NONBARCODED'' or ``NBC'' if the pallet contains Presorted rate mail.
    j. If DBMC rates are claimed: Destination ASF/BMC. May contain
carrier route rate, automation rate, and Presorted rate packages and
bundles. Destination ASF sortation allowed and required only if DBMC
rate is claimed for mail deposited at an ASF, otherwise sort to
Destination BMC. Sort ADC packages and bundles to ASF/BMC pallets based
on the ``label to'' ZIP Code shown for the ADC of the package or bundle
in L004.
    (1) Line 1: use L602.
    (2) Line 2: ``STD FLTS,'' followed by ``ASF'' or ``BMC'' as
applicable; followed by ``BARCODED'' or ``BC'' if the pallet contains
automation rate mail; and followed by ``NONBARCODED'' or ``NBC'' if the
pallet contains Presorted rate mail.
    An appropriate amendment to 39 CFR 111.3 will be published to
reflect these changes if the proposal is adopted.

Stanley F. Mires,
Chief Counsel, Legislative.
[FR Doc. 00-7838 Filed 3-29-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7710-12-P