FR Doc 04-4212
[Federal Register: February 26, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 38)]
[Proposed Rules]               
[Page 8899-8905]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr26fe04-34]                         

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POSTAL SERVICE

39 CFR Part 111

 
Packaging Standards and General Mailability

AGENCY: Postal Service.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: This proposed rule contains minor changes to the Domestic Mail 
Manual (DMMTM) that would clarify packaging and closure 
requirements, types of acceptable mailing containers, and standards for 
certain articles processed on Postal ServiceTM parcel 
sorting equipment. This proposed rule would also update terminology and 
reorganize current standards for better reference and presentation.

[[Page 8900]]

DATES: Submit comments on or before March 29, 2004.

ADDRESSES: Mail or deliver comments to the Manager, Mailing Standards, 
Attn: Neil Berger, U.S. Postal Service, 1735 N. Lynn Street, Room 3025, 
Arlington, VA 22209-6038. Written comments may also be submitted by 
facsimile transmission to (703) 292-4058. 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 
Headquarters Library, 11th Floor North, 475 L'Enfant Plaza, SW., 
Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Neil Berger at (703) 292-3645, Mailing 
Standards, U.S. Postal Service.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: When the general mailability standards from 
Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) Issue 45 were consolidated and republished 
as part C010 in DMM Issue 46 on July 1, 1993, most of the same 
standards on packing, closing, and sealing mailable articles were also 
transferred to Postal Service Publication 2, Packaging for Mailing. In 
the intervening 10 years, the Postal Service has made relatively few 
editorial or substantive changes to the current mailing standards and 
information in either DMM C010 or in Publication 2.
    With the growing awareness in effective package preparation, 
especially for parcels, the Postal Service believes that it is 
important to reexamine these mailing standards, update them where 
appropriate, and present them in a more logical sequence.
    Throughout this document and the relevant DMM sections, the term 
``package'' is used to mean a parcel, and is not to be confused with 
the same term used in conjunction with mail preparation and presort 
destination packages of letter-size and flat-size mailpieces.
    The following listing represents the major proposed changes:
    Part C010.2.0. This part would be slightly reorganized, with 
additional proposed packaging standards included about certain items 
such as liquids, high-density items, and hazardous materials that 
require special packaging and markings.
    Part C010.3.0. This part would be slightly reorganized, with 
additional proposed packaging standards for boxes and changes to the 
minimum thickness of heat-shrinkable plastic film (shrinkwrap) 
acceptable for easy and average loads of up to 5 pounds. Proposed DMM 
C010.3.1d would restore the use of paper or plastic wrappers as an 
outside cover for a box if the paper is at least of 60-pound basis 
weight or the plastic is at least 2 mils thick and snugly secured to 
the box either with tape or heatshrinking. Proposed DMM C010.3.4 would 
increase the minimum thickness specification (mil) for plastic film 
used as the mailing container from \3/4\ mil for easy loads and 1\1/4\ 
mils for average loads to a minimum thickness of 2 mils for either easy 
or average loads. This proposed change to a heavier film would be 
consistent with the current standards for plastic mailing bags in 
proposed DMM C010.3.3. This proposed change would also ensure that 
mailpieces using plastic film solely as the mailing container would 
maintain their integrity throughout transit, processing, and delivery.
    Part C010.4.0. This part would contain the standards for special 
mailing envelopes currently in DMM C010.6.0.
    Part C010.5.0. This part would include examples and the standards 
for cushioning material currently in DMM C010.4.0.
    Part C010.6.0. This part would contain the standards for closing, 
sealing, and reinforcing parcels currently in DMM C010.5.0. Proposed 
changes would clarify that duct tape would not be acceptable for 
closing or reinforcing parcels. This part would include additional 
information on the various types of permissible tapes. This part would 
also expressly prohibit the use of twine or cord for closure and 
reinforcement.
    Part C010.8.0. This part would be extensively amended and 
reorganized to clarify packaging standards and to separate the 
mailpiece weight categories for various types of articles weighing 35 
pounds and under from those weighing more than 35 pounds. This proposed 
change would reflect the current separation between machinable and 
nonmachinable parcels based on the 35-pound threshold. Books, printed 
matter, and business forms do have a 25-pound weight limit for 
machinability as specified in DMM C700.2.0. Under DMM C010.8.5 for 
magnetic tapes, the minimum thickness for plastic film wraps for 
individual tapes would be changed from 0.00075 mil to \3/4\ mil, and 
the fiberboard and chipboard minimum specifications of 0.022 mil (also 
designated as 22 points) would be changed to 125-pound test fiberboard 
or equivalent.
    M041.5.6. This section would be amended to specify that high-
density parcels weighing 25 to 35 pounds would not be permitted on 
pallets containing machinable parcels.
    USPS Publication 2. This proposed rule would eliminate Publication 
2, Packaging for Mailing, after all pertinent information is 
transferred to the DMM.
    Although exempt from the notice and comment requirements of the 
Administrative Procedure Act [5 U.S.C. 553(b), (c)] regarding proposed 
rulemaking by 39 U.S.C. 410(a), the Postal Service invites public 
comment on the following proposed revisions to the Domestic Mail 
Manual, incorporated in the Code of Federal Regulations. See 39 CFR 
111.1.

List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 111

    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, 
416, 3001-3011, 3201-3219, 3403-3406, 3621, 3626, 5001.

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

C Characteristics and Content

C000 General Information

C010 General Mailability Standards

* * * * *
2.0 PACKAGING
    [Revise heading of 2.1 to read as follows:]

2.1 Preparation Adequacy

    [Revise 2.1 to read as follows:]
    Letters, flats, and parcels presented for mailing must be prepared 
under the general and specific standards in the Domestic Mail Manual. 
Parcels must be able to withstand normal transit and handling without 
breakage, injury to USPS[reg] employees, or damage to other mail. In 
addition to the standards in 1.0, parcels must have an address side 
with enough surface area to accommodate completely the delivery 
address, return address, postage, markings, endorsements, and any 
barcode and special service markings. Separate and additional standards 
can apply to overseas military mail and international mail. Mailers can 
evaluate the adequacy of their packaging for parcels by using Test 
Procedure 1A developed by the International Safe Transit Association 
(ISTA) (see G043 for address).

2.2 Acceptability

    [Revise 2.2 by adding 2.9 as the second sentence then revising to 
read as follows:]
    No mailpiece may be prepared or packed so that its contents or 
physical

[[Page 8901]]

construction could harm employees or damage equipment or other mail. 
Perishable items must be packed to prevent deterioration or 
degradation. Fragile items must be packed to withstand mail processing 
and transportation. Heavy items must be braced and cushioned to prevent 
damage to other mail. State and federal regulations can also affect the 
mailability of mailpieces containing items such as hazardous, 
biological, and restricted materials (see C020). The USPS accepts only 
properly prepared and marked letters, flats, and parcels and reserves 
the right to refuse nonmailable matter under 10.0 or any improperly 
prepared or packed article or substance.
    [Revise title of 2.3 to read as follows:]

2.3 Special Items

    [Revise 2.3 by combining with current 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, and 2.7 to 
read as follows:]
    The following items require special attention in packaging:
    a. Stationery. Stationery-type items measuring more than 1 inch 
thick or weighing more than 1 pound are not accepted in flat 
nongussetted envelopes. The contents must be unitized within the 
envelope or mailing container by tying, banding, or using partitions on 
close-fitting interior containers to prevent shifting, damage to the 
contents, and breakage to the envelope or mailing container.
    b. Liquids. Mailpieces containing liquids must meet these 
additional standards:
    (1) Containers with only friction-top closures (push-down types) 
are not acceptable. Screw-on caps, soldering, clips, or other means 
must be used for closure.
    (2) Glass and other breakable containers of liquid with a capacity 
of more than 4 fluid ounces must be cushioned, with material sufficient 
to absorb any leakage in case of breakage, inside a sealed, leakproof 
container. Containers of liquid with a capacity of more than 32 fluid 
ounces must also be packed within another sealed, leakproof container 
such as a can or sealable plastic bag. The outer mailing container must 
be strong enough to protect the contents and must be marked to indicate 
the liquid nature of the contents. The marking ``LIQUID'' with 
orientation markings (i.e., up arrows) indicating the upright position 
of the mailing container may be used.
    (3) Steel pails and drums with carrying handles and positive 
closures, such as locking rings or recessed spouts under screw-cap 
closures, may be accepted without additional packaging.
    c. High-Density Items. These items are solid objects other than 
books (or similar publications) whose weight is comparatively high for 
their volume (e.g., tools, hardware, and machine and auto parts). High-
density items weighing more than 15 pounds must be packed so that the 
contents do not exert more than 60 pounds per square foot (0.4167 pound 
per square inch) on the smallest side of the mailing container.
    d. Perishable, Hazardous, or Restricted Items. These items must be 
packed and marked under C022, C023, or C024, respectively.
    [Redesignate current 2.8 as new 2.4.]

2.4 Load Type

    [Revise new 2.4 to read as follows:]
    The following three terms describe types of loads, based on 
content, degree of protection, and strength of the package or mailing 
container:
    a. An easy load contains items of moderate density that completely 
fill the mailing container, or are packed with sufficient surrounding 
cushioning materials that completely fill the mailing container or are 
packed in interior containers that completely fill the outer mailing 
container. This load type is not easily damaged by shock, compression, 
or puncture, and does not shift within the mailing container or present 
a hazard to other parcels.
    b. An average load contains moderately concentrated items packed 
directly into a mailing container or are subjected to an intermediate 
stage of packing providing partial support to all surfaces of the 
mailing container. This load type can be prepacked by nesting items 
within partitions or in separate paperboard boxes to stabilize items 
and prevent shifting and damage.
    c. A difficult load contains items that require a high degree of 
protection to prevent shock, puncture, or distortion to the items or 
the mailing container. Fragile items, delicate instruments, and high-
density, small-bulky items that do not support the mailing container 
are not acceptable in paperboard boxes, bags, or wraps.
    [Delete 2.9.]
    [Revise heading of 3.0 to read as follows:]
3.0 MAILING CONTAINERS--PARCELS

3.1 Boxes

    [Revise 3.1 by combining current 3.1a, 3.1b, 3.1c, and 3.1d into 
new 3.1a; by redesignating current 3.1e and 3.1f as 3.1b and 3.1c 
respectively; by adding new 3.1d; and by redesignating current 3.1g as 
3.1e to read as follows:]
    Boxes are acceptable, subject to these standards:
    a. Box material:
    [Revise 3.1a(1) by changing ``up to 10 pounds'' to ``up to 5 
pounds'' in first sentence and ``up to 20 pounds'' to ``up to 10 
pounds'' in the second sentence to read as follows:]
    (1) Paperboard boxes (e.g., suitbox) may be used for easy and 
average loads up to 5 pounds if the contents and any cushioning 
material fill the boxes completely. Metal-stayed paperboard boxes may 
be used for easy and average loads up to 10 pounds.
    (2) Solid and corrugated fiberboard boxes may be used for all load 
types as shown in Exhibit 3.1, unless otherwise specified. The first 
maximum reached whether combined length and girth or weight, determines 
the box grade required. The box grade (bursting strength) is printed 
within the boxmaker's certificate on the box and shows other 
specifications such as size and gross weight limits.
    (3) Wood, metal, or plastic boxes may be used for all types of 
loads, assuming adequate construction. See 8.0 for USPS parcel sorting 
system standards.

Exhibit 3.1 Fiberboard Boxes

    [Add new Exhibit 3.1 to read as follows:]

------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Maximum weight of box and content
              (pounds)                  Maximum length
-------------------------------------     and girth         Box grade
 Easy or average                           (inches)
      load          Difficult load
------------------------------------------------------------------------
          20                N/A                 67               125
          40                 20                100               175
          65                 45                108               200
          70                 65                108               275
         N/A                 70                108               350
         N/A                 70                130               350
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    b. The size of the box must be sufficiently adequate to contain the 
items and provide enough space for cushioning material. See 5.0.
    c. Used boxes in good, rigid condition, with all flaps intact, are 
acceptable if all obsolete labels and markings (from previous mailings 
or other uses) are entirely removed or completely obliterated.
    d. A paper wrapper such as kraft paper may be used as an outside 
cover for a box if the paper is at least of 60-pound basis weight and 
snugly secured to the box. A plastic cover may also be used as an 
outside cover if the plastic is at least 2 mils thick and snugly 
secured to the box by shrinkwrapping or heatshrinking.
    e. Except for parcels prepared for destination delivery unit entry 
(e.g., Parcel Select[reg]-DDU), boxes with difficult loads must be 
reinforced with

[[Page 8902]]

banding about every 8 inches in each direction around the package.
    [Delete 3.2 and redesignate current 3.3 through 3.10 as new 3.2 
through 3.9, respectively.]
    [Revise title and text of new 3.2 to read as follows:]

3.2 Paper Mailing Bags and Wraps

    Paper mailing bags and wraps are acceptable as mailing containers 
only for easy and average loads (see 2.4) of up to 20 pounds and only 
if the contents are compressed and stabilized as much as possible. 
Paper bags and wraps are used according to these weight categories:
    a. For easy loads of up to 5 pounds, paper bags and wraps must be 
at least of a 50-pound basis weight (the strength of an average large 
grocery bag) and the contents must be immune from impact or pressure 
damage. A combination of plies (double bagging) adding up to or 
exceeding a 50-pound basis weight is not acceptable.
    b. For easy and average loads of up to 20 pounds, paper bags must 
be reinforced or at least of a 70-pound basis weight. Nonreinforced 
loose-fill padded bags are not acceptable as mailing containers, unless 
the exterior ply is at least of a 60-pound basis weight.
    [Revise title and text of new 3.3 to read as follows:]

3.3 Plastic Mailing Bags

    Bags of polyethylene or equivalent plastic material must be 
securely sealed and are acceptable only for easy loads (see 2.4) of up 
to 10 pounds as follows:
    a. Up to 5 pounds, the plastic must be at least 2 mils thick.
    b. More than 5 pounds and up to 10 pounds, the plastic must be at 
least 4 mils thick.

3.4 Plastic Film

    [Revise new 3.4 by changing the required thickness for all 
permitted load types to at least 2 mils to read as follows:]
    Heat-shrinkable plastic film (e.g., irradiated polyethylene, linear 
low-density polyolefin, or copolymer) is acceptable solely as a mailing 
container only for easy and average loads of up to 5 pounds. The film 
must be at least 2 mils thick. When requested, mailers must provide 
documentation that this film is being used for mailing.

3.5 Cloth Bags

    [Revise the first sentence and add a new second sentence to 3.5 to 
read as follows:]
    Cloth bags are acceptable only for easy and average loads of up to 
10 pounds. All seams of the bags must equal the strength of the basic 
material. Adhesive address labels or adhesive postage may not be 
affixed to cloth sacks.

3.6 Bales

    [Revise new 3.6 by changing ``within postal weight limits'' to 
``only for easy and average loads of up to 70 pounds'' to read as 
follows:]
    Bales are acceptable only for easy and average loads of up to 70 
pounds, if adequately compressed and reinforced to contain the 
material.

3.7 Envelopes

    [Revise new 3.7 to read as follows:]
    Envelopes used as mailing containers must be able to be processed 
and delivered without damage to the contents or other mail. Envelopes 
made of extra-strength materials are necessary for items intended for 
processing on USPS parcel sorting equipment. Envelopes are acceptable 
only for easy loads of up to 5 pounds. Envelopes may be used for odd-
shaped items, if the mailpiece meets the standards for that class of 
mail. Envelopes must be prepared according to these weight limits:
    a. Up to 1 pound, flat nongusseted envelopes are acceptable for 
nonrigid stationery and similar material for mailpieces weighing no 
more than 1 pound and measuring no more than 1 inch thick.
    b. Up to 5 pounds, larger or heavier envelopes are acceptable for 
mailpieces weighing more than 1 pound or measuring more than 1 inch 
thick. The envelopes must be made either from paper equivalent to 28-
pound basis weight or greater, or from extra-strength materials with a 
Mullen strength of more than 90 pounds per square inch. Envelopes for 
photographic film or gusseted (three dimensional) envelopes are 
acceptable if made from paper equivalent to 24-pound basis weight or 
greater.
    [Revise heading of new 3.8 to read as follows:]

3.8 Fiberboard Tubes and Similar Long Containers

    [Revise new 3.8 by reorganizing text to read as follows:]
    Fiberboard tubes and similar lengthy containers are acceptable if 
they meet these requirements:
    a. The length must not exceed 10 times the girth.
    b. The strength of the tube ends must be at least equal to the tube 
sidewall strength, unless the contents are lightweight, rolled items 
(e.g., posters, charts). Sidewall strength is always equal to solid 
fiberboard \1/16\ inch thick for tubes less than 18 inches long, \3/32\ 
inch thick for tubes 18 to 32 inches long, and \5/32\ inch thick for 
tubes more than 32 inches long.
    c. Crimped or taped end closures are not acceptable for other than 
lightweight rolled items. Tape must completely encircle all seams when 
friction slide closures (end caps) are used.

3.9 Cans and Drums

    [Revise 3.9 to read as follows:]
    Cans and drums with positive closures (e.g., clips) are acceptable. 
Friction closures alone are not acceptable. Protruding devices, such as 
locking rings, must be shielded by padding to prevent injury to USPS 
employees, and damage to equipment, or other mail.
    [Redesignate current 4.0 as new 5.0, current 5.0 as new 6.0, and 
current 6.0 as new 4.0, and revise heading to read as follows:]
4.0 MAILING CONTAINERS--SPECIAL ENVELOPES
* * * * *
5.0 CUSHIONING
    [Redesignate current 4.1 and 4.2 as new 5.2 and 5.3, respectively; 
add new 5.1 to read as follows:]

5.1 Acceptable Material

    Acceptable cushioning material includes bubble wrap, corrugated 
fiberboard, foamed plastics, and loose-fill material such as excelsior, 
polystyrene, and shredded paper. Combinations of several types of 
cushioning (such as corrugated fiberboard pads and less dense, loose-
fill material) are also acceptable and help dissipate shock and 
pressure.

5.2 Volume

    [Revise new 5.2 to read as follows:]
    Loose-fill cushioning must overfill the mailing container before 
closure to hold the item and prevent its movement to an inside surface 
of the container or to other items in the package. Shock and pressure 
forces must be dissipated over as much of the surface of the item as 
possible.

5.3 Several Items Within Container

    [Revise new 5.3 to read as follows:]
    When several items are inside a single mailing container, they must 
be protected from each other as well as from external forces. 
Concentrated heavy items must not be packed with fragile items unless 
extreme care is exercised to separate them from each other. Heavy items 
must be adequately stabilized.

[[Page 8903]]

6.0 CLOSURE, SEALING, AND REINFORCEMENT
    [Revise and redesignate current 5.1, 5.2, and 5.3 as new 6.2; add 
new 6.1 to read as follows:]

6.1 General

    Standards for closing, sealing, and reinforcing the outside of a 
mailing container depend on the load type (see 2.4) and the accetable 
material. Fragile items must be packed to withstand processing and 
transportation. The main materials for closing, sealing, and 
reinforcing mailing containers are adhesives, nonmetallic bandings 
(strappings), staples and steel stitching, and tapes (gummed and 
pressure-sensitive). Friction closures, screw caps, and locking devices 
are used to close and seal cans and similar containers.

6.2 Tapes

    [Revise new 6.2 to read as follows:]
    Cellophane tape, masking tape, and duct tape may not be used for 
closure or reinforcement of packages but may be used to improve 
adhesive closures on envelope flaps or to cover staples on mailing 
bags. Tape that may be used for closure or reinforcement must meet 
these standards:
    a. Gummed paper (kraft) tape must meet these standards:
    (1) Reinforced tape is acceptable for closing and reinforcing 
regular mailing containers, irregular-shaped parcels, and soft-wrapped 
parcels.
    (2) Nonreinforced tape is acceptable only for closing mailing 
containers if the tape is at least of a 60-pound basis weight kraft.
    (3) The adhesive on gummed tape must be adequately activated before 
application and firmly applied with the tape extending at least 3 
inches over the adjoining side of the box. Gummed tape is applied 
correctly if it remains attached to the mailing container during 
handling and transportation and if its removal causes delamination or 
at least a 50% fiber tear on the surface to which the tape is applied.
    b. Pressure-sensitive tape is acceptable for closing and 
reinforcing mailing containers. Except for pressure-sensitive filament 
tape, tape used for closure and reinforcement may not be less than 2 
inches wide. Nonreinforced plastic tape must be at least as strong in 
the cross direction (width) as in the machine direction (length) of the 
tape.
    [Redesignate current 5.4, 5.5, and 5.6 as new 6.3, 6.4, and 6.5, 
respectively.]

6.3 Adhesive

    [Revise new 6.3 to read as follows:]
    Adhesives for closure on box flaps or on tapes must remain 
serviceable from -20 degrees to +160 degrees Fahrenheit. Hot-melt 
adhesive may be used if at least four strips are applied on each part 
of the box flap where the outer flap overlays the inner flap; each 
strip is \3/16\ inch wide after compression; the strips are not more 
than 1\1/2\ inches apart, with the first strip no more than \1/2\ inch 
from the center seam; and all strips are the full width of the inner 
flap, unless hot-melt adhesive is applied to 25% of the area where the 
outer flap lies over the inner flap.

6.4 Banding

    [Revise new 6.4 to read as follows:]
    When banding is used for closure and reinforcement, it must snugly 
encircle the length and girth of the package at least once and be 
firmly applied to the point that the straps tighten until they depress 
the box at the edges. Twine, cord, metal strapping (banding), and loose 
strapping may not be used for closure and reinforcement.

6.5 Staples and Steel Stitching

    [Revise 6.5 to read as follows:]
    Staples and steel stitching are acceptable if placed not more than 
1\1/4\ inches from the ends of the box, and spaced not more than 5 
inches apart for easy and average loads, and not more than 2\1/2\ 
inches apart for difficult loads. Boxes not meeting these requirements 
may be made acceptable by applying a strip of 3-inch-wide reinforced 
tape in the gap between the staples or by strapping to compensate for 
the gap in the staple closure. Improperly clinched staples used with 
reply (double) cards, envelopes, flats, or mailing bags are not 
acceptable.
* * * * *
    [Revise heading of 8.0 to read as follows:]
8.0 PARCEL SORTING SYSTEMS STANDARDS
    [Revise heading of 8.1 to read as follows:]

8.1 Books and Printed Material

    [Revise 8.1 to read as follows:]
    For packaging purposes only, these standards include books and 
printed material such as magazines, catalogs, and directories with 24 
pages or more, fastened (bound) along one edge between hardback, 
paperback, or self-covers. Books or printed material measuring more 
than 1 inch thick or weighing more than 1 pound are not acceptable in 
flat nongusseted envelopes. Other envelopes meeting the standards in 
3.7 must be used. Empty spaces within envelopes or other mailing 
containers must be filled with acceptable cushioning material or 
otherwise stabilized to prevent shifting, damage to the contents, and 
breakage to the envelope or other mailing container. Books and 
publications must be packed, closed, and sealed according to these 
weight categories:
    a. Up to 5 pounds, in close-fitting paperboard or fiberboard boxes, 
padded or reinforced bags (exterior ply of at least 60-pound basis 
weight), or wraps (corrugated or at least 60-pound basis weight paper). 
Closure must be with multiple friction closures, completely clinched 
staples, heat-sealing, adhesives, tape, or banding. Although shrinkwrap 
is not acceptable as the sole packaging for hardback books exceeding 1 
pound or 1 inch thick, shrinkwrap may be used on the exterior of 
otherwise acceptable mailing containers. Shrinkwrap at least 2 mils 
thick may be used as the sole method of packaging for paperback books 
up to 3 pounds.
    b. From 5 to 10 pounds, in 175-pound test fiberboard boxes or 
equivalent containers. Closure must be with tape, banding, or 
adhesives. Reinforced tape or firmly applied banding is adequate for 
closure and reinforcement.
    c. From 10 to 25 pounds, in 200-pound test fiberboard boxes or 
equivalent containers. Closure must be with tape, banding, or 
adhesives. Reinforced tape or firmly applied banding is adequate for 
closure and reinforcement.
    d. From 25 to 50 pounds, hardbound publications in 275-pound test 
fiberboard boxes or equivalent containers, and paperback publications 
in 200-pound test fiberboard boxes or equivalent containers. Closure 
must be with tape, banding, or adhesives. Reinforced tape or firmly 
applied banding is adequate for closure and reinforcement.
    e. From 50 to 70 pounds, hardbound books in 350-pound test 
fiberboard boxes or equivalent containers, and paperback books in 275-
pound test fiberboard boxes or equivalent containers. Closure must be 
with tape, banding, or adhesives. Reinforced tape or firmly applied 
banding is adequate for closure and reinforcement.

8.2 High-Density Items

    [Revise 8.2 to read as follows:]
    High-density items (see 2.3) must be packed in fiberboard boxes 
constructed of a minimum specified test board or in containers of 
equivalent strength constructed of wood, metal, or plastic. Plastic, 
metal, and similar hard containers must be treated or otherwise 
prepared so that their coefficient of friction or ability to slide on a 
smooth, hard surface is similar to that of a domestic-class fiberboard 
box of the

[[Page 8904]]

same approximate size and weight. Boxes without inner packing or 
containing loose material must be reinforced with reinforced paper or 
plastic tape, pressure-sensitive filament tape, or banding tightened 
until the straps depress the carton at the edges. Internal blocking and 
bracing, including the use of interior containers, cut forms, 
partitions, cushioning material, and liners, must be used as required 
so that packages maintain their integrity without damage to the 
contents if dropped once on one of their smallest sides on a solid 
surface from a height of 3 feet. High-density items must be packed, 
closed, and sealed according to these weight categories:
    a. Up to 20 pounds, 200-pound test fiberboard boxes or equivalent 
containers. Closure must be with staples, heat-shrinking, adhesives, or 
tape. Reinforced tape, pressure-sensitive filament tape, or banding is 
adequate for reinforcement.
    b. From 20 to 35 pounds, 200-pound test fiberboard boxes or 
equivalent containers. Closure must be with staples, heat-shrinking, 
adhesives, or tape. Pressure-sensitive filament tape or banding is 
adequate for reinforcement.
    c. From 35 to 70 pounds, 275-pound test fiberboard boxes or 
equivalent containers. Closure must be with staples, heat-shrinking, 
adhesives, or tape. Pressure-sensitive filament tape or banding is 
adequate for reinforcement.

8.3 Soft Goods

    [Revise 8.3 to read as follows:]
    Soft goods include clothing and any textile items such as sheets, 
blankets, pillows, draperies, and cloth. Soft goods may be packed in 
mailing bags or boxes. Soft goods intended for processing on USPS 
parcel sorting equipement must be in mailing containers made of extra-
strength materials to ensure container integrity throughout processing. 
Closure of bags must be with completely clinched staples, heat-sealing, 
adhesives, stitching, or tape. Paper bags, plastic bags, or wraps must 
be secured to allow compression and prevent bursting during processing 
and transportation. Closure of boxes and similar mailing containers 
must be with staples, adhesive, heat sealing, banding, reinforced tape, 
or pressure-sensitive tape. Reinforced tape is adequate to close and 
reinforce bags and boxes. Shrinkwrapping is not acceptable as the only 
packaging. Soft goods must be packed, closed, and sealed according to 
these weight categories:
    a. Up to 5 pounds, cloth bag, paper bag, paper wraps (with an 
exterior ply of at least 50-pound basis weight), plastic bag (at least 
2 mils thick polyethylene or equivalent), or paperboard or fiberboard 
box.
    b. From 5 to 10 pounds, cloth bag, paper bag, filament-reinforced 
paper bag, paper wraps (with an exterior ply of at least 70-pound basis 
weight), plastic bag (at least 4 mils thick polyethylene or 
equivalent), or paperboard or fiberboard box.
    c. From 10 to 20 pounds, paper bag, paper wraps (with an exterior 
ply of at least 70-pound basis weight), reinforced paper bag, or 175-
pound test fiberboard box or equivalent container
    d. From 20 to 35 pounds, 200-pound test fiberboard box or 
equivalent container. Closure must be with staples, heat-shrinking, 
adhesives, or tape. Pressure-sensitive filament tape or banding is 
adequate for reinforcement.
    e. From 35 to 70 pounds, 275-pound test fiberboard box or 
equivalent container. Closure must be with staples, heat-shrinking, 
adhesives, or tape. Pressure-sensitive filament tape or banding is 
adequate for reinforcement.
    [Revise heading of 8.4 to read as follows:]

8.4 Records and Compact Discs

    [Revise 8.4 to read as follows:]
    Audio and video records and compact discs, (and paper sleeves, 
paperboard or chipboard shells, or plastic cases) must be packed, 
closed, and sealed according to these weight categories:
    a. Up to 10 pounds, individual or multiple shell in 70-pound basis 
weight envelopes for shipments up to 3 pounds, or outer corrugated, 
fiberboard containers for shipments up to 10 pounds. Closure and 
reinforcement must be with adhesives, kraft paper tape, equivalent 
plastic tape, or staples.
    b. From 10 to 20 pounds, multiple shell containers in 125-pound 
test fiberboard boxes or equivalent containers. Closure must be with 
adhesives, kraft paper tape, equivalent plastic tape, or staples. 
Reinforced tape, pressure-sensitive filament tape, or banding is 
adequate for reinforcement. Reinforced tape is adequate for closure and 
reinforcement.
    c. From 20 to 35 pounds, multiple shell containers in 175-pound 
test fiberboard boxes or equivalent containers. Closure and 
reinforcement must be with adhesives, kraft paper tape, equivalent 
plastic tape, or staples.
    d. From 35 to 70 pounds, multiple shell containers in 200-pound 
test fiberboard boxes or equivalent containers (for shipments weighing 
35 to 65 pounds) or in 275-pound test fiberboard boxes or equivalent 
containers (for shipments weighing more than 65 pounds). Reinforced 
tape, pressure-sensitive filament tape, or banding is adequate for 
reinforcement. Reinforcement must be placed about every 8 inches around 
the container.

8.5 Magnetic Tapes

    [Revise 8.5 to read as follows:]
    A single tape or cartridge (e.g., audio or video) may be packed in 
plastic film wrap (at least 0.75 mil thick) or in cushioned bags, or 
cushioned and packed in paper bags with a 60-pound minimum basis 
weight. Shrinkwrapping is acceptable on the exterior of otherwise 
acceptable boxes of multiple tape shipments. Shipments of multiple 
magnetic tapes and cartridges must be packed and sealed according to 
these weight categories:
    a. Up to 5 pounds, in 125-pound test fiberboard boxes or equivalent 
containers. Closure must be with multiple friction closures, completely 
clinched staples, heat-shrinking or adhesives, or tape. Paper tape must 
be at least 60-pound basis weight kraft.
    b. From 5 to 20 pounds, in 125-pound test fiberboard boxes or 
equivalent containers. Closure must be with adhesives, kraft paper 
tape, equivalent plastic tape, or staples.
    c. From 20 to 35 pounds, in 175-pound test fiberboard boxes or 
equivalent containers that are banded or reinforced at two points with 
reinforced paper or plastic tape, pressure-sensitive filament tape, or 
firmly applied banding. Closure and reinforcement must be with 
adhesives, kraft paper tape, equivalent plastic tape, or staples.
    d. From 35 to 70 pounds, in 200-pound test fiberboard boxes or 
equivalent containers (for shipments weighing 35 to 65 pounds) or in 
275-pound test fiberboard boxes or equivalent containers (for shipments 
weighing more than 65 pounds). Closure and reinforcement must be with 
adhesives, kraft paper tape, equivalent plastic tape, or staples. 
Reinforcement must be placed about every 8 inches around the container.
* * * * *

C020 Restricted or Nonmailable Articles and Substances

* * * * *

C022 Perishables

* * * * *
3.0 LIVE ANIMALS
* * * * *

3.5 Adult Chickens

    [Change in second sentence ``(detailed in Publication 2, Packaging 
for Mailing)'' to ``(see G043 for address).'']
* * * * *

[[Page 8905]]

G General Information

G000 The USPS and Mailing Standards

* * * * *

G040 Information Resources

* * * * *

G043 Address List for Correspondence

* * * * *
OTHER
* * * * *
    [Add address to read as follows:]

International Safe Transit Association, 1400 Abbott Rd Ste 160, East 
Lansing MI 48823-1900, http://www.ista.org.

* * * * *

M Mail Preparation and Sortation

M000 General Preparation Standards

* * * * *

M040 Pallets

M041 General Standards

* * * * *
5.0 PREPARATION
* * * * *

5.6 Mail on Pallets

    These standards apply to mail on pallets:
* * * * *
    [Add new 5.6j to read as follows:]
    j. High-density parcels (see C010) weighing 25 to 35 pounds must 
not be placed on the same pallet with machinable parcels.
* * * * *
    We will publish an appropriate amendment to 39 CFR 111 to reflect 
these changes if the proposal is adopted.

Neva R. Watson,
Attorney.
[FR Doc. 04-4212 Filed 2-25-04; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 7710-12-P