Federal Register / Vol. 65, No. 98 / Friday, May 19, 2000 / Rules and Regulations 31815

POSTAL SERVICE

39 CFR Part 111

Preparation Changes for Palletized

Standard Mail (A) and Bound Printed

Matter and for Standard Mail (A) and

Standard Mail (B) Claimed at DBMC

Rates

AGENCY: Postal Service.

ACTION: Final rule.

SUMMARY: This final rule sets forth the

Domestic Mail Manual (DMM)

standards adopted by the Postal Service

requiring mailers to utilize one Labeling

List (L605) for palletized mailings of

Standard Mail (A) packages of flats,

letter trays, and sacks prepared on

pallets, regardless of whether the mail is

prepared for entry at destination bulk

mail center (DBMC) rates; to require

mailers to utilize Labeling List L605 for

Standard Mail (A) and Standard Mail

(B) machinable parcels prepared in

sacks or on pallets for pieces claimed at

DBMC rates; to implement package

reallocation between auxiliary service

facilities (ASFs) and BMCs for Standard

Mail (A) packages of flats placed on

pallets; and to utilize Labeling List L605

for the preparation of all Standard Mail

(B) that is claimed at DBMC rates and

for Bound Printed Matter other than

machinable parcels prepared on pallets.

DATES: Effective date: October 15, 2000.

Compliance is optional as of October 15,

2000. Compliance will be required early

January 2001 on a date to be announced

in the Federal Register that coincides

with implementation of the R2000

omnibus rate case.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Karen A. Magazino, (202) 268–3854 or

Cheryl Beller, (202) 268–5166.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On

January 4, 2000, the Postal Service

published for public comment in the

Federal Register a proposed rule (65 FR

264–270) to allow offshore mail to ride

along on DBMC pallets (or in sacks of

machinable parcels) drop shipped to

destination BMCs.

In addition, the document also

proposed requiring mailers to use

Labeling List L605 for all Standard Mail

(A) flats, letter trays, and sacks prepared

on pallets, regardless of where the mail

is deposited or the rates are claimed.

L605 currently is used for BMC and

Origin BMC (OBMC) Presort of

nonmachinable Parcel Post discounts.

L605 delineates the ASF service areas

and also includes the ZIP Codes for the

offshore destinations within their

respective BMC service areas. With this

final rule, the offshore mail will ‘‘ride

along’’ with the mail that is eligible for

DBMC rate but will not be eligible for

the DBMC discount. The benefit is that

offshore mail will bypass the origin

BMC and should receive better service.

The three BMCs that presently service

offshore destinations (New Jersey, San

Francisco, and Seattle) already are

receiving BMC service area pallets and

sacks that contain offshore mail

prepared using Labeling List L601.

Therefore, the addition of offshore mail

to these DBMC containers should have

no negative impact.

Requiring the use of Labeling List

L605 for all Standard Mail (A) flats,

letter trays, and sacks prepared on

pallets regardless of whether DBMC

rates are claimed also will ensure that

the eight ASFs always are included in

the presort logic hierarchy and that ASF

pallets are prepared when the volume

warrants.

Labeling List L601 will be retained

and will continue to be applicable for

Standard Mail (A) and Standard Mail

(B) machinable parcels, except when

DBMC rates are claimed for such mail

deposited at ASFs.

Current Labeling List L602, which

contains the ZIP Code ranges for DBMC

rate eligibility, will be deleted from the

DMM. This information will appear,

instead, in DMM Module E. This Final

Rule does change current standards for

DBMC rate eligibility. However, DMM

E651.5.0 has been revised to reorganize

and clarify eligibility requirements for

Standard Mail (A) DBMC discounts.

Package Reallocation To Protect the

BMC Pallet

To ensure that the creation of an ASF

pallet does not take away from BMC

pallets, the Postal Service will allow

protection of the BMC pallet through the

optional use of package reallocation

between a ‘‘child’’ ASF and the

‘‘parent’’ BMC pallet. Package

reallocation for protecting a BMC pallet

is similar to the option implemented on

July 29, 1999, for protecting the SCF

pallet. In protecting a BMC pallet, any

amount of mail necessary to achieve the

minimum BMC pallet weight could be

reallocated from one ASF pallet and the

ASF pallet could be eliminated if

necessary. Mailers who choose to utilize

package reallocation to protect the BMC

pallet must use PAVE-certified presort

software.

Utilization of Labeling Lists L601 and

L605 for Preparation of Standard Mail

(B)

Rather than sorting to L601, palletized

Bound Printed Matter (other than

machinable parcels) will be required to

be prepared using L605 for sortation of

mail to both BMC and ASF pallets. L601

will continue to be used for sortation of

Bound Printed Matter machinable

parcels both in sacks and on pallets.

The elimination of Labeling List L602

affects Parcel Post (Parcel Select)

claimed at DBMC rates. Rather than

using L602 for both DBMC rate

eligibility and mail preparation, Parcel

Post (Parcel Select) mailers claiming

DBMC rates must sort to and deposit

mail at a BMC or ASF using L605.

However, eligibility for the DBMC rates

(which does not change) will be

determined using new DMM Exhibit

E652.1.3d. For Parcel Post (Parcel

Select) machinable parcels, mailers

claiming the DBMC rates may continue

the current practice of opting to sort

mail using L601 (BMC sortation only)

under the condition that mail for 3-digit

ZIP Codes served by an ASF in Exhibit

E652.1.3d is not eligible for DBMC rates,

nor is mail for 3-digit ZIP Codes that do

not appear on Exhibit E652.1.3d.

L605 will continue to be used for

BMC Presort and OBMC Presort

mailings of nonmachinable Parcel Post.

L601 will continue to be required for

machinable parcels claiming BMC

Presort and OBMC Presort rates.

Summary of Comments From the

Proposed Rule

The Postal Service received three

pieces of correspondence commenting

on the Proposed Rule. Respondents

included one mailer and two direct

marketing companies.

The specific points raised in the

comments are presented below,

organized by general comments and by

specific comments on particular issues.

In addition to receiving these comments

from the mailing industry, the Postal

Service has had extensive ongoing

exchanges of viewpoints with

representatives of the mailing industry

and software vendors. This cooperative

effort has led to the development of

revised standards that the Postal Service

believes strikes a better balance between

the interests of the mailers and those of

the Postal Service.

1. General Comments

Two comments were received

indicating that the elimination of L602

will create a positive effect in the data

processing area by using one labeling

list for packages of flats, letter trays, and

sacks prepared on pallets. Commenters

further explained that it is better to use

one list for identifying where the mail

is going independent of the drop

shipment process. One mailer asked if

the elimination of L602 was required to

implement this rule. The elimination of

L602 is necessary because mail for

offshore destinations is not entitled to

31816 Federal Register / Vol. 65, No. 98 / Friday, May 19, 2000 / Rules and Regulations

the DBMC rate, these ZIPS are not

included in L602, and mail for offshore

destinations currently cannot be placed

on DBMC pallets. Furthermore, when a

mailer is sorting a list for entry at DBMC

rates using this list, the offshore mail

will be entered at the origin BMC and

must be processed at the origin BMC

and transported through the postal

network to the destinating BMC that

serves the offshore ZIP Codes. In

addition, the offshore mail is frequently

placed in sacks because it cannot be

placed on DBMC pallets.

One commenter indicated that the

creation of the ASF pallet, when volume

warrants regardless of whether or not

the mail is prepared for entry at the

DBMC rates, should have a positive

effect on their manufacturing area.

Currently, if mail is prepared for DBMC

rates and drop shipment is not utilized,

then the pallet label must be changed to

the appropriate BMC destination. Under

this final rule, this would not happen

and labor costs could be saved.

2. Eligibility of Offshore Destination

Mail for the DBMC Discount

Two comments were received from

direct marketing companies proposing

that the offshore destinations that ‘‘ridealong’’ with the DBMC mail be eligible

for the DBMC discount. The

commenters also indicated that their

customers would be paying freight costs

to move these pieces, and will be

preparing mail to enter the postal

system further into the process, but will

not be compensated by receiving the

DBMC discount. The Postal Service

cannot extend the DBMC discount for

offshore destinations. The Postal Service

needs the rates to fully reflect the true

processing costs when offering a

discount. This mail is unusual in its

origin-destination characteristics and

does not necessarily comply with the

existing destination entry discount

structure. The Postal Service still incurs

significant transportation costs while

moving the mail to the offshore

destinations. In addition, the Postal

Service does not want to discourage

mailers from taking advantage of the

DSCF discounts that are available.

Sectional center facility mail entered at

these offshore destinations might revert

to DBMC entry if the DBMC discount

was offered.

3. No Discounts for ASF Mail on BMC

Pallets

One commenter was concerned that a

discount does not exist for ASF mail on

BMC pallets. If the discount

requirements were more clearly

documented, drop ship mailers could

evaluate the costs and benefits of paying

transportation costs for the ASF mail.

The Postal Service would like to

emphasize that the eligibility of ASF

mail to qualify for the DBMC discount

has not changed. ASF pallets are

allowed and required only if the DBMC

rate is claimed for mail deposited at the

ASF. The significant change resulting

from this final rule is that DMM E651

Exhibit 5.1 and DMM E652 Exhibit 1.3

will be used to determine eligibility, not

Labeling List L602. If packages of flats

on pallets are reallocated from an ASF

pallet to a BMC pallet under M045.6.0,

mail for the ASF ZIP Codes placed on

the BMC pallet are not eligible for the

DBMC rates.

4. Machine-Readable List for Section E

and the Parent/Child BMC/ASF Table

One commenter stated that if L602

(which lists the ZIP Codes entitled to

the DBMC discount) is moved from

module L to module E, then the Postal

Service must still provide a machinereadable list of these ZIP Codes. This

commenter maintains if this list is not

provided in machine-readable form,

then the authors of computer presort

and entry point analysis software, such

as PAVE-certified software and Mail.dat

application software, would each be

required to key in updates by hand from

a hard-copy printed list. Manual

updates also could create an

unacceptable amount of redundant work

and would create an environment prone

to numerous errors. This commenter

also stated the Parent/Child BMC/ASF

table should be made available in

machine-readable form because the

proposed changes for the protected BMC

pallets will make this information

increasingly important to authors of

PAVE-certified and Mail.dat application

software. The Postal Service has had

extensive ongoing discussions with

representatives from the USPS National

Customer Support Service center and

Distribution Networks at USPS

headquarters. To address this concern

the Postal Service will provide an

electronic product to mailers of the

Parent/Child table and the new Module

E eligibility tables. The Postal Service

believes that this effort strikes a better

balance between the interests of the

mailers and their concerns and the

needs of the Postal Service to provide

high quality service and optimize

operational efficiency.

5. Package Reallocation

One commenter emphasized that the

package reallocation options should be

clearly stated. To clarify the package

reallocation option, the Postal Service

will review the DMM language for

clarification purposes. In addition, a

new Quick Service Guide will be

designed to demonstrate the standards

for package reallocation, protecting the

SCF or BMC pallet level. Package

reallocation will remain optional and if

performed must be done for the

complete mailing job using PAVEcertified software.

6. Lead Time for Software Vendors

One commenter indicated that the

lead time for software changes should

be factored into the implementation

schedule. For the required elements, the

Postal Service met with the software

vendors and mailers to discuss this

concern. Based on the comments

received the Postal Service has

determined to place all the provisions of

this final rule into effect on an optional

basis on October 15, 2000. The required

provisions of this final rule will be

required on the same date that new

rules are implemented for the R–00

Omnibus Rate Case (expected in January

2001). Mail presented on and after that

effective date must be prepared in

accordance with the required provisions

of this Final Rule. Generally, requests

for exceptions to these required

preparation standards on or after the

implementation date will not be

honored if the reason for the request is

that software was not available to

mailers in time to prepare the mailings.

It is expected that this phased

implementation period will provide

software vendors and mailers enough

time to develop, test, and implement the

required provisions so that the mailings

entered on or after the effective date will

be prepared under these new standards.

List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 111

Administrative practice and

procedure, Postal Service.

For the reasons discussed above, the

Postal Service hereby adopts the

following amendments to the Domestic

Mail Manual, which is incorporated by

reference in the Code of Federal

Regulations (see 39 CFR part 111).

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 (DMM)

E ELIGIBILITY

E600 Standard Mail

* * * * *

Federal Register / Vol. 65, No. 98 / Friday, May 19, 2000 / Rules and Regulations 31817

E650 Destination Entry

E651 Regular, Nonprofit, and

Enhanced Carrier Route Standard Mail

* * * * *

5.0 DBMC DISCOUNT

5.1 Definition

[Amend 5.1 by replacing ‘‘L602’’ with

‘‘E651.5.0 Exhibit 5.1’’ to read as

follows:]

For this standard, destination bulk

mail center (DBMC) includes all bulk

mail centers (BMCs) and auxiliary

service facilities (ASF’s) as shown in

Exhibit 5.1.

[Add new Exhibit 5.1.]

EXHIBIT 5.1—BMC/ASF—DBMC RATES

Eligible destination ZIP codes DBMC pallets

005, 068–079, 085–098, 100–119, 124–127, 340 .............................................................................. BMC NEW JERSEY NJ 00102

010–067, 120–123, 128, 129 .............................................................................................................. BMC SPRINGFIELD MA 05500

130–136, 140–149 ............................................................................................................................... ASF BUFFALO NY 140

150–168, 260–266, 439–447 ............................................................................................................... BMC PITTSBURGH PA 15195

080–084, 137–139, 169–199 ............................................................................................................... BMC PHILADELPHIA PA 19205

200–212, 214–239, 244, 254, 267, 268 .............................................................................................. BMC WASHINGTON DC 20499

240–243, 245–249, 270–297, 376 ...................................................................................................... BMC GREENSBORO NC 27075

298, 300–312, 317–319, 350–352, 354–368, 373, 374, 377–379, 399 ............................................. BMC ATLANTA GA 31195

299, 313–316, 320–339, 341, 342, 344, 346, 347, 349 ..................................................................... BMC JACKSONVILLE FL 32099

369–372, 375, 380–397, 700, 701, 703–705, 707, 708, 713, 714, 716, 717, 719–729 ..................... BMC MEMPHIS TN 38999

250–253, 255–259, 400–418, 421, 422, 425–427, 430–433, 437, 438, 448–462, 469–474 ............. BMC CINCINNATI OH 45900

434–436, 465–468, 480–497 ............................................................................................................... BMC DETROIT MI 48399

500–516, 520–528, 612, 680, 681, 683–689 ...................................................................................... BMC DES MOINES IA 50999

498, 499, 540–551, 553–564, 566 ...................................................................................................... BMC MPLS/ST PAUL MN 55202

570–577 ............................................................................................................................................... ASF SIOUX FALLS SD 570

565, 567, 580–588 ............................................................................................................................... ASF FARGO ND 580

590–599, 821 ....................................................................................................................................... ASF BILLINGS MT 590

463, 464, 530–532, 534, 535, 537–539, 600–611, 613 ...................................................................... BMC CHICAGO IL 60808

420, 423, 424, 475–479, 614–620, 622–631, 633–639 ...................................................................... BMC ST LOUIS MO 63299

640, 641, 644–658, 660–662, 664–679, 739 ...................................................................................... BMC KANSAS CITY KS 64399

730, 731, 734–738, 740, 741, 743–746, 748, 749 .............................................................................. ASF OKLAHOMA CITY OK 730

706, 710–712, 718, 733, 747, 750–799, 885 ...................................................................................... BMC DALLAS TX 75199

690–693, 800–816, 820, 822–831 ...................................................................................................... BMC DENVER CO 80088

832–834, 836, 837, 840–847, 898, 979 .............................................................................................. ASF SALT LAKE CTY UT 840

850, 852, 853, 855–857, 859, 860, 863, 864 ...................................................................................... ASF PHOENIX AZ 852

865, 870–875, 877–884 ....................................................................................................................... ASF ALBUQUERQUE NM 870

889–891, 893, 900–908, 910–928, 930–935 ...................................................................................... BMC LOS ANGELES CA 90901

894, 895, 897, 936–966 ...................................................................................................................... BMC SAN FRANCISCO CA 94850

835, 838, 970–978, 980–986, 988–994 .............................................................................................. BMC SEATTLE WA 98000

[Delete current 5.2 and 5.3 and

replace with new 5.2 through 5.5.

Redesignate current 5.4 and 5.5 as 5.6

and 5.7.]

5.2 General Eligibility

Pieces in a mailing that meet the

standards in 1.0 through 5.0 are eligible

for the DBMC rate when they meet all

of the following conditions: (1) are

deposited at a BMC or ASF, (2) are

addressed for delivery to one of the 3-

digit ZIP Codes served by the BMC or

ASF where deposited that are listed in

Exhibit 5.1, and (3) are placed in a tray,

sack, or pallet (subject to the standards

for the rate claimed) that is labeled to

the BMC or ASF where deposited, or

labeled to a postal facility within that

BMC’s or ASF’s service area (see Exhibit

5.1). If packages of flats on pallets are

reallocated from an ASF pallet to a BMC

pallet under M045.6.0, mail for the ASF

ZIP Codes placed on the BMC pallet are

not eligible for the DBMC rates. DBMC

rate mail must also be eligible for

Presorted, automation, or Enhanced

Carrier Route rates, subject to the

corresponding standards for those rates.

5.3 Eligibility for ADC or AADC

Sortation

All pieces in an ADC or AADC sack

or tray are eligible for the DBMC

discount if the ADC or AADC facility

ZIP Code (as shown on Line 1 of the

corresponding container label) is within

the service area of the BMC or ASF as

shown in Exhibit 5.1 at which the sack

or tray is deposited. All pieces in a

palletized ADC package or bundle are

eligible for the DBMC discount if the

ADC facility that is the destination of

the package or bundle (determined by

using the label to ZIP Code in Column

B of L004) is within the service area of

the BMC or ASF at which it is deposited

as shown in Exhibit 5.1.

5.4 Eligibility in Mixed ADC or Mixed

AADC Containers

Mail in mixed ADC or mixed AADC

sacks or trays qualify for the DBMC rates

only if all the pieces in the sack or tray

are for the service area of the DBMC or

DASF as shown in Exhibit 5.1. Mailers

who opt to claim the DBMC rates for

mail in Mixed ADC or Mixed AADC

containers must prepare separate mixed

ADC or mixed AADC sacks or trays for

pieces eligible for and claimed at the

DBMC rate and for pieces not claimed

at the DBMC rate. Otherwise applicable

restrictions (e.g., minimum volume,

number of less-than-full trays) are

excepted when necessary to comply

with this standard.

5.5 Additional Standards for

Machinable Parcels

Additional standards are as follows:

a. Destination BMC/ASF Containers.

Machinable parcels palletized under

M045 or sacked under M610 may be

sorted to destination BMCs under L601

or to destination BMCs and ASFs under

L605. When machinable parcels are

sorted to both destination BMCs and

ASFs under L605, they qualify for

DBMC rates under 5.2. Mailers also may

opt to sort machinable parcels to only

destination BMCs under L601. If

machinable parcels are sorted under

L601, then only mail for 3-digit ZIP

Codes served by a BMC as listed in

Exhibit 5.1 are eligible for DBMC rates

(i.e., mail for 3-digit ZIP Codes served

by an ASF in Exhibit 5.1 is not eligible

31818 Federal Register / Vol. 65, No. 98 / Friday, May 19, 2000 / Rules and Regulations

for DBMC rates, nor is mail for 3-digit

ZIP Codes that do not appear on Exhibit

5.1).

b. Mixed BMC Containers. Pieces in

mixed BMC sacks or on mixed BMC

pallets that are sorted to the origin BMC

under M045 or M610 are eligible for the

DBMC rates if both of the following

conditions are met:

(1) The mixed BMC sack or pallet is

entered at the origin BMC facility to

which it is labeled.

(2) The pieces are for 3-digit ZIP

Codes listed as eligible destination ZIP

Codes for that BMC in Exhibit 5.1.

* * * * *

E652 Parcel Post

1.0 BASIC STANDARDS

* * * * *

1.2 General

[Revise 1.2 to read as follows:]

For Parcel Post mailings claimed at

DBMC, DSCF, or DDU rates, pieces must

meet the applicable standards in 1.0

through 6.0 and the following criteria:

a. May be bedloaded, on pallets, in

pallet boxes on pallets, in sacks, or in

other authorized containers as specified

in 2.0 through 6.0, depending on the

facility at which the pieces are

deposited.

b. Is not plant-loaded.

c. Be part of a single mailing of 50 or

more pieces that are eligible for and

claimed at any Parcel Post rate or rates.

d. Be deposited at a destination BMC

(DBMC) or destination auxiliary service

facility (DASF) or other equivalent

facility; destination sectional center

(DSCF); or destination delivery unit

(DDU) as applicable for the rate claimed

and as specified by the USPS.

e. Be addressed for delivery within

the ZIP Code ranges that the applicable

entry facility serves.

[Revise 1.3 to read as follows:]

1.3 DBMC Rates

For DBMC rates, pieces must meet the

applicable standards in 1.0 through 6.0

and the following:

a. Pieces must be part of a Parcel Post

mailing that is deposited at a BMC or

ASF under L605.

b. Pieces deposited at each BMC or

ASF must be addressed for delivery

within the ZIP Code range of that

facility.

c. Pieces must be addressed for

delivery within a ZIP Code eligible for

DBMC rates under Exhibit 1.3, and if

sacked or palletized must be prepared in

accordance with M041 and M045 or

M630. Mail meeting the additional

criteria in 4.0 may be deposited at a

designated facility other than the BMC

or ASF where the DBMC parcels would

otherwise be deposited.

[Move formerly designated 1.3 (e) and

(f) to new section as 1.4 (a) and (b).]

[Add new Exhibit 1.3]

EXHIBIT 1.3—BMC/ASF—DBMC RATES

Eligible destination ZIP codes DBMC pallets

005, 068–079, 085–098, 100–119, 124–127, 340 .............................................................................. BMC NEW JERSEY NJ 00102

010–067, 120–123, 128, 129 .............................................................................................................. BMC SPRINGFIELD MA 05500

130–136, 140–149 ............................................................................................................................... ASF BUFFALO NY 140

150–168, 260–266, 439–447 ............................................................................................................... BMC PITTSBURGH PA 15195

080–084, 137–139, 169–199 ............................................................................................................... BMC PHILADELPHIA PA 19205

200–212, 214–239, 244, 254, 267, 268 .............................................................................................. BMC WASHINGTON DC 20499

240–243, 245–249, 270–297, 376 ...................................................................................................... BMC GREENSBORO NC 27075

298, 300–312, 317–319, 350–352, 354–368, 373, 374, 377–379, 399 ............................................. BMC ATLANTA GA 31195

299, 313–316, 320–339, 341, 342, 344, 346, 347, 349 ..................................................................... BMC JACKSONVILLE FL 32099

369–372, 375, 380–397, 700, 701, 703–705, 707, 708, 713, 714, 716, 717, 719–729 ..................... BMC MEMPHIS TN 38999

250–253, 255–259, 400–418, 421, 422, 425–427, 430–433, 437, 438, 448–462, 469–474 ............. BMC CINCINNATI OH 45900

434–436, 465–468, 480–497 ............................................................................................................... BMC DETROIT MI 48399

500–516, 520–528, 612, 680, 681, 683–689 ...................................................................................... BMC DES MOINES IA 50999

498, 499, 540–551, 553–564, 566 ...................................................................................................... BMC MPLS/ST PAUL MN 55202

570–577 ............................................................................................................................................... ASF SIOUX FALLS SD 570

565, 567, 580–588 ............................................................................................................................... ASF FARGO ND 580

590–599, 821 ....................................................................................................................................... ASF BILLINGS MT 590

463, 464, 530–532, 534, 535, 537–539, 600–611, 613 ...................................................................... BMC CHICAGO IL 60808

420, 423, 424, 475–479, 614–620, 622–631, 633–639 ...................................................................... BMC ST LOUIS MO 63299

640, 641, 644–658, 660–662, 664–679, 739 ...................................................................................... BMC KANSAS CITY KS 64399

730, 731, 734–738, 740, 741, 743–746, 748, 749 .............................................................................. ASF OKLAHOMA CITY OK 730

706, 710–712, 718, 733, 747, 750–799, 885 ...................................................................................... BMC DALLAS TX 75199

690–693, 800–816, 820, 822–831 ...................................................................................................... BMC DENVER CO 80088

832–834, 836, 837, 840–847, 898, 979 .............................................................................................. ASF SALT LAKE CTY UT 840

850, 852, 853, 855–857, 859, 860, 863, 864 ...................................................................................... ASF PHOENIX AZ 852

865, 870–875, 877–884 ....................................................................................................................... ASF ALBUQUERQUE NM 870

889–891, 893, 900–908, 910–928, 930–935 ...................................................................................... BMC LOS ANGELES CA 90901

894, 895, 897, 936–966 ...................................................................................................................... BMC SAN FRANCISCO CA 94850

835, 838, 970–978, 980–986, 988–994 .............................................................................................. BMC SEATTLE WA 98000

[Redesignate 1.4 through 1.5 as 1.5

through 1.6 and insert new number 1.4

to read as follows:]

1.4 DSCF and DDU Rates

For DSCF and DDU rates, pieces must

meet the applicable standards in 1.0

through 1.6 and the following criteria:

[Insert old 1.3e and 1.3f as new 1.4a

and 1.4b.]

* * * * *

L LABELING LISTS

* * * * *

L600 Standard Mail

[Amend the heading of Labeling List

601 by removing ‘‘Machinable Parcels’’

to read as follows:]

L601 Bulk Mail Centers

[Revise introductory paragraph to

read as follows:]

Use this list for the following:

Federal Register / Vol. 65, No. 98 / Friday, May 19, 2000 / Rules and Regulations 31819

(1) Standard Mail (A) machinable

parcels if ASF mail is not prepared and

claimed at DBMC rates.

(2) Bound Printed Matter machinable

parcels.

(3) Parcel Post if ASF mail is not

prepared and claimed at DBMC rates

except non-machinable BMC and OBMC

Presort rate mail.

(4) Presorted Special Standard Mail

and Presorted Library Mail to BMC

destinations.

* * * * *

[Remove Labeling List 602.]

* * * * *

[Revise the heading of Labeling List

605 to read as follows:]

L605 BMCs/ASFs

[Revise introductory paragraph to

read as follows:]

Use this list for the following:

(1) Standard Mail (A) pallets of

packages of flats, letter trays, and/or

sacks.

(2) Parcel Post machinable parcels if

ASF mail is entered at the ASF and

claimed at the DBMC rates.

(3) Standard Mail (A) machinable

parcels if ASF mail is entered at the

ASF and claimed at DBMC rates.

(4) Parcel Post nonmachinable parcels

claimed at OBMC and BMC Presort

rates.

(5) Bound Printed Matter packages

and/or sacks on pallets.

* * * * *

M MAIL PREPARATION AND

SORTATION

M000 General Preparation Standards

M010 Mailpieces

M011 Basic Standards

1.0 TERMS AND CONDITIONS

* * * * *

1.2 Presort Levels

[Amend 1.2 by revising 1.2n to read

as follows:]

Terms used for presort levels are

defined as follows:

* * * * *

n. ASF/BMC: all pieces are addressed

for delivery in the service area of the

same auxiliary service facility (ASF) or

bulk mail center (BMC) (see L601 or

L605, as applicable).

* * * * *

M040 Pallets

M041 General Standards

* * * * *

5.0 PREPARATION

5.1 Presort

[Amend 5.1 by revising the last two

sentences to read as follows:]

* * * The standards for package

reallocation to protect the SCF or BMC

pallet (M045.5.0 and 6.0) are optional

methods of pallet preparation designed

to retain as much mail as possible at the

SCF or BMC level. These standards may

result in some packages of Periodicals

and Standard Mail (A) flats and

irregular parcels that are part of a

mailing job prepared in part as

palletized flats at automation rates not

being placed on the finest level of pallet

possible. Mailers must use PAVEcertified presort software to prepare

mailings using package reallocation

(package reallocation is optional, but, if

performed, must be done for the

complete mailing job).

5.2 Required Preparation

[Amend 5.2 by revising 5.2a to read as

follows:]

These standards apply to:

a. Periodicals, Standard Mail (A), and

Parcel Post (other than BMC Presort,

OBMC Presort, DSCF, and DDU rate

mail). A pallet must be prepared to a

required sortation level when there are

500 pounds of Periodicals or Standard

Mail packages, sacks, or parcels or six

layers of Periodicals or Standard Mail

(A) letter trays. For packages of

Periodicals flats, irregular parcels, and

packages of Standard Mail (A) flats on

pallets prepared under the standards for

package reallocation (M045.5.0), not all

mail for a required 5-digit destination is

required to be on a 5-digit pallet or

optional 5-digit scheme pallet. For

packages of Standard Mail (A) flats on

pallets prepared under the standards for

package reallocation (M045.6.0), not all

mail for a required ASF pallet is

required to be on an ASF pallet. Mixed

pallets of sacks, trays, or machinable

parcels must be labeled to the BMC or

ADC (as appropriate) serving the post

office where mailings are entered into

the mailstream. The processing and

distribution manager of that facility may

issue a written authorization to the

mailer to label mixed BMC or mixed

ADC pallets to the post office or

processing and distribution center

serving the post office where mailings

are entered. These pallets contain all

mail remaining after required and

optional pallets are prepared to finer

sortation levels under M045, as

appropriate.

* * * * *

6.0 COPALLETIZED, COMBINED, OR

MIXED-RATE LEVEL MAILINGS OF

FLAT-SIZE MAILPIECES

* * * * *

6.4 Standard Mail (A)

[Amend 6.4 by and replacing the first

sentence with the following sentence to

read as follows:]

To copalletize different Standard Mail

(A) flat-size mailings, the mailer must

consolidate on pallets all independently

sorted packages from each mailing to

achieve the finest presort level for the

mailing, except that a copalletized

mailing prepared under M045.5.0 or 6.0,

using package reallocation, may not

always result in all packages being

placed on the finest pallet level

possible.* * *

* * * * *

M045 Palletized Mailings

* * * * *

4.0 PALLET PRESORT AND

LABELING

4.1 Packages, Bundles, Sacks, or

Trays on Pallets

[Amend 4.1 by revising 4.1e to read as

follows:]

Preparation sequence and Line 1

labeling:

* * * * *

e. As appropriate:

(1) Periodicals: ADC: required; for

Line 1, use L004.

(2) Standard Mail: BMC/ASF:

required, except that an ASF may not be

required if using package reallocation

used under 6.0; for Line 1, use L605.

* * * * *

4.2 Machinable Parcels—Standard

Mail

[Amend 4.2 by revising 4.2b and 4.2c

to read as follow:]

Preparation sequence and Line 1

labeling:

* * * * *

b. ASF: allowed and required only if

DBMC rate is claimed for mail deposited

at ASF; for Line 1, use L605. Exhibit

E651.5.1 or Exhibit E652.1.3 determines

DBMC rate eligibility.

c. Destination BMC: required; for Line

1, use L601 (L605 if DBMC rate is

claimed for mail deposited at ASF

under 4.2b).

* * * * *

[Revise heading of 5.0 to read as

follows:]

31820 Federal Register / Vol. 65, No. 98 / Friday, May 19, 2000 / Rules and Regulations

5.0 PACKAGE REALLOCATION TO

PROTECT SCF PALLET FOR

PERIODICALS FLATS AND

IRREGULAR PARCELS AND

STANDARD MAIL (A) FLATS ON

PALLETS

5.1 Basic Standards

[Amend 5.1 by revising the first

sentence to read as follows:]

Package reallocation to protect the

SCF pallet is an optional preparation

method (if performed, package

reallocation must be done for the

complete mailing job); only PAVEcertified presort software may be used to

create pallets under the standards in 5.2

through 5.4 * * *

* * * * *

[Redesignate 6.0 through 14.0 as 7.0

through 15.0, respectively, and insert

new 6.0 to read as follows:]

6.0 PACKAGE REALLOCATION TO

PROTECT BMC PALLET FOR

STANDARD MAIL (A) FLATS ON

PALLETS

6.1 Basic Standards

Package reallocation to protect the

BMC pallet level is an optional

preparation method (if performed,

package reallocation to protect the BMC

pallet must be done for the complete

mailing job); only PAVE-certified

presort software may be used to create

pallets under the standards in 6.2

through 6.4. The software will

determine if mail for a BMC service area

would fall beyond the BMC level when

ASF pallets are prepared. Reallocation

is performed only when there is mail for

the BMC service area that would fall

beyond the BMC pallet level as a result

of an ASF pallet being prepared. The

amount of mail required to bring the

mail that would fall beyond the BMC

pallet level back to a BMC level is the

minimum volume that would be

reallocated from an ASF pallet, where

possible. The ‘‘parent’’ BMCs listed in

Exhibit 6.1 can be protected with

package reallocation by using mail from

the ASF ‘‘child’’ pallets.

EXHIBIT 6.1—‘‘PARENT’’ BMC/CHILD’’ ASF

‘‘Parent’’ BMC service areas ‘‘Child’’ ASF ZIP code areas served

Pittsburgh BMC ........................................................................................ Buffalo ASF: 130–136; 140–149

Denver BMC ............................................................................................. Albuquerque ASF: 865, 870–875, 877–884

Phoenix ASF: 850, 852, 853, 855–857, 859, 860, 863, 864

Salt Lake City ASF: 832–834, 836, 837, 840–847, 898, 979

Billings ASF: 590–599, 821

Dallas BMC ............................................................................................... Oklahoma City ASF: 730, 731, 734–738, 740, 741, 743–746, 748, 749

Des Moines BMC ..................................................................................... Sioux Falls ASF: 570–577

Minneapolis BMC ..................................................................................... Fargo ASF: 565, 567, 580–588

6.2 General Reallocation Rules

In general, when reallocating:

a. The reallocation process does not

affect package preparation. Reallocate

only complete packages and only the

minimum number of packages necessary

to create a BMC pallet that meets the

250-pound minimum pallet weight.

Based on the weight of individual

pieces within a package and packaging

parameters, the weight of mail that is

reallocated may be slightly more than

the minimum volume required to create

a BMC pallet.

b. Use Exhibit 6.1 to reallocate

packages from the ASF pallet to create

a BMC pallet. The ASF pallet may be

eliminated to protect the BMC pallet.

c. Reallocate mail only from the ASF

pallet. Package reallocation is used only

between the ‘‘parent’’ BMC and the

‘‘child’’ ASF. Mail from finer levels of

pallets (e.g., SCF pallet) may not be

reallocated.

d. Mailers may use any minimum

pallet weight(s) permitted by standard

and may use different minimum weights

for different pallet levels in conjunction

with package reallocation.

6.3 Reallocation of Packages from

ASF pallets

When reallocating packages from ASF

pallets:

a. Use Exhibit 6.1 to identify an ASF

pallet of adequate weight that can

support reallocation of one or more

packages to bring the mail that has

fallen through the BMC level back to the

BMC level without eliminating the ASF

pallet. A sufficient amount of mail must

remain on the ASF pallet after

reallocation to meet the ASF pallet

weight minimum of 250 pounds. If an

ASF pallet of adequate weight is

available, then create a BMC pallet by

combining the reallocated mail from the

ASF pallet with the mail that would fall

beyond the BMC pallet level.

b. If no single ASF pallet within the

BMC service area contains an adequate

volume of mail to allow reallocation of

the portion of the mail on a pallet as

described in 6.3a, then eliminate one

ASF pallet and reallocate all of the mail

to create a BMC pallet.

6.4 Documentation

Mailings must be supported by

documentation produced by PAVEcertified software meeting the standards

in P012.

* * * * *

10.0 Pallets of Machinable Parcel

* * * * *

[Amend 10.3, formerly 9.3, to read as

follows:]

10.3 DBMC Rate

If applicable, a BMC pallet may

include pieces that are eligible for the

DBMC rate and pieces that are

ineligible.

* * * * *

M073 Combined Mailings of Standard

Mail (A) and Standard Mail (B) Parcels

1.0 COMBINED MACHINABLE

PARCELS—RATES OTHER THAN

PARCEL POST OBMC PRESORT, BMC

PRESORT, DSCF, AND DDU

* * * * *

1.6 Sack Preparation

[Amend 1.6 by revising 1.6a(2) and

1.6a(3) to read as follows:]

The requirements for sack preparation

are as follows:

a. Sack size, preparation sequence,

and Line 1 labeling:

* * * * *

(2) Destination ASF: allowed and

required only if DBMC rate is claimed

for mail deposited at ASF (minimum of

10 pounds, smaller volume not

permitted); for Line 1, use L605. DBMC

rate eligibility is determined by Exhibit

E651.1.3.

(3) Destination BMC: required

(minimum of 10 pounds, smaller

volume not permitted); for Line 1, use

L605 if DBMC rate is claimed for mail

deposited at ASF under 4.2b; otherwise,

Federal Register / Vol. 65, No. 98 / Friday, May 19, 2000 / Rules and Regulations 31821

use L601. DBMC rate eligibility is

determined by Exhibit E651.5.1.

* * * * *

M610 Presorted Standard Mail (A)

* * * * *

5.0 MACHINABLE PARCELS

* * * * *

5.2 Sack Preparation

[Amend 5.2 by revising 5.2(b) and

5.2(c) to read as follows:]

Sack size, preparation sequence, and

Line 1 labeling:

* * * * *

b. Destination ASF: allowed and

required only if DBMC rate is claimed

for mail deposited at ASF (minimum of

10 pounds, smaller volume not

permitted); for Line 1, use L605. DBMC

rate eligibility is determined by Exhibit

E651.1.3.

c. Destination BMC: required

(minimum of 10 pounds, smaller

volume not permitted); for Line 1, use

L605 if DBMC rate is claimed for mail

deposited at ASF under 5.2b; otherwise,

use L601. DBMC rate eligibility is

determined by Exhibit E651.5.1.

* * * * *

M630 Standard Mail (B)

* * * * *

6.0 MACHINABLE PARCELS

* * * * *

6.2 Sack Preparation

[Amend 6.2 by revising 6.2b and 6.2c

to read as follows:]

Sack size, preparation sequence, and

Line 1 labeling:

* * * * *

b. ASF: allowed and required only if

DBMC rate is claimed for mail deposited

at ASF (minimum of 10 pieces/20

pounds/1,000 cubic inches, smaller

volume not permitted); for Line 1, use

L605. Exhibit E652.1.3d determines

DBMC rate eligibility.

c. Destination BMC: required

(minimum of 10 pieces/20 pounds/

1,000 cubic inches, smaller volume not

permitted); for Line 1, use L605 if

DBMC rate is claimed for mail deposited

at ASF under 6.2b; otherwise, use L601.

Exhibit E652.1.3d determines DBMC

rate eligibility.

* * * * *

P POSTAGE AND PAYMENT

METHODS

P000 Basic information

P010 General Standards

* * * * *

P012 Documentation

* * * * *

2.0 STANDARDIZED

DOCUMENTATION—FIRST-CLASS

MAIL, PERIODICALS, AND

STANDARD MAIL (A)

* * * * *

2.2 Format and Content

[Amend 2.2 by replacing last two

sentences of 2.2d (4) to read as follows:]

For First-Class Mail, Periodicals, and

Standard Mail (A), standardized

documentation includes:

* * * * *

d. For packages on pallets, the body

of the listing reporting these required

elements:

* * * * *

(4) * * * Document SCF or BMC

pallets created as a result of package

reallocation under M045.5.0 or 6.0 on

the USPS Qualification Report by

designating the protected pallet with an

identifier of ‘‘PSCF’’ (for a SCF pallet)

or ‘‘PBMC’’ (for a BMC pallet). These

identifiers are required to appear only

on the USPS Qualification Report; they

are not required to appear on pallet

labels or in any other mailing

documentation.

* * * * *

2.4 Sortation level

[Amend 2.4 by inserting new sortation

level and abbreviation immediately

below ‘‘SCF [pallets created from

package reallocation]’’ to read as

follows:]

The actual sortation level (or

corresponding abbreviation) is used for

the package, tray, sack, or pallet levels

required by 2.2 and shown below:

Sortation level Abbreviation

*****

BMC [pallets created from package reallocation] ........................ PBMC

*****

Stanley F. Mires,

Chief Counsel, Legislative.

[FR Doc. 00–12444 Filed 5–18–00; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 7710–12–P

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

AGENCY

40 CFR Part 300

[FRL–6604–8]

National Oil and Hazardous

Substances Pollution Contingency

Plan; National Priorities List

AGENCY: Environmental Protection

Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Direct Final Action to Delete

Releases at the Mid-Atlantic Wood

Preservers, Inc. Site from the National

Priorities List (NPL).

SUMMARY: The EPA announces the

deletion of releases at the Mid-Atlantic

Wood Preservers, Inc. Site (the Site)

from the NPL. The NPL is appendix B

of 40 CFR part 300, which is the

National Oil and Hazardous Substances

Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP),

which EPA promulgated pursuant to

Section 105 of the Comprehensive

Environmental Response,

Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980

(CERCLA), as amended. The EPA has

determined that no further response

pursuant to CERCLA is appropriate.

DATES: This ‘‘direct final’’ action will be

effective July 18, 2000 unless EPA

receives dissenting comments by June

19, 2000. If adverse comments are

received, EPA will publish a timely

withdrawal of the direct final rule in the

Federal Register informing the public

that the rule will not take effect.

ADDRESSES: Comments may be mailed to

Matthew T. Mellon, Remedial Project

Manager, U.S. EPA, Region III, 1650

Arch Street (3HS23), Philadelphia, PA

19103–2029.

Comprehensive information on the

Site is available at EPA’s Region III

office and at the local information

repository located at the Provinces

Branch Library, Severn Square

Shopping Center, 2624 Annapolis Road,

Severn, MD 21144.

Requests for copies of documents

associated with this action should be

directed to the Region III Docket Office.

The address and phone number for the

Regional Docket Office is U.S. EPA

Region III Public Reading Room, 1650

Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103–

2029; (215) 814–3157.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Matthew T. Mellon, Remedial Project

Manager, U.S. EPA, Region III, 1650

Arch Street (3HS23), Philadelphia, PA

19103–2029, (215) 814–3168, or

Richard Kuhn, Community Involvement

Coordinator, U.S. EPA, Region III,

1650 Arch Street (3HS43),

Philadelphia, PA 19103–2029, (215)

814–3063.