15366 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 61 / Friday, March 30, 2007 / Rules and Regulations 

POSTAL SERVICE 

39 CFR Part 111 

New Standards for Domestic Mailing 

Services 

AGENCY: Postal Service. 

ACTION: Final rule. 

SUMMARY: In this final rule the Postal 

Service provides new mailing standards 

to support most of the pricing change 

recommended by the Postal Regulatory 

Commission and approved by the 

Governors of the United States Postal 

Service. We will implement most of the 

new prices on May 14, 2007. We will 

implement new prices and mailing 

standards for Periodicals mail on July 

15, 2007. 

Our pricing change includes a new 

‘‘forever stamp’’ to make future price 

changes more convenient for 

consumers. The forever stamp will 

always equal the First-Class Mail single 

piece 1-ounce letter price. We also offer 

new shape-based prices for First-Class 

Mail, with lower rates for letter-size 

pieces over 1 ounce. We make the 

Priority Mail flat-rate boxes a permanent 

product offering, and we add a new 1- 

pound price for Express Mail. 

For commercial mailers we offer new 

sorting options to reduce the number of 

trays in a mailing of letter-size pieces. 

We also offer new scheme preparations 

to give mailers access to lower rates and 

to better align flat-size mail preparation 

with mail processing. We add a new 

automated Address Change Service 

option to reduce the costs associated 

with undeliverable-as-addressed mail. 

First-Class Mail parcel mailers have new 

barcode options, and we provide new 

opportunities for mailers to combine 

Standard Mail Not Flat-Machinable 

pieces, Standard Mail parcels, and 

Package Services parcels in the same 

mailing. 

EFFECTIVE DATE: 12:01 a.m. on May 14, 

2007. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joel 

Walker, 202–268–7261. 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Postal 

Service’s request in Docket No. R2006– 

1 included mail classification changes, 

new pricing structures, and price 

changes for most domestic mailing 

services. This final rule provides the 

revisions to Mailing Standards of the 

United States Postal Service, Domestic 

Mail Manual (DMM) that we will adopt 

to implement most of the R2006–1 

pricing changes. We summarize major 

changes since our February proposal by 

class of mail and extra service, update 

our summary of the entire proposal, and 

update our mailing standards. We 

provide all of the new prices in the 

‘‘Rates and Fees Reference’’ at the end 

of this notice. 

You can find this final rule, as well 

as our earlier proposals, at http:// 

www.usps.com/ratecase. We also 

provide helpful information for mailers, 

including frequently asked questions, 

press releases, and Mailers Companion 

and MailPro articles related to the 

pricing change. 

Background 

The Postal Service Board of Governors 

set May 14, 2007, as the implementation 

date for the new prices and related 

changes for all classes of mail and extra 

services, with the exception of 

Periodicals mail, which we will 

implement on July 15, 2007. The Board 

chose these dates on the basis of our 

financial obligations, in light of 

operational and administrative 

considerations, while also considering 

the impact of the changes on mailers 

and consumers. We note that while we 

are implementing all of the 

Commission’s recommended rates, the 

Governors are asking the Commission to 

reconsider three issues: the prices for 

Standard Mail flats, the application of 

the Nonmachinable Surcharge for FirstClass Mail letters, and the price for the 

Priority Mail flat-rate box. The 

Governors are concerned about the 

short-term effect that some prices for 

Standard Mail Regular flats might have 

on catalog mailers, and that the 

Commission failed to provide 

appropriate cost-based incentives in 

these other two rate designs. The 

Governors are asking the Commission to 

reconsider their recommendations and 

respond as quickly as possible. 

We are delaying implementation of 

our new prices for all Periodicals mail 

to provide adequate time to adjust 

Postal Service systems, to enable an 

effective and orderly transition in postal 

operations, and to give postal 

acceptance employees and mailers more 

time to prepare for the complex 

structure recommended by the Postal 

Regulatory Commission. The 

Commission recommended OutsideCounty piece, bundle, and container 

rates that vary based on machinability, 

presort level, and entry. We will publish 

a Federal Register proposal explaining 

the changes and asking for your 

comments. We encourage all Periodicals 

mailers to review the Commission’s 

recommendation, which includes 

significant changes to the container rate 

structure, at http://www.prc.gov (under 

‘‘Opinions and Decisions’’). As we 

explained in our previous Federal 

Register proposals, Periodicals mailers 

will have new incentives to use efficient 

containers, and the revised 

copalletization standards further 

encourage more publishers to combine 

mailings. We also added, and the 

Commission recommended, new prices 

for the nonadvertising portion of a 

mailing to give mailers of high-editorialcontent publications access to lower, 

destination entry rates. 

Overall our new prices reflect changes 

in operations and the marketplace and 

will enhance efficiency, offer more 

choices, and ensure that all types of 

mail cover their costs. We include 

incentives to create mailpieces 

compatible with our processing systems 

and to deposit flats and parcels closer to 

where they are delivered. 

Our prices recognize that each shape 

of mailpiece—letter, flat, and parcel— 

has substantially different processing 

costs that need to be covered. Our prices 

make clear distinctions between shapes 

and recognize that shape affects 

processing and delivery efficiency. For 

example, in First-Class Mail, a 2-ounce 

letter will cost $0.58; a 2-ounce flat, 

$0.97; and a 2-ounce parcel, $1.30. 

These prices reflect the differences in 

costs associated with processing and 

delivering each type of mailpiece, as 

well as the higher value of larger pieces. 

Our new price incentives provide 

opportunities to mitigate the impact of 

price increases. For the 2-ounce 

example above, if the contents of a FirstClass Mail flat are folded and placed 

into a letter-size envelope, the mailer 

would save 39 cents. If a parcel is 

reconfigured as a flat, the mailer would 

save 33 cents. 

To make future price changes more 

convenient, customers may purchase 

‘‘forever stamps.’’ The forever stamp 

will always equal the First-Class Mail 

single piece 1-ounce letter price, 

without the addition of extra postage. 

While the forever stamp is intended to 

be used for single-piece 1-ounce FirstClass Mail letters, we will allow the use 

of forever stamps on other single-piecerate items. 

Our prices for Standard Mail letters 

are consistent with our past pricing 

strategies. For example, this strategy sets 

the Enhanced Carrier Route (ECR) basic 

letter rate higher than the regular 5-digit 

automation letter rates and encourages 

automation-compatible letter mail 

eligible for the ECR basic letter rate to 

migrate to the automation letter rate. 

To better align mail preparation with 

our processing capabilities and to 

maximize access to lower rates for 

mailers, we are implementing scheme 

preparation in many of our mail 

preparation standards. We have made 

changes to our flat-size mailing 

standards to ensure that the prices for 


jlentini on PROD1PC65 with RULES3
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 61 / Friday, March 30, 2007 / Rules and Regulations 15367 

1The distinctions between ‘‘nonautomation’’ and 

‘‘nonmachinable,’’ as they relate to Not FlatMachinable (NFM) pieces, as well as the operations 

related to NFMs, were discussed on the record in 

Docket No. R2006–1 (in the reply brief of the United 

States Postal Service, Docket No. R2006–1, at 202). 

2The cost and operational justifications 

supporting the NFM subcategory were discussed on 

the record in Docket No. R2006–1 (in the initial 

brief of the United States Postal Service, Docket No. 

R2006–1, at 279, on December 21, 2006; and in the 

reply brief of the United States Postal Service, 

Docket No. R2006–1, at 199–201, on January 4, 

2007). 

3The Postal Regulatory Commission clarified the 

rate schedule to ensure that pieces sorted to the 

BMC will pay the same rates as pieces sorted to the 

ADC (in PRC Op. R2006–1, at 259, n. 183, on 

February 26, 2007). 

flats and parcels better cover their costs 

and that pieces eligible for flat-size 

prices can be processed on our 

automated flat sorting machines (AFSM 

100s) and handled efficiently at 

delivery. 

The standards for automation flats are 

now more closely aligned with the 

processing capabilities of the AFSM 

100, the preferred machine for flats 

processing and the workhorse for flats 

distribution in processing plants. The 

processing capabilities of the AFSM 100 

are vastly superior to those of the 

Upgraded Flats Sorting Machine (UFSM 

1000). The throughput of the AFSM 100 

(17,000 pieces per hour) is much higher 

than the throughput of the UFSM 1000 

(a mere 5,000 pieces per hour). There 

are no plans to purchase new UFSM 

1000s, and we are removing them from 

many plants. We also believe that our 

new standards for Standard Mail will be 

appropriate for pieces weighing up to 16 

ounces when processed and delivered 

in the future flats sequencing 

environment. 

To be consistent with the processing 

capabilities of the AFSM 100, the length 

of a flat will continue to be the longest 

dimension, but for bound or folded 

pieces claimed at automation rates, the 

edge perpendicular to the bound or 

folded edge may not exceed 12 inches. 

We also revised the deflection test for 

automation-rate flats with bound or 

folded edges to allow them to be tested 

by placing the bound or final folded 

edge perpendicular to the edge of the 

flat surface. This method better 

accommodates pieces with bound edges 

as the shorter dimension. 

We set a 5-inch by 6-inch minimum 

for automation flats because smaller 

pieces cannot be efficiently processed 

and present handling problems at 

delivery. However, these pieces may 

qualify for letter rates or nonautomation 

flats rates, depending on mailpiece 

characteristics. 

Our standards further stipulate that 

rigid pieces do not qualify for flat 

prices. Rigid pieces are not easily 

processed on our AFSM 100 flat-sorting 

equipment—often resulting in manual 

processing or processing on lessefficient flats equipment—and are not 

generally handled as flats by carriers at 

delivery. In addition, rigid pieces 

cannot be processed and delivered 

efficiently in the future flats sequencing 

environment. Our new flexibility test is 

a simple, effective, and efficient way to 

test the flexibility of pieces presented at 

our thousands of acceptance locations, 

to determine whether such pieces can 

be processed on our AFSM 100s and 

handled as flats by carriers. To alleviate 

concerns about postal employees 

administering the test inconsistently, we 

will allow customers to perform this test 

on their own pieces, with a postal 

employee observing and validating the 

test. Understanding that the 

characteristics of mailpieces evolve over 

time, we will test pieces that fall outside 

of the flexibility standards as necessary 

and continually re-evaluate our 

standards to accommodate new 

processing and delivery capabilities. 

The flexibility test specifies that 

pieces must not be in boxes because 

boxes and boxlike pieces do not process 

well on our AFSM 100 and are not 

handled efficiently during delivery. We 

clarified the flexibility test by stating 

that pieces must be tested first with the 

longest side parallel to the edge of the 

surface. If the piece can pass this test 

and does not contain a rigid insert, 

further testing is unnecessary. We are 

confident that our acceptance 

employees can recognize pieces that 

could present a flexibility problem and 

will properly administer the test but, as 

we noted above, we also will allow 

customers to test their own pieces while 

we observe. We will provide 

illustrations for the flexibility test as 

well as the test for deflection in the 

DMM and other publications. 

We will apply the uniform thickness 

standard to all flat-size mail but will 

allow a 1⁄4-inch variation in thickness. 

Our standards for determining uniform 

thickness exclude the outer edges of the 

mailpiece as follows: 

‘‘Flat-size mailpieces must be 

uniformly thick so that any bumps, 

protrusions, or other irregularities do 

not cause more than 1⁄4-inch variance in 

thickness. Exclude the outside edges of 

a mailpiece (1 inch from the edge) when 

determining variance in thickness. 

Mailers must secure nonpaper contents 

to prevent shifting of more than 2 inches 

within the mailpiece.’’ 

The exclusion of pieces over 3⁄4 inch 

thick from automation flats is consistent 

with processing capabilities on our 

AFSM 100s and our automatic 

inductions systems. Many pieces that 

are thicker than 3⁄4 inch and currently 

qualify for Standard Mail automation 

flats rates are boxes or rigid pieces. Few 

Standard Mail pieces that are flexible 

printed material are both over 3⁄4 inch 

and under 16 ounces, which is the 

maximum weight for Standard Mail. 

We do not require nonautomation 

flats to meet all automation standards. 

Pieces that meet the general size and 

physical characteristics for all flats in 

proposed DMM 301.1.0 but are too 

flimsy, are not barcoded, or use 

polywrap that is not approved are 

eligible for nonautomation flats rates. 

Small pieces (for example, pieces 4 

inches high by 4 inches long) that are 

over 1⁄4 inch thick also are eligible for 

nonautomation flats rates.1

NFM pieces are rigid, parcel-like 

pieces and large pieces (more than 15 

inches long or more than 3⁄4 inch thick) 

that currently qualify for Standard Mail 

automation flats rates based solely on 

the UFSM 1000 criteria. However, these 

pieces are rarely processed on the 

UFSM 1000 or other flats sorting 

equipment, and are seldom delivered as 

flats—they are usually processed either 

manually or in the parcel mailstream. 

Therefore, the current prices of these 

pieces are not adequate to cover their 

processing and delivery costs.2 The 

NFM subcategory gives mailers the 

option to mail qualifying pieces at the 

lower, NFM rates, rather than at the 

higher, parcel rates. The standards allow 

mailers to choose on the basis of rates, 

preparation, and postage payment how 

to mail qualifying pieces under the 

categories of Standard Mail. 

Our preparation and labeling 

standards for NFMs will direct them to 

the processing facilities that can 

efficiently handle them, based on actual 

operations and mailflows. The 

preparation and destination options for 

NFMs weighing 6 ounces or more mirror 

those of Standard Mail machinable 

parcels, because they are both efficiently 

processed at bulk mail centers (BMCs). 

The preparation and destination options 

for NFMs under 6 ounces mirror those 

of Standard Mail irregular parcels, 

which are efficiently processed at area 

distribution centers (ADCs).3

The NFM subcategory of Standard 

Mail was developed according to 

statutory standards and procedures. The 

NFM category and prices were 

recommended by the Postal Regulatory 

Commission and approved by the Board 

of Governors. The standards are 

consistent with the Postal Service’s 

authority, under statute and the 

Domestic Mail Classification Schedule, 

to align classifications and rates with 

mail processing and delivery operations. 


jlentini on PROD1PC65 with RULES3
15368 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 61 / Friday, March 30, 2007 / Rules and Regulations 

4The ongoing dialogue between the Postal 

Service and mailers regarding this issue was 

discussed on the record in Docket No. R2006–1 (in 

the rebuttal testimony of Marc D. McCrery (USPS–

RT–14), Docket No. R2006–1, at 8–11, on November 

20, 2006). 

Mailers may still design and package 

their mailpieces as they do today and 

pay NFM or parcel rates. We will 

continue to accept these pieces for 

processing and delivery. 

We have given mailers time to adjust 

their mailpiece design, software 

programming, or production processes 

to avoid NFM or parcel prices if they 

choose to make a change. From our 

September 2006 proposal, we have 

consistently encouraged mailers to 

redesign their packaging to avoid rigid 

or box-like mailpieces, and we have 

consulted with many mailers who 

intended to design pieces that could be 

mailable at flats prices. We realize that 

not every piece can be redesigned as an 

automation flat, but many mailers do 

have repackaging options and have 

modified their mailpieces to meet the 

standards for automation flats. We 

further note that we have openly and 

often communicated our intention to 

move parcel-like pieces out of the 

automation flats category in this pricing 

change, as well as in earlier rate 

testimony, because we handle these 

pieces as parcels in processing and 

delivery and incur the costs associated 

with parcels.4

We also have been working closely 

with presort software vendors to ensure 

presort software will be available for the 

May 14, 2007, implementation. To 

ensure our employees and our 

customers are prepared, we initiated 

training and communication programs 

nationwide. We will separately provide 

training for customers across the 

country at local postal and mailer 

facilities and at local Postal Customer 

Council events. We will publish 

updated manuals and other mailing 

tools for customers on our Postal 

Explorer Web site at pe.usps.com. 

We published our policy for plantverified drop shipment (PVDS) mail in 

the DMM Advisory on February 1. The 

procedures are the same as those we 

used in the past. PVDS mailings verified 

and paid for before the implementation 

date, using the current rates, will be 

accepted at destination entry postal 

facilities up to 15 days after May 14, 

when presented with appropriate 

verification and payment 

documentation. PVDS mailings may be 

verified and paid for beginning 30 days 

prior to May 14, using the new rates, 

provided the shipments are not 

deposited at destination entry postal 

facilities until May 14, or later, when 

presented with appropriate verification 

and payment documentation. We will 

follow our established procedures for 

other mailing exceptions, as we have in 

past rate cases. 

In response to mailers’ requests, we 

will publish decision trees, diagrams, 

and other supporting material to clarify 

physical standards and other mailing 

criteria. We agree that illustrations and 

diagrams add clarity to written 

standards, and we are developing 

supporting material for use in the DMM 

Advisory, the Quick Service Guides, 

and the DMM. We are also updating the 

business postage rate calculator on 

Postal Explorer (pe.usps.com) with new 

graphics and navigation features to 

make it even easier to use. 

Changes Since the February Proposal 

First-Class Mail Changes 

The rate for machinable First-Class 

Mail letters that weigh 1 ounce or less 

is $0.41 and the card rate is $0.26. The 

cost for each additional ounce decreases 

to $0.17 for First-Class Mail single-piece 

and presorted letters, flats, and parcels. 

The additional-ounce rate for 

automation First-Class Mail letters is 

$0.125 and the additional-ounce rate for 

automation First-Class Mail flats is 

$0.17. 

Letter-size First-Class Mail pieces 

weighing 1 ounce or less that have any 

of the nonmachinable characteristics in 

DMM 201.2.1 are subject to a $0.17 

nonmachinable surcharge. 

Nonmachinable letters over 1 ounce are 

charged the First-Class Mail letter rates 

based on weight. We retained the 3.3- 

ounce (0.2063-pound) maximum weight 

for Presorted First-Class Mail 

machinable letters to be consistent with 

Standard Mail. Pieces over 3.3 ounces 

must be prepared as nonmachinable 

letters. 

Standard Mail Changes 

We revised DMM 243.5.4 to clarify 

that there is no 3-digit scheme sort for 

origin/entry 3-digit trays for Standard 

Mail machinable letters. To be 

consistent with the Postal Regulatory 

Commissions’ recommended decision, 

we revised DMM 246.5.2 to clarify that 

letter-size mailpieces, regardless of the 

rate paid, are not eligible for a 

destination delivery unit rate. We also 

clarify that rigid letter-size pieces up to 

3.3 ounces may be mailed at the 

nonmachinable letter rates. 

The Postal Regulatory Commission 

also recommended we set enhanced 

carrier route (ECR) basic letter rates 

lower than ECR basic flats rates and 

require all ECR letters not meeting 

automation requirements to be charged 

the ECR flats rates. Therefore, we 

revised DMM 243.6.1.2 and 243.6.3 to 

require ECRLOT letters paid for at the 

ECR basic letter rate to meet address 

matching and coding standards and to 

be delivery-point barcoded and 

automation-compatible. We also revised 

DMM 243.6.1.3 to allow letters paid for 

at ECR basic letter rates to weigh up to 

3.5 ounces, consistent with our 

standards for pieces paid for at highdensity and saturation letter rates. 

For flat-size mail, we revised DMM 

301.1.5, Uniform Thickness, to clarify 

that nonpaper contents smaller than the 

mailing container must not shift more 

than 2 inches. We did not intend the 

standard to apply to inserts such as 

paper envelopes and other thin paper 

inserts. 

Several mailers asked us to lower the 

minimum weight for certain types of 

machinable parcels, and we planned to 

revise these standards in a separate 

rulemaking. However, due to the 

substantially lower rates recommended 

by the PRC for machinable parcels at the 

5-digit level, we decided to revise the 

standards as part of this final rule. Our 

new standards allow certain size pieces 

weighing at least 3.5 ounces to be 

mailed as machinable parcels. Based on 

extensive testing of these types of pieces 

and several years of processing and 

handling them, we are confident that we 

can process and deliver them as 

efficiently as we do similar parcels 6 

ounces and over. This change allows 

mailers to prepare a wider range of 

machinable parcels separately or 

together with other machinable parcels. 

Periodicals Changes 

We clarified the definition of ‘‘length’’

and ‘‘height’’ for automation flats by 

consolidating the definitions for all flatsize mail into revised DMM 301.1.2. We 

clarified the alternative criteria for 

Periodicals automation flats in 707.25.3 

to specify that the flexibility and 

deflection tests in 301.1.4 and 301.3.2.4 

do not apply to these pieces, and that 

the standards for uniform thickness and 

exterior format in 301.3.6 do apply. 

As we stated above, we will delay 

implementation of the new prices for 

Periodicals mail. We will publish a 

Federal Register proposal explaining 

the standards, and we will invite your 

comments on all aspects of the 

Periodicals proposal. 

Priority Mail Changes 

The USPS-produced flat-rate envelope 

is charged the 1-pound price, $9.15 

under the Commission’s recommended 

decision, regardless of weight or 

destination. The Postal Service 

originally proposed a lower rate, and the 


jlentini on PROD1PC65 with RULES3
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 61 / Friday, March 30, 2007 / Rules and Regulations 15369 

Board of Governors is asking the 

Commission to reconsider the $9.15 

price. 

Other Changes 

As a result of the recommended 

decision, we will not make changes to 

the pricing structure for Confirm. We 

will continue to offer Silver and Gold 

subscriptions as well as Platinum 

subscriptions with unlimited scans. 

New fees apply to new subscriptions or 

for renewal of existing subscriptions 

after May 14, 2007. 

We revised DMM 609 with additional 

information about the indemnity claims 

process. 

Summary by Class of Mail 

Summary of First-Class Mail 

Our new prices are based on the 

shape of mail and differences in the 

relative costs, with separate prices for 

letters, flats, and parcels. As shape 

becomes a more important price 

element, weight becomes less important, 

and we reduce prices for letter-size 

pieces over 1 ounce and flat-size pieces 

over 7 ounces. 

The single-piece 1-ounce First-Class 

Mail letter price increases $0.02, to 

$0.41, and the single-piece card price 

also increases $0.02, to $0.26. The 

additional-ounce price decreases $0.07 

to $0.17. 

Our new forever stamp makes future 

price changes more convenient for 

consumers. The postage value of the 

forever stamp equals the First-Class 

Mail single-piece 1-ounce letter rate at 

any time in the future, without the 

addition of extra postage. Initially we 

will sell the forever stamp at the new 

41-cent rate. 

The nonmachinable surcharge 

increases to $0.17 and applies to 1- 

ounce letter-size mailpieces with any of 

the nonmachinable characteristics. 

Nonmachinable letters over 1 ounce are 

charged the letter rates, based on 

weight. The maximum weight for letters 

is 3.5 ounces. 

The additional-ounce price for 

automation letters decreases from 

$0.237 to $0.125. We maintain the 150- 

piece minimum for automation FirstClass Mail letters and cards. Sort levels 

are 5-digit/scheme, 3-digit/scheme, 3- 

digit origin, AADC, and mixed AADC. 

We offer simplified letter mail 

preparation for machinable letters, 

requiring mailers to sort only to the 

origin 3-digit, AADC, and mixed AADC 

levels. We eliminate the automation 

carrier route preparation and rates. 

To help reduce the number of ‘‘air 

trays’’ (partially filled trays) and the 

overall costs of handling mail in letter 

trays, we offer a reduced—overflow tray 

option for automation letters. In 

addition, to encourage more full trays, 

we change our definition of a ‘‘full letter 

tray’’ to one in which the pieces fill the 

length of the tray between 85 percent 

and 100 percent. 

To ensure automated processing of 

flat-size mail, we require all flats to be 

rectangular. The physical standards for 

automation flats are the criteria for 

AFSM 100 pieces, with new standards 

for flexibility. We also lessen and 

simplify the deflection standard. 

The structure for presorted parcels 

includes new workshare prices. The rate 

levels are 5-digit, 3-digit, ADC, and 

single piece. To simplify the preparation 

of First-Class Mail parcels, we make the 

preparation of 5-digit/scheme sacks 

optional. We require at least 10 pounds 

of parcels for 5-digit/scheme sacks, 3- 

digit sacks, and ADC sacks. Remaining 

pieces sorted to mixed ADC sacks are 

charged the single-piece First-Class Mail 

parcel prices. 

Barcodes facilitate processing on the 

Automated Package Processing System 

(APPS), and we give mailers the option 

of applying either a 5-digit UCC/EAN 

Code 128 or a POSTNET barcode on 

presorted parcels. Unless prepared in 5- 

digit/scheme containers or paid for at 

the single-piece rates, a $0.05 surcharge 

applies to all parcels that are not 

barcoded, or that weigh less than 2 

ounces, and to irregularly shaped 

parcels such as triangles, tubes, rolls, 

and similar pieces. 

Summary of Standard Mail 

Our prices encourage mail that is 

compatible with our operations and 

drop shipped closer to its destination. 

As in First-Class Mail, Standard Mail 

pricing has greater recognition of shape 

and reduced reliance on weight. 

Letters 

Automation letter sort levels are 5- 

digit/scheme, 3-digit/scheme, AADC, 

and mixed AADC. Mailers also have the 

option to prepare 3-digit/scheme origin/ 

entry trays for automation letters. We 

offer a simplified preparation and 

require mailers of machinable letters to 

sort only to the AADC and mixed AADC 

levels, with optional sorting to 3-digit 

origin/entry trays. 

ECR letters up to 3 ounces that are 

barcoded and automation-compatible 

are sorted in full trays according to new 

preparation standards. Mailers sort and 

bundle ECR letters that are not barcoded 

or not automation-compatible, or that 

are over 3 ounces, according to current 

preparation standards. Mailers sort and 

bundle mailings that contain pieces 

both over and under 3 ounces according 

to current preparation standards. 

We replace the nonmachinable 

surcharge with a separate rate structure 

for nonmachinable letters up to 3.3 

ounces. Nonmachinable letter sort levels 

are 5-digit, 3-digit, ADC, and mixed 

ADC, for which there are separate rates. 

Mailers have the option to prepare 3- 

digit origin/entry trays. Nonmachinable 

letters over 3.3 ounces are charged the 

Not Flat-Machinable (NFM) rates or, if 

barcoded and meeting other 

requirements, an automation flat-size 

rate. 

Destination delivery unit (DDU) entry 

rates are not available for ECR letter-size 

pieces, and mailers cannot pay ECR flatsize rates and claim the DDU discount 

for automation-compatible letters drop 

shipped to DDUs. Destination sectional 

center facility (DSCF) entry rates are 

allowed for DDU entry of some ECR 

letters, including letters with simplified 

addresses and locally entered mailings 

of 2,500 pieces or less. We eliminate 

ECR automation basic rates. ECRLOT 

letters paid for at the basic letter rate 

must meet address matching and coding 

standards and must be delivery-point 

barcoded and automation-compatible. 

To help reduce the costs of handling 

mail in letter trays, we offer a reduced—

overflow tray option for automation 

letters. In addition, to encourage fuller 

trays, we change our definition of a ‘‘full 

letter tray’’ to one in which the pieces 

fill the length of the tray between 85 

percent and 100 percent. 

Flats 

The physical standards for 

automation flats retain most of the 

criteria for AFSM 100 pieces, with new 

standards for flexibility that exclude 

boxes and box-like pieces. We added a 

rectangular requirement and a uniform 

thickness standard for all flats. The new 

uniform thickness standard allows up to 

a 1⁄4-inch variation in thickness. These 

changes ensure that pieces paid for at 

automation flats rates can be processed 

in automated operations and delivered 

as flats. We also lessen the deflection 

standard and allow bound or folded 

pieces to be tested differently than 

enveloped pieces. 

We increase the maximum size for 

carrier route flats so that the same 

maximum size applies to all flats, 

regardless of the rate paid. 

Not Flat-Machinable Pieces 

Our prices include a new Not FlatMachinable (NFM) subcategory for rigid 

flat-size pieces and for large pieces that 

are currently automation-compatible 

only by meeting UFSM 1000 standards. 

This subcategory provides mailers a 


jlentini on PROD1PC65 with RULES3
15370 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 61 / Friday, March 30, 2007 / Rules and Regulations 

lower-than-parcel rate option for pieces 

that do not meet the new standards for 

flats. We do not allow bundling for most 

NFMs, and mailers may prepare pieces 

in 5-digit/scheme, 3-digit, ADC/BMC, 

and mixed ADC/BMC containers. We 

allow 5-digit bundles of five or more 

NFMs when the mail is prepared on 

pallets. We offer a DDU entry rate for 

NFMs sorted to 5-digit destinations 

when drop shipped directly to the DDU. 

There is no minimum for NFMs drop 

shipped to DDUs. Unless prepared in 5- 

digit/scheme containers, a $0.05 

surcharge applies to all NFMs that are 

not barcoded. 

Parcels 

We eliminate the residual shape 

surcharge for Standard Mail parcels. We 

no longer offer a $0.03 machinable 

barcode discount. Instead, parcel prices 

include a requirement for barcodes. 

Unless prepared in 5-digit/scheme 

containers, a $0.05 surcharge applies to 

all parcels that are not barcoded. 

We remove the bundling requirement 

for all Standard Mail irregular parcels 

except ECR parcels. We reduce the 

required minimum quantity of irregular 

parcels in sacks to 10 pounds per sack. 

We allow mailers the option of using 

POSTNET barcodes or parcel barcodes 

on Standard Mail irregular parcels. 

We encourage mailers to commingle 

machinable parcels, irregular parcels, 

and NFMs when they are able to 

combine them in 5-digit/scheme 

containers. We allow mailers to 

combine NFMs under 6 ounces with 

irregular parcels in 3-digit, ADC, and 

mixed ADC containers. We also allow 

mailers to combine NFMs weighing 6 

ounces or more with machinable parcels 

in BMC/ASF and mixed BMC 

containers. We allow mailers to 

combine Standard Mail parcels, NFMs, 

machinable Parcel Select, and Bound 

Printed Matter parcels when prepared in 

3-digit containers to certain ZIP Codes 

and entered at designated SCFs. 

Our new standards in 401.1.0 allow 

certain size pieces weighing at least 3.5 

ounces to be mailed as machinable 

parcels. This change allows mailers to 

prepare a wider range of machinable 

parcels separately or together with other 

machinable parcels. 

We offer a DDU entry rate for parcels 

sorted to 5-digit/scheme destinations 

when drop shipped directly to the DDU. 

There is no minimum for the amount of 

parcels drop shipped to a DDU. 

Customized MarketMail 

Rates for Customized MarketMail 

equal the 5-digit nonentry rate for Not 

Flat-Machinable pieces, and mailers are 

still required to drop ship Customized 

MarketMail pieces to DDUs. 

Detached Address Labels 

Our prices include a new $0.015 

charge for detached address labels with 

ECR pieces. Mailers who prepare mail 

with addresses on their mailpieces 

could avoid the new charge. 

Pallets 

We reduce certain destination pallet 

minimums to 100 pounds of bundles or 

sacks of nonletter mail or 12 linear feet 

of trays on pallets. 

Summary of Periodicals 

As we stated above, we will delay 

implementation of our new prices for 

Periodicals mail. We will publish a 

separate Federal Register proposal 

explaining the standards for Periodicals 

mail resulting from the Postal 

Regulatory Commission’s recommended 

decision, and asking for your comments. 

To encourage fuller letter trays, we 

change our definition of a ‘‘full letter 

tray’’ to one in which the pieces fill the 

length of the tray between 85 percent 

and 100 percent. We reduce certain 

destination pallet minimums to 100 

pounds of bundles or sacks of nonletter 

mail or 12 linear feet of trays on pallets. 

Summary of Package Services 

Package Services includes Parcel Post, 

Bound Printed Matter, Media Mail, and 

Library Mail. Our standards simplify 

Package Services offerings and 

encourage more efficient handling of 

parcels. 

Parcel Post 

Currently, we charge parcels weighing 

less than 15 pounds and measuring 

more than 84 inches in combined length 

and girth the 15-pound rates (‘‘balloon 

rate’’). Under the new standards, we 

charge parcels weighing less than 20 

pounds and measuring more than 84 

inches in combined length and girth the 

20-pound rates. 

We incorporate the current $0.03 

barcode discount available for 

machinable Parcel Select destination 

bulk mail center (DBMC) entry mail into 

the price, and we require a barcode. 

Nonbarcoded machinable pieces are 

charged the applicable Intra-BMC/ASF 

rate. 

We do not change the mail 

preparation standards for Parcel Select. 

Bound Printed Matter 

We rename single-piece Bound 

Printed Matter ‘‘nonpresorted’’ Bound 

Printed Matter, and we eliminate it as a 

retail option. Customers can still use PC 

Postage or apply meter postage or 

adhesive stamps to nonpresorted BPM 

and deposit these pieces in a collection 

box, at the retail counter, or with their 

letter carrier. For flat-size pieces, we 

increase the $0.08 discount from the 

parcel price to $0.16. We do not change 

the $0.03 per piece POSTNET barcode 

discount for flat-size mail and the $0.03 

per piece parcel barcode discount for 

machinable parcels. 

To reduce sacks, we require 5-digit/ 

scheme and 3-digit/scheme bundles and 

5-digit/scheme sacks for presorted flatsize Bound Printed Matter. We require 

5-digit/scheme sacks for machinable 

and irregular parcels. 

Media Mail and Library Mail 

To reduce sacks, we require 5-digit/ 

scheme and 3-digit/scheme bundles and 

5-digit/scheme sacks for presorted flatsize Media Mail and Library Mail. We 

require 5-digit/scheme sacks for 

machinable and irregular parcels. 

Pallets 

We reduce certain destination pallet 

minimums to 100 pounds of bundles or 

sacks of nonletter mail. 

Summary of Priority Mail 

We continue to offer convenience in 

Priority Mail. The USPS-produced flatrate envelope is still charged the 1- 

pound price, regardless of weight or 

destination. USPS-produced flat-rate 

boxes will become a permanent offering. 

Prices for all Priority Mail pieces 

weighing over 23 pounds decrease for 

all zones, many by as much as 20 

percent. 

Previously, we charged the 15-pound 

rates (‘‘balloon rate’’) for Priority Mail 

pieces weighing less than 15 pounds 

and measuring more than 84 inches in 

combined length and girth. Under the 

new standards, we charge the 20-pound 

rates (the new ‘‘balloon rate’’) for 

Priority Mail pieces weighing less than 

20 pounds and measuring more than 84 

inches in combined length and girth. 

We apply the new balloon rate only to 

pieces addressed for local delivery or to 

zones 1–4. 

Priority Mail pieces that exceed 1 

cubic foot and are addressed to zones 5–

8 are subject to a new dimensionalweight price under 123.1.4. We rate 

postage for these pieces at the greater of 

their actual weight or their dimensional 

weight. In general, if a piece is relatively 

light for its size, it may be subject to a 

dimensional-weight price. We calculate 

dimensional weight using one of two 

formulas, one for rectangular and one 

for nonrectangular pieces. 

USPS-supplied containers containing 

mailings of other classes of mail under 

Priority Mail Open and Distribute are 


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not subject to dimensional weight 

pricing. 

Summary of Express Mail 

Express Mail pieces often contain 

material that ranges from a half-pound 

to 2 pounds. Previously, these pieces 

paid the 2-pound price. To keep Express 

Mail a viable alternative for mailers, we 

add a new 1-pound price. The flat-rate 

envelope continues to be charged the 

half-pound price, regardless of weight. 

Summary of Extra Services 

Our proposal keeps insured mail 

reliable, easy, and affordable. All 

insured pieces will have a barcoded 

label and receive a delivery scan. We 

will not require a signature at delivery 

for insured items with an indemnity of 

$200 or less. We also update the 

standards for filing an indemnity claim. 

We provide new prices for Bulk 

Parcel Return Service, Business Reply 

Mail, Certificate of Mailing, Certified 

Mail, Collect on Delivery, Delivery 

Confirmation, Bulk Insurance, Express 

Mail Insurance, Merchandise Return 

Service, Money Orders, Parcel Airlift, 

Parcel Return Service, Registered Mail, 

Restricted Delivery, Return Receipt, 

Return Receipt for Merchandise, 

Signature Confirmation, and Special 

Handling. 

Summary of Other Services 

Our new standards seek to modernize 

our services, improve address quality, 

and reduce undeliverable-as-addressed 

mail. 

We decrease the price for Address 

Change Service electronic option for 

First-Class Mail from $0.21 to $0.06. We 

increase the price for all other classes of 

mail from $0.21 to $0.25. We decrease 

the price for manual Address Correction 

Service for all classes of mail from $0.75 

to $0.50. For manual notifications 

received by electronic and automated 

ACS customers, we decrease the prices 

to match electronic notification prices, 

$0.06 for First-Class Mail and $0.25 for 

other classes. 

A new automated option for Address 

Change Service for First-Class Mail 

letters provides the first two notices at 

no charge, and additional notices for 

$0.05 each. For Standard Mail letters, 

the first two notices are $0.02 each, and 

additional notices are $0.15 each. This 

new option requires mailers to use the 

Intelligent Mail barcode. 

The Postal Regulatory Commission 

recommended that we implement a new 

service to charge for the actual number 

of Standard Mail pieces forwarded and 

returned. This service would use 

electronic data to give mailers an 

alternative to the current process that 

charges a weighted rate for the returned 

pieces only (the weighted rate is 

intended to cover the postage for the 

forwarded pieces also). The new service 

would be available for Address Change 

Service pieces using the electronic 

option, or the new automated option 

using the Intelligent Mail barcode. This 

service will be available to customers 

through an approval process that 

ensures individual customer and postal 

systems can adapt to the new payment 

system. 

We no longer offer on-site meter 

services. We eliminate the fees 

associated with on-site meter service, 

meter resetting, examination, and 

checking meters in and out of service. 

Individual post office box holders at 

different locations may experience 

varying price changes as we continue to 

align prices with our costs for each 

location. Our new prices also realign the 

Caller Service fees based on location. 

We provide new prices for Address 

Sequencing Service, Confirm, Mailing 

List Service, Permit Imprint, Pickup on 

Demand service, Premium Forwarding 

Service, Shipper Paid Forwarding, 

Stamped Cards, Stamped Envelopes, 

and all annual and quarterly mailing 

fees. 

We provide the updated DMM 

standards, and how they are applied for 

each type of mail, below. 

We adopt the following amendments 

to Mailing Standards of the United 

States Postal Service, Domestic Mail 

Manual (DMM), incorporated by 

reference in the Code of Federal 

Regulations. See 39 CFR 111.1. 

List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 111 

Administrative practice and 

procedure, Postal Service. 

■ Accordingly, 39 CFR Part 111 is 

amended as follows: 

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 

Mailing Standards of the United States 

Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual 

(DMM), as follows: 

100 Retail Mail: Letters, Cards, Flats, 

and Parcels 

101 Physical Standards 

1.0 Physical Standards for Letters 

1.1 Dimensional Standards for Letters 

Letter-size mail is: 

* * * * * 

[Renumber item c as item d. Insert 

new item c as follows:] 

c. Not more than 3.5 ounces. 

* * * * * 

1.2 Nonmachinable Criteria 

A letter-size piece is nonmachinable 

(see 6.4) if it has one or more of the 

following characteristics (see 601.1.4 to 

determine the length, height, top, and 

bottom of a mailpiece): 

[Renumber items a through i as items 

b through j. Insert new item a as 

follows:] 

a. Is over 3.5 ounces. 

* * * * * 

2.0 Physical Standards for Flats 

2.1 General Definition 

Flat-size mail is: 

* * * * * 

[Renumber item c as new item f. Insert 

new items c through e as follows:] 

c. Flexible (see 2.2). 

d. Rectangular. 

e. Uniformly thick (see 2.3). 

* * * * * 

[Insert new 2.2 through 2.4 as 

follows:] 

2.2 Minimum Flexibility Criteria for 

Flat-Size Pieces 

Flat-size pieces must be flexible. 

Boxes and box-like pieces—with or 

without hinges, gaps, or breaks that 

allow the piece to bend—are not flats. 

Tight envelopes that are completely 

filled to form box-like pieces are not 

flats. Test flats as follows: 

a. All flats: 

1. Place the piece with the length 

parallel to the edge of a flat surface and 

extend the piece halfway off the surface. 

2. Press down on the piece at a point 

1 inch from the outer edge, in the center 

of the piece’s length, exerting steady 

pressure. 

3. The piece is not flexible if it cannot 

bend at least 1 inch vertically without 

being damaged. 

4. The piece is flexible if it can bend 

at least 1 inch vertically without being 

damaged and it does not contain a rigid 

insert. No further testing is necessary. 

5. Test the piece according to 2.2b or 

2.2c below if it can bend at least 1 inch 

vertically without being damaged and it 

contains a rigid insert. 

b. Flats 10 inches or longer that pass 

the test in 2.2a and contain a rigid 

insert: 

1. Place the piece with the length 

perpendicular to the edge of a flat 

surface and extend the piece 5 inches 

off the surface. 

2. Press down on the piece at a point 

1 inch from the outer edge, in the center 

of the piece’s width, exerting steady 

pressure. 


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3. Turn the piece around and repeat 

steps 1 and 2. The piece is flexible if 

both ends can bend at least 2 inches 

vertically without being damaged. 

c. Flats less than 10 inches long that 

pass the test in 2.2a and contain a rigid 

insert: 

1. Place the piece with the length 

perpendicular to the edge of a flat 

surface and extend the piece one-half of 

its length off the surface. 

2. Press down on the piece at a point 

1 inch from the outer edge, in the center 

of the piece’s width, exerting steady 

pressure. 

3. Turn the piece around and repeat 

steps 1 and 2. The piece is flexible if 

both ends can bend at least 1 inch 

vertically without being damaged. 

2.3 Uniform Thickness 

Flat-size mailpieces must be 

uniformly thick so that any bumps, 

protrusions, or other irregularities do 

not cause more than 1⁄4-inch variance in 

thickness. Exclude the outside edges of 

a mailpiece (1 inch from the edge) when 

determining variance in thickness. 

Mailers must secure nonpaper contents 

to prevent shifting of more than 2 inches 

within the mailpiece. 

2.4 Flat-Size Pieces Not Eligible for 

Flat-Size Rates 

Mailpieces that do not meet the 

standards in 2.1 through 2.3 are not 

eligible for flat-size rates and must be 

paid for at the applicable parcel rates. 

* * * * * 

5.0 Additional Physical Standards for 

Priority Mail 

* * * * * 

5.2 Two or More Packages 

[Revise 5.2 as follows:] 

With the exception of USPS-produced 

Priority Mail flat-rate envelopes or 

boxes, two or more packages may be 

mailed as a single parcel if they are 

about the same size or shape, are 

securely wrapped or fastened together, 

and do not exceed the weight or size 

limits. 

* * * * * 

6.0 Additional Physical Standards for 

First-Class Mail 

* * * * * 

6.4 Nonmachinable Pieces 

6.4.1 Nonmachinable Letters 

[Revise 6.4.1 as follows:] 

Letter-size pieces (except card-rate 

pieces) that weigh 1 ounce or less and 

meet one or more of the nonmachinable 

characteristics in 1.2 are subject to the 

nonmachinable surcharge (see 133.1.11). 

Nonmachinable letters over 1 ounce are 

charged the First-Class Mail letter rate 

based on weight. 

[Revise heading and text of 6.4.2 as 

follows:] 

6.4.2 Nonmachinable Flats 

Flat-size pieces that do not meet the 

standards in 2.0 are subject to the 

applicable postage for a parcel-size 

piece, based on weight. 

* * * * * 

[Delete 8.0, Additional Physical 

Standards for Bound Printed Matter. 

Renumber 9.0 and 10.0 as new 8.0 and 

9.0.] 

* * * * * 

102 Elements on the Face of a 

Mailpiece 

* * * * * 

3.0 Placement and Content of Mail 

Markings 

* * * * * 

[Revise heading of 3.3 as follows:] 

3.3 Mail Markings 

[Revise first sentence of 3.3 as 

follows:] 

Mailers must print the basic required 

Package Services subclass marking—

‘‘Parcel Post’’ or ‘‘PP,’’ ‘‘Media Mail,’’ or 

‘‘Library Mail’’—on each piece claimed 

at the respective rate.* * * 

* * * * * 

110 Retail Mail: Express Mail 

113 Rates and Eligibility 

1.0 Express Mail Rates and Fees 

* * * * * 

1.2 Express Mail Rate Application 

[Revise 1.2 as follows:] 

Except under 1.4, Flat-Rate Envelope, 

Express Mail items are charged the 0.5- 

pound rate for items up to 0.5 pound. 

Items over 0.5 pound are rounded up to 

the next whole pound. For example, if 

a piece weighs 0.25 pound, the weight 

(postage) increment is 0.5 pound; if a 

piece weighs 0.75 pound, the weight 

(postage) increment is 1 pound; if a 

piece weighs 1.2 pounds, the weight 

(postage) increment is 2 pounds. 

* * * * * 

120 Retail Mail: Priority Mail 

123 Rates and Eligibility 

1.0 Priority Mail Rates and Fees 

* * * * * 

1.2 Priority Mail Rate Application 

[Revise 1.2 as follows:] 

Except under 1.3, 1.4, and 1.5, 

Priority Mail rates are charged per 

pound; any fraction of a pound is 

rounded up to the next whole pound. 

For example, if a piece weighs 1.2 

pounds, the weight (postage) increment 

is 2 pounds. The minimum postage 

amount per addressed piece is the 1- 

pound rate. The Priority Mail rate up to 

1 pound is based on weight only; rates 

for pieces weighing more than 1 pound 

are based on weight and zone. Other 

charges may apply. See Exhibit 1.3, 

Priority Mail Rates. 

[Revise the heading and text of 1.3 as 

follows:] 

1.3 Minimum Rate for Parcels to 

Zones 1–4 

Parcels addressed for delivery to 

Zones 1–4 (including Local) that weigh 

less than 20 pounds but measure more 

than 84 inches (but not more than 108 

inches) in combined length and girth are 

charged the applicable zone rate for a 

20-pound parcel (balloon rate). 

[Delete 1.6 and 1.7; renumber 1.4 and 

1.5 as new 1.6 and 1.7. Insert new 1.4 

and 1.5 as follows:] 

1.4 Dimensional Weight Rate for LowDensity Parcels to Zones 5–8 

Postage for parcels addressed for 

delivery to Zones 5–8 and exceeding 1 

cubic foot (1,728 cubic inches) is based 

on the actual weight or the dimensional 

weight (as calculated in 1.4.1 or 1.4.2), 

whichever is greater. 

1.4.1 Determining Dimensional 

Weight for Rectangular Parcels 

Follow these steps to determine the 

dimensional weight for a rectangular 

parcel: 

a. Measure the length, width, and 

height in inches. Round off (see 604.7.0) 

each measurement to the nearest whole 

inch. 

b. Multiply the length by the width by 

the height. 

c. If the result exceeds 1,728 cubic 

inches, divide the result by 194 and 

round up (see 604.7.0) to the next whole 

number to determine the dimensional 

weight in pounds. 

1.4.2 Determining Dimensional 

Weight for Nonrectangular Parcels 

Follow these steps to determine the 

dimensional weight for a nonrectangular 

parcel: 

a. Measure the length, width, and 

height in inches at their extreme 

dimensions. Round off (see 604.7.0) 

each measurement to the nearest whole 

inch. 

b. Multiply the length by the width by 

the height. 

c. Multiply the result by an 

adjustment factor of 0.785. 

d. If the final result exceeds 1,728 

cubic inches, divide the result by 194 


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and round up (see 604.7.0) to the next 

whole number to determine the 

dimensional weight in pounds. 

e. If the dimensional weight exceeds 

70 pounds, the parcel pays the 70- 

pound rate. 

1.5 Flat-Rate Boxes and Envelopes 

Any amount of material may be 

mailed in a USPS-produced Priority 

Mail flat-rate box or flat-rate envelope. 

When sealing a flat-rate box or flat-rate 

envelope, the container flaps must be 

able to close within the normal folds. 

Tape may be applied to the flaps and 

seams to reinforce the container, 

provided the design of the container is 

not enlarged by opening the sides and 

the container is not reconstructed in any 

way. 

1.5.1 Flat-Rate Boxes—Rate and 

Eligibility 

Each USPS-produced Priority Mail 

flat-rate box is charged $9.15, regardless 

of the actual weight of the piece or its 

destination. Only USPS-produced flatrate boxes are eligible for the flat-rate 

box rate. 

1.5.2 Flat-Rate Envelopes—Rate and 

Eligibility 

Each USPS-produced Priority Mail 

flat-rate envelope is charged $4.60, 

regardless of the actual weight of the 

piece or its destination. Only USPSproduced flat-rate envelopes are eligible 

for the flat-rate envelope rate. 

* * * * * 

130 Retail Mail: First-Class Mail 

133 Rates and Eligibility 

1.0 First-Class Mail Rates and Fees 

1.1 First-Class Mail Single-Piece Rate 

Application 

The single-piece rates for First-Class 

Mail are applied as follows: 

* * * * * 

[Revise the weight limit in item b as 

follows:] 

b. The letter rate applies to letter-size 

pieces that meet the standards in 

101.1.1 and weigh 3.5 ounces or less, 

and that are not eligible for and claimed 

at the card rate. 

[Insert new items c and d as follows:] 

c. The flat rate applies to flat-size 

pieces that meet the standards in 

101.2.1. 

d. The parcel rate applies to parcelsize pieces under 101.3.0 and to flat-size 

pieces that do not meet the standards in 

101.2.0. 

* * * * * 

[Renumber 1.7, Rates for Keys and 

Identification Devices, as new 1.9. 

Restructure the rate tables in 1.5 and 1.6 

into new 1.5 through 1.7 for separate 

letter, flat, and parcel rates.] 

1.8 Keys and Identification Devices 

[Revise 1.8 to remove references to the 

nonmachinable surcharge in the first 

three sentences as follows:] 

Keys and identification devices (such 

as identification cards and uncovered 

identification tags) that weigh 13 ounces 

or less are returned at the applicable 

single-piece First-Class Mail parcel rate 

plus the fee. Keys and identification 

devices that weigh more than 13 ounces 

but not more than 1 pound are returned 

at the 1-pound Priority Mail rate plus 

the fee. Keys and identification devices 

weighing more than 1 pound but not 

more than 2 pounds are mailed at the 2- 

pound Priority Mail rate for zone 4 plus 

the fee. * * * 

* * * * * 

[Renumber 1.9 through 1.11 as new 

1.10 through 1.12.] 

1.11 Applicability of Nonmachinable 

Surcharge 

[Revise renumbered 1.11 as follows:] 

The nonmachinable surcharge applies 

to letter-size pieces that weigh 1 ounce 

or less and meet one or more of the 

nonmachinable characteristics in 

101.1.2. Pieces mailed at the card rate 

are not subject to the nonmachinable 

surcharge. 

* * * * * 

2.0 Basic Eligibility Standards for 

First-Class Mail 

2.1 Description of Service 

* * * * * 

2.1.2 Rate Options 

[Revise 2.1.2 to add shape-based 

reference as follows:] 

First-Class Mail offers shape-based 

single-piece rates in 1.0. 

* * * * * 

150 Retail Mail: Parcel Post 

153 Rates and Eligibility 

1.0 Parcel Post Rates and Fees 

1.1 Rate Eligibility 

There are two Parcel Post retail rate 

categories: Intra-BMC and Inter-BMC. 

Intra-BMC and Inter-BMC Parcel Post 

rates are calculated based on the zone to 

which the parcel is addressed and the 

weight of the parcel. Requirements for 

Parcel Post rates and discounts are as 

follows: 

* * * * * 

[Revise item d as follows:] 

d. Parcels that weigh less than 20 

pounds but measure more than 84 

inches (but not more than 108 inches) 

in combined length and girth are 

charged the applicable rate for a 20- 

pound parcel (balloon rate). 

* * * * * 

1.7 Inter-BMC/ASF Machinable Parcel 

Post 

[Revise 1.7 as follows:] 

For barcode discount, deduct $0.03 

per parcel (50-piece minimum). Parcels 

that weigh less than 20 pounds but 

measure more than 84 inches (but not 

more than 108 inches) in combined 

length and girth are charged the 

applicable rate for a 20-pound parcel 

(balloon rate). 

1.8 Inter-BMC/ASF Nonmachinable 

Parcel Post 

[Revise 1.8 as follows:] 

Rates include the $3.89 

nonmachinable surcharge. Regardless of 

weight, a parcel with any of the 

characteristics in 101.7.2, 

Nonmachinable Parcel Post Standards, 

must be charged the rate listed in 

Exhibit 1.9. Parcels that weigh less than 

20 pounds but measure more than 84 

inches (but not more than 108 inches) 

in combined length and girth are 

charged the applicable rate for a 20- 

pound parcel (balloon rate). The 

nonmachinable surcharge does not 

apply to parcels mailed at oversized 

rates or parcels sent with special 

handling. 

* * * * * 

1.10 Local and Intra-BMC/ASF 

Machinable Parcel Post 

[Revise 1.10 as follows:] 

Rates for parcels that originate and 

destinate in the same BMC service area 

are in Exhibit 1.12, Local and IntraBMC/ASF Machinable and 

Nonmachinable Parcel Post Rates. For 

barcode discount, deduct $0.03 per 

parcel (50-piece minimum). Parcels that 

weigh less than 20 pounds but measure 

more than 84 inches (but not more than 

108 inches) in combined length and 

girth are charged the applicable rate for 

a 20-pound parcel (balloon rate). 

Regardless of weight, a parcel with any 

of the characteristics in 101.7.2 must be 

charged the rate for a nonmachinable 

parcel in 1.11. 

1.11 Local and Intra-BMC/ASF 

Nonmachinable Parcel Post 

[Revise 1.11 as follows:] 

Rates include the $2.87 

nonmachinable surcharge. Regardless of 

weight, a parcel with any of the 

characteristics in 101.7.2, 

Nonmachinable Parcel Post Standards, 

must be charged the rates in Exhibit 

1.12. Parcels that weigh less than 20 

pounds but measure more than 84 

inches (but not more than 108 inches) 


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in combined length and girth are 

charged the applicable rate for a 20- 

pound parcel (balloon rate). The 

nonmachinable surcharge does not 

apply to parcels mailed at oversized 

rates or parcels sent with special 

handling. 

* * * * * 

[Delete Chapter 160, Retail Mail: 

Bound Printed Matter, in its entirety. 

These standards are incorporated into 

chapters 360 and 460.] 

* * * * * 

200 Discount Mail: Letters and Cards 

201 Physical Standards 

1.0 Physical Standards for 

Machinable Letters and Cards 

1.1 Physical Standards for 

Machinable Letters 

* * * * * 

1.1.2 Weight Standards for 

Machinable Letters 

[Revise 1.1.2 to change the maximum 

weight for First-Class Mail machinable 

letters to 3.5 ounces as follows:] 

The maximum weight for Presorted 

First-Class Mail machinable letters is 3.3 

ounces (0.2063 pound). The maximum 

weight for Standard Mail machinable 

letters is 3.3 ounces (0.2063 pound). 

* * * * * 

2.0 Physical Standards for 

Nonmachinable Letters 

2.1 Criteria for Nonmachinable 

Letters 

A letter-size piece is nonmachinable if 

it has one or more of the following 

characteristics (see 601.1.4 to determine 

the length, height, top, and bottom of a 

mailpiece): 

[Renumber items a through i as items 

b through j. Insert new item a as 

follows:] 

a. Is over 3.3 ounces, unless prepared 

as an automation-rate letter. 

* * * * * 

[Delete 2.2.2, Nonmachinable 

Surcharge—Letter-Size Pieces. 

Renumber 2.2.1 as new 2.2 and revise as 

follows:] 

2.2 Additional Criteria for First-Class 

Mail Nonmachinable Letters 

Letter-size pieces (except card-rate 

pieces) that weigh 1 ounce or less and 

meet one or more of the nonmachinable 

characteristics in 2.1 are subject to the 

nonmachinable surcharge (see 133.1.10). 

Nonmachinable letters over 1 ounce and 

up to 3.5 ounces are charged the FirstClass Mail letter rates based on weight. 

All letter-size pieces over 3.5 ounces are 

prepared as letters and charged the flatsize rates. 

[Delete 2.3.2, Nonmachinable 

Surcharge Not Applied. Renumber 2.3.1 

as new 2.3 and revise as follows:] 

2.3 Additional Criteria for Standard 

Mail Nonmachinable Letters 

The nonmachinable rates in 243.1.5 

apply to Standard Mail letter-size pieces 

that weigh 3.3 ounces or less and have 

one or more of the nonmachinable 

characteristics in 2.1. 

3.0 Physical Standards for 

Automation Letters and Cards 

* * * * * 

3.3 Weight Standards for First-Class 

Mail Automation Letters and Cards 

[Revise 3.3 to change the weight limit 

as follows:] 

Maximum weight for First-Class Mail 

automation letters is 3.5 ounces (0.2188 

pound). See 3.13.4 for pieces heavier 

than 3 ounces. 

3.4 Weight Standards for Standard 

Mail Automation Letters 

[Revise 3.4 to remove the reference to 

automation carrier route mail as 

follows:] 

Maximum weight for Standard Mail 

mailed at automation and Enhanced 

Carrier Route is 3.5 ounces (0.2188 

pound). See 3.13.4 for pieces heavier 

than 3 ounces. 

* * * * * 

202 Elements on the Face of a 

Mailpiece 

* * * * * 

3.0 Placement and Content of Mail 

Markings 

* * * * * 

3.3 Placement of Mail Markings 

* * * * * 

[Revise item b, item b3, and item c to 

delete ‘‘AUTOCR.’’] 

3.4 Exceptions to Markings 

Exceptions are as follows: 

[Revise item a to remove references to 

carrier route mail as follows:] 

a. Automation Letters. First-Class 

Mail and Standard Mail letters do not 

require an ‘‘AUTO’’ marking if they bear 

a DPBC or an Intelligent Mail barcode 

with a delivery point routing code in the 

address block or on an insert visible 

through a window. First-Class Mail 

letters not marked ‘‘AUTO’’ must bear 

both the ‘‘Presorted’’ or ‘‘PRSRT’’ and 

‘‘First-Class’’ markings. Standard Mail 

letters not marked ‘‘AUTO’’ must bear 

the appropriate basic marking in 3.3a. 

[Revise item b as follows:] 

b. Manifest Mailings. The basic 

marking must appear in the postage area 

on each piece as required in 3.3a. The 

two-letter rate category code required in 

the keyline on manifest mailing pieces 

prepared under 705.2.0, Manifest 

Mailing System, meets the requirement 

for other rate markings. 

* * * * * 

230 Discount Letters and Cards: FirstClass Mail 

233 Rates and Eligibility 

1.0 Rates and Fees for First-Class Mail 

1.1 Rate Application 

[Revise 1.1 to add ‘‘letter’’ as follows:] 

Postage is based on the letter rate that 

applies to the weight of each addressed 

piece. 

1.2 Rate Computation for First-Class 

Mail Letters 

[Revise the first sentence in 1.2 to add 

‘‘letter’’ as follows:] 

First-Class Mail letter rates are 

charged per ounce or fraction thereof; 

any fraction of an ounce is considered 

a whole ounce. For example, if a piece 

weighs 1.2 ounces, the weight (postage) 

increment is 2 ounces. The minimum 

postage per addressed piece is that for 

a piece weighing 1 ounce. 

* * * * * 

[Delete 1.13, Carrier Route 

Automation Cards, and 1.14, Carrier 

Route Automation Letters. Renumber 

1.15 through 1.19 as new 1.13 through 

1.17.] 

* * * * * 

3.0 Basic Standards for First-Class 

Mail Letters 

3.1 Description of Service 

* * * * * 

3.1.2 Rate Options 

[Revise 3.1.2 as follows:] 

First-Class Mail letters offer shapebased single-piece rates in 133.1.0 and 

discounted rates in 1.0 for presorted 

mailings of 500 or more pieces that 

weigh 3.5 ounces or less. 

* * * * * 

3.3 Additional Basic Standards for 

First-Class Mail 

[Revise introductory text in 3.3 as 

follows:] 

All pieces of presorted First-Class 

Mail letters must: 

* * * * * 

[Revise the weight in item b as 

follows:] 

b. Weigh 3.5 ounces or less. 

* * * * * 


jlentini on PROD1PC65 with RULES3
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 61 / Friday, March 30, 2007 / Rules and Regulations 15375 

4.0 Additional Eligibility Standards 

for Nonautomation First-Class Mail 

Letters 

* * * * * 

4.3 Nonmachinable Surcharge for 

Letter-Size Pieces 

[Revise 4.3 as follows:] 

The nonmachinable surcharge in 1.14 

applies to letter-size pieces (except cardrate pieces) that weigh 1 ounce or less 

and meet one or more of the 

nonmachinable characteristics in 

201.2.1. Nonmachinable letters over 1 

ounce are charged the First-Class Mail 

letter rate based on weight. 

[Revise heading of 5.0 to delete 

‘‘Carrier Route’’ as follows:] 

5.0 Additional Eligibility Standards 

for Automation Rate First-Class Mail 

Letters 

[Revise heading of 5.1 as follows:] 

5.1 Basic Standards for Automation 

First-Class Mail Letters 

All pieces in a First-Class Mail 

automation rate mailing must: 

* * * * * 

[Delete item d2. Move text in item d1 

into item d as follows.] 

d. Bear a delivery address that 

includes the correct ZIP Code, ZIP+4 

code, or numeric equivalent to the 

delivery point barcode (DPBC) and that 

meets the address matching and coding 

standards in 5.6, Address Standards for 

Barcoded Pieces, and 708.3.0, Coding 

Accuracy Support System (CASS). 

* * * * * 

[Delete 5.2, Carrier Route Accuracy, 

and renumber 5.3 and 5.4 as new 5.2 

and 5.3.] 

* * * * * 

5.2 Maximum Weight for Automation 

Letters 

[Revise renumbered 5.2 to change 

maximum weight from 3.3 to 3.5 ounces 

as follows:] 

Maximum weight for First-Class Mail 

automation letters is 3.5 ounces (0.2188 

pound) (see 201.3.13.4, Heavy Letter 

Mail, for pieces heavier than 3 ounces). 

5.3 Rate Application—Automation 

Cards and Letters 

Automation rates apply to each piece 

that is sorted under 235.6.0 into the 

corresponding qualifying groups: 

[Delete item a. Renumber items b 

through e as new items a through d and 

revise as follows:] 

a. Groups of 150 or more pieces in 5- 

digit/scheme trays qualify for the 5-digit 

rate. Preparation to qualify for the 5- 

digit rate is optional. Pieces placed in 

full 3-digit/scheme trays in lieu of 5- 

digit/scheme overflow trays under 

235.6.6 are eligible for the 5-digit rates. 

b. Groups of 150 or more pieces in 3- 

digit/scheme trays qualify for the 3-digit 

rate. Pieces placed in full AADC trays in 

lieu of 3-digit/scheme overflow trays 

under 235.6.6 are eligible for the 3-digit 

rates. 

c. Groups of fewer than 150 pieces in 

origin 3-digit/scheme trays and all 

pieces in AADC trays qualify for the 

AADC rate. Pieces placed in mixed 

AADC trays in lieu of AADC overflow 

trays under 235.6.6 are eligible for the 

AADC rates. 

d. Pieces in mixed AADC trays qualify 

for the mixed AADC rate, except for 

pieces prepared under 5.3c. 

* * * * * 

[Delete 5.5 and renumber 5.6 and 5.7 

as new 5.4 and 5.5.] 

* * * * * 

[Delete renumbered 5.4.7, Rural and 

Highway Contract Routes. Renumber 

5.4.8 as new 5.4.7.] 

* * * * * 

235 Mail Preparation 

1.0 General Definition of Terms 

* * * * * 

1.2 Definitions of Mailings 

Mailings are defined as: 

[Revise the second sentence in item a 

to remove ‘‘automation carrier route’’ as 

follows:] 

a. * * * Generally, automation and 

nonautomation letters must be prepared 

as separate mailings.* * * 

* * * * * 

1.3 Terms for Presort Levels 

Terms used for presort levels are 

defined as follows: 

[Delete item a and renumber items b 

through k as new items a through j.] 

* * * * * 

1.4 Preparation Definitions and 

Instructions 

For purposes of preparing mail: 

* * * * * 

[Revise item b as follows:] 

b. A full letter tray is one in which 

faced, upright pieces fill the length of 

the tray between 85% and 100% full. 

* * * * * 

[Revise the last sentence in item e to 

delete 5-digit scheme trays as an option 

and to require 5-digit/scheme sorting to 

qualify for the 5-digit rate as follows:] 

e. * * * When standards require 5- 

digit/scheme sorting, mailers must 

prepare all possible 5-digit/scheme 

trays, then prepare all possible 5-digit 

trays. 

[Revise item f by adding a new last 

sentence as follows:] 

f. * * * When standards require 3- 

digit/scheme sorting, mailers must 

prepare all possible 3-digit/scheme 

trays, then prepare all possible 3-digit 

trays. 

* * * * * 

2.0 Bundles 

* * * * * 

2.3 Preparing Bundles 

Cards and letter-size pieces are 

subject to these bundling standards: 

[Revise item a as follows:] 

a. The maximum thickness for 

bundles is 6 inches. 

* * * * * 

[Delete item d and renumber items e 

and f as new items d and e.] 

* * * * * 

2.8 Labeling Bundles 

[Revise the first sentence in the 

introductory text to delete the reference 

to carrier route bundles as follows:] 

Unless excepted by standard, the 

presort level of each bundle must be 

identified either with an optional 

endorsement line under 708.7.0 or with 

a barcoded pressure-sensitive bundle 

label. On letter-size mail (including 

card-size pieces), the bundle label must 

be placed in the lower left corner of the 

address side of the top piece in the 

bundle. Bundle labels must not be 

obscured by banding or shrinkwrap. The 

following colors and presort characters 

apply to bundle labels: 

* * * * * 

[Delete 2.9, Use of Carrier Route 

Information Lines, and 2.10, Facing 

Slips—All Carrier Route Mail.] 

* * * * * 

4.0 Tray Labels 

* * * * * 

4.4 Line 2 (Content Line) 

Line 2 (content line) must meet these 

standards: 

* * * * * 

b. Codes: The codes shown below 

must be used as appropriate on Line 2 

of tray labels. 

[Revise the table in item 4.4b to delete 

the entries for ‘‘Carrier Route,’’ ‘‘Carrier 

Routes,’’ ‘‘General Delivery Unit,’’

‘‘Highway Contract Route,’’ ‘‘Post Office 

Box Section,’’ and ‘‘Rural Route.’’] 

* * * * * 

5.0 Preparing Nonautomation Letters 

* * * * * 

[Delete 5.2, Manual Only Option, and 

renumber 5.3 and 5.4 as new 5.2 and 

5.3.] 

5.2 Machinable Preparation 

* * * * * 


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15376 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 61 / Friday, March 30, 2007 / Rules and Regulations 

5.2.2 Traying and Labeling 

[Delete item a about labeling the 5- 

digit tray. Renumber items b through d 

as new items a through c. Revise 

renumbered item a to reflect the 3-digit 

origin tray as follows:] 

* * * * * 

a. Separate 3-digit origin trays 

required for each origin 3-digit ZIP 

Code; no minimum piece requirement; 

one less-than-full tray permitted for 

each origin ZIP Code; labeling: 

1. Line 1: L002, Column A. 

2. Line 2: ‘‘FCM LTR 3D MACH.’’

* * * * * 

5.3 Nonmachinable Preparation 

5.3.1 Nonmachinable Bundling 

[Delete the second-to-last sentence in 

the introductory text to remove the 

‘‘manual only’’ option as follows:] 

Except as provided in 2.5, Exception 

to Bundle Preparation—Full SingleSort-Level Trays, bundling is required 

before traying. A bundle must be 

prepared when the quantity of 

addressed pieces for a required presort 

level reaches a minimum of 10 pieces. 

Smaller volumes are not permitted 

except for mixed ADC bundles. 

Preparation sequence, bundle size, and 

labeling: 

* * * * * 

6.0 Preparing Automation Rate Letters 

* * * * * 

6.2 Mailings 

The requirements for mailings are as 

follows: 

* * * * * 

[Revise item b as follows:] 

b. First-Class Mail. A single 

automation rate First-Class Mail mailing 

may include pieces prepared at 5-digit, 

3-digit, AADC, and mixed AADC rates. 

* * * * * 

6.3 Marking 

[Revise 6.3 to delete the carrier route 

references as follows:] 

All automation rate pieces must be 

marked under 202.3.0, Placement and 

Content of Mail Markings, and 202.4.0, 

Endorsement Placement. Pieces claimed 

at an automation rate must bear the 

appropriate class marking and, except as 

provided in 202.3.0, Placement and 

Content of Mail Markings, and 202.4.0, 

Endorsement Placement, ‘‘AUTO.’’

Pieces not claimed at an automation rate 

must not bear ‘‘AUTO’’ unless singlepiece rate postage is affixed or the 

corrective single-piece rate marking 

(‘‘SNGLP’’ or ‘‘Single-Piece’’) is applied. 

6.4 General Preparation 

[Revise 6.4 as follows:] 

Grouping, bundling, and labeling are 

not generally required or permitted, 

except bundling is required in any 

mailing consisting entirely of card-size 

pieces and for pieces in overflow and 

less-than-full trays, and grouping is 

required under 6.6. 

* * * * * 

[Delete 6.6 and 6.7. Renumber 6.8 

through 6.10 as new 6.6 through 6.8.] 

6.6 Tray Preparation 

[Add introductory statement about 

overflow trays to 6.6 as follows:] 

Instead of preparing overflow trays 

with fewer than 150 pieces, mailers may 

include these pieces in the next tray 

level when a tray of 150 or more pieces 

can be made. Mailers must note these 

trays on standardized documentation 

(see 708.1.2). Pieces that are placed in 

the next tray level must be grouped by 

destination and placed in the front of 

that tray. Mailers may use this option 

selectively for 3-digit and AADC ZIP 

Codes. This option does not apply to 

origin/entry 3-digit/scheme trays. 

Preparation sequence, tray size, and 

Line 1 labeling: 

[Delete items a through c and 

renumber items d through g as new 

items a through d. Revise renumbered 

item a as follows:] 

a. 5-digit/scheme (see 1.4e): optional, 

but required for 5-digit rate (150-piece 

minimum); overflow allowed. 

1. For 5-digit scheme trays, use 

destination shown in the current USPS 

City State Product. 

2. For 5-digit trays, use city, state, and 

5-digit ZIP Code destination on pieces 

(see 4.0 for overseas military mail). 

* * * * * 

6.7 Tray Line 2 

Line 2: ‘‘FCM LTR’’ and: 

[Delete items a through c and 

renumber items d through i as new 

items a through f as follows:] 

a. 5-digit scheme: ‘‘BC 5D SCHEME.’’

b. 5-digit: ‘‘5D BC.’’

c. 3-digit scheme: ‘‘BC 3D SCHEME’’

and, if applicable, as shown in L002, 

Column B, followed by the letter ‘‘A,’’

‘‘B,’’ or ‘‘C.’’

d. 3-digit: ‘‘3D BC.’’

e. AADC: ‘‘AADC BC.’’

f. Mixed AADC: ‘‘BC WKG.’’

* * * * * 

240 Discount Letters and Cards: 

Standard Mail 

243 Rates and Eligibility 

1.0 Rates and Fees for Standard Mail 

* * * * * 

[Delete 1.5, Nonmachinable 

Surcharge. Renumber 1.6 and 1.7 as 

new 1.5 and 1.6.] 

* * * * * 

1.6 Computing Postage for Standard 

Mail 

* * * * * 

1.6.8 Discount for Heavy Automation 

Letters 

[Revise renumbered 1.6.8 to delete the 

second-to-last sentence, about 

automation ECR.] 

* * * * * 

[Delete renumbered 1.6.10, Discount 

for Heavy ECR Basic Automation 

Letters.] 

* * * * * 

3.0 Basic Standards for Standard Mail 

Letters 

* * * * * 

3.2 Defining Characteristics 

3.2.1 Mailpiece Weight 

[Revise 3.2.1 as follows:] 

All Standard Mail pieces must weigh 

less than 16 ounces. The following 

weight limits also apply to pieces 

mailed at Standard Mail letter rates: 

a. Pieces mailed at machinable and 

nonmachinable letter rates may weigh 

up to 3.3 ounces. Letter-size pieces 

weighing more than 3.3 ounces and 

prepared as nonmachinable letters are 

mailable at Not Flat-Machinable rates 

(see 443) and must be marked ‘‘Not FlatMachinable’’ or ‘‘NFM’’ according to 

402.2.0, unless they are barcoded and 

eligible to be mailed as automation flats 

under 301.3.0. 

b. Pieces mailed at automation letter 

rates or Enhanced Carrier Route rates 

may weigh up to 3.5 ounces. 

* * * * * 

3.3 Additional Basic Standards for 

Standard Mail 

Each Standard Mail mailing is subject 

to these general standards: 

* * * * * 

[Revise item e to add a reference to 

3.8.1 as follows:] 

e. Each piece must bear the 

addressee’s name and delivery address, 

including the correct ZIP Code or ZIP+4 

code (see 3.8.1), unless an alternative 

addressing format is used subject to 

602.3.0. Detached address labels may be 

used subject to 602.4.0. 

* * * * * 

4.0 Rate Eligibility for Standard Mail 

* * * * * 


jlentini on PROD1PC65 with RULES3
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 61 / Friday, March 30, 2007 / Rules and Regulations 15377 

4.2 Minimum Per Piece Rates 

The minimum per piece rates (the 

minimum postage that must be paid for 

each piece) apply as follows: 

* * * * * 

b. In applying the minimum per piece 

rates, a mailpiece is categorized as a 

letter based on whether the piece meets 

the letter-size standard in 201.1.1.1, 

without regard to placement of the 

address on the piece, except under these 

conditions: 

[Revise item b1 to delete ‘‘(nonletter)’’

as follows:] 

1. If the piece meets both the 

definition of a letter in 201.1.1.1 and the 

definition of an automation flat in 

301.3.0, the piece may be prepared and 

entered at an automation flat rate. 

* * * * * 

[Revise item b3 by changing the base 

rate for Customized MarketMail as 

follows:] 

3. Pieces mailed as Customized 

MarketMail under 705.1.0 must be 

charged the Regular or Nonprofit 

Standard Mail 5-digit nonentry rates for 

Not Flat-Machinable pieces and must 

not exceed 3.3 ounces. 

[Revise item c to delete the last 

sentence, about DDU rates.] 

* * * * * 

[Delete 4.4, Residual Shape 

Surcharge.] 

[Replace ‘‘presorted’’ with 

‘‘nonautomation’’ throughout 5.0.] 

5.0 Additional Eligibility Standards 

for Nonautomation Standard Mail 

Letters 

* * * * * 

[Revise heading and text of 5.4 to refer 

to new AADC and mixed AADC rates, 

instead of basic rates, as follows:] 

5.4 Machinable Rate Application 

Machinable letters are subject only to 

AADC and mixed AADC rates. 

5.4.1 AADC Rate 

The AADC rate applies to qualifying 

letter-size machinable pieces (see 

201.1.0, Physical Standards for 

Machinable Letters and Cards) placed in 

origin/entry 3-digit trays, to quantities 

of 150 or more pieces prepared in AADC 

trays for a single AADC, and to pieces 

placed in mixed AADC trays in lieu of 

overflow AADC trays. 

5.4.2 Mixed AADC Rate 

The mixed AADC rate applies to 

qualifying letter-size machinable pieces 

that the mailer prepares in mixed AADC 

trays, except for pieces placed in mixed 

AADC trays in lieu of overflow AADC 

trays (see 245.5.3.2). 

[Delete 5.5 and 5.6. Insert new 5.5 as 

follows:] 

5.5 Nonmachinable Rate Application 

Nonmachinable rates in 1.0 apply 

only to Standard Mail letter-size pieces 

(including card-size pieces) weighing 

3.3 ounces or less that have one or more 

of the nonmachinable characteristics in 

201.2.1. Except for Enhanced Carrier 

Route letter-size pieces, nonmachinable 

letter-size pieces weighing more than 

3.3 ounces are subject to Not FlatMachinable rates (see 443) unless they 

are barcoded and eligible to be mailed 

as automation flats under 301.3.0. 

Nonmachinable Enhanced Carrier Route 

letter-size pieces over 3.3 ounces are 

subject to the Enhanced Carrier Route 

flats rates. 

5.5.1 5-Digit Rate 

The 5-digit rate applies to letter-size 

pieces subject to the nonmachinable 

rates (see 5.5) prepared in quantities of 

150 or more pieces for a 5-digit ZIP 

Code and presented in 5-digit trays 

under 245.5.0. 

5.5.2 3-Digit Rate 

The 3-digit rate applies to letter-size 

pieces subject to the nonmachinable 

rates (see 5.5) prepared in quantities of 

150 or more pieces for a 3-digit ZIP 

Code and presented in 3-digit trays 

under 245.5.0. 

5.5.3 ADC Rate 

The ADC rate applies to letter-size 

pieces subject to the nonmachinable 

rates (see 5.5) placed in 3-digit origin/ 

entry trays and to pieces prepared in 

quantities of 150 or more for an ADC 

and presented in ADC trays under 

245.5.0. 

5.5.4 Mixed ADC Rate 

The mixed ADC rate applies to lettersize pieces that are subject to the 

nonmachinable rates and prepared in 

mixed ADC trays. 

[Revise heading of 6.0 as follows:] 

6.0 Additional Eligibility Standards 

for Enhanced Carrier Route Standard 

Mail Letters 

6.1 General Enhanced Carrier Route 

Standards 

6.1.1 Optional Preparation 

* * * * * 

[Revise 6.1.1 to delete the last 

sentence, about automation basic 

carrier route.] 

6.1.2 Basic Eligibility Standards 

All pieces in an Enhanced Carrier 

Route or Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier 

Route Standard Mail mailing must: 

* * * * * 

[Revise item b to delete the second 

sentence, about automation basic 

carrier route, as follows:] 

b. Be part of a single mailing of at 

least 200 pieces or 50 pounds of pieces 

of Enhanced Carrier Route Standard 

Mail. ECR and Nonprofit ECR mailings 

must meet separate minimum volumes. 

* * * * * 

d. Bear a delivery address that 

includes the correct ZIP Code, ZIP+4 

code, or numeric equivalent to the 

delivery point barcode (DPBC) and that 

meets these address quality standards: 

* * * * * 

[Revise item d2 to require address 

matching and coding for all ECR letters 

as follows:] 

2. The address matching and coding 

standards in 7.4, Address Standards for 

Barcoded Pieces, and 708.3.0, Coding 

Accuracy Support System (CASS). 

* * * * * 

6.1.3 Maximum Weight for Enhanced 

Carrier Route Letters 

[Revise 6.1.3 to specify the maximum 

weight for all Standard Mail ECR pieces 

as follows:] 

Maximum weight for Standard Mail 

Enhanced Carrier Route pieces: 3.5 

ounces (0.2188 pound) (see 201.3.13.4, 

Heavy Letter Mail, for pieces heavier 

than 3 ounces). 

6.2 Carrier Route Accuracy 

6.2.1 Basic Standards 

The carrier route accuracy standard is 

a means of ensuring that the carrier 

route code correctly matches the 

delivery address information. For the 

purposes of this standard, address 

means a specific address associated 

with a specific carrier route code. 

Addresses used on pieces claiming 

certain rates under 6.2.2 that are subject 

to the carrier route accuracy standard 

must meet these requirements: 

[Revise item a to delete the last 

sentence, about ECR automation rate 

Standard Mail, as follows:] 

a. Each address and associated carrier 

route code used on the mailpieces in a 

mailing must be updated within 90 days 

before the mailing date with one of the 

USPS-approved methods in 3.8.2. 

* * * * * 

6.3 Basic Rate Enhanced Carrier 

Route Standards 

* * * * * 

6.3.2 Basic Rate Eligibility 

[Revise 6.3.2 to add the option for 

groups of 10 or more pieces, and the 

automation-compatible and barcode 

requirements, as follows:] 


jlentini on PROD1PC65 with RULES3
15378 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 61 / Friday, March 30, 2007 / Rules and Regulations 

Basic rates apply to each piece sorted 

under 245.6.0 or 705.8.0 in a full carrier 

route tray, in a carrier route bundle of 

10 or more pieces, or in groups of 10 or 

more pieces placed in a 5-digit carrier 

routes or a 3-digit carrier routes tray. 

Basic rates also apply under these 

conditions: 

a. Basic letter rates apply to each 

piece that is automation-compatible 

according to 201.3.0, Physical 

Standards for Automation Letters and 

Cards, and has an accurate delivery 

point barcode or Intelligent Mail 

barcode under 202.5.0, Barcode 

Placement, and 708.4.0, Barcoding 

Standards for Letters and Flats. 

b. Pieces that are not automationcompatible or not barcoded are mailable 

at the basic rate for flat-size pieces. 

* * * * * 

[Delete 6.6, Automation ECR 

Standards.] 

* * * * * 

7.0 Eligibility Standards for 

Automation Rate Standard Mail 

* * * * * 

7.3 Rate Application for Automation 

Letters 

Automation rates apply to each piece 

that is sorted under 245.7.0, Preparing 

Automation Rate Letters, into the 

corresponding qualifying groups: 

[Revise items a through d to 

accommodate an option to overflow 

trays as follows:] 

a. Groups of 150 or more pieces in 5- 

digit/scheme trays qualify for the 5-digit 

rate. Preparation to qualify for that rate 

is optional. Pieces placed in full 3-digit/ 

scheme trays under 245.7.5 in lieu of 5- 

digit/scheme overflow trays are eligible 

for 5-digit rates (see 245.7.5). 

b. Groups of 150 or more pieces in 3- 

digit/scheme trays qualify for the 3-digit 

rate. Pieces placed in full AADC trays 

under 245.7.5 in lieu of 3-digit/scheme 

overflow trays are eligible for 3-digit 

rates (see 245.7.5). 

c. Groups of fewer than 150 pieces in 

origin/entry 3-digit/scheme trays and 

groups of 150 or more pieces in AADC 

trays qualify for the AADC rate. Pieces 

placed in mixed AADC trays under 

245.7.5 in lieu of AADC overflow trays 

also are eligible for AADC rates (see 

245.7.5). 

d. Pieces in mixed AADC trays qualify 

for the mixed AADC rate, except for 

pieces prepared under 7.3c. 

* * * * * 

245 Mail Preparation 

1.0 General Information for Mail 

Preparation 

* * * * * 

1.2 Definitions of Mailings 

Mailings are defined as: 

* * * * * 

b. Standard Mail. Except as provided 

in 243.3.6, Residual Volume 

Requirement, the types of Standard Mail 

listed below may not be part of the same 

mailing. 

[Delete item b1, about automation 

ECR. Renumber items b2 through b8 as 

new items b1 through b7.] 

* * * * * 

1.4 Preparation Definitions and 

Instructions 

For purposes of preparing mail: 

* * * * * 

[Revise item b as follows:] 

b. A full letter tray is one in which 

faced, upright pieces fill the length of 

the tray between 85% and 100% full. 

* * * * * 

[Revise the last sentence in item e as 

follows:] 

e. A 5-digit scheme sort for 

automation letters yields 5-digit scheme 

trays for those 5-digit ZIP Codes 

identified in the USPS City State 

Product and 5-digit trays for other areas. 

Mail prepared using 5-digit scheme sort 

must be entered no later than 90 days 

after the release date of the City State 

Product used to obtain the scheme 

information (see 708.3.0, Coding 

Accuracy Support System (CASS)). The 

5-digit ZIP Codes in each scheme are 

treated as a single presort destination 

subject to a single minimum volume, 

with no further separation by 5-digit ZIP 

Code required. Trays prepared for a 5- 

digit scheme destination that contain 

pieces for only one of the schemed 5- 

digit ZIP Codes are still considered 5- 

digit scheme sorted and are labeled 

accordingly. When standards require 5- 

digit/scheme sort, mailers must prepare 

all possible 5-digit scheme trays, then 

prepare all possible 5-digit trays. 

[Revise item f to add a new last 

sentence as follows:] 

f. A 3-digit scheme sort yields 3-digit 

scheme trays for those 3-digit ZIP Code 

prefixes listed in L003 and 3-digit trays 

for other areas. The 3-digit ZIP Code 

prefixes in each scheme are treated as a 

single presort destination subject to a 

single minimum tray volume, with no 

further separation by 3-digit prefix 

required. Trays prepared for a 3-digit 

scheme destination that contain pieces 

for only one of the schemed 3-digit areas 

are still considered 3-digit scheme 

sorted and are labeled accordingly. 

When standards require 3-digit/scheme 

sort, mailers must prepare all possible 3- 

digit scheme trays, then prepare all 

possible 3-digit trays. 

* * * * * 

2.0 Bundles 

* * * * * 

2.3 Preparing Bundles 

Cards and letter-size pieces are 

subject to these bundling standards: 

* * * * * 

[Revise item c to delete ‘‘and for 

Standard Mail pieces where the mailer 

has requested ‘manual only’ processing’’

as follows:] 

c. Bundles must be prepared for mail 

in all less-than-full trays and for 

nonmachinable Standard Mail. 

[Revise item d to delete the second 

sentence as follows:] 

d. Except under 245.6.7, separator 

cards or tic marks may be used instead 

of bundling for letter-size pieces in full 

5-digit carrier routes trays of Enhanced 

Carrier Route Standard Mail. The cards 

must be of paper or card stock, at least 

0.25 inch higher than the highest pieces 

in the mailing, and in front of the 

corresponding groups of mail. The tic 

mark must be applied during the 

mailpiece production process and be 

printed on the top edge of the envelope, 

to the left of the center line of the 

envelope. 

* * * * * 

4.0 Tray Labels 

* * * * * 

4.9 Barcoded Tray Labels 

4.9.1 Basic Standards for Barcoded 

Tray Labels 

* * * * * 

Exhibit 4.9.1 Required Barcoded 

Container Labels 

[Revise Exhibit 4.9.1 to require 

barcoded tray labels for all ECR letters 

mailed at letter rates, except for pieces 

with simplified addresses, as follows:] 

Rate or type Processing category 

Standard Mail 

* * * * * 

Enhanced 

Carrier 

Route.

Letter-size (barcoded labels 

not required for letter-size 

pieces with simplified addresses or paid for at nonletter rates). 

[Revise heading of 5.0 as follows:] 

5.0 Preparing Nonautomation Letters 

* * * * * 

5.2 Marking 

[Revise 5.2 to delete ‘‘AUTOCR’’ in 

the last sentence.] 

* * * * * 


jlentini on PROD1PC65 with RULES3
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 61 / Friday, March 30, 2007 / Rules and Regulations 15379 

[Delete 5.3, Manual Only Option. 

Renumber 5.4 and 5.5 as new 5.3 and 

5.4.] 

5.3 Machinable Preparation 

5.3.1 Machinable Bundling 

Machinable pieces are not bundled, 

except for the following (see 2.3): 

* * * * * 

[Delete item b. Renumber item c as 

new item b.] 

5.3.2 Traying and Labeling 

[Replace the first sentence in 5.3.2 

with new text and delete items a and b. 

Renumber items c through e as new 

items a through c and revise as follows:] 

Instead of preparing overflow AADC 

trays with fewer than 150 pieces, 

mailers may include these pieces in 

mixed AADC trays. Preparation 

sequence, tray size, and labeling: 

a. Origin/entry 3-digit (optional, no 

minimum); labeling: * * * 

* * * * * 

b. AADC (required); 150-piece 

minimum (overflow allowed); labeling: 

* * * 

* * * * * 

c. Mixed AADC (required); no 

minimum; labeling: * * * 

* * * * * 

5.4 Nonmachinable Preparation 

5.4.1 Nonmachinable Bundling 

[Revise renumbered 5.4.1 to delete the 

fourth sentence, about manual 

processing, as follows:] 

Except as provided in 2.5, Exception 

to Bundle Preparation—Full SingleSort-Level Trays, bundling is required 

before traying. A bundle must be 

prepared when the quantity of 

addressed pieces for a required presort 

level reaches a minimum of 10 pieces. 

Smaller volumes are not permitted 

except for mixed ADC bundles. 

Preparation sequence, bundle size, and 

labeling: 

* * * * * 

5.4.2 Traying and Labeling 

[Delete item c and renumber items d 

and e as new items c and d. Revise 

introductory text and renumbered items 

a through c as follows:] 

Overflow trays are not allowed. 

Preparation sequence, tray size, and 

labeling: 

a. 5-digit (required); 150-piece 

minimum; labeling: * * * 

* * * * * 

b. 3-digit (required); 150-piece 

minimum (mailers may prepare 3-digit 

origin/entry trays with as few as 10 

pieces per tray); labeling: * * * 

* * * * * 

c. ADC (required); 150-piece 

minimum; labeling: * * * 

* * * * * 

6.0 Preparing Enhanced Carrier Route 

Letters 

6.1 Basic Standards 

[Revise 6.1 to delete ‘‘(Enhanced 

Carrier Route automation rate mailings 

must be prepared under 7.0)’’ in the 

introductory text as follows:] 

All mailings and all pieces in each 

mailing at Enhanced Carrier Route 

Standard Mail and Nonprofit Enhanced 

Carrier Route Standard Mail 

nonautomation rates are subject to 

specific preparation standards in 6.0 

and to these general standards: 

* * * * * 

[Revise 6.2 by adding a sentence at 

the end to require carrier route 

information lines on certain pieces 

mailed at ECR rates as follows:] 

6.2 Marking 

Subject to the marking standards in 

202.3.0, Placement and Content of Mail 

Markings, and 202.4.0, Endorsement 

Placement, Enhanced Carrier Route 

Standard Mail pieces must be marked 

‘‘Presorted Standard’’ (or ‘‘PRSRT 

STD’’), and Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier 

Route Standard Mail pieces must be 

marked ‘‘Nonprofit Organization’’ (or 

‘‘Nonprofit Org.’’ or ‘‘Nonprofit’’). All 

pieces also must be marked ‘‘ECRLOT’’

for basic rate, ‘‘ECRWSH’’ for high 

density rate, or ‘‘ECRWSS’’ for 

saturation rate. Pieces in carrier route 

mailings under 6.7 must bear carrier 

route information lines under 708.8.0. 

* * * * * 

6.4 Carrier Route Bundle Preparation 

Prepare carrier route bundles of lettersize mail as follows: 

[Revise item a as follows:] 

a. Mailers must prepare only carrier 

route bundles, except under 6.7. Carrier 

route bundles are not permitted in full 

carrier route trays, except for card-size 

pieces. 

* * * * * 

[Revise heading and text of 6.6 as 

follows:] 

6.6 General Traying and Labeling 

For all ECR letters over 3 ounces and 

all ECR letters that are not automationcompatible or delivery-point barcoded, 

prepare trays as explained below. Also 

prepare trays as explained below when 

a mailing contains some pieces over 3 

ounces and some pieces up to 3 ounces. 

For ECR automation-compatible letters 

that are delivery-point barcoded and 

weigh up to 3 ounces, prepare trays 

under 6.7. Preparation sequence, tray 

size, and labeling: 

a. Carrier route: required; full trays 

only, no overflow. 

1. Line 1: city, state, and 5-digit ZIP 

Code on mail (see 4.0, Tray Labels, for 

overseas military mail). 

2. Line 2: (a) Saturation: ‘‘STD LTR 

MACH WSS,’’ followed by route type 

and number; (b) High density: ‘‘STD 

LTR MACH WSH,’’ followed by route 

type and number; (c) Basic: ‘‘STD LTR 

MACH LOT,’’ followed by route type 

and number. 

b. 5-digit carrier routes: required if 

full tray, optional with minimum one 

10-piece bundle. 

1. Line 1: city, state, and 5-digit ZIP 

Code on mail (see 4.0, Tray Labels, for 

overseas military mail). 

2. Line 2: ‘‘STD LTR 5D CR–RT 

MACH.’’

c. 3-digit carrier routes: optional with 

minimum one 10-piece bundle for each 

of two or more 5-digit areas. 

1. Line 1: city, state, and 3-digit ZIP 

Code prefix shown in L002, Column A, 

that corresponds to 3-digit ZIP Code 

prefix on mail. 

2. Line 2: ‘‘STD LTR 3D CR–RT 

MACH.’’

d. For trays containing barcoded 

automation-compatible letter-size pieces 

over 3 ounces or nonmachinable lettersize pieces, use these Line 2 label 

designations in place of ‘‘MACH’’: 

1. Trays containing barcoded, 

automation-compatible pieces over 3 

ounces: ‘‘BC.’’

2. Trays containing nonmachinable 

pieces: ‘‘MAN.’’

3. Trays containing simplified address 

pieces: ‘‘MAN.’’

* * * * * 

[Delete 6.7 and replace with new 6.7 

as follows:] 

6.7 Traying and Labeling for 

Automation-Compatible ECR Letters 

Mailers must make full carrier route 

and 5-digit carrier routes trays, when 

possible, for automation-compatible, 

delivery-point barcoded ECR letters that 

weigh up to 3 ounces. Except for cardsize pieces, pieces must not be bundled. 

Group pieces together by carrier route in 

5-digit and 3-digit carrier routes trays. If 

pieces for one carrier route do not result 

in a full tray, mailers must combine 

pieces from at least two routes to make 

full 5-digit carrier routes trays, grouping 

pieces together by carrier route. If pieces 

for multiple carrier routes do not result 

in a full 5-digit tray, mailers must 

combine pieces from at least two 5-digit 

ZIP Codes to make 3-digit carrier routes 

trays, grouping pieces together by 

carrier route. If pieces fill more than one 

tray but do not fill an additional tray, 


jlentini on PROD1PC65 with RULES3
15380 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 61 / Friday, March 30, 2007 / Rules and Regulations 

mailers must place excess pieces in a 

tray at the next sortation level. 

Preparation sequence, tray size, and 

labeling: 

a. Carrier route: required; full trays 

only, no overflow. 

1. Line 1: city, state, and 5-digit ZIP 

Code on mail (see 4.0 for overseas 

military mail). 

2. Line 2: for saturation, ‘‘STD LTR BC 

WSS,’’ followed by route type and 

number; for high-density, ‘‘STD LTR BC 

WSH,’’ followed by route type and 

number; for basic, ‘‘STD LTR BC LOT,’’

followed by route type and number. 

b. 5-digit carrier routes: required; full 

trays only, no overflow, no bundling. 

1. Line 1: city, state, and 5-digit ZIP 

Code on mail (see 4.0 for overseas 

military mail). 

2. Line 2: ‘‘STD LTR 5D CR–RT BC.’’

c. 3-digit carrier routes: required; 

bundling required in less-than-full trays. 

1. Line 1: city, state, and 3-digit ZIP 

Code prefix shown in L002, Column A, 

that corresponds to 3-digit ZIP Code 

prefix on mail. 

2. Line 2: ‘‘STD LTR 3D CR–RT BC.’’

* * * * * 

7.0 Preparing Automation Rate Letters 

* * * * * 

7.2 Mailings 

[Restructure 7.2 to delete the 

introductory text and item b. Make item 

a the new text as follows:] 

All pieces in a mailing must meet the 

standards in 201.1.0, Physical 

Standards for Machinable Letters and 

Cards, and 201.3.0, Physical Standards 

for Automation Letters and Cards, and 

must be sorted together to the finest 

extent required for the rate claimed. The 

definitions of a mailing and permissible 

combinations are in 1.0, General 

Information for Mail Preparation. 

7.3 Marking 

[Revise 7.3 to delete references to 

‘‘AUTOCR’’ as follows:] 

All Standard Mail automation rate 

pieces must be marked under 202.3.0, 

Placement and Content of Mail 

Markings. Pieces claimed at an 

automation rate must bear the 

appropriate class marking and ‘‘AUTO,’’

except as provided in 202.3.0. Pieces 

not claimed at an automation rate must 

not bear ‘‘AUTO’’ unless First-Class 

single-piece rate postage is affixed or a 

corrective single-piece rate marking 

(‘‘Single-Piece’’ or ‘‘SNGLP’’) is applied. 

7.4 General Preparation 

[Revise 7.4 to delete carrier route 

references as follows:] 

Grouping, bundling, and labeling are 

not generally required or permitted, 

except bundling is required in any 

mailing consisting entirely of card-size 

pieces and for pieces in overflow and 

less-than-full trays, and grouping is 

required under 7.5. 

[Delete 7.5 and 7.6, about carrier 

route trays and pieces. Renumber 7.7 

through 7.9 as new 7.5 through 7.7.] 

7.5 Tray Preparation 

[Revise renumbered 7.5 to add 

information about overflow trays as 

follows:] 

Instead of preparing overflow trays 

with fewer than 150 pieces, mailers may 

include these pieces in the next tray 

level when a tray of 150 or more pieces 

can be made. Mailers must note these 

trays on standardized documentation 

(see 708.1.2). Pieces that are placed in 

the next tray level must be grouped by 

destination and placed in the front of 

that tray. Mailers may use this option 

selectively for 3-digit and AADC ZIP 

Codes. This option does not apply to 

origin/entry 3-digit/scheme trays. 

Preparation sequence, tray size, and 

Line 1 labeling: 

[Delete items a through c, about 

carrier routes trays. Renumber items d 

through g as new items a through d. 

Revise renumbered item a to require 5- 

digit/scheme trays for rate as follows:] 

a. 5-digit/scheme (see 1.4e): optional, 

but required for 5-digit rate (150-piece 

minimum); overflow allowed; for Line 

1, label as follows: 

1. For 5-digit scheme trays, use 

destination shown in the current USPS 

City State Product. 

2. For 5-digit trays, use city, state, and 

5-digit ZIP Code destination on pieces 

(see 4.0 for overseas military mail). 

[Revise renumbered item b to make 

origin 3-digit trays optional as follows:] 

b. 3-digit/scheme; required (150-piece 

minimum except no minimum for 

optional origin/entry 3-digit/scheme(s)); 

overflow allowed; for Line 1, use L002, 

Column B. 

* * * * * 

7.6 Tray Line 2 

Line 2: ‘‘STD LTR’’ and: 

[Delete items a through c, about 

carrier routes. Renumber items d 

through i as new items a through f and 

revise as follows:] 

a. 5-digit scheme: ‘‘BC 5D SCHEME.’’

b. 5-digit: ‘‘5D BC.’’

c. 3-digit scheme: ‘‘BC 3D SCHEME’’

and, if applicable, as shown in L002, 

Column B, followed by the letter ‘‘A,’’

‘‘B,’’ or ‘‘C.’’

d. 3-digit: ‘‘3D BC.’’

e. AADC: ‘‘AADC BC.’’

f. Mixed AADC: ‘‘BC WKG.’’

* * * * * 

246 Enter and Deposit 

* * * * * 

4.0 Destination Sectional Center 

Facility (DSCF) Entry 

* * * * * 

4.2 Eligibility 

[Revise 4.2 to allow pieces placed in 

AADC trays in lieu of in 3-digit trays 

under 245.7.5 to be eligible for DSCF 

rates as follows:] 

Pieces in a mailing that meet the 

standards in 2.0 and 4.0 are eligible for 

DSCF rates under either of the following 

conditions: 

a. When deposited at a DSCF (or 

USPS-designated facility), addressed for 

delivery within that SCF’s service area, 

and: 

1. Placed in a tray labeled to that 

DSCF. 

2. Placed in a tray labeled to the 

DADC that includes that DSCF under 

the preparation option in 245.7.5, 

3. Placed in a tray labeled to a postal 

facility within that DSCF’s service area. 

b. When the pieces are deposited at a 

DDU, addressed for delivery within that 

facility’s service area, and prepared with 

simplified addresses under 602.3.2 or 

when mailers hold a mailing permit at 

the entry office and deposit only one 

mailing (of fewer than 2,500 pieces) per 

day. 

* * * * * 

5.0 Destination Delivery Unit (DDU) 

Entry 

* * * * * 

5.2 Eligibility 

[Revise 5.2 to reorganize text and 

eliminate the DDU entry discount as 

follows:] 

Letter-size mailpieces are not eligible 

for a destination delivery unit (DDU) 

discount. Mailers may not pay ECR flatsize rates and claim the DDU discount 

for letter-size pieces. Mailers may 

deposit letter-size pieces that meet the 

standards in 2.0 and 5.0 at a DDU when: 

a. Those pieces are addressed for 

delivery within that facility’s service 

area (enhanced carrier route only). 

b. The pieces are placed in properly 

prepared and labeled carrier route trays 

or 5-digit carrier routes trays, or on 

pallets under 705.8.0. 

c. The pieces are eligible for and 

claimed at a carrier route rate. 

* * * * * 


jlentini on PROD1PC65 with RULES3
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 61 / Friday, March 30, 2007 / Rules and Regulations 15381 

300 Discount Mail: Flats 

301 Physical Standards 

1.0 Physical Standards for Flats 

1.1 General Definition of Flat-Size 

Mail 

Flat-size mail other than that in 3.0, 

Physical Standards for Automation 

Flats, is: 

* * * * * 

[Add an exception for Periodicals 

mail in item b as follows:] 

b. Not more than 15 inches long, or 

more than 12 inches high, or greater 

than 3⁄4 inch thick, except for 

Periodicals mail under 707.25.3. 

[Replace items c and d with new items 

c and d as follows:] 

c. Rectangular. 

d. Other size or weight standards may 

apply to mail claimed at certain rates, 

mail addressed to certain APOs and 

FPOs, and mail sent by the Department 

of State to U.S. government personnel 

abroad. 

1.2. Length and Height of Flats 

[Revise 1.2 to change the 

determination of the length and height 

of flats as follows:] 

The length of a flat-size mailpiece is 

the longest dimension. The height is the 

dimension perpendicular to the length. 

[Insert new 1.3 through 1.6 as 

follows:] 

1.3 Shape 

Each flat-size piece must be 

rectangular. See 2.0 for additional 

standards by class of mail. 

1.4 Minimum Flexibility for Flat-Size 

Pieces 

Flat-size pieces must be flexible. 

Boxes and box-like pieces—with or 

without hinges, gaps, or breaks that 

allow the piece to bend—are not flats. 

Tight envelopes that are completely 

filled to form box-like pieces are not 

flats. Test flats as follows: 

a. All flats: 

1. Place the piece with the length 

parallel to the edge of a flat surface and 

extend the piece halfway off the surface. 

2. Press down on the piece at a point 

1 inch from the outer edge, in the center 

of the piece’s length, exerting steady 

pressure. 

3. The piece is not flexible if it cannot 

bend at least 1 inch vertically without 

being damaged. 

4. The piece is flexible if it can bend 

at least 1 inch vertically without being 

damaged and it does not contain a rigid 

insert. No further testing is necessary. 

5. Test the piece according to 1.4b or 

1.4c below if it can bend at least 1 inch 

vertically without being damaged and it 

contains a rigid insert. 

b. Flats 10 inches or longer that pass 

the test in 1.4a and contain a rigid 

insert: 

1. Place the piece with the length 

perpendicular to the edge of a flat 

surface and extend the piece 5 inches 

off the surface. 

2. Press down on the piece at a point 

1 inch from the outer edge, in the center 

of the piece’s width, exerting steady 

pressure. 

3. Turn the piece around and repeat 

steps 1 and 2. The piece is flexible if 

both ends can bend at least 2 inches 

vertically without being damaged. 

c. Flats less than 10 inches long that 

pass the test in 1.4a and contain a rigid 

insert: 

1. Place the piece with the length 

perpendicular to the edge of a flat 

surface and extend the piece one-half of 

its length off the surface. 

2. Press down on the piece at a point 

1 inch from the outer edge, in the center 

of the piece’s width, exerting steady 

pressure. 

3. Turn the piece around and repeat 

steps 1 and 2. The piece is flexible if 

both ends can bend at least 1 inch 

vertically without being damaged. 

1.5 Uniform Thickness 

Flat-size mailpieces must be 

uniformly thick so that any bumps, 

protrusions, or other irregularities do 

not cause more than 1⁄4-inch variance in 

thickness. Exclude the outside edges of 

a mailpiece (1 inch from the edge) when 

determining variance in thickness. 

Mailers must secure nonpaper contents 

to prevent shifting of more than 2 inches 

within the mailpiece. 

1.6 Flat-Size Pieces Not Eligible for 

Flat-Size Rates 

Mailpieces that do not meet the 

standards in 1.3 through 1.5 are not 

eligible for flat-size rates and must be 

charged the applicable rates as follows: 

a. First-Class Mail—parcel rates. 

b. Standard Mail—Not FlatMachinable or parcel rates. 

c. Bound Printed Matter—parcel rates. 

[Revise the heading of 2.0 to delete 

‘‘Presorted.’’] 

2.0 Physical Standards for 

Nonautomation Flats 

2.1 First-Class Mail 

[Revise 2.1 as follows:] 

These additional standards apply to 

First-Class Mail flat-size pieces: 

a. First-Class Mail cannot exceed 13 

ounces. First-Class Mail weighing more 

than 13 ounces is Priority Mail. 

b. Flat-size pieces that do not meet the 

standards in 1.3 through 1.5 must be 

prepared as parcels and must be charged 

the applicable parcel rate. 

2.2 Standard Mail 

2.2.1 Basic Physical Standards 

[Revise the introductory text as 

follows:] 

These additional standards apply to 

Standard Mail flat-size pieces: 

* * * * * 

[Delete item b. Insert new item b as 

follows:] 

b. Flat-size pieces that do not meet the 

standards in 1.3 through 1.5 must be 

prepared as parcels or Not FlatMachinable pieces and must be charged 

the parcel or Not Flat-Machinable rates 

(see 401). 

[Delete Exhibit 2.2.1b, Maximum 

Dimensions for Standard Mail Flats.] 

* * * * * 

2.3 Bound Printed Matter 

2.3.1 General Standards 

[Delete item c. Renumber items a and 

b as new items b and c. Revise the 

introductory text and insert new item a 

as follows:] 

These additional standards apply to 

Bound Printed Matter: 

a. Flat-size pieces that do not meet the 

standards in 1.3 through 1.5 must be 

prepared as parcels and must be charged 

the applicable parcel rates. 

* * * * * 

2.4 Media Mail 

2.4.1 General Standards 

[Delete item c. Renumber items a and 

b as new items b and c. Revise the 

introductory text and insert new item a 

as follows:] 

These additional standards apply to 

Media Mail: 

a. Flat-size pieces that do not meet the 

standards in 1.3 through 1.5 must be 

prepared as parcels. 

* * * * * 

2.5 Library Mail 

2.5.1 General Standards 

These additional standards apply to 

Library Mail: 

[Delete item c. Renumber items a and 

b as new items b and c. Revise the 

introductory text and insert new item a 

as follows:] 

a. Flat-size pieces that do not meet the 

standards in 1.3 through 1.5 must be 

prepared as parcels. 

* * * * * 

3.0 Physical Standards for 

Automation Flats 

3.1 Basic Standards for Automation 

Flats 

[Revise 3.1 as follows:] 

Flat-size pieces claimed at automation 

rates must meet the standards in 3.0, or 


jlentini on PROD1PC65 with RULES3
15382 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 61 / Friday, March 30, 2007 / Rules and Regulations 

707.25.3 for Periodicals mail, and the 

eligibility standards for the class of mail 

and rate claimed. Pieces prepared with 

polywrap film must meet the standards 

in 3.3. 

[Delete 3.2 and renumber 3.3 through 

3.9 as new 3.2 through 3.8. Revise 

heading of renumbered 3.2 as follows:] 

3.2 Additional Criteria for 

Automation Flats 

[Revise the heading and text of 

renumbered 3.2.1 as follows:] 

3.2.1 Address Placement on Folded 

Pieces 

Mailers must design folded pieces so 

that the address is in view when the 

final folded edge is at the bottom of the 

piece and any intermediate bound or 

folded edge is to the right. 

3.2.2 Shape and Size 

[Revise 3.2.2 to specify the minimum 

and maximum dimensions as follows:] 

Each flat-size piece must be 

rectangular. The following minimum 

and maximum dimensions apply to 

First-Class Mail, Standard Mail, 

Periodicals (except under 707.25.3), and 

Bound Printed Matter pieces: 

a. Minimum height is 5 inches. 

Maximum height is 12 inches. 

b. Minimum length is 6 inches. 

Maximum length is 15 inches. 

c. For bound or folded pieces, the 

edge perpendicular to the bound or 

folded edge may not exceed 12 inches. 

d. Minimum thickness is 0.009 inch. 

Maximum thickness is 0.75 inch. 

* * * * * 

[Revise heading and text of 

renumbered 3.2.4, and delete 

renumbered Exhibit 3.2.4a, to add new 

standards for deflection as follows:] 

3.2.4 Maximum Deflection for 

Automation Flat-Size Pieces 

An automation flat-size mailpiece 

must be flexible (see 1.4) and must meet 

maximum deflection standards. Test 

deflection as follows: 

a. For pieces 10 inches or longer: 

1. Place the piece with the length 

perpendicular to the edge of a flat 

surface and extend the piece 5 inches 

off the surface. Turn the piece around 

and repeat the process. 

2. The piece is automation-compatible 

if it does not droop more than 4 inches 

vertically. 

b. For pieces less than 10 inches long: 

1. Place the piece with the length 

perpendicular to the edge of a flat 

surface and extend the piece one-half of 

its length off the surface. Turn the piece 

around and repeat the process. 

2. The piece is automation-compatible 

if it does not droop more than 1 inch 

less than the extended length. For 

example, a piece 8 inches long would 

extend 4 inches off a flat surface. It must 

not droop more than 3 inches vertically. 

c. For pieces with bound or folded 

edges, perform the test in 3.2.4a or 

3.2.4b above by placing the bound or 

final folded edge perpendicular to the 

edge of the flat surface. 

* * * * * 

[Delete renumbered 3.3, Criteria for 

UFSM 1000 Flats, to remove the 

standards for UFSM 1000 flats. Further 

renumber 3.4 through 3.8 as new 3.3 

through 3.7.] 

3.3 Polywrap Coverings 

[Revise heading and text of 

renumbered 3.3.1 as follows:] 

3.3.1 Polywrap Films and Similar 

Coverings 

When mailers use polywrap film or 

similar material to enclose flat-size 

mailpieces claimed at automation rates, 

the material must meet the standards in 

3.3. Film approved for use under 3.3.5 

must meet the specifications in Exhibit 

3.3.1 as follows: 

a. Films or similar coverings must 

meet all six properties in Exhibit 3.3.1. 

b. If the address label is affixed to the 

outside of the polywrap, the haze 

property (property 2) does not apply. 

* * * * * 

3.3.2 Wrap Direction and Seam 

Placement 

Wrap direction, seam direction, and 

seam placement must follow these 

standards: 

[Revise item a and the first sentence 

in item b as follows:] 

a. The wrap direction must be around 

the longer axis of the mailpiece, with 

the seam parallel to that axis. The longer 

axis is always parallel to the length of 

the mailpiece. 

b. The preferred seam placement is on 

the nonaddressed side of the mailpiece. 

If the seam is placed on the addressed 

side, the seam must not cover any part 

of the delivery address and barcode, 

postage area, or any required markings 

or endorsements. Regardless of seam 

placement, the polywrap over the 

address area must be a smooth surface 

to avoid interference with address and 

barcode readability. 

3.3.3 Overhang 

[Revise renumbered 3.3.3 to delete 

item b and restructure the text as 

follows:] 

For purposes of the polywrap 

standards for overhang (selvage) only, 

the top edge of the mailpiece is one of 

the two physically longer edges of the 

piece, regardless of address orientation 

and whether bound or unbound. Any 

polywrap overhang (selvage) around the 

four edges of the mailpiece (top, bottom, 

and left and right sides) must meet these 

standards: 

a. When the mailpiece contents are 

totally positioned at the bottom of the 

polywrap, the overhang must not be 

more than 0.5 inch at the top of the 

mailpiece. 

b. When the mailpiece contents are 

totally positioned to the left or to the 

right side of the polywrap, the overhang 

must not be more than 1.5 inches on the 

opposite side. 

c. The polywrap covering must not be 

so tight that it bends the mailpiece. 

* * * * * 

3.6 Uniformity and Exterior Format 

3.6.1 General 

[Revise renumbered 3.6.1 to add a 

reference to 1.5 in the first sentence as 

follows:] 

A flat-size mailpiece prepared and 

claimed at automation rates must be 

uniformly thick (see 1.5). Each flat-size 

mailpiece must have a smooth and 

regular shape and be free of creases, 

folds, tears, or other irregularities not 

compatible with automation equipment. 

The exterior surface must not have 

protuberances caused by prohibited 

closures; attachments (except as 

provided below); irregularly shaped or 

distributed contents; or untrimmed 

excess material from the envelope, 

wrapper, or sleeve. 

* * * * * 

[Delete renumbered 3.6.3 (this 

information was relocated to 1.5). 

Renumber 3.6.4 as new 3.6.3.] 

302 Elements on the Face of a 

Mailpiece 

* * * * * 

2.0 Placement and Content of Mail 

Markings 

2.1 First-Class Mail and Standard 

Mail Markings 

2.1.1 Placement 

Mailpieces must be marked under the 

corresponding standards to show the 

class of service and/or rate paid: 

* * * * * 

[Revise items b and b3 as follows:] 

b. Other Markings. Mailers may place 

rate-specific markings as follows: 

* * * * * 

3. If preceded by two asterisks (**), 

the ‘‘AUTO,’’ ‘‘PRESORTED’’ (or 

‘‘PRSRT’’), ‘‘CUSTOMIZED 

MARKETMAIL’’ (or ‘‘CUST MKTMAIL’’

or ‘‘CMM’’), or ‘‘Single-Piece’’ (or 

‘‘SNGLP’’) markings also may be placed 

on the line directly above or two lines 


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above the address in a mailer keyline or 

a manifest keyline, or it may be placed 

above the address and below the postage 

in an MLOCR ink-jet printed date 

correction/meter drop shipment line. 

* * * * * 

2.1.2 Exceptions to Markings 

Exceptions are as follows: 

* * * * * 

[Delete ‘‘AUTOCR’’ in item b as 

follows:] 

b. Manifest Mailings. The basic 

marking must appear in the postage area 

on each piece. The two-letter rate 

category code required in the keyline on 

manifest mailing pieces prepared under 

705.2.0 meets the requirement for other 

rate markings. 

* * * * * 

4.0 Barcode Placement 

* * * * * 

4.2 Applying One Barcode 

[Revise 4.2 to delete the second 

sentence, about UFSM 1000 mailpieces, 

as follows:] 

On any flat-size mailpiece claimed at 

an automation rate, the barcode may be 

anywhere on the address side as long as 

it is at least 1/8 inch from any edge of 

the piece. The portion of the surface of 

the piece on which the barcode is 

printed must meet the barcode 

dimensions and spacing requirements in 

708.4.2.5, and the reflectance standards 

in 708.4.4. Address block barcodes are 

subject to the standards in 4.6a. through 

4.6e. 

* * * * * 

330 Discount Flats: First-Class Mail 

333 Rates and Eligibility 

1.0 Rates and Fees for First-Class Mail 

1.1 Rate Application 

[Revise 1.1 as follows:] 

Postage is based on the flat-size rate 

that applies to the weight of each 

addressed piece. 

* * * * * 

[Delete 1.9, Nonmachinable 

Surcharge, and renumber 1.10 through 

1.12 as new 1.9 through 1.11.] 

* * * * * 

4.0 Additional Eligibility Standards 

for Nonautomation First-Class Mail 

Flats 

* * * * * 

[Revise the heading and text of 4.3 as 

follows:] 

4.3 Nonmachinable Flat-Size Pieces 

Flat-size pieces that do not meet the 

standards in 301.1.3 through 301.1.5 

must be prepared as flats under 335.5.0 

and must be charged the applicable 

parcel-size rates. 

5.0 Additional Eligibility Standards 

for Automation Rate First-Class Mail 

Flats 

* * * * * 

[Delete 5.2 and renumber 5.3 through 

5.6 as new 5.2 through 5.5.] 

* * * * * 

334 Postage Payment and 

Documentation 

* * * * * 

2.0 Postage Payment for Presorted 

Flats 

* * * * * 

2.2 Affixed Postage for Presorted 

First-Class Mail 

Unless permitted by other standards 

or by Business Mailer Support, USPS 

Headquarters, when precanceled 

postage or meter stamps are used as the 

postage payment method, only one 

payment method may be used in a 

mailing and each piece must bear 

postage under one of these conditions: 

* * * * * 

[Revise item b to remove 

‘‘nonmachinable surcharge’’ as follows:] 

b. A precanceled stamp or the full 

postage at the lowest First-Class Mail 1- 

ounce rate applicable to the mailing job, 

and full postage on metered pieces for 

additional ounce(s) or extra services. 

* * * * * 

340 Discount Flats: Standard Mail 

343 Rates and Eligibility 

* * * * * 

3.0 Basic Standards for Standard Mail 

Flats 

* * * * * 

3.2 Defining Characteristics 

[Revise heading and text of 3.2.1 as 

follows:] 

3.2.1 Weight, Shape, Flexibility, and 

Uniform Thickness 

All Standard Mail pieces must weigh 

less than 16 ounces. Flat-size pieces that 

do not meet the standards in 301.1.3 

through 301.1.5 must be prepared as 

parcels or Not Flat-Machinable pieces 

and must be charged parcel or Not FlatMachinable rates (see 401). 

* * * * * 

4.0 Rate Eligibility for Standard Mail 

* * * * * 

4.2 Minimum Per Piece Rates 

The minimum per piece rates (the 

minimum postage that must be paid for 

each piece) apply as follows: 

* * * * * 

[Revise introductory text in item b and 

item b1 as follows:] 

b. In applying the minimum per piece 

rates, a mailpiece is categorized as a 

letter based on whether the piece meets 

the letter-size standard in 201.1.0, 

without regard to placement of the 

address on the piece, except under these 

conditions: 

1. If the piece meets both the 

definition of a letter in 201.1.1.1 and the 

definition of an automation flat in 

301.3.0, the piece may be prepared and 

entered at an automation flat rate. 

[Revise item b2 to change the rates for 

Customized MarketMail to the NFM 

rates as follows:] 

2. Pieces mailed as Customized 

MarketMail under 705.1.0 must be 

charged Regular or Nonprofit Standard 

Mail 5-digit nonentry rates for Not FlatMachinable pieces and must not exceed 

3.3 ounces. 

* * * * * 

[Revise heading and text of 4.4 as 

follows:] 

4.4 Shape, Flexibility, and Uniform 

Thickness 

Flat-size pieces that do not meet the 

standards in 301.1.3 through 301.1.5 

must be prepared as parcels or Not FlatMachinable pieces and must be charged 

parcel or Not Flat-Machinable rates (see 

401). 

[Revise heading of 5.0 as follows:] 

5.0 Additional Eligibility Standards 

for Nonautomation Standard Mail Flats 

* * * * * 

[Replace 5.3 and 5.4 with new 5.3 

through 5.6 as follows:] 

5.3 5-Digit Rates for Flats 

The 5-digit rate applies to flat-size 

pieces: 

a. In a 5-digit/scheme bundle of 10 or 

more pieces, or 15 or more pieces, as 

applicable; properly placed in a 5-digit/ 

scheme sack containing at least 125 

pieces or 15 pounds of pieces. 

b. When palletized under 705.8.0 and 

705.10.0 through 705.13.0, in a 5-digit/ 

scheme bundle of 10 or more pieces, or 

15 or more pieces, as applicable. 

c. In a 5-digit bundle of 10 or more 

pieces, or 15 or more pieces, as 

applicable; properly placed in a merged 

5-digit/scheme or 5-digit sack under 

705.10.0. 

5.4 3-Digit Rates for Flats 

The 3-digit rate applies to flat-size 

pieces: 


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a. In a 5-digit/scheme bundle of 10 or 

more pieces, or 15 or more pieces, as 

applicable, or in a 3-digit/scheme 

bundle of 10 or more pieces; properly 

placed in a 3-digit sack of at least 125 

pieces or 15 pounds of pieces. 

b. When palletized under 705.8.0 and 

705.10.0 through 705.13.0, in a 3-digit/ 

scheme bundle of 10 or more pieces. 

5.5 ADC Rates for Flats 

ADC rates apply to flat-size pieces: 

a. In a 5-digit/scheme, 3-digit/scheme, 

or ADC bundle of 10 or more pieces 

properly placed in an ADC sack of at 

least 125 pieces or 15 pounds of pieces. 

b. In an optional 3-digit/scheme 

origin/entry sack. 

c. When palletized under 705.8.0 and 

705.10 through 705.13, in an ADC 

bundle of 10 or more pieces; properly 

placed on an ADC pallet. 

5.6 Mixed ADC Rates for Flats 

Mixed ADC rates apply to flat-size 

pieces in bundles that do not qualify for 

5-digit, 3-digit, or ADC rates; placed in 

mixed ADC sacks or on ASF, BMC, or 

mixed BMC pallets under 705.8.0. 

* * * * * 

7.0 Additional Eligibility Standards 

for Automation Rate Standard Mail 

Flats 

* * * * * 

7.2 Rate Application 

[Revise 7.2 as follows:] 

Automation rates apply to each piece 

properly sorted into qualifying groups: 

a. The 5-digit rate applies to flat-size 

pieces in a 5-digit/scheme bundle of 10 

or more pieces, or 15 or more pieces, as 

applicable. 

b. The 3-digit rate applies to flat-size 

pieces in a 3-digit/scheme bundle of 10 

or more pieces. 

c. The ADC rate applies to flat-size 

pieces in an ADC bundle of 10 or more 

pieces. 

d. The mixed ADC rate applies to flatsize pieces in mixed ADC bundles (no 

minimum). 

* * * * * 

345 Mail Preparation 

1.0 General Information for Mail 

Preparation 

* * * * * 

1.3 Terms for Presort Levels 

Terms used for presort levels are 

defined as follows: 

* * * * * 

[Revise items c and k as follows:] 

c. 5-digit scheme (bundles and sacks) 

for flats meeting the automationcompatibility standards in 301.3.0: the 

ZIP Code in the delivery address on all 

pieces is one of the 5-digit ZIP Code 

areas processed by the USPS as a single 

scheme, as shown in L007. 

* * * * * 

k. 3-digit scheme bundles for flats 

meeting the automation-compatibility 

standards in 301.3.0: the ZIP Code in 

the delivery address begins with one of 

the 3-digit prefixes processed by the 

USPS as a single scheme, as shown in 

L008. 

* * * * * 

1.4 Preparation Definitions and 

Instructions 

For purposes of preparing mail: 

* * * * * 

[Revise item f as follows:] 

f. A 5-digit scheme sort for flats 

meeting the automation-compatibility 

standards in 301.3.0 yields 5-digit 

scheme bundles for those 5-digit ZIP 

Codes identified in L007 and 5-digit 

bundles for other ZIP Codes. When 

standards require 5-digit/scheme sort, 

mailers must prepare all possible 5-digit 

scheme bundles and sacks of flats, then 

prepare all possible 5-digit bundles and 

sacks. The 5-digit ZIP Codes in each 

scheme are treated as a single presort 

destination subject to a single minimum 

volume, with no further separation 

required. Bundles prepared for a 5-digit 

scheme destination that contain pieces 

for only one of the schemed 5-digit ZIP 

Codes are still considered 5-digit 

scheme sorted and are labeled 

accordingly. Label mailpieces using an 

optional endorsement line (OEL) under 

708.7.0. Place bundles in appropriate 

containers using the OEL ‘‘label to’’ 5- 

digit ZIP Code. 

* * * * * 

[Revise item h by replacing 

‘‘Presorted’’ with ‘‘nonautomation’’ in 

the first sentence.] 

* * * * * 

[Revise item n as follows:] 

n. A 3-digit scheme sort for flats 

meeting the automation-compatibility 

standards in 301.3.0 yields 3-digit 

scheme bundles for those 3-digit ZIP 

Codes identified in L008. When 

standards require 3-digit/scheme sort, 

mailers must prepare all possible 3-digit 

scheme bundles of flats, then prepare all 

possible 3-digit bundles. The 3-digit ZIP 

Codes in each scheme are treated as a 

single presort destination subject to a 

single minimum volume, with no 

further separation by 3-digit ZIP Code 

required. Bundles prepared for a 3-digit 

scheme destination that contain pieces 

for only one of the schemed 3-digit ZIP 

Codes are still considered 3-digit 

scheme sorted and are labeled 

accordingly. Label mailpieces using an 

OEL under 708.7.0. Place 3-digit scheme 

bundles in 3-digit through mixed ADC 

containers, as applicable, using the OEL 

‘‘label to’’ 3-digit ZIP Code. 

* * * * * 

[Revise 5.0 to change ‘‘presorted’’ flats 

to ‘‘nonautomation’’ flats throughout.] 

5.0 Preparing Nonautomation Flats 

5.1 Basic Standards 

All mailings and all pieces in each 

mailing at Regular Standard Mail and 

Nonprofit Standard Mail nonautomation 

rates are subject to specific preparation 

standards in 5.2 through 5.9 and to 

these general standards (automation rate 

mailings must be prepared under 7.0): 

[Revise item a as follows:] 

a. All pieces must be in the flat-size 

processing category. 

[Revise item b to delete ‘‘AUTOCR.’’] 

* * * * * 

5.3 Bundling and Labeling 

[Add a new first sentence to 5.3 and 

revise items a and b as follows:] 

Mailings consisting entirely of pieces 

meeting the automation-compatibility 

criteria in 301.3.0 must be prepared in 

5-digit scheme bundles for those 5-digit 

ZIP Codes identified in L007 and in 3- 

digit scheme bundles for those 3-digit 

ZIP Codes identified in L008. 

Preparation sequence, bundle size, and 

labeling: 

a. 5-digit/scheme (required), see 

definition in 1.4f: 

1. For mailings containing only pieces 

weighing 5 ounces (0.3125 pound) or 

less: 15-piece minimum; red Label 5 or 

OEL. 

2. For mailings containing any pieces 

weighing more than 5 ounces (0.3125 

pound): 10-piece minimum; red Label 5 

or OEL. 

b. 3-digit/scheme (required), see 

definition in 1.4n; 10-piece minimum; 

green Label 3 or OEL. 

* * * * * 

5.7 Sacking and Labeling 

Preparation sequence, sack size, and 

labeling: 

[Revise item a as follows:] 

a. 5-digit/scheme (required); scheme 

sort required, only for pieces meeting 

the automation-compatibility criteria in 

301.3.0, see definition in 1.4f; 125-piece 

or 15-pound minimum; labeling: 

1. Line 1: For 5-digit scheme sacks use 

L007, Column B. For 5-digit sacks, use 

city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code 

destination on pieces. (See 4.2 for 

overseas military mail). 

2. Line 2: For 5-digit scheme sacks, 

‘‘STD FLT 5D SCH NON BC.’’ For 5- 

digit sacks, ‘‘STD FLTS 5D NON BC.’’

* * * * * 


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[Revise item c as follows:] 

c. Origin/entry 3-digits(s) (optional); 

one-bundle minimum; labeling: 

1. Line 1: L002, Column A. 

2. Line 2: ‘‘STD FLTS 3D NON BC.’’

* * * * * 

7.0 Preparing Automation Rate Flats 

* * * * * 

[Delete 7.4. Renumber 7.5 through 7.9 

as new 7.4 through 7.8.] 

7.4 Standard Mail Bundle Preparation 

7.4.1 Bundling and Labeling 

Preparation sequence, bundle size, 

and labeling: 

[Revise item a to require 5-digit/ 

scheme preparation as follows:] 

a. 5-digit/scheme (required); see 

definition in 1.4f: 

1. For mailings containing only pieces 

weighing 5 ounces (0.3125 pound) or 

less: 15-piece minimum; OEL required. 

2. For mailings containing any pieces 

weighing more than 5 ounces (0.3125 

pound): 10-piece minimum; OEL 

required. 

[Delete item b. Renumber item c as 

new item b and revise to require 3-digit/ 

scheme preparation as follows:] 

b. 3-digit/scheme (required); see 

definition in 1.4n; 10-piece minimum; 

OEL required. 

[Delete item d. Renumber items e and 

f as new items c and d.] 

* * * * * 

[Delete renumbered 7.4.2. Renumber 

7.4.3 and 7.4.4 as new 7.4.2 and 7.4.3.] 

7.4.3 Sacking and Labeling 

Preparation sequence, sack size, and 

labeling: 

[Revise item a as follows:] 

a. 5-digit/scheme (required); see 

definition in 1.4f; 125-piece or 15- 

pound minimum, labeling: 

1. Line 1: For 5-digit scheme sacks use 

L007, Column B. For 5-digit sacks use 

city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code on mail 

(see 4.2 for overseas military mail). 

2. Line 2: For 5-digit scheme sacks, 

‘‘STD FLTS 5D SCH BC.’’ For 5-digit 

sacks, ‘‘STD FLTS 5D BC.’’

[Delete item b. Renumber items c 

though f as new items b through e.] 

* * * * * 

[Delete 7.6. Renumber 7.7 through 7.9 

as new 7.6 through 7.8. Revise 

renumbered 7.6 through 7.8 by 

replacing ‘‘presorted’’ with 

‘‘nonautomation’’ throughout.] 

* * * * * 

7.7 Exception ‘‘ Automation and 

Nonautomation Pieces on Pallets 

[Replace ‘‘nonletter’’ with ‘‘flat-size’’

throughout renumbered 7.7.] 

* * * * * 

360 Discount Flats: Bound Printed 

Matter 

[Incorporate the standards for Bound 

Printed Matter in 160 into 360. Make 

revisions throughout to change singlepiece Bound Printed Matter to 

‘‘nonpresorted’’ Bound Printed Matter 

and make the following additional 

changes:] 

363 Rates and Eligibility 

1.0 Rates and Fees for Bound Printed 

Matter 

* * * * * 

[Renumber 1.3 through 1.5 as new 1.4 

through 1.6. Insert new 1.3 as follows:] 

1.3 Nonpresorted Bound Printed 

Matter Rates 

Flat-size pieces that do not meet the 

standards in 301.1.3 through 301.1.5 

must be charged the applicable parcel 

rate based on weight and zone. 

[Revise the heading of renumbered 1.4 

as follows:] 

1.4 Discount Bound Printed Matter 

Rates 

* * * * * 

[Insert new 1.4.3 as follows:] 

1.4.3 Shape, Flexibility, and 

Thickness 

Flat-size pieces that do not meet the 

standards in 301.1.3 through 301.1.5 

must be prepared as parcels and must be 

charged the applicable parcel rate based 

on weight and zone. 

* * * * * 

365 Mail Preparation 

1.0 General Information for Mail 

Preparation 

* * * * * 

1.3 Terms for Presort Levels 

Terms used for presort levels are 

defined as follows: 

* * * * * 

[Revise items c and h as follows:] 

c. 5-digit scheme (bundles and sacks) 

for flats meeting the automationcompatibility standards in 301.3.0: the 

ZIP Code in the delivery address on all 

pieces is one of the 5-digit ZIP Code 

areas processed by the USPS as a single 

scheme, as shown in L007. 

* * * * * 

h. 3-digit scheme bundles for flats 

meeting the automation-compatibility 

standards in 301.3.0: the ZIP Code in 

the delivery address begins with one of 

the 3-digit prefixes processed by the 

USPS as a single scheme, as shown in 

L008. 

* * * * * 

1.4 Preparation Definitions and 

Instructions 

For purposes of preparing mail: 

* * * * * 

[Revise item c for 5-digit scheme sort 

as follows:] 

c. A 5-digit scheme sort for flats 

meeting the automation-compatibility 

standards in 301.3.0 yields 5-digit 

scheme bundles for those 5-digit ZIP 

Codes identified in L007 and 5-digit 

bundles for other ZIP Codes. When 

standards require 5-digit/scheme sort, 

mailers must prepare all possible 5-digit 

scheme bundles and sacks of flats before 

preparing 5-digit bundles and sacks. 

The 5-digit ZIP Codes in each scheme 

are treated as a single presort 

destination subject to a single minimum 

volume, with no further separation 

required. Bundles prepared for a 5-digit 

scheme destination that contain pieces 

for only one of the schemed 5-digit ZIP 

Codes are still considered 5-digit 

scheme sorted and are labeled 

accordingly. Label mailpieces using an 

OEL under 708.7.0. Place bundles in 

appropriate containers using the OEL 

‘‘label to’’ 5-digit ZIP Code. 

* * * * * 

[Revise item g for 3-digit scheme sort 

as follows:] 

g. A 3-digit scheme sort for flats 

meeting the automation-compatibility 

standards in 301.3.0 yields 3-digit 

scheme bundles for those 3-digit ZIP 

Codes identified in L008. When 

standards require 3-digit/scheme sort, 

mailers must prepare all possible 3-digit 

scheme bundles of flats before preparing 

3-digit bundles. The 3-digit ZIP Codes 

in each scheme are treated as a single 

presort destination subject to a single 

minimum volume, with no further 

separation by 3-digit ZIP Code required. 

Bundles prepared for a 3-digit scheme 

destination that contain pieces for only 

one of the schemed 3-digit ZIP Codes 

are still considered 3-digit scheme 

sorted and are labeled accordingly. 

Mailpieces must be labeled using an 

OEL under 708.7.0. Three-digit scheme 

bundles are placed in 3-digit through 

mixed ADC containers, as applicable, 

using the OEL ‘‘label to’’ 3-digit ZIP 

Code. 

* * * * * 

5.0 Preparing Presorted Flats 

* * * * * 

5.2 Bundling 

* * * * * 

5.2.2 Bundling and Labeling 

[Add a new first sentence to 5.2.2 as 

follows:] 


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15386 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 61 / Friday, March 30, 2007 / Rules and Regulations 

For mailings consisting entirely of 

pieces meeting the automationcompatibility criteria in 301.3.0, pieces 

must be prepared in 5-digit scheme 

bundles for those 5-digit ZIP Codes 

identified in L007 and in 3-digit scheme 

bundles for those 3-digit ZIP Codes 

identified in L008. Preparation sequence 

and labeling: 

[Revise item a to require 5-digit 

schemes as follows:] 

a. 5-digit/scheme (required); red Label 

5 or OEL. See definition in 1.4e. 

[Revise item b to require 3-digit 

schemes as follows:] 

b. 3-digit/scheme (required); green 

Label 3 or OEL. See definition in 1.4g. 

5.3 Sacking 

* * * * * 

5.3.5 Sacking and Labeling 

Preparation sequence and labeling: 

[Revise item a as follows:] 

a. 5-digit/scheme (required); see 1.4e; 

scheme sort required, only for pieces 

meeting the automation-compatibility 

criteria in 301.3.0; minimum 20 

addressed pieces; labeling: 

1. Line 1: For 5-digit scheme sacks, 

use L007, Column B. For 5-digit sacks, 

use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code on 

mail (see 4.5 for overseas military mail). 

2. Line 2: For 5-digit scheme sacks, 

‘‘PSVC FLT 5D SCH NBC.’’ For 5-digit 

sacks, ‘‘PSVC FLTS 5D NON BC.’’

* * * * * 

7.0 Preparing Barcoded Flats 

* * * * * 

7.3 Bundling 

* * * * * 

7.3.2 Bundle Preparation 

Bundles must be prepared and labeled 

in the following sequence: 

[Delete items b and d. Renumber item 

c as item b and items e and f as items 

c and d. Revise item a and new item b 

to make 5-digit and 3-digit schemes 

required as follows:] 

a. 5-digit/scheme: (required); see 

definition in 1.4e; minimum 10 pieces 

or 10 pounds, maximum weight 20 

pounds; OEL required. 

b. 3-digit/scheme (required); see 

definition in 1.4g; minimum 10 pieces 

or 10 pounds, maximum weight 20 

pounds; OEL required. 

* * * * * 

7.3.3 Scheme Bundle Preparation 

[Revise 7.3.3 as follows:] 

See 1.4c and 1.4g for additional 

standards for pieces prepared in scheme 

bundles. 

7.4 Sacking 

7.4.1 Sack Preparation and Labeling 

Preparation sequence, sack size, and 

labeling: 

[Revise item a as follows:] 

a. 5-digit/scheme (see 1.4e) (required), 

minimum 20 addressed pieces; labeling: 

1. Line 1: For 5-digit scheme sacks, 

use L007, Column B. For 5-digit sacks, 

use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code on 

mail (see 4.2 for overseas military mail). 

2. Line 2: For 5-digit scheme sacks, 

‘‘PSVC FLTS 5D SCH BC.’’ For 5-digit 

sacks, ‘‘PSVC FLTS 5D BC.’’

[Delete item b and renumber items c 

through f as new items b through e.] 

* * * * * 

366 Enter and Deposit 

1.0 Presenting a Mailing 

[Revise the heading of 1.1 as follows:] 

1.1 Verification and Entry—Presorted, 

Carrier Route, Destination Entry, and 

Barcoded Mailings 

* * * * * 

[Renumber 1.2 through 1.5 as new 1.3 

through 1.6. Insert new 1.2 as follows:] 

1.2 Verification and Entry—

Nonpresorted Mailings 

Nonpresorted rate Bound Printed 

Matter is not offered at post offices, 

branches, or stations or through Postal 

Service carriers, except under 1.2c and 

1.2d. Mailers must deposit 

Nonpresorted Bound Printed Matter as 

follows: 

a. At the time and place specified by 

the postmaster at the office of mailing. 

b. For metered mail, at other than the 

licensing post office only as permitted 

under 705.18.0, Metered Mail Drop 

Shipment. 

c. For permit imprint mail, only at the 

post office where the permit is held (see 

604.5.0). 

d. At any post office, branch, or 

station or with a Postal Service carrier, 

if the correct postage is applied, 

including postage for any extra service 

elected. 

* * * * * 

370 Discount Flats: Media Mail 

373 Rates and Eligibility 

1.0 Rates and Fees for Media Mail 

* * * * * 

[Renumber 1.3 through 1.5 as new 1.4 

through 1.6. Insert new 1.3 as follows:] 

1.3 Shape, Flexibility, and Thickness 

Flat-size pieces that do not meet the 

standards in 301.1.3 through 301.1.5 

must be prepared as parcels. 

* * * * * 

375 Mail Preparation 

1.0 General Information for Mail 

Preparation 

* * * * * 

1.3 Terms for Presort Levels 

Terms used for presort levels are 

defined as follows: 

* * * * * 

[Renumber item b as new item c. 

Insert new item b for 5-digit scheme sort 

as follows:] 

b. 5-digit scheme (bundles and sacks) 

for flats meeting the automationcompatibility standards in 301.3.0: The 

ZIP Code in the delivery address on all 

pieces begins with one of the 5-digit ZIP 

Code ranges processed by the USPS as 

a single scheme, as shown in L007. 

* * * * * 

[Renumber items d and f as new items 

e and g. Insert new item d for 3-digit 

scheme sort as follows:] 

d. 3-digit scheme bundles for flats 

meeting the automation-compatibility 

standards in 301.3.0: The ZIP Code in 

the delivery address on all pieces begins 

with one of the 3-digit ZIP Code ranges 

processed by the USPS as a single 

scheme, as shown in L008. 

* * * * * 

1.4 Preparation Definitions and 

Instructions 

For purposes of preparing mail: 

* * * * * 

[Renumber items c through f as new 

items e through h. Insert new items c 

and d for 5-digit and 3-digit scheme 

sorts as follows:] 

c. A 5-digit scheme sort for flats 

weighing up to 20 ounces and meeting 

the automation-compatibility standards 

in 301.3.0 yields 5-digit scheme bundles 

for those 5-digit ZIP Codes identified in 

L007 and 5-digit bundles for other ZIP 

Codes. When standards require 5-digit/ 

scheme sort, mailers must prepare all 

possible 5-digit scheme bundles and 

sacks of flats before preparing 5-digit 

bundles and sacks. The 5-digit ZIP 

Codes in each scheme are treated as a 

single presort destination subject to a 

single minimum volume, with no 

further separation required. Bundles 

prepared for a 5-digit scheme 

destination that contain pieces for only 

one of the schemed 5-digit ZIP Codes 

are still considered 5-digit scheme 

sorted and are labeled accordingly. 

Label mailpieces using an OEL under 

708.7.0. Place bundles in appropriate 

containers using the OEL ‘‘label to’’ 5- 

digit ZIP Code. 

d. A 3-digit scheme sort for flats 

weighing up to 20 ounces and meeting 

the automation-compatibility standards 


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in 301.3.0 yields 3-digit scheme bundles 

for those 3-digit ZIP Codes identified in 

L008. When standards require 3-digit/ 

scheme sort, mailers must prepare all 

possible 3-digit scheme bundles of flats 

before preparing 3-digit bundles. The 3- 

digit ZIP Codes in each scheme are 

treated as a single presort destination 

subject to a single minimum volume, 

with no further separation by 3-digit ZIP 

Code required. Bundles prepared for a 

3-digit scheme destination that contain 

pieces for only one of the schemed 3- 

digit ZIP Codes are still considered 3- 

digit scheme sorted and are labeled 

accordingly. Mailpieces must be labeled 

using an OEL under 708.7.0. Place 3- 

digit scheme bundles in 3-digit through 

mixed ADC containers, as applicable, 

using the OEL ‘‘label to’’ 3-digit ZIP 

Code. 

* * * * * 

[Revise heading of 5.0 as follows:] 

5.0 Preparing Presorted Flats 

* * * * * 

5.2 Bundling 

* * * * * 

5.2.2 Bundling and Labeling 

[Add a new first sentence to 5.2.2 as 

follows:] 

For mailings consisting entirely of 

pieces meeting the automationcompatibility criteria in 301.3.0, pieces 

must be prepared in 5-digit scheme 

bundles for those 5-digit ZIP Codes 

identified in L007 and in 3-digit scheme 

bundles for those 3-digit ZIP Codes 

identified in L008. Preparation 

sequence, bundle size, and labeling: 

[Revise items a and b to make 5-digit 

and 3-digit schemes required as 

follows:] 

a. 5-digit/scheme (optional, but 

required for 5-digit rate); red Label 5 or 

OEL. See definition in 1.4c. 

b. 3-digit/scheme (required); green 

Label 3 or OEL. See definition in 1.4d. 

* * * * * 

5.3 Sacking 

* * * * * 

5.3.2 Sacking and Labeling 

Preparation sequence, sack size, and 

labeling: 

[Revise item a as follows:] 

a. 5-digit/scheme (optional, but 

required for 5-digit rate); see 1.4c; 

scheme sort required, only for pieces 

meeting the automation-compatibility 

criteria in 301.3.0; minimum 10 

addressed pieces; labeling: 

1. Line 1: For 5-digit scheme sacks, 

use L007, Column B. For 5-digit sacks, 

use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code on 

mail (see 4.5 for overseas military mail). 

2. Line 2: For 5-digit scheme sacks, 

‘‘PSVC FLT 5D SCH NBC.’’ For 5-digit 

sacks, ‘‘PSVC FLT 5D NBC.’’

* * * * * 

380 Discount Flats: Library Mail 

383 Rates and Eligibility 

1.0 Rates and Fees for Library Mail 

* * * * * 

[Renumber 1.3 through 1.5 as new 1.4 

through 1.6. Insert new 1.3 as follows:] 

1.3 Shape, Flexibility, and Thickness 

Flat-size pieces that do not meet the 

standards in 301.1.3 through 301.1.5 

must be prepared as parcels. 

* * * * * 

385 Mail Preparation 

1.0 General Information for Mail 

Preparation 

* * * * * 

1.3 Terms for Presort Levels 

Terms used for presort levels are 

defined as follows: 

* * * * * 

[Renumber item b as new item c. 

Insert new item b for 5-digit scheme sort 

as follows:] 

b. 5-digit scheme (bundles and sacks) 

for flats meeting the automationcompatibility standards in 301.3.0: the 

ZIP Code in the delivery address on all 

pieces begins with one of the 5-digit ZIP 

Code ranges processed by the USPS as 

a single scheme, as shown in L007. 

* * * * * 

[Renumber items d and f as new items 

e and g. Insert new item d for 3-digit 

scheme sort as follows:] 

d. 3-digit scheme bundles for flats 

meeting the automation-compatibility 

standards in 301.3.0: the ZIP Code in 

the delivery address on all pieces begins 

with one of the 3-digit ZIP Code ranges 

processed by the USPS as a single 

scheme, as shown in L008. 

* * * * * 

1.4 Preparation Definitions and 

Instructions 

For purposes of preparing mail: 

* * * * * 

[Renumber items c through f as new 

items e through h. Insert new items c 

and d for 5-digit and 3-digit scheme 

sorts as follows:] 

c. A 5-digit scheme sort for flats 

weighing up to 20 ounces and meeting 

the automation-compatibility standards 

in 301.3.0 yields 5-digit scheme bundles 

for those 5-digit ZIP Codes identified in 

L007 and 5-digit bundles for other ZIP 

Codes. When standards require 5-digit/ 

scheme sort, mailers must prepare all 

possible 5-digit scheme bundles and 

sacks of flats before preparing 5-digit 

bundles and sacks. The 5-digit ZIP 

Codes in each scheme are treated as a 

single presort destination subject to a 

single minimum volume, with no 

further separation required. Bundles 

prepared for a 5-digit scheme 

destination that contain pieces for only 

one of the schemed 5-digit ZIP Codes 

are still considered 5-digit scheme 

sorted and are labeled accordingly. 

Label mailpieces using an OEL under 

708.7.0. Place bundles in appropriate 

containers using the OEL ‘‘label to’’ 5- 

digit ZIP Code. 

d. A 3-digit scheme sort for flats 

weighing up to 20 ounces and meeting 

the automation-compatibility standards 

in 301.3.0 yields 3-digit scheme bundles 

for those 3-digit ZIP Codes identified in 

L008. When standards require 3-digit/ 

scheme sort, mailers must prepare all 

possible 3-digit scheme bundles of flats 

before preparing 3-digit bundles. The 3- 

digit ZIP Codes in each scheme are 

treated as a single presort destination 

subject to a single minimum volume, 

with no further separation by 3-digit ZIP 

Code required. Bundles prepared for a 

3-digit scheme destination that contain 

pieces for only one of the schemed 3- 

digit ZIP Codes are still considered 3- 

digit scheme sorted and are labeled 

accordingly. Mailpieces must be labeled 

using an OEL under 708.7.0. Place 3- 

digit scheme bundles in 3-digit through 

mixed ADC containers, as applicable, 

using the OEL ‘‘label to’’ 3-digit ZIP 

Code. 

* * * * * 

[Revise heading of 5.0 as follows:] 

5.0 Preparing Presorted Flats 

* * * * * 

5.2 Bundling 

* * * * * 

5.2.2 Bundling and Labeling 

[Add a new first sentence to 5.2.2 as 

follows:] 

For mailings consisting entirely of 

pieces meeting the automationcompatibility criteria in 301.3.0, pieces 

must be prepared in 5-digit scheme 

bundles for those 5-digit ZIP Codes 

identified in L007 and in 3-digit scheme 

bundles for those 3-digit ZIP Codes 

identified in L008. Preparation 

sequence, bundle size, and labeling: 

[Revise items a and b as follows to 

make 5-digit and 3-digit schemes 

required:] 

a. 5-digit scheme (optional, but 

required for 5-digit rate); red Label 5 or 

OEL. See definition in 1.4c. 

b. 3-digit scheme (required); green 

Label 3 or OEL. See definition in 1.4d. 


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5.3 Sacking 

* * * * * 

5.3.2 Sacking and Labeling 

Preparation sequence, sack size, and 

labeling: 

[Revise item a as follows:] 

a. 5-digit/scheme (optional, but 

required for 5-digit rate); see 1.4c; 

scheme sort required, only for pieces 

meeting the automation-compatibility 

criteria in 301.3.0; minimum 10 

addressed pieces; labeling: 

1. Line 1: For 5-digit scheme sacks, 

use L007, Column B. For 5-digit sacks, 

use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code on 

mail (see 4.5 for overseas military mail). 

2. Line 2: For 5-digit scheme sacks, 

‘‘PSVC FLT 5D SCH NBC.’’ For 5-digit 

sacks, ‘‘PSVC FLT 5D NBC.’’

* * * * * 

400 Discount Mail: Parcels 

401 Physical Standards 

1.0 Physical Standards for Parcels 

[Revise the heading of 1.1 as follows:] 

1.1 Processing Categories 

[Revise the first sentence of 1.1 as 

follows:] 

USPS categorizes parcels into one of 

three mail processing categories: 

machinable, irregular, or outside parcel. 

These categories are based on the 

physical dimensions of the piece, 

regardless of the placement (orientation) 

of the delivery address on the piece. 

* * * * * 

1.5 Machinable Parcels 

1.5.1 Criteria 

A machinable parcel is any piece that 

is (see Exhibit 1.5.1, Machinable Parcel 

Dimensions): 

[Revise item a as follows:] 

a. Not less than 6 inches long, 3 

inches high, 1⁄4 inch thick, and 6 ounces 

in weight, except under 1.5.2. A 

mailpiece exactly 1⁄4 inch thick is 

subject to the 31⁄2-inch height minimum 

under 601.1.0. 

* * * * * 

[Renumber 1.5.2 through 1.5.4 as new 

1.5.3 through 1.5.5. Insert new 1.5.2 to 

allow lower-weight machinable parcels 

as follows:] 

1.5.2 Criteria for Lightweight Parcels 

A machinable parcel may weigh less 

than 6 ounces (but not less than 3.5 

ounces) if it meets all of the following 

conditions: 

a. The mailpiece is rectangular and 

able to maintain its integrity during mail 

processing (see 601.3.0). 

b. The mailpiece bears a parcel 

barcode, printed and placed according 

to 708.5.0. 

c. Mailpieces weighing at least 3.5 

ounces but less than 5 ounces must be 

a paperboard or fiberboard box within 

the following dimensions: 

1. At least 1.5 inches thick and no 

more than 3 inches thick. 

2. At least 6 inches long and no more 

than 7 inches long. 

3. At least 3.5 inches high and no 

more than 5 inches high. 

d. Mailpieces weighing at least 5 

ounces but less than 6 ounces must be 

within the following dimensions: 

1. More than 3⁄4 inch thick and no 

more than 6 inches thick. 

2. At least 6 inches long and no more 

than 12 inches long. 

3. At least 31⁄2 inches high and no 

more than 9 inches high. 

* * * * * 

[Delete renumbered 1.5.5, Exclusions.] 

2.0 Additional Physical Standards by 

Class of Mail 

2.1 First-Class Mail Parcels 

* * * * * 

[Delete 2.1.2 and replace with new 

2.1.2 as follows:] 

2.1.2 Surcharge 

Unless prepared in 5-digit/scheme 

containers or paid for at a single-piece 

rate, presorted parcels are subject to a 

$0.05 surcharge if any of the following 

characteristics apply: 

a. The parcels weigh less than 2 

ounces. 

b. The parcels do not bear a UCC/EAN 

Code 128 or POSTNET barcode. 

c. The parcels are irregularly shaped, 

such as rolls, tubes, and triangles. 

[Revise the heading of 2.2 as follows:] 

2.2 Standard Mail Parcels and Not 

Flat-Machinable Pieces 

[Revise heading and text of 2.2.1 as 

follows:] 

2.2.1 Additional Physical Standards 

Each piece must weigh less than 16 

ounces. 

[Revise heading and text of 2.2.2 as 

follows:] 

2.2.2 Not Flat-Machinable Pieces 

Categorize Standard Mail with the 

following characteristics as Not FlatMachinable pieces (unless mailed as 

parcels): 

a. Not Flat-Machinable pieces are 

rigid, with the following dimensions: 

1. At least 4 inches high, but not more 

than 12 inches high. 

2. At least 4 inches long, but not more 

than 153⁄4 inches long. 

3. At least 0.009 thick, but not more 

than 11⁄4 inches thick. (Pieces less than 

5 inches long must be over 1⁄4 inch 

thick.) 

b. Flexible pieces that are at least 4 

inches high, but not more than 12 

inches high, with either of the following 

dimensions: 

1. Over 15 inches long, but not more 

than 153⁄4 inches long. 

2. Over 3⁄4 inches thick, but not more 

than 11⁄4 inches thick. 

[Delete 2.2.3 and replace with new 

2.2.3 as follows:] 

2.2.3 Surcharge 

Unless prepared in carrier route or 5- 

digit/scheme containers, Standard Mail 

parcels and Not Flat-Machinable pieces 

are subject to a $0.05 surcharge if: 

a. The machinable parcels do not bear 

a UCC/EAN Code 128 barcode (see 

708.5.0) or the irregular parcels do not 

bear a UCC/EAN Code 128 barcode (see 

708.5.0) or POSTNET barcode (see 

708.4.0). 

b. The Not Flat-Machinable pieces 

weigh 6 ounces or more and do not bear 

a UCC/EAN Code 128 barcode (see 

708.5.0). 

c. The Not Flat-Machinable pieces 

weigh less than 6 ounces and do not 

bear a UCC/EAN Code 128 barcode (see 

708.5.0) or POSTNET barcode (see 

708.4.0). 

2.3 Parcel Post 

2.3.1 General Standards 

These standards apply to Parcel Post: 

* * * * * 

[Revise item b as follows:] 

b. An item weighing less than 20 

pounds but measuring more than 84 

inches (but not more than 108 inches) 

in combined length and girth is charged 

the rate for a 20-pound parcel for the 

zone to which it is addressed (balloon 

rate). 

* * * * * 

2.3.2 Nonmachinable Parcel Post 

Mailpieces described in this section 

that are mailed at the Inter-BMC/ASF 

Parcel Post, Intra-BMC/ASF Parcel Post, 

DSCF Parcel Select, or DBMC Parcel 

Select rates are subject to the applicable 

nonmachinable surcharge in 453.1.0 

unless the applicable special handling 

fee is paid. An oversized parcel as 

described in 2.3.1a is not subject to the 

nonmachinable surcharge. Mailpieces 

are nonmachinable if they meet any of 

the following criteria: 

* * * * * 

[Revise item c as follows:] 

c. A parcel that weighs less than 6 

ounces or more than 35 pounds, except 

under 1.5.2 for lightweight parcels. 

* * * * * 

402 Elements on the Face of a 

Mailpiece 

* * * * * 


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2.0 Placement and Content of 

Markings 

2.1 First-Class Mail and Standard 

Mail Markings 

2.1.1 Placement 

Markings must be placed as follows: 

* * * * * 

[Renumber item c as new item d. 

Insert new item c as follows:] 

c. Mark each Not Flat-Machinable 

piece ‘‘Not Flat-Machinable’’ or ‘‘NFM,’’

either by including the marking in the 

optional endorsement line or by placing 

the marking immediately to the left of 

or below the postage area. 

* * * * * 

4.0 General Barcode Placement 

[Revise heading of 4.1 as follows:] 

4.1 UCC/EAN Code 128 Barcode 

Location 

* * * * * 

[Revise heading of 4.2 as follows:] 

4.2 Clear Zone for UCC/EAN Code 128 

Barcode 

* * * * * 

[Add new 4.3 for POSTNET barcodes 

as follows:] 

4.3 POSTNET Barcodes 

First-Class Mail parcels, Standard 

Mail irregular parcels, and Not FlatMachinable pieces less than 6 ounces 

may bear POSTNET barcodes instead of 

UCC/EAN Code 128 barcodes. Pieces 

bearing POSTNET barcodes are not 

eligible to be mailed using eVS. Place 

POSTNET barcodes on First-Class Mail 

parcels, Standard Mail irregular parcels, 

or Not Flat-Machinable pieces under 

4.3.1 through 4.3.3. 

4.3.1 General Placement of POSTNET 

Barcodes 

On any First-Class Mail parcel, any 

Standard Mail irregular parcel, or 

Standard Mail Not Flat-Machinable 

piece under 6 ounces, the POSTNET 

barcode may be anywhere on the 

address side as long as it is at least 1⁄8

inch from any edge of the piece. 

POSTNET barcodes must be printed 

according to 708.4.0. Address block 

barcodes are subject to the standards in 

4.3.2. 

4.3.2 POSTNET Barcode in Address 

Block 

When the POSTNET barcode is 

included as part of the address block: 

a. Place the barcode in one of these 

positions: 

1. Above the address line containing 

the recipient’s name. 

2. Below the city, state, and ZIP Code 

line. 

3. Above or below the keyline 

information. 

4. Above or below the optional 

endorsement line. 

b. Do not print the barcode anywhere 

between the address line containing the 

recipient’s name and the city, state, and 

ZIP Code line. 

c. Allow at least 1⁄25 inch clearance 

between the barcode and any 

information line above or below it. Do 

not separate the barcode more than 5⁄8

inch from the top or bottom line of the 

address block. Allow at least 1⁄8 inch 

clearance between the leftmost and 

rightmost bars and any adjacent 

printing. 

d. If a window envelope is used, 

allow at least 1⁄8 inch clearance between 

the leftmost and rightmost bars and any 

printing or window edge, and at least 

1⁄25 inch between the barcode and the 

top and bottom window edges. These 

clearances must be maintained during 

the insert’s range of movement in the 

envelope. Covers for address block 

windows are subject to 4.3.3. 

e. If an address label is used, allow a 

clear space of at least 1⁄8 inch between 

the barcode and the left and right edges 

of the address label, and at least 1⁄25

inch between the barcode and the top 

and bottom edges of the address label. 

4.3.3 Window Cover 

A window cover over the address 

block must be a nontinted clear or 

transparent material (e.g., cellophane or 

polystyrene) that permits the barcode 

and its background, as viewed through 

the window material, to meet the 

reflectance standards in 708.4.4. The 

edges of the window cover must be 

securely glued to the envelope. 

430 Discount Parcels: First-Class Mail 

433 Rates and Eligibility 

1.0 Rates and Fees for First-Class Mail 

* * * * * 

[Revise 1.4 to change heading and 

text describing the surcharge as follows:] 

1.4 Surcharge 

Unless prepared in 5-digit/scheme 

sacks or paid for at the single-piece 

rates, presorted parcels are subject to a 

$0.05 surcharge if any of the following 

characteristics apply: 

a. The parcels weigh less than 2 

ounces. 

b. The parcels do not bear a UCC/EAN 

Code 128 or POSTNET barcode, under 

708.0, for the ZIP Code of the delivery 

address. 

c. The parcels are irregularly shaped, 

such as rolls, tubes, and triangles. 

* * * * * 

[Delete 3.4, Nonmachinable 

Surcharge for Parcel-Size Pieces. 

Renumber 3.5 through 3.7 as new 3.4 

through 3.6.] 

* * * * * 

[Insert new 4.0 to describe Presorted 

parcel rates as follows:] 

4.0 Rate Eligibility for Presorted FirstClass Mail Parcels 

4.1 5-Digit Rate 

The 5-digit rate applies to presorted 

parcels in a 5-digit/scheme sack 

containing at least 10 pounds of parcels. 

4.2 3-Digit Rate 

The 3-digit rate applies to presorted 

parcels in a 3-digit sack containing at 

least 10 pounds of parcels. 

4.3 ADC Rate 

The ADC rate applies to presorted 

parcels in a 3-digit origin sack (no 

minimum), and to parcels in an ADC 

sack containing at least 10 pounds of 

parcels. 

4.4 Single-Piece Rate 

The single-piece rate applies to 

presorted parcels in a mixed ADC sack, 

with no minimum volume requirement. 

434 Postage Payment and 

Documentation 

* * * * * 

2.0 Postage Payment for Presorted 

Parcels 

* * * * * 

2.2 Affixed Postage for Presorted 

First-Class Mail 

Unless permitted by other standards 

or by Business Mailer Support, USPS 

Headquarters, when precanceled 

postage or meter stamps are used as the 

postage payment method, only one 

payment method may be used in a 

mailing and each piece must bear 

postage under one of these conditions: 

* * * * * 

[Revise item b to remove 

‘‘nonmachinable’’ as follows:] 

b. A precanceled stamp or the full 

postage at the lowest First-Class Mail 1- 

ounce rate applicable to the mailing job, 

and full postage on metered pieces for 

additional ounce(s), surcharge, or extra 

services. 

* * * * * 

435 Mail Preparation 

1.0 General Information for Mail 

Preparation 

* * * * * 

1.2 Definition of Mailings 

[Delete item b. Combine item a and 

introductory text as follows:] 

A ‘‘mailing’’ is defined as a group of 

pieces within the same class of mail and 


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the same processing category that may 

be sorted together and/or presented 

under a single minimum volume 

mailing requirement under the 

applicable standards. Generally, types of 

mail that follow different flows through 

the postal processing system must be 

prepared as a separate mailing. 

1.3 Terms for Presort Levels 

Terms used for presort levels are 

defined as follows: 

[Renumber items a through e as new 

items b through f. Insert new item a as 

follows:] 

a. 5-digit scheme for First-Class Mail 

parcels: the ZIP Code in the delivery 

address on all pieces begins with one of 

the 5-digit ZIP Code ranges processed by 

the USPS as a single scheme, as shown 

in L606. 

* * * * * 

1.4 Preparation Definitions and 

Instructions 

For purposes of preparing mail: 

* * * * * 

[Revise item d as follows:] 

d. The required quantity (for example, 

‘‘required at 10 pieces’’) means that the 

unit must be prepared for the 

corresponding presort level whenever 

the specified quantity of mail is reached 

or exceeded. Smaller quantities may be 

prepared only if permitted by the 

standards for each rate. 

* * * * * 

[Delete item g. Renumber item h as 

new item g and revise as follows:] 

g. A ‘‘logical’’ presort destination 

represents the total number of pieces in 

a mailing that are eligible for a specific 

presort level based on the required 

sortation, but which might not be 

contained in a single container (sack or 

pallet) due to applicable preparation 

requirements or the size of the 

individual pieces. 

[Delete 2.0, Bundles, and renumber 

3.0 through 5.0 as new 2.0 through 4.0.] 

* * * * * 

3.0 Sack Labels 

* * * * * 

3.4 Line 2 (Content Line) 

Line 2 (content line) must meet these 

standards: 

* * * * * 

b. Codes: The codes shown below 

must be used as appropriate on Line 2 

of sack labels. 

[Revise the table in renumbered 3.4 to 

delete the entries for ‘‘General Delivery 

Unit,’’ ‘‘Highway Contract Route,’’ ‘‘Post 

Office Box Section,’’ and ‘‘Rural 

Route.’’] 

* * * * * 

[Revise the heading of renumbered 4.0 

as follows:] 

4.0 Preparing Presorted Parcels 

* * * * * 

[Revise heading and text of 4.3 to 

remove bundling requirement as 

follows:] 

4.3 Bundling 

Bundling is not permitted. 

4.4 Sacking and Labeling 

Preparation sequence, sack size, and 

labeling: 

[Revise item a as follows:] 

a. 5-digit/scheme optional, but 

required for 5-digit rate (see definition 

in 1.3a); 10-pound minimum, labeling: 

1. Line 1: For 5-digit scheme sacks use 

L606, Column B. For 5-digit sacks use 

city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code on mail 

(see 4.3c for overseas military mail). 

2. Line 2: For 5-digit scheme sacks, 

‘‘FCM PARCELS 5D SCH.’’ For 5-digit 

sacks, ‘‘FCM PARCELS 5D.’’

* * * * * 

440 Discount Parcels: Standard Mail 

443 Rates and Eligibility 

* * * * * 

4.0 Rate Eligibility for Standard Mail 

4.1 General Information 

[Revise 4.1 to delete reference to 

barcode discount and reorganize text as 

follows:] 

All Standard Mail rates are 

discounted rates. These rates apply to 

mailings meeting the basic standards in 

2.0 through 4.0 and the corresponding 

standards for presorted rates under 5.0 

or Enhanced Carrier Route rates under 

6.0. Destination entry discount rates are 

available under 446.2.0 through 446.5.0 

in Enter and Deposit. Pieces are subject 

to either a single minimum per piece 

rate or a combined piece/pound rate, 

depending on the weight of the 

individual pieces in the mailing under 

4.2 or 4.3. Only organizations 

authorized by the USPS under 703.1.0 

may mail at Nonprofit rates. 

4.2 Minimum Per Piece Rates 

The minimum per piece rates (the 

minimum postage that must be paid for 

each piece) apply as follows: 

* * * * * 

[Revise item b to delete the text that 

does not apply to parcels as follows:] 

b. In applying the minimum per piece 

rates, a mailpiece is categorized as a 

parcel based on the standards in 401, 

Physical Standards. 

[Revise item c to delete the text that 

does not apply to parcels and to add 5- 

digit rate mail as eligible for DDU rates 

as follows:] 

c. Individual Rates. There are separate 

minimum per piece rates for each 

subclass (Regular, Enhanced Carrier 

Route, Nonprofit, and Nonprofit 

Enhanced Carrier Route) and within 

each subclass for the level of presort 

within each mailing. Mailers may claim 

discounted rates for destination entry 

mailings under 446.2.0 through 446.5.0 

in Enter and Deposit. DDU rates are 

available for parcels and Not FlatMachinable pieces entered only at 5- 

digit, Enhanced Carrier Route, or 

Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route rates. 

See 1.0, Rates and Fees for Standard 

Mail, for individual per piece rates. 

* * * * * 

[Revise the heading and text of 4.4 as 

follows:] 

4.4 Surcharge 

Unless prepared in carrier route 

(irregular parcels only) or 5-digit/ 

scheme containers, Standard Mail 

parcels and Not Flat-Machinable pieces 

are subject to a $0.05 surcharge if: 

a. The pieces placed in containers 

other than 5-digit/scheme containers do 

not contain the appropriate barcodes in 

4.4b through 4.4d. 

b. The machinable parcels do not bear 

a UCC/EAN Code 128 barcode, under 

708.5.0, for the ZIP Code of the delivery 

address. 

c. The Not Flat-Machinable pieces 

weigh 6 ounces or more and do not bear 

a UCC/EAN Code 128 barcode, under 

708.5.0, for the ZIP Code of the delivery 

address. 

d. The irregular parcels weigh less 

than 16 ounces, or the Not FlatMachinable pieces weigh less than 6 

ounces, and those pieces do not bear a 

UCC/EAN Code 128 or POSTNET 

barcode, under 708.0, for the ZIP Code 

of the delivery address. 

[Delete 4.5 and renumber 4.6 as new 

4.5.] 

4.5 Extra Services for Standard Mail 

* * * * * 

4.5.2 Eligible Matter 

[Revise renumbered 4.5.2 as follows:] 

Extra services may be used only with 

pieces mailed at machinable or irregular 

parcel rates. 

4.5.3 Ineligible Matter 

Extra services (other than certificate of 

mailing service) may not be used for any 

of the following types of Standard Mail: 

[Revise item a as follows:] 

a. Pieces entered as letters, flats, or 

NFMs. 

* * * * * 

[Revise the heading of 5.0 as follows:] 


jlentini on PROD1PC65 with RULES3
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 61 / Friday, March 30, 2007 / Rules and Regulations 15391 

5.0 Additional Eligibility Standards 

for Presorted Standard Mail Pieces 

* * * * * 

5.2 Rate Application 

[Revise 5.2 to add Not FlatMachinable pieces and to note separate 

rates as follows:] 

Rates for Regular and Nonprofit 

Standard Mail apply separately to 

machinable parcels, irregular parcels, 

and Not Flat-Machinable pieces that 

meet the eligibility standards in 2.0 

through 4.0 and the preparation 

standards in 445.5.0 or 705.8.0, 

Preparing Pallets. When parcels and Not 

Flat-Machinable pieces are combined 

under 445.5.0, all pieces are eligible for 

the applicable rates when the combined 

total meets the eligibility standards. For 

example, when there are 10 pounds of 

combined machinable parcels, irregular 

parcels, and Not Flat-Machinable pieces 

in a 5-digit sack, all pieces are eligible 

for the 5-digit rates. 

[Delete 5.3 through 5.5. Insert new 5.3 

for machinable parcel rates as follows:] 

5.3 Rates for Machinable Parcels 

5.3.1 5-Digit Rate 

The 5-digit rate applies to qualifying 

machinable parcels presented: 

a. In a 5-digit/scheme (L606) sack 

containing at least 10 pounds of pieces. 

b. On a 5-digit/scheme (L606) pallet, 

according to standards in 705.8.10. 

c. As one or more parcels that mailers 

drop ship to a DDU under 446.5.2. 

5.3.2 BMC Rate 

The BMC rate applies to qualifying 

machinable parcels presented: 

a. In an ASF or BMC sack containing 

at least 10 pounds of parcels. 

b. On an ASF or BMC pallet, 

according to standards in 705.8.10. 

5.3.3 Mixed BMC Rate 

The mixed BMC rate applies to 

machinable parcels that are not eligible 

for 5-digit or BMC rates. Place 

machinable parcels at mixed BMC rates 

in mixed BMC sacks under 445.5.3.2 or 

on mixed BMC pallets under 705.8.10. 

[Insert new 5.4 for irregular parcel 

rates as follows:] 

5.4 Rates for Irregular Parcels 

5.4.1 5-Digit Rate 

The 5-digit rate applies to irregular 

parcels (see 401.1.6) presented: 

a. In a 5-digit/scheme (L606) sack 

containing at least 10 pounds of pieces. 

b. On a 5-digit/scheme (L606) pallet, 

according to 705.8.10. 

c. As one or more parcels that mailers 

drop ship to a DDU under 446.5.2. 

5.4.2 3-Digit Rate 

The 3-digit rate applies to irregular 

parcels (see 401.1.6) presented: 

a. In a 3-digit sack containing at least 

10 pounds of parcels. 

b. On a 3-digit pallet, according to 

705.8.10. 

5.4.3 ADC Rate 

The ADC rate applies to irregular 

parcels (see 401.1.6) presented: 

a. In an ADC sack containing at least 

10 pounds of parcels, or in an optional 

3-digit origin/entry sack. 

b. On an ADC pallet, according to 

705.8.10.4. 

5.4.4 Mixed ADC Rate 

The mixed ADC rate applies to 

irregular parcels (see 401.1.6) in mixed 

ADC containers. 

[Insert new 5.5 for Not FlatMachinable rates as follows:] 

5.5 Rates for Not Flat-Machinable 

(NFM) Pieces 

5.5.1 5-Digit Rate 

The 5-digit rate applies to NFM pieces 

presented: 

a. In a 5-digit/scheme sack containing 

at least 10 pounds of pieces. 

b. In 5-digit bundles of five or more 

pieces on pallets or in pallet boxes 

under 705.8.0. 

c. On a 5-digit/scheme pallet under 

705.8.10. 

d. As one or more pieces that mailers 

drop ship to a DDU under 446.5.0. 

5.5.2 3-Digit Rates 

The 3-digit rate applies to NFM pieces 

presented: 

a. In a 3-digit sack containing at least 

10 pounds of pieces. 

b. On a 3-digit pallet under 705.8.10. 

5.5.3 ADC Rate 

The ADC rate applies to NFM pieces 

presented: 

a. In an ADC or BMC/ASF sack 

containing at least 10 pounds of pieces 

or in an optional 3-digit origin/entry 

sack. 

b. On an ADC or BMC/ASF pallet 

under 705.8.10. 

5.5.4 Mixed ADC Rate 

The mixed ADC rate applies to NFM 

pieces in mixed ADC or mixed BMC 

containers. 

* * * * * 

445 Mail Preparation 

1.0 General Information for Mail 

Preparation 

* * * * * 

1.4 Preparation Definitions and 

Instructions 

For purposes of preparing mail: 

* * * * * 

[Revise item c as follows:] 

c. A 5-digit/scheme sort for Standard 

Mail parcels yields 5-digit scheme sacks 

or pallets for those 5-digit ZIP Codes 

listed in L606 and 5-digit sacks or 

pallets for other ZIP Codes. The 5-digit 

ZIP Codes in each scheme are treated as 

a single presort destination subject to a 

single minimum volume (if required), 

with no further separation by 5-digit ZIP 

Code required. Sacks or pallets prepared 

for a 5-digit scheme destination that 

contain pieces for only one of the 

schemed 5-digit ZIP Codes are still 

considered 5-digit scheme sorted and 

are labeled accordingly. 

* * * * * 

2.0 Bundles 

2.1 Definition of a Bundle 

[Revise 2.1 to restrict bundling as 

follows:] 

Mailers assemble pieces available for 

different presort destinations into 

groups. A ‘‘bundle’’ is a group of 

addressed pieces secured together as a 

unit. The term ‘‘bundle’’ does not apply 

to unsecured groups of pieces. Bundling 

under 445 is allowed only for carrier 

route bundles of irregular parcels and 5- 

digit bundles of Not Flat-Machinable 

pieces placed on pallets or in pallet 

boxes (see 6.0). 

* * * * * 

5.0 Preparing Presorted Parcels 

* * * * * 

5.3 Preparing Machinable Parcels 

5.3.1 5-Digit Sacks 

[Revise 5.3.1 to change the 

preparation of 5-digit/scheme sacks 

containing both machinable and 

irregular parcels (or also containing Not 

Flat-Machinable pieces) to be that for 

machinable parcels, and to add 5-digit 

scheme sorting when claiming 5-digit 

rates, as follows:] 

There is no minimum for parcels 

prepared in 5-digit/scheme sacks 

entered at a DDU. Mailers choosing to 

combine the preparation of either 

irregular parcels or Not Flat-Machinable 

pieces (see 401.2.2.3) weighing 6 ounces 

or more with machinable parcels placed 

in 5-digit/scheme sacks must prepare 

those sacks under 5.3.2. Mailers 

choosing to combine the preparation of 

Not Flat-Machinable pieces weighing 6 

ounces or more with machinable parcels 

placed in ASF, BMC, or mixed BMC 

sacks must prepare the sacks under 

5.3.2. 


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15392 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 61 / Friday, March 30, 2007 / Rules and Regulations 

5.3.2 Sacking and Labeling 

Preparation sequence, sack size, and 

labeling: 

[Revise item a as follows:] 

a. 5-digit/scheme (optional, but 

required for 5-digit rate), see definition 

in 1.4c; 10-pound minimum except 

under 5.3.1; labeling: 

1. Line 1: For 5-digit scheme sacks, 

use L606, Column B. For 5-digit sacks, 

use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code 

destination on pieces (see 4.0 for 

overseas military mail). 

2. Line 2: For 5-digit scheme sacks, 

‘‘STD MACH 5D SCH.’’ For 5-digit 

sacks, ‘‘STD MACH 5D.’’

[Delete item b. Renumber items c 

through e as new items b through d.] 

* * * * * 

5.4 Preparing Irregular Parcels 

[Delete 5.4.1 and 5.4.2. Renumber 

5.4.3 through 5.4.8 as new 5.4.1 through 

5.4.6. Revise heading and text of 

renumbered 5.4.1 to restrict bundling of 

irregular parcels as follows:] 

5.4.1 Bundling 

Bundling is not permitted, except for 

bundles of carrier route irregular parcels 

under 6.0. 

* * * * * 

[Delete renumbered 5.4.2 through 

5.4.5 and renumber 5.4.6 through 5.4.8 

as new 5.4.2 through 5.4.4.] 

5.4.2 Required Sacking 

[Revise renumbered 5.4.2 to change 

the minimum quantity per sack from 15 

pounds to 10 pounds and to add NFMs 

as follows:] 

Mailers must prepare a sack when the 

quantity of mail for a required presort 

destination reaches 10 pounds of pieces. 

There is no minimum for parcels 

prepared in 5-digit/scheme sacks 

entered at a DDU. Mailers choosing to 

combine irregular parcels with 

machinable parcels and NFMs in 5- 

digit/scheme sacks must prepare those 

sacks under 5.3.2. Mailers may not 

prepare sacks containing irregular and 

machinable parcels to other presort 

levels. Mailers may combine irregular 

parcels with Not Flat-Machinable pieces 

weighing less than 6 ounces in sacks 

under 5.4.4. 

* * * * * 

5.4.4 Sacking and Labeling 

[Revise renumbered 5.4.4 as follows:] 

Preparation sequence, sack size, and 

labeling: 

a. 5-digit/scheme (optional, but 

required for 5-digit rate), 10-pound 

minimum, except when entered at a 

DDU; labeling: 

1. For 5-digit scheme sacks, use L606, 

Column B. For 5-digit sacks, use city, 

state, and 5-digit ZIP Code on mail (see 

4.3 for overseas military mail). 

2. Line 2: For 5-digit scheme sacks, 

‘‘STD IRREG 5D SCH.’’ For 5-digit sacks, 

‘‘STD IRREG 5D.’’

b. 3-digit (required); 10-pound 

minimum; for irregular parcels only; 

labeling: 

1. For Line 1, L002, Column A. 

2. For Line 2, ‘‘STD IRREG 3D.’’

c. Origin/entry 3-digit(s) (optional); no 

minimum; labeling: 

1. Line 1: Use L002, Column A. 

2. Line 2: ‘‘STD IRREG 3D.’’

d. ADC (required); 10-pound 

minimum; labeling: 

1. Line 1: L603, Column B. (Use L004 

for parcels that weigh at least 2 ounces 

and are not rolls or tubes. Do not mix 

pieces labeled to L603 with pieces 

labeled to L004.) 

2. Line 2: ‘‘STD IRREG ADC.’’

e. Mixed ADC (required); no 

minimum; labeling: 

1. Line 1: L604, Column B. (Use L009 

for parcels that weigh at least 2 ounces 

and are not rolls or tubes. Do not mix 

pieces labeled to L604 with pieces 

labeled to L009.) 

2. Line 2: ‘‘STD IRREG WKG.’’

[Renumber 6.0 as new 7.0. Insert new 

6.0 for preparation of NFM pieces as 

follows:] 

6.0 Preparing Not Flat-Machinable 

Pieces 

6.1 Basic Standards 

All mailings at Regular Standard Mail 

and Nonprofit Standard Mail NFM rates 

are subject to the general preparation 

standards in 1.0 through 4.0. Prepare 

NFM pieces according to the standards 

in 6.0 unless commingled with parcels 

under 445.5.0. Mark NFM pieces 

according to the standards in 402.2.1.1. 

6.2 Bundling 

Mailers may make 5-digit bundles of 

at least five pieces when placed on 

pallets or in pallet boxes under 705.8.0. 

No other NFM bundling is permitted. 

The height of a 5-digit bundle must be 

at least 1 inch less than the longest 

dimension of the individual mailpiece. 

For example, a mailpiece measuring 7 

inches long, 5 inches high, and 1⁄2 inch 

thick must be placed in a bundle no 

higher than 6 inches. 

6.3 Sacking and Labeling 

6.3.1 General 

Mailers may combine NFM pieces 

with parcels in 5-digit/scheme sacks 

under 445.5.3. See 6.3.2 for NFM pieces 

that weigh less than 6 ounces; see 6.3.3 

for NFM pieces that weigh 6 ounces or 

more. 

6.3.2 NFM Pieces Weighing Less Than 

6 Ounces 

Preparation sequence, sack size, and 

labeling for sacks of NFM pieces that 

weigh less than 6 ounces: 

a. 5-digit/scheme (optional, but 

required for 5-digit rate); see definition 

in 445.1.4c; 10-pound minimum, except 

when drop shipped to a DDU (no 

minimum); labeling: 

1. Line 1: For 5-digit scheme sacks, 

use L606, Column B. For 5-digit sacks, 

use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code 

destination on pieces (see 4.0 for 

overseas military mail). 

2. Line 2: For 5-digit scheme sacks, 

‘‘STD NFM 5D SCH.’’ For 5-digit sacks, 

‘‘STD NFM 5D.’’

b. 3-digit (required); 10-pound 

minimum; labeling: 

1. Line 1: Use L002, Column A. 

2. Line 2: ‘‘STD NFM 3D.’’

c. Origin/entry 3-digit(s) (optional); no 

minimum; labeling: 

1. Line 1: Use L002, Column A. 

2. Line 2: ‘‘STD NFM 3D.’’

d. ADC (required); 10-pound 

minimum; labeling: 

1. Line 1: Use L004, Column B. 

2. Line 2: ‘‘STD NFM ADC.’’

e. Mixed ADC (required); no 

minimum; labeling: 

1. Line 1: Use L009, Column B. 

2. Line 2: ‘‘STD NFM WKG.’’

6.3.3 NFM Pieces Weighing 6 Ounces 

or More 

Preparation sequence, sack size, and 

labeling for sacks of NFM pieces that 

weigh 6 ounces or more: 

a. 5-digit/scheme (optional but 

required for 5-digit rate); see definition 

in 445.1.4c; 10-pound minimum, except 

when drop shipped to a DDU (no 

minimum); labeling: 

1. Line 1: For 5-digit scheme sacks, 

use L606, Column B. For 5-digit sacks, 

use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code 

destination on pieces (see 4.0 for 

overseas military mail). 

2. Line 2: For 5-digit scheme sacks, 

use ‘‘STD NFM MACH 5D SCH.’’ For 5- 

digit sacks, use ‘‘STD NFM MACH 5D.’’

b. ASF (optional), permitted only for 

mail deposited at an ASF to claim 

DBMC rate; 10-pound minimum; 

labeling: 

1. Line 1: L602, Column B. DBMC rate 

eligibility determined by Exhibit 

446.3.1, BMC/ASF—DBMC Rate 

Eligibility. 

2. Line 2: ‘‘STD NFM MACH ASF.’’

c. BMC (required); 10-pound 

minimum; labeling: 

1. Line 1: L601, Column B. DBMC rate 

eligibility determined by Exhibit 

446.3.1, BMC/ASF—DBMC Rate 

Eligibility. 


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Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 61 / Friday, March 30, 2007 / Rules and Regulations 15393 

2. Line 2: ‘‘STD NFM MACH BMC.’’

d. Mixed BMC (required); no 

minimum; labeling: 

1. Line 1: ‘‘MXD’’ followed by L601, 

Column B information for BMC serving 

3-digit ZIP Code prefix of entry post 

office. 

2. Line 2: ‘‘STD NFM MACH WKG.’’

* * * * * 

446 Enter and Deposit 

* * * * * 

4.0 Destination Sectional Center 

Facility (DSCF) Entry 

* * * * * 

4.2 Eligibility 

Pieces in a mailing that meets the 

standards in 2.0 and 4.0 are eligible for 

the DSCF rate, as follows: 

* * * * * 

[Insert new item c as follows:] 

c. When prepared and deposited 

under 705.6.3. 

* * * * * 

5.0 Destination Delivery Unit (DDU) 

Entry 

* * * * * 

5.2 Eligibility 

[Revise 5.2 to allow 5-digit sacks of 

parcels to be entered at DDUs and to 

add ‘‘Not Flat-Machinable’’ pieces as 

follows:] 

Pieces in a mailing that meets the 

standards in 2.0 and 5.0 are eligible for 

the DDU rate when deposited at a DDU, 

addressed for delivery within that 

facility’s service area, and prepared as 

follows: 

a. Irregular parcels in carrier route 

bundles sorted to carrier route sacks, 

and otherwise eligible for and claimed 

at a carrier route rate. 

b. One or more parcels or Not FlatMachinable pieces in 5-digit containers. 

450 Discount Parcels: Parcel Post 

453 Rates and Eligibility 

* * * * * 

3.0 Rate Eligibility Standards for 

Parcel Post 

3.1 Parcel Post and Parcel Select Rate 

Eligibility 

There are five Parcel Post (including 

Parcel Select) rate categories: Intra-BMC, 

Inter-BMC, destination bulk mail center 

(DBMC), destination sectional center 

facility (DSCF), and destination delivery 

unit (DDU). Parcel Post mailed at any of 

the destination entry rates is called 

‘‘Parcel Select’’ (see 456.2.0). Intra-BMC 

and Inter-BMC Parcel Post rates and 

DBMC Parcel Select rates are calculated 

based on the zone to which the parcel 

is addressed and the weight of the 

parcel. DSCF and DDU Parcel Select 

rates are calculated based on the weight 

of the parcel. Requirements for Parcel 

Post rates and discounts are as follows: 

* * * * * 

[Revise item f as follows:] 

f. The barcode discount applies to 

Inter-BMC/ASF and Intra-BMC/ASF 

Parcel Post machinable parcels (401.1.5) 

that bear a barcode under 708.5.0 for the 

ZIP Code of the delivery address and are 

part of a mailing of 50 or more Parcel 

Post rate pieces. 

* * * * * 

[Revise item h as follows:] 

h. An item weighing less than 20 

pounds but measuring more than 84 

inches (but not more than 108 inches) 

in combined length and girth is charged 

the rate for a 20-pound parcel for the 

zone to which it is addressed (balloon 

rate). 

* * * * * 

455 Mail Preparation 

* * * * * 

5.0 Standards for Barcode Discounts 

5.1 Standards for Barcoded Mail 

[Revise 5.1 as follows:] 

The barcode discount applies to InterBMC/ASF and Intra-BMC/ASF Parcel 

Post machinable parcels (401.1.5) that 

bear a barcode under 708.5.0 for the ZIP 

Code of the delivery address and are 

part of a mailing of 50 or more Parcel 

Post rate pieces. 

* * * * * 

456 Enter and Deposit 

* * * * * 

2.0 Parcel Select 

* * * * * 

2.2 Rate Eligibility for Parcel Select 

Rates 

* * * * * 

2.2.2 DBMC Rates 

For DBMC rates, pieces must meet the 

applicable standards in 2.1 through 2.6 

and the following: 

* * * * * 

[Renumber items b and c as new items 

c and d. Insert new item b as follows:] 

b. Machinable parcels must bear a 

barcode under 708.5.0 for the ZIP Code 

of the delivery address. Nonbarcoded 

machinable parcels are eligible only for 

the Intra-BMC/ASF rates. 

* * * * * 

2.6 Acceptance at Designated SCF 

Mailers may deposit parcels otherwise 

eligible for the DBMC rates at an SCF 

designated by the USPS for destination 

ZIP Codes listed in labeling list L607. 

The following standards apply: 

* * * * * 

[Revise item b as follows:] 

b. Bound Printed Matter machinable 

parcels under 466.3.3 and Standard 

Mail parcels and NFMs under 705.6.3 

may be included. 

* * * * * 

460 Discount Parcels: Bound Printed 

Matter 

[Incorporate the standards for Bound 

Printed Matter in 160 into 460. Make 

revisions throughout to change singlepiece Bound Printed Matter to 

‘‘nonpresorted’’ Bound Printed Matter 

and make the following additional 

changes:] 

* * * * * 

465 Mail Preparation 

1.0 General Information for Mail 

Preparation 

* * * * * 

1.3 Terms for Presort Levels 

Terms used for presort levels are 

defined as follows: 

* * * * * 

[Renumber items c through g as new 

items d through h. Insert new item c for 

5-digit schemes as follows:] 

c. 5-digit scheme (pallets and sacks) 

for Bound Printed Matter parcels: The 

ZIP Code in the delivery address on all 

pieces begins with one of the 5-digit ZIP 

Code ranges processed by the USPS as 

a single scheme, as shown in L606. 

* * * * * 

5.0 Preparing Presorted Parcels 

* * * * * 

5.2 Preparing Irregular Parcels 

Weighing Less Than 10 Pounds 

* * * * * 

5.2.3 Required Sacking 

[Revise the third sentence in the 

introductory text as follows:] 

A sack must be prepared when the 

quantity of mail for a required presort 

destination reaches either 10 addressed 

pieces or 20 pounds, whichever occurs 

first. Smaller volumes are not permitted 

(except mixed ADC sacks). Optional 

SCF sacks may be prepared only when 

there are at least 10 addressed pieces or 

20 pounds, whichever occurs first. 

Sacking is not required for 5-digit 

bundles when prepared for and entered 

at DDU rates. Such bundles may be 

bedloaded and may weigh up to 40 

pounds. Sacking also is subject to these 

conditions: 

* * * * * 


jlentini on PROD1PC65 with RULES3
15394 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 61 / Friday, March 30, 2007 / Rules and Regulations 

5.2.4 Sacking and Labeling 

Preparation sequence and labeling: 

[Replace items a and b with new item 

a as follows. Renumber items c through 

f as new items b through e.] 

a. 5-digit/scheme (required); labeling: 

1. Line 1: For 5-digit scheme sacks, 

use L606, Column B. For 5-digit sacks, 

use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code on 

mail (see 4.3 for overseas military mail). 

2. Line 2: For 5-digit scheme sacks, 

‘‘PSVC IRREG 5D SCH.’’ For 5-digit 

sacks, ‘‘PSVC IRREG 5D.’’

* * * * * 

5.3 Preparing Irregular Parcels 

Weighing 10 Pounds or More 

* * * * * 

5.3.3 Sacking and Labeling 

Preparation sequence and labeling: 

[Replace items a and b with new item 

a as follows. Renumber items c through 

f as new items b through e.] 

a. 5-digit/scheme (required); labeling: 

1. Line 1: For 5-digit scheme sacks, 

use L606, Column B. For 5-digit sacks, 

use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code on 

mail (see 4.3 for overseas military mail). 

2. Line 2: For 5-digit scheme sacks, 

‘‘PSVC IRREG 5D SCH.’’ For 5-digit 

sacks, ‘‘PSVC IRREG 5D.’’

* * * * * 

5.4 Preparing Machinable Parcels Not 

Claiming the DBMC Rates 

* * * * * 

5.4.2 Sacking and Labeling 

Preparation sequence and labeling: 

[Replace items a and b with new item 

a as follows. Renumber items c and d as 

new items b and c.] 

a. 5-digit/scheme (required); labeling: 

1. Line 1: For 5-digit scheme sacks, 

use L606, Column B. For 5-digit sacks, 

use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code on 

mail (see 4.3 for overseas military mail). 

2. Line 2: For 5-digit scheme sacks, 

‘‘PSVC MACH 5D SCH.’’ For 5-digit 

sacks, ‘‘PSVC MACH 5D.’’

* * * * * 

5.5 Preparing Machinable Parcels 

Claiming the DBMC Rates 

* * * * * 

5.5.2 Sacking and Labeling 

Preparation sequence and labeling: 

[Replace items a and b with new item 

a as follows. Renumber items c through 

e as new items b through d.] 

a. 5-digit/scheme (required); labeling: 

1. Line 1: For 5-digit scheme sacks, 

use L606, Column B. For 5-digit sacks, 

use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code on 

mail (see 4.3 for overseas military mail). 

2. Line 2: ‘‘PSVC MACH 5D 

SCHEME’’ or ‘‘PSVC MACH 5D SCH.’’

* * * * * 

466 Enter and Deposit 

1.0 Presenting a Mailing 

[Revise the heading of 1.1 as follows:] 

1.1 Verification and Entry—Presorted, 

Carrier Route, Destination Entry, And 

Barcoded Mailings 

* * * * * 

[Renumber 1.2 through 1.5 as new 1.3 

through 1.6. Insert new 1.2 as follows:] 

1.2 Verification and Entry—

Nonpresorted Mailings 

Nonpresorted rate Bound Printed 

Matter is not offered at post offices, 

branches, or stations or through Postal 

Service carriers, except under 1.2c and 

1.2d. Mailers must deposit 

Nonpresorted Bound Printed Matter as 

follows: 

a. At the time and place specified by 

the postmaster at the office of mailing. 

b. For metered mail, at other than the 

licensing post office only as permitted 

under 705.18.0, Metered Mail Drop 

Shipment. 

c. For permit imprint mail, only at the 

post office where the permit is held (see 

604.5.0). 

d. At any post office, branch, or 

station or with a Postal Service carrier, 

if the correct postage is applied, 

including postage for any extra service 

elected. 

* * * * * 

3.0 Destination Bulk Mail Center 

(DBMC) Entry 

* * * * * 

3.2 Acceptance at Designated SCF—

Mailer Benefit 

Mailers may deposit machinable 

parcels otherwise eligible for the DBMC 

rates at an SCF designated by the USPS 

for destination ZIP Codes listed in 

labeling list L607. The following 

standards apply: 

* * * * * 

[Revise item c as follows:] 

c. Parcel Select machinable parcels 

under 456.2.6 and Standard Mail 

parcels and NFMs under 705.6.3 may be 

included. 

* * * * * 

470 Media Mail 

* * * * * 

475 Mail Preparation 

* * * * * 

5.0 Preparing Media Mail Parcels 

* * * * * 

5.2 Preparing Machinable Parcels 

* * * * * 

5.2.2 Sacking and Labeling 

Preparation sequence and labeling: 

[Replace items a and b with new item 

a as follows. Renumber items c and d as 

new items b and c.] 

a. 5-digit/scheme (optional, but 

required for 5-digit rate); labeling: 

1. Line 1: For 5-digit scheme sacks, 

use L606, Column B. For 5-digit sacks, 

use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code on 

mail (see 4.3 for overseas military mail). 

2. Line 2: For 5-digit scheme sacks, 

‘‘PSVC MACH 5D SCH.’’ For 5-digit 

sacks, ‘‘PSVC MACH 5D.’’

* * * * * 

[Revise heading of 5.3 as follows:] 

5.3 Preparing Irregular Parcels 

* * * * * 

5.3.4 Sacking and Labeling 

Preparation sequence and labeling: 

[Replace items a and b with new item 

a as follows. Renumber items c through 

e as new items b through d.] 

a. 5-digit/scheme (optional, but 

required for 5-digit rate); labeling: 

1. Line 1: For 5-digit scheme sacks, 

use L606, Column B. For 5-digit sacks, 

use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code on 

mail (see 4.3 for overseas military mail). 

2. Line 2: For 5-digit scheme sacks, 

‘‘PSVC IRREG 5D SCH.’’ For 5-digit 

sacks, ‘‘PSVC IRREG 5D.’’

* * * * * 

480 Library Mail 

* * * * * 

485 Mail Preparation 

* * * * * 

5.0 Preparing Library Mail Parcels 

* * * * * 

5.2 Preparing Machinable Parcels 

* * * * * 

5.2.2 Sacking and Labeling 

Preparation sequence and labeling: 

[Replace items a and b with new item 

a as follows. Renumber items c and d as 

new items b and c.] 

a. 5-digit/scheme (optional, but 

required for 5-digit rate); labeling: 

1. Line 1: For 5-digit scheme sacks, 

use L606, Column B. For 5-digit sacks, 

use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code on 

mail (see 4.3 for overseas military mail). 

2. Line 2: For 5-digit scheme sacks, 

‘‘PSVC MACH 5D SCH.’’ For 5-digit 

sacks, ‘‘PSVC MACH 5D.’’

* * * * * 

[Revise heading of 5.3 as follows:] 

5.3 Preparing Irregular Parcels 

* * * * * 


jlentini on PROD1PC65 with RULES3
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 61 / Friday, March 30, 2007 / Rules and Regulations 15395 

5.3.4 Sacking and Labeling 

Preparation sequence and labeling: 

[Replace items a and b with new item 

a as follows. Renumber items c through 

e as new items b through d.] 

a. 5-digit/scheme (optional, but 

required for 5-digit rate); labeling: 

1. Line 1: For 5-digit scheme sacks, 

use L606, Column B. For 5-digit sacks, 

use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code on 

mail (see 4.3 for overseas military mail). 

2. Line 2: For 5-digit scheme sacks, 

‘‘PSVC IRREG 5D SCH.’’ For 5-digit 

sacks, ‘‘PSVC IRREG 5D.’’

* * * * * 

500 Additional Services 

503 Extra Services 

* * * * * 

4.0 Insured Mail 

* * * * * 

4.2 Basic Information 

4.2.1 Description 

Insured mail provides the following 

features: 

* * * * * 

[Revise item d as follows:] 

d. Insured mail service provides the 

mailer with a mailing receipt. No record 

of insured mail is kept at the office of 

mailing. For mail insured for $200 or 

less, the USPS maintains delivery 

information (not including a signature) 

for a specified period of time. For mail 

insured for more than $200, the USPS 

maintains a delivery record (which 

includes the recipient’s signature) for a 

specified period of time. Customers may 

obtain a delivery record by purchasing 

additional services; see 6.0 for details. 

4.2.2 Eligible Matter 

The following types of mail may be 

insured: 

* * * * * 

[Revise item b as follows:] 

b. Standard Mail pieces prepared as 

machinable or irregular parcels (bulk 

insurance only). 

* * * * * 

4.2.4 Additional Services 

[Revise the first sentence in 4.2.4 as 

follows:] 

Insuring an item for more than $200 

allows customers to purchase restricted 

delivery service or return receipt 

service. The following services may be 

purchased at a retail post office and 

combined with insurance if the 

applicable standards for the services are 

met and the additional service fees are 

paid: 

* * * * * 

[Revise item c as follows:] 

c. Return receipt for merchandise (for 

items insured for $200 or less). 

* * * * * 

4.3 Mailing 

* * * * * 

4.3.3 Markings and Forms 

The treatment of pieces is determined 

by the insurance amount: 

[Revise items a and b as follows:] 

a. Retail pieces insured for $200 or 

less: The mailer must affix a barcoded 

Form 3813 (see Exhibit 4.3.3) to each 

piece above the delivery address and to 

the right of the return address. No 

signature is obtained. 

b. Retail pieces insured for more than 

$200: The mailer must affix a barcoded 

Form 3813–P (see Exhibit 4.3.3) to each 

piece above the delivery address and to 

the right of the return address. 

* * * * * 

4.3.5 Integrated Barcodes 

The following options are available 

for mailers who print their own labels: 

* * * * * 

c. Mailers must use an integrated 

barcode (see Exhibit 4.3.5c) when 

insurance is purchased online for 

Priority Mail and for parcels mailed at 

First-Class Mail, Media Mail, or Parcel 

Post rates. This barcode combines 

insurance with electronic option 

Delivery Confirmation or Signature 

Confirmation into a single barcode on 

the shipping label. Additional 

information on the integrated barcode 

can be found in Publication 91, 

Confirmation Services Technical Guide. 

[Revise items c1 and c2 as follows:] 

1. Mailers may purchase insurance 

online for indemnity coverage of $200 

or less with electronic option Delivery 

Confirmation service. The humanreadable text above the integrated 

barcode must state, ‘‘e/USPS DELIVERY 

CONFIRMATION’’ or, for parcels 

prepared using eVS under 705.2.9, 

‘‘USPS DELIVERY CONFIRMATION.’’

2. Mailers may purchase insurance 

online for indemnity coverage of more 

than $200, up to $500, with electronic 

option Delivery Confirmation service. 

The human-readable text above the 

integrated barcode must state, ‘‘e/USPS 

INSURED’’ or, for parcels prepared 

using eVS under 705.2.9, ‘‘USPS 

INSURED.’’

* * * * * 

4.3.7 Receipt 

Receipts are provided as follows: 

a. For each retail insured mail article, 

the mailer receives a USPS sales receipt 

and the appropriate postmarked (rounddated) insured mail form as follows: 

[Revise items a1 and a2 as follows:] 

1. Form 3813 when the insurance 

coverage is $200 or less. 

2. Form 3813–P when the insurance 

coverage is more than $200. 

* * * * * 

4.5 Delivery 

[Revise 4.5 as follows:] 

An item insured for $200 or less 

receives a delivery scan. An item 

insured for more than $200 receives a 

delivery scan and the recipient’s 

signature. Delivery of insured mail is 

subject to 508.1.0, Recipient Options, 

and 508.2.0, Conditions of Delivery. 

* * * * * 

6.0 Return Receipt 

* * * * * 

6.2 Basic Information 

* * * * * 

6.2.2 Eligible Matter 

Return receipt service is available for: 

* * * * * 

[Revise items b, c, and d to replace 

old value of $50 with new value of $200. 

Further revise item c to remove 

reference to residual shape surcharge 

and insert text about preparation as 

machinable or irregular parcels as 

follows:] 

b. First-Class Mail (including Priority 

Mail) when purchased at the time of 

mailing with Certified Mail, COD, 

insured mail (for more than $200), or 

Registered Mail service. 

c. Standard Mail prepared as parcels 

when bulk insurance (for more than 

$200) is purchased at the time of 

mailing. 

d. Package Services when purchased 

at the time of mailing with COD or 

insured mail (for more than $200). 

* * * * * 

6.3 Obtaining Service 

* * * * * 

6.3.2 After Mailing 

[Revise first sentence in the 

introductory text to replace old value of 

$50 with new value of $200 as follows:] 

The mailer may request a delivery 

record after mailing for Express Mail, 

Certified Mail, Registered Mail, COD 

mail, and mail insured for more than 

$200. When a delivery record is 

available, the USPS provides the mailer 

information from that record, including 

to whom the mail was delivered and the 

date of delivery. The mailer requests a 

delivery record by completing Form 

3811–A, paying the appropriate fee in 

6.1.1, and submitting the request to the 

appropriate office as follows: 

* * * * * 


jlentini on PROD1PC65 with RULES3
15396 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 61 / Friday, March 30, 2007 / Rules and Regulations 

7.0 Restricted Delivery 

* * * * * 

7.2 Basic Information 

* * * * * 

7.2.2 Eligible Matter 

Restricted Delivery service is 

available for: 

[Revise items a, b, and c to replace old 

value of $50 with new value of $200. 

Further revise item b to remove 

reference to residual shape surcharge 

and insert text about preparation as 

machinable or irregular parcels as 

follows:] 

a. First-Class Mail (including Priority 

Mail) when purchased at the time of 

mailing with Certified Mail, COD, 

insured mail (for more than $200), or 

Registered Mail service. 

b. Standard Mail prepared as 

machinable or irregular parcels when 

bulk insurance (for more than $200) is 

purchased at the time of mailing. 

c. Package Services when purchased 

at the time of mailing with COD or 

insured mail (for more than $200). 

* * * * * 

8.0 Return Receipt for Merchandise 

* * * * * 

8.2 Basic Information 

* * * * * 

8.2.2 Eligible Matter 

[Revise 8.2.2 as follows:] 

Return receipt for merchandise is 

available for merchandise sent as 

Priority Mail, Standard Mail machinable 

and irregular parcels, and Package 

Services. 

* * * * * 

8.2.4 Additional Services 

The following services may be 

combined with return receipt for 

merchandise if the applicable standards 

for the services are met and the 

additional service fees are paid: 

* * * * * 

[Revise item b to replace old value of 

$50 with new value of $200 as follows:] 

b. Insurance (for up to $200). 

* * * * * 

9.0 Delivery Confirmation 

* * * * * 

9.2 Basic Information 

* * * * * 

9.2.2 Eligible Matter 

[Revise 9.2.2 to remove reference to 

Standard Mail residual shape surcharge 

and insert text about Standard Mail 

preparation as machinable or irregular 

parcels as follows:] 

Delivery Confirmation is available for 

First-Class Mail parcels, for all Priority 

Mail pieces, for Standard Mail pieces 

prepared as machinable or irregular 

parcels (electronic option only), and for 

Package Services parcels under 401.1.0. 

For the purposes of using Delivery 

Confirmation with a Package Services 

parcel, the parcel must meet these 

additional requirements: 

* * * * * 

9.2.6 Additional Services 

Delivery Confirmation may be 

combined with: 

* * * * * 

[Revise items d and e as follows:] 

d. Restricted delivery, if purchased 

with insurance for more than $200, 

COD, or Registered Mail service. 

e. Return receipt, if purchased with 

insurance for more than $200, COD, or 

Registered Mail service. 

* * * * * 

10.0 Signature Confirmation 

* * * * * 

10.2 Basic Information 

* * * * * 

10.2.2 Eligible Matter 

[Revise the introductory text of 10.2.2 

as follows:] 

Signature Confirmation is available 

for First-Class Mail parcels, Package 

Services parcels defined in 401.1.0, and 

for all Priority Mail pieces. For the 

purposes of using Signature 

Confirmation with a Package Services 

parcel, the parcel must meet these 

additional requirements: 

* * * * * 

10.2.6 Additional Services 

Signature Confirmation may be 

combined with: 

* * * * * 

[Revise item d as follows:] 

d. Restricted delivery, if purchased 

with insurance for more than $200, 

COD, or Registered Mail service. 

* * * * * 

507 Mailer Services 

[Revise 507 to change the term 

‘‘accounting fee’’ to ‘‘account 

maintenance fee’’ throughout the 

chapter.] 

1.0 Treatment of Mail 

* * * * * 

1.5 Treatment for Ancillary Services 

by Class of Mail 

* * * * * 

1.5.2 Periodicals 

Undeliverable-as-addressed (UAA) 

Periodicals publications (including 

publications pending Periodicals 

authorization) are treated as described 

in Exhibit 1.5.2, with these additional 

conditions: 

* * * * * 

[Revise the second-to-last sentence in 

item f as follows:] 

f. The publisher may request the 

return of copies of undelivered 

Periodicals by printing the endorsement 

‘‘Address Service Requested’’ on the 

envelopes or wrappers, or on one of the 

outside covers of unwrapped copies, 

immediately preceded by the sender’s 

name, address, and ZIP+4 or 5-digit ZIP 

Code. This endorsement obligates the 

publisher to pay return postage. Each 

returned piece is charged the singlepiece First-Class Mail rate for the weight 

and shape of the piece, and the 

nonmachinable surcharge if applicable, 

or the Priority Mail rate for the weight 

and destination of the piece. When the 

address correction is provided 

incidental to the return of the piece, 

there is no charge for the correction. 

* * * * * 

1.5.3 Standard Mail 

Undeliverable-as-addressed (UAA) 

Standard Mail is treated as described in 

Exhibit 1.5.3a and Exhibit 1.5.3k, with 

these additional conditions: 

* * * * * 

[Revise item j as follows:] 

j. A returned piece endorsed ‘‘Return 

Service Requested’’ is charged the 

single-piece First-Class Mail rate for the 

weight and shape of the piece, and the 

nonmachinable surcharge if applicable, 

or the Priority Mail rate for the weight 

and destination of the piece. The 

appropriate First-Class Mail rate for a 

Not Flat-Machinable piece is the FirstClass Mail parcel rate. 

* * * * * 

Exhibit 1.5.3a Treatment of 

Undeliverable Standard Mail 

[Add a new entry for Standard Mail 

using Address Change Service with the 

electronic or the automated option as 

follows:] 


jlentini on PROD1PC65 with RULES3
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 61 / Friday, March 30, 2007 / Rules and Regulations 15397 

Mailer endorsement USPS treatment of UAA pieces 

* * * * * * * 

‘‘Address Service Requested’’ 3 ...... If no change-of-address order on file: 

Piece returned with reason for nondelivery attached (First-Class Mail rate charged). 

If change-of-address order on file: 

• Months 1 through 12: Piece forwarded ($0.35 per letter or $1.05 per flat postage due charged to 

mailer); separate notice of new address provided (address correction fee charged). 

• Months 13 through 18: Piece returned with new address attached (First-Class Mail rate charged). 

• After month 18: Piece returned with reason for nondelivery attached (First-Class Mail rate charged). 

* * * * * * * 

[Renumber footnote 3 as footnote 4. 

Revise footnote 2 and insert new 

footnote 3 as follows:] 

2. Valid for all pieces not using 

Address Change Service electronic and 

automated options under footnote 3. 

3. Valid only for pieces using Address 

Change Service electronic and 

automated options as automated postage 

due transactions are implemented. 

* * * * * 

1.6 Attachments and Enclosures 

1.6.1 Periodicals 

[Revise the first sentence in 1.6.1 as 

follows:] 

Undeliverable Periodicals (including 

publications pending Periodicals 

authorization) with a nonincidental 

First-Class Mail attachment or enclosure 

are returned at the single-piece FirstClass Mail rate for the weight and shape 

of the piece, and the nonmachinable 

surcharge if applicable, or Priority Mail 

rate for the weight and destination of 

the piece. The weight of the attachment 

or enclosure is not included when 

computing the charges for return of the 

mailpiece. Undeliverable Periodicals 

(including publications pending 

Periodicals authorization) with an 

incidental First-Class Mail attachment 

or enclosure are treated as dead mail 

unless endorsed ‘‘Address Service 

Requested.’’

1.6.2 Standard Mail 

[Revise the first sentence in 1.6.2 as 

follows:] 

Undeliverable, unendorsed Standard 

Mail with a nonincidental First-Class 

Mail attachment or enclosure is 

returned at the single-piece First-Class 

Mail rate for the weight and shape of the 

piece or Priority Mail rate for the weight 

and destination of the piece. The weight 

of the First-Class Mail attachment or 

enclosure is not included when 

computing the charges for return of the 

mailpiece. Undeliverable, unendorsed 

Standard Mail with an incidental FirstClass Mail attachment or enclosure is 

treated as dead mail. 

* * * * * 

3.0 Address Correction Services 

* * * * * 

3.2 Address Change Service (ACS) 

* * * * * 

[Revise heading and text in 3.2.2 as 

follows:] 

3.2.2 Service Options 

ACS offers three levels of service: 

a. An automated option for letter-size 

mail with electronic notices processed 

using OneCode technology (see 3.2.6, 

Additional Standards—Intelligent Mail 

barcodes). 

b. An electronic option for all notices 

processed electronically, except 

automated notices under 3.2.2a. 

c. A manual option for notices 

processed manually. 

* * * * * 

10.0 Merchandise Return Service 

* * * * * 

10.5 Additional Features 

* * * * * 

10.5.3 Insured Markings 

[Revise 10.5.3 as follows:] 

The permit holder must either leave a 

clear space on the merchandise return 

label to the right of the return address 

for the insured label or instruct the 

customer to affix the merchandise 

return label to the article so that the 

USPS acceptance employee can place 

the insured label on the article directly 

above the merchandise return label. 

* * * * * 

508 Recipient Services 

1.0 Recipient Options 

1.1 Basic Recipient Concerns 

* * * * * 

1.1.7 Express Mail and Accountable 

Mail 

[Revise the introductory text of 1.1.7 

to change the insurance threshold from 

$50 to $200 as follows:] 

The following conditions also apply 

to the delivery of Express Mail and 

accountable mail (registered, certified, 

insured for more than $200, or COD, as 

well as mail for which a return receipt 

or a return receipt for merchandise is 

requested or for which the sender has 

specified restricted delivery): 

* * * * * 

600 Basic Standards for All Mailing 

Services 

601 Mailability 

1.0 General Standards 

* * * * * 

1.4 Length and Height 

Determine length and height as 

follows: 

a. Letter-size pieces. Determine the 

length and height according to the 

location and orientation of the delivery 

address. The length is the dimension 

parallel to the address as read; the 

height is the dimension perpendicular 

to the length. 

b. Flat-size pieces. The length of a flatsize mailpiece is the longest dimension. 

The height is the dimension 

perpendicular to the length. 

c. Parcels and Not Flat-Machinable 

pieces. The length is the longest 

dimension. 

d. Customized MarketMail pieces. See 

705.1.0. 

* * * * * 

604 Postage Payment Methods 

1.0 Stamps 

1.1 Postage Stamp Denominations 

[Add the forever stamp to the table of 

types and formats of stamps.] 

* * * * * 

[Renumber 1.10 through 1.12 as new 

1.11 through 1.13. Insert new 1.10 as 

follows:] 

1.10 Additional Standards for Forever 

Stamps 

Forever stamps are sold for the price 

of the current First-Class Mail singlepiece 1-ounce letter rate in 133.1.5. The 

postage value of each forever stamp is 

the current First-Class Mail single-piece 

1-ounce letter rate. Forever stamps may 

be used only on single-piece rate mail. 


jlentini on PROD1PC65 with RULES3
15398 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 61 / Friday, March 30, 2007 / Rules and Regulations 

[Revise the heading of renumbered 

1.11 as follows:] 

1.11 Additional Standards for 

Semipostal Stamps 

* * * * * 

609 Filing Indemnity Claims for Loss 

or Damage 

1.0 General Filing Instructions 

1.1 Extra Services With Indemnity 

A customer may file an indemnity 

claim for insured mail, collect on 

delivery (COD) items, Registered Mail 

with postal insurance, or Express Mail. 

Inquiries on uninsured Registered Mail 

may be filed as detailed in 503.2.0. 

Customers can find additional 

information in Publication 122, 

Customer Guide to Filing Domestic 

Insurance Claims or Registered Mail 

Inquiries, available on http:// 

www.usps.com and in post offices. 

* * * * * 

1.3 Who May File for Loss or Damage 

[Revise 1.3 as follows:] 

A claim may be filed by: 

a. Either the mailer or addressee, for 

damaged articles or articles with some 

or all of the contents missing. 

b. Either the mailer or addressee who 

is in possession of the original retail 

mailing receipt, or in possession of the 

online label record or computer printout 

of the web-based application as 

described in 3.1e., for lost articles. 

c. Only the merchandise return permit 

holder, for merchandise return service 

(MRS) parcels that are registered or 

insured as indicated by the permit 

holder on the MRS label. 

d. Only the mailer, when the mailer 

has added and paid for insurance on 

merchandise return service parcels. 

e. Only the mailer, for bulk insured 

service mail. 

1.4 When To File for Loss or Damage 

[Revise 1.4 as follows:] 

File claims as follows: 

a. For damaged or missing contents, a 

customer should file a claim 

immediately, but must file no later than 

60 days from the date of mailing. 

b. For a lost article, a customer must 

file a claim within the time limits in the 

chart below. 

Mail type or service 

When to file (from mailing date) 

No sooner than No later than 

Insured Mail ....................................................................................................................................................... 21 days ............. 180 days. 

COD ................................................................................................................................................................... 45 days ............. 180 days. 

Registered Mail .................................................................................................................................................. 15 days ............. 180 days. 

Registered COD ................................................................................................................................................ 45 days ............. 180 days. 

Express Mail ...................................................................................................................................................... 7 days ............... 90 days. 

Express Mail COD ............................................................................................................................................. 45 days ............. 90 days. 

APO/FPO Insured Mail (First-Class Mail, SAM, PAL, or COD) ........................................................................ 45 days ............. 1 year. 

APO/FPO Insured Mail (Surface Only) ............................................................................................................. 75 days ............. 1 year. 

1.5 Where To File for Loss or Damage 

A claim may be filed: 

* * * * * 

[Revise items b and c as follows:] 

b. Only at the post office where the 

merchandise return permit is held, for 

Registered Mail articles with 

merchandise return service. 

c. Online at http://www.usps.com for 

customers who purchased insurance 

online through Click-N-Ship or eBay. 

1.6 How To File for Loss or Damage 

[Revise 1.6 as follows:] 

A customer may file a claim by 

presenting evidence of insurance, 

evidence of value, and/or proof of 

damage. If the article was mailed 

Express Mail COD or Registered Mail 

COD, the customer must provide both 

the original COD receipt with either the 

Express Mail or the Registered Mail 

receipt. The customer must complete 

the applicable portions of Form 1000. 

Customers may print Form 1000 from 

http://www.usps.com and complete the 

customer section before going to the 

Post Office. 

* * * * * 

2.0 Providing Proof of Loss or Damage 

2.1 Missing Contents 

[Revise 2.1 as follows:] 

If a claim is filed because some or all 

of the contents are missing, the 

addressee must make the mailing 

container available to the USPS for 

inspection, including any wrapping, 

packaging, and any contents that were 

received. Failure to do so will result in 

denial of the claim. 

2.2 Proof of Damage 

[Revise 2.1 as follows:] 

If the addressee files the claim, the 

addressee must make the damaged 

article and mailing container available 

to the USPS for inspection, including 

any wrapping, packaging, and any other 

contents that were received. If the 

mailer files the claim, the St. Louis ASC 

will notify the addressee by letter to 

present the damaged article and mailing 

container to the USPS for inspection, 

including any wrapping, packaging, and 

any other contents that were received. 

Failure to do so will result in denial of 

the claim. 

[Delete 2.3, Proof of Loss.] 

3.0 Providing Evidence of Insurance 

and Value 

3.1 Evidence of Insurance 

For a claim involving insured, COD, 

registered, or Express Mail service, the 

customer must present any of the 

following evidence showing that the 

particular service was purchased: 

* * * * * 

[Revise item e as follows:] 

e. For insurance purchased online, the 

mailer may access and print an 

electronic record as follows: 

1. A computer printout from the Webbased application used to print the label 

and purchase the insurance. The 

printout must clearly identify the 

following information: The Delivery 

Confirmation or Signature Confirmation 

number of the insured parcel, total 

postage paid, insurance fee paid, 

declared value, declared mailing or 

shipping date, origin ZIP Code, and 

delivery ZIP Code. 

2. A printed online label record. 

* * * * * 

4.0 Claims 

* * * * * 

4.3 Nonpayable Claims 

Indemnity is not paid for insured 

mail, Registered Mail, COD, or Express 

Mail in these situations: 

* * * * * 

[Revise items f and s as follows:] 

f. Loss resulting from delay of the 

mail, except under 4.2a2, Payable 

Express Mail Claim, and 4.3ae below. 

* * * * * 

s. Consequential loss of Express Mail 

claimed, except under 4.2a3 and 4.3ae. 

* * * * * 


jlentini on PROD1PC65 with RULES3
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 61 / Friday, March 30, 2007 / Rules and Regulations 15399 

5.0 Compensation 

5.1 Payment Limitation 

[Revise 5.1 as follows:] 

The USPS does not make payment for 

more than the actual value of the article 

or, for bulk insurance, for more than the 

wholesale cost of the contents to the 

sender if a lesser amount. The USPS 

does not make payment for more than 

the maximum amount covered by the 

fee paid. 

* * * * * 

6.0 Adjudication of Claims 

6.1 Initial Adjudication of Claims 

[Revise 6.1 as follows:] 

The St. Louis Accounting Service 

Center (ASC) adjudicates and pays or 

disallows all domestic claims, except 

the initial adjudication of domestic 

retail insured claims for insurance 

coverage of $50 or less that are not for 

bulk insured service, and claims 

appealed under 6.3. Domestic retail 

insured claims for insurance coverage of 

$50 or less, except for bulk insured 

service, are adjudicated and paid locally 

at the post office accepting the claims. 

Claims for insurance purchased online 

(through Click-N-Ship or eBay) up to 

$500 may be filed online through 

http://www.usps.com, and will be 

processed and paid through the St. 

Louis ASC. 

6.2 Appealing a Claim Decision 

[Revise 6.2 as follows:] 

A customer may appeal a claim 

decision by filing a written appeal 

within 60 days of the date of the original 

decision. Except for domestic retail 

insured claims for insurance coverage of 

$50 or less, the customer must send the 

appeal directly to Claims Appeals (see 

608.8.0 for address). For domestic retail 

insured claims for insurance coverage of 

$50 or less, the customer must send the 

appeal to the post office where the claim 

was filed. That post office forwards the 

appeal to the manager of Claims 

Appeals at the St. Louis ASC. 

* * * * * 

700 Special Standards 

* * * * * 

705 Advanced Preparation and 

Special Postage Payment Systems 

1.0 Customized MarketMail 

* * * * * 

1.2 Rates 

[Revise 1.2 as follows:] 

Pieces mailed as Customized 

MarketMail under 705.1.0 must be 

charged the Regular or Nonprofit 

Standard Mail 5-digit nonentry rate for 

Not Flat-Machinable pieces and must 

not exceed 3.3 ounces. 

* * * * * 

2.3 Keyline 

* * * * * 

2.3.3 Rate Category Abbreviations 

* * * * * 

Exhibit 2.3.3a Rate Category 

Abbreviations—First-Class Mail 

* * * * * 

[Delete the entry for Automation 

Carrier Route.] 

Exhibit 2.3.3b Rate Category 

Abbreviations—Standard Mail 

* * * * * 

[Delete the entry for Automation 

Carrier Route. Add an entry for Not FlatMachinable pieces as follows:] 

Code Rate category 

NF .. Not Flat-Machinable 

* * * * * 

6.0 Combining Mailings of Standard 

Mail and Package Services Parcels 

6.1 Combining Machinable Parcels—

DBMC Entry 

* * * * * 

6.1.2 Basic Standards 

Standard Mail and Package Services 

machinable parcels must meet the 

following conditions: 

* * * * * 

[Renumber items c through h as new 

items d through i. Insert new item c as 

follows:] 

c. Parcel Select machinable parcels 

must bear a barcode under 708.5.0 for 

the ZIP Code of the delivery address. 

* * * * * 

[Revise heading and text of 6.2 to 

include all Package Services parcels 

when a combined mailing is drop 

shipped to DSCFs, and to allow mailers 

to combine Standard Mail parcels and 

NFMs with Packages Services parcels 

for DDU rates, as follows:] 

6.2 Combining Parcels—Parcel Post 

OBMC Presort, BMC Presort, DSCF, and 

DDU Rates 

6.2.1 Qualification 

[Revise 6.2.1 as follows:] 

Combination requirements for specific 

discounts and rates are as follows: 

a. When claiming Parcel Post OBMC 

Presort discounts, Parcel Post BMC 

Presort discounts, and DSCF rates for 

Parcel Post or Bound Printed Matter 

parcels, machinable Standard Mail 

parcels and NFMs 6 ounces or more 

may be combined with machinable 

Package Services parcels under 6.2. 

b. When claiming the DSCF rate for 

Parcel Post or Bound Printed Matter 

parcels, all Standard Mail parcels and 

NFMs may be combined with Package 

Services parcels under 6.2. 

c. Standard Mail parcels and NFMs 

may be combined with Package Services 

parcels prepared for DDU rates under 

6.2. 

* * * * * 

6.2.4 Preparation and Rates 

Combined parcels must be prepared 

as follows: 

* * * * * 

[Revise items b and b6 as follows:] 

b. Parcel Post or Bound Printed Matter 

Qualifying for DSCF Rates. Mailers must 

prepare the combined mailings under 

the applicable 5-digit scheme and 5- 

digit sack requirements in 455.4.0 or the 

applicable 5-digit scheme and 5-digit 

pallet requirements in 8.0 for the Parcel 

Post DSCF rates. All other requirements 

for Parcel Post DSCF rates and Standard 

Mail rates, as applicable, must be met. 

The following additional requirements 

apply: 

* * * * * 

6. Standard Mail parcels are eligible 

for presorted rates according to 443. 

[Revise item c as follows. Delete item 

c3.] 

c. Parcel Post Qualifying for OBMC 

Presort or BMC Presort Rates. Mailers 

must prepare the combined mailings 

under the BMC pallet requirements in 

8.0 for machinable parcels at Parcel Post 

OBMC Presort or BMC Presort rates. All 

other requirements for Parcel Post 

OBMC Presort or BMC Presort rates and 

Standard Mail rates must be met. The 

following additional requirements 

apply: 

* * * * * 

[Revise item d as follows:] 

d. Package Services and Standard 

Mail parcels and NFMs qualifying for 

DDU rates: 

1. The combined mailings must be 

prepared under the applicable 5-digit 

scheme and 5-digit sack requirements in 

455.4.0 or the applicable 5-digit scheme 

and 5-digit pallet requirements in 8.22 

for the Parcel Post or Bound Printed 

Matter DDU rates. 

2. Line 2 of 5-digit scheme container 

labels must read, ‘‘STD/PSVC PARCELS 

5D SCH.’’ Line 2 of 5-digit container 

labels must read, ‘‘STD/PSVC PARCELS 

5D.’’

* * * * * 

[Insert new 6.3 as follows:] 


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6.3 Combining Package Services and 

Standard Mail—Optional 3-Digit SCF 

Entry 

6.3.1 Acceptance at Designated SCF—

Qualification and Preparation 

Mailers may deposit parcels otherwise 

eligible for the Package Services and 

Standard Mail DBMC rates (for 

machinable parcels) and the Standard 

Mail SCF rate (for irregular parcels and 

Not Flat-Machinable pieces) at an SCF 

designated by the USPS for destination 

ZIP Codes listed in labeling list L607. 

The following standards apply: 

a. Standard Mail parcels, Not FlatMachinable pieces, Bound Printed 

Matter machinable parcels, and Parcel 

Select machinable parcels may be 

included. Standard Mail parcels and 

Not Flat-Machinable pieces that weigh 

less than 2 ounces and Standard Mail 

parcels that are tubes, rolls, triangles, 

and similar pieces may not be included. 

b. Mailers must prepare pieces on 3- 

digit pallets or in 3-digit pallet boxes, or 

unload and physically separate the 

pieces into containers as specified by 

the destination facility. 

c. Parcel Select and Bound Printed 

Matter parcels are eligible for the 

applicable DBMC entry rate. 

d. Standard Mail machinable parcels 

are eligible for the BMC presort level, 

DBMC rate; Not Flat-Machinable pieces 

and irregular parcels are eligible for the 

3-digit presort level, DSCF rate. 

e. All pieces must be for delivery 

within the service area of the SCF where 

they are deposited by the mailer. 

f. Postage on all zone-rated parcels 

deposited at the SCF is computed using 

the zone chart for that postal facility. 

6.3.2 Documentation 

Presort documentation is required for 

each rate claimed if the manifest does 

not list pieces in presort order. Separate 

postage statements must be prepared for 

the Standard Mail and Package Services 

pieces. Within each group, combined 

forms may be prepared where the 

standards and the forms permit. All 

postage statements must be provided at 

the time of mailing. 

6.3.3 Authorization 

Mailers must be authorized under 

6.1.5 to prepare mailings that combine 

Standard Mail pieces and Package 

Services parcels. 

6.3.4 Postage Payment 

Postage for all pieces must be paid 

with permit imprint at the post office 

serving the mailer’s plant under an 

approved manifest mailing system 

under 2.0. 

7.0 Combining Package Services 

Parcels for Destination Entry 

* * * * * 

7.2 Combining Package Services 

Machinable Parcels for DBMC Entry 

* * * * * 

7.2.2 Basic Standards 

Package Services parcels must meet 

the following conditions: 

* * * * * 

[Renumber items c through h as new 

items d through i. Insert new item c as 

follows:] 

c. Parcel Select machinable parcels 

must bear a barcode under 708.5.0 for 

the ZIP Code of the delivery address. 

* * * * * 

8.0 Preparing Pallets 

* * * * * 

8.5 General Preparation 

* * * * * 

8.5.3 Minimum Load 

The following minimum load 

standards apply to mail prepared on 

pallets: 

a. For Periodicals, Standard Mail, and 

Package Services (except for Parcel Post 

mailed at BMC Presort, OBMC Presort, 

DSCF, and DDU rates): 

[Revise item 1 to add an exception for 

letter trays as follows:] 

1. In a single mailing, the minimum 

load per pallet is 250 pounds of 

bundles, parcels, or sacks, except as 

provided in items 2 through 4 below. 

When preparing letter trays on pallets, 

the minimum load is 36 linear feet or 

three layers of trays, except as provided 

in item 3 below. 

* * * * * 

[Revise item a3 to expand the types of 

mail that can be placed on pallets with 

a reduced minimum load as follows:] 

3. A pallet may contain a minimum of 

12 linear feet of letter trays or 100 

pounds of nonletter-size mail on any 

pallet that is a BMC or ASF pallet 

entered at the destination BMC or ASF; 

an ADC pallet entered at the destination 

ADC; an SCF pallet entered at the 

destination SCF; and the only pallet 

entered at an individual destination 

BMC or ASF, ADC, or SCF facility. 

* * * * * 

8.5.6 Mail on Pallets 

These standards apply to mail on 

pallets: 

* * * * * 

[Revise item c to delete ‘‘automation 

carrier route’’ and to replace 

‘‘presorted’’ with ‘‘nonautomation’’ as 

follows:] 

c. For letter-size Standard Mail and 

Periodicals prepared in trays on pallets, 

mailers must prepare carrier route rate 

mail on separate 5-digit pallets (5-digit 

carrier routes pallets) from automation 

rate or nonautomation rate mail (5-digit 

pallets). 

* * * * * 

8.6 Pallet Labels 

* * * * * 

8.6.5 Line 2 (Content Line) 

* * * * * 

[Delete the entry for ‘‘manual only’’

processing in the table in item b.] 

8.10 Pallet Presort and Labeling 

8.10.1 Periodicals—Bundles, Sacks, or 

Trays 

[Replace ‘‘AFSM–100 compatible’’

with ‘‘automation-compatible under 

301.3.0’’ in 8.10.1.] 

* * * * * 

8.10.2 Standard Mail—Bundles, 

Sacks, or Trays 

[Replace ‘‘AFSM–100 compatible’’

with ‘‘automation-compatible under 

301.3.0’’ in 8.10.2. Reorganize 

introductory text as follows:] 

Mailers must prepare pallets under 

8.0 in the sequence listed below and 

complete at each required level before 

preparing the next optional or required 

level. Unless indicated as optional, all 

sort levels are required. For mailings of 

sacks or trays on pallets, pallet 

preparation begins with 8.10.2c. For 

irregular parcels, use this preparation 

only for pieces in carrier route bundles 

or in sacks. Palletize unbundled or 

unsacked irregular parcels under 

705.8.10.6. Pallets must be labeled 

according to the Line 1 and Line 2 

information listed below and under 8.6. 

Mailers also may palletize bundles of 

Standard Mail flats under 10.0, 12.0, or 

13.0. 

[Delete items a and c to remove the 

merged 5-digit and merged 5-digit 

scheme pallet levels; renumber item b as 

new item a; renumber items d through 

k as new items b through i.] 

* * * * * 

[Revise renumbered item c to allow all 

5-digit scheme bundles or sacks on 5- 

digit pallets as follows:] 

c. 5-digit, required except for trays, 

permitted for bundles, sacks, and trays. 

Pallet must contain only automation 

rate and/or Presorted rate mail for the 

same 5-digit ZIP Code or the same 5- 

digit scheme. 5-digit scheme bundles 

and sacks are assigned to 5-digit pallets 

according to the ‘‘label to’’ 5-digit ZIP 

Code. Labeling: * * * 

* * * * * 


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8.10.3 Package Services Flats—

Bundles and Sacks 

[Replace ‘‘AFSM–100 compatible’’

with ‘‘automation-compatible under 

301.3.0’’ in 8.10.3.] 

* * * * * 

[Delete items a, c, and d to remove the 

5-digit scheme, the merged 5-digit and 

merged 5-digit scheme pallet levels; 

renumber item b as new item a; 

renumber items e through l as new items 

b through i.] 

* * * * * 

[Revise the heading and text of 8.10.5 

to add Not Flat-Machinable pieces as 

follows:] 

8.10.5 Package Services and Standard 

Mail Machinable Parcels, and Not FlatMachinable Pieces Weighing 6 Ounces 

or More 

Pallets must be prepared under 8.0 in 

the sequence listed below and 

completed at each required level before 

the next optional or required level is 

prepared. Unless indicated as optional, 

all sort levels are required under the 

conditions shown. At the mailer’s 

option, Inter-BMC/ASF and Intra-BMC/ 

ASF Parcel Post mailings may be 

prepared on pallets under this section. 

Destination entry rates eligibility 

applies only to Standard Mail (see 446 

for parcels and NFMs that weigh 6 

ounces or more), Parcel Select (see 456), 

and Bound Printed Matter (see 466). 

Combined mailings of Standard Mail 

and Package Services machinable 

parcels also must meet the standards in 

6.0. Pallets must be labeled according to 

the Line 1 and Line 2 information listed 

below and under 8.6. 

a. 5-digit scheme, required. Pallet 

must contain parcels or NFMs for the 

same 5-digit scheme under L606. For 5- 

digit destinations not part of L606, or for 

which scheme sorts are not performed, 

5-digit pallets are prepared under 

8.10.5b. Labeling: 

1. Line 1: Use L606. 

2. Line 2: ‘‘STD MACH 5D,’’ ‘‘STD 

NFM MACH 5D,’’ or ‘‘PSVC MACH 5D,’’

as applicable; followed by ‘‘SCHEME’’

(or ‘‘SCH’’). 

b. 5-digit, required. Pallet must 

contain parcels only for the same 5-digit 

ZIP Code. Labeling: 

1. Line 1: city, state, and 5-digit ZIP 

Code destination (see 8.6.4c for overseas 

military mail). 

2. Line 2: ‘‘STD MACH 5D,’’ ‘‘STD 

NFM MACH 5D,’’ or ‘‘PSVC MACH 5D,’’

as applicable. 

c. ASF, optional, but required for 

DBMC rates. Not available for the 

Buffalo NY ASF in L602. Pallets must 

contain only parcels or NFMs for the 3- 

digit ZIP Code groups in L602. Labeling: 

1. Line 1: Use L602. 

2. Line 2: ‘‘STD MACH ASF,’’ ‘‘STD 

NFM MACH ASF,’’ or ‘‘PSVC MACH 

ASF,’’ as applicable. 

d. BMC, required. Pallets must contain 

only parcels or NFMs for the 3-digit ZIP 

Code groups in L601. Labeling: 

1. Line 1: Use L601. 

2. Line 2: ‘‘STD MACH BMC,’’ ‘‘STD 

NFM MACH BMC,’’ or ‘‘PSVC MACH 

BMC,’’ as applicable. 

e. Mixed BMC, optional. Labeling: 

1. Line 1: ‘‘MXD’’ followed by 

information in L601, Column B, for 

BMC serving 3-digit ZIP Code prefix of 

entry post office (or labeled to plant 

serving entry post office if authorized by 

processing and distribution manager). 

2. Line 2: ‘‘STD MACH WKG,’’ ‘‘STD 

NFM MACH WKG,’’ or ‘‘PSVC MACH 

WKG,’’ as applicable. 

[Insert new 8.10.6 as follows:] 

8.10.6 Standard Mail Irregular 

Parcels Weighing 2 Ounces or More 

Mailers who palletize unbundled or 

unsacked irregular parcels must make 

pallets or pallet boxes when there are 

250 pounds or more for the destination 

levels below. Pallets or pallet boxes of 

irregular parcels (except tubes, rolls, 

and similar pieces) weighing 2 ounces 

or more must be prepared under 8.0 in 

the sequence listed below and 

completed at each required level before 

the next optional or required level is 

prepared. Unless indicated as optional, 

all sort levels are required. Label pallets 

or pallet boxes according to the Line 1 

and Line 2 information listed below and 

under 8.6. Mailers may not prepare 

tubes, rolls, and similar pieces or pieces 

that weigh less than 2 ounces on pallets 

or in pallet boxes, except for pieces in 

carrier route bundles or in sacks under 

8.10.2. 

a. 5-digit scheme, required. Pallet or 

pallet box must contain parcels only for 

the same 5-digit scheme under L606. 

For 5-digit destinations not part of L606 

prepare 5-digit pallets under 8.10.6b. 

Labeling: 

1. Line 1: Use L606. 

2. Line 2: ‘‘STD IRREG 5D’’; followed 

by ‘‘SCHEME’’ (or ‘‘SCH’’). 

b. 5-digit, required. Pallet or pallet 

box must contain parcels only for the 

same 5-digit ZIP Code. Labeling: 

1. Line 1: city, state, and 5-digit ZIP 

Code destination (see 8.6.4c for overseas 

military mail). 

2. Line 2: ‘‘STD IRREG 5D.’’

c. 3-digit, optional, option not 

available for 3-digit ZIP Code prefixes 

marked ‘‘N’’ in L002. Pallet or pallet box 

must contain parcels only for the same 

3-digit ZIP Code. Labeling: 

1. Line 1: Use L002, Column A. 

2. Line 2: ‘‘STD IRREG 3D.’’

d. ADC, required. Pallet or pallet box 

must contain parcels for the 3-digit ZIP 

Code groups in L004. Labeling: 

1. Line 1: Use L004. 

2. Line 2: ‘‘STD IRREG ADC.’’

e. Mixed ADC, optional. Labeling: 

1. Line 1: ‘‘MXD’’ followed by city, 

state, and ZIP Code information for ADC 

serving 3-digit ZIP Code prefix of entry 

post office as shown in L009, Column A. 

2. Line 2: ‘‘STD IRREG WKG.’’

[Insert new 8.10.7 as follows:] 

8.10.7 Standard Mail Not FlatMachinable Pieces Weighing Less Than 

6 Ounces 

Mailers must prepare pieces on 

pallets or in pallet boxes when there are 

250 pounds or more of NFMs for the 

destination levels below. Prepare pallets 

or pallet boxes of NFM pieces weighing 

less than 6 ounces under 8.0 in the 

sequence listed below and completed at 

each required level before the next 

optional or required level is prepared. 

Unless indicated as optional, all sort 

levels are required. The height of a 5- 

digit bundle must be at least 1 inch less 

than the longest dimension of the 

individual mailpiece. For example, a 

mailpiece measuring 7 inches long, 5 

inches high, and 1⁄2 inch thick must be 

placed in a bundle no higher than 6 

inches. Label pallets or pallet boxes 

according to the Line 1 and Line 2 

information listed below and under 8.6. 

a. 5-digit scheme, required. Pallet or 

pallet box must contain NFMs only for 

the same 5-digit scheme under L606. 

For 5-digit destinations not part of L606 

prepare 5-digit pallets under 8.10.6b. 

Labeling: 

1. Line 1: Use L606. 

2. Line 2: ‘‘STD NFM 5D’’ followed by 

‘‘SCHEME’’ (or ‘‘SCH’’). 

b. 5-digit, required. Pallet or pallet 

box must contain NFMs only for the 

same 5-digit ZIP Code. Labeling: 

1. Line 1: city, state, and 5-digit ZIP 

Code destination (see 8.6.4c for overseas 

military mail). 

2. Line 2: ‘‘STD NFM 5D.’’

c. 3-digit, optional, option not 

available for 3-digit ZIP Code prefixes 

marked ‘‘N’’ in L002. Pallet or pallet box 

must contain NFMs only for the same 3- 

digit ZIP Code. Labeling: 

1. Line 1: Use L002, Column A. 

2. Line 2: ‘‘STD NFM 3D.’’

d. ADC, required. Pallet or pallet box 

must contain NFMs for the 3-digit ZIP 

Code groups in L004. Labeling: 

1. Line 1: Use L004. 

2. Line 2: ‘‘STD NFM ADC.’’

e. Mixed ADC, optional. Labeling: 

1. Line 1: ‘‘MXD’’ followed by city, 

state, and ZIP Code information for ADC 

serving 3-digit ZIP Code prefix of entry 

post office as shown in L009, Column A. 


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15402 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 61 / Friday, March 30, 2007 / Rules and Regulations 

2. Line 2: ‘‘STD NFM WKG.’’

* * * * * 

8.14 Pallets of Bundles, Sacks, and 

Trays 

* * * * * 

8.14.2 Standard Mail 

Additional pallet preparation: 

[Revise item a as follows:] 

a. Combined mailings. Nonprofit 

Standard Mail may be included in the 

same mailing or palletized on the same 

pallet as Regular Standard Mail only as 

permitted by standard. Mailers may 

include machinable parcels, irregular 

parcels, and Not Flat-Machinable pieces 

on 5-digit pallets. 

* * * * * 

[Revise the heading of 8.22 as 

follows:] 

8.22 Parcel Post and Bound Printed 

Matter DDU Rates 

* * * * * 

[Revise the heading of 9.0 as follows:] 

9.0 Preparing Cotrayed and Cosacked 

Bundles of Automation and 

Nonautomation Flats 

* * * * * 

9.2 Periodicals 

* * * * * 

9.2.5 Sack Preparation and Labeling 

* * * * * 

[Revise item a as follows:] 

a. 5-digit/scheme, required; scheme 

sort required, only for pieces meeting 

the automation-compatibility criteria in 

301.3.0; 24-piece minimum, fewer 

pieces not permitted; labeling: 

1. Line 1: For 5-digit scheme sacks, 

use L007, Column B. For 5-digit sacks, 

use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code 

destination on pieces. 

2. Line 2: ‘‘PER’’ or ‘‘NEWS’’ as 

applicable and, for 5-digit scheme sacks, 

‘‘FLT 5D SCH BC/NBC’’; for 5-digit 

sacks, ‘‘FLT 5D BC/NBC.’’

* * * * * 

9.3 Standard Mail 

* * * * * 

9.3.5 Sack Preparation and Labeling 

* * * * * 

[Revise item a as follows:] 

a. 5-digit/scheme, required; scheme 

sort required, only for pieces meeting 

the automation-compatibility criteria in 

301.3.0; 125-piece/15-pound minimum; 

labeling: 

1. Line 1: For 5-digit scheme sacks, 

use L007, Column B. For 5-digit sacks, 

use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code 

destination on pieces. 

2. Line 2: For 5-digit scheme sacks, 

‘‘STD FLT 5D SCH BC/NBC’’; for 5-digit 

sacks, ‘‘STD FLT 5D BC/NBC.’’

* * * * * 

9.4 Bound Printed Matter 

* * * * * 

9.4.4 Sack Preparation and Labeling 

* * * * * 

[Revise item a as follows:] 

a. 5-digit/scheme, required; scheme 

sort required, only for pieces meeting 

the automation-compatibility criteria in 

301.3.0; minimum 20 addressed pieces; 

labeling: 

1. Line 1: For 5-digit scheme sacks, 

use L007, Column B. For 5-digit sacks, 

use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code 

destination on pieces. 

2. Line 2: For 5-digit scheme sacks, 

‘‘PSVC FLT 5D SCH BC/NBC’’; for 5- 

digit sacks, ‘‘PSVC FLT 5D BC/NBC.’’

* * * * * 

[Revise 11.0 to replace ‘‘presorted’’

with ‘‘nonautomation’’ throughout.] 

11.0 Preparing Cobundled 

Automation Rate and Nonautomation 

Rate Flats 

11.1 First-Class Mail 

11.1.1 Basic Standards 

Mailers may choose to cobundle (see 

335.1.4m) automation rate and 

nonautomation rate pieces as an option 

to the basic bundling requirements in 

9.0, Preparing Cotrayed and Cosacked 

Bundles of Automation and 

Nonautomation Flats, subject to the 

following conditions: 

* * * * * 

[Delete item f. Renumber item g as 

item f.] 

11.2 Periodicals 

11.2.1 Basic Standards 

[Revise the introductory text in 11.2.1 

to require 5-digit scheme and 3-digit 

scheme sort and eliminate distinctions 

between AFSM 100 and UFSM 1000 

flats as follows:] 

Mailers may choose to cobundle 

(under 705.11.0) automation rate and 

nonautomation rate flat-size pieces as an 

option to the basic bundling 

requirements in 707.22.0 and 707.25.0. 

All flats in the same bundle must meet 

the standards in either 301.3.0 or 

707.25.3. 5-digit scheme and 3-digit 

scheme bundles also must meet the 

additional standards in 707.18.4i and 

707.18.4r. Mailing jobs (for flats meeting 

the criteria in 301.3.0) prepared using 

the 5-digit scheme and/or the 3-digit 

scheme bundle preparation must be 

sacked under 10.0 or palletized under 

10.0, 12.0, or 13.0. All bundles are 

subject to the following conditions: 

* * * * * 

11.2.2 Bundle Preparation 

[Revise the introductory text in 11.2.2 

as follows:] 

Pieces meeting the criteria in 301.3.0 

must be prepared in 5-digit scheme 

bundles for those 5-digit ZIP Codes 

identified in L007 and in 3-digit scheme 

bundles for those 3-digit ZIP Codes 

identified in L008. Preparation 

sequence, bundle size, and labeling: 

* * * * * 

[Revise item b to require 5-digit 

scheme bundles as follows:] 

b. 5-digit scheme, required; * * * 

* * * * * 

[Revise item d to require 3-digit 

scheme bundles as follows:] 

d. 3-digit scheme, required; * * * 

* * * * * 

11.3 Standard Mail 

11.3.1 Basic Standards 

[Revise the introductory text in 11.3.1 

to require 5-digit scheme and 3-digit 

scheme sort and eliminate distinctions 

between AFSM 100 and UFSM 1000 

flats as follows:] 

Mailers may choose to cobundle (see 

345.1.4u) automation rate and 

nonautomation rate flat-size pieces as an 

option to the basic bundling 

requirements in 345.5.0 and 345.7.0. All 

flats in the same bundle must meet the 

standards in 301.3.0. 5-digit scheme and 

3-digit scheme bundles must meet the 

additional standards in 345.1.4f and 

345.1.4n. Mailing jobs prepared using 

the 5-digit scheme and/or 3-digit 

scheme bundle preparation (for flats 

meeting the criteria in 301.3.0) must be 

sacked under 10.0 or palletized under 

10.0, 12.0, or 13.0. All bundles are 

subject to the following conditions: 

* * * * * 

[Delete item g. Renumber item h as 

new item g.] 

11.3.2 Bundle Preparation 

[Revise the introductory text in 11.3.2 

as follows:] 

Pieces meeting the criteria in 301.3.0 

must be prepared in 5-digit scheme 

bundles for those 5-digit ZIP Codes 

identified in L007 and in 3-digit scheme 

bundles for those 3-digit ZIP Codes 

identified in L008. Preparation 

sequence, bundle size, and labeling: 

[Revise item a to require 5-digit 

scheme bundles as follows:] 

a. 5-digit scheme, required; * * * 

* * * * * 

[Revise item c to require 3-digit 

scheme bundles as follows:] 


jlentini on PROD1PC65 with RULES3
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 61 / Friday, March 30, 2007 / Rules and Regulations 15403 

c. 3-digit scheme, required; * * * 

* * * * * 

707 Periodicals 

* * * * * 

3.0 Physical Characteristics and 

Content Eligibility 

* * * * * 

3.5 Mailpiece Construction 

* * * * * 

3.5.2 Size and Weight 

[Insert new second sentence in 3.5.2 

to include the maximum weight and 

thickness for Periodicals automation 

flat-size pieces as follows:] 

Periodicals mail may not weigh more 

than 70 pounds or measure more than 

108 inches in length and girth 

combined. Automation flat-size pieces 

may not weigh more than 6 pounds or 

measure more than 11⁄4 inch thick. 

Additional size and weight limitations 

apply to individual Periodicals rate 

categories. Requester publications must 

contain at least 24 pages per issue. 

* * * * * 

15.0 Ride-Along Rate Eligibility 

* * * * * 

15.3 Physical Characteristics 

The host Periodicals piece and the 

Ride-Along piece must meet the 

following physical characteristics: 

* * * * * 

[Revise item c as follows:] 

c. A Periodicals piece with a RideAlong that claims automation rates must 

meet the automation requirements in 

201.3.0, Physical Standards for 

Automation Letters and Cards, or 25.0, 

Preparing Flat-Size Automation 

Periodicals, and must maintain the same 

processing category as before the 

addition of the Ride-Along. For 

example, if, due to the inclusion of a 

Ride-Along piece, an automation lettersize host piece can no longer be 

processed as an automation letter, then 

that piece must be charged the 

Periodicals nonautomation rate for the 

host piece plus the Ride-Along rate or 

the Standard Mail rate for the 

attachment or enclosure. 

* * * * * 

22.0 Preparing Presorted Periodicals 

* * * * * 

22.2 Bundle Preparation 

[Revise the introductory text of 22.2 as 

follows:] 

Mailings consisting entirely of pieces 

meeting the criteria in 301.3.0 may be 

prepared in 5-digit scheme bundles for 

those 5-digit ZIP Codes identified in 

L007 and in 3-digit scheme bundles for 

those 3-digit ZIP Codes identified in 

L008. Bundling is required before 

traying or sacking. A bundle must be 

prepared when the quantity of 

addressed pieces for a required presort 

level reaches the minimum bundle size. 

Smaller volumes are not permitted 

except mixed ADC bundles and 5-digit/ 

scheme and 3-digit/scheme bundles 

prepared under 22.4. Bundling is also 

subject to 19.0, Bundles. Preparation 

sequence, bundle size, and labeling: 

* * * * * 

22.7 Optional Tray Preparation—FlatSize Nonautomation Pieces 

[Revise the introductory text in 22.7 

as follows:] 

As an option, mailers may place in 

flat-size trays the automationcompatible flat-size pieces prepared 

under 301.3.0 that would normally be 

placed in ADC, origin mixed ADC, or 

mixed ADC sacks. Pieces must not be 

secured in bundles. Mailers must group 

together pieces for each 5-digit scheme, 

5-digit, 3-digit scheme, 3-digit, and ADC 

destination as follows: 

* * * * * 

25.0 Preparing Flat-Size Automation 

Periodicals 

25.1 Basic Standards 

25.1.1 General 

[Revise 25.1.1 as follows:] 

Each piece must meet the physical 

standards in 301.3.0 or in 25.3. Bundle, 

sack, and tray preparation are subject to 

18.0 through 21.0. Trays and sacks must 

bear the appropriate barcoded container 

labels under 708.6.0. 

* * * * * 

25.1.5 Bundle Preparation 

All pieces must be prepared in 

bundles and meet the following 

requirements: 

[Revise items a, c, and d as follows:] 

a. Pieces that meet the standards in 

301.3.0 must be prepared in separate 

bundles from pieces that meet the 

standards in 25.3. 

* * * * * 

c. Each bundle of pieces prepared 

under 301.3.0 and each bundle of pieces 

prepared under 25.3 must separately 

meet the bundle minimums in 25.4. 

d. Presort destination bundles may 

contain fewer than six pieces when the 

mailpieces are too thick or too heavy to 

create a six-piece bundle. Rate eligibility 

is not affected if the total number of 

pieces bundled for a presort destination 

meets or exceeds the minimum for rate 

eligibility under 14.0. 

* * * * * 

25.1.7 Sack Preparation 

[Revise 25.1.7 as follows:] 

Mailers may combine bundles of 

pieces prepared under 301.3.0 and 

bundles of pieces prepared under 25.3 

in the same sack. 

* * * * * 

[Renumber 25.2 through 25.4 as new 

25.4 through 25.6. Insert new 25.2 and 

25.3 as follows:] 

25.2 Physical Standards 

Each flat-size piece must be 

rectangular and must meet the standards 

in 301.3.0 or the alternative criteria in 

25.3. 

25.3 Alternative Criteria 

25.3.1 General 

As an exception to the standards in 

301.1.4 and 301.3.2, mailers may 

prepare automation flat-size pieces 

according to 25.3 below. Pieces 

prepared under 25.3 and pieces 

prepared under 301.3.0 may not be 

combined in the same bundle. 

Determine length and height according 

to 301.1.2. 

25.3.2 Weight and Size 

The maximum weight for each piece 

is 6 pounds. The following minimum 

and maximum dimensions apply: 

a. Minimum height is 5 inches. 

Maximum height is 12 inches. 

b. Minimum length is 6 inches. 

Maximum length is 15 inches. 

c. Minimum thickness is 0.009 inch. 

Maximum thickness is 1.25 inches. 

25.3.3 Address Placement on Folded 

Pieces 

Mailers must design folded pieces so 

that the address is in view when the 

final folded edge is to the right and any 

intermediate bound or folded edge is at 

the bottom of the piece. Unbound flatsize pieces must be at least doublefolded. 

25.3.4 Flexibility and Deflection 

Pieces prepared under 25.3 are not 

required to meet the minimum 

standards for flexibility in 301.1.4 or the 

maximum standards for deflection in 

301.3.2.4. 

25.3.5 Additional Criteria 

Pieces must meet the standards for 

polywrap coverings in 301.3.3; 

protrusions and staples in 301.3.4; tabs, 

wafer seals, tape, and glue in 301.3.5; 

and uniform thickness and exterior 

format in 301.3.6. 

* * * * * 


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25.6 Optional Tray Preparation—FlatSize Barcoded Pieces 

[Revise the introductory text in 

renumbered 25.6 as follows:] 

As an option, mailers may place in 

trays the automation-compatible flatsize pieces prepared under 301.3.0 that 

would normally be placed in ADC, 

origin mixed ADC, or mixed ADC sacks. 

Pieces must not be secured in bundles. 

Mailers must group together pieces for 

each 5-digit scheme, 5-digit, 3-digit 

scheme, 3-digit, and ADC destination as 

follows: 

* * * * * 

708 Technical Specifications 

1.0 Standardized Documentation for 

First-Class Mail, Periodicals, Standard 

Mail, and Flat-Size Bound Printed 

Matter 

* * * * * 

1.2 Format and Content 

For First-Class Mail, Periodicals, 

Standard Mail, and flat-size Bound 

Printed Matter, standardized 

documentation includes: 

* * * * * 

c. For mail in trays or sacks, the body 

of the listing reporting these required 

elements: 

[Revise item c1 as follows:] 

1. Tray/sack sortation level. Mailers 

must note with an asterisk (‘‘*’’) all trays 

containing overflow mail moved into 

that tray under 235.6.6 and 245.7.5. 

* * * * * 

[Revise item c3 as follows:] 

3. The number of pieces for each 5- 

digit ZIP Code in 5-digit/scheme 

bundles or trays; for each 3-digit ZIP 

Code in 3-digit/scheme bundles or trays; 

for each 3-digit/scheme in (A)ADC 

bundles or trays; for each (A)ADC in 

mixed (A)ADC bundles or trays (or, for 

Periodicals, origin mixed ADC trays). 

For automation-rate mailings prepared 

under the reduced overflow option, the 

number of pieces in the next higher 

level tray in lieu of overflow trays. For 

ECR letters prepared under 245.6.0, the 

number of pieces in carrier routes 

within full trays. For automation and 

nonautomation mail, and ECR Standard 

Mail, the number of pieces in each 

bundle level and presort destination. 

* * * * * 

1.3 Rate Level Column Headings 

The actual name of the rate level (or 

corresponding abbreviation) is used for 

column headings required by 1.2, 

Format and Content, and shown below: 

a. Automation First-Class Mail, 

Periodicals, and Standard Mail: 

[Delete the ‘‘Carrier Route’’ entry in 

item a. Revise the ‘‘3/5’’ and ‘‘Basic’’

entries as follows:] 

Rate Abbreviation 

* * * * * 

5-Digit [Standard Mail flats] ..... 5B 

3-Digit [Standard Mail flats] ..... 3B 

ADC [Standard Mail flats] ....... AB 

Mixed ADC [Standard Mail 

flats].

MB 

* * * * * 

[Revise item b to add ‘‘machinable 

and nonmachinable’’ to Standard Mail 

in the introductory text. Delete the ‘‘3/ 

5’’ entry and revise the ‘‘5-Digit,’’ ‘‘3- 

Digit,’’ and ‘‘Basic’’ entries as follows:] 

b. Presorted First-Class Mail, 

nonautomation presorted Periodicals, 

and machinable and nonmachinable 

Standard Mail: 

Rate Abbreviation 

***

* * 

5-Digit [Standard Mail letters; 

Periodicals letters, flats, and 

parcels].

5D 

3-Digit [Standard Mail letters; 

Periodicals letters, flats, and 

parcels].

3D 

ADC [letters/cards and flats] ... AD 

Mixed ADC [letters/cards and 

flats].

MD 

Mixed ADC [First-Class Mail 

parcels].

SP 

* * * * * 

[Delete the ‘‘Basic Automation’’ entry 

in item c.] 

1.4 Sortation Level 

[Revise the ‘‘5-Digit Scheme’’ entry as 

follows:] 

Sortation level Abbreviation 

* * * * * 

5-Digit Scheme [barcoded and 

machinable letters].

5DGS 

* * * * * 

[Revise the heading of 4.0 as follows:] 

4.0 Standards for POSTNET and 

Intelligent Mail Barcodes 

* * * * * 

4.4 Reflectance 

4.4.1 Background Reflectance 

A background reflectance of at least 

50% in the red portion and 45% in the 

green portion of the optical spectrum 

must be produced in the following 

locations when measured with a USPS 

or USPS-licensed envelope reflectance 

meter: 

* * * * * 

[Revise item b as follows:] 

b. The area surrounding the barcode 

(within 1/8 inch of the leftmost and 

rightmost bars and 1/25 inch above and 

below the barcode) of a card-size, lettersize, or flat-size piece barcoded in the 

address block and of a flat-size, FirstClass Mail parcel, or Not-Flat 

Machinable piece barcoded elsewhere. 

* * * * * 

4.4.4 Dark Fibers and Background 

Patterns 

Dark fibers or background patterns 

(for example, checks) that produce a 

print contrast ratio of more than 15% 

when measured in the red and green 

portions of the optical spectrum are 

prohibited in these locations: 

* * * * * 

[Revise item b as follows:] 

b. The area of the address block or the 

area of the mailpiece where the barcode 

appears on a flat-size piece in an 

automation rate mailing or on a FirstClass Mail parcel or a Not FlatMachinable piece. 

4.5 Skew and Baseline Shift 

* * * * * 

[Revise heading and text of 4.5.2 as 

follows:] 

4.5.2 Flat-Size Pieces, First-Class Mail 

Parcels, Standard Mail Irregular 

Parcels, and Not Flat-Machinable 

Pieces 

The maximum rotational skew (slant 

or tilt of the individual barcode bars) for 

barcodes is ±10 degrees from a 

perpendicular to the baseline of the 

barcode. There is no positional skew 

requirement. The individual bars of a 

barcode must not shift (be vertically 

offset) more than 0.015 inch from the 

average baseline of the barcode. For 

information on barcode placement for 

flat-size pieces, see 302.4.0. For 

information on barcode placement on 

parcels and Not Flat-Machinable pieces 

weighing less than 6 ounces, see 

402.4.0. 

[Revise the heading of 5.0 as follows:] 

5.0 Standards for Postal Routing 

Barcodes 

5.1 Basic Requirements 

[Revise 5.1 as follows:] 

Mailers may use a postal routing 

barcode on parcels and Not FlatMachinable pieces that meet the 

eligibility requirements in 433.1.1 for 

First-Class Mail, 443.4.4 and 443.5.5 for 

Standard Mail, 453.3.1 for Parcel Post, 


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463.4.1 for Bound Printed Matter, 

473.3.4 for Media Mail, or 483.3.4 for 

Library Mail. Each parcel must bear a 

properly prepared UCC/EAN Code 128 

barcode symbology as described in 5.3 

that accurately represents the correct 

ZIP Code or ZIP+4 code of the delivery 

address. For information on barcode 

placement for parcels, see 402.4.0. 

* * * * * 

6.0 Barcoding Standards for 

Container Labels 

6.1 Basic Standards—Tray and Sack 

Labels 

6.1.1 Use 

* * * * * 

Exhibit 6.1.4 3-Digit Content Identifier 

Numbers 

[Revise the content identifier numbers 

as follows for First-Class Mail letters 

and parcels, Standard Mail letters, and 

Periodicals and Bound Printed Matter 

flats. Add content identifier numbers for 

Not Flat-Machinable pieces.] 

Class and Mailing CIN Human-readable content line 

* * * * * * * 

First-Class Mail 

FCM Letters—Automation 

[Delete codes 263, 264, and 265 for carrier route trays.] 

* * * 

FCM Letters—Nonautomation Machinable 

[Delete code 252 for 5-digit trays.] * * * 

* * * * * * * 

FCM Parcels—Presorted 

[Add 5-digit scheme sacks as follows:] 

5-digit scheme sacks ............................................................. 289 FCM PARCELS 5D SCH. 

* * * * * * * 

Periodicals (PER) 

* * * * * * * 

PER Flats—Nonautomation 

[Add 5-digit scheme sacks as follows:] 

5-digit scheme sacks ............................................................. 378 PER FLT 5D SCH NON BC. 

* * * * * * * 

PER Flats—Cosacked Automation and Nonautomation 

[Add 5-digit scheme sacks as follows:] 

5-digit scheme sacks ............................................................. 321 PER FLT 5D SCH BC/NBC. 

* * * * * * * 

NEWS Flats—Nonautomation 

[Add 5-digit scheme sacks as follows:] 

5-digit scheme sacks ............................................................. 478 NEWS FLT 5D SCH NON BC. 

* * * * * * * 

NEWS Flats—Cosacked Automation and Nonautomation 

[Add 5-digit scheme sacks as follows:] 

5-digit scheme sacks ............................................................. 421 NEWS FLT 5D SCH BC/NBC. 

* * * * * * * 

Standard Mail 

[Delete codes 563 through 565 for automation carrier route 

trays.] 

* * * * * * * 

STD Letters—Nonautomation Machinable 

[Delete code 552 for 5-digit trays.] 

* * * * * * * 

STD Flats—Cosacked Automation and Nonautomation 

[Add 5-digit scheme sacks as follows:] 

5-digit scheme sacks ............................................................. 521 STD FLT 5D SCH BC/NBC. 

* * * * * * * 

STD Flats—Nonautomation 

[Add 5-digit scheme sacks as follows:] 

5-digit scheme sacks ............................................................. 578 STD FLTS 5D SCH NON BC. 

* * * * * * * 

[Add Not Flat-Machinable pieces as follows:] 

STD Not Flat-Machinable Pieces Less Than 6 Ounces—Nonautomation 

5-digit sacks .......................................................................... 500 STD NFM 5D. 

5-digit scheme sacks ............................................................. 500 STD NFM 5D SCH. 


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Class and Mailing CIN Human-readable content line 

3-digit sacks .......................................................................... 501 STD NFM 3D. 

ADC sacks ............................................................................. 502 STD NFM ADC. 

Mixed ADC/Mixed BMC sacks .............................................. 506 STD NFM WKG. 

* * * * * * * 

[Add Not Flat-Machinable pieces as follows:] 

STD Not Flat-Machinable Pieces 6 Ounces or more—Nonautomation 

5-digit sacks .......................................................................... 500 STD NFM MACH 5D. 

5-digit scheme sacks ............................................................. 500 STD NFM MACH 5D SCH. 

ASF sacks ............................................................................. 503 STD NFM MACH ASF. 

BMC sacks ............................................................................ 505 STD NFM MACH BMC. 

Mixed ADC/Mixed BMC sacks .............................................. 506 STD NFM MACH WKG. 

* * * * * * * 

Package Services 

* * * * * * * 

Presorted BPM—Flats 

[Add 5-digit scheme sacks as follows:] 

5-digit scheme sacks ............................................................. 649 PSV FLT 5D SCH NON BC. 

* * * * * * * 

BPM Flats—Cosacked Barcoded and Presorted 

[Add 5-digit scheme sacks as follows:] 

5-digit scheme sacks ............................................................. 648 PSV FLT 5D SCH BC/NBC. 

* * * * * * * 

7.0 Optional Endorsement Lines 

(OELs) 

7.1 OEL Use 

7.1.1 Basic Standards 

* * * * * 

Exhibit 7.1.1 OEL Formats 

[Delete the example for ‘‘Carrier 

Route—Automation (First-Class Mail 

and Standard Mail).’’] 

* * * * * 

7.2 OEL Format 

* * * * * 

7.2.5 ZIP Code Information 

[Revise 7.2.5 to change the reference 

from 6.0 to 8.2 as follows:] 

Except for carrier route bundles, the 

OEL must include the ZIP Code 

information (5-digit ZIP Code or 3-digit 

ZIP Code prefix) determined by the 

sortation level and, when applicable, by 

the labeling list designated in Exhibit 

7.2.5 for ADC, mixed ADC, AADC, or 

mixed AADC sortation levels. Carrier 

route OELs must show carrier route 

information as specified in 8.2. 

* * * * * 

8.0 Carrier Route Information Lines 

8.1 Basic Information 

[Revise 8.1 as follows:] 

Mailers must prepare bundles of all 

mailpieces mailed at carrier route rates 

with optional endorsement lines under 

7.0, carrier route information lines 

under 8.2, or facing slips (see 245.2.11 

for Standard Mail letters, 345.2.14 for 

Standard Mail flats, 365.2.13 for Bound 

Printed Matter flats, 445.2.12 for 

Standard Mail parcels, 465.2.12 for 

Bound Printed Matter parcels, and 

707.19.16 for Periodicals). Carrier route 

information lines may be on all pieces 

in a mailing, regardless of presort level. 

Mailers must use optional endorsement 

lines or carrier route information lines 

on all pieces in mailings of Standard 

Mail letters prepared under 245.6.7, 

except for pieces in full carrier routes 

trays. 

* * * * * 

709 Experimental Classifications and 

Rates 

* * * * * 

[Delete 5.0, Priority Mail Flat-Rate 

Box. Renumber remaining sections 6.0 

and 7.0 as new 5.0 and 6.0. The Priority 

Mail Flat-Rate Box becomes a 

permanent offering in 123.] 

* * * * * 

Neva R. Watson, 

Attorney, Legislative. 

BILLING CODE 7710–12–P 


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[FR Doc. 07–1500 Filed 3–29–07; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 7710–12–C 


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