Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 69 / Wednesday, April 11, 2007 / Proposed Rules 18179 

on board a vessel displaying a Coast 

Guard Ensign, and 

(ii) Proceed as directed by any 

commissioned, warrant or petty officer 

on board a vessel displaying a Coast 

Guard Ensign. 

(d) Enforcement. The U.S. Coast 

Guard may be assisted in the patrol and 

enforcement of the zone by Federal, 

State and local agencies. 

(e) Enforcement period. This section 

will be enforced from 7:30 p.m. to 10 

p.m. on July 4, 2007, and if necessary 

due to inclement weather, from 7:30 

p.m. to 10 p.m. on July 5, 2007. 

Dated: April 2, 2007. 

Jonathan C. Burton, 

Commander, U.S. Coast Guard, Acting 

Captain of the Port, Baltimore, Maryland. 

[FR Doc. E7–6782 Filed 4–10–07; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 4910–15–P 

ARCHITECTURAL AND 

TRANSPORTATION BARRIERS 

COMPLIANCE BOARD 

36 CFR Part 1192 

[Docket No. 2007–1] 

RIN 3014–AA38 

Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) 

Accessibility Guidelines for 

Transportation Vehicles 

AGENCY: Architectural and 

Transportation Barriers Compliance 

Board. 

ACTION: Availability of draft revisions to 

guidelines. 

SUMMARY: The Architectural and 

Transportation Barriers Compliance 

Board (Access Board) has placed in the 

docket and on its web site for public 

review and comment draft revisions to 

the Americans with Disabilities Act 

(ADA) Accessibility Guidelines for 

Transportation Vehicles. The draft 

revisions to the guidelines cover only 

buses, vans and similar vehicles. Draft 

revisions to the guidelines for other 

modes will be issued later. Comments 

will be accepted on the draft revisions 

to the guidelines, and the Access Board 

will consider those comments prior to 

issuing a notice of proposed rulemaking 

to update the guidelines. 

DATES: Comments on the draft revisions 

to the guidelines must be received by 

June 11, 2007. 

ADDRESSES: Comments should be sent to 

Docket 2007–1, Office of Technical and 

Informational Services, Architectural 

and Transportation Barriers Compliance 

Board, 1331 F Street, NW., suite 1000, 

Washington, DC 20004–1111. E-mail 

comments should be sent to 

cannon@access-board.gov. Comments 

sent by e-mail will be considered only 

if they contain the full name and 

address of the sender in the text. 

Comments will be available for 

inspection at the above address from 9 

a.m. to 5 p.m. on regular business days. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 

Dennis Cannon, Office of Technical and 

Information Services, Architectural and 

Transportation Barriers Compliance 

Board, 1331 F Street, NW., suite 1000, 

Washington DC 20004–1111. Telephone 

number: (202) 272–0015 (voice); (202) 

272–0082 (TTY). Electronic mail 

address: cannon@access-board.gov. 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In 1991, 

the Architectural and Transportation 

Barriers Compliance Board (Access 

Board) issued the Americans with 

Disabilities Act (ADA) Accessibility 

Guidelines for Transportation Vehicles, 

which is codified at 36 CFR part 1192. 

The guidelines have not been updated 

since they were issued, except for 

modifications for over-the-road buses in 

1994. The Access Board is beginning the 

process of updating the guidelines by 

publishing draft revisions to subparts A 

and B of 36 CFR part 1192, which 

contain general provisions and cover 

buses, vans and similar vehicles. Draft 

revisions to other subparts, which cover 

other modes, will be available later. 

Changes are proposed to accommodate 

new technology and vehicles, and new 

system designs, particularly Bus Rapid 

Transit. 

Subsequent to issuance of the 

guidelines in 1991, the National 

Highway Traffic Safety Administration 

(NHTSA) issued regulations for vehicle 

lifts. The Access Board will coordinate 

its rulemaking with NHTSA to ensure 

consistency. 

The Access Board is making the draft 

revisions to the guidelines and 

supplemental information available for 

public review and comment prior to 

issuing a notice of proposed rulemaking 

to update the guidelines. Comments on 

the draft revisions to the guidelines will 

be considered by the Access Board in 

developing the notice of proposed 

rulemaking to update the guidelines, 

which will also be open for public 

comment. The draft revisions to the 

guidelines and supplementary 

information are available on the Access 

Board’s Internet site (http://www.accessboard.gov/vguidedraft.htm). You may 

also obtain a copy of the draft guidelines 

and supplementary information by 

contacting the Access Board at (202) 

272–0080. Persons using a TTY should 

call (202) 272–0082. The documents are 

available in alternate formats upon 

request. Persons who want a copy in an 

alternate format should specify the type 

of format (cassette tape, Braille, large 

print, or ASCII disk.) 

James J. Raggio, 

General Counsel. 

[FR Doc. E7–6722 Filed 4–10–07; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 8150–01–P 

POSTAL SERVICE 

39 CFR Part 111 

New Standards for Periodicals Mailing 

Services 

AGENCY: Postal Service. 

ACTION: Proposed rule. 

SUMMARY: This proposed rule provides 

the revisions to Mailing Standards of 

the United States Postal Service, 

Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) that we 

propose to adopt in support of the new 

Periodicals pricing and price structure 

to be implemented on July 15, 2007. 

The new prices will enhance 

efficiency, offer more choices, and better 

ensure that all types of Periodicals mail 

cover their costs. Periodicals mailers 

will have new incentives to use efficient 

containers and bundles, and 

copalletization will become a 

permanent offering to encourage more 

publishers to combine mailings. We also 

add new prices for the editorial portion 

of a mailing to give mailers of higheditorial-content publications access to 

lower destination entry rates. 

DATES: We must receive your comments 

on or before April 25, 2007. 

ADDRESSES: Mail or deliver written 

comments to the Manager, Mailing 

Standards, U.S. Postal Service, 475 

L’Enfant Plaza, SW., Room 3436, 

Washington, DC 20260–3436. You may 

inspect and photocopy all written 

comments at USPS Headquarters 

Library, 475 L’Enfant Plaza, SW., 11th 

Floor N., Washington, DC, between 9 

a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through 

Friday. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joel 

Walker, 202–268–7266; or Carrie Witt, 

202–268–7279. 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On May 

14, 2007, the Postal Service will adopt 

new prices and mailing standards to 

support the majority of the Docket No. 

R2006–1 pricing change recommended 

by the Postal Regulatory Commission 

and accepted by the Governors of the 

United States Postal Service. The Postal 

Service Board of Governors is delaying 

the implementation of new Periodicals 

prices and mailing standards until July 

15, 2007, to give postal employees and 


cprice-sewell on PRODPC61 with PROPOSALS
18180 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 69 / Wednesday, April 11, 2007 / Proposed Rules 

mailers more time to prepare for the 

new pricing structure recommended by 

the Commission. This proposal provides 

the revisions to Mailing Standards of 

the United States Postal Service, 

Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) that we 

propose to adopt in support of the 

Periodicals portion of the Docket No. 

R2006–1 pricing change. 

You can find this Periodicals 

proposal, as well as the rate case final 

rule for all other classes of mail, at 

www.usps.com/ratecase. We also 

provide rate charts and other helpful 

information for mailers, including 

frequently asked questions, press 

releases, and MailPro articles related to 

the pricing change. 

Background 

In our request for a recommended 

decision filed with the Commission on 

May 3, 2006, we proposed Periodicals 

rates based on pieces, pounds, and a 

single container charge. The 

Commission recommended rates based 

on pieces and pounds but also on 

bundles, sacks, and pallets. Piece rates 

vary based on machinability, barcoding, 

and presort level. Bundle, sack, and 

pallet rates vary based on presort level 

and point of entry. The recommended 

rate structure is much more complex 

than the one we originally proposed. 

Ideally, by explicitly recognizing the 

cost differences between various 

bundles, containers, and entry points, 

many mailers will respond to these 

price signals, bring down costs, and 

improve the cost-coverage for all 

Periodicals mailers. 

For In-County Periodicals, the rate 

design is still based on pieces and 

pounds, as it is today. Since many 

publications use both Outside-County 

and In-County rates, the Board set the 

same July 15 implementation date for 

both subclasses, and for all Periodicals 

fees. 

Overview of New Outside-County 

Periodicals Rate Design 

In general, mailers who sort their mail 

to the 5-digit and carrier route levels on 

destination-entered pallets will pay the 

lowest rates. Mailers should note that 

the piece, pound, bundle, and container 

rates are designed to work together to 

more accurately reflect handling and 

delivery costs. We suggest that mailers 

test different preparation scenarios to 

see the interplay between variables and 

how their own mail will be affected. 

New Container Rate Structure 

The new rate structure adds container 

rates for Periodicals mail. We define a 

‘‘container’’ as a tray, sack, pallet, or 

other equivalent USPS-approved 

container. Most of our standards for 

mail preparation are not changing as a 

result of the new rate structure. Mailers 

will still follow the mail preparation 

requirements in DMM 705, 707, and 

708, which specify when to prepare 

mail in bundles and when to place it in 

trays, sacks, and pallets. We note that 

mailers must follow the preparation and 

entry requirements in the DMM. Mailers 

cannot choose to use certain containers 

(or to not use containers) to circumvent 

the rates. 

New Outside-County container rates 

are based on the type of container (tray, 

sack, or pallet), the level of sortation of 

the container, and where the container 

is entered. We will apply the container 

rates to pallets, sacks, and trays 

containing Outside-County Periodicals 

mail (except for mixed containers of InCounty and Outside-County pieces in 

carrier route, 5-digit carrier routes, and 

5-digit/scheme containers). When trays 

and sacks are placed on pallets, we 

propose to charge for each tray and sack, 

but not for the pallets. This should 

encourage mailers to use pallets. 

Container rates decrease with deeper 

entry because there are fewer handlings 

needed. Our best rates are for mail that 

is finely sorted on pallets and entered 

close to its destination. For example, the 

price for a 5-digit pallet entered at the 

DDU is $1.20, compared to $15.50 if 

entered at the DADC. 

On the other hand, when entered at 

the same facility level, prices are higher 

for more-finely presorted containers 

than for those that are less-finely 

presorted. The difference reflects the 

additional handlings that the morefinely presorted container will get 

before it is opened. For instance, for 

origin entry, the price for a 5-digit pallet 

is $26.95, or $8.34 higher than the 

$18.61 price for an ADC pallet. 

Working in the opposite direction, a 

bundle in a less-finely presorted 

container requires more handlings prior 

to piece sortation than the same level 

bundle in a more-finely presorted 

container, and bundle prices reflect this. 

The price for a 5-digit bundle is $0.095 

on an ADC pallet, but only $0.008 on a 

5-digit pallet, a difference of $0.087. 

Therefore, as the container presortlevel becomes finer, container prices 

increase but prices for bundles within 

the container decrease. The lower 

bundle postage will offset some, all, or 

more than all of the higher container 

postage. 

Taken as a whole, the interrelationships among the per-container, 

per-bundle and per-piece prices in this 

rate structure provide further incentives 

for mailers to comail and copalletize. 

The rate structure also provides new 

rates for pallets and for sacks on pallets 

entered at the destination bulk mail 

center (DBMC) to ensure efficient 

handling and consistent service. These 

rates reflect the cost of cross-docking 

pallets and do not represent a new 

pallet or sack sortation level. Mailers 

can enter Periodicals mail at the DBMCs 

listed in DMM Exhibit 346.3.1, or at a 

USPS-designated facility. For DBMC 

entry, pieces must be prepared in 

bundles or in sacks on ADC, 3-digit, or 

5-digit pallets, and addressed for 

delivery to one of the 3-digit ZIP Codes 

served by that BMC. 

New Bundle Rate Structure 

We are adopting new rates for bundles 

of Periodicals mail, but we are not 

changing the definition of a bundle or 

the bundling requirements. A ‘‘bundle’’

is a group of addressed pieces secured 

together as a unit. Pieces are first sorted 

to destinations and then assembled into 

groups for bundling based on quantity 

and other factors. The term bundle does 

not apply to unsecured groups of pieces 

(for example, pieces prepared in letter 

or flat trays and identified by separator 

cards or tic marks). ‘‘Firm bundles’’ are 

also groups of pieces that are secured 

together, but in a firm bundle all pieces 

are for delivery to the address shown on 

the top piece. 

New Outside-County bundle rates are 

based on the level of sorting of both the 

bundle and the container (but not on the 

type of container). More finely presorted 

bundles within the same container level 

have higher rates to reflect more bundle 

handlings before they are opened. For 

example, for pieces sorted into a carrier 

route bundle, and then placed on an 

ADC pallet or sack, a mailer pays 10.4 

cents per bundle. For pieces sorted into 

an ADC bundle and placed on an ADC 

pallet or sack, a mailer pays 3.8 cents 

per bundle. A lower piece rate for pieces 

in more finely presorted bundles offsets 

the higher bundle charge. 

We propose to apply the bundle rates 

to all bundles containing OutsideCounty mail, except for mixed bundles 

of In-County and Outside-County pieces 

in carrier route and 5-digit/scheme 

bundles. This will avoid imposing the 

Outside-County pricing structure on 

bundles that will likely contain mostly 

In-County Periodicals. 

Firm bundles are subject to both a 

piece charge (16.9 cents) and a bundle 

charge (2.7 cents to 7.9 cents, depending 

on the container level). Because of this 

new rate structure, mailers may no 

longer use firm bundles to satisfy a sixpiece bundle requirement to a presort 

level. 


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Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 69 / Wednesday, April 11, 2007 / Proposed Rules 18181 

We will charge bundle rates based on 

the actual number of bundles entered, 

so mailers must precisely document the 

number of bundles they produce. Unlike 

today, where there is no rate impact for 

a difference between the number of 

bundles implied by the presort 

requirements and the actual number of 

bundles created during production, 

under the new rates mailers must 

conscientiously modify software 

parameters and monitor adherence to 

physical breaks between bundles to 

ensure the number of bundles produced 

matches their documentation. 

New Piece Rate Structure 

Periodicals Outside-County prices 

include new piece rates based on shape, 

machinability, barcoding, and presort 

level. The presort level of the piece is 

based primarily on the bundle level of 

the piece, with one exception: The 

presort level of pieces loose in trays is 

based on the container level. 

While the new structure eliminates 

the per-piece discounts for pieces on 

pallets, including the experimental 

copalletization discounts, the container 

and bundle charges are designed to 

encourage copalletization. The new 

structure also eliminates the per-piece 

discounts for destination area 

distribution center (DADC), destination 

sectional center facility (DSCF), and 

destination delivery unit (DDU) entry, 

but recognizes instead the associated 

cost savings in the new DADC, DSCF, 

and DDU rates for editorial pounds, as 

well as in the container rates. 

We divide the piece rates into ‘‘letter’’

rates, ‘‘machinable flats’’ rates, and 

‘‘nonmachinable flats and parcel’’ rates, 

with the exception of carrier route rates, 

which we divide only according to 

saturation, high density, and basic rates. 

Letters 

We provide letter rates for ‘‘barcoded’’

and ‘‘nonbarcoded’’ pieces. Periodicals 

letters must meet the standards for all 

letters in DMM 201. Letters mailed at 

the barcoded rates must include a 

barcode and must meet the additional 

standards for automation pieces in 

DMM 201.3.0. Automation Periodicals 

letters meet these dimensions: 

• For height, no more than 61⁄8 or less 

than 31⁄2 inches high. 

• For length, no more than 111⁄2 or 

less than 5 inches long. 

• For thickness, no more than 0.25 or 

less than: 

Æ 0.007 inch thick if no more than 

41⁄4 inches high and 6 inches long; or 

Æ 0.009 inch thick if more than 41⁄4

inches high or 6 inches long, or both. 

• The maximum weight for each 

piece is 3.5 ounces. 

Periodicals letters mailed at the 

nonbarcoded rates meet the letter 

standards in DMM 201 but do not 

include a barcode. We assigned the 

machinable—nonbarcoded flats rates to 

these pieces. Nonbarcoded Periodicals 

letters meet these dimensions: 

• For height, no more than 61⁄8 or less 

than 31⁄2 inches high. 

• For length, no more than 111⁄2 or 

less than 5 inches long. 

• For thickness, no more than 0.25 or 

less than 0.007-inch thick. 

• The maximum weight for each 

piece is 3.5 ounces. 

Flats 

We divide flats rates into categories 

for machinable and nonmachinable 

pieces, and then provide rates for 

barcoded and nonbarcoded pieces. 

For flats prepared in 3-digit, ADC, and 

mixed ADC bundles and containers, we 

define ‘‘machinable—barcoded’’ flats as 

barcoded pieces that we can process on 

our primary flats-sorting equipment, the 

automated flat sorting machine (AFSM 

100). These pieces must meet our 

standards for minimum flexibility, 

maximum deflection, and uniform 

thickness, and use automationcompatible polywrap (if polywrapped). 

Machinable—barcoded Periodicals flats 

meet these dimensions: 

• Minimum height is 5 inches. 

Maximum height is 12 inches. 

• Minimum length is 6 inches. 

Maximum length is 15 inches. 

• For bound or folded pieces, the 

edge perpendicular to the bound or 

folded edge may not exceed 12 inches. 

• Minimum thickness is 0.009 inch. 

Maximum thickness is 0.75 inch. 

• The maximum weight for each 

piece is 20 ounces. 

These pieces are defined in DMM 

301.3.0 and match our standards for 

Standard Mail flat-size pieces mailed at 

automation rates, with a different 

weight limit. 

‘‘Machinable—nonbarcoded’’ flats 

prepared in 3-digit, ADC, and mixed 

ADC bundles and containers meet the 

same dimensions noted above, but they 

do not include a barcode. 

For flats prepared in 3-digit, ADC, and 

mixed ADC bundles and containers, we 

define ‘‘nonmachinable—barcoded’’

flats as barcoded pieces that we can 

process on the upgraded flat sorting 

machine (UFSM 1000) and potentially 

in the future flats sequencing 

environment; therefore, the 

requirements are slightly more 

restrictive than current UFSM 1000 

requirements. These pieces must meet 

our standards for uniform thickness and 

use automation-compatible polywrap (if 

polywrapped), but they are not 

currently subject to our standards for 

minimum flexibility and maximum 

deflection. Nonmachinable—barcoded 

Periodicals flats meet these dimensions: 

• Minimum height is 5 inches. 

Maximum height is 12 inches. 

• Minimum length is 6 inches. 

Maximum length is 15 inches. 

• Minimum thickness is 0.009 inch. 

Maximum thickness is 1.25 inches. 

• The maximum weight for each 

piece is 4.4 pounds. 

These pieces are defined in proposed 

DMM 707.26.0, and they are unique to 

Periodicals mail. 

For pieces prepared in 5-digit bundles 

and containers, we define 

‘‘machinable—barcoded’’ flats as those 

pieces prepared under 301.3.0 that we 

can process on the AFSM 100, and those 

pieces prepared under 707.26 that we 

can process on the UFSM 1000 and 

potentially on the future flats 

sequencing system. This definition will 

help us align Periodicals mail with the 

flats sequencing system, which will 

likely process a wider variety of flatshaped mail than the AFSM 100 can 

process, and also recognizes that only 

some flats prepared in 5-digit bundles 

are sorted to carrier routes by the AFSM 

100, while the rest are sorted manually. 

We are not proposing to change the 

standards for combining AFSM 100—

compatible (defined in 301.3.0) and 

UFSM 1000—compatible (defined in 

707.26.0) pieces in the same bundle. 

‘‘Machinable—nonbarcoded’’ flats 

prepared in 5-digit bundles and 

containers meet the same dimensions 

noted above, but they do not include a 

barcode. The rate design includes a 

price for ‘‘nonmachinable ‘‘ barcoded—

flats prepared in 5-digit bundles, but 

mailers will not use this rate because we 

allow these UFSM 1000-compatible 

barcoded pieces to pay the lower, 

machinable—barcoded rates at the 5- 

digit level. 

For all sort levels, we define 

‘‘nonmachinable—nonbarcoded’’ flats as 

barcoded or nonbarcoded pieces that do 

not meet the standards in DMM 301.3.0 

or in proposed 707.26.0. 

Parcels 

Periodicals parcels are pieces that 

cannot be processed on our primary flatsorting equipment. This rate category 

includes rigid and parcel-like pieces, 

pieces in boxes, and tubes and rolls. 

Parcels exceed the weight or dimensions 

for machinable flats in DMM 707.26, but 

cannot weigh more than 70 pounds or 

measure more than 108 inches in length 

and girth combined (for parcels, length 

is the longest dimension and girth is the 

distance around the thickest part). 


cprice-sewell on PRODPC61 with PROPOSALS
18182 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 69 / Wednesday, April 11, 2007 / Proposed Rules 

Parcel rates are the ‘‘nonmachinable 

flats and parcels—nonbarcoded’’ rates, 

whether or not the parcel includes a 

barcode. 

New Pound Rate Structure 

For advertising pounds, the new price 

structure retains zoned rates and perpound incentives for DADC, DSCF, and 

DDU entry. For editorial pounds, 

postage from any entry point upstream 

from the DADC will continue to be 

unzoned, but there are new per-pound 

incentives for DADC, DSCF, and DDU 

entry. There are no pound-rate 

incentives for DBMC entry. 

Documentation 

We propose new documentation 

requirements in DMM 708.1.0, 

including a new bundle report, a new 

container report, and a new column on 

the USPS qualification report indicating 

which bundles and containers are 

subject to the Outside-County bundle 

and container rates. As we stated above, 

we will charge bundle rates based on 

the actual number of bundles entered, 

and the new documentation will help us 

verify that mailers have correctly 

prepared and paid for their mailings. 

We are not changing the documentation 

requirements for In-County mail. 

Although we are exempt from the 

notice and comment requirements of the 

Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C 

410(a)), we invite your comments on the 

following proposed revisions 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 part 

111. 

List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 111 

Administrative practice and 

procedure, Postal Service. 

Accordingly, 39 CFR part 111 is 

proposed to be 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: 

200 Discount Letters and Cards 

201 Physical Standards 

* * * * * 

3.0 Physical Standards for 

Automation Letters and Cards 

* * * * * 

3.5 Weight Standards for Periodicals 

Automation Letters 

Maximum weight limit for Periodicals 

automation letters (see 3.13.4 for pieces 

heavier than 3 ounces) is 3.5 ounces 

(0. 2188 pound). 

* * * * * 

700 Special Standards 

* * * * * 

705 Advanced Preparation and 

Special Postage Payment Systems 

* * * * * 

8.0 Preparation for Pallets 

* * * * * 

8.9 Bundles on Pallets 

* * * * * 

8.9.3 Periodicals 

Bundle size: Six-piece minimum 

(lower-volume bundles permitted under 

707.22.0, Preparing Presorted 

Periodicals, and 707.23.0, Preparing 

Carrier Route Periodicals), 20-pound 

maximum, except: 

[Revise item a to remove the option to 

count firm bundles as one piece for 

presort standards as follows:] 

a. Firm bundles may contain as few as 

two copies of a publication. Mailers 

must not consolidate firm bundles with 

other bundles to the same 5-digit 

destination. 

* * * * * 

9.0 Preparing Cotrayed and Cosacked 

Bundles of Automation and Presorted 

Flats 

* * * * * 

9.2 Periodicals 

* * * * * 

9.2.5 Sack Preparation and Labeling 

Nonbarcoded rate and barcoded rate 

bundles prepared under 9.2.2, 9.2.3, and 

9.2.4 must be presorted together into 

sacks (cosacked) in the sequence listed 

below. Sacks must be labeled using the 

following information for Lines 1 and 2 

and 707.21.0 for other sack label 

criteria. If, due to the physical size of 

the mailpieces, the barcoded rate pieces 

are considered flat-size under 301.3.0 

and the nonbarcoded rate pieces are 

considered parcels under 401.1.6, the 

processing category shown on the sack 

label must show ‘‘FLTS.’’

[Revise item a to require scheme 

sorting as follows:] 

a. 5-digit/scheme, required; scheme 

sort required only for pieces meeting the 

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.’’

* * * * * 

10.0 Preparation for Merged 

Containerization of Bundles of Flats 

Using City State Product 

10.1 Periodicals 

10.1.1 Basic Standards 

Carrier route bundles in a carrier 

route rate mailing may be placed in the 

same sack or on the same pallet as 5- 

digit bundles from a barcoded rate 

mailing and 5-digit bundles from a 

nonbarcoded rate mailing (including 

pieces cobundled under 11.0) under the 

following conditions: 

* * * * * 

[Revise item j to remove the option to 

count firm bundles toward the six-piece 

minimum for rate eligibility as follows:] 

j. For mailings prepared in sacks, 

mailers may not combine firm bundles 

and 5-digit scheme bundles in 5-digit 

scheme (L007) bundles. Mailers may 

combine firm bundles with 5-digit 

scheme, 3-digit scheme, and other 

presort destination bundles in carrier 

route, 5-digit, 3-digit, SCF, ADC, and 

mixed ADC sacks. 

* * * * * 

11.0 Preparing Cobundled Barcoded 

Rate and Nonbarcoded Rate Flats 

* * * * * 

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 (see 

707.18.4ab) barcoded rate and 

nonbarcoded rate flat-size pieces as an 

option to the basic bundling 

requirements in 707.22.0 and 707.25.0. 

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: 

* * * * * 

[Revise item g as follows:] 

g. Within a bundle, all pieces must 

meet the requirements in 301.3.0 or all 


cprice-sewell on PRODPC61 with PROPOSALS
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 69 / Wednesday, April 11, 2007 / Proposed Rules 18183 

pieces must meet the requirements in 

707.26.0. 

* * * * * 

11.2.2 Bundle Preparation 

[Revise the introductory text in 11.2.2 

to specify that pieces meeting the 

criteria in 301.3.0 must be schemesorted 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; * * * 

* * * * * 

15.0 Plant-Verified Drop Shipment 

* * * * * 

15.2 Program Participation 

* * * * * 

15.2.4 Periodicals 

[Revise 15.2.4 to reflect the new rate 

structure for Periodicals mail as 

follows:] 

Periodicals postage must be paid at 

the post office verifying the copies or as 

designated by the district. Postage is 

calculated from the destination USPS 

facility where deposited and accepted as 

mail (or from the facility where the 

Express Mail or Priority Mail Open and 

Distribute destinates). The publisher 

must ensure that sufficient funds are on 

deposit to pay for all shipments before 

their release. A publisher authorized 

under an alternative postage payment 

system must pay postage under the 

corresponding standards. 

* * * * * 

16.0 Express Mail Open and 

Distribute and Priority Mail Open and 

Distribute 

[Revise heading of 16.1 as follows:] 

16.1 Description 

* * * * * 

16.1.4 Basis of Rate 

[Revise 16.1.4 to specify that 

container rates do not apply to Express 

Mail and Priority Mail Open and 

Distribute sacks as follows:] 

Mailers must pay Express Mail and 

Priority Mail postage based on the 

weight of the entire contents of the 

Express Mail or Priority Mail shipment. 

Do not include the tare weight of the 

external container. Do not apply Priority 

Mail dimensional weight pricing or 

Periodicals container rates to the 

external container. 

* * * * * 

707 Periodicals 

1.0 Rates and Fees 

1.1 Outside-County—Excluding 

Science-of-Agriculture 

* * * * * 

[Renumber 1.1.3 through 1.1.5 as new 

1.1.5 through 1.1.7. Insert new 1.1.3 and 

1.1.4 as follows:] 

1.1.3 Outside-County Bundle Rates 

Rate for each bundle containing 

Outside-County Periodicals mail (see 

2.1.7 for how to apply these rates): 

[We provide all of the new rates for 

Periodicals mail at the end of this 

proposal.] 

1.1.4 Outside-County Container Rates 

Rate for each pallet, sack, tray, or 

other USPS-approved container 

containing Outside-County Periodicals 

mail (see 2.1.8 for how to apply these 

rates): 

[We provide all of the new rates for 

Periodicals mail at the end of this 

proposal.] 

* * * * * 

1.2 Outside-County—Science-ofAgriculture 

* * * * * 

[Renumber 1.2.3 as new 1.2.5. Insert 

new 1.2.3 and 1.2.4 as follows:] 

1.2.3 Outside-County Bundle Rates 

Rate for each bundle containing 

Outside-County Periodicals mail (see 

2.1.7 for how to apply these rates): 

[We provide all of the new rates for 

Periodicals mail at the end of this 

proposal.] 

1.2.4 Outside-County Container Rates 

Rate for each pallet, sack, tray, or 

other USPS-approved container 

containing Outside-County Periodicals 

mail (see 2.1.8 for how to apply these 

rates): 

[We provide all of the new rates for 

Periodicals mail at the end of this 

proposal.] 

* * * * * 

2.0 Rate Application and 

Computation 

2.1 Rate Application 

2.1.1 Rate Elements 

[Revise 2.1.1 to reflect the new 

Outside-County bundle and container 

rates and the new nonadvertising pound 

rate structure as follows:] 

Postage for Periodicals mail includes 

a pound rate charge, a piece rate charge, 

bundle and container rate charges for 

Outside-County mail, and any discounts 

for which the mail qualifies under the 

corresponding standards. 

[Renumber 2.1.2 through 2.1.5 as 

2.1.3 through 2.1.6. Add new 2.1.2 to 

reflect the new piece rate structure as 

follows:] 

2.1.2 Applying Piece Rate 

Apply piece rates based on the 

following criteria: 

a. The shape of the mailpiece (letter, 

flat, or parcel). 

b. The characteristics of the mailpiece 

(machinable or nonmachinable). See 

18.4ac and 18.4ad. 

c. The use of a barcode. 

d. The bundle level. 

2.1.3 Applying Pound Rate 

[Revise renumbered 2.1.3 to reflect the 

new nonadvertising rate structure and to 

clarify item b as follows:] 

Apply pound rates to the weight of 

the pieces in the mailing as follows: 

a. Outside-County and Science-ofAgriculture Outside-County pound rates 

are based on the weight of the 

advertising portion sent to each postal 

zone (as computed from the entry office) 

or destination entry zone, and the 

weight of the nonadvertising portion to 

a destination entry zone or a single rate 

to all other zones. 

b. In-County pound rates consist of a 

DDU entry rate and an unzoned rate for 

eligible copies delivered within the 

county of publication. 

[Revise the heading of renumbered 

2.1.4 as follows:] 

2.1.4 Computing Weight of 

Advertising and Nonadvertising 

Portions 

[Revise renumbered 2.1.4 to reflect the 

new nonadvertising rate structure as 

follows:] 

The pound rate charge is the sum of 

the charges for the computed weight of 

the advertising portion of copies to each 

destination entry and zone, plus the 

sum of the charges for the computed 

weight of the nonadvertising portion of 

copies to each destination entry and all 

other zones. The following standards 

apply: 

a. The minimum pound rate charge 

for any zone to which copies are mailed 

is the 1-pound rate. For example, three 

2-ounce copies for a zone are subject to 

the minimum 1-pound charge. 

b. Authorized Nonprofit and 

Classroom publications with an 

advertising percentage that is 10% or 


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less are considered 100% 

nonadvertising. When computing the 

pound rates and the nonadvertising 

adjustment, use ‘‘0’’ as the advertising 

percentage. Authorized Nonprofit and 

Classroom publications claiming 0% 

advertising must pay the nonadvertising 

pound rate for the entire weight of all 

copies to all zones. 

* * * * * 

[Insert new 2.1.7 and 2.1.8 as follows:] 

2.1.7 Applying Bundle Rates 

For mailings prepared in bundles, 

mailers pay the bundle rate according to 

the presort level of the bundle and the 

presort level of the container that the 

bundle is placed in or on. The bundle 

rates are in addition to the container 

rates in 2.1.8. The following standards 

apply: 

a. Bundles of fewer than six pieces 

under 25.1.5 (including single-piece 

bundles) must each pay the applicable 

bundle charge. 

b. For bundles containing both InCounty and Outside-County pieces, 

mailers do not pay the bundle rate for 

carrier route and 5-digit/scheme 

bundles. 

2.1.8 Applying Container Rates 

For mailings prepared in trays, sacks, 

pallets, and other USPS-approved 

containers, mailers pay the container 

rate according to the type of container, 

the presort level of the container, and 

where the mail is entered. The container 

rates are in addition to the bundle rates 

in 2.1.7. The following standards apply: 

a. For mailings prepared in trays or 

sacks, mailers pay the container rate for 

each tray or sack based on container 

level and entry. 

b. For mailings prepared on pallets 

under 705.8.0: 

1. For bundles on pallets, mailers pay 

the container rate for each pallet. 

2. For trays or sacks on pallets, 

mailers pay the container rate for each 

tray or sack, and not for the pallets. The 

container rate for each tray or sack is 

based on the container level and entry. 

c. For containers with both In-County 

and Outside-County pieces, mailers do 

not pay the container rate for carrier 

route, 5-digit carrier routes, and 5-digit/ 

scheme pallets, sacks, and trays. 

2.2 Computing Postage 

* * * * * 

[Renumber 2.2.7 as 2.2.8. Insert new 

2.2.7 to compute the Outside-County 

bundle and container rates as follows:] 

2.2.7 Outside-County Bundle and 

Container Charges 

The Outside-County bundle charge is 

the sum of the number of bundles for 

each bundle level and container level in 

the mailing subject to the OutsideCounty bundle rates (see 1.1.3 and 

1.2.3), multiplied by the applicable 

bundle rates. The Outside-County 

container charge is the sum of the 

number of containers for each container 

type, container level, and entry level in 

the mailing subject to the OutsideCounty container rates (see 1.1.4 and 

1.2.4), multiplied by the applicable 

container rates. Mailers who prepare 

Periodicals publications as a combined 

mailing by merging copies or bundles of 

copies under 27.0 may pay the OutsideCounty bundle and container charges in 

one of the following ways: 

a. On one publisher’s Form 3541. 

b. On one consolidated Form 3541. 

Under this option, the consolidator 

must complete the appropriate sections 

of the form and pay the charges from the 

consolidator’s own advance deposit 

account. 

c. Apportioned on each publisher’s 

Form 3541. The following standards 

apply: 

1. The qualification report must be 

submitted electronically via Mail.dat. 

See 708.1.0 for additional 

documentation requirements. 

2. The total charges on all Form 3541s 

in a combined mailing must equal the 

total charges for all bundles and 

containers subject to the OutsideCounty container rates presented for 

mailing. 

3. Apportion the bundle charge for 

each title or edition by determining how 

many of each type of bundle that title 

or edition is in. Next calculate the 

percentage of copies in each of those 

bundles and convert to four decimal 

places, rounding if necessary (for 

example, convert 20.221% to .2022). 

Add the decimal values for each type of 

bundle in the mailing and multiply the 

total by the applicable bundle rate in 

1.1.3 and 1.2.3. Add the bundle charges 

to determine the total for each title or 

edition. 

4. Apportion the container charge for 

each title or edition by determining how 

many of each type of container that title 

or edition is in. Next calculate the 

percentage of copies in each of those 

containers and convert to four decimal 

places, rounding if necessary (for 

example, convert 20.221% to .2022). 

Add the decimal values for each type of 

container in the mailing and multiply 

the total by the applicable container rate 

in 1.1.4 and 1.2.4. Add the container 

charges to determine the total for each 

title or edition. 

2.2.8 Total Postage 

[Revise renumbered 2.2.8 to reflect the 

new Outside-County container rates as 

follows:] 

Total Outside-County postage is the 

sum of the per pound and per piece 

charges, the bundle charges, the 

container charges, and any Ride-Along 

and Repositionable Notes charges; 

minus all discounts; rounded off to the 

nearest whole cent. Total In-County 

postage is the sum of the per pound and 

per piece charges, and any Ride-Along 

and Repositionable Notes charges, less 

all discounts, rounded off to the nearest 

whole cent. 

3.0 Physical Characteristics and 

Content Eligibility 

* * * * * 

3.5 Mailpiece Construction 

* * * * * 

3.5.2 Size and Weight 

[Revise 3.5.2 as follows:] 

Periodicals mail may not weigh more 

than 70 pounds or measure more than 

108 inches in length and girth 

combined. Additional size and weight 

limits apply to letters and machinable 

and nonmachinable pieces. Requester 

publications must contain at least 24 

pages per issue. 

* * * * * 

11.0 Basic Rate Eligibility 

* * * * * 

11.4 Discounts 

The following discounts are available: 

* * * * * 

[Delete item c to eliminate the pallet 

discounts.] 

* * * * * 

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 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, a barcoded letter-size 

host piece can no longer be processed as 

a barcoded letter, then that piece must 

pay the Periodicals nonbarcoded letter 

rate for the host piece plus the RideAlong rate or the Standard Mail rate for 

the attachment or enclosure. 

* * * * * 


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16.0 Postage Payment 

* * * * * 

16.4 Payment Method 

[Revise 16.4 to clarify payment 

options in a combined mailing as 

follows:] 

Mailers must pay Periodicals postage 

by advance deposit account at the 

original or additional entry post office, 

except under procedures in 16.5 for 

Centralized Postage Payment or in 

705.15.2.4. Mailers may not pay postage 

for Periodicals using permit imprint, 

meter stamp, postage stamp, or 

precanceled stamps. Mailers must pay 

postage for First-Class Mail and 

Standard Mail enclosures under 703.9.8 

through 703.9.12 and 705.16.1. Mailers 

who prepare Periodicals publications as 

a combined mailing by merging copies 

or bundles of copies under 27.0 may pay 

the Outside-County bundle and 

container charges on one mailer’s Form 

3541, on one consolidated Form 3541, 

or on each mailer’s Form 3541 (see 

2.2.7). 

* * * * * 

17.0 Documentation 

* * * * * 

17.7 Additional Standards 

* * * * * 

[Insert new 17.7.4 as follows:] 

17.7.4 Outside-County Bundle and 

Container Rate Documentation 

A complete, signed postage statement, 

using the correct USPS form or an 

approved facsimile, must accompany 

each mailing, supported by 

standardized documentation meeting 

the basic standards in 708.1.0. The 

documentation must show how many 

bundles are used and how many trays, 

sacks, and pallets are required for the 

rates and discounts claimed. 

18.0 General Information for Mail 

Preparation 

* * * * * 

18.3 Presort Terms 

Terms used for presort levels are 

defined as follows: 

* * * * * 

[Revise items e and p for scheme 

sorting as follows:] 

e. 5-digit scheme (bundles and sacks) 

for flats prepared according to 301.3.0: 

the ZIP Code in the delivery address on 

all pieces is one of the 5-digit ZIP Codes 

processed by the USPS as a single 

scheme, as shown in L007. 

* * * * * 

p. 3-digit scheme bundles for flats 

prepared according to 301.3.0: the ZIP 

Code in the delivery address on all 

pieces is one of the 3-digit ZIP Codes 

processed by the USPS as a single 

scheme, as shown in L008. 

* * * * * 

18.4 Mail Preparation Terms 

For purposes of preparing mail: 

* * * * * 

[Revise item b to require trays to be at 

least 85% full 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 items i and r for scheme 

sorting as follows:] 

i. A 5-digit scheme sort for flats 

prepared according to 301.3.0 yields 5- 

digit scheme bundles for those 5-digit 

ZIP Codes identified in L007. Mailers 

must presort according to L007. Pieces 

prepared in scheme bundles must meet 

the automation flat criteria in 301.3.0. 

Mailpieces must be labeled using an 

optional endorsement line under 

708.7.0. Periodicals firm bundles must 

not be combined within 5-digit scheme 

bundles. 

* * * * * 

r. A 3-digit scheme sort for flats 

prepared according to 301.3.0 yields 3- 

digit scheme bundles for those 3-digit 

ZIP Codes identified in L008. The 3- 

digit scheme sort is optional, except 

under 705.12.0 and 705.13.0. For 

705.12.0 and 705.13.0, mailers must 

presort according to L008. Pieces 

prepared in scheme bundles must meet 

the automation flat criteria in 301.3.0. 

Mailers must label mailpieces using an 

OEL under 708.7.0. Periodicals firm 

bundles must not be combined within 3- 

digit scheme bundles. 

* * * * * 

[Insert new items ac and ad to define 

‘‘machinability’’ as follows:] 

ac. Machinable flats are: 

1. Flat-size pieces meeting the 

standards in 301.3.0 that are sorted into 

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

bundles. These pieces are compatible 

with processing on the AFSM 100, or 

2. Flat-size pieces meeting the 

standards in 26.0 that are sorted into 5- 

digit bundles. 

ad. Nonmachinable flats are flat-size 

pieces meeting the standards in 26.0, 

with the exception of 5-digit pieces 

under 18.4ac (item 2) above. 

Nonmachinable flats are not compatible 

with processing on the AFSM 100. 

* * * * * 

22.0 Preparing Nonbarcoded 

Periodicals 

* * * * * 

22.2 Bundle Preparation 

[Revise the introductory text of 22.2 to 

specify that pieces must meet the 

criteria in 301.3.0 for scheme sorting as 

follows:] 

Mailings consisting entirely of 

nonbarcoded 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. A bundle 

must be prepared when the quantity of 

addressed pieces for a required presort 

level reaches the minimum bundle size 

(except under 22.7). Smaller volumes 

are not permitted except in 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: 

* * * * * 

[Renumber items b through f as new 

items c through g. Insert new item b as 

follows:] 

b. 5-digit scheme (optional); six-piece 

minimum; OEL. 

* * * * * 

[Renumber new items d through g as 

items e through h. Insert new item d as 

follows:] 

d. 3-digit scheme (optional); six-piece 

minimum; OEL. 

* * * * * 

[Revise 22.3 to remove the option to 

count firm bundles toward the six-piece 

bundle requirement for a presort 

destination as follows:] 

22.3 Firm Bundles 

A ‘‘firm bundle’’ is defined as two or 

more copies for the same address placed 

in one bundle. If each copy has a 

delivery address, each may be claimed 

as a separate piece for presort and on 

the postage statement, or the firm 

bundle may be claimed as one 

addressed piece. A firm bundle claimed 

as one addressed piece must be 

physically separate from other bundles 

and may not be used to satisfy a sixpiece bundle requirement to a presort 

destination. 

* * * * * 

22.6 Sack Preparation—Flat-Size 

Pieces and Parcels 

For mailing jobs that also contain a 

barcoded rate mailing under 301.3.0, see 

22.1.2 and 705.9.0 or 705.10.0. For 

mailing jobs that do not contain 

barcoded rate pieces, preparation 

sequence, sack size, and labeling: 

[Renumber items a through g as new 

items b through h. Insert new item a for 

scheme sorting as follows:] 


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18186 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 69 / Wednesday, April 11, 2007 / Proposed Rules 

a. 5-digit scheme; optional; for pieces 

meeting the standards in 301.3.0; 24- 

piece minimum, fewer pieces not 

permitted. 

1. Line 1: L007, Column B. 

2. Line 2: ‘‘PER’’ or NEWS’’ as 

applicable, followed by ‘‘FLTS 5D SCH 

NON BC.’’

* * * * * 

22.7 Optional Tray Preparation—FlatSize Nonbarcoded Pieces 

[Revise the introductory text in 22.7 to 

specify that pieces must meet the 

criteria in 301.3.0 and to add the 

container charge for trays as follows:] 

As an option, mailers may place in 

flat-size trays the pieces prepared under 

301.3.0 that would normally be placed 

in ADC, origin mixed ADC, or mixed 

ADC sacks. The trays are subject to the 

container charge in 1.1.4 or 1.2.4. Pieces 

must not be secured in bundles and are 

not subject to a bundle charge. Mailers 

must group together pieces for each 5- 

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

digit, and ADC destination as follows: 

* * * * * 

23.0 Preparing Carrier Route 

Periodicals 

* * * * * 

23.4 Preparation—Flat-Size Pieces 

and Irregular Parcels 

* * * * * 

23.4.2 Exception to Sacking 

[Revise the introductory text in 23.4.2 

to specify that mailers do not pay the 

container charge as follows:] 

Sacking is not required for bundles 

prepared for and entered at a DDU when 

the mailer unloads bundles under 

29.4.6. Mail presented under this 

exception is not subject to the container 

charge. Mailers must prepare unsacked 

bundles as follows: 

* * * * * 

25.0 Preparing Flat-Size Periodicals 

With Barcodes 

25.1 Basic Standards 

25.1.1 General 

[Revise 25.1.1 to reference 301.3.0 as 

follows:] 

Each piece must meet the physical 

standards in 301.3.0 or in 26.0. Bundle, 

sack, and tray preparation are subject to 

18.0 through 21.0 and this section. 

Trays and sacks must bear the 

appropriate barcoded container labels 

under 708.6.0. 

* * * * * 

25.1.5 Bundle Preparation 

[Revise 25.1.5 for clarity and to 

update the cross-references as follows:] 

All pieces must be prepared in 

bundles (except under 25.6) and meet 

the following requirements: 

a. Pieces that meet the standards in 

301.3.0 must be prepared in separate 

bundles from pieces that meet the 

standards in 26.0. 

* * * * * 

c. Each bundle of pieces prepared 

under 301.3.0 and each bundle of pieces 

prepared under 26.0 must separately 

meet the bundle minimums in 25.4. 

d. Bundles may contain fewer than six 

pieces when the mailpieces are too thick 

or too heavy to create a six-piece 

bundle. Piece 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. 

25.1.6 Scheme Bundle Preparation 

[Revise 25.1.6 as follows:] 

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. These bundles 

must meet the additional standards in 

18.4i or 18.4r. 

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 26.0 

in the same sack, with the exception of 

5-digit scheme sacks, which may 

contain only pieces prepared under 

301.3.0. 

25.1.8 Exception—Barcoded and 

Nonbarcoded Flats on Pallets 

[Revise 25.1.8 as follows:] 

When the physical dimensions of the 

mailpieces in a Periodicals mailing meet 

the definition of both a letter-size piece 

and a machinable barcoded flat-size 

piece, the entire job may be prepared, 

merged, and palletized under 705.9.0 

through 705.13.0. The following 

standards apply: 

a. The nonbarcoded portion is paid at 

the nonbarcoded rates. 

b. Mailing jobs prepared entirely in 

sacks and claiming this exception must 

be cobundled under 705.11.0. 

c. As an alternative to 705.9.0 through 

705.13.0, if a portion of the job is 

prepared as palletized barcoded flats, 

the nonbarcoded portion may be 

prepared as palletized flats and paid at 

nonbarcoded machinable and carrier 

route rates. The nonbarcoded rate pieces 

that cannot be placed on ADC or finer 

pallets may be prepared as flats in sacks 

and paid at the nonbarcoded rates. 

* * * * * 

[Renumber 25.2 through 25.4 as new 

25.3 through 25.5. Insert new 25.2 as 

follows:] 

25.2 Physical Standards 

Each flat-size piece must be 

rectangular and must meet the standards 

in 301.3.0 or, for 5-digit pieces, in 26.0. 

25.3 Bundling and Labeling 

Preparation sequence, bundle size, 

and labeling: 

[Revise items a and c to require 

scheme bundling as follows:] 

a. 5-digit scheme (required); six-piece 

minimum (fewer pieces permitted under 

25.1.9); OEL required. 

* * * * * 

c. 3-digit scheme (required); six-piece 

minimum (fewer pieces permitted under 

25.1.9); OEL required. 

* * * * * 

25.4 Sacking and Labeling 

For mailing jobs that also contain a 

nonbarcoded rate mailing, see 25.1.10 

and 705.9.0. Other mailing jobs are 

prepared, sacked, and labeled as 

follows: 

[Revise item a as follows:] 

a. 5-digit scheme, required at 24 

pieces, fewer pieces not permitted; may 

contain 5-digit scheme bundles only; 

labeling: 

* * * * * 

25.6 Optional Tray Preparation—FlatSize Barcoded Pieces 

[Revise the introductory text in 

renumbered 25.6 to specify that pieces 

must meet the criteria in 301.3.0 and to 

add the container charge for trays as 

follows:] 

As an option, mailers may place in 

trays pieces prepared under 301.3.0 that 

would normally be placed in ADC, 

origin mixed ADC, or mixed ADC sacks. 

The trays are subject to the container 

charge in 1.1.4 or 1.2.4. 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: 

* * * * * 

[Renumber 26.0 through 29.0 as 27.0 

through 30.0. Insert new 26.0 as 

follows:] 

26.0 Alternative Physical Criteria for 

Flat-Size Periodicals 

26.1 General 

Mailers may prepare barcoded flatsize pieces according to 25.0 above. 

These pieces may not be combined in 

the same bundle with pieces prepared 

under 301.3.0. Determine length and 

height according to 301.1.2. 


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Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 69 / Wednesday, April 11, 2007 / Proposed Rules 18187 

26.2 Weight and Size 

The maximum weight for each piece 

is 4.4 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. 

26.3 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. 

26.4 Flexibility and Deflection 

Pieces prepared under 26.0 are not 

subject to the minimum standards for 

flexibility in 301.1.4 or the maximum 

standards for deflection in 301.3.2.4. 

26.5 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. 

27.0 Combining Multiple Editions or 

Publications 

[Reorganize and revise renumbered 

27.0 to add the definition and standards 

for copalletized mailings. The 

experimental copalletization drop-ship 

classifications in 709.3.0 and 709.4.0 

expire, and all mailers may copalletize 

as follows:] 

27.1 Description 

Mailers may prepare Periodicals 

publications as a combined mailing by 

merging copies or bundles of copies to 

achieve the finest presort level possible 

or to reduce the total Outside-County 

postage. Mailers may use the following 

methods: 

a. Mailers may merge and sort 

together (‘‘comail’’) individually 

addressed copies of different editions of 

a Periodicals publication (one title) or 

individually addressed copies of 

different Periodicals publications (more 

than one title) to obtain finer presort 

levels. 

b. Mailers may place two or more 

copies of different Periodicals 

publications (two or more titles), and/or 

multiple editions of the same 

publication in the same mailing 

wrapper or firm bundle and present it 

as one addressed piece to a single 

addressee to reduce the per piece 

charge. 

c. Mailers may copalletize separately 

presorted bundles of different 

Periodicals titles and editions to achieve 

minimum pallet weights. Mailers do not 

have to achieve the finest pallet presort 

level possible. 

27.2 Authorization 

27.2.1 Basic Standards 

Each publication in a combined 

mailing must be authorized (or pending 

authorization) to mail at Periodicals 

rates. Each mailer must be authorized to 

comail or copalletize mailings under 

27.1a and 27.1c by Business Mailer 

Support (see 608.8.1 for address). 

Requests for authorization must show: 

a. The mailer’s name and address. 

b. The mailing office. 

c. Procedures and quality control 

measures for the combined mailing. 

d. The expected date of the first 

mailing. 

e. A sample of the standardized 

documentation. 

27.2.2 Denial 

If the application is denied, the mailer 

or consolidator may reapply at a later 

date, or submit additional information 

needed to support the request. 

27.2.3 Termination 

An authorization may not exceed 2 

years. Business Mailer Support may take 

action to terminate an authorization at 

any time, by written notice, if the mailer 

does not meet the standards. 

27.3 Minimum Volume 

The following minimum volume 

standards apply: 

a. For combined mailings prepared 

under 27.1a, more than one Periodicals 

publication, or edition of a publication, 

are combined to meet the required 

minimum volume per bundle, sack, or 

tray for the rate claimed. 

b. For combined mailings prepared 

under 27.1b, the minimum volume 

requirements in 201.3.0 (for letters) or in 

22.0, 23.0, or 25.0 apply for the rate 

claimed. 

c. For copalletized mailings prepared 

under 27.1c, the minimum volume 

requirements for pallets in 705.8.5.3 

apply for the rate claimed. 

27.4 Labeling 

Mailers must label all containers in a 

combined mailing as either ‘‘NEWS’’

(see 21.1.3) or ‘‘PER’’ as follows: 

a. If at least 51% of the total number 

of copies in the combined mailing can 

qualify for ‘‘NEWS’’ treatment then all 

containers in the mailing are labeled 

‘‘NEWS,’’ unless the mailer chooses to 

use ‘‘PER.’’

b. If less than 51% of the total number 

of copies in a combined mailing can 

qualify for ‘‘NEWS’’ treatment then all 

containers in the mailing are labeled 

‘‘PER.’’

27.5 Documentation 

Each mailing must be accompanied by 

documentation meeting the standards in 

17.0, as well as any additional mailing 

information requested by the USPS to 

support the postage claimed (such as 

advertising percentage and weight per 

copy). The following additional 

standards apply: 

a. Presort documentation required 

under 708.1.0 must show the total 

number of addressed pieces and total 

number of copies for each publication 

and each edition in the combined 

mailing claimed at the carrier route, 5- 

digit, 3-digit, and ADC/mixed ADC 

rates. The mailer also must provide a 

list, by 3-digit ZIP Code prefix, of the 

number of addressed pieces for each 

publication and each edition claimed at 

any destination entry discount. 

b. Copalletized mailing 

documentation must consolidate and 

identify each title and version (or 

edition) in the mailing. Mailers may use 

codes in the summary heading to 

represent each title and version (or 

edition) presorted together on pallets. 

The documentation must include 

presort and pallet reports showing by 

title and version (or edition) how the 

bundles are presorted and where they 

will be entered. 

27.6 Postage Statements 

Mailers must prepare postage 

statements for a combined mailing as 

follows: 

a. Copy weight and advertising 

percentage determine whether separate 

postage statements are required for 

editions of the same publication: 

1. If the copy weight and advertising 

percentage for all editions of a 

publication are the same, mailers may 

report all the editions on the same 

postage statement or each edition on a 

separate postage statement. 

2. If the copy weight or the 

advertising percentage is different for 

each edition of a publication, mailers 

must report each edition on a separate 

postage statement. 

b. For a combined mailing prepared 

under 27.1a, mailers must prepare a 

separate postage statement that claims 

all applicable per piece, per pound 

charges, and bundle and container 

charges (if apportioned) for each 

publication or edition. The mailer must 

annotate on, or attach to, each postage 

statement, the title and issue date of 

each publication or edition and indicate 


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that the pieces were prepared as part of 

a combined mailing under 27.1a. 

c. For mailings under 27.1b, mailers 

must prepare a separate postage 

statement claiming the applicable per 

pound charges for each publication or 

edition in the combined mailing except 

as provided in 27.2.5a. The mailer must 

annotate on, or attach to, each postage 

statement, the title and issue date of 

each publication or edition and indicate 

that the copies were prepared as part of 

a combined mailing under 27.1b. The 

per piece charges must be claimed as 

follows: 

1. If all copies in the combined 

mailing are eligible for the Classroom or 

Nonprofit discount, or if all copies are 

not eligible for the Classroom or 

Nonprofit discount, mailers may claim 

the per piece charges only on the 

postage statement for the publication 

that contains the highest amount of 

advertising. 

2. If a portion of the copies in the 

combined mailing are eligible for the 

Classroom or Nonprofit discount and a 

portion are not eligible, mailers may 

claim the per piece charges only on the 

postage statement for the publication 

that contains the highest amount of 

advertising and is not eligible for the 

Classroom or Nonprofit discount. The 

Classroom or Nonprofit per piece 

discount must not be claimed. 

d. For copalletized mailings under 

27.1c, mailers must prepare a separate 

postage statement for each publication 

in the mailing. One consolidated 

postage statement and a register of 

mailings for each publication must 

accompany mailings consisting of 

different editions or versions of the 

same publication. 

27.7 Postage Payment 

Each mailing must meet the postage 

payment standards in 16.0. For 

copalletized mailings under 27.1c, 

mailers must pay postage at the post 

office serving the facility where 

consolidation takes place, except that 

postage for publications authorized 

under the Centralized Postage Payment 

(CPP) system may be paid to the Pricing 

and Classification Service Center (see 

608.8.4.1 for address). 

27.8 Deposit of Mail 

Each publication in a combined 

mailing must be authorized for original 

entry or additional entry at the post 

office where the mailing is entered. For 

copalletized mailings under 27.1c, 

mailers must enter each mailing at the 

post office serving the facility where 

consolidation takes place. 

* * * * * 

29.0 Destination Entry Rate Eligibility 

29.1 Basic Standards 

29.1.1 Rate Application 

[Revise renumbered 29.1.1 to 

eliminate the pallet discounts and add 

the new container and bundle rates as 

follows:] 

Outside-County addressed pieces may 

qualify for destination bulk mail center 

(DBMC), destination area distribution 

center (DADC), or destination sectional 

center facility (DSCF) rates under 29.2 

or 29.3. Carrier route rate addressed 

pieces may qualify for destination 

delivery unit (DDU) rates under 29.5. 

Outside-County pieces are subject to the 

Outside-County bundle rates in 1.1.3 or 

1.2.3 and the Outside-County container 

rates in 1.1.4 or 1.2.4. For all destination 

entry rate pieces: 

a. An individual bundle, tray, sack, or 

pallet may contain pieces claimed at 

different destination entry pound rates. 

b. In-County carrier route rate 

addressed pieces may qualify for the 

DDU discount under 29.5. 

c. The advertising and nonadvertising 

portions may be eligible for DADC, 

DSCF, or DDU pound rates based on the 

entry facility and the address on the 

piece. 

* * * * * 

[Further renumber 29.2 through 29.4 

as 29.3 through 29.5. Insert new 29.2 as 

follows:] 

29.2 Destination Bulk Mail Center 

29.2.1 Definition 

For this standard, destination bulk 

mail center (DBMC) includes the 

facilities in Exhibit 346.3.1, or a USPSdesignated facility. 

29.2.2 Eligibility 

Addressed pieces may be entered at 

DBMCs as follows: 

a. Pieces must be prepared in bundles 

on pallets or in sacks or trays on pallets 

(except mixed ADC pallets) under 

705.8.0. 

b. Pieces must be addressed for 

delivery to one of the 3-digit ZIP Codes 

served by the BMC facility where 

deposited. 

* * * * * 

29.3 Destination Area Distribution 

Center 

* * * * * 

29.3.3 Rates 

[Revise renumbered 29.3.3 to reflect 

the new nonadvertising rate structure as 

follows:] 

DADC rates include a nonadvertising 

pound rate and, if applicable, an 

advertising pound rate. 

29.4 Destination Sectional Center 

Facility 

* * * * * 

29.4.3 Rates 

[Revise renumbered 29.4.3 to reflect 

the new nonadvertising rate structure as 

follows:] 

DSCF rates include a nonadvertising 

pound rate and, if applicable, an 

advertising pound rate. 

29.5 Destination Delivery Unit 

* * * * * 

29.5.3 Rates 

[Revise renumbered 29.5.3 to reflect 

the new nonadvertising rate structure as 

follows:] 

DDU rates for Outside-County include 

a nonadvertising pound rate and, if 

applicable, an advertising pound rate. 

DDU rates for In-County consist of a 

pound charge and a per piece discount 

off the addressed piece rate. 

* * * * * 

30.0 Additional Entry 

* * * * * 

30.2 Authorization 

30.2.1 Filing 

[Add new last sentence to renumbered 

30.2.1 as follows:] 

The publisher is responsible for 

timely filing of all forms and supporting 

documentation to establish, modify, or 

cancel an additional entry. Under the 

standards for combining mailings on 

pallets in 27.0, consolidators may apply 

for additional entry authorizations, on 

behalf of publishers, at the post office 

serving the consolidator’s facility. 

* * * * * 

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: 

* * * * * 

[Delete item c8, renumber item c9 as 

new item c8, and add new item c9 as 

follows:] 

9. For Periodicals mailings that 

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cprice-sewell on PRODPC61 with PROPOSALS
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 69 / Wednesday, April 11, 2007 / Proposed Rules 18189 

County pieces, include a separate 

‘‘Container Charge’’ and ‘‘Bundle 

Charge’’ column. The body of the listing 

must indicate which trays, sacks and 

bundles are subject to the container or 

bundle charges and a running total. 

d. For bundles on pallets, the body of 

the listing reporting these required 

elements: 

* * * * * 

[Renumber item d7 as item d8. Add 

new item d7 as follows:] 

7. For Periodicals mailings that 

contain both In-County and OutsideCounty pieces, include a separate 

‘‘Container Charge’’ and ‘‘Bundle 

Charge’’ column. The body of the listing 

must indicate which pallets and 

bundles are subject to the container or 

bundle charges and a running total. 

[Revise item e as follows:] 

e. At the end of the documentation, a 

summary report of the total number of 

pieces mailed at each postage rate for 

each mailing reported on the listing by 

postage payment method (and by entry 

point for drop shipment mailings) and 

the total number of pieces in each 

mailing. This information must 

correspond to the information reported 

on the postage statement(s) for the 

pieces reported. For Periodicals 

mailings, documentation also must 

provide: 

1. A summary of the total number of 

each type of bundle in the mailing and 

the total bundle charge paid. Report 

only bundles subject to the OutsideCounty bundle rate under 1.1.3 or 1.2.3. 

2. A summary of the total number of 

each type of container in the mailing 

and the total container charge paid. 

Report only trays, sacks, and pallets 

subject to the Outside-County container 

rates under 1.1.4 or 1.2.4. 

3. For combined mailings, a summary 

by individual mailer of the number of 

each type of bundle and container in the 

mailing and the bundle and container 

rate paid. Report only bundles, trays, 

sacks, and pallets subject to the OutsideCounty bundle and container rates 

under 1.1.3 or 1.2.3 and 1.1.4 or 1.2.4. 

4. A summary of the total number of 

copies for each zone, including InCounty, delivery unit, SCF, and ADC 

rates. A separate summary report is not 

required if a PAVE-certified postage 

statement facsimile generated by the 

presort software used to prepare the 

standardized documentation is 

presented for each mailing. 

5. Additional data if necessary to 

calculate the amount of postage for the 

mailing (or additional postage due, or 

postage to be refunded) if nonidenticalweight pieces that do not bear the 

correct postage at the rate for which 

they qualify are included in the mailing, 

or if different rates of postage are affixed 

to pieces in the mailing. 

* * * * * 

[Insert new 1.8 as follows:] 

1.8 Bundle and Container Reports for 

Periodicals Mail 

A publisher must present 

documentation to support the actual 

number of bundles and containers of 

each edition of an issue as explained in 

1.8.1 and 1.8.2 below. 

1.8.1 Bundle Report 

The bundle report must contain, at a 

minimum, the following elements: 

a. Container identification number. 

b. Container type. 

c. Container presort level. 

d. Bundle ZIP Code. 

e. Bundle level. 

f. Rate category. 

g. Number of copies by version in the 

bundle. 

h. An indicator showing which 

bundles are subject to the bundle 

charge. 

1.8.2 Container Report 

The container report must contain, at 

a minimum, the following elements: 

a. Container identification number. 

b. Container type. 

c. Container level. 

d. Container entry level (origin, DDU, 

DSCF, DADC, or DBMC). 

e. An indicator showing which 

containers are subject to the container 

charge. 

* * * * * 

709 Experimental Classifications and 

Rates 

[Delete 3.0, Outside-County 

Periodicals Copalletization Drop-Ship 

Classification; and 4.0, Outside-County 

Periodicals Copalletization Drop-Ship 

Discounts for High-Editorial, HeavyWeight, Small-Circulation Publications. 

Renumber remaining sections 5.0 and 

6.0 as new 3.0 and 4.0. The 

experimental copalletization discounts 

expire and are replaced by the new rate 

structure for Periodicals mail in 707.] 

* * * * * 

Stanley F. Mires, 

Chief Counsel, Legislative. 

BILLING CODE 7710–12–P 


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18190 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 69 / Wednesday, April 11, 2007 / Proposed Rules 

[FR Doc. 07–1796 Filed 4–10–07; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 7710–12–C 


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