This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER

contains notices to the public of the proposed

issuance of rules and regulations. The

purpose of these notices is to give interested

persons an opportunity to participate in the

rule making prior to the adoption of the final

rules.

Proposed Rules Federal Register

65274

Vol. 65, No. 212

Wednesday, November 1, 2000

POSTAL SERVICE

39 CFR Part 111

Standards Governing the Design of

Curbside Mailboxes

AGENCY: Postal Service.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

SUMMARY: The Postal Service proposes

to revise USPS STD 7A, which governs

the design of curbside mailboxes. The

proposed revision was developed

through a consensus process and was

approved by a committee of

representatives from mailbox

manufacturers, mailbox accessory

manufacturers, and the Postal Service.

DATES: The Postal Service must receive

written comments on or before

December 1, 2000.

ADDRESSES: Written comments should

be mailed to Civil Practice Section, Law

Department, U.S. Postal Service, 475

L’Enfant Plaza SW., Room 6235,

Washington DC 20260–1127. Copies of

all written comments will be available

for public inspection and copying

between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.,

Monday through Friday, at the address

above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Annamarie Gildea, (202) 268–3558.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: U.S.

Postal Service Standard, Mailboxes, City

and Rural Curbside, USPS STD 7A,

governs the design of curbside

mailboxes. The current standard,

adopted in 1992, prescribes design

limitations in terms that are no longer

consistent with the operational

requirements of the Postal Service.

The Postal Service used a consensus

process in developing the proposed

revised standard. In a consensus

process, representatives of interests that

would be substantially affected by a

new rule meet as an advisory committee

and negotiate among themselves and

with the agency to reach a consensus on

a proposed new rule. As part of the

consensus process, the agency agrees to

use a recommendation by the committee

as the basis of the proposed rule. In

addition, each private member of the

Committee agrees that, if it agrees to a

recommendation by the Committee, it

will support that recommendation and

the proposed rule to the extent that it

reflects the recommendation.

In this instance, the Postal Service

retained the services of an independent,

neutral third party to convene a

Consensus Committee and facilitate

discussions of Committee members.

Based on the Convenors’

recommendation, the Postal Service

invited Consensus Committee members

representing interests that were

expected to be substantially affected by

the new rule. Further, Committee

members were responsible for

representing other interested

individuals and organizations that were

not present at committee meetings and

keeping them informed of the

Committee’s proceedings.

As part of the ground rules agreed to

by all members of the Consensus

Committee, the Postal Service agreed to

use a recommendation by the

Committee as the basis of the proposed

rule. In addition, each private member

of the Committee agreed that, if it agreed

to a recommendation by the Committee,

it would support that recommendation

and the proposed rule to the extent that

it reflects the recommendation. After the

Consensus Committee held several

meetings that were open to the public,

the Committee approved and

recommended the standard set forth

below.

Changes incorporated in the proposed

new standard, which shall be titled

USPS STD 7B include the following:

1. Eliminated the requirement that

Traditional mailboxes must be built in

conformance with USPS drawings

(formerly designated T1, T2, and T3).

All three USPS drawings were

eliminated and replaced with a new

figure which gives manufacturers more

design flexibility.

2. Removed all requirements to

comply with military and federal

specifications and standards.

3. Deleted flammability, solar

exposure, and color intensity test

requirements that were determined to be

invalid or unnecessary.

4. Dropped requirement that

manufacturers comply with the National

Motor Freight Classification Rule 222.

5. Introduced a new Locked mailbox

classification with two new figures. This

design will provide customers with an

option to purchase mailboxes that offer

increased security for their mail.

6. Incorporated quality assurance

provisions.

7. Added a figure depicting three new

alternative flag designs.

8. Included new guidelines and a

figure for acceptable door handle and

knob designs.

9. Clarified application requirements

and introduced independent laboratory

testing.

Re-approval of Manufacturers’

Curbside Mailboxes

The re-approval process for

manufacturers with mailbox designs

that were approved before the final

publication date of USPS STD 7B will

be conducted as follows. The approval

process for all other mailbox designs

will be conducted in accordance with

USPS STD 7B, part 5.

1. The USPS will notify currently

approved manufacturers within five

business days after final publication of

USPS STD 7B in the Federal Register

when to submit their mailboxes for reapproval. All mailboxes must be

submitted to: Attn Test Evaluation &

Quality, USPS Engineering, 8403 Lee

Hwy, Merrifield, VA 22082–8101.

2. Manufacturers will have 90 days

after receipt of this notification to

submit a sample of each of their

previously approved mailboxes. In

addition, manufacturers shall submit

their quality assurance manual, and

each mailbox must be accompanied

with a compliance certificate, one set of

drawings, product information, and

instructions. Mailboxes will be tested on

a first-come, first-served basis.

3. If a previously approved mailbox is

not submitted within the 90-day period,

it will automatically lose its approval

status. A manufacturer may receive an

extension of up to 45 days, provided

reasonable justification is demonstrated

to the USPS. Manufacturers seeking an

extension must write to: Attn Delivery

& Retail Systems, USPS Information

Platform, 8403 Lee Hwy, Merrifield, VA

22082–8101.

4. The USPS will have up to 90 days

to respond to submissions, during

which time manufacturers can continue

to sell their mailboxes.

5. If a submitted mailbox does not

pass the revised standard’s

requirements, the manufacturer may

make modifications and re-submit their

Federal Register / Vol. 65, No. 212 / Wednesday, November 1, 2000 / Proposed Rules 65275

mailbox one additional time. The

manufacturer will have 45 days after the

date of USPS’s notice of denial of the

manufacturer’s first application to

submit a second sample. Should the

second sample fail testing, the

manufacturer has up to 180 days from

notification of failure to cease selling it.

The manufacturer is also to cease

production immediately and use the 180

days to deplete existing inventory.

6. If a mailbox fails two testing

attempts, manufacturers may still make

modifications and re-submit in

accordance with the new application

requirements specified in the revised

standard. However, the conditions

identified in #5 above remain in effect.

List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 111

Postal Service.

PART 111—[AMENDED]

1. The authority citation for 39 CFR

part 111 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 5 U.S.C. § 552(a), 39 U.S.C.

§§ 101, 401, 403, 404, 3001–3011, 3201–3219,

3403–3406, 3621, 3626, 5001.

2. Revise USPS STD 7A as set forth

below:

1 SCOPE AND CLASSIFICATION

1.1 Scope

This standard covers all curbside

mailboxes. Curbside mailboxes are

defined as any design made to be served

by a carrier from a vehicle on any city,

rural, or highway contract route. This

standard is not applicable to mailboxes

intended for door delivery service (see

6.1).

1.2 Classifications

Based on their size and design,

curbside mailboxes are classified as:

T—Traditional, Full or Limited Service

(see 3.2.1 and Figure 1).

C—Contemporary, Full or Limited

Service (see 3.2.2).

L—Locked, Full or Limited Service (see

3.2.3 and Figures 2 and 3).

1.3 Approved Models

1.3.1 Approved Models

Manufacturers whose mailboxes have

been approved by the United States

Postal Service (USPS) will be listed in

the Postal Operations Manual (POM)

and published in the Postal Bulletin.

1.3.2 Interested Manufacturers

Manufacturing standards and current

information concerning the manufacture

of curbside mailboxes may be obtained

by writing to: USPS Information

Platform, Delivery and Retail Operation

Equipment, 8403 Lee Hwy, Merrifield,

VA 22082–8101.

2 APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS

2.1 Specifications and Standards

Except where specifically noted, the

specifications set forth herein shall

apply to all curbside mailbox designs.

2.2 Government Documents

The following documents of the latest

issue are incorporated by reference as

part of this standard.

United States Postal Service

DMM Domestic Mail Manual

POM Postal Operations Manual

Copies of the Domestic Mail Manual

can be obtained from the Government

Printing Office, Mail Stop SSOM, 732 N

Capitol Street NW., Washington DC

20402–9375. It is available on the

Internet also at http://pe.usps.gov.

Copies of the Postal Operations

Manual can be obtained from the USPS

Material Distribution Center, 500 SW.

Montara Pkwy, Topeka KS 66624–9702.

2.3 Non-Government Documents

The following documents of the latest

issue are incorporated by reference as

part of this standard.

American Standards for Testing

Materials (ASTM)

ASTM G85 Standard Practice for

Modified Salt Spray (Fog) Testing

ASTM D968 Standard Test Methods

for Abrasion Resistance of Organic

Coatings by Falling Abrasive

Copies of these documents can be

obtained from the American Society for

Testing and Materials, 1916 Race Street,

Philadelphia PA 19103–1108.

Underwriters Laboratories

UL 771 Night Depositories (Rain Test

Only)

Copies of this document can be

obtained from Underwriters

Laboratories Inc., 333 Pfingsten Road,

Northbrook IL 60062–2096.

American Society for Quality

ANSI/ASQC Q9002–1994 Quality

Systems—Model for Quality

Assurance in Production,

Installation, and Servicing

ANSI/ISO/ASQC Q10013–1995

Guidelines for Developing Quality

Manuals

Copies of these documents can be

obtained from the American Society for

Quality, PO Box 3066, Milwaukee WI

53201–3066.

3 REQUIREMENTS

3.1 Quality

Mailbox manufacturers must ensure

and be able to substantiate that units

manufactured conform to the

requirements of this specification.

3.1.1 Inspection

The Postal Service reserves the right

to inspect units for conformance to this

specification at any stage of

manufacture. Inspection by the Postal

Service does not relieve the

manufacturer of the responsibility to

provide performance that conforms to

the requirements set forth in this

specification. Prior to any visits, the

Postal Service will provide a minimum

notice of 30 business days. The Postal

Service will suspend the approval status

of any manufacturer’s model which is

found to be out of conformance with

approved drawings (see 5.2.2).

3.1.2 System

The manufacturer shall use a

documented quality system acceptable

to the Postal Service. As a minimum,

the manufacturer’s quality system shall

include controls and record keeping in

the following areas (a quality system in

compliance with ANSI/ASQC Q9002–

1994 meets this requirement):

3.1.2.1 Inspection and testing;

3.1.2.2 Inspection, measuring, and test

equipment;

3.1.2.3 Control of nonconforming

products;

3.1.2.4 Document control; and

3.1.2.5 Corrective action.

3.1.3 System Evaluation

The Postal Service has the right to

evaluate the acceptability and

effectiveness of the manufacturer’s

quality system before approval and

during tenure as an approved source.

3.1.4 Records

All of the manufacturer’s records

pertaining to the approved product shall

be kept for a minimum of three years

after shipment of product.

3.2 General Design

Mailboxes must meet regulations and

requirements as stipulated in paragraph

2.2. This includes carrier door operation

as stated in 3.4, flag operation as stated

in 3.7, incoming mail openings, and the

retrieval of outgoing mail. The opening

style, design, and size are determined by

the manufacturer; however, the carrier

must be able to deposit the customer’s

mail through the slot or open door with

a single motion of the carrier’s arm.

Outgoing mail of all designs must be

able to be pulled straight out of the

mailbox without interference from

protrusions, hardware, etc. Mailboxes

must be capable of passing the

applicable testing requirements in 3.15.

Mailboxes must not be made of any

65276 Federal Register / Vol. 65, No. 212 / Wednesday, November 1, 2000 / Proposed Rules

transparent, toxic, or flammable

material (see 3.3). The mailbox must

protect mail from water damage which

may result from wet weather conditions

(see 3.15.3). Any and all advertising on

a mailbox or its support is prohibited.

Additional specific requirements follow.

3.2.1 Traditional Designs (Limited and

Full Service)

Mailbox designs that conform to

Figure 1 and meet capacity

requirements specified in 3.15.1 will be

classified as Traditional. Designs

incorporating a carrier signal flag (see

3.7) will be classified as full service

mailboxes. Designs with no flag will be

classified as limited service (see 3.12.2).

As specified in 3.5, a rear door is

permitted to enable the customer to

remove mail without standing in the

street. The use of locks, locking devices,

or inserts is prohibited.

3.2.2 Contemporary Designs (Limited

and Full Service)

Mailbox designs that do not conform

to the dome-rectangular shape of

Traditional designs but meet capacity

requirements specified in 3.15.1 will be

classified as Contemporary. Designs

incorporating a carrier signal flag (see

3.7) will be classified as full service

mailboxes. Designs with no flag will be

classified as limited service (see 3.12).

Although the shape and design is less

restrictive, Contemporary mailboxes

must meet the same applicable

functional requirements. Contemporary

designs can also incorporate a rear door,

as specified in 3.5, to enable the

customer to remove mail without

standing in the street. The use of locks,

locking devices, or inserts is prohibited.

3.2.3 Locked Designs

Mailbox designs that provide security

for customer’s incoming mail will be

classified as Locked mailboxes (see

Figures 2 and 3). Although the shape

and design is less restrictive, Locked

mailboxes must meet the same

applicable functional requirements.

Designs having a slot for incoming mail

must be at least 1.75 inches high by 10

inches wide. If a slot has a protective

flap it must operate inward to ensure

mail can be inserted in horizontal

manner without requiring any

additional effort of carriers (see Figure

3). The slot must be positioned on the

front side of the mailbox facing the

street. In addition, the slot must be

clearly visible and directly accessible by

mail carriers. Any designs that allow for

outgoing mail must meet all applicable

requirements of this standard.

3.2.3.1 Full Service

Locked mailbox designs of this class

allow for both incoming and outgoing

mail as depicted in Figure 2. It is

preferred that both incoming and

outgoing mail compartments be located

behind a single carrier service door as

shown in Figure 2 (the term ‘‘preferred’’

in this document means that

compliance is desired but not

mandatory). Alternate positioning of the

incoming mail compartment, such as

beneath or side-by-side with the

outgoing compartment, is permitted

provided that no additional carrier

service is introduced.

3.2.3.2 Limited Service

Locked mailbox designs of this class

allow only for incoming mail as shown

in Figure 3.

3.2.4 Mailbox Accessories

Decorative art and devices can be

attached to the exterior of approved

mailbox designs provided they do not

interfere with mail delivery or present a

safety hazard. Devices can also be

mounted in the interior of approved

mailboxes provided they do not cause

the mailbox to fail the capacity test

described in 3.15.1 and do not interfere

with mail delivery or present a safety

hazard. Any and all advertising on a

mailbox or its support is prohibited.

Unrestricted spring-loaded devices and

designs are prohibited. Auxiliary flags

or devices used to signal the customer

that the mail has arrived must operate

automatically without requiring

additional carrier effort.

3.3 Materials

Ferrous or nonferrous metal, wood

(restrictions apply), plastic, or other

materials may be used, as long as their

thickness, form, mechanical properties,

and chemical properties adequately

meet the operational, structural, and

performance requirements set forth in

this standard. Materials used must not

be toxic, flammable, or transparent.

3.3.1 Mailbox Floor

The entire bottom area of all

mailboxes where mail would rest shall

be fabricated to prevent mail from

damage due to condensation or

moisture. Except for the internal mail

compartment of locked-style mailboxes,

all designs must not present a lip or

protrusion that would prevent the mail

from being inserted or pulled straight

out of the mailbox. The surface of the

floor cannot be made of wood material.

The floor shall be ribbed as shown in

Figures 1, 2, and 3 or dimpled,

embossed, or otherwise fabricated

provided the resulting surface area

(touching mail) does not exceed .25

square inch (per dimple/impression)

and is minimum of .12 inch high on

centers not exceeding 1 inch. A mat

insert having a raised surface contour

may be used for the internal mail

compartment of locked-style mailboxes

only (see Figures 2 and 3).

3.3.2 Carrier Signal Flag

Cannot be made of wood. Plastic is

the preferred material.

3.3.3 Door Handle

Cannot be made of wood. Plastic is

the preferred material.

3.4 Carrier Service Door

There shall be only one carrier service

door, which must provide access for

mail delivery and collection intended

by the unit and meet USPS delivery

operational requirements (see 2.2). The

door must meet the applicable testing

requirements specified in 3.15.2. The

carrier service door must operate freely

and solely by pulling outward and

downward with a convenient handle or

knob. The design of the door, including

hinges and handles, must provide

protection against wind, rain, sleet, or

snow (see 3.15.3). Door latches must

hold the door closed but allow easy

opening and closing requiring no more

than 5 pounds of force. Action of the

latch must be a positive mechanical one

not relying solely on friction of the

hinge parts. The door shall not be

spring-loaded. Magnetic latches are

acceptable provided adequate closure

power is maintained during ambient

conditions specified in 3.15.6 and

applicable testing described in 3.15. It is

preferred that by either tactile or by

sound (i.e., snap or click) carriers are

alerted that the door is properly shut.

The door, once opened, must remain in

the open position until the carrier

pushes it closed. The door must rotate

a minimum of 100 degrees when opened

and it is preferred that the maximum

rotation be limited to 120 degrees or

less. When in a fully opened and rest

position, the opening angle of the door

cannot measure more than 180 degrees.

No protrusions other than the handle or

knob, door catch, alternate flag design,

decorative features, or markings are

permitted on the carrier service door.

Decorative features or markings must

not interfere with delivery or present a

safety hazard. Protrusions of any kind

that cause a mailbox to fail the capacity

test described in 3.15.1 are prohibited.

See section 3.2.3 for carrier service door

requirements for Locked mailbox

designs.

Federal Register / Vol. 65, No. 212 / Wednesday, November 1, 2000 / Proposed Rules 65277

3.4.1 Handle/Knob

The handle or knob shall have

adequate accessibility to permit quickly

grasping and pulling it with one hand

(with or without gloves) to open the

door. The handle or knob shall be

located within the top third of the door.

Various acceptable handle and knob

designs with required dimensions are

depicted in Figure 5. Other designs may

be acceptable, provided they allow

enough finger clearance and surface area

for carriers to grasp.

3.5 Rear Doors

Mailboxes may have a rear door,

provided that it does not interfere with

the normal delivery and collection

operation provided by the carrier or

require the carrier to perform any

unusual operations. The rear door must

not be susceptible to being forced open

as a result of large mail items such as

newspapers and parcels being inserted

through the carrier door. The rear door

must meet the applicable testing

requirements specified in 3.15.

3.6 Locks

Locked mailbox designs shall have an

effective means to ensure that incoming

mail is accessible only by the customer.

The use of locks on Contemporary and

Traditional mailbox designs is

prohibited. Manufacturers must include

the following statement in their

instructions to customers: ‘‘IT IS

IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT IT IS

NOT THE RESPONSIBILITY OF MAIL

CARRIERS TO OPEN MAILBOXES

THAT ARE LOCKED, ACCEPT KEYS

FOR THIS PURPOSE, OR LOCK

MAILBOXES AFTER DELIVERY OF

THE MAIL.’’

3.7 Carrier Signal Flag

Traditional, Contemporary, and

Locked mailbox designs classified as

Full Service shall have a carrier signal

flag. The flag design must be one of the

approved concepts depicted in Figures

1, 2, and 4. As shown in each figure, the

flag must be mounted on the right side

when facing the mailbox from the front.

The flag must not require a lift or more

than 2 pounds of force to retract.

Additionally, when actuated (signaling

outgoing mail) the flag must remain in

position until retracted by the carrier.

The color of the flag must be in

accordance with requirements described

in 3.10. The operating mechanism of the

flag must not require lubrication and

must continue to operate properly and

positively (without binding or excessive

free play) after being subjected to testing

described in 3.15. Optionally, the flag

may incorporate a self-lowering feature

that causes it to automatically retract

when the carrier service door is opened,

provided no additional effort is required

of the carrier. The self-lowering feature

cannot present protrusions or

attachments and must not interfere with

delivery operations in any manner or

present hazardous features as specified

in 3.2.

3.8 Marking

The mailbox must bear two

inscriptions on the carrier service door:

‘‘U.S. MAIL’’ in a minimum of .50-inchhigh letters and ‘‘Approved By The

Postmaster General’’ in a minimum of

.18-inch-high letters. These inscriptions

may be positioned beneath the incoming

mail slot for Limited Service Locked

mailboxes as shown in Figure 3.

Markings must be permanent and may

be accomplished by applying a decal,

embossing on sheet metal, raised

lettering on plastic, engraving on wood,

or other methods that are suitable for

that particular unit. The manufacturer’s

name, address, date of manufacture

(month and year), and model number or

nomenclature must be legible and

permanently marked or affixed on a

panel (rear, backside of door, bottom, or

side interior near the carrier service

door) of the mailbox that is readily

accessible and not obscured.

3.8.1 Modified Mailbox Marking

Mailboxes that use previously

approved units in their design must

include marking stating the new

manufacturer’s name, address, date of

manufacture, and model nomenclature

in a permanent fashion and location as

described above. Additionally, the ‘‘U.S.

MAIL’’ and ‘‘Approved By The

Postmaster General’’ marking shall be

reapplied if it is obscured or obliterated

by the new design.

3.9 Coatings and Finishes

Choice of coatings and finishes is

optional, provided all requirements of

this standard are met. All coatings and

finishes must be free from flaking,

peeling, cracking, crazing, blushing, and

powdery surfaces. Coatings and finishes

must be compatible with the mailbox

materials. Accept for small decorative

accents, mirrorlike coatings or finishes

are prohibited. The coating or finish

must meet the applicable testing

requirements described in 3.15.5.

3.10 Color

The color of the mailbox and flag

must be in accordance with the

following requirements. The mailbox

may be any color. The carrier signal flag

can be any color except any shade of

green, brown, white, yellow, or blue.

The preferred flag color is fluorescent

orange. Also, the flag color must present

a clear contrast with the predominant

color of the mailbox.

3.11 Mounting

The mailbox shall be provided with a

means for convenient and locked

mounting that meets all applicable

requirements of the Postal Operations

Manual. The manufacturer may offer

various types of mounting accessories

such as a bracket, post, or stand.

Although the USPS does not regulate

the design of mounting accessories, it is

pointed out that no part may project

beyond the front of the mounted

mailbox. Mounting accessories must not

interfere with delivery operations as

described in 3.2 or present hazardous

features as described in 3.14. See

section 6 for additional important

information.

3.12 Instructions and Product

Information

3.12.1 Assembly and Installation

A complete set of instructions for

assembling and mounting the mailbox

shall be furnished with each unit. The

instructions must include the following

conspicuous message: ‘‘CUSTOMERS

ARE REQUIRED TO CONTACT THE

LOCAL POST OFFICE BEFORE

INSTALLING THE MAILBOX TO

ENSURE ITS CORRECT PLACEMENT

AND HEIGHT AT THE STREET.

GENERALLY, MAILBOXES ARE

INSTALLED AT A HEIGHT OF 41–45

INCHES FROM THE ROAD SURFACE

TO INSIDE FLOOR OF THE MAILBOX

OR POINT OF MAIL ENTRY (LOCKED

DESIGNS) AND ARE SET BACK 6–8

INCHES FROM FRONT FACE OF CURB

OR ROAD EDGE TO THE MAILBOX

DOOR.’’

3.12.2 Limited Service Mailboxes

The following conspicuous note shall

be included with each mailbox:

‘‘THIS IS A LIMITED SERVICE

MAILBOX (WITHOUT FLAG) AND IT

IS INTENDED ONLY FOR CUSTOMERS

WHO DO NOT WANT POSTAL

CARRIERS TO PICK UP THEIR

OUTGOING MAIL. UNLESS POSTAL

CARRIERS HAVE MAIL TO DELIVER,

THEY WILL NOT STOP AT LIMITED

SERVICE MAILBOXES.’’

3.13 Newspaper Receptacles

A receptacle for the delivery of

newspapers may be attached to the post

of a curbside mailbox, provided no part

of the receptacle interferes with the

delivery of mail, obstructs the view of

the flag, or presents a hazard to the

carrier or the carrier’s vehicle. The

receptacle must not extend beyond the

front of the box when the door is closed.

65278 Federal Register / Vol. 65, No. 212 / Wednesday, November 1, 2000 / Proposed Rules

No advertising may be displayed on the

outside of the receptacle, except the

name of the publication.

3.14 Workmanship

The mailbox shall be properly

assembled and utilize the best

commercial practice workmanship

standards in the fabrication of all

components and assemblies. All

movable parts shall fit and operate

properly with no unintended catch or

binding points. The unit must be free

from harmful projections or other

hazardous devices. The unit must not

have any sharp edges, sharp corners,

burrs, or other features (on any surfaces)

that may be hazardous to carriers/

customers, or that may interfere with

delivery operations as described in 3.2.

3.15 Testing Requirements

Mailboxes will be subjected to all

applicable testing described herein

(specific requirements follow). A

mailbox that fails to pass any test will

be rejected. Testing will be conducted in

sequence as listed herein and in Table

III.

3.15.1 Capacity

Traditional and Contemporary

designs must meet minimum capacity

requirements tested by insertion and

removal of a standard test gauge which

measures 18.50′′ long x 5.00′′ wide x

6.00′′ high. The test gauge is inserted

with its 6.00′′ dimension aligned in the

vertical axis (perpendicular to the

mailbox floor). The gauge must be

capable of easy insertion and removal

and, while inserted, allow for the

door(s) to be completely closed without

interference. The capacity of Locked

designs, which have slots, chutes, or

similar features, will be tested and

approved based upon whether standard

USPS mail sizes (see Table I) can be

easily inserted through the mail slot or

opening. Retrieval of this mail from the

locked compartment shall be equally as

easy.

TABLE I.—STANDARD MAIL (LOCKED

DESIGNS)

Description Size (L x H x Thk)

Express and Priority

Mail Envelopes.

121⁄2′′ x 91⁄2′′ x 1⁄2′′

Priority Mail Box ........ 85⁄8′′ x 53⁄8′′ x 15⁄8′′

3.15.2 Operational Requirements

Carrier service doors, auxiliary doors,

door catches/mechanisms, carrier signal

flags, and applicable accessory devices

must be capable of operating 7,500

normal operating cycles (one

cycle=open/close) at room temperature,

continuously and correctly, without any

failures such as breakage of parts.

Testing may be performed either

manually or by means of an automated,

mechanically driven test fixture which

essentially mimics a manual operation.

This test is applicable to all mailbox

designs.

3.15.3 Water Tightness

A rain test in accordance with UL

771, section 47.7, shall be performed to

determine a mailbox’s ability to protect

mail from water. The rain test shall be

operated for a period of 15 minutes for

each side. At the conclusion of the test,

the outside of the unit is wiped dry and

all doors are opened. The inside of the

compartment must contain no water

other than that produced by high

moisture condensation. This test is

applicable to all mailbox designs.

3.15.4 Salt Spray Resistance

A salt spray test shall be conducted in

accordance with method A5 of ASTM

G85, Standard Practice for Modified Salt

Spray (Fog) Testing. The salt test shall

be operated for 25 continuous cycles

with each cycle consisting of one hour

of fog and one hour of dry-off. The

mailbox shall be tested in a finished

condition, including all protective

coating, paint, and mounting hardware,

and shall be thoroughly washed when

submitted to remove all oil, grease, and

other nonpermanent coatings. No part of

the mailbox may show finish corrosion,

blistering, or peeling or other

destructive reaction upon conclusion of

test. Corrosion is defined as any form of

property change such as rust, oxidation,

color changes, perforation, accelerated

erosion, or disintegration. The buildup

of salt deposits on the surface shall not

be cause for rejection. However, any

corrosion, paint blistering, or paint

peeling is cause for rejection. This test

is primarily applicable to ferrous metal

mailbox designs. It is also valid for

mailboxes designs made of plastic,

wood, or other materials which use any

metal hardware.

3.15.5 Abrasion Resistance

The mailbox’s coating/finish shall be

tested for resistance to abrasion in

accordance with method A of ASTM

D968. The rate of sand flow shall be 2

liters of sand in 22 seconds, plus or

minus 3 seconds. The mailbox will have

failed the sand abrasion test if less than

15 liters of sand penetrates its coating or

if less than 75 liters of sand penetrates

its plating. This test is applicable to

metal mailbox designs only.

3.15.6 Temperature Stress Test

The mailbox under test shall be

placed in a cold chamber at ¥65°

Fahrenheit for 24 hours. The chamber

shall first be stabilized at the test

temperature. After remaining in the

¥65° environment for the 24-hour

period, the unit shall be quickly

removed from the cold chamber into

room ambient and tested for normal

operation. The removal from the

chamber and the testing for normal

operation shall be accomplished in less

than three minutes. The room ambient

shall be between 65° and 75°

Fahrenheit. Normal operation is defined

as operation required and defined by

this document. The unit under test shall

undergo a similar temperature test, as

described above, at a temperature of

140° Fahrenheit. This test is applicable

to all mailbox designs.

3.15.7 Structural Rigidity

Requirements

Forces of specified magnitude (see

Table II) shall be slowly applied at

specific points on the mailbox under

test (see Figure 6). These forces shall be

held for a minimum of one minute and

then released. After their release, the

deformation caused by the forces shall

be measured. If the deformation exceeds

the limit specified in Table II, the

mailbox under test has failed to meet

the structural rigidity requirement. The

doors shall remain closed for test

positions one through six. The

application of the forces at positions one

and two shall be applied with the

mailbox in its normal upright position,

supported by a horizontal board. The

application of the forces at positions

three, four, and five shall be applied

with the mailbox lying on its side (flag

side down). The mailbox shall be

supported, on the underside, by a flat

board that is relieved in the immediate

area of the flag mechanism. The

application of force at position six

(Traditional style flags only) shall be

applied with the mailbox lying on its

side (flag side up). The application of

force at position six shall be repeated at

the top of the flag with the mailbox in

its normal upright position. If visible

cracks in the material have developed as

a result of the testing, the mailbox under

test has failed to meet the structural

rigidity requirement. At the conclusion

of the structural rigidity testing, if the

mailbox under test fails to operate

normally, as defined by this document,

the mailbox under test has failed to

meet the structural rigidity requirement.

This test is applicable to all mailbox

designs.

Federal Register / Vol. 65, No. 212 / Wednesday, November 1, 2000 / Proposed Rules 65279

TABLE II.—PERMANENT DEFORMATION

LIMITS

Position Deformation

(inches)

Load

(pounds)

1 ........................ 1⁄8 200

2 ........................ 1⁄8 200

3 ........................ 1⁄8 50

4 ........................ 1⁄8 50

5 ........................ 1⁄8 100

6 ........................ 1⁄2 2

3.15.8 Impact Test

Refer to Figure 6 for load positions.

Precondition the mailbox for four hours

at ¥20° Fahrenheit. The following

testing shall be performed within three

minutes of removing the mailbox from

the temperature chamber. At both load

positions three and four, with the

mailbox lying on its side (flag side

down) with the door(s) closed, apply an

impact load equivalent to a 10-pound

weight dropped from a height of 3 feet

above the mailbox surface onto a bolster

plate having a surface not larger than 2

inches by 2 inches. The mailbox shall be

supported, on the underside, by a flat

board that is relieved in the immediate

area of the flag mechanism. If any

noticeable perforation, occurrence of

sharp edges, or cracking of the material,

either inside or outside the mailbox,

develops as a result of the impact, or if

the door becomes inoperable or fails to

close normally, the mailbox under test

has failed to meet the impact resistance

requirement. This test is applicable to

all mailbox designs.

4 APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

4.1 Application Requirements

Requests for application materials,

and all other correspondence and

inquiries, shall be directed to the

address in 1.3.2. The application

process is described below.

4.1.1 Preliminary Review

Manufacturers must first satisfy

requirements of a preliminary review

prior to submitting any sample

mailboxes or accessories. The

preliminary review consists of a review

of the manufacturer’s conceptual design

drawings. Computer-generated drawings

are preferred, but hand-drawn sketches

are acceptable provided they clearly

depict the overall shape and interior

size of the proposed mailbox design.

Drawings must also include details on

design of applicable features such as the

carrier service door, latch, handle, flag,

floor, and slot. In addition to drawings,

proposed accessories shall show or

describe intended function. If drawings

show that the proposed mailbox design

appears to comply with the

requirements of this standard,

manufacturers will be notified in

writing and may then continue with the

application requirements described in

4.1.2. Do not submit any sample

mailboxes to the USPS prior to

complying with the requirements of

4.1.2. Notification that a manufacturer’s

drawings satisfy the requirements of the

preliminary review does not constitute

USPS approval of a design and shall not

be relied upon as an assurance that a

design will be approved.

4.1.2 Testing

Upon receiving written notification

from the USPS that their design satisfies

requirements of the preliminary review,

manufacturers shall at their own

expense submit one sample of their

mailbox or accessory to an independent

laboratory for testing along with a copy

of the preliminary review letter from the

USPS. See Appendix A for a list of

USPS-approved independent test labs.

Manufacturers with more than one

unique model shall have each one tested

independently. Models which are

generally of the same size, shape, and

material of previously approved designs

but have only different decorative

features (i.e., color scheme and surface

contours) are not considered unique and

do not require any testing.

Manufacturers seeking approval of

models that are not unique shall submit

documentation for each model in

accordance with section 4.1.3.2. This

documentation will be reviewed and the

proposed model will be approved or

disapproved (see section 5). The USPS

may request that the manufacturer

submit one sample of the proposed

model.

4.1.3 Final Review

Manufacturers shall submit one

sample mailbox or accessory to the

USPS for final review and approval. The

sample shall be accompanied by a

certificate of compliance and a copy of

the laboratory test results (see 4.1.3.3).

Mailboxes submitted to the USPS (see

1.3.2) for final evaluation must be

identical in every way with the

mailboxes to be marketed and must be

marked as specified in 3.8.

Manufacturers may be subject to a

verification of their quality system prior

to approval. This may consist of a

review of the manufacturer’s quality

manual (see 4.1.3.4) and an on-site

quality system evaluation (see 3.1).

4.1.3.1 Instructions

Submit a copy of the instructions

conforming to 3.12 including the

statement concerning locks in 3.6.

4.1.3.2 Documentation

The unit submitted for approval shall

be accompanied by one complete set of

manufacturing drawings consisting of

black-on-white prints (blueprints or

sepia are unacceptable). The drawings

shall be dated and signed by a

manufacturer’s representative(s). The

drawings must completely document

and represent the design of the unit

tested. The drawings must include

sufficient details to allow the USPS to

inspect all materials, construction

methods, processes, coatings,

treatments, finishes (including paint

types and colors), control specifications,

parts, and assemblies used in the

construction of the unit. Additionally,

the drawings must fully describe any

purchased materials, components, and

hardware, including their respective

finishes. The USPS may request

individual piece parts to verify

drawings.

4.1.3.3 Certification of Compliance

and Test Results

Manufacturers shall furnish a written

certificate of compliance indicating that

their design fully complies with the

requirements of this specification. In

addition, the manufacturer shall submit

the lab’s original report which clearly

shows results of each test conducted

(see Table III). The manufacturer bears

all responsibility for their unit(s)

meeting these requirements and the

USPS reserves the right to retest any and

all units submitted, including those

which are available to the general

public.

TABLE III.—TEST REQUIREMENTS

Test Requirement Reference Applicable document

Capacity ..................................... Insertion of test gauge ............................................................... 3.15.1

Operational Requirements ......... 7,500 cycles ............................................................................... 3.15.2

Water Tightness ......................... No appreciable moisture ............................................................ 3.15.3 UL 771, Section 47.7.

Salt Spray Resistance ................ 25 cycles .................................................................................... 3.15.4 ASTM G85.

Abrasion Resistance .................. 75 liters ...................................................................................... 3.15.5 ASTM D968.

65280 Federal Register / Vol. 65, No. 212 / Wednesday, November 1, 2000 / Proposed Rules

TABLE III.—TEST REQUIREMENTS—Continued

Test Requirement Reference Applicable document

Temperature Stress Test ........... Shall function between ¥65 °F and 140 °F .............................. 3.15.6

Structural Rigidity Requirements Refer to Table I for loads and points, maximum 1⁄8 inch permanent deformation.3.15.7

Impact Test ................................ 10 lbs. dropped from 3 feet ....................................................... 3.15.8

4.1.3.4 Quality Assurance Manual

The manufacturer shall submit its

quality policy manual. The manual

should be structured in accordance with

ISO 10013 and with the requirements of

ISO 9002.

5 APPROVAL OR DISAPPROVAL

5.1 Disapproval

Written notification, including

reasons for disapproval, will be sent to

the manufacturer within 30 days of

completion of the final review of all

submitted units. All correspondence

and inquiries shall be directed to the

address listed in 1.3.2.

5.1.1 Disapproved Mailboxes

Mailboxes disapproved will be

disposed of in 30 calendar days from the

date of the written notification of

disapproval, or returned to the

manufacturer if requested, provided the

manufacturer pays shipping costs.

5.2 Approval

One set of manufacturing drawings

with written notification of approval

will be returned to the manufacturer.

The drawings will be stamped and

identified as representing each unit.

5.2.1 Approved Mailboxes

Mailboxes that are approved will be

retained by the USPS.

5.2.2 Production Units

Manufacturer’s production units shall

be constructed in accordance with the

identified (stamped) drawings and

provisions of this specification and be of

the same materials, construction,

coating, workmanship, finish, etc. as the

approved units. Within 60 days upon

sale of their approved mailbox to the

public, manufacturers shall submit one

production unit to the USPS office

listed in 1.3.2. The USPS reserves the

right at any time to examine and retest

units obtained either in the general

marketplace or from the manufacturer. If

the USPS determines that a particular

mailbox model is not in compliance

with this standard, USPS may suspend

or rescind approval as follows.

5.2.2.1 The USPS will provide written

notice to the manufacturer that a

particular mailbox model is not in

compliance with this standard. This

notice will state specific reason(s) why

the product is no longer considered in

compliance. It will be sent registered

mail with the manufacturer’s receipt of

notice documented.

5.2.2.2 The manufacturer must then

respond to the USPS within 30 days

with a reasonable and timely corrective

plan of action to bring the mailbox

model back into compliance. During the

interim, production of the mailbox shall

cease and any existing inventory shall

be destroyed.

5.2.2.3 The USPS will then respond

within 14 days whether the submitted

corrective plan of action is accepted or

rejected, with reason noted.

5.2.2.4 The USPS will proceed to

monitor the manufacturer’s compliance

with their corrective plan of action.

5.2.2.5 The corrected mailbox model is

sent to the USPS for re-approval within

the corrective plan of action’s time

frame.

5.2.2.6 The USPS will respond within

30 days whether the corrected model is

again in compliance with this standard.

If the model is found to be out of

compliance, the USPS will rescind its

approval. Consequently, the

manufacturer will have to follow

application requirements outlined in

section 4 to regain approval of the

model.

5.2.3 Revisions, Product or Drawings

Changes which affect the form, fit, or

function (i.e., dimensions, material,

finish) of approved products or

drawings shall not be made without

written approval from the USPS. Any

proposed changes shall be submitted

with the affected documentation,

reflecting the changes (including a

notation in the revision area) and a

written explanation of the changes. One

unit, incorporating the changes, may be

required to be resubmitted for testing

and evaluation for approval.

5.2.3.1 Revisions, Manufacturer

Structure

If any substantive part of the

approved manufacturer’s structure

changes from what existed when the

manufacturer became approved, the

manufacturer shall notify the USPS and

may be subject to a re-evaluation of

product or quality system. Examples of

substantive structural changes are:

change in executive or quality

management, major change in quality

policy or procedures, relocation of

manufacturing facilities, major

equipment or manufacturing process

change (e.g., outsourcing versus in-plant

fabrication), etc. Notification of such

changes will be to the address in 1.3.2.

5.2.4 Product Brochure

Within 60 days upon sale to public,

manufacturers shall submit one copy of

their product(s) brochure(s) representing

approved mailbox design(s) to the

address listed in 1.3.2, and to: USPS,

Delivery Policy and Programs, 475

L’Enfant Plaza, Rm. 7142, Washington,

DC 20260–0004.

6 Notes

6.1 Mailboxes intended to be used in

delivery to customer’s doors are not

currently ‘‘approved’’ by the United

States Postal Service as referenced in

this standard. However, it is

recommended that these boxes conform

to the intentions of this specification,

particularly the safety of the carrier and

customer and the protection of the mail.

The local postmaster shall be contacted

prior to installation and use of any door

mailbox.

6.2 The United States Postal Service

does not approve mailbox posts or

regulate mounting of mailboxes other

than the requirements specified in

sections 3.11 and 3.12. Please note that

mailbox posts are often subject to local

restrictions, state laws, and federal

highway regulations. Further

information may be obtained from:

American Association of State Highway

and Transportation Officials, 444 N

Capitol St NW, Ste 249, Washington,

DC 20001–1512

Federal Highway Administration Office

of Highway Safety HHS 10, 400 7th St

SW, Washington, DC 20590–0003

BILLING CODE 7710–12–P

Federal Register / Vol. 65, No. 212 / Wednesday, November 1, 2000 / Proposed Rules 65281

65282 Federal Register / Vol. 65, No. 212 / Wednesday, November 1, 2000 / Proposed Rules

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65284 Federal Register / Vol. 65, No. 212 / Wednesday, November 1, 2000 / Proposed Rules

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65286 Federal Register / Vol. 65, No. 212 / Wednesday, November 1, 2000 / Proposed Rules

BILLING CODE 7710–12–C

Appendix A—USPS-Approved

Independent Test Laboratories

(1) ACTS Test Labs, 100 Northpointe

Parkway, Buffalo, NY 14228–1884, Contact:

Dennis Maclaughlin, Phone: 716–505–3547

Fax: 716–505–3301.

(2) The Coatings Lab, 10175 Harwin Drive,

Suite 110, Houston, TX 77036, Contact: Tom

Schwerdt, Phone: 713–981–9368 Fax: 713–

776–9634.

(3) Ithaca Materials Research and Testing,

Inc. (IMR), Lansing Business and Technology

Park, 31 Woodsedge Drive, Lansing, NY

14882, Contact: Jeff Zerilli, Vice President,

Phone: 607–533–7000.

(4) Independent Test Laboratories, Inc.,

1127B Baker Street, Costa Mesa, CA 92626,

Contact: Robet Bouvier, Phone: 800–962–Test

Fax: 714–641–3836.

(5) Environ Labs L.L.C., 9725 Girard Ave

S., Minneapolis, MN 55431, Contact: Chuck

Mapes, Phone: 800–826–3710 Fax: 612–888–

6345.

(6) Midwest Testing Laboratories, Inc.,

1072 Wheaton, Troy, MI 48083, Contact:

Cherie Ulatowski, Phone: 248–689–9262 Fax:

248–689–7637.

Note: Additional test laboratories may be

added provided they satisfy USPS

certification criteria. Interested laboratories

should contact: USPS Engineering, Test

Evaluation and Quality, 8403 Lee Hwy,

Merrifield, VA 22082–8101.

Stanley F. Mires,

Chief Counsel, Legislative.

[FR Doc. 00–27913 Filed 10–31–00; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 7710–12–P