[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 24 (Thursday, February 5, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 6574-6615]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-01851]



[[Page 6573]]

Vol. 80

Thursday,

No. 24

February 5, 2015

Part II





Postal Service





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39 CFR Part 111





New Mailing Standards for Domestic Mailing Services Products; Proposed 
Rule

Federal Register / Vol. 80 , No. 24 / Thursday, February 5, 2015 / 
Proposed Rules

[[Page 6574]]


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POSTAL SERVICE

39 CFR Part 111


New Mailing Standards for Domestic Mailing Services Products

AGENCY: Postal Service<SUP>TM</SUP>.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: In January 2015, the Postal Service<SUP>TM</SUP> filed a 
notice of mailing services price adjustments with the Postal Regulatory 
Commission (PRC), effective April 26, 2015. This proposed rule contains 
the revisions to Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, 
Domestic Mail Manual (DMM[supreg]) that we would adopt to implement the 
changes coincident with the price adjustments.

DATES: We must receive comments on or before March 9, 2015.

ADDRESSES: Mail or deliver written comments to the manager, Product 
Classification, U.S. Postal Service[supreg], 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW., 
Room 4446, Washington DC 20260-5015. You may inspect and photocopy all 
written comments at USPS[supreg] Headquarters Library, 475 L'Enfant 
Plaza SW., 11th Floor N, Washington, DC, by appointment only between 
the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, by calling 1-
202-268-2906 in advance. Email comments, containing the name and 
address of the commenter, may be sent to: 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b1e1c3ded5c4d2c5f2ddd0c2c2d8d7d8d2d0c5d8dedff1c4c2c1c29fd6dec7"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="4414362b2031273007282537372d222d2725302d2b2a04313734376a232b32">[email protected]</span></a>, with a subject line of ``April 2015 
Domestic Mailing Services Proposal.'' Faxed comments are not accepted.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Karen Key, 202-268-7492, John Rosato, 
202-268-8597, or Suzanne Newman, 202-695-0550.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Proposed prices (CPI prices plus Exigent 
surcharges) will be available in Attachment A, Part II in the Postal 
Service's Notice, which was filed under Docket Number R2015-4. 
Materials related to this Docket are available on the Postal Regulatory 
Commission's Web site at www.prc.gov.
    The Postal Service's proposed rule includes: Changes to prices (not 
every price being changed is highlighted, see www.prc.gov for complete 
listing of the proposed prices), several mail classification and 
preparation changes, modifications to mailpiece characteristics and 
additional services, multiple product and service simplification 
efforts, and revisions to the DMM to condense language and eliminate 
redundancy to improve its ease of use without changing the mailing 
standards.

Proposed Changes for First-Class Mail Letters and Flats

    To better manage the customer experience, the Postal 
Service<SUP>TM</SUP> proposes maintaining the First-Class 
Mail<SUP>TM</SUP> single-piece stamp price at 49 cents. Likewise, 
single-piece flats up to one ounce will be kept at 98 cents, preserving 
the convenience to consumers of using two letter stamps for postage. 
The single-piece additional ounce and non-machinable surcharge prices 
will increase one cent to 22 cents.
    Last year, we introduced a Metered Mail price to provide greater 
flexibility to price stamps, single-piece Metered Mail, and presort 
mail to reflect their different costs and markets. The Metered Mail 
price will increase modestly but will still remain below the single-
piece stamp price.

Proposed Changes for Parcels

First-Class Mail Parcels

    In November 2014, the Governors approved filing for the transfer of 
First-Class Mail parcels to a competitive product. The pleading was 
filed with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) on November 14, 2014, 
Docket No. MC2015-7. As discussed in the filing, First-Class Mail 
parcels compete with an assortment of comparable products with fast 
delivery offered by competitors for mailable matter weighing less than 
13 ounces. Since First-Class Mail parcels fulfill all of the criteria 
for competitive products, and recognizing the competitive nature of the 
marketplace that these parcels fulfill, the Postal Service plans to 
remove First-Class Mail parcels from the market dominant product list, 
and add it as a retail subcategory of the existing First-Class 
Package[supreg] Service competitive product. If this is adopted, the 
new First-Class Package Service category would maintain First-Class 
Mail service standards and pricing structure.
    Because the Commission has not yet ruled on this proposal, we 
propose an above average price increase to improve the cost coverage 
since First-Class Mail parcels have an exceptionally low cost coverage 
for a First-Class Mail product.

Package Services

    Package Services now consists of Alaska Bypass, Bound Printed 
Matter flats, Bound Printed Mailer parcels, Media Mail, and Library 
Mail. Bound Printed Matter flats consist primarily of heavy catalogs, 
and Bound Printed Matter parcels consist primarily of product order 
fulfillment. We are proposing to increase Media Mail and Library Mail 
(whose prices are linked by law) by more than average because these 
products continue to not cover their costs. We are proposing to 
increases to Bound Printed Matter parcels prices, (and minimally to 
Bound Printed Matter flats prices as mentioned under Proposed Changes 
for Flats).

Returns Simplification

    The Postal Service proposes several changes to our merchandise 
return options to make it easier for customers to do business with us. 
Changes will include the ability for customers to establish a single 
Return Services permit, and pay a single Return Services annual account 
maintenance fee at any Post Office, to receive any one, or combination 
of, the following returns offerings: Merchandise return service (MRS) 
(including USPS Returns paid using a scan-based payment method), or 
Parcel Return Service (PRS).
    Further, upon annual renewal, the Return Services permit and annual 
accounting fees will be waived for those mailers showing outbound 
package volume paid using their outbound permit imprint account within 
the prior year. The Postal Service feels that this waiver of fees will 
incentivize new customers to use USPS<SUP>TM</SUP> for returns in 
addition to their outbound shipments, and will encourage our existing 
mailers to continue doing business with us.
    Additional changes proposed will align the availability of 
insurance for purchase with returns with that of outbound as detailed 
under the extra services section of this proposed rule. Finally, in 
response to limited customer use of the Parcel Return Service [ballot] 
Full Network product made available January 27, 2013, the Postal 
Service will eliminate it as a general offering, but will retain it as 
an option for customers under a customized Negotiated Service Agreement 
(NSA).

Merchandise Return Service

    The Postal Service continues its efforts to simplify and streamline 
its product and service offerings. Currently, merchandise return 
service (MRS) provides multiple competitive and market dominant 
products available to business customers to transport their return 
merchandise. With the expansion and availability of various commercial 
returns services including Parcel Return Service, USPS Returns (a 
subcategory of MRS paid using a scan based payment method), Bulk Parcel 
Return Service, and Business Reply Mail[supreg] parcels, customers have 
multiple commercially priced returns options. To that end, the Postal 
Service is contemplating replacing the use of market dominant First-
Class Mail parcels, Package Services (Media Mail, Library Mail, and

[[Page 6575]]

Bound Printed Matter), and Standard Post<SUP>TM</SUP> (recently moved 
to competitive but as a retail-only product) for MRS with competitively 
priced First-Class Package Service and Parcel Select[supreg] Nonpresort 
(ground) products.
    The Postal Service believes that our business mailers using MRS 
today can receive the same or more customized handling and delivery 
options when using our commercially priced products, or one of the 
other existing returns offerings. The Postal Service also anticipates 
that this change would result in the induction of more parcel volumes 
priced to cover their costs, unlike First-Class Mail parcels and most 
of the Package Service products, without compromising service. 
Additional changes to MRS include eliminating the ability to fax 
barcoded MRS labels. Since MRS now requires an Intelligent Mail[supreg] 
package barcode (IMpb) with imbedded USPS Tracking[supreg] on all 
labels, and standards already prohibited faxing MRS labels with USPS 
Tracking barcodes, this means of label production would be removed as 
an option.

Bulk Parcel Return Service

    The Postal Service proposes to revise standards for Bulk Parcel 
Return Service (BPRS) to eliminate the BPRS annual permit and account 
maintenance fees as a requirement for the service. Additionally, in 
support of our visibility initiatives, we propose requiring an IMpb on 
all BPRS labels. This change will align with the requirement of an IMpb 
on all other return services labels for parcels, and on all outbound 
commercial parcels. All other requirements for participation will 
remain unchanged.

Return Call Tag (Print and Deliver Return Label Service)

    On September 7, 2014, the Postal Service implemented a return call 
tag (label) option for permit holders to electronically request an 
applicable USPS return label for their permit to be generated and 
delivered by USPS to their customer (label end-user). This article 
serves to notify customers that the Postal Service will now refer to 
Call Tag Return Service as Print and Deliver Return Label Service. 
Future enhancements being considered within this offering includes the 
ability for outbound shipping labels to be generated and delivered by 
USPS to a permit holder's customer (label end-user).

Extra Services

    The focus of the Postal Service on extra services is 
simplification, which is designed to reduce redundancy and improve 
customer ease of use. To accomplish this, we are proposing changes to 
extra services as follows:

USPS Tracking

    The Postal Service continues its efforts to provide visibility and 
scan data for mailers using USPS to send their shipments. As a result, 
USPS Tracking will be included at no additional charge for the 
following market dominant products: First-Class Mail parcels, Media 
Mail, Library Mail, and Bound Printed Matter. USPS Tracking will still 
be available for purchase with Standard Mail parcels. An IMpb will be 
required on the mailpiece in order to provide the included tracking 
service.

Return Receipt for Merchandise

    The Postal Service believes Return Receipt for Merchandise no 
longer provides a unique service otherwise unavailable in the past. 
Signature Confirmation<SUP>TM</SUP> available for parcels provides the 
same or equivalent service for a lower price. Declining volumes of 
Return Receipt for Merchandise coupled with the increase of mailer use 
of Signature Confirmation supports this transition.
    For these reasons, on December 18, 2013 (78 FR 76533), the Postal 
Service provided advance notice of plans to discontinue offering Return 
Receipt for Merchandise service in July 2014. Although the date for 
this change was temporarily deferred, the Board of Governors approved 
filing for the elimination of Return Receipt for Merchandise as a 
special service in November 2014 and a pleading was filed with the PRC 
on November 17, 2014 (Docket No. MC2015-8).
    On January 15, 2015, the Postal Service received conditional 
approval to remove Return Receipt for Merchandise from the Mail 
Classification Schedule. The Postal Service is studying the order and 
will evaluate whether or not Return Receipt for Merchandise service 
will be eliminated. Depending on the Postal Service's decision, Return 
Receipt for Merchandise service may be eliminated as an extra service 
on April 26, 2015. The Postal Service shall notify the Commission of 
its election no later than January 28, 2015.

Insurance

    The Postal Service proposes to eliminate separate price tables for 
domestic Priority Mail Express[supreg] merchandise insurance and 
domestic general insurance. By combining the insurance price tables, it 
is expected that mailer choices will be simplified. No changes will be 
made to insurance included with Priority Mail Express and Priority 
Mail[supreg], or the options for purchasing additional insurance for 
any applicable outbound product. However, plans are to also expand the 
availability of insurance coverage for purchase to all returns 
services. Currently, in some cases only the sender may purchase 
insurance for his or her return item, or insurance is limited to 
coverage for $200.00 or less, or no insurance option is available at 
all. This change will align insurance options available for purchase 
for returns with that of outbound shipments (excluding standards 
already disallowing any `included' insurance coverage for returns).
    Furthermore, the Postal Service plans to adjust the insurance 
threshold for capturing the recipient's signature at the time of 
delivery from items insured for more than $200.00, to items insured for 
more than $500.00. Additionally, the delivery record (including a copy 
of the recipient's signature) would be provided at no additional charge 
for items insured for more than $500.00. Customers who want a signature 
for items insured for $500 or less can purchase Signature Confirmation 
service.

Certified Mail

    The Postal Service plans to introduce three new combined offerings 
under Certified Mail[supreg]: Certified Mail Restricted Delivery 
(available through all channels), and both Certified Mail Adult 
Signature Required and Certified Mail Adult Signature Restricted 
Delivery (available online and to commercial mailers). This change will 
allow customers to choose the combined service as opposed to purchasing 
the services separately.

Restricted Delivery

    The Postal Service plans to eliminate restricted delivery service 
as a separate add-on extra service with its own separate price and 
instead offer restricted delivery as a blended service under the extra 
services with which it can be purchased with today. Customers will be 
able to choose from the following combinations of services that include 
restricted delivery:
    <bullet> Certified Mail Restricted Delivery.
    <bullet> Certified Mail Adult Signature Restricted Delivery.
    <bullet> Collect on Delivery (COD) Restricted Delivery.
    <bullet> Insurance (over $500.00) Restricted Delivery.
    <bullet> Registered Mail<SUP>TM</SUP> Restricted Delivery.
    <bullet> Signature Confirmation Restricted Delivery.

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    Additionally, Signature Confirmation Restricted Delivery will be 
expanded from online only, to include availability through retail and 
commercial channels.

Return Receipt

    The Postal Service plans to align the availability of a domestic 
return receipt from items insured for more than $200.00, to items 
insured for more than $500.00, which aligns with the changes to 
obtaining the delivery record (that includes the recipient's signature) 
for insured mail. Additionally, the hardcopy return receipt (PS Form 
3811, Domestic Return Receipt), or any USPS-approved facsimile, would 
include an IMpb that will be electronically linked to the IMpb of the 
extra service on the mailpiece. The IMpb on the return receipt will 
provide the tracking visibility to mailers similar to tracking now 
provided for all other extra services requiring an IMpb. Additionally, 
the option for purchasing a return receipt after mailing will be 
eliminated. Mailers wishing to receive a copy of the delivery record, 
including the recipient's signature obtained at the time of delivery, 
will still be able to do so by purchasing the applicable extra service 
at the time of mailing.

USPS Signature Services

    The Postal Service plans to introduce a USPS Signature service 
umbrella which will encompass the various extra services that provide 
electronic signature data (including the recipient's signature obtained 
at the time of delivery). The basic standards for the extra services 
will remain unchanged. The USPS Signature services umbrella will 
encompass:
    <bullet> Signature Confirmation.
    <bullet> Signature Confirmation Restricted Delivery.
    <bullet> Adult Signature Required.
    <bullet> Adult Signature Restricted Delivery.
    Except for Signature Confirmation and Signature Confirmation 
Restricted Delivery, the remaining USPS Signature services are only 
available through online or commercial channels.

Adult Signature

    Adult Signature Required and Adult Signature Restricted Delivery 
would be expanded to include availability with First-Class Package 
Service and Parcel Select Lightweight[supreg] pieces purchased through 
commercial channels if this proposed rule is adopted. Customers would 
be able to choose either Adult Signature Required (delivery to an 
individual with identification showing they are at least 21 years of 
age) or Adult Signature Restricted Delivery (delivery to an individual 
specified by name with identification showing who they are, and that 
they are at least 21 years of age) for these additional products.

Certificate of Mailing

    Changes are being made to certificate of mailing services to 
provide additional piece level visibility by leveraging technology 
advancements available today and to minimize the administrative costs 
associated with providing these services. The Postal Service plans to 
redesign the commercial offering of certificate of mailing by 
introducing a new firm sheet, barcoded PS Form 3665, Certificate of 
Mailing--Firm, for three or more mailpieces presented at one time and a 
new barcoded PS Form 3606-D, Certificate of Bulk Mailing. The new PS 
Form 3665 (or USPS-approved mailer generated facsimile) and the PS Form 
3606-D (or USPS-approved mailer generated facsimile) will include an 
IMpb appended to the IMb (or IMpb, for parcels with included tracking 
only) on the mailpieces manifested to the form. Mailers must submit an 
electronic manifest to USPS (using mail.dat or mail.xml, or a shipping 
services file as appropriate for the type of pieces appending to the 
form) which reconciles with all of the items represented, or listed, on 
the associated Form 3606-D.
    Additional changes to certificate of mailing will limit PS Form 
3817 use to less than three pieces presented at retail at one time and 
PS Form 3665-Firm to three or more pieces presented at one time. 
Mailers will be permitted to present Form 3665-Firm or Form 3606-D at 
retail Post Office<SUP>TM</SUP> locations when presenting less than 50 
pieces or 50 pounds (whichever amount is met first) of corresponding 
articles at one time, and at a Business Mail Entry Unit (BMEU) or 
USPS<SUP>TM</SUP> authorized DMU (Detached Mail Unit) when at least 50 
pieces or 50 pounds (whichever amount is met first) of corresponding 
articles are presented at one time. Due to the electronic enhancements 
for PS Form 3665-Firm, duplicate copies of PS Form 3665-Firm after 
mailing will not be offered; however, duplicate copies of PS Form 3817 
after mailing will still be offered.

Collect on Delivery (COD)

    The PS Form 3816, COD Mailing and Delivery Receipt, used for COD 
service will be revised to include a Hold For Pickup and a Street 
Delivery option to mailers using online and commercial payment methods. 
Additionally, mailers will have the option to obtain electronic funds 
transfer (EFT), in lieu of a postal money order, for remittance for COD 
payments made by cash. No fee is associated with obtaining the 
remittance using an EFT; however, mailers must by authorized by USPS to 
participate in the EFT option.

Special Handling

    The Postal Service will redesign special handling service by 
eliminating the weight threshold for special handling, and creating 
content-specific identifiers, and in some cases, additional fees. If 
this proposed rule is adopted, only the Fragile category will include a 
fee; however, the Postal Service expects to add the following content-
specific handling service codes under the special handling umbrella:
    <bullet> Hazardous Material Transportation.
    <bullet> Fragile.
    <bullet> Perishable.

Competitive Post Office (PO) Box Services

    The Postal Service plans to include clarifying language to DMM 
standards for competitive PO Box<SUP>TM</SUP> service when box holders 
in these locations use the optional street addressing enhancement. 
Customers who choose to use this designation also have the option of 
receiving packages from private carriers at their Post Office 
Box<SUP>TM</SUP> address. Packages from private carriers being 
delivered to a customer at a competitive Post Office Box service 
location, when using the street addressing designation option, do not 
require U.S. Postage to be affixed.

Changes to Flats

Incentivize Flats Sequencing System Preparation

    In order to incentivize flats sequencing system (FSS) preparation 
in Standard Mail, Periodicals and Bound Printed Matter Flats, we are 
proposing pricing for FSS Scheme Bundles entered at an FSS facility. We 
are also proposing pricing for FSS prepared mail entered at non-FSS 
locations.
    As background, the Postal Service introduced optional flats 
sequencing system (FSS) preparation standards August 23, 2010 [75 FR 
51668-51671] effective January 2, 2011. These FSS preparation standards 
were developed in collaboration with the mailing industry group; 
including mail owners and mail service providers. The results of the 
industry group efforts determined that the preparation of the bundles 
and pallets specifically for FSS processing could lead to greater 
efficiencies and cost savings for both the USPS and the mailing 
industry. As of January 26, 2014, the Postal Service required bundle 
and pallet preparation of flat-size Standard Mail, Periodicals, and 
Bound Printed Matter mailpieces prepared for

[[Page 6577]]

delivery within the ZIP Codes\TM\ served by FSS processing. This 
allowed mailers to optionally prepare qualified basic, high density, 
and high density plus carrier route flat mailpieces into the FSS 
sortation. The mailers were charged a ``default'' price that required 
the FSS sortation to be made for these ZIP Codes, however, the FSS 
pieces were charged the applicable CR, 5D, and 3D price that they would 
have been charged if they had not presorted to the FSS requirements. 
There was also limited FSS entry pricing that included discount related 
pricing on Standard Mail and Periodicals FSS-schemed flats that were 
entered at FSS facilities on pallets only.
    Effective April 26, 2015, the Postal Service will create an FSS 
piece price for all FSS qualifying pieces. We are proposing to add new 
FSS piece level prices for machinable barcoded (automation) flats and 
machinable non-barcoded/nonautomation flats. Sorting of saturation, 
high density and high density plus carrier route flat mailpieces may be 
included in FSS scheme bundles and reported on either the FSS scheme 
barcoded or non-barcoded postage lines.
    Additionally, all FSS Scheme containers (including sacks and flat 
trays) entered at an FSS facility will be eligible for the DFSS entry 
price for all three mail classes of flats. We are also allowing mailers 
that are preparing FSS facility containers can now enter those 
containers at FSS sites and the pieces on these FSS facility containers 
would be eligible for DSCF prices for all FSS ZIPs processed at that 
site. The Postal Service is also adding destination entry pricing 
(DFSS) for eligible FSS scheme and facility containers for qualifying 
FSS Periodicals flats.
    Periodicals In-County priced mail is still optional to presort to 
the FSS sort scheme. This includes up to 5,000 copies of outside-county 
pieces that are also included in that mailing issue. We also recommend 
that all unbound, non-stapled, newspaper-type, Periodicals, and 
Standard Mail flat-sized mailpieces, not be presorted to the FSS sort 
scheme.
    FSS scheme bundles of Bound Printed Matter (BPM) flats will also 
have the DFSS entry with scheme bundles on/in any container (FSS Sch 
Container) and FSS scheme bundles on/in any facility container. Also, a 
minor change to BPM flats FSS Presorted to FSS scheme will still permit 
BPM carrier route flats in the FSS sortation, but will then be reported 
as FSS scheme as either: Origin entry (None) zones 1-9, DNDC entry 
zones 1-5, DSCF entry; or DFSS entry in a FSS scheme bundles in/on a 
FSS scheme container; or in a FSS scheme bundles in/on a FSS facility 
container. FSS scheme bundles of Standard Mail flats will also still 
permit Standard Mail Carrier Route mail in the FSS sortation but will 
then be reported as FSS Scheme Pallet, FSS Other, FSS Scheme container 
or FSS Facility Container depending on the Entry.

Incentivize 5-Digit Pallets of Carrier Route Bundles

    We also are proposing a new incentive for Periodicals and Standard 
Mail flats, 5-digit and/or 5-digit scheme carrier routes pallets which 
consist entirely of carrier route bundles for the same 5-digit or 5-
digit scheme.

Bound Printed Matter Flats Prices

    We are proposing minimal increases to Bound Printed Matter flats 
prices.

Standard Mail

    Standard Mail[supreg] is primarily advertising mail and includes 
some lightweight parcels. Several changes to Standard Mail are being 
proposed to include:

Separate Flats Sequencing System (FSS) Pricing Structure

    In 2014 the Postal Service required that flats to be processed on 
FSS machines comply with FSS preparation guidelines. We now are 
proposing a separate price structure for FSS that provides the lowest 
per piece price to FSS scheme bundles on scheme containers, and prices 
for FSS facility containers at the SCF price. These prices will apply 
to all preparation levels for FSS volume, including High Density and 
High Density Plus.

Enhanced Carrier Route Bundle Pricing for Non-FSS Flats

    Approximately 86 percent of Carrier Route bundles are entered at 
postal facilities on 3-Digit pallets. These pallets are more expensive 
to process than Carrier Route bundles entered on 5-Digit and Carrier 
Route pallets. In order to encourage mailers to prepare more direct 
pallets, we propose a new price for Standard Mail flats prepared in 
Carrier Route bundles on a 5-Digit Pallet. This will be the lowest 
price available for Non-FSS Standard Mail flats.

Standard Mail Flat Prices

    We propose to exceed the PRC requirement to increase Standard Mail 
flats by at least 1.05 times the average Standard Mail price increase. 
This increase will improve the cost coverage of Standard Mail flats; 
however, because catalogs are ``anchors in the mailbox'' that customers 
look forward to receiving, we want to improve cost coverage while 
preventing price shock from increasing prices too quickly.

Standard Mail Parcel Prices

    Standard Mail parcels currently have lower cost coverage than 
Standard Mail flats. The price increases in the product focus on 
Standard Mail Marketing Parcels, which account for 98 percent of the 
volume in the category. This price increase is expected to improve cost 
coverage.

Standard Mail Marketing Parcels

    Clarifying language will be added to the standards for Standard 
Mail Marketing Parcels that (bulk) insurance does not extend to 
Marketing Parcels as already excluded by standards for items bearing 
alternate address format.

Periodicals

Separate FSS Pricing Structure

    In 2014, the Postal Service required that flats that will be 
processed on FSS machines comply with FSS preparation guidelines. This 
year, we are proposing a separate price structure for FSS that provides 
the lowest combined price to FSS scheme bundles on scheme containers.

Enhanced Carrier Route Bundle Pricing for Non-FSS Flats

    Approximately 88 percent of Periodicals Carrier Route bundles are 
entered at postal facilities on SCF and 3-Digit pallets. Carrier Route 
bundles on these pallets are more expensive to process than those 
entered on 5-Digit and pure Carrier Route pallets.

Periodicals Prices

    In FY 2013, the cost coverage for Periodicals, which includes 
magazines and newspapers, was well below 100 percent. The PRC asked the 
Postal Service to use its pricing flexibility to improve the efficiency 
of Periodicals pricing. To that end, we are proposing significantly 
higher than average increases on bundles and pallets in order to ensure 
that these elements cover their costs. We expect modest improvements in 
preparation, leading to somewhat lower costs and improved cost 
coverage. Under today's high-speed automation conditions, this option 
merely provides for inefficiency and higher processing and handling 
costs, as these non-machinable flats must be segregated from staging 
for automated processing, and instead worked in a single-piece manual 
operation. We are also proposing a slightly higher than average 
increase in piece prices and a lower than average increase for both 
advertising and editorial pound rates. Combined together, we expect 
that these

[[Page 6578]]

measures will improve the cost coverage for Periodicals.

Other Changes

Expedited Markings on Mailpieces

    Clarifications will be made to the mailing standards for use of 
expedited attention, handling or delivery markings (e.g., ``Urgent,'' 
``Rush Delivery,'' ``Expedited,'' ``Time Sensitive'') on mailpieces. 
Over time, some mailers have expanded the use of these markings to 
classes of mail other than Standard Mail paid by permit imprint, as 
originally intended and described in the standards. Additionally, in 
some cases the wording used has been expanded, risking or creating 
trademark infringements and false advertising. This rule change serves 
to provide all mailers with more detailed standards for use of 
expedited handling or delivery markings across all products and 
mailpieces.

Change of Address Orders by Phone

    The DMM is being revised to update standards for Change of Address 
Orders made by phone. USPS no longer accepts change of address orders, 
requiring customer authorization using a credit card, through the 
corporate call center. Mailers may continue to make Change of Address 
Orders online at https://moversguide.usps.com (which requires customer 
verification using a credit card, with a minimal validation fee), by 
submitting PS Form 3575, Change of Address Order, or other written 
notice, to any Post Office.

Indemnity Claims and Refunds

    The Postal Service continues its efforts to streamline and improve 
the refunds and claims processes for our customers. As a result, 
mailer's paying postage for extra services using any payment method, 
will now file their requests for any applicable extra service fee 
refunds using the online application at: www.usps.com/insuranceclaims/online.htm, instead of submitting their requests in hardcopy to the 
local Postmaster for adjudication. Additionally, we are proposing 
revised DMM language to clarify claims standards and to eliminate 
outdated or duplicate claims information. For proof of value: Invoices 
or bill of sales must be paid receipts, not solely a customer's 
statement and a picture from a catalog showing proof of value of an 
item. For payable claims: The USPS is not presumed to be at fault 
without any physical damage to the package for live bees, crickets and 
poultry. For complete loss: If the insured, registered, or COD article 
is lost (not damaged) the payment includes an additional amount for the 
postage (not fee) paid by the sender.

Ancillary Service Endorsements

Late Fees for Address Correction Service Past Due

    To provide consistency in covering costs incurred from collecting 
Address Correction Service (ACS<SUP>TM</SUP>) fee deficiencies, the 
Postal Service proposes to adopt an annual assessment of approximately 
10% per year on any overdue charges for ACS notices provided to the 
mailer for the preceding billing period. The fee would be applied on 
any ACS fees more than one month overdue.

Change Service Requested Option 2

    The standards for the treatment of Standard Mail letters and flats, 
and Bound Printed Matter flats will be revised to allow mailers an 
additional ancillary service endorsement option.

2015 Promotions

    The Postal Service has been offering seasonal and promotional 
prices to increase the value of mail to both the senders and receivers 
of mailpieces. The Postal Service proposes to offer four mailing 
promotions in three categories in calendar year 2015, and will share 
the details of these promotions on the USPS<SUP>TM</SUP> RIBBS Web site 
soon. An overview of the planned promotions follows:

Mobile Technology

    These two promotions will build upon previous promotions and 
continue our strategy to encourage mailers to integrate direct mail 
with mobile technology, using best practices in mobile marketing.

1. Emerging and Advanced Technologies Promotion; April 1-September 30
2. Mail Drives Mobile Engagement Promotion; July 1-December 31

Technology Drives Relevance

    This promotion leverages the value of innovative direct mail 
techniques that are less widely used, but have been shown to increase 
the effectiveness of mail campaigns.

3. Color Transpromo Promotion; June 1-November 30

Leverage Value of First-Class Mail

    This promotion category is intended to slow the declining volume 
trends for First-Class Mail. As technology continues to disrupt the 
mail volume, the Postal Service will ensure Courtesy Reply Mail remains 
a relevant part of the First-Class Mail marketing mix.

4. Earned Value Promotion; April 1-June 30

Advance Notices

Periodicals-Pending

    The Postal Service plans to improve the costly, over-complicated 
calculation process for mailers in a Periodicals pending status to 
determine applicable class postage costs. This improvement will allow 
both the Postal Service and Periodicals publishers to use a pro-rated 
percent equation based on the difference between Periodicals and the 
applicable class and subclass prices, to then determine the higher 
amount of pending postage. Today, the complexity requires hundreds of 
lines of costly coding and programming each applicable price cell for 
each price change, which provides more detail than needed by the Postal 
Service or the publishers.

Periodicals and Bound Printed Matter Flats

    Additionally, the Postal Service is contemplating changes to 
mailing standards to reduce programming and align the physical 
standards for `flats' across all mail classes. The change would remove 
the non-machinable distinction for the Periodicals class and the non-
automation distinction for Bound Printed Matter, and require all 
`flats' not meeting the applicable flats requirements in DMM 201 
(including weight by class and subclass), to be considered as parcels.

List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 111

    Administrative practice and procedure, Postal Service.

    Although we are exempt from the notice and comment requirements of 
the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 553(b), (c)) regarding 
proposed rulemaking by 39 U.S.C. 410(a), we invite public 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 111.1. 
Accordingly, 39 CFR part 111 is proposed to be amended as follows:

PART 111--[AMENDED]

0
1. The authority citation for 39 CFR part 111 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 552(a); 13 U.S.C. 301-307; 18 U.S.C. 1692-
1737; 39 U.S.C. 101, 401, 403, 404, 414, 416, 3001-3011, 3201-3219, 
3403-3406, 3621, 3622, 3626, 3632, 3633, and 5001.

0
2. Revise the following sections of Mailing Standards of the United 
States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM), as follows:

[[Page 6579]]

Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail 
Manual (DMM)

* * * * *

100 Retail Letters, Cards, Flats, and Parcels

* * * * *

102 Elements on the Face of a Mailpiece

* * * * *

3.0 Placement and Content of Mail Markings

* * * * *
    [Insert new 3.5 to read as follows:]

3.5 Marking Expedited Handling on Mail

    Mailpieces bearing references to expedited handling or delivery 
(e.g., ``Urgent,'' ``Rush Delivery,'' ``Expedited,'' ``Time 
Sensitive'') must meet the same conditions as provided under 604.5.3.5.
* * * * *

133 Prices and Eligibility

1.0 First-Class Mail Prices and Fees

1.1 First-Class Mail Single-Piece Price Application

    [Revise the entire text of 1.1 to read as follows:]
    The single-piece retail prices for First-Class Mail and First-Class 
Package Service are provided in Notice 123--Price List and are applied 
as follows:
    a. The First-Class Mail card price applies to a card meeting the 
standards in 101.6.2.
    b. The First-Class Mail letter price applies to letter-size pieces 
meeting the standards in 101.1.1 and weighing 3.5 ounces or less, and 
that are not eligible for the card price. There are separate prices for 
stamped letters, and for letters with postage affixed (other than 
regular stamps) or imprinted (permit imprint) by the mailer (Metered 
Mail price).
    c. The First-Class Mail flat price applies to flat-size pieces that 
meet the standards in 101.2.0.
    d. The First-Class Package Service parcel price applies to parcel-
size pieces under 101.3.0 and to flat-size pieces that do not meet the 
standards in 101.2.0.

1.2 Price Computation for First-Class Mail

    [Revise the text of 1.2 to read as follows:]
    Single-piece First-Class Mail and First-Class Package Service 
retail prices are charged per ounce or fraction thereof; any fraction 
of an ounce is considered a whole ounce. For example, if a piece weighs 
1.2 ounces, the weight (postage) increment is 2 ounces. The minimum 
postage per addressed piece is that for a piece weighing 1 ounce. To 
determine single-piece weight in any mailing of nonidentical-weight 
pieces, weigh each piece individually. To determine single-piece weight 
in a mailing of identical-weight pieces, weigh a sample group of at 
least 10 randomly selected pieces and divide the total sample weight by 
the number of pieces in the sample. Express all single-piece weights in 
decimal pounds rounded off to four decimal places.
    [Delete 1.3, Determining Single-Piece Weight, in its entirety (text 
relocated to 1.2), then, renumber current 1.4 and 1.5 as new 1.3 and 
1.4.]
    [Revise the text of renumbered 1.4 to read as follows:]

1.4 Nonmachinable Surcharge

    The nonmachinable surcharge is charged per piece and applies only 
to letter-size pieces that meet one or more of the nonmachinable 
characteristics in 101.1.2. An envelope weighing no more than one ounce 
with one enclosed standard optical disc no larger than 12 centimeters 
in diameter that is mailed as letter-size BRM or PRM under 505 and 
addressed to a company who sent the disc and BRM or PRM envelope to a 
subscriber as part of a round-trip-mailing under 233.2.8 is not subject 
to the nonmachinable surcharge.

2.0 Basic Eligibility Standards for First-Class Mail

    [Revise the text of 2.1 to read as follows:]

2.1 Description of Service

    First-Class Mail letters and flats and First-Class Package Service 
parcels receive expeditious handling and transportation. Service 
objectives for delivery are 1 to 3 days; however, delivery time is not 
guaranteed.

2.2 Defining Characteristics

2.2.1 Inspection of Contents

    [Revise the text of 2.2.1 to read as follows:]
    Except for First-Class Package Service pieces paid at commercial 
base prices, all other First-Class Mail is closed against postal 
inspection.
* * * * *

2.2.3 Extra Services

    [Revise the text of 2.2.3 to read as follows:]
    First-Class Mail (including First-Class Package Service and 
Priority Mail) is the only class of mail eligible to receive the 
following extra services: Registered Mail service and Certified Mail 
service (see 503 for additional information).

3.0 Content Standards

* * * * *

3.2 Bills and Statements of Account

    [Revise introductory text of 3.2 to read as follows:]
    Bills and statements of account must be mailed as First-Class Mail, 
First-Class Package Service at retail prices, Priority Mail, or 
Priority Mail Express and are defined as follows:
* * * * *

3.3 Personal Information

    [Revise the first sentence of 3.3 to read as follows:]
    Mail containing personal information must be mailed as First-Class 
Mail, First-Class Package Service at retail prices, Priority Mail, or 
Priority Mail Express.* * *

3.4 Handwritten and Typewritten Material

    [Revise the text of 3.4 to read as follows:]
    Mail containing handwritten or typewritten material must be mailed 
as First-Class Mail, First-Class Package Service at retail prices, 
Priority Mail, or Priority Mail Express.
* * * * *

134 Postage Payment Methods

1.0 Postage Payment Methods for First-Class Mail

1.1 Payment Method

    [Revise 1.1 by inserting a new second sentence to read as follows:]
    * * * Postage for single-piece First-Class Package Service 
(parcels) must be paid at a retail post office location, station or 
branch, or with affixed postage stamps, postage evidencing system 
indicium, permit imprint, or precanceled stamps, (see 604 for 
additional information on postage payment methods).
* * * * *

1.3 More Than One Mailer

    [Revise the text of 1.3 to read as follows:]
    When two or more individuals or organizations, or a party acting as 
their agent, mail in one package the bills, statements of account, or 
other letters of the individuals or organizations, to an addressee in 
common, First-Class Mail or First-Class Package Service postage may be 
paid based on the weight and dimensions of the entire package of 
aggregated mail. Postage is not required on each individual piece of 
First-Class Mail.
* * * * *

[[Page 6580]]

135 Mail Preparation

1.0 Preparation for First-Class Mail

    The following standards apply to single-piece First-Class Mail:
    [Revise the text of 1.0 item a to read as follows:]
    a. Each piece must have a delivery address but is not required to 
bear the marking ``First-Class'', ``First-Class Mail'' or ``First-Class 
Package Service'', as appropriate for the mailpiece, (presuming the 
numerical value of postage is affixed).
* * * * *

136 Deposit

1.0 Deposit for First-Class Mail

    [Revise the first sentence of 1.0 to read as follows:]
    Single-piece First-Class Mail letters and cards and single-piece 
retail priced First-Class Package Services (parcels) weighing less than 
13 ounces may be deposited into any collection box, mail receptacle, or 
at any place where mail is accepted if the full required postage is 
paid with adhesive stamps.* * *
* * * * *

200 Commercial Letters, Cards, Flats, and Parcels

* * * * *

201 Physical Standards

* * * * *

3.0 Physical Standards for Machinable and Automation Letters and Cards

* * * * *

3.18 Enclosed Reply Cards and Envelopes

    [Revise the second sentence of 3.18 to read as follows:]
    * * * For Business Reply Mail (BRM) see 505.1.0, for pre-paid reply 
mail (also known as Metered Reply Mail) or Courtesy Reply Mail (CRM) 
see 505.2.0.

4.0 Physical Standards for Flats

* * * * *

4.7 Flat-Size Pieces Not Eligible for Flat-Size Prices

    Flat-size mailpieces that do not meet the standards in 4.3 through 
4.6 must pay applicable higher prices as noted in either 4.7a. or 4.7b. 
below.
* * * * *
    [Revise item b of 4.7 to read as follows:]
    b. * * *Under the column heading ``eligibility as presented,'' 
flats will be considered to be presented as automation flats only if 
they meet all other eligibility standards for automation flats.
    [Revise Exhibit 4.7b, Pricing for Flats Exceeding Maximum 
Deflection, to read as follows:]

       Exhibit 4.7b Pricing for Flats Exceeding Maximum Deflection
                                [see 4.6]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       FIRST-CLASS MAIL AUTOMATION
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              * * * * * * *
               FIRST-CLASS MAIL PRESORTED (NONAUTOMATION)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              * * * * * * *
                       PERIODICALS OUTSIDE COUNTY
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Piece price eligibility as presented...  Piece price eligibility with
                                          failed deflection
Basic Carrier Route flat, if not         Machinable 5-digit flat
 entered at a DDU.
Machinable barcoded FSS................  Nonmachinable barcoded 5-digit
                                          flat
Machinable barcoded 5-digit flat.......  Nonmachinable barcoded 5-digit
                                          flat
Machinable barcoded 3-digit flat.......  Nonmachinable barcoded 3-digit
                                          flat
Machinable barcoded ADC flat...........  Nonmachinable barcoded ADC flat
Machinable barcoded MADC flat..........  Nonmachinable barcoded MADC
                                          flat
Machinable nonbarcoded FSS.............  Nonmachinable nonbarcoded 5-
                                          digit flat
Machinable nonbarcoded 5-digit flat....  Nonmachinable nonbarcoded 5-
                                          digit flat
Machinable nonbarcoded 3-digit flat....  Nonmachinable nonbarcoded 3-
                                          digit flat
Machinable nonbarcoded ADC flat........  Nonmachinable nonbarcoded ADC
                                          flat
Machinable nonbarcoded MADC flat.......  Nonmachinable nonbarcoded MADC
                                          flat
Nonmachinable barcoded or nonbarcoded    Price claimed, if otherwise
 flat.                                    eligible
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                          PERIODICALS IN-COUNTY
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              * * * * * * *
                              STANDARD MAIL
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eligibility as presented...............  Eligibility with failed
                                          deflection
Basic Carrier Route flat, if not         Nonautomation 5-digit flat
 entered at a DDU.
Automation FSS Sch Pallet..............  Nonautomation FSS Sch Pallet
Automation FSS Other...................  Nonautomation FSS Other
Automation FSS Sch Cont................  Nonautomation FSS Sch Cont.
Automation FSS Facility Cont...........  Nonautomation FSS Facility
                                          Cont.
Automation 5-digit flat................  Nonautomation 5-digit flat
Automation 3-digit flat................  Nonautomation 3-digit flat
Automation ADC flat....................  Nonautomation ADC flat
Automation MADC flat...................  Nonautomation MADC flat
Nonautomation flat (all sort levels)...  Nonautomation MADC flat
------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 6581]]

 
                          BOUND PRINTED MATTER
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eligibility as presented...............  Eligibility with failed
                                          deflection
Carrier Route flat, if not entered at a  Carrier Route parcel
 DDU.
Barcoded presorted flat................  Presorted parcel
Barcoded FSS Sch flat..................  Presorted parcel
FSS Sch Container......................  Presorted parcel
FSS Facility Container.................  Presorted parcel
Nonbarcoded nonpresorted flat..........  Price as claimed, if otherwise
                                          eligible
------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * *

202 Elements on the Face of a Mailpiece

* * * * *

3.0 Placement and Content of Mail Markings

* * * * *
    [Insert new 3.5 to read as follows:]

3.5 Marking Expedited Handling on Mail

    Mailpieces bearing references to expedited handling or delivery 
(e.g., ``Urgent,'' ``Rush Delivery,'' ``Expedited,'' ``Time 
Sensitive'') must meet the same conditions as provided under 604.5.3.5.
* * * * *

207 Periodicals

* * * * *

2.0 Price Application and Computation

* * * * *

2.0 Price Application and Computation

2.1 Price Application

* * * * *

2.1.2 Applying Outside-County Piece Prices

    * * *Apply piece prices for Outside-County mail as follows:
* * * * *
    b. Machinable flats.
    [Delete the second sentence of 2.1.2 item b.1.]
    1. Apply the ``Machinable Flats--Barcoded'' prices to pieces that 
meet all of the standards for automation flats in 201.6.0 and include a 
barcode.
* * * * *

2.2 Computing Postage

* * * * *

2.2.8 Total Postage

    [Revise the text of 2.2.8 to read 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 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 charges, less all discounts, rounded off to 
the nearest whole cent.
* * * * *

12.0 Nonbarcoded (Presorted) Eligibility

* * * * *

12.3 Prices--In-County

12.3.1 Five-Digit Prices

    5-digit prices apply to:
* * * * *
    [Revise item 12.3.1c to read as follows:]
    c. Qualifying flats sorted to a FSS scheme under 705.14.0.

12.3.2 Three-Digit Prices

    3-digit prices apply to:
* * * * *

[Delete 12.3.2 item c in its entirety]

* * * * *

13.0 Carrier Route Eligibility

* * * * *

13.2 Sorting

13.2.1 Basic Standards

    * * *Carrier route prices apply to copies that are prepared in 
carrier route bundles of six or more addressed pieces each, subject to 
these standards:
* * * * *
    b. Nonletter-size mailings. Carrier route prices apply to carrier 
route bundles that are sorted in one of the following ways:
* * * * *
    [Delete 13.2.1b item 4 in its entirety]
* * * * *

13.3 Walk-Sequence Prices

13.3.1 Eligibility

    [Revise the second sentence of 13.3.1 to read as follows:]
    * * *High density and saturation mailings must be prepared in 
carrier walk sequence according to USPS schemes see 23.8.
* * * * *

14.0 Barcoded (Automation) Eligibility

14.1 Basic Standards

    All pieces in a Periodicals barcoded (automation) mailing must:
* * * * *
    [Revise 14.1 item d to read as follows:]
    d. Be marked, sorted, and documented as specified in 705.8.0 (if 
palletized); or 24.0 (for letters) or 25.0 (for flats) or; for 
nonletter-size mail, 705.9.0, 705.10.0, 705.12.0, or 705.13.0; or for 
nonletter-size mail, bundles prepared on or in pallets, trays, sacks or 
other approved container under 705.14.0.
* * * * *

14.2 Eligibility Standards for Full-Service Automation Periodicals

    All pieces entered under the full-service automation option must:
* * * * *
    [Revise 14.2 item c to read as follows:]
    c. Be scheduled for an appointment through the Facility Access and 
Shipment Tracking (FAST) system when deposited as a DNDC, DADC, DSCF, 
or DFSS drop shipment.

14.4 Prices--In-County

14.4.1 Five-Digit Prices

    5-digit automation prices apply to:
* * * * *
    [Revise 14.4.1 item c to read as follows:]
    c. Qualifying flats sorted to a FSS scheme bundle under 705.14.0.

14.4.2 Three-Digit Prices

    3-digit automation prices apply to:
* * * * *
    [Delete 14.4.2 item c in its entirety]
* * * * *

17.0 Documentation

* * * * *

[[Page 6582]]

17.4 Detailed Zone Listing for Periodicals

17.4.1 Basic Standards

    [Revise the first sentence of 17.4.1 to read as follows:]
    The publisher must be able to present documentation to support the 
actual number of copies of each edition of an issue, by entry point, 
mailed to each zone, at DDU, DSCF, DADC, DFSS and In-County prices.
* * * * *

17.4.2 Format

    Report the number of copies mailed to each 3-digit ZIP Code area at 
zone prices using one of the following formats:
* * * * *
    [Revise the first sentence of 17.4.2 item b to read as follows:]
    b. Report copies by zone (In-County DDU, In-County others, Outside-
County DDU, Outside-County DFSS, Outside-County DSCF, and Outside-
County DADC) and by 3-digit ZIP Code, in ascending numeric order, for 
each zone. * * *

17.4.3 Zone Abbreviations

    [Revise the text of 17.4.3 to read as follows:]
    Use the actual price name or the authorized zone abbreviation in 
the listings in 17.3 and 17.4.2.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Zone abbreviation                    Price equivalent
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ICD.......................................  In-County, DDU.
IC........................................  In-County, Others.
DDU.......................................  Outside-County, DDU.
FSS.......................................  Outside-County, DFSS.
SCF.......................................  Outside-County, DSCF.
ADC.......................................  Outside-County, DADC.
1-2 or 1/2................................  zones 1 and 2.
3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 (as applicable)..........  zones 3 through 8 (as
                                             applicable).
M.........................................  mixed zones.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * *

18.0 General Mail Preparation

* * * * *

18.3 Presort Terms

    Terms used for presort levels are defined as follows:
* * * * *
    [Redesignate current items 18.3c through 18.3t as new items 18.3d 
through 18.3u, then, add new item18.3c to read as follows:]
    c. FSS scheme for flats: the ZIP Code in the delivery address on 
all pieces in the FSS bundle is one of the 5-digit ZIP Codes processed 
by the USPS as one scheme as shown in L006.
* * * * *

18.5 FSS Preparation

    [Revise the text of 18.5 to read as follows:]
    Flat sized Periodicals In-County priced mailings, and Outside-
County mailings of up to 5,000 pieces, may be optionally sorted under 
FSS preparation standards.
* * * * *

26.0 Physical Criteria for Nonmachinable Flat-Size Periodicals

* * * * *

26.3 Flexibility and Deflection

    [Revise the text of 26.3 to read as follows:]
    Nonmachinable flats (under 26.0) are not subject to flexibility 
standards or deflection standards in 201.4.0.
* * * * *

29.0 Destination Entry

29.1 Basic Standards

    * * *The following standards apply:
* * * * *
    [Revise 29.1 item c to read as follows:]
    c. The advertising and nonadvertising portions may be eligible for 
DADC, DSCF, DFSS or DDU pound prices based on the entry facility and 
the address on the piece.
* * * * *

29.5 Destination Flat Sequencing System (DFSS) Entry

29.5.1 Definition

    [Revise 29.5.1 to read as follows:]
    For this standard, destination Flat Sequencing System (DFSS) refers 
to the facilities listed in L006, Scheme, Column B or Facility, Column 
C.

29.5.2 Eligibility

    [Revise 29.5.2 to read as follows:]
    DFSS prices apply to pieces deposited at a USPS-designated FSS 
processing facility and correctly placed in a flat tray, sack, 
alternate approved container or on a pallet, labeled to a FSS scheme 
processed by that facility, under labeling list L006. These pieces must 
include a complete address and meet the physical standards for 
machinable flats in 201.
* * * * *

240 Commercial Mail Standard Mail

* * * * *

243 Prices and Eligibility

* * * * *

3.0 Basic Eligibility Standards for Standard Mail

* * * * *

3.2 Defining Characteristics

* * * * *

3.2.2 Standard Mail Marketing Parcels

    [Revise 3.2.2 by inserting a new last sentence to read as follows:]
    USPS Tracking is the only extra service available for Standard Mail 
Marketing parcels.
* * * * *

5.0 Additional Eligibility Standards for Nonautomation Standard Mail 
Letters, Flats, and Presorted Standard Mail Parcels

* * * * *

5.6 Nonautomation Price Application--Flats

    [Redesignate current items 5.6.1, 5-Digit Prices for Flats, through 
5.6.4, Mixed ADC Prices for Flats, as new items 5.6.5 through 5.6.8, 
then, insert new items 5.6.1 through 5.6.4 as follows:]

5.6.1 FSS Scheme Pallet Prices for Flats

    The FSS Scheme Pallet price applies to flat-sized pieces on a FSS 
Scheme pallet with bundles of 10 or more FSS scheme pieces prepared 
under 705.14.0.

5.6.2 FSS Other Container Prices for Flats

    The FSS Other container price applies to flat-sized pieces in or on 
a container in bundles of 10 or more FSS scheme pieces properly 
prepared under 705.14.0.

5.6.3 FSS Scheme Container Price for Flats

    The FSS Scheme Container price applies to flat-sized pieces in or 
on a FSS scheme container, with bundles of 10 or more FSS schemed 
pieces properly prepared under 705.14.0, entered at a DFSS entry.

5.6.4 FSS Facility Container Prices for Flats

    The FSS Facility Container prices applies to flat-sized pieces in 
or on a FSS facility container, with bundles of 10 or more FSS schemed 
pieces properly prepared under 705.14.0, entered at a DFSS entry.

5.6.5 5-Digit Prices for Flats

    The 5-digit price applies to flat-size pieces:
* * * * *

[[Page 6583]]

    [Revise the text of renumbered 5.6.5 item a to read as follows:]
    a. In a 5-digit/scheme bundle of 10 or more pieces, or 15 or more 
pieces, as applicable; properly placed in a 5-digit/scheme sack 
containing at least 125 pieces or 15 pounds of pieces.
* * * * *

5.6.6 3-Digit Prices for Flats

    The 3-digit price applies to flat-size pieces:
* * * * *
    [Delete renumbered 5.6.6 item c in its entirety]
* * * * *
    [Revise the title and text of renumbered 5.6.8 to read as follows:]

5.6.8 Mixed ADC Prices for Flats

    Mixed ADC prices apply to flat-size pieces in bundles that do not 
qualify for 5-digit, 3-digit, or ADC prices; placed in mixed ADC sacks 
or on ASF, NDC, or mixed NDC pallets under 705.8.0.
* * * * *

6.3 Basic Price Enhanced Carrier Route Standards

* * * * *

6.3.3 Basic Price Eligibility--Flats

    Basic prices apply to each piece in a carrier route bundle of 10 or 
more pieces that is:
* * * * *
    [Delete 6.3.3 item e in its entirety]
    [Add new item 6.3.4 as follows:]

6.3.4 Basic Carrier Route Bundles on a 5-Digit Pallet (Basic--CR 
Bundles/Pallet) Price Eligibility--Flats

    Basic--CR Bundles/Pallet prices apply to each piece in a carrier 
route bundle of 10 or more pieces that are palletized under 705.8.0 to 
a 5-digit or 5-digit scheme destination and entered at an Origin 
(None), DNDC, DSCF or DDU entry.
* * * * *

7.0 Eligibility Standards for Automation Standard Mail

* * * * *

7.5 Price Application for Automation Flats

    Automation prices apply to each piece properly sorted into 
qualifying groups:
    [Redesignate current 7.5 items a through d as new items e through 
h, then, insert new items a through d to read as follows:]
    a. The FSS Scheme Pallet price applies to flat-sized pieces on a 
FSS scheme pallet with bundles of 10 or more FSS-schemed pieces 
properly prepared under 705.14.0.
    b. The FSS Other price applies to flat-sized pieces in or on a 
container with bundles of 10 or more FSS-schemed pieces properly 
prepared under 705.14.0.
    c. The FSS Scheme Container price applies to flat-sized pieces on 
orin a FSS scheme container with bundles of 10 or more FSS- schemed 
pieces properly prepared under 705.14.0 and dropped at a DFSS.
    d. The FSS Facility Container price applies to flat-sized pieces in 
or on a FSS facility container with bundles of 10 or more FSS-schemed 
pieces properly prepared under 705.14.0 and dropped at a DFSS.
    [Revise text of renumbered item e to read as follows:]
    e. The 5-digit price applies to flat-size pieces in a 5-digit/
scheme bundle of 10 or more pieces, or 15 or more pieces, as 
applicable.
    [Revise text of renumbered item f to read as follows:]
    f. The 3-digit price applies to flat-size pieces in a 3-digit/
scheme bundle of 10 or more pieces. It also applies to residual pieces 
not qualifying for carrier route.
* * * * *

245 Mail Preparation

1.0 General Information for Mail Preparation

* * * * *

1.6 FSS Preparation

    [Revise the text of 1.6 to read as follows:]
    Except for Standard Mail flats mailed at Saturation, High Density 
or High-Density Plus prices, all Standard Mail flats destinating to a 
FSS scheme in accordance with labeling list L006 must be prepared under 
705.14.0.
* * * * *

246 Enter and Deposit

* * * * *

4.0 Destination Sectional Center Facility (DSCF) Entry

* * * * *

4.2 Eligibility

* * * * *

4.2.2 Flats

    Pieces in a mailing that meets the standards in 2.0 and 4.0 are 
eligible for the DSCF price, as follows:
* * * * *
    [Revise text of 4.2.2 item c to read as follows:]
    c. DSCF prices apply to all pieces on or in a FSS Scheme or non-FSS 
container when entered at a DSCF facility and any of the pieces on or 
in the container are addressed for delivery within that DSCF's service 
area.
* * * * *
    [Revise the title of 6.0 to read as follows:]

6.0 Destination Flat Sequencing System (DFSS) Entry

6.1 Definition

    [Revise the text of 6.1 to read as follows:]
    Destination Flat Sequencing System (DFSS) refers to the facilities 
listed in L006.

6.2 Eligibility

    [Revise the text of 6.2 to read as follows:]
    DFSS prices apply to pieces deposited at a USPS-designated FSS 
processing site and correctly placed in or on a container labeled to a 
FSS scheme or FSS Facility processed by that site under labeling list 
L006 (Column B or Column C). These pieces must include a full delivery 
address and meet the physical standards for FSS machinability in 
705.14.0.
* * * * *

260 Commercial Mail Bound Printed Matter

263 Prices and Eligibility

1.0 Prices and Fees for Bound Printed Matter

1.1 Nonpresorted Bound Printed Matter

    [Delete item 1.1.4 in its entirety, then, renumber current 1.1.5 as 
new 1.1.4.]
* * * * *

1.2 Commercial Bound Printed Matter

* * * * *

1.2.3 Price Application

    [Revise the first sentence of 1.2.3 to read as follows:]
    The presorted, FSS scheme, FSS scheme container and FSS facility 
container Bound Printed Matter price has a per piece charge and a per 
pound charge.* * *
    [Revise the title and text of 1.2.4 to read as follows:]

1.2.4 Bound Printed Matter Carrier Route Prices

    Each piece is subject to both a piece price and a pound price.

1.2.5 Bound Printed Matter Destination Entry Prices

    [Delete the second sentence of 1.2.5 in its entirety.]
* * * * *

[[Page 6584]]

1.2.8 Computing Postage for Permit Imprint

    [Revise introductory text of 1.2.8 to read as follows:]
    Presorted, FSS scheme, FSS scheme container and FSS facility 
container and Carrier Route Bound Printed Matter mailings paid with 
permit imprint are charged a per pound price and a per piece price as 
follows:
* * * * *

4.0 Price Eligibility for Bound Printed Matter

4.1 Price Eligibility

    * * * Price categories are as follows:
    [Renumber current 4.1 items c and d as new items d and e, then, 
insert new item c to read as follows:]
* * * * *
    c. FSS Scheme, FSS Container and FSS Facility Container Price. 
These prices apply to BPM flats prepared in a mailing of at least 300 
BPM pieces, prepared and presorted as specified in 705.14.0.
    [Delete renumbered item e in its entirety.]
* * * * *

265 Mail Preparation

1.0 General Information for Mail Preparation

* * * * *

1.6 FSS Preparation

    [Revise text of 1.6 as follows:]
    BPM flats claiming FSS scheme, FSS Sch Container or FSS Facility 
Container prices, meeting the standards in 201.0 and destinating to a 
FSS scheme in accordance with labeling list L006, must be prepared 
under 705.14.0.
* * * * *

5.0 Preparing Presorted Flats

* * * * *

5.3 Sacking

* * * * *

5.3.4 Cosacking Presorted Mail With Barcoded Mail

    [Revise the entire text of 5.3.4 to read as follows:]
    The following standards apply if the mailing job contains a carrier 
route mailing, and a Presorted mailing, then the carrier route mailing 
must be prepared under 6.0, and the Presorted mailing must be co-sacked 
under 705.9.0. Bundled pieces must be co-sacked under 705.9.0.

266 Enter and Deposit

* * * * *

5.0 Destination Sectional Center Facility (DSCF) Entry

5.1 Eligibility

    Bound Printed Matter pieces in a mailing meeting the standards in 
3.0 are eligible for the DSCF price when they meet all of the following 
additional conditions:
* * * * *
    b. Are deposited at:
* * * * *
    [Revise the text of 5.1b item 2 to read as follows:]
    2. DSCF prices apply to all pieces on or in a FSS Scheme, FSS 
Facility, or non-FSS container when entered at a DSCF facility when the 
pieces on or in the container are addressed for delivery within that 
DSCF's service area.
* * * * *

500 Additional Mailing Services

503 Extra and Additional Services

1.0 Basic Standards for All Extra Services

* * * * *

1.3 Paying Fees and Postage

    [Revise the first sentence of 1.3 to read as follows:]
    Except as provided under 604.6.1 and for official mail of federal 
government agencies collected under 703.7.0 (for Department of State, 
see 703.3.0), postage and extra service fees are paid at the time of 
mailing.* * *

1.4 Matter Eligible for Extra Services

1.4.1 Eligible Matter

    One or more of the following extra or additional services may be 
added at the time of mailing, if the standards for the services are met 
and the applicable fees are paid, as follows:

Exhibit 1.4.1 Eligible Matter--Domestic Destinations

    [Revise the entire Exhibit 1.4.1, Eligible Matter--Domestic 
Destinations, to read as follows:]

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Extra service                    Eligible mail class               Additional combined services
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Registered Mail                      Priority Mail                      Collect on Delivery (COD)
Registered Mail Restricted Delivery  First-Class Mail                   Return Receipt
                                     First-Class Package Service        Signature Confirmation.
Certified Mail                       Priority Mail                      Return Receipt (Form 3811 only if with
Certified Mail--Restricted Delivery  First-Class Mail                    Adult Signature options \1\).
Certified Mail--Adult Signature \1\  First-Class Package Service
Certified Mail--Adult Signature
 Restricted \1\
Insurance                            Priority Mail Express              USPS Tracking
Insurance Restricted Delivery (If    Priority Mail                      Signature Confirmation (available if
 insured >$500.00.)                  Critical Mail                       insured for <$500; included if insured
(Note: Priority Mail Express         First-Class Mail                    for >$500.00.)
 includes $100.00 of insurance and   First-Class Package Service        Adult Signature Requested \1\
 Priority Mail includes either       Standard Post                      Adult Restricted Delivery \1\
 $100.00 or $50.00 of insurance      Bound Printed Matter               Return Receipt (if insured >$500.00,
 (see 503.4.0), insurance >$500.00   Library Mail                        Form 3811 only.)
 includes Signature Confirmation.)   Media Mail                         Fragile
                                     Parcel Select                      Parcel Airlift (PAL).
                                     Parcel Select
                                     Lightweight (bulk insurance only)
                                     Standard Mail (bulk insurance for
                                      (nonprofit) parcels only)
Certificate of Mailing               Priority Mail                      Fragile
(Form 3817 or Form 3665-Firm) for    First-Class Mail                   Parcel Airlift (PAL).
 individual pieces only; Form 3665-  First-Class Package Service
 Firm is for 3 or more pieces        Bound Printed Matter
 presented at one time and requires  Library Mail
 an IMpb linked to IMb on            Media Mail
 mailpieces (see 5.0).

[[Page 6585]]

 
Certificate of Bulk Mailing          Priority Mail                      Fragile
(Form 3606; only evidence of number  First-Class Mail                   Parcel Airlift (PAL).
 of identical weight piece mailed,   First-Class Package Service
 Form 3606 requires an IMpb linked   Parcel Select
 to IMb on mailpieces (see 5.0).     Parcel Select
                                     Lightweight
                                     Standard Mail
                                     Bound Printed Matter
                                     Library Mail
                                     Media Mail
Return Receipt                       Priority Mail Express (Form 3811   USPS Tracking (when purchased for
(Form 3811 must bear an IMpb linked   only)                              Standard Mail parcels \2\)
 to the IMb for the host extra       Priority Mail \2\                  Signature Confirmation Restricted
 service for the appended            First-Class Mail \2\                Delivery
 mailpiece.)                         First-Class Package Service        Signature Confirmation Special Handling
                                     Standard Mail (parcels only) 2 3   Adult Signature Requested \1\ (Form
                                     Parcel Select \4\                   3811)
                                     Parcel Select                      Adult Signature Restricted Delivery \1\
                                     Lightweight \3\                     (Form 3811)
                                     Standard Post \4\                  Parcel Airlift (PAL).
                                     Bound Printed Matter \4\
                                     Library Mail \4\
                                     Media Mail \4\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
USPS Signature Services:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Signature Confirmation               Priority Mail                      Collect on Delivery (COD)
                                     Critical Mail                      Insurance
                                     First-Class Mail (parcels only;    Registered Mail
                                      electronic option only)           Return Receipt (Form 3811 only)
                                     First-Class Package Service        Special Handling
                                      (electronic option only)          Hold For Pickup
                                     Standard Post                      Special Handling.
                                     Parcel Select
                                     Bound Printed Matter
                                     Library Mail
                                     Media Mail
Signature Confirmation Restricted    Priority Mail \3\
 Delivery                            First-Class Mail 2 3
                                     First-Class Package Service
                                     Standard Mail 2 4
                                     Standard Post \5\
                                     Parcel Select \5\
                                     Parcel Select Lightweight \4\
                                     Bound Printed Matter \5\
                                     Library Mail \5\
                                     Media Mail \5\
Adult Signature Required \1\         Priority Mail Express              Insurance
Adult Signature Restricted Delivery  Priority Mail                      Return Receipt (Form 3811 only)
 \1\                                 Critical Mail                      Hold For Pickup (under 508.7.0).
                                     First-Class Mail \2\
                                     First-Class Package Service \3\
                                     Parcel Select Nonpresort
                                     Bound Printed Matter \2\
                                     Library Mail \2\
                                     Media Mail \2\
USPS Tracking                        Standard Mail (parcels only;       Insurance (bulk insurance (for Standard
(USPS Tracking is provided at no      electronic option only 1 2)        Mail (nonprofit) parcels) only 1 2).
 additional charge for all class of
 mail, when the applicable
 standards are met, except Standard
 Mail parcels; excludes
 Periodicals.)
Collect on Delivery (COD)            Priority Mail Express              Registered Mail
COD Restricted Delivery              (1-Day and 2-Day only)             Return Receipt
                                     Priority Mail                      Signature Confirmation \2\ (not
                                     First-Class Mail                    available for purchase with Priority
                                     First-Class Package Service         Mail Express COD)
                                     Standard Post                      Special Handling
                                     Parcel Select                      Hold For Pickup.
                                     Bound Printed Matter
                                     Library Mail
                                     Media Mail
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Special Handling:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 6586]]

 
Fragile                              Priority Mail Express              Collect On Delivery (COD)
                                     Priority Mail                      Insurance
                                     First-Class Mail                   Signature Confirmation \2\
                                     First-Class Package Service        Parcel Airlift (PAL).
                                     Standard Post
                                     Parcel Select
                                     Bound Printed Matter
                                     Library Mail
                                     Media Mail
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Not at retail.
2. Parcels only.
3. If purchased with Certified Mail, COD, insurance over $500.00 or Registered Mail.
4. If purchased with bulk insurance over $500.00.
5. If purchased with COD or insurance over $500.00.

1.4.2 Offshore Domestic Destinations

    As provided for the classes of mail under 1.4.1, and unless 
otherwise restricted (see ``Overseas Military/Diplomatic Mail'' section 
of the Postal Bulletin), extra services are available for mail 
addressed to APO/FPO/DPO destinations (also see 703), and to ZIP Codes 
in U.S. territories and possessions (also see 608.2.0), or Freely 
Associated States (also see 608.2.0), as follows:

Exhibit 1.4.2 Eligible Matter--Offshore Domestic Destinations

    [Revise Exhibit 1.4.2, Eligible Matter--Offshore Domestic 
Destinations, to read as follows:]

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                  U.S. Territories and      Freely associated
            Extra service                    APO/FPO/DPO              possessions                 states
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Registered Mail......................  Limited \1\............  Yes....................  Yes.
                                       (Available only to
                                        select APO/FPO/DPO
                                        destinations.).
Certified Mail.......................  Yes....................  Yes....................  Yes.
Certified Mail Restricted Delivery...  Yes....................  Yes....................  Yes.
Certified Mail Adult Signature         No.....................  Yes....................  Limited.\2\
 Required.
Certified Mail Adult Signature         No.....................  Yes....................  Limited.\2\
 Restricted Delivery.
Insurance............................  Yes....................  Yes....................  Yes.
Insurance Restricted Delivery........  Limited \2\............  Yes....................  Limited.\3\
Certificate of Mailing...............  Yes....................  Yes....................  Yes.
USPS Tracking........................  Limited \1\............  Yes....................  Limited \2\
USPS Signature Service:
    Signature Confirmation...........  No.....................  Yes....................  Limited.\2\
    Signature Confirmation Restricted  No.....................  Yes....................  Limited.\2\
     Delivery.
    Adult Signature Requested........  No.....................  Yes....................  Limited.\2\
    Adult Signature Restricted         No.....................  Yes....................  Limited.\2\
     Delivery.
COD..................................  No.....................  Yes....................  Yes (except for items
                                                                                          sent to Marshall
                                                                                          Islands and the
                                                                                          Federated States of
                                                                                          Micronesia).
Special Handling.....................  Yes....................  Yes....................  Yes.
Return Receipt.......................  Yes (Form 3811 only)...  Yes (Form 3811 only)...  Yes (Form 3811 only).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Availability of electronic information regarding an event scan may be limited.
2. Excludes Palau, Marshall Islands, and the Federated States of Micronesia (ZIP Codes 96939, 96944, 96960,
  96970).
3. If insured for more than $500.00, signature service provided only if hardcopy return receipt (form 3811) is
  also purchased.

1.4.3 Domestic Returns

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        Eligible extra
                                    Eligible extra     services (paid by
         Return service            services (paid by   permit holder or
                                    permit holder)          sender)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Merchandise Return Service......  Registered Mail...  Registered Mail
                                  Insurance \1, 2\..  Insurance \1, 2\
                                  Special Handling..  Special Handling
                                                      Certificate of
                                                       Mailing \3\
Priority Mail Return Service....  Insurance\2\......  Insurance\2\
First-Class Package Return
 Service
Ground Return Service
Parcel Return Service...........  Insurance \2\.....  Insurance \2\
                                                      Certificate of
                                                       Mailing \3\
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 6587]]

    Extra services for return mailpieces are available as follows:

Exhibit 1.4.3 Eligible Matter--Domestic Returns

    1. Insurance may be combined with USPS Tracking or Special Handling 
or both.
    2. Insurance must be purchased; no included insurance is provided 
for returns.
    3. Individual pieces using Form 3817 or Form 3877 by sender only.
* * * * *

1.7 Forms and Labels

* * * * *

1.7.2 Privately Printed Forms or Labels

    [Revise the third sentence of 1.7.2 to read as follows:]
    * * *Customers affixing both a barcoded address label and a 
barcoded extra service label on the same mailpiece must ensure that the 
barcodes on both labels match.* * *
* * * * *

1.7.4 Acceptance

    Customers must also meet the following requirements when presenting 
mail bearing an extra service IMpb for acceptance:
    [Revise the text of 1.7.4 item a to read as follows:]
    a. Certificates of mailing using Form 3655-Firm or Form 3606-D for 
more than 49 pieces presented at one time, or for presorted or permit 
imprint mailings containing pieces with extra services, must be 
presented to a Post Office business mail entry unit (BMEU) or 
authorized detached mail unit (DMU).
* * * * *

1.8 Obtaining Delivery Information and Delivery Records

    Delivery records for extra services are available as follows:
    [Revise the text of 1.8 items a and c to read as follows:]
    a. Information by article number can be retrieved at www.usps.com 
or by calling 1-800-222-1811. A proof of delivery letter (including 
recipient's signature, when available) may be provided by email.
* * * * *
    c. A return receipt (hardcopy Form 3811) may be purchased at the 
time of mailing and is received by mail.
* * * * *

1.10 Receipts

    [Revise the text of the first and third sentence of 1.10, then, 
insert a new final sentence of 1.10 to read as follows:]
    Except when using certificate of mailing Form 3655-Firm and Form 
3606-D for less than 50 pieces presented at one time, the mailer 
receives a USPS sales receipt and the postmarked (round-dated) extra 
service form for services purchased at retail channels.* * * For three 
or more pieces with extra or accountable services presented for mailing 
at one time, the mailer uses Form 3877 (firm sheet) or USPS-approved 
privately printed firm sheets in lieu of the receipt portion of the 
individual form.* * * Except for Registered Mail and COD items, the 
USPS keeps no mailing records for pieces bearing extra services.
    [Delete current 1.11, USPS Mailing Records, in its entirety (text 
relocated to 1.10).]

2.0 Registered Mail

2.1 Basic Standards

2.1.1 Description

    [Revise the introductory text of 2.1.1 to read as follows:]
    Registered Mail is subject to the basic standards in 1.0; see 1.4 
for eligible matter. Registered Mail is the most secure service that 
the USPS offers. It incorporates a system of receipts to monitor the 
movement of the mail from the point of acceptance to delivery. 
Registered Mail provides the sender with a mailing receipt and, upon 
request (see 1.8), electronic verification that an article was 
delivered or that a delivery attempt was made. Customers may obtain a 
record of delivery (which includes the recipient's signature) by 
purchasing a return receipt (6.0), at the time of mailing. Customers 
may direct delivery of Registered Mail only to the addressee (or 
addressee's authorized agent) using Registered Restricted Delivery 
(2.1.4). Postal insurance is included in the fee for articles with a 
value of at least $0.01 up to a maximum insured value of $50,000.00. 
Postal insurance is not available for articles with no value ($0.00). 
The fees for articles valued over $50,000.00 include insurance up to 
$50,000.00, and increasingly higher fees for handling costs. The face 
(address side) of a registered article must be at least 5 inches long 
and 3\1/2\ inches high, regardless of thickness. Registration may not 
be obtained for the following item if:
* * * * *
    [Revise the text of item c to read as follows:]
    c. Prepared improperly or packed inadequately to withstand normal 
handling (see 2.3.4).
* * * * *
    [Revise the text of item f. to read as follows:]
    f. A class of mail not listed under eligible matter (see 1.4).

2.1.2 Label 200

    [Revise the first sentence of 2.1.2 to read as follows:]
    Registered Mail must bear the barcoded red Label 200 (see forms at 
http://pe.usps.gov/), or a non-barcoded red Label 200-N (when a mailer-
generated shipping label bearing an IMpb (under 708.5.0) is also 
affixed on the same mailpiece). * * *
* * * * *
    [Insert new items 2.1.4 and 2.1.5 to read as follows:]

2.1.4 Additional Standards for Registered Mail Restricted Delivery

    Registered Mail Restricted Delivery permits a mailer to direct 
delivery only to the addressee (or addressee's authorized agent). The 
addressee must be an individual (natural person) specified by name. The 
mailer may request Registered Mail Restricted Delivery at the time of 
mailing by advising the USPS clerk or by marking the mail ``Restricted 
Delivery'' above the address and to the right of the return address, 
and paying the applicable fee. A firm mailer must enter the proper fee 
in the correct column of the firm sheet and place the required 
endorsement on the mail. Customers may obtain a record of delivery 
(which includes the recipient's signature) by purchasing a return 
receipt (6.0). If a return receipt is requested, the correct block on 
Form 3811 must be checked to show that restricted delivery is also 
required. Mail marked ``Restricted Delivery'' is delivered under the 
conditions in 508.1.1.7 and 1.1.8.

2.1.5 Registered COD Mail

    Sealed domestic mail bearing First-Class Mail, First-Class Package 
Service, or Priority Mail postage may be sent as registered COD mail 
when meeting the standards in 9.0 and as follows:
    a. Such mail is handled the same as other Registered Mail.
    b. The maximum amount collectible from the recipient on one article 
is $1,000.00. Indemnity is available up to the registry limit of 
$50,000.00 by paying the registry fee for the value declared. The total 
fees charged for registered COD service include the proper registry fee 
for the value declared plus the registered COD fee. The mailer must 
declare the full value of the article being mailed, regardless of the 
amount to be collected from the recipient.
    c. The registered label and the COD form must be affixed to each 
article. The

[[Page 6588]]

registration number is used for delivery receipt and indemnity claims.
* * * * *

3.0 Certified Mail

3.1 Basic Standards

3.1.1 Description

    [Revise the text of 3.1.1 to read as follows:]
    Certified Mail is subject to the basic standards in 1.0; see 1.4 
for eligible matter. Certified Mail provides the sender with a mailing 
receipt and, upon request, electronic verification that an article was 
delivered or that a delivery attempt was made. Customers can retrieve 
the delivery status as provided in 1.9. Certified Mail is dispatched 
and handled in transit as ordinary mail. Except for Priority Mail 
pieces with included insurance, no insurance coverage is provided when 
purchasing Certified Mail. USPS maintains a record of delivery (which 
includes the recipient's signature). Customers may obtain a delivery 
record by purchasing a return receipt (6.0) at the time of mailing. 
Customers may direct delivery of Certified Mail only to the addressee 
(or addressee's authorized agent) using Certified Mail Restricted 
Delivery (3.2.2); or to an adult using Certified Adult Signature 
Required or Certified Adult Signature Restricted Delivery when meeting 
the applicable standards for Adult Signature under 8.1.1e and 8.1.3.

3.2 Mailing

3.2.1 Form 3800

    * * * A mailer of Certified Mail must:
* * * * *
    [Revise the text of 3.2.1 item e to read as follows:]
    e. For Certified Mail Restricted Delivery, meet the additional 
standards under 3.2.2).
    [Insert new item 3.2.2 to read as follows:]

3.2.2 Additional Standards for Certified Mail Restricted Delivery

    Certified Mail Restricted Delivery permits a mailer to direct 
delivery only to the addressee (or addressee's authorized agent). The 
addressee must be an individual (natural person) specified by name. The 
mailer may request Certified Mail Restricted Delivery at the time of 
mailing by advising the USPS clerk or by marking the mail ``Restricted 
Delivery'' above the address and to the right of the return address and 
paying the applicable fee. A firm mailer must enter the proper fee in 
the correct column of the firm sheet and place the required endorsement 
on the mail. Customers may obtain a record of delivery (which includes 
the recipient's signature) by purchasing a return receipt (6.0). If a 
return receipt is requested, the correct block on Form 3811 must be 
checked to show that restricted delivery is also required. Mail marked 
``Restricted Delivery'' is delivered under the conditions in 508.1.1.7 
and 1.1.8.

4.0 Insured Mail

* * * * *

4.1.1 Additional Insurance--Priority Mail Express

    [Revise the text of 4.1.1 to read as follows:]
    Additional insurance, up to a maximum coverage of $5,000.00, may be 
purchased for merchandise valued at more than $100.00 sent by Priority 
Mail Express. The additional insurance fee is in addition to postage 
and other fees. See Notice 123--Price List. The insurance fee is 
entered in the block marked ``Insurance'' on the mailing label. If the 
label does not contain this block, the mailer uses the ``COD'' block by 
crossing out ``COD,'' writing ``INS'' to the right, and entering the 
fee for the coverage. Coverage is limited to the actual value of the 
contents, regardless of the fee paid, or the highest insurance value 
increment for which the fee is fully paid, whichever is lower. When 
``signature required'' service is not requested or when ``waiver of 
signature'' is requested, additional insurance is not available.
    [Delete 4.1.2, Fees for Priority Mail Express Insurance, in its 
entirety (text relocated to 4.1.1).]

4.2 Insurance Coverage--Priority Mail

    Priority Mail pieces bearing an Intelligent Mail package barcode 
(IMpb) or USPS retail tracking barcode (see 4.3.4) are insured against 
loss, damage, or missing contents, up to a maximum of $50.00 or 
$100.00, subject to the following:
* * * * *
    [Delete 4.2 item e in its entirety, then, renumber current items f 
and g as new items e and f.]
* * * * *

4.3 Basic Standards

4.3.1 Description

    [Revise the introductory text of 4.3.1 to read as follows:]
    Insured mail is subject to the basic standards in 1.0; see 1.4 for 
eligible matter. The following additional standards apply to insured 
mail:
* * * * *
    [Revise the text of 4.3.1 item c to read as follows:]
    c. Insured mail provides the mailer with a mailing receipt. No 
record of insured mail is kept at the office of mailing; however, the 
USPS maintains insured mail delivery records for a period of time. An 
item insured for $500.00 or less receives a delivery scan. An item 
insured for more than $500.00 receives a delivery scan and the USPS 
obtains and provides the recipient's signature as the delivery record 
to the mailer electronically. Customers may obtain a delivery record by 
purchasing a return receipt (6.0). Customers may direct delivery of 
mail insured for more than $500.00 only to the addressee (or 
addressee's authorized agent) using Insurance Restricted Delivery 
(4.5);
* * * * *

4.3.2 Ineligible Matter

    The following types of mail may not be insured:
* * * * *
    [Delete 4.3.2 item e in its entirety (eligible matter provided 
under 1.4), then, renumber item f as new item e.]
    f. Matter mailed at First-Class Mail prices (including Priority 
Mail) that consists of items described in 123.3.0,133.3.0, 233.2.0, and 
283.2.0, and required to be mailed at First-Class Mail prices.
* * * * *

4.3.4 Markings and Forms

    [Revise the introductory text of 4.3.4 to read as follows.]
    The treatment of pieces is determined by the insurance amount as 
described in 4.3.1c and under the following conditions:
    [Revise the text of 4.3.4 items a and b to read as follows:]
    a. For retail pieces insured for $500.00 or less, the mailer must 
affix a barcoded Form 3813 (see forms at http://pe.usps.gov/) to each 
piece above the delivery address and to the right of the return 
address.
    b. For retail pieces insured for more than $500.00, the mailer must 
affix a barcoded Form 3813-P (see forms at http://pe.usps.gov/) to each 
piece above the delivery address and to the right of the return 
address.
* * * * *
    [Revise the second sentence of 4.3.4 item d to read as follows:]
    d. * * * Mailing receipts are provided under 1.10.
* * * * *
    [Revise the title of 4.4, Bulk Insurance for Standard Mail, as 
follows:]

[[Page 6589]]

4.4 Bulk Insurance for Standard Mail and Parcel Select Lightweight

4.4.1 Eligibility

    [Revise the introductory text of 4.4.1 to read as follows:]
    To mail at the bulk insurance prices, for Standard Mail (except 
Marketing Parcels) and Parcel Select Lightweight, mailers must obtain 
an authorization under 4.4.2 and meet the following criteria:
* * * * *
    [Insert new 4.5 as follows:]

4.5 Additional Standards for Insurance Restricted Delivery

    Insurance Restricted Delivery permits a mailer to direct delivery 
only to the addressee (or addressee's authorized agent). The addressee 
must be an individual (natural person) specified by name. The mailer 
may request Insured Restricted Delivery at the time of mailing by 
advising the USPS clerk or by marking the mail ``Restricted Delivery'' 
above the address and to the right of the return address and paying the 
applicable fee. A firm mailer must enter the proper fee in the correct 
column of the firm sheet and place the required endorsement on the 
mail. Customers may obtain a record of delivery (which includes the 
recipient's signature) by purchasing a return receipt (6.0). If a 
return receipt is requested, the correct block on Form 3811 must be 
checked to show that restricted delivery is also required. Mail marked 
``Restricted Delivery'' is delivered under the conditions in 508.1.1.7 
and 1.1.8.
    [Revise the title of 5.0 to read as follows:]

5.0 Certificates of Mailing

5.1 Basic Standards

5.1.1 Description--Individual Pieces

    [Revise the introductory text of 5.1.1 to read as follows:]
    Certificates of mailing are subject to the basic standards in 1.0, 
see 1.4 for eligible matter. Certificates of mailing (Form 3817 and 
barcoded Form 3665-Firm, including USPS-approved facsimiles) are 
available only at the time of mailing and provide evidence that 
individual mailpieces have been presented to the USPS for mailing. 
Certificates of mailing do not provide a record of delivery, and the 
Postal Service does not retain copies of either form. Form 3817 is 
available for less than three individual pieces, presented at one time 
at a retail post office, station or branch). Form 3665-Firm is 
available for three or more pieces, but less than 50 pieces or 50 
pounds (whichever amount is met first), presented at one time at a 
retail post office, station or branch, or for three or more pieces, but 
at least 50 pieces or 50 pounds (whichever amount is met first), 
presented at a BMEU or USPS authorized DMU). Each individual Form 3817 
or the Form 3665-Firm (in addition to scanning the barcode) is 
postmarked (round-dated) at the time of mailing; the form(s) are then 
returned to the mailer and become the mailer's receipt.
    [Delete 5.1.2, Eligible Matter--Single Piece, in its entirety 
(context of text already under 1.4 for eligible matter), then, renumber 
current 5.1.3 through 5.1.7 as new 5.1.2 through 5.1.6.]

5.1.2 Paying Fees

    [Revise the first sentence of renumbered 5.1.2 to read as follows:]
    For certificate of mailing, in addition to the correct postage, the 
applicable certificate of mailing fee must be paid for each article on 
Form 3817 or listed on Form 3665-Firm and for duplicate copies of 
either form.* * *

5.1.3 Mailer Preparation

    [Revise the text of renumbered 5.1.3 to read as follows:]
    A certificate of mailing must be completed by the mailer and all 
entries must be typed or printed in ink, by ballpoint pen, or computer-
generated; the form or firm sheets become the mailer's receipts. 
Individual certificate and firm mailings must show the names and 
addresses of the sender and addressee (if Form 3665-Firm is being used, 
the mailer must include the corresponding IMb (for letters and flats) 
or IMpb (for parcels) for each article listed) and may show the amount 
of postage paid. The mailer may also place identifying invoice or order 
numbers on the certificate as a reference.
    [Revise the title of renumbered 5.1.4 to read as follows:]

5.1.4 Firm Mailings--Three or More Pieces

    When the number of articles presented justifies such action, the 
mailer must comply with these standards:
* * * * *
    [Revise the text of 5.1.4 item b to read as follows:]
    b. When the mailer describes and lists three or more individual 
pieces on Form 3665-Firm, but does not present the pieces in the order 
shown on the sheets, the mailer must consecutively number each entry 
line on the sheet and lightly number each piece to show both the 
corresponding sheet and line number.
    [Insert a new item c under 5.1.4 to read as follows:]
    c. Firm mailers using Form 3665-Firm, or USPS approved facsimiles, 
must submit an electronic manifest to USPS (using mail.dat or mail.xml, 
or a shipping services file as appropriate for the type of pieces 
appending to the form) which reconciles with all of the items listed on 
the associated Form 3665-Firm.

5.1.5 Duplicate Copies--After Mailing

    [Revise the first sentence of renumbered 5.1.5 to read as follows:]
    To obtain a duplicate copy of the certificate after mailing (Form 
3817 only), the mailer must present the original postmarked certificate 
and an additional certificate endorsed ``Duplicate'' or a copy showing 
the original dates of mailing. * * *

5.1.6 Presenting to Rural Carrier

    [Revise the text of renumbered 5.1.6 to read as follows:]
    For certificate of mailing (Form 3817 only), a mailer may provide 
mail to the rural carrier with the fee for the certificate. The carrier 
obtains the certificate at the Post Office, attaches the stamps, 
obtains the postmark (round-date) on the certificate on the day of 
mailing, and delivers the certificate to the mailer on the next trip.

5.2 Other Bulk Quantities--Certificate of Bulk Mailing

5.2.1 Description

    [Revise the text of 5.2.1 to read as follows:]
    Certificate of Bulk Mailing is subject to the basic standards in 
1.0, see 1.4 for eligible matter. Barcoded Form 3606-D, or USPS 
approved facsimile, is available only at the time of mailing and is 
used to specify only the number of identical-weight pieces mailed; it 
does not provide evidence that a piece was mailed to a particular 
address. The Form 3606-D IMpb is scanned and postmarked (round-dated) 
at the time the mailing is presented and returned to the mailer as 
their receipt. Bulk mailers must submit an electronic manifest to USPS 
(using mail.dat or mail.xml, or a shipping services file as appropriate 
for the type of pieces appending to the form) which reconciles with all 
of the items represented on the associated Form 3606-D. Form 3606-D is 
available for identical-weight mailings of less than 50 pieces or 50 
pounds (whichever amount is met first) presented at any retail Post 
Office, station or branch, or, for mailings of at least 50 pieces or 50 
pounds (whichever amount is met first) presented at a BMEU or USPS 
authorized DMU. Certificate of bulk mailing service does not provide a 
record of delivery and the Postal Service

[[Page 6590]]

does not retain any copies of Form 3606-D. The Form 3606-D cannot be 
used as a certificate of mailing of individual mailpieces or itemized 
lists or if presented in combination with mailpieces already presented 
for mailing under an approved manifested mailing system under 705.

5.2.2 Paying Fees

    [Revise the text of 5.2.2 to read as follows:]
    The applicable certificate of bulk mailing fee must be paid for 
mailings of identical-weight pieces reported on Form 3606-D, or for 
additional copies of the form if requested at the time of mailing, in 
addition to the correct postage. Mailers using Form 3606-D may affix 
ordinary stamps or postage evidencing indicia on the form to pay the 
fee. When postage evidencing indicia are used, they must bear the full 
numerical value of the fee in the imprint. Mailers using Form 3606-D 
with a permit imprint mailing also may pay certificate of mailing fees, 
at the time of mailing, using the same permit imprint.

6.0 Return Receipt

6.1 Basic Standards

6.1.1 Description

    [Revise the text of 6.1.1 to read as follows:]
    Return Receipt service is subject to the basic standards in 1.0; 
see 1.4 for eligible matter. A return receipt may be purchased at the 
time of mailing and provides a mailer with evidence of delivery (to 
whom the mail was delivered and date of delivery), and information 
about the recipient's actual delivery address. A mailer purchasing a 
return receipt may choose to receive the return receipt by mail (Form 
3811) or electronically (by email, or by signature extract file format 
under 1.8). A complete return address is required on the mailpiece when 
a return receipt is requested. For Priority Mail Express (Form 3811 
option only), the return address on the Priority Mail Express label 
meets this requirement.
* * * * *

6.2 Obtaining Service

* * * * *
    [Delete items 6.2.2, After Mailing, and 6.2.3, Time Limit, in their 
entirety.]

6.3 Other Requests for Delivery Information

6.3.1 Receipt Not Received

    [Revise the text of 6.3.1 to read as follows:]
    A mailer who did not receive a return receipt (Form 3811) for which 
the mailer had paid may request information from the delivery record 
within 90 days of the date of purchase using Form 3811-A. The mailer 
must complete Form 3811-A, at any Post Office, station or branch, and 
produce their receipt showing that the applicable return receipt fee 
was paid.
    [Delete 6.3.2, Form 3811-A, in its entirety (text relocated to 
6.3.1).]
    [Delete sections 7.0, Restricted Delivery, through 9.0 Return 
Receipt for Merchandise, in their entirety, then, renumber current 10.0 
through 15.0 as new 7.0 through 12.0.]
* * * * *

7.0 USPS Tracking

7.1 Basic Standards

7.1.1 Description

    [Revise the text of renumbered 7.1.1 to read as follows:]
    USPS Tracking is subject to the basic standards in 1.0; see 1.4 for 
eligible matter. USPS Tracking provides the mailer with information 
about the date and time an article was delivered or the date and time 
of the delivery attempt. See 1.9 to obtain delivery information. USPS 
Tracking is available only at the time of mailing. No record is kept at 
the office of mailing. USPS Tracking does not include insurance, but 
insurance may be purchased as an additional service unless otherwise 
restricted. Some statutes governing the mailing of legal documents may 
require the use of Certified Mail or Registered Mail, rather than USPS 
Tracking.
    [Revise the title of and insert a new first and second sentence to 
renumbered 7.1.2 as follows:]

7.1.2 Electronic Option USPS Tracking for Standard Mail Parcels

    Electronic option USPS Tracking may be purchased for Standard Mail 
parcels for mailers using privately printed forms or labels, or Label 
400, and who establish an electronic link with the USPS to exchange 
acceptance and delivery data. Mailers wishing to obtain a mailing 
receipt may use Form 3877. * * *
* * * * *

7.1.3 Additional Physical Standards

    [Revise the introductory text of renumbered 7.1.3 to read as 
follows:]
    In addition to the applicable standards in 101, 201.7.0, and 
201.8.0, all parcels must be large enough to hold the required delivery 
address, return address, mailing labels, postage, barcode, 
endorsements, and other mail markings on the address side of the 
parcel. In addition to the applicable standards in 101 and 201 and for 
the purposes of USPS Tracking with Standard Post, Media Mail, Library 
Mail, Bound Printed Matter, or Parcel Select, the parcel must meet 
these additional requirements:
    [Delete 7.1.3 item a in its entirety (context of text relocated to 
introductory text), then, renumber current items b and c as new a and 
b.]
* * * * *
    [Delete renumbered 7.1.4, Service Options, in its entirety 
(appropriate text relocated to either 7.1.2 or 7.2.1 as only electronic 
option remains).]

7.2 Labels

7.2.1 Types of Labels

    [Revise the text of renumbered 7.2.1 to read as follows:]
    Mailers using privately printed USPS Tracking labels must meet the 
requirements in 1.8. Mailers not printing their own privately printed 
labels must use one of the label options as follows:
    a. Label 400 may be used by: Electronic option mailers, USPS retail 
associates when affixed to mailpieces at a Post Office, station, or 
branch, or by mailers when affixed to mailpieces with postage and fees 
prepaid by metered indicia or ordinary stamps. A mailing receipt is 
provided to mailers who present mailpieces with an affixed Label 400 at 
a Post Office, branch, or station, or to their USPS carrier. A mailer 
may also present mailpieces to a retail employee at a Post Office, 
station, or branch; and the retail associate will affix a USPS Tracking 
label to the item.
    b. Unique, product specific USPS-provided tracking labels are for 
use by electronic option mailers. The labels are populated with the 
product service type code and customer's Mailer Identification (MID) 
number in the Intelligent Mail package barcode (IMpb).
* * * * *
    [Revise the title of renumbered 8.0 to read as follows:]

8.0 USPS Signature Services

8.1 Basic Standards

8.1.1 Description

    [Revise the entire text of renumbered 8.1.1 to read as follows:]
    USPS Signature Services include Signature Confirmation, Signature 
Confirmation Restricted Delivery, Adult Signature Required, and Adult 
Signature Restricted Delivery, all of which are subject to the basic 
standards in 1.0; see 1.4 for eligible matter. Some statutes governing 
the mailing of legal documents may require the use of Certified Mail or 
Registered Mail rather than USPS Signature Services. USPS

[[Page 6591]]

Signature Services are available as follows:
    a. Signature Confirmation provides the mailer with information 
about the date and time an article was delivered or the date and time 
of the delivery attempt. A delivery record (including the recipient's 
signature) is maintained by the USPS and is available electronically or 
by email, upon request. The Signature Confirmation is available as a 
Retail option: Available at Post Offices at the time of mailing; a 
mailing receipt is provided. Electronic option: Available to mailers 
who establish an electronic link with the USPS to exchange acceptance 
and delivery data; no mailing receipt is provided.
    b. Signature Confirmation Restricted Delivery provides the same 
service as provided under item a. and permits a mailer to direct 
delivery only to the addressee (or addressee's authorized agent). The 
addressee must be an individual (natural person) specified by name. The 
mailer may request Insured Restricted Delivery at the time of mailing 
by advising the USPS clerk or by marking the mail ``Restricted 
Delivery'' above the address and to the right of the return address and 
paying the applicable fee. A firm mailer must enter the proper fee in 
the correct column of the firm sheet and place the required endorsement 
on the mailpiece.
    c. Adult Signature service provides electronic confirmation of the 
delivery or attempted delivery of the mailpiece and signature of the 
recipient, who must be 21 years of age or older. Prior to delivery, the 
recipient must furnish proof of age via a driver's license, passport, 
or other government-issued photo identification that lists age or date 
of birth. The USPS maintains a record of delivery (including the 
recipient's signature) for two years. The Adult Signature options are:
    1. Adult Signature Required--provides delivery to a person who is 
21 years of age or older. Upon delivery, an adult who is 21 years of 
age or older must provide one of the forms of identification listed 
above and provide a signature for receipt of the mailpiece.
    2. Adult Signature Restricted Delivery--provides Adult Signature 
Required with the additional restriction of limiting delivery to a 
specific addressee or authorized agent who is 21 years of age or older. 
If the specific individual is not 21 years of age or older, the 
mailpiece will be returned to sender.
    [Revise the title and text of renumbered 8.1.2 to read as follows:]

8.1.2 Additional Standards for Signature Confirmation

    For Signature Confirmation with Standard Post, Media Mail, Library 
Mail, Bound Printed Matter, or Parcel Select, the parcel must meet 
these additional requirements:
    a. The surface area of the address side of the parcel must be large 
enough to contain completely and legibly the delivery address, return 
address, postage, and any markings, endorsements, and extra service 
labels.
    b. Except as provided in (12.1.2c.) for machinable parcels, the 
parcel must be greater than \3/4\ inch thick at its thickest point.
    c. If the mailpiece is a machinable parcel under 201.7.0 and no 
greater than \3/4\ inch thick, the contents must be prepared in a 
strong and rigid fiberboard box or similar container or in a container 
that becomes rigid after the contents are enclosed and the container is 
secured. The parcel must be able to maintain its shape, integrity, and 
rigidity throughout processing and handling without collapsing into a 
letter-size or flat-size piece.
    d. Mailers must use one of the following labels:
    1. Form 153 (see forms at http://pe.usps.gov/), obtained from the 
Post Office at no charge, may be used only with the retail option.
    2. Label 315 electronic Signature Confirmation is available to 
electronic option mailers.
    3. Privately printed barcoded labels must meet the requirements in 
1.8. On the Priority Mail label, mailers must use the registered 
trademark symbol following the Priority Mail text or add the following 
statement at the bottom of the label in at least 6-point Helvetica 
type: ``Priority Mail is a registered trademark of the U.S. Postal 
Service.'' See Parcel Labeling Guide or Publication 97 available on 
RIBBS.
    e. The barcoded label section of Label 315 or Form 153 (see forms 
at http://pe.usps.gov/) must be placed completely on the address side 
either above the delivery address and to the right of the return 
address, or to the left of the delivery address. A privately printed 
Signature Confirmation label that is separate from a privately printed 
address label must be placed in close proximity to the address label.
    [Delete renumbered 8.1.3, Service Options, in its entirety (context 
of text relocated to 8.1.2), then insert new 8.1.3 as follows:]

8.1.3 Additional Standards for Adult Signature Service

    Customers may obtain Adult Signature Required and Adult Signature 
Restricted Delivery by producing qualified shipping labels with 
Intelligent Mail package barcodes. The Adult Signature Required or 
Adult Signature Restricted Delivery fee must be paid in addition to the 
correct postage using Click-N-Ship, PC Postage, Permit imprint (if the 
customer electronically submits postage statements and mailing 
documentation) or IBI postage meter. Conditions in 8.3.1 and 8.3.2 also 
apply to Adult Signature Restricted Delivery items. A shipment of 
cigarettes and smokeless tobacco with Adult Signature service, mailed 
by certain individuals under 601.9.0, requires the mailer to present 
items at a retail counter.
    [Delete renumbered 8.2, Labels, in its entirety (context of text 
relocated to 8.1.2).]

9.0 Collect on Delivery (COD)

9.1 Basic Standards

9.1.1 Description

    [Revise the text of renumbered 9.0 to read as follows:]
    Collect on delivery (COD) is subject to the basic standards in 1.0; 
see 1.4 for eligible matter. Any mailer may use COD to mail an article 
(using a unique COD number for each article) for which the mailer has 
not been paid and have its price and the cost of the postage collected 
(not to exceed $1,000.00) from the addressee (or agent). COD service 
provides the mailer with a mailing receipt and the USPS maintains a 
record of delivery (including the recipient's signature). The recipient 
has the option to pay the COD charges (with one form of payment) by 
cash, or a personal check or money order made payable to the mailer 
(accepted by the USPS employee upon the recipient's presentation of 
adequate identification). The USPS forwards the check or money order to 
the mailer. If payment is made by cash, a money order fee is included 
in the amount collected from the recipient (unless the mailer is 
authorized to participate in EFT for the remittance), in addition to 
the COD amount. The Postal Service cannot intervene in disputes between 
mailers and recipients of COD mail after payment was returned to the 
mailer. Customers may obtain a delivery record by purchasing a return 
receipt. Bulk proof of delivery service (7.0) is also available if 
electronic return receipt service is purchased at the time of mailing.
* * * * *

9.1.3 Registered COD Mail

    [Revise the text of renumbered 9.1.3 to read as follows (text 
relocated under 2.1.5, Registered COD):]

[[Page 6592]]

    Sealed domestic mail bearing First-Class Mail, First-Class Package 
Service, or Priority Mail postage may be sent as registered COD mail as 
provided under 9.0 and 2.1.5.
* * * * *

10.0 Special Handling

10.1 Basic Standards

10.1.1 Description

    [Revise the first and last sentences of renumbered 10.1.1 to read 
as follows:]
    Special Handling is subject to the basic standards in 1.0; see 1.4 
for eligible matter.* * * There are unique service codes included in 
the IMpb for the content categories (Fragile, Hazardous Material 
Transportation, Live Animal Transportation, Perishables, and Cremated 
Remains (only available with Priority Mail Express)) of special 
handling.

10.1.2 Bees and Poultry

    [Revise the text of renumbered 10.1.2 to read as follows:]
    Unless sent Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, First-Class Mail 
or First-Class Package Service, special handling is required for 
parcels containing honeybees or baby poultry.

10.1.3 Marking

    [Revise the text of renumbered 10.1.3 to read as follows:]
    Except for cremated remains (accordingly marked or with Label 139 
affixed) the marking ``Special Handling'' must appear prominently above 
the address and to the right of the return address on each piece for 
which special handling service is requested.
    [Delete item 14.1.4, Parcel Select--Nonmachinable Parcels, in its 
entirety (the Parcel Select nonmachinable surcharge was eliminated in a 
prior price change).]
* * * * *

505 Return Services

1.0 Business Reply Mail (BRM)

1.1 Business Reply Mail (BRM) Prices and Fees

    [Revise the title and text of 1.1.1 to read as follows:]

1.1.1 General BRM Charges

    For BRM cards, letters and flats, an annual permit fee under 1.2 is 
required, and a per-piece fee under 1.1.8 is applied to each mailpiece, 
in addition to the applicable First-Class Mail or Priority Mail 
postage. See Notice 123--Price List for applicable prices and fees.
    [Revise the title and text of 1.1.2 (context of deleted text 
relocated to 1.1.1) to read as follows:]

1.1.2 High-Volume Basic BRM

    An annual account maintenance fee is required for high-volume BRM.
    [Revise the text of 1.1.3 (context of deleted text relocated to 
1.1.1) to read as follows:]

1.1.3 Basic Qualified BRM (QBRM)

    In addition to prices and fees under 1.1.1, an annual account 
maintenance fee is required for basic QBRM (which applies to a card 
meeting the applicable standards in 1.6 and 201.1 or a letter meeting 
the applicable standards in 1.6 that is not eligible for and claimed at 
the QBRM price for cards).
    [Revise the text of 1.1.4 (context of deleted text relocated to 
1.1.2) to read as follows:]

1.1.4 High-Volume Qualified BRM

    In additional to 1.1.1, annual permit and account maintenance fees, 
and a quarterly fee, are required for high-volume QBRM.
    [Revise the text of 1.1.5 (context of deleted text relocated to 
1.1.1) to read as follows:]

1.1.5 Bulk Weight Averaged Nonletter-Size BRM

    In addition to 1.1.1, permit holders participating in bulk weight 
averaged nonletter-size BRM under 1.8 must pay an annual account 
maintenance fee, and a monthly maintenance fee.
* * * * *
    [Insert new 1.1.7 through 1.1.11 as follows (these relocated 
sections all have to do with prices and fees):]

1.1.7 Postage

    Each piece of returned BRM is charged the applicable single-piece 
First-Class Mail or Priority Mail postage (423.1.0, and 133.1.0). Cards 
must meet the standards in 201.1.0 to qualify for card price postage. 
Any card larger than those dimensions is charged the applicable First-
Class Mail letter price. For Priority Mail or First-Class Mail BRM 
pieces exceeding 13 ounces in weigh, if the zone cannot be determined 
from a return address or cancellation, then the permit holder is 
charged zone 4 postage based on the weight of the piece. For QBRM, see 
1.6.3.

1.1.8 Per Piece Fees

    Per piece fees listed in 1.1 are charged for each piece of returned 
BRM postcard, letter or flat (in addition to postage in 1.1.1). If a 
permit holder has not paid an annual account maintenance fee and 
established a BRM advance deposit account, then the basic (higher) BRM 
per piece fee must be paid. If a permit holder has paid the annual 
account maintenance fee and has established a BRM advance deposit 
account, then the high-volume (lower) BRM per piece fee is paid. For 
QBRM, see 1.6.4.

1.1.9 Advance Deposit Account and Annual Account Maintenance Fee

    A permit holder may choose to pay an annual account maintenance fee 
and establish an advance deposit account, which qualifies returned BRM 
pieces for the high-volume per piece fee. The account maintenance fee 
must be paid once each 12-month period at each Post Office where a 
permit holder holds an advance deposit account. Payment of the account 
maintenance fee is based on the anniversary date of the initial 
payment. The fee may be paid in advance only for the next 12-month 
period and only during the last 60 days of the current 12-month period. 
The fee charged is that which is in effect on the date of payment. A 
separate advance deposit account solely for BRM is not required. An 
advance deposit account can be used for BRM under these conditions:
    a. For each withdrawal, only one statement is provided for each 
annual account maintenance fee paid.
    b. If a permit holder distributes BRM with different addresses 
(including Post Office box numbers) under the same permit number going 
to the same delivery unit and has only one business reply account, then 
the BRM is separated by each different address but only one statement 
is provided and only one annual account maintenance fee is paid.
    c. The permit holder must pay an annual account maintenance fee for 
each separate statement (accounting) requested. If only one annual 
account maintenance fee is paid, then the permit holder receives only 
one statement.
    d. The permit holder must maintain a sufficient balance in the BRM 
advance deposit account to cover postage and per piece fees for 
returned mailpieces. The permit holder is notified if funds are 
insufficient. After 3 calendar days, if no funds are deposited, then 
the BRM on hand is charged the basic BRM per piece fee and postage and 
charges are collected from the permit holder (e.g., in cash) prior to 
delivery.
    e. BRM addressed to several different firms at the same delivery 
unit may be delivered to an agent authorized by a valid BRM permit 
holder. The agent pays one annual account maintenance fee for all the 
firms represented by the agent in the same delivery unit. If the agent, 
or any of the firms represented by the agent, wants a separation of 
charges, then separate (additional) account maintenance fees must be 
paid.

[[Page 6593]]

1.1.10 Renewal of Annual Account Maintenance Fee

    An annual renewal notice is provided to each BRM permit holder with 
a BRM advance deposit account. The notice and the payment for the next 
12 months must be returned by the expiration date to the Post Office 
that holds the advance deposit account. After the expiration date, if 
the permit holder has not paid the annual account maintenance fee but 
still has a valid BRM permit, returned BRM pieces no longer qualify for 
the high-volume BRM per piece fee and are charged the basic BRM per 
piece fee in 1.1.8.

1.1.11 Payment Options

    Permit holders may pay for postage and per piece fees on returned 
pieces by cash or check upon delivery, through a regular postage due 
account (604.6.3), or through a BRM advance deposit account (1.1.9). A 
regular postage due account is not charged an annual account 
maintenance fee and does not qualify the permit holder for high-volume 
BRM per piece fees.
    [Delete 1.2 Qualified Business Reply Mail (QBRM) Prices, and 1.3, 
Qualified Business Reply Mail (QBRM), in their entirety, (1.2 is 
already stated in 505.1.1 and 1.3 relocated to 1.10, Additional 
Standards for QBRM.), then, insert new 1.2, Permits, (relocated from 
current 1.5) to read as follows:]

1.2 Permits

1.2.1 Required

    Any mailer who wants to distribute BRM must apply for and receive a 
permit. The permit number, city, and state where the permit is held 
must appear on all pieces of BRM.

1.2.2 Application Process

    The mailer may apply for a BRM permit by submitting a completed 
Form 3615 to the Post Office issuing the permit and paying the annual 
permit fee. If a completed Form 3615 is already on file for the mailer 
for other permits at that office, then the mailer must submit the 
annual BRM permit fee and the USPS amends Form 3615 by adding the BRM 
authorization.

1.2.3 Annual Permit Fee

    A permit fee must be paid once each 12-month period at each Post 
Office where a BRM permit is held. Payment of the permit fee is based 
on the anniversary date of the permit's issuance. The fee may be paid 
in advance only for the next 12 months and only during the last 60 days 
of the current service period. The fee charged is that which is in 
effect on the date of payment. Agents authorized by a permit holder 
under 1.7 are not required to pay an annual permit fee at the Post 
Office where their BRM is received.

1.2.4 Renewal of Annual Permit Fee

    An annual renewal notice is provided to each BRM permit holder by 
the USPS. The notice and the payment for the next 12 months must be 
returned by the expiration date to the Post Office that issued the 
permit. After the expiration date, if the permit holder has not paid 
the annual permit fee, then returned BRM pieces are treated as follows:
    a. Postcards of no obvious value are treated as waste and disposed 
of at the delivery unit.
    b. Letter and flat pieces with a return address are endorsed 
``Business Reply Permit Canceled'' and are returned to the sender.
    c. Pieces without a return address are endorsed ``Business Reply 
Permit Canceled'' and forwarded to the mail recovery center for 
handling.

1.2.5 Other Post Offices

    A permit holder may distribute BRM through any Post Office for 
delivery at any Post Office under 1.7.

1.2.6 Revocation of a Permit

    The USPS may revoke a BRM permit because of format errors or for 
refusal to pay permit fees (annual, accounting, quarterly, or monthly), 
postage, or per piece fees. If the permit was revoked due to format 
errors, then a former permit holder may obtain a new permit and permit 
number by completing and submitting a new Form 3615, paying the 
required BRM annual permit fee, paying a new annual account maintenance 
fee (if applicable), and, for the next 2 years, submitting two samples 
of each BRM format to the appropriate Post Office for approval.
    [Renumber current 1.4 through 1.12 as new 1.3 through 1.8.]
    [Revise the title (to align with other titles in 505) of renumbered 
1.3 as follows:]

1.3 Basic Standards

1.3.1 Description

    [Revise the text of renumbered 1.3.1 to read as follows:]
    Business Reply Mail (BRM) service enables a permit holder to 
receive First-Class Mail and Priority Mail back from customers. The 
permit holder guarantees payment of the applicable First-Class Mail or 
Priority Mail postage, plus a per piece fee, on all returned BRM which 
includes any incomplete, blank, or empty BRM cards and envelopes and 
any mailable matter with a BRM label affixed. BRM cards, envelopes, 
self-mailers, and flats may be distributed by a BRM permit holder in 
any quantity for return to any Post Office in the United States and its 
territories and possessions, including military Post Offices overseas. 
High-Volume BRM under 1.1.2 is a subset of BRM that qualify pieces for 
a reduced per piece fee. QBRM, under 1.1.3, 1.1.4 and 1.6, is a subset 
of BRM available for specific automation-compatible letter-size pieces 
that qualify for an automation postage price and a reduced per piece 
fee. Domestic BRM may not be distributed to foreign countries (see the 
International Mail Manual for International Business Reply Service 
(IBRS)). BRM may not be used for any purpose other than that intended 
by the permit holder, even when postage is affixed. In cases where a 
BRM card or letter is used improperly as a label, the USPS treats the 
item as waste.
    [Delete renumbered 1.3.2, Payment Guarantee, in its entirety, (text 
relocated under 1.3.1, Description), then, renumber recently renumbered 
1.3.3, Services, through 1.3.8, Error Notification, as new 1.3.2 
through 1.3.7.]
    [Revise the title and text of newly renumbered 1.3.2 as follows:]

1.3.2 Extra Services

    No extra services are permitted with BRM, except for BRM parcels 
bearing an Intelligent Mail package barcode with imbedded USPS Tracking 
service.
    [Delete renumbered 1.3.3, Address, in its entirety, (text relocated 
more appropriately under 1.8.6, Format Elements), then, renumber 
recently renumbered 1.3.4, through 1.3.7 as new 1.3.3 through 1.3.6.]
    [Delete recently renumbered 1.3.4, Intentions of the Permit Holder, 
in its entirety, (text relocated in 1.3.1, Description) and renumber 
recently renumbered 1.3.5 through 1.3.6 as new 1.3.4 through 1.3.5.]

1.3.4 Samples

    [Revise the text of newly renumbered 1.3.4 to read as follows:]
    Prior to printing, permit holders are encouraged, but not required, 
to submit preproduction samples of BRM to the USPS for approval. QBRM 
pieces require USPS approval (1.6).

1.3.5 Error Notification

    [Revise the text of newly renumbered 1.3.5 to read as follows:]
    If the USPS discovers a BRM format error, the responsible permit 
holder or authorized agent receives written notification of the error. 
The permit holder must correct the error and make

[[Page 6594]]

sure that all future BRM pieces meet appropriate specifications. The 
repeated distribution of BRM with format errors is grounds for revoking 
a BRM permit (1.2.6).
    [Delete renumbered 1.4, Permits, in its entirety (relocated to new 
1.2.]
    [Delete renumbered 1.5, Postage, Per Piece Fees, and Account 
Maintenance Fees, and 1.5.1, Postage through 1.5.4, Renewal of Annual 
Account Maintenance Fee, (all text relocated within 1.1) in their 
entirety.]
    [Renumber 1.5.5 through 1.5.7 as new 1.3.6 through 1.3.8.]

1.3.6 Combined Pieces as a Single Item

    Two or more BRM pieces may be mailed as a single piece if the BRM 
pieces are identically addressed and prepared for mailing in accordance 
with 201.1.0. The permit holder is charged postage based on the total 
weight of the combined piece plus one per piece fee. If the combined 
pieces become separated, then the permit holder must pay postage and a 
per piece fee for each individual piece. Combined pieces are not 
eligible for QBRM postage prices or per piece fees.

1.3.7 With Postage Affixed

    [Revise the text of renumbered 1.3.7 to read as follows:]
    BRM with postage affixed is handled the same as other BRM. No 
effort is made to identify or separate BRM pieces with postage affixed. 
The amount of affixed postage is not deducted from the postage or per 
piece fees owed. The permit holder may request a credit or refund for 
postage affixed to BRM under 604.9.2.
    [Delete newly renumbered 1.3.8 in its entirety (context of text 
relocated to 1.1.11 under BRM Prices and Fees).]

1.4 Mailpiece Characteristics

* * * * *

1.4.5 Window Envelopes

    The following standards apply to BRM prepared in an open-panel or a 
covered window envelope:
* * * * *
    c. Open panel window envelopes:
* * * * *
    [Revise the text of renumbered 1.4.5c.2 to read as follows:]
    2. Other required and optional elements in 1.5 may be printed on 
the insert appearing through the address window.

1.4.6 Self-Mailers and Reusable Mailpieces

    [Revise the first sentence of renumbered 1.4.6 to read as follows:]
    In addition to the standards in 1.4 and 1.5, self-mailers and 
reusable mailpieces must meet the standards in 201.3.14 and 601.6.5 (or 
601.6.6).* * *
* * * * *
    [Revise the title and text of renumbered 1.4.8 to read as follows:]

1.4.8 Labels for Letter-Size Pieces

    The minimum size of a BRM label for use on letter-size pieces is 2 
inches high and 3 inches long. BRM labels on ordinary letter-size 
pieces are not required to have a FIM or a ZIP+4 barcode, but all other 
format standards in 1.5 must be met. In cases where a BRM card or 
letter is used improperly as a label, the USPS treats the item as 
waste. The following standards apply to BRM labels for use on letter-
size pieces:
    a. The minimum size of a BRM label is 2\5/8\ inches high and 4\1/4\ 
inches long. All format elements, including a FIM, must be printed on 
the label. Exception: The vertical series of horizontal bars must be at 
least \3/4\-inch high. Horizontal bars may be omitted on BRM letter-
size pieces bearing Intelligent Mail barcodes. The back of the label 
must be coated with a permanent adhesive strong enough to firmly attach 
the label to an envelope.
    b. The permit holder must provide instructions to the user 
describing how the label should be applied to a mailpiece and what 
precautions must be observed when applying the label (see Exhibit 
1.4.8a). A pictorial diagram showing proper placement of the label must 
be included with the instructions. At a minimum, the instructions must 
include the following directions:
    1. Place the label squarely in the upper right corner of the 
envelope.
    2. Do not write on the envelope or label.
    3. Do not use a window envelope, an envelope that is less than 1 
inch higher than the label an envelope that is more than 4\1/2\ inches 
high, or an envelope with any printing other than a return address.
    4. Do not use tape to affix the label.
    c. When the label is affixed to an envelope, the address must be 
placed within the OCR read area (see 202.2.1).
    d. Pieces with business reply labels cannot qualify for QBRM 
prices.

Exhibit 1.4.8a Instructions for Affixing Business Reply Label
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP05FE15.002


[[Page 6595]]


    [Delete 1.4.9, Labels for Letter-Size Pieces, in its entirety 
(context of text relocated to 1.4.8).]

1.5 Format Elements

1.5.1 General

    [Revise the text of renumbered 1.5.1 to read as follows:]
    Except for BRM parcels under 3.0, all pieces of BRM are subject to 
these format elements. The USPS may revoke a BRM permit because of 
format errors under 1.2.6. An Intelligent Mail barcode (IMb) is not 
required, except for QBRM prices; if an IMb is used, it must be printed 
and placed under 1.5.10 and as shown in Exhibit 1.5.1a. Pieces of QBRM 
and bulk weight averaged nonletter-size BRM are subject to additional 
format standards listed in 1.6 and 1.8. BRM format elements are shown 
in Exhibit 1.5.1a.

Exhibit 1.5.1a Business Reply Mail Format
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP05FE15.003

1.5.2 Printing and Print Reflectance

    [Revise the second sentence of renumbered 1.5.2 to read as 
follows:]
    * * *Handwriting, typewriting, and hand stamping may not be used to 
prepare BRM. Printed borders are not permitted on letter-size BRM, but 
are permitted on envelopes greater than 6\1/8\ inches high or 11\1/2\ 
inches long or \1/4\ inch thick. * * *
* * * * *

1.5.4 Business Reply Legend

    [Revise the first sentence of 1.5.4 to read as follows:]
    The legend ``BUSINESS REPLY MAIL'' or ``BUSINESS REPLY LABEL'', as 
appropriate, must appear on all pieces. * * *
* * * * *

1.5.6 Delivery Address

    [Add a new first sentence to and revise item d of renumbered 1.5.6 
to read as follows:]
    The delivery address on a piece of BRM may not be altered to 
redirect the mailpiece to any address other than the one preprinted on 
the piece. * * *
* * * * *
    [Renumber current 1.9 as new 1.5.10, then, revise the title and 
text of renumbered 1.5.10 to read as follows:]

1.5.10 Additional Standards for Letter-Size and Flat-Size BRM Bearing 
an IMb

    When an Intelligent Mail barcode is printed on any BRM pieces, it 
must contain the barcode ID, service type ID, and correct ZIP+4 routing 
code, as specified under 708.4.3. The IMb must be placed on the address 
side of the piece and positioned as part of the delivery address block 
under 202.5.7 or within the barcode clear zone in the lower right 
corner of the piece if printed directly on the piece.

1.6 Additional Standards for Qualified Business Reply Mail (QBRM)

1.6.1 Description

    [Revise renumbered 1.6.1 to read as follows:]
    Qualified business reply mail (QBRM) is a subset of business reply 
mail. Permit holders distribute automation-compatible letter-size 
pieces that qualify for automation postage prices and reduced per piece 
fees. In addition to meeting the eligibility requirements below, the 
authorization to participate in QBRM under 1.6.2, and the format 
standards in 1.5, QBRM is First-Class Mail that:
    a. Is letter-size and is prepared to meet the automation 
compatibility requirements in 201.3.0 (except 201.3.13.1).
    b. Meets all the Business Reply Mail (BRM) standards in 1.3 through 
1.8.
    c. Has postage and per piece charges deducted from a BRM advance 
deposit account.
    d. Is authorized to mail at QBRM prices and fees under 1.6.2. 
During the authorization process, a proper ZIP+4 Code is assigned to 
the mailer (under 1.6.2) for each price category of QBRM to be returned 
under the system (one for card priced pieces, one for letter-size 
pieces weighing 1 ounce or less, and

[[Page 6596]]

one for letter-size pieces weighing over 1 ounce up to and including 2 
ounces).
    e. Bears the proper ZIP+4 Code, assigned by USPS for the 
appropriate price category, in the address of each piece. The ZIP+4 
Codes assigned for this program must be used only on the organization's 
appropriate QBRM pieces.
    f. Bears the correct Intelligent Mail barcode, correctly prepared 
under 1.9 and 708.4.0, that corresponds to the unique ZIP+4 code in the 
address on each piece distributed.
    g. Bears a properly prepared facing identification mark (FIM) C on 
each piece distributed (see 708.9.0).
    [Delete renumbered 1.6.2, Eligibility, in its entirety (text in 
``1.3'' as reference in 1.10.2 relocated to 1.10.1 (1.10.1 subsequently 
renumbered as new 1.6.1)), then, renumber recently renumbered 1.6.3 
through 1.6.8 as new 1.6.2 through 1.6.7.]

1.6.2 Authorization

    [Revise the text of renumbered 1.6.2 to read as follows:]
    To participate in QBRM, a mailer with a valid BRM permit and having 
paid the annual account maintenance fee, must submit Form 6805 to the 
Postmaster or manager, Business Mail Entry for the Post Office to which 
the QBRM pieces are to be returned. USPS assigns to the mailer a proper 
BRM ZIP+4 Code, as applicable, reviews Form 6805 and preproduction 
samples provided by the mailer for compliance with relevant standards, 
and if approved, issues the mailer an authorization via the Form 6805.
* * * * *

1.6.4 Per Piece Fees

    [Revise the text of renumbered 1.6.4 to read as follows:]
    Per piece fees are charged for each piece of returned QBRM (in 
addition to postage in 1.6.3). Pieces that do not meet the format 
requirements for QBRM cannot qualify for QBRM per piece fees and are 
charged the high-volume BRM per piece fees in 1.1.2.

1.6.5 Annual Account Maintenance Fee and Advance Deposit Account

    [Revise the text of renumbered 1.6.5 to read as follows:]
    Permit holders are required to pay QBRM postage and per piece fees 
through a BRM advance deposit account, which requires payment of an 
annual account maintenance fee (see 1.1.9).
* * * * *
    [Revise the complete text of renumbered 1.7 to read as follows 
(incorporating the text and sections 1.11.2 through 1.11.6 as new 1.7.1 
items a through e.):]

1.7 BRM Distributed and Received by Agents of a Permit Holder

1.7.1 Description

    Permit holders may give permission to subsidiary offices, agents, 
or authorized representatives to distribute and receive BRM using a 
single (corporate) permit number. BRM pieces are distributed by and 
returned to agents, who pay postage and per piece fees on those 
returned pieces. Agents may use any type of BRM service meeting the 
applicable standards in 1.0 and under the following additional 
conditions:
    a. Permit--The main permit holder or ``corporate'' office applies 
for the permit number and pays the permit fee. The agent must present a 
letter of authorization from the permit holder showing the name, 
address, and telephone number of the local agent authorized to receive 
the BRM to the Post Office where the BRM is to be returned. Any time 
there is a change to the original permit application or the 
authorization letter, each agent must provide an amended letter of 
authorization to their local Post Office.
    b. Annual Permit Fee--Agents do not pay a separate annual permit 
fee but must submit evidence (usually a copy of Form 3544) to the local 
office once each 12-month period to show that the annual permit fee has 
been paid. This evidence is not required if-the permit holder has a 
centralized account processing system (CAPS) account, through which the 
local Post Office can determine that the permit fee has been paid.
    c. Postage, Per Piece Fees, and Annual Account Maintenance Fees--
Agents receiving BRM or QBRM are responsible for paying all the postage 
and per piece fees, and applicable annual account maintenance fees, 
under 1.1 for the type of service received.
    d. Payment Guarantee--The permit holder is ultimately responsible 
for postage and per piece fees for all pieces returned under that 
permit number. If a local agent refuses or neglects to pay postage or 
per piece fees on returned pieces, then those pieces are forwarded to 
the Post Office that issued the original permit for collection of 
postage and per piece fees from the permit holder. Once forwarded to 
the permit holder, these pieces cannot qualify for QBRM postage and per 
piece fees. The permit holder's refusal to accept and pay the required 
postage and per piece fees for BRM offered for delivery is grounds for 
immediate revocation of the BRM permit (1.5.6).
    e. Format--BRM distributed by agents must meet all required format 
standards in 1.4 and 1.5. Authorized representatives distributing BRM 
on behalf of a permit holder must have the permit holder's name and 
permit number printed on the BRM and their own names and addresses 
printed below the permit holder's name, except:
    1. When the agent is a branch of an authorized business.
    2. The permit holder notifies a Post Office that authorized 
representatives may use the permit holder's permit number without 
printing the permit holder's name.

1.8 Bulk Weight Averaged Nonletter-size BRM

* * * * *

1.8.3 Postage, Per Piece Fees, and Other Fees

    [Revise the last sentence of renumbered 1.8.3 to read as follows:]
    * * * Permit holders participating in bulk weight averaged 
nonletter-size BRM must pay an annual account maintenance fee and a 
monthly maintenance fee (see 1.1.5).
    [Revise the title of 1.8.4, Application Procedures, to read as 
follows:]

1.8.4 Application Process

    [Revise the introductory text of renumbered 1.8.4 to read as 
follows:]
    A permit holder who wants to use bulk weight averaged BRM for 
nonletter-size pieces must submit a written request to the Postmaster 
of the office where the BRM permit is held. The Postmaster forwards 
this information to the manager, Customer Service Standardization, USPS 
Headquarters (see 608.8.0 for address). The request must include the 
following information:
* * * * *
    [Revise the text of 1.8.4d read as follows:]
    d. Based on the estimated volume in 1.8.4c, a 24-hour estimate and 
a 30-day estimate of postage and per piece fees using the postage and 
charges listed in 1.1.5.
* * * * *

1.8.7 Revoking Authorization

    [Revise the introductory text of renumbered 1.8.7 to read as 
follows:]
    A Postmaster may terminate authorization for bulk weight averaged 
BRM by sending written notice to the permit holder, for any of the 
following reasons:
* * * * *
    [Revise the heading of 2.0, Permit Reply Mail, to read as follows:]

[[Page 6597]]

2.0 Permit, Pre-paid (Metered), and Courtesy Reply Mail

    [Revise the title of 2.1, General Information, to read as follows;]

2.1 Permit Reply Mail

2.1.1 Description

    [Revise the second sentence of 2.1.1 to read as follows:]
    * * * Mailers must distribute PRM pieces as part of the contents of 
an outgoing First-Class Mail mailing (see 230) only by using a valid 
permit imprint (604.5.0) account.
    [Revise the title of 2.1.2, Services, as follows;]

2.1.2 Extra Services

* * * * *
    [Delete 2.1.3, Address, in its entirety (text relocated to 2.3.6), 
then renumber current 2.1.4 through 2.1.5 as new 2.1.3 through 2.1.4.]
* * * * *

2.3.6 Delivery Address

    [Revise the text of 2.3.6 to read as follows:]
    The complete address (including the permit holder's name, delivery 
address, city, state, and ZIP+4 Code) must be printed on the piece. The 
delivery address on a PRM mailpiece may not be altered to redirect it 
to any address other than the one preprinted on the piece. PRM pieces 
must bear an Intelligent Mail barcode meeting the standards in 202.5.0 
and 708.4.0.
* * * * *

2.3.8 Company Logo

    [Revise the text of 2.3.8 to read as follows:]
    A company logo is permitted on letter-size PRM, provided the logo 
is placed no lower than \5/8\ inch from the bottom edge of the piece 
and it does not interfere with any required format element.
    [Delete 2.4, Permit Imprint Account, in its entirety (relocated the 
last sentence to 2.1.1, Description, and the rest of this text is 
already stated in 2.1.1), then, renumber current 2.5 and 2.6 as new 2.4 
and 2.5.]
* * * * *
    [Renumber recently renumbered 2.5, Courtesy Reply Mail, as new 
2.7.]
    [Insert new section 2.6 (relocated more appropriately here from 
604.4.5.2) to read as follows:]

2.6 Prepaid (Metered) Reply Mail

2.6.1 Description

    Mailers may use indicia generated by any postage evidencing system 
(see 604.4) to prepay reply postage on Priority Mail Express, on 
Priority Mail when the price is the same for all zones, on First-Class 
Mail, and on single-piece price Media Mail and Library Mail under the 
following conditions.
    a. The postage amount must be sufficient to prepay the full postage 
due.
    b. Print indicia directly on the mailpiece or on a label, and place 
indicia under 201.4.3.3.
    c. Indicia used to prepay reply postage must not show the date.
    d. Pre-address the mailpiece for return to the authorized user 
only.
    e. Print the words ``NO POSTAGE STAMP NECESSARY POSTAGE HAS BEEN 
PREPAID BY'' directly above the address.
    f. Mailers may use FIM A on barcoded letter-size First-Class Mail 
reply mail except when using PC Postage.
    g. When using PC Postage, mailers must use FIM D for prepaid reply 
mail when the indicium is printed directly on the mailpiece.
    h. The address side must appear as described in this section and 
shown in the illustration below. Nothing may be added except a return 
address, FIM, or barcode.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP05FE15.004

* * * * *
    [Insert new 2.8 (context of text relocated from 201.3.18) to read 
as follows:]

2.8 Enclosed Reply Cards and Envelopes

    Mailers may enclose reply cards or envelopes (i.e. BRM under 1.0; 
Permit Reply Mail under 2.1 and 2.4, Prepaid (Metered) Reply under 2.6, 
or Courtesy Reply Mail under 2.7), addressed for return to a domestic 
delivery address, within automation mailings subject to provisions in 
201.3.0 for enclosures.
    [Revise the title of 3.0 to read as follows:]

3.0 Merchandise Return Service (MRS)

3.1 Prices and Fees

3.1.1 Permit Fee

    [Revise the text of 3.1.1 to read as follows:]
    An annual Returns Services permit fee must be paid once each 12-
month period at each Post Office where a Merchandise Return Service 
(MRS) permit is held. The fee (in effect on the date of the payment) 
may be paid for the next 12 months, during the last 60 days of the 
service period, before the anniversary of the permit's issuance. An 
approved merchandise return permit on Form 3615 must be on file at 
every Post Office to which parcels are returned.

[[Page 6598]]

3.1.2 Advance Deposit Account and Account Maintenance Fee

    [Revise the entire text of 3.1.2 (including relocated text from 
3.2.9, Multiple Accounts) to read as follows:]
    There is an annual Returns Services account maintenance fee for the 
advance deposit account. The permit holder must pay postage and extra 
service fees through an advance deposit account and must pay an annual 
account maintenance fee. When an advance deposit account is kept at 
each entry location, a separate permit (except as provided under 3.2.11 
and for qualified national permit holders using scan based payment for 
returns) is needed and the annual merchandise return service permit and 
annual account maintenance fees must be paid at each Post Office. The 
fee (in effect on the date of the payment) may be paid for the next 12 
months, during the last 60 days of the service period, before the 
anniversary date of the initial fee payment. A separate advance deposit 
account for MRS is not required; the annual account maintenance fee is 
charged if MRS postage and fees are paid from an existing account:
    a. For each withdrawal, only one statement is provided for each 
annual account maintenance fee paid.
    b. The permit holder must pay an annual account maintenance fee for 
each separate statement (accounting) requested.
* * * * *

3.1.5 Priority Mail Commercial Base and Commercial Plus Prices

    Priority Mail Commercial Base and Commercial Plus prices are 
available to MRS permit holders when the following criteria are met:
    [Revise the text of 3.1.5 item a by deleting the second sentence.]
* * * * *

3.2 Basic Standards

3.2.1 Description

    [Revise the text of 3.2.1 to read as follows:]
    Merchandise return service allows an authorized Returns Services 
permit holder to pay the postage and extra service fees on single-piece 
priced Priority Mail, or First-Class Package Service or ground return 
service parcels (Parcel Select Nonpresort) that are returned to the 
permit holder by the permit holder's customers via a special barcoded 
label (see 3.5.10) produced by the permit holder.
* * * * *
    [Delete 3.2.5, IMpb Standards, in its entirety, (context of text in 
new item j. under 3.5.10, Label Format Elements) then, renumber current 
3.2.6 through 3.2.14 as new 3.2.5 through 3.2.13.]
* * * * *

3.2.6 Application Process

    [Revise the text of 3.2.6 to read as follows:]
    The applicant must submit a completed Form 3615 and the annual 
permit fee to the Post Office issuing the permit, or amend an existing 
Form 3615 on file at that office by adding the merchandise return 
service authorization to existing Returns Service permit 
authorizations. Except for MRS labels generated by the USPS Application 
Program Interface (API), Form 3615 must be accompanied by copies of the 
MRS labels (including printed copies of labels intended to be faxed to 
customers or transmitted to customers electronically) and the 
instructions provided to the permit holder's customers. All MRS labels 
that have preprinted USPS Tracking barcodes must be approved by the 
USPS. If articles are to be returned from customers as Registered Mail, 
the applicant must indicate ``Registered Mail'' on the application. 
After a MRS permit is obtained, any change to label formats or customer 
instructions must be approved by the Post Office where the permit is 
held. The permit is valid for 12 months after the approval date of the 
application.
    [Delete renumbered 3.2.7, Procedure, (text relocated in 3.1.1), 
3.2.8, Multiple Accounts, (text relocated in 3.1.2) in their entirety, 
then renumber recently renumbered 3.2.9 through 3.2.13 as new 3.2.7 
through 3.2.11.]
    [Revise the title and text of newly renumbered 3.2.7, Renewal, to 
read as follows:]

3.2.7 Permit Renewal

    To renew the MRS permit, the permit holder must send the annual 
fees (under 3.1.1 and 3.1.2) to the issuing Post Office by the 
expiration date of the permit, or authorize the Postmaster to deduct 
the fee from the advance deposit account, or establish a CAPS link for 
EFT. If a permit holder's outbound permit account shows any amount of 
outbound parcel volumes, the annual Returns Services permit and account 
maintenance fees may be waived at the time of renewal. Written 
authorization is not needed for permit renewal if there is no change to 
the authorization on file at the delivery unit.

3.2.8 Nonrenewed Permit

    [Revise the text of 3.2.8 to read as follows:]
    If the permit is not renewed, merchandise return mail bearing the 
sender's return address is returned to the sender; otherwise, it is 
treated as dead mail.

3.2.9 Permit Cancellation

    [Revise the text of 3.2.9 to read as follows:]
    The USPS may cancel a MRS permit if the permit holder refuses to 
accept and pay postage and fees on merchandise return service parcels, 
fails to keep sufficient funds in the advance deposit account to cover 
postage and fees, or distributes merchandise return labels or tags that 
do not meet USPS standards.

3.2.10 Reapplying After Cancellation

    [Revise the text of 3.2.10 to read as follows:]
    To receive a new MRS permit at the same Post Office after a 
merchandise return permit is canceled, the applicant must amend the 
Form 3615 on file at that office to reflect the new application date; 
pay a new permit fee; submit for approval two samples of any label 
format to be used; provide evidence that the reasons for the permit 
cancellation are corrected; and provide and keep funds in an advance 
deposit account to cover normal returns for at least 2 weeks.

3.2.11 Using Other Post Offices

    [Revise the text of 3.2.11 to read as follows:]
    The permit holder may distribute merchandise return labels for 
return through other Post Offices (i.e. stations or branches under a 
Main Post Office) without paying an additional permit fee if the permit 
holder opens and keeps their advance deposit account at the Post Office 
where the permit is issued and supplies that Postmaster the name, 
address, and telephone number of a representative in each additional 
station or branch if different from the information on the application.
    [Revise the title of 3.3, Additional Standards for Permit Holder, 
to read as follows:]

3.3 Additional Standards for MRS

    [Revise the title and text of 3.3.1 to read as follows:]

3.3.1 Extra and Additional Services

    The MRS permit holder may obtain extra and additional services with 
MRS as follows:
    a. Insurance--Which may be combined with special handling) for MRS 
containing only matter not required to be mailed at First-Class Mail 
prices under 133.3.0. To request

[[Page 6599]]

insurance, the permit holder must preprint or rubber-stamp ``Insurance 
Desired by Permit Holder for $___ (value)'' to the left of and above 
the ``Merchandise Return Label'' legend and below the ``Total Postage 
and Fees Due'' statement on the merchandise return label. The value 
part of the endorsement, showing the dollar amount of insurance for the 
article, may be handwritten by the permit holder. If insurance is paid 
for by the MRS permit holder, then only the MRS permit holder may file 
a claim (609).
    b. Registered Mail--May be obtained by the MRS permit holder under 
the following conditions:
    1. The customer using the MRS label must declare the full value of 
the article to be registered when presented at the Post Office. 
Registered Mail service may be obtained only on articles returned at 
Priority Mail or First-Class Package Service prices and may not be 
combined with any other extra service.
    2. A permit holder wanting to add Registered Mail service under an 
existing permit must submit a written request to the Post Office where 
the permit is held, with samples of the merchandise return labels and a 
copy of the instructions to be provided to the permit holder's 
customers. The permit holder must not distribute labels that request 
Registered Mail service before receiving USPS written approval.
    c. Special Handling--The permit holder may obtain special handling 
service with MRS.
    d. Pickup on Demand Service--The permit holder may obtain Pickup on 
Demand service with MRS. Pickup on Demand service may be combined with 
Certified Mail (Priority Mail only), USPS Tracking, and special 
handling.
    e. USPS Tracking--(which may be combined with insurance and special 
handling or both) is included with MRS when the MRS labels are properly 
formatted under 3.5.10.
    f. Mailing Acknowledgment--The permit holder may prepare a 
detachable mailing acknowledgment form, subject to these conditions:
    1. The acknowledgment must not bear adhesive but must be attached 
to the label and perforated or designed for easy separation at the time 
of mailing.
    2. The acknowledgment establishes no USPS liability for the parcel 
if damaged, lost, or stolen.
    3. The acknowledgment provides documentation for account management 
between the mailing customer and the permit holder. The USPS charges no 
fee, keeps no records, and does not provide copies of or further 
information about the acknowledgment.
    4. A merchandise return service parcel containing the detachable 
mailing acknowledgment form must be presented to the USPS acceptance 
employee at the time of mailing to be executed.
    5. Each mailing acknowledgment part of the label must include a 
unique parcel identification number assigned by the permit holder; the 
return address of the customer mailing the parcel, in the upper part of 
the detachable form; the permit holder's address, in the lower part of 
the form; an initials section in the acknowledgment portion for use by 
the USPS acceptance employee; and space in the acknowledgment part 
where the USPS acceptance employee places the date stamp.
    [Delete 3.3.2, Registered Mail, through 3.3.7, Mailing 
Acknowledgment, in their entirety (context of text relocated to 
3.3.1).]

3.4 Additional Standards for Permit Holder's Customer

3.4.1 Customer Options

    [Revise the text of 3.4.1 to read as follows:]
    If the permit holder has not indicated the extra services listed in 
3.3.1a through 3.3.1d a customer may request the extra services listed 
in 3.3.1a through 3.3.1d at their own expense.

3.4.2 Insurance

    [Revise the text of 3.4.2 to read as follows:]
    If insurance is paid by the customer, then only the customer may 
file a claim.

3.4.3 Certificate of Mailing

* * * * *
    [Revise the title of 3.5, Preparation, to read as follows:]

3.5 Labels

3.5.1 Distribution of Labels

    [Revise the text of 3.5.1 to read as follows:]
    Merchandise return service labels may be distributed to customers 
as an enclosure with merchandise, as a separate item (including when 
requested electronically through the Business Customer Gateway for 
printing and delivery to the end-user by USPS), as part of a double 
postcard subject to 201.1.2.8 and the approval of the PCSC, as an 
electronic transmission for customer downloading and printing, or 
through one of the permit holder's designated pickup facilities. Any 
such label distributed to a customer must meet the format standards in 
3.5.10, including the requirement to furnish instructions.
    [Delete 3.5.2, Labels, in its entirety (text relocated to 
introductory text of renumbered 3.5.10, Label Format Elements); then, 
renumber 3.5.3 through 3.5.14 as new 3.5.2 through 3.5.13.]
    [Revise the title and text of renumbered 3.5.2 to read as follows:]

3.5.2 Mailer Price Markings

    It is recommended that permit holders preprint a price marking on 
the merchandise return service labels they distribute to ensure that 
returned parcels will be given service and charged postage according to 
the wishes of the permit holder. Regardless of weight, all unmarked 
parcels will be treated as Standard Post and charged Parcel Select 
Nonpresort prices.
    [Revise the title and text of renumbered 3.5.3 to read as follows:]

3.5.3 Label Preparation

    Any photographic, mechanical, or electronic process or any 
combination of such processes other than typewriting or handwriting may 
be used to prepare the MRS label and detachable acknowledgment form. 
The background may be any light color (excluding brilliant colors) that 
allows the address, postmark, and other endorsements to be readily 
discerned. If labels are faxed to customers or electronically 
transmitted to customers for their local printing, the permit holder 
must advise their customers of these preparation requirements as part 
of the required instructions required under 3.5.5. All MRS labels 
bearing the required IMpb (with imbedded USPS Tracking) must be 
certified for use by the USPS prior to distribution. Labels with USPS 
Tracking barcodes cannot be faxed to customers.
    [Revise the title and text of renumbered 3.5.4 to read as follows:]

3.5.4 Labeling Methods

    If all applicable content and format standards are met (including 
the written instructions required by 3.5.5), a merchandise return 
service label may be produced by any of the following methods:
* * * * *
    [Revise the text of renumbered 3.5.4 item c to read as follows:]
    c. Printed and delivered by USPS to the customer (end-user) when 
requested electronically by the permit holder or its agents through the 
Business Customer Gateway.
* * * * *
    [Revise the title of renumbered 3.5.5 to read as follows:]

3.5.5 Labeling Instructions

    Written instructions must be provided with the label that, at a 
minimum, directs the customer to do the following:
* * * * *

[[Page 6600]]

    [Revise renumbered 3.5.5 item d by changing any blue colored text 
to black.]
    d. ``Mail the labeled parcel at a Post Office, drop it in a 
collection box, leave it with your letter carrier, or schedule a 
package pickup at usps.com.''
    [Delete renumbered 3.5.6, Insured Markings, in its entirety 
(context of text relocated more appropriately under 3.5.8); then, 
insert new 3.5.6 to read as follows:]

3.5.6 Special Handling Endorsement

    To request special handling, the permit holder must preprint or 
rubber-stamp ``Special Handling Desired by Permit Holder'' to the left 
of and above the ``Merchandise Return Label'' legend and below the 
``Total Postage and Fees Due'' statement on the merchandise return 
label.
* * * * *
    [Revise the title and text of renumbered 3.5.8 to read as follows:]

3.5.8 Placement of Extra Service Labels

    The permit holder must either leave a clear space on the 
merchandise return label to the right of the return address for the 
placement of the applicable extra service label (see 503.1.7.2 for 
additional standards for extra service labels) or instruct the customer 
to affix the merchandise return label to the article so that the USPS 
acceptance employee can place the extra service label on the article 
directly above the merchandise return label.
    [Delete renumbered 3.5.9, Placement of Return Receipt for 
Merchandise Label, (context of text relocated more appropriately under 
3.5.8) and 3.5.10, Special Handling Endorsement, (context of text 
relocated to 3.5.6) in their entirety; then, renumber newly renumbered 
3.5.11 through 3.5.13 as new 3.5.9 through 3.5.11.]
    [Revise the title and text of renumbered 3.5.9 to read as follows:]

3.5.9 Additional Standards for Special Handling Labels

    In addition to meeting the standards under 3.5.6 and 3.5.8, as 
applicable, the permit holder must provide ``Special Handling'' labels 
with instructions to customers about their placement on the parcel.
    [Revise the title, complete text, and exhibits, of newly renumbered 
3.5.10 to read as follows:]

3.5.10 Label Format Elements

    The label used for merchandise return service must meet the 
standards in the Parcel Labeling Guide available on RIBBS.
    [Delete renumbered 3.5.11, Certificate of Mailing, in its entirety 
(already stated in 505.3.4.3).]

3.6 Enter and Deposit

3.6.1 Customer Mailing Options

    [Revise the last section of the first sentence of 3.6.1 to read as 
follows:]
    * * *; or at any place designated by the Postmaster for the receipt 
of mail. * * *
    [Insert new 3.7 to read as follows:]

3.7 Additional Standards for USPS Return Services

3.7.1 Permit and Account Fees

    An annual Returns Services permit fee, under 3.1.1, and annual 
account maintenance under 3.1.2, are is required for the USPS Return 
Services described in 3.7.

3.7.2 Extra Services

    USPS insurance is the only extra service that can be purchased for 
USPS Returns (Priority Mail Return Service, First-Class Package Return 
Service and Ground Return Service). There is no included insurance 
provided for Priority Mail Return Service pieces.

3.7.3 Prices

    Commercial Base prices are available for permit holders receiving 
Priority Mail Return Service and First-Class Package Return Service 
mailpieces under 3.7. Permit holders may combine cumulative volumes for 
Priority Mail Return Service and First-Class Package Return Service. 
Eligibility for Commercial Plus prices are available to permit holders 
who qualify for Commercial Base prices, and at least one of the 
following:
    a. Have cumulative Priority Mail Return Service, First-Class 
Package Return Service, and Ground Return Service volume exceeding a 
combined total of 25,000 return pieces in the previous calendar year.
    b. Have cumulative returns Commercial Plus cubic (see 1.1.4) volume 
exceeding a combined total of 85,000 pieces returned in approved 
packaging in the previous calendar year.
    c. Have cumulative returns and outbound volume exceeding a combined 
total of 90,000 pieces in the previous calendar year.
    d. Have a signed Commercial Plus returns customer commitment 
agreement with USPS.
    e. Have a signed commercial plus Critical Mail commitment agreement 
with USPS.

3.7.4 Postage

    Postage is calculated based on the weight of the parcel and zone, 
except for First-Class Package Return Service, for which postage is 
based on the weight of the parcel and Critical Mail returns, for which 
postage is based on flat rate pricing. Customers must pay postage under 
a scan based payment program (705.24.0) and using an eVS/CAPS account.

3.7.5 Description

    Priority Mail Return Service (including Critical Mail), First-Class 
Package Return Service and Ground Return Service provide return service 
options to customers who meet the applicable standards in 3.0. Except 
for restricted material described in Publication 52, any mailable 
matter may be mailed using any of the USPS Return Service options. Any 
content that constitutes First-Class Mail matter may only be mailed 
using Priority Mail Return Service or using First-Class Package Return 
Service at Commercial Plus prices.

3.7.6 Labels

    USPS Return Service labels must meet the standards in the Parcel 
Labeling Guide available on RIBBS. USPS Return Services standard label 
sizes are 3 inches by 6 inches, 4 inches by 4 inches, or 4 inches by 6 
inches and must be certified by the USPS for use prior to distribution. 
All other label sizes require written approval from the National 
Customer Support Center (NCSC). The label must include an Intelligent 
Mail package barcode, accommodate all required elements, be legible, 
and be prepared in accordance with 708.5.0 and Publication 205 at 
https://ribbs/evs/documents/tech_guides/pubs/Pub205.PDF. Permit holders 
or their agents may distribute approved USPS Return Service labels and 
instructions by means listed under 3.5.4. Permit holders or their 
agents must provide written instructions to the label end-user (mailer) 
as provided under 3.5.5. The label used for USPS Returns must meet the 
standards in the Parcel Labeling Guide available on RIBBS.

3.7.7 Additional Standards for Priority Mail Return Service

    Priority Mail Return Service may contain any mailable matter 
weighing no more than 70 pounds. Lower weight limits apply to 
Commercial Plus cubic (see 1.1.4), APO/FPO mail is subject to 703.2.0 
and 703.4.0, and Department of State mail is subject to 703.3.0. 
Priority Mail Return Service receives expeditious handling and 
transportation, with service standards in accordance with Priority 
Mail. Priority Mail Return Service items mailed under a specific 
customer agreement is

[[Page 6601]]

charged postage according to the individual agreement. Otherwise 
Priority Mail Return Service eligibility is under 3.7.3. Commercial 
Base and Commercial Plus prices are the same as for outbound Priority 
Mail in Notice 123--Price List.

3.7.8 Additional Standards for First-Class Package Return Service

    First-Class Package Return Service handling, transportation, and 
eligibility of contents is the same as for outbound First-Class Package 
Service parcels under 433. Parcels weighing more than 13 ounces but 
less than 16 ounces may be included in the eligibility calculation for 
Commercial Plus prices and parcels weighing 13 ounces or less are 
eligible for Commercial Base prices.

3.7.9 Additional Standards for Ground Return Service

    Ground Return Service provides ground transportation for mailpieces 
containing mailable matter weighing no more than 70 pounds and meeting 
the content standards in 153.3.0. Ground Return Service assumes the 
handing and transportation and service objectives for delivery of 
Standard Post.
    [Delete current 4.0, USPS Returns, in its entirety; then, renumber 
current 5.0, Parcel Return Service, as new 4.0.]

4.0 Parcel Return Service

    [Deleted renumber 4.1, Basic Information, in its entirety, (text 
relocated to new 4.3).]
    [Renumber and retitle the 4.2 heading to read as follows:]

4.1 Prices and Fees

    [Deleted 4.2.1, Postage, in its entirety (text relocated to new 
4.1.3).]
    [Renumber and retitle 4.2.2 as follows:]

4.1.1 Permit and Account Fees

    [Revise renumbered 4.1.1 to read as follows:]
    The participant must pay an annual permit fee at the Post Office 
where the PRS permit is held, and must pay postage through an advance 
deposit account by paying an annual account maintenance fee. See Notice 
123--Price List for applicable fees.
    [Delete renumbered 4.2.3, Advance Deposit Account and Annual 
Account Maintenance Fee, in its entirety, (context of text relocated to 
renumber 4.1.2).]
    [Delete the renumbered heading 4.3, Prices.]
    [Renumber 4.3.1, Parcel Return Service Prices, as 4.1.2; then, 
delete 4.3.2 through 4.3.3 (text relocated to new 4.1.2); then revise 
the entire text to read as follows:]

4.1.2 Parcel Return Service Prices

    Parcel Return Service prices are based on the price that applies to 
the weight increment of each addressed piece, and on the designated 
return facility, RDU, RSCF, or RNDC. The price is charged per pound or 
fraction thereof; any fraction of a pound is considered a whole pound. 
For example, if an item weighs 4.225 pounds, the weight increment is 5 
pounds. The minimum price per piece is the 1-pound price and these 
additional standards apply:
    a. Parcel Return Service--Nonmachinable Prices: Parcels exceeding 
the maximum machinable dimensions in 401.1.5 or are considered an 
outside parcel under 401.1.7 are subject to nonmachinable prices.
    b. Balloon and Oversized Prices: RSCF and RNDC parcels that weigh 
less than 20 pounds but measure more than 84 inches in combined length 
and girth are charged the applicable price for a 20-pound parcel 
(balloon price). Regardless of weight, any parcel that measures more 
than 108 inches (but not more than 130 inches) in combined length and 
girth must pay the oversized price.
    c. Standard Post Prices: PRS-labeled parcels shipped from origin 
ZIP Codes 006-009, 967-969, and 995-999 that are picked up at an RNDC 
are subject to retail Standard Post prices.
    [Insert new 4.1.3 as follows:]

4.1.3 Postage

    There are three PRS price categories:
    a. Parcel Return Service--RDU. Parcels returned as Standard Post 
to, and retrieved in bulk from, a designated delivery unit.
    b. Parcel Return Service--RSCF. Parcels returned as Standard Post 
to, and retrieved in bulk from, a designated SCF.
    c. Parcel Return Service--RNDC. Parcels returned as Standard Post 
to, and retrieved in bulk from, a designated NDC.
    [Renumber current 4.3.5, Noncompliant Labels, as new 4.3.11.]
    [Insert new 4.2 to read as follows:]

4.2 Basic Standards

4.2.1 Description

    Parcel Return Service (PRS) applies to parcels that are picked up 
in bulk by authorized permit holders or their agents. Permit holders 
guarantee payment of postage for all parcels mailed with a PRS label. 
By providing an approved PRS label to its customers, the merchant or 
other party designates the permit holder identified on the label as 
their agent for receipt of mail bearing that label, and authorizes the 
USPS to provide that mail to the permit holder or its designee. The 
permit holder must retrieve parcels at each of the return network 
distribution centers (RNDC). For this purpose, an RNDC is each NDC as 
noted in L601. PRS permit holders also may retrieve parcels at one or 
more designated return sectional center facilities (RSCFs) or 
designated return delivery units (RDUs). Payment for parcels returned 
under PRS is deducted from a separate advance deposit (postage-due) 
account funded through the Centralized Account Processing System 
(CAPS). The permit holder must be authorized to use eVS (see 705.2.9).

4.2.2 Conditions for Mailing

    Parcels may be mailed as PRS when all of the following conditions 
apply:
    a. Parcels contain eligible matter as described in 153.3.0 and 
153.4.0.
    b. Parcels bear a PRS label that meets the standards in 5.4.
    c. Parcels show the permit number, and the permit holder has paid 
the annual PRS permit fee and the annual PRS account maintenance fee.

4.2.3 Customer Mailing Options

    Returned parcels may be deposited as follows:
    a. At any Post Office, station, or branch.
    b. In any collection box (except a Priority Mail Express box).
    c. With any letter carrier.
    d. As part of a collection run for other mail (special arrangements 
may be required).
    e. At any place designated by the postmaster for the receipt of 
mail.

4.2.4 Application Process

    Companies who wish to participate in PRS must send a request on 
company letterhead to the manager, Business Mailer Support (see 608.8.0 
for address). The request must contain the following information:
    a. Company name and address.
    b. An individual's contact name, telephone number, fax number, and 
email address.
    c. The price category or categories to be used, and the proposed 
retrieval locations (delivery units, sectional center facilities, and 
network distribution centers).
    d. A description of the electronic returns manifesting system to be 
used to document returns listed by location and price eligibility.

4.2.5 Approval

    The manager, Business Mailer Support reviews each request and 
proceeds as follows:
    a. If the applicant meets the criteria, the manager, Business 
Mailer Support

[[Page 6602]]

approves the letter of request and sends an authorization letter 
outlining the terms and conditions for the program.
    b. If the application does not meet the criteria, the manager, 
Business Mailer Support denies the request and sends a written notice 
to the applicant with the reason for denial.

4.2.6 Permit Cancellation

    USPS may cancel a PRS permit for any of the following reasons:
    a. The permit holder fails to pay the required postage and fees for 
returned parcels.
    b. The permit holder does not maintain adequate available funds to 
cover postage and fees for returned parcels.
    c. The permit holder does not fulfill the terms and conditions of 
the PRS permit authorization.
    d. The return labels do not conform to the specifications in 5.4.

4.2.7 Reapplying After Cancellation

    To receive a new PRS permit after cancellation under 5.1.7, the 
mailer must:
    a. Submit a letter to the manager, Business Mailer Support 
requesting a permit and a new agreement.
    b. Pay a new permit fee.
    c. Provide evidence showing that the reasons for cancellation no 
longer exist.
    d. Maintain adequate available funds to cover the expected number 
of returns.

4.2.8 Extra Services and Endorsement

    Pieces using PRS may not bear an ancillary service endorsement (see 
102.4.0 and 507.1.5). See 503.0 for available extra services for PRS.

4.2.9 Pickup Schedule and Location

    Permit holders or their agents must set up recurring or standing 
appointments to retrieve PRS parcels. If the permit holder (or agent) 
has existing appointments to deliver Parcel Select parcels to 
destination facilities and those facilities are one of the NDCs, 
designated RSCFs, or designated RDUs, those appointments can be used 
for retrieving PRS parcels at the same time. Permit holders or their 
agents must retrieve parcels on a regular schedule as follows:
    a. From RNDCs, at a minimum of every 48 hours, excluding Sundays 
and USPS holidays.
    b. From all listed RSCFs, at a minimum of every 24 hours, excluding 
Saturdays, Sundays, and USPS holidays. The Postal Service maintains a 
list of active RSCFs and provides permit holders 30-day notice of 
changes to the list. This list is available on the Facility Access and 
Shipment Tracking system (FAST) at https://fast.usps.com/fast/.
    c. From RDUs, according to the authorization letter. The USPS 
maintains a list of active RDUs and provides permit holders 30-day 
notice of changes to the list. This list is available on the Facility 
Access and Shipment Tracking system (FAST) at https://fast.usps.com/fast/.
    d. For parcels picked up from RNDCs and that are shipped from 
origin ZIP Codes 006-009, 967-969, and 995-999, see 5.3.

4.2.10 Parcels Endorsed Hold for Pickup

    PRS participants must pay the appropriate Parcel Return Service RDU 
price under 5.3 for any unclaimed, refused, undeliverable as addressed, 
or recalled parcels that are endorsed ``Hold For Pickup'' (under 
508.7.0) and that bear the marking ``PARCEL RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED'' 
or ``PRS REQUESTED'' followed by a unique 569 prefix ZIP Code.

4.2.11 Noncompliant Labels

    PRS permit holders must use USPS-certified labels meeting the 
standards in 4.3. When noncompliant labels are affixed to PRS parcels, 
which travel through the Postal network to the delivery address of the 
label, the permit holder will be assessed the appropriate Standard Post 
price, calculated from the parcel's entry point in the USPS network to 
its delivery address. If the parcel's entry point cannot be determined, 
then postage will be calculated at zone 4.
    [Revise the title of renumbered 4.3 as follows:]

4.3 Labels

4.3.1 Label Preparation

    [Revise renumbered 4.3.1 to read as follows:]
    PRS labels must be certified by the USPS for use prior to 
distribution as defined in the service agreement. In addition, permit 
holders must obtain USPS certification for barcode symbologies. Except 
for by FAX, any photographic, mechanical, or electronic process or any 
combination of these processes may be used to produce PRS labels. The 
background of the label may be any light color that allows the address, 
barcodes, and other required information to be easily distinguished. If 
labels are electronically transmitted to customers for their local 
printing, the permit holder must advise customers of these printing 
requirements as part of the instructions in 4.3.3.

4.3.2 Labeling Methods

    [Revise renumbered 4.3.2 to read as follows:]
    If all applicable contents and formats are approved (including 
instructions to the user), permit holders or their agents may 
distribute a PRS label by any of the methods provided under 3.5.4.
    [Revise the title and text of renumbered 4.3.3 to read as follows:]

4.3.3 Labeling Instructions

    Regardless of label distribution method, permit holders or their 
agents must always provide written instructions to the user of the PRS 
label as provided under 3.5.5.

4.3.4 Label Format Elements

    [Revise renumbered 4.3.4 to read as follows:]
    PRS labels must meet the standards in the Parcel Labeling Guide 
available on RIBBS. There is no minimum size for PRS labels; however, 
the label must be big enough to accommodate all of the label elements 
and standards in this section. All PRS label elements must be legible. 
Except where a specific type size is required, elements must be large 
enough to be legible from a normal reading distance and be separate 
from other elements on the label.
    [Delete 6.0, Parcel Return Service-Full Network, in its entirety.]
    [Renumber current 7.0, Bulk Parcel Return Service, as new 5.0.]

5.0 Bulk Parcel Return Service

    [Retitle renumbered 5.1 to read as follows:]

5.1 Bulk Parcel Return Service (BPRS) Permit and Fees

    [Delete renumbered 5.1.1, Permit Fee, through 5.1.3, Per Piece 
Charge, in their entirety (text relocated in new 5.1.1).]
    [Delete the renumbered heading 5.2, Charges and Fees.]
    [Renumber 5.2.1 through 5.2.6 as new 5.1.1 through 5.1.6, then, 
revise the title and text of renumbered 5.1.1 to read as follows:]

5.1.1 Permit and Per Piece Fees

    A BPRS permit is required to participate in BPRS; no annual fee is 
required to obtain a BPRS permit. Each piece returned through BPRS is 
charged only the per piece fee, not postage, regardless of weight. See 
Notice 123--Price List for applicable fees.
    [Delete renumbered 5.1.2, Per Piece Fee, in its entirety (context 
of text relocated under 5.5.1); then, renumber 5.1.3 through 5.1.6 as 
new 5.1.2 through 5.1.5.]
    [Revise the title and text of newly renumbered 5.1.2 to read as 
follows:]

[[Page 6603]]

5.1.2 Advance Deposit Account

    The permit holder must pay BPRS fees through an advance deposit 
account. A separate advance deposit account for BPRS is not required; 
the annual account maintenance fee is charged if BPRS fees are not paid 
from an existing account and the permit holder desires a single, 
separate accounting of all charges deducted from that account.
    [Delete renumbered 5.1.3, Existing Advance Deposit Account, 
(relocated to 5.1.2, Advance Deposit Account), and 5.1.4, Payment 
Guarantee, (relocated to 5.2.3 under Availability), in their entirety; 
then, renumber 5.1.5, Postage Due Weight Averaging, as new 5.1.3.]
* * * * *
    [Renumber 5.3, General Information, as new 5.2, then revise the 
title of renumbered 5.2, General Information, to read as follows:]

5.2 Basic Standards

5.2.1 Description

    [Revise renumbered 5.2.1 to read as follows:]
    Bulk parcel return service (BPRS) allows mailers of large 
quantities of Standard Mail or Parcel Select Lightweight machinable 
parcels that are either undeliverable-as-addressed or un-opened and 
refused by addressees to be returned to designated postal facilities. 
The mailer has the option of picking up all returned parcels from a 
designated postal facility at a predetermined frequency specified by 
the USPS or having them delivered by the USPS in a manner and frequency 
specified by the USPS. For this service, a mailer establishes a BPRS 
permit and pays a per piece charge for each parcel returned from an 
advance deposit account.

5.2.2 Availability

    [Revise renumbered 5.2.2 to read as follows:]
    A mailer may be authorized to use BPRS when the following 
conditions apply:
    a. All returned parcels are initially prepared as regular or 
Nonprofit Standard Mail, or Parcel Select Lightweight, and are 
machinable parcels as defined in 201.7.5.
    b. At least 10,000 Standard Mail or Parcel Select Lightweight 
machinable parcels will be returned to a designated postal facility 
during a 12-month period.
    c. Parcels are returned to the mailer either because they are 
undeliverable- as-addressed or because they are un-opened and refused 
by the addressee.
    d. Parcels bear an approved BPRS label or one of the following BPRS 
endorsements (507.2.0) on the outbound mailpiece:
    ``Return Service Requested--BPRS''
    ``Address Service Requested--BPRS''
    e. Parcels have a return address that is in the delivery area of 
the Post Office that issued the BPRS permit.
    f. The postal facility designated for returned parcels is located 
in the United States, its territories or possessions, or is a U.S. 
military Post Office overseas (APO or FPO).
    g. The mailer has a valid postage due advance deposit account and 
BPRS permit.
    h. BPRS parcels may be combined with the shipper paid forwarding 
service (507.4.2.9).
    i. Standard Mail or Parcel Select Lightweight parcels that qualify 
for a Media Mail or Library Mail price under the applicable standards, 
and that contain the name of the Package Service price in the mailer's 
ancillary service endorsement (507.1.5.3d.), are not eligible for BPRS.
    [Delete renumbered 5.2.3, Optional Label, in its entirety (text 
relocated to 5.4.2); then, insert new 5.2.3, Payment Guarantee, to read 
as follows:]

5.2.3 Payment Guarantee

    The permit holder guarantees payment of all applicable fees. The 
Post Office returns BPRS items to the permit holder only when there are 
sufficient funds in the advance deposit account to pay the fees on 
returned pieces.
    [Delete renumbered 5.2.4, Extra Services, in its entirety (text 
relocated to New 5.2.4).]
    [Delete renumbered heading 5.4, Permits, in its entirety.]
    [Renumber current 5.4.1, Application Process, through 5.4.3, 
Postage Due Service Agreement, as 5.2.4 through 5.2.6; then, retitle 
renumbered 5.2.4 to read as follows:]

5.2.4 Application Process

    [Revise the introductory text and items a, b, and f, of renumbered 
5.2.4 to read as follows:]
    To obtain a BPRS permit, a mailer must send a written request to 
the Postmaster at each Post Office where parcels are to be returned 
that includes the following:
    a. Request for the BPRS permit.
    b. Information pertinent to each requested delivery point that 
documents either the receipt of, or that there are reasonable grounds 
to expect, at least 10,000 machinable parcels originally mailed at 
regular or non-profit Standard Mail or Parcel Select Lightweight prices 
during the past, or next, 12 months.
* * * * *
    f. If a label will be furnished for returning opened parcels, the 
labels must be USPS approved, prepared in accordance with 5.5, and must 
be accompanied by complete instructions for its use as described in 
3.5.5.

5.2.5 Authorization

    [Revise the text of renumbered 5.2.5 to read as follows:]
    A BPRS mailer will be required to sign a postage due service 
agreement with each Post Office that issues a permit for the return of 
BPRS parcels. Upon approval of a mailer's request, the Post Office 
issues an authorization letter and provides a postage due service 
agreement with a BPRS permit number. The permit number is used for 
account administration and is required on BPRS labels under 5.5, when 
used.
    [Delete renumbered 5.2.6, Postage Due Service Agreement, (text 
relocated to 5.2.5), in its entirety.]
    [Insert new heading, 5.3 Permits]

5.3 Permits

    [Renumber 5.4.4 as new 5.3.1 and revise text to read as follows:]

5.3.1 Permit Renewal

    A Post Office provides BPRS permit holders with annual renewal 
notices advising that their permits are due to expire. A notice must be 
returned to the issuing Post Office with the fee payment or 
authorization for the postmaster to deduct the fee from the advance 
deposit account by the permit expiration date. Written authorization is 
not necessary for renewal of a permit if there is no change to the 
authorization on file at the Post Office where the parcels are 
returned. If a permit holder does not renew a BPRS permit after having 
been given notice, the USPS will endorse the mail ``Bulk Parcel Return 
Service Canceled'' and will charge postage due at the single-piece 
First-Class Mail or Priority Mail price as appropriate for the weight 
of the piece. If the single-piece First-Class Mail or Priority Mail 
price is not paid, the mail is forwarded to the nearest mail recovery 
center.
    [Renumber 5.4.5 and 5.4.6 as new 5.3.2 and 5.3.3.]

5.3.2 Permit Cancellation

    A BPRS permit may be canceled by the USPS for any of the following 
reasons:
* * * * *
    [Revise the text of renumbered 5.3.2 item e to read as follows:]
    e. Failure to conform return labels to the specifications in 
section 5.5.

5.3.3 Reapplying After Cancellation

    A mailer must do the following to receive a new BPRS permit at the 
same

[[Page 6604]]

Post Office where a permit was previously canceled:
    [Revise the text of renumbered 5.3.3 items a to read as follows; 
then, delete item b in its entirety; then, renumber items c and d and 
new items b and c:]
    a. Submit a letter to that office requesting a BPRS permit and new 
agreement.
* * * * *
    [Insert new section 5.3.4 as follows:]

5.3.4 Extra Services

    Extra services cannot be added to pieces returned via bulk parcel 
return service.
    [Revise the title and text of renumber 5.5, Label Requirements, to 
read as follows:]

5.5 Optional BPRS Label

    An authorized BPRS permit holder has the option to use a label to 
identify BPRS parcels for return to a designated postal facility. The 
label is prepared at the mailer's expense and must meet all format 
standards in the Parcel Labeling Guide available on RIBBS, including an 
IMpb meeting the standards in 708.5.0.
* * * * *

507 Mailer Services

1.0 Treatment of Mail

* * * * *

1.5 Treatment for Ancillary Services by Class of Mail

* * * * *

1.5.3 Standard Mail and Parcel Select Lightweight

    Undeliverable-as-addressed (UAA) Standard Mail and Parcel Select 
Lightweight pieces are treated as described in Exhibit 1.5.3, with 
these additional conditions:
* * * * *

Exhibit 1.5.3 Treatment of Undeliverable Standard Mail and Parcel 
Select Lightweight

    [Revise (only) the two designated sections of Exhibit 1.5.3 titled 
Address Service Requested (Option 1 and Option 2) and Change Service 
Requested1 4 (Option 1 and Option 2) to read as follows:]

------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Mailer endorsement              USPS Treatment of UAA pieces
------------------------------------------------------------------------
No Endorsement \1\...............   * * * * *
``Electronic Service Requested''.   * * * * *
``Address Service Requested''....  (Does not include Shipper Paid
                                    Forwarding/Return participants)
OPTION 1.........................   * * * * *
OPTION 2.........................   * * * * *
``Address Service Requested''....   * * * * *
Shipper Paid Forwarding/Return
 Option 1.
Shipper Paid Forwarding/Return
 Option 2.
Shipper Paid Forwarding/Return
 Option 3
``Address Service Requested--       * * * * *
 BPRS''.
``Forwarding Service Requested''    * * * * *
 \3\.
``Return Service Requested''.....   * * * * *
OPTION 1
OPTION 2
``Return Service Requested--        * * * * *
 BPRS''.
``Change Service Requested'' 1 4.
OPTION 1.........................  (Valid for all pieces, including ACS
                                    participating pieces) If no change-
                                    of-address order on file, or if
                                    change-of-address order is on file:
                                    Notice of new address or reason for
                                    non-delivery provided (address
                                    correction fee charged); piece
                                    disposed of by USPS.
                                   Restrictions:
                                   The following restrictions apply:
                                   (1) USPS Tracking is the only extra
                                    services permitted with this
                                    endorsement.
                                   (2) This endorsement is not permitted
                                    for Standard Mail or Parcel Select
                                    Lightweight containing hazardous
                                    materials.
OPTION 2.........................  (Available via ACS only; for Standard
                                    Mail letters and flats only)
                                   If no change-of-address order on
                                    file:
                                   Reason for non-delivery provided to
                                    mailer (electronic ACS fee charged);
                                    piece disposed of by USPS.
                                   If change-of-address order on file:
                                   <bullet> Months 1 through 12: Piece
                                    forwarded; postage due charged to
                                    the mailer at applicable Forwarding
                                    Fee based on the piece shape (letter
                                    or flat); separate notice of new
                                    address provided (electronic ACS fee
                                    charged).
                                   <bullet> Months 13 through 18: Piece
                                    disposed of by USPS; separate notice
                                    of new address provided (electronic
                                    ACS fee charged).
                                   After month 18: Treatment same as
                                    noted under ``If no change-of-
                                    address order on file''.
                                   Restrictions:
                                   The following restrictions apply:
                                   (1) USPS Tracking is the only extra
                                    services permitted with this
                                    endorsement.
                                   (2) This endorsement is not permitted
                                    for Standard Mail containing
                                    hazardous materials.
``Change Service Requested''.....   * * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 6605]]

* * * * *

1.5.4 Standard Post, Package Services and Parcel Select

    Undeliverable-as-addressed (UAA) Standard Post, Package Services, 
and Parcel Select mailpieces are treated as described in Exhibit 1.5.4, 
with these additional conditions:
* * * * *

Exhibit 1.5.4 Treatment of Undeliverable Standard Post, Package 
Services, and Parcel Select

    [Revise (only) the designated section of Exhibit 1.5.4 titled 
Change Service Requested\2\ (Option 1 and Option 2) to read as 
follows:]

------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Mailer endorsement              USPS Treatment of UAA pieces
------------------------------------------------------------------------
No Endorsement...................   * * * * *
``Electronic Service Requested''.   * * * * *
``Address Service Requested''....   * * * * *
``Address Service Requested''....   * * * * *
``Forwarding Service                * * * * *
 Requested''\1\.
``Return Service Requested''.....   * * * * *
Option 1
Option 2.........................
``Change Service Requested'' \2\
Option 1.........................  (Valid for all pieces, including ACS
                                    participating pieces)
                                   If no change-of-address order on
                                    file, or if change-of-address order
                                    is on file:
                                   Notice of new address or reason for
                                    non-delivery provided (address
                                    correction charged): piece disposed
                                    of by USPS.
                                   Restrictions:
                                   The following restrictions apply:
                                   (1) USPS Tracking and Signature
                                    Confirmation are the only extra
                                    services permitted with this
                                    endorsement.
                                   (2) This endorsement is not permitted
                                    for Standard Post or Package
                                    Services containing hazardous
                                    materials.
Option 2.........................  (Available via ACS only; for Bound
                                    Printed Matter flats only)
                                   If no change-of-address order on
                                    file:
                                   Reason for non-delivery provided to
                                    mailer (electronic ACS fee charged);
                                    piece disposed of by USPS.
                                   If change-of-address order on file:
                                   <bullet> Months 1 through 12: Piece
                                    forwarded; postage due charged to
                                    the mailer at applicable Forwarding
                                    Fee based on the piece shape (flat);
                                    separate notice of new address
                                    provided (electronic ACS fee
                                    charged).
                                   <bullet> Months 13 through 18: Piece
                                    disposed of by USPS; separate notice
                                    of new address provided (electronic
                                    ACS fee charged).
                                   After month 18: Treatment same as
                                    noted under ``If no change-of-
                                    address order on file''.
``Change Service Requested''.....   * * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * *

2.0 Forwarding

2.1 Change-of-Address Order

2.1.4 Methods of Filing

    Customers may use one of the following methods to file a change-of-
address with the Post Office:
* * * * *
    [Delete item c. in its entirety.]
* * * * *

4.0 Address Correction Services

* * * * *

4.2 Address Change Service (ACS)

* * * * *

4.2.8 Address Correction Service Fee

    [Revise the text of 4.2.8 to read as follows:]
    Unless excepted, the applicable fee for address correction is 
charged for each separate notification of address correction or the 
reason for nondelivery provided. Once the ACS fee charges have been 
invoiced, any unpaid fees for the prior invoice cycle (month) will be 
assessed an annual administrative fee of 10% for the overdue amount.
* * * * *

508 Recipient Services

1.0 Recipient Options

1.1 Basic Recipient Concerns

* * * * *

1.1.7 Priority Mail Express and Accountable Mail

    [Revise the introductory text of 1.1.7 to read as follows:]
    The following conditions also apply to the delivery of Priority 
Mail Express, Registered Mail, Certified Mail, mail insured for more 
than $500.00, Adult Signature, or COD, as well as mail for which a 
return receipt is requested or the sender has specified restricted 
delivery.
* * * * *
    [Insert new 1.1.8 (relocated from previously deleted 503.8.0) as 
follows:]

1.1.8 Additional Delivery Standards for Restricted Delivery

    In additional to the standards described under 1.1.7, mail marked 
``Restricted Delivery'' is delivered only to the addressee or to the 
person authorized in writing as the addressee's agent (the USPS may 
require proof of identification from the addressee (or agent) to 
receive the mail, and under the following conditions:
    a. Mail for famous personalities and executives of large 
organizations is normally delivered to an agent authorized to sign for 
such mail.
    b. Mail for officials of executive, legislative, and judicial 
branches of the government of the United States or of the states and 
possessions and their

[[Page 6606]]

political subdivisions, or to members of the diplomatic corps, may be 
delivered to a person authorized by the addressee or by regulations or 
procedures of the agency or organization to receive the addressee's 
mail.
    c. Mail for the commander or other officials of military 
organizations by name and title, is delivered to the unit mail clerk, 
mail orderly, postal clerk, assistant postal clerk, or postal finance 
clerk, when such individuals are designated on DD (Department of 
Defense) Form 285 to receipt for all mail addressed to the units for 
which they are designated. If the person accepting mail is designated 
on DD Form 285 to receipt for ordinary mail only, then restricted 
delivery mail addressed to the commander, or other official by name and 
title, is delivered to the mail clerk only if authorized by the 
addressee.
    d. Mail for an inmate of a city, state, or federal penal 
institution, in cases where a personal signature cannot be obtained, is 
delivered to the warden or designee.
    e. Mail for minors or persons under guardianship may be delivered 
to their parents or guardians.
    f. An addressee who regularly receives restricted delivery mail may 
authorize an agent on Form 3801 or by letter to the Postmaster and must 
include the notation ``this authorization is extended to include 
restricted delivery (or Adult Signature Restricted Delivery) mail''. 
Form 3849 also may be used for the authorization, if the Post Office 
has no standing delivery order or letter on file, when the addressee 
enters the name of the agent on the back of Form 3849 in the space 
provided and signs the form. The agent must sign for receipt of the 
article on the back of the form.
    g. When mail is addressed to two or more persons jointly, all 
addressees or their agents must be present to accept delivery together. 
The delivery receipt obtained and the return receipt, if any, must be 
signed by all joint addressees or their agents. The mail may then be 
delivered to any of the addressees or their agents unless one or more 
addressees or their agents object, in which case delivery is not made 
until all the addressees or their agents sign a statement designating 
who is to receive the mail.
    h. Either person may sign for mail addressed to one person in care 
of another (i.e. ``In Care Of'').
* * * * *

4.0 Post Office Box Service

* * * * *

4.5 Fee Group Assignments

* * * * *

4.5.4 Additional Standards for Competitive PO Box Services

    * * * Customers in competitive locations may also complete a 
customer agreement in order to receive one or more of the following 
enhancements:
    [Revise 4.5.4 item a to read as follows:]
    a. Street Addressing--The option to use the Post Office street 
address for their mailing address along with customer's box number 
preceded by as follows (customers who choose to use this designation 
also have the option of receiving packages from private carriers at the 
customer's Post Office Box address): John Smith, 123 Main Street #4567, 
Any Town, NY 10001.
* * * * *
    [Revise 4.5.4 item c to read as follows:]
    c. Signature on File--the option to simplify receipt of Priority 
Mail Express, mail insured for more $500.00, and Signature Confirmation 
items, all of which may include an electronic Return Receipt request, 
by providing a signature kept on file by the Postmaster.
* * * * *

604 Postage Payment Methods

* * * * *

4.0 Postage Meters and PC Postage Products (``Postage Evidencing 
Systems'')

* * * * *

4.5 Special Indicia

* * * * *

4.5.2 Reply Postage

    [Revise the entire text of 4.5.2 (context of text relocated to 
505.2.6, Prepaid Reply Mail), to read as follows:]
    Mailers may use indicia generated by any postage evidencing system 
to prepay reply postage as provided under 505.2.0.
* * * * *

5.0 Permit Imprint (Indicia)

* * * * *

5.3 Indicia Design, Placement, and Content

* * * * *
    [Revise the title and text of 5.3.5 to read as follows:]

5.3.5 Marking Expedited Handling on Permit Imprint Mail

    Mailpieces bearing markings that reference directly or indirectly 
expedited attention, handling or delivery (e.g., ``Urgent,'' ``Rush 
Delivery,'' ``Expedited,'' ``Time Sensitive'') must meet the following 
conditions:
    a. The indicia much show the class of mail (e.g. ``Standard'' or 
``STD''; ``Presorted Standard'' or ``PRSRT STD''; or ``Nonprofit 
Organization,'' ``Nonprofit Org.,'' or ``Nonprofit'' or as applicable 
for the class of mail as provided under 5.3.6 or 5.3.7) more 
prominently than other words in the indicia.
    b. Include a clear space of at least 3/8 inch around the entire 
indicia.
    c. Pieces may not include markings identical to or confusingly 
similar to USPS trademarks (word marks or logos), trade dress, or other 
words, symbols, or designs used by the USPS to identify a class of 
mail, price of postage, or level of service, unless such markings are 
correctly used under the applicable standards for the mailpiece on 
which they appear and the corresponding postage and fees have been 
paid. Words, symbols or designs that are unlawful or legally 
actionable, or create a claim for false advertisements or contributory 
infringement (infringement of third party rights) are not permitted.
* * * * *

6.0 Payment of Postage

6.1 Basic Standards

    The mailer is responsible for proper payment of postage. Postage on 
all mail must be fully prepaid at the time of mailing, except as 
specifically provided by standard for:
    [Revise 6.1 items a and b to read as follows:]
    a. Reply mail and return services under 505.0.
    b. Alternate Postage payment under 5.5.
* * * * *
    [Insert new item g under 6.1 to read as follows:]
    g. Packages from private carriers being delivered to a customer at 
a competitive Post Office Box service location, when using the street 
addressing designation option, as provided under 508.4.5.4.
* * * * *

9.0 Exchanges and Refunds

* * * * *

9.2 Postage and Fee Refunds

* * * * *

9.2.5 Applying for Refund

    [Revise the first and the last sentences of 9.2.5 to read as 
follows:]
    For refunds under 9.2, excluding postage refunds for extra service 
fees under 9.2.7, the customer must apply for a refund on Form 3533; 
submit it to

[[Page 6607]]

the postmaster; and provide the envelope, wrapper (or a part of it) 
showing the names and addresses of the sender and addressee, canceled 
postage and postal markings, or other evidence of postage and fees 
paid.* * * Refunds for postage evidencing systems postage, excluding 
postage refunds for extra service fees under 9.2.7, are submitted under 
9.3.
* * * * *
    [Insert new 9.2.7 to read as follows:]

9.2.7 Applying for Extra Service Refund

    For refunds for fees paid for extra services, as allowed under 
applicable standards in 9.2, the customer must apply for a refund 
online at www.usps.com/domestic-claims.
* * * * *

609 Filing Indemnity Claims for Loss or Damage

1.0 General Filing Instructions

* * * * *

1.5.2 Claims Filed by Mail

    [Revise the first sentence of 1.5.2 to read as follows:]
    Customers may file a claim by completing a Form 1000 and mailing 
the original copy to the address indicated on the form, accompanied by 
proof of value.* * *
* * * * *

3.0 Providing Evidence of Insurance and Value

3.1 Evidence of Insurance

    * * * Examples of acceptable evidence are:
* * * * *
    [Revise the second sentence of 3.1 item d to read as follows:]
    d. * * * The printout must identify the USPS Tracking number of the 
insured parcel, total postage paid, insurance fee paid, declared value 
(if applicable), mailing date, origin ZIP Code, and delivery ZIP Code.
* * * * *

3.2 Proof of Value

    * * * Examples are:
    [Revise 3.2 item a to read as follows:]
    a. A sales receipt, paid invoice or bill of sale, or statement of 
value from a reputable dealer.
    [Delete current 3.2 items b and c in their entirety; then, renumber 
current items d through h as new items b through f.]
* * * * *

4.0 Claims

4.1 Payable Claim

    [Revise the introductory text of 4.1 to read as follows:]
    Insurance for loss or damage to insured, COD, or Registered Mail 
within the amount covered by the fee paid, or the indemnity limits for 
Priority Mail, or Priority Mail Express (under 4.2), is payable for the 
following:
    [Revise 4.1 item a to read as follows:]
    a. Article's actual value when mailed.
* * * * *
    [Revise 4.1 item k to read as follows:]
    k. Cost of bees, crickets, or baby poultry destroyed by physical 
damage to the package, otherwise, the USPS is not presumed to be at 
fault.
    [Delete 4.1 items l and m in their entirety; then, renumber current 
items n through q as new l through o.]
* * * * *
    [Revise newly renumbered item n to read as follows:]
    n. For firearms mailed by licensed firearm dealers (under 601.8.0 
and Publication 52), 4, a Form 1508 must be submitted with the claim.
    [Revise newly renumbered item o to read as follows:]
    o. For collectible items, a sales receipt, paid invoice or bill of 
sale, or statement of value from a reputable dealer (i.e., a licensed 
business owner who is qualified to estimate value or cost of repairs 
for the item) must be provided as described in 3.2a.

4.2 Payable Priority Mail Express Claim

    In addition to the payable claims in 4.1, the following are payable 
for
    Priority Mail Express mailpieces:
    [Revise the second sentence of 4.2 item a to read as follows:]
    a. * * * Coverage is limited to $100 per mailpiece, subject to a 
maximum limit per occurrence as provided in 4.2a.4. ***
* * * * *

4.3 Nonpayable Claims

    [Revise the introductory text of 4.3 to read as follows:]
    Indemnity is not paid for insured mail (including Priority Mail 
Express and Priority Mail), Registered Mail, COD, or Priority Mail and 
Priority Mail Express in these situations:
* * * * *
    [Revise 4.3 item d to read as follows:]
    d. Requested replacement value exceeded article's actual value when 
mailed.
* * * * *
    [Revise 4.3 item f to read as follows:]
    f. Loss resulting from delay of the mail, except under 4.2a.2 and 
4.3ad.
* * * * *
    [Revise 4.3 item h to read as follows:]
    h. Perishable contents frozen, melted, spoiled, or deteriorated.
* * * * *
    [Revise 4.3 item k to read as follows:]
    k. Death of honeybees, crickets, and harmless live animals not the 
fault of the USPS (mailability is subject to standards under 601.8.4 
and Publication 52, Chapter 5).
* * * * *
    [Revise 4.3 item r to read as follows:]
    r. Consequential loss of Priority Mail Express claimed, except 
under 4.2a.3 and 4.3ad.
* * * * *

5.0 Compensation

5.1 Payment Limit

    [Revise the first sentence of 5.1 to read as follows:]
    The USPS does not make payment for more than the article's actual 
value when mailed or, for bulk insurance, for more than the wholesale 
cost of the contents to the sender if a lesser amount.* * *
* * * * *

5.4 Loss

    [Revise the title and text of 5.4 to read as follows:]
    If the insured, registered, or COD article is lost the payment 
includes an additional amount for the postage (not fee) paid by the 
sender. Postage for Priority Mail Express is refunded under 604.9.5.
* * * * *

6.0 Adjudication of Claims

* * * * *

6.3 Final USPS Decision of Claims

    [Revise the text of 6.3 to read as follows:]
    If Accounting Services sustains the denial of a claim, the customer 
may submit an additional appeal within 30 days for final review and 
decision at www.usps.com/insuranceclaims/online.htm. Customers who did 
not file their claim online must send a written appeal to the Consumer 
Advocate (see 608.8.0 for address).
* * * * *

705 Advanced Preparation and Special Postage Payment Systems

* * * * *
    [Revise heading of 14.0 to read as follows:]

[[Page 6608]]

14.0 FSS Scheme Preparation

    [Revise the entire text of 14.1 to read as follows:]

14.1 General

    All Standard Mail, Bound Printed Matter (BPM), and Periodicals 
flats meeting the standards in 201 must be sorted to FSS schemes, 
properly bundled and placed on/in pallets, trays, sacks, or approved 
alternate containers, for FSS scheme ZIP Code combinations within the 
same facility. Mailings that include 10 or more pieces of Standard Mail 
flats, 6 or more pieces of Periodicals flats, or 10 or more pieces (or 
10 or more pounds) of BPM flats to an FSS scheme must be prepared in 
FSS scheme bundles. The Postal Service also recommends the use of 
authorized flat trays in lieu of sacks for FSS bundles. FSS scheme 
bundles that are not required to be placed in a FSS scheme or FSS 
facility container are combined with bundles of non-FSS sorted bundles 
and placed on an applicable SCF, 3-digit or NDC container. Mailers must 
prepare FSS scheme qualifying mailpieces for each individual FSS scheme 
combination, and then prepare bundles of uniform size from those 
pieces. Mailpieces and bundles must also be prepared as follows:
    a. Bundles for all FSS schemes must be identified as an FSS scheme 
presort with an optional endorsement line under 708.7.0, or when 
authorized, using a red Label 5 SCH barcoded pressure-sensitive bundle 
label.
    b. It is recommended that all pieces placed into an FSS scheme 
bundle be barcoded, and bear an accurate delivery point Intelligent 
Mail barcode with an accurate 11-digit routing code.
    c. All FSS scheme bundles must be prepared in bundles with a 3-inch 
minimum and a 6.5-inch maximum height. ``Leveling'' (adjusting bundle 
heights within an FSS Scheme to avoid overflow bundles) of the bundles 
within each scheme is encouraged. Bundles must be placed on or in 
sacks, trays, pallets or alternate authorized container to form layers 
of consistent thickness; bundles of uneven thickness must be counter-
stacked on pallets or approved alternate container in accordance with 
8.5.8. Except for one overflow bundle that may be under the minimum 
size, all bundles within each FSS scheme must be of uniform size.
    d. Pallets must be prepared under 8.0 and labeled under 8.6, with a 
pallet placard bearing an Intelligent Mail container barcode as 
described in 708.6.4.
    e. An FSS scheme pallet, or approved alternate container, must be 
made when 250 pounds or more of bundles are available for an individual 
FSS scheme. Bundles remaining after palletization may be placed in 
sacks (or flat trays if approved) or approved alternate container.
    f. FSS scheme bundles for multiple schemes processed at one 
facility according to column C, L006 may be combined on an FSS facility 
pallet or approved alternate container if quantities are less than 250 
pounds.
    g. Sacks and trays containing flat-size pieces prepared under FSS 
schemes must meet the applicable sacking standards in 14.2, 14.3, and 
14.4 and be labeled with Intelligent Mail tray or sack label under 
708.6.

14.2 Periodicals

14.2.1 Basic Standards

    [Revise the entire text of 14.2.1 to read as follows:]
    All Periodicals flats meeting the standards in 201 (nonmachinable 
flats up to \3/4\ inch thick may be included if they meet the standards 
in 705.14) and destinating to FSS sites as shown in L006 must be 
prepared according to these standards. Mailings of In-County 
Periodicals flats and the associated Outside-County Periodicals flats 
mailings of 5,000 pieces or less also may be prepared according to 
these standards. Periodicals are subject to the following:
    a. Pricing eligibility is based on 207.11.0 through 207.14.0. All 
Periodicals flats prepared under these standards will be assessed the 
FSS scheme price. FSS bundles placed on FSS scheme or FSS facility 
pallets, sacks, trays, or approved alternate container will claim the 
FSS scheme bundle price.
    b. FSS scheme pallets will be assessed the FSS scheme Pallet price. 
FSS facility sort level pallets will be charged an FSS Facility Pallet 
container price. FSS scheme sacks or trays will be assessed the FSS 
scheme Sack/Tray price. Pallets, sacks and trays entered at a DFSS will 
claim the DFSS entry price.
    c. The Outside-County pound price will be DFSS price. The Inside-
County price will claim prices for the ``None'' entry level.
    d. Mailers must provide standardized presort documentation under 
708.1.0 that demonstrates eligibility for FSS prices in accordance with 
207.14.0 and 207.25.0.
    e. Each bundle must be identified with a ``SCH 5-DIGIT FSS'' 
optional endorsement line in accordance with Exhibit 708.7.1.1, or when 
authorized, using a red Label 5 SCH barcoded pressure-sensitive bundle 
label.
    f. All FSS schemed Periodicals mailpieces prepared on FSS scheme 
pallets must be prepared in uniform size bundles, between 3 inches and 
6.5 inches in height and secured under 203.3.0, except that one 
overflow bundle per mailpiece pool may be under the minimum size. All 
Periodicals FSS scheme mailpieces must meet the standards in 705.14.0.

14.2.2 Pallet Preparation and Labeling

    [Revise the second and third sentences of the introductory text of 
14.2.2 to read as follows:]
    * * * Residual bundles may be included with non-FSS bundles and 
placed directly on 3-digit, SCF, or ADC pallets in accordance with 
8.10.2, or placed in sacks or approved alternate containers. 
Preparation sequence and labeling is as follows:
* * * * *
    [Revise 14.2.2b and 14.2.2b1 to read as follows:]
    b. FSS facility, optional, no minimum, permitted only for FSS 
scheme bundles prepared for the FSS sort plans processed within the 
same facility, as shown in L006. Labeling:
    1. Line 1: L006, column C.
* * * * *

14.2.3 Sack Preparation and Labeling

    [Revise the first sentence of the introductory text of 14.2.3 to 
read as follows:]
    Properly prepared flat-size mailpieces in FSS scheme bundles may be 
placed in sacks or approved alternate containers when 250 pounds are 
not available to a presort destination (including DFSS sites). * * * 
Preparation and labeling:
    [Revise 14.2.3 item a to read as follows:]
    a. FSS scheme, required at 72 pieces, optional at 24 pieces (fewer 
pieces not permitted), permitted only for FSS scheme bundles prepared 
for a single FSS scheme, as shown in L006; labeling:
* * * * *
    [Revise 14.2.3 item b to read as follows:]
    b. FSS facility, optional with a minimum of 24 pieces (fewer pieces 
not permitted), permitted only for FSS bundles prepared for the FSS 
sort plans processed within the same facility, as shown in L006; 
labeling:
* * * * *

14.3 Standard Mail

14.3.1 Basic Standards

* * * * *
    * * * Standard Mail flats are subject to the following:

[[Page 6609]]

    [Revise 14.3.1 item b to read as follows:]
    b. Mailers must provide standardized presort documentation under 
708.1.0 that demonstrates eligibility for FSS scheme prices in 
accordance with 243.
    [Delete 14.3.1 item c in its entirety; then, renumber current items 
d and e as new items c and d; then, and revise renumbered item d to 
read as follows:]
    d. Standard Mail FSS scheme mailpieces must meet all the standards 
in 705.14.1.
* * * * *

14.3.2 Pallet Preparation and Labeling

    * * * Preparation sequence and labeling:
    [Revise 14.3.2 item a to read as follows:]
    a. FSS scheme, required (optional under 250 pounds), no minimum, 
permitted only for FSS scheme bundles prepared for a single FSS scheme, 
as shown in L006. Labeling:
* * * * *
    [Revise 14.3.2 items b and b1 to read as follows:]
    b. FSS facility, optional, no minimum, permitted only for FSS 
scheme bundles prepared for the FSS scheme processed within the same 
facility, as shown in L006. Labeling:
    1. Line 1: L006, column C.
* * * * *

14.3.3 Sack Preparation and Labeling

    [Revise the first sentence of the introductory text of 14.3.3 to 
read as follows:]
    Properly prepared flat-size mailpieces in FSS scheme bundles may be 
placed in sacks or approved alternate containers when 250 pounds are 
not available to a FSS scheme, L006. * * * Preparation and labeling:
    [Revise 14.3.3 item a to read as follows:]
    a. FSS scheme, required at 125 pieces or 15 pounds, permitted only 
for FSS scheme bundles prepared for a single FSS scheme, as shown in 
L006; labeling:
* * * * *
    [Revise 14.3.3 item b to read as follows:]
    b. FSS facility, optional with a minimum of 125 pieces or 15 
pounds, permitted only for FSS scheme bundles prepared for the FSS 
schemes processed within the same facility, as shown in L006; labeling:
* * * * *

14.4 Bound Printed Matter

14.4.1 Basic Standards

    [Revise the introductory text of 14.4.1 to read as follows:]
    Bound Printed Matter (BPM) flats eligible for, and paid at FSS 
Scheme prices and that meet the standards in 201, must be prepared in 
FSS scheme bundles and placed on pallets, or in flat trays, sacks, or 
approved alternate containers, for delivery to ZIP Codes having FSS 
processing capability, as shown in L006. BPM flats are subject to the 
following:
* * * * *
    [Revise 14.4.1 item b to read as follows:]
    b. Mailers must provide standardized presort documentation under 
708.1.0 that demonstrates eligibility for FSS scheme prices in 
accordance with 263.
    [Revise 14.4.1 item c to read as follows:]
    c. Mailers must prepare all eligible flat-size mailpieces into FSS 
scheme bundles according to L006.
* * * * *

14.4.2 Pallet Preparation and Labeling

    * * * Preparation sequence and labeling:
* * * * *
    b. FSS facility sort, optional, no minimum, permitted only for FSS 
bundles prepared for the FSS schemes processed within the same 
facility, as shown in L006. Labeling:
    [Revise 14.4.2 item b1 to read as follows:]
    1. Line 1: L006, Column C.
* * * * *

14.4.3 Sack Preparation and Labeling

    [Revise the introductory text of 14.4.3 to read as follows:]
    Properly prepared flat-size mailpieces in FSS scheme bundles may be 
placed in trays, sacks, or approved alternate containers when 250 
pounds are not available to an FSS scheme. FSS scheme bundles may be 
placed in mixed NDC sacks or alternate containers, or combined with 
non-FSS bundles and placed in 3-digit, SCF, ADC, and mixed ADC sacks or 
alternate containers. Preparation and labeling:
    [Revise 14.4.3 item a to read as follows:]
    a. FSS scheme, required at 20 pieces, permitted only for FSS scheme 
bundles prepared for a single FSS scheme, as shown in L006; labeling:
* * * * *
    [Revise the text of 14.4.3b as follows:]
    b. FSS facility sort, optional with a minimum of 20 pieces, 
permitted only for FSS scheme bundles prepared for the FSS schemes 
processed within the same facility, as shown in L006.
* * * * *

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 Bound Printed 
Matter, standardized documentation includes:
* * * * *
    c. For mail in trays or sacks, list these required elements:
    [Insert a new second sentence in the text of 1.2c item 4 to read as 
follows:]
* * * * *
    4. * * * For pieces prepared in FSS scheme bundles, list by 5-digit 
ZIP Code within each bundle. * * *
* * * * *

1.3 Price Level Column Headings

    The actual name of the price level (or abbreviation) is used for 
column headings required by 1.2 and shown below:
    a. Automation First-Class Mail, Standard Mail, and barcoded 
Periodicals:
    [Revise the table in 1.3 item a to read as follows:]

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Price                             Abbreviation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
FSS [Periodicals flats, Standard Mail  SB.
 flats].
5[dash]Digit [First-Class Mail         5B.
 letters and flats, Periodicals
 letters and flats, and Standard Mail
 letters and flats].
3[dash]Digit [First-Class Mail         3B.
 letters and flats, Periodicals
 letters and flats, and Standard Mail
 letters and flats].
AADC [First-Class Mail, Periodicals,   AB.
 and Standard Mail letters].
ADC [First-Class Mail, Periodicals,    AB.
 and Standard Mail Flats].
Mixed AADC [First-Class Mail,          MB.
 Periodicals, and Standard Mail
 letters].
Mixed ADC [First-Class Mail,           MB.
 Periodicals, and Standard Mail
 flats].
Basic [In-County Periodicals]........  BB.
Firm [Outside-County Periodicals]....  FB.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 6610]]

    b. Presorted First-Class Mail, barcoded and nonbarcoded Periodicals 
flats, nonbarcoded Periodicals letters, and machinable and 
nonmachinable Standard Mail:
    [Revise the table in 1.3 item b to read as follows:]

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Price                             Abbreviation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Presorted [First-Class Mail letters/   Presort.
 cards, flats, and parcels].
5[dash]Digit [First-Class Mail         5D.
 parcels, all Standard Mail, and
 Periodicals letters].
FSS [Periodicals flats, Standard Mail  SB.
 flats].
3[dash]Digit [First-Class Mail         3D.
 parcels, all Standard Mail and
 Periodicals letters].
SCF [for Standard Mail parcels]......  SCF.
AADC [Standard Mail machinable         AB.
 letters].
ADC [First-Class Mail parcels, First-  AD.
 Class Mail Package Service parcels,
 Standard Mail nonmachinable letters,
 flats, and irregular parcels and all
 Periodicals].
Basic [In-County Periodicals]........  BS.
Mixed AADC [Standard Mail machinable   MB.
 letters].
Mixed ADC [Standard Mail               MD.
 nonmachinable letters, flats,
 irregular parcels; and all
 Periodicals].
Mixed ADC [First-Class Mail parcels].  SP.
NDC [Standard Mail machinable parcels  NDC.
 and Marketing parcels 6 ounces and
 over].
Mixed NDC [Standard Mail machinable    MNDC.
 parcels and Marketing parcels 6
 ounces and over].
Firm [Outside-County Periodicals]....  FB.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    c. Carrier Route Periodicals and Enhanced Carrier Route Standard 
Mail:
* * * * *

1.4 Sortation Level

    The actual sortation level (or corresponding abbreviation) is used 
for the bundle, tray, sack, or pallet levels required by 1.2 and shown 
below:
    [Revise the table in 1.4 to read as follows:]

------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Sortation level                        Abbreviation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Carrier Route........................  CRD.
5[dash]Digit Carrier Routes..........  CR5.
5[dash]Digit Scheme Carrier Routes     CR5S.
 [sacks and pallets, Periodicals
 flats and irregular parcels,
 Standard Mail flats].
5[dash]Digit Scheme [barcoded and      5DGS.
 machinable letters].
5[dash]Digit Scheme [pallets,          5DGS.
 Periodicals flats and irregular
 parcels, Standard Mail flats, Bound
 Printed Matter flats].
Merged 5[dash]Digit [sacks and         M5D.
 pallets, Periodicals flats and
 irregular parcels, Standard Mail
 flats].
Merged 5[dash]Digit Scheme [sacks and  M5DS.
 pallets, Periodicals flats and
 irregular parcels, Standard Mail
 flats].
5[dash]Digit.........................  5DG.
FSS Scheme [bundle, tray, sack or      FSS.
 other approved container,
 Periodicals flats, Standard Mail
 flats, Bound Printed Matter flats].
3[dash]Digit Carrier Routes..........  CR3.
3[dash]Digit Scheme [barcoded          3DGS.
 letters, barcoded and co-bundled
 flats].
Merged 3-Digit [sacks, Periodicals     M3D.
 flats and irregular parcels].
3[dash]Digit.........................  3DG.
ADC..................................  ADC.
ADC [pallets created from bundle       PADC.
 reallocation].
AADC.................................  AADC.
Mixed ADC............................  MADC.
Origin Mixed ADC.....................  OMX.
Mixed AADC...........................  MAAD.
SCF [sacks and pallets, Periodicals    SCF.
 flats, Bound Printed Matter,
 Standard Mail irregular parcels less
 than 6 ounces].
SCF [pallets created from bundle       PSCF.
 reallocation].
NDC..................................  NDC.
ASF..................................  ASF.
NDC [pallets created from bundle       PNDC.
 reallocation].
Mixed NDC [working]..................  MNDC.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * *

1.6 Detailed Zone Listing for Periodicals

1.6.1 Definition and Retention

    [Revise the first sentence of 1.6.1 to read as follows:]
    The publisher must be able to present documentation to support the 
number of copies of each edition of an issue, by entry point, mailed to 
each zone, and at DDU, DFSS, DSCF, DADC, DNDC, and In-County prices.* * 
*
* * * * *

1.6.3 Zone Abbreviations

    Use the actual price name or the authorized zone abbreviation in 
the listings in 1.0 and 207.17.4.2:
    [Revise the table in 1.6.3 to read as follows:]

------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Zone abbreviation                     Rate equivalent
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ICD...............................  In-County, DDU.
IC................................  In-County, Others.
DDU...............................  Outside-County, DDU.
FSS...............................  Outside-County, DFSS.

[[Page 6611]]

 
SCF...............................  Outside-County, DSCF.
ADC...............................  Outside-County, DADC.
1-2 or 1/2........................  zones 1 and 2.
3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 (as applicable)..  zones 3 through 8 (as applicable)
M.................................  mixed zones.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * *

1.7.2 Outside-County Container Report

    The container report must contain, at a minimum, the following 
elements:
* * * * *
    [Revise 1.7.2 item d to read as follows:]
    d. Container entry level (origin, DDU, DFSS, DSCF, DADC, or DNDC).
* * * * *

6.0 Standards for Barcoded Tray Labels, Sack Labels, and Container 
Placards

* * * * *

6.2 Specifications for Barcoded Tray and Sack Labels

* * * * *

6.2.4 3-Digit Content Identifier Numbers

    * * * See Exhibit 6.2.4.

Exhibit 6.2.4 3-Digit Content Identifier Numbers

    [Update Exhibit 6.2.4, 3-Digit Content Identifier Numbers, to read 
as follows:]

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Class and mailing                   CIN                 Human-Readable content line
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    Priority Mail Express OPEN AND DISTRIBUTE
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                                    * * * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        PRIORITY MAIL OPEN AND DISTRIBUTE
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                                    * * * * *
      First-Class Package Service, Parcels
 
                                                    * * * * *
           All Other Classes, Parcels
 
                                                    * * * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                FIRST-CLASS MAIL
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            FCM Letters--Automation
 
                                                    * * * * *
     FCM Letters--Nonautomation Machinable
 
                                                    * * * * *
      FCM Letters--Presorted Nonmachinable
 
                                                    * * * * *
           FCM Letters--Single-Piece
 
                                                    * * * * *
             FCM Flats--Automation
 
                                                    * * * * *
              FCM Flats--Presorted
 
                                                    * * * * *
 FCM Flats--Co-trayed Automation and Presorted
 
                                                    * * * * *
            FCM Flats--Single-Piece
 
                                                    * * * * *
             FC Parcels--Presorted
 
                                                    * * * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                PERIODICALS (PER)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           PER Letters--Carrier Route
 

[[Page 6612]]

 
                                                    * * * * *
       PER Letters--Barcoded (Automation)
 
                                                    * * * * *
    PER Letters--Nonbarcoded (Nonautomation)
 
                                                    * * * * *
            PER Flats--Carrier Route
 
                                                    * * * * *
              PER Flats--Barcoded
 
                                                    * * * * *
             PER Flats--Nonbarcoded
 
                                                    * * * * *
 PER Flats--Co-sacked Barcoded and Nonbarcoded
 
                                                    * * * * *
 PER Flats--Merged Carrier Route, Barcoded, and
                  Nonbarcoded
 
    merged 5-digit sacks.......................     339  PER FLTS CR/5D.
    merged 5-digit scheme sacks................     349  PER FLTS CR/5D SCH.
    FSS scheme.................................     707  PER FLTS 5D FSS SCH BC.
    FSS facility...............................     703  PER FLTS 5D FSS FAC BC.
    merged 3-digit sacks.......................     352  PER FLTS CR/5D/3D.
PER Irregular Parcels--Merged Carrier Route and
                   Presorted
 
                                                    * * * * *
      PER Irregular Parcels--Carrier Route
 
                                                    * * * * *
        PER Irregular Parcels--Presorted
 
                                                    * * * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               PERIODICALS (NEWS)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          NEWS Letters--Carrier Route
 
                                                    * * * * *
      NEWS Letters--Barcoded (Automation)
 
                                                    * * * * *
   NEWS Letters--Nonbarcoded (Nonautomation)
 
                                                    * * * * *
           NEWS Flats--Carrier Route
 
                                                    * * * * *
              NEWS Flats--Barcoded
 
                                                    * * * * *
            NEWS Flats--Nonbarcoded
 
                                                    * * * * *
 NEWS Flats--Co-sacked Barcoded and Nonbarcoded
 
                                                    * * * * *
NEWS Flats--Merged Carrier Route, Barcoded, and
                  Nonbarcoded
 
merged 5-digit.................................     439  NEWS FLTS CR/5D.
merged 5-digit scheme..........................     449  NEWS FLTS CR/5D SCH.
FSS scheme.....................................     708  NEWS FLTS 5D FSS SCH BC.
FSS facility...................................     704  NEWS FLTS 5D FSS FAC BC.
merged 3-digit sacks...........................     452  NEWS FLTS CR/5D/3D.
 
  NEWS Irregular Parcels--Merged Carrier Route
                 and Presorted
 
                                                    * * * * *
     NEWS Irregular Parcels--Carrier Route
 
                                                    * * * * *
       NEWS Irregular Parcels--Presorted
 

[[Page 6613]]

 
                                                    * * * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  STANDARD MAIL
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             ECR Letters--Barcoded
 
                                                    * * * * *
    ECR Letters--Nonautomation (Machinable)
 
                                                    * * * * *
   ECR Letters--Nonautomation (Nonmachinable)
 
                                                    * * * * *
            STD Letters--Automation
 
                                                    * * * * *
     STD Letters--Nonautomation Machinable
 
                                                    * * * * *
      STD Letters--Presorted Nonmachinable
 
                                                    * * * * *
  STD Letters--Residual Pieces Subject to FCM
              Single-Piece Prices
 
                                                    * * * * *
  Enhanced Carrier Route Flats--Nonautomation
 
                                                    * * * * *
      STD Flats--Co-sacked Automation and
                 Nonautomation
 
                                                    * * * * *
  STD Flats--Merged Carrier Route, Automation,
                 and Presorted
 
    merged 5-digit.............................     539  STD FLTS CR/5D.
    merged 5-digit scheme......................     549  STD FLTS CR/5D SCH.
    FSS scheme.................................     709  STD FLTS 5D FSS SCH BC.
    FSS facility...............................     705  STD FLTS 5D FSS FAC BC.
 
             STD Flats--Automation
 
                                                    * * * * *
            STD Flats--Nonautomation
 
                                                    * * * * *
   STD Flats--Residual Pieces Subject to FCM
              Single-Piece Prices
 
                                                    * * * * *
          Customized MarketMail (CMM)
 
                                                    * * * * *
             ECR Marketing Parcels
 
                                                    * * * * *
   STD Marketing Parcels less than 6 oz. and
               Irregular Parcels
 
                                                    * * * * *
    STD Marketing Parcels 6 oz. or more and
               Machinable Parcels
 
                                                    * * * * *
STD Machinable and Irregular Parcels--Presorted
 
                                                    * * * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                PACKAGE SERVICES
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Carrier Route BPM--Flats
 
                                                    * * * * *
              Presorted BPM--Flats
 
                                                    * * * * *
        Presorted BPM--Automation Flats
 

[[Page 6614]]

 
                                                    * * * * *
  BPM Flats--Co-sacked Barcoded and Presorted
 
    5-digit scheme sacks.......................     648  PSVC FLTS 5D SCH BC/NBC.
    FSS scheme.................................     710  PSVC FLTS 5D FSS SCH BC.
    FSS facility...............................     706  PSVC FLTS 5D FSS FAC BC.
5-digit sacks..................................     648  PSVC FLTS 5D BC/NBC.
3-digit sacks..................................     661  PSVC FLTS 3D BC/NBC.
SCF sacks......................................     667  PSVC FLTS SCF BC/NBC.
ADC sacks......................................     668  PSVC FLTS ADC BC/NBC.
mixed ADC sacks................................     669  PSVC FLTS BC/NBC WKG.
 
      Carrier Route BPM--Irregular Parcels
 
                                                    * * * * *
        Presorted BPM--Irregular Parcels
 
                                                    * * * * *
     Carrier Route BPM--Machinable Parcels
 
                                                    * * * * *
       Presorted BPM--Machinable Parcels
 
                                                    * * * * *
[Revise the following heading under PACKAGE
 SERVICES to read as follows:]
  Media Mail and Library Mail Flats--Presorted
 
                                                    * * * * *
[Revise the following heading under PACKAGE
 SERVICES to read as follows:]
Media Mail and Library Mail Irregular Parcels--
                   Presorted
 
                                                    * * * * *
Media Mail and Library Mail Machinable Parcels--
                   Presorted
 
                                                    * * * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  PARCEL SELECT
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Parcel Select Machinable Parcels
 
                                                    * * * * *
       Parcel Select DSCF and DDU Prices
 
                                                    * * * * *
    Parcel Select--Irregular (Nonmachinable)
                    Parcels
 
                                                    * * * * *
  Parcel Select Lightweight Machinable Parcels
 
                                                    * * * * *
  Parcel Select Lightweight Irregular Parcels
 
                                                    * * * * *
  Combined Package Services and Parcel Select
                    Parcels
 
                                                    * * * * *
 Combined Package Services, Parcel Select, and
          Standard Machinable Parcels
 
                                                    * * * * *
 Combined Package Services, Parcel Select, and
             Standard--All Parcels
 
                                                    * * * * *
 Combined Package Services, Parcel Select, and
Standard--Irregular Parcels 2 up to 6 oz. (APPS-
                  machinable)
 
                                                    * * * * *
  Combined PSVC & STD--Irregular Parcels less
   than 2 oz., and tubes and rolls (not APPS-
                  machinable)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 6615]]

* * * * *
    We will publish an appropriate amendment to 39 CFR part 111 to 
reflect these changes if our proposal is adopted.
* * * * *

Stanley F. Mires,
Attorney, Federal Requirements.
[FR Doc. 2015-01851 Filed 2-4-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7710-12-P


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