[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 17 (Tuesday, January 27, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 3814-3819]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-1935]


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POSTAL SERVICE

39 CFR Part 20


Expansion of Global Priority Mail

AGENCY: Postal Service.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: On March 29, 1996, the Postal Service published in the Federal 
Register, 61 FR 14025, an interim rule with a request for comments 
which expanded Global Priority Mail service by increasing the number of 
acceptance points, increasing the number of destination countries, and 
adding weight variable rates for items weighing up to 4 pounds. The 
Postal Service now adopts the interim regulations, with amendments, as 
final.

EFFECTIVE DATE: January 27, 1998.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: R. Jay Thabet, (202) 268-2269.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On March 29, 1996, the Postal Service 
published an interim rule expanding Global Priority Mail and requesting 
comments, 61 FR 14025. Global Priority Mail is an expedited airmail 
letter service providing fast, reliable, and economical delivery of all 
items mailable as letters or merchandise up to 4 pounds. Global 
Priority Mail items receive priority handling in the United States and 
destination countries. Service is limited to the 34 destination 
countries identified in the International Mail Manual 226.2. Service is 
available from designated post offices identified in the International 
Mail Manual 226.32.
    The weight limit for Global Priority Mail items is 4 pounds. The 
Postal Service offers two sizes of preprinted flat-rate envelopes. The 
rates for these envelopes are based on a geographic rate zone 
regardless of the actual weight. Although these envelopes are valid for 
weights of up to 4 pounds, the practical limitations of the envelopes 
limit the weight to less than 4 pounds.
    The interim rule increased the number of post offices where Global 
Priority Mail would be available, increased the number of destination 
countries, and added variable weight-based rates to increase customer 
convenience.
    The Postal Service received one letter containing nine comments on 
the interim rule.
    Comment one suggests that, for those states where all post offices 
within the state are on the list of acceptance sites, just the state 
should be listed without showing the different facilities. This 
suggestion does not take into account that there may arise a case where 
a post office within a state may not be able to accept Global Priority 
Mail at some time in the future. The present system of listing the 
acceptance facilities allows the Postal Service to delete post offices 
when appropriate.
    Comment two suggests that ZIP Codes be listed in numerical order 
rather than in alphabetical order of the acceptance facility. While 
both numerical and alphabetical listings are valid, neither is more 
valid than the other. The Postal Service elects to retain the 
alphabetical listing.
    Comment three states that, in New York State, Postal Codes 117/118 
are no longer listed as acceptance sites, whereas they were listed as 
acceptance sites for the original test. This was a typographical error; 
ZIP Codes 117/118 are acceptance sites.
    Comment four asks for an explanation of certain abnormalities in 
the rate structure for variable weights and the volume rates. The 
differences between weight steps does not have to be equal or linear or 
based totally on cost changes. The competitions' rates for similar 
products are a factor. The size and weight of the volume the USPS most 
wants to attract is another factor in the determination of weight level 
increases.
    Comment five asks for an explanation for the relationship between 
rates for Canadian and European destinations. The expected traffic to 
each country group, the competition that we face going to that country 
group, and the cost to get into each country group were factors used to 
determine rates. In the example cited, competitors' rates and delivery 
costs in the country were the most influential.
    Comment six states that the relationship between the flat rate 
envelopes and the variable weight rate should be clarified and the 
relationship between the flat rate envelope and the volume rate should 
be clarified. The flat rate developed for envelopes that the Postal 
Service provides is independent

[[Page 3815]]

of the variable weight rate and the volume rate. The Postal Service 
developed the flat rates as a convenience for the customer. To receive 
either the variable weight or volume rate options, the customer must 
provide the appropriate packaging. The envelopes the Postal Service 
provides are for the convenience of the customer and are not eligible 
for either the variable weight or volume rate options.
    Comment seven suggests a change in wording to Chapter 2 of the 
International Mail Manual, part 226.62, to read * * * * sticker rate 
must have the DEC-10 sticker affixed to the address side of the 
package, for clarification purposes. The Postal Service accepts this 
comment and revises Chapter 2 of the International Mail Manual, part 
226.62.
    Comment eight notes that section 226.82 of the International Mail 
Manual does not state where the single piece rate packages can be 
mailed. In light of this comment the Postal Service revises Chapter 2 
of the International Mail Manual, part 226.82, to state that single 
piece variable weight option may be deposited in the normal manner of 
deposit for Global Priority Mail.
    Comment nine questions the legality of not providing Global 
Priority Mail service from every post office under the jurisdiction of 
the United States Postal Service. The United States Postal Service 
provides service throughout the entire United States as mandated by 39 
USC 3623(d). There are some products and services that are not 
available at all postal retail units. Acceptance of passport 
applications is an example. In the case of Global Priority Mail, the 
service is offered at all post offices from which transportation is 
available which allows the mailpiece to reach the appropriate airmail 
facility in time to make the scheduled airline departure on the day 
after the mailpiece is deposited. If the transportation network at a 
given post office does not allow for the mailpiece to leave the United 
States on the day after deposit, that post office does not accept 
Global Priority Mail. This restriction is in place to preserve the 
integrity of a premium service for which the customer pays a premium 
fee.
    A transmittal letter making the changes in the pages of the 
International Mail Manual will be published and transmitted 
automatically to subscribers. Notice of issuance of the transmittal 
letter will be published in the Federal Register as provided by 39 CFR 
20.3.
    The Postal Service amends part 226 of the International Mail 
Manual, which is incorporated by reference in the Code of Federal 
Regulations. See 39 CFR 20.1.

List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 20

    Foreign relations, Incorporation by reference, International postal 
services.

PART 20--[AMENDED]

    The authority citation for 39 CFR Part 20 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 552(a); 39 U.S.C. 401, 407, 408.

    2. The International Mail Manual is amended to incorporate part 
226, Global Priority Mail, as follows:

226  Global Priority Mail

226.1  General

226.11  Definition

    Global Priority Mail is an expedited airmail letter service 
providing fast, reliable, and economical delivery of all items mailable 
as letters or merchandise up to 4 pounds. Global Priority Mail items 
receive priority handling in the United States and in destination 
countries. Service is available only to destination countries 
identified in 226.2, from post offices identified in 226.3.

226.12  Permissible Items

    All items sent as letter class mail (see 221.1) are accepted in 
Global Priority Mail provided that the contents are mailable and fit 
securely in the envelope. Global Priority Mail items may contain 
dutiable merchandise unless the country of destination specifically 
prohibits dutiable merchandise in letters (see 224.51). Any item that 
is prohibited in international mail is prohibited in Global Priority 
Mail. Refer to the ``Country Conditions of Mailing'' in the Individual 
Country Listings for individual country prohibitions.

226.13  Packaging

    Items must fit comfortably within the flat-rate envelope without 
distorting or bursting the container. Do not use excessive tape to keep 
the envelopes from bursting. Use only one piece of tape to secure the 
flap.

226.2  Availability

    Global Priority Mail is available to the following countries. 
Countries specifically identified will have service only to specific 
cities within those countries, as noted below:

                                            Countries of Destination                                            
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Western Europe          Pacific Rim           North America          South America           Middle East    
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Austria                Australia              Canada                 Brazil \4\             Israel.\6\          
Belgium                China \2\              Mexico \3\             Chile \5\              Saudi Arabia.\7\    
Denmark                Hong Kong                                                                                
Finland                Japan                                                                                    
France (including      Korea, Republic of                                                                       
 Monaco)               New Zealand                                                                              
Germany                Philippines                                                                              
Great Britain and      Singapore                                                                                
 Northern Ireland \1\  Taiwan                                                                                   
Iceland                Thailand                                                                                 
Ireland                Vietnam                                                                                  
Liechtenstein                                                                                                   
Luxembourg                                                                                                      
Netherlands, The                                                                                                
Norway                                                                                                          
Portugal                                                                                                        
Spain                                                                                                           
Sweden                                                                                                          
Switzerland                                                                                                     
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Includes England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Guernsey, Jersey, and the Isle of Man.                 
\2\ Destinations in China are limited to Beijing, Dalian, Guangzhou, Qingdao, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Suzhou,       
  Tianjin, Wuxi, Xiamen, and Zhuhai ONLY.                                                                       

[[Page 3816]]

                                                                                                                
\3\ Destinations in Mexico are limited to Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey ONLY.                         
\4\ Destinations in Brazil are limited to Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro ONLY.                                    
\5\ Destinations in Chile are limited to Santiago, Valparaiso, and Vina del Mar ONLY.                           
\6\ Destinations in Israel are limited to Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Haifa ONLY.                                  
\7\ Destinations in Saudi Arabia are limited to Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam ONLY.                                

226.3  Mailing Locations

226.31  Acceptance Offices and Pickup Service Locations

    Global Priority Mail service is available only through the 
designated post offices and the additional post offices listed in 
226.32. Pickup Service is available for an additional fee. (See 
226.83.)

226.32  Service Areas

    Service is available only from the metropolitan areas as defined by 
the ZIP Code ranges shown in Exhibit 226.32. If Global Priority Mail is 
presented at a non-participating retail unit, advise the customer that 
the item cannot be accepted as Global Priority Mail. Refer customer to 
the nearest Global Priority Mail retail acceptance unit. Within these 
service areas, prepaid items may be given to carriers, deposited in 
Express Mail collection boxes, or mailed at post offices, stations, and 
branches.
Exhibit 226.32  Global Priority Mail Acceptance Cities and Three-Digit 
ZIP Codes

ALABAMA

Anniston: 362
Birmingham: 352
Huntsville: 356, 357, 358
Mobile: 366
Montgomery: 361, 368

ARIZONA

Phoenix: 850, 852, 853
Tucson: 857

ARKANSAS

Little Rock: 722
West Memphis: 723

CALIFORNIA

Industry: 917, 918
Inglewood: 902, 903, 904, 905
Long Beach: 906, 907, 908
Los Angeles: 900, 901
North Bay: 949
Oakland: 945, 946, 947, 948,
Pasadena: 910, 911, 912
Salinas: 939
San Diego: 919, 920, 921
San Francisco: 940, 941, 943, 944
San Jose: 950, 951
Santa Ana: 926, 927, 928
Van Nuys: 913, 914, 915, 916

COLORADO

Brighton: 806
Colorado Springs: 808, 809
Denver: 800, 801, 802, 803
Longmont: 805
Pueblo: 810

CONNECTICUT

Hartford: 060, 061, 062
New Haven: 063, 064, 065, 066
Stamford: 068, 069
Waterbury: 067

DELAWARE

Wilmington: 197, 198, 199

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA (Washington, DC)

Washington: 200, 202, 203, 204, 205

FLORIDA

Daytona Beach: 321
Fort Myers: 339
Ft. Lauderdale: 333
Gainesville: 326, 344
Jacksonville: 320, 322
Lakeland: 338
Manasota: 342
Miami: 331, 332
Mid-Florida: 327
Orlando: 328, 329, 347
South Florida: 330
St. Petersburg: 337
Tallahassee: 323
Tampa: 335, 336, 346
West Palm Beach: 334, 349

GEORGIA

Albany: 317
Athens: 306
Atlanta: 303, 311
Augusta: 298, 308, 309
Columbus: 318, 319
Macon: 310, 312
North Metro: 300, 301, 302, 305
Savannah: 299, 313, 314
Swainsboro: 304
Valdosta: 316
Waycross: 315

INDIANA

Bloomington: 474
Columbus: 472
Evansville: 424, 476, 477
Fort Wayne: 467, 468
Gary: 463, 464
Indianapolis: 460, 461, 462
Kokomo: 469
Lafayette: 479
Muncie: 473
South Bend: 465, 466
Terre Haute: 478
Washington: 475

ILLINOIS

Bloomington: 617
Carbondale: 629
Carol Stream: 601, 603
Centralia: 628
Chicago: 606, 607, 608
East St. Louis: 622
Effingham: 624
Champaign: 618, 619
Fox Valley: 605
Galesburg: 614
Kankakee: 609
La Salle: 613
Palatine: 600, 602
Peoria: 615, 616
Quincy: 623, 634, 635
Rockford: 610, 611
Rock Island: 612
Springfield: 625, 626, 627
South Suburban: 604

IOWA

Burlington: 526
Cedar Rapids: 522, 523, 524
Davenport: 527, 528
Des Moines: 500, 501, 502, 503, 509
Dubuque: 520
Mason City: 504
Ottumwa: 525
Sioux City: 510, 511
Waterloo: 506, 507

KANSAS

Fort Scott: 667
Kansas City: 660, 661, 662
Hays: 676
Salina: 674
Topeka: 664, 665, 666, 668
Wichita: 672

KENTUCKY

Ashland: 411, 412
Bowling Green: 421, 422
Campton: 413, 414
Elizabeth: 427
Louisville: 400, 401, 402, 471
Lexington: 403, 404, 405, 406
Owensboro: 423
Pikeville: 415, 416

LOUISIANA

Baton Rouge: 707, 708
New Orleans: 700, 701
Hammond: 704
Thibodaux: 703

MAINE

Bangor: 044, 046, 047
Portland: 040, 041, 042, 043, 045, 048, 049

MARYLAND

Baltimore: 210, 211, 212, 214, 219
Cumberland: 215, 267
Easton: 216
Frederick: 217
Salisbury: 218
Southern: 206, 207
Suburban: 208, 209

MASSACHUSETTS

Boston: 021, 022
Brockton: 020, 023, 024
Buzzards Bay: 025, 026
Middlesex-Essex: 018, 019
Pittsfield: 012
Springfield: 010, 011, 013
Worcester: 014, 015, 016, 017

MICHIGAN

Detroit: 481, 482
Flint: 484, 485
Gaylord: 497
Grand Rapids: 493, 494, 495
Jackson: 492
Kalamazoo: 490, 491

[[Page 3817]]

Lansing: 488, 489
Royal Oak: 480, 483
Saginaw: 486, 487
Traverse City: 496

MINNESOTA

Detroit Lakes: 565
Duluth: 558
Mankato: 560
Minneapolis: 553, 554
Rochester: 559
Saint Cloud: 563
St. Paul: 550, 551, 540
Thief River Falls: 567
Willmar: 562
Windom: 561

MISSISSIPPI

Grenada: 389
Gulfport: 395
Hattiesburg: 394
Jackson: 392
McComb: 396

MISSOURI

Cape Girardeau: 636, 637, 638, 639
Chillicothe: 646
Harrisonville: 647
Kansas City: 640, 641
Mid-Missouri: 650, 651, 652, 653
Saint Joseph: 644, 645
Springfield: 648, 654, 655, 656, 657, 658
St. Louis: 620, 630, 631, 633

MONTANA

Billings: 591

NEBRASKA

Lincoln: 683, 684, 685
Norfolk: 686, 687
Omaha: 515, 516, 680, 681

NEVADA

Las Vegas: 891

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Manchester: 030, 031, 032, 033, 034
Portsmouth: 038, 039

NEW JERSEY

Hackensack: 076
Kilmer: 088, 089
Monmouth: 077
Newark: 070, 071, 072, 073
Paterson: 074, 075
South Jersey: 080, 081, 082, 083, 084
Trenton: 085, 086, 087
West Jersey: 078, 079

NEW MEXICO

Albuquerque: 871

NEW YORK

Albany: 120, 121, 122, 123
Binghamton: 137, 138, 139
Bronx: 104
Brooklyn: 112
Buffalo: 140, 141, 142, 143
Elmira: 148, 149
Glen Falls: 128
Hicksville: 118
Jamestown: 147
Long Island: 111
Mid-Hudson: 124, 125, 126, 127
Mid Island: 117, 119
New York: 100, 101, 102
Plattsburgh: 129
Queens: 110, 113, 114, 116
Rochester: 144, 145, 146
Rockland: 109
Staten Island: 103
Syracuse: 130, 131, 132
Utica: 133, 134, 135
Watertown: 136
Westchester: 105, 106, 107, 108
Western Nassau: 115

NORTH CAROLINA

Asheville: 287, 288, 289
Charlotte: 280, 281, 282, 297
Greensboro: 270, 271, 272, 273, 274
Hickory: 286
Raleigh: 275, 276, 277

NORTH DAKOTA

Bismarck: 585
Dickinson: 586
Devils Lake: 583
Fargo: 580, 581
Grand Forks: 582
Jamestown: 584
Minot: 587
Williston: 588

OHIO

Akron: 442, 443
Athens: 457
Canton: 446, 447
Chillicothe: 456
Cincinnati: 410, 450, 451, 452, 470
Cleveland: 440, 441
Columbus: 430, 431, 432, 433
Dayton: 453, 454, 455
Lima: 458
Mansfield: 448, 449
Steubenville: 439
Toledo: 434, 435, 436
Youngstown: 444, 445
Zanesville: 437, 438

OKLAHOMA

Ardmore: 734
Clinton: 736
Durant: 747
Enid: 737
Lawton: 735
McAlester: 745
Muskogee: 744
Oklahoma City: 730, 731
Ponca City: 746
Poteau: 749
Shawnee: 748
Tulsa: 740, 741, 743
Woodard: 738

OREGON

Portland: 972

PENNSYLVANIA

Altoona: 166, 168
Bradford: 167
Dubois: 158
Erie: 164, 165
Greensburg: 156
Harrisburg: 170, 171, 172, 178
Johnstown: 155, 157, 159
Lancaster: 173, 174, 175, 176
Lehigh Valley: 180, 181, 183
New Castle: 160, 161, 162
Oil City: 163
Philadelphia: 190, 191
Pittsburgh: 150, 151, 152, 153, 154
Reading: 179, 195, 196
Scranton: 184, 185, 188
Southeastern: 189, 193, 194
Wilkes-Barre: 182, 186, 187

PUERTO RICO/VIRGIN ISLANDS

San Juan: 006, 007, 008, 009

RHODE ISLAND

Providence: 027, 028, 029

SOUTH CAROLINA

Charleston: 294
Columbia: 290, 291, 292
Florence: 295
Greenville: 293, 296

SOUTH DAKOTA

Aberdeen: 574
Dakota Central: 572, 573
Mobridge: 576
Pierre: 575
Rapid City: 577
Sioux Falls: 570, 571

TENNESSEE

Chattanooga: 307, 373, 374
Columbia: 384
Cookeville: 385
Jackson: 383
Johnson City: 376
Knoxville: 377, 378, 379
McKenzie: 382
Memphis: 380, 381, 386
Nashville: 370, 371, 372

TEXAS

Abilene: 768, 795, 796
Amarillo: 791
Austin: 786, 787, 789
Beaumont: 776, 777
Bryan: 778
Corpus Christi: 784
Dallas: 751, 752, 753
El Paso: 799
Fort Worth: 760, 761, 762, 764
Greenville: 754
Houston: 770, 772
Longview: 756
Lubbock: 794
Lufkin: 759
North Houston: 773, 774, 775
North Texas: 750
Palestine: 758
San Angelo: 769
San Antonio: 780, 781, 782, 788
Texarkana: 755
Tyler: 757
Waco: 765, 766, 767
Wichita Falls: 763

UTAH

Provo: 845, 846, 847
Salt Lake City: 840, 841, 843, 844

VERMONT

Burlington: 054, 056
White River Junction: 035, 036, 037, 050, 051, 052, 053, 057, 058, 
059

VIRGINIA

Charlottesville: 228, 229, 244
Culpeper: 227
Farmville: 239
Northern Virginia: 201, 220, 221, 222, 223
Norfolk: 233, 234, 235, 236, 237
Richmond: 224, 225, 230, 231, 232, 238
Winchester: 226

[[Page 3818]]

WASHINGTON

Everett: 982
Olympia: 985
Seattle: 980, 981
Tacoma: 983, 984
Wenatchee: 988
Yakima: 989

WEST VIRGINIA

Bluefield: 246, 247, 248
Charleston: 250, 251, 252, 253
Huntington: 255, 256, 257
Martinsburg: 254
Wheeling: 260

WISCONSIN

Eau Claire: 547
Green Bay: 543
La Crosse: 546
Madison: 537
Milwaukee: 530, 531, 532
Oshkosh: 549
Racine: 534
Spooner: 548

WYOMING

Cheyenne: 820

226.4  Postage

226.41  Flat-Rate Envelopes Postage

    Each Global Priority Mail flat-rate envelope is charged at a flat 
rate. The rate is based on the geographic rate zone regardless of its 
actual weight. Postage is required for each piece. (See Exhibit 
226.41.)
Exhibit 226.41

                    Flat-Rate Envelope Postage Rates                    
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Destination                      Small        Large   
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Western Europe and Middle East................        $3.75        $6.95
Canada and Mexico.............................         3.75         6.95
Pacific Rim and South America.................         4.95         8.95
    Weight Limit 4 Lbs.                                                 
------------------------------------------------------------------------

226.42  Variable Weight Option Postage--Single Piece Rates

    Global Priority Mail variable weight rates are calculated in half 
(or fraction thereof) increments based on the weight of each piece the 
destination geographic rate zone up to four pounds. (See Exhibit 
226.42.)
Exhibit 226.42

           Variable Weight Sticker Option--Single Piece Rates           
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          Western                       
                                           Europe    Pacific     Canada 
              Weight level                  and      Rim and      and   
                                           Middle     South      Mexico 
                                            East     America            
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1/2\ lb...............................      $7.00      $8.00      $5.95
1.0 lb.................................      10.50      12.50      10.00
1.5 lbs................................      12.50      16.95      13.50
2.0 lbs................................      15.00      21.00      16.50
2.5 lbs................................      17.50      23.95      18.00
3.0 lbs................................      19.95      27.25      19.50
3.5 lbs................................      22.00      31.50      21.00
4.0 lbs................................      24.75      34.50      22.50
  Weight Limit 4 Lbs.                                                   
------------------------------------------------------------------------

226.43  Global Priority Mail Sticker--Volume Rates

226.431  Minimum Quantity Requirement

    The mailer must have a minimum of five or more pieces to one or 
more Global Priority Mail countries. The minimum does not apply to each 
geographic zone rate. (See Exhibit 226.43.)

226.432  Mailing Statement

    Postage for volume rate mail and permit imprint must be computed on 
PS Form 3653, Global Priority Mail Statement of Mailings.
Exhibit 226.43

              Variable Weight Sticker Option--Volume Rates              
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          Western                       
                                           Europe    Pacific     Canada 
              Weight level                  and      Rim and      and   
                                           Middle     South      Mexico 
                                            East     America            
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1/2\ lb...............................      $5.95      $6.95      $5.00
1.0 lb.................................       8.50      10.00       7.50
1.5 lbs................................      10.00      13.50      10.00
2.0 lbs................................      12.00      16.95      12.50
2.5 lbs................................      14.00      19.25      13.50
3.0 lbs................................      16.95      21.95      14.50
3.5 lbs................................      19.95      25.50      15.50
4.0 lbs................................      22.50      27.75      16.50
  Weight Limit 4 Lbs.                                                   
------------------------------------------------------------------------

226.5  Payment Methods

226.51  Postage Payment Methods

    Nonidentical weight piece mailings must have the applicable postage 
affixed by adhesive stamps, meter stamps or if presented at a post 
office, postal validation imprinter (PVI labels). Identical weight 
piece mailings may be paid by meter stamps, adhesive stamps, PVI labels 
or permit imprint subject to certain standards. To use permit imprint, 
the mailing must consist of 200 or more pieces and be of identical 
weight. The 200-piece criterion for permit imprint applies to both 
volume rate and flat-rate mail. Mailers may use permit imprint with 
nonidentical weight items only if authorized by the USPS under a 
Manifest Mailing System (MMS), in DMM P710.

226.52  Postal Marking Related to Volume Rate Postage

    When pieces are paid at the volume rate and paid by stamps or meter 
impression, each piece must be legibly marked with the words ``Volume 
Rate Global Priority Mail.'' If stamps are used the endorsement must 
appear on the address side of each piece and must be applied by a 
printing press, hand stamp or other similar printing device. If meter 
impression is used the endorsement must be in the ad plate or the slug 
area. If part of the slug, the abbreviation GPM Vol. Rate may be used. 
See DMM P030.4.14 for specification of size requirements.

226.53  Permit Imprint Content and Format

    All permit imprints on Global Priority Mail must show city and 
state, ``Global Priority Mail,'' U.S. Postage Paid, and permit number. 
They may show the mailing date, amount of postage paid or the number of 
ounces for each postage.

226.54  Meter Stamps Content

    At a minimum, a meter stamp must show the month, day, and year in 
the postmark, city and state designation of the licensing post office, 
the number, and the amount of postage. See DMM P030.4.6.

226.6  Preparation Requirements

226.61  Addressing

    All items must bear the complete delivery address of the addressee 
and the full name (no abbreviations) of the destination country. See 
122.

226.62  Marking

    Global Priority Mail items must be mailed in special envelopes (EP-
15A,

[[Page 3819]]

EP-15B) or with the Global Priority Mail sticker (DEC-10) provided by 
the Postal Service. (These supplies may be obtained by calling 800-222-
1811.) Unmarked pieces are subject to the applicable LC/AO airmail 
regular rates and treatment. Pieces paid at the Global Priority Mail 
sticker rate must have the DEC-10 sticker affixed to the address side 
of the package.

226.63  Customs

    A green customs label must be affixed if the package is 16 ounces 
or more, regardless of its contents. Only documents and correspondence 
under 16 ounces do not require a customs form.

226.7  Size and Weight Limits

226.71  Size Limits

226.711  Flat-Rate Envelope Sizes

    a. Small Size--6 x 10 inches.
    b. Large Size--9\1/2\ x 12\1/2\ inches.

226.712  Package Sizes for Variable Weight Option

    a. Minimum length and height: 5\1/2\ x 3\1/2\ inches.
    b. Minimum depth (thickness): .007 inches.
    c. Maximum length: 24 inches.
    d. Maximum length, height, depth (thickness) combined: 36 inches.

226.713  Rolls

    a. Minimum length: 4 inches.
    b. Minimum length plus twice the diameter combined: 6\3/4\ inches.
    c. Maximum length: 36 inches.
    d. Maximum length plus twice the diameter combined: 42 inches.

226.72  Weight Limit

    Items sent as Global Priority Mail in envelopes and the variable 
weight option must not exceed 4 pounds.

226.73  Special Services

    Mailers may obtain certificates of mailing (see NO TAG). No other 
special services such as registry, insurance, restricted delivery, 
return receipt, or recorded delivery are available.

226.8  Mailer Preparation

226.81  Mailer Requirement

    Global Priority Mail claimed at the volume rate must be separated 
by geographic rate zone (Western Europe, Pacific Rim, and Canada) when 
presented to the business mail entry unit unless otherwise authorized 
by the USPS. All pieces in a permit imprint mailing and metered mail 
must be facing the same direction.

226.82  Deposit of Mail

    Global Priority Mail pieces paid by permit imprint and pieces 
claimed at the Global Priority Mail volume rates must be deposited at a 
business mail acceptance unit as authorized by the postmaster in the 
designated Global Priority Mail sites for weighing. Single piece 
variable weight option may be deposited in the normal manner of deposit 
for Global Priority Mail. Flat-rate envelopes with postage affixed may 
be deposited in any Express Mail Street collection box or other such 
place where Express Mail is accepted. Metered mail must be deposited in 
locations under the jurisdiction of the licensing post office except as 
permitted under DMM P030.

226.83  Pickup Service

    On call and scheduled pickup service are available for Global 
Priority Mail from the designated Global Priority Mail acceptance 
cities. There is a charge of $4.95 for each pickup stop, regardless of 
the number of pieces picked up. (See DMM D010 for standards of pickup 
service.) Pickup is not available for Global Priority Mail pieces if 
paid by permit imprint or claimed at the volume rate.
Stanley F. Mires,
Chief Counsel, Legislative.
[FR Doc. 98-1935 Filed 1-26-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7710-12-P