31968 Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 121 / Friday, June 21, 1996 / Notices

1The Postal Service has submitted documentation

bearing an ‘‘MC,’’ or mail classification designation.

While the proposals to increase net revenue appear

to fit the pattern of an ‘‘R,’’ or rate designation, there

is no apparent substantive reason to change the

designation for the case at this time, and in the

ATTACHMENT C—STATUS OF FY 1996 RESCISSION PROPOSALS—AS OF JUNE 7, 1996—Continued

[Amounts in thousands of dollars]

Agency bureau account

Amounts pending before Congress

Date of

message

Previously

withheld

and

made

available

Date

made

available

Amount

rescinded

Congressional

Rescission action

No.

Less than

45 days

More than

45 days

Defense-wide ............................. R96–7

R96–20

................

67,200

40,600 2–23–96

4–12–96

................ ................ 40,600 P.L. 104–134

Military Construction:

Military construction, Army ........ R96–21 ................ 10,000 3–13–96 10,000 6–7–96

Military construction, Navy ........ R96–22 ................ 8,000 3–13–96 8,000 6–5–96

Military construction, Air Force R96–23 ................ 15,000 3–13–96 15,000 5–23–96

Military construction, Defensewide.R96–24 ................ 13,000 3–13–96 13,000 6–7–96

Military construction, Air National Guard.R96–25 ................ 4,000 3–13–96 4,000 6–7–96

General Services Administration

Real Property Activities:

Federal buildings fund ............... R96–9 ................ 3,500 3–5–96 (1) ................ 3,400 P.L. 104–134

Total Rescissions ................... 400,400 1,025,500 ................ 62,000 ................ 963,400

[FR Doc. 96–15809 Filed 6–20–96; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 3110–01–M

POSTAL RATE COMMISSION

[Docket No. MC96–3; Order No. 1115]

Special Services Fees and

Classifications; Notice of Request for

Changes in Domestic Mail

Classification Schedule Provisions and

Rates for Special Services and Order

Instituting Proceedings

[Issued June 12, 1996].

Before Commissioners: Edward J. Gleiman,

Chairman; W.H. ‘‘Trey’’ LeBlanc III, ViceChairman; George W. Haley; and H. Edward

Quick, Jr.

Notice is hereby given that on June 7,

1996, the United States Postal Service

filed a request with the Postal Rate

Commission pursuant to section 3623 of

the Postal Reorganization Act [39 USC

§ 3623] for a recommended decision on

proposed changes in provisions of the

Domestic Mail Classification Schedule

(DMCS) and rates that affect selected

special services. See Request of the

United States Postal Service for a

Recommended Decision on Special

Service Changes (June 7, 1996) (referred

to herein as ‘‘Request’’).

Contents of the filing. The Service’s

Request proposes changes to the terms

of service and rates for post office boxes

(including caller service), certified mail,

return receipt, insurance, and registry

service. It proposes to treat the

production of postal cards as a new

special service distinct from the postage

that such cards require, and to rename

postal cards ‘‘stamped cards.’’ It also

proposes to eliminate special delivery

service. The Postal Service’s Request

does not encompass any changes to the

rates for the classes and subclasses of

mail, nor the fees for other special

services not specifically addressed by its

proposals. Request at 3. The changes

proposed may be summarized as

follows:

Post Office Boxes

• Increase basic Group I fees by an

average of 24 percent.

• (Group I fees apply at city delivery

offices).

• Increase basic Group II fees by 100

percent.

• (Group II fees apply at non-city

delivery offices).

• Eliminate basic fees for offices with

no carrier delivery.

• Institute an annual $36 nonresident fee.

• Refine definitions of the fee

categories.

Certified Mail/Return Receipts

• Increase certified mail fee by 40

cents.

• Replace the two basic return receipt

options with one option.

• Replace the two return receipts for

merchandise options with one option.

• Clarify the categories of mail

eligible to use return receipt for

merchandise service.

Insurance

• Raise the indemnity limit from $600

to $5000.

• Raise the indemnity limit for

Express Mail merchandise from $500 to

$5000.

• Reduce the limit for Express Mail

document reconstruction from $50,000

to $500.

Registry

• Simplify fee schedule by

eliminating uninsured registry service

over $100.

Postal Cards

• ‘‘Postal cards,’’ which are sold to

customers by the Postal Service,

renamed ‘‘stamped cards’’.

• Institute a 2-cent fee (above postage)

for stamped cards.

Special Delivery

• Eliminate special delivery service.

See Direct Testimony of W. Ashley

Lyons on Behalf of United States Postal

Service (hereafter ‘‘USPS-T–1’’) at 4–5.

Effect on net revenue. Unlike the

Postal Service’s other recent

classification reform proposals, its

proposal in this docket is not intended

to have a neutral effect on its overall net

revenue. The Postal Service estimates

that if its proposals in this docket had

been in effect throughout FY 1996, they

would have increased system revenues

by $339.9 million while increasing

system costs by only $0.5 million, for a

net increase in system revenue of $339.4

million. USPS-T–1 at 8–9.

A request that would increase system

net revenue so substantially is normally

considered in an omnibus rate

proceeding.1 In this request the Postal
Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 121 / Friday, June 21, 1996 / Notices 31969

interest of avoiding unnecessary expense, we will

not order such a change.

2 During the course of the proceeding, the

justification for these policies and their selective

application may be explored.

3Examples of cost attribution methods that were

used by the Commission in the most recent

omnibus rate proceeding but appear to be omitted

from this filing are attributing coverage-related

delivery costs according to single subclass stop

analysis, and attributing some fixed costs associated

with Special Delivery Messengers to the various

services that use them.

Service proposes to obtain the

additional net revenue by increasing the

contribution to institutional costs only

from certain special services. The Postal

Service explains that this is intended to

serve its financial goals by enabling it to

rebuild its equity or to extend the period

between omnibus rate increases. USPST–1 at 6, 9–11. It observes that

increasing its overall net revenue by

raising markups on services that are less

sensitive to price increases, as it

proposes here, reflects a general policy

to make demand pricing a greater factor

in its rate and classification proposals.

It states that seeking infusions of net

revenue through requests for new

classifications or new products filed

between omnibus rate proceedings

reflects a management strategy that it

may continue to follow in the future.

USPS-T–1 at 6–7.2

Cost and roll-forward methodologies.

In the past, interim Postal Service filings

used the same base year and test year

that were used in the most recent

omnibus rate proceeding. This provided

a consistent basis for comparing the cost

and revenue effects of proposed interim

changes with the cost and revenue

effects of the general rate and

classification schedules in place. In this

interim filing, the Postal Service has

complicated the evaluation of its

proposed changes by using a base year

(FY 1995) and a test year (FY 1996) that

were not used to evaluate the rate and

classification schedules in place. In

another departure from recent practice,

its filing develops base year costs solely

by the methods that the Postal Service

uses in its own Cost and Revenue

Analysis Report (CRA). It does not

follow the Commission’s approved

costing methods as far as practical, as

the Postal Service’s filing did in Docket

No. MC95–1, nor describe and explain

its departures from them, as the Postal

Service’s filings did in Docket Nos.

R94–1 and MC93–1. Direct Testimony of

Richard Patelunas on Behalf of the

United States Postal Service (hereafter

‘‘USPS-T–5’’) at 5–7.3

The Postal Service describes changes

that it has made to its cost model

between FY 1994 and FY 1995 that have

not previously been discussed in

testimony. These include aligning

accounts in its CRA Report with those

in its Revenue and Expense Report,

reweighting IOCS tallies for mail

processing and customer service

functions in CAG B offices, reassigning

some IOCS tallies for small parcels to

services other than parcel post, revising

the rules for assigning certain mixed

mail tallies to mail classes, reassigning

certain Special Delivery Messenger

costs, redistributing certain RBCS clerk

and mailhandler costs, and updating the

factors used to develop space-related

costs. USPS-T–5 at 8–11.

Proposed DMCS provisions. In their

Decision of March 4, 1996, in Docket

No. MC95–1 (Classification Reform I),

the Governors of the Postal Service

adopted extensive revisions to the

Domestic Mail Classification Schedule

(DMCS). These revisions are scheduled

to take effect on July 1, 1996. The

Governors further revised the DMCS in

their Decision approving the

Recommended Decision of the

Commission on Experimental FirstClass and Priority Mail Small Parcel

Automation Rate Category, Docket No.

MC96–1, implemented by resolution of

the Governors on April 28, 1996. In

Attachment A to its Request, the Postal

Service displays changes that it

proposes in this filing to a version of the

DMCS that reflects these recent

revisions. These proposed revisions

accompany this Notice as Attachment

A.

Proposed special service rate and fee

schedules. The special service

schedules were last amended in part by

the Decision of the Governors in

Classification Reform I. Rate schedules

amended in connection with that

decision, along with fee schedules for

all special services, were published for

informational purposes in the Federal

Register on March 12, 1996 (61 FR

10,220). In Attachment B to its Request,

the Postal Service displays changes that

it proposes to the special service

schedules corresponding to the

revisions that it proposes in the DMCS.

Its proposed changes to the special

service schedules accompany this

Notice as Attachment B.

Intervention. Participation in

Commission proceedings generally takes

the form of either full intervention or

limited participation. See Commission

rules 20 and 20a [39 CFR § 3001.20 and

.20a]. For those wishing to express their

views informally, without incurring the

obligations that attach to the other two

forms of participation, commenter status

is available. See Commission rule 20b

[39 CFR § 3001.20b]. Those wishing to

be heard in this matter as either a full

intervenor or limited participant are

directed to file a written notice of

intervention in conformance with rule

20(b) or 20a(a) identifying the status

they intend to assume and affirmatively

stating how actively they expect to

participate. In addition, intervenors are

requested to provide a telephone

number and facsimile number, and for

each person designated to receive

service of documents who is willing to

receive service electronically, the

appropriate e-mail address. (See

proposed Special Rule 3A, infra.)

Notices of intervention should be sent

to the attention of Margaret P.

Crenshaw, Secretary of the Commission,

1333 H Street, NW, Washington, D.C.

20268–0001, and are to be filed on or

before July 9, 1996. Commenter status

does not require a notice of

intervention.

Representation of the general public.

In conformance with section 3624(a) of

title 39, the Commission designates W.

Gail Willette, Director of the Office of

the Consumer Advocate (OCA), to

represent the interests of the general

public in this proceeding. Pursuant to

this designation, Ms. Willette will direct

the activities of Commission personnel

assigned to assist her and, when

requested, will supply their names for

the record. Neither Ms. Willette nor any

of the assigned personnel will

participate in or provide advice on any

Commission decision in this

proceeding. If a participant elects

procedure (1) service, as defined by the

proposed special rules of practice, it

shall serve the OCA separately with

three copies of all filings, in addition to

and contemporaneously with, service on

the Commission of the 24 copies

required by section 10(c) of the rules of

practice [39 CFR § 3001.10(c)], except as

provided by Special Rule 3B.

Special rules of practice. The

Commission proposes conducting this

proceeding pursuant to the special rules

of practice set forth in Attachment C.

These rules reflect the special rules

implemented in Docket No. MC96–2,

including a revision of Special Rule 3 to

allow for voluntary, alternative service

of documents by electronic filing. See

P.O. Ruling MC96–2/9. The alternative

system will allow participants to receive

service either electronically or via

traditional hard copy means.

Participants are encouraged to carefully

review the terms of all the rules and

suggest any changes they believe would

be beneficial. The use of electronic

forms of filing and electronic database

structures makes it especially important

that titles of filed documents effectively

describe their contents.

Initial prehearing conference: date,

location, and agenda. The Commission
31970 Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 121 / Friday, June 21, 1996 / Notices

will convene a prehearing conference at

9:30 a.m. on Friday, July 12, 1996, in the

Commission’s hearing room at 1333 H

Street, N.W., Suite 300, Washington,

D.C. The Commission asks that persons

attending the conference be prepared to

discuss procedural and scheduling

matters pertinent to the Service’s filing.

Participants are to file a notice of

issues they would like to raise for

consideration at the prehearing

conference. Suggestions need not be

limited to procedural matters, but may

include substantive issues to the extent

that considering them at this stage might

expedite the proceeding. An agenda

incorporating participants’ suggestions

will be distributed at the beginning of

the prehearing conference.

Docket Room operations. Documents

may be filed with the Commission’s

docket section Monday through Friday

between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Questions

about docket room operations should be

directed to Ms. Peggie Brown (at 202–

789–6847) or Ms. Joyce Taylor (at 202–

789–6846). Questions concerning any

technical difficulties in electronic filing

should be directed to the Commission’s

computer room at 202–789–6873.

It is ordered:

1. The Commission will sit en banc in

this proceeding.

2. Notices of intervention shall be

filed no later than July 9, 1996.

3. A prehearing conference will be

held Friday, July 12, 1996 at 9:30 a.m.

in the Commission’s hearing room.

4. Participants are to file notices of

issues they intend to raise at the

prehearing conference by July 9, 1996.

5. Comments on the proposed special

rules of practice set out in Attachment

C should be filed by July 9, 1996.

6. W. Gail Willette, Director of the

Commission’s Office of the Consumer

Advocate, is designated to represent the

interest of the general public in this

proceeding.

7. The Secretary shall cause this

Notice and Order to be published in the

Federal Register.

By the Commission.

Cyril J. Pittack,

Acting Secretary.

Attachment A—Special Services Reform

Requested Changes in the Domestic

Mail Classification Schedule

In this Request, the Postal Service

asks the Commission to recommend

certain changes in the Domestic Mail

Classification Schedule (DMCS). The

changes requested herein alter the

DMCS recommended by the

Commission on November 29, 1978,

adopted by decision of the Governors

and implemented by resolution of the

Board of Governors on April 3, 1979,

effective April 15, 1979, and as

amended from time-to-time, most

recently by the decisions of the

Governors approving the Recommended

Decision of the Commission on

Experimental First-Class and Priority

Mail Small Parcel Automation Rate

Category, Docket No. MC96–1, as

implemented by resolution of the Board

of Governors adopted on April 1, 1996,

effective April 28, 1996, and the

Decision of the Governors approving in

part the Recommended Decision of the

Commission on Classification Reform I,

Docket No. MC95–1, as implemented by

resolution of the Board of Governors

adopted on March 4, 1996, effective July

1, 1996. The current DMCS (which is

published in part at 39 CFR Part 3001,

subpart C, appendix A, in part as

attachment A to the Decision of the

Governors of the United States Postal

Service on the Recommended Decision

of the Postal Rate Commission on

Classification Reform I, Docket No.

MC95–1 (61 FR 10,220), and in part as

attachment A to the Decision of the

Governors of the United States Postal

Service on the Recommended Decision

of the Postal Rate Commission on the

Experimental First-Class and Priority

Mail Small Parcel Automation Rate

Category, Docket No. MC96–1 (61 FR

17,210)), is incorporated by reference in

this Request.

Proposed additions to text of the

classification schedule are underlined;

proposed deletions are in brackets. The

changes in the DMCS requested by the

Postal Service are as follows:

Attachment A—Special Services Fees

and Classifications

Expedited Mail Classification Schedule

* * * * *

160 Ancillary Services

The following services may be

obtained in conjunction with mail sent

under this classification schedule upon

payment of applicable fees:

Service Schedule

a. Address correction .................. SS–1

b. Return receipts ....................... SS–16

c. COD ........................................ SS–6

d. Express Mail Insurance .......... SS–9a

* * * * *

[180 Insurance and Indemnity]

[181 Insurance Coverage]

[Express Mail is insured against loss,

damage or rifling at no additional

charge.]

[182 Indemnity Coverage]

[182.1 Payment of Indemnity.

Indemnity will be paid by the Postal

Service as follows: ]

[a. For document reconstruction the

maximum liability is $50,000 per piece,

up to $500,000 per occurrence

regardless of the number of claimants, to

be paid under terms and conditions

prescribed by the Postal Service.]

[b. For merchandise the maximum

liability is $500 to be paid under terms

and conditions prescribed by the Postal

Service.]

[c. For mailings valued at $15 or less,

for negotiable items, or currency or

bullion, the indemnity is $15 to be paid

under terms and conditions prescribed

by the Postal Service.]

[182.2 Indemnity Not Available.

Indemnity will not be paid by the Postal

Service for loss, damage or rifling:]

[a. Of nonmailable matter;]

[b. Due to improper packaging;]

[c. Seizure by any agency of

government; or,]

[d. Due to war, insurrection or civil

disturbances.]

[183 Insurance Claims And

Procedures]

180 Refunds

181 Procedure

Claims for refunds of postage [or

insurance] must be filed within the

period of time and under terms and

conditions prescribed by the Postal

Service.

[184 Refunds]

182 Availability

[184.1] 182.1 Same Day Airport. The

Postal Service will refund the postage

for Same Day Airport Express Mail not

available for claim by the time specified,

unless the delay is caused by:

a. Strikes or work stoppage;

b. Delay or cancellation of flights; or

c. Governmental action beyond the

control of Postal Service or air carriers.

[184.2] 182.2 Custom Designed. Except

where a service agreement provides for

claim, or delivery, of Custom Designed

Express Mail more than 24 hours after

scheduled tender at point of origin, the

Postal Service will refund postage for

such mail not available for claim, or not

delivered, within 24 hours of mailing,

unless the item was delayed by strike or

work stoppage.

[184.3] 182.3 Next Day. Unless the

item was delayed by strike or work

stoppage, the Postal Service will refund

postage for Next Day Express Mail not

available for claim or not delivered:

a. By 10:00 a.m., or earlier time(s)

prescribed by the Postal Service, of the
Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 121 / Friday, June 21, 1996 / Notices 31971

next delivery day in the case of Post

Office-to-Post Office service;

b. By 3:00 p.m., or earlier time(s)

prescribed by the Postal Service, of the

next delivery day in the case of Post

Office-to-Addressee service.

[184.4] 182.4 Second Day. Unless the

item was delayed by strike or work

stoppage, the Postal Service will refund

postage for Second Day Express Mail

not available for claim or not delivered:

a. By 10:00 a.m., or earlier time(s)

prescribed by the Postal Service, of the

second delivery day in the case of Post

Office-to-Post Office service;

b. By 3:00 p.m., or earlier time(s)

prescribed by the Postal Service, of the

second delivery day in the case of Post

Office-to-Addressee service.

First-Class Mail—Classification

Schedule

* * * * *

222 [Postal and] Stamped and Post

Cards Subclass

222.1 Definition

222.11 [Postal] Stamped Card. A

[postal] stamped card is a card with

postage imprinted or impressed on it

and supplied by the Postal Service for

the transmission of messages.

222.12 Post Card. A post card is a

privately printed mailing card for the

transmission of messages. To be eligible

to be mailed as a First-Class post card,

a card must be of uniform thickness and

must not exceed any of the following

dimensions:

a. 6 inches in length;

b. 41⁄4 inches in width;

c. 0.016 inch in thickness.

222.13 Double Cards. Double

[postal] stamped or post cards may be

mailed as [postal] stamped or post

cards. A double [postal] stamped or post

card consists of two attached cards, one

of which may be detached by the

receiver and returned by mail as a single

postal or post card.

222.2 Restriction. A mailpiece with

any of the following characteristics is

not mailable as a [postal] stamped or

post card unless it is prepared as

prescribed by the Postal Service:

a. Numbers or letters unrelated to

postal purposes appearing in the

address portion of the card;

b. Punched holes;

c. Vertical tearing guide;

d. An address portion which is

smaller than the remainder of the card.

222.3 Regular Rate Categories

222.31 Single Piece Rate Category.

The single piece rate category applies to

regular rate [Postal] Stamped and Post

Cards subclass mail not mailed under

section 222.32.

222.32 Presort Rate Category. The

presort rate category applies to [Postal]

Stamped and Post Cards subclass mail

that:

a. Is prepared in a mailing of at least

500 pieces;

b. Is presorted, marked, and presented

as prescribed by the Postal Service; and

c. Meets the addressing and other

preparation requirements prescribed by

the Postal Service.

222.4 Automation Rate Categories

222.41 General. The automation rate

categories consist of [Postal] Stamped

and Post Cards subclass mail that:

a. Is prepared in a mailing of at least

500 pieces;

b. Is presorted, marked, and presented

as specified by the Postal Service;

c. Bears a barcode representing not

more than 11 digits (not including

‘‘correction’’ digits) as prescribed by the

Postal Service; and

d. Meets the machinability,

addressing, barcoding, and other

preparation requirements prescribed by

the Postal Service.

* * * * *

260 Ancillary Services

First-Class Mail, except as otherwise

noted, will receive the following

additional services upon payment of the

fees prescribed in the corresponding

schedule:

Service Schedule

a. Address correction .................. SS–1

b. Business reply mail ................ SS–2

c. Certificates of mailing ............. SS–4

d. Certified mail ........................... SS–5

e. COD ........................................ SS–6

f. Insured mail ............................. SS–9

g. Registered mail ....................... SS–14

[h. Special delivery ..................... SS–17]

[i.] h. Return receipt (merchandise sent by Priority Mail only).SS–16

[j.] i. Merchandise return ............. SS–20

270 Rates and Fees

The rates and fees for First-Class Mail

are set forth in the following rate

schedules:

Schedule

a. Letters and Sealed Parcels .... 221

b. [Postal] Stamped and Post

Cards.

222

c. Priority Mail ............................. 223

d. Fees ........................................ 1000

* * * * *

Standard Mail Classification Schedule

* * * * *

360 Ancillary Services

* * * * *

362 Single Piece, Parcel Post, Bound

Printed Matter, Special, and Library

Subclasses

Single Piece, Parcel Post, Bound

Printed Matter, Special, and Library

subclass mail will receive the following

additional services upon payment of the

appropriate fees:

Service Schedule

a. Certificates of mailing ............. SS–4

b. COD ........................................ SS–6

c. Insured mail ............................ SS–9

[d. Special delivery ..................... SS–17]

[e.] d. Special handling ............... SS–18

[f.] e. Return receipt (merchandise only).SS–16

[g.] f. Merchandise return ........... SS–20

Insurance, [special delivery,] special

handling, and COD services may not be

used selectively for individual pieces in

a multi-piece Parcel Post subclass

mailing unless specific methods

approved by the Postal Service for

ascertaining and verifying postage are

followed.

* * * * *

Periodicals Classification Schedule

* * * * *

[460 Ancillary Services]

[Periodicals class mail will receive the

following additional service upon

payment of the appropriate fee:]

[Service Schedule]

[Special delivery ........................ SS–17]

* * * * *

General Definitions, Terms and

Conditions

* * * * *

3000 Postage and Preparation

* * * * *

3080 Refund of Postage

When postage and special service fees

have been paid on mail for which no

service is rendered for the postage or

fees paid, or collected in excess of the

lawful rate, a refund may be made.

There shall be no refund for registered,

COD, [and] insured, and Express Mail

Insurance fees when the article is later

withdrawn by the mailer. In cases

involving returned articles improperly

accepted because of excess size or

weight, a refund may be made.

* * * * *
31972 Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 121 / Friday, June 21, 1996 / Notices

Classification Schedule SS–3—Caller

Service

3.01 Definition

3.010 Caller service is a service

which permits a customer to obtain [his]

mail addressed to [a] the customer’s box

number through a call window or

loading dock.

3.02 Description of Service

* * * * *

3.022 Caller service is provided to

customers on the basis of mail volume

received[,] and number of post office

boxes [rented] used at any one facility.

* * * * *

Classification Schedule SS–4—

Certificate of Mailing

* * * * *

4.03 Other Services

4.030 The following services, if

applicable to the class of mail, may be

obtained in conjunction with mail sent

under this classification schedule upon

payment of the applicable fees:

Classification

schedule

a. Parcel airlift ........................ SS–13

[b. Special delivery ................ SS–17]

[c.] b. Special handling .......... SS–18

* * * * *

Classification Schedule SS–5—Certified

Mail

* * * * *

5.04 Other Services

5.040 The following services may be

obtained in conjunction with mail sent

under this classification schedule upon

payment of the applicable fees:

Classification

schedule

a. Restricted delivery ............. SS–15

b. Return receipt .................... SS–16

[c. Special delivery ................. SS–17]

Classification Schedule SS–6—Collect

on Delivery Service

* * * * *

6.06 Other Services

6.060 The following services, if

applicable to the class of mail, may be

obtained in conjunction with mail sent

under this classification schedule upon

payment of the applicable fee:

Classification

schedule

a. Registered mail, if sent as

First-Class.

SS–14

Classification

schedule

b. Restricted delivery ............. SS–15

[c. Special delivery ................. SS–17]

[d.] c. Special handling .......... SS–18

* * * * *

Classification Schedule SS–9—Insured

Mail

* * * * *

9.02 Description of Service

9.020 The maximum liability of the

Postal Service under this schedule is

[$600] $5000.

* * * * *

9.05 Other Services

9.050 The following services, if

applicable to the class of mail, may be

obtained in conjunction with mail sent

under this classification schedule upon

payment of the applicable fees:

Classification

schedule

a. Parcel Airlift ....................... SS–13

b. Restricted delivery (for

items insured for more than

$50).

SS–15

c. Return receipt (for items insured for more than $50).SS–16

[d. Special delivery ................ SS–17]

[e.] d. Special handling .......... SS–18

[f.] e. Merchandise return

(shippers only).

SS–20

* * * * *

Classification Schedule SS–9a—Express

Mail Insurance

9a.01 Definition

9a.010 Express Mail Insurance is a

service that provides the mailer with

indemnity for loss of, rifling of, or

damage to items sent by Express Mail.

9a.02 Description of Service

9a.020 Express Mail Insurance is

available only for Express Mail.

9a.021 Insurance coverage is

provided, for no additional charge, up

to $500 per piece for document

reconstruction, up to $5,000 per

occurrence regardless of the number of

claimants. Insurance coverage is also

provided, for no additional charge, up

to $500 per piece for merchandise.

Insurance coverage for merchandise

valued at more than $500 is available

for an additional fee, as set forth in Rate

Schedule SS–9a. The maximum liability

for merchandise is $5,000 per piece. For

negotiable items, currency, or bullion,

the maximum liability is $15.

9a.022 Indemnity claims for Express

Mail must be filed within a specified

period of time from the date the article

was mailed.

9a.023 Indemnity will be paid under

terms and conditions prescribed by the

Postal Service.

9a.024 Among other limitations

prescribed by the Postal Service,

indemnity will not be paid by the Postal

Service for loss, damage or rifling:

a. Of nonmailable matter;

b. Due to improper packaging;

c. Due to seizure by any agency of

government; or,

d. Due to war, insurrection or civil

disturbances.

9a.03— Fees

9a.030 The fees for Express Mail

Insurance service are set forth in Rate

Schedule SS–9a.

Classification Schedule SS–10—Post

Office Box Service

10.01 Definition

10.010 Post office box service is a

service which provides the customer

with a private, locked receptacle for the

receipt of [his] mail during the hours

when the lobby of a postal facility is

open.

10.02 Description of Service

* * * * *

10.021 A post office box holder may

[request] ask the Postal Service to

deliver to the post office box all mail

properly addressed to the holder. [him

through the post office box.] If the post

office box is located at the post office

indicated on the piece, it will be

transferred without additional charge, in

accordance with existing regulations.

* * * * *

10.03 Fees

* * * * *

10.031 In postal facilities primarily

serving academic institutions or the

students of such institutions, [periods of

rental and] fees for post office boxes are

administered as follows:

Period [for] of box

[rentals] use Fee

95 days or less ........... 1⁄2 semi-annual fee.

96 to 140 days ........... 3⁄4 semi-annual fee.

141 to 190 days ......... Full semi-annual fee.

191 to 230 days ......... 11⁄4 semi-annual fee.

231 to 270 days ......... 11⁄2 semi-annual fee.

271 days to full year Full annual fee.

10.032 No refunds will be made for

[boxes rented] post office box fees paid

under section 10.031. For purposes of

this classification schedule SS–10, the

full annual fee is twice the amount of

the semi-annual fee.
Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 121 / Friday, June 21, 1996 / Notices 31973

Classification Schedule SS–11—Mailing

List Services

11.01 Definition

* * * * *

11.02 Description of Service

* * * * *

11.0221 Gummed labels, wrappers,

envelopes or [postal] stamped or post

cards indicative of one-time use will not

be accepted as mailing lists.

* * * * *

Classification Schedule SS–13—Parcel

Airlift (PAL)

* * * * *

13.07 Other Services

13.070 The following services, if

applicable to the class of mail, may be

obtained in conjunction with mail sent

under this classification schedule upon

payment of the applicable fees:

Classification

schedule

a. Certificate of mailing .......... SS–4

b. Insured mail ....................... SS–9

c. Restricted delivery (if insured for more than [$25]

$50).

SS–15

d. Return receipt (if insured

for more than [$25] $50).

SS–16

[e. Special delivery (if mailed

for delivery within the 48

contiguous states).

SS–17]

[f.] e. Special handling ........... SS–18

* * * * *

Classification Schedule SS–14—

Registered Mail

* * * * *

14.02 Description of Service

* * * * *

14.021 Registered mail service

provides [optional] insurance up to a

maximum of $25,000[. ], depending

upon the actual value at the time of

mailing, except that insurance is

optional for articles valued $100 or less.

* * * * *

14.026 Indemnity claims for

registered mail on which insurance is

provided, or for articles valued $100 or

less on which optional insurance has

been elected, must be filed within a

specified period of time from the date

the article was mailed.

* * * * *

14.06 Other Services

14.060 The following services may

be obtained in conjunction with mail

sent under this classification schedule

upon payment of applicable fees:

Classification

schedule

a. Collect on delivery ............. SS–6

b. Restricted delivery ............. SS–15

c. Return receipt .................... SS–16

[d. Special delivery ................ SS–17]

[e.] d. Merchandise return

(shippers only).

SS–20

14.07 Fees

14.070 The fees for registered mail

[and related optional indemnity

purchase] are set forth in Rate Schedule

SS–14.

* * * * *

Classification Schedule SS–16—Return

Receipts

* * * * *

16.02 Description of Service

16.020 Return receipt service is

available for mail sent under the

following classification schedules:

Classification

schedule

a. Certified mail ...................... SS–5

b. COD mail ........................... SS–6

c. Insured mail (if insured for

more than $50).

SS–9

d. Registered mail .................. SS–14

e. Express Mail ......................

f. [First-Class] Priority Mail

(merchandise only).

g. Standard Mail (merchandise only) sent by Single

Piece, Parcel Post, Bound

Printed Matter, Special, and

Library Subclasses).

16.021 Return receipt service is

available at the time of mailing or, when

purchased in conjunction with certified,

COD, insured (if for more than $50),

registered, or Express Mail, after

mailing.

16.0211 Mailers requesting return

receipt service at the time of mailing

will be provided, as appropriate:

[a. The] the signature of the addressee

or [his] addressee’s agent, [and] the date

delivered, [or]

[b. The signature of the addressee or his

agent, the date delivered and the

address of delivery], if different from the

address on the mailpiece.

* * * * *

[Classification Schedule SS–17—Special

Delivery]

[17.01 Definition]

[17.01 Special delivery service is a

service that provides for preferential

handling in dispatch and transportation,

and delivery of mail as soon as

practicable after arrival at the

addressee’s post office.]

[17.020 Description of Service]

[17.020 Special delivery service is

available for mail sent under the

following classification schedules:]

[a. First-Class Mail].

[b. Periodicals].

[c. Single Piece, Parcel Post, Bound

Printed Matter, Special, and Library

Standard Mail].

[17.021 Special delivery is made only

to addresses where it is known that such

delivery can be made.]

[17.022 Special delivery mail is

delivered during prescribed hours in

addition to regular carrier delivery

hours.]

[17.023 If delivery cannot be made a

notice of arrival is left at the address.]

[17.03 Requirements of the Mailer]

[17.030 Mail sent under this

classification schedule must be

identified as prescribed by regulation.]

[17.04 Deposit of Mail]

[17.040 Special delivery mail must be

deposited in a manner prescribed by the

Postal Service.]

[17.05 Forwarding and Return]

[17.050 Special delivery mail which is

forwarded or returned does not receive

special delivery service unless the

special delivery fee has been

guaranteed, or if a forwarding order had

been given by the addressee at the office

of original address in advance of the

arrival of the mail.]

[17.06 Other Services]

[17.060 The following services, if

applicable to the class of mail, may be

obtained in conjunction with mail sent

under this classification schedule upon

payment of the applicable fees:]

Classification

schedule

[a. Certificate of mailing ......... SS–4]

[b. Certified mail ..................... SS–5]

[c. COD mail .......................... SS–6]

[d. Insured mail ...................... SS–9]

[e. Parcel airlift ....................... SS–13]

[f. Registered mail .................. SS–14]

[17.07 Fees ]

[17.070 The fees for special delivery

service are set forth in Rate Schedule

SS–17.]

Classification Schedule SS–18—Special

Handling

* * * * *

18.02 Description of Service

* * * * *

18.021 Special handling [(or special

delivery)] service is mandatory for
31974 Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 121 / Friday, June 21, 1996 / Notices

matter which requires special attention

in handling, transportation and

delivery.

* * * * *

Classification Schedule SS–19—

Stamped Cards and Envelopes

19.01 Definitions

19.010 Plain stamped envelopes and

printed stamped envelopes are

envelopes with postage thereon offered

for sale by the Postal Service.

19.011 Stamped cards and double

stamped cards are defined in

classification schedule 222.11 and

222.13, respectively.

19.02 Description of Service

19.020 Stamped envelopes are

available for:

a. First-Class Mail within the first

rate increment.

b. Standard Mail mailed at a

minimum per-piece rate as prescribed

by the Postal Service.

19.021 Printed stamped envelopes

may be obtained by special request.

19.022 Stamped cards are available

for First-Class Mail.

19.03 Fees

19.030 The fees for stamped cards

and envelopes are set forth in Rate

Schedule SS–19.

* * * * *

Attachment B—Special Services Fees

and Classifications

Requested Changes in the Special

Service Schedules

In conjunction with the requested

changes in the Domestic Mail

Classification Schedule (DMCS) set

forth in Attachment A, the Postal

Service also is requesting that the

Commission recommend corresponding

changes in the attendant special service

schedules and the title of Rate Schedule

222.

The special service schedules were

last amended in part by the Decision of

the Governors Approving in part the

Recommended Decision of the Postal

Rate Commission on Classification

Reform I. Rate Schedules amended in

connection with that decision, along

with fee schedules for all special

services, which were published for

informational purposes in the Federal

Register on March 12, 1996 (61 Fed.

Reg. 10,220), are incorporated by

reference in this Request.

Proposed additions to the text of the

schedules are underlined; proposed

deletions are in brackets. The requested

changes in the schedules are as follows:

* * * * *

First-Class Mail—Rate Schedule 222—

[Postal] Stamped and Post Cards

* * * * *

SCHEDULE SS–5.—CERTIFIED MAIL

Fee (in addition to postage)

Per piece ............................................................................................................................................................. [$1.10] $1.50

* * * * *

SCHEDULE SS–9.—INSURED MAIL

Liability Fee (in addition to postage)

$ 0.01 to $ 50 .................................................................................................................................................... $0.75

50.01 to 100 ........................................................................................................................................................ 1.60

[100.01 to 200 ..................................................................................................................................................... 2.50]

[200.01 to 300 ..................................................................................................................................................... 3.40]

[300.01 to 400 ..................................................................................................................................................... 4.30]

[400.01 to 500 ..................................................................................................................................................... 5.20]

[500.01 to 600 ..................................................................................................................................................... 6.10]

100.01 to 5000 .................................................................................................................................................... $1.60 plus $0.90 for each $100 or

fraction thereof over the first

$100 in value.

SCHEDULE SS–9A—Express Mail Insurance

Fee (in addition to postage)

$0.01 to $500 ............................................................................................................................. No charge.

Merchandise

Value Level:

$0.01 to $500 ............................................................................................................................. No charge.

500.01 to 5000 ........................................................................................................................... $0.90 for each $100 or fraction thereof

over $500 in value.
Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 121 / Friday, June 21, 1996 / Notices 31975

SCHEDULE SS–10.—POST OFFICE BOXES AND CALLER SERVICE

Box size [Box capacity

(cu. in.)

Semi-annual fees ($)

IA IB IC

[A. Post Office Box Semi-Annual Rental Rate]:

[Group I—offices with city carrier service]:

1 .................................................................................................................. Under 296 ........... $24.00 $22.00 $20.00

2 .................................................................................................................. 296–499 .............. 37.00 33.00 29.00

3 .................................................................................................................. 500–999 .............. 64.00 56.00 52.00

4 .................................................................................................................. 1000–1999 .......... 105.00 95.00 86.00

5 .................................................................................................................. 2000 and over .... 174.00 155.00 144.00

[Group II—offices without city carrier service:

1 annual ...................................................................................................... ............................. 8.00

2 annual ...................................................................................................... ............................. 13.00

3 semi-annual ............................................................................................. ............................. 12.00

4 semi-annual ............................................................................................. ............................. 17.50

5 semi-annual ............................................................................................. ............................. 27.50]

[Group III—offices without rural carrier service:

Box sizes 1–5 annual ................................................................................. ............................. 2.00]

[B. Caller Service:

For Caller Service semi-annual ......................................................................... ............................. 250.00 240.00 225.00]

[For Each Reserved Call Number annual .......................................................... ............................. 30.00]

A. SEMI-ANNUAL FEES AT OFFICES THAT OFFER ANY CARRIER SERVICE 1

Box size Box capacity (cu. in.)

Fee group

A B C D

1 ...................................................................................................... Under 296 $30.00 $28.00 $25.00 $8.00

2 ...................................................................................................... 296–499 46.00 41.00 36.00 13.00

3 ...................................................................................................... 500–999 80.00 70.00 65.00 24.00

4 ...................................................................................................... 1000–1999 121.00 109.00 95.00 35.00

5 ...................................................................................................... 2000 and over 209.00 186.00 150.00 55.00

B. SEMI-ANNUAL FEES AT OFFICES THAT DO NOT OFFER ANY CARRIER SERVICE 1

Box size Fee

1–5 ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 2 $0.00

C. CALLER SERVICE FEES

Fee group

A B C D

Caller Service (semi-annual) ............................................................................................ $250.00 $250.00 $250.00 $250.00

Each Reserved Call Number (annual) ............................................................................. 30.00 30.00 30.00 30.00

NOTES:

1 In addition to the fees specified, all customers will be subject to an additional semi-annual $18.00 nonresident fee per box, regardless of box

size, unless they receive, pursuant to postal regulations, an exemption based upon proof of local residency. 2Post office box customers who are eligible to receive carrier service at their delivery addresses are ineligible for these fees and are subject

instead to Group D fees.

* * * * *

SCHEDULE SS–14.—REGISTERED MAIL

Value

Fees (in addition to postage)

For articles covered by insurance

For articles not

covered by insurance

$0.00 to 100 ................................................................................................................................................... 1 $4.85 1 [$4.85]

0.00 to 100 ..................................................................................................................................................... 2 4.95 ............................

100.01 to 500 ................................................................................................................................................. 5.40 [5.20]

500.01 to 1,000 .............................................................................................................................................. 5.85 [5.55]

1,000.01 to 2,000 ........................................................................................................................................... 6.30 [5.90]
31976 Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 121 / Friday, June 21, 1996 / Notices

SCHEDULE SS–14.—REGISTERED MAIL—Continued

Value

Fees (in addition to postage)

For articles covered by insurance

For articles not

covered by insurance

2,000.01 to 3,000 ........................................................................................................................................... 6.75 [6.25]

3,000.01 to 4,000 ........................................................................................................................................... 7.20 [6.60]

4,000.01 to 5,000 ........................................................................................................................................... 7.65 [6.95]

5,000.01 to 6,000 ........................................................................................................................................... 8.10 [7.30]

6,000.01 to 7,000 ........................................................................................................................................... 8.55 [7.65]

7,000.01 to 8,000 ........................................................................................................................................... 9.00 [8.00]

8,000.01 to 9,000 ........................................................................................................................................... 9.45 [8.35]

9,000.01 to 10,000 ......................................................................................................................................... 9.90 [8.70]

10,000.01 to 11,000 ....................................................................................................................................... 10.35 [9.05]

11,000.01 to 12,000 ....................................................................................................................................... 10.80 [9.40]

12,000.01 to 13,000 ....................................................................................................................................... 11.25 [9.75]

13,000.01 to 14,000 ....................................................................................................................................... 11.70 [10.10]

14,000.01 to 15,000 ....................................................................................................................................... 12.15 [10.45]

15,000.01 to 16,000 ....................................................................................................................................... 12.60 [10.80]

16,000.01 to 17,000 ....................................................................................................................................... 13.05 [11.15]

17,000.01 to 18,000 ....................................................................................................................................... 13.50 [11.50]

18,000.01 to 19,000 ....................................................................................................................................... 13.95 [11.85]

19,000.01 to 20,000 ....................................................................................................................................... 14.40 [12.20]

20,000.01 to 21,000 ....................................................................................................................................... 14.85 [12.55]

21,000.01 to 22,000 ....................................................................................................................................... 15.30 [12.90]

22,000.01 to 23,000 ....................................................................................................................................... 15.75 [13.25]

23,000.01 to 24,000 ....................................................................................................................................... 16.20 [13.60]

24,000.01 to 25,000 ....................................................................................................................................... 16.65 [13.95]

25,000.01 to 1,000,000 .................................................................................................................................. 16.65 [13.95]

Plus handling charge per $1,000 or fraction over first $25,000 ...................................................... 0.45 [0.35]

1,000,000 to 15,000,000 ................................................................................................................................ 455.40 [355.20]

Plus handling charge per $1,000 or fraction over first $1,000,000. ................................................ 0.45 [0.35]

Over 15,000,000: additional charges may be based on consideration of weight, space and value.

1Without insurance.

2With insurance.

* * * * *

SCHEDULE SS–16

Receipts and description Return and fee (in

addition to postage)

Requested at time of mailing:

[Showing to whom (signature) and date delivered ............................................................................................................. $1.10]

[Merchandise only—without another special service ......................................................................................................... 1.20]

Showing to whom (signature), [and] date, and address (if different) where delivered ...................................................... 1.50

Merchandise only—without another special service .......................................................................................................... 1.65

Requested after mailing:

Showing to whom and date delivered ................................................................................................................................ 6.60

[SCHEDULE SS–17]

[Special Delivery]

[Fee] [(in addition to

postage)]

[First-Class and Priority Mail:

Not more than 2 pounds ..................................................................................................................................................... 9.95

Over 2 pounds but not over 10 pounds ............................................................................................................................. 10.35

Over 10 pounds .................................................................................................................................................................. 11.15]

[All Other Classes:

Not more than 2 pounds ..................................................................................................................................................... 10.45

Over 2 pounds but not over 10 pounds ............................................................................................................................. 11.25

Over 10 pounds .................................................................................................................................................................. 12.10]

* * * * *
Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 121 / Friday, June 21, 1996 / Notices 31977

SCHEDULES SS–19.—STAMPED CARDS AND ENVELOPES

Fee

(in addition

to postage)

Cards:

Stamped Card ................................................................................................................................................................................... $0.02

Double Stamped Card ...................................................................................................................................................................... 0.04

Envelopes:

Single Sale ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 0.06

Bulk (500) #6-3/4 size:

Regular ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 8.20

Window ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 9.00

Bulk (500) size > #6-3/4 through #10: 1

Regular ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 12.00

Window ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 13.00

Multi-Color Printing (500):

#6-3/4 size ................................................................................................................................................................................. 10.50

#10 size 1 ................................................................................................................................................................................... 15.00

Printing Charge per 500 Envelopes (for each type of printed envelope):

Minimum Order (500 envelopes) ............................................................................................................................................... 4.40

Order for 1,000 or more envelopes ........................................................................................................................................... 4.40

Double Window (500)—size > #6-3/4 through #10: 1 ....................................................................................................................... 15.00

Household (50):

Size # 6-3/4:

Regular ............................................................................................................................................................................... 3.00

Window ............................................................................................................................................................................... 3.10

Size > #6-3/4 through #10:

Regular ............................................................................................................................................................................... 3.20

Window ............................................................................................................................................................................... 3.30

1Fee for precancelled envelopes is the same.

* * * * *

Attachment C—Special Services Fees

and Classifications

Special Rules of Practice

1. Evidence

A. Case-in-chief. A participant’s casein-chief shall be in writing and shall

include the participant’s direct case and

rebuttal, if any, to the United States

Postal Service’s case-in-chief. It may be

accompanied by a trial brief or legal

memoranda. There will be a stage

providing an opportunity to rebut

presentations of other participants and

for the Postal Service to present

surrebuttal evidence.

B. Exhibits. Exhibits should be selfexplanatory. They should contain

appropriate footnotes or narrative

explaining the source of each item of

information used and the methods

employed in statistical compilations.

The principal title of each exhibit

should state what it contains or

represents. The title may also contain a

statement of the purpose for which the

exhibit is offered; however, this

statement will not be considered part of

the evidentiary record. Where one part

of a multi-part exhibit is based on

another part or on another exhibit,

appropriate cross-references should be

made. Relevant exposition should be

included in the exhibits or provided in

accompanying testimony.

C. Motions to Strike. Motions to strike

are requests for extraordinary relief and

are not substitutes for briefs or rebuttal

evidence. All motions to strike

testimony or exhibit materials are to be

submitted in writing at least 14 days

before the scheduled appearance of the

witness. Responses to motions to strike

are due within seven days.

D. Designation of Evidence from other

Commission Dockets. Participants may

request that evidence received in other

Commission proceedings be entered

into the record of this proceeding. These

requests should be made by motion,

should explain the purpose of the

designation, and should identify

material by page and line or paragraph

number. Absent extraordinary

justification, these requests must be

made at least 28 days before the date for

filing the participant’s direct case. If

requests for designations and counterdesignations are granted, the moving

participant must submit two copies of

the approved material to the Secretary

of the Commission for inclusion in the

record.

Oppositions to motions for

designation and/or requests for counterdesignations shall be filed within 14

days.

2. Discovery

A. General. Rules 25, 26 and 27 apply

during the discovery stage of this

proceeding except when specifically

overtaken by these special rules.

Questions from each participant should

be numbered sequentially, by witness.

The discovery procedures set forth in

the rules are not exclusive. Parties are

encouraged to engage in informal

discovery whenever possible to clarify

exhibits and testimony. The results of

these efforts may be introduced into the

record by stipulation, by supplementary

testimony or exhibit, by presenting

selected written interrogatories and

answers for adoption by a witness at the

hearing, or by other appropriate means.

In the interest of reducing motion

practice, parties also are encouraged to

use informal means to clarify questions

and to identify portions of discovery

requests considered overbroad or

burdensome.

B. Objections and Motions to Compel

Responses to Discovery. Upon motion of

any participant in the proceeding, the

Commission or the presiding officer

may compel an answer to an

interrogatory or request for admissions

if the objection is overruled. Motions to

compel should be filed within 14 days

of an objection to the discovery request.

Parties who have objected to

interrogatories or requests for

production of documents or items

which are the subject of a motion to

compel shall have seven days to answer.

Answers will be considered

supplements to the arguments presented

in the initial objection.
31978 Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 121 / Friday, June 21, 1996 / Notices

C. Answers to Interrogatories.

Answers to discovery are to be filed

within 14 days of the service of the

discovery request. Answers to discovery

requests shall be prepared so that they

can be incorporated as written crossexamination. Each answer shall begin

on a separate page, identify the

individual responding, the participant

who asked the question, and the number

and text of the question.

Participants are expected to serve

supplemental answers to update or to

correct responses whenever necessary,

up until the date that answers are

accepted into evidence as written crossexamination. Participants filing

supplemental answers shall indicate

whether the answer merely supplements

the previous answer to make it current

or whether it is a complete replacement

for the previous answer.

Participants may submit responses

with a declaration of accuracy from the

respondent in lieu of a sworn affidavit.

D. Follow-up Interrogatories. Followup interrogatories to clarify or elaborate

on the answer to an earlier discovery

request may be filed after the initial

discovery period ends. They must be

served within seven days of receipt of

the answer to the previous interrogatory

unless extraordinary circumstances are

shown.

E. Discovery to Obtain Information

Available Only from the Postal Service.

Rules 25 through 27 allow discovery

reasonably calculated to lead to

admissible evidence during a noticed

proceeding with no time limitations.

Generally, through actions by the

presiding officer, discovery against a

participant is scheduled to end prior to

the receipt into evidence of that

participant’s direct case. An exception

to this procedure shall operate when a

participant needs to obtain information

(such as operating procedures or data)

available only from the Postal Service.

Discovery requests of this nature are

permissible up to 20 days prior to the

filing date for final rebuttal testimony.

3. Service

A. Receipt of Documents. The Service

List shall contain the name and address

of up to two individuals entitled to

receive copies of documents for each

participant. If possible that entry will

also include a telephone number and

facsimile number. Individuals on the

service list willing to receive documents

electronically will provide their e-mail

address which shall appear on the

Service List. Service on those

individuals should be made

electronically if possible. Otherwise

service should be effected as provided

in Rule of Practice 12.

B. Service of Documents. Service of

documents may be effected using one of

three procedures. Procedure (1):

participants will file documents and

effect service as provided in Rules of

Practice 9–12. Procedure (2):

participants will provide the

Commission with a diskette containing

the text of each filing simultaneously

with the filing of an original and one

hard copy. Procedure (2) participants

will serve all individuals on the service

list not identified as willing to receive

electronic service as provided by Rule of

Practice 12. The Commission will

provide service via e-mail to the

remainder of the service list. Procedure

(3): participants will provide the

Commission with an original, one hard

copy, and an electronic copy sent by email to PRC–DOCKETS@PRC.GOV.

Procedure (3) participants will provide

service electronically via e-mail to those

individuals identified on the service list

as willing to receive electronic service

and will serve the remainder as required

by Rule of Practice 12.

Certificates of service should identify

the procedure used to effect service.

C. Exceptions to general service

requirements for certain documents.

Designations of written crossexamination, notices of intent to

conduct oral cross-examination, and

notices of intent to participate in oral

argument need to be served only on the

Commission, the OCA, the Postal

Service, and the complementary party

(as applicable), as well as on

participants filing a special request for

service.

Discovery requests, objections and

answers thereto need to be served on the

Commission, the OCA, on the

complementary party, and on any other

participant so requesting, as provided in

rules 25–27. Special requests relating to

discovery must be served individually

upon the party conducting discovery

and state the witness who is the subject

of the special request.

D. Document titles. Parties should

include titles that effectively describe

the basic content of any filed

documents. Where applicable, titles

should identify the issue addressed and

the relief requested. Transmittal

documents should identify the answers

or other materials being provided.

4. Cross-examination

A. Written cross-examination. Written

cross-examination will be utilized as a

substitute for oral cross-examination

whenever possible, particularly to

introduce factual or statistical evidence.

Designations of written crossexamination should be served no later

than three working days before the

scheduled appearance of a witness.

Designations shall identify every item to

be offered as evidence, listing the

participant who initially posed the

discovery request, the witness and/or

party to whom the question was

addressed (if different from the witness

answering), the number of the request

and, if more than one answer is

provided, the dates of all answers to be

included in the record. (For example,

‘‘OCA–T1–17 to USPS witness Jones,

answered by USPS witness Smith (July

1, 1996) as updated (July 21, 1996).’’

When a participant designates written

cross-examination, two copies of the

documents to be included shall

simultaneously be submitted to the

Secretary of the Commission.

The Secretary of the Commission

shall prepare for the record a packet

containing all materials designated for

written cross-examination in a format

that facilitates review by the witness

and counsel. The witness will verify the

answers and materials in the packet,

and they will be entered into the

transcript by the presiding officer.

Counsel for a witness may object to

written cross-examination at that time,

and any designated answers or materials

ruled objectionable will be stricken from

the record.

B. Oral cross-examination. Oral crossexamination will be permitted for

clarifying written cross-examination and

for testing assumptions, conclusions or

other opinion evidence. Requests for

permission to conduct oral crossexamination should be served three or

more working days before the

announced appearance of a witness and

should include (1) specific references to

the subject matter to be examined and

(2) page references to the relevant direct

testimony and exhibits.

Participants intending to use complex

numerical hypotheticals or to question

using intricate or extensive crossreferences, shall provide adequately

documented cross-examination exhibits

for the record. Copies of these exhibits

should be provided to counsel for the

witness at least two calendar days

(including one working day) before the

witness’s scheduled appearance.

5. General

Argument will not be received in

evidence. It is the province of the

lawyer, not the witness. It should be

presented in brief or memoranda. Legal

memoranda on matters at issue will be

welcome at any stage of the proceeding.

New affirmative matter (not in reply

to another party’s direct case) should

not be included in rebuttal testimony or

exhibits.
Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 121 / Friday, June 21, 1996 / Notices 31979

Cross-examination will be limited to

testimony adverse to the participant

conducting the cross-examination.

Library references may be submitted

when documentation or materials are

too voluminous reasonably to be

distributed. Each party should

sequentially number items submitted as

library references and provide each item

with an informative title. Parties are to

file and serve a separate Notice of Filing

of Library Reference(s). Library material

is not evidence unless and until it is

designated and sponsored by a witness.

[FR Doc. 96–15777 Filed 6–20–96; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 7710–FW–P

UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE

BOARD OF GOVERNORS

Notice of a Sunshine Act Meeting

The Board of Governors of the United

States Postal Service, pursuant to its

Bylaws (39 CFR Section 7.5) and the

Government in the Sunshine Act (5

U.S.C. Section 552b), hereby gives

notice that it intends to hold a meeting

at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 2, 1996,

in Washington, D.C. The meeting is

open to the public and will be held at

U.S. Postal Service headquarters, 475

L’Enfant Plaza, S.W., in the Benjamin

Franklin Room. The Board expects to

discuss the matters stated in the agenda

which is set forth below. Requests for

information about the meeting should

be addressed to the Secretary of the

Board, Thomas J. Koerber, at (202) 268–

4800.

There will also be a session of the

Board on Monday, July 1, 1996, but it

will consist entirely of briefings and is

not open to the public.

Agenda

Tuesday Session

July 2—8:30 a.m. (Open)

1. Minutes of the Previous Meeting, June 3–

4, 1996.

2. Remarks of the Postmaster General and

CEO. (Marvin Runyon)

3. Environmental Update. (Charles E. Bravo,

Manager, Environmental Policy)

4. Deliver America Kiosk. (Robert A. F.

Reisner, Vice President, Technology

Applications)

5. Capital Investment.

a. Quad Cities Processing and Distribution

Facility. (William J. Brown, Vice

President, Mid-West Area Operations)

6. Tentative Agenda for the August 5–6,

1996, meeting in Detroit, Michigan.

Thomas J. Koerber,

Secretary.

[FR Doc. 96–16027 Filed 6–19–96; 3:09 pm]

BILLING CODE 7710–12–M

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE

COMMISSION

[Rel No. IC–22018; International Series

Release No. 994; File No. 812–10142]

ABN AMRO Bank N.V., and ABN AMRO

Global Custody N.V.; Notice of

Application

June 14, 1996.

AGENCY: Securities and Exchange

Commission (‘‘SEC’’).

ACTION: Notice of Application for

Exemption under the Investment

Company Act of 1940 (the ‘‘Act’’).

Applicants: ABN AMRO Bank N.V.

(‘‘ABN AMRO’’) and ABN AMRO Global

Custody N.V. (AAGC’’).

RELEVANT ACT SECTIONS: Order requested

under section 6(c) of the Act that would

grant an exemption from section 17(f) of

the Act.

SUMMARY OF APPLICATION: Applicants

request an order to permit any U.S.

investment company registered under

the Act (other than any investment

company registered under section 7(d)

of the Act) (a ‘‘U.S. Investment

Company’’) and any custodian for a U.S.

Investment Company to maintain

securities and other assets in the

custody of ABN AMRO (Moscow) Ltd.

(‘‘ABN AMRO (Moscow)’’), a direct

subsidiary of ABN AMRO in Russia.

FILING DATE: The application was filed

on May 9, 1996.

HEARING OR NOTIFICATION OF HEARING: An

order granting the application will be

issued unless the SEC orders a hearing.

Interested persons may request a

hearing by writing to the SEC’s

Secretary and serving applicants with a

copy of the request, personally or by

mail. Hearing requests should be

received by the SEC by 5:30 p.m. on July

9, 1996 and should be accompanied by

proof of service on the applicants, in the

form of an affidavit or, for lawyers, a

certificate of service. Hearing requests

should state the nature of the writer’s

interest, the reason for the request, and

the issues contested. Persons may

request notification of a hearing by

writing to the SEC’s Secretary.

ADDRESSES: Secretary, SEC, 450 5th

Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549.

Applicants: ABN AMRO Bank N.V. and

ABN AMRO Global Custody N.V.,

Foppingadreef 22, 1102 BS Amsterdam,

The Netherlands.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Mary T. Geffroy, Staff Attorney, at (202)

942–0553, or Robert A. Robertson,

Branch Chief, at (202) 942–0564

(Division of Investment Management,

Office of Investment Company

Regulation).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The

following is a summary of the

application. The complete application

may be obtained for a fee from the SEC’s

Public Reference Branch.

Applicants’ Representations

1. ABN AMRO is a Netherlands

banking organization. ABN AMRO

Holding N.V. (‘‘Holding’’) is the parent

company of ABN AMRO. Holding and

ABN AMRO are regulated in The

Netherlands by De Nederlandsche Bank

N.V., the Dutch Central Bank (‘‘DNB’’),

on behalf of The Netherlands Minister

of Finance. As of December 31, 1995,

Holding held approximately 100% of

the share capital of ABN AMRO, and

ABN AMRO accounted for

approximately 100% of the total assets

of Holding. ABN AMRO provides a

variety of commercial banking and

securities services on an international

basis. At December 31, 1995, Holding

had consolidated total assets of

approximately U.S. $341 billion and

shareholders’ equity of approximately

U.S. $12.6 billion.

2. AAGC is a legal entity incorporated

by ABN AMRO pursuant to a system for

the administration and safekeeping of

bearer securities held outside the

Netherlands and registered securities

held inside and outside The

Netherlands. AAGC does not engage in

any activity other than the safekeeping

of securities for the benefit of ABN

AMRO’s clients and for ABN AMRO

itself, effectively serving only as a

‘‘vault’’ for the safekeeping of such

securities. ABN AMRO provides its

clients with all custody-related services

with respect to these securities.

3. ABN AMRO (Moscow) is a direct

subsidiary of ABN AMRO. ABN AMRO

(Moscow) was incorporated in Russia in

October 1993, and operates under

General License No. 2549 of the Central

Bank of the Russian Federation. ABN

AMRO (Moscow) is authorized to

engage in the business of commercial

banking, and is supervised by the

Central Bank of the Russian Federation

under the Law on Banks and Banking

Activity of 1991, as amended in 1991,

1992, and 1996. ABN AMRO (Moscow)

offers customers a wide range of retail

and wholesale banking services,

including traditional corporate services

and trade finance products. It also

operates a custody department to

support local and foreign investors (and

their custodians).

4. Applicants were granted an order

on April 23, 1996 (the ‘‘Order’’) which

permitted U.S. investment companies

and their custodians or subcustodians to

maintain securities and other assets in

the custody of ABN AMRO