32606 Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 122 / Monday, June 24, 1996 / Proposed Rules

POSTAL SERVICE

39 CFR Part 111

Classification Reform; Implementation

Standards

AGENCY: Postal Service.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

SUMMARY: This notice presents the full

text of the Domestic Mail Manual

standards that the Postal Service

proposes to adopt for implementing its

Classification Reform proposals

contained in Postal Rate Commission

Docket No. MC96–2, Classification

Reform II.

DATES: Comments on the proposed

standards must be received on or before

July 24, 1996.

ADDRESSES: Written comments should

be mailed or delivered to the Manager,

Customer Mail Preparation, U.S. Postal

Service, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Room

6830, Washington DC 20260–2405.

Copies of all written comments will be

available at the above address for

inspection and photocopying between 9

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

Friday.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Leo

F. Raymond, (202) 268–5199.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On April

4, 1996, pursuant to its authority under

39 U.S.C. 3621, et seq., the Postal

Service filed with the Postal Rate

Commission (PRC) a request for a

recommended decision on several mail

classification reform proposals

(Classification Reform II). The PRC

designated the filing as Docket No.

MC96–2. On April 11, 1996, the PRC

published a notice of the filing, with a

description of the Postal Service’s

proposals, in the Federal Register (61

FR 16129–16146).

As stated in the Postal Service filing,

the changes proposed in Docket No.

MC96–2 deliberately mirror those

adopted by the Governors of the Postal

Service in Docket No. MC95–1. The

Postal Service believes that this feature

of its proposal will expedite the

ratemaking process and facilitate

simplified implementing standards if

the PRC’s Recommended Decision

substantially supports the Postal

Service’s proposal and if that

Recommended Decision is approved by

the Governors and implemented by the

Board of Governors.

Until July 1, 1996 (the

implementation date for Classification

Reform I), rate eligibility and mail

preparation standards are generally

similar for both commercial and

nonprofit mail. After that date, new

standards will take effect for

commercial rate categories, while the

existing rules generally will be retained

for the ‘‘unreformed’’ nonprofit

categories pending the resolution of

Docket No. MC96–2. In line with its

proposal in Docket No. MC96–2, the

Postal Service is proposing revised

Domestic Mail Manual (DMM)

standards for nonprofit rate categories

that will substantively eliminate the

preparation and rate eligibility

distinctions between commercial and

nonprofit mail that will exist during the

interim period beginning July 1, 1996.

Accordingly, the following units of

the DMM would be eliminated if the

Postal Service’s proposal is adopted,

having been established solely to

contain former general standards that

are applicable only to nonprofit rate

categories during the interim period

beginning July 1: E239, E249, E639,

E649, L001, L897, L898, L899, M690,

M692, M693, M695, M696, M697,

M698, M890, M891, M892, M893,

M894, M895, M896, M897, and M898.

Sections of other units would also be

eliminated for the same reason, as

described in the detailed text below.

The DMM text presented below

reflects other organizational revisions

that do not constitute substantive

changes: E621 through E625 are

consolidated into E620; E631 through

E634 are consolidated into E630; and

E641 is redesignated as E640.

The proposed rates described below

in the revisions to DMM module R are

as shown in the Postal Service’s

Request, currently pending before the

Postal Rate Commission.

As shown in the DMM standards

below, the ‘‘breakpoint’’ for Nonprofit

Standard Mail is also amended, based

on the rates proposed in Docket No.

MC96–2. Standard Mail (A) is subject to

postage at either a minimum rate per

piece or a compound rate consisting of

a flat piece charge and a pound charge

that varies according to the weight of

the piece, whichever is higher. The

breakpoint is the calculated piece

weight at or below which the piece is

subject to the minimum per piece rate;

above it, the piece/pound rate must be

paid. Because the breakpoint is based on

the mathematical relationship of

specific rate elements, it must be

adjusted whenever rates are changed.

Moreover, because the heaviest

Standard Mail (A) breakpoint was

adopted as the maximum weight for

automation First-Class Mail and

Periodicals ‘‘heavy letter’’ pieces, the

standards below (C810.2.3f) reflect a

decrease of 0.0976 ounce in that weight

(from the current 3.4383 ounces to the

proposed 3.3407 ounces).

The Postal Service is also proposing

to revise the current standard that

prohibits the use of certain nonpaper,

plastic-like materials (such as spunbonded olefin) that do not accept the

water-based ink used by the Postal

Service to spray barcodes on mail. The

current prohibition applies to pieces

claimed at ZIP+4 rates, but ZIP+4 rates

were eliminated for First-Class Mail,

Regular Periodicals, and Regular

Standard Mail in MC95–1, and a

comparable proposal is advanced in

MC96–2 for Preferred Periodicals and

Nonprofit Standard Mail. Nonetheless,

the Postal Service remains interested in

optimizing its ability to ‘‘upgrade’’ (i.e.,

spray a barcode on) that volume of

customer mail that was formerly

prepared to qualify for the ZIP+4 rates

(e.g., compatible with automated

address recognition and automated

processing) and that will not hereafter

be barcoded before entry into the

mailstream. For that reason, the

implementing standards for MC95–1

(and those proposed below for MC96–2)

prescribe simpler preparation standards

for ‘‘upgradable’’ mail than for other

nonupgradable pieces. Because the

Postal Service seeks to barcode this mail

by means similar to those used for

ZIP+4 rate mail, the Postal Service

proposes to continue to ban the use of

certain nonpaper envelope materials for

‘‘upgradable’’ mail as it does now for

ZIP+4 rate pieces. This ban is

represented by the revision to C830.6.2

shown below.

All references to DMM sections

shown in this proposed rule are based

not on current Domestic Mail Manual

Issue 49 but on the redesignations and

revisions of the DMM published in the

Federal Register on March 12, 1996 (61

FR 10068–10217), and scheduled for

release as DMM Issue 50 (July 1, 1996).

The rates shown in DMM module R

below are the step 4 rates proposed in

the Postal Service’s MC96–2 request

and, as such, are subject to change.

Although exempt from the notice and

comment requirements of the

Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C.

553 (b), (c)) regarding proposed

rulemaking by 39 U.S.C. 410(a), the

Postal Service invites comments on the

following proposed revisions of the

DMM, incorporated by reference in the

Code of Federal Regulations. See 39 CFR

part 111.

PART 111—[AMENDED]

1. The authority citation for 39 CFR

part 111 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 5 U.S.C. 552(a); 39 U.S.C. 101,

401, 403, 404, 3001–3011, 3201–3219, 3403–

3406, 3621, 3626, 5001.
Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 122 / Monday, June 24, 1996 / Proposed Rules 32607

2. Revise the following sections of the

Domestic Mail Manual as set forth

below:

A ADDRESSING

A000 Basic Addressing

A010 General Addressing Standards

* * * * *

4.0 RETURN ADDRESS

* * * * *

[Revise the heading and text of 4.5 to

read as follows:]

4.5 Upgradable Mail

The return address on upgradable

mail must be outside the OCR read area.

If placed on the front of the mailpiece,

the return address must be in the top

left corner. It must extend no farther

than half the length of the mailpiece

from the left edge and no lower than

one-third the height of the mailpiece

from the top edge (see Exhibit 4.5).

* * * * *

A800 Addressing for Automation

1.0 ACCURACY

1.1 Basic Standards

[Revise 1.1 to read as follows:]

To qualify for automation rates,

addresses must be sufficiently complete

to enable matching to the current USPS

ZIP+4 File when used with current

CASS-certified address matching

software. Standardized address

elements are not required.

* * * * *

[Revise the heading of A900 to read as

follows:]

A900 Customer Support

* * * * *

A950 Coding Accuracy Support

System (CASS)

* * * * *

3.0 DATE OF ADDRESS MATCHING

AND CODING

3.1 Updating Standards

[Amend 3.1 by revising the second

sentence to read as follows:]

* * * Coding must be done within 90

days before the mailing date for all

carrier route mailings and within 180

days before the mailing date for all noncarrier route automation rate mailings.

* * *

* * * * *

C CHARACTERISTICS AND CONTENT

* * * * *

C800 Automation-Compatible Mail

C810 Letters and Cards

* * * * *

2.0 DIMENSIONS

* * * * *

2.3 Weight

[Revise 2.3 to read as follows:]

Maximum weight limits are:

a. 2.5 ounces: upgradable Presorted

First-Class Mail and upgradable

nonautomation Standard Mail.

b. 3 ounces: automation First-Class

Mail, automation Periodicals, and

automation Standard Mail.

c. 3.3062 ounces: automation

Enhanced Carrier Route heavy letters,

subject to 7.5.

d. 3.3087 ounces: automation Regular

Standard Mail heavy letters, subject to

7.5.

e. 3.3384 ounces: automation

Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route

heavy letters, subject to 7.5.

f. 3.3407 ounces: automation FirstClass Mail, automation Periodicals, and

automation Nonprofit Standard Mail

heavy letters, subject to 7.5.

* * * * *

8.0 ENCLOSED REPLY CARDS AND

ENVELOPES

8.1 Basic Standard

[Revise 8.1 to read as follows:]

Effective January 1, 1997 (or March 1,

1997, for Preferred Periodicals and

Nonprofit Standard Mail), all letter-size

reply cards and envelopes (business

reply, courtesy reply, and metered reply

mail) provided as enclosures in

automation First-Class Mail, automation

Periodicals, and automation Standard

Mail (A), and addressed for return to a

domestic delivery address, must meet

the applicable standards in 1.0 through

7.0, bear a facing identification mark

(FIM) meeting the standards in 8.2, and

bear the correct delivery point barcode

(or, for business reply mail (BRM), the

correct ZIP+4 barcode) for the delivery

address on the reply piece as defined by

the USPS and subject to the barcode

standards in C840. Mailers must certify

that these standards have been met

when the corresponding mail (in which

the reply pieces are enclosed) is

presented to the USPS. BRM pieces

must also meet the applicable standards

in S922.

* * * * *

C830 OCR Standards

* * * * *

6.0 USPS WATER-BASED BARCODE

INK

* * * * *

6.2 Nonpaper Materials

[Revise 6.2 to read as follows:]

Certain nonpaper, plastic-like

materials (such as spun-bonded Olefin)

are not acceptable for upgradable pieces

unless approved by USPS Engineering.

* * * * *

[Revise the heading of C840 to read as

follows:]

C840 Barcoding Standards

* * * * *

2.0 BARCODE LOCATION—LETTERSIZE PIECES

2.1 Barcode Clear Zone

[Amend 2.1 by replacing the term

‘‘upgradable Regular Standard Mail’’

with ‘‘upgradable Standard Mail (A)’’ in

the first sentence to read as follows:]

Each piece in an automation rate

mailing and each piece of upgradable

Presorted First-Class Mail or upgradable

Standard Mail (A) must have a barcode

clear zone unless the piece bears a

DPBC in the address block. * * *

2.2 General Standards

[Replace 2.2, 2.2a, 2.2b, and 2.2c with

new 2.2 to read as follows:]

In automation rate mailings, pieces

weighing 3 ounces or less may bear a

DPBC either in the address block or in

the barcode clear zone; pieces weighing

more than 3 ounces (up to the maximum

weight permitted by C810) must bear a

DPBC in the address block.

* * * * *

[Revise the heading of 8.0 to read as

follows:]

8.0 ZIP+4 OR 5-DIGIT BARCODES

8.1 Automation Pieces

[Replace 8.1, 8.1a, 8.1b, and 8.1c with

new 8.1 to read as follows:]

Except under 8.3, letter-size pieces in

automation rate mailings may not bear

a 5-digit or ZIP+4 barcode in the lower

right corner (barcode clear zone); such

pieces may bear a 5-digit or ZIP+4

barcode in the address block only if a

DPBC appears in the lower right corner.

Except under 8.3, flat-size pieces may

not bear a 5-digit barcode.

* * * * *

8.3 Temporary Exception to

Barcoding

[Revise 8.3 to read as follows:]

Until January 1, 1997, up to 10% of

the pieces in an automation Periodicals

mailing of flat-size pieces may be

prepared with only a 5-digit barcode

(subject to C840); and up to 10% of the

pieces in an automation Periodicals

mailing of letter-size pieces may be

prepared without a barcode or with only

a ZIP+4 barcode (subject to C840).

Pieces within this 10% allowance must

be combined and presorted with the rest
32608 Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 122 / Monday, June 24, 1996 / Proposed Rules

of the mailing, with postage paid at the

applicable nonautomation Periodicals

rate and supported by documentation

under P012.

* * * * *

E ELIGIBILITY

* * * * *

E100 First-Class Mail

* * * * *

E140 Automation Rates

1.0 BASIC STANDARDS

* * * * *

1.5 Enclosed Reply Cards and

Envelopes

Effective January 1, 1997, all lettersize reply cards and envelopes (business

reply, courtesy reply, and metered reply

mail) provided as enclosures in

automation First-Class Mail must meet

the standards in C810 for enclosed reply

cards and envelopes. Mailers must

certify that this standard has been met

when the corresponding mail (in which

the reply pieces are enclosed) is

presented to the USPS.

* * * * *

E200 Periodicals

E210 Basic Standards

E211 All Periodicals

* * * * *

14.0 BASIC RATE ELIGIBILITY

* * * * *

[Revise the heading of 14.3 to read as

follows:]

14.3 Adjustments and Discounts

[Replace 14.3, 14.3a, 14.3b, 14.3c, and

14.3d with new 14.3 to read as follows:]

Postage for Periodicals is reduced by

all applicable adjustments and

discounts. The nonadvertising

adjustment applies to the outsidecounty piece rate charges and is

computed under P013. Presort and

automation discounts are available

under E230 and E240, respectively.

Destination entry discounts are

available under E250 for copies entered

at specific USPS facilities.

* * * * *

E230 Nonautomation Rates

[Remove E239 and redesignate E231 as

E230.]

1.0 GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 Standards

[Amend 1.1 by replacing the reference

‘‘M210’’ with ‘‘M200’’ to read as

follows:]

The standards for presort rates are in

addition to the basic standards for

Periodicals in E210, the standards for

other rates or discounts claimed, and

the applicable preparation standards in

M200, M810, or M820. Not all

combinations of presort level,

automation, and destination entry

discounts are permitted.

* * * * *

2.0 CARRIER ROUTE RATES

* * * * *

2.2 Eligibility

[Amend 2.2 by replacing the reference

‘‘M210’’ with ‘‘M200’’ in the

introductory text to read as follows:]

Preparation to qualify eligible pieces

for carrier route rates is optional and is

subject to M200. Carrier route sort need

not be performed for all carrier routes in

a 5-digit area. Specific rate eligibility is

subject to these standards:

* * * * *

3.0 3/5 RATES

[Amend 3.0 by revising the introductory

text to read as follows:]

Subject to M200, 3/5 rates apply to

pieces not claimed at in-county rates, as

follows:

* * * * *

4.0 BASIC RATES

[Revise 4.0 to read as follows:]

Basic rates apply to pieces prepared

under M200 but not claimed at Carrier

Route or 3/5 rates.

[Redesignate current 5.0 and 6.0 as 6.0

and 7.0, respectively; add new 5.0 to

read as follows:]

5.0 IN-COUNTY RATES

In-county Basic rates apply to all

pieces eligible for in-county rates that

are not also eligible under 2.0 for incounty Carrier Route rates.

* * * * *

E240 Automation Rates

[Remove E249 and redesignate E241 as

E240.]

1.0 BASIC STANDARDS

1.1 All Pieces

[Amend 1.1 by revising the introductory

text to read as follows:]

All pieces in an automation

Periodicals mailing must:

* * * * *

1.2 Enclosed Reply Cards and

Envelopes

[Revise 1.2 to read as follows:]

Effective January 1, 1997 (or March 1,

1997, for Preferred Periodicals), all

letter-size reply cards and envelopes

(business reply, courtesy reply, and

metered reply mail) provided as

enclosures in automation Periodicals

must meet the standards in C810 for

enclosed reply cards and envelopes.

Mailers must certify that this standard

has been met when the corresponding

mail (in which the reply pieces are

enclosed) is presented to the USPS.

1.3 Temporary Exception to

Barcoding

[Revise 1.3 to read as follows:]

Until January 1, 1997, up to 10% of

the pieces in an automation Periodicals

mailing of flat-size pieces may be

prepared with only a 5-digit barcode

(subject to C840); and up to 10% of the

pieces in an automation Periodicals

mailing of letter-size pieces may be

prepared without a barcode or with only

a ZIP+4 barcode (subject to C840).

Pieces within this 10% allowance must

be combined and presorted with the rest

of the mailing, with postage paid at the

applicable nonautomation Periodicals

rate and supported by documentation

under P012.

* * * * *

E600 Standard Mail

E610 Basic Standards

* * * * *

E612 Additional Standards for

Standard Mail (A)

* * * * *

4.0 BULK RATES

* * * * *

4.2 Minimum Per Piece Rates

[Revise 4.2 to read as follows:]

The minimum per piece rates (i.e., the

minimum postage that must be paid for

each piece) apply to Enhanced Carrier

Route rate pieces weighing no more

than 0.2066 pound rounded (3.3062

ounces rounded); Regular

nonautomation and automation rate

pieces weighing no more than 0.2068

pound rounded (3.3087 ounces

rounded); Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier

Route rate pieces weighing no more

than 0.2087 pound rounded (3.3384

ounces rounded); and Nonprofit

nonautomation and automation rate

pieces weighing no more than 0.2088

pound rounded (3.3407 ounces

rounded). The base postage rate applies

to pieces meeting minimum preparation

standards (e.g., Basic rate) and may be

reduced if additional standards are met.

In applying the minimum per piece

rates, mail is categorized as either letters

or other than letters, based on whether

the mail meets the letter-size standard

in C050. That standard disregards

address placement, except that, for

automation rates, mail may be assigned
Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 122 / Monday, June 24, 1996 / Proposed Rules 32609

to the other than letters category based

on the standards in C820. Address

placement is also used to apply the

aspect ratio standard in C810 to lettersize automation rates.

* * * * *

4.7 Annual Fees

[Replace 4.7, 4.7a, and 4.7b with new

4.7 to read as follows:]

Bulk rate Standard Mail (A) is subject

to an annual mailing fee once each 12-

month period. The fee may be paid in

advance only for the next year and only

during the last 30 days of the current

service period. The fee charged is that

in effect on the date of payment. Each

mailer who enters mail at bulk rates

paid with meter or precanceled stamps

must pay an annual bulk mailing fee at

each post office of mailing; a mailer

paying this fee may enter clients’ mail

as well as the mailer’s own. The mailer

whose permit imprint appears on pieces

in a mailing paid with a permit imprint

must show that permit number on the

postage statement and must pay the

annual bulk mailing fee for that permit;

this fee is in addition to the fee for an

application to use permit imprints.

* * * * *

4.9 Preparation

[Amend 4.9 by revising the introductory

text and 4.9c to read as follows:]

Each bulk rate mailing is subject to

these general standards:

* * * * *

c. The same mailing may not contain

both automation and nonautomation

rate pieces.

* * * * *

E620 Nonautomation Nonpresort

Rates

[Redesignate E621 as E620.1.0; revise to

read as follows:]

1.0 SINGLE-PIECE STANDARD MAIL

(A)

[Redesignate E621.1.1 through 1.6 as

E620.1.1 through 1.6, respectively, and

revise internal references accordingly;

no other change in text.]

[Redesignate E622 as E620.2.0; revise to

read as follows:]

2.0 PARCEL POST

[Redesignate chart under 2.1 as Exhibit

2.4 and revise redesignated 2.1 to read

as follows:]

2.1 Basic Standards

Any Standard Mail (B) matter may be

mailed at parcel post rates, subject to

the basic standards in E611 and E613.

[Redesignate E622.1.2 and 1.3 as

E620.2.2 and 2.3, respectively.]

* * * * *

[Redesignate E622.2.0, 3.0, and 4.0 as

E620.2.4, 2.5, and 2.6, respectively, and

revise internal references accordingly;

no other change in text.]

2.4 Rate Eligibility

[Revise redesignated E620.2.4 to read as

follows:]

Parcel post rates are based on zones;

on whether a parcel is mailed and

delivered within the service area of the

same bulk mail center (BMC), auxiliary

service facility (ASF), or other

designated service area (as shown in

Exhibit 2.4); and on the weight of the

parcel. Specific rates and discounts are

subject to these additional standards:

[Redesignate E622.2.1 through 2.5 as

E620.2.4a through 2.4e, respectively,

and revise internal references

accordingly; no other change in text.]

* * * * *

2.5 Nonmachinable Surcharge

[Revise redesignated E620.2.5 to read as

follows:]

The nonmachinable surcharge applies

only to the items listed in 2.5a through

2.5i if mailed at the inter-BMC/ASF

parcel post rates. The surcharge does

not apply to those items or to other

matter mailed at another Standard Mail

(B) rate or if the mailer paid the special

delivery or special handling fee. The

nonmachinable surcharge applies to

items that meet any of these standards:

[Remove the introductory text of

E622.3.2 and redesignate E622.3.2a

through 3.2i as E620.2.5a through 2.5i,

respectively.]

* * * * *

2.6 Fees

[Revise redesignated E620.2.6 to read as

follows:]

Parcel post is subject to these fees, as

applicable:

[Redesignate E622.4.1 and 4.2 as

E620.2.6a and 2.6b, respectively.]

* * * * *

[Redesignate E623 as E620.3.0.]

3.0 BOUND PRINTED MATTER

[Redesignate E623.1.1 through 1.4 as

E620.3.1 through 3.4, respectively; no

other change in text.]

[Redesignate E624 as E620.4.0.]

4.0 SPECIAL STANDARD MAIL

[Redesignate E624.1.1 through 1.4 as

E620.4.1 through 4.4, respectively; no

other change in text.]

[Redesignate E625 as E620.5.0.]

5.0 LIBRARY MAIL

[Redesignate E625.1.1 through 1.7 as

E620.5.1 through 5.7, respectively; no

other change in text.]

E630 Nonautomation Presort Rates

[Remove E639; redesignate E631

through E634 as E630.1.0 through 4.0,

respectively, and revise as follows:]

1.0 REGULAR AND NONPROFIT

STANDARD MAIL

[Redesignate E631.1.0 through 3.0 as

E630.1.1 through 1.3, respectively; in

redesignated 1.1 and 1.2, replace the

term ‘‘Regular Standard Mail’’ with

‘‘Regular or Nonprofit Standard Mail’’;

in redesignated 1.3, replace the term

‘‘Regular rates’’ with ‘‘Regular and

Nonprofit rates’’; no other change in

text.]

2.0 ENHANCED CARRIER ROUTE

STANDARD MAIL

[Redesignate E632.1.1 through 1.7 as

E630.2.1 through 2.7, respectively; in

redesignated 2.3, replace the reference

‘‘E641’’ with ‘‘E640’’; redesignate

E632.2.1 and 2.2 as E630.2.8 and 2.9,

respectively; revise the heading of

redesignated 2.8 to read as ‘‘Basic

Rates’’; in redesignated 2.9, replace the

reference ‘‘1.6 and 1.7’’ with ‘‘2.6 and

2.7’’; no other change in text.]

3.0 BULK BOUND PRINTED MATTER

[Redesignate E633.1.1 and 1.2 as

E630.3.1 and 3.2, respectively; in

redesignated 3.1, replace the phrase

‘‘basic standards in E623’’ with ‘‘basic

standards for bound printed matter in

E620’’; no other change in text.]

4.0 PRESORTED SPECIAL

STANDARD MAIL

[Redesignate E634.1.0 and 2.1 through

2.5 as E630.4.1 and 4.2 through 4.6,

respectively; no change in text.]

E640 Automation Rates

[Remove E649; redesignate E641 as

E640; in 1.1, 1.1b, and 1.2, replace the

term ‘‘Regular Standard Mail’’ with

‘‘Regular or Nonprofit Standard Mail’’;

in 1.3, replace the term ‘‘Regular

automation rates’’ with ‘‘Automation

rates’’; in 1.4, replace the term ‘‘Regular

automation rates’’ with ‘‘Automation

rates.’’]

[Revise the heading of 1.0 to read as

follows:]

1.0 REGULAR AND NONPROFIT

RATES

1.1 All Pieces

[Amend 1.1 by revising the

introductory text and 1.1b to read as

follows:] All pieces in an automation
32610 Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 122 / Monday, June 24, 1996 / Proposed Rules

rate Regular or Nonprofit Standard

mailing must:

* * * * *

b. Be part of a single mailing of at

least 200 pieces or 50 pounds of pieces

of automation rate Standard Mail

(Regular and Nonprofit mailings must

meet separate minimum volumes).

* * * * *

1.2 Enclosed Reply Cards and

Envelopes

[Revise 1.2 to read as follows:]

Effective January 1, 1997 (or March 1,

1997, for Nonprofit Standard Mail), all

letter-size reply cards and envelopes

(business reply, courtesy reply, and

metered reply mail) provided as

enclosures in automation Regular or

Nonprofit Standard Mail must meet the

standards in C810 for enclosed reply

cards and envelopes. Mailers must

certify that this standard has been met

when the corresponding mail (in which

the reply pieces are enclosed) is

presented to the USPS.

* * * * *

[Revise the heading of 2.0 to read as

follows:]

2.0 ENHANCED CARRIER ROUTE

RATES

2.1 All Pieces

[Amend 2.1 by revising the introductory

text and 2.1b to read as follows:]

All pieces in an automation rate

Enhanced Carrier Route Standard

mailing (available for letters only) must:

* * * * *

b. Be part of a single mailing of at

least 200 pieces or 50 pounds of pieces

of automation rate Enhanced Carrier

Route Standard Mail (Regular and

Nonprofit mailings must meet separate

minimum volumes).

* * * * *

2.4 Enclosed Reply Cards and

Envelopes

[Revise 2.4 to read as follows:]

Effective January 1, 1997 (or March 1,

1997, for Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier

Route Standard Mail), all letter-size

reply cards and envelopes (business

reply, courtesy reply, and metered reply

mail) provided as enclosures in

automation Enhanced Carrier Route

Standard Mail must meet the standards

in C810 for enclosed reply cards and

envelopes. Mailers must certify that this

standard has been met when the

corresponding mail (in which the reply

pieces are enclosed) is presented to the

USPS.

* * * * *

E650 Destination Entry

* * * * *

E652 Parcel Post

[In 1.4, replace the reference ‘‘E622’’

with ‘‘E620’’; no other change in text.]

E670 Nonprofit Standard Mail

1.0 BASIC STANDARDS

1.1 Organization Eligibility

[Amend 1.1 by adding the qualifying

phrase ‘‘i.e., all nonautomation and

automation Nonprofit rates’’ to the end

of the section to read as follows:]

Only organizations that meet the

standards in 2.0 or 3.0 and that have

received specific authorization from the

USPS may mail eligible matter at the

Nonprofit Standard Mail rates, i.e., all

nonautomation and automation

Nonprofit rates.

* * * * *

L LABELING LISTS

[Remove L001, L897, L898, and L899.]

M MAIL PREPARATION AND SORTATION

M000 General Preparation Standards

M010 Mailpieces

M011 Basic Standards

[Revise the heading of 1.0 to read as

follows:]

1.0 TERMS AND CONDITIONS

* * * * *

1.2 Presort Levels

[Amend 1.2 by revising 1.2d, 1.2h, and

1.2i to read as follows:]

Terms used for presort levels are

defined as follows:

* * * * *

d. 3-digit: the ZIP Code in the delivery

address on all pieces begins with the

same three digits (see L002, Column A).

* * * * *

h. SCF: the separation includes pieces

for two or more 3-digit areas served by

the same SCF (see L005), except that,

where required or permitted by

standard, mail for a single 3-digit area

may be prepared in an SCF separation

when no mail for other 3-digit ZIP Code

areas is available.

i. ADC/AADC: all pieces are

addressed for delivery in the service

area of the same ADC or AADC (see

L004 or L801).

* * * * *

1.4 Mailing

[Revise 1.4 to read as follows:]

A mailing is a group of pieces within

the same class of mail and processing

category that may be sorted together

under the applicable standards. Other

specific standards may define whether

separate mailings may be combined,

palletized, reported, or deposited

together. The following types of mail

may not be part of the same mailing

despite being in the same class and

processing category: automation and

nonautomation mail; automation rate

Enhanced Carrier Route and other mail;

any combination of Enhanced Carrier

Route, Regular, Nonprofit, and/or

Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route

Standard Mail.

* * * * *

M013 Optional Endorsement Lines

1.0 USE

1.1 Basic Standards

[Amend 1.1 by removing in the chart the

entries for Optional City and Working;

by revising the parenthetical following

the first entry for Carrier Route to read

as ‘‘(Periodicals)’’; by revising the

parenthetical following the entry for

SCF to read as ‘‘(bound printed

matter)’’; and by removing the

parenthetical ‘‘(Except Preferred

Periodicals and Nonprofit Standard

Mail)’’ following the entries for AADC

and Mixed AADC.]

* * * * *

1.4 Rate Markings

[Amend 1.4 by replacing the term

‘‘automation Regular Standard Mail’’

with ‘‘automation Regular or automation

Nonprofit Standard Mail.’’]

* * * * *

M014 Carrier Route Information Lines

1.0 BASIC INFORMATION

[Amend 1.0 by replacing the terms

‘‘carrier route and Level I/K Periodicals’’

with ‘‘Carrier Route Periodicals.’’]

* * * * *

M020 Packages and Bundles

[Remove 2.0; redesignate 3.0 and 4.0 as

2.0 and 3.0, respectively; revise the

heading of redesignated 2.0 as

‘‘Additional Standards—First-Class

Mail, Periodicals, and Standard Mail

(A)’’; amend redesignated 2.1c by

replacing the terms ‘‘Regular Standard

Mail’’ with ‘‘Standard Mail (A)’’ and

‘‘Regular Periodicals’’ with

‘‘Periodicals’’; no other change in text.]

M030 Containers

M031 Labels

* * * * *

4.0 PALLET LABELS

* * * * *

4.8 Delivery Unit, SCF, DDU, and

DSCF Rates

[Revise 4.8 to read as follows:]

If a 5-digit, 3-digit, or SCF pallet

contains copies claimed at Periodicals
Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 122 / Monday, June 24, 1996 / Proposed Rules 32611

delivery unit and SCF zone rates, or

Standard Mail DDU and DSCF rates, as

applicable, the contents line of the

pallet label must show the designation

DDU/SCF, after the description of the

contents.

* * * * *

M032 Barcoded Labels

1.0 BARCODED TRAY LABELS

1.1 Standards

[Revise 1.1 to read as follows:]

Effective January 1, 1997, barcoded

tray labels are required for all mailings

of automation rate First-Class Mail flatsize pieces and automation rate FirstClass Mail, Periodicals, and Standard

Mail (A) letter-size pieces. Barcoded

tray labels may be used before that date

and may be used for other trayed mail.

Mailer-produced barcoded tray labels

must meet the standards below.

Revisions to preprinted barcoded labels

(e.g., handwritten changes) are not

permitted.

* * * * *

2.0 BARCODED SACK LABELS

2.1 Standards

[Revise 2.1 to read as follows:]

Effective January 1, 1997, barcoded

sack labels are required for all mailings

of automation rate Periodicals and

Standard Mail (A) flat-size pieces

prepared in sacks. Barcoded sack labels

may be used before that date and may

be used for other sacked mail. Mailerproduced barcoded sack labels must

meet the standards below. Revisions to

preprinted barcoded labels (e.g.,

handwritten changes) are not permitted.

* * * * *

M033 Sacks and Trays

[In 1.2a, replace the terms ‘‘Regular

Periodicals, and Regular and Enhanced

Carrier Route Standard Mail (A)’’ with

‘‘Periodicals, and bulk rate Standard

Mail (A)’’; remove the last sentence of

1.2f; in 1.4, remove the phrase and

clause ‘‘except for Preferred Periodicals

and Nonprofit Standard Mail, which are

covered in 3.0 and 4.0’’; in 1.7, replace

the phrase ‘‘Except for Nonprofit

Standard and Preferred Periodicals

mailings, after’’ with ‘‘After’’; revise the

heading of 2.0 to read as ‘‘First-Class

Mail, Periodicals, and Bulk Rate

Standard Mail (A)’’; remove 3.0 and 4.0;

no other change in text.]

M040 Pallets

* * * * *

M045 Palletized Mailings

* * * * *

2.0 PACKAGES

* * * * *

2.2 Size—Periodicals

[Amend 2.2 by replacing the references

‘‘M210 and M290’’ in 2.2a with ‘‘M200’’

to read as follows:]

Package size: Six-piece minimum, 20-

pound maximum, except that:

a. Firm packages may contain as few

as two copies of a publication and do

not have to be consolidated into bundles

with other packages to the same 5-digit

destination. A firm ‘‘package’’ may be

one piece for presort standards (see

M200).

* * * * *

8.0 MIXED RATE LEVELS ON

PALLETS—NONPROFIT STANDARD

MAIL

* * * * *

8.2 Authorizations

[Amend 8.2 by revising the first

sentence to read as follows:]

Mailers must obtain a USPS

authorization before commingling

nonautomation, automation, or

Enhanced Carrier Route Nonprofit

Standard Mail on pallets. * * *

* * * * *

8.4 Documentation

[Replace 8.4, 8.4a, and 8.4b with new

8.4 to read as follows:]

At the time of mailing, the mailer

must provide standardized

documentation, as required by the

standards for the rate claimed, that

includes pallet numbers to facilitate

postal verification of the corresponding

mail. When requested, the mailer must

present pallets selected by USPS

employees for verification.

8.5 Additional Pallet Standards

[Remove 8.5c and redesignate 8.5d as

8.5c.]

* * * * *

[Revise the heading of M050 to read as

follows:]

M050 Delivery Sequence

[Amend 1.1 by replacing the references

‘‘M290 or M693’’ with ‘‘M200 or M620’’;

no other change in text.]

M070 Mixed Classes

* * * * *

M073 Combined Mailings of Standard

Mail Machinable Parcels

[Amend 1.1 by replacing the term

‘‘Regular Standard Mail (A)’’ with

‘‘Standard Mail (A).’’]

* * * * *

M200 Periodicals (Nonautomation)

[Remove M290; redesignate M210 as

M200 and revise internal references

accordingly; amend 1.1, 1.2, and 2.3

(heading and text) by replacing the term

‘‘Regular Periodicals’’ with

‘‘Periodicals.’’]

* * * * *

M600 Standard Mail (Nonautomation)

[Revise the heading of M610 to read as

follows:]

M610 Single-Piece and

Nonautomation Standard Mail (A)

* * * * *

[Revise the heading of 2.0 to read as

follows:]

2.0 BASIC STANDARDS—

NONAUTOMATION RATES

2.1 All Mailings

[Amend 2.1 by revising the introductory

text, 2.1a, and 2.1e to read as follows:]

All nonautomation (Basic and 3/5)

rate mailings are subject to these general

standards (automation rate Standard

Mail must be prepared under M810 or

M820, as applicable):

a. Each mailing must meet the

applicable standards in E630 and in

M010, M020, and M820.

* * * * *

e. Subject to M012, all pieces eligible

for and claimed at Nonprofit rates must

be marked ‘‘Nonprofit Organization’’ (or

‘‘Nonprofit Org.’’ or ‘‘Nonprofit’’); all

other pieces must be marked ‘‘Bulk

Rate’’ (or ‘‘Blk. Rt.’’). In addition, pieces

may be marked ‘‘Single-Piece’’ (or

‘‘SNGLP’’) under P600 to correct an

incorrect rate marking.

* * * * *

2.3 Exception—Standard Mail (A)

[In 2.3, replace the terms ‘‘Regular

Standard Mail’’ with ‘‘Standard Mail’’

and ‘‘Regular nonletter nonautomation’’

with ‘‘nonletter nonautomation.’’]

* * * * *

[Revise the heading of 3.0 to read as

follows:]

3.0 BASIC PREPARATION—

NONAUTOMATION RATE LETTERSIZE PIECES

* * * * *

[Revise the heading of 4.0 to read as

follows:]

4.0 OPTIONAL PREPARATION—

UPGRADABLE NONAUTOMATION

RATE LETTER-SIZE PIECES

* * * * *

[Revise the heading of 5.0 to read as

follows:]
32612 Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 122 / Monday, June 24, 1996 / Proposed Rules

5.0 PREPARATION—

NONAUTOMATION RATE FLAT-SIZE

PIECES AND ALL IRREGULAR

PARCELS

* * * * *

[Revise the heading of 6.0 to read as

follows:]

6.0 MACHINABLE PARCELS

* * * * *

[Revise the heading of 7.0 to read as

follows:]

7.0 BEDLOADED BUNDLES OF

NONAUTOMATION RATE FLAT-SIZE

PIECES

[Amend 7.1 by replacing the term

‘‘Regular nonautomation rate Standard

Mail (A)’’ with ‘‘nonautomation rate

Standard Mail (A)’’; no other change in

text.]

M620 Enhanced Carrier Route

Standard Mail

1.0 BASIC STANDARDS

1.1 All Mailings

[Amend 1.1 by revising 1.1a and 1.1e to

read as follows:]

All nonautomation rate Enhanced

Carrier Route mailings are subject to

these general standards (automation rate

Enhanced Carrier Route mailings must

be prepared under M810):

a. Each mailing must meet the

applicable standards in E630 and in

M010, M020, and M030.

* * * * *

e. Subject to M012, all pieces eligible

for and claimed at Nonprofit rates must

be marked ‘‘Nonprofit Organization’’ (or

‘‘Nonprofit Org.’’ or ‘‘Nonprofit’’); all

other pieces must be marked ‘‘Bulk

Rate’’ (or ‘‘Blk. Rt.’’). In addition, Basic,

High Density, and Saturation rate pieces

must each be marked ‘‘ECRLOT,’’

‘‘ECRWSH,’’ or ‘‘ECRWSS,’’

respectively. Pieces not claimed at the

corresponding rate must not be marked

‘‘ECRLOT,’’ ‘‘ECRWSH,’’ or ‘‘ECRWSS’’

unless paid at single-piece rate or a

corrective single-piece rate marking is

applied under P600.

* * * * *

1.4 Exception—Standard Mail (A)

[Revise 1.4 to read as follows:]

When a Standard Mail (A) mailing job

could, by size, qualify for Standard Mail

automation rates as either letters or flats,

if part of the job is prepared as

palletized flats at automation rates for

flats, the remainder may be prepared as

palletized flats at Enhanced Carrier

Route rates and nonletter

nonautomation rates if the number of

nonletter nonautomation rate pieces

does not exceed 10% of the total

number of pieces in the entire mailing

job.

* * * * *

5.0 RESIDUAL MAIL

[Amend 5.0 by replacing the term

‘‘Regular Standard Mail rates’’ with

‘‘Regular or Nonprofit Standard Mail

rates, as appropriate’’ to read as

follows:]

Pieces not sorted under 2.0 and either

3.0 or 4.0 must be prepared as a separate

mailing at Regular or Nonprofit

Standard Mail rates, as appropriate.

* * * * *

[Remove M690, M692, M693, M695,

M696, M697, and M698.]

M800 All Automation Mail

[Revise the heading of M810 to read as

follows:]

M810 Letter-Size Mail

1.0 BASIC STANDARDS

1.1 Standards

[Amend 1.1 by replacing the term

‘‘Regular Periodicals’’ with

‘‘Periodicals’’ in the first sentence to

read as follows:]

Letter-size automation rate First-Class

Mail, Periodicals, and Standard Mail (A)

must be prepared under M810 and the

eligibility standards for the rate claimed.

* * *

* * * * *

1.3 Marking

[Revise 1.3 to read as follows:]

Periodicals require no marking.

Subject to M012, all pieces must be

marked ‘‘AUTO’’ (or ‘‘AUTOCR’’ for

carrier route rate) and ‘‘Presorted’’ and

‘‘First-Class’’ if First-Class Mail;

‘‘Nonprofit Organization’’ (or

‘‘Nonprofit Org.’’ or ‘‘Nonprofit’’) if

eligible Nonprofit Standard Mail; or

‘‘Bulk Rate’’ (or ‘‘Blk. Rt.’’) if other

Standard Mail. Pieces not claimed at an

automation rate may not be marked

‘‘AUTO’’ or ‘‘AUTOCR’’ unless singlepiece rate postage is affixed or a

corrective single-piece rate marking is

applied under P100 or P600.

* * * * *

1.5 Carrier Route

[Amend 1.5 by replacing the reference

‘‘E641’’ with ‘‘E640.’’]

* * * * *

[Revise the heading of M820 to read as

follows:]

M820 Flat-Size Mail

1.0 BASIC STANDARDS

1.1 Standards

[Amend 1.1 by replacing the term

‘‘Regular Periodicals’’ with

‘‘Periodicals’’ in the first sentence to

read as follows:]

Flat-size automation rate First-Class

Mail, Periodicals, and Standard Mail (A)

must be prepared under M820 and the

eligibility standards for the rate claimed.

* * *

* * * * *

1.4 Marking

[Revise 1.4 to read as follows:]

Periodicals require no marking.

Subject to M012, all pieces must be

marked ‘‘AUTO’’ and ‘‘Presorted’’ and

‘‘First-Class’’ if First-Class Mail;

‘‘Nonprofit Organization’’ (or

‘‘Nonprofit Org.’’ or ‘‘Nonprofit’’) if

eligible Nonprofit Standard Mail; or

‘‘Bulk Rate’’ (or ‘‘Blk. Rt.’’) if other

Standard Mail. Pieces not claimed at an

automation rate may not be marked

‘‘AUTO’’ unless single-piece rate

postage is affixed or a corrective singlepiece rate marking is applied under

P100 or P600.

1.5 Exception—Standard Mail (A)

[Amend 1.5 by replacing the terms

‘‘Regular Standard Mail’’ with

‘‘Standard Mail’’ and ‘‘Regular nonletter

nonautomation’’ with ‘‘nonletter

nonautomation’’ to read as follows:]

When a Standard Mail (A) mailing job

could, by size, qualify for Standard Mail

automation rates as either letters or flats,

if part of the job is prepared as

palletized flats at automation rates for

flats, the remainder may be prepared as

palletized flats at Enhanced Carrier

Route rates and nonletter

nonautomation rates if the number of

nonletter nonautomation rate pieces

does not exceed 10% of the total

number of pieces in the entire mailing

job.

* * * * *

[Remove M890, M891, M892, M893,

M894, M895, M896, M897, and M898.]

P POSTAGE AND PAYMENT METHODS

P000 Basic Information

P010 General Standards

P011 Payment

1.0 PREPAYMENT AND POSTAGE

DUE

1.1 Prepayment Conditions

[Amend 1.1 by revising 1.1e to read as

follows:]

The mailer is responsible for proper

payment of postage. Postage on all mail

must be fully prepaid at the time of

mailing, except as specifically provided

by standard for:

* * * * *
Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 122 / Monday, June 24, 1996 / Proposed Rules 32613

e. Keys and identification devices

returned to owners (see E620).

* * * * *

P012 Documentation

* * * * *

[Revise the heading of 2.0 to read as

follows:]

2.0 STANDARDIZED

DOCUMENTATION—FIRST-CLASS

MAIL, PERIODICALS, AND

STANDARD MAIL (A)

2.1 Basic Standard

[Amend 2.1 by replacing in the first

sentence the terms ‘‘Regular

Periodicals’’ with ‘‘Periodicals’’ and

‘‘Regular and Enhanced Carrier Route

Standard Mail’’ with ‘‘Standard Mail

(A)’’ to read as follows:]

For First-Class Mail, Periodicals, and

Standard Mail (A), subject to the

standards for the rate claimed,

documentation must be produced by

software certified under the USPS

Presort Accuracy Validation and

Evaluation (PAVE) or Manifest Analysis

and Certification (MAC) programs,

appropriate for the accompanying class

of mail and rate claimed, or must be

prepared to meet the criteria for

standardized documentation in this

section. * * *

2.2 Format and Content

[Amend 2.2 by revising the introductory

text to read as follows:]

For First-Class Mail, Periodicals, and

Standard Mail (A), standardized

documentation includes:

* * * * *

2.5 Combined and Copalletized

Mailings

[Amend 2.5 by revising the introductory

text to read as follows:]

For combined or copalletized

mailings of Periodicals and Standard

Mail (A) prepared under M045, the

listing must show the following

additional information:

* * * * *

[Remove 3.0; redesignate 4.0 as 3.0.]

* * * * *

P013 Rate Application and

Computation

* * * * *

4.0 RATE APPLICATION—

STANDARD MAIL (A)

* * * * *

4.3 Bulk Rates

[Revise 4.3 to read as follows:]

Bulk rates are based on the weight of

the pieces and are applied differently to

pieces weighing less than or equal to a

‘‘breakpoint’’ (rounded to four decimal

places) and those weighing more, as

follows:

a. The appropriate minimum per

piece rate applies to pieces weighing

0.2066 pound (3.3062 ounces) or less

(Enhanced Carrier Route rates), 0.2068

pound (3.3087 ounces) or less (Regular

rates), 0.2087 pound (3.3384 ounces) or

less (Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route

rates), or 0.2088 pound (3.3407 ounces)

or less (Nonprofit rates).

b. A rate determined by adding the

appropriate fixed per piece charge and

the corresponding variable per pound

charge (based on the weight of the

piece) applies to pieces weighing more

than 0.2066 pound (3.3062 ounces)

(Enhanced Carrier Route rates), 0.2068

pound (3.3087 ounces) (Regular rates),

0.2087 pound (3.3384 ounces)

(Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route

rates), or 0.2088 pound (3.3407 ounces)

(Nonprofit rates).

* * * * *

P014 Refunds and Exchanges

* * * * *

4.0 REFUND REQUESTS FOR EXCESS

POSTAGE—AT TIME OF MAILING

(‘‘VALUE ADDED REFUNDS’’)

* * * * *

4.13 Standard Mail (A)

[Replace 4.13, 4.13a, 4.13b, and 4.13c

with new 4.13 to read as follows:]

If a value added refund request is

submitted when a Standard Mail (A)

mailing is presented to the USPS, each

piece must be letter-size, weigh less

than the applicable maximum weight

for automation mail prescribed in C810,

be part of an automation rate mailing,

and be metered by the presenter or the

presenter’s customer at a 3/5

nonautomation rate or at any

automation minimum per piece rate.

Pieces for each entry must be prepared

as a separate mailing if the destination

entry rates are claimed.

* * * * *

P040 Permit Imprints

* * * * *

2.0 PREPARING PERMIT IMPRINTS

* * * * *

2.5 References to Expedited Handling

[Amend 2.5 by revising 2.5a to read as

follows:]

Except for postcard-size mail and

imprints placed on address labels,

permit imprints on bulk rate Standard

Mail (A) bearing references to expedited

handling or delivery (e.g., ‘‘Priority,’’

‘‘Express,’’ ‘‘Overnight’’) must:

a. Show the words ‘‘Bulk Rate’’ or

‘‘Nonprofit Organization’’ (or

‘‘Nonprofit Org.’’ or ‘‘Nonprofit’’) more

prominently than other words in the

imprint.

b. Have a clear space of at least 3⁄8

inch around the entire permit imprint.

* * * * *

4.0 FORMATS

4.1 Basic Standard

[Amend the Nonprofit Standard Mail

examples in Exhibit 4.1b by replacing

the endorsement ‘‘Carrier Route Presort’’

with ‘‘AUTOCR.’’]

* * * * *

P600 Standard Mail

* * * * *

3.0 AUTOMATION RATES

3.1 Method

[Amend 3.1 by removing the

parenthetical ‘‘(including Nonprofit

ZIP+4 and Barcoded rates)’’ in the first

sentence to read as follows:]

Postage on any mailing made at an

automation rate must be paid with

meter stamps, permit imprints, or

precanceled postage, under applicable

standards. * * *

* * * * *

P710 Manifest Mailing System (MMS)

* * * * *

3.0 KEYLINE

* * * * *

3.3 Rate Category Abbreviations

[Revise 3.3 and Exhibit 3.3b to read as

follows:]

Keylines on First-Class Mail or bulk

Standard Mail (A) may use only the rate

category abbreviations in Exhibit 3.3a or

Exhibit 3.3b, respectively. All pieces

that qualify for more than one postage

rate must show each rate category

abbreviation, separated by a ‘‘/’’ (slash)

(e.g., NV/DS).

* * * * *

EXHIBIT 3.3b—RATE CATEGORY

ABBREVIATIONS—STANDARD MAIL (A)

Code Rate Category

AV Automation 5-Digit [letters only].

AT Automation 3-Digit [letters only].

AF Automation 3/5 [flats only].

AB Automation Basic.

RA Regular 3/5.

RB Regular Basic.

EA Enhanced Carrier Route Automation Basic [letters only].

EB Enhanced Carrier Route Basic.

EH Enhanced Carrier Route High

Density.
32614 Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 122 / Monday, June 24, 1996 / Proposed Rules

EXHIBIT 3.3b—RATE CATEGORY ABBREVIATIONS—STANDARD MAIL (A)—

Continued

Code Rate Category

ES Enhanced Carrier Route Saturation.

NV Nonprofit Automation 5-Digit [letters only].

NT Nonprofit Automation 3-Digit [letters only].

NF Nonprofit Automation 3/5 [flats

only].

NB Nonprofit Automation Basic.

FA Nonprofit 3/5.

FB Nonprofit Basic.

PA Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route

Automation Basic [letters only].

PB Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route

Basic.

PH Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route

High Density.

PS Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route

Saturation.

DB Destination Bulk Mail Center

(DBMC).

DD Destination Delivery Unit (DDU).

DS Destination Sectional Center Facility (DSCF).

SP Single-Piece Rate [when fewer

than 200 pieces accompany automation rate mail].

* * * * *

P760 First-Class or Standard Mail

Mailings With Different Payment

Methods

* * * * *

2.0 POSTAGE

* * * * *

2.2 Metered Pieces—Standard Mail

(A)

[Revise 2.2 to read as follows:]

Metered pieces in a combined mailing

must bear postage at a nonautomation

presort or automation rate for which the

pieces are eligible. Additional postage

due for metered pieces in a combined

mailing is deducted from the mailer’s

postage due advance deposit account.

Full postage must be affixed to

accompanying single-piece rate mail.

* * * * *

2.4 Precanceled Pieces — Standard

Mail (A)

[Revise 2.4 to read as follows:]

Pieces with precanceled stamps in a

combined mailing must bear postage in

any denomination of precanceled stamp

permitted in an automation rate mailing.

Nonprofit postage may appear only on

pieces in a Nonprofit rate mailing that

are eligible for and claimed at a

Nonprofit rate. Additional postage due

for precanceled stamp pieces in a

combined mailing is deducted from the

mailer’s postage due advance deposit

account. Full postage must be affixed to

accompanying single-piece rate mail.

* * * * *

R RATES AND FEES

* * * * *

R200 Periodicals

* * * * *

[Revise 2.0, 3.0, and 4.0 to read as

follows:]

2.0 PREFERRED—IN-COUNTY

2.1 Pound Rates

Per pound or fraction:

Zone Rate

Delivery Unit ................................. $0.112

All Others ...................................... 0.122

2.2 Piece Rates

Per addressed piece:

Presort

level

NonautomationAutomation 1

Lettersize

Flat-size

Basic ...... $0.081 $0.081 $0.081

3/5 ......... ................ ................ 0.066

3-Digit .... ................ 0.077 ................

5-Digit .... ................ 0.064 ................

Carrier

Route 0.043 ................ ................

High

Density 0.038 ................ ................

Saturation ..... 0.036 ................ ................

1 Lower maximum weight limits apply: lettersize at 3 ounces (or 3.3407 ounces for heavy

letters); flat-size at 16 ounces.

* * * * *

3.0 PREFERRED—NONPROFIT

3.1 Pound Rates

Per pound or fraction:

a. For the nonadvertising portion:

$0.138.

b. For the advertising portion:

Zone Rate

Delivery Unit ................................. $0.169

SCF ............................................... 0.190

1 & 2 ............................................. 0.214

3 .................................................... 0.224

4 .................................................... 0.251

5 .................................................... 0.292

6 .................................................... 0.336

7 .................................................... 0.388

8 .................................................... 0.432

3.2 Piece Rates

Per addressed piece:

Presort

level

Nonautomation

Automation 1

Lettersize Flat-size

Basic ...... $0.216 $0.186 $0.192

3/5 ......... 0.171 ................ 0.147

3-Digit .... ................ 0.148 ................

5-Digit .... ................ 0.148 ................

Carrier

Route 0.104 ................ ................

High

Density 0.097 ................ ................

Saturation ..... 0.083 ................ 1

1 Lower maximum weight limits apply: lettersize at 3 ounces (or 3.3407 ounces for heavy

letters); flat-size at 16 ounces.

* * * * *

4.0 PREFERRED—CLASSROOM

4.1 Pound Rates

Per pound or fraction:

a. For the nonadvertising portion:

$0.110.

b. For the advertising portion:

Zone Rate

Delivery Unit ................................. $0.169

SCF ............................................... 0.190

1 & 2 ............................................. 0.214

3 .................................................... 0.224

4 .................................................... 0.251

5 .................................................... 0.292

6 .................................................... 0.336

7 .................................................... 0.388

8 .................................................... 0.432

4.2 Piece Rates

Per addressed piece:

Presort

level

Nonautomation

Automation1

Lettersize Flat-size

Basic ...... $0.171 $0.154 $0.148

3/5 ......... 0.128 ................ 0.113

3-Digit .... ................ 0.118 ................

5-Digit .... ................ 0.111 ................

Carrier

Route 0.090 ................ ................

High

Density 0.088 ................ ................

Saturation ..... 0.083 ................ ................

1 Lower maximum weight limits apply: lettersize at 3 ounces (or 3.3407 ounces for heavy

letters); flat-size at 16 ounces.

* * * * *

[Revise the heading of 5.0 to read as

follows:]

5.0 PREFERRED—SCIENCE-OFAGRICULTURE

* * * * *

R600 Standard Mail

* * * * *
Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 122 / Monday, June 24, 1996 / Proposed Rules 32615

[Revise 5.0 to read as follows:] 5.0 NONPROFIT

5.1 Letter-Size Minimum Per Piece

Rates—Pieces 0.2088 lb. (3.3407 oz.) or

Less

Entry discount

Nonautomation Automation 1

Basic 3/5 Basic 3-Digit 5-Digit

None ......................................................................................................... $0.132 $0.114 $0.099 $0.095 $0.082

DBMC ....................................................................................................... 0.119 0.101 0.086 0.082 0.069

DSCF ........................................................................................................ 0.114 0.096 0.081 0.077 0.064

DDU .......................................................................................................... .................... .................... .................... .................... ....................

1Pieces weighing over 3 ounces subject to additional standards.

5.2 Nonletter-Size Minimum Per Piece

Rates—Pieces 0.2088 lb. (3.3407 oz.) or

Less

Entry discount

Nonautomation Automation 1

Basic 3/5 Basic 3/5

None ................................................................................................................................. $0.195 $0.143 $0.171 $0.119

DBMC ............................................................................................................................... 0.182 0.130 0.158 0.106

DSCF ................................................................................................................................ 0.177 0.125 0.153 0.101

DDU .................................................................................................................................. .................... .................... .................... ....................

1Available only for automation-compatible flats.

5.3 Piece/Pound Rates—Pieces More

Than 0.2088 lb. (3.3407 oz.)

Piece pound rate 1

Nonautomation Automation 2

Basic 3/5 Basic 3/5

Per Piece .......................................................................................................................... $0.100 $0.048 $0.076 $0.024

Per Pound (includes entry discount if applicable) ............................................................ Plus Plus Plus Plus

None ................................................................................................................................. $0.455 $0.455 $0.455 $0.455

DBMC ............................................................................................................................... 0.393 0.393 0.393 0.393

DSCF ................................................................................................................................ 0.367 0.367 0.367 0.367

DDU .................................................................................................................................. .................... .................... .................... ....................

1Each piece is subject to both a piece rate and a pound rate.

2Available only for automation-compatible flats.

[Redesignate 6.0 through 11.0 as 7.0

through 12.0, respectively, with no

change in text; add new 6.0 to read as

follows:]

6.0 NONPROFIT ENHANCED

CARRIER ROUTE

6.1 Letter-Size Minimum Per Piece

Rates—Pieces 0.2087 lb. (3.3384 oz.) or

Less

Entry discount

Nonautomation Automation 1

Basic High

density Saturation Basic

None ................................................................................................................................. $0.087 $0.081 $0.075 $0.079

DBMC ............................................................................................................................... 0.074 0.068 0.062 0.066

DSCF ................................................................................................................................ 0.069 0.063 0.057 0.061

DDU .................................................................................................................................. 0.063 0.057 0.051 0.055

1Pieces weighing over 3 ounces subject to additional standards.
32616 Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 122 / Monday, June 24, 1996 / Proposed Rules

6.2 Nonletter-Size Minimum Per Piece

Rates—Pieces 0.2087 lb. (3.3384 oz.) or

Less

Entry

discount Basic Highdensity

Saturation

None ...... $0.095 $0.088 $0.082

DBMC .... 0.082 0.075 0.069

DSCF ..... 0.077 0.070 0.064

DDU ....... 0.071 0.064 0.058

6.3 Piece/Pound Rates—Pieces More

Than 0.2087 lb. (3.3384 oz.)

Piece/

pound

rate 1

Basic High

density

Saturation

Per Piece $0.013 $0.006 $0.000

Per

Pound

(includes

entry

discount if

applicable) Plus Plus Plus

None ...... $0.393 $0.393 $0.393

DBMC .... 0.331 0.331 0.331

Piece/

pound

rate 1

Basic High

density

Saturation

DSCF ..... 0.305 0.305 0.305

DDU ....... 0.279 0.279 0.279

1Each piece is subject to both a piece rate

and a pound rate.

* * * * *

An appropriate amendment to 39 CFR

111.3 to reflect these changes will be

published if the proposal is adopted.

Stanley F. Mires,

Chief Counsel, Legislative.

[FR Doc. 96–16026 Filed 6–21–96; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 7710–12–P