[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 68 (Friday, April 8, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-8445]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: April 8, 1994]


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POSTAL SERVICE

39 CFR Part 111

 

Revisions to Standards for Detached Address Cards

AGENCY: Postal Service.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: The Postal Service proposes changes in the Domestic Mail 
Manual (DMM) standards concerning use of detached address cards (DACs). 
The proposed revisions are intended to standardize the rules for the 
different uses of DACs (second-, third-, and fourth-class flats, and 
third-class merchandise samples).

DATES: Comments must be received by May 23, 1994.

ADDRESSES: Written comments should be mailed or delivered to Manager, 
Mailing Standards, USPS Headquarters, 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW., 
Washington, DC 20260-2419. Copies of all written comments will be 
available for inspection and photocopying between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, in Room 5610 at the above address.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Leo F. Raymond, (202) 268-5199.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The proposed changes to Domestic Mail Manual 
(DMM) standards described below arose from suggestions presented during 
the 1993 DMM redesign project.
    In previous issues of the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM), the 
regulations for each class of mail were presented in separate chapters, 
and topics that were present in two or more chapters appeared in 
essentially duplicate form. When combined into subject-based modules in 
DMM 47, differences between the classes' rules for the same services or 
mailing methods became apparent, and these instances were identified 
for eventual revision to eliminate the regulatory complexity and 
confusion for DMM readers that consequently existed. Among those where 
this situation occurred were the standards in A060 for detached address 
cards (DACs). The revisions below propose to eliminate as much as 
possible the distinctions between how second-, third-, and fourth-class 
flats, and third-class merchandise samples can each be mailed using 
DACs. This proposal does not introduce significantly new requirements 
or options for existing uses (other than occurs from standardization 
across classes), nor does it permit new uses of DACs.
    To avoid wordiness, the term item is used instead of second-class 
flat, third-class flat or merchandise sample, or fourth-class bound 
printed matter when discussing that which is distributed with the DAC.
    Existing part 1.0 is reorganized to present an overview of the uses 
of DACs; basic instructions formerly contained in 1.0 have been 
relocated elsewhere. New section 1.1 establishes a clear definition of 
``saturation'' in the context of DAC use as opposed to its definition 
for purposes of other standards. It also makes clear that alternative 
addressing formats can be used for DAC mailings when otherwise 
available.
    Revised part 2.0 remains focused on the standards for preparation 
of the DACs themselves. Most changes involve rewording and 
reorganization of material. The most significant revisions propose 
consistent information for the recipient on all DACs. A notice, which 
reads ``USPS regulations require that this address card be delivered 
with its accompanying postage-paid mail. If you should receive this 
card without its accompanying mail, please notify your local 
postmaster.'' is currently required on DACs used with second- or third-
class matter; other information describing the material being 
distributed with the DAC is required only for third-class samples; and 
existing standards for second- and third-class prohibit the presence on 
the address side of the DAC of anything other than the information 
required above, postage, and matter provided by the National Center for 
Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). The Postal Service believes 
that the use of DACs is simpler and more consistent for the mailer when 
the standards for the information that must or may appear on them is 
the same regardless of the class of mail to be used. Similarly, the 
Postal Service believes that the interests of the recipient are better 
served when this information is provided uniformly regardless of what 
is mailed with a DAC. Therefore, this revision would require all DACs 
to bear the italicized notice cited above as well as the title or brand 
name of the item accompanying the DAC, and would limit other content to 
the postage indicium, NCMEC material, and other required information.
    Existing parts 3.0 and 4.0, which contain class-specific 
information, are replaced, respectively, with information about 
preparing a DAC mailing and the disposition of excess or undeliverable 
DACs or items. Part 3.0, which contains existing standards relocated 
from other current locations, standardizes the content of the label on 
the package of DACs or the carton or pallet of items. Existing 
standards are somewhat different for each. Part 4.0 proposes consistent 
standards for handling excess or undeliverable DACs and items, 
regardless of class. DAC mailers should note that the proposed rule 
states that undeliverable DAC material would be handled exclusively as 
prescribed under 4.0 (rather than under the standards in F010), and 
that the ancillary service endorsements otherwise required by F010 are 
neither required nor permitted for DAC matter. Generally, under the 
proposed rule, the mailer would be obligated to inform the delivery 
office if notice is required concerning excess or undeliverable DACs or 
items; other mailer actions would be required following such notice. 
Absent any request, undeliverable or excess DACs or items would be 
disposed of as waste. Existing standards are inconsistent in discussing 
excess or undeliverable DACs or items and the treatment available for 
each. As with the information requirements above, the Postal Service 
believes that mailers' use of DACs and their ability to understand the 
corresponding standards are improved by making those standards uniform 
regardless of class. To the extent that such standardization causes 
consistent rules to apply where none now exists, or where differences 
now exist, the Postal Service does not believe that they are burdens to 
the mailer that are more significant than the benefits of simpler, 
consistent procedures for mailing.
    As in the existing standards, part 5.0 discusses postage payment. 
Revisions to this part are basically organizational.
    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.

List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 111

    Postal Service.

PART 111--[AMENDED]

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

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 552(a); 39 U.S.C. 101, 401, 403, 404, 3001-
3011, 3201-3219, 3403-3406, 3621, 5001.

    2. Replace Domestic Mail Manual A060 with the following:

A060  Detached Address Cards

1.0  USE

1.1  Second- or Third-Class Flats

    Saturation mailings of unaddressed second- or third-class flats may 
be mailed with detached address cards (DACs) (labels). For purposes of 
this standard, a saturation mailing is one sent to at least 75% of the 
total addresses within each carrier route or 90% of the residential 
addresses within the route, whichever is less. Deliveries are not 
required to every carrier route of a delivery unit.

1.2  Third-Class Merchandise Samples

    Merchandise samples more than 5 inches wide (high) or \1/4\ inch 
thick, or nonuniform in thickness, mailed at bulk third-class rates for 
general distribution on city delivery routes, must be mailed with DACs. 
For this standard, ``general distribution'' means distribution of 
samples to at least 25% of the addresses in a 5-digit ZIP Code delivery 
area. Merchandise samples may be mailed with DACs for general 
distribution on other routes (e.g., rural routes) and for the residual 
portion of a general distribution mailing (i.e., those 5-digit delivery 
areas for which samples are prepared to less than 25% of the 
addresses).

1.3  Fourth-Class Bound Printed Matter

    DACs may also be used to mail unaddressed pieces of bound printed 
matter for delivery in the local zone of the post office of mailing.

1.4  Alternative Address Formats

    The addresses on DACs may be prepared using an alternative address 
format, subject to the applicable eligibility, volume, density, and 
preparation standards.

1.5  Definition

    For purposes of the standards below, the term ``item[s]'' refers 
inclusively to the types of mail described in 1.1 through 1.3.
2.0  PREPARING DETACHED ADDRESS CARDS

2.1  Construction

    Each DAC must be made of paper or cardboard stock that is not 
folded, perforated, or creased, and that is:

    a. Between 3\1/2\ and 5 inches high (perpendicular to the 
address label).
    b. Between 5 and 9 inches long (parallel to the address label).
    c. At least 0.007 inch thick.

2.2  Addressing

    The address for each item must be placed on a DAC, parallel to the 
longest dimension of the DAC, and may not appear on the item it 
accompanies. The DAC must contain the recipient's delivery address and 
the mailer's return address. A ZIP+4 code or 5-digit ZIP Code is 
required unless an alternative address format is used. The delivery 
address may include the correct delivery point barcode.

2.3  Ratio

    Only one DAC may be prepared for each accompanying item, and only 
one item may be identified for delivery per DAC (i.e., one DAC may not 
be prepared to deliver with one each of multiple different accompanying 
items or with multiples of the same item).

2.4  Required Information

    The following words must appear in bold type at least \1/8\ inch 
high on the front of each DAC: ``USPS regulations require that this 
address card be delivered with its accompanying postage-paid mail. If 
you should receive this card without its accompanying mail, please 
notify your local postmaster.'' The title or brand name of the item (or 
equivalent identifying information, which may include an illustration 
of the item) must also appear on the front or back of the DAC to 
associate it with the accompanying item.

2.5  Other Information

    Nothing may appear on the front of a DAC except the information 
described above, an indicium of postage payment, and official pictures 
and data circulated by the National Center for Missing and Exploited 
Children. Ancillary service endorsements are not permitted; 
undeliverable material is treated under 4.0.
30.  PREPARING THE MAILING

3.1  Notice to Delivery Office

    Each delivery office to receive a DAC mailing must be notified in 
writing at least 10 days in advance of the requested delivery period. A 
copy of that letter must be enclosed with the DACs to the corresponding 
destination. The letter must show:

    a. Name and telephone number of mailer or representative.
    b. Origin post office of mailing.
    c. Expected mailing date.
    d. Description of mailing.
    e. Number of addressees for each 5-digit ZIP Code.
    f. Number of DACs per carton or package.
    g. Number of items per carton or package.
    h. Expected delivery period (range of dates).
    i. Requested disposition of any excess or undeliverable DACs or 
items (see 4.0).

3.2  Preparing the DACs

    The DACs must be presorted, counted, and packaged by 5-digit ZIP 
Code delivery area. DAC mailings claimed at carrier route or walk-
sequence rates must be further prepared under the corresponding 
standards. Each package of DACs must bear a label showing the 
information in 3.4. Multiple containers of DACs must be numbered 
sequentially (1 of ____, 2 of ____, etc.).

3.3  Items

    Subject to the standards applicable to the rate claimed, items to 
be distributed with the DACs must be placed in full cartons or prepared 
in packages placed in sacks or on pallets; a label bearing the content 
description information in 3.4 must be affixed to each carton, package, 
or pallet. Containers of items (including those on pallets) must not 
weigh more than 40 pounds each.

3.4  Label Information

    Sacks, cartons, or pallets of DAC mail must be labeled under the 
preparation standards applicable to the rate claimed. Subject to 3.2 or 
3.3, another label must be affixed to each carton, package, or pallet 
to provide this information:

    a. Delivery post office name and 5-digit ZIP Code delivery area.
    b. Title, brand name, or other description of the items.
    c. Name and telephone number of the mailer or representative.
    d. Number of cards in the package, or items in the carton (or 
package), as applicable.
    e. Instructions to open and distribute either the DACs with 
matching items or the items with matching DACs, as appropriate.

3.5  Bound Printed Matter

    Bound printed matter distributed with DACs must be deposited at the 
acceptance point specified by the postmaster. Local zone rates are 
available subject to G030.

3.6  Mailing Statement

    The mailer must complete and provide the appropriate mailing 
statement with each mailing.

3.7  Available Rates

    Mailings prepared with DACs are not eligible for any automation 
rate, but may qualify for carrier route or walk-sequence rates subject 
to the applicable standards.
4.0  DISPOSITION OF EXCESS OR UNDELIVERABLE MATERIAL

4.1  Mailer Request

    If requested by the mailer in the letter required under 3.1, the 
delivery office notifies the mailer (or representative) of excess or 
undeliverable material, as follows:

    a. In case of excess DACs, additional items must be supplied to 
the delivery office within 15 days or the excess DACs are returned 
to the mailer at the third-class single-piece rate.
    b. In case of excess or undeliverable items, they are returned 
to (or picked up by) the mailer or disposed of as waste by the USPS, 
based on the mailer's instructions. If the mailer picks up any 
excess or undeliverable items, there is no charge if the mailer does 
so within 15 days of being notified. After that time, the material 
is returned to the mailer with postage due at the applicable single-
piece rate.
    c. DACs with incorrect, nonexistent, or otherwise undeliverable 
addresses, which are not handled under the standards in F010, but 
are corrected or endorsed to show why they are undeliverable, placed 
in an envelope, and returned ``postage due'' to the mailer.

4.2  No Request

    If the mailer has not requested notification of excess or 
undeliverable DACs or items, such material is disposed of as waste by 
the USPS.
5.0  POSTAGE
    Postage is computed based on the combined weight of the item and 
the accompanying DAC. In addition, postage for:

    a. Second-class flats must be prepaid and show a notice of entry 
in the upper right corner of the DAC.
    b. Third-class flats and samples must be paid by permit imprint, 
which appears on each DAC. Postage is computed at the applicable 
nonletter rates.
    c. Bound printed matter must be paid by permit imprint, which 
appears on each DAC.
    d. Excess or undeliverable cards is computed at the applicable 
single-piece third- or fourth-class rate and collected upon their 
return to the mailer. The total amount due for the cards includes 
both the return postage and the applicable address-correction fee 
for each DAC.

    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. 94-8445 Filed 4-7-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7710-12-U