Federal Register, Volume 59 Issue 134 (Thursday, July 14, 1994)

[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 134 (Thursday, July 14, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-17105]

[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: July 14, 1994]

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POSTAL SERVICE

39 CFR Part 111

Revisions to Weight and Preparation Standards for Barcoded Letter
Mail

AGENCY: Postal Service.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Postal Service proposes to amend its regulations to
increase temporarily the maximum weight of barcoded mailpieces
acceptable at Barcoded letter rates for test purposes, subject to
additional preparation standards.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before August 29, 1994.

ADDRESSES: Written comments should be directed to Manager, Customer
Mail Preparation, USPS Headquarters, 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW, Washington,
DC 20260-2401. 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 5621 at the above address.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Anthony M. Pajunas, (202) 268-3669.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: For a period of up to 1 year, the U.S.
Postal Service (USPS) proposes conducting a live test of barcoded
letters weighing between 3.0 and 3.3067 ounces (for third-class regular
rate) and 3.0 and 3.3363 ounces (for first- and second-class and third-
class nonprofit rate).
Since implementing the current Barcoded rates for letter-size mail
in February 1991, the USPS has been engaged in reassessing the
eligibility criteria for those rates in order to increase mailer
participation in barcoding. Initially, the maximum weight for all
automation-rate letters (ZIP+4 and Barcoded rates) was set at 2.5
ounces based on engineering tests. In response to mailer concerns that
this weight limit presented a major barrier to mailer participation in
the USPS barcoding program, the USPS and mailing industry
representatives formed a working group to examine whether the 2.5-ounce
weight limit could be relaxed. This issue was successfully resolved by
increasing the maximum weight for Barcoded rate mailpieces to 3.0
ounces. (The limit for ZIP+4 rate mail remained at 2.5 ounces based on
the different capabilities of the optical character reader (OCR)
equipment used to process that mail.)
Recently, a segment of the third-class mailing industry has
indicated that its participation in automation would increase if the
weight limit for barcoded letters were raised once again. With the
implementation of automated processing using a delivery point barcode,
the USPS believes that now may be the time to explore new opportunities
for both mailers and the USPS by which additional benefits may be
derived from automation, because, in a delivery point barcode
environment, it is essential that all non-carrier-route presort letter-
size mail be barcoded as early in the processing stream as possible.
When the USPS moved to a mechanized environment for processing
mail, it gained experience over a 20-year period in determining which
types of mail could be efficiently processed on multiposition letter
sorting machines (MPLSMs). Initially, heavier pieces were excluded from
MPLSM processing, but as experience was gained with the equipment,
modifications were adopted that allowed the equipment to process a
larger percentage of letter-size mail. Similarly, the USPS believes
that it may now have an opportunity to process more letter-size mail on
automated equipment by including heavier letter-size mailpieces, even
though the candidate volume is small.
Preliminary testing of pieces weighing between 3 and 4 ounces
indicated that the USPS may benefit from raising the maximum weight for
barcoded letters from 3.0 to 3.3 ounces. Currently, the majority of
these heavier-weight pieces are processed on mechanization or manually
and never receive a delivery point barcode. Thus, even though the
processing of 3.3-ounce letter-size barcoded mail on barcode sorters
resulted, when tested, in lower throughput on automation than with
lighter pieces, the USPS believes that any decrease in barcode sorter
efficiency will likely be offset by other processing gains due to
moving this mail into the delivery point sequence (DPS) mailstream--
thereby avoiding numerous handlings through mechanization, manual
sorting, and manual carrier casing, that must now be incurred.
However, USPS preliminary testing also revealed that some
additional preparation restrictions would need to be imposed on 3.3-
ounce pieces for this mail to be handled effectively on automation.
When these heavier barcoded pieces were tested, USPS barcode sorters
were unable to read barcodes located in the lower right barcode clear
zone because of distortion caused by the edge curvature of thicker
pieces. Accordingly, pieces could only be processed effectively when
the barcode was located in the address block.
In addition, USPS preliminary testing indicated a higher potential
for damage to pieces weighing more than 3.0 ounces, particularly in the
case of pieces with an open address window. Damage problems were
magnified as the thickness of the piece increased. Based on these
results, the USPS does not believe that it can effectively process
barcoded pieces weighing over 3.0 ounces if they have open (i.e.,
uncovered) windows.
Finally, the USPS has concluded that, if pieces weighing more than
3.0 ounces are to be included in a Barcoded rate mailing, that mailing
must be 100 percent delivery point barcoded because these heavier
pieces cannot be processed on optical character readers to have
barcodes applied.
Given the preliminary results described above, the USPS has
determined that further testing of heavier barcoded pieces is warranted
in hopes that it can eliminate or reduce the separate manual/mechanized
letter stream that runs parallel to the delivery point barcode and
carrier route presort mailstreams. To that end, the USPS proposes to
examine the impacts on mail processing from heavier barcoded letters in
a ``live mail'' environment, including the benefits of giving this mail
to the carrier in delivery point sequence so that it does not require
manual casing.
Accordingly, the USPS proposes to increase temporarily the maximum
weight for Barcoded rate letter-size mailpieces from 3.0 to 3.3363
ounces (or 3.3067 ounces for pieces mailed at regular bulk third-class
rates). Although the engineering tests suggested a maximum weight of
3.3 ounces, the USPS is setting the maximum weight for purposes of this
test at 3.3363 ounces based on the current ``break point'' between
nonprofit bulk third-class minimum per-piece rates and the two-part
piece/pound rates. If the maximum weight were set at 3.3 ounces, a
small amount of letter-size minimum per-piece rate mail would be
excluded (by an almost immeasurable weight) from the rates otherwise
available to letter mail. To avoid the potential administrative
complications of this situation, the ``break point'' was chosen as the
maximum weight. For simplicity and consistency, the maximum weight for
first- and second-class barcoded letter mail is also set at 3.3363
ounces. For regular bulk third-class rate letter mail only, the maximum
is set at 3.3067 ounces, which is its ``break point.'' The decision to
align the maximum weight for barcoded mail with the ``break point'' at
this time is based on the current proximity of the two values and the
consequent opportunity to avoid an otherwise potentially burdensome and
confusing administrative problem. If the proposed test or changes in
the ``break point'' indicate that this alignment is not in the best
interest of the USPS, the maximum weight will be adjusted accordingly.
In addition to meeting all other applicable Domestic Mail Manual
(DMM) standards, barcoded mailpieces claimed at Barcoded rates, and
that weigh between 3.0 and 3.3363 ounces, must:
(1) Be part of a mailing that is 100 percent delivery point
barcoded.
(2) Bear barcodes placed in the address block.
(3) Be in envelopes that have no open windows.
(4) Not be bound or have stiff enclosures.
Upon adoption of this proposal as an interim rule, the USPS will
initiate a test period of up to 1 year for processing heavy letters and
evaluating the results of that test to determine whether permanent
adoption of an increased weight for barcoded mail is in the best
interests of the USPS and its affected customers.
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 USPS 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, 3626, 5001.

2. Revise the Domestic Mail Manual as noted below:

C810 Letters and Cards

1.0 GENERAL DIMENSIONS
* * * * *

1.5 Barcoded

The weight of each piece in a Barcoded rate mailing must not exceed
3 ounces, except that until [6 months after the beginning of the test],
the maximum weight is 3.3363 ounces (or 3.3067 ounces if mailed at
regular bulk third-class rates).

1.6 Heavy Letter Mail

Heavy letter mail (pieces weighing more than 3 ounces) must be
prepared in an envelope and must meet the additional barcoding
standards in C840.
2.0 PROHIBITIONS
* * * * *

2.3 Heavy Letter Mail

Heavy letter mail (as defined in 1.6) may not be prepared as a
self-mailer or bound or booklet-type mailpiece.
* * * * *

C840 Barcoded Mailpieces

* * * * *
2.0 BARCODE LOCATION
* * * * *

2.2 Letter-Size Barcoded Rate Mailings

Except for pieces subject to 2.3, pieces may bear a DPBC within
either the address block or the barcode clear zone in the lower right
corner of the address side. * * * [Renumber existing 2.3 through 2.10
as 2.4 through 2.11, respectively; add new 2.3, and revise renumbered
2.9, as follows:]

2.3 Heavy Letter Mail

Heavy letter mail (letter-size pieces weighing more than 3 ounces
up to the maximum weight for barcoded pieces) must bear a DPBC in the
address block, subject to 2.9.
* * * * *

2.9 Placement in Address Block

* * * * *
d. [Replace the last sentence with the following:] Address block
windows on heavy letter mail (as defined in 2.3) must be covered; such
windows may be covered on other mail. Covers for address block windows
are subject to 6.3.
* * * * *
6.0 ADDITIONAL STANDARDS FOR WINDOWS (LETTER-SIZE MAIL)
* * * * *

6.2 Window Construction

Barcode windows must extend fully to the lower edge of the
envelopes, must be of wraparound construction, and must be covered
subject to 6.3.

6.3 Window Covers

Window covers must be a nontinted clear or transparent material
(e.g., cellophane or polystyrene), whose edges are securely glued to
the envelope, and that permits the barcode and its background, as
viewed through the window material, to meet the reflectance standards
in 4.0.
* * * * *

E144 Barcoded Rate (Letters and Cards)

1.0 BASIC STANDARDS
* * * * *

1.2 Rate Application

* * * * *
c. Meets the applicable standards in 1.3 through 1.8.

1.3 Barcode Window

A mailpiece weighing 3 ounces or less, meeting the standards in 1.1
and 1.2, but with a barcode window in the lower right corner, may be
eligible for Barcoded rates only if the correct delivery point barcode
appears through the window.

1.4 5-Digit Barcodes

Subject to 1.8, barcoded rate mailings may include pieces with
correct 5-digit barcodes if those pieces meet the standards in 1.1 and
the standards for 5-digit barcodes in C840. * * *

1.5 ZIP+4 Barcodes

Subject to 1.8, barcoded rate mailings may include pieces with
correct ZIP+4 barcodes if those pieces meet the standards in 1.1 and
the standards for ZIP+4 barcodes in C840. * * *

1.6 85% Rule

Subject to 1.8, at least 85% of all pieces in a Barcoded rate
mailing (regardless of presort or rate) must bear the correct delivery
point barcode for the delivery address, as defined by the standards for
address quality and coding accuracy in A950. * * *
* * * * *

1.8 100% Barcoding

Each piece must bear the correct delivery point barcode:
a. In 5-digit trays in a tray-based mailing under M814.
b. In 5-digit packages in a package-based mailing under M815 or
M816.
c. In any mailing containing heavy letters (as defined in C810).
* * * * *

E244 Barcoded Discounts (Letter-Size Pieces)

1.0 BASIC STANDARDS
* * * * *

1.2 Rate Application

* * * * *
c. Meets the applicable standards in 1.3 through 1.8.
* * * * *

1.3 Barcode Window

1.4 5-Digit Barcodes

Subject to 1.8, barcoded rate mailings may include pieces with
correct 5-digit barcodes if those pieces meet the standards in 1.1 and
the standards for 5-digit barcodes in C840. * * *

1.5 ZIP+4 Barcodes

Subject to 1.8, barcoded rate mailings may include pieces with
correct ZIP+4 barcodes if those pieces meet the standards in 1.1 and
the standards for ZIP+4 barcodes in C840. * * *

1.6 85% Rule

1.8 100% Barcoding

E344 Barcoded Discounts (Letter-Size Pieces)

1.0 BASIC STANDARDS
* * * * *

1.2 Rate Application

* * * * *
c. Meets the applicable standards in 1.3 through 1.8.
* * * * *

1.3 Barcode Window

A mailpiece weighing 3 ounces or less, meeting the standards in 1.1
and 1.2, but with a barcode window in the lower right corner, may be
eligible for the Barcoded rates only if the correct delivery point
barcode appears through the window.

1.4 5-Digit Barcodes

Subject to 1.8, barcoded rate mailings may include pieces with
correct 5-digit barcodes if those pieces meet the standards in 1.1 and
the standards for 5-digit barcodes in C840. * * *

1.5 ZIP+4 Barcodes

Subject to 1.8, barcoded rate mailings may include pieces with
correct ZIP+4 barcodes if those pieces meet the standards in 1.1 and
the standards for ZIP+4 barcodes in C840. * * *

1.6 85% Rule

1.8 100% Barcoding

R100 First-Class Mail

* * * * *

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Weight not over (ounces) Presorted 3-digit barcoded Presorted 5-digit barcoded
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * * * *
4 [ounces]................ $0.887................................... $0.881
(Weight not to exceed 3.3363 ounces.) (Weight not to exceed 3.3363 ounces.)

* * * * * * *
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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. 94-17105 Filed 7-13-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7710-12-P