[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 196 (Tuesday, October 8, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 52702-52703]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-25782]
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POSTAL SERVICE
39 CFR Part 111
Mailing Restrictions for Domestic Packages Weighing 16 Ounces or
More
AGENCY: Postal Service.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This final rule sets forth revised Domestic Mail Manual (DMM)
standards adopted by the Postal Service to implement restrictions on
the deposit into collection receptacles of domestic packages weighing
16 ounces (1 pound) or more that bear postage stamps. This final rule
extends provisions previously adopted for similar packages sent to
international and APO/FPO destinations.
EFFECTIVE DATE: August 16, 1996.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: James E. Orlando or William F.
Carleton, (202) 268-4360.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On September 27, 1995, the Postal Service
published a final rule in the Federal Register announcing restrictions
on the mailing of packages weighing 16 ounces or more to international
and APO/FPO destinations (60 FR 49755-49758). These restrictions were
promulgated to enhance airline security measures and to protect the
traveling public, postal employees, and postal contractors who
transport U.S. mail. The Postal Service developed these changes in
package collection procedures in consultation with the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA).
The Postal Service has now determined, for the same reasons, to
extend similar restrictions to packages that are deposited into
collection receptacles and mailed to domestic addresses. These added
provisions will affect only First-Class/Priority Mail packages weighing
16 ounces or more that bear postage stamps and that are mailed from
domestic addresses. These new restrictions do not affect Express Mail,
Periodicals (former second-class mail), or Standard Mail (B) (former
fourth-class mail) at any weight up to the maximum of 70 pounds; any
item weighing less than 16 ounces; and any package, regardless of
weight, for which postage is paid with a postage meter or a permit
imprint.
Under the revised standards set forth below, domestic First-Class/
Priority Mail packages bearing postage stamps and weighing 16 ounces or
more may not be deposited into collection receptacles, including
street, lobby, and apartment boxes, or left in rural mailboxes.
Instead, these packages must be presented by the sender at the local
post office. A sender known to a Postal Service delivery employee may
also give such packages to a city, rural, or highway contract letter
carrier.
Any affected package weighing 16 ounces or more that requires air
transportation and that is deposited into a collection receptacle will
be returned to the sender with a note asking the sender to present the
package personally at the local post office or to a city, rural, or
highway contract letter carrier if the sender is known to the carrier.
Postage on an item improperly deposited into a collection receptacle
may be used when the item is remailed at the post office. A sender who
does not wish to remail a returned item may apply for a postage refund
for the item at any post office. Any piece without a return address
will be sent to a Postal Service mail recovery center to determine the
identity of the sender for appropriate return.
These changes will remain in effect until further notice. For most
consumers and businesses, there should be little impact because the
Postal Service believes that less than one percent of its package
volume is in the affected
[[Page 52703]]
categories. Although some customers may view these changes as an
inconvenience, the Postal Service believes that the increased security
these additional procedures may bring about outweigh their negative
impact. In addition, as discussed above, customers will retain the
opportunity to obtain a full range of package services at their local
post offices or from their rural letter carriers. In view of these
factors, the Postal Service has determined that this change to its
regulations is primarily a matter of internal practice and procedures
that will not substantially affect the rights or obligations of private
parties. Moreover, because of the need to act expeditiously in this
matter to protect the safety of the public and postal employees and
contractors, the Postal Service has determined that the notice and
public comment procedure on this change would be impracticable and
inconsistent with the public interest and that this change should take
effect immediately.
List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 111
Postal Service.
For the reasons discussed above, the Postal Service hereby adopts
the following amendments to the Domestic Mail Manual, which is
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.
2. Revise the following sections of the Domestic Mail Manual as set
forth below:
D DEPOSIT, COLLECTION, AND DELIVERY
* * * * *
D100 First-Class Mail
* * * * *
2.0 MAIL DEPOSIT
[Revise 2.1 and 2.3 and add new 2.6 to read as follows:]
2.1 Single-Piece and Card Rates
Single-piece rate and card rate First-Class Mail, and single-
piece rate Priority Mail weighing less than 16 ounces, may be
deposited into any collection box, mailchute, or mail receptacle or
at any place where mail is accepted if the full required postage is
paid with adhesive stamps. Metered mail must be deposited in
locations under the jurisdiction of the licensing post office,
except as permitted under P030. Permit imprint mail must be
presented at a post office under P040 or P700.
* * * * *
2.3 Zoned Rate Priority Mail
Unless restricted by 2.6, pickup service for Priority Mail is
available under D010. Single-piece rate Priority Mail paid with
adhesive stamps and weighing 16 ounces or more must be presented at
a post office retail counter or handed to a postal carrier as
prescribed by 2.6. Metered mail must be deposited in locations under
the jurisdiction of the licensing post office, except as permitted
under P030. Permit imprint mail must be presented at a post office
under P040 or P700.
* * * * *
2.6 Restriction
Single-piece rate Priority Mail weighing 16 ounces or more must
be presented at a post office retail counter if postage is paid with
adhesive stamps. The sender may be required to provide
identification before the mail is accepted by the USPS. Such mail
may be presented by a sender known to the postal carrier at the
sender's residence or place of business. Priority Mail weighing 16
ounces or more and not complying with the requirements of this
section is returned to the sender for proper deposit.
* * * * *
E ELIGIBILITY
E000 Special Eligibility Standards
E010 Overseas Military Mail
1.0 BASIC INFORMATION
* * * * *
[Add new 1.7 to read as follows:]
1.7 Restriction
Regardless of postage payment method, the following types of
mail weighing 16 ounces or more must be presented at a post office
retail counter: all single-piece rate Priority Mail; all single-
piece rate Parcel Post, Bound Printed Matter, and Special Standard
Mail; and all Library Mail. The sender may be required to provide
identification before the mail is accepted by the USPS. Such mail
may be presented by a sender known to the postal carrier at the
sender's residence or place of business. Mail not complying with the
requirements of this section and requiring air transportation is
returned to the sender for proper deposit.
* * * * *
Stanley F. Mires,
Chief Counsel, Legislative.
[FR Doc. 96-25782 Filed 10-7-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7710-12-P