[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 236 (Friday, December 6, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 64618-64622]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-31116]


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POSTAL SERVICE

39 CFR Part 111


Domestic Mail Manual; Miscellaneous Amendments

AGENCY: Postal Service.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This document describes the numerous amendments consolidated 
in the Transmittal Letter for Issue 51 of the Domestic Mail Manual, 
which is incorporated by reference in the Code of Federal Regulations, 
see 39 CFR 111.1. These amendments reflect changes in mail preparation 
requirements and miscellaneous other rules and regulations.

EFFECTIVE DATE: January 1, 1997.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Neil Berger, (202) 268-2859.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The DMM, incorporated by reference in title 
39, Code of Federal Regulations, part 111, contains the basic standards 
of the U.S. Postal Service governing its domestic mail services; 
descriptions of the mail classes and special services and conditions 
governing their use; and standards for rate eligibility and mail 
preparation. The document is amended and republished about every 6 
months, with each issue sequentially numbered.
    DMM Issue 51, the next edition of the DMM, is scheduled for release 
on January 1, 1997. That issue will contain substantive changes to mail 
preparation standards and mail classification for nonprofit rate 
categories for Periodicals and Nonprofit Standard Mail. These standards 
were published on August 15, 1996, in the Federal Register (61 FR 
42478-42489), as approved on August 6, 1996, by the USPS to implement 
the Decision of the Governors of the Postal Service in Postal Rate 
Commission Docket No. MC96-2, Classification Reform II. Those standards 
took effect at 12:01 a.m., October 6, 1996, aligning the preparation 
rules adopted on July 1 for commercial mail with those for nonprofit 
mail.
    The following excerpt from section I010, Summary of Changes, of the 
transmittal for DMM Issue 51 covers the minor changes not previously 
described in that final rule or in other interim or final rules 
published in the Federal Register. In addition, the revised contents of 
DMM Issue 51 are also presented.

Domestic Mail Manual Issue 51 Summary of Changes

Address Adjustments

    F010.2.0 clarifies the policy for delivery and address list 
correction services provided to mailers who send mail to addresses 
converted by the USPS. Such mail is delivered to the correct locations 
for 1 year from the date when the converted addresses appear in the 
bimonthly USPS Address Information System (AIS) products. For up to 3 
years after the conversion date, postmasters must provide manual galley 
list corrections. Effective October 1, 1996 (PB 21929 (9-26-96)).

Automation Flats Length

    C820.2.3b(2) decreases from 6 to 5\3/8\ inches the required length 
for pieces claimed at automation rates for flats if the pieces are not 
more than 7\1/2\ inches

[[Page 64619]]

high. Effective July 1, 1996 (PB 21922 (6-20-96)). The expiration date 
for this exception is extended through June 30, 1997. Effective October 
1, 1996 (PB 21929 (9-26-96)).

Bound Printed Matter

    M630.2.6d shows that the ADC sortation for Bound Printed Matter is 
required, not optional as printed in DMM Issue 50. Effective July 1, 
1996 (PB 21923 (7-4-96)).

Carrier Route Mail--Hard Copy CRIS Files

    E230.2.1 and E630.2.4 provide an option for assigning carrier route 
codes to nonautomation carrier route mail by using hard copy Carrier 
Route Information System (CRIS) files for assigning these codes within 
90 days before the mailing date. Additional matching against the USPS 
ZIP+4 database with software certified by the Coding Accuracy Support 
System (CASS) is not required when this optional method is used for 
assigning carrier codes. Effective October 1, 1996 (PB 21929 (9-26-
96)).

Carrier Route Mail--Simplified Addressing

    E140.1.4, E231.2.1 (renumbered as 230.2.1), E632.1.4 (E630.2.4), 
and E641.2.3 (E640.2.3) clarify that mailings prepared with a 
simplified address under A040 are exempt from the standard for use of 
CASS-certified software for carrier route coding. Effective July 1, 
1996 (PB 21923 (7-4-96)).

Collect on Delivery (COD)

    S921.1.2 specifies the availability of COD service for single-piece 
Standard Mail (A) and for all Standard Mail (B). Effective October 1, 
1996 (PB 21929 (9-26-96)).

Content Identifier Codes

    Exhibit M032.1.3c adds content identified codes and corresponding 
content identifier names (CINs) for Periodicals and Standard Letters. 
Effective July 1, 1996; mandatory August 17, 1996 (PB 21922 (6-20-96)).

Domestic Mail Definition

    G011.2.0 and S921.1.3 amend the definitions of domestic and 
international mail and update the places to which U.S. domestic mail 
service extends. Effective July 1, 1996 (PB 21922 (6-20-96)).

Editorial Amendments

    A010, A040, A920, A930, C010, C023, C100, C500, C600, C810, D010, 
D020, D042, D072, D100, D910, D920, E060, E110, F010, M072, M500, P023, 
and S020 reflect changes that combine and renumber certain sections. 
Exhibits A010.1.2, A010.2.3, A010.5.1, A920.2.5, A920.2.6, C600.1.2b, 
C810.7.2b, P023.1.8, P023.1.11a, P023.1.11b, and P023.1.12 are removed. 
Effective October 1, 1996 (PB 21928 (9-12-96)).

Express Mail--Adult Fowl

    C022.3.3 and C022.3.4 permit the mailing of adult fowl by Express 
Mail without the condition of available next-day delivery as a 
requirement. Effective October 1, 1996 (PB 21929 (9-26-96)).

Label Dimensions

    M031.2.1c corrects the shortest permitted length for sack labels to 
3.250 inches. M032.2.3d corrects the maximum length for barcoded sack 
labels to 3.375 inches. Effective November 1, 1996 (PB 21931 (10-24-
96)).

Labeling Lists

    L004 includes instructions for ordering labels from the USPS Label 
Printing Center. Effective July 1, 1996 (PB 21922 (6-20-96)). L002, 
L003, L004, L005, L102, L801, L802, and L803 reflect changes in mail 
processing operations. Effective August 1, 1996; mandatory October 6, 
1996 (PB 21925 (8-1-96)). L002, L003, L004, L005, L102, L604, and L801 
reflect changes in mail processing operations. Effective November 21, 
1996; mandatory January 18, 1997 (PB 21933 (11-21-96)).

Marking Standards

    M012.2.1. M130.1.1, M610.2.1e, M620.1.1e, M810.1.3, and M820.1.4 
revise the marking standards for non-carrier route automation rate 
First-Class Mail and Standard Mail (A), nonautomation rate Enhanced 
Carrier Route Standard Mail, and all bulk rate First-Class Mail and 
Standard Mail (A). Effective July 1, 1996 (PB 21922 (6-20-96)).

Metered Mail Preparation

    E130.2.0, E620.1.4, and P030.5.2 remove the packaging requirement 
for letter-size metered mail paid at the single-piece rate for First-
Class Mail or Standard Mail (A) if the mail is placed in a 1-foot or 2-
foot letter tray and can fill at least three-fourths of the tray. For 
single-piece rate metered mail not placed in trays, five or more pieces 
must be faced and prepared as packages. Effective November 1, 1996 (PB 
21931 (10-24-96)).

Military Mail

    E010.2.6 reflects the use of customs forms and acceptance 
procedures for certain military mail. Effective August 16, 1996 (PB 
21920 (5-23-96) and PB 21926 (8-15-96)).

Nonstandard Surcharge

    C100.4.0 and E140.1.6 clarify that the surcharge for nonstandard-
size mail applies to flats weighing 1 ounce or less that are mailed at 
First-Class automation rates and come within the range of dimensions 
specified in C100.4.0. Effective October 1, 1996 (PB 21929 (9-26-96)).

Optional Package Labeling

    M130.2.1a, M200.2.4c, and M610.3.1a clarify that labeling 
nonautomation presorted First-Class Mail, Periodicals, and Standard 
Mail (A) is optional for mail placed in full 5-digit trays. Effective 
November 1, 1996 (PB 21931 (10-24-96)).

Overflow Tray

    M033.2.1j is added to clarify that an overflow tray is permitted 
when the minimum number of pieces required for rate or presort 
eligibility is available but exceeds the capacity of a 2-foot tray. 
Effective July 1, 1996 (PB 21923 (7-4-96)).

Pallets and Manifesting

    M013.1.0, M014.2.0, M031.4.0, M031.5.0, M033.1.0, M033.2.0, 
M041.1.0, M041.3.0, M041.5.0, M041.6.0, M045.4.0, M045.5.0, M630.2.0, 
M630.3.0, P710.2.0, P710.3.0, and P710.4.0 clarify and correct 
standards for palletized and manifested mail. Effective October 1, 1996 
(PB 21928 (9-12-96)).

Parcel Restrictions

    D100.2.1 and D100.2.3 are revised and D100.2.6 is added to restrict 
the mailing of single-piece rate Priority Mail parcels weighing 16 
ounces or more that are paid with adhesive stamps. E010.1.7 is added to 
reflect restrictions on the mailing of all single-piece rate packages 
weighing 16 ounces or more that are addressed to overseas military 
installations, regardless of postage payment method. The affected 
military mail is single-piece rate Parcel Post, Bound Printed Matter, 
and Special Standard Mail; single-piece rate Priority Mail; and all 
Library Mail. The classes and subclasses of mail affected by D100.2.6 
and E010.1.7 must be presented at a post office or handed to a USPS 
delivery employee known to the employee and at the sender's residence 
or place of business. Effective August 16, 1996 (PB 21930 (10-10-96)).

[[Page 64620]]

Periodicals--Additional Entry

    D210.2.2 (redesignated as D210.2.0), D210.4.0, D230.1.0, D230.2.0, 
D230.3.2, D230.3.5, D230.4.2, D230.4.3, D230.4.4, D230.4.7, P200.3.0, 
P750.1.0, P750.2.4, and P750.2.6 amend the additional entry standards 
for Periodicals. Effective August 1, 1996 (PB 21925 (8-1-96)).

Periodicals--Enclosures

    E070.3.2c is removed from E070.3.2 to reconcile the standards in 
that section with DMM C200.3.0 for the dimension of enclosures inserted 
in Periodicals publications. Effective August 1, 1996 (PB 21925 (8-1-
96)).

Periodicals--In-County Rates

    E212.2.0, E270.1.0, and E270.4.0, clarify the advertising standards 
for publications of institutions and societies and the eligibility 
standards for In-County and Nonprofit Preferred periodicals. Effective 
October 1, 1996 (PB 21928 (9-12-96)).

Periodicals--Original Entry

    E213.1.7 removes the requirement to submit two copies each of at 
least four issues of a publication distributed primarily through news 
agents. Effective October 1, 1996 (PB 21928 (9-12-96)).

Periodicals--Previous Issues

    P200.1.8 clarifies how to determine the advertising percentage for 
a mailing consisting in whole or in part of copies of back issues. The 
advertising and nonadvertising percentages of the edition making up the 
bulk of the current issue are to be used for all copies in the combined 
mailing. Effective November 1, 1996 (PB 21930 (10-10-96)).

Periodicals--Sacking

    M200.1.4 clarifies that the exception for preparing packages with 
fewer than six pieces and sacks with as few as one package is an option 
available only for nonletter-size mail. Effective November 1, 1996 (PB 
21931 (10-24-96)).

Plants and Animals

    C022.6.0 and C022.7.0 clarify and add provisions about certain 
statutes (39 U.S.C. 3015 and 18 U.S.C. 1716D) on nonmailable plants, 
plant products, and plant pests; injurious animals; and illegally taken 
fish, wildlife, and plants. D500.1.0, P014.2.0, P014.5.0, and S500.2.0 
clarify that an Express Mail postage refund is not made for a proper 
detention of mail for law enforcement purposes. Effective October 1, 
1996 (PB 21929 (9-26-96)).

Reply Pieces

    C810.8.1, E140.1.5, E241.1.2 (renumbered as E240.1.2), (E641.1.2) 
(E640.1.2), and (E641.2.4 (E640.2.4) clarify that the standards for 
letter-size cards and letters enclosed in automation rate mail apply 
only if those reply pieces are returned to a domestic address. 
Effective July 1, 1996 (PB 21923 (7-4-96)).

Scheme Designation

    M810.2.3c and M810.3.2a clarify that ``SCHEME'' is replaced on Line 
2 of tray labels with the information shown for the destination in 
L002, Column B. Effective July 1, 1996 (PB 21923 (7-4-96)).

Sharps

    C023.10.0 adds the terms etiologic agents and sharps to the heading 
of C023.10.0, which provides standards for mailable medical and 
biological matter. Effective October 1, 1996 (PB 21929 (9-26-96) and PB 
21930 (10-10-96)).

Sortation Levels

    M011.1.2h clarifies that the presort term origin 3-digit(s) can 
include as an option the 3-digit ZIP Code area where the mail is 
entered but not necessarily verified. M011.1.2i clarifies that mail 
prepared on pallets as an SCF sort may include mail for only a single 
3-digit ZIP Code area for the SCF and still be considered an SCF sort. 
Effective November 1, 1996 (PB 21931 (10-24-96)).

Upgradable Mail

    M011.1.4, M130.3.1, M130.3.2a, M610.4.1, M610.4.2a clarify that 
upgradable letter-size pieces prepared under the applicable option for 
First-Class Mail or Standard Mail (A) may not be combined (sorted) with 
nonupgradable pieces or automation rate pieces in the same mailing. 
Effective October 1, 1996 (PB 21929 (9-26-96)).

Zebra Code

    M033.1.4 permits mailers to print the zebra code either as a series 
of vertical marks or as a series of diagonal marks. The zebra code is 
required on all barcoded tray labels used for trays that contain 
automation rate mail. Effective November 1, 1996 (PB 21931 (10-24-96)).

List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 111

    Postal Service.

    In consideration of the foregoing, 39 CFR part 111 is amended as 
set forth below:

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. The table at the end of Sec. 111.3(e) is amended by adding at 
the end thereof a new entry to read as follows:


Sec. 111.3   Amendments to the Domestic Mail Manual.

* * * * *
    (e) * * *

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                                                       Federal Register 
  Transmittal letter for issue           Dated            publication   
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                          *    *    *    *    *                         
51..............................  January 1, 1997...  61 FR [INSERT PAGE
                                                       NUMBER]          
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    3. Section 111.5 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 111.5  Contents of the Domestic Mail Manual.

A000  Basic Addressing

A010  General Addressing Standards
A040  Alternative Addressing Formats
A060  Detached Address Labels (DALs)

A800  Addressing for Automation

A900  Customer Support

A910  Mailing List Services
A920  Addressing Sequencing Services
A930  Other Services
A950  Coding Accuracy Support System (CASS)

C000 General Information

C010  General Mailability Standards
C020  Restricted or Nonmailable Articles and Substances
    C021  Articles and Substances Generally
    C022  Perishables
    C023  Hazardous Matter
    C024  Other Restricted or Nonmailable Matter
C030  Nonmailable Written, Printed, and Graphic Matter
    C031  Written, Printed, and Graphic Matter Generally
    C032  Sexually Oriented Advertisements
    C033  Pandering Advertisements
C050  Mail Processing Categories

C100  First-Class Mail

C200  Periodicals

C500  Express Mail

C600  Standard Mail

C800  Automation-Compatible Mail

C810  Letters and Cards
C820  Flats
C830  OCR Standards
C840  Barcoding Standards

[[Page 64621]]

D000  Basic Information

D010  Pickup Service
D020  Plant Load
D030  Recall of Mail
D040  Delivery of Mail
    D041  Customer Mail Receptacles
    D042  Conditions of Delivery
D070  Drop Shipment
    D071  Express Mail and Priority Mail
    D072  Metered Mail

D100  First-Class Mail

D200  Periodicals

    D210  Basic Information
    D230  Additional Entry

D500  Express Mail

D600  Standard Mail

D900  Other Delivery Services

    D910  Post Office Box Service
    D920  Caller Service
    D930  General Delivery and Firm Holdout

E000  Special Eligibility Standards

    E010  Overseas Military Mail
    E020  Department of State Mail
    E030  Mail Sent by U.S. Armed Forces
    E040  Free Matter for the Blind and Other Handicapped Persons
    E050  Official Mail (Franked)
    E060  Official Mail (Penalty)
    E070  Mixed Classes
    E080  Absentee Balloting Materials

E100  First-Class Mail

    E110  Basic Standards
    E120  Priority Mail
    E130  Nonautomation Rates
    E140  Automation Rates

E200  Periodicals

E210  Basic Standards
E211  All Periodicals
    E212  Qualification Categories
    E213  Periodicals Mailing Privileges
    E214  Reentry
    E215  Copies Not Paid or Requested by Addressee
    E216  Publisher Records
E230  Nonautomation Rates
E240  Automation Rates
E250  Destination Entry
E270  Preferred Periodicals

E500  Express Mail

E600  Standard Mail

E610  Basic Standards
    E611  All Standard Mail
    E612  Additional Standards for Standard Mail (A)
    E613  Additional Standards for Standard Mail (B)
E620  Nonautomation Nonpresort Rates
E630  Nonautomation Presort Rates
E640  Automation Rates
E650  Destination Entry
    E651  Regular, Nonprofit, and Enhanced Carrier Route Standard 
Mail
    E652  Parcel Post
E670  Nonprofit Standard Mail

F000  Basic Services

F010  Basic Information
F020  Forwarding
F030  Address Correction, Address Change, and Return Services

G000  The USPS and Mailing Standards

G010  Basic Business Information
    G011  Post Offices and Postal Services
    G013  Trademarks and Copyrights
G020  Mailing Standards
G030  Postal Zones
G040  Information Resources
    G041  Postal Business Centers
    G042  Rates and Classification Service Centers
    G043  Address List for Correspondence
G090  Experimental Classifications and Rates
    G091  Barcoded Small Parcels

G900  Philatelic Services

L000  General Use

    L002  3-Digit ZIP Code Prefix Matrix
    L003  3-Digit ZIP Code Prefix Groups for 3-Digit Scheme 
Sortation
    L004  3-Digit ZIP Code Prefix Groups for ADC Sortation
    L005  3-Digit ZIP Code Prefix Groups for SCF Sortation

L100  First-Class Mail

    L102  ADCs--Presorted Priority Mail

L600  Standard Mail

    L601  BMCs--Machinable Parcels
    L602  BMCs--DBMC Rates
    L603  ADCs--Irregular Parcels
    L604  Originating ADCs--Irregular Parcels

L800  Automation Rate Mailings

    L801  AADCs--Letter-Size Mailings
    L802  BMC/ASF Entry--Periodicals and Standard Mail (A)
    L803  Non-BMC/ASF Entry--Periodicals and Standard Mail (A)

M000  General Preparation Standards

M010  Mailpieces
    M011  Basic Standards
    M012  Markings and Endorsements
    M013  Optional Endorsement Lines
    M014  Carrier Route Information Lines
M020  Packages and Bundles
M030  Containers
    M031  Labels
    M032  Barcoded Labels
    M033  Sacks and Trays
M040  Pallets
    M041  General Standards
    M045  Palletized Mailings
M050  Delivery Sequence
M070  Mixed Classes
    M071  Basic Information
    M072  Express Mail and Priority Mail Drop Shipment
    M073  Combined Mailings of Standard Mail Machinable Parcels
    M074  Plant Load Mailings

M100  First-Class Mail (Nonautomation)

    M120  Priority Mail
    M130  Presorted First-Class Mail

M200  Periodicals (Nonautomation)

M500  Express Mail

M600  Standard Mail (Nonautomation)

    M610  Single-Piece and Nonautomation Standard Mail (A)
    M620  Enhanced Carrier Route Standard Mail
    M630  Standard Mail (B)

M800  All Automation Mail

    M810  Letter-Size Mail
    M820  Flat-Size Mail

P000  Basic Information

P010  General Standards
    P011  Payment
    P012  Documentation
    P013  Rate Application and Computation
    P014  Refunds and Exchanges
P020  Postage Stamps and Stationery
    P021  Stamped Stationery
    P022  Adhesive Stamps
    P023  Precanceled Stamps
P030  Postage Meters and Meter Stamps
P040  Permit Imprints
P070  Mixed Classes

P100  First-Class Mail

P200  Periodicals

P500  Express Mail

P600  Standard Mail

P700  Special Postage Payment Systems

P710  Manifest Mailing System (MMS)
P720  Optional Procedure (OP) Mailing System
P730  Alternate Mailing Systems (AMS)
P750  Plant-Verified Drop Shipment (PVDS)
P760  Fist-Class or Standard Mail Mailings With Different Payment 
Methods

R000  Stamps and Stationery

R100  First-Class Mail

R200  Periodicals

R500  Express Mail

R600  Standard Mail

R900  Services

S000  Miscellaneous Services

S010  Indemnity Claims
S020  Money Orders and Other Services
S070  Mixed Classes

S500  Special Services for Express Mail

S900  Special Postal Services

S910  Security and Accountability
    S911  Registered Mail
    S912  Certified Mail
    S913  Insured Mail
    S914  Certificate of Mailing
    S915  Return Receipt
    S916  Restricted Delivery
    S917  Return Receipt for Merchandise
S920  Convenience
    S921  Collect on Delivery (COD) Mail
    S922  Business Reply Mail (BRM)
    S923  Merchandise Return Service
S930  Handling

I000  Information

I010  Summary of Changes
I020  References
    1021  Forms Glossary

[[Page 64622]]

    1022  Subject Index
Stanley F. Mires,
Chief Counsel, Legislative.
[FR Doc. 96-31116 Filed 12-5-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7710-12-M