[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