[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 60 (Friday, March 28, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 15056-15066]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-7952]



[[Page 15055]]

_______________________________________________________________________

Part IV





Postal Service





_______________________________________________________________________



39 CFR Part 111



Address Correction Information; Final Rule

  Federal Register / Vol. 62, No. 60 / Friday, March 28, 1997 / Rules 
and Regulations  

[[Page 15056]]



POSTAL SERVICE

39 CFR Part 111


Address Correction Information

AGENCY: Postal Service.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This final rule sets forth the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) 
standards adopted by the Postal Service to change the ancillary service 
endorsements that mailers use to request an addressee's new address and 
to provide the Postal Service with instructions on how to handle 
undeliverable-as-addressed (UAA) mail. These new endorsements provide a 
simpler and more consistent system than the one currently in place.
    Only four endorsements will be available. Endorsements will consist 
of one keyword: ``Address,'' ``Forwarding,'' ``Return,'' or ``Change,'' 
followed by the two words ``Service Requested.'' The endorsements will 
be the same for all classes of mail, but the treatment for each class 
and applicable charges will generally remain the same as the treatment 
under the current system of endorsements.

DATES: This final rule is effective July 1, 1997. Comments as allowed 
herein must be received on or before April 14, 1997.

ADDRESSES: Mail or deliver written comments to the Manager, Address 
Management, U.S. Postal Service, 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW, Room 7431, 
Washington, DC 20260-6802. Copies of all written comments will be 
available at the above address for inspection and photocopying between 
9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rocky Matthews, (202) 268-5790.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On October 10, 1996, the Postal Service 
published for public comment in the Federal Register (61 FR 53280-
53285) a proposed rule to change the ancillary service endorsements 
that mailers use to request an addressee's new address and to provide 
the Postal Service with instructions on how to handle undeliverable-as-
addressed (UAA) mail. This final rule contains the DMM standards 
adopted by the Postal Service. Changes introduced since publication of 
the proposed rule are enumerated in section A. Responses to public 
comments are provided in section B.
    The provision for which comments are solicited is the new standard 
applied to the treatment of unendorsed UAA Single-Piece Standard Mail 
as described in section A.1 and discussed in section B.2 of this 
supplementary information.
    After considering the potential effect of this provision, the 
Postal Service has determined to allow 15 days for public comment. 
First, mailers should have little difficulty evaluating the effect of 
this provision on their operations and preparing comments in a short 
period. Second, the Postal Service wants to ensure that mailers have 
sufficient time after the close of the comment period and publication 
of any possible revision to this final rule to make necessary changes 
to their operations before the July 1, 1997, implementation date. After 
review of the comments received, the Postal Service will modify the 
corresponding standard if such modification is determined to be 
appropriate.

A. Changes and Additions Since Publication of Proposed Rule

    This section identifies additions and changes to the final DMM 
ancillary service endorsements that have been drafted in response to 
comments on the proposed rules.
    1. A fourth ancillary service endorsement, ``Forwarding Service 
Requested,'' is added. For First-Class Mail and Standard Mail (B), the 
optional use of this endorsement ensures that UAA pieces receive the 
same treatment accorded these classes of mail not bearing this or any 
other endorsement. For Standard Mail (A), this endorsement provides for 
the forwarding and return of mail without requiring a separate address 
correction notification.
    2. The ``Change Service Requested'' endorsement is restricted 
within First-Class Mail to electronic Address Change Service (ACS) 
participants only. This restriction is sensible, because it limits this 
service to mailers who are most likely to be familiar with the 
consequences of electing this option--that is, disposal of UAA pieces 
bearing this endorsement. The mailer receives a separate notice of an 
address change or reason for nondelivery.
    3. Unendorsed single-piece rate Standard Mail (A) that is 
undeliverable as addressed will be discarded by the Postal Service. An 
endorsement is required on the piece if forwarding or return is 
desired.

B. Summary of Comments

    The Postal Service received 16 pieces of correspondence offering 
comments on the proposed rule. Respondents included major mailer 
associations, marketing groups, individual publishers, presort bureaus, 
government agencies, and other major mailers. The specific points 
raised in the comments are presented in the following paragraphs.
    Five comments were received regarding the proposed effective date. 
Most of the commenters asked for more time before implementation of the 
new ancillary service endorsements, requesting that the final rules 
become effective no earlier than May 1, 1997. Several commenters 
recommended that the Postal Service consider implementing the change to 
coincide with July 1, 1997, which is the effective date for the 
Classification Reform move update requirement for addresses used on 
presorted and automation First-Class Mail. In response, the Postal 
Service has postponed the effective date of this rulemaking to July 1, 
1997.
    Five commenters stated that by eliminating the option of using the 
endorsement ``Do Not Forward,'' Standard Mail (A) mailers were being 
forced to accept the return of Single-Piece Standard Mail and pay 
postage due. Currently, Single-Piece Standard Mail bearing no 
endorsement is returned to sender; all other Standard Mail (A) without 
an endorsement is neither forwarded nor returned. Two commenters 
suggested that all unendorsed Standard Mail (A) be given the same 
treatment. The Postal Service agrees. The current exception for Single-
Piece Standard Mail is eliminated. All unendorsed Standard Mail (A) 
that is undeliverable as addressed will be discarded by the Postal 
Service. If forwarding or return is desired, Single-Piece Standard Mail 
will have to bear an endorsement.
    Six commenters indicated that by eliminating the option of using 
the endorsement ``Forwarding and Return Postage Guaranteed,'' Standard 
Mail (A) mailers were being forced to receive unwanted address 
correction notices. Several commenters noted that Standard Mail (A), 
unlike the other mail classes, is not provided any forwarding or return 
treatment if it lacks an ancillary service endorsement. In response to 
these comments and concerns, the Postal Service has added ``Forwarding 
Service Requested'' as a fourth ancillary service endorsement. This 
endorsement will replace the current ``Forwarding and Return Postage 
Guaranteed'' endorsement and provide the same treatment.
    Six commenters questioned the need for the ``Change Service 
Requested'' option for First-Class Mail and believed that the disposal 
of UAA First-Class Mail should not be permitted. They believed that 
this option could cause confusion over when it is appropriate to 
discard UAA First-Class Mail. In response, the Postal Service will make 
this endorsement option available only to electronic Address Change 
Service

[[Page 15057]]

(ACS) participants. Only after the Computerized Forwarding System (CFS) 
clerk is able to confirm the ACS participation code will the Postal 
Service honor the ``Change Service Requested'' endorsement. The CFS 
will then transmit an electronic notification and generate a label 
directing that the UAA mailpiece should be discarded by the Postal 
Service. This limited access will ensure that only mailers most 
familiar with this service will receive it.
    Six commenters requested additional options that are beyond the 
scope of this rulemaking process. These requests entail changes in 
rates, rate structure, and product definitions that are beyond the 
scope of this rulemaking.
    Under the new rule, only four ancillary service endorsements will 
be available. Endorsements will consist of one keyword: ``Address,'' 
``Forwarding,'' ``Return,'' or ``Change,'' followed by the two words 
``Service Requested.'' The endorsements will be the same for all 
classes of mail. Treatment for each class of mail and applicable 
charges will remain unchanged with the following exceptions:
    1. First-Class Mail. All current treatment options will remain 
available. In addition, a new option will be available for requesting 
that UAA mailpieces not be forwarded or returned, but that the mailer 
be provided with a separate address correction, subject to the address 
correction fee. This new option will be available under the endorsement 
``Change Service Requested.'' For First-Class Mail, this option will be 
available only via electronic Address Change Service (ACS) 
participation.
    2. Standard Mail (A) Single-Piece Rate. Currently, a mailer has the 
option of endorsing the mailpiece ``Do Not Forward'' to request that 
the Postal Service discard the piece if it is undeliverable, with no 
forwarding, no return, and no address correction provided. Under the 
new rule, the treatment given to pieces bearing this endorsement will 
become the default method of handling unendorsed UAA Single-Piece 
Standard Mail. Thus, Single-Piece Standard Mail mailers not desiring 
forwarding will be able to choose among three options: (a) using no 
endorsement, in which case a UAA piece (if uninsured) will be discarded 
if it is undeliverable; (b) using the endorsement ``Return Service 
Requested,'' in which case a UAA piece will be returned with the new 
address or reason for nondelivery attached, subject to return postage 
at the single-piece rate; or (c) using the endorsement ``Change Service 
Requested,'' in which case a UAA piece will be discarded and the mailer 
provided with a separate notice of new address or reason for 
nondelivery, subject to the address correction fee.
    3. Standard Mail (A). Currently, if a UAA mailpiece weighing 1 
ounce or less is endorsed ``Address Correction Requested,'' the piece 
is returned to the mailer with the new address or reason for 
nondelivery, subject to return postage at the single-piece rate; any 
heavier UAA piece bearing that endorsement is discarded and the mailer 
is provided with a separate notice of the new address or reason for 
nondelivery, subject to the address correction fee. Under the new rule, 
the Postal Service will no longer make distinctions based on the weight 
of the piece. Regardless of weight, any UAA piece with the endorsement 
``Change Service Requested'' will receive the treatment currently 
accorded to a piece weighing more than 1 ounce--that is, the Postal 
Service will discard UAA pieces and provide the mailer with separate 
notices of new address or reason for nondelivery, subject to the 
address correction fee. The endorsement ``Return Service Requested'' 
will provide, regardless of weight, for the return of UAA pieces to the 
mailer with the new address or reason for nondelivery, subject to the 
appropriate single-piece rate postage.
    4. Standard Mail (B). Currently, a mailer has the option of 
endorsing the mailpiece ``Do Not Forward, Do Not Return'' to request 
that the Postal Service discard the piece if it is undeliverable, with 
no forwarding, no return, and no address correction provided. Under the 
new rule, this option will no longer be available. Instead, a mailer 
will be able to use the endorsement ``Change Service Requested,'' in 
which case the Postal Service will discard UAA pieces and provide the 
mailer with separate notices of new address or reason for nondelivery, 
subject to the appropriate address correction fee.
    The following tables summarize the current and new (effective July 
1, 1997) ancillary service endorsements, along with the corresponding 
treatment of undeliverable-as-addressed (UAA) mail bearing those 
endorsements.

BILLING CODE 7710-12-P

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[[Page 15062]]

    The new ancillary service endorsements take effect July 1, 1997. 
The Postal Service will honor current endorsements for a period of 6 
months after that date, with the exception of mail bearing no 
endorsement. Unendorsed mail received after July 1, 1997, will be 
handled under the new system that takes effect July 1, 1997.
    After January 1, 1998, the current endorsements and endorsements 
other than those adopted will be deemed invalid. For mail bearing 
invalid endorsements, the service under ``Address Service Requested'' 
or ``Return Service Requested'' will be provided to such mail as 
appropriate. Specifically, if a mailpiece bears an endorsement that 
implies that forwarding service was desired, ``Address Service 
Requested'' will be provided. If a mailpiece bears an endorsement that 
implies that no forwarding was desired, ``Return Service Requested'' 
will be provided.

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. Revise the Domestic Mail Manual as set forth below:

A  ADDRESSING

A000  Basic Addressing

A010  General Addressing Standards

* * * * *
4.0  RETURN ADDRESS
* * * * *

4.2  Ancillary Services

[Amend 4.2 by replacing ``(e.g., ``Return Postage Guaranteed'')'' in 
the first sentence with ``(e.g., ``Return Service Requested'')'' to 
read as follows:]
    The USPS uses the return address to provide ancillary services 
requested by the mailer (e.g., ``Return Service Requested'').* * *
* * * * *
7.0  ADDITIONAL STANDARDS FOR PERIODICALS
* * * * *

7.4  Return Address

[Amend 7.4 by replacing ``Return Postage Guaranteed'' with ``Address 
Service Requested'' to read as follows:]
    The return address must appear on any mailing wrapper that is 
endorsed ``Address Service Requested.''
* * * * *

A900  Customer Support

A910  Mailing List Services

* * * * *
6.0  ELECTION BOARDS AND VOTER REGISTRATION COMMISSIONS

6.1  General

[Amend 6.1 by replacing ``Address Correction Requested'' with ``Return 
Service Requested'' to read as follows:]
    Election boards or voter registration commissions may use the 
``Return Service Requested'' endorsement and/or the National Change of 
Address (NCOA) system to maintain current address lists.
* * * * *

E ELIGIBILITY

* * * * *

E100  First-Class Mail

* * * * *

E130  Nonautomation Rates

* * * * *
3.0  PRESORTED RATE
* * * * *

3.3  Address Quality

[Amend 3.3 by replacing in the first sentence ``(e.g., the ``Address 
Correction Requested'' endorsement, ACS, or NCOA)'' with ``(e.g., 
appropriate ancillary service endorsement under F010, Address Change 
Service (ACS), or National Change of Address (NCOA))'' to read as 
follows:]
    Effective July 1, 1997, addresses on all pieces claimed at the 
Presorted rate must be updated within 180 days before the mailing date 
by a USPS-approved address update tool (e.g., appropriate ancillary 
service endorsement under F010, Address Change Service (ACS), or 
National Change of Address (NCOA)). * * *
* * * * *

E140  Automation Rates

1.0  BASIC STANDARDS
* * * * *

1.3  Address Quality

[Amend 1.3 by replacing in the first sentence ``(e.g., the ``Address 
Correction Requested'' endorsement, ACS, or NCOA)'' with ``(e.g., 
appropriate ancillary service endorsement under F010, Address Change 
Service (ACS), or National Change of Address (NCOA))'' to read as 
follows:]
    Effective July 1, 1997, addresses on all pieces claimed at 
automation rates must be updated within 180 days before the mailing 
date by a USPS-approved address update tool (e.g., appropriate 
ancillary service endorsement under F010, Address Change Service (ACS), 
or National Change of Address (NCOA)). * * *
* * * * *

F  FORWARDING AND RELATED SERVICES

F000  Basic Services

F010

      Basic Information
* * * * *
[Revise heading of 5.0 to read as follows:]
5.0  CLASS TREATMENT FOR ANCILLARY SERVICES

5.1  Priority Mail and First-Class Mail

* * * * *

                   Priority Mail and First-Class Mail                   
------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Mailer endorsement               USPS action on UAA pieces        
------------------------------------------------------------------------
``Address Service              Months 1 through 12: mailpiece forwarded;
 Requested''\1\.                no charge; separate notice of new       
                                address provided; address correction fee
                                charged.                                
                               Months 13 through 18: mailpiece returned 
                                with new address attached; no charge.   
                               After month 18, or if undeliverable:     
                                mailpiece returned with reason for      
                                nondelivery attached; no charge.        
``Forwarding Service           Months 1 through 12: mailpiece forwarded;
 Requested''.                   no charge.                              
                               Months 13 through 18: mailpiece returned 
                                with new address attached; no charge.   
                               After month 18, or if undeliverable:     
                                mailpiece returned with reason for      
                                nondelivery attached; no charge.        
``Return Service Requested''.  Mailpiece returned with new address or   
                                reason for nondelivery attached; no     
                                charge.                                 

[[Page 15063]]

                                                                        
``Change Service               Separate notice of new address or reason 
 Requested''\2\.                for nondelivery provided; in either     
                                case, address correction fee charged;   
                                mailpiece disposed of by USPS.          
Option available only via      Not available for Priority Mail or mail  
 electronic Address Change      with special services (e.g., certified  
 Service (ACS) and only for     or registered mail).                    
 letters and sealed parcels                                             
 and postal and postcard                                                
 subclasses.                                                            
No endorsement...............  Same as USPS action for ``Forwarding     
                                Service Requested.''                    
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Valid for all mailpieces, including Address Change Service (ACS)    
  participating mailpieces.                                             
\2\ Valid only for Address Change Service (ACS) participating First-    
  Class mailpieces.                                                     

5.2  Periodicals

    Undeliverable Periodicals publications (including publications 
pending Periodicals authorization) are treated as described in the 
chart below and under these conditions:
* * * * *
    e. The publisher may request the return of copies of undelivered 
Periodicals publications by printing the endorsement ``Address Service 
Requested'' on the envelopes or wrappers, or on one of the outside 
covers of unwrapped copies, immediately preceded by the sender's name, 
address, and ZIP+4 or 5-digit ZIP Code. The per piece rate charged for 
return is the appropriate Standard Mail single-piece rate. When the 
address correction is provided incidental to the return of the piece, 
there is no charge for the correction. This endorsement obligates the 
publisher to pay return postage.
* * * * *

                               Periodicals                              
------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Mailer endorsement               USPS action on UAA pieces        
------------------------------------------------------------------------
``Address Service Requested''  First 60 days: mailpiece forwarded; no   
 \1\.                           charge.                                 
                               After 60-day period, or if undeliverable:
                                mailpiece returned with address         
                                correction or reason for nondelivery    
                                attached; appropriate Standard Mail     
                                single-piece rate charged.              
``Forwarding Service           Not available for Periodicals.           
 Requested''.                                                           
``Return Service Requested''.  Not available for Periodicals.           
``Change Service Requested''.  Not available for Periodicals.           
No endorsement \1\...........  First 60 days: mailpiece forwarded; no   
                                charge.                                 
                               After 60-day period, or if undeliverable:
                                separate address correction or reason   
                                for nondelivery provided; address       
                                correction fee charged; mailpiece       
                                disposed of by USPS.                    
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Valid for all mailpieces, including Address Change Service (ACS)    
  participating mailpieces.                                             

5.3  Standard Mail (A)

    Undeliverable Standard Mail (A) is treated as described in the 
chart below and under these conditions:
    a. Insured Standard Mail (A) is treated as though endorsed 
``Address Service Requested.''
* * * * *
    e. When a large volume of identical-weight pieces originates from a 
single mailer and is endorsed ``Return Service Requested,'' the USPS 
may use the weight of a sample of at least 25 pieces and divide that 
weight by the number of pieces in the sample. After the average per 
piece weight is determined, the pieces are weighed in bulk to determine 
the number of pieces subject to the single-piece rate for return. 
Pieces of identical weight counted in this manner, regardless of 
weight, are returned to the sender with the new address or the reason 
for nondelivery endorsed on the piece.
    f. The weighted fee is the appropriate Standard Mail (A) single-
piece rate, multiplied by a factor of 2.472 and rounded up to the next 
whole cent (if the computation yields a fraction of a cent). The 
weighted fee is computed (and rounded if necessary) for each mailpiece 
individually. Neither the applicable postage, the factor, nor any 
necessary rounding is applied cumulatively to multiple pieces. The fee 
is charged when an unforwardable or undeliverable piece is returned to 
the sender and the piece bears the endorsement ``Address Service 
Requested'' or ``Forwarding Service Requested.'' Use of these 
endorsements obligates the sender to pay the weighted fee on any 
returns.
* * * * *

                            Standard Mail (A)                           
------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Mailer endorsement               USPS action on UAA pieces        
------------------------------------------------------------------------
``Address Service Requested''  Months 1 through 12: mailpiece forwarded;
 \1\.                           no charge; separate notice of new       
                                address provided; address correction fee
                                charged.                                
                               Months 13 through 18: mailpiece returned 
                                with new address attached; only Standard
                                Mail (A) weighted fee charged (address  
                                correction fee not charged).            
                               After month 18, or if undeliverable:     
                                mailpiece returned with reason for      
                                nondelivery attached; only Standard Mail
                                (A) weighted fee charged (address       
                                correction fee not charged).            
``Forwarding Service           Months 1 through 12: mailpiece forwarded;
 Requested''.                   no charge.                              
                               Months 13 through 18: mailpiece returned 
                                with new address attached; only Standard
                                Mail (A) weighted fee charged (address  
                                correction fee not charged).            

[[Page 15064]]

                                                                        
                               After month 18, or if undeliverable:     
                                mailpiece returned with reason for      
                                nondelivery attached; only Standard Mail
                                (A) weighted fee charged (address       
                                correction fee not charged).            
``Return Service Requested''.  Mailpiece returned with new address or   
                                reason for nondelivery attached; only   
                                return postage at Standard Mail (A)     
                                single-piece rate charged (address      
                                correction fee not charged).            
``Change Service Requested''   Separate notice of new address or reason 
 \1\.                           for nondelivery provided; in either     
                                case, address correction fee charged;   
                                mailpiece disposed of by USPS.          
No endorsement...............  Mailpiece disposed of by USPS. (No       
                                exception for Single-Piece Standard     
                                Mail.) Single-Piece Standard Mail must  
                                be endorsed if forwarding or return is  
                                desired.                                
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Valid for all mailpieces, including Address Change Service (ACS)    
  participating mailpieces.                                             

5.4  Standard Mail (B)

* * * * *

                            Standard Mail (B)                           
------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Mailer endorsement               USPS action on UAA pieces        
------------------------------------------------------------------------
``Address Service Requested''  Months 1 through 12: mailpiece forwarded 
 \1\.                           locally at no charge; forwarded out of  
                                town as postage due; separate notice of 
                                new address provided; address correction
                                fee charged.                            
                               Months 13 through 18: mailpiece returned 
                                with new address attached; only return  
                                postage at appropriate single-piece rate
                                charged (address correction fee not     
                                charged).                               
                               After month 18, or if undeliverable, or  
                                addressee refused to pay postage due:   
                                mailpiece returned with reason for      
                                nondelivery attached; only forwarding   
                                (where attempted) and return postage at 
                                appropriate single-piece rate charged   
                                (address correction fee not charged).   
``Forwarding Service           Months 1 through 12: mailpiece forwarded 
 Requested''.                   locally at no charge; forwarded out of  
                                town as postage due.                    
                               Months 13 through 18: mailpiece returned 
                                with new address attached; only return  
                                postage at appropriate single-piece rate
                                charged (address correction fee not     
                                charged).                               
                               After month 18, or if undeliverable, or  
                                addressee refused to pay postage due:   
                                mailpiece returned with reason for      
                                nondelivery attached; only forwarding   
                                (where attempted) and return postage at 
                                appropriate single-piece rate charged   
                                (address correction fee not charged).   
``Return Service Requested''.  Mailpiece returned with new address or   
                                reason for nondelivery attached; only   
                                return postage at appropriate single-   
                                piece rate charged (address correction  
                                fee not charged).                       
``Change Service Requested''   Separate notice of new address or reason 
 \1\.                           for nondelivery provided; in either     
                                case, address correction fee charged;   
                                mailpiece disposed of by USPS.          
No endorsement...............  Same as USPS action for ``Forwarding     
                                Service Requested.''                    
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Valid for all mailpieces, including Address Change Service (ACS)    
  participating mailpieces.                                             

5.5  Express Mail

* * * * *

                              Express Mail                              
------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Mailer endorsement               USPS action on UAA pieces        
------------------------------------------------------------------------
``Address Service Requested''  Months 1 through 12: mailpiece forwarded;
                                no charge; separate notice of new       
                                address provided; address correction fee
                                charged.                                
                               Months 13 through 18: mailpiece returned 
                                with new address attached; no charge.   
                               After month 18, or if undeliverable:     
                                mailpiece returned with reason for      
                                nondelivery attached; no charge.        
------------------------------------------------------------------------
``Forwarding Service           Months 1 through 12: mailpiece forwarded;
 Requested''.                   no charge.                              
                              ------------------------------------------
                               Months 13 through 18: mailpiece returned 
                                with new address attached; no charge.   
                               After month 18, or if undeliverable:     
                                mailpiece returned with reason for      
                                nondelivery attached; no charge.        
``Return Service Requested''.  Mailpiece returned with new address or   
                                reason for nondelivery attached; no     
                                charge.                                 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
``Change Service Requested''.  Not available for Express Mail.          
------------------------------------------------------------------------
No endorsement...............  Same as USPS action for ``Forwarding     
                                Service Requested.''                    
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 15065]]

6.0  ENCLOSURES OR ATTACHMENTS

6.1  Periodicals

[Amend 6.1 by replacing ``Return Postage Guaranteed.'' with ``Address 
Service Requested.'' in the last sentence to read as follows:]
    * * * Undeliverable Periodicals publications (including 
publications pending Periodicals authorization) with an incidental 
First-Class Mail attachment or enclosure are treated as dead mail 
unless endorsed ``Address Service Requested.''
* * * * *

F020  Forwarding

* * * * *
3.0  POSTAGE FOR FORWARDING
* * * * *

3.5  Standard Mail (A)

[Amend 3.5 by replacing ``address correction service endorsement'' with 
``ancillary service endorsement'' and ``(e.g, ``Special Standard Mail 
Rate, Forwarding and Return Postage Guaranteed'' )'' with ``(e.g., 
``Special Standard Mail Rate, Forwarding Service Requested'')'' to read 
as follows:]
    Standard Mail (A) is subject to collection of additional postage 
from the mailer when forwarding and return service is provided. Mail 
that qualifies for a single-piece Standard Mail (B) rate is returned at 
that rate if the mailer's ancillary service endorsement specifies the 
Standard Mail (B) rate (e.g., ``Special Standard Mail Rate, Forwarding 
Service Requested'').

3.6  Standard Mail (B)

[Amend 3.6 by replacing ``Do Not Forward, Do Not Return'' in the second 
sentence with ``Change Service Requested'' to read as follows:]
    Standard Mail (B) is subject to the collection of additional 
postage at the applicable rate for nonlocal forwarding if guaranteed by 
the sender. Unless endorsed ``Change Service Requested,'' all Standard 
Mail (B) is delivered as directed without additional postage charge 
when the old and new addresses are served by the same post office. The 
addressee may refuse any piece of Standard Mail (B) that has been 
forwarded. This refusal does not revoke the right to have other 
Standard Mail (B) forwarded. If the addressee does not want to pay 
forwarding postage for all Standard Mail (B), the addressee must ask 
the postmaster of the new address to use Form 3546 to notify the 
postmaster of the old address to discontinue the forwarding of Standard 
Mail (B).
* * * * *

F030  Address Correction, Address Change, and Return Services

1.0  ADDRESS CORRECTION SERVICE

1.1  Purpose

[Revise 1.1 to read as follows:]
    If mail cannot be delivered as addressed, address correction 
service allows the sender on request, using the appropriate ancillary 
service endorsement under F010, to obtain the addressee's new 
(forwarding) address (if the addressee filed a change-of-address order 
with the USPS) or the reason for nondelivery. Address correction 
service is available alone or in combination with forwarding and return 
service.

[Redesignate current 1.2 through 1.4 as 1.3 through 1.5, respectively; 
add new 1.2 to read as follows:]

1.2  Invalid Endorsement

    Any obsolete ancillary service endorsement or similar sender 
endorsement not shown in F010 is considered invalid for address 
correction service. A mailpiece bearing an invalid endorsement is 
handled as follows:
    a. If forwarding service is implied, ``Address Service Requested'' 
is provided.
    b. If forwarding is not implied, ``Return Service Requested'' is 
provided.
* * * * *
3.0  SENDER INSTRUCTION

3.1  Mail Not Forwarded

[Amend 3.1 by revising 3.1b to read as follows:]
    The following types of mail are not forwarded:
* * * * *
    b. Mail showing specific instructions of the sender (e.g., ``Return 
Service Requested'' or ``Change Service Requested'').
* * * * *

3.2  Special Services

[Amend 3.2 by revising 3.2d to read as follows:]
    A change-of-address order covers certified, collect on delivery 
(COD), insured, registered, and return receipt for merchandise mail 
unless the sender gives other instructions or the addressee moves 
outside the United States. This mail is treated as follows:
* * * * *
    d. Insured Standard Mail (A) without any other endorsement is 
treated as though endorsed ``Forwarding Service Requested.'' The USPS 
forwards the mail and, if still undeliverable as addressed, returns it 
to the sender with the new address or reason for nondelivery attached.
* * * * *

G  GENERAL INFORMATION

* * * * *

G090  Experimental Classifications and Rates

G091  Barcoded Small Parcels

* * * * *
4.0  ADDRESS INFORMATION
* * * * *

4.3  Address Quality

[Amend 4.3 by replacing in the first sentence ``(e.g., the ``Address 
Correction Requested'' endorsement, ACS, or NCOA)'' with ``(e.g., 
appropriate ancillary service endorsement under F010, Address Change 
Service (ACS), or National Change of Address (NCOA))'' to read as 
follows:]
    Effective July 1, 1997, addresses on all pieces claimed at 
automation rates must be updated within 180 days before the mailing 
date by a USPS-approved address update tool (e.g., appropriate 
ancillary service endorsement under F010, Address Change Service (ACS), 
or National Change of Address (NCOA)). * * *
* * * * *

P  POSTAGE AND PAYMENT METHODS

P000  Basic Information

* * * * *

P020  Postage Stamps and Stationery

P021  Stamped Stationery

* * * * *

2.0  PERSONALIZED STAMPED ENVELOPE

* * * * *
[Revise 2.5 to read as follows:]

2.5  Optional Information

    The following endorsements and instructions printed in at least 8-
point type may be included as part of the return address:
    a. Any ancillary service endorsement under F010 that requests 
address correction, forwarding, or return appropriate for the intended 
class of mail (e.g., ``Address Service Requested''). The endorsement 
must appear directly below the return address, separated with a minimum 
clear space of 1/4 inch.
    b. Any sender instruction under F030 that specifies a period for 
holding mail, not fewer than 3 and not more than 30

[[Page 15066]]

days (e.g., ``AFTER 5 DAYS RETURN TO''). The instruction must appear 
directly above the return address. If such an instruction is printed on 
envelopes at Standard Mail (A) rates, those envelopes must also bear an 
authorized ancillary service endorsement that provides for return 
postage.
* * * * *
    An appropriate amendment to 39 CFR 111.3 will be published to 
reflect these changes.
Stanley F. Mires,
Chief Counsel, Legislative.
[FR Doc. 97-7952 Filed 3-25-97; 3:13 pm]
BILLING CODE 7710-12-P