[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 91 (Monday, May 12, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 26086-26098]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-12209]
[[Page 26085]]
_______________________________________________________________________
Part III
Postal Service
_______________________________________________________________________
39 CFR Part 111
Special Services Reform; Implementation Standards; Final Rule; Changes
in Domestic Mail Classifications and Fees; Notice
Federal Register / Vol. 62, No. 91 / Monday, May 12, 1997 / Rules and
Regulations
[[Page 26086]]
POSTAL SERVICE
39 CFR Part 111
Special Services Reform; Implementation Standards
AGENCY: Postal Service.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This final rule presents the full text of the Domestic Mail
Manual (DMM) standards adopted by the Postal Service to implement the
Decision of the Governors of the United States Postal Service on the
Recommended Decision of the Postal Rate Commission on Special Services
Fees and Classifications, Docket No. MC96-3. This final rule affects
only the fees for, and certain attributes of, the following special
services and their users: post office box and caller service, certified
mail, insurance (insured mail and Express Mail), parcel airlift, postal
cards, registered mail, return receipt, return receipt for merchandise,
and special delivery. As appropriate, clarifications are included.
DATES: This final rule is effective at 12:01 a.m., Sunday, June 8,
1997. Comments allowed herein must be received on or before May 27,
1997.
ADDRESSES: Mail or deliver written comments to the Manager, Mail
Preparation and Standards, USPS Headquarters, 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW,
Room 6800, Washington DC 20260-2405. 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: Neil Berger, (202) 268-2859, or John
Nagla, (202) 268-4686.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On June 7, 1996, pursuant to its authority
under 39 U.S.C. 3621, et seq., the Postal Service filed with the Postal
Rate Commission (PRC) a request for a recommended decision on several
special service reform proposals. The PRC designated the filing as
Docket No. MC96-3. The PRC published a notice of the filing, with a
description of the Postal Service's proposals, on June 21, 1996, in the
Federal Register (61 FR 31968-31979).
Pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 3624, on April 2, 1997, the PRC issued its
Recommended Decision on the Postal Service's Request to the Governors
of the Postal Service. The PRC's Recommended Decision made revisions to
some of the restructuring of the post office box fees requested by the
Postal Service. In other areas, the PRC's Recommended Decision
generally followed the requests made by the Postal Service to increase
the fee for certified mail, merge the two options for return receipt
service, merge the two options for return receipt for merchandise,
increase the maximum available indemnity for insured mail to $5,000,
add optional insurance for Express Mail and refine the current
available indemnity structure, simplify the fee schedule for registered
mail, and eliminate special delivery. Although the PRC did not
recommend a fee for postal cards (renamed stamped cards), it did
suggest that the Postal Service remove costs unique to stamped cards
from total postal and postcard subclass costs to support any proposed
fee in addition to the face value of the cards.
Based on extensive analysis of the PRC's Recommended Decision and
deliberation as to its consequences to the Postal Service and its
customers, and pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 3625, the Governors acted on the
PRC's recommendations on May 5, 1997. Decision of the Governors of the
United States Postal Service on the Recommended Decision of the Postal
Rate Commission on Special Services Fees and Classifications, Docket
No. MC96-3.
The Governors determined to approve the PRC's recommendations, and
the Board of Governors set an implementation date of June 8, 1997, for
those rate and classification changes to take effect. A notice
announcing the Governors' Decision and the issuance of final Domestic
Mail Classification Schedule and Rate Schedule changes is published
elsewhere in this issue of the Federal Register.
This final rule contains the DMM standards adopted by the Postal
Service to implement the Governors' decision. As appropriate,
clarifications are included.
In its testimony before the PRC, the Postal Service presented
extensive evidence concerning the prudence and necessity of certain
pricing and classification reforms that it was seeking for post office
box service and certain special services. Despite the differences
between the Postal Service's Request and the PRC's Recommended
Decision, which the Governors have approved, the value and efficacy of
many elements of the Request remain undiminished.
Using new data and analysis obtained since the last omnibus rate
case, the Postal Service, with its filing, sought the reform of several
special services to improve customer satisfaction and to account for
cost and customer demand. The final rule does not encompass any changes
to the rates or preparation standards for the classes and subclasses of
mail or to the fees for other special services, none of which were
included in the filing.
Post Office Box Service
Under the final rule, the Postal Service establishes new fee groups
and adjusts certain post office box fees to recover a greater
proportion of cost. The changes to post office box service and fees
pursue the policy of providing each customer with one form of free
delivery. In post offices that do not provide carrier delivery, the
final rule eliminates box fees for customers who are ineligible for any
form of carrier delivery (from any post office). Fees are also
eliminated for box customers who are ineligible for carrier service at
delivery offices, except for those customers who reside in the
immediate vicinity of the office. These latter customers will be
afforded continued access to general delivery service.
Caller Service
Under the final rule, the Postal Service extends caller service to
Group D post offices (formerly categorized as Group II offices) for
those customers, especially commercial mailers, who desire this
service. The Group D caller service fee is set at the Group C (formerly
categorized as Group IC) annual rate of $450. The fees for Groups A, B,
and C do not change from the current fees.
Certified Mail
Under the final rule, the Postal Service raises the certified mail
fee from $1.10 to $1.35 to align its price more appropriately with the
cost of providing this service.
Insured Mail and Insured Express Mail
Under the final rule, the Postal Service increases from $600 to
$5,000 the maximum indemnity available for insured mail. It should be
noted that the handling of insured mail is not changed and the
distinction is maintained between ``unnumbered insured mail'' (i.e.,
mail insured for $50 or less) and ``numbered insured mail'' (i.e., mail
insured for more than $50). The Postal Service increases from $500 to
$5,000 the maximum indemnity for merchandise sent by Express Mail. This
increase to $5,000 will enable the Postal Service to compete more
effectively in the parcel market for higher value items such as
electronic and computer equipment.
Several other reforms and clarifications are made to describe
payable and nonpayble claims. In addition, for negotiable items,
currency,
[[Page 26087]]
or bullion, mailed as Express Mail, the maximum indemnity is $15.
Concurrently, the indemnity for Express Mail document
reconstruction is reduced from $50,000 to $500 per piece and $500,000
to $5,000 per occurrence in response to industry changes from exclusive
reliance on paper documents to the growing use of electronically
generated documents that can be reconstructed easily. Indemnity will be
paid according to value for items valued at $15 or less.
Parcel Airlift
Under the final rule, the Postal Service increases from $25 to $50
the minimum insurance amount required on a parcel airlift (PAL) package
if return receipt or restricted delivery service is requested.
Registered Mail
Under the final rule, the Postal Service simplifies the registered
mail fee schedule by eliminating the uninsured schedule for declared
values of more than $100 for the reasons that most mailers of
registered mail want insurance and the dual fee schedules differ by
less than $1 in the lower ranges to no more than $2.70 in the topmost
range of coverage. The elimination of two parallel fee schedules also
conforms to the overall Postal Service goal of simplifying its services
and products for consumers. The maximum insurance coverage for
registered mail service remains at the current limit of $25,000.
Return Receipt Services
Under the final rule, the two basic service offerings for return
receipt service are merged and made into one service offering,
available for a fee of $1.10 (the current fee for the service showing
to whom, signature, and date delivered). For return receipt for
merchandise, the two basic service offerings are also merged and made
into one service, available for a fee of $1.20 (the current fee for
showing to whom, signature, and date delivered). The enhanced return
receipt service includes the address of delivery if different from the
address on the mailpiece.
Also a classification change for return receipt for merchandise
limits the availability of service in the First-Class Mail
classification structure to Priority Mail. In addition, a clarification
specifies the subclasses of Standard Mail for which return receipt for
merchandise service is currently available.
Special Delivery Service
Under the final rule, the Postal Service eliminates domestic
special delivery service because the demand for it has virtually
disappeared. Consumers who request expedited delivery service most
frequently use Priority Mail or Express Mail. A 2-pound Priority Mail
package costs only $3, compared with $12.95 for the same Priority Mail
package sent as special delivery ($3 postage plus $9.95 special
delivery fee). A 2-pound Express Mail Post Office to Addressee package
costs $15.00. Express Mail, unlike special delivery service and
Priority Mail, includes a delivery guarantee and insurance at no
additional charge.
Stamped Cards
Under the final rule, the Postal Service renames postal cards as
stamped cards. Unlike stamped envelopes, stamped cards will continue to
be sold at no additional charge above their face value of postage. The
designation stamped cards emphasizes the similar nature of this
stationery item with stamped envelopes.
Scope of Changes
To the extent that this final rule establishes standards that were
not previously published for public comment, the Postal Service has
determined to seek and consider comments from customers. This
opportunity for public comment is restricted to matters concerning
implementing policies that are not determined directly from the PRC's
Recommended Decision and the Governors' Decision. The provisions for
which comments are solicited are as follows:
1. Standards for post office box service as provided in DMM D910,
including eligibility for box service in offices that offer no form of
carrier delivery.
2. Standards for indemnity as provided in DMM S010, S500, and S913,
including the revised rate schedules for insured mail service and for
Express Mail.
3. Standards for return receipt service and return receipt service
for merchandise in DMM S915 and S917, including the merger of the
options currently available.
After considering the potential effect of these provisions, the
Postal Service has determined to allow 15 days for public comment.
Although a longer comment period is usually provided, the Postal
Service concluded that a 15-day comment period was warranted in this
case for two reasons. First, the list of provisions on which comment is
sought is short and straightforward. Customers and mailers should have
little difficulty evaluating the effect of these provisions on their
personal or commercial mailing requirements. Second, the Postal Service
wants to ensure that customers and mailers have sufficient time after
the close of the comment period and publication of any possible
revisions to this final rule to make the necessary changes to their
operations before the June 8, 1997, implementation date. After review
of the comments received, the Postal Service will modify the
corresponding standards if such modification is determined to be
appropriate.
Although exempt by 39 U.S.C. 410(a) from the notice and comment
requirements of the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 553 (b),
(c)) regarding rulemaking, the Postal Service invites comment on the
revisions of sections D910, S010, S500, S913, S915, and S917 of the
Domestic Mail Manual, 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. In view of the foregoing, amend the following sections of
Domestic Mail Manual Issue 51 as set forth below:
A ADDRESSING
A000 Basic Addressing
A010 General Addressing Standards
[In 1.2d, replace ``postal cards'' with ``stamped cards''; no other
change to text.]
* * * * *
A900 Customer Support
A910 Mailing List Services
[In 1.5, 3.2, and 5.2, replace ``postal card[s]'' with ``stamped
card[s]''; no other change to text.]
* * * * *
C CHARACTERISTICS AND CONTENT
C000 General Information
* * * * *
C020 Restricted or Nonmailable Articles and Substances
* * * * *
[[Page 26088]]
C022 Perishables
[In 3.1f, remove ``special delivery or''; in 3.7, remove ``special
delivery or''; no other change to text.]
* * * * *
C030 Nonmailable Written, Printed, and Graphic Matter
C031 Written, Printed, and Graphic Matter Generally
[In 3.2 and 5.6, replace ``postal card'' with ``stamped card or
postcard''; no other change to text.]
* * * * *
C100 First-Class Mail
[In 2.1, 2.3, and 2.9, replace ``postal card[s]'' with ``stamped
card[s]''; no other change to text.]
* * * * *
C600 Standard Mail
[In 2.2, remove ``special delivery or''; no other change to text.]
* * * * *
DEPOSIT, COLLECTION, AND DELIVERY
* * * * *
D900 Other Delivery Services
D910 Post Office Box Service
1.0 BASIC INFORMATION
[Amend 1.0 by revising 1.1; by removing current 1.7; by
redesignating current 1.6 as 1.7; and by adding new 1.6 to read as
follows:]
1.1 Purpose
Post office box service is a premium service offered for a fee to
any customer requiring more than free carrier delivery or general
delivery and for no fee to certain customers who are not eligible for
carrier delivery. The service allows a customer to obtain mail during
the hours the box lobby is open. Post office box service does not
include alternate means of delivery established to replace, simplify,
or extend carrier delivery service. A postmaster and a box customer may
not make any agreement that contravenes the regulations on post office
box service or its fees.
* * * * *
1.6 Box Availability
When no box of the appropriate size is available, an application
for box service may be handled, at the postmaster's discretion, in any
one or more of the following ways: by referring the customer to another
postal facility with available capacity; by placing the customer's name
on a waiting list for box service; by providing general delivery
service until an appropriate size box becomes available; by offering a
smaller or larger box at its fee; or by offering caller service.
* * * * *
2.0 SERVICE
[Amend 2.0 by revising 2.2 and 2.3 and adding new 2.4 to read as
follows:]
* * * * *
2.2 Transferring Service
Post office box service may be transferred, without payment of an
additional fee, to any box of the same size and fee group at a
different facility of the same post office. To transfer service, the
box customer must submit a new application either to the facility where
service is currently provided or to the facility where service is
desired. A box customer may transfer service no more than once in any
semiannual payment period and must submit a completed Form 3575 or Form
3575-WWW at the time of transfer.
2.3 Minor
Post office box service may be provided to a minor (a person under
18 years of age) unless the minor's parent or guardian submits a
written objection to the appropriate postmaster.
2.4 Proof of Physical Address
An applicant for post office box service or a current box customer
seeking renewal must identify his or her physical address (i.e., an
individual's residence or a business's location) to the postmaster of
the office where service is sought or provided. If the postmaster
cannot confirm the physical address, the applicant or box customer must
provide proof of the physical address (e.g., a utility bill, current
lease, mortgage, deed of trust, a driver's license, or voter
registration card). A business with multiple locations may, on
providing appropriate evidence, use any one or more of such location(s)
as its physical address.
3.0 CONDITIONS OF USE
[Amend 3.0 by revising 3.2, 3.3, and 3.7 to read as follows:]
* * * * *
3.2 Updating
When any information required to be provided by the box customer on
Form 1093 changes, the customer must notify the post office of such
changes.
3.3 Mail Only
Only mail and official USPS notices may be placed into a post
office box.
* * * * *
3.7 Forwarding
A post office box may not be used when the primary purpose is,
through change-of-address orders, to have the USPS forward or transfer
mail to another address free of charge.
* * * * *
[Revise 4.0 to read as follows:]
4.0 BASIS OF FEES AND PAYMENT
4.1 General
Post office box fees are based on the size of box provided and the
fee group of the administering facility as identified in 5.0.
4.2 Box Size
Box sizes are standardized and the fees for boxes increase with box
size. The following chart describes approximate box capacities and
frontal dimensions.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Width and height (linear
Box size Capacity (cubic inches) inches)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1................. Under 296................ 3 by 5.5.
2................. 296 through 499.......... 5 by 5.5.
3................. 500 through 999.......... 11 by 5.5.
4................. 1,000 through 1,999...... 11 by 11.
5................. 2,000 or more............ 22.5 by 12.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
4.3 Definitions of Facilities for Fee Groups
All facilities administered by a single independent post office
(including any classified or contract station or branch, community post
office, or detached post office box unit) belong to the same fee group
as that post office and use a single fee schedule, except as provided
in 5.3. Additionally, the type of carrier delivery service available at
any one facility administered by a post office determines the fee group
applicable to all of that post office's facilities, as provided in 5.1.
All box locations administered by a single mail processing facility
belong to the same fee group as identified in 5.2 and use a single fee
schedule, except as provided in 5.3.
4.4 Fee Changes
A change in post office box service fees can arise from a general
fee change, an administrative change in carrier service, a change in
definitions in 4.3, or a change in facility groupings in 5.0. Any
change in post office box service fees takes effect on the date of the
action that caused the change unless an official announcement specifies
another date. If a post office box service fee is increased, no
customer must pay at the new rate until the end of the period already
paid, and no retroactive adjustment is to be made for a payment
received before the date of the change.
[[Page 26089]]
4.5 Payment
All fees are for a semiannual (6-month) period, and must be paid in
advance for no less than one but no more than two semiannual periods,
except as provided under 4.7, 4.8, and 4.11. Fees may be paid using
cash, credit or debit card, or check or money order payable to the
postmaster. A mailed payment must be received by the postmaster on or
before the due date.
4.6 Payment Period
Except under 4.8, the beginning date for a box fee payment period
is determined by the approval date of the application. The period
begins on the first day of either the same month if the application is
approved on or before the 15th of the month, or the next month if
approved after the 15th of the month. After that, box fees for service
renewal may be paid any time during the last 30 days of the service
period, but no later than the last day of the service period.
4.7 U.S. Agencies
Federal agencies whose payment period coincides with the federal
fiscal year may pay their box fees during the first quarter rather than
in advance.
4.8 Exception for Group D and E Offices
Postmasters at Group D and Group E offices with fewer than 500 post
office boxes may set April 1 and October 1 as the beginning of payment
periods for box customers in their offices. Payment periods beginning
other than April 1 or October 1 are brought into alignment with these
respective dates by adjusting fees as follows:
a. New service, one-sixth of the semiannual fee is charged for each
remaining month between the beginning of the new payment period and the
next April 1 or October 1.
b. Existing service, one-sixth of the semiannual fee is charged for
each remaining month between the end of all currently paid periods and
the next April 1 or October 1.
c. Next one or two semiannual payment periods, an adjustment may be
accepted in addition to fees.
4.9 Change of Payment Period
Except for customers at post offices subject to 4.8, a box customer
of record may change the payment period by submitting a new application
noting the month to be used as the start of the revised payment period.
The date selected must be before the end of the current payment period.
The unused fee for the period being discontinued may be refunded under
6.0, and the fee for the new payment period must be fully paid in
advance. A change of payment period date may not be used to circumvent
a change in box fees.
4.10 Academic Institutions
The USPS does not set or collect fees for boxes owned by an
academic institution if the boxes are separate from designated USPS
areas and serviced by employees or agents of the institution.
4.11 Adjusting Fees
In postal facilities primarily serving academic institutions or
their students, box fees may be adjusted to fit the semester schedules,
using the matrix below. Charges are rounded up to the next multiple of
$0.10. No refund is made for discontinued service when a box is
obtained under this standard.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Service period Adjusted fee
------------------------------------------------------------------------
95 days or less........................... \1/2\ semiannual fee (or \1/
4\ annual fee).
96 to 140 days............................ \3/4\ semiannual fee (or \3/
8\ annual fee).
141 to 190 days........................... Full semiannual fee (or \1/
2\ annual fee).
191 to 230 days........................... 1\1/4\ semiannual fee (or \5/
8\ annual fee).
231 to 270 days........................... 1\1/2\ semiannual fee (or \3/
4\ annual fee).
271 days to full year..................... 2 semiannual fees (or full
annual fee).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[Add new 5.0 and redesignate current 5.0 through 7.0 as 6.0 through
8.0, respectively.]
5.0 FEE GROUP ASSIGNMENTS
5.1 Post Offices
For purposes of fee group assignment, and as defined in 4.3, a post
office includes all subordinate facilities or units administered by
that post office, such as classified stations, classified branches, and
contractor-operated facilities. Additionally, the type of carrier
delivery service available at any one facility administered by a post
office determines the fee group applicable to all facilities of that
post office as follows:
a. Post Office With City Delivery. A post office that provides city
carrier delivery at any of its administered facilities applies Group C
fees, except as provided in 5.3. A customer whose physical residence or
business location is within the geographic boundaries of any delivery
area ZIP Code administered by that city delivery post office, who is
ineligible for any form of carrier delivery service from that post
office and who does not receive carrier delivery via an out-of-bounds
delivery receptacle, may obtain one box of the smallest available size
at the Group E fee (no fee).
b. Post Office With Only Rural or Highway Contract Carrier
Delivery. A post office that does not provide city carrier delivery but
provides only rural carrier or highway contract carrier delivery at any
of its administered facilities applies Group D fees, except as provided
in 5.3, with two exceptions:
(1) A customer whose physical residence or business location is
within the geographic boundaries of any delivery area ZIP Code
administered by that non-city delivery post office, who is ineligible
for any form of carrier delivery service, who does not receive carrier
delivery via an out-of-bounds delivery receptacle, and who resides
outside the immediate vicinity of the post office as specified in
Postal Operations Manual 653, may obtain one box of the smallest
available size at the Group E fee (no fee).
(2) A customer whose ineligibility for carrier service arises from
residing in the immediate vicinity of the post office as specified in
Postal Operations Manual 653 is afforded continued access to general
delivery service.
c. Post Office Without Any Carrier Delivery. A post office that
does not provide any form of carrier delivery (i.e., a nondelivery post
office) exists within the geographic delivery boundaries of other post
offices. A nondelivery post office applies Group D fees or Group E fees
(no fees), based on the box customer's physical residence or business
location relative to the geographic boundaries of the post office
containing the nondelivery office, as follows:
(1) If the box customer's physical residence or business location
is inside the geographic ZIP Code boundaries of the post office
containing the nondelivery office, and the customer is eligible for
carrier delivery service, a box at the nondelivery office is provided
at the Group D fee. If the customer is not eligible for carrier
delivery service and does not receive carrier delivery via an out-of-
bounds delivery receptacle, a box at either the nondelivery office or
the containing delivery office is provided at the Group E fee (no fee).
(2) If the box customer's physical residence or business location
is outside the geographic ZIP Code boundaries of the post office
containing the nondelivery office, a box is provided at the Group D
fee.
5.2 Mail Processing Facilities
Mail processing facilities with post office boxes apply Group C
fees to post office boxes, except as provided in 5.3.
[[Page 26090]]
5.3 Facilities Assigned Location-Based Box Fees
The facilities defined by the ZIP Codes in Exhibit 5.3 constitute
exceptions to the fee groupings described in 5.1 and 5.2. Group A or B
fees apply as identified.
Exhibit 5.3.--Facilities Assigned Location-Based Box Fees
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Group Location ZIP codes
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A................. New York, NY........... 10001-10299.
B................. Boston, MA............. 02113, 02115, 02117, 02128,
02134, 02135, 02139,
02140, 02142, 02146, 02158-
02162, 02164-02168, 02178,
02179, 02181, 02205, 02214-
02216, 02218, 02238.
Staten Island, NY...... 10301-10399.
Long Island City, NY... 11101-11199.
Brooklyn, NY........... 11201-11299.
Queens (Flushing), NY.. 11301-11399.
Queens (Jamaica), NY... 11401-11499.
Queens (Far Rockaway), 11601-11699.
NY.
Philadelphia, PA....... 19101-19104, 19105, 19107.
Washington, DC......... 20004-20009, 20013, 20026,
20033, 20035, 20036,
20037, 20038, 20043,
20044, 20050, 20056
Bethesda, MD........... 20813, 20824, 20825, 20827
Arlington, VA.......... 22202, 22209, 22210, 22216.
McLean, VA............. 22103.
Chicago, IL............ 60606, 60610, 60611, 60654,
60664, 60680, 60681,
60684, 60690.
Los Angeles, CA........ 90019, 90024, 90025, 90034,
90035, 90048, 90049,
90064, 90067, 90069.
Beverly Hills, CA...... 90210-90212.
Santa Monica, CA....... 90401-90405.
San Francisco, CA...... 94101, 94107, 94108, 94126,
94133, 94147, 94159,
94164.
Honolulu, HI........... 96801-96815, 96830.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[Revised redesignated 6.0 to read as follows:]
6.0 FEE REFUND
6.1 Calculation
When post office box service is terminated or surrendered, the
unused portion of the fee may be refunded as follows. For the current
semiannual payment period, if service is discontinued any time within
the first 3 months of the payment period, one-half the fee is refunded;
if discontinued after the third month of the payment period, none of
the fee is refunded. The entire fee is refunded for any semiannual
payment period that begins after the termination or surrender date.
6.2 Discontinued Postal Facility
When a postal facility is discontinued or relocated, a box customer
at that facility may obtain a refund of unused box fees if box service
at that location is discontinued and additional travel of \1/4\ mile or
more (from the physical address on the customer's Form 1093) is
required to obtain equivalent service. For this purpose, one-sixth of a
semiannual fee is refunded for each month left in the payment period.
The refund is computed from the first day of that month (if the
effective date of the facility discontinuance is on or before the 15th
of the month) or from the first day of the next month (if the effective
date is after the 15th of the month).
7.0 KEYS
[No change to redesignated 7.0.]
[Revise redesignated 8.0 to read as follows:]
8.0 SERVICE REFUSAL OR TERMINATION
8.1 Refusal
A postmaster may refuse to approve post office box service if: the
applicant submits a falsified or incomplete application for box
service; within the 2 years immediately before submitting the
application, the applicant physically abused a box or violated a
standard on the care or use of a box; or there is substantial reason to
believe that the box is to be used for activities as described in 3.6
or 3.7.
8.2 Termination
A postmaster may terminate post office box service, including that
of a customer paying a Group E fee, if the box customer or its
representative falsifies the application for the box; physically abuses
the box; refuses to update information on the box application; violates
any standard on the care or use of the box; conducts himself or herself
in a violent, threatening, or otherwise abusive manner on postal
premises; or uses it for any unlawful activity as described in 3.6. The
customer is notified of the postmaster's determination to refuse or
terminate service and of the appeal procedures for that determination.
8.3 Customer Appeal
The applicant or box customer may file a petition appealing the
postmaster's determination to refuse or terminate service within 20
calendar days after notice, as specified in the postmaster's
determination and 39 CFR 958. The filing of a petition prevents the
postmaster's determination from taking effect and transfers the case to
the USPS Judicial Officer. The Administrative Law Judge's or the
Judicial Officer's decision under 39 CFR 958 constitutes the final USPS
decision.
8.4 Surrendered Box
A post office box is deemed surrendered if the box customer submits
a permanent change-of-address order, refuses or fails to pay the
appropriate fees by the due date, or submits a written notice to
discontinue service. A box is not considered surrendered if the box
customer dies or disappears before the end of the period for which the
box is issued, the box customer submits a temporary change-of-address
order, or any person other than the box customer submits a change-of-
address order for mail going to the box.
D920 Caller Service
[Revise 1.0 to read as follows:]
1.0 BASIC INFORMATION
1.1 Purpose
Caller service is a premium service available for a fee to any
customer
[[Page 26091]]
requiring more than free carrier service or the largest installed box
size, or to any customer who is required to use caller service by
standard. The service allows a customer to pick up mail at a post
office call window or loading dock when the office is open. Caller
service does not include general delivery service. A customer may
obtain caller service for receiving the mail of a client, subject to
D042. A postmaster and a caller may not make any agreement that
contravenes the regulations on caller service or its fees.
1.2 Caller
A caller is the person signing the application as an individual, or
the organization represented by the individual signing the application.
1.3 Service Types
Destination caller service is caller service provided at the postal
facility to which the caller's mail is addressed. Origin caller service
(accelerated reply mail) is described in 7.0.
1.4 Caller Service Number
Except for origin caller service, the customer (including a
customer using a post office box number) is assigned a caller service
number before caller service may begin. A caller number is assigned for
each separation used. Except under 1.5, mail addressed to a caller
service customer must include ``Post Office Box'' or ``PO BOX''
followed by the assigned number in the mailing address immediately
above the city, state, and ZIP Code. A caller of record may reserve
caller numbers for future use. The postmaster determines the reserved
numbers and may restrict this service.
1.5 Exemption
A postmaster may exempt any customer continuously receiving firm
holdout service since July 3, 1994, from the standard in 1.4 that
correspondents must use the assigned post office box (caller service)
number in the address.
1.6 Restriction
The USPS may restrict caller service if such service adversely
affects postal operations.
1.7 Required Use
Subject to D910, when mail for a customer's post office box(es)
exceeds the capacity of the box(es) on 12 of any 20 consecutive
business days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays), or
when the customer seeks multiple caller service separations, the
postmaster can require the customer to use caller service, change to a
larger box, or use one or more additional boxes (subject to
availability) to which mail will be addressed. A customer required to
use caller service because of the mail volume received may, once per
semiannual payment period, make a written request to the postmaster for
a new determination of whether current mail volume requires continued
use of caller service.
1.8 U.S. Agencies and Schools
Federal agencies and the various schools and departments within
educational institutions are considered separate customers for 1.7.
1.9 Eligible Customers
Caller service may be provided to the following:
a. A new customer planning to receive an incoming volume of mail
that cannot fit into the largest available post office box.
b. A customer wanting a post office box when a box is unavailable,
and the postmaster determines that such service does not adversely
affect postal operations.
c. A customer formerly receiving firm holdout service.
[Revise 2.0 to read as follows:]
2.0 SERVICE
2.1 Application
To apply for caller service, the applicant must complete all
relevant spaces on Form 1093 and submit it to any postal facility that
provides public window service. The facility need not be the one where
destination caller service is desired. An incomplete or falsified
application is sufficient reason to deny or discontinue service. An
application is not considered approved until the USPS verifies the
applicant's identity.
2.2 Transferring Service
Caller service may be transferred, without payment of an additional
fee, to a different facility of the same post office if that facility
has caller service. To transfer service, the caller must submit a new
application either to the facility where service is currently provided
or to the facility where service is desired. A caller may transfer
service no more than once in any semiannual payment period and must
submit a completed Form 3575 or Form 3575-WWW at the time of transfer.
2.3 Minor
Caller service may be provided to a minor (a person under 18 years
of age) unless the minor's parent or guardian submits a written
objection to the postmaster.
[Revise 3.0 to read as follows:]
3.0 CONDITIONS OF USE
3.1 Mail Receipt
An individual caller or organization may receive mail properly
addressed to the caller number. Mail addressed only to a caller number
is delivered to the caller so long as no improper or unlawful business
is conducted. A caller who, as a regular practice, wants to call for
mail at a postal facility more than once in any 24-hour period must
obtain the postmaster's approval of the pickup schedule.
3.2 Updating
When any information required to be provided by the caller on Form
1093 changes, the caller must notify the post office of such changes.
3.3 Unlawful Activity
Caller service may not be used for, or in connection with, a scheme
or enterprise that violates any federal, state, or local law; breaches
an agreement between the caller and a federal, state, or local agency
for the caller to discontinue a specified activity; or violates or
attempts to evade any order of a court or administrative body.
3.4 Forwarding
A caller number may not be used when the primary purpose is,
through change-of-address orders, to have the USPS forward or transfer
mail to another address free of charge.
[Revise 4.0 to read as follows:]
4.0 BASIS OF FEES AND PAYMENT
4.1 Basic Caller Fee
The caller service fee groups are shown in Exhibit 4.1 and are
charged per semiannual (6-month) period. The fee must be paid for each
caller number or separation used, with two exceptions:
a. If a caller uses many caller numbers, but receives only a bulk
delivery of mail not separated to those numbers either because this
mail is sorted to the customer's unique 5-digit ZIP Code or because
sortation is made by caller name or other identification, the basic
caller fee is charged only for each separation actually made. The
reserved number fee is charged for each of the caller numbers to which
mail received by the caller is addressed.
b. Caller service is available in box fee Group D post offices on
the same basis and fee as Group C offices. The one exception is when a
box service applicant is provided a single caller service separation
instead of a box because of a shortage of available boxes (see D910),
in which case the fee
[[Page 26092]]
charged is the fee for the largest installed box rather than the fee
for caller service.
Exhibit 4.1.--Caller Service Groups
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Group Location ZIP Codes
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A................. New York, NY........... 10001-10299.
B................. Boston, MA............. 02113, 02115, 02117, 02128,
02134, 02135, 02139,
02140, 02142, 02146, 02158-
02162, 02164-02168, 02178,
02179, 02181, 02205, 02214-
02216, 02218, 02238.
Staten Island, NY...... 10301-10399.
Long Island City, NY... 11101-11199.
Brooklyn, NY........... 11201-11299.
Queens (Flushing), NY.. 11301-11399.
Queens (Jamaica), NY... 11401-11499.
Queens (Far Rockaway), 11601-11699.
NY.
Philadelphia, PA....... 19101-19104, 19105, 19107.
Washington, DC......... 20004-20009, 20013, 20026,
20033, 20035, 20036,
20037, 20038, 20043,
20044, 20050, 20056.
Bethesda, MD........... 20813, 20824, 20825, 20827.
Arlington, VA.......... 22202, 22209, 22210, 22216.
McLean, VA............. 22103.
Chicago, IL............ 60606, 60610, 60611, 60654,
60664, 60680, 60681,
60684, 60690.
Los Angeles, CA........ 90019, 90024, 90025, 90034,
90035, 90048, 90049,
90064, 90067, 90069.
Beverly Hills, CA...... 90210-90212..
Santa Monica, CA....... 90401-90405.
San Francisco, CA...... 94101, 94107, 94108, 94126,
94133, 94147, 94159,
94164.
Honolulu, HI........... 96801-96815, 96830.
C.................
(1) All post
offices with city
delivery and all
nondelivery mail
processing
facilities not
listed in Group A
or B.
D.................
(1) All post
offices with no
city delivery but
with only rural
or highway
contract delivery
and not listed in
Group A or B.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
4.2 Reserved Number
The required fee is charged per calendar year or any part of such a
calendar year for each number reserved by a customer.
4.3 Fee Changes
A change in caller service fees can arise from a general fee
change, a change in customer eligibility under 4.1b, or a change in
facility groupings in 4.1. Any change in caller service fees takes
effect on the date of the action that caused the change unless an
official announcement specifies another date. If a caller service fee
is increased, no customer must pay at the new rate until the end of the
period already paid, and no retroactive adjustment is to be made for a
payment received before the date of the change.
4.4 Box Number
If a caller uses a physical post office box to obtain a caller
number, the applicable fees for both post office box service and caller
service must be paid.
4.5 Payment
Caller fees are charged for a semiannual (6-month) period and must
be paid in advance for no less than one but no more than two semiannual
periods. Fees may be paid using cash, credit or debit card, or check or
money order payable to the postmaster. A mailed payment must be
received by the postmaster on or before the due date.
4.6 Payment Period
The beginning date for a caller fee payment period is determined by
the approval date of the application. The period begins on the first
day of either the same month if the application is approved on or
before the 15th of the month, or the next month if approved after the
15th of the month. After that, caller fees for renewal of service may
be paid any time during the last 30 days of the service period, but no
later than the last day of the service period.
4.7 Change of Payment Period
A caller of record may change the payment period by submitting a
new application noting the month to be used as the start of the revised
payment period. The date selected must be before the end of the current
payment period. The unused fee for the period being discontinued may be
refunded under 5.0, and the fee for the new payment period must be
fully paid in advance. A change of payment period date may not be used
to circumvent a change in caller service fees.
[Revise 5.0 to read as follows:]
5.0 FEE REFUND
5.1 Discontinued Number
When a destination caller service number is discontinued or
surrendered, the unused portion of the fee for that number may be
refunded. The entire fee is refunded for any semiannual payment period
after that in which the service is discontinued. For the current
semiannual payment period, if service is discontinued any time within
the first 3 months of the payment period, one-half the fee is refunded;
if discontinued after the third month of the payment period, none of
the fee is refunded.
5.2 Discontinued Postal Facility
When a postal facility is discontinued or relocated, a caller
service customer at that facility may obtain a refund of unused caller
service fees if caller service at that location is discontinued and
additional travel of \1/4\ mile or more (from the physical address on
the caller's Form 1093) is required to obtain equivalent service. For
this purpose, one-sixth of a semiannual fee is refunded for each month
left in the payment period. The refund is computed from the first day
of that month (if the effective date of the facility discontinuance is
on or before the 15th of the month) or from the first day of the next
month (if the effective date is after the 15th of the month).
[Revise 6.0 to read as follows:]
6.0 SERVICE REFUSAL OR TERMINATION
6.1 Refusal
A postmaster may refuse to approve caller service if the applicant
submits a falsified or incomplete application for caller service;
within the 2 years immediately before submitting the application, the
applicant violated a
[[Page 26093]]
standard on the use of the service; or there is substantial reason to
believe that the service is to be used for activities described in 3.3
or 3.4.
6.2 Termination
A postmaster may terminate caller service if the caller or its
representative falsifies the application for the service; refuses to
update information on the application; violates any standard on the use
of the service; conducts himself or herself in a violent, threatening,
or otherwise abusive manner on postal premises; or uses it for any
unlawful activity as described in 3.3. The caller is notified of the
postmaster's determination to refuse or terminate service and of the
appeal procedures to that determination.
6.3 Customer Appeal
The applicant or caller may file a petition opposing the
postmaster's determination to refuse or terminate service within 20
calendar days after notice, as specified in the postmaster's
determination and 39 CFR 958. The filing of a petition prevents the
postmaster's determination from taking effect and transfers the case to
the USPS Judicial Officer. The Administrative Law Judge's or Judicial
Officer's decision under 39 CFR 958 constitutes the final USPS
decision.
6.4 Surrendered Service
Caller service is deemed surrendered if the caller submits a
permanent change-of-address order, fails or refuses to pay the
appropriate fees by the due date, or submits a written notice to
discontinue service.
* * * * *
D930 General Delivery and Firm Holdout
1.0 GENERAL DELIVERY
[Amend 1.0 by revising 1.1 and 1.2 to read as follows:]
1.1 Purpose
General delivery is intended primarily as a temporary means of
delivery:
a. For transients and customers not permanently located.
b. For customers who want post office box service when boxes are
unavailable.
c. For customers whose eligibility for carrier delivery is
restricted by Postal Operations Manual 653.
1.2 Service Restrictions
General delivery is available at only one facility under the
administration of a multifacility post office. A postmaster may refuse
or restrict general delivery:
a. To a customer who is unable to present suitable identification.
b. To a customer whose mail volume or service level (e.g., mail
accumulation) cannot reasonably be accommodated.
* * * * *
E ELIGIBILITY
E000 Special Eligibility Standards
* * * * *
E020 Department of State Mail
[In 2.3, remove ``special delivery''; no other change to text.]
E030 Mail Sent by U.S. Armed Forces
[In 2.6, remove the second sentence; no other change to text.]
* * * * *
E060 Official Mail (Penalty)
[In 9.2 and 9.6d, replace ``postal card[s]'' with ``stamped
card[s]''; no other change to text.]
* * * * *
E100 First-Class Mail
E110 Basic Standards
[In 3.1, 3.2, and 3.2a, replace ``postal card[s]'' with ``stamped
card[s]''; no other change to text.]
* * * * *
E600 Standard Mail
E610 Basic Standards
* * * * *
E612 Additional Standards for Standard Mail (A)
[In 4.1, remove ``special delivery'' in the third sentence; no
other change to text.]
* * * * *
E620 Nonautomation Nonpresort Rates
[In 2.2d, remove ``special delivery''; in 2.5 introductory text,
remove ``special delivery or''; no other change to text.]
E630 Nonautomation Presort Rates
[In 3.1, remove ``special delivery'' in the last sentence; no other
change to text.]
* * * * *
F FORWARDING AND RELATED SERVICES
F000 Basic Services
F010 Basic Information
[In 3.0a, remove ``special delivery''; in 4.5, remove 4.5c and
redesignate current 4.5d and 4.5e as 4.5c and 4.5d, respectively; in
5.1, replace ``postal cards'' with ``stamped cards''; no other change
to text.]
F020 Forwarding
[In 3.3, replace ``postal cards'' with ``stamped cards''; in 3.7,
remove the second sentence; no other change to text.]
F030 Address Correction, Address Change, FASTforwardSM, and
Return Services
[In 5.3, replace ``postal cards'' with ``stamped cards''; no other
change to text.]
G GENERAL INFORMATION
G000 The USPS and Mailing Standards
G010 Basic Business Information
G011 Post Offices and Postal Services
[Amend Exhibit 1.5 by replacing the seventh column heading
``Special Delivery'' with ``Express Mail''; replacing ``Holiday
schedule'' with ``Holiday''; and by adding under ``Definition of
Terms,'' ``Holiday--Service determined by national, area, and/or
district guidelines''; no other change to text.]
G013 Trademarks and Copyrights
[In 2.1, replace ``postal cards'' with ``stamped cards''; no other
change to text.]
* * * * *
P POSTAGE AND PAYMENT METHODS
P000 Basic Information
P010 General Standards
* * * * *
P014 Refunds and Exchanges
1.0 STAMP EXCHANGES
[In 1.5, 1.6, 1.6c, 1.6d, 1.8b, 1.8c, and 1.8d, replace ``postal
card[s]'' with ``stamped card[s]''; no other change to text.]
2.0 POSTAGE AND FEES REFUNDS
* * * * *
2.4 Full Refund
[In 2.4f, remove ``special delivery,''; no other change to text.]
* * * * *
2.7 Unallowable Refunds
[Amend 2.7 by revising 2.7b to read as follows:]
Refunds are not made for the following:
* * * * *
b. Collect on delivery (COD), Express Mail insurance, insured, and
registered fees after the USPS accepts the article,
[[Page 26094]]
even if the article is later withdrawn from the mail.
* * * * *
P020 Postage Stamps and Stationery
P021 Stamped Stationery
[In 3.1, revise the heading to read ``Stamped Card'' and replace
``P[p]ostal cards'' with ``S[s]tamped cards''; in 4.0, replace ``postal
cards'' with ``stamped cards (formerly called postal cards)''; no other
change to text.]
P022 Adhesive Stamps
[In 2.2d, replace ``postal cards'' with ``stamped cards''; no other
change to text.]
P023 Precanceled Stamps
[In 1.1 and 1.3, replace ``P[p]ostal cards'' with ``S[s]tamped
cards''; in 3.1, replace ``postal cards'' with ``stamped cards''; no
other change to text.]
P030 Postage Meters and Meter Stamps
[In 4.8, remove ``special delivery,''; in 4.10, remove ``or special
delivery mail,''; in 5.4b, remove ``special delivery mail or''; no
other change to text.]
* * * * *
P100 First-Class Mail
[In 2.1, replace ``postal cards'' with ``stamped cards''; no other
change to text.]
* * * * *
R RATES AND FEES
R000 Stamps and Stationery
* * * * *
[Revise the heading and text of 3.0 to read as follows:]
3.0 STAMPED CARDS
Stamped cards are priced as follows:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total
Configuration Postage Fee price
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cut single card........................... $0.20 $0.00 $0.20
Sheet of 40 cards......................... 8.00 0.00 8.00
Double reply-paid card.................... 0.40 0.00 0.40
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * *
R100 First-Class Mail
[In 1.1 and in the Summary of First-Class Rates, replace ``postal
cards'' with ``stamped cards''; no other change to text.]
* * * * *
R900 Services
[Remove current 19.0; renumber current 7.0 through 18.0 as 8.0
through 19.0, respectively; add new 7.0; and revise other sections to
read as follows:]
* * * * *
[Revise 3.0 to read as follows:]
3.0 CALLER SERVICE
Fees are charged as follows:
a. For service provided, per semiannual period:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fee group Fee
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A............................................................. $250.00
B............................................................. 240.00
C............................................................. 225.00
D............................................................. 225.00
------------------------------------------------------------------------
b. For each reserved call number, per calendar year (all post
offices): $30.00.
* * * * *
[Revise 5.0 to read as follows:]
5.0 CERTIFIED MAIL
Fee, in addition to postage and other fees, per mailpiece: $1.35.
* * * * *
[Add new 7.0 to read as follows:]
7.0 EXPRESS MAIL INSURANCE
Fee, in addition to postage and other fees, for additional Express
Mail insurance:
a. For amount of merchandise insurance liability:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Insurance coverage desired Fee
------------------------------------------------------------------------
$0.01 to 500.00........................... None
500.01 to 5,000.00........................ $0.90 for each $100 or
fraction thereof over $500
in insurance coverage
desired
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Merchandise maximum liability: $5,000.00.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
b. Document reconstruction maximum liability: $500.00.
[Revise redesignated 8.0 to read as follows:]
8.0 INSURED MAIL
Fee, in addition to postage and other fees, for merchandise
insurance liability:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Insurance coverage desired Fee
------------------------------------------------------------------------
$0.01 to 50.00............................ $0.75
50.01 to 100.00........................... 1.60
100.01 to 5,000.00........................ 1.60 plus $0.90 for each
$100 or fraction thereof
over first $100 in
insurance coverage desired
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Insured mail maximum liability: $5,000.00.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
9.0 MAILING LIST SERVICE
[No change to redesignated 9.0.]
10.0 MERCHANDISE RETURN SERVICE
[No change to redesignated 10.0.]
11.0 METER SERVICE
[No change to redesignated 11.0.]
12.0 MONEY ORDER
[No change to redesignated 12.0.]
13.0 PARCEL AIRLIFT (PAL)
[No change to redesignated 13.0.]
14.0 PERMIT IMPRINT
[No change to redesignated 14.0.]
[Revise redesignated 15.0 to read as follows:]
15.0 POST OFFICE BOX SERVICE
For service provided as described in D910:
a. Deposit per key issued: $1.00.
b. Box fee per semiannual (6-month) period:
[[Page 26095]]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Box size and fee
Fee group --------------------------------------------
1 2 3 4 5
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A.......................... $24.00 $37.00 $64.00 $121.00 $209.00
B.......................... 22.00 33.00 56.00 109.00 186.00
C.......................... 20.00 29.00 52.00 86.00 144.00
D.......................... 6.00 10.00 18.00 26.50 41.50
E.......................... 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[Revise redesignated 16.0 to read as follows:]
16.0 REGISTERED MAIL
The mailer must declare the full value of the article at the time
of mailing and must pay the appropriate fee based on that value as
shown in Exhibit 16.0. Any article sent as registered mail is insured,
except that the mailer may elect not to insure articles valued up to
and including $100.
Exhibit 16.0.--Registry Fees
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Declared value (dollars) Fee (in addition to postage)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Without Insurance):
0.00 to 100.00..................... $ 4.85
(With Insurance):
0.00 to 100.00..................... 4.95
100.01 to 500.00................... 5.40
500.01 to 1,000.00................. 5.85
1,000.01 to 2,000.00............... 6.30
2,000.01 to 3,000.00............... 6.75
3,000.01 to 4,000.00............... 7.20
4,000.01 to 5,000.00............... 7.65
5,000.01 to 6,000.00............... 8.10
6,000.01 to 7,000.00............... 8.55
7,000.01 to 8,000.00............... 9.00
8,000.01 to 9,000.00............... 9.45
9,000.01 to 10,000.00.............. 9.90
10,000.01 to 11,000.00............. 10.35
11,000.01 to 12,000.00............. 10.80
12,000.01 to 13,000.00............. 11.25
13,000.01 to 14,000.00............. 11.70
14,000.01 to 15,000.00............. 12.15
15,000.01 to 16,000.00............. 12.60
16,000.01 to 17,000.00............. 13.05
17,000.01 to 18,000.00............. 13.50
18,000.01 to 19,000.00............. 13.95
19,000.01 to 20,000.00............. 14.40
20,000.01 to 21,000.00............. 14.85
21,000.01 to 22,000.00............. 15.30
22,000.01 to 23,000.00............. 15.75
23,000.01 to 24,000.00............. 16.20
24,000.01 to 25,000.00............. 16.65
(Additional fees for articles
valued over $25,000 are for
handling only.)
25,000.01 to 1,000,000.00.......... $16.65 plus handling charge of
$0.45 per $1,000 or fraction
over first $25,000.
1,000,000.01 to 15,000,000.00...... $455.40 plus handling charge of
$0.45 per $1,000 or fraction
over first $1,000,000.
Over 15,000,000.00................. $6,755.40 plus additional
charges may be made based on
weight, space, and value.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Registered mail maximum insurance liability: $25,000.00.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
17.0 RESTRICTED DELIVERY
[No change to redesignated 17.0.]
[Revise redesignated 18.0 to read as follows:]
18.0 RETURN RECEIPT
Fee, in addition to postage and other fees, per mailpiece:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Type Fee
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Requested at time of mailing showing to whom, signature, date,
and addressee's address (if different)........................ $1.10
Requested after mailing showing only to whom and date delivered 6.60
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[Revise redesignated 19.0 to read as follows:]
19.0 RETURN RECEIPT FOR MERCHANDISE
Fee, in addition to postage and other fees, per mailpiece:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Type Fee
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Showing to whom, signature, date, and addressee's address (if
different).................................................... $1.20
[[Page 26096]]
Delivery record................................................ 6.60
------------------------------------------------------------------------
20.0 SPECIAL HANDLING
[No change to 20.0.]
S SPECIAL SERVICES
S000 Miscellaneous Services
S010 Indemnity Claims
* * * * *
2.0 GENERAL FILING INSTRUCTIONS
* * * * *
2.5 Evidence of Insurance
[Revise 2.5 to read as follows:]
For a claim involving insured, COD, registered, or Express Mail
service, the customer must present any of the following evidence
showing that the particular service was purchased:
a. The original mailing receipt issued at the time of mailing
(reproduced copies are not acceptable).
b. The wrapper showing the names and addresses of the sender and
the addressee and the proper mail endorsement, tag, or label showing
that the article was sent insured, COD, registered with postal
insurance, or Express Mail. If only the wrapper is submitted, indemnity
can be limited to $100 for insured, $50 for COD, $100 for registered
mail, and $500 for Express Mail.
* * * * *
2.9 Proof of Loss
[Revise 2.9 to read as follows:]
To file a claim, the sender must provide proof of loss of insured
or registered mail. Proof of loss is not required for COD or Express
Mail claims. Any one of these documents is acceptable:
a. A letter or statement from the addressee, dated at least 30 days
(15 days for registered mail) after the date that the article was
mailed, reporting that the addressee did not receive the article. The
statement or a copy of it must be attached to the claim.
* * * * *
2.11 Payable Claim
[Amend 2.11 by revising 2.11d to read as follows:]
Insurance for loss or damage to insured, registered, or COD mail
within the amount covered by the fee paid or within the indemnity
limits for Express Mail explained in 2.12 is payable for the following:
* * * * *
d. Reasonable costs incurred duplicating documents such as:
* * * * *
2.12 Payable Express Mail Claims
[Revise 2.12 to read as follows:]
In addition to the payable claims in 2.11, the following are
payable for Express Mail:
a. For Express Mail insurance, nonnegotiable documents are insured
against loss, damage, or rifling while in transit. Coverage is limited
to $500 per piece (the unit on which postage is paid), subject to a
maximum limit per occurrence as provided in 2.12a(4). Claims for
document reconstruction insurance must be supported by a statement of
expense incurred in reconstruction. For this standard, while in transit
begins when the USPS receives custody of the insured material and ends
when the material is delivered to the addressee or, if undeliverable,
when the sender receives the material on return. Nonnegotiable
documents include audit and business records, commercial papers, and
such other written instruments for the conduct and operation of banks
and banking institutions that have not been made negotiable or cannot
be negotiated or converted into cash without forgery. Nonnegotiable
documents can be in hard copy, disk, tape, microfilm, or other forms of
data storage. Articles such as artwork, collector or antique items,
books, pamphlets, readers proofs, repro proofs, separation negatives,
engineering drawings, blueprints, circulars, advertisements, film,
negatives, and photographs are considered merchandise, not documents.
Indemnity for document reconstruction is paid as follows:
(1) For payments made (or which are payable) for reasonable costs
incurred in the reconstruction of the exact duplicate of a lost or
damaged nonnegotiable document. Indemnity is not paid for the cost of
preparing the document mailed, or for the mailer's time in preparing
the document mailed or reconstructed. Except for the per page copying
cost, indemnity is not paid for documents if copies of the lost
document are available or if they could have been made before mailing.
(2) Reasonable reconstruction expenses incurred or obligated
between the time of guaranteed or scheduled delivery and actual
delivery.
(3) Loss sustained by the use of funds to maintain cash balances
during the period of document reconstruction (based on the applicable
Federal Reserve discount rate). The period begins at the scheduled
delivery time and may not exceed 15 days.
(4) Catastrophic loss for multiple Express Mail items, such as a
major fire, limited to $5,000, regardless of the number of Express Mail
items, or the identity or number of customers involved. Each claim
resulting from a catastrophic loss first is adjudicated individually.
If the preliminary adjudication exceeds $5,000, the percentage of the
sum represented by each individual settlement is applied to the $5,000
to determine each claimant's pro rata share of the final settlement,
not to exceed $500 per piece.
b. Merchandise insurance coverage is provided against loss, damage,
or rifling and is limited to $500. (Additional insurance, up to a
maximum liability of $5,000, may be purchased for merchandise valued at
more than $500.)
c. For negotiable items, currency, or bullion, the maximum
indemnity is $15.
* * * * *
2.14 Nonpayable Claims
[Amend 2.14 by revising the introductory text and 2.14r, 2.14s, and
2.14t to read as follows:]
Indemnity is not paid for collect on delivery (COD), insured, or
registered service or for Express Mail in these situations:
* * * * *
r. Negotiable items (defined as instruments that can be converted
to cash without resort to forgery), currency, or bullion valued in
total at more than $15 per shipment sent by Express Mail, except under
2.12c.
s. Consequential loss of Express Mail claimed, except under
2.12a(3).
t. Nonmailable items, prohibited items, or restricted items not
prepared and mailed according to postal standards, or any item packaged
in such a manner that it could not have reached its destination
undamaged in the normal course of the mail.
* * * * *
S070 Mixed Classes
1.0 BASIC INFORMATION
[Revise 1.1 to read as follows:]
For a Priority Mail drop shipment, enclosed First-Class Mail may be
sent certified; enclosed Standard Mail may be sent special handling.
Enclosed mail, regardless of class, may not be sent registered,
insured, or collect on delivery (COD). No special services may be given
to the Priority Mail segment of the drop shipment.
[Revise the heading and text of 1.2 to read as follows:]
1.2 Special Handling
A combination mailpiece sent as a Standard Mail parcel may be sent
using
[[Page 26097]]
special handling; only one special handling fee applies to the parcel.
* * * * *
S500 Special Services for Express Mail
1.0 AVAILABLE SERVICES
* * * * *
1.5 Insurance and Indemnity
[Amend 1.5 by removing current 1.5a, 1.5d, and 1.5e and
redesignating and revising current 1.5b as 1.5a, current 1.5c as 1.5b,
current 1.5f as 1.5c, and current 1.5g as 1.5d to read as follows:]
Express Mail is insured against loss, damage, or rifling, subject
to these standards:
a. Insurance coverage for Express Mail drop shipment ends on
receipt at the destination postal facility.
b. All Express Mail signed for by the addressee, the addressee's
agent, or the delivery employee constitutes a valid delivery, and no
indemnity for loss is paid. A waiver of signature may not be used for
Express Mail COD or Express Mail with additional insurance.
c. Merchandise insurance coverage is provided against loss, damage,
or rifling and is limited to $500. (Additional insurance under 1.6 may
be purchased, up to a maximum liability of $5,000, for merchandise
valued at more than $500.) Nonnegotiable documents are insured against
loss, damage, or rifling, up to $500 per piece, subject to the maximum
limit per occurrence as defined in S010.
d. Additional terms, coverage, and procedures of indemnity claims
are in S010.
[Add new 1.6 to read as follows:]
1.6 Additional Insurance
Additional insurance, up to a maximum coverage of $5,000, may be
purchased for merchandise valued at more than $500 sent by Express
Mail. The insurance fee is entered in the block marked ``Insurance'' on
the mailing label. If the label does not contain this specific block,
the mailer uses the ``COD'' block by crossing out ``COD,'' writing
``INS'' to the right, and entering the fee for the applicable coverage.
Coverage is limited to the actual value of the contents, regardless of
the fee paid, or the highest insurance value increment for which the
fee is fully paid, whichever is lower. If a waiver of signature is
requested, additional insurance coverage is void.
* * * * *
[Revise 3.0 to read as follows:]
3.0 EXPRESS MAIL DROP SHIPMENT
Mail enclosed in an Express Mail drop shipment may be sent
certified (if First-Class Mail) or special handling (if Standard Mail).
The enclosed mail may not be sent collect on delivery (COD), insured,
or registered. For Express Mail indemnity coverage, the content of each
Express Mail pouch is considered one mailpiece.
S900 Special Postal Services
S910 Security and Accountability
S911 Registered Mail
1.0 BASIC INFORMATION:
[Revise 1.1 to read as follows:]
1.1 Description
Registered mail is the most secure service that the USPS offers. It
incorporates a system of receipts to monitor the movement of the mail
from the point of acceptance to delivery. Registered mail service
provides the sender with a mailing receipt, and a delivery record is
kept at the post office of address.
* * * * *
2.0 FEES AND LIABILITY
* * * * *
[Remove current 2.4 and redesignate current 2.5 as 2.4, current 2.6
as 2.5, current 2.7 as 2.6, and current 2.8 as 2.7; revise 2.3 and
redesignated 2.4 to read as follows:]
2.3 Postal Insurance
Postal insurance is provided for articles valued at more than $100,
up to a maximum insured value of $25,000, and is included in the fee.
For articles valued at $100 or less, postal insurance may be purchased
by the sender at the time of mailing, subject to the standards for
registered mail and payment of the corresponding fee.
2.4 Refund
A fee for registered mail is not refunded after the USPS accepts
the mail even if the sender later withdraws the mail under 3.9. A fee
for return receipt service or restricted delivery service is not
refunded unless the USPS fails to provide the service. The sender must
present the registered mail receipt showing payment for these services.
* * * * *
S912 Certified Mail
1.0 BASIC INFORMATION
* * * * *
[Revise 1.2 to read as follows:]
1.2 Eligible Matter
Only mailable matter on which postage is paid at a First-Class Mail
rate (including Priority Mail) may be accepted as certified mail.
* * * * *
2.0 MAILING
* * * * *
[Amend 2.5 by revising 2.5b and 2.5c to read as follows:]
2.5 Procedure
A mailer of certified mail must:
* * * * *
b. If a return receipt is requested, check the block on the mailing
receipt to show the fee. Near the certified mail endorsement on the
address side, add the endorsement ``Return Receipt Requested.'' Enter
the certified mail number on the return receipt card, address it to
himself or herself, and attach it to the back of a small envelope or on
the front of a package or large envelope, if the card does not cover
the address. Enter the name and delivery address on the reverse of the
return receipt to show where the receipt is to be sent. When a return
receipt is requested, a complete return address (sender's name and
delivery address) is required on the mailpiece. The name and delivery
address entered on the reverse of the return receipt do not have to
match the sender's name and return address on the mailpiece.
c. Affix to the envelope enough postage to pay for the certified
mail fee and First-Class Mail rate and, if requested, the return
receipt fee.
* * * * *
S913 Insured Mail
1.0 BASIC INFORMATION
[Revise 1.1 and 1.5 to read as follows:]
1.1 Description
Insured mail provides up to $5,000 indemnity coverage for a lost,
rifled, or damaged article, subject to the standards for the service
and payment of the applicable fee. No record of insured mail is kept at
the office of mailing. Insured mail service provides the sender with a
mailing receipt. For mail insured for more than $50, a delivery record
is kept at the post office of address. Insured mail is dispatched and
handled in transit as ordinary mail.
* * * * *
1.5 Additional Services
Subject to applicable standards and fees, special handling, parcel
airlift, and merchandise return services may also be used with insured
mail. Restricted delivery service and return receipt service (Form
3811) may be obtained for parcels insured for more than $50.
* * * * *
[[Page 26098]]
S915 Return Receipt
1.0 BASIC INFORMATION
[Revise the heading of 1.3 and text of 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3 to read as
follows:]
1.1 Description
Return receipt service provides a mailer with evidence of delivery.
A return receipt also supplies the recipient's actual delivery address
if it is different from the address used by the sender. A return
receipt may be requested before or after mailing.
1.2 Availability
The service is available only for Express Mail and mail sent as
certified, collect on delivery (COD), insured for more than $50, or
registered mail. After delivery, the USPS mails the return receipt to
the sender.
1.3 Endorsement
Mail for which return receipt service is requested must be endorsed
``Return Receipt Requested'' above the delivery address and to the
right of the return address.
* * * * *
S917 Return Receipt for Merchandise
1.0 BASIC INFORMATION
[Revise the heading of 1.4 and text of 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, and 1.4 to
read as follows:]
1.1 Description
Return receipt for merchandise service is a form of return receipt
service that provides the sender with a mailing receipt and a return
receipt. A delivery record is kept at the post office of address, but
no record is kept at the office of mailing. A return receipt for
merchandise also supplies the recipient's actual delivery address if it
is different from the address used by the sender. Mail using this
service is dispatched and handled in transit as ordinary mail. This
service does not include insurance coverage. A return receipt for
merchandise may not be requested after mailing, and restricted delivery
service is not available.
1.2 Availability
The service is available only for merchandise sent at the postage
rates for Priority Mail, Single-Piece Standard Mail, Parcel Post, Bound
Printed Matter, Special Standard Mail, or Library Mail. This service
may not be used on international mail.
1.3 Additional Services
Special handling is available for Single-Piece Standard Mail,
Parcel Post, Bound Printed Matter, Special Standard Mail, and Library
Mail, subject to payment of the applicable fee.
1.4 Endorsement
Form 3804 is used for return receipt for merchandise service. The
form and the endorsement ``Return Receipt Requested'' must be placed
above the address and to the right of the return address.
* * * * *
2.0 MAILING
[In 2.2d, remove ``special delivery or''; no other change to text.]
* * * * *
S930 Handling
[Remove current 1.0; renumber 2.0 and 3.0 as 1.0 and 2.0,
respectively, and revise redesignated 1.1, 1.2, and 1.5 to read as
follows:]
1.0 SPECIAL HANDLING
1.1 Description
Special handling service provides preferential handling, but not
preferential delivery, to the extent practicable in dispatch and
transportation. The service does not itself insure the article against
loss or damage. Special handling service is mandatory for material that
requires extra care in handling, transportation, and delivery. Unless
the special handling fee is paid, a nonmachinable surcharge applies to
certain categories of items mailed at Parcel Post inter-BMC rates as
required in E620.
1.2 Availability
Special handling service is available only for Single-Piece
Standard Mail, Parcel Post, Bound Printed Matter, Special Standard
Mail, and Library Mail.
* * * * *
1.5 Fee and Postage
The applicable special handling fee must be paid in addition to
postage for each addressed piece for which special handling service is
desired. Except for official mail, the special handling fee must be
paid at the time of mailing. For official mail, the special handling
fee is collected under established reimbursement procedures.
* * * * *
2.0 PARCEL AIRLIFT (PAL)
* * * * *
[Redesignate current 3.3 and 3.4 as 2.4 and 2.5, respectively; add
new 2.3 to read as follows:]
2.3 Additional Services
The following services are available if the applicable standards
for the services are met and the additional service fees paid:
a. Certificate of mailing.
b. Insured mail.
c. Restricted delivery (if insured for more than $50).
d. Return receipt (if insured for more than $50).
e. Special handling.
* * * * *
An appropriate amendment to 39 CFR 111.3 to reflect these changes
will be published.
Stanley F. Mires,
Chief Counsel, Legislative.
[FR Doc. 97-12209 Filed 5-7-97; 9:57 am]
BILLING CODE 7710-12-P