[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 126 (Tuesday, July 1, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 35424-35441]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-17068]
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POSTAL RATE COMMISSION
39 CFR Part 3001
[Docket Nos. RM97-3, MC96-2, MC96-3 and MC97-1; Order No. 1185]
Amendments to Domestic Mail Classification Schedule
AGENCY: Postal Rate Commission.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This final rule sets forth the changes to the Domestic Mail
Classification Schedule (DMCS) and the accompanying rate changes as a
result of the Governors' Decisions on the Recommended Decisions of the
Postal Rate Commission in Docket Nos. MC96-2, MC96-3 and MC97-1. The
Commission's Recommended Decision in Docket No. MC96-2 (issued July 19,
1996) and its Further Opinion and Recommended Decision in Docket No.
MC96-2 (issued May 14, 1997) changed the classification provisions for
Nonprofit Standard Mail, Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route Standard
Mail, Nonprofit Periodicals, Within County Periodicals and Classroom
Publications. The Commission's Decision in Docket No. MC96-3 (issued
April 2, 1997) changed the classification provisions for selected
Special Services. An Experimental Nonletter-Size Business Reply Mail
Category, to begin June 8, 1997 and expire June 8, 1999, was
established with the Governors' Decision accepting the Commission's
Recommended Decision in Docket No. MC97-1. For this reason Appendix A
to Subpart C has been revised to reflect those changes.
DATES: This rule is effective July 1, 1997.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stephen L. Sharfman, Legal Advisor,
Postal Rate Commission, 1333 H Street, NW, Suite 300, Washington, D.C.
20268-0001, (202) 789-6820.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On April 4, 1996, the Postal Service,
pursuant to its authority under 39 U.S.C. 3621, et seq., filed a
request with the Postal Rate Commission for a recommended decision on
classification reform proposals for some types of preferred rate mail.
The Commission designated this filing as Docket No. MC96-2,
Classification Reform II (Nonprofit Mail) and on April 11, 1996, the
Commission published a notice in the Federal Register (61 FR 16129-
16146) outlining the Postal Service request and allowing interested
parties an opportunity to intervene.
The Commission issued its recommended decision on the Postal
Service request on July 19, 1996. The recommended decision followed
closely the settlement agreement signed by 13 participants and the
Postal Service, with the exception of the proposal for Classroom
Periodicals. In Order No. 1125, issued simultaneously with the
Recommended Decision, the Commission directed the Postal Service to
provide further data and information on the proposed changes in
Classroom Periodicals.
On August 5, 1996, the Governors issued a decision accepting the
Recommended Decision of the Postal Rate Commission, and by Resolution
No. 96-4 established October 6, 1996 as the effective date for
implementation. Decision of the Governors of the United States Postal
Service on Recommended Decision of the Postal Rate Commission on
Nonprofit Standard Mail, Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route Standard
Mail, Nonprofit Periodicals, and Within County Periodicals, Docket No.
MC96-2, August 5, 1996.
In response to Order No. 1125, the Postal Service filed additional
testimony. On May 14, 1997, the Commission issued its Further Opinion
and Recommended Decision on Classroom Publications. On June 5, 1997,
the Governors' issued a decision accepting the Commission's Recommended
Decision, and by Resolution No. 97-9, established October 5, 1997 as
the effective date for implementation.
The Request of the United States Postal Service for a Recommended
Decision on Special Service Changes was filed on June 7, 1996. It
proposed changes in provisions of the Domestic Mail Classification
Schedule and fees for selected special services. The Postal Service
proposed changes in the terms of service or fees for post office boxes
(including caller service), certified mail, return receipt, insurance
and registered mail service. The proposal established a new special
service for postal cards, and renamed postal cards ``Stamped Cards''.
The proposal also eliminated special delivery service. The Commission
published a notice in the Federal Register (61 FR 31968-31979)
outlining the Postal Service Request and allowing interested parties an
opportunity to intervene. The Commission issued its Recommended
Decision on April 2, 1997.
On May 6, 1997, the Governors issued a decision accepting the
Recommended Decision of the Postal Rate Commission and by Resolution
97-7 established June 8, 1997 as the effective date for implementation.
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, May 6, 1997.
The proceedings in Docket No. MC97-1 were initiated to consider a
Request of the United States Postal Service, filed on December 13,
1996, for establishment, on an experimental basis, of new mail
classifications and fees for nonletter-size Business Reply Mail. The
Postal Service proposed to conduct this experiment over a two-year
period with a limited number of participants. This experimental filing
was made under sections 67 through 67d of the Commission's rules of
practice, 39 CFR 3001.67 through 3001.67d. The Commission gave notice
of the Postal Service's Request in Order No. 1148
[[Page 35425]]
which was published in the Federal Register (61 FR 67860-67862).
On April 2, 1997, the Commission issued a Recommended Decision in
this docket establishing the experimental classification for a period
of two years. On May 6, 1997, the Governors issued a decision accepting
the Commission's decision and by Resolution 97-8, established June 8,
1997 as the effective date for this experiment. These provisions will
expire on June 8, 1999. (Decision of the Governors of the United States
Postal Service on the Recommended Decision of the Postal Rate
Commission on the Experimental Nonletter-Size Business Reply Mail
Categories and Fees, Docket No. MC97-1.)
The amendments to the DMCS which are published in this order
reflect the Governors' decisions on August 5, 1996, May 6, 1997, and
June 5, 1997. These revisions are published as a final rule, since
procedural safeguards and ample opportunity for opposition have already
been afforded to all interested parties.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 605(b) of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, the
Commission certifies that this rulemaking is not expected to have a
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.
Accordingly, regulatory flexibility analysis in not required.
List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 3001
Administrative practice and procedure, Confidential business
information, Freedom of information, Postal Service, Sunshine Act.
For reasons set out in the preamble, 39 CFR part 3001 is amended as
follows:
PART 3001--RULES OF PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE
1. The authority citation for part 3001 continues to read as
follows:
Authority: 39 U.S.C. 404(b), 3603, 3622-3624, 3661, 3662.
Subpart C--Rules Applicable to Requests for Establishing or
Changing the Mail Classification Schedule
2. Appendix A to Subpart C--Postal Service Rates and Charges is
amended as follows:
a. Place sections 1000-6030 in correct numerical order following
section 484 and preceding Classification Schedule SS-1--Address
Correction Service.
b. Remove the terms ``special delivery'' and ``SS-17'' wherever
they appear.
c. In section 260 in the table, remove entry h. and redesignate
entries i. and j. as h. and i.; in Classification Schedule SS-4,
section 4.030 in the table, remove entry b., and redesignate entry c.
as b.; in Classification Schedule SS-6, section 6.060 in the table,
remove entry c., and redesignate entry d. as c.; in Classification
Schedule SS-13, section 13.070 in the table, remove entry e., and
redesignate entry f. as e., and in Classification Schedule SS-14,
section 14.060 in the table, remove entry d., and redesignate entry e.
as d.
d. In sections 222, 222.31, 222.32, 222.41, 270, Classification
Schedule SS-11, section 11.0221, and the First-Class Mail Rate Schedule
222 heading, remove the word ``Postal'' or ``postal'' and add, in its
place, the words ``Stamped Cards'', wherever it appears. In Section
222.11, remove the word ``Postal'' in the heading and replace it with
the word ``Stamped''; and revise the sentence to read ``A Stamped Card
is a card with postage imprinted or impressed on it and supplied by the
Postal Service for the transmission of messages.'' In section 222.13,
in the first sentence, remove the word ``postal'' wherever it appears
and replace it with ``Stamped Cards''; in the second sentence, remove
the word ``postal'' and replace it with ``Stamped Card''. In section
222.2, remove the word ``postal'' the first time it appears and replace
it with ``Stamped Card''.
e. Amend the Table of Contents by:
1. Revising the entry for Section 180 to read ``Refunds''.
2. Revising the entry for Section 181 to read ``Procedure''.
3. Revising the entry for Section 182 to read ``Availability''.
4. Removing the entries for Section 183, 184, 460 and
Classification Schedule SS-17.
f. In section 110 add the following sentence at the end of the
paragraph: ``Insurance is either included in Express Mail postage or is
available for an additional charge, depending on the value and nature
of the item sent by Express Mail.''
g. Amend the table in section 160 by adding, under the heading
``Service'' the words ``d. Express Mail Insurance'', and under the
heading ``Schedule'', the words ``SS-9''.
h. Sections 180 through 182 are revised to read as set forth below;
and sections 183 and 184 are removed.
i. In section 260 in the table, in entry h. under the heading
``Service'' revise the parenthetical phrase to read ``(limited to
merchandise sent by Priority Mail)''.
j. Sections 320 through 423 are revised to read as set forth below.
k. Section 460 is removed.
l. Section 1009 is added to read as set forth below.
m. In the second sentence of section 3080, remove the words ``and
insured'' and add the words ``general insurance, and Express Mail
Insurance'' in their place.
n. Classification Schedule SS-2--Business Reply Mail is revised to
read as set forth below.
o. In Classification Schedule SS-3, section 3.010, remove the word
``his'' and the article ``a'' the third time it appears, and add the
words ``the customer's'' before the words ``box number''.
p. In Classification Schedule SS-3, section 3.022, remove the ``,''
and the word ``rented'', and add the word ``used'' in its place.
q. Revise Classification Schedule SS-9 to read as set forth below.
r. In Classification Schedule SS-10, section 10.010, remove the
word ``his''.
s. In Classification Schedule SS-10, section 10.021, revise the
first sentence to read ``A post office box holder may ask the Postal
Service to deliver to the post office box all mail properly addressed
to the holder.''
t. In Classification Schedule SS-10, section 10.031, remove the
words ``periods of rental and'', and add ``administered as follows''
after the words ``boxes are''. In the table in section 10.031, revise
the first column heading to read ``Period of box use''.
u. In Classification Schedule SS-10, section 10.032, remove the
words ``boxes rented'' and add, in their place, the words ``post office
box fees paid''.
v. In Classification Schedule SS-13, section 13.070 in the table,
entries c. and d., remove the amount ``$25'' and add the amount ``$50''
in its place.
w. In Classification Schedule SS-14, revise section 14.021 to read
as set forth below.
x. In Classification Schedule SS-14, section 14.026, after the word
``which'', add the words ``insurance is provided, or for articles
valued $100 or less on which''; and add a ``,'' after the word
``elected''.
y. In Classification Schedule SS-14, section 14.070, after the word
``mail'', remove the words ``and related optional indemnity purchase''.
z. In Classification Schedule SS-16, section 16.020 in the table,
in entry f., remove the words ``First Class'' and add, in their place,
the words ``Priority Mail''; in entry g., revise the parenthetical
phrase to read ``(limited to merchandise sent by Single Piece, Parcel
Post, Bound Printed Matter, Special, and Library Subclasses)''.
aa. In Classification Schedule SS-16, section 16.021, after the
words ``mailing
[[Page 35426]]
or'' add the following '', when purchased in conjunction with
certified, COD, insured (if for more than $50), registered, or Express
Mail,''.
bb. Amend Classification Schedule SS-16, by revising section
16.0211 as set forth below.
cc. Classification Schedule SS-17 is removed.
dd. In Classification Schedule SS-18, section 18.021 remove the
words ``(or special delivery)''.
ee. Classification Schedule 19A is added to read as set forth
below.
ff. Standard Mail Rate Schedule 321.4 is removed.
gg. Rate Schedules 321.4A, 321.4B and 321.5 are added to read as
set forth below.
hh. Rate Schedules 423.2, 423.3 and 423.4 are revised to read as
set forth below.
ii. In the table which appears after Rate Schedule 423.4, Rate
Schedules SS-2--Business Reply Mail, SS-5--Certified Mail, SS-9--
Insured Mail, SS-10--Post Office Boxes and Caller Service, SS-14--
Registered Mail and SS-16--Return Receipts are revised to read as set
forth below.
jj. Rate Schedule SS-17--Special Delivery is removed.
kk. In Rate Schedule SS-19--Stamped Envelopes add the following
parenthetical phrase ``(in addition to postage)'', under the word
``Fee''.
ll. Rate Schedule SS-19A--Stamped Cards is added to read as set
forth below.
Appendix A to Subpart C--Postal Service Rates and Charges
* * * * *
180 REFUNDS
181 Procedure
Claims for refunds of postage must be filed within the period of
time and under terms and conditions prescribed by the Postal Service.
182 Availability
182.1 Same Day Airport. The Postal Service will refund the postage
for Same Day Airport Express Mail not available for claim by the time
specified, unless the delay is caused by:
a. Strikes or work stoppage;
b. Delay or cancellation of flights; or
c. Governmental action beyond the control of Postal Service or air
carriers.
182.2 Custom Designed. Except where a service agreement provides
for claim, or delivery, of Custom Designed Express Mail more than 24
hours after scheduled tender at point of origin, the Postal Service
will refund postage for such mail not available for claim, or not
delivered, within 24 hours of mailing, unless the item was delayed by
strike or work stoppage.
182.3 Next Day. Unless the item was delayed by strike or work
stoppage, the Postal Service will refund postage for Next Day Express
Mail not available for claim or not delivered:
a. By 10:00 a.m., or earlier time(s) prescribed by the Postal
Service, of the next delivery day in the case of Post Office-to-Post
Office service;
b. By 3:00 p.m., or earlier time(s) prescribed by the Postal
Service, of the next delivery day in the case of Post Office-to-
Addressee service.
182.4 Second Day. Unless the item was delayed by strike or work
stoppage, the Postal Service will refund postage for Second Day Express
Mail not available for claim or not delivered:
a. By 10:00 a.m., or earlier time(s) prescribed by the Postal
Service, of the second delivery day in the case of Post Office-to-Post
Office service;
b. By 3:00 p.m., or earlier time(s) prescribed by the Postal
Service, of the second delivery day in the case of Post Office-to-
Addressee service.
* * * * *
320 DESCRIPTION OF SUBCLASSES
321 Subclasses Limited to Mail Weighing Less than 16 Ounces
321.1 Single Piece Subclass
321.11 Definition. The Single Piece subclass consists of Standard
Mail weighing less than 16 ounces that is not mailed under sections
321.2, 321.3, 321.4, 321.5 or 323.
321.12 Basic Rate Category. The basic rate category applies to
Single Piece subclass mail not mailed under section 321.13.
321.13 Keys and Identification Devices Rate Category. The keys and
identification devices rate category applies to keys, identification
cards, identification tags, or similar identification devices mailed
without cover, and which bear, contain, or have securely attached the
name and complete address of a person, organization, or concern, with
instructions to return to such address and a statement guaranteeing the
payment of postage due on delivery.
321.14 Nonstandard Size Surcharge. Single Piece subclass mail,
other than that mailed under section 321.13, is subject to a surcharge
if it is nonstandard size mail, as defined in section 333.
321.2 Regular Subclass
321.21 General. The Regular subclass consists of Standard Mail
weighing less than 16 ounces that is not mailed under sections 321.1,
321.3, 321.4, 321.5 or 323.
321.22 Presort Rate Categories
321.221 General. The presort rate categories apply to Regular
subclass mail that:
a. Is prepared in a mailing of at least 200 addressed pieces or 50
pounds of addressed pieces;
b. Is presorted, marked, and presented as prescribed by the Postal
Service; and
c. Meets the machinability, addressing, and other preparation
requirements prescribed by the Postal Service.
321.222 Basic Rate Categories. The basic rate categories apply to
presort rate category mail not mailed under section 321.223.
321.223 Three- and Five-Digit Rate Categories. The three- and
five-digit rate categories apply to presort rate category mail
presorted to single or multiple three- and five-digit ZIP Code
destinations as prescribed by the Postal Service.
321.23 Automation Rate Categories
321.231 General. The automation rate categories apply to Regular
subclass mail that:
a. Is prepared in a mailing of at least 200 addressed pieces or 50
pounds of addressed pieces;
b. Is presorted, marked, and presented as prescribed by the Postal
Service;
c. Bears a barcode representing not more than 11 digits (not
including ``correction'' digits) as prescribed by the Postal Service;
d. Meets the machinability, addressing, barcoding, and other
preparation requirements prescribed by the Postal Service.
321.232 Basic Barcoded Rate Category. The basic barcoded rate
category applies to letter-size automation rate category mail not
mailed under section 321.233 or 321.234.
321.233 Three- Digit Barcoded Rate Category. The three-digit
barcoded rate category applies to letter-size automation rate category
mail presorted to single or multiple three-digit ZIP Code destinations
as prescribed by the Postal Service.
321.234 Five-Digit Barcoded Rate Category. The five-digit barcoded
rate category applies to letter-size automation rate category mail
presorted to single or multiple five-digit ZIP Code destinations as
prescribed by the Postal Service.
321.235 Basic Barcoded Flats Rate Category. The basic barcoded
flats rate category applies to flat-size automation rate category mail
not mailed under section 321.236.
[[Page 35427]]
321.236 Three- and Five-Digit Barcoded Flats Rate Category. The
three- and five-digit barcoded flats rate category applies to flat-size
automation rate category mail presorted to single or multiple three-
and five-digit ZIP Code destinations as prescribed by the Postal
Service.
321.24 Destination Entry Discount. The destination entry discounts
apply to Regular subclass mail prepared as prescribed by the Postal
Service and addressed for delivery within the service area of the BMC
(or auxiliary service facility), or sectional center facility (SCF), at
which it is entered, as defined by the Postal Service.
321.3 Enhanced Carrier Route Subclass
321.31 Definition. The Enhanced Carrier Route subclass consists of
Standard Mail weighing less than 16 ounces that is not mailed under
section 321.1, 321.2, 321.4, 321.5 or 323, and that:
a. Is prepared in a mailing of at least 200 addressed pieces or 50
pounds of addressed pieces;
b. Is prepared, marked, and presented as prescribed by the Postal
Service;
c. Is presorted to carrier routes as prescribed by the Postal
Service;
d. Is sequenced as prescribed by the Postal Service; and
e. Meets the machinability, addressing, and other preparation
requirements prescribed by the Postal Service.
321.32 Basic Rate Category. The basic rate category applies to
Enhanced Carrier Route subclass mail not mailed under section 321.33,
321.34 or 321.35.
321.33 Basic Pre-Barcoded Rate Category. The basic pre-barcoded
rate category applies to letter-size Enhanced Carrier Route subclass
mail which bears a barcode representing not more than 11 digits (not
including ``correction'' digits), as prescribed by the Postal Service,
and which meets the machinability, addressing, and barcoding
specifications and other preparation requirements prescribed by the
Postal Service.
321.34 High Density Rate Category. The high density rate category
applies to Enhanced Carrier Route subclass mail presented in walk-
sequence order and meeting the high density requirements prescribed by
the Postal Service.
321.35 Saturation Rate Category. The saturation rate category
applies to Enhanced Carrier Route subclass mail presented in walk-
sequence order and meeting the saturation requirements prescribed by
the Postal Service.
321.36 Destination Entry Discounts. Destination entry discounts
apply to Enhanced Carrier Route subclass mail prepared as prescribed by
the Postal Service and addressed for delivery within the service area
of the BMC (or auxiliary service facility), sectional center facility
(SCF), or destination delivery unit (DDU) at which it is entered, as
defined by the Postal Service.
321.4 Nonprofit Subclass
321.41 General. The Nonprofit subclass consists of Standard
Mail weighing less than 16 ounces that is not mailed under section
321.1, 321.2, 321.3, 321.5 or 323, and that is mailed by authorized
nonprofit organizations or associations of the following types:
a. Religious, as defined in section 1009,
b. Educational, as defined in section 1009,
c. Scientific, as defined in section 1009,
d. Philanthropic, as defined in section 1009,
e. Agricultural, as defined in section 1009,
f. Labor, as defined in section 1009,
g. Veterans', as defined in section 1009,
h. Fraternal, as defined in section 1009,
i. Qualified political committees,
j. State or local voting registration officials when making a
mailing required or authorized by the National Voter Registration Act
of 1993.
321.411 Qualified Political Committees. The term ``qualified
political committee'' means a national or State committee of a
political party, the Republican and Democratic Senatorial Campaign
Committees, the Democratic National Congressional Committee, and the
National Republican Congressional Committee:
a. The term ``national committee'' means the organization which, by
virtue of the bylaws of a political party, is responsible for the day-
to-day operation of such political party at the national level; and
b. The term ``State committee'' means the organization which, by
virtue of the bylaws of a political party, is responsible for the day-
to-day operation of such political party at the State level.
321.412 Limitation on Authorization. An organization authorized to
mail at the nonprofit Standard rates for qualified nonprofit
organizations may mail only its own matter at these rates. An
organization may not delegate or lend the use of its permit to mail at
special Standard rates to any other person, organization or
association.
321.42 Presort Rate Categories
321.421 General. The presort rate categories apply to Nonprofit
subclass mail that:
a. Is prepared in a mailing of at least 200 addressed pieces or 50
pounds of addressed pieces;
b. Is presorted, marked, and presented as prescribed by the Postal
Service; and
c. Meets the machinability, addressing, and other preparation
requirements prescribed by the Postal Service.
321.422 Basic Rate Categories. The basic rate categories apply to
presort rate category mail not mailed under section 321.423.
321.423 Three-and Five-Digit Rate Categories. The three-and five-
digit rate categories apply to presort rate category mail presorted to
single or multiple three-and five-digit ZIP Code destinations as
prescribed by the Postal Service.
321.43 Automation Rate Categories
321.431 General. The automation rate categories apply to Nonprofit
subclass mail that:
a. Is prepared in a mailing of at least 200 addressed pieces or 50
pounds of addressed pieces;
b. Is presorted, marked, and presented as prescribed by the Postal
Service;
c. Bears a barcode representing not more than 11 digits (not
including ``correction'' digits) as prescribed by the Postal Service;
d. Meets the machinability, addressing, barcoding, and other
preparation requirements prescribed by the Postal Service.
321.432 Basic Barcoded Rate Category. The basic barcoded rate
category applies to letter-size automation rate category mail not
mailed under section 321.433 or 321.434.
321.433 Three-Digit Barcoded Rate Category. The three-digit
barcoded rate category applies to letter-size automation rate category
mail presorted to single or multiple three-digit ZIP Code destinations
as prescribed by the Postal Service.
321.434 Five-Digit Barcoded Rate Category. The five-digit barcoded
rate category applies to letter-size automation rate category mail
presorted to single or multiple five-digit ZIP Code destinations as
prescribed by the Postal Service.
321.435 Basic Barcoded Flats Rate Category. The basic barcoded
flats rate category applies to flat-size automation rate category mail
not mailed under section 321.436.
321.436 Three- and Five-Digit Barcoded Flats Rate Category. The
three-
[[Page 35428]]
and five-digit barcoded flats rate category applies to flat-size
automation rate category mail presorted to single or multiple three-and
five-digit ZIP Code destinations as prescribed by the Postal Service.
321.44 Destination Entry Discounts. Destination entry discounts
apply to Nonprofit subclass mail prepared as prescribed by the Postal
Service and addressed for delivery within the service area of the BMC
(or auxiliary service facility) or sectional center facility (SCF) at
which it is entered, as defined by the Postal Service.
321.5 Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route Subclass
321.51 Definition. The Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route subclass
consists of Standard Mail weighing less than 16 ounces that is not
mailed under section 321.1, 321.2, 321.3, 321.4 or 323, that is mailed
by authorized nonprofit organizations or associations (as defined in
section 321.41) under the terms and limitations stated in section
321.412, and that:
a. Is prepared in a mailing of at least 200 addressed pieces or 50
pounds of addressed pieces;
b. Is prepared, marked, and presented as prescribed by the Postal
Service;
c. Is presorted to carrier routes as prescribed by the Postal
Service;
d. Is sequenced as prescribed by the Postal Service; and
e. Meets the machinability, addressing, and other preparation
requirements prescribed by the Postal Service.
321.52 Basic Rate Category. The basic rate category applies to
Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route subclass mail not mailed under section
321.53, 321.54 or 321.55.
321.53 Basic Pre-Barcoded Rate Category. The basic pre-barcoded
rate category applies to letter-size Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route
subclass mail which bears a barcode representing not more than 11
digits (not including ``correction'' digits), as prescribed by the
Postal Service, and which meets the machinability, addressing, and
barcoding specifications and other preparation requirements prescribed
by the Postal Service.
321.54 High Density Rate Category. The high density rate category
applies to Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route subclass mail presented in
walk-sequence order and meeting the high density requirements
prescribed by the Postal Service.
321.55 Saturation Rate Category. The saturation rate category
applies to Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route subclass mail presented in
walk-sequence order and meeting the saturation requirements prescribed
by the Postal Service.
321.56 Destination Entry Discounts. Destination entry discounts
apply to Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route subclass mail prepared as
prescribed by the Postal Service and addressed for delivery within the
service area of the BMC (or auxiliary service facility), sectional
center facility (SCF), or destination delivery unit (DDU) at which it
is entered, as defined by the Postal Service.
322 Subclasses Limited to Mail Weighing 16 Ounces or More
322.1 Parcel Post Subclass
322.11 Definition. The Parcel Post subclass consists of Standard
Mail weighing 16 ounces or more that is not mailed under sections
322.3, 323.1, or 323.2.
322.12 Basic Rate Category. The basic rate category applies to all
Parcel Post subclass mail not mailed under sections 322.13 or 322.14.
322.13 [Reserved] **
**Revised language describing the bulk parcel post rate category
was not accepted in Docket No. MC95-1. The following description,
last amended in Docket No. R84-1, remains in effect.
400.0202 Bulk
Bulk parcel post mail is fourth-class parcel post mail consisting
of properly prepared and separated single mailings of at least 300
pieces or 2000 pounds. Pieces weighing less than 15 pounds and
measuring over 84 inches in length and girth combined are not mailable
as bulk parcel post. Provision for mailing nonidentical pieces is set
forth in section 400.046.
322.14 Destination BMC Rate Category. Parcel Post subclass mail is
eligible for destination BMC rates if it is included in a mailing of at
least 50 pieces deposited at the destination BMC, auxiliary service
facility, or other equivalent facility, as prescribed by the Postal
Service.
322.15 Intra-BMC Discount. Basic rate category Parcel Post
subclass mail is eligible for the intra-BMC discount if it originates
and destinates within the same BMC or auxiliary service facility
service area, Alaska, Hawaii or Puerto Rico.
322.16 Nonmachinable Surcharge. Basic rate category Parcel Post
subclass mail that does not meet machinability criteria prescribed by
the Postal Service is subject to a nonmachinable surcharge.
322.17 Pickup Service. Pickup service is available for Parcel Post
subclass mail under terms and conditions prescribed by the Postal
Service.
322.2 [Reserved]
322.3 Bound Printed Matter Subclass
322.31 Definition. The Bound Printed Matter subclass consists of
Standard Mail weighing at least 16 ounces, but not more than 10 pounds,
which:
a. Consists of advertising, promotional, directory, or editorial
material, or any combination thereof;
b. Is securely bound by permanent fastenings including, but not
limited to, staples, spiral bindings, glue, and stitching; loose leaf
binders and similar fastenings are not considered permanent;
c. Consists of sheets of which at least 90 percent are imprinted
with letters, characters, figures or images or any combination of
these, by any process other than handwriting or typewriting;
d. Does not have the nature of personal correspondence;
e. Is not stationery, such as pads of blank printed forms.
322.32 Single Piece Rate Category. The single piece rate category
applies to Bound Printed Matter subclass mail which is not mailed under
section 322.33 or 322.34.
322.33 Bulk Rate Category. The bulk rate category applies to Bound
Printed Matter subclass mail prepared in a mailing of at least 300
pieces, prepared and presorted as prescribed by the Postal Service.
322.34 Carrier Route Presort Rate Category. The carrier route rate
category applies to Bound Printed Matter subclass mail prepared in a
mailing of at least 300 pieces of carrier route presorted mail,
prepared and presorted as prescribed by the Postal Service.
323 Subclasses With No 16-Ounce Limitation
323.1 Special Subclass
323.11 Definition. The Special subclass consists of Standard Mail
of the following types:
a. Books, including books issued to supplement other books, of at
least eight printed pages, consisting wholly of reading matter or
scholarly bibliography or reading matter with incidental blank spaces
for notations, and containing no advertising matter other than
incidental announcements of books. Not more than three of the
announcements may contain as part of their format a single order form,
which may also serve as a post card. The order forms permitted in this
subsection are in addition to and not in lieu of order forms which may
be enclosed by virtue of any other provision;
[[Page 35429]]
b. 16 millimeter or narrower width films which must be positive
prints in final form for viewing, and catalogs of such films, of 24
pages or more, at least 22 of which are printed, except when sent to or
from commercial theaters;
c. Printed music, whether in bound form or in sheet form;
d. Printed objective test materials and accessories thereto used by
or in behalf of educational institutions in the testing of ability,
aptitude, achievement, interests and other mental and personal
qualities with or without answers, test scores or identifying
information recorded thereon in writing or by mark;
e. Sound recordings, including incidental announcements of
recordings and guides or scripts prepared solely for use with such
recordings. Not more than three of the announcements permitted in this
subsection may contain as part of their format a single order form,
which may also serve as a post card. The order forms permitted in this
subsection are in addition to and not in lieu of order forms which may
be enclosed by virtue of any other provision;
f. Playscripts and manuscripts for books, periodicals and music;
g. Printed educational reference charts, permanently processed for
preservation;
h. Printed educational reference charts, including but not limited
to;
i. Mathematical tables;
ii. Botanical tables;
iii. Zoological tables; and
iv. Maps produced primarily for educational reference purposes;
i. Looseleaf pages and binders therefor, consisting of medical
information for distribution to doctors, hospitals, medical schools,
and medical students; and
j. Computer-readable media containing prerecorded information and
guides or scripts prepared solely for use with such media.
323.12 Single Piece Rate Category. The single piece rate category
applies to Special subclass mail not mailed under section 323.13 or
323.14.
323.13 Level A Presort Rate Category. The Level A presort rate
category applies to mailings of at least 500 pieces of Special subclass
mail, prepared and presorted to five-digit destination ZIP Codes as
prescribed by the Postal Service.
323.14 Level B Presort Rate Category. The Level B presort rate
category applies to mailing of at least 500 pieces of Special subclass
mail, prepared and presorted to destination Bulk Mail Centers as
prescribed by the Postal Service.
323.2 Library Subclass
323.21 Definition
323.211 General. The Library subclass consists of Standard Mail of
the following types, separated or presorted as prescribed by the Postal
Service:
a. Matter designated in subsection 323.213, loaned or exchanged
(including cooperative processing by libraries) between:
i. Schools or colleges, or universities;
ii. Public libraries, museums and herbaria, nonprofit religious,
educational, scientific, philanthropic, agricultural, labor, veterans'
or fraternal organizations or associations, or between such
organizations and their members, readers or borrowers.
b. Matter designated in subsection 323.214, mailed to or from
schools, colleges, universities, public libraries, museums and herbaria
and to or from nonprofit religious, educational, scientific,
philanthropic, agricultural, labor, veterans' or fraternal
organizations or associations; or
c. Matter designated in subsection 323.215, mailed from a publisher
or a distributor to a school, college, university or public library.
323.212 Definition of Nonprofit Organizations and Associations.
Nonprofit organizations or associations are defined in section 1009.
323.213 Library subclass mail under section 323.211a. Matter
eligible for mailing as Library subclass mail under section 323.211a
consists of:
a. Books consisting wholly of reading matter or scholarly
bibliography or reading matter with incidental blank spaces for
notations and containing no advertising other than incidental
announcements of books;
b. Printed music, whether in bound form or in sheet form;
c. Bound volumes of academic theses in typewritten or other
duplicated form;
d. Periodicals, whether bound or unbound;
e. Sound recordings;
f. Other library materials in printed, duplicated or photographic
form or in the form of unpublished manuscripts; and
g. Museum materials, specimens, collections, teaching aids, printed
matter and interpretative materials intended to inform and to further
the educational work and interest of museums and herbaria.
323.214 Library subclass mail under section 323.211b. Matter
eligible for mailing as Library subclass mail under section 323.211b
consists of:
a. 16-millimeter or narrower width films; filmstrips;
transparencies; slides; microfilms; all of which must be positive
prints in final form for viewing;
b. Sound recordings;
c. Museum materials, specimens, collections, teaching aids, printed
matter, and interpretative materials intended to inform and to further
the educational work and interests of museums and herbaria;
d. Scientific or mathematical kits, instruments or other devices;
e. Catalogs of the materials in section 323.214 a through d and
guides or scripts prepared solely for use with such materials.
323.215 Library subclass mail under section 323.211c. Matter
eligible for mailing as Library subclass mail under section 323.211c
consists of books, including books to supplement other books,
consisting wholly of reading matter or scholarly bibliography or
reading matter with incidental blank spaces for notations, and
containing no advertising matter other than incidental announcements of
books.
323.22 Basic Rate Category. The basic rate category applies to all
Library subclass mail.
330 PHYSICAL LIMITATIONS
331 Size
Standard Mail may not exceed 108 inches in length and girth
combined. Additional size limitations apply to individual Standard Mail
subclasses. The maximum size for mail presorted to carrier route in the
Enhanced Carrier Route and Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route subclasses
is 14 inches in length, 11.75 inches in width, and 0.75 inch in
thickness. For merchandise samples mailed with detached address cards,
the carrier route maximum dimensions apply to the detached address
cards and not to the samples.
332 Weight
Standard Mail may not weigh more than 70 pounds. Additional weight
limitations apply to individual Standard Mail subclasses.
333 Nonstandard Size Mail
Single Piece subclass mail weighing one ounce or less is
nonstandard size if:
a. Its aspect ratio does not fall between 1 to 1.3 and 1 to 2.5
inclusive; or
b. It exceeds any of the following dimensions:
i. 11.5 inches in length;
i. 6.125 inches in width; or
iii. 0.25 inch in thickness.
340 POSTAGE AND PREPARATION
341 Postage
Postage must be paid as set forth in section 3000. When the postage
computed at a Single Piece, Regular,
[[Page 35430]]
Enhanced Carrier Route, Nonprofit or Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route
Standard rate is higher than the rate prescribed in any of the Standard
subclasses listed in 322 or 323 for which the piece also qualifies (or
would qualify, except for weight), the piece is eligible for the
applicable lower rate. All mail mailed at a bulk or presort rate must
have postage paid in a manner not requiring cancellation.
342 Preparation
All pieces in a Standard mailing must be separately addressed. All
pieces in a Standard mailing must be identified as prescribed by the
Postal Service, and must contain the ZIP Code of the addressee when
prescribed by the Postal Service. All Standard mailings must be
prepared and presented as prescribed by the Postal Service. Two or more
Standard mailings may be commingled and mailed only when specific
methods approved by the Postal Service for ascertaining and verifying
postage are followed.
343 Non-Identical Pieces
Pieces not identical in size and weight may be mailed at a bulk or
presort rate as part of the same mailing only when specific methods
approved by the Postal Service for ascertaining and verifying postage
are followed.
344 Attachments and Enclosures
344.1 Single Piece, Regular, Enhanced Carrier Route, Nonprofit and
Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route Subclasses (section 321)
344.11 General. First-Class Mail may be attached to or enclosed in
Standard books, catalogs, and merchandise entered under section 321.
The piece must be marked as prescribed by the Postal Service. Except as
provided in section 344.12, additional postage must be paid for the
attachment or enclosure as if it had been mailed separately. Otherwise,
the entire combined piece is subject to the First-Class rate for which
it qualifies.
344.12 Incidental First-Class Attachments and Enclosures. First-
Class Mail, as defined in section 210 b through d, may be attached to
or enclosed with Standard merchandise entered under section 321,
including books but excluding merchandise samples, with postage paid on
the combined piece at the applicable Standard rate, if the attachment
or enclosure is incidental to the piece to which it is attached or with
which it is enclosed.
344.2 Parcel Post, Bound Printed Matter, Special, and Library
Subclasses (sections 322 and 323)
344.21 General. First-Class Mail or Standard Mail from any of the
subclasses listed in section 321 (Single Piece, Regular, Enhanced
Carrier Route, Nonprofit or Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route) may be
attached to or enclosed in Standard Mail mailed under sections 322 and
323. The piece must be marked as prescribed by the Postal Service.
Except as provided in sections 344.22 and 344.23, additional postage
must be paid for the attachment or enclosure as if it had been mailed
separately. Otherwise, the entire combined piece is subject to the
First-Class or section 321 Standard rate for which it qualifies (unless
the rate applicable to the host piece is higher), or, if a combined
piece with a section 321 Standard Mail attachment or enclosure weighs
16 ounces or more, the piece is subject to the Parcel Post rate for
which it qualifies.
344.22 Specifically Authorized Attachments and Enclosures.
Standard Mail mailed under sections 322 and 323 may contain enclosures
and attachments as prescribed by the Postal Service and as described in
section 323.11 a and e, with postage paid on the combined piece at the
Standard rate applicable to the host piece.
344.23 Incidental First-Class Attachments and Enclosures. First-
Class Mail that meets one or more of the definitions in section 210 b
through d, may be attached to or enclosed with Standard Mail mailed
under section 322 or 323, with postage paid on the combined piece at
the Standard rate applicable to the host piece, if the attachment or
enclosure is incidental to the piece to which it is attached or with
which it is enclosed.
350 DEPOSIT AND DELIVERY
351 Deposit
Standard Mail must be deposited at places and times designated by
the Postal Service.
352 Service
Standard Mail may receive deferred service.
353 Forwarding and Return
353.1 Single Piece, Regular, Enhanced Carrier Route, Nonprofit and
Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route Subclasses (section 321)
Undeliverable-as-addressed Standard Mail mailed under section 321
will be returned on request of the mailer, or forwarded and returned on
request of the mailer. Undeliverable-as-addressed combined First-Class
and Standard pieces will be returned as prescribed by the Postal
Service. The Single Piece Standard rate is charged for each piece
receiving return only service. Charges for forwarding-and-return
service are assessed only on those pieces which cannot be forwarded and
are returned. The charge for those returned pieces is the appropriate
Single Piece Standard rate for the piece plus that rate multiplied by a
factor equal to the number of section 321 Standard pieces nationwide
that are successfully forwarded for every one piece that cannot be
forwarded and must be returned.
353.2 Parcel Post, Bound Printed Matter, Special, and Library
Subclasses (sections 322 and 323)
Undeliverable-as-addressed Standard Mail mailed under sections 322
and 323 will be forwarded on request of the addressee, returned on
request of the mailer, or forwarded and returned on request of the
mailer. Pieces which combine Standard Mail from one of the subclasses
described in 322 and 323 with First-Class Mail or Standard Mail from
one of the subclasses described in 321 will be forwarded if
undeliverable-as-addressed, and returned if undeliverable, as
prescribed by the Postal Service. When Standard Mail mailed under
sections 322 and 323 is forwarded or returned from one post office to
another, additional charges will be based on the appropriate Single
Piece Standard rate.
360 ANCILLARY SERVICES
361 All Subclasses
All Standard Mail will receive the following services upon payment
of the appropriate fees:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Service Schedule
------------------------------------------------------------------------
a. Address correction....................... SS-1
b. Certificates of mailing indicating that a SS-4
specified number of pieces have been mailed.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Certificates of mailing are not available for Regular, Enhanced
Carrier Route, Nonprofit and Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route subclass
mail when postage is paid by permit imprint.
362 Single Piece, Parcel Post, Bound Printed Matter, Special, and
Library Subclasses
Single Piece, Parcel Post, Bound Printed Matter, Special, and
Library subclass mail will receive the following additional services
upon payment of the appropriate fees:
[[Page 35431]]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Service Schedule
------------------------------------------------------------------------
a. Certificates of mailing.................. SS-4
b. COD...................................... SS-6
c. Insured mail............................. SS-9
d. Special handling......................... SS-18
e. Return receipt (merchandise only)........ SS-16
f. Merchandise return....................... SS-20
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Insurance, special handling, and COD services may not be used
selectively for individual pieces in a multi-piece Parcel Post subclass
mailing unless specific methods approved by the Postal Service for
ascertaining and verifying postage are followed.
370 RATES AND FEES
The rates and fees for Standard Mail are set forth as follows:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Schedule
------------------------------------------------------------------------
a. Single Piece subclass.................... 321.1
b. Regular subclass......................... 321.2
c. Enhanced Carrier Route subclass.......... 321.3
d. Nonprofit subclass....................... 321.4
e. Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route subclass 321.5
f. Parcel Post subclass:
Basic..................................... 322.1A
Destination BMC........................... 322.1B
g. Bound Printed Matter subclass:
Single Piece.............................. 322.3A
Bulk and Carrier Route.................... 322.3B
h Special subclass.......................... 323.1
i. Library subclass......................... 323.2
j. Fees..................................... 1000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
380 AUTHORIZATIONS AND LICENSES
381 Regular, Enhanced Carrier Route, Nonprofit and Nonprofit Enhanced
Carrier Route Subclasses
A mailing fee as set forth in Rate Schedule 1000 must be paid once
each year by mailers of Regular, Enhanced Carrier Route, Nonprofit and
Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route subclass mail.
382 Special Subclass
A presort mailing fee as set forth in Rate Schedule 1000 must be
paid once each year at each office of mailing by or for any person who
mails presorted Special subclass mail. Any person who engages a
business concern or other individuals to mail presorted Special
subclass mail must pay the fee.
383 Parcel Post Subclass
A mailing fee as set forth in Rate Schedule 1000 must be paid once
each year by mailers of Destination BMC rate category mail in the
Parcel Post subclass.
Periodicals Classification Schedule
410 DEFINITION
411 General Requirements
411.1 Definition. A publication may qualify for mailing under the
Periodicals Classification Schedule if it meets all of the requirements
in sections 411.2 through 411.5 and the requirements for one of the
qualification categories in sections 412 through 415. Eligibility for
specific Periodicals rates is prescribed in section 420.
411.2 Periodicals. Periodicals class mail is mailable matter
consisting of newspapers and other periodical publications. The term
``periodical publications'' includes, but is not limited to:
a. Any catalog or other course listing including mail announcements
of legal texts which are part of post-bar admission education issued by
any institution of higher education or by a nonprofit organization
engaged in continuing legal education.
b. Any looseleaf page or report (including any index, instruction
for filing, table, or sectional identifier which is an integral part of
such report) which is designed as part of a looseleaf reporting service
concerning developments in the law or public policy.
411.3 Issuance
411.31 Regular Issuance. Periodicals class mail must be regularly
issued at stated intervals at least four times a year, bear a date of
issue, and be numbered consecutively.
411.32 Separate Publication. For purposes of determining
Periodicals rate eligibility, an ``issue'' of a newspaper or other
periodical shall be deemed to be a separate publication when the
following conditions exist:
a. The issue is published at a regular frequency more often than
once a month either on (1) the same day as another regular issue of the
same publication; or (2) on a day different from regular issues of the
same publication, and
b. More than 10 percent of the total number of copies of the issue
is distributed on a regular basis to recipients who do not subscribe to
it or request it, and
c. The number of copies of the issue distributed to nonsubscribers
or nonrequesters is more than twice the number of copies of any other
issue distributed to nonsubscribers or nonrequesters on that same day,
or, if no other issue that day, any other issue distributed during the
same period. ``During the same period'' shall be defined as the periods
of time ensuing between the distribution of each of the issues whose
eligibility is being examined. Such separate publications must
independently meet the qualifications for Periodicals eligibility.
411.4 Office of Publication. Periodicals class mail must have a
known office of publication. A known office of publication is a public
office where business of the publication is transacted during the usual
business hours. The office must be maintained where the publication is
authorized original entry.
411.5 Printed Sheets. Periodicals class mail must be formed of
printed sheets. It may not be reproduced by stencil, mimeograph, or
hectograph processes, or reproduced in imitation of typewriting.
Reproduction by any other printing process is permissible. Any style of
type may be used.
412 General Publications
412.1 Definition. To qualify as a General Publication, Periodicals
class mail must meet the requirements in section 411 and in sections
412.2 through 412.4.
412.2 Dissemination of Information. A General Publication must be
originated and published for the purpose of disseminating information
of a public character, or devoted to literature, the sciences, art, or
some special industry.
412.3 Paid Circulation
412.31 Total Distribution. A General Publication must be designed
primarily for paid circulation. At least 50 percent or more of the
copies of the publication must be distributed to persons who have paid
above a nominal rate.
412.32 List of Subscribers. A General Publication must be
distributed to a legitimate list of persons who have subscribed by
paying or promising to pay at a rate above nominal for copies to be
received during a stated time. Copies mailed to persons who are not on
a legitimate list of subscribers are nonsubscriber copies.
412.33 Nominal Rates. As used in section 412.31, nominal rate
means:
a. A token subscription price that is so low that it cannot be
considered a material consideration;
b. A reduction to the subscriber, under a premium offer or any
other arrangements, of more than 50 percent of the amount charged at
the basic annual rate for a subscriber to receive one copy of each
issue published during the subscription period. The value of a premium
is considered to be its actual cost to the publishers, the recognized
retail value, or the represented value, whichever is highest.
[[Page 35432]]
412.34 Nonsubscriber Copies
412.341 Up to Ten Percent. Nonsubscriber copies, including sample
and complimentary copies, mailed at any time during the calendar year
up to and including 10 percent of the total number of copies mailed to
subscribers during the calendar year are mailable at the rates that
apply to subscriber copies provided that the nonsubscriber copies would
have been eligible for those rates if mailed to subscribers.
412.342 Over Ten Percent. Nonsubscriber copies, including sample
and complimentary copies, mailed at any time during the calendar year,
in excess of 10 percent of the total number of copies mailed to
subscribers during the calendar year which are presorted and commingled
with subscriber copies are charged the applicable rates for Regular
Periodicals. The 10 percent limitation for a publication is based on
the total number of all copies of that publication mailed to
subscribers during the calendar year.
412.35 Advertiser's Proof Copies. One complete copy of each issue
of a General Publication may be mailed to each advertiser in that issue
as an advertiser's proof copy at the rates that apply to subscriber
copies, whether the advertiser's proof copy is mailed to the advertiser
directly or, instead, to an advertising representative or agent of the
publication. These copies count as subscriber copies.
412.36 Expired Subscriptions. For six months after a subscription
has expired, copies of a General Publication may be mailed to a former
subscriber at the rates that apply to copies mailed to subscribers, if
the publisher has attempted during that six months to obtain payment,
or a promise to pay, for renewal. These copies do not count as
subscriber copies.
412.4 Advertising Purposes
A General Publication may not be designed primarily for advertising
purposes. A publication is ``designed primarily for advertising
purposes'' if it:
a. Has advertising in excess of 75 percent in more than one-half of
its issues during any 12-month period;
b. Is owned or controlled by individuals or business concerns and
conducted as an auxiliary to and essentially for the advancement of the
main business or calling of those who own or control it;
c. Consists principally of advertising and editorial write-ups of
the advertisers;
d. Consists principally of advertising and has only a token list of
subscribers, the circulation being mainly free;
e. Has only a token list of subscribers and prints advertisements
free for advertisers who pay for copies to be sent to a list of persons
furnished by the advertisers; or
f. Is published under a license from individuals or institutions
and features other businesses of the licensor.
413 Requester Publications
413.1 Definition. A publication which is circulated free or mainly
free may qualify for Periodicals class as a Requester Publication if it
meets the requirements in sections 411, and 413.2 through 413.4.
413.2 Minimum Pages. It must contain at least 24 pages.
413.3 Advertising Purposes
413.31 Advertising Percentage. It must devote at least 25 percent
of its pages to nonadvertising and not more than 75 percent to
advertisements.
413.32 Ownership and Control. It must not be owned or controlled
by one or more individuals or business concerns and conducted as an
auxiliary to and essentially for the advancement of the main business
or calling of those who own or control it.
413.4 Circulated to Requesters
413.41 List of Requesters. It must have a legitimate list of
persons who request the publication, and 50 percent or more of the
copies of the publication must be distributed to persons making such
requests. Subscription copies paid for or promised to be paid for,
including those at or below a nominal rate may be included in the
determination of whether the 50 percent request requirement is met.
Persons will not be deemed to have requested the publication if their
request is induced by a premium offer or by receipt of material
consideration, provided that mere receipt of the publication is not
material consideration.
413.42 Nonrequester Copies
413.421 Up to Ten Percent. Nonrequester copies, including sample
and complimentary copies, mailed at any time during the calendar year
up to and including 10 percent of the total number of copies mailed to
requesters during the calendar year are mailable at the rates that
apply to requester copies provided that the nonrequester copies would
have been eligible for those rates if mailed to requesters.
413.422 Over Ten Percent. Nonrequester copies, including sample
and complimentary copies, mailed at any time during the calendar year,
in excess of 10 percent of the total number of copies mailed to
requesters during the calendar year which are presorted and commingled
with requester copies are charged the applicable rates for Regular
Periodicals. The 10 percent limitation for a publication is based on
the total number of all copies of that publication mailed to requesters
during the calendar year.
413.43 Advertiser's Proof Copies. One complete copy of each issue
of a Requester Publication may be mailed to each advertiser in that
issue as an advertiser's proof copy at the rates that apply to
requester copies, whether the advertiser's proof copy is mailed to the
advertiser directly or, instead, to an advertising representative or
agent of the publication. These copies count as requester copies.
414 Publications of Institutions and Societies
414.1 Publisher's Own Advertising. Except as provided in section
414.2, a publication which meets the requirements of sections 411 and
412.4, and which contains no advertising other than that of the
publisher, qualifies for Periodicals class as a publication of an
institution or society if it is:
a. Published by a regularly incorporated institution of learning;
b. Published by a regularly established state institution of
learning supported in whole or in part by public taxation;
c. A bulletin issued by a state board of health or a state
industrial development agency;
d. A bulletin issued by a state conservation or fish and game
agency or department;
e. A bulletin issued by a state board or department of public
charities and corrections;
f. Published by a public or nonprofit private elementary or
secondary institution of learning or its administrative or governing
body;
g. Program announcements or guides published by an educational
radio or television agency of a state or political subdivision thereof,
or by a nonprofit educational radio or television station;
h. Published by or under the auspices of a benevolent or fraternal
society or order organized under the lodge system and having a bona
fide membership of not less than 1,000 persons;
i. Published by or under the auspices of a trade(s) union;
j. Published by a strictly professional, literary, historical, or
scientific society; or,
k. Published by a church or church organization.
414.2 General Advertising. A publication published by an
institution or society identified in sections 414.1 h
[[Page 35433]]
through k, may contain advertising of other persons, institutions, or
concerns, if the following additional conditions are met:
a. The publication is originated and published to further the
objectives and purposes of the society;
b. Circulation is limited to:
i. Copies mailed to members who pay either as a part of their dues
or assessment or otherwise, not less than 50 percent of the regular
subscription price;
ii. Other actual subscribers; and
iii. Exchange copies.
c. The circulation of nonsubscriber copies, including sample and
complimentary copies, does not exceed 10 percent of the total number of
copies referred to in 414.2b.
415 Publications of State Departments of Agriculture
A publication which is issued by a state department of agriculture
and which meets the requirements of sections 411 qualifies for
Periodicals class as a publication of a state department of agriculture
if it contains no advertising and is published for the purpose of
furthering the objects of the department.
416 Foreign Publications
Foreign newspapers and other periodicals of the same general
character as domestic publications entered as Periodicals class mail
may be accepted on application of the publishers thereof or their
agents, for transmission through the mail at the same rates as if
published in the United States. This section does not authorize the
transmission through the mail of a publication which violates a
copyright granted by the United States.
420 DESCRIPTION OF SUBCLASSES
421 Regular Subclass
421.1 Definition. The Regular subclass consists of Periodicals
class mail that is not mailed under section 423 and that:
a. Is presorted, marked, and presented as prescribed by the Postal
Service; and
b. Meets machinability, addressing, and other preparation
requirements prescribed by the Postal Service.
421.2 Regular Pound Rates
An unzoned pound rate applies to the nonadvertising portion of
Regular subclass mail. A zoned pound rate applies to the advertising
portion and may be reduced by applicable destination entry discounts.
The pound rate postage is the sum of the nonadvertising portion charge
and the advertising portion charge.
421.3 Regular Piece Rates
421.31 Basic Rate Category. The basic rate category applies to all
Regular subclass mail not mailed under section 421.32 or 421.33.
421.32 Three-Digit City and Five-Digit Rate Category. The rates
for this category apply to Regular subclass mail presorted to three-
digit cities and five-digit ZIP Code destinations as prescribed by the
Postal Service.
421.33 Carrier Route Rate Category. The carrier route rate
category applies to Regular subclass mail presorted to carrier routes
as prescribed by the Postal Service.
421.4 Regular Subclass Discounts
421.41 Barcoded Letter Discounts. Barcoded letter discounts apply
to letter size Regular subclass mail mailed under sections 421.31 and
421.32 which bears a barcode representing not more than 11 digits (not
including ``correction'' digits) as prescribed by the Postal Service,
and which meets the machinability, addressing, and barcoding
specifications and other preparation requirements prescribed by the
Postal Service.
421.42 Barcoded Flats Discounts. Barcoded flats discounts apply to
flat size Regular subclass mail mailed under sections 421.31 and 421.32
which bear a barcode representing not more than 11 digits (not
including ``correction'' digits) as prescribed by the Postal Service,
and meet the flats machinability, addressing, and barcoding
specifications and other preparation requirements prescribed by the
Postal Service.
421.43 High Density Discount. The high density discount applies to
Regular subclass mail mailed under section 421.33, presented in walk
sequence order, and meeting the high density and preparation
requirements prescribed by the Postal Service.
421.44 Saturation Discount. The saturation discount applies to
Regular subclass mail mailed under section 421.33, presented in walk-
sequence order, and meeting the saturation and preparation requirements
prescribed by the Postal Service.
421.45 Destination Entry Discounts. Destination entry discounts
apply to Regular subclass mail which is destined for delivery within
the service area of the destination sectional center facility (SCF) or
the destination delivery unit (DDU) in which it is entered, as defined
by the Postal Service. The DDU discount only applies to Carrier Route
rate category mail.
421.46 Nonadvertising Discount. The nonadvertising discount
applies to all Regular subclass mail and is determined by multiplying
the proportion of nonadvertising content by the discount factor set
forth in Rate Schedule 421 and subtracting that amount from the
applicable piece rate.
422 [Reserved]
423 Preferred Rate Periodicals
423.1 Definition. Periodicals class mail, other than publications
qualifying as Requester Publications, may qualify for Preferred Rate
Periodicals rates if it meets the applicable requirements for those
rates in sections 423.2 through 423.5.
423.2 Within County Subclass
423.21 Definition. Within County mail consists of Preferred Rate
Periodicals class mail mailed in, and addressed for delivery within the
county where published and originally entered, from either the office
of original entry or additional entry. In addition, a Within County
publication must meet one of the following conditions:
a. The total paid circulation of the issue is less than 10,000
copies; or
b. The number of paid copies of the issue distributed within the
county of publication is at least one more than one-half of the total
paid circulation of such issue.
423.22 Entry in an Incorporated City. For the purpose of
determining eligibility for Within County mail, when a publication has
original entry at an independent incorporated city which is situated
entirely within a county or which is contiguous to one or more counties
in the same state, such incorporated city shall be considered to be
within the county with which it is principally contiguous. Where more
than one county is involved, the publisher will select the principal
county.
423.3 Nonprofit Subclass
Nonprofit mail is Preferred Rate Periodicals class mail entered by
authorized nonprofit organizations or associations of the following
types:
a. Religious, as defined in section 1009,
b. Educational, as defined in section 1009,
c. Scientific, as defined in section 1009,
d. Philanthropic, as defined in section 1009,
e. Agricultural, as defined in section 1009,
f. Labor, as defined in section 1009,
g. Veterans', as defined in section 1009,
h. Fraternal, as defined in section 1009, and
i. Associations of rural electric cooperatives,
[[Page 35434]]
j. One publication, which contains no advertising (except
advertising of the publisher) published by the official highway or
development agency of a state,
k. Program announcements or guides published by an educational
radio or television agency of a state or political subdivision thereof
or by a nonprofit educational radio or television station.
l. One conservation publication published by an agency of a state
which is responsible for management and conservation of the fish or
wildlife resources of such state.
423.4 Classroom Subclass
Classroom mail is Preferred Rate Periodicals class mail which
consists of religious, educational, or scientific publications designed
specifically for use in school classrooms or religious instruction
classes.
423.5 Science of Agriculture
Science of Agriculture mail consists of Preferred Rate Periodicals
class mail devoted to the science of agriculture if the total number of
copies of the publication furnished during any 12-month period to
subscribers residing in rural areas amounts to at least 70 percent of
the total number of copies distributed by any means for any purpose.
423.6 Preferred Rate Pound Rates
For Preferred Rate Periodicals entered under sections 423.3, 423.4
and 423.5, and unzoned pound rate applies to the nonadvertising
portion. A zoned pound rate applies to the advertising portion and may
be reduced by applicable destination entry discounts. The pound rate
postage is the sum of the nonadvertising portion charge and the
advertising portion charge. For Preferred Rate Periodicals entered
under section 423.2, one pound rate applies to the pieces presorted to
carrier route to be delivered within the delivery area of the
originating post office, and another pound rate applies to all other
pieces.
423.7 Preferred Rate Piece Rates
423.71 Basic Rate Category. The basic rate category applies to all
Preferred Rate Periodicals not mailed under section 423.72 or 423.73.
423.72 Three-digit City and Five-Digit Rate Category. The rates
for this category apply to Preferred Rate Periodicals entered under
sections 423.3, 423,4, or 423.5 that are presorted to three-digit
cities and five-digit ZIP code destinations as prescribed by the Postal
Service.
423.73 Carrier Route Rate Category. The carrier route rate
category applies to Preferred Rate Periodicals presorted to carrier
routes as prescribed by the Postal Service.
423.8 Preferred Rate Discounts
423.81 Barcoded Letter Discounts. Barcoded letter discounts apply
to letter size Preferred Rate Periodicals mailed under sections 423.71
and 423.72 which bear a barcode representing not more than 11 digits
(not including ``correction'' digits) as prescribed by the Postal
Service, and which meet the machinability, addressing, and barcoding
specifications and other preparation requirements prescribed by the
Postal Service.
423.82 Barcoded Flats Discounts. Barcoded flats discounts apply to
flat size Preferred Rate Periodicals mailed under sections 423.71 and
423.72 which bear a barcode representing not more than 11 digits (not
including ``correction'' digits) as prescribed by the Postal Service,
and meet the flats machinability, addressing, and barcoding
specifications and other preparation requirements prescribed by the
Postal Service.
423.83 High Density Discount. The high density discount applies to
Preferred Rate Periodicals mailed under section 423.73, presented in
walk sequence order, and meeting the high density and preparation
requirements prescribed by the Postal Service.
423.84 Saturation Discount. The saturation discount applies to
Preferred Rate Periodicals mailed under section 423.73, presented in
walk sequence order, and meeting the saturation and preparation
requirements prescribed by the Postal Service.
423.85 Destination Entry Discounts. Destination entry discounts
apply to Preferred Rate Periodicals which are destined for delivery
within the service area of the destination sectional center facility
(SCF) or the destination delivery unit (DDU) in which they are entered,
as defined by the Postal Service. The DDU discount only applies to
Carrier Route rate category mail; the SCF discount is not available for
mail entered under section 423.2.
423.86 Nonadvertising Discount. The nonadvertising discount
applies to Preferred Rate Periodicals entered under sections 423.3,
423.4, 423.5 and is determined by multiplying the proportion of
nonadvertising content by the discount factor set forth in Rate
Schedules 421. 423.3 or 423.4 and subtracting that amount from the
applicable piece rate.
* * * * *
1009 Nonprofit Organizations and Associations
Nonprofit organizations or associations are organizations or
associations not organized for profit, none of the net income of which
benefits any private stockholder or individual, and which meet the
qualifications set forth below for each type of organization or
association. The standard of primary purpose applies to each type of
organization or association, except veterans' and fraternal. The
standard of primary purpose requires that each type of organization or
association be both organized and operated for the primary purpose. The
following are the types of organizations or associations which may
qualify as authorized nonprofit organizations or associations.
a. Religious. A nonprofit organization whose primary purpose is one
of the following:
i. To conduct religious worship;
ii. To support the religious activities of nonprofit organizations
whose primary purpose is to conduct religious worship;
iii. To perform instruction in, to disseminate information about,
or otherwise to further the teaching of particular religious faiths or
tenets.
b. Educational. A nonprofit organization whose primary purpose is
one of the following:
i. The instruction or training of the individual for the purpose of
improving or developing his capabilities;
ii. The instruction of the public on subjects beneficial to the
community.
An organization may be educational even though it advocates a
particular position or viewpoint so long as it presents a sufficiently
full and fair exposition of the pertinent facts to permit an individual
or the public to form an independent opinion or conclusion. On the
other hand, an organization is not educational if its principal
function is the mere presentation of unsupported opinion.
c. Scientific. A nonprofit organization whose primary purpose is
one of the following:
i. To conduct research in the applied, pure or natural sciences;
ii. To disseminate systematized technical information dealing with
applied, pure or natural sciences.
d. Philanthropic. A nonprofit organization primarily organized and
operated for purposes beneficial to the public. Philanthropic
organizations include, but are not limited to, organizations which are
organized for:
i. Relief of the poor and distressed or of the underprivileged;
[[Page 35435]]
ii. Advancement of religion;
iii. Advancement of education or science;
iv. Erection or maintenance of public buildings, monuments, or
works;
v. Lessening of the burdens of government;
vi. Promotion of social welfare by organizations designed to
accomplish any of the above purposes or:
(A) To lessen neighborhood tensions;
(B) To eliminate prejudice and discrimination;
(C) To defend human and civil rights secured by law; or
(D) To combat community deterioration and juvenile delinquency.
e. Agricultural. A nonprofit organization whose primary purpose is
the betterment of the conditions of those engaged in agriculture
pursuits, the improvement of the grade of their products, and the
development of a higher degree of efficiency in agriculture. The
organization may advance agricultural interests through educational
activities; the holding of agricultural fairs; the collection and
dissemination of information concerning cultivation of the soil and its
fruits or the harvesting of marine resources; the rearing, feeding, and
management of livestock, poultry, and bees, or other activities
relating to agricultural interests. The term agricultural nonprofit
organization also includes any nonprofit organization whose primary
purpose is the collection and dissemination of information or materials
relating to agricultural pursuits.
f. Labor. A nonprofit organization whose primary purpose is the
betterment of the conditions of workers. Labor organizations include,
but are not limited to, organizations in which employees or workmen
participate, whose primary purpose is to deal with employers concerning
grievances, labor disputes, wages, hours of employment and working
conditions.
g. Veterans'. A nonprofit organization of veterans of the armed
services of the United States, or an auxiliary unit or society of, or a
trust or foundation for, any such post or organization.
h. Fraternal. A nonprofit organization which meets all of the
following criteria:
i. Has as its primary purpose the fostering of brotherhood and
mutual benefits among its members;
ii. Is organized under a lodge or chapter system with a
representative form of government;
iii. Follows a ritualistic format; and
iv. Is comprised of members who are elected to membership by vote
of the members.
* * * * *
CLASSIFICATION SCHEDULE SS-2--BUSINESS REPLY MAIL
2.01 Definitions
2.010 Business reply mail is a service whereby business reply
cards, envelopes, cartons and labels may be distributed by or for a
business reply distributor for use by mailers for sending First-Class
Mail without prepayment of postage to an address chosen by the
distributor. A distributor is the holder of a business reply license.
2.011 A business reply mail piece is nonletter-size for purposes
of Classification Schedule SS-2 if it meets addressing and other
preparation requirements, but does not meet the machinability
requirements prescribed by the Postal Service for mechanized or
automated letter sortation.
This provision expires June 8, 1999.
2.02 Description of Service
2.020 The distributor guarantees payment on delivery of postage
and fees for all returned business reply mail. Any distributor of
business reply cards, envelopes, cartons and labels under any one
license for return to several addresses guarantees to pay postage and
fees on any returns refused by any such addressee.
2.03 Requirements of the Mailer
2.030 Business reply cards, envelopes, cartons and labels must be
readdressed and bear business reply markings.
2.031 Handwriting, typewriting or handstamping are not acceptable
methods of preaddressing or marking business reply cards, envelopes,
cartons, or labels.
2.04 Fees
2.040 The fees for business reply mail are set forth in Rate
Schedule SS-2.
2.041 To qualify as an active business reply mail advance deposit
trust account, the account must be used solely for business reply mail
and contain sufficient postage and fees due for returned business reply
mail.
2.042 An accounting fee as set forth in Rate Schedule SS-2 must be
paid each year for each advance deposit business reply account at each
facility where the mail is to be returned.
2.043 Experimental Reverse Manifest Fees
2.0431 A set-up/qualification fee as set forth in Rate Schedule
SS-2 must be paid by each business reply mail advance deposit trust
account holder at each destination postal facility at which it applies
to receive nonletter-size business reply mail for which the postage and
fees will be accounted for through a reverse manifest method approved
by the Postal Service for ascertaining and verifying postage.
A distributor must pay this fee for each business reply mail
advance deposit trust account for which participation in the nonletter-
size business reply mail experiment is requested.
This provision expires June 8, 1999.
2.0432 A nonletter-size reverse manifest monthly fee as set forth
in Rate Schedule SS-2 must be paid each month during which the
distributor's reverse manifest account is active.
This fee applies to the (no more than) 10 advance deposit account
holders which are selected by the Postal Service to participate in the
reverse manifest nonletter-size business reply mail experiment and
which utilize reverse manifest accounting methods approved by the
Postal Service for ascertaining and verifying postage and fees.
This provision expires June 8, 1999.
2.044 Experimental Weight Averaging Fees
2.0441 A set-up/qualification fee as set forth in Rate Schedule
SS-2 must be paid by each business reply mail advance deposit trust
account holder at each destination postal facility at which it applies
to receive nonletter-size business reply mail for which the postage and
fees will be accounted for through a weight averaging method approved
by the Postal Service for ascertaining and verifying postage.
A distributor must pay this fee for each business reply mail
advance deposit trust account for which participation in the nonletter-
size business reply mail experiment is requested.
This provision expires June 8, 1999.
2.0442 A nonletter-size weight averaging monthly fee as set forth
in Rate Schedule SS-2 must be paid each month during which the
distributor's weight averaging account is active.
This fee applies to the (no more than) 10 advance deposit account
holders which are selected by the Postal Service to participate in the
weight averaging nonletter-size business reply mail experiment.
This provision expires June 8, 1999.
2.05 Authorizations and Licenses
2.050 In order to distribute business reply cards, envelopes,
cartons or labels, the distributor must obtain a license or licenses
from the Postal Service and pay the appropriate fee as set forth in
Rate Schedule SS-2.
2.0501 Except as provided in section 2.0502, the license to
distribute business
[[Page 35436]]
reply cards, envelopes, cartons, or labels must be obtained at each
office from which the mail is offered for delivery.
2.0502 If the business reply mail is to be distributed from a
central office to be returned to branches or dealers in other cities,
one license obtained from the post office where the central office is
located may be used to cover all business reply mail.
2.051 The license to mail business reply mail may be canceled for
failure to pay business reply postage and fees when due, and for
distributing business reply cards or envelopes which do not conform to
prescribed form, style or size.
2.052 Authorization to pay experimental nonletter-size business
reply mail fees as set forth in Rate Schedule SS-2 may be canceled for
failure of a business reply mail advance deposit trust account holder
to meet the standards prescribed by the Postal Service for the
applicable reverse manifest or weight averaging accounting method.
This provision expires June 8, 1999.
* * * * *
CLASSIFICATION SCHEDULE SS-9--INSURED MAIL
Part a--Express Mail Insurance
9a.01 Definition
9a.010 Express Mail Insurance is a service that provides the
mailer with indemnity for loss of, rifling of, or damage to items sent
by Express Mail.
9a.02 Description of Service
9a.020 Express Mail Insurance is available only for Express Mail.
9a.021 Insurance coverage is provided, for no additional charge,
up to $500 per piece for document reconstruction, up to $5,000 per
occurrence regardless of the number of claimants. Insurance coverage is
also provided, for no additional charge, up to $500 per piece for
merchandise. Insurance coverage for merchandise valued at more than
$500 is available for an additional fee, as set forth in Rate Schedule
SS-9. The maximum liability for merchandise is $5,000 per piece. For
negotiable items, currency, or bullion, the maximum liability is $15.
9a.022 Indemnity claims for Express Mail must be filed within a
specified period of time from the date the article was mailed.
9a.023 Indemnity will be paid under terms and conditions
prescribed by the Postal Service.
9a.024 Among other limitations prescribed by the Postal Service,
indemnity will not be paid by the Postal Service for loss, damage or
rifling:
a. Of nonmailable matter;
b. Due to improper packaging;
c. Due to seizure by any agency of government; or,
d. Due to war, insurrection or civil disturbances.
9a.03 Fees
9a.030 The fees for Express Mail Insurance service are set forth
in Rate Schedule SS-9.
Part b--General Insurance
9b.01 Definition
9b.010 General Insurance is a service that provides the mailer
with indemnity for loss of, rifling of, or damage to mailed items.
9b.02 Description of Service
9b.020 The maximum liability of the Postal Service under this part
is $5000.
9b.021 General Insurance is available for mail sent under the
following classification schedules:
a. First-Class Mail, if containing matter which may be mailed as
Standard Mail
b. Single Piece, Parcel Post, Bound Printed Matter, Special, and
Library Standard Mail
9b.022 This service is not available for matter offered for sale,
addressed to prospective purchasers who have not ordered or authorized
their sending. If such matter is received in the mail, payment will not
be made for loss, rifling, or damage.
9b.023 The mailer is issued a receipt for each item mailed. For
items insured for more than $50, a receipt of delivery is obtained by
the Postal Service.
9b.024 For items insured for more than $50, a notice of arrival is
left at the mailing address when the first attempt at delivery is
unsuccessful.
9b.025 A claim for complete loss may be filed by the mailer only.
A claim for damage or for partial loss may be filed by either the
mailer or addressee.
9b.026 A claim for damage or loss on a parcel sent merchandise
return (SS-20) may only be filed by the purchaser of the insurance.
9b.027 Indemnity claims must be filed within a specified period of
time from the date the article was mailed.
9b.028 Additional copies of the original mailing receipt may be
obtained by the mailer, upon payment of the applicable fee set forth in
Rate Schedule SS-9.
9b.03 Deposit of Mail
9b.030 Mail insured under this part must be deposited in a manner
specified by the Postal Service.
9b.04 Forwarding and Return
9b.040 By insuring an item, the mailer guarantees forwarding and
return postage unless instructions on the piece mailed indicate that it
not be forwarded or returned.
9b.041 Mail undeliverable as addressed sent under this part will
be returned to the sender as specified by the sender or by the Postal
Service.
9b.05 Other Services
9b.050 The following services, if applicable to the class of mail,
may be obtained in conjunction with mail sent under this part upon
payment of the applicable fees:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Classification Schedule
------------------------------------------------------------------------
a. Parcel Airlift.......................... SS-13
b. Restricted delivery (for items insured SS-15
for more than $50).
c. Return receipt (for items insured for SS-16
more than $50).
d. Special handling........................ SS-18
e. Merchandise return (shippers only)...... SS-20
------------------------------------------------------------------------
9b.06 Fees
9b.060 The fees for General Insurance are set forth in Rate
Schedule SS-9.
* * * * *
CLASSIFICATION SCHEDULE SS-14--REGISTERED MAIL
14.021 Registered mail service provides insurance up to a maximum
of $25,000, depending upon the actual value at the time of mailing,
except that insurance is optional for articles valued $100 or less.
* * * * *
CLASSIFICATION SCHEDULE SS-16--RETURN RECEIPTS
16.0211 Mailers requesting return receipt service at the time of
mailing will be provided, as appropriate, the signature of the
addressee or addressee's agent, the date delivered, and the address of
delivery, if different from the address on the mailpiece.
* * * * *
CLASSIFICATION SCHEDULE SS-19A--STAMPED CARDS
* * * * *
19A.01 Definition
19A.010 Stamped Cards. Stamped Cards are cards with postage
imprinted or impressed on them and supplied by the Postal Service for
the transmission of messages.
19A.011 Double Stamped Cards. Double Stamped Cards consist of two
attached cards, one of which may be
[[Page 35437]]
detached by the receiver and returned by mail as a single Stamped Card.
19A.020 Description of Service. Stamped Cards are available for
First-Class Mail.
19A.030 Fees. The fees for Stamped Cards are set forth in Rate
Schedule SS-19A.
* * * * *
Standard Mail Rate Schedule 321.4A--Nonprofit Subclass Presort
Categories \1\
[Full Rates]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rate
(cents)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Letter Size:
Piece Rate:
Basic..................................................... ........
\3/5\-Digit............................................... ........
Destination Entry Discount per Piece:
BMC....................................................... ........
SCF....................................................... ........
Non-Letter Size:
Piece Rate:
Minimum per Piece: \2\ ........
Basic................................................... ........
\3/5\-Digit............................................. ........
Destination Entry Discount per Piece:
BMC..................................................... ........
SCF..................................................... ........
Pound Rate:\2\
Plus per Piece Rate:
Basic................................................... ........
\3/5\-Digit............................................. ........
Destination Entry Discount per Pound:
BMC..................................................... ........
SCF..................................................... ........
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Schedule 321.4A Notes
\1\ A fee of $85.00 must be paid once each 12-month period for each bulk
mailing permit.
\2\ Mailer pays either the minimum piece rate or the pound rate,
whichever is higher.
Standard Mail Rate Schedule 321.4B--Nonprofit Subclass Automation
Categories\1\
[Full Rates]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rate
(cents)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Letter Size
Piece Rate:
Basic Letter \3\.......................................... ........
3-Digit Letter \4\........................................ ........
5-Digit Letter \5\........................................ ........
Destination Entry Discount per Piece:
BMC....................................................... ........
SCF....................................................... ........
Flat Size: \6\
Piece Rate:
Minimum per Piece: \7\
Basic Flat \8\............................................ ........
3/5-Digit \9\............................................. ........
Destination Entry Discount per Piece:
BMC....................................................... ........
SCF....................................................... ........
Pound Rate: \7\
Plus per Piece Rate
Basic Flat.............................................. ........
3/5-Digit Flat.......................................... ........
Destination Entry Discount per Pound:
BMC..................................................... ........
SCF..................................................... ........
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Schedule 321.4B Notes
\1\ A fee of $85.00 must be paid once each 12-month period for each bulk
mailing permit.
\2\ For letter-size automation pieces meeting applicable Postal Service
regulations.
\3\ Rate applies to letter-size automation mail not mailed at 3-digit, 5-
digit or carrier route rates.
\4\ Rate applies to letter-size automation mail presorted to single or
multiple three-digit ZIP Code destinations as prescribed by the Postal
Service.
\5\ Rate applies to letter-size automation mail presorted to single or
multiple five-digit ZIP Code destinations as prescribed by the Postal
Service.
\6\ For flat-size automation mail meeting applicable Postal Service
regulations.
\7\ Mailer pays minimum piece rate or pound rate, whichever is higher.
\8\ Rate applies to flat-size automation mail not mailed at 3/5-digit
rate.
\9\ Rate applies to flat-size automation mail presorted to single or
multiple three-and five-digit ZIP Code destinations as specified by
the Postal Service.
Standard Mail Rate Schedule 321.5--Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route
Subclass \1\
[Full Rates]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rate
(cents)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Letter Size:
Piece Rate:
Basic..................................................... ........
Basic Automated Letter \2\................................ ........
High Density.............................................. ........
Saturation................................................ ........
Destination Entry Discount per Piece:
BMC....................................................... ........
SCF....................................................... ........
DDU \3\................................................... ........
Non-Letter Size:
Piece Rate:
Minimum per Piece: \4\
Basic................................................... ........
High Density............................................ ........
Saturation.............................................. ........
Destination Entry Discount per Piece:
BMC..................................................... ........
SCF..................................................... ........
DDU \3\................................................. ........
Pound Rate: \4\
Plus per Piece Rate:
Basic................................................... ........
High Density............................................ ........
Saturation.............................................. ........
Destination Entry Discount per Pound:
BMC..................................................... ........
SCF..................................................... ........
DDU \3\................................................. ........
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Schedule 321.5 Notes
\1\ A fee of $ must be paid each 12-month period for each bulk mailing
permit.
\2\ Rate applies to letter-size automation mail presorted to routes
specified by the Postal Service.
\3\ Applies only to enhanced carrier route mail.
\4\ Mailer pays either the minimum piece rate or the pound rate,
whichever is higher.
* * * * *
Periodicals Rate Schedule 423.2--Within County
[Full Rates]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rate
(cents)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Per Pound:
General..................................................... ........
Delivery Office\1\.......................................... ........
Per Piece:
Required Presort............................................ ........
Carrier Route............................................... ........
Presort..................................................... ........
Per Piece Discounts:
Delivery Office\2\.......................................... ........
High Density (formerly 125 piece)\3\........................ ........
Saturation.................................................. ........
Automation Discounts for Automation Compatible Mail\4\ From
Required:
3-Digit Pre-barcoded Letter size.......................... ........
5-Digit Pre-barcoded Letter size.......................... ........
3/5-Digit Pre-barcoded Flats.............................. ........
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Schedule 423.2 Notes
\1\ Applicable only to the pound charge of carrier route (including high
density and saturation) presorted pieces to be delivered within the
delivery area of the originating post office
\2\ Applicable only to carrier presorted pieces to be delivered within
the delivery area of the originating post office.
\3\ Applicable to high density mail, deducted from carrier route presort
rate.
\4\ For automation compatible pieces meeting applicable Postal Service
regulations.
[[Page 35438]]
Rate Schedule 423.3--Publications of Authorized Nonprofit Organizations
\10\
[Full Rates]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rate \1\
Postage rate unit (cents)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Per Pound:
Nonadvertising portion................ Pound............... ........
Advertising portion:\9\
Delivery Office \2\................. Pound............... ........
SCF \3\......................... Pound............... ........
1&2............................. Pound............... ........
3............................... Pound............... ........
4............................... Pound............... ........
5............................... Pound............... ........
6............................... Pound............... ........
7............................... Pound............... ........
8............................... Pound............... ........
Per Piece: Less Nonadvertising Factor of
cents.\4\
Required Preparation \5\.............. Piece............... ........
Presorted to 3-digit city/5-digit..... Piece............... ........
Presorted to Carrier Route............ Piece............... ........
Discounts:
Prepared to Delivery Office \2\..... Piece............... ........
High Density (formerly 125-Piece) Piece............... ........
\6\.
Saturation \7\...................... Piece............... ........
Automation Discounts for Automation
Compatible Mail \8\
From Required:
Pre-barcoded Letter size............ Piece............... ........
Pre-barcoded Flats.................. Piece............... ........
From 3/5 Digit:
3-Digit Pre-barcoded Letter size.... Piece............... ........
5-Digit Pre-barcoded Letter size.... Piece............... ........
Pre-barcoded Flats.................. Piece............... ........
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Schedule 423.3 Notes
\1\ Charges are computed by adding the appropriate per-piece charge to
the sum of the nonadvertising portion and the advertising portion, as
applicable.
\2\ Applies to carrier route (including high density and saturation)
mail delivered within the delivery area of the originating post
office.
\3\ Applies to mail delivered within the SCF area of the originating SCF
office.
\4\ For postage calculation, multiply the proportion of nonadvertising
content by this factor and subtract from the applicable piece rate.
\5\ Mail presorted to 3-digit (other than 3-digit city), SCF, states, or
mixed states.
\6\ Applicable to high density mail, deducted from carrier route presort
rate.
\7\ Applicable to saturation mail, deducted from carrier route presort
rate.
\8\ For automation compatible mail meeting applicable Postal Service
regulations.
\9\ Not applicable to publications containing 10 percent or less
advertising content.
\10\ If qualified, nonprofit publications may use Within-County rates
for applicable portions of a mailing.
Periodicals Rate Schedule 423.4--Classroom Publications \10\
[Full Rates]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rate \1\
Postage rate unit (cents)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Per Pound:
Nonadvertising Portion................ Pound............... ........
Advertising Portion: \9\
Delivery Office \2\................. Pound............... ........
SCF \3\......................... Pound............... ........
1&2............................. Pound............... ........
3............................... Pound............... ........
4............................... Pound............... ........
5............................... Pound............... ........
6............................... Pound............... ........
7............................... Pound............... ........
8............................... Pound............... ........
Per Piece: Less Nonadvertising Factor of
cents: \4\
Required Preparation \5\.............. Piece............... ........
Presorted to 3-digit city/5-digit..... Piece............... ........
Presorted to Carrier Route............ Piece............... ........
Discounts:
Prepared to Delivery Office. \2\.... Piece............... ........
Prepared to SCF..................... Piece............... ........
High Density (formerly 125-piece)... Piece............... ........
Saturation \7\...................... Piece............... ........
Automation Discounts for Automation
Compatible Mail: \8\
From Required:
Pre-barcoded Letter size.......... Piece............... ........
Pre-barcoded Flats................ Piece............... ........
From 3/5-Digit:
3-Digit Pre-barcoded Letter size.. Piece............... ........
5-Digit Pre-barcoded Letter size.. Piece............... ........
Pre-barcoded Flats................ Piece............... ........
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Schedule 423.4 Notes
\1\ Charges are computed by adding the appropriate per-piece charge to
the sum of the nonadvertising portion and the advertising portion, as
applicable.
\2\ Applies to carrier route (including high density and saturation)
mail delivered within the delivery area of the originating post
office.
\3\ Applies to mail delivered within the SCF area of the originating SCF
office.
\4\ For postage calculation, multiply the portion of nonadvertising
content by this factor and subtract from the applicable piece rate.
\5\ Mail presorted to 3-digit (other than 3-digit city), SCF, states, or
mixed states.
\6\ Applicable to high density mail, deducted from carrier route presort
rate.
\7\ Applicable to saturation mail, deducted from carrier route presort
rate.
\8\ For automation compatible mail meeting applicable Postal Service
regulations.
\9\ Not applicable to publications containing 10 percent or less
advertising content.
\10\ If qualified, Classroom Mail may use Within County rates for
applicable portions of a mailing.
* * * * *
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Special services Description Fee \1\
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* * * * * *
*
Schedule SS-2--Business Reply Active business reply advance
Mail. deposit account:
Per piece:
Pre-barcoded
Nonletter-size, using reverse
manifest (experimental)
Nonletter-size, using weight
averaging (experimental)
Other
Payment of postage due charges if
active business reply mail
advance deposit account not
used:
Per piece
Annual License and Accounting
Fees:
Accounting Fee for Advance
Deposit Account
Permit fee (with or without
Advance Deposit Account)
Monthly Fees for customers using
a reverse manifest or weight
averaging for nonletter-size
business reply
Nonletter-size, using reverse
manifest (experimental)
[[Page 35439]]
Nonletter-size, using weight
averaging (experimental)
Set-up/Qualification fee for
customers using a reverse
manifest or weight averaging for
nonletter-size business reply
Nonletter-size, using reverse
manifest (experimental)
Nonletter-size, using weight
averaging (experimental)
\1\ Experimental per piece,
monthly, and set-up/
qualification fees are
applicable only to participants
selected by the Postal Service
for the nonletter-size business
reply mail experiment. The
experimental fees expire June 8,
1997.\1\
* * * * * *
*
Schedule SS-5--Certified Mail.. Service (per mailpiece).......... (in addition to postage).
* * * * * *
*
Schedule SS-9--Insured Mail Document Reconstruction Coverage. (in addition to postage) no charge.
Part a--Express Mail Insurance. $0.01 to $500....................
Merchandise Declared Value Fee... no charge for each $100 (or fraction
$ 0.01 to $ 500.................. thereof) over $500 in value.
500.01 to 5000...................
Part b--General Insurance...... Declared Value Fee............... (in addition to postage).
$ 0.01 to $ 50................... plus for each $100 (or fraction thereof)
50.01 to $ 100................... over $100 in declared value.
100.01 to $5000..................
Schedule SS-10--Post Office I. Semi-annual Box Fees \1\...... Fee Group A, B, C, D and E \3\
Boxes and Caller Service
1. Semi-annual Box Fees\1\....... Fee Group--A, B, C, D, E\3\
Box Size \2\
1
2
3
4
5
II. Semi-annual Caller Service Fee Group A, B, C, D
Fees
III. Annual Call Number
Reservation Fee (all applicable
fee groups)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ A customer ineligible for carrier delivery may obtain a post office box at no charge, subject to
administrative decisions regarding customer's proximity to post office.
\2\ Box Size 1=under 296 cubic inches; 2=296-499 cubic inches; 3=500-999 cubic inches; 4=1000-1999 cubic inches;
5=2000 cubic inches and over.
\3\ Group E post office box customers subject to these fees are those eligible for carrier delivery.
* * * * *
[[Page 35440]]
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Fees \2\ (in addition to
Declared Value of Article \1\ postage) Handling charge
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Schedule SS-14--Registered Mail $0.00 to $100.................... (without insurance) None.
0.00 to 100...................... (with insurance)..............
100.01 to 500
500.01 to 1,000
1,000.01 to 2,000
2,000.01 to 3,000
3,000.01 to 4,000
4,000.01 to 5,000
5,000.01 to 6,000
6,000.01 to 7,000
7,000.01 to 8,000
8,000.01 to 9,000
9,000.01 to 10,000
10,000.01 to 11,000
11,000.01 to 12,000
12,000.01 to 13,000
13,000.01 to 14,000
14,000.01 to 15,000
15,000.01 to 16,000
16,000.01 to 17,000
17,000.01 to 18,000
18,000.01 to 19,000
19,000.01 to 20,000
20,000.01 to 21,000
21,000.01 to 22,000
22,000.01 to 23,000
23,000.01 to 24,000
24,000.01 to 25,000
25,000.01 to $1 million.......... plus.......................... cents for each $1,000 (or fraction thereof) over
$25,000.
Over $1 million to $15 million... plus.......................... cents for each $1,000 (or fraction thereof) over $1
million.
Over $15 million................. plus.......................... Amount determined by the Postal Service based on
weight, space and value.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Articles with a declared value of more than $25,000 can be registered, but compensation for loss or damage is limited to $25,000.
\2\ Fees for articles with declared values of more than $100 include insurance.
* * * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Description Fee (in addition to postage)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * * *
*
Schedule SS-16--Return Receipts... Receipts Issued at Time of Mailing
\1\
Items other than merchandise
Merchandise (without another
special service)
Receipt Issued after Mailing \2\
* * * * * *
*
Schedule SS-19A--Stamped Cards.... Stamped Card........................ (in addition to postage).
Double Stamped Card.................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ This receipt shows the signature of the person to whom the mailpiece was delivered, the date of delivery and
the delivery address, if such address is different from the address on the mailpiece.
\2\ This receipt shows to whom the mailpiece was delivered and the date of delivery.
[[Page 35441]]
Issued by the Commission on June 25, 1997.
Margaret P. Crenshaw,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 97-17068 Filed 6-30-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7710-FW-P