[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.                                     

* * * * *

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Special services                    Description                                Fee \1\                  
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                
*                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *                
                                                         *                                                      
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]]



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                       Fees \2\ (in addition to                                                         
                                   Declared Value of Article \1\               postage)                                Handling charge                  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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