[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 46 (Wednesday, March 10, 1999)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 12072-12078]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-5905]



[[Page 12071]]

_______________________________________________________________________

Part VI





Postal Service





_______________________________________________________________________



39 CFR Part 111



Domestic Mail Manual Changes to Implement the Delivery Confirmation 
Program Changes in Docket No. R97-1; Final Rule

  Federal Register / Vol. 64, No. 46 / Wednesday, March 10, 1999 / 
Rules and Regulations  

[[Page 12072]]



POSTAL SERVICE

39 CFR Part 111


Domestic Mail Manual Changes to Implement the Delivery 
Confirmation Program Changes in Docket No. R97-1

AGENCY: Postal Service.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: This final rule sets forth the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) 
standards adopted by the Postal Service to implement the Decision of 
the Governors of the Postal Service in Postal Rate Commission Docket 
No. R97-1, as it pertains to delivery confirmation service.

EFFECTIVE DATE: This final rule is effective at 12:01 a.m. on March 14, 
1999.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John Gullo, 202-268-7322.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On July 10, 1997, the Postal Service, acting 
under sections 3622 and 3623 of the Postal Reorganization Act (39 
U.S.C. 3622, 3623), filed a request for a recommended decision by the 
Postal Rate Commission (PRC) on proposed rate, fee, and classification 
changes, including the addition of delivery confirmation service. The 
PRC designated this filing as Docket No. R97-1. A notice of filing, 
with a description of the Postal Service's proposals, was published by 
the PRC on July 23, 1997, in the Federal Register (62 FR 39660).
    On March 16, 1998, the Postal Service published for public comment 
in the Federal Register a proposed rule (63 FR 12864) that provided 
information on the implementation rules for the rate, fee, and 
classification changes that the Postal Service proposed to adopt if its 
requested changes in Docket No. R97-1, including delivery confirmation 
service, were recommended by the PRC and approved by the Governors of 
the Postal Service.
    Pursuant to 39 U.S.C 3624, on May 11, 1998, the PRC issued its 
Recommended Decision on the Postal Service's request to the Governors 
of the Postal Service. Among other recommendations, the PRC recommended 
the classification and fees for delivery confirmation service as 
proposed. Pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 3625, the Governors on June 29, 1998, 
approved the classification and fees for delivery confirmation service 
as part of its decision approving most of the PRC recommendations. A 
notice announcing the Governors' decision and the issuance of final 
Domestic Mail Classification Schedule and Rate Schedule changes was 
published in the Federal Register on July 21, 1998 (63 FR 39124).
    In order to provide time for deployment of the technology used to 
provide delivery confirmation service, the Board of Governors, on June 
29, 1998, deferred the setting of its implementation date.
    In light of the successful deployment of the needed technology, the 
Board of Governors, at its February 3, 1999, meeting, set March 14, 
1999, as the implementation date for delivery confirmation service.
    This final rule contains the DMM standards adopted by the Postal 
Service to implement delivery confirmation service, effective March 14, 
1999. Part A of this notice summarizes major changes that have been 
made to or added to the proposed implementation standards since the 
proposed rule. This includes changes made by the Postal Service in 
response to mailer comments or for other reasons. Part B provides a 
summary of all of the changes in Domestic Mail Manual standards made as 
a result of the implementation of delivery confirmation service. Part C 
contains an analysis of comments received on the proposed rule and the 
Postal Service's response. Part D summarizes the changes to the DMM by 
DMM module, followed by the text of the revised DMM standards.

A. Major Changes and Additions Other Than Rate and Fee Levels Since 
the March 16, 1998, Proposed Rule

1. Special Services

Additions
    The following information was added to the language in new DMM 
S918:
a. Firm Mailing Books
    DMM S918 was amended to provide for use of PS Form 3877 (firm 
mailing book) when mailers desire a receipt for large volume mailings.
b. Acceptance
    Provisions are added to DMM S918 to require presorted or permit 
imprint mailings containing pieces for which fees are paid for delivery 
confirmation service to be presented to a post office business mail 
entry unit (BMEU), detached mail unit (DMU) at the mailer's plant, bulk 
mail center or auxiliary service facility business mail entry unit, or 
other postal facility capable of properly verifying the mailing, and at 
which the permit or license is held and any applicable mailing fee is 
paid. Mailers who use the electronic option or print their own labels 
must submit a completed Form 3152, Delivery Confirmation Certification, 
with each mailing. Each Form 3152 must contain the delivery 
confirmation electronic file number or barcode equivalent, date of 
mailing and, if available, the total number of delivery confirmation 
pieces by class of mail. The barcode format must comply with standards 
in DMM S918 and in Publication 91, Delivery Confirmation Technical 
Guide.
c. Peelable Labels
    Peelable labels will not be required in any instances because of 
the completion of the service-wide deployment of scanning equipment. 
The proposed standards that indicated that the Postal Service would 
require peelable labels for certain 3-digit ZIP Code areas will not 
apply.

2. Updated Language

    The following language was updated from the Proposed Rule language 
to provide for better understanding.
    a. Electronic Manifest was changed to Electronic File to avoid 
confusion with manifests used for postage payment.
    b. Confirmation Information was changed to Delivery Status to allow 
for possible scans throughout the delivery process.
    c. When reference is made to delivery confirmation providing the 
date of delivery, this has been changed to date and time of delivery.

B. Summary of All DMM Revisions for delivery confirmation

1. Priority Mail

Classification and Fee Structure
    A new delivery confirmation service is offered with Priority Mail. 
This service may be obtained in two forms:
    a. An electronic option at no additional fee for mailers who apply 
the identifying barcodes to each piece, provide an electronic file, and 
retrieve delivery status information electronically.
    b. A retail option for a $0.35 per piece fee, with delivery status 
information provided through the Postal Service Internet address or a 
toll-free telephone number. See DMM S918 for details on preparing 
delivery confirmation mail.

2. Standard Mail (B)

Classification and Fee Structure
    A new delivery confirmation service will be available for Standard 
Mail (B) (Parcel Post, Bound Printed Matter, Special Standard Mail, and 
Library Mail). This service may be obtained in one of two forms:

[[Page 12073]]

    a. An electronic option for a $0.25 per piece fee for mailers who 
apply the identifying barcodes to each piece, provide an electronic 
file, and retrieve delivery status information electronically.
    b. A retail option for a $0.60 per piece fee, with delivery 
information provided through a USPS Internet address or a toll-free 
telephone number. See DMM S918 for details on preparing delivery 
confirmation mail.

3. Special Services

a. Delivery Confirmation
    A new delivery confirmation service will be available for Priority 
Mail and Standard Mail (B) (Parcel Post, Bound Printed Matter, Special 
Standard mail, and Library Mail). This service will provide the mailer 
with information about the date and time an article was delivered, and 
if delivery was attempted but not successful, the date and time of the 
delivery attempt. Delivery confirmation may be combined with insured 
mail, registered mail, PAL, COD, or special handling. Delivery 
confirmation may be combined with restricted delivery if purchased 
along with insurance for over $50.00, COD, or registry service. See DMM 
S918 for further details on preparing delivery confirmation mail and 
DMM R900.7.0 for fees. Delivery confirmation service will be available 
only at the time of mailing. This service will be available in two 
forms:
    (1) An electronic option. An electronic option for mailers who 
apply identifying barcodes to each piece, provide an electronic file, 
and retrieve delivery status information electronically.
    (2) A retail option. A retail option for which delivery information 
will be provided through a Postal Service Internet address or a toll-
free telephone number.
b. Return Receipt
    Revisions are made to DMM S915 to allow use of traditional return 
receipt service with delivery confirmation service only if purchased in 
connection with insurance for items valued over $50.00, COD, or 
registry service. At a future date, signature confirmation service 
(electronic return receipt) will be offered with delivery confirmation 
service, without a requirement to purchase another special service. DMM 
rules for signature service will be published once the implementation 
date is determined by the Board of Governors.

C. Summary of Comments from the March 16, 1998 Proposed Rule

    Five of the thirty-two comments submitted to the Postal Service 
regarding the Federal Register notice were related to delivery 
confirmation. Of the five, two were from individuals and three were 
from businesses. Their comments concentrated on the following subject 
areas: clarification to DMM language; including delivery confirmation 
service for Standard Mail (A); use of precanceled stamps; and 
notifications to mailers about deployment.
    As a result of the comments and ongoing exchanges of viewpoints 
with business representatives, revisions to the proposed DMM language 
have been made. A review of past successful practices also has led the 
Postal Service to remain firm on some of the issues expressed by the 
commenters. The Postal Service believes the changes in some of the 
language and standards provide clarity and ease of use.
    The language in the proposed DMM requirements published in the 
March 16, 1998, Federal Register stated, ``Delivery confirmation 
service provides a mailer with the date that an article was delivered 
or that a delivery attempt was made.'' Four commenters stated that 
after an attempt is made, confirmation should be provided once the 
piece is delivered and this should be indicated in the description. For 
clarification, the Postal Service changed the language to, ``Delivery 
confirmation service provides a mailer with the date and time an 
article was delivered and, if delivery was attempted but not 
successful, the date and time of the delivery attempt.''
    The proposed standards specified that the service is available only 
for Priority Mail and Standard Mail (B). One commenter expressed the 
need for the description to indicate the availability of the service 
for all subclasses of Standard Mail (B). In concurring that the 
language should leave no doubts as to what services are included, the 
language was changed to, ``Only Priority Mail and Standard Mail (B) 
(Parcel Post, Bound Printed Matter, Special Standard Mail, and Library 
Mail) may be sent using delivery confirmation.''
    In addition, two comments raised the question about delivery 
confirmation being made available to Standard Mail (A) parcel shippers. 
Use of delivery confirmation with Standard Mail (A) was not proposed by 
the Postal Service in Docket No. R97-1, based on the belief that there 
would not be a large demand for this service with Standard Mail (A), 
given the average postage cost and price sensitivity of Standard Mail 
(A). A new proposal would need to be made to the PRC in order to extend 
delivery confirmation service to Standard Mail (A). The Postal Service 
will take these comments into account in determining whether to make 
such a proposal in the future.
    The Postal Service stated in the proposed standards that the fee 
and postage may be paid with ordinary postage stamps, meter stamps or 
permit imprints. Two commenters indicated that precanceled stamps 
should be included as an authorized method of postage payment. The 
Postal Service disagrees. Routinely, large parcel mailers pay for 
postage with metered postage or use permit imprints with manifesting. 
Generally, postage stamps are not affixed for this type of mail. 
Precanceled stamps are traditionally used with advertising matter 
requiring the same postage on all pieces. These pieces are smaller 
denominations of postage than are used for parcels. Furthermore, 
precanceled stamps are not authorized for use with Priority Mail. 
Precanceled stamps are not accepted as postage payment for other 
similar special service options (Registered, S911.2.2, Certified, 
S912.1.3, or Return Receipt for Merchandise, S917.1.6). Accordingly, 
the Postal Service is not allowing precanceled stamps as a payment 
method for delivery confirmation service.
    The proposed standards specified that the barcoded label section of 
Label 152 must be placed either above the delivery address and to the 
right of the return address, or to the left of the delivery address. 
One of the commenters questioned the position of the barcode shown in 
Exhibit S918.3.2 stating that the relative position of the barcode 
shown in that exhibit did not match the requirement of proposed DMM 
S918.2.2. This is because DMM S918.2.2 refers to placement of the 
delivery confirmation Retail Labels, PS Form 152. Exhibit S918.3.1 
contained a placeholder for a picture of Label 314 that is preprinted 
and provided to customers by the Postal Service. Exhibit S918.3.2 
displayed a customer-produced electronic (non-retail) label containing 
both the address information and delivery confirmation barcode.

D. Summary of Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) Changes for Delivery 
Confirmation

    The following are changes organized by DMM module. They are 
intended as an overview only and should not be viewed by readers as 
defining every revision.

[[Page 12074]]

C  Characteristics and Content

    C850 is revised to include information about barcode formatting 
requirements when routing barcodes are combined with delivery 
confirmation barcodes. These concatenated barcodes require human-
readable elements, product identifier codes, and check digits that 
routing barcodes do not. This was added to reduce confusion when a 
mailer is using both types of service offerings on Standard Mail (B) 
articles.

P  Postage and Payment Methods

    P014 is revised to indicate that a full refund may be given for 
delivery confirmation if no service is provided.

R  Rates and Fees

    R900 is revised to include a table of fees for delivery 
confirmation services.

S  Special Services

    S911 is revised to include delivery confirmation as an authorized 
additional service for registered mail. S913 is revised to include 
delivery confirmation as an authorized additional service for insured 
mail. S915 is amended to reflect limited availability of return receipt 
with delivery confirmation service. S916 is amended to reflect limited 
availability of restricted delivery together with delivery confirmation 
service. S918 is added to provide rules for the proposed new delivery 
confirmation service. S921 is amended to reflect limited availability 
of COD with delivery confirmation service. S930 is amended to reflect 
availability of delivery confirmation service with special handling. 
PAL section of S930 is revised to reflect the availability of delivery 
confirmation service.

List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 111

Postal Service

    For the reasons discussed above, the Postal Service hereby adopts 
the following amendments to the Domestic Mail Manual, which is 
incorporated by reference in the Code of Federal Regulations (see 39 
CFR Part 111).

PART 111--[AMENDED]

    1. The authority citation for 39 CFR part 111 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 552(a); 39 U.S.C. 101, 401, 403, 404, 3001-
3011, 3201-3219, 3403-3406, 3621, 5001.

    2. Revise the following sections of the Domestic Mail Manual as 
follows:

C  Characteristics and Content

* * * * *
    [Revise the title of C840 to read as follows:]
C840  Barcoding Standards for Letters and Flats
* * * * *
    [Revise the titles of C850 and C850.1.0 to read as follows:]
C850  Barcoding Standards for Standard Mail (B) Machinable Parcels

1.0  General

* * * * *

1.1  Basic Requirement

    [Amend C850.1.1 to add following sentence at the end:]
* * * * *
    Postal routing barcodes that are used in conjunction with a 
delivery confirmation barcode in a single concatenated barcode must 
comply with the standards set forth in S918 and in Publication 91, 
Delivery Confirmation Technical Guide.
* * * * *
    [Redesignate C850.1.4 through C850.1.5 as C850.1.5 through 
C850.1.6, respectively. Add new C850.1.4 to read as follows:]

1.4  Use With Delivery Confirmation Service

    A mailer of machinable parcels may obtain delivery confirmation 
service as well as the Standard Mail (B) barcoded discount provided the 
requirements in E630 are met and the barcode(s) is prepared in one of 
the following two ways:
    a. Separate Barcodes. Mailers may place both a postal routing code 
prepared under 1.0 through 4.0 and a separate delivery confirmation 
barcode prepared under S918 and Publication 91, Delivery Confirmation 
Technical Guide, on the same mailpiece.
    b. Single Concatenated Barcode. Mailers may print on mailpieces a 
single concatenated barcode that combines the delivery confirmation 
information and the postal routing code as follows:
    (1) Only the UCC/EAN Code 128 barcode symbology may be used.
    (2) The barcode must be prepared according to the barcode 
specifications for the UCC/EAN Code 128 in S918 and Publication 91, 
Delivery Confirmation Technical Guide.
    (3) The barcode must be prepared according to the data format 
requirements for concatenated barcodes in Publication 91, Appendix G, 
Table 25. This format contains the start code, function one code, the 
``420'' application identifier, the 5-digit code of the delivery 
address on the mailpiece, the function one code, the ``91'' application 
identifier, the service type code, the customer ID, the sequential 
package ID, the MOD 10 check digit, the MOD 103 check-digit, and the 
stop code. The MOD 10 check digit must be calculated using only the 
delivery confirmation barcode elements. The function one codes, the 
``420'' application identifier, and the 5-digit code of the delivery 
address are not included in the MOD 10 check-digit calculation.
    (4) All format, placement, and human-readable information 
requirements for delivery confirmation service must be met as described 
in S918 and Publication 91, Delivery Confirmation Technical Guide, 
rather than the requirements in C850.3.0 and C850.4.0. The human-
readable numeric representation of the concatenated barcode must show 
the ``420'' application identifier, the 5-digit code of the delivery 
address, the ``91'' application identifier, the service type code, 
customer ID, sequential package ID, and MOD 10 check digit. The human-
readable information must also include the ``USPS Delivery 
Confirmation'' text and identification bars.
    (5) In addition to the human-readable requirements in S918 and 
Publication 91, Delivery Confirmation Technical Guide, the word ``ZIP'' 
must be printed to the left of the barcode in 12 point or larger sans 
serif type. A clear zone between the end of the word ``ZIP'' and the 
beginning of the barcode must be maintained. The clear zone must be no 
less than 10 times the average narrow bar or space element width and no 
more than 1/2-inch to the left of the barcode. A clear zone of 1/4-inch 
is recommended.
    (6) If a mailpiece bears the concatenated delivery confirmation 
service barcode that includes the postal routing code, no other 
barcodes that appear on the mailpiece may contain the postal routing 
code structure (see 1.5).
    (7) All barcode symbols must be printed on substrate material that 
preserves the optical specification as described in the AIM-USA Uniform 
Symbology Specification documents. Typically, white label stock 
commonly used for barcode generation is suitable, providing it is not 
glossy (causing mirror-like (specular) reflection) nor prone to 
smearing or smudging.
* * * * *

P  Postage and Payment Methods

* * * * *
P014  Refunds and Exchanges
* * * * *

2.0  Postage and Fee Refunds

* * * * *

[[Page 12075]]

2.4  Full Refund

    [Amend P014.2.4f to add delivery confirmation service as follows:]
    A full refund (100%) may be made when:
* * * * *
    f. Fees are paid for special handling, certified mail, or delivery 
confirmation and the article fails to receive the special service for 
which the fee is paid.

R  Rates and Fees

R900  Services
* * * * *
    [Add new R900.7.0 to read as follows:]

7.0  Delivery Confirmation

    Fee, in addition to postage and other fees, per mailpiece:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            Type                                 Fee
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Priority Mail:
    Electronic.............................................         $.00
    Retail.................................................          .35
Standard Mail (B):
    Electronic.............................................          .25
    Retail.................................................          .60
------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * *

S  Special Services

* * * * *
S911  Registered Mail

1.0 Basic Information

* * * * *

1.5  Additional Services

    [Redesignate S911.1.5 b-d as S911.1.5 c-e and add new S911.1.5b as 
follows:]
    The following services may be combined with registered mail if the 
applicable standards for the services are met and the additional 
service fees are paid:
* * * * *
    b. Delivery confirmation service.
* * * * *
S913  Insured Mail

1.0  Basic Information

* * * * *

1.5  Additional Services

    [Amend S913.1.5 to add delivery confirmation service as follows:]
    Subject to applicable standards and fees, special handling, parcel 
airlift, merchandise return, and delivery confirmation service may be 
used with insured mail. Restricted delivery and return receipt service 
(Form 3811) may be obtained for articles insured for more than $50.
* * * * *
S915  Return Receipt

1.0  Basic Information

* * * * *

1.2  Availability

    [Amend S915.1.2 to provide for use with delivery confirmation as 
follows:]
    The service is available only for Express Mail and mail that is 
sent certified, collect on delivery (COD), insured for more than $50, 
or registered. Return receipt service may be used with delivery 
confirmation only if purchased in connection with insurance for more 
than $50, COD, or registry service. After delivery, the return receipt 
is mailed back to the sender.
* * * * *
S916  Restricted Delivery

1.0  Basic Information

* * * * *

1.2  Availability

    [Amend S916.1.2 to provide for availability with delivery 
confirmation:]
    Restricted delivery may be obtained only for COD mail, mail insured 
for more than $50, registered mail or certified mail. Restricted 
delivery may be used in connection with delivery confirmation service 
only if purchased along with insurance for more than $50, COD, or 
registry service.
* * * * *
    [Add new S918 as follows:]
S918  Delivery Confirmation

1.0  Basic Information

1.1  Description

    Delivery confirmation service provides the mailer with information 
about the date and time an article was delivered and if delivery was 
attempted but not successful, the date and time of the delivery 
attempt. Delivery confirmation service is available only at the time of 
mailing. This service may be obtained in two forms: (1) an electronic 
option for mailers who apply identifying barcodes to each piece, 
provide an electronic file and retrieve delivery status information 
electronically; and (2) a retail option for mailers who do not use an 
electronic file or who wish to retrieve delivery information through 
the Postal Service Internet address or a toll-free telephone number. No 
record is kept at the office of mailing. Delivery confirmation service 
does not include insurance, but insurance may be purchased as an 
additional service (see 1.5).

1.2  Eligible Matter

    Only Priority Mail and Standard Mail (B) (Parcel Post, Bound 
Printed Matter, Special Standard Mail, and Library Mail) may be sent 
using delivery confirmation.

1.3  Service Options

    The two delivery confirmation service options are:
    a. Retail option: Available at post offices at the time of mailing. 
A mailing receipt is provided. Mailers can access delivery information 
over the Internet at www.usps.com or by calling 1-800-222-1811 toll-
free and providing the article number.
    b. Electronic option: Available to mailers who establish an 
electronic link with the Postal Service to exchange acceptance and 
delivery data. No mailing receipt is provided.

1.4  Fees and Postage

    The applicable delivery confirmation fee must be paid in addition 
to the correct postage. The fee and postage may be paid with postage 
stamps, meter stamps, or permit imprint. Precanceled stamps are not 
permitted as postage payment.

1.5  Additional Services

    Delivery confirmation service may be combined with insured mail, 
registered mail, PAL, COD, or special handling. Return receipt service 
under S915 may be used with delivery confirmation if purchased with 
insurance (for more than $50), COD, or registry service. Restricted 
delivery service under S916, may be used with delivery confirmation if 
purchased with insurance (for more than $50), COD, or registry service.

1.6  Where To Mail

    A mailer may mail articles with delivery confirmation at a post 
office, branch, or station, or give articles to a rural carrier.

1.7  Firm Mailing Books

    If three or more articles are presented for mailing at one time, 
the mailer may use Form 3877, Firm Mailing Book for Accountable Mail, 
provided by the Postal Service at no charge, or privately printed firm 
mailing bills. Privately printed or computer-generated firm mailing 
bills that contain the same information as Form 3877 may be used if 
approved by the local postmaster. The mailer may omit columns from Form 
3877 that are not applicable to delivery confirmation mail. Required 
elements are the package identification code (PIC), 5-digit destination 
ZIP Code, and applicable fees. If the mailer wants the firm mailing 
bills receipted by the Postal Service, the mailer must present the 
books with the articles to be mailed at a post office. The sheets of 
the books

[[Page 12076]]

are the mailer's receipts. All entries made in firm mailing books must 
be made by typewriter, ink, or ballpoint pen. Alterations must be 
initialed by the mailer and accepting postal employee. All unused 
portions of the addressee column must be obliterated with a diagonal 
line. A receipt is required for refund requests.

2.0  Labels

2.1  Types of Labels

    Mailers may use one of the three delivery confirmation label 
options shown in 2.1. Additional information may be found in 
Publication 91, Delivery Confirmation Technical Guide.
    a. PS Form 152 obtained from the post office at no charge. This 
form may only be used with the retail mailing option (see Exhibit 
2.1a).
    b. USPS Label 314, available at no charge to electronic option 
mailers (see Exhibit 2.1b).
    c. Privately printed barcoded labels that meet the requirements in 
2.0 and 3.0 (see Exhibit 2.1c).

BILLING CODE 7710-12-P
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR10MR99.018

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR10MR99.019


[[Page 12077]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR10MR99.020



2.2  Label Placement

    The barcoded label section of Label 314 or PS Form 152 must be 
placed either above the delivery address and to the right of the return 
address or to the left of the delivery address. The entire label must 
be placed on the address side and not overlap any adjacent side of an 
item.

3.0  Barcodes

3.1  Symbology

    Labels printed by mailers must meet the following symbology 
requirements:
    a. Mailers printing their own barcodes and using the retail service 
option (1.3a) must print their barcodes using Automatic Identification 
Manufacturers' (AIM) Uniform Specifications for USS Code Interleaved 2 
of 5.
    b. Mailers printing their own barcodes and using the electronic 
service option (1.3b) must use one of the following barcode 
symbologies: UCC/EAN 128, USS Code Interleaved 2 of 5, USS Code 39, or 
USS Code 128. Each barcode must contain a unique Package Identification 
Code (PIC) as specified in 3.2. The barcodes must meet the 
specifications in Publication 91, Delivery Confirmation Technical 
Guide.

3.2  Package Identification Code (PIC)

    Each barcode symbology must contain a unique PIC.
    a. For UCC/EAN 128, each barcode must contain a unique PIC and be 
made up of five fields totaling 22 characters.
    Additional information and specifications can be found in 
Publication 91, Delivery Confirmation Technical Guide. The five 
required data fields are:
    (1) Application Identifier (AI): two characters; identifies the 
article as a delivery confirmation piece.

[[Page 12078]]

    (2) Service Type Code (STC): two characters; identifies the type of 
product or service used for each item.
    (3) Customer ID: nine characters; DUNS\ number that uniquely 
identifies the customer.
    (4) Package Sequence Number (PSN): eight characters; fixed 
sequential number.
    (5) Modulus 10 Check digit: one character.
    b. For USS Code Interleaved 2 of 5, USS Code 39 and USS Code 128, 
each barcode must contain a unique PIC and be made up of four fields 
totaling 20 characters. The four required data fields are fields 2 
through 5 above. Additional information and specifications can be found 
in Publication 91, Delivery Confirmation Technical Guide. These 
symbologies do not use an Application Identifier (AI).

3.3  Printing

    Labels printed by mailers must meet the following specifications:
    a. Each barcoded label must bear a unique delivery confirmation PIC 
barcode as specified in 3.2 and have ``USPS DELIVERY CONFIRMATION'' 
printed between \1/8\ inch and \1/2\ inch above the barcode in minimum 
12-point bold sans-serif type. Human-readable characters that represent 
the barcode ID must be printed between \1/8\ inch and \1/2\ inch under 
the barcode in minimum 10-point bold sans-serif type. These characters 
must be parsed in accordance with Publication 91. There must be a 
minimum of \1/8\ inch clearance between the barcode and any printing. 
The preferred range of widths of narrow bars and spaces is 0.015 inch 
to 0.017 inch. The width of the narrow bars or spaces must be at least 
0.013 inch but no more than 0.021 inch. All bars must be at least \3/4\ 
inches high. Bold (\1/16\-inch minimum) bars must appear between \1/8\ 
inch and \1/2\ inch above and below the human-readable endorsements to 
segregate the delivery confirmation barcode from other areas of the 
shipping label. The line length must be equal to the length of the 
barcode (see Exhibit 2.1b).
    b. Each barcode must meet the requirements in 3.1 for the type of 
service requested.
    c. Mailers must obtain Postal Service certification for each 
printer used to print barcoded delivery confirmation labels. For 
certification, a mailer must forward for evaluation and approval 20 
barcoded labels/forms generated by each printer to the National 
Customer Service Center (NCSC), ATTENTION BARCODE CERTIFICATION (see 
G043 for address). The Postal Service will issue the mailer a PS Form 
3152, Delivery Confirmation Certification, for each printer certified. 
All barcodes must be in accordance with 2.0 and 3.0. Further 
certification instructions are included in Publication 91, Delivery 
Confirmation Technical Guide.
    d. Barcodes that do not meet specifications will not be accepted by 
the USPS. The USPS will contact the mailer if problems with the 
barcodes are found and will try to resolve the problem. The USPS may 
suspend a mailer's certification if electronic file quality does not 
meet specifications.

4.0  Electronic File Transmission

    Mailers must meet the following standards for electronic file 
transmission:
    a. Publication 91, Delivery Confirmation Technical Guide, contains 
specifications for electronic file transmission. A test file 
transmission must be uploaded and approved before mailings begin. Upon 
certification, USPS will issue to the mailer a PS Form 3152, Delivery 
Confirmation Certification, for electronic file format.
    b. Mailers using the electronic option will be required to transmit 
a file with a unique record for each article mailed. The USPS will 
contact the mailer if problems with the file are found and will try to 
resolve those problems. The USPS may suspend a mailer's certification 
if the electronic file quality does not meet specifications. In 
addition, USPS acceptance units will be notified to charge the customer 
the retail delivery confirmation fee.

5.0  Acceptance

    Customers must meet the following requirements when presenting mail 
for acceptance:
    a. Presorted or permit imprint mailings containing pieces for which 
fees are paid for delivery confirmation service must be presented to a 
post office business mail entry unit (BMEU), detached mail unit (DMU) 
at the mailer's plant, bulk mail center or auxiliary service center 
business mail entry unit, or other postal facility capable of properly 
verifying the mailing and at which the mailer has obtained the 
necessary permits and license and paid any applicable mailing fee. Each 
piece of Priority Mail and Standard Mail (B) must meet the applicable 
eligibility and preparation standards for the rate claimed.
    b. Mailers who use the electronic option or print their own labels 
must submit a completed PS Form 3152, Delivery Confirmation 
Certification, with each mailing. Each PS Form 3152 must contain the 
delivery confirmation electronic file number or barcode equivalent, 
date of mailing, and, if available the total number of delivery 
confirmation pieces by class of mail. The barcode format must comply 
with standards in Publication 91, Delivery Confirmation Technical 
Guide.
* * * * *
S921  Collect on Delivery (COD) Mail

1.0  Basic Information

* * * * *

1.4  Other Services

    [Revise S921.1.4 to read as follows:]
    Subject to applicable standards and fees, return receipt, 
restricted delivery, and delivery confirmation services are available 
for COD. Restricted delivery and delivery confirmation are not 
available with Express Mail COD.
* * * * *
S930  Handling

1.0  Special Handling

* * * * *

1.3  Additional Services

    [Revise S930.1.3 to read as follows:]
    Special handling can be combined with COD, insured, return receipt 
for merchandise, and delivery confirmation if the applicable standards 
for the service are met and the additional service fees paid.
* * * * *

2.3  Additional Services

    [Redesignate S930.2.3 b-e as S930.2.3 c-f and add new S930.2.3b to 
read as follows:]
    The following services are available if the applicable standards 
for the services are met and the additional service fees paid:
* * * * *
    b. Delivery confirmation.
* * * * *
    An appropriate amendment to 39 CFR 111.3 will be published to 
reflect these changes.
Stanley F. Mires,
Chief Counsel, Legislative.
[FR Doc. 99-5905 Filed 3-8-99; 11:12 am]
BILLING CODE 7710-12-P