[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 2 (Tuesday, January 4, 2000)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 264-270]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-25]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
POSTAL SERVICE
39 CFR Part 111
Preparation Changes for Palletized Standard Mail (A) and Bound
Printed Matter and for Standard Mail (A) and Standard Mail (B) Claimed
at DBMC Rates
AGENCY: Postal Service, USPS.
ACTION: Proposed rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The USPS proposes changes to the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM)
that would require mailers to utilize one Labeling List (L605) for
Standard Mail (A) packages of flats, letter trays, and sacks prepared
on pallets, regardless of whether the mail is prepared for entry at
destination bulk mail center (DBMC) rates; to require mailers to
utilize Labeling List L605 for Standard Mail (A) and Standard Mail (B)
machinable parcels prepared in sacks or on pallets when mail for
auxiliary service facility (ASF) service areas is prepared for and
claimed at DBMC rates; to implement package reallocation between ASFs
and BMCs for Standard Mail (A) packages of flats placed on pallets; and
to utilize Labeling List L605 for the preparation of all Standard Mail
(B) when mail for ASF service areas is prepared for and claimed at DBMC
rates and for Bound Printed Matter other than machinable parcels
prepared on pallets.
DATES: Comments must be received on or before February 3, 2000.
ADDRESSES: Mail or deliver written comments to the Manager, Mail
Preparation and Standards, USPS Headquarters, 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW,
Room 6800, Washington DC 20260-2405. Copies of all written comments
will be available for inspection and photocopying between 9 a.m. and 4
p.m., Monday through Friday at USPS Headquarters Library, 475 L' Enfant
Plaza SW, 11th Floor N, Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Karen A. Magazino, (202) 268-3854 or
Barry Elliott, (202) 268-2731.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Two labeling lists currently are used by
mailers to prepare Standard Mail (A) machinable parcels and all
Standard Mail (A) placed on pallets. Generally, when a mailing is being
prepared, either DMM Labeling List L601 or Labeling List L602 is used
to sort the mail, depending on whether or not the mailer is planning to
claim DBMC rates. Regardless of which list is used, the overall result
is less than optimal because L601 does not include the ASFs as a
separate sort level and L602 does not include ZIP Codes for offshore
destinations. L601 also is used to sort Standard Mail (B) machinable
parcels. ASFs are not included on L601 because the Postal Service wants
to direct machinable parcels to BMCs, where they are processed on
parcel sorting machines. Consequently, when Standard Mail (A) flats,
letter trays, and sacks are not being prepared for drop shipment at
DBMC rates and Labeling List L601 is used, the beneficial ASF pallets
are not prepared, even when there is sufficient volume (e.g., 500
pounds) to prepare such pallets. Consequently, the mail for the ASF
service area is placed on a BMC service area pallet and must be
processed by the parent BMC.
Labeling List L602 is used to define DBMC rate eligibility for
Standard Mail. Because mail for offshore destinations is not entitled
to DBMC rates, these ZIP
[[Page 265]]
Codes are not included in L602 and mail for such destinations cannot
currently be placed on DBMC pallets prepared using this list. The 3-
digit service areas that are considered offshore destinations are 006-
009, 967-969, and 995-999. As a result, when a mailer sorts an address
file for entry at DBMC rates using this labeling list, the offshore
mail is generally entered at origin and must be processed at the origin
BMC and transported through the postal network to the destination BMC
serving the offshore destination. This mail is frequently placed in
sacks because it cannot be placed on DBMC pallets and it is not
permissible to prepare packages of flats on mixed BMC pallets.
Ultimately, the preparation and entry point of the offshore mail is
determined by which labeling list is used to prepare the mailing.
Proposal To Use One Labeling List (L605) for Standard Mail (A)
Flats, Letter Trays and Sacks Prepared on Pallets
The Mailers' Technical Advisory Committee (MTAC) approved a work
group, the Presort Optimization Work Group, comprised of
representatives of the Postal Service, presort software vendors, mail
owners, and printers, to identify opportunities to improve the overall
presort of mailings. This group identified the two anomalies discussed
above. They indicated that the most viable solution for the offshore
mail is to allow it to ride along on DBMC pallets (or in sacks if
machinable parcels) that may be drop shipped to destination BMCs.
Based on the input of the MTAC Work Group, the Postal Service
proposes to address these anomalies by requiring mailers to use a
single Labeling List, L605, for all Standard Mail (A) flats, letter
trays, and sacks prepared on pallets, regardless of where the mail is
deposited or what rates are claimed. L605 delineates the ASF service
areas and also includes the ZIP Codes for the offshore destinations
within their respective BMC service areas. With this change, the
offshore mail will ``ride along'' with the DBMC mail but will not be
eligible for the DBMC discount. The benefit is that the handling of
offshore mail at the origin BMC will be bypassed and service to the
offshore mail should improve. The three BMCs (New Jersey, San
Francisco, and Seattle) that presently service offshore destinations
are already receiving BMC service area pallets and sacks that contain
offshore mail prepared using Labeling List L601. Therefore, the
addition of offshore mail to these DBMC containers should have no
negative impact.
Requiring the use of Labeling List L605 for all Standard Mail (A)
flats, letter trays, and sacks prepared on pallets will also ensure
that the eight ASFs are always included in the presort logic hierarchy
and that ASF pallets are prepared when the volume warrants.
Labeling List L601 will be retained and will continue to be
applicable for Standard Mail (A) and Standard Mail (B) machinable
parcels, except when mail for ASF service areas is prepared for and
claimed at DBMC rates.
Current Labeling List L602, which contains the ZIP Code ranges for
DBMC rate eligibility will be deleted from the Domestic Mail Manual.
This information will appear, instead, in DMM Module E. This revision
will not change current standards for DBMC rate eligibility.
Package Reallocation of Packages of Standard Mail (A) Flats To
Protect the BMC Pallet
To ensure that the creation of an ASF pallet is not detrimental to
a BMC pallet, the Postal Service also proposes to allow protection of
the BMC pallet through the optional use of package reallocation between
a ``child'' ASF and the ``parent'' BMC pallet. Package reallocation for
protecting a BMC pallet is similar to the option implemented on July
29, 1999, for protecting the SCF pallet. In protecting a BMC pallet,
any amount of mail necessary to achieve the minimum BMC pallet weight
could be reallocated from one ASF pallet and the ASF pallet could be
eliminated if necessary. Mailers who choose to utilize package
reallocation to protect the BMC pallet must use Presort Accuracy
Validation and Evaluation (PAVE) certified presort software.
Utilization of DMM Labeling Lists L601 and L605 for Preparation of
Standard Mail (B)
The proposed elimination of L602 also affects Parcel Post (Parcel
Select) claimed at DBMC rates because that list is currently used to
define eligibility and preparation for all mail claimed at those rates.
Accordingly, the Postal Service proposes that all Standard Mail (B)
entered at BMCs or ASFs for DBMC rates be prepared using L605 and DBMC
rate eligibility, which would not change, will be determined based on
an exhibit in DMM E652. In addition, palletized Bound Printed Matter
(other than machinable parcels) will be prepared using L605 for
sortation to ASF/BMC pallets. L605 will also remain applicable for BMC
Presort and OBMC presort of nonmachinable Parcel Post. L601 will
continue to be used for machinable parcels except when mail for ASF
service areas is prepared for and claimed at DBMC rates.
The proposed implementation date for all of the changes contained
in this proposed rule is July 13, 2000.
Although exempt from the notice and comment requirements of the
Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 553(b), (c), regarding proposed
rulemaking by 39 U.S.C. 410(a), the Postal Service invites comments on
the following revisions of the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM), incorporated
by reference in the Code of Federal Regulations. See 39 CFR part 111.
List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 111
Administrative practice and procedure, Postal Service.
PART 111--[AMENDED]
1. The authority citation for 39 CFR Part 111 continues to read as
follows:
Authority: 5 U.S.C. 552(a); 39 U.S.C. 101, 401, 403, 404, 414,
3001-3011, 3201-3219, 3403-3406, 3621, 3626, 5001.
2. Revise the following sections of the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM)
as set forth below:
Domestic Mail Manual (DMM)
E. Eligibility
* * * * *
E651 Regular, Nonprofit, and Enhanced Carrier Route Standard Mail
* * * * *
5.0 DBMC DISCOUNT
[Amend 5.1 by replacing ``L602'' with ``Exhibit 5.1'' to read as
follows.]
5.1 Definition
For this standard, destination bulk mail center (DBMC) includes all
bulk mail centers (BMCs) and auxiliary service facilities (ASFs) as
shown in Exhibit 5.1.
[Add new Exhibit 5.1.]
Exhibit 5.1.--BMC/ASF--DBMC RATES
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eligible destination ZIP codes Entry BMC/ASF
------------------------------------------------------------------------
005, 068-079, 085-098, 100-119, 124-127, 340. BMC NEW JERSEY NJ 00102.
[[Page 266]]
010-067, 120-123, 128, 129................... BMC SPRINGFIELD MA 05500.
130-136, 140-149............................. ASF BUFFALO NY 140.
150-168, 260-266, 439-447.................... BMC PITTSBURGH PA 15195.
080-084, 137-139, 169-199.................... BMC PHILADELPHIA PA
19205.
200-212, 214-239, 244, 254, 267, 268......... BMC WASHINGTON DC 20499.
240-243, 245-249, 270-297, 376............... BMC GREENSBORO NC 27075.
298, 300-312, 317-319, 350-352, 354-368, 373, BMC ATLANTA GA 31195.
374, 377-379, 399.
299, 313-316, 320-339, 341, 342, 344, 346, BMC JACKSONVILLE FL
347, 349. 32099.
369-372, 375, 380-397, 700, 701, 703-705, BMC MEMPHIS TN 38999.
707, 708, 713, 714, 716, 717, 719-729.
250-253, 255-259, 400-418, 421, 422, 425-427, BMC CINCINNATI OH 45900.
430-433, 437, 438, 448-462, 469-474.
434-436, 465-468, 480-497.................... BMC DETROIT MI 48399.
500-516, 520-528, 612, 680, 681, 683-689..... BMC DES MOINES IA 50999.
498, 499, 540-551, 553-564, 566.............. BMC MPLS/ST PAUL MN
55202.
570-577...................................... ASF SIOUX FALLS SD 570.
565, 567, 580-588............................ ASF FARGO ND 580.
590-599, 821................................. ASF BILLINGS MT 590.
463, 464, 530-532, 534, 535, 537-539, 600- BMC CHICAGO IL 60808.
611, 613.
420, 423, 424, 475-479, 614-620, 622-631, 633- BMC ST LOUIS MO 63299.
639.
640, 641, 644-658, 660-662, 664-679, 739..... BMC KANSAS CITY KS 64399.
730, 731, 734-738, 740, 741, 743-746, 748, ASF OKLAHOMA CITY OK 730.
749.
706, 710-712, 718, 733, 747, 750-799, 885.... BMC DALLAS TX 75199.
690-693, 800-816, 820, 822-831............... BMC DENVER CO 80088.
832-834, 836, 837, 840-847, 893, 898, 979.... ASF SALT LAKE CTY UT 840
850, 852, 853, 855-857, 859, 860, 863, 864... ASF PHOENIX AZ 852.
865, 870-875, 877-884........................ ASF ALBUQUERQUE NM 870.
889-891, 900-908, 910-928, 930-935........... BMC LOS ANGELES CA 90901.
894, 895, 897, 936-966....................... BMC SAN FRANCISCO CA
94850.
835, 838, 970-978, 980-986, 988-994.......... BMC SEATTLE WA 98000.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
5.2 Eligibility
[Amend 5.2 by replacing ``BMC or ASF'' with ``DBMC'' to read as
follows:]
Pieces in a mailing that meet the standards in 1.0 through 5.0 are
eligible for the DBMC rate when deposited at a BMC or ASF, addressed
for delivery within that facility's service area (ZIP Code range), and
placed in a tray, sack, or pallet (subject to the standards for the
rate claimed) that is labeled to that BMC or ASF or to a postal
facility within its service area. With the exception of pieces for 3-
digit service areas that are not listed in Exhibit 5.1, all pieces in
an ADC or AADC sack or tray are eligible for the DBMC discount if the
ADC or AADC facility ZIP Code (as shown on Line 1 of the corresponding
container label) is within the service area of the BMC or ASF at which
the sack or tray is deposited. With the exception of pieces for 3-digit
service areas that are not listed in Exhibit 5.1, all pieces in a
palletized ADC package are eligible for the DBMC discount if the ADC
facility that is the destination of the package (determined by using
the label to ZIP Code in Column B of L004) is within the service area
of the BMC or ASF at which it is deposited. DBMC rate mail may also be
eligible for a presort or automation discount, subject to the
corresponding standards.
* * * * *
E652 Parcel Post
1.0 BASIC STANDARDS
* * * * *
1.2 General
[Revise 1.2 to read as follows:]
For Parcel Post mailings claimed at DBMC, DSCF, and DDU rates,
pieces must meet the applicable standards in 1.0 through 6.0 and meet
the following criteria:
a. May be bedloaded, on pallets, in pallet boxes on pallets, in
sacks, or in other authorized containers as specified in 2.0 through
6.0, depending on the facility at which the pieces are deposited.
b. May not be plant-loaded.
c. Be part of a single mailing of 50 or more pieces that are
eligible for and claimed at any Parcel Post rate or rates.
d. Be deposited at a destination BMC (DBMC) or auxiliary service
facility or other equivalent facility; destination sectional center
(DSCF); or destination delivery unit (DDU) as applicable for the rate
claimed and as specified by the USPS.
e. Be addressed for delivery within the ZIP Code ranges that the
applicable entry facility serves.
[Revise 1.3 to read as follows:]
1.3 DBMC Rates
For DBMC rates, pieces must meet the applicable standards in 1.0
through 6.0. In addition, pieces must be part of a Parcel Post mailing
that is deposited at a BMC or ASF under L605, the pieces deposited at
each BMC or ASF must be addressed for delivery within the ZIP Code
range of that facility, must be within a ZIP Code eligible for DBMC
rates under Exhibit 1.3, and must be prepared in accordance with M041
and M045 or M630. Mail meeting the additional criteria in 5.0 may be
deposited at a designated facility other than the BMC or ASF where the
DBMC parcels would otherwise be deposited.
[Add new Exhibit 1.3]
Exhibit 1.3.--BMC/ASF--DBMC Rates
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eligible destination ZIP codes Entry BMC/ASF
------------------------------------------------------------------------
005, 068-079, 085-098, 100-119, 124-127, 340. BMC NEW JERSEY NJ 00102.
010-067, 120-123, 128, 129................... BMC SPRINGFIELD MA 05500.
[[Page 267]]
130-136, 140-149............................. ASF BUFFALO NY 140.
150-168, 260-266, 439-447.................... BMC PITTSBURGH PA 15195.
080-084, 137-139, 169-199.................... BMC PHILADELPHIA PA
19205.
200-212, 214-239, 244, 254, 267, 268......... BMC WASHINGTON DC 20499.
240-243, 245-249, 270-297, 376............... BMC GREENSBORO NC 27075.
298, 300-312, 317-319, 350-352, 354-368, 373, BMC ATLANTA GA 31195.
374, 377-379, 399.
299, 313-316, 320-339, 341, 342, 344, 346, BMC JACKSONVILLE FL
347, 349. 32099.
369-372, 375, 380-397, 700, 701, 703-705, BMC MEMPHIS TN 38999.
707, 708, 713, 714, 716, 717, 719-729.
250-253, 255-259, 400-418, 421, 422, 425-427, BMC CINCINNATI OH 45900.
430-433, 437, 438, 448-462, 469-474.
434-436, 465-468, 480-497.................... BMC DETROIT MI 48399.
500-516, 520-528, 612, 680, 681, 683-689..... BMC DES MOINES IA 50999.
498, 499, 540-551, 553-564, 566.............. BMC MPLS/ST PAUL MN
55202.
570-577...................................... ASF SIOUX FALLS SD 570.
565, 567, 580-588............................ ASF FARGO ND 580.
590-599, 821................................. ASF BILLINGS MT 590.
463, 464, 530-532, 534, 535, 537-539, 600- BMC CHICAGO IL 60808.
611, 613.
420, 423, 424, 475-479, 614-620, 622-631, 633- BMC ST LOUIS MO 63299.
639.
640, 641, 644-658, 660-662, 664-679, 739..... BMC KANSAS CITY KS 64399.
730, 731, 734-738, 740, 741, 743-746, 748, ASF OKLAHOMA CITY OK 730.
749.
706, 710-712, 718, 733, 747, 750-799, 885.... BMC DALLAS TX 75199.
690-693, 800-816, 820, 822-831............... BMC DENVER CO 80088.
832-834, 836, 837, 840-847, 893, 898, 979.... ASF SALT LAKE CTY UT 840.
850, 852, 853, 855-857, 859, 860, 863, 864... ASF PHOENIX AZ 852.
865, 870-875, 877-884........................ ASF ALBUQUERQUE NM 870.
889-891, 900-908, 910-928, 930-935........... BMC LOS ANGELES CA 90901.
894, 895, 897, 936-966....................... BMC SAN FRANCISCO CA
94850.
835, 838, 970-978, 980-986, 988-994.......... BMC SEATTLE WA 98000.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[Redesignate 1.4 through 1.5 as 1.5 through 1.6 and insert new number
1.4 to read as follows:
1.4 DSCF and DDU Rates
For DSCF and DDU rates, pieces must meet the applicable standards
in 1.0 through 1.6 and meet the following criteria:
[Move former 1.3 (e) and (f) to new section as 1.4 (a) and (b).]
* * * * *
L Labeling Lists
* * * * *
L600 Standard Mail
[Amend the heading of Labeling List 601 by removing ``Machinable
Parcels'' to read as follows:]
L601 BMCs
[Revise introductory paragraph to read as follows:]
Use this list for:
(a) Standard Mail (A) machinable parcels if ASF mail is not
prepared for and claimed at DBMC rates,
(b) Bound Printed Matter machinable parcels,
(c) Parcel Post if ASF mail is not prepared for and claimed at DBMC
rates except non-machinable BMC Presort and OBMC Presort, and
(d) Presorted Special Standard Mail and Presorted Library Mail to
BMC destinations.
* * * * *
[Remove Labeling List 602, BMCs/ASFs-DBMC Rates.]
* * * * *
[Revise the heading of Labeling List 605 to read as follows:]
L605 BMCs/ASFs
[Revise introductory paragraph to read as follows:]
Use this list for:
(a) Standard Mail (A) pallets of packages of flats, letter trays,
and/or sacks,
(b) Standard Mail (A) machinable parcels when mail for ASF service
areas is prepared for and claimed at DBMC rates,
(c) Parcel Post when mail for ASF service areas is prepared for and
claimed at DBMC rates,
(d) Parcel Post nonmachinable parcels claimed at BMC Presort and
OBMC Presort rates, and
(e) Bound Printed Matter packages and/or sacks on pallets.
* * * * *
M MAIL PREPARATION AND SORTATION
M010 Mailpieces
M011 Basic Standards
1.0 TERMS AND CONDITIONS
* * * * *
1.2 Presort Levels
[Amend 1.2 by revising 1.2n to read as follows:]
Terms used for presort levels are defined as follows:
* * * * *
n. ASF/BMC: all pieces are addressed for delivery in the service
area of the same auxiliary service facility (ASF) or bulk mail center
(BMC) (see L601 or L605, as applicable).
* * * * *
M040 PALLETS
M041 General Standards
* * * * *
5.0 PREPARATION
* * * * *
5.1 Presort
[Amend 5.1 by revising the last two sentences to read as follows:]
* * * The standards for package reallocation to protect the SCF or
BMC pallet (M045.5.0 and 6.0) are optional methods of pallet
preparation designed to retain as much mail as possible at the SCF or
BMC level. These standards may result in some packages of Periodicals
flats and irregular parcels and Standard Mail (A) flats, and irregular
parcels that are part of a mailing job prepared in part as palletized
flats at automation rates, not being placed on the finest level of
pallet possible. Mailers must use PAVE-certified presort software to
prepare mailings using package reallocation (package reallocation is
optional, but, if
[[Page 268]]
performed, must be done for the complete mailing job).
5.2 Required Preparation
[Amend 5.2 by revising 5.2a to read as follows:]
These standards apply to:
a. Periodicals, Standard Mail (A) and Parcel Post (other than BMC
Presort, OBMC Presort, DSCF, and DDU rate mail). For mail that is
prepared on pallets, a pallet must be prepared to a required sortation
level when there are 500 pounds of Periodicals or Standard Mail
packages, sacks, or parcels, or six layers of Periodicals or Standard
Mail (A) letter trays. For packages of Periodicals flats and irregular
parcels and Standard Mail (A) packages of flats on pallets prepared
under the standards for package reallocation (M045.5.0), not all mail
for a required 5-digit destination is required to be on a 5-digit
pallet or optional 5-digit scheme pallet. For packages of Standard Mail
(A) flats on pallets prepared under the standards for package
reallocation to protect the BMC pallet (M045.6.0), not all mail for a
required ASF pallet is required to be on an ASF pallet. Mixed pallets
of sacks, trays, or machinable parcels must be labeled to the BMC or
ADC (as appropriate) serving the post office where mailings are entered
into the mailstream. The processing and distribution manager of that
facility may issue a written authorization to the mailer to label mixed
BMC or mixed ADC pallets to the post office or processing and
distribution center serving the post office where mailings are entered.
These pallets contain all mail remaining after required and optional
pallets are prepared to finer sortation levels under M045, as
appropriate.
* * * * *
6.0 COPALLETIZED COMBINED OR MIXED-RATE LEVEL MAILINGS OF FLAT-SIZE
PIECES
* * * * *
6.4 Standard Mail (A)
[Amend 6.4 by revising the first sentence to read as follows:]
To copalletize different Standard Mail (A) flat-size mailings, the
mailer must consolidate on pallets all independently sorted packages
from each mailing to achieve the finest presort level for the mailing,
except that a copalletized mailing prepared under M045.5.0 or 6.0,
using package reallocation, may not always result in all packages being
placed on the finest pallet level possible.* * *
* * * * *
M045 Palletized Mailings
* * * * *
4.0 PALLET PRESORT AND LABELING
4.1 Packages, Bundles, Sacks or Trays on Pallets
[Amend 4.1 by revising 4.1e to read as follows:]
Preparation and Line 1 labeling:
* * * * *
e. As appropriate:
(1) Periodicals: ADC: required; for Line 1, use L004.
(2) Standard Mail: BMC/ASF: required; for Line 1, use L605. If
package reallocation to protect the BMC pallet is used and the BMC
pallet contains mail for the ASF service area, for Line 1, use L601.
* * * * *
4.2 Machinable Parcels-Standard Mail
[Amend 4.2 by revising 4.2b and 4.2c to read as follow:]
Preparation sequence and Line 1 labeling:
* * * * *
b. ASF: allowed and required only when mail for ASF service areas
is prepared for and claimed at DBMC rates; for Line 1, use L605. DBMC
rate eligibility is determined by Exhibit E651.5.1 and Exhibit
E652.1.3.
c. Destination BMC: required; for Line 1, use L601 (L605 when mail
for ASF service areas is prepared for and claimed at DBMC rates). DBMC
rate eligibility is determined by Exhibit E651.5.1 and Exhibit
E652.1.3.
* * * * *
[Revise heading of 5.0 to read as follows:]
5.0 PACKAGE REALLOCATION TO PROTECT SCF PALLET FOR PERIODICALS FLATS
AND IRREGULAR PARCELS AND STANDARD MAIL (A) FLATS ON PALLETS
5.1 Basic Standards
[Amend 5.1 by revising the first sentence to read as follows:]
Package reallocation to protect the SCF pallet is an optional
preparation method (if performed, package reallocation must be done for
the complete mailing job); only PAVE-certified presort software may be
used to create pallets under the standards in 5.2 through 5.5 * * *
* * * * *
[Redesignate 6.0 through 14.0 as 7.0 through 15.0, respectively, and
insert new number 6.0 to read as follows:]
6.0 PACKAGE REALLOCATION TO PROTECT BMC PALLET FOR STANDARD MAIL (A)
FLATS ON PALLETS
6.1 Basic Standards
Package reallocation to protect the BMC pallet level is an optional
preparation method (if performed, package reallocation to protect the
BMC pallet must be done for the complete mailing job); only PAVE-
certified presort software may be used to create pallets under the
standards in 6.2 through 6.4. The software will determine if mail for a
BMC service area would fall beyond the BMC level when ASF pallets are
prepared. Reallocation is performed only when there is mail for the BMC
service area that would fall beyond the BMC pallet level. The amount of
mail required to bring the mail that would fall beyond the BMC pallet
level back to a BMC level is the minimum volume that would be
reallocated from an ASF pallet, where possible. The following
``parent'' BMCs can be protected with package reallocation by using
mail from the ASF ``child'' pallets indicated in Exhibit 6.1.
Exhibit 6.1.--``Parent'' BMC/``Child'' ASF
------------------------------------------------------------------------
``Parent'' BMC: service areas ``Child'' ASF: ZIP Code areas served
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pittsburgh BMC............... Buffalo ASF: 130-136; 140-149.
Denver BMC................... Albuquerque ASF: 865, 870-875, 877-884.
Phoenix ASF: 850, 852, 853, 855-857, 859,
860, 863, 864.
Salt Lake City ASF: 832-834, 836, 837,
840-847, 893, 898, 979.
Billings ASF: 590-599, 821.
Dallas BMC................... Oklahoma City ASF: 730, 731, 734-738,
740, 741, 743-746, 748, 749.
Des Moines BMC............... Sioux Falls ASF: 570-577
Minneapolis BMC.............. Fargo ASF: 565, 567, 580-588.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 269]]
6.2 General Reallocation Rules
Reallocation rules:
a. The reallocation process does not affect package preparation.
Reallocate only complete packages and only the minimum number of
packages necessary to create a BMC pallet meeting the minimum pallet
weight. Based on the weight of individual pieces within a package and
packaging parameters, the weight of mail that is reallocated may be
slightly more than the minimum volume required to create a BMC pallet.
b. Using the parent BMC/child ASF table provided in Exhibit 6.1,
reallocate packages from the ASF pallet to create a BMC pallet. The ASF
pallet can be eliminated if necessary to protect the BMC pallet.
c. When reallocating mail to create a BMC pallet, reallocate mail
only from the ASF pallet. Package reallocation is only to be used
between the ``parent'' BMC and the ``child'' ASF. Mail from finer
levels of pallets (e.g., SCF pallet) may not be reallocated to protect
BMC pallets.
d. Mailers may use any minimum pallet weight(s) permitted by DMM
standards and may use different minimum weights for different pallet
levels in conjunction with package reallocation.
6.3 Reallocation of Packages From ASF Pallets
When reallocating packages from ASF pallets:
a. Using the parent BMC/child ASF table provided in Exhibit 6.1,
attempt to identify an ASF pallet of adequate weight that can support
reallocation of one or more packages to bring the mail that has fallen
through the BMC level back to the BMC level without eliminating the ASF
pallet. A sufficient amount of mail must remain on the ASF pallet after
reallocation to meet the ASF pallet weight minimum. If an ASF pallet of
adequate weight is available, create a BMC pallet by combining the
reallocated mail from the ASF pallet with the mail that would fall
beyond the BMC pallet level.
b. If no single ASF pallet within the BMC service area contains an
adequate volume of mail to allow reallocation of the portion of the
mail on a pallet as described in the previous step, then eliminate one
ASF pallet and reallocate all of the mail to create a BMC pallet by
combining it with the mail that would fall beyond the BMC pallet level.
As a result, the software will not prepare one ASF pallet for the ASF
service area if it is detrimental to the BMC pallet.
6.4 Documentation
Mailings must be supported by documentation produced by PAVE-
certified software meeting the standards in P012.
* * * * *
M073 COMBINED MAILINGS OF STANDARD (A) AND STANDARD (B) PARCELS
1.0 COMBINED MACHINABLE PARCELS--RATES OTHER THAN PARCEL POST OBMC
PRESORT, BMC PRESORT, DSCF, AND DDU
* * * * *
1.6 Sack Preparation
[Amend 1.6 by revising 1.6a(2) and 1.6a(3) to read as follows:]
The requirements for sack preparation are as follows:
a. Sack size, preparation sequence, and Line 1 labeling:
* * * * *
(2) Destination ASF: allowed and required only when mail for ASF
service areas is prepared for and claimed at DBMC rates (minimum of 10
pieces/20 pounds/1,000 cubic inches, smaller volume not permitted); for
Line 1, use L605. DBMC rate eligibility is determined by Exhibit
E651.5.1 and Exhibit E652.1.3.
(3) Destination BMC: required (minimum of 10 pieces/20 pounds/1.000
cubic inches, smaller volume not permitted); for Line 1, use L601 (L605
when mail for ASF service areas is prepared for and claimed at DBMC
rates). DBMC rate eligibility is determined by Exhibit E651.5.1 and
Exhibit E652.1.3.
* * * * *
M610 Presorted Standard Mail (A)
* * * * *
5.0 MACHINABLE PARCELS
* * * * *
5.2 Sack Preparation
[Amend 5.2 by revising 5.2(b) and 5.2(c) to read as follows:]
Sack size, preparation sequence, and Line 1 labeling:
* * * * *
b. Destination ASF: allowed and required only when mail for ASF
service areas is prepared for and claimed at DBMC rates (10 pound
minimum, smaller volume not permitted); for Line 1 use L605. DBMC rate
eligibility is determined by Exhibit E651.5.1.
c. Destination BMC: required (10 pound minimum, smaller volume not
permitted); for Line 1, use L601 (L605 when mail for ASF service areas
is prepared for and claimed at DBMC rates). DBMC rate eligibility is
determined by Exhibit E651.5.1.
* * * * *
M630 Standard Mail (B)
* * * * *
6.0 MACHINABLE PARCELS
* * * * *
6.2 Sack Preparation
[Amend 6.2 by revising 6.2b and 6.2c to read as follows:]
Sack size, preparation sequence, and Line 1 labeling:
* * * * *
b. ASF: allowed and required only when mail for ASF service areas
is prepared for and claimed at DBMC rates (minimum of 10 pieces/20
pounds/1,000 cubic inches, smaller volume not permitted); for Line 1,
use L605. DBMC rate eligibility is determined by Exhibit E652.1.3.
c. Destination BMC: required (minimum of 10 pieces/20 pounds/1,000
cubic inches, smaller volume not permitted); for Line 1, use L601 (L605
when mail for ASF service areas is prepared for and claimed at DBMC
rates). DBMC rate eligibility is determined by Exhibit E652.1.3.
* * * * *
P POSTAGE AND PAYMENT METHODS
P000 Basic information
P010 General Standards
* * * * *
P012 DOCUMENTATION
* * * * *
2.0 STANDARDIZED DOCUMENTATION--FIRST-CLASS MAIL, PERIODICALS, AND
STANDARD MAIL (A)
2.2 Format and Content
[Amend 2.2 by replacing last two sentences of 2.2d (4) to read as
follows:]
For First-Class Mail, Periodicals, and Standard Mail (A),
standardized documentation includes:
* * * * *
(4) * * * Document SCF or BMC pallets created as a result of
package reallocation under M045.5.0 or 6.0 on the USPS Qualification
Report by designating the protected pallet with an identifier of
``PSCF'' (for an SCF pallet) or ``PBMC'' (for a BMC pallet). These
identifiers are required to appear only on the USPS Qualification
Report; they are not required to appear on pallet
[[Page 270]]
labels or in any other mailing documentation.
* * * * *
2.4 Sortation Level
[Amend 2.4 by inserting new sortation level and abbreviation
immediately below SCF pallets (created from package reallocation) to
read as follows:]
The actual sortation level (or corresponding abbreviation) is used
for the package, tray, sack, or pallet levels required by 2.2 and shown
below.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sortation level Abbreviation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * *
BMC [pallets created from package PBMC
reallocation].
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * *
An appropriate amendment to 39 CFR 11.3 to reflect these changes
will be published if the proposal is adopted.
Stanley F. Mires,
Chief Counsel, Legislative.
[FR Doc. 00-25 Filed 1-3-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7710-12-P