[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 166 (Friday, August 25, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Pages 51944-51974]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-21426]



[[Page 51943]]

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

Part III





Postal Rate Commission





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



Notice and Order on Omnibus Postal Rate, Fee and Classification Case; 
Notice

  Federal Register / Vol. 65, No. 166 / Friday, August 25, 2000 / 
Notices  

[[Page 51944]]


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

POSTAL RATE COMMISSION

[Docket No. R2000-1; Order No. 1279]


Notice and Order on Omnibus Postal Rate, Fee and Classification 
Case

AGENCY: Postal Rate Commission.

ACTION: Notice and order on omnibus postal rate, fee and classification 
case.

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

SUMMARY: This document advises the public that the Postal Service has 
filed a request with the Postal Rate Commission seeking approval of 
proposed postal rate and classification changes. The changes affect all 
classes and services of mail. It also announces the Commission's 
initiation of a docket to consider the request. The document also 
identifies key dates related to the docket.

DATES: See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section for dates.

ADDRESSES: Send correspondence concerning this document to Margaret P. 
Crenshaw, Secretary, Postal Rate Commission, 1333 H Street NW., Suite 
300, Washington, DC 20268-0001.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stephen L. Sharfman, General Counsel, 
Postal Rate Commission, 202-789-6820.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Postal Rate Commission issued the 
following order on January 14, 2000. Due to an oversight, it was not 
published at that time.

I. Filing of an Omnibus Rate and Classification Request

    On January 12, 2000, the United States Postal Service filed a 
request with the Postal Rate Commission for a recommended decision 
on proposed changes in domestic postage rates and fees and in 
certain mail classifications. The Service's action was taken 
pursuant to sections 3622 and 3623 of the Postal Reorganization Act 
(39 U.S.C. 3622, 3623). The Service also filed several 
contemporaneous motions and notices related to its request.
    The Service's rate proposals affect all classes of mail and all 
special services. They are based on key assumptions regarding costs, 
volumes, pricing and, in some instances, on proposed 
reclassifications and anticipated legislative changes. Given these 
assumptions, the Service's rate proposal reflects, on average, an 
increase of 6.4 percent; however, percentage increases vary--
sometimes significantly--by class, subclass and category. Moreover, 
some rates or fees remain the same or decrease under the Service's 
proposal. The Service's classification proposals affect most classes 
of mail and special services. In addition, the Service is proposing 
a general revision of the special services sections of the domestic 
mail classification schedule (DMCS).
    This notice provides a general overview of the Service's filing. 
Persons interested in learning how the Service's proposal affects 
their interests are advised to review the Service's filing in 
detail.
    Reason for filing request; proposed base year and test year. The 
Service asserts that without the requested changes, it would incur a 
substantial revenue deficiency (of more than $3.6 billion) in the 
proposed test year (FY 2001), in contravention of 39 U.S.C. 3621 
(the ``break-even requirement''). The Service estimates that its 
proposal will reduce that revenue deficiency to approximately $21.8 
million. The base year for Postal Service cost projections is 1998.
    Anticipated implementation date. The Service's filing triggers 
an administrative process which, given due process considerations, 
can entail up to ten months of consideration at the Commission and 
additional time for the Governors of the Postal Service to review 
the Commission's recommendations. Accordingly, the Postal Service 
indicates that its intention is to implement new rates in January 
2001.

II. Contents of Service's Filing

    The Service's filing includes its formal request, seven 
attachments, and 41 pieces of testimony, presented by 40 witnesses. 
The testimony is supported, in many instances, by exhibits, 
workpapers and library references. The Service's filing includes the 
following attachments: attachment A (reproduced as attachment A to 
this order) identifies requested changes in the DMCS. Attachment B 
(reproduced as attachment B to this order) presents a comparison of 
current and proposed rates and fees. Attachment C (addressing 
Commission rule 54(b)(2)) specifies the rules, regulations and 
practices that establish standards of service and conditions of 
mailability by reference to the contents of the domestic mail 
manual. Attachment D is the certification, required by rule 54(p), 
concerning the accuracy of cost statements and other documentation 
submitted with the request. Attachment E contains audited financial 
statements. Attachment F provides an index identifying witnesses by 
name, testimony, exhibits and workpapers by number, and the name and 
telephone number of the witness's attorney. Attachment G contains a 
compliance statement addressing pertinent provisions of Commission 
rules 54 and 64. In the statement, the Service refers to a separate 
notice relating to the alternate cost presentation required under 
the rules. See January 12, 2000 notice of the Postal Service 
concerning provision of information pursuant to rule 54(a)(1).

III. Related Motions and Notices

    The Service's request was accompanied by the following notices 
and motions: notice regarding attorney/witness assignments; notice 
of filing of master list of library references, and notices for LR-
I-152 and LR-I-153; motion for waiver and for protective conditions 
for analysis of witness Yezer; motion requesting waiver of the new 
Commission rules with respect to category 1 library references; 
motion requesting waiver of the new Commission rules with respect to 
category 2 library references; motion requesting waiver of the new 
Commission rules with respect to category 3 library references; 
motion requesting waiver of the new Commission rules with respect to 
category 5 library references; and notice concerning provision of 
information pursuant to Commission rule 54(a)(1) (all filed January 
12, 2000).
    Answers to the motion for protective conditions are to be 
submitted on or before February 14, 2000.
    The Postal Service's motions for waiver of the application of 
the new library reference rule will be discussed at the prehearing 
conference.

IV. Availability of the Service's Filing

    The Commission has posted the Service's filing on its website 
(www.prc.gov). The filing and library references are available for 
public inspection in the Commission's docket section. Docket section 
hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, except for 
government holidays. For information about reviewing the filing at 
the Commission or accessing it via the website, telephone 202-789-
6846.

V. Summary of Proposed Rate and Fee Changes

    The Service proposes a one-cent increase in the price of the 
First-Class stamp. This raises the rate for the first ounce of 
single-piece First-Class Mail (FCM) from 33 cents to 34 cents. The 
Service also proposes a one-cent increase in the additional-ounce 
rate, increasing it from 22 to 23 cents. The single-piece card rate 
would increase by one cent, to 21 cents. The Service's proposals for 
other rates and fees appear in attachment A to this order.
    Materials accompanying the Postal Service request indicate 
average percentage changes for the classes of mail that appear in 
the list below (derived from USPS-T-32). Some of the figures 
presented in the list are based on the Service's assumptions 
regarding restructuring and legislative changes. Rates proposed for 
nonprofit mailers presume enactment of changes to existing laws that 
have not been reported by a committee of either house of Congress. 
Further details are available in the Service's filing.
    FCM (letters and sealed parcels). Average subclass-wide 
increase: 3.5 percent; single-piece letters: 3.4 percent increase; 
work-shared letters: 3.8 percent increase.
    Cards. Average subclass-wide increase 5.0 percent; single-piece 
cards: 4.9 percent; workshared cards: 5.2 percent.
    Priority Mail. 15% increase.
    Express Mail: 3.8% increase.
    Periodicals. Within county: 8.5% increase; outside county: 12.7% 
increase.
    Standard mail (A). Regular subclass: 9.4% increase; Enhanced 
Carrier Route (ECR): 4.9% increase; nonprofit subclass: 5.6% 
increase; Nonprofit ECR: 14.8% increase.
    Standard mail (B): Parcel Post: 1.3% increase; Bound Printed 
Matter: 18.1% increase; Special: 4.9% increase; Library: 4.5% 
increase.
    Special services and fees. The percentage changes for special 
services and for various fees (such as annual permits or advance 
deposit accounts) vary widely. See attachment B for comparisons of 
current and proposed rates and fees.

[[Page 51945]]

VI. Summary of the Service's Proposed Classification Changes

    Materials accompanying the Postal Service request indicate that 
major proposed classification changes include the following:
    FCM. The Service proposes one change in the FCM rate structure. 
The change, which affects automation rate flats, would separate the 
combined 3/5-digit category for flats into discrete 3- and 5-digit 
tiers.
    Periodicals. The Service proposes combining three of the four 
current Periodicals subclasses into one subclass, which would be 
referred to as ``outside county.''
    Standard mail. For parcels within what is generally referred to 
as Standard (A) mail (regular, ECR, nonprofit and nonprofit ECR), 
the Service proposes extending a parcel barcode discount. The 
Service also proposes extending the following special services to 
these parcels: delivery confirmation, return receipt for 
merchandise, and bulk insurance service. The Service proposes 
renaming Standard (B) as Package Services, renaming Special Standard 
as Media Mail and renaming destination-entered parcel post as Parcel 
Select. Parcel post intra- and inter-Bulk Mail Center (BMC) would 
continue to be called Parcel Post. The Service also proposes 
allowing pieces weighing less than one pound in all Standard Mail 
subclasses; and, the elimination of local rates and adding 
destination drop shipping discounts for Bound Printed Matter. New 
nonmachinable surcharges would apply to Parcel Select-DBMC and 
intra-BMC parcels.
    Special services. In addition to a general rewrite of the DMCS 
sections on special services, the Service proposes a major 
restructuring of the fee structure for post office boxes, 
elimination of the merchandise return service fee, and extension of 
several special services to Standard Mail (A) parcels. A quarterly 
fee option would be added for users of Qualified Business Reply Mail 
(QBRM).

VII. Institution of Proceedings

    The Commission hereby institutes proceedings to consider the 
Postal Service's request, which has been assigned docket no. R2000-
1. The Commission will issue additional notices regarding this case 
as needed.

A. Nature of Proceedings; Possibility That the Commission's 
Recommendation May Differ From the Service's Proposed Changes

    Proceedings in this docket will address, in the first instance, 
the specific changes in current postal rates, fees and 
classification provisions the Service has proposed. The Commission 
will also receive evidence sponsored by other interested 
participants, including the Commission's office of the consumer 
advocate (OCA), responding to the Postal Service's proposed changes 
and its supporting evidence. These presentations may include 
alternative rate, fee and mail classification proposals.
    After public hearings and the submission of briefs from the 
Postal Service and other participants, the Commission will consider 
all proposals advanced and arguments made. Depending upon its 
assessment of the public policies and statutory factors mandated by 
the Postal Reorganization Act, the Commission may or may not 
recommend the same array of rate, fee and mail classification 
changes the Service requests, or that are proposed in the direct 
cases of other participants. To accommodate applicable statutory 
considerations, while observing the technical constraints of setting 
rates and fees for all postal services, the Commission may recommend 
a schedule of postal rates and fees that differ from those proposed 
by the Postal Service and other participants. In addition, the 
Commission may decline to recommend proposed classifications, but 
address their objectives through other recommended adjustments in 
classifications, or rates or fees for existing mail categories.

B. Participation: Full, Limited and Commenter Status

    Commission rules recognize three main types of participation in 
Commission proceedings: full, limited or commenter status. Formal 
intervention in hearings on the Postal Service's request generally 
takes the form of full intervention; however, the status of limited 
intervention is also available under certain circumstances. Persons 
intending to seek either full or limited status must file a notice 
of intervention that complies with Commission rules. These rules 
require certain information and representations, such as whether the 
intervenor intends to actively participate in the proceeding. 
Commenter status is available to those wishing to express their 
views informally. This status does not require a notice of 
intervention or compliance with the Commission's evidentiary rules. 
Other distinctions among the forms of participation are explained in 
Commission rules 20, 20a and 20b. (39 CFR 3001.20, 20a and 20b.) 
Questions about the interpretation and application of these rules 
should be directed to the Commission's office of general counsel at 
202-789-6820.
    Other information regarding intervention. Notices of 
intervention should be sent to the attention of Margaret P. 
Crenshaw, Secretary of the Commission, 1333 H Street NW., Suite 300, 
Washington, DC 20268-0001. Intervenors are asked to include with 
their notice a telephone number, facsimile number and, if available, 
an e-mail address. Upon intervention, participants may submit formal 
discovery or contact the Postal Service to request an informal 
technical conference. The deadline for intervention is February 14, 
2000.

C. Representation of Interests of the General Public

    The Commission designates Ted P. Gerarden, director of the 
Commission's office of the consumer advocate (OCA), to represent the 
interests of the general public in this proceeding pursuant to 39 
U.S.C. 3624(a). Mr. Gerarden shall direct the activities of 
Commission personnel assigned to assist him and, at an appropriate 
time, provide the names of these employees for the record. Neither 
Mr. Gerarden nor the assigned personnel shall participate in or 
advise as to any Commission decision in this proceeding, other than 
in their designated capacity. Parties shall serve the OCA separately 
with three copies of all filings in addition to, and at the same 
time as, they effect service on the Commission.

D. Prehearing conference date; other scheduling matters.

    The Commission will conduct this case with the utmost expedition 
consistent with the due process rights of all participants. A 
prehearing conference will be held Wednesday, February 16, 2000 at 
9:30 a.m. in the Commission's hearing room. The hearing room is 
located on Commission premises at 1333 H Street NW, Suite 300, 
Washington, DC 20268-0001. Participants intending to raise topics 
for discussion at the prehearing conference are directed to file 
notice to that effect on or before February 14, 2000. Additional 
prehearing conferences will be scheduled if needed. The Commission 
will propose a comprehensive schedule in the near future.
    In accordance with the Commission's goal of expeditious 
consideration, the Commission will conduct the prehearing conference 
and other hearings en banc (39 CFR 3001.30(b)). Unless otherwise 
indicated, all conferences and hearings will begin at 9:30 a.m. 
Hearings will be conducted on the record and will be transcribed by 
an official reporter, unless the presiding officer determines 
otherwise. Attendees who may require special accommodations to fully 
participate in the hearings should contact Margaret P. Crenshaw, 
secretary of the Commission, at 202-789-6840.

VIII. Effect of the Service's Request on Pending Matters

    Several matters, including some docketed proceedings, are 
currently pending at the Commission. The Commission anticipates 
addressing the status of these matters and their impact, if any, on 
procedural and substantive aspects of the instant docket at the 
prehearing conference.

IX. Rules of Practice and Procedure

    In the recent past, the Commission generally has used a set of 
special rules in omnibus proceedings. Adoption of many of the 
special rules on a permanent basis has been under consideration in 
docket no. RM98-3, which is one of the cases currently pending at 
the Commission. As completion of that docket is likely to occur in 
the near future, the Commission is not issuing a proposed set of 
special rules at this time. The rules governing this docket will be 
addressed at the prehearing conference. It is ordered:
    1. The Commission will sit en banc in this proceeding.
    2. Notices of intervention shall be filed on or before February 
14, 2000.
    3. Ted P. Gerarden, director of the Commission's office of the 
consumer advocate, is designated to represent the interests of the 
general public in this proceeding.
    4. A prehearing conference will be held Wednesday, February 16, 
2000. The hearing will begin at 9:30 a.m. in the Commission's 
hearing room, located at 1333 H Street NW., Suite 300, Washington, 
DC 20268-0001.
    5. Participants intending to raise topics for discussion at the 
prehearing conference shall

[[Page 51946]]

provide written notice on or before February 14, 2000.
    6. Answers to the Service's motion for waiver and protective 
conditions for analysis of witness Yezer shall be filed on or before 
February 14, 2000.
    7. The Secretary shall cause this notice and order to be 
published in the Federal Register.

Cyril J. Pittack,
Acting Secretary.

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN25AU00.000


[[Page 51947]]


[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN25AU00.001

Schedules 121, 122, and 123 Notes

    \1\ The applicable 2-pound rate is charged for matter sent in a 
`flat rate' envelope provided by the Postal Service.
    \2\ Add [$8.25] $10.25 for each pickup stop.
    \3\ Add [$8.25] $10.25 for each Custom Designed delivery stop.

                            First-Class Mail
                            Rate Schedule 221
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  Current      Proposed
                                                    rate         rate
                                                  (cents)      (cents)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       Letters and Sealed Parcels
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regular:

[[Page 51948]]

 
    Single Piece: First Ounce.................         33.0         34.0
    Presort \1\...............................         30.5         32.0
    Qualified Business Reply Mail.............         30.0         31.0
    Additional Ounce \2\......................         22.0         23.0
    Nonstandard Surcharge:
        Single Piece..........................         11.0         11.0
        Presort...............................          5.0          5.0
Automation--Presort: \1\
    Letters: \3\
        Basic Presort \4\.....................         27.0         28.0
        3-Digit Presort \5\...................         26.1         27.1
        5-Digit Presort \6\...................         24.3         25.3
        Carrier Route Presort \7\.............         23.8         24.8
    Flats: \8\
        Basic Presort \9\.....................         30.0         31.0
        [3/5-Digit Presort \10\]..............         27.0          N/A
        3-Digit Presort \10\..................          N/A         29.5
        5-Digit Presort \11\..................          N/A         27.5
    Additional Ounce \2\......................         22.0         23.0
    Nonstandard Surcharge.....................          5.0          5.0
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Schedule 221 Notes

    \1\ A mailing fee of [$100.00] $125.00 must be paid once each 
year at each office of mailing by any person who mails other than 
Single Piece First-Class Mail. Payment of the fee allows the mailer 
to mail at any First-Class rate. For presorted mailing weighing more 
than 2 ounces, subtract 4.6 cents per piece.
    \2\ Rate applies through 13 ounces. Heavier pieces are subject 
to Priority Mail rates.
    \3\ Rates apply to bulk-entered mailings of at least 500 letter-
size pieces, which must be delivery point barcoded and meet other 
preparation requirements specified by the Postal Service and, for 
the Basic Presort rate, documents provided for entry as mail using 
Mailing Online service, pursuant to classification schedule 981.
    \4\ Rate applies to letter-size Automation-Presort category mail 
not mailed at 3-Digit, 5-Digit, or Carrier Route rates.
    \5\ Rate applies to letter-size Automation-Presort category mail 
presorted to single or multiple three-digit ZIP Code destinations 
specified by the Postal Service.
    \6\ Rate applies to letter-size Automation-Presort category mail 
presorted to single or multiple five-digit ZIP Code destinations 
specified by the Postal Service.
    \7\ Rate applies to letter-size Automation-Presort category mail 
presorted to carrier routes specified by the Postal Service.
    \8\ Rates apply to bulk-entered mailings of at least 500 flat-
size pieces, each of which must be delivery-point barcoded or bear a 
ZIP+4 barcode, and must meet other preparation requirements 
specified by the Postal Service and, for the Basic Presort rate, 
documents provided for entry as mail using Mailing Online service, 
pursuant to schedule 981.
    \9\ Rate applies to flat-size Automation-Presort category mail 
not mailed at the [3/5-Digit] 3-Digit or 5-Digit rate.
    \10\ Rate applies to flat-size Automation-Presort category mail 
presorted to single or multiple three-[and five-]digit ZIP Code 
destinations [as] specified by the Postal Service.
    \11\ Rate applies to flat-size Automation-Presort category mail 
presorted to single or multiple five-digit ZIP Code destinations 
specified by the Postal Service.

                            First-Class Mail
                            Rate Schedule 222
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  Current      Proposed
                                                    rate         rate
                                                  (cents)      (cents)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  Cards
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regular:
    Single Piece..............................         20.0         21.0
    Presort \1\...............................         18.0         19.0
    Qualified Business Reply Mail.............         18.0         18.0
Automation--Presort:\1,2\
    Basic Presort \3\.........................         16.6         17.4
    3-Digit Presort \4\.......................         15.9         16.7
    5-Digit Presort \5\.......................         14.6         15.4
    Carrier Route Presort \6\.................         14.1         14.9
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Schedule 222 Notes

    \1\ A mailing fee of [$100.00] $125.00 must be paid once each 
year at each office of mailing by any person who mails other than 
Single Piece First-Class Mail. Payment of the fee allows the mailer 
to mail at any First-Class rate.
    \2\ Rates apply to bulk-entered mailings of at least 500 pieces, 
which must be barcoded and meet other preparation requirements 
specified by the Postal Service.
    \3\ Rate applies to Automation-Presort category mail not mailed 
at 3-Digit, 5-Digit, or Carrier Route rates.
    \4\ Rate applies to Automation-Presort category mail presorted 
to single or multiple

[[Page 51949]]

three-digit ZIP Code destinations as specified by the Postal 
Service.
    \5\ Rate applies to Automation-Presort category mail presorted 
to single or multiple five-digit ZIP Code destinations as specified 
by the Postal Service.
    \6\ Rate applies to Automation-Presort category mail presorted 
to carrier routes specified by the Postal Service.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN25AU00.002


[[Page 51950]]


[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN25AU00.003

Schedule 223 Notes

    \1\ The 2-pound rate is charged for matter sent in a ``flat 
rate'' envelope provided by the Postal Service.
    \2\ Add [$8.25] $10.25 for each pickup stop.
    \3\ EXCEPTION: Parcels that weigh less than 15 pounds but 
measure over 84 inches in length and girth combined, are charged 
with a minimum rate equal to that for a 15-pound parcel for the zone 
to which addressed.

[[Page 51951]]



                              Standard Mail
                       Rate Schedule [321.2A] 321A
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  Current      Proposed
                                                    rate         rate
                                                  (cents)      (cents)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Regular Subclass Presort Category \1\
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Letter Size:
    Piece Rate:
        Basic.................................         23.5         24.2
        3/5-Digit.............................         20.7         22.5
    Destination Entry Discount per Piece:
        BMC...................................          1.6          1.7
        SCF...................................          2.1          2.2
Non-Letter Size: \2\
    Piece Rate:
    Minimum per Piece: \3\
        Basic.................................         30.4         31.1
        3/5-Digit.............................         24.0         25.8
    Destination Entry Discount per Piece:
        BMC...................................          1.6          1.7
        SCF...................................          2.1          2.2
    Pound Rate: \3\...........................         67.7         66.1
    Plus per Piece Rate:
        Basic.................................         16.4         17.5
        3/5-Digit.............................         10.0         12.2
    Destination Entry Discount per Pound:
        BMC...................................          7.9          8.3
        SCF...................................         10.0         10.8
------------------------------------------------------------------------


Schedule [321.2A] 321A Notes

    1 A fee of [$100.00] $125.00 must paid each 12-month 
period for each bulk mailing permit.
    2 Residual shape pieces are subject to a surcharge of 
[$0.10] $0.18 per piece. For parcel barcode discount, deduct $0.03 
per piece.
    3 Mailer pays either the minimum piece rate or the 
pound rate, whichever is higher.


                              Standard Mail
                       Rate Schedule [321.2B] 321B
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  Current      Proposed
                                                    rate         rate
                                                  (cents)      (cents)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Regular Subclass Automation Category \1\
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Letter Size: \2\
    Piece Rate:
        Basic Letter \3\......................         18.3         20.0
        3-Digit Letter \4\....................         17.6         19.3
        5-Digit Letter \5\....................         16.0         17.2
    Destination Entry Discount per Piece:
        BMC...................................          1.6          1.7
        SCF...................................          2.1          2.2
Flat Size: \6\
    Piece Rate:
        Minimum per Piece: \7\
            Basic Flat \8\....................         24.5         26.7
            3/5-Digit Flat \9\................         20.3         23.1
        Destination Entry Discount per Piece:
            BMC...............................          1.6          1.7
            SCF...............................          2.1          2.2
    Pound Rate: \7\                                    67.7         66.1
        Plus per piece Rate:
            Basic Flat........................         10.5         13.1
            3/5-Digit Flat....................          6.3          9.5
        Destination Entry Discount per Pound:
            BMC...............................          7.9          8.3
            SCF...............................         10.0         10.8
------------------------------------------------------------------------



[[Page 51952]]

Schedule [321.2B] 321B Notes

    1 A fee of [$100.00] $125.00 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 
specified by the Postal Service.
    5 Rate applies to letter-size automation mail 
presorted to single or multiple five-digit ZIP Code destinations as 
specified by the Postal Service.
    6 For flat-size automation mail meeting applicable 
Postal Service regulations.
    7 Mailer pays either the minimum piece rate or the 
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 [321.3] 322
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  Current      Proposed
                                                    rate         rate
                                                  (cents)      (cents)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   Enhanced Carrier Route Subclass \1\
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Letter Size:
    Piece Rate:
        Basic...........................................................
        Basic Automated Letter \2\......................................
        High Density....................................................
        Saturation......................................................
    Destination Entry Discount per Piece:
        BMC.............................................................
        SCF.............................................................
        DDU.............................................................
Non-Letter Size: \3\
    Piece Rate
        Minimum per Piece: \4\
            Basic.......................................................
            High Density................................................
            Saturation..................................................
        Destination Entry Discount per Piece:
            BMC.........................................................
            SCF.........................................................
            DDU.........................................................
    Pound Rate: \4\
        Plus per piece Rate:
            Basic.......................................................
            High Density................................................
            Saturation..................................................
        Destination Entry Discount per Pound:
            BMC.........................................................
            SCF.........................................................
            DDU.........................................................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Schedule [321.3] 322 Notes

    \1\ A fee of [$100.00] $125.00 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\ Residual shape pieces are subject to a surcharge of [$0.10] 
$0.15 per piece.
    \4\ Mailer pays either the minimum piece rate or the pound rate, 
whichever is higher.

                              Standard Mail
                       Rate Schedule [321.4A] 323A
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  Current      Proposed
                                                    rate         rate
                                                  (cents)      (cents)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Nonprofit Subclass Presort Category[ies] \1\
                             [(Full Rates)]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Letter Size:
    Piece Rate
        Basic.................................         16.9         15.9
        3/5-Digit.............................         14.2         15.0
    Destination Entry Discount per Piece:
        BMC...................................          1.6          1.7
        SCF...................................          2.1          2.2
Non-Letter Size: \2\

[[Page 51953]]

 
    Piece Rate:
    Minimum per Piece: \3\
        Basic.................................         23.3         21.9
        3/5-Digit.............................         16.5         17.5
    Destination Entry Discount per Piece:
        BMC...................................          1.6          1.7
        SCF...................................          2.1          2.2
    Pound Rate: \3\                                    55.0         58.0
    Plus per piece Rate:
        Basic.................................         12.0          9.9
        3/5-Digit.............................          5.2          5.5
    Destination Entry Discount per Pound:
        BMC...................................          7.9          8.3
        SCF...................................         10.0         10.8
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Schedule [321.4A] 323A Notes

    \1\ A fee of [$100.00] $125.00 must be paid once each 12-month 
period for each bulk mailing permit.
    \2\ Residual shape pieces are subject to a surcharge of [$0.10] 
$0.18 per piece. For parcel barcode discount, deduct $0.03 per 
piece.
    \3\ Mailer pays either the minimum piece rate or the pound rate, 
whichever is higher.

                               Standard Mail
                       Rate Schedule [321.4B] 323B
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  Current      Proposed
                                                    rate         rate
                                                  (cents)      (cents)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Nonprofit Subclass Automation Category[ies] \1\
                             [(Full Rates)]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Letter Size: \2\
    Piece Rate:
        Basic Letter \3\......................         11.9         12.9
        3-Digit Letter \4\....................         11.4         12.2
        5-Digit Letter \5\....................          9.3         10.1
    Destination Entry Discount per Piece:
        BMC...................................          1.6          1.7
        SCF...................................          2.1          2.2
Flat Size: \6\
    Piece Rate:
    Minimum per Piece: \7\
        Basic Flat \8\........................         18.2         17.8
        3/5-Digit Flat \9\....................         14.4         15.8
    Destination Entry Discount per Piece:
        BMC...................................          1.6          1.7
        SCF...................................          2.1          2.2
    Pound Rate: \7\                                    55.0         58.0
    Plus per Piece Rate:
        Basic Flat \8\........................          6.9          5.8
        3/5-Digit Flat \9\....................          3.1          3.8
    Destination Entry Discount per Pound:
        BMC...................................          7.9          8.3
        SCF...................................         10.0         10.8
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Schedule [321.4B] 323B Notes

    \1\ A fee of [$100.00] $125.00 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 specified by 
the Postal Service.
    \5\ Rate applies to letter-size automation mail presorted to 
single or multiple five-digit ZIP Code destinations as specified by 
the Postal Service.
    \6\ For flat-size automation mail meeting applicable Postal 
Service regulations.
    \7\ Mailer pays either the minimum piece rate or the 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.


[[Page 51954]]



                              Standard Mail
                        Rate Schedule [321.5] 324
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  Current      Proposed
                                                    rate         rate
                                                  (cents)      (cents)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route Subclass\1\
                              [(Full Rates)]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Letter Size:
    Piece Rate:
        Basic.................................          9.9         11.3
        Basic Automated Letter \2\............          9.2         10.0
        High Density..........................          7.8          9.0
        Saturation............................          7.2          8.4
    Destination Entry Discount per Piece:
        BMC...................................          1.6          1.7
        SCF...................................          2.1          2.2
        DDU...................................          2.6          2.8
Non-Letter Size: \3\
    Piece Rate:
    Minimum per Piece: \4\
        Basic.................................          9.9         11.3
        High Density..........................          9.2          9.7
        Saturation............................          8.4          9.2
    Destination Entry Discount per Piece:
        BMC...................................          1.6          1.7
        SCF...................................          2.1          2.2
        DDU...................................          2.6          2.8
    Pound Rate: \4\                                    29.0         37.0
    Plus per Piece Rate:
        Basic.................................          3.9          3.7
        High Density..........................          3.2          2.1
        Saturation............................          2.4          1.6
    Destination Entry Discount per Pound:
        BMC...................................          7.9          8.3
        SCF...................................         10.0         10.8
        DDU...................................         12.6         13.4
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Schedule [321.5] 324 Notes

    \1\ A fee of [$100.00] $125.00 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\ Residual shape pieces are subject to a surcharge of [$0.10] 
$0.15 per piece.
    \4\ Mailer pays either the minimum piece rate or the pound rate, 
whichever is higher.


                               Periodicals
                            Rate Schedule 421
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  Current      Proposed
                                Postage  rate      rate 3       rate 3
                                    unit          (cents)      (cents)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 [Regular] Outside County Subclass 1, 2
Per Pound:
    Nonadvertising Portion..  Pound...........         16.1         18.6
    Advertising Portion: 11
        Delivery Office 4...  Pound...........         15.5         18.0
        SCF 5...............  Pound...........         17.8         21.0
        1&2.................  Pound...........         21.5         24.7
        3...................  Pound...........         22.9         26.3
        4...................  Pound...........         26.3         30.2
        5...................  Pound...........         31.6         36.1
        6...................  Pound...........         37.1         42.3
        7...................  Pound...........         43.8         49.9
        8...................  Pound...........         49.5         56.3
    Science of Agriculture:
        Delivery Office.....  Pound...........         11.6         13.5
        SCF.................  Pound...........         13.3         15.8
        Zones 1&2...........  Pound...........         16.1         18.6
Per Piece:
    Less Nonadvertising       ................          5.9          6.6
     Factor 6.
    Required Preparation 7..  Piece...........         29.4         31.8
        Presorted to 3-digit  Piece...........         25.3         27.4

[[Page 51955]]

 
        Presorted to 5-digit  Piece...........         19.7         22.2
        Presorted to Carrier  Piece...........         12.2         14.1
         Route.
    Discounts:
        Prepared to Delivery  Piece...........          1.3          2.1
         Office 4.
        Prepared to SCF 5...  Piece...........          0.7          1.2
        High Density 8......  Piece...........          1.9          2.5
        Saturation 9........  Piece...........          3.7          4.3
    Automation Discounts for
     Automation Compatible
     Mail 10
    From Required:
        Prebarcoded letter    Piece...........          6.2          5.6
         size.
        Prebarcoded flats...  Piece...........          4.6          3.2
    From 3-Digit:
        Prebarcoded letter    Piece...........          4.7          4.5
         size.
        Prebarcoded flats...  Piece...........          3.9          2.7
    From 5-Digit:
        Prebarcoded letter    Piece...........          3.5          4.8
         size.
        Prebarcoded flats...  Piece...........          2.9          2.8
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Schedule 421 Notes

    \1\ [The rates in this schedule also apply to commingled 
nonsubscriber, non-requester, complimentary, and sample copies in 
excess of 10 percent allowance in regular-rate, nonprofit, and 
classroom periodicals.] The rates in this schedule also apply to 
Nonprofit (DMCS Section 422.2) and Classroom (DMCS Section 422.3) 
rate categories. These categories receive a 5 percent discount on 
all components of postage except advertising pounds. Moreover, the 5 
percent discount does not apply to commingled nonsubscriber, 
nonrequester, complimentary, and sample copies in excess of the 10 
percent allowance under DMCS sections 412.34 and 413.42, or to 
Science of Agriculture mail.
    \2\ Rates do not apply to otherwise [regular rate] Outside 
County mail that qualifies for the Within County rates in Schedule 
423[.2].
    \3\ Charges are computed by adding the appropriate per-piece 
charge to the sum of the nonadvertising portion and the advertising 
portion, as applicable.
    \4\ Applies to carrier route (including high density and 
saturation) mail delivered within the delivery area of the 
originating post office.
    \5\ Applies to mail delivered within the SCF area of the 
originating SCF office.
    \6\ For postage calculations, multiply the proportion of 
nonadvertising content by this factor and subtract from the 
applicable piece rate.
    \7\ Mail not eligible for carrier-route, 5-digit or 3-digit 
rates.
    \8\ Applicable to high density mail, deducted from carrier route 
presort rate.
    \9\ Applicable to saturation mail, deducted from carrier route 
presort rate.
    \10\ For automation compatible mail meeting applicable Postal 
Service regulations.
    \11\ Not applicable to qualifying Nonprofit and Classroom 
publications containing 10 percent or less advertising content.

                               Periodicals
                          Rate Schedule 423[.2]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  Current      Proposed
                                                  rate \3\     rate \3\
                                                  (cents)      (cents)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Within County
                [(Full Rates)]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Per Pound:
    General...................................         13.3         14.5
    Delivery Office \1\.......................         10.7         11.8
Per Piece:
    Required Presort..........................          9.5          9.9
    Presorted to 3-digit......................          8.8          9.2
    Presorted to 5-digit......................          8.0          8.4
    Carrier Route Presort.....................          4.3          4.8
Per Piece Discount:
    Delivery Office \2\.......................          0.4          0.5
    High Density (formerly 125 piece) \3\.....          1.4          1.6
    Saturation................................          1.8          2.1
    Automation Discounts for Automation
     Compatible Mail \4\
    From Required:
        Prebarcoded Letter size...............          4.9          5.0
        Prebarcoded Flat size.................          3.0          2.7
    From 3-digit:
        Prebarcoded Letter size...............          4.4          4.4
        Prebarcoded Flat size.................          2.6          2.3
    From 5-digit:
        Prebarcoded Letter size...............          3.9          3.9
        Prebarcoded Flat size.................          2.2          2.0
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 51956]]

Schedule 423[.2] Notes

    \1\ Applicable only to 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. Mailers also may qualify for this discount on an 
alternative basis as provided in DMCS section 423.[8]43.
    \4\ For automation compatible pieces meeting applicable Postal 
Service regulations.

                              [Periodicals]
                          [Rate Schedule 423.3]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
          [Publications of Authorized Nonprofit Organizations]
       [Delete Rate Schedule 423.3; see Rate Schedule 421, note 1]
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                              [Periodicals]
                          [Rate Schedule 423.4]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        [Classroom Publications]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
         [Delete Rate Schedule 423.4; Rate Schedule 421, note 1]
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 51957]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN25AU00.004


[[Page 51958]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN25AU00.005

Schedule [322.1A] 521.2A Notes

    \1\ For nonmachinable Inter-BMC parcels, add [$1.69] $1.79 per 
piece.
    \2\ For each pickup stop, add [$8.25] $10.25.
    \3\ For Origin Bulk Mail Center Discount, deduct [$0.57] $0.93 
per piece.
    \4\ For BMC Presort, deduct [$0.22] $0.23 per piece.
    \5\ For Barcode[d] Discount, deduct $0.03 per piece.
    \6\ See DMCS section [322.161] 521.61 for oversize Parcel Post.
    \7\ Parcel Post pieces exceeding 84 inches in length and girth 
combined and weighing less than 15 pounds are subject to a rate 
equal to that for a 15 pound parcel for the zone to which the parcel 
is addressed.

[[Page 51959]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN25AU00.006


[[Page 51960]]


[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN25AU00.007

Schedule [322.1B] 521.2B Notes

    \1\ For each pickup stop, add: [$8.25] $10.25.
    \2\ For Barcode[d] Discount, deduct $0.03 per piece.
    \3\ See DMCS section [322.161] 521.61 for oversize Parcel Post.
    \4\ Parcel Post pieces exceeding 84 inches in length and girth 
combined and weighing less than 15 pounds are subject to a rate 
equal to that for a 15 pound parcel for the zone to which the parcel 
is addressed.
    \5\ For nonmachinable intra-BMC parcels, add $0.40 per piece.

[[Page 51961]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN25AU00.008


[[Page 51962]]


[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN25AU00.009

Schedule [322.1C] 521.2C Notes

    1 For Barcode[d] Discount, deduct $0.03 per piece.
    2 See DMCS section [322.161]521.61 for oversize 
Parcel Post.
    3 Parcel Post pieces exceeding 84 inches in length 
and girth combined and weighing less than 15 pounds are subject to a 
rate equal to that for a 15 pound parcel for the zone to which the 
parcel is addressed.
    4 A fee of [$100.00] $125.00 must be paid each year 
for [DBMC, DSCF, and DDU] Parcel Select.
    5 For nonmachinable DBMC parcels, add $0.45 per 
piece.

[[Page 51963]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN25AU00.010

Schedule [322.1D] 521.2D Notes

    1 See DMCS section [322.161]521.61 for oversize 
Parcel Post.
    2 Parcel Post pieces exceeding 84 inches in length 
and girth combined and weighing less than 15 pounds are subject to a 
rate equal to that for a 15 pound parcel for the zone to which the 
parcel is addressed.
    3 A fee of [$100.00] $125.00 must be paid each year 
for [DBMC, DSCF, and DDU] Parcel Select.

[[Page 51964]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN25AU00.011

Schedule [322.1E] 521.2E Notes

    1 See DMCS section [322.161]521.61 for oversize 
Parcel Post.
    2 Parcel Post pieces exceeding 84 inches in length 
and girth combined and weighing less than 15 pounds are subject to a 
rate equal to that for a 15 pound parcel for the zone to which the 
parcel is addressed.
    3 A fee of [$100.00] $125.00 must be paid each year 
for [DBMC, DSCF, and DDU] Parcel Select.

[[Page 51965]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN25AU00.012

Schedule [322.3A] 522A Notes

    1 Includes both catalogs and similar Bound Printed 
Matter.
    2 For barcode[d] discount, deduct $0.03 per piece.

                                                             [Standard Mail] Package Services
                                                               Rate Schedule [322.3B] 522B
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 Current Per Piece                                                           Proposed Per Piece
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             [Per Piece]    Carrier                                                [Per Piece]    Carrier
                    Zone                      Basic \3\    Route \2\    Per Pound                Zone               Basic \3\    Route \2\    Per Pound
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              Bound Printed Matter Subclass
                                                [Bulk] Basic Presort and Carrier Route Presort Rates \1\
                                                                        (dollars)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Local......................................        $0.54       $0.463       $0.028  Local........................          N/A          N/A          N/A
1&2........................................         0.72        0.643        0.051  1&2..........................       $0.905       $0.828       $0.064
3..........................................         0.72        0.643        0.073  3............................        0.905        0.828        0.092
4..........................................         0.72        0.643        0.112  4............................        0.905        0.828        0.138
5..........................................         0.72        0.643        0.171  5............................        0.905        0.828        0.209
6..........................................         0.72        0.643        0.233  6............................        0.905        0.828        0.286
7..........................................         0.72        0.643        0.307  7............................        0.905        0.828        0.376
8..........................................         0.72        0.643        0.371  8............................        0.905        0.828        0.450
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Schedule [322.3B] 522B Notes

    1 Includes both catalogs and similar bound printed 
matter.
    2 Applies to mailings of at least 300 pieces 
presorted to carrier route as specified by the Postal Service.
    3 For barcode[d] discount, deduct $0.03 per piece.

[[Page 51966]]



                                                Package Services
                                               Rate Schedule 522C
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    DBMC  Zones   DBMC  Zone   DBMC  Zone   DBMC  Zone
                                        1&2           3            4            5           DSCF         DDU
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          Bound Printed Matter Subclass
                                       Destination Entry Basic Presort \1\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Proposed:
    Per Piece.....................       $0.843       $0.843       $0.843       $0.843       $0.659       $0.608
    Per Pound.....................        0.060        0.086        0.132        0.201        0.035        0.033
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Schedule 522C Notes

    \1.\ For barcode discount, deduct $0.03 per piece. Barcode 
discount is not available for DDU and DSCF rates and DBMC mail 
entered at an ASF (except Phoenix, Arizona ASF).

                                                Package Services
                                               Rate Schedule 522D
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    DBMC  Zones   DBMC  Zone   DBMC  Zone   DBMC  Zone
                                        1&2           3            4            5           DSCF         DDU
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          Bound Printed Matter Subclass
                                     Destination Entry Carrier Route Presort
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Proposed:
    Per Piece.....................       $0.766       $0.766       $0.766       $0.766       $0.582       $0.531
    Per Pound.....................        0.060        0.086        0.132        0.201        0.035        0.033
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                    [Standard Mail] Package Services
                  Rate Schedule[s 323.1 and 323.2] 523
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  Current      Proposed
                                                   rates        rates
                                                  (cents)      (cents)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
           [Special and Library Rate] Media Mail Subclass[es]
                       [Schedule 323.1: Special]
First Pound:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Not Presorted 4...........................          113          121
    Level A Presort (5-digits)1 2.............           64           68
    Level B Presort (BMC)1 3 4................           95           99
Each additional pound through 7 pounds........           45           45
Each additional pound over 7 pounds...........           28           30
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Schedule [323.1] 523

    \1\ A fee of [$100.00] $125.00 must be paid once each 12-month 
period for each permit.
    \2\ For mailings of 500 pieces properly prepared and presorted 
to five-digit destination ZIP Codes.
    \3\ For mailings of 500 or more pieces properly prepared and 
presorted to Bulk Mail Centers.
    \4\ For Barcode[d] Discount, deduct $0.03.

                    [Standard Mail] Package Services
                  Rate Schedule[s 323.1 and 323.2] 524
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  Current      Proposed
                                                   rates        rates
                                                  (cents)      (cents)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
             [Special and] Library Mail [Rate] Subclass[es]
                       [Schedule 323.2: Library]
First Pound:
    Not Presorted 4...........................          113          120
    Level A Presort (5-digits)1 2.............           64           67
    Level B Presort (BMC)1 3 4................           95           98
Each additional pound through 7 pounds........           45           45
Each additional pound over 7 pounds...........           28           30
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 51967]]

Schedule [323.2] 524 Notes

    \1\ A fee of [$100.00] $125.00 must be paid once each 12-month 
period for each permit.
    \2\ For mailings of 500 pieces properly prepared and presorted 
to five-digit destination ZIP Codes.
    \3\ For mailings of 500 or more pieces properly prepared and 
presorted to Bulk Mail Centers.
    \4\ For Barcode[d] Discount, deduct $0.03.

                            Fee Schedule 911
                           Address Corrections
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  Current      Proposed
                 [Description]                      fee          fee
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Per manual correction.........................        $0.50        $0.60
Per automated correction......................        $0.20        $0.20
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                            Fee Schedule 912
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               Proposed
                                                Current fee      fee
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        ZIP Coding Mailing Lists
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Per thousand addresses........................       $70.00       $73.00
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       Correction of Mailing Lists
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   [Fee]
Per submitted address.........................        $0.20        $0.25
Minimum charge per list corrected.............        $7.00        $7.50
------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Address Changes for Election Boards and Registration Commissions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   [Fee]
 
Per change of address.........................        $0.17        $0.24
------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Corrections Associated with Arrangement of Address Cards in Carrier
                            Delivery Sequence
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   [Fee]
Per correction................................        $0.20       $0.25
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: When rural routes have been consolidated or changed to another
  post office, no charge will be made for correction if the list
  contains only names of persons residing on the route or routes
  involved.


                                                Fee Schedule 921
                                      Post Office Boxes and Caller Service
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Box Size 2  Fee Group                    1            2            3            4            5
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  [Edit Part I of Fee Schedule 921 as follows:]
                                              I. Post Office Boxes
                                             Semi-annual Box Fees 1
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current:
    A..........................................       $30.00       $46.00       $80.00      $151.00      $261.00
    B..........................................        27.00        41.00        70.00       136.00       217.00
    C..........................................        22.00        32.00        57.00        97.00       162.00
    D..........................................         7.00        12.00        22.00        33.00        52.00
    E..........................................         0.00         0.00         0.00         0.00         0.00
Proposed:
    B2.........................................        30.00        45.00        85.00       170.00       300.00
    C3.........................................        27.50        40.00        75.00       150.00       250.00
    C4.........................................        22.50        32.50        60.00       125.00       212.50
    C5.........................................        19.00        27.50        50.00        87.50       150.00
    D6.........................................        10.00        16.00        25.00        50.00        90.00
    D7.........................................         8.50        13.00        22.50        40.00        65.00
    E..........................................         0.00         0.00         0.00         0.00        0.00
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ A customer ineligible for carrier delivery may obtain a post office box at Group E fees, 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.


[[Page 51968]]


------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  Current      Proposed
                                                    fee          fee
------------------------------------------------------------------------
I. Key Duplication and Lock Changes:
    Key duplication or replacement............          N/A        $4.00
    Post office box lock replacement..........          N/A       $10.00
III. Semi-annual Caller Service Fees..........      $275.00      $375.00
    [Fee Group]
    [A $275]
    [B $275]
    [C $275]
    [D $275]
[III.] IV. Annual Call Number Reservation Fee:
    (All applicable Fee Groups)...............       $36.00       $30.00
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                            Fee Schedule 931
                           Business Reply Mail
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  Current      Proposed
                                                    fee          fee
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Active business reply advance deposit account:
    Per piece:
        Qualified (without Quarterly fee).....        $0.05        $0.06
        Qualified (with Quarterly fee)........          N/A        $0.03
        Nonletter-size, using weight averaging        $0.01        $0.01
        Other.................................        $0.08        $0.10
Payment of postage due charges if active
 business reply mail advance deposit account
 not used:
    Per piece.................................        $0.30        $0.35
Annual License and Accounting Fees:
    Accounting [F]fee for [A]advance                $300.00      $375.00
     [D]deposit [A]account....................
    Permit fee (with or without [A]advance          $100.00      $125.00
     [D]deposit [A]account)...................
Monthly Fees for customers using weight             $600.00      $600.00
 averaging for nonletter-size business reply..
Qualified BRM Quarterly Fee...................          N/A      $850.00
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                            Fee Schedule 932
                           Merchandise Return
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  Current      Proposed
                                                    fee          fee
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[Per Transaction]
[Shipper must have an advance deposit account]      [$0.30]
    [(see DMCS Schedule 1000)]
Annual License and Accounting Fees:
    Permit fee................................      $100.00      $125.00
    Accounting fee for advance deposit account         $N/A      $375.00
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                            Fee Schedule 933
                     On-Site Meter Service [Setting]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               Proposed
                                              Current  fee       fee
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[First Meter By appointment]...............        [$27.50]
    [Unscheduled request]..................        [$31.00]
Meter Service (per employee)...............   $27.50/$31.00       $31.00
[Additional meters]........................           $4.00           NA
Meters reset and/or examined (per meter)...              NA        $4.00
Checking meter in or out of service (per              $8.50        $4.00
 meter)....................................
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                            Fee Schedule 934
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               [Reserved]
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 51969]]


                            Fee Schedule 935
                       Bulk Parcel Return Service
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  Current      Proposed
                                                    fee          fee
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Per Returned Piece............................        $1.75        $1.65
Annual License and Accounting Fees:
    Permit fee................................      $100.00      $125.00
    Accounting fee for advance deposit account          N/A      $375.00
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                            Fee Schedule 936
                         Shipper Paid Forwarding
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  Current      Proposed
                                                    fee          fee
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annual accounting fee for advance deposit               N/A      $375.00
 account......................................
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                            Fee Schedule 941
                             Certified Mail
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  Current      Proposed
                                                  fee  (in     fee  (in
                 [Description]                  addition to  addition to
                                                  postage)     postage)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Per piece [Service (per mailpiece)]...........        $1.40        $2.10
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 51970]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN25AU00.013


------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      Proposed fee (in
  Declared value of Article      Current fee (in         addition to
             \1\              addition to postage)        postage)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
25,000.01 to 1 million......  $20.50--plus 55       $27.00--plus 75
                               cents for each        cents for each
                               $1,000 (or fraction   $1,000 (or fraction
                               thereof) over         thereof) over
                               $25,000.              $25,000.
Over $1 million to 15         $556.75--plus 55      $758.25--plus 75
 million.                      cents for each        cents for each
                               $1,000 (or fraction   $1,000 (or fraction
                               thereof) over $1      thereof) over $1
                               million.              million.
Over 15 million.............  $8,256.75--plus       $11,258.25--plus
                               amount determined     amount determined
                               by the Postal         by Postal Service
                               Service based on      based on weight,
                               weight, space and     space and value.
                               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.



                            Fee Schedule 943
                                Insurance
                         Express Mail Insurance
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                Current fee  (in      Proposed fee  (in
   Document reconstruction    addition to postage)  addition to postage)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coverage:                     ....................
    $0.01 to $500...........  No charge...........  No charge.
Merchandise:
    $0.01 to $500...........  (in addition to       (in addition to
                               postage) no charge.   postage) no charge.

[[Page 51971]]

 
    500.1 to 5000...........  $0.95 for each $100   $1.00 for each $100
                               (or fraction          (or fraction
                               thereof) over $500    thereof) over $500
                               in value.             in value.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                            General Insurance
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               Current fee\1\ (in    Proposed fee\1\ (in
                              addition to postage)  addition to postage)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coverage:
    $0.01 to $50............  $0.85...............  $1.35.
    50.01 to 100............  $1.80...............  $2.10.
    100.01 to 5000..........  $1.80 plus 0.95 for   $2.10 plus $1.00 for
                               each $100 (or         each $100 (or
                               fraction thereof)     fraction thereof)
                               over $100 in          over $100 in
                               coverage.             coverage.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ For bulk insurance coverage between $0.01 to $50.00, deduct [$0.40]
  0.75 per piece.
\1\ For bulk insurance coverage between $50.01 to $5,000.00, deduct
  [$0.40] $1.00 per piece.


                            Fee Schedule 944
                           Collect on Delivery
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  Fee  (in addition to
 Amount to be collected, or insurance coverage          postage)
                    desired                    -------------------------
                                                  Current      Proposed
------------------------------------------------------------------------
$0.01 to $50..................................        $4.00        $4.50
50.01 to 100..................................        $5.00        $5.50
100.01 to 200.................................        $6.00        $6.50
200.01 to 300.................................        $7.00        $7.50
300.01 to 400.................................        $8.00        $8.50
400.01 to 500.................................        $9.00        $9.50
500.01 to 600.................................       $10.00       $10.50
600.01 to 700.................................          N/A       $11.50
700.01 to 800.................................          N/A       $12.50
800.01 to 900.................................          N/A       $13.50
900.01 to 1000................................          N/A       $14.50
Notice of nondelivery of COD..................        $3.00        $3.00
Alteration of COD charges or designation of           $3.00        $3.00
 new addressee................................
Registered COD................................        $4.00        $4.00
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                            Fee Schedule 945
                             Return Receipts
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  Current      Proposed
                                                  fee  (in     fee  (in
                                                addition to  addition to
                                                  postage)     postage)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Receipt [Issued] requested at [T]time of
 [M]mailing \1\
    Items other than [M]merchandise...........        $1.25        $1.50
    Merchandise (without another special              $1.40        $2.35
     service..................................
    Receipt [Issued] requested after                  $7.00       $3.50
     [M]mailing \2\...........................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\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.


                            Fee Schedule 946
                           Restricted Delivery
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  Current      Proposed
                                                  fee  (in     fee  (in
                                                addition to  addition to
                                                  postage)     postage)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Per Piece.....................................        $2.75        $3.20
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 51972]]


                            Fee Schedule 947
                         Certificate of Mailing
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  Current      Proposed
                                                  fee  (in     fee  (in
                                                addition to  addition to
                                                  postage)     postage)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Individual Pieces:
    Original certificate of mailing for listed        $0.60        $0.75
     pieces of all classes of ordinary mail
     (per piece)..............................
    Three or more pieces individually listed          $0.25        $0.25
     in a firm mailing book or an approved
     customer provided manifest (per piece)...
    Each additional copy of original                  $0.60        $0.75
     certificate of mailing or original
     mailing receipt for registered, insured,
     certified, and COD mail (each copy)......
Bulk Pieces:
    Identical pieces of First-Class and
     [Regular, Enhanced Carrier Route,
     Nonprofit, and Nonprofit Enhance Carrier
     Route] Standard Mail paid with ordinary
     stamps, precanceled stamps, or meter
     stamps are subject to the following fees:
        Up to 1,000 pieces (one certificate           $3.00        $3.50
         for total number)....................
        Each additional 1,000 pieces or               $0.40        $0.40
         fraction.............................
        Duplicate copy........................        $0.60        $0.75
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                            Fee Schedule 948
                          Delivery Confirmation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  Current      Proposed
                                                  fee  (in     fee  (in
                                                addition to  addition to
                                                  postage)     postage)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Used in Conjunction with Priority Mail:
    Electronic................................        $0.00        $0.00
    Manual....................................        $0.35        $0.40
Used in Conjunction with Parcel Post, Bound
 Printed Matter, Library Mail, and [Special
 Standard] Media Mail:
    Electronic................................        $0.25        $0.25
    Manual....................................        $0.60        $0.65
Used in Conjunction with Regular and Nonprofit          N/A        $0.25
 Standard Mail Electronic.....................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

[add new Fee Schedule 949]

                            Fee Schedule 949
                         Signature Confirmation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               Proposed
                                                               fee  (in
                                                             addition to
                                                               postage)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Used in Conjunction with Priority Mail:
    Electronic.............................................        $1.25
    Manual.................................................        $1.75
Used in Conjunction with Parcel Post, Bound Printed Matter,
 Library Mail, and Media Mail:
    Electronic.............................................        $1.25
    Manual.................................................        $1.75
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                            Fee Schedule 951
                             Parcel Air Lift
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  Current      Proposed
                                                  fee  (in     fee  (in
                                                addition to  addition to
                                                parcel post  parcel post
                                                  postage)     postage)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Up to 2 pounds................................        $0.40        $0.40
Over 2 up to 3 pounds.........................        $0.75        $0.75
Over 3 up to 4 pounds.........................        $1.15        $1.15
Over 4 pounds.................................        $1.55        $1.55
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 51973]]


                            Fee Schedule 952
                            Special Handling
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  Current      Proposed
                                                  fee  (in     fee  (in
                                                addition to  addition to
                                                  postage)     postage)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Not more than 10 pounds.......................        $5.40        $5.40
More than 10 pounds...........................        $7.50        $7.50
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                            Fee Schedule 961
                            Stamped Envelopes
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           Current  fee    Proposed  fee
                                           (in addition    (in addition
                                            to postage)     to postage)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
   [Replace Fee Schedule 961 with the
               following:]
 
Single Sale--Basic......................           $0.07           $0.08
Single Sale--Special....................           $0.08           $0.09
Household (50): 6\3/4\ through 10 size:
    Basic...............................     $3.00/$3.25           $3.50
    Special.............................           $3.50           $4.50
BULK (500) 6\3/4\ size:
    Plain Basic.........................     $9.50/$8.50          $12.00
    Printed Basic.......................          $14.00          $17.00
BULK (500) size > 6\3/4\ through 10 size
    Plain Basic.........................   $12.00/$11.50          $14.00
    Printed Basic.......................          $15.00          $20.00
    Plain Special.......................          $15.50          $19.00
    Printed Special.....................          $19.00         $25.00
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: ``Special'' includes all envelopes with patched in indicia.


                            Fee Schedule 962
                              Stamped Cards
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  Current      Proposed
                                                  fee  (in     fee  (in
                                                addition to  addition to
                                                  postage)     postage)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stamped Card..................................        $0.01        $0.02
Doubled Stamped Card..........................        $0.02        $0.04
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                            Fee Schedule 971
                              Money Orders
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  Current      Proposed
                                                    fee          fee
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Domestic--$0.01 to $700.......................        $0.80        $0.90
APO-FPO--$0.01 to $700........................        $0.30        $0.35
Inquiry Fee, which includes the issuance of           $2.75        $3.00
 copy of a paid money order...................
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                              Schedule 981
                             Mailing Online
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Feature                                Fee
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paper (per sheet):
    8\1/2\  x  11..........................  1.25(P1).
    8\1/2\  x  14..........................  1.25(P2).
    11  x  17..............................  1.25(P3).
Printing (per impression):
    Simplex (8\1/2\  x  11)................  1.25(P4 + 0.1 cents).
    Simplex (8\1/2\  x  14)................  1.25(P5 + 0.1 cents).
    Duplex (8\1/2\  x  11).................  1.25(P6 + 0.1 cents).
    Duplex (8\1/2\  x  14).................  1.25(P7 + 0.1 cents).
Spot Color (per impression)................  1.25(P8).

[[Page 51974]]

 
Finishing:
    Folding (per fold).....................  1.25(P9).
    Stapling (per staple)..................  1.25(P10).
    Saddle Stitch (per finished piece).....  1.25(P11).
    Tape Binding (8\1/2\  x  11) (per        1.25(P12).
     finished piece).
    Tape Binding (8\1/2\  x  14) (per        1.25(P13).
     finished piece).
    Applying Tabs to Self Mailer...........  1.25(P14).
Envelopes:
    #10 envelope...........................  1.25(P15).
    Flat envelope..........................  1.25(P16).
Inserting (per envelope):
    #10 envelope...........................  1.25(P17).
    Flat envelope..........................  1.25(P18).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: PX represents contractual costs, for feature x, that the Postal
  Service will pay based on the Mailing Online printer contract between
  Vestcom International, Inc. and the United States Postal Service. The
  market test fees expire in accordance with the provisions in section
  981.51.


                              Schedule 1000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  Current      Proposed
                                                    fee          fee
------------------------------------------------------------------------
First-Class Presorted Mailing.................      $100.00      $125.00
Periodicals:
    A. Original Entry.........................      $305.00      $350.00
    B. Additional Entry.......................       $50.00       $50.00
    C. Re-entry...............................       $50.00       $40.00
    D. Registration for News Agents...........       $50.00       $40.00
Regular, Enhanced Carrier Route, Nonprofit and      $100.00      $125.00
 Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route Standard
 Mail Bulk Mailing............................
Parcel Select[Post: Destination BMC, SCF, and       $100.00      $125.00
 DDU].........................................
Bound Printed Matter: Destination BMC, SCF,             N/A      $125.00
 and DDU......................................
[Special and Library Standard Mail Presorted      [$100.00]
 Mailing].....................................
Media Mail Presorted Mailing..................      $100.00      $125.00
Library Mail Presorted Mailing................      $100.00      $125.00
Authorization to Use Permit Imprint...........      $100.00      $125.00
[Prepaid Reply Mail Permit] [(see Fee Schedule
 931)]
Business Reply Mail Permit (see Fee Schedule
 931)
Merchandise Return Permit (see Fee Schedule
 932)
[Authorization to Use] Bulk Parcel Return
 Service Permit (see Fee Schedule 935)
------------------------------------------------------------------------

[FR Doc. 00-21426 Filed 8-24-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7715-01-P