[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 167 (Tuesday, August 28, 2001)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 45245-45253]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-21714]


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POSTAL SERVICE

39 CFR Part 111


Domestic Mail Manual Changes To Allow Co-Packaging of Automation 
Rate and Presorted Rate Flats

AGENCY: Postal Service.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: This proposed rule provides a new preparation option that will 
allow mailers to place flat-size automation rate First-Class Mail, 
Periodicals, or Standard Mail together in packages with corresponding 
flat-size Presorted rate First-Class Mail, Periodicals, or Standard 
Mail. This new option will be called ``co-packaging.''

DATES: Comments must be received on or before September 27, 2001.

ADDRESSES: Send written comments to the Manager, Mail Preparation and 
Standards, U.S. Postal Service, 1735 North Lynn Street, Room 3025, 
Arlington VA 22209-6038. Written comments may be submitted via fax to 
703-292-4058. Copies of all written comments will be available for 
inspection and photocopying between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through 
Friday, in Room 3025 at the above address.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jane Stefaniak, 703-292-3548; or 
Cheryl Beller, 202-268-5166.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On January 7, 2001, the Postal Service 
adopted new preparation standards in Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) M910 
that required mailers of Periodicals nonletters, and permitted mailers 
of First-Class Mail and Standard Mail flats, to co-sack (Periodicals 
and Standard Mail) or co-tray (First-Class Mail) packages of automation 
rate mail with packages of Presorted rate mail. Under a separately 
published rule dated May 24, 2001 (66 FR 28659), the Postal Service 
will require co-traying for First-Class Mail flats and co-sacking for 
Standard Mail flats effective September 1, 2001.
    At this time, the Postal Service is proposing to add a further 
preparation option, to be named co-packaging, that will allow the 
combining of flat-sized automation rate pieces and flat-sized Presorted 
rate pieces within the same package. Most of the same operational 
justifications for allowing packages of automation rate and Presorted 
rate flats to be combined in the same container (co-sacking and co-
traying) also support allowing these flats to be combined within the 
same package (co-packaging). Currently, automation rate flats (ZIP+4 or 
delivery point barcoded) and Presorted rate flats (no barcode required) 
are usually processed within the same operation.
    The Postal Service's prior need for segregating barcoded and 
nonbarcoded pieces no longer exists due to advances that include an 
optical character reader (OCR) on the flat sorting machine (FSM) 881 
and the OCR/image lift capabilities of the new automated flat sorting 
machine (AFSM) 100. Beginning in 2002, the Postal Service plans to 
retrofit FSM 1000s with OCR capabilities. Therefore, continuing to 
require the separate preparation of automation rate and Presorted rate 
pieces results in more packages, which reduces the average depth of 
sort. This causes additional workhours for the Postal Service 
associated with sorting, opening, and prepping flats for processing.
    As part of this notice, the Postal Service is proposing to allow 
co-packaging of flat-size automation rate pieces and Presorted rate 
pieces within a mailing job only if all Presorted rate pieces bear a 5-
digit barcode. When mailers produce both automation rate and Presorted 
rate pieces, a vast majority of the pieces usually fall within the 
automation rate category for a mailing job. Pieces falling into the 
Presorted rate category are often the result of an unsuccessful address 
match. This generally results from either an incomplete address (e.g., 
no directional) or a new address that has yet to appear in the address 
database used by the mailer.
    Requiring a 5-digit barcode on co-packaged Presorted rate pieces 
will serve two purposes. First, it will allow the Postal Service to 
differentiate between those Presorted rate pieces that a mailer 
attempted unsuccessfully to barcode to the ZIP+4 or delivery point 
level and those Presorted rate pieces on which an attempt was never 
made. The latter are much more likely to be matched by the Postal 
Service's address database; consequently, the 5-digit barcode would be 
useful from a quality control perspective. Second, the 5-digit barcode 
can be used by the Postal Service to sort the pieces in primary 
processing operations (5-digit sort). Postal statistics show that 
barcoded flats sort at a higher rate than nonbarcoded flats in primary 
processing operations, even when the sorting equipment has barcode 
reader and OCR capabilities, because the barcode can help the FSM 
locate the address block. As information, pieces without a 5-digit 
barcode must continue to be prepared as separate mailings, but they 
could be co-trayed or co-sacked under M910.

[[Page 45246]]

    Under this proposal, the current minimum volume requirements for 
automation rate and Presorted rate mailings would continue to apply 
separately for First-Class Mail and Standard Mail (e.g., a minimum 
volume of 500 automation rate and 500 Presorted rate First-Class Mail 
pieces would be required). The total of all automation rate and 
Presorted rate pieces could be used to jointly meet package and 
container minimums. Mailers would be permitted to co-package Presorted 
rate pieces containing a 5-digit barcode with automation rate pieces 
containing a ZIP+4 or delivery point barcode for the same presort 
destination. However, the Postal Service is proposing that when more 
than one physical package is prepared for a ``logical'' presort 
destination, mailers combine Presorted rate pieces and automation rate 
pieces in no more than one physical package (see proposed DMM 
M950.1.1g, M950.2.1h, and M950.3.1h). (Note: A ``logical'' presort 
destination represents the total number of pieces that are eligible for 
a specific presort level based on the required sortation, but which 
might not necessarily be contained in a single container, such as a 
package, sack, or pallet due to the applicable preparation 
requirements.) As an example, if nine Presorted rate Periodicals pieces 
(each containing a 5-digit barcode) are sorted to the same 3-digit ZIP 
Code destination as 19 automation rate pieces (each containing a ZIP+4 
barcode), the following physical packages might be prepared: one 
package containing eight Presorted rate pieces; one package containing 
one Presorted rate piece and seven automation rate pieces; and one 
package containing 12 automation rate pieces.
    The proposal to limit the co-packaging of automation rate and 
Presorted rate pieces to one physical package for each ``logical'' 
presort destination is needed to assist the Postal Service during mail 
verification and acceptance processes. The Postal Service is seeking 
comments from mailers and presort software developers regarding the 
ability of software to sequence mailpieces for a package presort 
destination in such a manner that all of the automation rate pieces are 
grouped together and all of the Presorted rate pieces are grouped 
together, resulting in only one physical package that contains both 
automation rate and Presorted rate pieces.
    For Periodicals, if a Presorted rate mailing includes firm 
packages, these packages must be accompanied by (but must be physically 
separate from) the automation rate and/or other Presorted rate pieces 
to the same presort destination to satisfy a six-piece package 
requirement when applicable for rate eligibility, regardless of the 
number of copies in the firm package.
    For Periodicals or Standard Mail mailings that are co-packaged and 
prepared under the optional preparation methods for merged pallets in 
DMM M930 or M940, new standards are proposed to allow a portion of a 
logical package to be placed on a merged pallet under the 5 percent 
limit. Comments are also requested from software developers concerning 
the proposed method for determining how to select mail to be placed on 
merged pallets.
    Documentation generated by Presort Accuracy, Validation, and 
Evaluation (PAVE)-certified software or standardized documentation (DMM 
P012) would be required for mailings prepared under this option. The 
documentation is required to indicate the total number of automation 
rate and Presorted rate pieces contained in each package. The proposed 
date that mailers may begin to use this preparation option is March 31, 
2002. The Postal Service is considering mandatory use beginning on 
January 1, 2003, and is seeking comments regarding the required use of 
co-packaging. These dates should allow presort software vendors enough 
time to update, test, and distribute software to their clients. It also 
should afford the Postal Service sufficient time to develop PAVE 
certification criteria for this proposal and conduct PAVE certification 
testing. The Postal Service invites interested parties to comment on 
any or all parts of this proposed rule.
    Although exempt from the notice and comment requirements of the 
Administrative Procedures Act (5 U.S.C. 553(b), (c)) regarding proposed 
rulemaking by 39 U.S.C. 410(a), the Postal Service invites comments on 
the following proposed revisions of the DMM, incorporated by reference 
into the Code of Federal Regulations (see 39 CFR part 111).

List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 111

    Postal Service.

PART 111--[AMENDED]

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

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 552(a); 39 U.S.C. 101, 401, 403, 404, 414, 
3001-3011, 3201-3219, 3403-3406, 3621, 3626, 5001.
    2. Amend the following sections of the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) 
as set forth below:

M  MAIL PREPARATION AND SORTATION

M000  General Preparation Standards

M010  Mailpieces

M011  Basic Standards

1.0  TERMS AND CONDITIONS
* * * * *

1.3  Preparation Instructions

    For purposes of preparing mail:
* * * * *
    [Insert new 1.3ad and ae, as follows:]
    ad. A ``logical'' presort destination represents the total number 
of pieces that are eligible for a specific presort level based on the 
required sortation, but which might not be contained in a single 
package or in a single container (i.e., sack, pallet) due to applicable 
preparation requirements or the size of the individual pieces. For 
example, there may be 42 mailpieces for ZIP Code 43112 forming a 
Standard Mail ``logical'' 5-digit package, and they are prepared in 
three physical 5-digit packages because of the applicable weight and 
height restrictions on packages. For pallets, 2,800 pounds of mail may 
be destined to an SCF destination, and these would form the ``logical'' 
SCF pallet, but the mail is placed on two physical SCF pallets, each 
weighing 1,400 pounds, because of the 2,200 pound maximum pallet weight 
requirement.
    ae. Co-packaging is an alternate preparation option available under 
M900 for First-Class Mail, Periodicals, and Standard Mail that allows 
the combining of flat-size automation rate and Presorted rate pieces 
within the same package under a single minimum package size 
requirement. Pieces may not be combined in more than one physical 
package for each logical presort destination.

1.4  Mailing

    Mailings are defined as:
* * * * *
    [Revise 1.4b, d, and e by adding references to the advanced 
preparation options for flat-sized mail in M910, M920, M930, M940, and 
M950 as follows (the remainder of 1.4 is unchanged):]
    b. First-Class Mail. Except as provided by standard, the types of 
First-Class Mail listed below may not be part of the same mailing 
despite being in the same processing category. See M910 and M950 for 
advanced preparation options for flat-size mail. * * *
* * * * *
    d. Periodicals. Mail qualifying for the In-County rates may be part 
of a mailing

[[Page 45247]]

that includes pieces eligible for the Outside County rates. Mail at 
carrier route rates, nonautomation Presorted rates, and automation 
rates must each be sorted as separate mailings. However, each of these 
mailings may be reported on the same postage statement if the pieces 
are for the same publication and edition. See M041, M045, M210, and 
M220 for copalletized, combined, and mixed rate mailings. See M910, 
M920, M930, M940, and 950 for advanced preparation options for 
nonletter-size mail.
    e. Standard Mail. Except as provided in E620.1.2 and M900, the 
types of Standard Mail listed below may not be part of the same 
mailing. See M041, M045, M610, and M620 for copalletized, combined, and 
mixed rate mailings. See M910, M920, M930, M940, and M950 for advanced 
preparation options for flat-size mail. * * *
* * * * *

M040  Pallets

* * * * *

M045  Palletized Mailings

* * * * *
2.0  PACKAGES ON PALLETS
* * * * *
    [Revise 2.2 by adding a sentence at the end to refer to the co-
packaging option for Periodicals nonletters and Standard Mail flats, as 
follows (the remainder of 2.2 is unchanged):]

2.2  Basic Packaging Standards

    * * * If palletized mailing jobs of nonletter-size Periodicals or 
palletized mailing jobs of flat-size Standard Mail contain both 
automation rate and Presorted rate pieces, the automation rate and 
Presorted rate pieces may be co-packaged under the standards in M950.
* * * * *

M100  First-Class Mail (Nonautomation)

* * * * *

M130  Presorted First-Class Mail

1.0  BASIC STANDARDS
* * * * *
    [Revise the title of 1.6 and add a new sentence at the end to refer 
to the co-packaging option in M950, as follows (the remainder of 1.6 is 
unchanged):]

1.6  Co-Traying and Co-Packaging With Automation Rate Mail

    * * * Flat-size Presorted rate pieces may be co-packaged with flat-
size automation rate pieces under the standards in M950.
* * * * *

M200  Periodicals (Nonautomation)

M210  Presorted Rates

1.0  BASIC STANDARDS
* * * * *
    [Revise the title and text of 1.2a and b to refer to the new co-
packaging option in M950, as follows (the remainder of 1.2 is 
unchanged):]

1.2  Additional Standards for Nonletter-Size Sacked Mailing Jobs 
Containing More Than One Mailing

    The following standards apply:
    a. Mailings prepared in sacks that are part of a mailing job that 
includes a carrier route mailing, an automation rate mailing, and a 
presorted rate mailing must be prepared under one of the following 
options: (1) the carrier route mailing must be prepared under E230 and 
M220 and the automation rate and Presorted rate mailing must be 
prepared under M910; or (2) all three mailings in the mailing job must 
be prepared under M920. Presorted rate pieces may be co-packaged with 
automation rate pieces under the standards in M950.
    b. Mailings prepared in sacks that are part of a mailing job that 
includes an automation rate mailing under E240 and a Presorted rate 
mailing under E220 must be prepared under the co-sacking standards in 
M910. Presorted rate pieces may be co-packaged with automation rate 
pieces under the standards in M950.
* * * * *
    [Revise 1.6 to show that merging is optional and to refer to the 
co-packaging option in M950, as follows:]

1.6  Merged Containerization of Nonletter-Size Carrier Route, 
Automation Rate, and Presorted Rate Mail

    Under the optional preparation method in M920, Presorted rate firm 
and 5-digit packages prepared under 1.0 and under 2.2a and b must be 
co-sacked with firm and carrier route packages prepared under M220 and 
with automation rate 5-digit packages prepared under M820 in merged 5-
digit and 5-digit scheme sacks. Under the optional preparation methods 
in M920, M930, or M940, Presorted rate firm and 5-digit packages 
prepared under 1.0 and under 2.2a and b must be copalletized with firm 
and carrier route packages prepared under M220 and with automation rate 
5-digit packages prepared under M820 on merged 5-digit and 5-digit 
scheme pallets. See 1.2a for information on when preparation under M920 
may be required. Presorted rate pieces may be co-packaged with 
automation rate pieces under M950.
* * * * *

M220  Carrier Route Rates

1.0  BASIC INFORMATION
* * * * *
    [Revise 1.6 to show that merging is optional and to refer to the 
co-packaging option in M950, as follows:]

1.6  Merged Containerization of Nonletter-Size Carrier Route, 
Automation Rate, and Presorted Rate Mail

    Under the optional preparation method in M920, firm and carrier 
route packages prepared under 1.0 and 2.4 must be co-sacked with 
Presorted rate 5-digit packages prepared under M210 and with automation 
rate 5-digit packages prepared under M820 in merged 5-digit and 5-digit 
scheme sacks. For sacked mailing jobs that contain an automation rate 
and a Presorted rate mailing as well as a carrier route mailing, the 
automation rate and the Presorted rate mailings must be prepared under 
M910 (see M210) and the carrier route mailing must be prepared under 
M220, unless the mailings are prepared under M920. Under the optional 
preparation methods in M920, M930, or M940, firm and carrier route 
packages prepared under 1.0 and 2.4 must be copalletized with Presorted 
rate 5-digit packages prepared under M210 and with automation rate 5-
digit packages prepared under M820 on merged 5-digit and 5-digit scheme 
pallets. Presorted rate pieces may be co-packaged with automation rate 
pieces under M950.
* * * * *

M600  Standard Mail (Nonautomation)

M610  Presorted Standard Mail

1.0  BASIC STANDARDS
* * * * *
    [Revise the title of 1.5 and add a new sentence at the end to refer 
to the co-packaging option in M950, as follows (the remainder of 1.5 is 
unchanged):]

1.5  Co-Traying and Co-Packaging With Automation Rate Mail

    * * * Flat-size Presorted rate pieces may be co-packaged with flat-
size automation rate pieces under the standards in M950.
    [Revise the title and text of 1.6 to refer to the new co-packaging 
option in M950, as follows:]

[[Page 45248]]

1.6  Merged Containerization of Flat-Size Carrier Route, Automation 
Rate, and Presorted Rate Mail

    When the conditions and preparation standards in M920 are met, 
Presorted rate 5-digit packages prepared under 4.3a may be co-sacked 
with carrier route rate packages prepared under M620 and with 
automation rate 5-digit packages prepared under M820 in merged 5-digit 
and 5-digit scheme sacks. When the conditions and preparation standards 
in M920, M930, or M940 are met, Presorted rate 5-digit packages 
prepared under 4.3a may be copalletized with carrier route rate 
packages prepared under M620 and with automation rate 5-digit packages 
prepared under M820 on merged 5-digit and 5-digit scheme pallets. 
Presorted rate pieces may be co-packaged with automation rate pieces 
under M950.
* * * * *

M620  Enhanced Carrier Route Standard Mail

1.0  BASIC STANDARDS
* * * * *
    [Revise the title and text of 1.6 to refer to the co-packaging 
option in M950, as follows:]

1.6  Merged Containerization of Flat-Size Carrier Route, Automation 
Rate, and Presorted Rate Mail

    When the conditions and preparation standards in M920 are met, 
carrier route rate packages prepared under 2.0 may be co-sacked with 
Presorted rate 5-digit packages prepared under M610 and with automation 
rate 5-digit packages prepared under M820 in merged 5-digit and 5-digit 
scheme sacks. When the conditions and preparation standards in M920, 
M930, or M940 are met, carrier route rate packages prepared under 2.0 
may be copalletized with Presorted rate 5-digit packages prepared under 
M610 and with automation rate 5-digit packages prepared under M820 on 
merged 5-digit and 5-digit scheme pallets. Presorted rate pieces may be 
co-packaged with automation rate pieces under M950.
* * * * *

M800  All Automation Mail

* * * * *

M820  Flat-Size Mail

1.0  BASIC STANDARDS
* * * * *
    [Revise the title of 1.9 and add a new sentence at the end to refer 
to the co-packaging option in M950, as follows (the remainder of 1.9 is 
unchanged):]

1.9  Co-Traying, Co-sacking and Co-Packaging With Presorted Rate 
Mail

    * * * Automation rate pieces may be co-packaged with Presorted rate 
pieces under the standards in M950.
    [Revise the title and text of 1.10 to be consistent with M210.1.6 
and M610.1.6 to refer to the options for merged containerization and 
co-packaging, as follows:]

1.10  Merged Containerization of Flat-size Carrier Route, 
Automation Rate, and Presorted Rate Mail

    Under the optional preparation methods in M920, 5-digit packages of 
Periodicals or Standard Mail automation rate flats must be co-sacked 
with 5-digit packages of Periodicals Presorted rate nonletters or 
Standard Mail Presorted rate flats prepared under M210 or M610, as 
applicable, and with packages of Periodicals carrier route nonletters 
or Standard Mail carrier route flats in merged 5-digit and 5-digit 
scheme sacks. Under the optional preparation methods in M920, M930, or 
M940, 5-digit packages of Periodicals or Standard Mail automation rate 
flats must be copalletized with 5-digit packages of Periodicals 
Presorted rate nonletters or Standard Mail Presorted rate flats 
prepared under M210 or M610, as applicable, and with packages of 
Periodicals carrier route nonletters or Standard Mail carrier route 
flats on merged 5-digit and 5-digit scheme pallets. Presorted rate 
nonletter-size Periodicals pieces or Presorted rate flat-size Standard 
Mail pieces may be co-packaged with flat-size automation rate pieces 
under M950.
* * * * *

M900  Advanced Preparation Options for Flats

M910  Co-Traying and Co-Sacking Packages of Automation and 
Presorted Mailings

1.0  FIRST-CLASS MAIL

1.1  Basic Standards

    [Revise 1.1c, d, and g by changing the reference to tray 
preparation standards from ``1.3'' to ``1.4'' (the remainder of 1.1 is 
unchanged).]
* * * * *
    [Revise 1.2 to refer to the co-packaging option in 1.3, as 
follows:]

1.2  Package Preparation

    Except for mail prepared under the co-packaging option in 1.3, the 
automation rate mailing must be packaged and labeled under M820 and the 
Presorted rate mailing must be packaged and labeled under M130.
    [Renumber current 1.3 as 1.4 and insert new 1.3, as follows:]

1.3  Optional Co-Packaging Preparation

    As an option to the basic packaging requirements in 1.2, a mailer 
may choose to co-package (see M011) automation rate and Presorted rate 
flat-size pieces, subject to the conditions in M950.
    [Revise the first sentence of the renumbered 1.4 to refer to the 
co-packaging option in 1.3, as follows (the remainder of 1.4 is 
unchanged):]

1.4  Tray Preparation and Labeling

    Presorted rate and automation rate packages prepared under 1.2 or 
1.3 must be presorted together into trays (co-trayed) in the sequence 
listed below. * * *
* * * * *
2.0  PERIODICALS

2.1  Basic Standards

    [Revise 2.1c, d, and f by changing the reference to sack 
preparation standards from ``2.4'' to ``2.5'' (the remainder of 2.1 is 
unchanged).]
* * * * *
    [Revise 2.2 to refer to the co-packaging option in 2.3, as 
follows:]

2.2  Package Preparation

    Except for mail prepared under the co-packaging option in 2.3, the 
automation rate mailing must be packaged and labeled under M820 (all 
package levels) and the Presorted rate mailing must be packaged and 
labeled under M210 (excluding carrier route level).
    [Renumber current 2.3 and 2.4 as 2.4 and 2.5, respectively, and 
insert new 2.3 as follows:]

2.3  Optional Co-Packaging Preparation

    As an option to the basic packaging requirements in 2.2, a mailer 
may choose to co-package (see M011) automation rate and Presorted rate 
nonletter-size pieces, subject to the conditions in M950.
    [Revise the renumbered 2.4 by adding references to packages 
prepared under the co-packaging option in 2.3, as follows:]

2.4  Low-Volume Packages in Sacks or on Pallets

    Periodicals 5-digit and 3-digit packages prepared under M210 and 
M820 or under 2.3 may contain fewer than six pieces when the publisher 
determines that such preparation improves service. These low-volume

[[Page 45249]]

packages may be placed in 5-digit, 3-digit, and SCF sacks or on 5-
digit, 3-digit, or SCF pallets. Presorted rate pieces in such low-
volume packages must be claimed at the applicable basic Presorted rate. 
Automation rate pieces in such low-volume packages must be claimed at 
the applicable basic automation rate.
    [Revise the first sentence of the renumbered 2.5 to refer to the 
co-packaging option in 2.3, as follows (the remainder of 2.5 is 
unchanged):]

2.5  Sack Preparation and Labeling

    Presorted rate and automation rate packages prepared under 2.2 and 
2.4 must be presorted together in sacks (co-sacked) in the sequence 
listed below. * * *
3.0  STANDARD MAIL

3.1  Basic Standards

    [Revise 3.1c, d, and g by changing the references to sack 
preparation standards from ``3.3 and 3.4'' to ``3.4 and 3.5'' (the 
remainder of 3.1 is unchanged).]
* * * * *
    [Revise 3.2 to refer to the co-packaging option in 3.3, as 
follows:]

3.2  Package Preparation

    Except for mail prepared under the co-packaging option in 3.3, the 
automation rate mailing must be packaged and labeled under M820 and the 
Presorted rate mailing must be packaged and labeled under M610. Loose 
packing under M610 is not permitted.
    [Renumber current 3.3 and 3.4 as 3.4 and 3.5, respectively, and 
insert new 3.3, as follows:]

3.3  Optional Co-Packaging Preparation

    As an option to the basic packaging requirements in 3.2, a mailer 
may choose to co-package (see M011) automation rate and Presorted rate 
flat-size pieces, subject to the conditions in M950.
* * * * *

M920  Merged Containerization of Packages Using the City State 
Product

    [Revise the summary in M920 to refer to the co-packaging option in 
M950, as follows:]
    Summary: M920 describes the eligibility and preparation 
requirements for co-sacking or copalletizing 5-digit automation rate 
packages, 5-digit Presorted packages, including automation and 
Presorted rate pieces co-packaged under M950, and carrier route 
packages of Periodicals nonletter-size mailings and Standard Mail flat-
size mailings in merged 5-digit and 5-digit scheme containers using the 
City State Product.
    [Revise the heading of 1.0, as follows:]
1.0  PERIODICALS
    [Revise the first sentence in 1.1 to refer to the co-packaging 
option in M950, as follows:]

1.1  Basic Standards

    Carrier route packages in a carrier route rate mailing may be 
placed in the same sack or on the same pallet (in a merged 5-digit or 
5-digit scheme sack or pallet) as 5-digit packages from an automation 
rate mailing and 5-digit packages from a Presorted rate mailing, 
including automation and Presorted rate pieces co-packaged as permitted 
in M950, under the following conditions:
* * * * *
    [Revise the first sentence in 1.1e to refer to the co-packaging 
option in M950, as follows (the remainder of 1.1e is unchanged):]
    e. Carrier route packages must be co-sacked or copalletized with 
automation rate 5-digit packages and Presorted rate 5-digit packages, 
including automation and Presorted rate pieces co-packaged under M950, 
only for those 5-digit ZIP Codes that have an ``A'' or ``C'' indicator 
in the Carrier Route Indicators field in the City State Product showing 
they are eligible for co-sacking or copalletization. * * *
* * * * *

1.2  Package Preparation

    Packages must be prepared as follows:
    [Revise 1.2a to refer to the co-packaging option in M950, as 
follows:]
    a. Sacked Mailings. The carrier route mailing must be packaged and 
labeled under M220. Except when prepared under the co-packaging option 
in M950, the automation rate mailing must be packaged and labeled under 
M820 and the Presorted rate mailing must be packaged and labeled under 
M210.
* * * * *

1.3  Low-Volume Packages in Sacks or on Pallets

    [Revise 1.3 to refer to the co-packaging option by adding ``or 
M950'' after the reference to M820 in the first sentence (the remainder 
of 1.3 is unchanged).]
* * * * *
2.0  STANDARD MAIL
    [Revise the first sentence in 2.1 to refer to the co-packaging 
option in M950, as follows:]

2.1  Basic Standards

    Carrier route packages of flat-size pieces in a carrier route rate 
mailing may be placed in the same sack or on the same pallet (a merged 
5-digit or 5-digit scheme sack or pallet) as 5-digit packages from an 
automation rate mailing and 5-digit packages from a Presorted rate 
mailing, including automation and Presorted rate pieces co-packaged as 
permitted in M950, under the following conditions:
* * * * *
    [Revise the first sentence in 2.1e to refer to the co-packaging 
option in M950, as follows (the remainder of 2.1e is unchanged):]
    e. Carrier route rate packages must be co-sacked or copalletized 
with automation rate 5-digit packages and Presorted rate 5-digit 
packages, including automation and Presorted rate pieces co-packaged 
under M950, only for those 5-digit ZIP Codes with an ``A'' or ``C'' 
indicator in the Carrier Route Indicators field in the City State 
Product indicating they are eligible for such co-sacking or 
copalletization. * * *
* * * * *

2.2  Package Preparation

    Packages must be prepared as follows:
    [Revise 2.2a to refer to the co-packaging option in M95, as 
follows:]
    a. Sacked Mailings. The carrier route mailing must be packaged and 
labeled under M620. Except when prepared under the co-packaging option 
in M950, the automation rate mailing must be packaged and labeled under 
M820 and the Presorted rate mailing must be packaged and labeled under 
M610.
* * * * *

M930  Merged Palletization of Packages Using a 5% Threshold

    [Revise the summary in M930 to refer to the co-packaging option in 
M950, as follows:]
    Summary: M930 describes the eligibility and preparation 
requirements for copalletizing 5-digit automation rate packages; 5-
digit Presorted rate packages, including automation and Presorted rate 
pieces co-packaged under M950; and carrier route rate packages of 
Periodicals nonletter-size mailings and Standard Mail flat-size 
mailings in merged 5-digit and 5-digit scheme pallets using only the 5% 
threshold (not the City State Product).
    [Revise the heading of 1.0, as follows:]
1.0  PERIODICALS
    [Revise the heading and first sentence of 1.1 to refer to the co-
packaging option in M950, as follows:]

[[Page 45250]]

1.1  Basic Standards

    5-digit packages from an automation rate mailing and 5-digit 
packages from a Presorted rate mailing, including automation and 
Presorted rate pieces co-packaged under M950, may be placed on the same 
pallet (a merged 5-digit or 5-digit scheme pallet) as carrier route 
rate packages from a carrier route mailing under the following 
conditions:
* * * * *
    [Revise the first sentence of 1.1d to refer to the co-packaging 
option in M950, as follows (the remainder of 1.1d is unchanged):]
    d. Automation rate 5-digit packages and Presorted rate 5-digit 
packages, including automation rate and Presorted rate pieces co-
packaged under M950, must be copalletized with carrier route rate 
packages only when the pieces in the 5-digit packages do not exceed the 
5% limit described in 1.4.* * *
* * * * *

1.3  Low-Volume Packages on Pallets

    [Revise 1.3 to refer to the co-packaging option by adding ``or 
M950'' after the reference to M820 in the first sentence (the remainder 
of 1.3 is unchanged).]
* * * * *
    [Revise the first sentence of 1.4, as follows:]

1.4  5% Threshold Standard

    5-digit packages and carrier route packages may be placed on the 
same merged 5-digit or 5-digit scheme pallet under 1.5 if all of the 
following conditions are met:
* * * * *
    [Revise 1.4c by replacing the first sentence with the following new 
sentence; then delete the last four sentences beginning with the word 
``Example'' (the remainder of 1.4c is unchanged):]
    c. Except when packages are prepared under the co-packaging option 
in M950, all mail in a logical 5-digit package must be able to be 
placed on the logical pallet using the 5% limit.* * *
    [Insert the following clause at the beginning of 1.4d (the 
remainder of 1.4d is unchanged):]
    d. Except for packages prepared under the co-packaging option in 
M950,* * *
    [Insert new 1.4e to permit mailers using the co-packaging option in 
M950 to place a portion of a ``logical'' 5-digit package on a merged 5-
digit scheme or merged 5-digit pallet with carrier route mail; renumber 
current 1.4e and f as 1.4f and g, respectively; and change the 
references in renumbered 1.4f and g from ``1.4a through 1.4d'' to 
``1.4a through 1.4e,'' as follows:]
    e. For mailing jobs prepared using the co-packaging option in M950, 
if the total number of pieces prepared in a logical 5-digit package 
(containing automation rate and Presorted rate pieces) exceeds the 5% 
limit for a 5-digit ZIP Code in 1.4a, a mailer may, for each 5-digit 
ZIP Code, choose to place a portion of the pieces prepared in the 
logical 5-digit package on a merged 5-digit or 5-digit scheme pallet 
using one of the options below. Regardless of the option selected, a 
minimum of six pieces must be prepared in 5-digit package(s) placed on 
the merged pallet and a minimum of six remaining pieces prepared in 5-
digit package(s) not placed on the merged pallet, with the total number 
of pieces not exceeding the 5% limit. The options are:
    (1) Place either all automation rate pieces or all Presorted rate 
pieces for the 5-digit ZIP Code on the merged pallet.
    (2) Place a portion of either the automation rate pieces or the 
Presorted rate pieces for the 5-digit ZIP Code on the merged pallet.
    (3) Place either all the automation rate pieces plus a portion of 
the Presorted rate pieces or all the Presorted rate pieces plus a 
portion of the automation rate pieces for the 5-digit ZIP Code on the 
merged pallet.
* * * * *
2.0  STANDARD MAIL
    [Revise the first sentence in 2.1 to refer to the co-packaging 
option in M950, as follows:]

2.1  Basic Standards

    5-digit packages from an automation rate mailing and 5-digit 
packages from a Presorted rate mailing, including automation rate and 
Presorted rate pieces co-packaged under M950, may be placed on the same 
pallet (a merged 5-digit or 5-digit scheme pallet) as carrier route 
rate packages from a carrier route rate mailing under the following 
conditions:
* * * * *
    [Revise the first sentence in 2.1d to refer to the co-packaging 
option in M950, as follows (the remainder of 2.1d is unchanged):]
    d. Automation rate 5-digit packages and Presorted rate 5-digit 
packages, including automation and Presorted rate pieces co-packaged 
under M950, must be copalletized with carrier route packages only when 
the pieces in the 5-digit packages do not exceed the 5% limit in 2.3 .* 
* *
* * * * *
    [Revise the first sentence of 2.3, as follows:]

2.3  5% Threshold Standard

    5-digit packages and carrier route packages may be placed on the 
same merged 5-digit pallet under 2.4 or on the same merged 5-digit or 
5-digit scheme pallet under 2.5 if all of the following conditions are 
met:
* * * * *
    [Revise the first sentence in 2.3c as follows; then delete the last 
four sentences beginning with the word ``Example'' (the remainder of 
2.3c is unchanged):]
    c. Except when packages are prepared under the co-packaging option 
in M950, all mail in a logical 5-digit package must be able to be 
placed on the logical pallet using the 5% limit. * * *
    [Revise 2.3d by inserting the following clause at the beginning 
(the remainder of 2.3d is unchanged):]
    d. Except for packages prepared under the co-packaging option in 
M950, * * *
    [Insert new 2.3e to permit mailers using the co-packaging option in 
M950 to place a portion of a logical 5-digit package on a merged 5-
digit scheme or merged 5-digit pallet with carrier route mail, as 
follows:]
    e. For mailing jobs prepared using the co-packaging option in M950, 
if the total number of pieces prepared in a logical 5-digit package 
(containing automation rate and Presorted rate pieces) exceeds the 5% 
limit for a 5-digit ZIP Code in 2.3a, a mailer may, for each 5-digit 
ZIP Code, choose to place a portion of the pieces prepared in the 
logical 5-digit package on a merged 5-digit or 5-digit scheme pallet 
using one of the options below. Regardless of the option selected, a 
minimum of 10 pieces must be prepared in 5-digit package(s) placed on 
the merged pallet and a minimum of 10 remaining pieces prepared in 5-
digit package(s) not placed on the merged pallet, with the total number 
of pieces not exceeding the 5% limit. The options are:
    (1) Place either all automation rate pieces or all Presorted rate 
pieces for the 5-digit ZIP Code on the merged pallet.
    (2) Place a portion of either the automation rate pieces or the 
Presorted rate pieces for the 5-digit ZIP Code on the merged pallet.
    (3) Place either all the automation rate pieces plus a portion of 
the Presorted rate pieces or all the Presorted rate pieces plus a 
portion of the automation rate pieces for the 5-digit ZIP Code on the 
merged pallet.
* * * * *

[[Page 45251]]

M940  Merged Palletization of Packages Using the City State Product 
and a 5% Threshold

    [Revise the summary in M940 to refer to the co-packaging option in 
M950 and 3.3, as follows:]
    Summary: M940 describes the eligibility and preparation 
requirements for copalletizing 5-digit automation rate packages; 5-
digit Presorted rate packages, including automation rate and Presorted 
rate pieces co-packaged under M950; and carrier route packages of 
Periodicals nonletter-size mailings and Standard Mail flat-size 
mailings in merged 5-digit scheme and merged 5-digit pallets using both 
the City State Product and a 5% threshold, as applicable.
    [Revise the title of 1.0, as follows:]
1.0  PERIODICALS
    [Revise the first sentence of 1.1 to refer to the co-packaging 
option in M950, as follows:]

1.1  Basic Standards

    5-digit packages from an automation rate mailing and 5-digit 
packages from a Presorted rate mailing, including automation rate and 
Presorted rate pieces co-packaged under M950, may be placed on the same 
pallet (a merged 5-digit or 5-digit scheme pallet) as carrier route 
packages from a carrier route rate mailing under the following 
conditions:
* * * * *
    [Revise the first sentence in 1.1e to refer to the co-packaging 
option in M950, as follows (the remainder of 1.1e is unchanged):]
    e. Automation rate 5-digit packages and Presorted rate 5-digit 
packages, including automation rate and Presorted rate pieces co-
packaged under M950, must be copalletized with carrier route packages 
on merged 5-digit and 5-digit scheme pallets as follows:
* * * * *

1.3  Low-Volume Packages on Pallets

    [Revise 1.3 to refer to the co-packaging option by adding ``or 
M950'' after the reference to M820 in the first sentence (the remainder 
of 1.3 is unchanged).]
* * * * *
    [Revise the first sentence of 1.4, as follows:]

1.4  5% Threshold Standard

    5-digit packages and carrier route packages for 5-digit ZIP Codes 
with a ``B'' or ``D'' indicator in the City State Product may be placed 
on the same merged 5-digit or 5-digit scheme pallet under 1.5 if all of 
the following conditions are met:
* * * * *
    [Revise the first sentence of 1.4c, as follows, then delete the 
last four sentences beginning with the word ``Example'' (the remainder 
of 1.4c is unchanged):]
    c. Except when packages are prepared under the co-packaging option 
in M950, all mail in a logical 5-digit package for a 5-digit ZIP Code 
with a ``B'' or ``D'' indicator must be able to be placed on the 
logical pallet under the 5% limit. * * *
    [Insert the following clause at the beginning of 1.4d (the 
remainder of 1.4d is unchanged):]
    d. Except for packages prepared under the co-packaging option in 
M950, * * *
    [Insert new 1.4e to permit mailers using the co-packaging option in 
M950 to place a portion of a logical 5-digit package on a merged 5-
digit scheme or merged 5-digit pallet with carrier route mail; renumber 
current 1.4e and f as 1.4f and g, respectively; and change the 
references in renumbered 1.4f and g from ``1.4a through 1.4d'' to 
``1.4a through 1.4e,'' as follows:]
    e. For mailing jobs prepared using the co-packaging option in M950, 
if the total number of pieces prepared in a logical 5-digit package 
(containing automation rate and Presorted rate pieces) exceeds the 5% 
limit for a 5-digit ZIP Code in 1.4a, a mailer may, for each 5-digit 
ZIP Code, choose to place a portion of the pieces prepared in the 
logical 5-digit package on a merged 5-digit or 5-digit scheme pallet 
using one of the options below. Regardless of the option selected, a 
minimum of six pieces must be prepared in 5-digit package(s) placed on 
the merged pallet and a minimum of six remaining pieces prepared in 5-
digit package(s) not placed on the merged pallet, with the total number 
of pieces not exceeding the 5% limit. The options are:
    (1) Place either all automation rate pieces or all Presorted rate 
pieces for the 5-digit ZIP Code on the merged pallet.
    (2) Place a portion of either the automation rate pieces or the 
Presorted rate pieces for the 5-digit ZIP Code on the merged pallet.
    (3) Place either all the automation rate pieces plus a portion of 
the Presorted rate mail or all the Presorted rate pieces plus a portion 
of the automation rate pieces for the 5-digit ZIP Code on the merged 
pallet.
* * * * *
2.0  STANDARD MAIL
    [Revise the first sentence in 2.1 to refer to the co-packaging 
option in M950, as follows:]

2.1  Basic Standards

    5-digit packages from an automation rate mailing and 5-digit 
packages from a Presorted rate mailing, including automation and 
Presorted rate pieces co-packaged under M950, may be placed on the same 
pallet (a merged 5-digit or 5-digit scheme pallet) as carrier route 
packages from a carrier route rate mailing under the following 
conditions:
* * * * *
    [Revise the first sentence of 2.1e to refer to the co-packaging 
option in M950, as follows (the remainder of 2.1e is unchanged):]
    e. Automation rate 5-digit packages and Presorted rate 5-digit 
packages, including automation rate and Presorted rate pieces co-
packaged under M950, must be copalletized with carrier route packages 
on merged 5-digit scheme and merged 5-digit pallets as follows:
* * * * *
    [Revise the first sentence of 2.3, as follows:]

2.3  Threshold Standard

    5-digit packages and carrier route packages for 5-digit ZIP Codes 
with a ``B'' or ``D'' indicator in the City State Product may be placed 
on the same merged 5-digit pallet under 2.4 or on the same merged 5-
digit or 5-digit scheme pallet under 2.5 if all of the following 
conditions are met:
* * * * *
    [Revise the first sentence of 2.3c, as follows (the remainder of 
2.3c is unchanged):]
    c. Except when packages are prepared under the co-packaging option 
in M950, all mail in a logical 5-digit package must be able to be 
placed on the logical pallet using the 5% limit.* * *
    [Insert the following clause at the beginning of 2.3d (the 
remainder of 2.3d is unchanged):]
    d. Except for packages prepared under the co-packaging option in 
M950,* * *
    [Insert new 2.3e to permit mailers using the co-packaging option in 
M950 to place a portion of a logical 5-digit package on a merged 5-
digit scheme or merged 5-digit pallet with carrier route mail, as 
follows:]
    e. For mailing jobs prepared using the co-packaging option in M950, 
if the total number of pieces prepared in a logical 5-digit package 
(containing automation rate and Presorted rate pieces) exceeds the 5% 
limit for a 5-digit ZIP Code in 2.3a, a mailer may, for each 5-digit 
ZIP Code, choose to place a portion of the pieces prepared in the 
logical 5-digit package on a merged 5-digit or 5-digit scheme pallet 
using one of the options below. Regardless of the option selected, a 
minimum of 10 pieces must be

[[Page 45252]]

prepared in 5-digit package(s) placed on the merged pallet and a 
minimum of 10 remaining pieces prepared in 5-digit package(s) not 
placed on the merged pallet, with the total number of pieces not 
exceeding the 5% limit. The options are:
    (1)Place either all automation rate pieces or all Presorted rate 
pieces for the 5-digit ZIP Code on the merged pallet.
    (2)Place a portion of either the automation rate pieces or the 
Presorted rate pieces for the 5-digit ZIP Code on the merged pallet.
    (3)Place either all the automation rate pieces plus a portion of 
the Presorted rate pieces or all the Presorted rate pieces plus a 
portion of the automation rate pieces for the 5-digit ZIP Code on the 
merged pallet.
* * * * *
    [Add new section M950 to provide requirements for co-packaging of 
automation rate and Presorted rate First-Class Mail, Periodicals, and 
Standard Mail, to read as follows:]

M950  Co-Packaging Automation Rate and Presorted Rate Pieces 
Summary

    M950 describes the eligibility and preparation requirements for co-
packaging flat-size automation rate and Presorted rate First-Class 
Mail, nonletter-size automation and Presorted rate Periodicals, and 
flat-size automation rate and Presorted rate Standard Mail.
1.0  FIRST-CLASS MAIL

1.1  Basic Standards

    As an option to the basic packaging requirements in M910, a mailer 
may choose to co-package (see M011) automation rate and Presorted rate 
pieces, subject to the following conditions:
    a. The pieces in the automation rate mailing and the Presorted rate 
mailing must be part of the same mailing job and must be reported on 
the appropriate postage statement(s).
    b. The pieces in the mailing job must be flat size and meet any 
other size and mailpiece design requirements applicable to the rate 
category for which they are prepared.
    c. The basic standards in M910 must be met.
    d. A minimum of 500 automation rate pieces and 500 Presorted rate 
pieces are required. The total number of automation rate and Presorted 
rate pieces must be used to meet the minimum volume requirements for 
packages and containers to a presort destination.
    e. Presorted rate pieces must contain a 5-digit barcode and be co-
packaged with automation rate pieces for the same presort destination. 
If this optional preparation method is used, all automation rate and 
Presorted rate pieces in the same mailing job and reported on the same 
postage statement must be co-packaged.
    f. Within a package, all pieces must meet the FSM 881 requirements 
or all pieces must meet the FSM 1000 requirements described in C820.
    g. Mailers must sort automation rate pieces and Presorted rate 
pieces for each presort destination so that only one physical package 
for each logical presort destination (see M011) includes both 
automation rate pieces (containing a ZIP+4 or delivery point barcode) 
and Presorted rate pieces (containing a 5-digit barcode).

1.2  Package Preparation

    Package size, preparation sequence, and labeling:
    a. 5-digit: required (10-piece minimum, fewer not permitted); red 
Label D or optional endorsement line (OEL).
    b. 3-digit: required (10-piece minimum, fewer not permitted); green 
Label 3 or OEL.
    c. ADC: required (10-piece minimum, fewer not permitted); pink 
Label A or OEL.
    d. Mixed ADC: required (no minimum); tan Label MXD or OEL.
2.0  PERIODICALS

2.1  Basic Standards

    As an option to the basic packaging requirements in M210 and M820, 
a mailer may choose to co-package (see M011) automation rate and 
Presorted rate pieces, subject to the following conditions:
    a. The pieces in the automation rate mailing and the Presorted rate 
mailing must be part of the same mailing job and must be reported on 
the appropriate postage statement(s).
    b. The pieces in the mailing job must be nonletter-size and meet 
any other size and mailpiece design requirements applicable to the rate 
category for which they are prepared.
    c. Mailings prepared in sacks must meet the basic standards in M910 
or M920.
    d. Mailings prepared on pallets must meet the basic standards in 
M045, M920, M930, or M940.
    e. The total number of automation rate and Presorted rate pieces 
must be used to meet the minimum volume requirements for packages and 
containers.
    f. Presorted rate pieces must contain a 5-digit barcode and be co-
packaged with automation rate pieces for the same presort destination. 
If this optional preparation method is used, all automation rate and 
Presorted rate pieces in the same mailing job and reported on the same 
postage statement must be co-packaged.
    g. Within a package, all pieces must meet the FSM 881 requirements 
or all pieces must meet the FSM 1000 requirements described in C820.
    h. Mailers must sort Presorted rate pieces and automation rate 
pieces for each presort destination so that only one physical package 
for each logical presort destination (see M011) includes both 
automation rate pieces (containing a ZIP+4 or delivery point barcode) 
and Presorted rate pieces (containing a 5-digit barcode).

2.2  Package Preparation

    Package size, preparation sequence, and labeling:
    a. Firm: optional (for Presorted rate pieces only under M210.1.4) 
(two-piece minimum); blue Label.
    b. 5-digit: required (six-piece minimum, fewer not permitted except 
under 2.3); red Label D or optional endorsement line (OEL).
    c. 3-digit: required (six-piece minimum, fewer not permitted except 
under 2.3); green Label 3 or OEL.
    d. ADC: required (six-piece minimum, fewer not permitted); pink 
Label A or OEL.
    e. Mixed ADC: required (no minimum); tan Label MXD or OEL.

2.3  Low-Volume Packages in Sacks or on Pallets

    Periodicals 5-digit and 3-digit packages prepared under 2.2 may 
contain fewer than six pieces when the publisher determines that such 
preparation improves service. These low-volume packages may be placed 
in merged 5-digit scheme, merged 5-digit, 5-digit, 3-digit, and SCF 
sacks or on merged 5-digit scheme, merged 5-digit, 5-digit, 3-digit, or 
SCF pallets. Presorted rate pieces in such low-volume packages must be 
claimed at the applicable basic Presorted rate.
    Automation rate pieces in such low-volume packages must be claimed 
at the applicable basic automation rate.
3.0  STANDARD MAIL

3.1  Basic Standards

    As an option to the basic packaging requirements in M610 and M820, 
a mailer may choose to co-package (see M011) automation rate and 
Presorted rate pieces, subject to the following conditions:
    a. The pieces in the automation rate mailing and the Presorted rate 
mailing

[[Page 45253]]

must be part of the same mailing job and must be reported on the 
appropriate postage statement(s).
    b. The pieces in the mailing job must be flat size and meet any 
other size and mailpiece design requirements applicable to the rate 
category for which they are prepared.
    c. Mailings prepared in sacks must meet the basic standards in M910 
or M920.
    d. Mailings prepared on pallets must meet the basic standards in 
M045, M920, M930, or M940.
    e. A minimum of 200 pieces or 50 pounds of automation rate pieces 
are required; the Presorted rate mailing may meet the residual volume 
requirements in E620. The total number of automation rate and Presorted 
rate pieces must be used to meet the minimum volume requirements for 
packages and containers.
    f. Presorted rate pieces must contain a 5-digit barcode and be co-
packaged with automation rate pieces for the same presort destination. 
If this optional preparation method is used, all automation rate and 
Presorted rate pieces in the same mailing job and reported on the same 
postage statement must be co-packaged.
    g. Within a package, all pieces must meet the FSM 881 requirements 
or all pieces must meet the FSM 1000 requirements described in C820.
    h. Mailers must sort Presorted rate pieces and automation rate 
pieces for each presort destination so that only one physical package 
for each logical presort destination (see M011) includes both Presorted 
rate pieces (containing a 5-digit barcode) and automation rate pieces 
(containing a ZIP+4 or delivery point barcode).

3.2  Package Preparation

    Package size, preparation sequence, and labeling:
    a. 5-digit: required (10-piece minimum, fewer not permitted); red 
Label D or optional endorsement line (OEL).
    b. 3-digit: required (10-piece minimum, fewer not permitted); green 
Label 3 or OEL.
    c. ADC: required (six-piece minimum, fewer not permitted); pink 
Label A or OEL.
    d. Mixed ADC: required (no minimum); tan Label MXD or OEL.
* * * * *
    An appropriate amendment to 39 CFR 111 to reflect these changes 
will be published if the proposal is adopted.

Stanley F. Mires,
Chief Counsel, Legislative.
[FR Doc. 01-21714 Filed 8-27-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7710-12-U