[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 113 (Wednesday, June 12, 2002)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 40164-40169]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-14824]


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POSTAL SERVICE

39 CFR Part 111


New Specifications for Automated Flats

AGENCY: Postal Service.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The Automated Flat Sorting Machine (AFSM) 100 represents the 
next step into the automated processing environment envisioned for 
flat-size mail (``flats''). Mailpieces that currently qualify for 
automation rates for flats under Flat Sorting Machine (FSM) 881 
standards (Domestic Mail Manual C820.2.0) will be eligible for the 
automation rates, provided that the pieces meet the physical criteria 
for processing on the AFSM 100 and other applicable preparation 
requirements.

EFFECTIVE DATE: This final rule is effective at 12:01 a.m. on June 30, 
2002.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Karen A. Magazino, 703-292-3644.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On April 17, 2002, the Postal Service 
published for public comment in the Federal Register a proposed rule 
(67 FR 18842) that provided information on the implementation of 
automation rates for pieces prepared as automation flats that meet the 
physical mailpiece requirements for the AFSM 100. The revised Domestic 
Mail Manual (DMM) standards published with this final rule become 
effective June 30, 2002.
    Deployment of 534 AFSM 100s has been completed in major processing 
and distribution centers nationwide. With deployment of the AFSM 100s, 
the older FSM 881s are being phased out. Currently, pieces may qualify 
for an automation rate for flats based on the FSM 881 physical criteria 
defined in DMM C820. The Postal Service will replace the current FSM 
881 standards, with new criteria based on the physical mailpiece 
requirements for the AFSM 100. Flat-size mailpieces must continue to 
meet the uniformity requirements in DMM C820.8.0.
    Processing mail on the AFSM 100 provides tremendous savings 
opportunities. One of the Postal Service's objectives is to reduce 
processing costs by moving the processing of flats from a labor-
intensive manual/mechanized environment to a more efficient automated 
mode. The additional machine capacity provided by AFSM 100 deployment 
reduces the overall amount of mail processed in manual/mechanized 
operations.
    The processing and technological capabilities of the AFSM 100 are 
vastly superior to those of the FSM 881. The AFSM 100 has three 
automatic feeders with throughput rates capable of exceeding 17,000 
pieces per hour, and 120 individual sort separations. Challenges that 
arise with high-speed feeders compared with manual inductions include 
singulation (double feeds) and acceleration (jams and stoppages).
    The AFSM 100 also has optical character reader (OCR) and barcode 
reader (BCR) functionality. The reader first scans the inducted 
mailpiece in search of an address block and barcode. If a POSTNET 
barcode is found, the piece is sorted based on the ZIP Code 
information. If a POSTNET barcode is not found or cannot be read, the 
OCR looks for the delivery address and the piece is sorted based on the 
result returned by the OCR. If the address is unreadable by the OCR, a 
video-coding operator must key the image and the piece is then sorted 
to the correct bin or worked manually. The AFSM 100 does not apply 
(spray on) a POSTNET barcode.
    To determine the range of mailpieces compatible with the AFSM 100, 
the Postal Service conducted controlled tests using a variety of 
physical mailpiece characteristics. Three mail characteristic studies 
were performed: a preliminary test in Baltimore, Maryland, from 
February 26, 2001, to March 13, 2001; a test in Denver, Colorado, from 
July 9, 2001, to August 1, 2001; and a study to determine maximum 
weight conducted in Palatine, Illinois, from February 25, 2002, to 
March 12, 2002.
    The mailing industry assisted the Postal Service and supplied many 
of the mailpieces that were processed during the tests. The mailing 
industry's participation and coordinated efforts were crucial to the 
successful outcome of the tests.
    The AFSM 100 preliminary test was designed with specific analytical 
objectives, including: (1) Identifying mailpiece characteristic ranges 
that would require additional data to determine automation 
compatibility, (2) identifying factors that would have a significant 
impact on sorter performance, (3) providing data that would identify 
threshold levels, and (4) determining mailpiece characteristics that 
would not require further testing. The test included the evaluation of 
a large number of mailpiece characteristics and a subset of 
combinations, each individually replicated over several test decks. The 
data represented jams, double feeds, miss-sorts, thickness, weight 
limitations, physical dimensions, mechanical rejects, and mailpiece 
damage. In addition, the Postal Service tested several different 
polywrap materials to analyze factors such as seam and wrap direction, 
contents, polywrap characteristics, and overhang (selvage).
    The primary mail types included in the test were folded pieces 
(e.g., tabloids), paper envelopes, bound edge pieces (e.g., digest-size 
and perfect-bound magazines and catalogs), and a variety of pieces 
enclosed in polywrap. Other types of mailpieces were also included in 
the test, such as newspapers, self-mailers, CD/DVD disks, very thin 
pieces, very thick pieces, and the extremes of enveloped and folded 
mailpieces. Each test deck had varying characteristics including 
length, width, thickness, structure, polywrap, overhang (selvage), 
seam, and wrap direction.
    This test was designed to define acceptable physical mailpiece 
characteristics and polywrap characteristics. The results from the 
pilot test in Baltimore eliminated some obvious mailpieces with 
specific characteristics for the second test in Denver (e.g., odd-
shaped envelopes and cards, pieces of non-uniform thickness, and pieces 
in polywrap with film-on-film coefficient of friction measuring greater 
than 0.5).

[[Page 40165]]

    Mailpieces tested in Denver included most types tested in 
Baltimore, as well as digest-size pieces, perfect-bound and stitched 
magazines and catalogs, and unbound newspapers. The tabloid and digest-
size pieces ranged from 8 pages to 220 pages, with cover pages of 
varying basis weights. Other pieces used for this test included pieces 
bound on the short end, pieces with special cover folds (e.g., French 
doors, gatefolds), and pieces enclosed in 19 different types of 
polywrap. In addition to evaluating the polywrap characteristics, the 
Postal Service processed pieces to test the effects of overhang 
(selvage), seam, and wrap direction.
    Data from these two tests have shown that the majority of the 
standards for physical dimensions--height, length, and thickness--
developed for flats processed on the FSM 881 still apply to flats 
processed on the AFSM 100. On the basis of these findings, the Postal 
Service sets forth these dimensional requirements to qualify for AFSM 
100 automation rates for flats:
     Minimum: 5 inches high, 6 inches long, 0.009 inch thick.
     Maximum: 12 inches high, 15 inches long, 0.75 inch thick.
    The length and height is not determined by the orientation of the 
delivery address. For a piece with a bound, folded, or closed edge 
(e.g., a newspaper, folded envelope, tabloid, or catalog), the length 
is the dimension parallel to the bound, folded, or closed edge. The 
height (vertical dimension) is the dimension perpendicular to the 
length. If the piece is folded more than once or is bound and then 
folded, the length of the piece is based on the final fold.
    For a mailpiece processed on the AFSM 100, the correct and properly 
prepared POSTNET barcode must be placed at least \1/8\ inch from any 
edge of the piece and must meet the appropriate barcode requirements in 
DMM C840.
    Analysis from all three tests identified a maximum weight of 20 
ounces for AFSM 100 enveloped, bound, and polywrapped flat mailpieces. 
This maximum will allow more Bound Printed Matter (BPM) pieces, which 
primarily weigh 16 ounces or more, to qualify as barcoded flats. The 
new rates under R2001-1 will include separate rates for BPM flats and 
parcels. BPM flats that meet the AFSM 100 mail characteristics and 
criteria will be eligible for a new barcode discount of 3 cents. 
Therefore, defining a ``flat'' will have significant impact on 
mailpiece design and rate eligibility.
    The test data for polywrapped pieces led to the conclusion that the 
current seven polywrap standards for the FSM 881 will continue to be 
required for polywrapped pieces processed on the AFSM 100. A new 
property number 8, known as ``blocking,'' will be added. Blocking is 
simply the property that prevents polywrapped pieces from sticking 
together. Overhang (selvage) requirements will remain unchanged. 
Polywrapped flats for which automation rates based on AFSM 100 
compatibility are claimed must be individually endorsed to show that 
they are automation-compatible. The endorsement ``USPS AFSM 100 
Approved Poly'' must be placed on the address side of the piece, either 
on the flat itself or on the polywrap, preferably below the postage 
area or in another prominently visible location on the outside of the 
mailpiece. The polywrap certification process conducted by the 
mailpiece design analysts will remain the same as current procedures.
    Three types of newspapers were tested: Broadsheet, tabloid, and 
quarter-fold pieces. Analysis of data collected on the processing of 
these newspapers resulted in the recommendation that all newspapers be 
prepared as quarter-folds.
    The flat mail machinability tester, currently used to test FSM 881 
mailpieces for rigidity, flexibility, and turning ability, will 
continue to be used for pieces processed on the AFSM 100. Although the 
performance of pieces with flimsy covers did cause some machine jams 
and damage to the mailpieces, sufficient data have not been collected 
to determine specific requirements for this type of mailpiece.
    These changes will be included in both the printed and online 
versions of DMM Issue 57.
    Part A of this document identifies and responds to the comments 
received on the proposed rule. Part B summarizes the changes to the 
DMM, followed by the text of the revised DMM standards.

A. Summary of Comments on Proposed Rule

    The Postal Service received only seven comments on the April 17, 
2002, proposed rule. The parties providing responses represented three 
industry associations, two polywrap vendors, a major mailer, and a 
printer.
    The specific points raised in the comments are presented below, 
organized by general comments and by specific comments on particular 
issues. In addition to receiving numerous comments from the mailing 
industry, the Postal Service has had extensive ongoing exchanges of 
viewpoints with representatives of the mailing industry.

1. General Comments

    Three comments were received concerning retrofitting the older FSM 
1000 with similar feeder mechanisms that are currently on the new AFSM 
100. One commenter asked whether the current specifications for the FSM 
1000 will change because of the new feeders. Another commenter was 
hopeful that this change would not negatively restrict the FSM 1000 
specifications or curb the eligible mail that can run on these 
machines. This commenter stated that it would not be desirable to make 
the FSM 1000s slower primarily from adding more restrictive automatic 
feeders that would limit which mailpieces can run on the FSM 1000. 
Although not part of this final rule, engineering officials for the 
Postal Service report that the feeder for the FSM 1000 is essentially 
the same feeder used on the new AFSM 100 except for the feed rate of 
three pieces per second rather than two pieces per second on the AFSM 
100. As a consequence, there is a more rapid acceleration of the pieces 
on the FSM 1000, an acceleration that may require a stronger polywrap.

2. Deflection and Instructions for Flat Mail Machinability Tester

    One commenter requested that the DMM continue to show the diagram 
of the deflection test of flat-size mail and also incorporate separate 
test instructions for flat-size AFSM 100 deflection standards. The 
Postal Service has taken this request into consideration and will 
continue to show the diagram in DMM C820, Exhibit 2.5. Business Mail 
Acceptance at USPS Headquarters will disseminate to all managers of 
business mail entry special instructions about the use of the flat mail 
machinability tester.

3. Basis Weight Test and Torn Covers

    One commenter was disappointed and surprised that the Postal 
Service needs to conduct additional studies to determine whether basis 
weight for covers is critical enough to require specifications and 
design requirements. This commenter believed that the Postal Service's 
efforts to deal with cover problems by retraining employees in proper 
machine loading technique has served to improve the situation. This 
commenter also believed that modifying the AFSM 100 feeders (not 
studying and potentially changing mailpiece requirements) is the right 
approach to solving this problem. According to Postal Service 
Engineering, while no plans have been made for further study of basis 
weight at this time, a team, including publishers, is presently

[[Page 40166]]

analyzing existing date with the intention of providing guidelines for 
the construction of catalogs and magazines for optimal compatibility 
with postal automation.

4. Bound Printed Matter (BPM) Flats

    One commenter applauded the Postal Service for providing a flats 
automated mailstream for BPM and that the AFSM 100 is capable of 
processing mailpieces weighing up to 20 ounces. Two commenters 
requested that the Postal Service explore further expansion of the AFSM 
100 maximum weight or consider processing BPM flats weighing more than 
20 ounces. One commenter expressed concern that because of the proposed 
weight limit, AFSM 100-compatible perfect bound flats weighing more 
than 20 ounces would be processed on the FSM 1000. Processing on the 
FSM 1000 would limit the ability to use FSM 1000s to process pieces 
that truly cannot be processed on the AFSM 100. According to Postal 
Service Engineering, more concentration is placed on jam and damage 
figures rather than miss-face rates. On both enveloped and perfect 
bound pieces the miss-face rate increases significantly as weight 
increases. Envelope miss-face rates increase from about 0.5% at 14 
ounces to 4% at 20 ounces. Perfect bound pieces increase from about 4% 
at 10 ounces to 9% at 20 ounces, 13% at 24 ounces, and continue upward 
as weight increases. Miss-faced pieces also increase downstream 
processing costs because the addresses are not visible to OCRs or to 
video encoding staff at the next AFSM 100 handling, requiring manual 
sorting.
    Testing of the impact on the AFSM 100 of processing heavy 
mailpieces on several AFSM 100s revealed numerous problems with machine 
performance and safety. Slippage occurred in the torque limiters when 
mailpiece weights were increased. This slippage causes rapid wear of 
the limiters and reduces the safety factor in the emergency stop 
process and can lead to operator injury and machine damage. Machines 
tested with the carousel completely loaded with heavy pieces, 
discharged pieces at random throughout the machines.
    The Engineering Department contacted Swedish Post, which had been 
operating their machines at over two kilograms per three slot module 
(4.4 lbs. Or an average of 24 oz. per slot), and were told that they 
had experienced quite a few drive chain breaks and other mechanical 
problems, which were all traced to heavy mail being processed at the 
time. They have now restricted their systems to less than 1 kilogram 
per module (less than one pound per slot).

5. Polywrap Blocking Requirement

    One commenter expressed disappointment that the new AFSM 100 
specifications contain the additional property of blocking rather than 
a reduction in requirements. This commenter indicated that the industry 
had expected the AFSM 100 polywrap specifications to be similar to the 
FSM 1000 specifications. This commenter claimed that the Postal Service 
knew the industry's expectations when purchasing the AFSM 100 and that 
a blocking specification would impose significant costs to mailers. The 
Postal Service has worked with its Engineering Department on this issue 
and has taken this request into consideration. After several 
discussions with Engineering, the Postal Service will require <15 
blocking factor for automatable poly. Testing results have shown that 
all poly films exceeding the blocking requirement produced the highest 
doubles rate and the worst jam rates.

6. Mailpiece Identification Statement for Polywrap

    One commenter requested that the Postal Service consider an 
alternative to the printed endorsement identifying polywrap pieces as 
either FSM 881 or FSM 1000. In addition, this commenter mentioned that 
if the Postal Service intends to change the required FSM 881 
endorsement to an AFSM 100 endorsement, the industry should be given a 
sufficient grace period to use up existing inventories of printed 
polywrap material. In the proposed rule published in the Federal 
Register, the Postal Service specifically described revising the 
endorsement from the FSM 881 to the AFSM 100. The Postal Service will 
require the mailpiece identification markings differentiating AFSM 100 
from FSM 1000 polywraps for various reasons. Business mail entry 
employees must be able to determine whether the correct polywrap is 
being used to qualify mailpieces for the automation rates. The Postal 
Service does understand the comments received regarding polywrap in 
stock and supply. Therefore, a 6-month grace period will be provided. 
Mailers with an abundance of polywrap containing the FSM 881 
endorsement must request an extension of time, based on the amount of 
polywrap in stock, to the Manager, Rates and Classification Service 
Center (RCSC), in the designated area as shown in DMM G042.

7. Addressing Guidelines

    One commenter expressed concern, although not part of this Federal 
Register, that the Postal Service is working on addressing guidelines 
and could impose these guidelines as requirements at some future date. 
This commenter stated that any addressing requirements not be imposed 
until the Postal Service has performed statistical tests of the 
requirements to demonstrate that there will be clear benefits to 
possible new addressing standards. A Flats Addressing Committee was 
created and consisted of both industry and postal personnel working on 
addressing guidelines and a communications plan. This cooperative 
effort has led to a final version of the guidelines, and Postal Service 
Engineering has validated that adherence to these guidelines will yield 
the desired result of high readability on the AFSM 100. High automation 
readability yields both low cost and high quality processing, allowing 
the Postal Service to hold down operating costs and provide consistent 
on-time delivery. Address block placement is also incorporated into 
these guidelines, with the intention of adding efficiency to delivery 
operations. Furthermore, if the Postal Service finds it necessary to 
turn any of these guidelines into requirements, the industry will 
definitely be involved in the decision-making process.

8. Overhang

    One commenter inquired whether the lettershops are in agreement 
with the 1/4 inch (0.25 inch) overhang requirement. The Postal Service 
consulted with Postal Service Engineering, and based on a review of 
testing data, the requirement of 1/4 inch (0.25 inch) on each side of 
the mailpiece will remain unchanged. The Postal Service received no 
comments from lettershops about this requirement.

9. Polywrap Recertification Process

    One commenter stated that his poly film meets the standard for the 
AFSM 100 and asked whether he needs to supply a new data sheet to the 
mailpiece design analysts in order to be listed again as an approved 
vendor. The polywrap certification program requires plastic 
manufacturers to provide to the producer of the polywrapped flats an 
official ASTM certification of performance verifying that their 
polywrap products meet the physical properties described in DMM C820, 
Exhibit 4.1a. A new requirement, blocking, has been added to the 
existing seven properties required for automatable polywrap. Therefore, 
a recertification process will be established in which polywrap vendors 
currently listed on the Postal Service RIBBS web page will be required 
to submit an official ASTM certificate

[[Page 40167]]

reflecting the eight properties now required for automatable polywrap 
when processed on the AFSM 100.

10. Final Fold

    One commenter proposed that the Postal Service reconsider the 
revision to the final fold requirement in DMM C820.2.2 that changes the 
orientation of the mailpiece from one with the final fold at the right 
and the intermediate fold at the bottom to one with the final fold at 
the bottom and the intermediate fold to the right. This commenter 
stated that this revised requirement would change the side of the book 
on which ink jet is applied and also claimed that mailers/printers will 
need to retrofit their equipment to be able to spray the ink jet up, 
instead of down, on these types of pieces and then on the balance of 
the ink-jetted material. Postal Service Engineering has reviewed the 
test results and has concluded that folded tabloids are clearly 
different from bound publications in the thickness of material and that 
the final fold can leave material at the fold prone to separation at 
induction. Because ``left'' folded pieces, with the open end going into 
the feeder, are problematic and this is the reason why the ``right'' 
fold requirement is needed.

11. Polywrap Properties

    One commenter requested the Postal Service to reconsider the 
current and proposed polywrap requirements relating to predicted 
``fitness-for-use'' for automatic mail sorting. This commenter stated 
that property  3, secant modulus, is not a good indicator of 
sorting performance for flats wrapped in ``shrink'' polywrap, 
especially high performance polyolefin shrink films where peak free 
shrink is greater than 50%. This commenter also requested that property 
6, nominal gauge, be eliminated and that the proposed property 
 8, blocking (ASTM D3354-96), will not accurately predict 
polywrap performance. Postal Service Engineering reviewed these 
comments and maintains that the extensive testing performed concluded 
that high modulus characteristics are necessary for nonshrink polywrap. 
In addition, the nominal gauge property will not be eliminated because 
considerable field testing data clearly show that 0.001 inch 
is the most acceptable dimension to specify. Engineering also maintains 
that, after extensive field testing in accordance with ASTM D3354-96, 
the results were very clear. Above 15 grams of film from film 
separation showed a significant increase in the doubles rate. It would 
be impractical and cost prohibitive to test different kinds of films 
within the family of film wrapping materials. Engineering addressed the 
opinion on the proposed use of ASTM D3354-96 for Postal Service 
polywrap certification. Engineering is aware that the ASTM D3354-96 
says in part that it is not intended to predict and measure for 
susceptibility to blocking. Engineering carefully followed the 
specification in line with film-to-film contact, time, weight, 
temperature, and the results obtained were compared with field tests, 
leading to the determination that 15 grams is the most favorable number 
that is acceptable.

B. Summary of Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) Changes and Additions

List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 111

    Postal Service.


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

PART 111--[AMENDED]

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

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 552(a); 39 U.S.C. 101, 401, 403, 404, 414, 
3001-3011, 3201-3219, 3403-3406, 3621, 3626, 5001.


    2. Revise the following sections of the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) 
as set forth below:

C. Characteristics and Content

* * * * *

C800  Automation-Compatible Mail

* * * * *

C820  Flats

* * * * *
1.0  BASIC STANDARDS
    [Amend 1.0 by replacing ``FSM 881'' with ``AFSM 100'' to read as 
follows:]
    Flats claimed at automation rates must meet the standards in 1.0 
through 8.0 and the general and specific standards for mailability and 
for the class of mail and rates claimed. Pieces may qualify for 
automation rates either under the dimensions and characteristics for 
AFSM 100 processing in 2.0 or under the dimensions and characteristics 
for FSM 1000 processing in 3.0 except for Bound Printed Matter (BPM) 
flats, which can qualify only under AFSM 100 criteria. If polywrap is 
used with pieces that meet AFSM 100 criteria in 2.0, the polywrap must 
also meet all the physical properties in Exhibit 4.1a and Exhibit 4.1b 
in order to qualify for automation rates for flats. If polywrap is used 
with pieces that meet FSM 1000 criteria but do not meet all the AFSM 
100 criteria, the polywrap needs to meet only physical property number 
2 (haze) in Exhibit 4.1a and the criteria in Exhibit 4.1b.
    [Amend the heading of 2.0 by replacing ``FSM 881'' with ``AFSM 
100'' to read as follows:]
2.0  CRITERIA FOR AFSM 100 PROCESSING

2.1  Determining Length and Height

    [Amend 2.1 by revising 2.1b to read as follows:]
    The length (horizontal dimension) and height (vertical dimension) 
of an automation-compatible flat-size mailpiece is not determined by 
the orientation of the address but by the preparation of the piece:
* * * * *
    b. For a piece prepared with a bound, folded, or closed edge (e.g., 
a catalog, a newspaper or tabloid, a folded envelope), the length is 
the dimension parallel to the bound, folded, or closed edge. The height 
is the dimension perpendicular to the length. If the piece is folded 
more than once or is bound and then folded, the length is the dimension 
parallel to the final fold.

2.2  Final Fold

    [Revise 2.2 to read as follows:]
    An AFSM 100 flat-size piece with a final fold must be designed so 
that the address is in view when the final folded edge is at the bottom 
of the piece and any intermediate bound or folded edge is to the right.

2.3  Shape and Size

    [Amend 2.3 by amending 2.3a by replacing ``6'' with ``5'' and by 
revising 2.3b to read as follows:]
    Each flat-size piece must be rectangular and:
    a. For height, no more than 12 inches and no less than 5 inches 
high.
    b. For length, no more than 15 inches and no less than 6 inches 
long.
    c. For thickness, no more than 0.75 inch and no less than 0.009 
inch thick.
    [Revise the heading of 2.4 to read as follows:]

2.4  Maximum Weight

    [Amend 2.4b by replacing ``16 ounces'' with ``20 ounces'' and by 
adding new 2.4d to read as follows:]
    Maximum weight limits are as follows:
    a. For First-Class Mail, 13 ounces.
    b. For Periodicals, 20 ounces.
    c. For Standard Mail, under 16 ounces.

[[Page 40168]]

    d. For Bound Printed Matter, 20 ounces.

2.5  Turning Ability and Deflection

    [Amend 2.5 by adding introductory sentence and revising 2.5b. to 
read as follows:]
    The piece must meet the following standards for turning ability and 
deflection:
* * * * *
    b. Deflection. A flat-size mailpiece meeting the AFSM 100 
dimensions must be rigid enough so that, when placed flat on a surface 
to extend unsupported 5 inches off that surface, no part of the edge of 
the piece that is opposite the bound, folded, or final folded edge (as 
applicable) deflects more than 1\3/4\ inches (if the piece is less than 
\1/8\ inch thick) or more than 2\3/8\ inches (if the piece is from \1/
8\ to \3/4\ inch thick).
    [Amend 2.5c by replacing ``USPS area or district customer service 
support offices'' with ``USPS area or district marketing office or 
local postmaster'' to read as follows:]
    c. Test Device. Testing for compliance with the above standards 
must be done with a flat mail machinability tester constructed to USPS 
specification USPS-STD-28 and following the instructions for use of 
that device. Information about obtaining or using the tester is 
available from the local USPS area or district marketing office or 
local postmaster.
3.0  CRITERIA FOR FSM 1000 FLATS
* * * * *

3.2  Address Placement and Folded Pieces

    [Revise 3.2a and 3.2b to read as follows:]
    The following requirements apply to folded pieces:
    a. A flat-size piece with a final fold must be designed so that the 
address is in view when the final folded edge is to the right and any 
intermediate bound or folded edge is at the bottom of the piece.
    b. Unbound flat-sized pieces must be at least double-folded.
* * * * *
    [Amend the heading of 4.0 by adding ``Polywrap'' to read as 
follows:]
4.0  POLYWRAP COVERINGS
* * * * *
    [Amend the heading of Exhibit 4.1a by replacing ``FSM 881'' with 
``AFSM 100'' to read as follows:]

Exhibit 4.1a  AFSM 100 Polywrapped Flats Specifications

    [Revise Exhibit 4.1a to read as follows:]
    Polywrapped automation flats that meet AFSM 100 criteria in 2.0 
must be prepared with polywrap that meets all eight properties in this 
exhibit. For other pieces prepared with polywrap that do not meet all 
the criteria for AFSM 100 processing but meet the criteria for FSM 1000 
processing in 3.0, the polywrap needs to meet only physical property 
number 2 (haze).
    [Amend Property number 3a and b by reversing requirement column and 
add new number 8 to read as follows:]

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   Property                      Requirement              Test method                 Comment
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
*                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *
                                                        *
3. Secant Modulus, 1% elongation.............
    a. TD, psi...............................  50,  ASTM D882
                                                          000
    b. MD, psi...............................  40,  ASTM D882
                                                          000
 
*                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *
                                                        *
8. Blocking, g...............................             <15  ASTM D3354-96
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Exhibit 4.1b  Wrap Instructions

    [Revise Exhibit 4.1b to read as follows:]
    1. Wrap direction is specified as the direction around the longer 
axis of the mailpiece so that the seam is on the addressed side of the 
mailpiece and oriented parallel to the longest direction. This seam 
must not cover any part of the address and barcode read areas.
    2. a. For an AFSM 100 mailpiece, overhang (selvage) must not be 
more than 0.75 inch from the top of the mailpiece and 0.75 inch from 
the bottom of the mailpiece when the contents are centered inside the 
polywrap. Overhang (selvage) must not be more than 1.5 inches at the 
top of the mailpiece when the contents are totally positioned at the 
bottom of the polywrap. Overhang (selvage) on each side must not be 
more than 0.25 inch. The polywrap covering must not be so tight that it 
causes the mailpiece to bend.
    b. For an FSM 1000 mailpiece, overhang (selvage) must not be more 
than 0.75 inch from any edge when the mailpiece is centered inside the 
polywrap. Overhang (selvage) must not be more than 1.5 inches at the 
top of the mailpiece when the contents are totally positioned at the 
bottom of the polywrap and not more than 1.5 inches when the contents 
are totally positioned to the left or to the right side of the 
polywrap.

4.2  Polywrap Certification Process

    [Amend 4.2 by replacing ``FSM 881'' with ``AFSM 100''.]

4.3  Mailpiece Identification

    [Amend 4.3 by replacing ``FSM 881'' with ``AFSM 100''.]
* * * * *

4.5  AFSM 100 Polywrap

    [Amend the heading and text of 4.5 by replacing ``FSM 881'' with 
``AFSM 100''.]

4.6  FSM 1000 Polywrap

    [Amend 4.6 by adding the following sentence at the end to read as 
follows:]
    * * * When the address label is placed on the outside of the 
polywrap, the haze requirement does not apply.
* * * * *

E  Eligibility

E000  Special Eligibility Standards

* * * * *

E200  Periodicals

* * * * *

E260  Ride-Along

1.0  BASIC ELIGIBILITY
* * * * *

1.3  Physical Characteristics

    [Amend 1.3c by replacing ``FSM 881'' with ``AFSM 100''.]
* * * * *

M  MAIL PREPARATION AND SORTATION

* * * * *

M800  All Automation Mail

* * * * *

[[Page 40169]]

M820  Flat-Size Mail

1.0  BASIC STANDARDS
* * * * *

1.5  Package Preparation

    [Amend 1.5 by replacing ``FSM 881'' with ``AFSM 100''.]

1.6  Sack Preparation

    [Amend 1.6 by replacing ``FSM 881'' with ``AFSM 100''.]
* * * * *

1.11  Tray-Based Preparation

    [Amend 1.11 by replacing ``FSM 881'' with ``AFSM 100''.]
* * * * *

R  RATES AND FEES

* * * * *

R200  Periodicals

1.0  OUTSIDE-COUNTY--EXCLUDING SCIENCE-OF-AGRICULTURE
* * * * *

1.2  Piece Rates

* * * * *
    [Amend the footnote by replacing ``FSM 881'' with ``AFSM 100'' and 
``16 ounces'' with ``20 ounces'' to read as follows:]
    1. Lower maximum weight limits apply: letter-size at 3 ounces (or 
3.3 ounces for heavy letters); flat-size at 20 ounces for enveloped, 
bound, and polywrapped pieces (AFSM 100) and 6 pounds (FSM 1000).
* * * * *
2.0  OUTSIDE-COUNTY-SCIENCE-OF-AGRICULTURE
* * * * *

2.2  Piece Rates

* * * * *
    [Amend the footnote by replacing ``FSM 881'' with ``AFSM 100'' and 
``16 ounces'' with ``20 ounces'' to read as follows:]
    1. Lower maximum weight limits apply: letter-size at 3 ounces (or 
3.3 ounces for heavy letters); flat-size at 20 ounces for enveloped, 
bound, and polywrapped pieces (AFSM 100) and 6 pounds (FSM 1000).
* * * * *
3.0  IN-COUNTY
* * * * *

1.2  Piece Rates

* * * * *
    [Amend the footnote by replacing ``FSM 881'' with ``AFSM 100'' and 
``16 ounces'' with ``20 ounces'' to read as follows:]
    1. Lower maximum weight limits apply: letter-size at 3 ounces (or 
3.3 ounces for heavy letters); flat-size at 20 ounces for enveloped, 
bound, and polywrapped pieces (AFSM 100) and 6 pounds (FSM 1000).
    An appropriate amendment to 39 CFR 111.3 will be published in the 
Federal Register to reflect these changes.

Stanley F. Mires,
Chief Counsel, Legislative.
[FR Doc. 02-14824 Filed 6-11-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7710-12-P