[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 80 (Monday, April 26, 2004)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 22401-22402]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-9414]


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POSTAL SERVICE

39 CFR Part 111


Machinable Parcel Testing Changes

AGENCY: Postal Service.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: On February 20, 2004 (69 FR 7887), the Postal 
ServiceTM published a proposed rule amending the Domestic 
Mail Manual (DMM TM ) to centralize the processing of 
requests for parcel testing. Such testing is requested to determine if 
parcels can be successfully processed on bulk mail center (BMC) parcel 
sorters when they do not conform to the general machinability criteria 
in the DMM. The Postal Service proposed DMM changes specific to this 
issue. This notice announces the adoption of these changes, which 
support the Postal Service's goal of consistency in determining the 
machinability of parcels.

EFFECTIVE DATE: April 17, 2004.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Obataiye B. Akinwole, 703-292-3643.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On April 15, 2004, Domestic Mail Manual 
(DMM) changes will be adopted to implement the new requirements for 
testing parcel machinability. The Postal Service believes that 
systemwide consistency will be achieved if exception requests are 
processed at one central location rather than at each BMC. This change 
is in line with the Postal Service's obligation to ensure prompt, 
efficient, reliable responses to customer needs, and will ensure that 
customer expectations of consistency across postal operations are met.

Comments Received

    The Postal Service received one comment in response to the February 
20, 2004, proposed rule. The comment came from a professional mailer. 
The mailer supports the proposed rule as a means of creating more 
consistent rulings on machinable parcels. The mailer also encouraged 
the Postal Service to expedite the publication of a final rule 
implementing the new process.
    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 (see 39 
CFR part 111).

List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 111

    Postal Service.

PART 111--[AMENDED]

0
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.

0
2. Revise the following sections of the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) as 
set forth below:

Domestic Mail Manual (DMM)

* * * * *

C Characteristics and Content

C000 General Information

C010 General Mailability Standards

* * * * *
[Delete 7.0, Mailing Test Packages.]
* * * * *

C050 Mail Processing Categories

* * * * *
4.0 MACHINABLE PARCEL
* * * * *

[[Page 22402]]

4.3 Exception

[Revise 4.3 to read as follows:]

    Some parcels may be successfully processed on BMC parcel sorters 
even though they do not conform to the general machinability criteria 
in 4.1. The manager, BMC Operations, USPS Headquarters (see G043 for 
address) may authorize a mailer to enter such parcels as machinable 
parcels rather than irregular parcels if the parcels are tested on BMC 
parcel sorters and prove to be machinable. Mailers who wish to have 
parcels tested for machinability on USPS parcel sorting machines must:
    a. Submit a written request to BMC Operations. The request must 
list mailpiece characteristics for every shape, weight, and size to be 
considered. If the letter requesting testing describes a mailpiece that 
falls within the specifications of pieces that were tested previously, 
the mailpiece will not be tested.
    b. Describe mailpiece construction, parcel weight(s), estimated 
number of parcels to be mailed in the coming year, and preparation 
level (e.g., destination BMC pallets).
    c. Send 100 samples to the test facility designated by the manger, 
BMC Operations, at least 6 weeks prior to the first mailing date. The 
manager, BMC Operations, will recommend changes, to ensure 
machinability, of parcels that do not qualify.
* * * * *
6.0 OUTSIDE PARCEL (NONMACHINABLE)
[Revise the first sentence to read as follows:]

    An outside parcel is a parcel that exceeds any of the maximum 
dimensions for a machinable parcel. * * *
* * * * *

G General Information

G000 The USPS and Mailing Standards

* * * * *

G040 Information Resources

* * * * *

G043 Address List for Correspondence

[Add the following address:] BMC Operations, US Postal Service, 475 
L'Enfant PLZ, SW., RM 7631, Washington, DC 20260-2806.
* * * * *
    We will publish an appropriate amendment to 39 CFR part 111 to 
reflect these changes.

Neva R. Watson,
Attorney, Legislative.
[FR Doc. 04-9414 Filed 4-23-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7710-12-P