[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 170 (Thursday, September 2, 2004)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 53664-53665]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-19991]


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POSTAL SERVICE

39 CFR Part 111


Periodicals Mail Enclosures With Merchandise Sent at Parcel Post 
or Bound Printed Matter Rates

AGENCY: Postal Service.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: This proposed rule provides standards that would allow sample 
copies of authorized Periodicals publications to be mailed with 
merchandise mailed at Parcel Post[reg] or Bound Printed Matter rates of 
postage.

DATES: Comments on the proposed standards must be received on or before 
October 4, 2004.

ADDRESSES: Written comments should be mailed or delivered to the 
Manager, Mailing Standards, U.S. Postal Service, 475 L'Enfant Plaza 
SW., Room 3436, Washington DC 20260-3436. Copies of all written 
comments will be available for inspection and photocopying between 9 
a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, at USPS Headquarters Library, 
475 L'Enfant Plaza SW., Washington, DC 20260-0004.

[[Page 53665]]


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Donald Lagasse, 202-268-7269, 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On February 25, 2004, pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 
83623, the Postal Service filed with the Postal Rate Commission a 
request for a decision recommending a minor mail classification change. 
The proposed change will permit sample copies of authorized and pending 
Periodicals publications to be enclosed with merchandise mailed at 
Parcel Post or Bound Printed Matter rates. This change was recommended 
by the Postal Rate Commission on July 7, 2004, and approved by the 
Board of Governors on July 19, 2004. The Board of Governors established 
October 3, 2004, as the implementation date for the change.
    The proposed change will not affect any existing classification 
regarding eligibility (such as the subscriber percentage) for 
Periodicals rates. The weight of the sample publication would be 
included in the postage calculation to cover any additional costs in 
transporting slightly heavier parcels. The proposed change will benefit 
both publishers and the Postal Service by providing another venue for 
promoting publications. The proposed change also benefits customers, 
printers, advertisers, and all affected parties by providing an 
opportunity to get additional subscriptions by creating more revenue 
and volume.
    Because advertising is not permitted in items mailed at Library 
Mail and Media Mail rates, enclosures of Periodicals publications 
sample copies are limited to enclosures in Parcel Post and Bound 
Printed Matter and will be charged according to the weight of the 
parcel.

PART 111--[AMENDED]

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

    Authority: 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:

Domestic Mail Manual (DMM)

* * * * *

E Eligibility

* * * * *

E700 Package Services

E710 Basic Standards

1.0 Basic Information

1.1 Definition

    [Revise the first sentence in 1.1 to read as follows:]
    Package Services mail consists of mailable matter that is neither 
mailed nor required to be mailed as First-Class Mail nor entered as 
Periodicals except as permitted under 1.7 unless permitted or required 
by standard or as Customized MarketMail under E660. * * *
* * * * *
    [Add new section 1.7 to read as follows:]

1.7 Attachments or Enclosures of Periodicals Sample Copies

    Sample copies of authorized Periodicals publications may be 
enclosed or attached with merchandise sent at Parcel Post or Bound 
Printed Matter rates. Postage at the Parcel Post or Bound Printed 
Matter rate is based on the combined weight of the host piece and the 
sample copies enclosure.
* * * * *
    An appropriate amendment to 39 CFR part 111 to reflect these 
changes will be published if the proposal is adopted.

Neva R. Watson,
Attorney, Legislative.
[FR Doc. 04-19991 Filed 9-1-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7710-12-P