[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 195 (Wednesday, October 10, 2007)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 57507-57511]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-19932]


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POSTAL SERVICE

39 CFR Part 111


New Address and Barcode Requirements for Automation, Presorted, 
and Carrier Route Flat-Size Mail

AGENCY: Postal Service.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: The Postal Service proposes new address placement requirements 
for Periodicals, Standard Mail, Bound Printed Matter, Media Mail, and 
Library Mail flat-size pieces sent at automation, presorted, or carrier 
route rates. We also propose to require an 11-digit POSTNET barcode or 
Intelligent Mail barcode on flat-size First-Class Mail, Periodicals, 
Standard Mail, and Bound Printed Matter sent at automation rates. In 
addition, we propose related revisions to the address requirements for 
automation and presorted First-Class Mail flats.

DATES: We must receive your comments on or before December 10, 2007.

ADDRESSES: Mail or deliver written comments to the Manager, Mailing 
Standards, U.S. Postal Service, 475 L'Enfant Plaza, SW., Room 3436, 
Washington, DC 20260-3436. You may inspect and photocopy all written 
comments at Postal Service Headquarters Library, 475 L'Enfant Plaza, 
SW., 11th Floor N, Washington, DC between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday 
through Friday.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carrie Witt, 202-268-7279.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Postal Service is implementing a new 
technology, the Flats Sequencing System (FSS), to automate delivery 
sequencing for flat-size mail. Currently, flat-size mail is sorted 
mechanically only to the 9-digit ZIP Code or carrier level, and then 
manually sorted into delivery order by carriers. FSS can sort flat-size 
mailpieces into delivery sequence, increasing efficiency by reducing 
carriers' time sorting mail, and allowing carriers to begin delivering 
mail earlier in the day.
    Similar technology boosted postal efficiencies in processing and 
delivering letter mail in the 1990s. We can significantly increase 
efficiency and reduce delivery costs for flat-size mail with FSS 
technology. FSS can sequence flat mail at a rate of approximately 
16,500 pieces per hour. Scheduled to operate 17 hours per day, each 
machine will be capable of sequencing 280,500 mailpieces daily to more 
than 125,000 delivery addresses.
    As we move toward national deployment of FSS, we are working 
closely with the mailing industry to make the most of this investment 
and achieve the lowest combined costs for handling flat-size mail, 
including developing new standards for optimal addressing. Unlike 
letter mail, which is fairly uniform in size and address location, flat 
mail covers a broad range of sizes and has highly variable address 
placement. We need new mailing standards for this diverse mailstream to 
promote consistent addressing for all flat-size pieces and ensure 
efficiency in

[[Page 57508]]

all flats processing and delivery operations.
    Toward this goal, we are proposing new standards requiring mailers 
to use an 11-digit POSTNET barcode or Intelligent Mail barcode on all 
automation rate First-Class Mail, Periodicals, Standard Mail, and Bound 
Printed Matter flat-size pieces. Mailers must also place the address in 
the upper portion of all Periodicals, Standard Mail, Bound Printed 
Matter, Media Mail, and Library Mail flat-size pieces mailed at 
automation, presorted, or carrier route rates. Mailers may place the 
address parallel or perpendicular to the top edge, but not upside down 
as read in relation to the top edge. For bound or folded pieces not in 
envelopes or polywrap, the ``top'' of the mailpiece is the upper edge 
when the bound or final folded edge is vertical and on the right side 
of the piece. For enveloped or polywrapped pieces, the ``top'' is 
either of the shorter edges.
    Mailers must address all presorted, carrier route, and automation 
flat-size mailpieces using a minimum of 8-point type. In addition, for 
all automation pieces, the lines and the characters in the address must 
not touch or overlap, and each element of the address line may be 
separated by no more than three blank character spaces.
    The new standards will enable FSS to process flat-size pieces in 
delivery sequence at high speeds and reduce the time carriers spend 
manually sorting flat-size mail. The new standards further increase 
efficiency by ensuring that carriers need not reorient flat-size pieces 
to read the address, whether the mail is held, pulled from a mailbag, 
or removed from a tray.
    As we transition to the automated flats processing environment, the 
Intelligent Mail barcode provides opportunities for mailers to save 
space within the address block. For example, mailers can include all 
tracking and routing information and avoid reproducing human-readable 
ACS codes and keylines. In addition, to further mitigate the larger 
type size requirements, we are looking at ways to shorten optional 
endorsement lines and allow mailers to place mailer-specified 
information (such as customer numbers) to the left of the optional 
endorsement line when OneCode ACS is used. We may also be able to 
reduce the amount of clear space required under the Intelligent Mail 
barcode. We will publish these changes in a future revision. For other 
ways to reduce address block size, refer to Publication 28, Postal 
Addressing Standards (available on Postal Explorer at pe.usps.com; 
click on ``Address Quality'' in the left frame, then ``Address 
Management Publications'').
    Although we are exempt from the notice and comment requirements of 
the Administrative Procedure Act [5 U.S.C. 553(b), (c)] regarding 
proposed rulemaking by 39 U.S.C. 410(a), we invite public comments on 
the following proposed revisions to Mailing Standards of the United 
States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM), incorporated by 
reference in the Code of Federal Regulations. See 39 CFR 111.1.

List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 111

    Administrative practice and procedure, Postal Service.

    Accordingly, 39 CFR part 111 is proposed to be amended as follows:

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, 
416, 3001-3011, 3201-3219, 3403-3406, 3621, 3626, 5001.

    2. Revise the following sections of Mailing Standards of the United 
States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM), as follows:
* * * * *

300 Discount Mail: Flats

* * * * *

302 Elements on the Face of a Mailpiece

1.0 All Mailpieces

* * * * *
    [Revise 1.2 as follows:]

1.2 Delivery Address

    The delivery address specifies the location to which the USPS is to 
deliver a mailpiece. Except for mail prepared with detached address 
labels under 602.4.0, the piece must have the address of the intended 
recipient, visible and legible, only on the side of the piece bearing 
postage. Use at least 8-point type (8-point type is approximately \1/
10\-inch high). An Arial font is preferred. Additional standards apply 
to presorted, automation-compatible, and carrier route rate flats 
mailed at First-Class Mail, Periodicals, Standard Mail, Bound Printed 
Matter, Media Mail, and Library Mail rates (see 2.0).
* * * * *
    [Renumber 2.0 through 4.0 as 3.0 through 5.0. Insert new 2.0 as 
follows:]

2.0 Address Placement

2.1 Basic Standards

    On all Periodicals, Standard Mail, Bound Printed Matter, Media 
Mail, and Library Mail flats mailed at presorted, automation, or 
carrier route rates, mailers must place the address block at least \1/
8\ inch from any edge of the mailpiece. For the purposes of these 
standards, the ``address block'' is defined as the recipient's name or 
other identification; the company information line; the street and 
number, and any necessary secondary information; and the city, state, 
and ZIP Code. The address may appear on the front or the back of the 
mailpiece (but must be on the side bearing postage), parallel or 
perpendicular to the top edge, but it cannot be upside down as read in 
relation to the top edge. See 2.2 for additional standards for 
enveloped or polywrapped pieces, and 2.3 for bound or folded pieces not 
in envelopes or polywrap.

2.2 Address Placement on Enveloped or Polywrapped Pieces

    The following standards apply to enveloped or polywrapped 
Periodicals, Standard Mail, Bound Printed Matter, Media Mail, and 
Library Mail flats mailed at presorted, automation, or carrier route 
rates:
    a. The ``top'' of the mailpiece is either of the shorter edges.
    b. If the address is parallel to the top edge, the entire address 
block must appear within 3 inches of the top of the mailpiece. If the 
address is perpendicular to the top edge, one edge of the address block 
(either the first or last possible character) must be within 2\1/2\ 
inches of the top of the mailpiece. See Exhibit 2.3.
    c. On all pieces, the address block must be at least 1 inch closer 
to the top than to the bottom of the piece.
    d. When the address is placed on an insert polywrapped with the 
host piece,the insert must be secured to maintain address placement 
throughout processing and delivery.

2.3 Address Placement on Bound or Folded Pieces

    The following standards apply to bound or folded Periodicals, 
Standard Mail, Bound Printed Matter, Media Mail, and Library Mail flats 
mailed at presorted, automation, or carrier route rates not in 
envelopes or polywrap:
    a. The ``top'' is the upper edge of the mailpiece when the bound or 
final folded edge is vertical and on the right side of the piece. 
Exception: For Carrier Route (or Enhanced Carrier Route) saturation 
rate pieces, the ``top'' of the mailpiece is either of the shorter 
edges.
    b. If the address is parallel to the top edge, the entire address 
block must appear within 3 inches of the top of the mailpiece. If the 
address is perpendicular to the top edge, one edge

[[Page 57509]]

of the address block (either the first or last possible character) must 
be within 2\1/2\ inches of the top of the mailpiece. See Exhibit 2.3.
    c. On all pieces, the address block must be at least 1 inch closer 
to the top than to the bottom of the piece.

Exhibit 2.3 Address Placement
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP10OC07.005

2.4 Type Size and Line Spacing

    On all First-Class Mail, Periodicals, Standard Mail, Bound Printed 
Matter, Media Mail, and Library Mail flats mailed at presorted, 
automation, or carrier route rates, mailers must print the address 
using at least 8-point type (8-point type is approximately \1/10\-inch 
high). An Arial font is preferred. These additional standards apply to 
automation rate pieces:
    a. The individual characters and the individual lines in the 
address cannot touch or overlap. A minimum 0.028-inch clear space 
between lines is preferred.
    b. Each element on each line of the address may be separated by no 
more than three blank character spaces. For example, ``ANYTOWN U.S. 
12345,'' not ``ANYTOWN U.S. 12345.''
* * * * *

5.0 Barcode Placement

    [Revise heading and text of renumbered 5.1 to require 11-digit 
POSTNET barcodes when a POSTNET barcode is used on automation flat-size 
pieces, as follows:]

5.1 Basic Standards

    On any flat-size piece claimed at automation rates (including 
machinable barcoded Periodicals rates), the piece must bear one 11-
digit POSTNET barcode or one Intelligent Mail barcode under 5.3 or it 
may bear two 11-digit POSTNET barcodes under 5.4. Other mailer-applied 
non-USPS barcodes may appear on the address side of the piece if the 
barcode format is not detectable by automated postal equipment as a 
routing code. Automation rate flat-size pieces must not bear a 5-digit 
or a ZIP+4 barcode.
    [Further renumber 5.5, DPBC Numeric Equivalent, as new 5.2. 
Renumber 5.2 through 5.4 as 5.3 through 5.5.]
* * * * *
    [Delete renumbered 5.5, 5-Digit and ZIP+4 Barcode Permissibility. 
Further renumber 5.6 and 5.7 as 5.5 and 5.6.]
* * * * *

330 First-Class Mail

333 Rates and Eligibility

* * * * *

5.0 Additional Eligibility Standards for Automation Rate First-Class 
Mail Flats

5.1 Basic Standards for Automation First-Class Mail

    All pieces in a First-Class Mail automation rate mailing must:
* * * * *
    [Revise item e to require 11-digit POSTNET barcodes or Intelligent 
Mail barcodes as follows:]
    e. Bear an accurate 11-digit POSTNET barcode or Intelligent Mail 
barcode with a delivery point routing code (either on the piece or on 
an insert showing through a window) meeting the standards in 302.5.0, 
Barcode Placement, and 708.4.0, Standards for POSTNET and Intelligent 
Mail Barcodes.
* * * * *

5.4 Address Standards for Barcoded Pieces

* * * * *

5.4.4 Address Elements

    [Add a new last sentence to 5.4.4 to reference the address 
placement standards as follows:]
     * * * The address must appear on the piece according to 302.2.4.
* * * * *

340 Standard Mail

343 Rates and Eligibility

* * * * *

[[Page 57510]]

7.0 Additional Eligibility Standards for Automation Rate Standard Mail 
Flats

7.1 General

    All pieces in a Regular Standard Mail or Nonprofit Standard Mail 
automation rate mailing must:
    [Revise item e to require 11-digit POSTNET barcodes or Intelligent 
Mail barcodes as follows:]
    e. Bear an accurate 11-digit POSTNET barcode or Intelligent Mail 
barcode with a delivery point routing code (either on the piece or on 
an insert showing through a window) meeting the standards in 302.5.0, 
Barcode Placement, and 708.4.0, Standards for POSTNET and Intelligent 
Mail Barcodes.
* * * * *

7.3 Address Standards for Barcoded Pieces

* * * * *

7.3.4 Address Elements

    [Add a new last sentence to 7.3.4 to reference the address 
placement standards as follows:]
     * * * The address must appear on the piece according to 302.2.0.
* * * * *

360 Bound Printed Matter

363 Rates and Eligibility

* * * * *

6.0 Additional Eligibility Standards for Barcoded Bound Printed Matter 
Flats

6.1 General

    [Revise 6.1 to require 11-digit POSTNET barcodes or Intelligent 
Mail barcodes as follows:]
    The barcode discount applies only to BPM flat-size pieces that bear 
a correct, readable 11-digit POSTNET barcode under 708.4.0, Standards 
for POSTNET and Intelligent Mail Barcodes, for the numeric DPBC of the 
delivery address. Instead of a POSTNET barcode, pieces may bear 
Intelligent Mail barcodes (under 708.4.0) containing a delivery point 
routing code for the delivery address. The pieces must be part of a 
nonpresorted rate mailing of 50 or more flat-size pieces or part of a 
presorted rate mailing of at least 300 BPM flat-size pieces prepared 
under 705.8.0, Preparing Pallets, and 365.7.0, Preparing Barcoded 
Flats. The barcode discount is not available for flat-size pieces 
mailed at Presorted DDU rates or carrier route rates. To qualify for 
the barcode discount, the flat-size piece must meet the standards in 
301.3.0, Additional Criteria for Automation Flats.
* * * * *

6.3 Address Standards for Barcode Discount

* * * * *

6.3.4 Address Elements

    [Add a new last sentence to 6.3.4 to reference the address 
placement standards as follows:]
     * * * The address must appear on the piece according to 302.2.0.
* * * * *

370 Media Mail

373 Rates and Eligibility

* * * * *

3.0 Rate Eligibility for Media Mail Flats

* * * * *

3.3 Delivery and Return Addresses

    All Media Mail must bear a delivery address. The delivery address 
on each piece must include the correct ZIP Code or ZIP+4 code. The 
address must appear on the piece according to 302.2.0. Alternative 
addressing formats under 602.3.0 or detached address labels under 
602.4.0 may be used. Each piece must bear the sender's return address.
* * * * *

380 Library Mail

383 Rates and Eligibility

* * * * *

3.0 Rate Eligibility for Library Mail Flats

* * * * *

3.3 Delivery and Return Addresses

    All Library Mail must bear a delivery address. The delivery address 
on each piece must include the correct ZIP Code or ZIP+4 code. The 
address must appear on the piece according to 302.2.0. Alternative 
addressing formats under 602.3.0 or detached address labels under 
602.4.0 may be used. Each piece must bear the sender's return address.
* * * * *

700 Special Standards

* * * * *

707 Periodicals

* * * * *

3.0 Physical Characteristics and Content Eligibility

* * * * *

3.2 Addressing

3.2.1 General

    [Revise 3.2.1 to require 11-digit POSTNET barcodes or Intelligent 
Mail barcodes on machinable barcoded flats as follows:]
    Each addressed piece, including the top copy of a firm bundle, must 
bear the addressee's name and address. The address must include the 
correct ZIP+4 code or 5-digit ZIP Code. Flat-size pieces mailed at the 
machinable barcoded rates must include the correct 11-digit POSTNET 
barcode or Intelligent Mail barcode (under 708.4.0) containing a 
delivery point routing code for the delivery address.
* * * * *

3.2.3 Address Placement

    [Revise 3.2.3 to reference the new address placement standards as 
follows:]
    The delivery address must be clearly visible on or through the 
outside of the mailpiece, whether placed on a label or directly on the 
host publication, a component, or the mailing wrapper. If placed on the 
mailing wrapper, the address must be on a flat side, not on a fold. If 
a polybag is used, the address must not appear on a component that 
rotates within the bag, and the address must remain visible throughout 
the addressed component's range of motion. For flat-size pieces, 
mailers must follow the additional address placement and formatting 
standards in 302.2.0 and 302.5.0.
* * * * *
    [Delete Exhibit 3.2.4, Address Placement for Periodicals.]
* * * * *

3.3 Permissible Mailpiece Components

* * * * *

3.3.10 Label Carrier

    A label carrier may be used to carry the delivery address for the 
mailpiece and must consist of a single unfolded, uncreased sheet of 
card or paper stock, securely affixed to the cover of the publication 
or large enough so that it does not rotate inside the wrapper, subject 
to these conditions:
* * * * *
    [Insert new item e as follows:]
    e. For flat-size pieces, mailers must follow the additional address 
placement and formatting standards in 302.2.0 and 302.5.0.
* * * * *

[[Page 57511]]

13.0 Carrier Route Rate Eligibility

13.1 Basic Standards

* * * * *

13.1.2 Address Quality

    All pieces in a Periodicals carrier route rate mailing must bear a 
delivery address that includes the correct ZIP Code or ZIP+4 code and 
that meets these address quality standards:
* * * * *
    [Insert new item d as follows:]
    d. For flat-size pieces, mailers must follow the additional address 
placement and formatting standards in 302.2.0 and 302.5.0.
* * * * *

14.0 Barcoded (Automation) Rate Eligibility

14.1 Basic Standards

14.1.1 General

    All pieces in a Periodicals barcoded (automation) rate mailing 
must:
* * * * *
    [Revise item b as follows:]
    b. Bear a delivery address that includes the correct ZIP Code or 
ZIP+4 code, and that meets these address quality standards:
* * * * *
    c. Bear an accurate barcode meeting the standards in 708.4.0, under 
these conditions:
* * * * *
    [Revise item c2 to require 11-digit POSTNET barcodes or Intelligent 
Mail barcodes as follows:]
    2. If a flat: The mailer may use an 11-digit POSTNET or an 
Intelligent Mail barcode with a delivery point routing code, under 
708.4.0. Mailers may apply the barcode either on the piece or on an 
insert showing through a window.
* * * * *
    We will publish an appropriate amendment to 39 CFR part 111 to 
reflect these changes if our proposal is adopted.

Neva R. Watson,
Attorney, Legislative.
[FR Doc. E7-19932 Filed 10-9-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7710-12-P