[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