[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 77 (Monday, April 21, 2008)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 21297-21299]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-8228]


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POSTAL SERVICE

39 CFR Part 111


Service Barcode Required for Priority Mail Open and Distribute 
Container Address Labels

AGENCY: Postal Service\TM\.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: In this proposed rule the Postal Service provides new mailing 
standards to require the use of a concatenated UCC/EAN Code 128 Service 
barcode with a unique Service Type Code ``55'' on all Priority 
Mail[reg] Open and Distribute container address labels. A proposed rule 
was published in the Federal Register on May 24, 2007 (Volume 72, 
Number 100, pages 29100-29101), requiring the use of a concatenated 
UCC/EAN Code 128 Delivery Confirmation service barcode. Although no 
comments were received in response to the proposed rule, because of the 
modification we have decided to publish a second proposed rule to 
solicit any new comments.

DATES: Submit comments on or May 5, 2008.

ADDRESSES: Mail or deliver written comments to the Manager, Mailing 
Standards, 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

[[Page 21298]]

Friday, at the Postal Service Headquarters Library, 475 L'Enfant Plaza, 
SW., 11th Floor North, Washington, DC 20260-0004.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cheryl DuBois at 202-268-3146 or Garry 
Rodriguez at 202-268-7281.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments

    There were no comments received on the May 24, 2007, proposed rule.

Background

    Priority Mail Open and Distribute is designed to enhance the Postal 
Service's ability to provide mailers with expedited service to 
destination delivery units and other mail processing facilities. 
Mailers are currently provided an option to use Delivery Confirmation 
service to receive performance information and confirmation that their 
containers arrived at the destination facility, along with the date, 
ZIP Code\TM\, and time their Priority Mail Open and Distribute 
containers are received at the destination facility.

Summary

    In order to verify the arrival at the destination facility for all 
Priority Mail Open and Distribute containers, the Postal Service is 
requiring mailers to place a barcode on all Priority Mail Open and 
Distribute address labels. The barcode is required to be a concatenated 
UCC/EAN 128 Service barcode with a unique Service Type Code (STC) 
``55''. The text, ``USPS SCAN ON ARRIVAL,'' above the barcode is 
exclusive to this service and will assist in facilitating correct scan 
behavior.
    The decision to require the use of the Service barcode instead of 
the Delivery Confirmation barcode will lessen any confusion as to the 
appropriate scans the barcode should receive and ensure the customer 
gets the appropriate performance information. This will provide better 
visibility to the customer and enable the USPS[reg] to monitor service 
performance based on the product. We invite public comment on this 
change to the proposed rule.
    The requirement is in accordance with instructions for barcode 
specifications, electronic file format and testing, and certification 
process, in Publication 91, Confirmation Services Technical Guide. An 
update is available in the April 10, 2008, Postal Bulletin.

Implementation

    The required use of a Service barcode with Priority Mail Open and 
Distribute service will be implemented May 12, 2008.
    We invite public comments on the following proposed revisions to 
Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail 
Manual (DMM[supreg]), 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, 3622, 3626, 3632, 3633, 
and 5001.

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

700 Special Standards

* * * * *

705 Advanced Preparation and Special Postage Payment Systems

* * * * *

16.0 Express Mail Open and Distribute and Priority Mail Open and 
Distribute

* * * * *

16.4 Additional Standards for Priority Mail Open and Distribute

* * * * *

16.4.2 Extra Services

    [Revise the first sentence in the introductory text of 16.4.2 as 
follows:]
    No extra services are available for Priority Mail Open and 
Distribute containers. * * *
* * * * *

16.5 Preparation

* * * * *

16.5.4 Tags 161 and 190--Priority Mail Open and Distribute

* * * * *
    [Delete item c.]
* * * * *

16.5.6 Address Labels

    [Revise the text in 16.5.6 as follows:]
    In addition to Tag 157, Label 23, Tag 161, or Tag 190, USPS-
supplied containers and envelopes and mailer-supplied containers used 
for Express Mail Open and Distribute or Priority Mail Open and 
Distribute must bear an address label that states ``OPEN AND DISTRIBUTE 
AT:'' followed by the facility name. Find the facility name and other 
information for addressing the labels, according to the type of 
facility, in 16.5.8 through 16.5.12.
* * * * *
    [Replace 16.5.7, Delivery Confirmation Service, with new 16.5.7, 
Address Label Barcode Requirement, as follows:]

16.5.7 Address Label Service Barcode Requirement

    An electronic Service barcode using the concatenated UCC/EAN Code 
128 symbology must be incorporated in the address label. Mailers must 
prepare address labels using the formats in 16.5.8 through 16.5.12, 
including the service type code ``55'' to identify the service and the 
human-readable text ``USPS SCAN ON ARRIVAL'' above the barcode. USPS 
certification is required from the National Customer Support Center 
(NCSC) for each printer used to print barcoded open and distribute 
address labels, except for barcodes created using USPS Shipping 
Assistant. NCSC contact information, formatting specifications for 
barcodes and electronic files, and certification, are included in 
Publication 91, Confirmation Services Technical Guide. Mailers can use 
any of the following options available to create a label with a Service 
barcode for Priority Mail Open and Distribute address labels:
    a. Select a service software developer from the list of companies 
that have met Postal Service specifications for the electronic file and 
barcode available at http://www.usps.com/shipping/shipsystems.htm.
    b. Register and download the USPS Shipping Assistant desktop 
application available at http://www.usps.com/shippingassistant/.
    c. Register and integrate the USPS Web Tools Application Program 
Interface (API) for Priority Mail Open and Distribute using your own 
developers, available at http://www.usps.com/webtools/.
    d. Use Publication 91, Confirmation Services Technical Guide, for 
technical specifications and requirements.

16.5.8 DDU Address Labels

    [Revise the second sentence in 16.5.8 as follows:]
    * * * For the DDU address label, use the destination facility name, 
the street address, city, state, and ZIP+4 found in the Drop Entry 
Point View File available at USPS' FAST Web site: https://fast.usps.com. * * *

[[Page 21299]]

Exhibit 16.5.8 DDU Address Label

    [Revise Exhibit 16.5.8 to replace the Delivery Confirmation barcode 
and human-readable text above and below, with a Service barcode and 
human-readable text.]

16.5.9 SCF Address Labels

    [Revise the first sentence in 16.5.9 as follows:]
    For the SCF address label, use SCF followed by the city, state, and 
ZIP Code found in the Drop Entry Point View File available at USPS' 
FAST Web site: https://fast.usps.com.* * *

Exhibit 16.5.9 SCF Address Label

    [Revise Exhibit 16.5.9 to replace the Delivery Confirmation barcode 
and human-readable text above and below, with a Service barcode and 
human-readable text.]

16.5.10 ADC Address Labels

    [Revise the first sentence in 16.5.10 as follows:]
    For the ADC address label, use ADC followed by the city, state, and 
ZIP Code found in the Drop Entry Point View File available at USPS' 
FAST Web site: https://fast.usps.com. * * *

Exhibit 16.5.10 ADC Address Label

    [Revise Exhibit 16.5.10 to replace the Delivery Confirmation 
barcode and human-readable text above and below, with a Service barcode 
and human-readable text.]

16.5.11 BMC Address Labels

    [Revise the first sentence in 16.5.11 as follows:]
    For the BMC address label, use BMC followed by the city, state, and 
ZIP Code found in the Drop Entry Point View File available at USPS' 
FAST Web site: https://fast.usps.com.* * *

Exhibit 16.5.11 BMC Address Label

    [Revise Exhibit 16.5.11 to replace the Delivery Confirmation 
barcode and human-readable text above and below, with a Service barcode 
and human-readable text.]
    [Renumber 16.5.12, Markings on Enclosed Mail, as 16.5.13. Add new 
16.5.12, ASF Address Labels, and Exhibit 16.5.12, ASF Address Label, as 
follows:]

16.5.12 ASF Address Labels

    For the ASF address label, use ASF followed by the city, state, and 
ZIP Code found in the Drop Entry Point View File under BMC available at 
USPS' FAST Web site: https://fast.usps.com. See Exhibit 16.5.12 for an 
example of an ASF address label.

Exhibit 16.5.12 ASF Address Label

    [Add new Exhibit 16.5.12, as follows:]
* * * * *
    We will publish an appropriate amendment to 39 CFR 111 to reflect 
these changes if the proposal is adopted.

Neva R. Watson,
Attorney, Legislative.
[FR Doc. E8-8228 Filed 4-18-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7710-12-P