[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 89 (Wednesday, May 7, 2008)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 25509-25516]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-8621]
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POSTAL SERVICE
39 CFR Part 111
New Address Requirements for Automation, Presorted, and Carrier
Route Flat-Size Mail
AGENCY: Postal Service\TM\.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The Postal Service adopts new address placement and formatting
requirements for Periodicals, Standard Mail[supreg], Bound Printed
Matter, Media Mail[supreg], and Library Mail flat-size pieces sent at
automation, presorted, or carrier route prices. We also adopt related
revisions for automation and presorted First-Class Mail[supreg] flats.
DATES: Effective Date: March 29, 2009.
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 CodeTM 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 increase
efficiency in flats processing and delivery operations.
Toward this goal, we are adopting new standards to require the
delivery 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 prices.
Mailers may place the address parallel or perpendicular to the top
edge, but not upside down as read in relation to the top edge. The new
standards define ``upper portion'' as the top half of a mailpiece, but
we encourage mailers to place the address as close to the top edge as
possible (while still maintaining a \1/8\-inch clearance from the
edge).
Mailers must also address all presorted, carrier route, and
automation flat-size mailpieces using a minimum of 8-point type or, if
the mailpiece bears a POSTNETTM or Intelligent Mail[supreg]
barcode with a delivery point routing code, a minimum of 6-point type
in all capital letters. In addition, for all automation price pieces,
the characters in the address must not overlap, the address lines must
not touch or overlap, and each address element may be separated by no
more than five blank character spaces.
The new standards will enable FSS to process flat-size pieces in
delivery sequence at high speeds and output the pieces in vertical
bundles that are optimized for carrier delivery. The new placement
criteria will take advantage of the vertical bundle output and
significantly reduce the time carriers spend reorienting pieces to read
the address--whether the mail is held, pulled from a mailbag, or
removed from a tray. The new standards for type size and line spacing
will ensure carriers can read the addresses and delineate delivery
stops. With over a quarter million carriers delivering mail six days a
week, there are substantial opportunities to gain efficiency.
As we transition to the new addressing standards, mailers can take
advantage of the Intelligent Mail barcode to save space within the
address block. For example, the Intelligent Mail barcode can include
tracking and routing information that currently requires human-readable
ACSTM codes and keylines. We also reduced the amount of
clear space required under the Intelligent Mail barcode to 0.028 inch
(mailers can access the full technical specification for the
Intelligent Mail barcode at http://ribbs.usps.gov/onecodesolution).
The Intelligent Mail barcode will be required on all pieces
claiming automation prices in the future. Mailers can find more
information in the Federal Register notice, ``Implementation of
Intelligent Mail Barcodes,'' published on January 7, 2008 (available on
Postal Explorer[supreg] at http://pe.usps.com; click ``Federal Register
Notices'' in the left frame). Because the new barcode requirements are
laid out in a separate Federal Register proceeding, we removed them
from this final rule.
Summary of Comments
We published a proposal for comment in the Federal Register (72 FR
57507) on October 10, 2007. We received comments from 24 mailers, seven
associations, four presort bureaus, three
[[Page 25510]]
large printers, and two consultants. We appreciate the time these
commenters took to detail their questions, concerns, and suggestions.
We also appreciate the sample mailpieces that many mailers included to
illustrate their feedback.
Comments on Address Placement
Twenty-eight commenters objected to the proposed standards for
address placement that would require the delivery address to be 3
inches (for horizontal addresses) or 2.5 inches (for vertical
addresses) from the top of a mailpiece. These commenters objected for
creative reasons, financial reasons, or both.
Twenty-five of these commenters cited a loss of design options, on
a mailpiece cover or coverwrap, or on an insert showing through
polywrap. These commenters said the new address placement would
compromise their cover designs and result in mailpieces that look
``tacky'' or ``cheap.''
We did not intend to compromise mailpiece design. In response to
these concerns, we revised our standards to allow mailers to place the
delivery address within the top half of their mailpieces. While we
strongly prefer the address as close to the top as possible, the top
half provides additional design options for most mailpieces. For
example, on a typical 8- by 11-inch magazine with an address positioned
parallel to the top edge, our proposal would have required the address
within the top 3 inches. The revised standards allow this address
anywhere within the top half--5.5 inches in this example--providing an
additional 2.5-inch band for the address.
For pieces addressed vertically, we will allow the delivery address
to run into the bottom half of the mailpiece if the address is placed
within 1 inch of the top edge. This caveat will ensure that mailers can
use vertical addresses on shorter pieces, where the delivery address
might not fit entirely within the top half, and provides many design
options overall for these types of flats.
We note that many mailpieces already comply with the new address
placement standards. We have also received publications from mailers
who successfully moved their addresses into compliance with our
proposal. These mailers did not indicate that the design of their
mailpieces had been compromised as a result.
Several commenters objected to the standards that prohibit a
horizontal address from appearing upside-down as read in relation to
the top edge. These commenters point out that the address would be
upside down on an unenveloped piece when the spine is to the left, as a
publication is normally held. They raise concerns about response cards
that appear on the front of a publication (usually on a cover wrap)
that include the delivery address and solicit a reply. These commenters
foresee a loss of revenue from decreased subscriber renewal rates and
decreased advertising response rates if they place the address upside
down on their reply cards.
We note that the new standards still provide mailers with the
option to position a response card vertically on a mailpiece, with the
address reading either to the left or to the right. A horizontal
address, which would appear upside down when the spine is positioned on
the left, is not required.
A total of 21 commenters objected to the address placement
standards for financial reasons, stating that the new requirements
would adversely affect their costs or their ability to generate
revenue. In addition to the concerns about response rates noted above,
these commenters explained that the new requirements would add costs
for spot-glue on inserts and onserts; new or reconfigured equipment and
mailing software; and larger address labels or new window envelopes.
The revised standards, which allow the delivery address within the
top half of a mailpiece, provide additional options for many mailpieces
and should lessen the impact of the change across the flats mailstream.
We are providing a year-long implementation timeframe to allow mailers
to prepare for the new standards, adjust mailpiece design if needed,
and obtain any new mailing supplies and equipment. We are committed to
working with mailers to reduce the total cost of the flats mailstream.
Matching mail preparation requirements to processing and delivery needs
will help the Postal Service and the mailing industry achieve a lowest-
combined-cost system.
Flats mail volume exceeded 52 billion pieces in 2007 and
represented about one-quarter of the total volume. The new address
standards provide a significant opportunity to improve efficiency and
save costs for both mailers and the Postal Service.
Four commenters objected to placing delivery addresses over their
magazine titles. Our standards do not require or encourage mailers to
place the delivery address over their publication titles. To clarify,
publications mailed in polybags have three options to avoid covering
the title: at the foot of the front cover, the foot of the back cover,
or at the head of the back cover. For publications that are not mailed
in polybags, our standards specifically prevent mailers from placing an
address in the traditional title area of a magazine or catalog (the
head of the front cover). See illustration titled, ``Front of Flat-Size
Mailpiece.'' Existing mailing standards for Periodicals publications
specify that the publication title must be displayed prominently on the
publication and any protective cover. Our new address standards do not
change this practice.
[[Page 25511]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR07MY08.011
Two commenters explained that their addresses may not comply on
letter-size pieces that become flats if filled to more than \1/4\-inch
thick. While some mailers may need to adjust their mailpieces if they
are used for mailing at both the letter and the flats prices, major
changes are not needed in many instances. The new standards allow the
delivery address in all but the center of a letter-size piece, and many
mailers might make an adjustment by moving the address area to the
right or the left (the ``top'' is either of the shorter edges on an
enveloped piece, meaning the right or left edge on a typical letter).
The postage and return address areas are not affected by our new
standards. For mailers who must make adjustments, we are providing a
year to meet the new standards and exhaust existing mailpiece stock.
Comments on Address Characteristics
Thirteen commenters objected to the 8-point type size requirement
because it will require larger address labels than the labels they are
currently using. In response to these concerns, we reduced the
requirement to 6-point type (using all capital letters) on pieces that
bear a POSTNET or an Intelligent Mail barcode that contains a delivery
point routing code. In our models, we were able to place an Intelligent
Mail barcode, the barcode clear zone, and at least six lines of text on
a 1-inch label.
We are also shortening optional endorsement lines and allowing
mailers to place mailer-specified information (such as customer
numbers) to the left of the optional endorsement line when OneCode
ACSTM is used. We will publish more information about these
initiatives in a separate DMM[supreg] revision. In addition, the
Intelligent Mail barcode will give mailers new opportunities to save
space in the address block.
Six commenters objected to addressing automation pieces with
individual characters and address lines that do not touch or overlap.
These commenters said that the proposed standards would exclude
handwriting and script fonts from automation pricing.
We developed these standards on the basis of engineering tests of
our optical character reader systems, which showed a significant drop
in read rates for addresses with elements that touch or overlap. Some
results showed as much as a 50 percent drop in read rates when the
characters and lines are not clearly separated. Our processing systems
must be able to read the recipient name in addition to the address (or
barcode) to accurately route mailpieces.
We do agree that many machine-printed script fonts will process
adequately on our systems, even though these addresses will not achieve
the highest read rates. To assist mailers who need these types of fonts
to personalize or stylize their mailpieces, we changed the standard to
specify that the individual characters in the address can touch, but
cannot overlap. This standard will allow machine-printed script
addresses. While we strongly prefer a sans-serif type of font, two
script fonts that we have observed with adequate read rates are
Monotype Corsiva and Bradley Hand ITC.
Our revised standards still exclude most handwritten addresses,
because we cannot process pieces with overlapping
[[Page 25512]]
characters and undelineated address lines with acceptable read rates.
In addition, our carriers rely on legible addresses to accurately sort
their mail and delineate delivery stops on their routes. Handwriting is
often difficult to read and impacts delivery efficiency.
Five commenters objected to the requirement that each address
element be separated by no more than three blank character spaces.
These commenters stated that this standard is too limiting for software
systems that use fixed field lengths. We revised the standard to allow
mailers to separate address elements by a maximum of five blank spaces.
The new standard will ensure readability and routing accuracy by
keeping all address elements associated to the core address block, and
not mistaken for extraneous information.
Five commenters asked us to clarify our measurements for type size.
We revised the standards to specify that each character in the delivery
address must be at least 0.080 inch tall (0.065 inch for pieces bearing
a POSTNET or an Intelligent Mail barcode that contains a delivery point
routing code). These minimums apply to the height of the actual printed
letter or figure (sometimes referred to as the ``figure set'' or ``font
set''). Four commenters asked us to clarify our definition of ``blank
character spaces.'' We specify that a ``blank'' character space can
equal the width of the widest character in the address.
Two commenters objected to our preferred Arial font. We agree that
many sans-serif fonts are similar to Arial and will process with
acceptable read rates. We expanded our preference to ``a sans-serif
font.'' We also added a preference for all capital letters to further
define best addressing practices.
Two commenters asked us to clarify indicia placement, and one
commenter asked us to allow additional options. The new address
standards do not change the existing four options for indicia placement
listed in DMM 604.5.3.4, and we are not considering new options at this
time. We will continue to evaluate indicia placement and modify the
standards as needed.
Comments Related to Implementation
Ten commenters objected to the implementation date, stating that
FSS volumes will be minimal next year and the new rules should coincide
with fuller deployment. We disagree with these commenters. We need the
new address standards as FSS is deployed across the country, not after,
and we need new standards for carrier readability today. We can capture
these efficiencies as soon as these changes are implemented, and we
will continually evaluate the requirements and work with mailers to
ensure that mail processing and mail preparation are aligned in the
future.
Nine commenters asked for information about acceptance procedures,
tolerances, and penalties. We are still developing the policies that
will apply to mailpieces that do not comply. We clarified the standards
to specify a minimum measurement for type size, simplified the address
placement standards, and broadened the spacing requirements. These
changes eliminate uncertainty about these issues at acceptance and give
mailers as much latitude as possible as they design and print their
mailpieces.
Five commenters asked for a second proposal to clarify the
requirements, extend the implementation timeframe, and specify
acceptance procedures and penalties. We do not agree that a second
proposal is needed. Our final rule gives more options for most
mailpieces, clarifies the new standards, and provides a full year for
mailers to prepare for the changes. We will continue to work with
mailers during this time to ensure a smooth transition to the new
standards. We will also re-evaluate the new address criteria as the
mailstream changes, and strengthen or lessen the requirements if
needed, as we do with all of our mailing standards.
Presort Bureau Comments
Four commenters sent similar letters on behalf of presort bureaus
that use multi-line optical character reader (MLOCR) technology,
explaining that they consolidate mailpieces from many mailers into
large mailings that may be mailed at discounted prices. These
mailpieces are addressed before they reach the presort bureau, and
commenters stated that they cannot ensure that all pieces are addressed
correctly. We note that presort bureaus consolidate mailings that must
meet many standards for the postage prices claimed.
These commenters also stated that, if their MLOCR technology can
read an address and spray a barcode, postal technology should also be
able to read the address and the resulting barcode. We agree that
pieces bearing an accurate POSTNET or Intelligent Mail barcode with a
delivery point routing code can use a smaller address type size. We
lessened the requirement to 6-point type (using all capital letters)
for these pieces. We cannot eliminate the other address requirements.
For acceptable read rates, our tests indicate that we need delivery
addresses in 8-point type, with distinguishable characters and address
lines, and with each element associated to the core address block.
These commenters also raised concerns about how we will verify
address format and the penalties for noncompliance in a combined
mailing. They explained that sampling a consolidated mailing might
reveal a disproportionate number of noncompliant addresses, since a
given customer's mailpieces may not be randomly distributed throughout
a mailing. We plan to verify addressing the same way we verify other
standards in a combined mailing today. When an error is discovered, we
attempt to trace the error back to an individual mailing and assess any
additional postage on that portion only.
Five commenters assert that the new address placement and
formatting requirements should not apply to mail entered by presort
bureaus and other mailers with similar business models. The new
standards will apply to all flats mailed at automation, presorted, or
carrier route prices.
Summary of Changes From Proposed to Final Rule
We specified in DMM 302.1.2 and 2.4 that each character in the
address must be at least 0.080 inch high. We changed our font
preference to ``sans-serif'' and added another preference for using all
capital letters.
We revised the standards for automation pieces in DMM 302.2.4 to
allow the individual characters in the address to touch but not
overlap, to allow up to five blank character spaces between each
address element, and to allow addresses in 6-point type (using all
capital letters) when a POSTNET or an Intelligent Mail barcode with a
delivery point routing code is used. We also defined a ``blank'' space
as equal to the width of the widest character in the address.
We changed the terminology in DMM 302.2.0 from ``address block'' to
``delivery address'' for clarity. We revised the address placement
standards in DMM 302.2.2 and 2.3 to require the entire delivery address
within the top half of the mailpiece. We made related changes to the
illustrations. We added a caveat that vertical addresses may cross the
midline of a mailpiece if they are placed within 1 inch of the top
edge.
We revised DMM 302.2.2 to specify that when the delivery address is
placed on an insert and polywrapped with the host piece, the address
``must meet the placement standards throughout processing and
delivery.'' We removed the word ``secured'' because some inserts may
meet this standard without
[[Page 25513]]
being affixed. We revised DMM 707.3.2.3 and 3.3.10 for clarity.
We removed the proposed barcode standards for automation pieces,
because those standards are now handled in a separate Federal Register
proceeding.
We adopt the following amendments 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.
0
Accordingly, 39 CFR Part 111 is amended as follows:
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,
416, 3001-3011, 3201-3219, 3403-3406, 3621, 3622, 3626, 3632, 3633,
and 5001.
0
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 mailpiece must have the address of the
intended recipient, visible and legible, only on the side of the piece
bearing postage (periodicals do not display postage and the address may
appear on either side). Use at least 8-point type (each character must
be at least 0.080 inch high). A sans-serif font is preferred. Addresses
printed in all capital letters are also preferred. Additional standards
apply to presorted, automation-compatible, and carrier route flats
mailed at First-Class Mail, Periodicals, Standard Mail, Bound Printed
Matter, Media Mail, and Library Mail prices (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 prices, mailers must place the delivery address at least
\1/8\ inch from any edge of the mailpiece. For the purposes of these
standards, the ``delivery address'' 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 delivery address may appear on the front or the back
of the mailpiece (but must be on the side bearing postage, except for
Periodicals), 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
prices:
0
a. The ``top'' of the mailpiece is either of the shorter edges.
0
b. The entire delivery address must be within the top half of the
mailpiece (see Exhibit 2.2). Optimal placement is at the top edge
(while maintaining the \1/8\-inch clearance requirement). If a vertical
address will not fit entirely within the top half, the address may
cross the midpoint if it is placed within 1 inch of the top edge.
0
c. When the delivery address is placed on an insert polywrapped with
the host piece, the address must meet the placement standards
throughout processing and delivery.
[[Page 25514]]
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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 prices not in
envelopes or polywrap:
0
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
pieces, the ``top'' of the mailpiece is either of the shorter edges.
0
b. The entire delivery address must be within the top half of the
mailpiece (see Exhibit 2.3). Optimal placement is at the top edge
(while maintaining the \1/8\-inch clearance requirement). If a vertical
address will not fit entirely within the top half, the address may
cross the midpoint if it is placed within 1 inch of the top edge.
[[Page 25515]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR07MY08.013
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 prices, mailers must print the delivery
address using at least 8-point type (each character must be at least
0.080 inch high). A sans serif font is preferred. Addresses printed in
all capital letters are also preferred. These additional standards
apply to automation price pieces:
0
a. The individual characters in the address cannot overlap. The
individual lines in the address cannot touch or overlap. A minimum
0.028-inch clear space between lines is preferred.
0
b. Each element on each line of the address may be separated by no more
than five blank character spaces. One or two blank spaces is preferred.
For example, ``ANYTOWN US 12345,'' not ``ANYTOWN US 12345.'' A
``blank'' character space can equal the width of the widest character
in the address.
0
c. For pieces that bear a POSTNET barcode with a delivery point routing
code under 708.4.2 or an Intelligent Mail barcode with a delivery point
routing code under 708.4.3, mailers may print the delivery address in a
minimum of 6-point type (each character must be at least 0.065 inch
high) when all capital letters are used.
* * * * *
330 First-Class Mail
333 Prices and Eligibility
* * * * *
3.0 Eligibility Standards for First-Class Mail Flats
* * * * *
3.3 Additional Basic Standards for First-Class Mail
All presorted First-Class Mail must:
* * * * *
[Revise introductory text in item f to reference the new address
standards as follows (no change to items 1, 2, or 3):]
0
f. Bear a delivery address formatted according to 302.2.4 that includes
the correct ZIP Code or ZIP+4 code and that meets these address quality
standards:
* * * * *
340 Standard Mail
343 Prices and Eligibility
* * * * *
3.0 Basic Standards for Standard Mail Flats
* * * * *
3.3 Additional Basic Standards for Standard Mail
Each Standard Mail mailing is subject to these general standards:
* * * * *
[Revise item e to reference the new address standards as follows:]
0
e. Each mailpiece must bear the addressee's name and delivery address,
including the correct ZIP Code or ZIP+4 code, except as allowed when
using alternative addressing formats under 602.3.0 or detached address
labels under 602.4.0. Format and position the delivery address
according to 302.2.0.
* * * * *
360 Bound Printed Matter
363 Prices and Eligibility
* * * * *
[[Page 25516]]
2.0 Basic Eligibility Standards for Bound Printed Matter
* * * * *
2.3 Delivery and Return Addresses
[Revise 2.3 to reference the new address standards as follows:]
All BPM mail must bear a delivery address formatted and positioned
according to 302.2.0. The delivery address must include the correct ZIP
Code or ZIP+4 code. Alternative addressing formats under 602.3.0 may be
used. Except for unendorsed BPM, each mailpiece must bear the sender's
return address.
* * * * *
370 Media Mail
373 Prices and Eligibility
* * * * *
3.0 Price Eligibility for Media Mail Flats
* * * * *
3.3 Delivery and Return Addresses
[Revise 3.3 to reference the new address standards as follows:]
All Media Mail must bear a delivery address formatted and
positioned according to 302.2.0. The delivery address must include the
correct ZIP Code or ZIP+4 code. Alternative addressing formats under
602.3.0 or detached address labels under 602.4.0 may be used. Each
mailpiece must bear the sender's return address.
* * * * *
380 Library Mail
383 Prices and Eligibility
* * * * *
3.0 Price Eligibility for Library Mail Flats
* * * * *
3.3 Delivery and Return Addresses
[Revise 3.3 to reference the new address standards as follows:]
All Library Mail must bear a delivery address formatted and
positioned according to 302.2.0. The delivery address must include the
correct ZIP Code or ZIP+4 code. Alternative addressing formats under
602.3.0 or detached address labels under 602.4.0 may be used. Each
mailpiece must bear the sender's return address.
* * * * *
700 Special Standards
* * * * *
707 Periodicals
* * * * *
3.0 Physical Characteristics and Content Eligibility
* * * * *
3.2 Addressing
* * * * *
3.2.3 Address Placement
[Revise 3.2.3 to reference the new address 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. The following
standards apply:
0
a. For flat-size pieces, mailers must follow the additional address
placement and formatting standards in 302.2.0.
0
b. If the address is placed on the mailing wrapper, the address must be
on a flat side, not on a fold.
0
c. If a polybag is used:
0
1. The address must not appear on a component that rotates within the
bag.
0
2. The address must remain visible throughout the addressed component's
range of motion.
0
3. The address must maintain placement according to 302.2.0 throughout
processing and delivery. The address must not shift into a noncompliant
position.
* * * * *
[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:]
0
e. For flat-size pieces, the label carrier must maintain address
placement according to 302.2.0 throughout processing and delivery. The
address on the label carrier must not shift into a noncompliant
position.
* * * * *
Neva R. Watson,
Attorney, Legislative.
[FR Doc. E8-8621 Filed 5-6-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7710-12-P