[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 243 (Monday, December 21, 2009)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 67816-67819]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-30230]


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POSTAL REGULATORY COMMISSION

39 CFR Part 3020

[Docket Nos. MC2010-9 and CP2010-9; Order No. 344]


New Postal Product

AGENCY: Postal Regulatory Commission.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The Commission is adding Priority Mail Contract 23 to the 
Competitive Product List. This action is consistent with changes in a 
recent law governing postal operations. Republication of the lists of 
market dominant and competitive products is also consistent with new 
requirements in the law.

DATES: Effective December 21, 2009 and is applicable beginning October 
28, 2009.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stephen L. Sharfman, General Counsel, 
202-789-6820 or [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Regulatory History, 74 FR 59015 (November 
16, 2009).

I. Introduction
II. Background
III. Comments
IV. Commission Analysis
V. Ordering Paragraphs

I. Introduction

    The Postal Service seeks to add a new product identified as 
Priority Mail Contract 23 to the Competitive Product List. For the 
reasons discussed below, the Commission approves the Request.

II. Background

    Pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 3642 and 39 CFR 3020.30 et seq., the Postal 
Service filed a formal request and associated supporting information to 
add Priority Mail Contract 23 to the Competitive Product List.\1\ The 
Postal Service asserts that Priority Mail Contract 23 is a competitive 
product ``not of general applicability'' within the meaning of 39 
U.S.C. 3632(b)(3). The Postal Service states that prices and 
classification underlying this contract are supported by Governors' 
Decision No. 09-06 in Docket No. MC2009-25. Id. at 1. The Request has 
been assigned Docket No. MC2010-9.
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    \1\ Request of the United States Postal Service to Add Priority 
Mail Contract 23 to Competitive Product List and Notice of Filing 
(Under Seal) of Contract and Supporting Data, November 5, 2009 
(Request).
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    The Postal Service contemporaneously filed a contract related to 
the proposed new product pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 3632(b)(3) and 39 CFR 
3015.5. The contract has been assigned Docket No. CP2010-9.
    In support of its Request, the Postal Service filed the following 
materials: (1) A redacted version of the Governors' Decision, 
originally filed in Docket No. MC2010-25, authorizing certain Priority 
Mail contracts; \2\ (2) a redacted version of the contract; \3\ (3) a 
requested change in the Competitive Product List; \4\ (4) a Statement 
of Supporting Justification as required by 39 CFR 3020.32; \5\ (5) a 
certification of compliance with 39 U.S.C. 3633(a); \6\ and (6) an 
application for non-public treatment of the materials filed under 
seal.\7\
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    \2\ Attachment A to the Request, reflecting Governors' Decision 
No. 09-06, April 27, 2009.
    \3\ Attachment B to the Request.
    \4\ Attachment C to the Request.
    \5\ Attachment D to the Request.
    \6\ Attachment E to the Request.
    \7\ Attachment F to the Request.
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    In the Statement of Supporting Justification, Mary Prince Anderson, 
Manager, Sales and Communications, Expedited Shipping, asserts that the 
service to be provided under the contract will cover its attributable 
costs, make a positive contribution to institutional costs, and 
increase contribution toward the requisite 5.5 percent of the Postal 
Service's total institutional costs. Id., Attachment D. Thus, Ms. 
Anderson contends there will be no issue of subsidization of 
competitive products by market dominant products as a result of this 
contract. Id.
    A redacted version of the specific Priority Mail Contract 23 is 
included with the Request. The contract will become effective on the 
day that the Commission provides all necessary regulatory approvals. It 
is terminable upon 30 days' notice by either party, but could continue 
for up to one year. The Postal Service represents that the contract is 
consistent with 39 U.S.C. 3633(a). See id., Attachment D. The Postal 
Service will provide Priority Mail packaging for items mailed by the 
shipper.
    The Postal Service filed much of the supporting materials, 
including the specific Priority Mail Contract 23, under seal. In its 
Request, the Postal Service maintains that the contract and related 
financial information, including the customer's name and the 
accompanying

[[Page 67817]]

analyses that provide prices, terms, conditions, cost data, and 
financial projections should remain under seal. Id. at 2. It also 
requests that the Commission order that the duration of such treatment 
of all customer identifying information be extended indefinitely, 
instead of ending after 10 years. Id., Attachment F, at 1 and 7.
    In Order No. 336, the Commission gave notice of the two dockets, 
requested supplemental information, appointed a public representative, 
and provided the public with an opportunity to comment.\8\ On November 
13, 2009, the Postal Service provided its response to the Commission's 
request for supplemental information. On November 16, 2009, Chairman's 
Information Request No. 1 was issued for response by the Postal Service 
by November 19, 2009. The Postal Service filed its response on November 
19, 2009.
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    \8\ PRC Order No. 336, Notice and Order Concerning Priority Mail 
Contract 23 Negotiated Service Agreement, November 9, 2009 (Order 
No. 336).
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III. Comments

    Comments were filed by the Public Representative.\9\ No comments 
were submitted by other interested parties. The Public Representative 
states that the Postal Service's filing meets the pertinent provisions 
of title 39 and the relevant Commission rules. Id. at 1, 3. He further 
states that the agreement employs pricing terms favorable to the 
customer, the Postal Service, and thereby, the public. Id. at 3. The 
Public Representative also believes that the Postal Service has 
provided appropriate justification for maintaining confidentiality in 
this case. Id. at 2-3.
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    \9\ Public Representative Comments in Response to United States 
Postal Service Request to Add Priority Mail Contract 23 Negotiated 
Service Agreement to the Competitive Products List, November 18, 
2009 (Public Representative Comments). This filing was accompanied 
by a Motion of the Public Representative for Late Acceptance of 
Comments in Response to United States Postal Service Request to Add 
Priority Mail Contract 23 Negotiated Service Agreement to the 
Competitive Products List, November 18, 2009. The motion is granted.
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IV. Commission Analysis

    The Commission has reviewed the Request, the contract, the 
financial analysis provided under seal that accompanies it, and the 
comments filed by the Public Representative.
    Statutory requirements. The Commission's statutory responsibilities 
in this instance entail assigning Priority Mail Contract 23 to either 
the Market Dominant Product List or to the Competitive Product List. 39 
U.S.C. 3642. As part of this responsibility, the Commission also 
reviews the proposal for compliance with the Postal Accountability and 
Enhancement Act (PAEA) requirements. This includes, for proposed 
competitive products, a review of the provisions applicable to rates 
for competitive products. 39 U.S.C. 3633.
    Product list assignment. In determining whether to assign Priority 
Mail Contract 23 as a product to the Market Dominant Product List or 
the Competitive Product List, the Commission must consider whether

the Postal Service exercises sufficient market power that it can 
effectively set the price of such product substantially above costs, 
raise prices significantly, decrease quality, or decrease output, 
without risk of losing a significant level of business to other 
firms offering similar products.

    39 U.S.C. 3642(b)(1). If so, the product will be categorized as 
market dominant. The competitive category of products consists of all 
other products.
    The Commission is further required to consider the availability and 
nature of enterprises in the private sector engaged in the delivery of 
the product, the views of those who use the product, and the likely 
impact on small business concerns. 39 U.S.C. 3642(b)(3).
    The Postal Service asserts that its bargaining position is 
constrained by the existence of other shippers who can provide similar 
services, thus precluding it from taking unilateral action to increase 
prices without the risk of losing volume to private companies. Request, 
Attachment D, ] (d). The Postal Service also contends that it may not 
decrease quality or output without risking the loss of business to 
competitors that offer similar expedited delivery services. Id. It 
further states that the contract partner supports the addition of the 
contract to the Competitive Product List to effectuate the negotiated 
contractual terms. Id., ] (g). Finally, the Postal Service states that 
the market for expedited delivery services is highly competitive and 
requires a substantial infrastructure to support a national network. It 
indicates that large carriers serve this market. Accordingly, the 
Postal Service states that it is unaware of any small business concerns 
that could offer comparable service for this customer. Id., ] (h).
    No commenter opposes the proposed classification of Priority Mail 
Contract 23 as competitive. Having considered the statutory 
requirements and the support offered by the Postal Service, the 
Commission finds that Priority Mail Contract 23 is appropriately 
classified as a competitive product and should be added to the 
Competitive Product List.
    Cost considerations. The Postal Service presents a financial 
analysis showing that Priority Mail Contract 23 results in cost savings 
while ensuring that the contract covers its attributable costs, does 
not result in subsidization of competitive products by market dominant 
products, and increases contribution from competitive products.
    Based on the data submitted, the Commission finds that Priority 
Mail Contract 23 should cover its attributable costs (39 U.S.C. 
3633(a)(2)), should not lead to the subsidization of competitive 
products by market dominant products (39 U.S.C. 3633(a)(1)), and should 
have a positive effect on competitive products' contribution to 
institutional costs (39 U.S.C. 3633(a)(3)). Thus, an initial review of 
proposed Priority Mail Contract 23 indicates that it comports with the 
provisions applicable to rates for competitive products.
    Other considerations. The Postal Service indicates that the instant 
contract supersedes the current contract, approved in Docket Nos. 
MC2009-2 and CP2009-3, and which was extended at the Postal Service's 
request.\10\ Given that, the Postal Service shall no later than 30 days 
after the effective date of the new contract, provide cost, revenue and 
volume data associated with the current contract to be filed in Docket 
No. MC2009-2 and CP2009-3.
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    \10\ Docket Nos. MC2009-2 and CP2009-3, PRC Order No. 332, Order 
Granting Motion for Temporary Relief, November 5, 2009.
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    In conclusion, the Commission approves Priority Mail Contract 23 as 
a new product. The revision to the Competitive Product List is shown 
below the signature of this Order and is effective upon issuance of 
this Order.

V. Ordering Paragraphs

    It is ordered:
    1. Priority Mail Contract 23 (MC2010-9 and CP2010-9) is added to 
the Competitive Product List as a new product under Negotiated Service 
Agreements, Domestic.
    2. The Postal Service shall notify the Commission if termination 
occurs prior to the scheduled termination date.
    3. The Secretary shall arrange for the publication of this order in 
the Federal Register.

List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 3020

    Administrative practice and procedure; Postal Service.

    By the Commission.
Shoshana M. Grove,
Secretary.

0
For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Postal Regulatory 
Commission amends chapter III of title

[[Page 67818]]

39 of the Code of Federal Regulations as follows:

PART 3020--PRODUCT LISTS

0
1. The authority citation for part 3020 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  39 U.S.C. 503; 3622; 3631; 3642; 3682.

0
2. Revise Appendix A to Subpart A of Part 3020--Mail Classification 
Schedule to read as follows:

Appendix A to Subpart A of Part 3020--Mail Classification Schedule

Part A--Market Dominant Products

1000 Market Dominant Product List
First-Class Mail
    Single-Piece Letters/Postcards
    Bulk Letters/Postcards
    Flats
    Parcels
    Outbound Single-Piece First-Class Mail International
    Inbound Single-Piece First-Class Mail International
Standard Mail (Regular and Nonprofit)
    High Density and Saturation Letters
    High Density and Saturation Flats/Parcels
    Carrier Route
    Letters
    Flats
    Not Flat-Machinables (NFMs)/Parcels
Periodicals
    Within County Periodicals
    Outside County Periodicals
Package Services
    Single-Piece Parcel Post
    Inbound Surface Parcel Post (at UPU rates)
    Bound Printed Matter Flats
    Bound Printed Matter Parcels
    Media Mail/Library Mail
Special Services
    Ancillary Services
    International Ancillary Services
    Address List Services
    Caller Service
    Change-of-Address Credit Card Authentication
    Confirm
    International Reply Coupon Service
    International Business Reply Mail Service
    Money Orders
    Post Office Box Service
Negotiated Service Agreements
    HSBC North America Holdings Inc. Negotiated Service Agreement
    Bookspan Negotiated Service Agreement
    Bank of America Corporation Negotiated Service Agreement
    The Bradford Group Negotiated Service Agreement
    Inbound International
    Canada Post--United States Postal Service Contractual Bilateral 
Agreement for Inbound Market Dominant Services

Market Dominant Product Descriptions

First-Class Mail
[Reserved for Class Description]
    Single-Piece Letters/Postcards
    [Reserved for Product Description]
    Bulk Letters/Postcards
    [Reserved for Product Description]
    Flats
    [Reserved for Product Description]
    Parcels
    [Reserved for Product Description]
    Outbound Single-Piece First-Class Mail International
    [Reserved for Product Description]
    Inbound Single-Piece First-Class Mail International
    [Reserved for Product Description]
Standard Mail (Regular and Nonprofit)
[Reserved for Class Description]
    High Density and Saturation Letters
    [Reserved for Product Description]
    High Density and Saturation Flats/Parcels
    [Reserved for Product Description]
    Carrier Route
    [Reserved for Product Description]
    Letters
    [Reserved for Product Description]
    Flats
    [Reserved for Product Description]
    Not Flat-Machinables (NFMs)/Parcels
    [Reserved for Product Description]
Periodicals
    [Reserved for Class Description]
    Within County Periodicals
    [Reserved for Product Description]
    Outside County Periodicals
    [Reserved for Product Description]
Package Services
[Reserved for Class Description]
    Single-Piece Parcel Post
    [Reserved for Product Description]
    Inbound Surface Parcel Post (at UPU rates)
    [Reserved for Product Description]
    Bound Printed Matter Flats
    [Reserved for Product Description]
    Bound Printed Matter Parcels
    [Reserved for Product Description]
    Media Mail/Library Mail
    [Reserved for Product Description]
Special Services
[Reserved for Class Description]
    Ancillary Services
    [Reserved for Product Description]
    Address Correction Service
    [Reserved for Product Description]
    Applications and Mailing Permits
    [Reserved for Product Description]
    Business Reply Mail
    [Reserved for Product Description]
    Bulk Parcel Return Service
    [Reserved for Product Description]
    Certified Mail
    [Reserved for Product Description]
    Certificate of Mailing
    [Reserved for Product Description]
    Collect on Delivery
    [Reserved for Product Description]
    Delivery Confirmation
    [Reserved for Product Description]
    Insurance
    [Reserved for Product Description]
    Merchandise Return Service
    [Reserved for Product Description]
    Parcel Airlift (PAL)
    [Reserved for Product Description]
    Registered Mail
    [Reserved for Product Description]
    Return Receipt
    [Reserved for Product Description]
    Return Receipt for Merchandise
    [Reserved for Product Description]
    Restricted Delivery
    [Reserved for Product Description]
    Shipper-Paid Forwarding
    [Reserved for Product Description]
    Signature Confirmation
    [Reserved for Product Description]
    Special Handling
    [Reserved for Product Description]
    Stamped Envelopes
    [Reserved for Product Description]
    Stamped Cards
    [Reserved for Product Description]
    Premium Stamped Stationery
    [Reserved for Product Description]
    Premium Stamped Cards
    [Reserved for Product Description]
    International Ancillary Services
    [Reserved for Product Description]
    International Certificate of Mailing
    [Reserved for Product Description]
    International Registered Mail
    [Reserved for Product Description]
    International Return Receipt
    [Reserved for Product Description]
    International Restricted Delivery
    [Reserved for Product Description]
    Address List Services
    [Reserved for Product Description]
    Caller Service
    [Reserved for Product Description]
    Change-of-Address Credit Card Authentication
    [Reserved for Product Description]
    Confirm
    [Reserved for Product Description]
    International Reply Coupon Service
    [Reserved for Product Description]
    International Business Reply Mail Service
    [Reserved for Product Description]
    Money Orders
    [Reserved for Product Description]
    Post Office Box Service
    [Reserved for Product Description]
Negotiated Service Agreements
[Reserved for Class Description]
    HSBC North America Holdings Inc. Negotiated Service Agreement
    [Reserved for Product Description]
    Bookspan Negotiated Service Agreement
    [Reserved for Product Description]
    Bank of America Corporation Negotiated Service Agreement
    The Bradford Group Negotiated Service Agreement

Part B--Competitive Products

2000 Competitive Product List
Express Mail
    Express Mail
    Outbound International Expedited Services
    Inbound International Expedited Services
    Inbound International Expedited Services 1 (CP2008-7)
    Inbound International Expedited Services 2 (MC2009-10 and 
CP2009-12)
Priority Mail
    Priority Mail
    Outbound Priority Mail International
    Inbound Air Parcel Post
    Royal Mail Group Inbound Air Parcel Post Agreement
Parcel Select
Parcel Return Service
International
    International Priority Airlift (IPA)
    International Surface Airlift (ISAL)
    International Direct Sacks--M-Bags
    Global Customized Shipping Services
    Inbound Surface Parcel Post (at non-UPU rates)

[[Page 67819]]

    Canada Post--United States Postal service Contractual Bilateral 
Agreement for Inbound Competitive Services (MC2009-8 and CP2009-9)
    International Money Transfer Service
    International Ancillary Services
Special Services
    Premium Forwarding Service
Negotiated Service Agreements
    Domestic
    Express Mail Contract 1 (MC2008-5)
    Express Mail Contract 2 (MC2009-3 and CP2009-4)
    Express Mail Contract 3 (MC2009-15 and CP2009-21)
    Express Mail Contract 4 (MC2009-34 and CP2009-45)
    Express Mail Contract 5 (MC2010-5 and CP2010-5)
    Express Mail & Priority Mail Contract 1 (MC2009-6 and CP2009-7)
    Express Mail & Priority Mail Contract 2 (MC2009-12 and CP2009-
14)
    Express Mail & Priority Mail Contract 3 (MC2009-13 and CP2009-
17)
    Express Mail & Priority Mail Contract 4 (MC2009-17 and CP2009-
24)
    Express Mail & Priority Mail Contract 5 (MC2009-18 and CP2009-
25)
    Express Mail & Priority Mail Contract 6 (MC2009-31 and CP2009-
42)
    Express Mail & Priority Mail Contract 7 (MC2009-32 and CP2009-
43)
    Express Mail & Priority Mail Contract 8 (MC2009-33 and CP2009-
44)
    Parcel Select & Parcel Return Service Contract 1 (MC2009-11 and 
CP2009-13)
    Parcel Select & Parcel Return Service Contract 2 (MC2009-40 and 
CP2009-61)
    Parcel Return Service Contract 1 (MC2009-1 and CP2009-2)
    Priority Mail Contract 1 (MC2008-8 and CP2008-26)
    Priority Mail Contract 2 (MC2009-2 and CP2009-3)
    Priority Mail Contract 3 (MC2009-4 and CP2009-5)
    Priority Mail Contract 4 (MC2009-5 and CP2009-6)
    Priority Mail Contract 5 (MC2009-21 and CP2009-26)
    Priority Mail Contract 6 (MC2009-25 and CP2009-30)
    Priority Mail Contract 7 (MC2009-25 and CP2009-31)
    Priority Mail Contract 8 (MC2009-25 and CP2009-32)
    Priority Mail Contract 9 (MC2009-25 and CP2009-33)
    Priority Mail Contract 10 (MC2009-25 and CP2009-34)
    Priority Mail Contract 11 (MC2009-27 and CP2009-37)
    Priority Mail Contract 12 (MC2009-28 and CP2009-38)
    Priority Mail Contract 13 (MC2009-29 and CP2009-39)
    Priority Mail Contract 14 (MC2009-30 and CP2009-40)
    Priority Mail Contract 15 (MC2009-35 and CP2009-54)
    Priority Mail Contract 16 (MC2009-36 and CP2009-55)
    Priority Mail Contract 17 (MC2009-37 and CP2009-56)
    Priority Mail Contract 18 (MC2009-42 and CP2009-63)
    Priority Mail Contract 19 (MC2010-1 and CP2010-1)
    Priority Mail Contract 20 (MC2010-2 and CP2010-2)
    Priority Mail Contract 21 (MC2010-3 and CP2010-3)
    Priority Mail Contract 22 (MC2010-4 and CP2010-4)
    Priority Mail Contract 23 (MC2010-9 and CP2010-9)
Outbound International
    Direct Entry Parcels Contracts
    Direct Entry Parcels 1 (MC2009-26 and CP2009-36)
    Global Direct Contracts (MC2009-9, CP2009-10, and CP2009-11)
    Global Expedited Package Services (GEPS) Contracts
    GEPS 1 (CP2008-5, CP2008-11, CP2008-12, and CP2008-13, CP2008-
18, CP2008-19, CP2008-20, CP2008-21, CP2008-22, CP2008-23, and 
CP2008-24)
    Global Expedited Package Services 2 (CP2009-50)
    Global Plus Contracts
    Global Plus 1 (CP2008-8, CP2008-46 and CP2009-47)
    Global Plus 2 (MC2008-7, CP2008-48 and CP2008-49)
Inbound International
    Inbound Direct Entry Contracts with Foreign Postal 
Administrations
    Inbound Direct Entry Contracts with Foreign Postal 
Administrations (MC2008-6, CP2008-14 and MC2008-15)
    Inbound Direct Entry Contracts with Foreign Postal 
Administrations 1 (MC2008-6 and CP2009-62)
    International Business Reply Service Competitive Contract 1 
(MC2009-14 and CP2009-20)
Competitive Product Descriptions
    Express Mail
    [Reserved for Group Description]
    Express Mail
    [Reserved for Product Description]
    Outbound International Expedited Services
    [Reserved for Product Description]
    Inbound International Expedited Services
    [Reserved for Product Description]
    Priority
    [Reserved for Product Description]
    Priority Mail
    [Reserved for Product Description]
    Outbound Priority Mail International
    [Reserved for Product Description]
    Inbound Air Parcel Post
    [Reserved for Product Description]
    Parcel Select
    [Reserved for Group Description]
    Parcel Return Service
    [Reserved for Group Description]
    International
    [Reserved for Group Description]
    International Priority Airlift (IPA)
    [Reserved for Product Description]
    International Surface Airlift (ISAL)
    [Reserved for Product Description]
    International Direct Sacks--M-Bags
    [Reserved for Product Description]
    Global Customized Shipping Services
    [Reserved for Product Description]
    International Money Transfer Service
    [Reserved for Product Description]
    Inbound Surface Parcel Post (at non-UPU rates)
    [Reserved for Product Description]
    International Ancillary Services
    [Reserved for Product Description]
    International Certificate of Mailing
    [Reserved for Product Description]
    International Registered Mail
    [Reserved for Product Description]
    International Return Receipt
    [Reserved for Product Description]
    International Restricted Delivery
    [Reserved for Product Description]
    International Insurance
    [Reserved for Product Description]
    Negotiated Service Agreements
    [Reserved for Group Description]
    Domestic
    [Reserved for Product Description]
    Outbound International
    [Reserved for Group Description]

Part C--Glossary of Terms and Conditions [Reserved]

Part D--Country Price Lists for International Mail [Reserved]

[FR Doc. E9-30230 Filed 12-18-09; 8:45 am]
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