[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 32 (Thursday, February 18, 2010)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 7201-7204]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-3034]



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 Rules and Regulations
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  Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 32 / Thursday, February 18, 2010 / 
Rules and Regulations  

[[Page 7201]]



POSTAL REGULATORY COMMISSION

39 CFR Part 3020

[Docket Nos. MC2010-15 and CP2010-15; Order No. 378]


New Postal Product

AGENCY:  Postal Regulatory Commission.

ACTION:  Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY:  The Commission is adding Priority Mail Contract 24 to the 
Competitive Product List. This action is consistent with changes in a 
postal reform law. Republication of the lists of market dominant and 
competitive products is also consistent with a statutory provision.

DATES:  Effective February 18, 2010 and is applicable beginning January 
4, 2010.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Regulatory History, 74 FR 31374 (July 1, 
2009).

Table of Contents

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 24 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 24 to the Competitive Product List.\1\ The 
Postal Service asserts that Priority Mail Contract 24 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. MC2010-15.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ Request of the United States Postal Service to Add Priority 
Mail Contract 24 to Competitive Product List and Notice of Filing 
(Under Seal) of Supporting Data, December 11, 2009 (Request).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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. CP2010-15.
    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. MC2009-25, authorizing certain Priority 
Mail contracts, and proposed Mail Classification Schedule language;\2\ 
(2) a redacted version of the contract, and Certification of Governors' 
Vote;\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\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In the Statement of Supporting Justification, Susan M. Plonkey, 
Vice President, Sales, 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. Request, Attachment D. Thus, Ms. Plonkey contends there will be 
no issue of subsidization of competitive products by market dominant 
products as a result of this contract. Id.
    Priority Mail Contract 24 is included with the Request. The 
contract was entered into on May 28, 2009, and will become effective as 
a Negotiated Service Agreement January 4, 2010. The contract provides 
that the Postal Service may not increase rates until after May 27, 
2010. The Postal Service represents that the contract is consistent 
with 39 U.S.C. 3633(a). See id., Attachment D.
    In its Request, the Postal Service maintains that the supporting 
financial information, including the analyses that provide prices, 
terms, conditions, cost data, and financial projections should remain 
under seal. Id., Attachment F.
    In Order No. 358, 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 December 
18, 2009, the Postal Service provided its response to the Commission's 
request for supplemental information.\9\ On December 23, 2009, 
Chairman's Information Request No. 1 was issued for response by the 
Postal Service by December 28, 2009.\10\ The Postal Service filed its 
response on December 28, 2009.\11\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \8\ Notice and Order Concerning Priority Mail Contract 24 
Negotiated Service Agreement, December 15, 2009 (Order No. 358).
    \9\ Supplemental Information Provided by the United States 
Postal Service in Response to Order No. 358, December 18, 2009.
    \10\ Chairman's Information Request No. 1, December 23, 2009 
(CHIR No. 1).
    \11\ Responses of the United States Postal Service to Chairman's 
Information Request No. 1, December 28, 2009.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

III. Comments

    Comments were filed by the Public Representatives.\12\ No comments 
were submitted by other interested parties. The Public Representatives 
state that the Postal Service's filing meets the pertinent provisions 
of title 39 and the relevant Commission rules. Id. at 3. The Public 
Representatives also believe that the Postal Service has provided 
appropriate justification for maintaining confidentiality in this case. 
Id. However, the Public Representatives assert that the Postal Service 
should have filed the instant contract with the Commission when it was 
executed in May of 2009. Id. at 4. As a result, the Public 
Representatives ask the Commission to ``direct the Postal Service to 
file all existing Priority Mail contracts which have not been 
previously filed.'' Id. at 5. The Public Representatives also request

[[Page 7202]]

that the Commission encourage the Postal Service to submit all 
materials referenced in the relevant enabling Governors' Decision. Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \12\ Comments of Public Representatives in Response to PRC Order 
No. 358, December 23, 2009.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

IV. Commission Analysis

    The Commission has reviewed the Request, the contract, the 
financial analysis provided under seal that accompanies it, responses 
to CHIR No. 1, and the comments filed by the Public Representatives.
    Statutory requirements. The Commission's statutory responsibilities 
in this instance entail assigning Priority Mail Contract 24 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 24 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, para. (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., para. (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., para. (h).
    No commenter opposes the proposed classification of Priority Mail 
Contract 24 as competitive. Having considered the statutory 
requirements and the support offered by the Postal Service, the 
Commission finds that Priority Mail Contract 24 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 24 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 24 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 24 indicates that it comports with the 
provisions applicable to rates for competitive products.
    Other considerations. The Commission agrees with the Public 
Representatives that the instant contract could have been filed with 
the Commission for approval at an earlier date. The Commission also 
shares the Public Representatives' concern that other, similar 
contracts might exist. Accordingly, the Commission directs the Postal 
Service to file, by January 15, 2010, any outstanding Priority Mail 
contract that may be categorized as a negotiated service agreement 
because its prices are not subject to change with the general 
competitive rate increase scheduled to take effect January 4, 2010.
    In conclusion, the Commission approves Priority Mail Contract 24 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 24 (MC2010-15 and CP2010-15) is added to 
the Competitive Product List as a new product under Negotiated Service 
Agreements, Domestic.
    2. The Commission directs the Postal Service to file, by January 
15, 2010, any outstanding Priority Mail contract that may be 
categorized as having competitive rates not of general applicability 
because its prices are not subject to change with the general 
competitive rate increase scheduled to take effect January 4, 2010.
    3. The Postal Service shall notify the Commission if termination 
occurs prior to the scheduled termination date.
    4. 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 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: 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

[[Page 7203]]

 
    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 (MC2010-12 and
         R2010-2)
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 Forward
    [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)
        Inbound International Expedited Services 3 (MC2010-13 and CP2010-
         12)
Priority Mail
    Priority Mail
    Outbound Priority Mail International
    Inbound Air Parcel Post (at non-UPU rates)
        Royal Mail Group Inbound Air Parcel Post Agreement
    Inbound Air Parcel Post (at UPU rates)
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)
        Canada Post--United States Postal Service Contractual Bilateral
         Agreement for Inbound Competitive Services (MC2010-14 and
         CP2010-13--Inbound Surface Parcel post at Non-UPU Rates and
         Xpresspost-USA)
    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 Contract 6 (MC2010--6 and CP2010-6)
        Express Mail Contract 7 (MC2010--7 and CP2010-7)

[[Page 7204]]

 
        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)
        Priority Mail Contract 24 (MC2010-15 and CP2010-15)
    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, 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. 2010-3034 Filed 2-17-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7710-FW-S