[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 221 (Wednesday, November 17, 2010)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 70128-70132]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-28590]
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POSTAL SERVICE
39 CFR Part 111
2011 Changes for Domestic Mailing Services
AGENCY: Postal Service.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The Postal Service will revise Mailing Standards of the United
States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM[supreg]) to
incorporate standards for the introduction of Address Information
System services, for the discontinuation of rigid flats claiming flats
prices, and other clarifications.
DATES: Effective January 2, 2011.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bill Chatfield, 202-268-7278.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On July 9 2010, the Federal Register
published the Postal Service proposed rule, New Standards for Domestic
Mailing Services (75 FR 39477-39492). We are re-filing separately with
the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) our request for two incentive
programs and for changes in the Move Update tolerance and will publish
related standards in a separate Federal Register notice. The Postal
Service is postponing implementation of any changes directly related to
a price change.
This final rule includes changes in terminology for some Standard
Mail letter prices, discontinuation of the current exception that
allows some rigid flats to claim flats prices, a change in the
expression of decimal pounds for Package Services parcels, the list of
Address Information System services, and the mailing standards in the
DMM to implement the changes. We received no customer comments on these
elements of the prior proposed rule.
Standard Mail Letters
Currently, nonbarcoded or nonautomation-compatible Standard Mail
letters that are mailed at saturation or high density prices pay the
corresponding nonautomation Standard Mail flats prices. This causes
confusion for both customers and employees regarding mail preparation.
For example, mailers often ask if they can enter nonautomation
saturation or high density letters at destination delivery unit (DDU)
prices, which is allowed for flats but not for letters. Similar
confusion exists regarding the price terminology for nonmachinable
letters weighing more than 3.3 ounces, which currently default to
nonautomation flats prices.
To reduce confusion, we are changing the terminology used for the
pricing of nonbarcoded and/or nonautomation-compatible saturation and
high density letters by establishing a separate price table for these
pieces. Prices will be the same as for saturation and high density
flats. This does not change the applicable prices for these pieces; it
only clarifies the application of the current prices.
We also will be using the term ``nonmachinable letter prices'' to
refer to presorted nonmachinable letters weighing more than 3.3 ounces,
instead of using the current terminology. Nonmachinable letters over
3.3 ounces will continue to have the same prices as nonautomation flats
over 3.3 ounces, but the prices will be called nonmachinable letter
prices.
Flats
The Postal Service found that rigid flat-size pieces are generally
less efficient to handle than non-rigid flats, even when they are able
to be sorted by our flat-sorting machines. Therefore, we will eliminate
the current option for rigid flats to be eligible for automation prices
if they pass a Pricing and Classification Service Center-administered
testing process. The current flexibility test will remain as described
in DMM 301.1.3.
Parcels
Parcel Post[supreg], Bound Printed Matter (BPM), Media
Mail[supreg], and Library Mail single-piece parcel weights will be
calculated by rounding off to two decimal places, instead of the
current four decimal places.
Special and Other Services
Address Information System Products and Services
Address Management at the USPS[supreg] National Customer Support
Center (NCSC) in Memphis, TN, provides value-added product and service
offerings that enable customers to better manage the quality of their
mailing lists while maximizing the Postal Service's ability to deliver
mail efficiently. Our changes add a comprehensive list of address
information system products and services available from the NCSC. The
prices for these items will be incorporated into Notice 123--Price
List.
The Postal Service hereby adopts the following changes to the
Mailing Services of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail
Manual (DMM), which is incorporated by reference in the Code of Federal
Regulations. See 39 CFR Part 111.1.
[[Page 70129]]
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); 13 U.S.C 301-307; 18 U.S.C. 1692-
1737; 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:
* * * * *
200 Commercial Letters and Cards
* * * * *
240 Standard Mail
243 Prices and Eligibility
* * * * *
3.0 Basic Standards for Standard Mail Letters
* * * * *
3.2 Defining Characteristics
3.2.1 Mailpiece Weight
All Standard Mail pieces must weigh less than 16 ounces. The
following weight limits also apply to pieces mailed at Standard Mail
letter prices:
[Revise items a and b to read as follows:]
a. Pieces mailed at machinable letter prices may weigh up to 3.3
ounces. Letter-size pieces weighing more than 3.3 ounces are mailable
at nonmachinable letter prices, unless they are barcoded and eligible
to be mailed as automation letters. For saturation and high density
letters over 3.5 ounces, see 3.2.1b.
b. Pieces mailed at automation letter prices may weigh up to 3.5
ounces. Saturation and high density letters weighing more than 3.5
ounces are mailable at applicable saturation or high density
nonautomation letter prices.
* * * * *
5.0 Additional Eligibility Standards for Nonautomation Standard Mail
Letters
* * * * *
5.5 Nonmachinable Price Application
[Revise 5.5 to read as follows:]
Nonmachinable prices in 1.0 apply only to Standard Mail letter-size
pieces (including card-size pieces) that meet the criteria in 201.2.1
for nonmachinable letters. Nonmachinable saturation or high density
letter-size pieces are subject to the applicable saturation or high
density nonautomation letter prices.
* * * * *
6.0 Additional Eligibility Standards for Enhanced Carrier Route
Standard Mail Letters
6.1 General Enhanced Carrier Route Standards
* * * * *
6.1.2 Basic Eligibility Standards
All pieces in an Enhanced Carrier Route or Nonprofit Enhanced
Carrier Route Standard Mail mailing must:
* * * * *
[Revise item 6.1.2g to read as follows:]
g. Meet the requirements for automation compatibility in 201.3.0
and bear an accurate delivery point POSTNET barcode (through April
2011) or Intelligent Mail barcode encoded with the correct delivery
point routing code matching the delivery address and meeting the
standards in 202.5.0, and 708.4.0, except as provided in 6.1.2h. Pieces
prepared with a simplified address format are exempt from the
automation-compatibility and barcode requirements. Letters with
Intelligent Mail barcodes entered under the full-service Intelligent
Mail automation option also must meet the standards in 705.22.0.
[Add new item 6.1.2h to read as follows:]
h. All saturation and high density letters over 3.5 ounces, and
saturation (other than pieces with a simplified address) and high
density letter-size pieces not meeting the standards 6.1.2g must pay
the applicable nonautomation saturation or high density prices. Basic
carrier route letter prices are the same for barcoded automation-
compatible pieces and nonautomation pieces.
[Delete 6.1.3, Maximum Weight for Enhanced Carrier Route Letters, in
its entirety.]
* * * * *
6.3 Basic Price Enhanced Carrier Route Standards
* * * * *
6.3.2 Basic Price Eligibility
[Revise 6.3.2 by deleting items a and b in their entirety to read as
follows:]
Basic prices apply to each piece sorted under 245.6.0 or 705.8.0 in
a full carrier route tray, in a carrier route bundle of 10 or more
pieces, or in groups of 10 or more pieces placed in a 5-digit carrier
routes or a 3-digit carrier routes tray.
6.4 High Density Enhanced Carrier Route Standards
6.4.1 Basic Eligibility Standards for High Density Prices
[Revise 6.4.1, by deleting items a and b and incorporating those items
into the text to read as follows:]
High density letter-size mailpieces must be in a full carrier route
tray or in a carrier route bundle of 10 or more pieces placed in a 5-
digit carrier routes or 3-digit carrier routes tray. High density
prices for barcoded letters apply to each piece that is automation-
compatible according to 201.3.0, and has an accurate delivery point
POSTNET barcode (through April 2011) or Intelligent Mail barcode
encoded with the correct delivery point routing code matching the
delivery address and meeting the standards in 202.5.0, and 708.4.0.
Except for pieces with a simplified address, pieces that are not
automation-compatible or not barcoded are mailable only at the
nonautomation high density letter prices.
* * * * *
6.4.3 High Density Discount for Heavy Letters
[Revise 6.4.3 to read as follows:]
High density pieces that are automation-compatible under 201.3.0,
that are accurately barcoded with a delivery point barcode, and that
weigh more than 3.3 ounces but not more than 3.5 ounces, pay postage
equal to the piece/pound price and receive a discount equal to the high
density flat-size piece price (3.3 ounces or less) minus the high
density letter piece price (3.3 ounces or less). The discount is
calculated using nondestination entry prices only, regardless of entry
level. This discount does not apply to pieces paying nonautomation high
density letter prices.
6.5 Saturation ECR Standards
6.5.1 Basic Eligibility Standards for Saturation Prices
[Revise 6.5.1 by deleting items a through c and incorporating those
items into the text to read as follows:]
Saturation letter-size mailpieces must be in a full carrier route
tray or in a carrier route bundle of 10 or more pieces placed in a 5-
digit carrier routes or 3-digit carrier routes tray. Saturation prices
for barcoded letters apply to each piece that is automation-compatible
according to 201.3.0, and has an accurate delivery point POSTNET
barcode (through April 2011) or Intelligent Mail barcode encoded with
the correct delivery point routing code matching the delivery address
and
[[Page 70130]]
meeting the standards in 202.5.0 and 708.4.0. Except for pieces with a
simplified address, pieces that are not automation-compatible or not
barcoded are mailable at nonautomation saturation letter prices.
* * * * *
6.5.3 Saturation Discount for Heavy Letters
[Revise 6.5.3 to read as follows:]
Saturation pieces that are automation-compatible under 201.3.0, are
accurately barcoded with a delivery point barcode, and weigh more than
3.3 ounces but not more than 3.5 ounces pay postage equal to the piece/
pound price and receive a discount equal to the saturation flat-size
piece price (3.3 ounces or less) minus the saturation letter piece
price (3.3 ounces or less). The discount is calculated using
nondestination entry prices only, regardless of entry level. This
discount also applies to saturation pieces with simplified addresses.
This discount does not apply to pieces paying nonautomation saturation
letter prices.
* * * * *
300 Commercial Flats
301 Physical Standards
* * * * *
3.0 Physical Standards for Automation Flats
* * * * *
[Delete 3.3 in its entirety, and renumber current 3.4 through 3.6 as
new 3.3 through 3.5.]
* * * * *
400 Commercial Parcels
* * * * *
460 Bound Printed Matter
463 Prices and Eligibility
1.0 Prices and Fees for Bound Printed Matter
* * * * *
1.2 Commercial Bound Printed Matter
* * * * *
1.2.6 Determining Single-Piece Weight
[Revise the last sentence of 1.2.6 to read as follows:]
* * * Express all single-piece weights in decimal pounds rounded
off to two decimal places.
* * * * *
470 Media Mail
473 Prices and Eligibility
1.0 Media Mail Prices and Fees
* * * * *
1.5 Computing Postage for Media Mail
1.5.1 Determining Single-Piece Weight
[Revise the last sentence of 1.5.1 to read as follows:]
* * * Express all single-piece weights in decimal pounds rounded
off to two decimal places.
* * * * *
480 Library Mail
483 Prices and Eligibility
1.0 Library Mail Prices and Fees
* * * * *
1.5 Computing Postage for Library Mail
1.5.1 Determining Single-Piece Weight
[Revise the last sentence of 1.5.1 to read as follows:]
* * * Express all single-piece weights in decimal pounds rounded
off to two decimal places.
* * * * *
500 Additional Mailing Services
* * * * *
507 Mailer Services
* * * * *
7.0 Mailing List Services
* * * * *
7.2 General Information
* * * * *
[Revise title and text of 7.2.2 to read as follows:]
7.2.2 Carrier Route Information System
The official city delivery scheme, called the Carrier Route
Information System, is available to mailers.
* * * * *
509 Other Services
1.0 Address Information System Services
[Revise all of 509.1.0 to reorganize by adding additional address
information system services as follows:]
1.1 General Information
Address Management provides services that enable customers to
manage the quality of their mailing lists while maximizing the Postal
Service's ability to efficiently deliver mail. These services are
described in 1.2 through 1.38. Additional information on these services
can be found on RIBBS at ribbs.usps.gov or by calling the National
Customer Support Center (see 608.8.0 for address) at 800-238-3150. See
Notice 123[boxh]Price List.
1.2 Address Element Correction
Address Element Correction (AEC) service identifies and corrects
bad or incomplete addresses using enhanced computer logic.
1.3 Address Matching System Application Program Interface
Address Matching System Application Program Interface (AMS API) is
a core set of compiled address-matching software instructions
available, for a set fee, to developers to incorporate into their
software so that address lists can be updated with address data from
the following databases, which are integrated into the AMS-API: City
State, ZIP + 4, Five-Digit ZIP, eLOT, DPV, and LACS \Link\. The
following services require payment of separate additional fees:
a. Installing the AMS-API on multiple computers for its own use.
b. Reselling its address-matching software.
c. Obtaining computer software instructions that permit the API to
access the RDI data when licensed separately.
d. Reselling RDI-API.
1.4 Advance Notification and Tracking System
The Advance Notification and Tracking System provide mailers with
delivery performance reports and data for qualified Standard Mail and
Periodicals mailings with specific in-home delivery windows.
1.5 AEC ll Service
AEC II Service sends addresses with errors that cannot be resolved
through other Address Management services to the field for resolution
based on knowledge of delivery personnel. The mailer is provided with
the correct address or with information that the address is not a
recognized deliverable address.
1.6 Address Information Service Viewer
The Address Information Service (AIS) Viewer is an interactive CD-
ROM that provides the ability to retrieve, view, and print accurate and
current ZIP Code information for all 50 states on demand, eliminating
hardcopy reports.
1.7 Barcode Certification
The barcode certification program evaluates manufacturers'
printers, computer software, and computer systems that produce a
barcode in order to certify that the barcode meets all dimensional
specifications required by the Postal Service.
[[Page 70131]]
1.8 Carrier Route Information System
The Carrier Route Information System (CRIS) service provides
reference information needed to apply carrier route codes to addresses.
Copying is allowed for an additional fee.
1.9 CASS Certification
CASS evaluates and certifies the accuracy of address-matching
software that applies ZIP + 4, DPV, LACS \Link\, Carrier Route
Information System (CRIS), DSF2, eLOT, RDI, and Five-Digit ZIP. The
Postal Service certifies software meeting its standards until the
expiration of the applicable CASS cycle. Software must be re-certified
for each CASS cycle. Ordinarily, a CASS testing cycle extends from
August 1 through July 31 of the next year, and permits software use
until the following July 31.
1.10 Change-of-Address Information for Election Boards and Registration
Commissions
Change-of-Address Information for Election Boards and Registration
Commissions service provides election boards and voter registration
commissions with the current address of a resident addressee, if known
to the Postal Service.
1.11 City State
The City State service is a comprehensive ZIP Code list associated
with the appropriate city, county, and Post Office names. Copying is
allowed for an additional fee.
1.12 Computerized Delivery Sequence (CDS)
CDS service provides and updates delivery sequence address
information by carrier route for qualified mailers. The CDS No Stat
service provides and updates nondelivery address information about new
construction and rural route vacancies by carrier route for qualified
mailers.
1.13 Delivery Statistics
The Delivery Statistics service provides statistical information
regarding delivery by carrier route and Post Office box section.
Copying is allowed for an additional fee.
1.14 Delivery Type
The Delivery Type service provides a file that indicates the type
of deliveries (i.e., P.O. Box, street, unique, military, and general
deliveries) made within each 5-digit ZIP Code area in the United
States. Copying is allowed for an additional fee.
1.15 Delivery Point Validation
The Delivery Point Validation (DPV) service in conjunction with
CASS-Certified address matching software validates delivery points.
Unlimited sublicensing is allowed by software developers without
further payment.
1.16 DSF2 Service
The DSF2 service is used to check mailing address accuracy,
identify address types, and obtain walk sequence statistics. The DSF2
database is the most complete Postal Service address database
available, containing every deliverable mailing address in the United
States, and is used to verify that address lists are correct and
complete, identify business versus residential addresses, recognize
commercial mail receiving agencies, provide walk sequence numbers and
postal codes, identify seasonal addresses, detect addresses vacant for
over 90 days, and categorize addresses by delivery type, e.g., curb,
door slot, box, etc. DSF2 processing includes address standardization
that may be used to apply for CASS qualification.
1.17 eLine-Of-Travel Service
eLine-of-Travel (eLOT) service gives mailers the ability to sort
their mailings in approximate carrier-casing line-of-travel sequence.
Copying is allowed for an additional fee.
1.18 FASTforward Multi-line Optical Character Reader
The FASTforward system makes change-of-address information for
moves available to mailers so that it can be applied to a mailpiece
while it is being processed on a multi-line optical character reader
(MLOCR). Customers use FASTforward Move Update Notification electronic
files to update their databases with change-of-address information.
1.19 Five-Digit ZIP
The Five-Digit ZIP service provides detailed street data for multi-
coded cities (i.e., cities that have more than one 5-digit ZIP Code),
so that the proper ZIP Code can be identified. Copying is allowed for
an additional fee.
1.20 Labeling Lists
Labeling Lists contain destination ZIP Codes with the corresponding
Postal Service facility destination information.
1.21 LACS \Link\
LACS \Link\ service provides mailers an automated method of
obtaining new addresses when rural-style addresses are converted to
street-style addresses. The three types of licenses are listed in
1.21.1 through 1.21.3.
1.21.1 Interface Developer
Interface Developer service grants the right to develop an
interface between address-matching software and the LACS \Link\
database service.
1.21.2 Interface Distributor
Interface Distributor service grants the right to sublicense the
interface and the LACS \Link\ database service to third parties.
1.21.3 End User
End User service grants the right to obtain the LACS \Link\
database service directly from the Postal Service for use in updating
mailing lists.
1.22 MAC Batch System Certification
The MAC Batch System Certification service evaluates and certifies
that manifest/presort mailing products accurately list and calculate
postage for presorted non-identical piece mailings consistent with DMM,
IMM, and manifest mailing system processing standards. Software is
certified until the expiration of the applicable MAC Batch System
cycle.
1.23 MAC Gold System Certification
The MAC Gold System Certification service evaluates and certifies
that manifest mailing systems (software, weigh scales, and label
printers) accurately list and calculate postage for nonidentical piece
mailings consistent with DMM, IMM, and manifest mailing system itemized
pricing standards. Software is certified until the expiration of the
applicable MAC Gold System cycle.
1.24 MAC System Certification
The MAC System Certification service evaluates and certifies that
manifest mailing software accurately lists and calculates postage for
nonidentical piece mailings consistent with DMM, IMM, and manifest
mailing system standards, until the expiration of the applicable MAC
System cycle.
1.25 MASS Certification
MASS (Multiline Accuracy Support System) Certification service
provides certification for multiline optical character readers, remote
video encoding, local video encoding, and encoding stations
(``equipment''). The MASS certification process is designed to evaluate
the ability of the equipment to process address information using CASS-
Certified software, and apply an accurate delivery point barcode to a
mailpiece. The Postal Service separately
[[Page 70132]]
certifies the equipment for a manufacturer and the user. Certified
equipment can be used until the expiration of the applicable MASS
cycle. Ordinarily, a MASS testing cycle extends from August 1st through
July 31st of the next year, and permits use until the following July
31st.
1.26 NCOA \Link\
The NCOA \Link\ service makes change-of-address information for
moves available to mailers. The Postal Service tests the systems under
the Developer, Full Service Provider, Limited Service Provider, End
User, and Mail Processing Equipment licenses to ensure that they meet
Postal Service performance requirements. The six types of licenses are
listed in 1.26.1 through 1.26.6.
1.26.1 NCOA \Link\ Interface Developer
NCOA \Link\ Interface Developer service grants the right to develop
a software interface between address-matching software and the NCOA
\Link\ service database.
1.26.2 NCOA \Link\ Interface Distributor
NCOA \Link\ Interface Distributor service grants the right to
unlimited sublicensing of software interfaces developed pursuant to an
NCOA \Link\ Interface Developer License.
1.26.3 NCOA \Link\ Full Service Provider (FSP)
NCOA \Link\ FSP service grants the right to perform address list
updating services for both the licensee and third party mailers using
48 months of change-of-address data. Postal Service database services
such as DPV and LACS \Link\ are included.
1.26.4 NCOA \Link\ Limited Service Provider (LSP)
NCOA \Link\ LSP service grants the right to perform address list
updating services for third-party mailers, as well as for the
licensee's own mail using 18 months of change-of-address data.
1.26.5 NCOA \Link\ End User Mailer
NCOA \Link\ End User Mailer service grants a mailer the right to
perform address list updating for its own mail using 18 months of
change-of-address data.
1.26.6 NCOA \Link\ Mail Processing Equipment
NCOA \Link\ Mail Processing Equipment service grants a mailer the
right to either perform address updating directly onto its mailpieces
using 18 months of change-of-address data and an MLOCR or to create an
electronic file for address updating using other mail processing
equipment.
1.27 NCOA \Link\ -- ANK \Link\ Service Option
ANK \Link\ provides an option for NCOA \Link\ LSP and End User
Mailer licensees to acquire an additional 30 months of change-of-
address information. ANK \Link\ informs mailers that a customer has
moved, along with the move effective date. It does not provide the new
address.
1.28 Official National Zone Charts
The Official National Zone Charts identify the appropriate distance
code assigned to each originating and destination pairing for every ZIP
Code in the nation.
1.29 Periodicals Accuracy, Grading, and Evaluation System Certification
The Periodicals Accuracy, Grading, and Evaluation (PAGE) system
evaluates and certifies the accuracy of publication and print planning
(PPP) software that calculates virtual copy weight and the percentage
of advertising consistent with Periodicals computation standards, and
certifies users of PPP software who demonstrate knowledge of the
software for Periodicals mailings based on DMM standards and applicable
USPS Customer Support Rulings. Software and users are certified until
the expiration of the applicable PAGE cycle.
1.30 PAVE System Certification
The PAVE (presort accuracy validation evaluation) system evaluates
and certifies the accuracy of presort software that sorts mailing lists
consistent with DMM mail preparation standards. Software is certified
until the expiration of the applicable PAVE cycle.
1.31 RDI Service
The RDI service verifies whether a delivery type is classified as
residential or business.
1.32 Topological Integrated Geographic Encoding and Referencing
Topological Integrated Geographic Encoding and Referencing (TIGER/
ZIP+4) service is a bridge file that allows mailers to access other
information using the ZIP+4 codes they already have associated with
their addresses. This file offers demographers and market researchers a
method to relate ZIP+4 coded address lists to U. S. Census Bureau
demographic data.
1.33 Z4CHANGE
The Z4CHANGE service provides the information necessary to
facilitate frequent and cost-effective updating of very large
computerized mailing lists for automation compatibility and improved
deliverability. Copying is allowed for an additional fee.
1.34 Z4INFO
Z4INFO is an add-on utility to the ZIP+4 service that can be
integrated into address-matching software to improve address quality.
There is no charge for this service.
1.35 ZIP+4 Service
The ZIP+4 service is the base reference that can be used to assign
the correct ZIP+4 code associated with a physical address. Copying is
allowed for an additional fee.
1.36 ZIPMove
The ZIPMove data file assists address-matching software in
providing up-to-date, accurate ZIP+4 codes.
1.37 ZIP Code Sortation of Address Lists
ZIP Code Sortation of Address Lists service provides sortation of
addresses to the finest possible ZIP Code level.
1.38 99 Percent Accurate Method
The 99 Percent Accurate Method provides testing of mailers' address
lists to determine whether they are at least 99 percent accurate.
* * * * *
We will publish an appropriate amendment to 39 CFR Part 111 to
reflect these changes.
Stanley F. Mires,
Chief Counsel, Legislative.
[FR Doc. 2010-28590 Filed 11-16-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7710-12-P