Federal Register, Volume 78 Issue 224 (Wednesday, November 20, 2013)

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 224 (Wednesday, November 20, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 69553-69562]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-27728]

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POSTAL SERVICE

39 CFR Part 111

Domestic Competitive Products Pricing and Mailing Standards
Changes

AGENCY: Postal Service\TM\.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: The Postal Service is amending its Mailing Standards of the
United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM[supreg]), to
reflect changes to prices and mailing standards for certain competitive
products.

DATES: Effective: January 26, 2014.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Margaret Choiniere (202) 268-7231 or
Garry Rodriguez (202) 268-7281.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This final rule describes new prices and
product features for competitive products, by class of mail,
established by the Governors of the United States Postal
Service[supreg]. New prices are available under Docket Number CP2014-5
on the Postal Regulatory Commission's (PRC) Web site at http://www.prc.gov, and also located on the Postal Explorer[supreg] Web site
at http://pe.usps.com.
The Postal Service will revise Mailing Standards of the United
States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM[supreg]), to reflect
changes to prices and mailing standards for the following competitive
products:
Priority Mail Express\TM\.
Priority Mail[supreg].
First-Class Package Service\TM\.
Parcel Select[supreg].
Standard Post\TM\.
Extra Services.
Return Services.
Mailer Services.
Recipient Services.
Competitive product prices and changes are identified by product as
follows:

Priority Mail Express

Prices

Overall, Priority Mail Express prices will increase 3.0 percent.
Priority Mail Express will continue to offer zoned Retail, Commercial
Base\TM\, and Commercial Plus\TM\ pricing tiers.
Retail prices will increase an average of 3.1 percent. The price
for the Retail

[[Page 69554]]

Flat Rate Envelope, Legal Flat Rate Envelope, and Padded Flat Rate
Envelope is increasing to $19.99. The Flat Rate Box price is increasing
to $44.95. This is the first price increase for the Flat Rate Box since
its introduction in January 2012.
The existing Commercial Base prices offer lower prices to customers
who use online and other authorized postage payment methods. Commercial
Base prices will increase an average of 2.9 percent.
The existing Commercial Plus price category offers price incentives
to large volume customers. Commercial Plus prices will increase an
average of 0.6 percent.

Delivery and Availability Times for Priority Mail Express

The Postal Service will eliminate the 12 p.m. time for delivery of
items to an addressee within the delivery area of the destination
facility for Priority Mail Express Next Day and Second Day delivery.
The default time for delivery of items to an addressee for Next Day and
Second Day delivery will be 3:00 p.m. The Postal Service is announcing
a new optional 10:30 a.m. delivery time for a fee of $5.00 for PO
Box\TM\ and street delivery service for certain origin and destination
ZIP Code\TM\ pairs.
The Postal Service will also revise the Hold For Pick Up service
times for Priority Mail Express Next Day and Second Day delivery items.
The current 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m., pick up times will
be change to 10:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. There is no fee for the 10:30
a.m. pick up time.

PME Package Simplification Updates

As part of the Package Simplification efforts which began on July
28, 2013, the Postal Service continues to streamline offerings to
eliminate unnecessary items. The expansion of transportation networks
for expedited products and enhancements in scanning technology has
resulted in no detectable difference for handling and delivery of the
two primary Priority Mail Express services available today. As a
result, we will update DMM language as follows: Priority Mail Express
Post Office to Addressee will be referred to as simply Priority Mail
Express, and Priority Mail Express Custom Designed service will be
discontinued.
Additionally, the Postal Service will update the January 26, 2014,
DMM to globally change Priority Mail Express Next Day Delivery and
Priority Mail Express Second Day Delivery to Priority Mail Express 1-
Day Delivery and Priority Mail Express 2-Day Delivery.

Priority Mail

Prices

Overall, Priority Mail prices will average a net zero percent price
increase. The price increase varies by price cell and price tier.
Retail prices will average a net zero percent price increase. The
Flat Rate Envelope will continue to be priced at $5.60, along with the
Legal Flat Rate Envelope priced at $5.75 and Padded Flat Rate Envelope
priced at $5.95. The Flat Rate Box prices will remain the same for the
Small, $5.80, and Medium, $12.35, boxes. The Large Flat Rate Box will
increase to $17.45 and Large APO/FPO/DPO Box will be $15.45.
Commercial Base prices offer lower prices to customers who use
online and other authorized postage payment methods. Commercial Base
prices will average a net zero percent price increase. Commercial Base
pricing offers an average 11.0 percent discount off retail prices.
Commercial Plus price category offers attractive price incentives
to large volume customers. Commercial Plus prices will average a net
zero percent price increase. Commercial Plus pricing offers an average
14.3 percent discount off retail prices.

Commercial Plus Volume Threshold

For consistency, the Postal Service will reduce the Commercial Plus
volume threshold of 75,000 total pieces in the previous calendar year
(except Priority Mail Open and Distribute) to 50,000 total pieces in
the previous calendar year (except Priority Mail Open and Distribute).
The 5,000 letter-size and flat-size pieces (including Flat Rate
Envelopes, but not the Padded Flat Rate Envelope) cumulative account
volume threshold will remain the same.

Commercial Plus Cubic

The Postal Service will reduce the Commercial Plus cubic volume
threshold from exceeding 150,000 pieces in the previous calendar year
to exceeding 50,000 pieces in the previous calendar year, to make cubic
pricing more accessible to a larger group of customers.

Priority Mail Open and Distribute

The Postal Service will revise DMM section 423.1.1 to clarify that
only tray boxes entered at Priority Mail Commercial Plus prices are not
based on weight, but are charged based on the tray box and zone to
which it is sent. Tray boxes not entered at Priority Mail Commercial
Plus prices are priced as Priority Mail by weight and zone.

First-Class Package Service

Prices

Overall, First-Class Package Service prices will increase 5.0
percent. The Intelligent Mail[supreg] package barcode (IMpb) will
continue to provide free USPS tracking and confirmation of delivery
with these parcels.

Parcel Select

Prices

Overall, Parcel Select prices will increase an average of 9.2
percent.
The average price increase for Parcel Select Destination Entry
destination delivery unit (DDU) is 8.0 percent, destination sectional
center facility (DSCF) is 5.6 percent, and destination network
distribution center (DNDC) is 5.1 percent.
The prices for Parcel Select NDC (network distribution center) and
ONDC (origin network distribution center) presorted parcels are
increasing an average of 10.0 and 5.8 percent respectively. The prices
for Parcel Select Nonpresort parcels are increasing an average of 5.2
percent.
The prices for Parcel Select Lightweight\TM\ (PSLW) will increase
an average of 10.1 percent. The IMpb will continue to provide free USPS
tracking and confirmation of delivery with PSLW as well.

Standard Post

Overall, Standard Post prices will increase an average of 5.2
percent.

Eligibility Criteria for Standard Post

The Postal Service moved Standard Post to the competitive product
listing effective January 27, 2013. This included aligning the costs
with Priority Mail Zone 1 through 4, 1 through 15 pound price
combinations.
To further simplify our shipping options, the Postal Service will
limit the Standard Post Zone 1 through 4, 1 through 70 pound price
combinations to shipments of mailable hazardous materials, live
animals, or other items required by standard to be shipped by ground
transportation only. Standard Post will still be available for all
mailable items shipped to Zones 5 through 8 up to 70 pounds.

Extra Services

Adult Signature Service

Adult Signature Service prices are increasing. The price for Adult
Signature Required is $5.20 and Adult Signature Restricted Delivery is
$5.45.

[[Page 69555]]

Return Services

Parcel Return Service

Parcel Return Service (PRS) prices will have an overall price
increase of 3.0 percent. Return Network Distribution Center (RNDC) and
Return Sectional Center Facility (RSCF) prices will have no increase.
Return Delivery Unit (RDU) prices will increase an average of 5.7
percent.
Parcel Return Service -- Full Network (PRS -- Full Network) prices
will remain the same for January 2014.
The Parcel Return Service annual permit fee and annual account
maintenance fee are increasing. Information on fees can be found in the
Domestic Mailing Services Federal Register Notice.

Mailer Services

Premium Forwarding Service

The enrollment fee for Retail or online applications for Premium
Forwarding Service[supreg] (PFS[supreg]), in effect since 2005, is
increasing. Additionally, the fee will now vary between Retail and
online requests. The enrollment fee paid at the Retail Counter is
increasing to $17.00 per application. The enrollment fee paid online is
being increased to $16.00 per application. The price of the weekly
reshipment charge will remain at $17.00 for January 2014.

Premium Forwarding Service Commercial

The Postal Service provides this advance notice of the redesign of
commercial Priority Mail Express (PME) Reshipment and Priority Mail
(PM) Reshipment service offerings. Once final systems implementation is
completed, anticipated for July 2014, the DMM standards will be revised
accordingly. As background, the Postal Service currently offers
residential and commercial customers options for reshipment of mail
from one delivery location to another. For retail customers, Premium
Forwarding Service[supreg] (PFS[supreg]) is available for up to one
year and shipments are sent weekly. For commercial customers, PME
Reshipment service (established with a USPS Corporate Account) and PM
Reshipment service (established with a Merchandise Return Service (MRS)
permit account) are available for a specific period of time and
frequency.
Under the new commercial reshipment service, our PFS[supreg]
offerings will be expanded. Premium Forwarding Service[supreg]
Commercial (PFS[supreg] Commercial) will replace commercial PME
Reshipment and PM Reshipment service and will be available to business
customers who pay an annual enrollment fee and postage online.
Customers will have the ability to determine the frequency and
locations where reshipment service is desired, and will choose if the
shipments will be sent by either PME or PM. Shipping containers used
for PFS[supreg] Commercial will be restricted to sacks, tray boxes, and
for minimal amounts of mail, Flat Rate envelopes. Additionally,
customers will no longer be required to provide MRS or PME labels for
reshipments or to pay daily Pickup on Demand fees where currently
applicable.
Effective in July 2014, enrollment for PFS[supreg] Commercial will
be available through the Business Customer Gateway at: https://gateway.usps.com/bcg/login.htm.

USPS Package Intercept

The USPS Package Intercept\TM\ fee will increase 5.0 percent to
$11.50 for January 2014.

USPS Package Intercept Automated Retail Requests

Currently, Retail customers may request to have their package
intercepted and redirected to sender by submitting PS Form 1509,
Sender's Request for USPS Package Intercept Service (previously
Sender's Application for Recall of Mail). Commercial customers may
request to have their package redirected to sender, to a new postal
delivery address, or to a Post Office as Hold For Pickup service
through the Business Customer Gateway at https://gateway.usps.com/bcg/login.htm.
The Postal Service will introduce an additional phase of Package
Intercept service which will automate the retail requests and related
payments for Package Intercept service to online at www.usps.com. As a
result of the retail online implementation, manual requests are no
longer necessary and PS Form 1509 will be retired.
Additionally, the Postal Service will revise various sections of
DMM 507.5.0, Package Intercept, for clarification.

Pickup on Demand Service

The Pickup on Demand[supreg] service daily fee will remain at
$20.00 for January 2014.

Pickup on Demand Service Online Enhancements

The Postal Service will retire PS Form 5541, Pickup Service
Statement--Priority Mail Express, Global Express Guaranteed, Priority
Mail, or Standard Post, as a result of online enhancements that
automate the payment method for all package pickup services, including
Pickup On Demand. Online options, including the request for recurring
pickups through the online Package Pickup program, are located at
www.usps.com.

Recipient Services

Post Office Box Service

The competitive Post Office Box^TM service prices will
increase an average of 3.5 percent within the existing price ranges
previously set.

Other

New Zone 9 Added to Zone Priced Products

The Postal Service will extend zone pricing to add a ``Zone 9'' for
domestic mail service products provided to the Freely Associated States
(FAS). Costs associated with these destinations are unique and
significant compared to other origin and destination pairs currently
covered by Zone 8. The FAS are three independent countries with eight
ZIP Codes included in the 969 3-Digit ZIP Code area assigned to these
locations as follows:

Republic of Palau (PW)--96939, 96940
Federated States of Micronesia (FM)--96941, 96942, 96943,
96944
Republic of the Marshall Islands (MH)--96960, 96970

Pricing for the remaining 5-Digit ZIP Codes in the 969 area will
not be affected by this pricing change.

Palau Postage Refunds Guaranteed for Loss Only

As set forth in the terms of the Compact of Free Association
between the United States Government and the government of the Republic
of Palau pending ratification, Palau is added to the list of countries
where guaranteed postage is not refunded other than for loss.

Noncompliant IMpb Barcode Surcharge

The Postal Service will implement a $0.20 per piece price for IMpb
noncompliant pieces. The surcharge will apply to all competitive
product pieces entered at commercial prices. Pieces failing to meet the
January 26, 2014 standards for IMpb use and falling outside the
established thresholds will be subject to this new surcharge.
Information regarding the details on the application of the
surcharge can be found in the November 2013, final rule Federal
Register notice, New Standards to Enhance Package Visibility.

[[Page 69556]]

Permit Imprint Application Fee Waiver for eVS

The Postal Service will revise the DMM to waive the permit imprint
application fee for mailers using an Electronic Manifest Mailing System
(eVS[supreg]).

Packaging of Live Animals

The Postal Service will revise DMM standards to clarify that USPS-
produced packaging, including Flat Rate containers, is not eligible for
shipping live animals.

Resources

The Postal Service provides additional resources to assist
customers with this price change for competitive products. These tools
include price lists, downloadable price files, and Federal Register
Notices, which may be found on the Postal Explorer[supreg] Web site at
pe.usps.com.
The Postal Service adopts the following changes 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.

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:
* * * * *

Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail
Manual (DMM)

* * * * *

100 Retail Mail

* * * * *

110 Priority Mail Express

113 Prices and Eligibility

1.0 Priority Mail Express Prices and Fees

* * * * *
[Renumber 1.6 as 1.7 and add new 1.6 as follows:]

1.6 Optional Delivery Fee

An optional fee is charged for a 10:30 a.m. request to have
Priority Mail Express items delivered to an addressee within the
delivery area of the destination facility where available. See Notice
123--Price List for fee.
* * * * *

4.0 Service Features of Priority Mail Express

* * * * *

4.2 Priority Mail Express Next Day Delivery

4.2.1 Availability

[Revise the first sentence of 4.2.1 as follows:]
Priority Mail Express Next Day Delivery is available at designated
USPS facilities, designated Priority Mail Express collection boxes, or
through Package Pickup or Pickup on Demand service, for overnight
service to designated 3-digit or 5-digit destination ZIP Code delivery
areas. * * *
* * * * *

4.2.4 Delivery Times

[Revise the text of 4.2.4 as follows:]
Items are delivered by 3 p.m. on the next day. If delivery is not
made, the addressee is notified; a reminder notice is also left on the
third day. A second delivery is attempted only upon customer request.
Items may be delivered by 10:30 a.m. for a fee under 1.6.

4.2.5 Hold for Pickup

[Revise the text of 4.2.5 as follows:]
Under Hold for Pickup service, items presented under 4.2 are
available for pick up by the addressee at the destination facility by
10:30 a.m. or 3 p.m. of the next day the destination office is open for
retail business.

4.3 Priority Mail Express Second Day Delivery

4.3.1 Availability

[Revise the text of 4.3.1 as follows:]
Priority Mail Express Second Day Delivery is available to any 3-
digit or 5-digit ZIP Code destination not listed in the Next Day
Delivery directory mentioned in 4.2.2. For an additional option, see
4.3.5, Hold for Pickup.
* * * * *
[Renumber 4.3.4 as 4.3.5 and add new 4.3.4 as follows:]

4.3.4 Delivery Time

Items are delivered to the addressee by 3 p.m. on the second
delivery day. If delivery is not made, the addressee is notified, a
second notice is left on the third day, and a second delivery is
attempted upon customer request. Items may be delivered by 10:30 a.m.
for a fee under 1.6.

4.3.5 Hold for Pickup

4.4 Priority Mail Express Military Service (PMEMS)

* * * * *

4.4.2 Availability

[Revise the last sentence of 4.4.2 as follows:]
* * * PMEMS Open and Distribute service is available to authorized
APO/FPO and DPO destinations.
[Delete 4.5 in its entirety and renumber 4.6 as 4.5.]
* * * * *

115 Mail Preparation

* * * * *

2.0 Priority Mail Express Next Day and Second Day

2.1 Mailing Label

[Revise the first sentence of 2.1 as follows:]
For each Priority Mail Express item, the mailer must complete Label
11-B or Label 11-F, Label 11-HFPU for Hold for Pickup service, or a
single-ply Priority Mail Express label generated through Click-N-Ship
or a USPS-approved method. * * *

2.2 Waiver of Signature

[Revise the first sentence of 2.2 as follows:]
For editions of Priority Mail Express Label 11-B or Label 11-F
printed before January 2012, a mailer sending a Priority Mail Express
item may instruct the USPS to deliver a Priority Mail Express Next Day
Delivery or Priority Mail Express Second Day Delivery item without
obtaining the signature of the addressee or the addressee's agent by
checking and signing the waiver of signature on Label 11-B or Label 11-
F, or indicating waiver of signature is requested on single-ply
commercial label. * * *

2.3 Signature Required

[Revise the last sentence of 2.3 as follows:]
* * * A mailer must select signature service for Priority Mail
Express COD,

[[Page 69557]]

or Priority Mail Express with additional insurance.
* * * * *

150 Standard Post

153 Prices and Eligibility

1.0 Standard Post Prices and Fees

1.1 Price Eligibility

Standard Post prices are calculated based on the zone to which the
parcel is addressed and the weight of the parcel. Standard Post prices
are available as follows:
[Renumber items 1.1a and 1.1b as 1.1c and 1.1d and add new items
1.1a and 1.1b as follows:]
a. Except for items mailed under 1.1b, Standard Post prices are
only available for mailable items sent to Zones 5 through 8.
b. Standard Post prices are available for items sent to Zones 1
through 8 that contain mailable hazardous materials or live animals
eligible to be shipped by surface transportation, or for items required
by standard to be shipped by surface transportation only.
* * * * *

2.0 Basic Eligibility Standards for Standard Post

2.1 Definition of Standard Post

[Revise the text of 2.1 as follows:]
Standard Post has a maximum weight limit of 70 pounds per parcel
and is available only through retail channels.
* * * * *

3.0 Content Standards

[Delete the heading 3.1 General Content Standards and move the text
under 3.0. Revise the text of 3.0 as follows:]
Standard Post mail consists of mailable matter that is neither
mailed or required to be mailed as First-Class Mail nor entered as
Periodicals (except as permitted under 3.1a and 3.1b or permitted or
required under 707.7.9). The general public (other than publishers or
registered news agents) may mail copies of Periodicals publications at
Standard Post prices. Attachments or enclosures (also see 4.0) of
Periodicals sample copies may be mailed under the following conditions:
a. Sample copies of authorized and pending Periodicals publications
may be enclosed or attached with merchandise sent at Standard Post
prices.
b. Postage at Standard Post prices is based on the combined weight
of the host piece and the sample copies enclosed.
[Delete current 3.2, Attachments or Enclosures of Periodicals
Sample Copies, in its entirety.]
* * * * *

200 Commercial Letters and Cards

* * * * *

210 Priority Mail Express

213 Prices and Eligibility

1.0 Prices and Fees

1.1 Prices Charged per Piece

[Revise the text of 1.1 by deleting the last sentence.]
* * * * *
[Renumber 1.7 and 1.8 as 1.8 and 1.9. Add new 1.7 as follows:]

1.7 Optional Delivery Fee

4.0 Service Features of Priority Mail Express

* * * * *

4.2 Priority Mail Express Next Day Delivery

4.2.1 Availability

[Revise the text of 4.2.1 as follows:]
Priority Mail Express Next Day Delivery is available via designated
USPS facilities, designated Priority Mail Express collection boxes, or
Pickup on Demand service, for overnight service to designated
destination 3-digit ZIP Code delivery areas. For an additional option,
see 4.2.5.
* * * * *
[Renumber 4.2.4 as 4.2.5 and add new 4.2.4 as follows:]

4.2.4 Delivery Times

Except for items endorsed ``Guaranteed by End of Day'' per an
approved customer agreement, items are delivered to an addressee within
the delivery area of the destination facility by 3 p.m. on the next
day. If delivery is not made, the addressee is notified, a second
notice is left on the third day, and a second delivery is attempted
upon customer request. Items may be delivered by 10:30 a.m. for a fee
under 1.7.

4.2.5 Hold for Pickup

[Revise the text of renumbered 4.2.5 as follows:]
Under Hold for Pickup service, items presented under 4.2 are
available for pick up by the addressee at the destination facility by
10:30 a.m. or 3 p.m. of the next day the destination office is open for
retail business.

4.3 Priority Mail Express Second Day Delivery

4.3.1 Availability

[Revise the text of 4.3.1 as follows:]
Priority Mail Express Second Day Delivery is available to any
destination not listed in the Next Day Delivery directory mentioned in
4.2.2. For an additional option, see 4.3.5.
* * * * *
[Renumber 4.3.4 as 4.3.5 and add new 4.3.4 as follows:]

4.3.4 Delivery Times

Except for items endorsed ``Guaranteed by End of Day'' per an
approved customer agreement, items are delivered to an addressee within
the delivery area of the destination facility by 3 p.m. on the second
delivery day. If delivery is not made, the addressee is notified, a
second notice is left on the third day, and a second delivery is
attempted upon customer request. Items may be delivered by 10:30 a.m.
for a fee under 1.7.

4.3.5 Hold for Pickup

[Revise the text of renumbered 4.3.5 as follows:]
Under Hold for Pickup service, items presented under 4.3 are
available for pick up by the addressee at the destination facility by
10:30 a.m. or 3 p.m. of the second delivery day the destination office
is open for retail business.
* * * * *
[Delete 4.4, Priority Mail Express Custom Designed, in its entirety
and renumber 4.5 and 4.6 as 4.4 and 4.5.]
* * * * *

4.4 Priority Mail Express Military Service (PMEMS)

* * * * *

4.4.2 Availability

[Revise the second sentence of renumbered 4.4.2 as follows:]
* * * PMEMS Open and Distribute service is available to authorized
APO/FPO destinations.

4.5 Open and Distribute

[Revise the text of renumbered 4.5 as follows:]
Priority Mail Express Next Day Delivery and Priority Mail Express
Second Day Delivery may be used to expedite movement of any other class
of

[[Page 69558]]

mail from one domestic USPS facility to another by Priority Mail
Express Open and Distribute subject to the standards in 705.18.0.
* * * * *

215 Mail Preparation

* * * * *

2.0 Priority Mail Express Next Day and Second Day

2.1 Mailing Label

2.2 Waiver of Signature

3.0 Firm Mailing Book

Form 3877 is available at no cost to any mailer who mails an
average of three or more Priority Mail Express items at one time,
following these instructions:
[Revise renumbered item 3.0a as follows:]
a. The mailer must prepare Priority Mail Express Next Day Delivery
or Second Day Delivery items as described above and present the
completed form with the items to be mailed.
* * * * *

216 Enter and Deposit

* * * * *
[Delete 2.0, Priority Mail Express Custom Designed, in its entirety
and renumber 3.0 and 4.0 as 2.0 and 3.0.]
* * * * *

220 Priority Mail

223 Prices and Eligibility

1.0 Prices and Fees

* * * * *

1.3 Commercial Plus Prices

1.3.1 Basic Eligibility

[Revise the second sentence in the introductory text of 1.3.1 as
follows:]
* * * Commercial Plus prices are available to Priority Mail
(including Critical Mail) customers who qualify for Commercial Base
prices and whose cumulative account volume exceeds a combined total of
5,000 letter-size and flat-size pieces (including Flat Rate Envelopes,
but not the Padded Flat Rate Envelope) or 50,000 total pieces (see 423)
in the previous calendar year (except Priority Mail Open and
Distribute) and who have a customer commitment agreement with USPS (New
Priority Mail customers see 1.3.2), and are:
* * * * *

300 Commercial Flats

* * * * *

310 Priority Mail Express

313 Prices and Eligibility

1.0 Prices and Fees

1.1 Prices Charged per Piece

[Revise the text of 1.1 by deleting the last sentence.]
* * * * *
[Renumber 1.7 and 1.8 as 1.8 and 1.9. Add new 1.7 as follows:]

1.7 Optional Delivery Fee

4.0 Service Features of Priority Mail Express

* * * * *

4.2 Priority Mail Express Next Day Delivery

4.2.1 Availability

4.2.4 Delivery Times

4.2.5 Hold for Pickup

4.3 Priority Mail Express Second Day Delivery

4.3.1 Availability

4.3.4 Delivery Times

Except for items endorsed ``Guaranteed by End of Day'' per an
approved customer agreement, items are delivered to an addressee within
the delivery area of the destination facility by 3 p.m. on the second
delivery day. If delivery is not made, the addressee is notified, a
second notice is left on the third day, and a second delivery is
attempted upon customer request. Items may be delivered by 10:30 a.m.
for a fee under 1.7.

4.3.5 Hold for Pick Up

[[Page 69559]]

[Delete 4.4, Priority Mail Express Custom Designed, in its entirety
and renumber 4.5 and 4.6 as 4.4 and 4.5.]
* * * * *

4.4 Priority Mail Express Military Service (PMEMS)

* * * * *

4.4.2 Availability

[Revise the second sentence of renumbered 4.4.2 as follows:]
* * * PMEMS Open and Distribute service is available to authorized
APO/FPO destinations.

4.5 Open and Distribute

[Revise the text of renumbered 4.5 as follows:]
Priority Mail Express Next Day Delivery and Priority Mail Express
Second Day Delivery may be used to expedite movement of any other class
of mail from one domestic USPS facility to another by Priority Mail
Express Open and Distribute subject to the standards in 705.18.0.
* * * * *

315 Mail Preparation

* * * * *

2.0 Priority Mail Express Next Day and Second Day

2.1 Mailing Label

2.2 Waiver of Signature

3.0 Firm Mailing Book

316 Enter and Deposit

* * * * *
[Delete 2.0, Priority Mail Express Custom Designed, in its entirety
and renumber 3.0 and 4.0 as 2.0 and 3.0.]
* * * * *

320 Priority Mail

323 Prices and Eligibility

1.0 Prices and Fees

* * * * *

1.3 Commercial Plus Prices

1.3.1 Basic Eligibility

400 Commercial Parcels

* * * * *

410 Priority Mail Express

413 Prices and Eligibility

1.0 Prices and Fees

1.1 Prices Charged per Piece

[Revise the text of 1.1 by deleting the last sentence.]
* * * * *
[Renumber 1.7 through 1.9 as 1.8 through 1.10. Add new 1.7 as
follows:]

1.7 Optional Delivery Fee

4.0 Service Features of Priority Mail Express

* * * * *

4.2 Priority Mail Express Next Day Delivery

4.2.1 Availability

[Revise the text of 4.2.1 as follows:]
Priority Mail Express Next Day Delivery is available via designated
USPS facilities, designated Priority Mail Express collection boxes, or
through Package Pickup or Pickup on Demand service, for overnight
service to designated destination 3-digit ZIP Code delivery areas. For
an additional option, see 4.2.5.
* * * * *
[Renumber 4.2.4 as 4.2.5 and add new 4.2.4 as follows:]

4.2.4 Delivery Times

4.2.5 Hold for Pickup

4.3 Priority Mail Express Second Day Delivery

4.3.1 Availability

4.3.4 Delivery Times

Except for items endorsed ``Guaranteed by End of Day'' per an

[[Page 69560]]

approved customer agreement, items are delivered to an addressee within
the delivery area of the destination facility by 3 p.m. on the second
delivery day. If delivery is not made, the addressee is notified, a
second notice is left on the third day, and a second delivery is
attempted upon customer request. Items may be delivered by 10:30 a.m.
for a fee under 1.7.

4.3.5 Hold for Pickup

4.4 Priority Mail Express Military Service (PMEMS)

* * * * *

4.4.2 Availability

[Revise the second sentence of renumbered 4.4.2 as follows:]
* * * PMEMS Open and Distribute service is available to authorized
APO/FPO destinations.

4.5 Open and Distribute

415 Mail Preparation

* * * * *

2.0 Priority Mail Express Next Day and Second Day

2.1 Mailing Label

2.2 Waiver of Signature

3.0 Firm Mailing Book

416 Enter and Deposit

* * * * *
[Delete 2.0, Priority Mail Express Custom Designed, in its entirety
and renumber 3.0 and 4.0 as 2.0 and 3.0.]
* * * * *

420 Priority Mail

423 Prices and Eligibility

1.0 Prices and Fees

1.1 Price Application

The following price applications apply:
* * * * *
[Revise item 1.1g as follows:]
g. Priority Mail Open and Distribute tray boxes mailed at
Commercial Plus prices are not based on weight but are charged based on
the tray box and zone to which it is sent.
* * * * *

1.3 Commercial Plus Prices

[Revise the heading of 1.3.1 as follows:]

1.3.1 Basic Eligibility

[Revise the introductory text of 1.3.1 as follows:]
Commercial Plus prices are available to Priority Mail (including
Critical Mail) customers who qualify for Commercial Base prices and
whose cumulative account volume exceeds a combined total of 5,000
letter-size and flat-size pieces (including Flat Rate Envelopes, but
not the Padded Flat Rate Envelope) or 50,000 total pieces in the
previous calendar year (except Priority Mail Open and Distribute) and
who have a customer commitment agreement with USPS (New Priority Mail
customers see 1.3.2), and are:
* * * * *

1.4 Commercial Plus Cubic

1.4.1 Commercial Plus Cubic Eligibility

[Revise the first sentence of 1.4.1 as follows:]
Commercial Plus cubic prices are generally available to Priority
Mail customers whose account volumes exceeded 50,000 pieces in the
previous calendar year and have a customer commitment agreement with
the USPS. New Priority Mail customers see 1.4.5. * * *
* * * * *

500 Additional Mailing Services

* * * * *

505 Return Services

* * * * *

3.0 Merchandise Return Service

* * * * *

507 Mailer Services

1.0 Treatment of Mail

* * * * *

1.3 Directory Service

USPS letter carrier offices give directory service to the types of
mail listed below that have an insufficient address or cannot be
delivered at the address given (the USPS does not compile a directory
of any kind):
* * * * *
[Revise item 1.3g as follows:]
g. Priority Mail Express Next Day Service.
* * * * *

5.0 Package Intercept

5.1 Description of Service

* * * * *

5.1.2 Eligibility

[Revise the text of 5.1.2 as follows:]
Package Intercept service is available for any Priority Mail
Express, Priority Mail, First-Class Mail, First-Class Package Service,
Parcel Select, Standard

[[Page 69561]]

Post, and Bound Printed Matter, Media Mail, or Library Mail mailpieces
with a tracking barcode, addressed to, from, or between domestic
destinations (608.2.0) that do not bear a customs declarations label,
and measuring not more than 108 inches in length and girth combined,
except as noted in 5.1.2.

5.1.3 Ineligible

[Revise the introductory text of 5.1.3 as follows:
Package Intercept is not available for:
* * * * *
[Revise item 5.1.3b as follows:]
b. Mailpieces sent to or from APO/FPO/DPO destinations (703.2).
* * * * *
[Revise item 5.1.3e as follows:]
e. Mailpieces that do not contain a tracking or extra services
barcode.

5.2 Postage and Fees

[Revise the text of 5.2 as follows:]
Customers must pay a nonrefundable per-piece fee to initiate the
USPS process of attempting to intercept the mailpiece. Intercepted
Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail and First-Class Mail pieces being
redirected to the sender are not relabeled or subject to additional
postage. Intercepted Parcel Select, Standard Post, Bound Printed
Matter, Media Mail or Library Mail pieces that are redirected to the
sender, and all intercepted mailpieces that are redirected to a new
delivery address or a Post Office as Hold For Pickup (508.7), are
relabeled and handled as a new Priority Mail piece. The new Priority
Mail piece is charged at Priority Mail Commercial Based prices from the
location where intercepted to the new destination based on the
dimensions, weight, and zone of the piece or the flat rate price if
applicable. Postage and fee payments are as follows:
a. For retail customers, the Package Intercept fee may be paid by
credit or debit card at www.usps.com. Payment of any applicable postage
and fees will be collected from the recipient as postage due upon
delivery.
b. For commercial customers, payment of the Package Intercept fee
and any applicable postage and fees must be processed through the
mailer's Centralized Account Payment System (CAPS) account.

5.3 Adding Extra Services

[Revise the introductory text of 5.3 as follows:]
Commercial customers who register and file their request through
the Business Customer Gateway may add, and pay additional postage for,
extra services on the new Priority Mail piece being redirected to a new
address or a Post Office for Hold For Pickup, at the time of their
online intercept request. Retail customers who file their request
through usps.com may add extra services at the time of their online
request which will be charged as postage due at the time of delivery.
The relabeled item will be assigned a new Intelligent Mail package
barcode (IMpb) applicable to the extra service purchased. All available
USPS scans for the extra service will be available to the customer at
no charge. Extra services may not be added to items being redirected to
the sender. Only the following extra services may be added:
* * * * *

5.4 Registered Mail

[Revise the second sentence of 5.4 as follows:]
* * * Customers requesting to intercept Registered Mail must write
on the receipt ``Withdrawn'' and sign and surrender the receipt to the
Post Office.

5.5 Request for Intercept

[Revise the first and second sentences of 5.5 as follows:]
Retail customers may register and file a request to have their
package intercepted at www.usps.com. Commercial customers may register
and file a request at https://gateway.usps.com/bcg/login.htm. * * *
* * * * *

7.0 Pickup on Demand Service

* * * * *

600 Basic Standards for All Mailing Services

* * * * *

601 Mailability

* * * * *

9.0 Perishables

* * * * *

9.3 Live Animals

* * * * *

9.3.10 Packaging

[Revise 9.3.10 by adding a new last sentence as follows:]
* * * USPS-produced packaging, including Flat Rate containers, is
not eligible for shipping live animals.
* * * * *

604 Postage Payment Methods

* * * * *

5.0 Permit Imprint (Indicia)

5.1 General Standards

* * * * *

5.1.5 Application Fee

[Revise the text of 5.1.5 as follows:]
Except for eVS mailers under 705.2, the application fee is
required. See Notice 123--Price List.
* * * * *

9.0 Exchanges and Refunds

* * * * *

9.2 Postage and Fees Refunds

9.2.1 General Standards

A refund for postage and fees may be made:
* * * * *
[Add new item 9.2.1e as follows:
e. Under 9.5 for Priority Mail Express postage and Sunday/holiday
premium and 10:30 a.m. delivery fees refunds.
* * * * *
[Revise the heading of 9.5 as follows:]

9.5 Priority Mail Express Postage and Fees Refunds

* * * * *

9.5.1 Priority Mail Express Next Day and Second Day Delivery

[Revise the text of 9.5.1 as follows:]
For Priority Mail Express Next Day and Second Day Delivery, the
USPS refunds the postage and Sunday or holiday premium fee and/or the
10:30 a.m. delivery fee for an item not available for customer pickup
at destination or for which delivery to the addressee was not
attempted, subject to the standards for this service, unless the delay
was caused by one of the situations in 9.5.6.
* * * * *

9.5.5 Refunds Not Given

[Revise the introductory text of 9.5.5 as follows:]
A postage refund will not be given if the guaranteed service was
not provided due to any of the following circumstances:
* * * * *
[Revise the text of renumbered item 9.5.5i as follows:]
i. The postage refund was other than for loss, and the Priority
Mail Express piece was destined to Guam, American Samoa, the
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Republic of Palau,
the Republic of the Marshall Islands, or the Federated States of
Micronesia (see 608.2.4.1 for ZIP Codes).
* * * * *

700 Special Standards

* * * * *

[[Page 69562]]

703 Nonprofit Standard Mail and Other Unique Eligibility

* * * * *

2.0 Oversea Military Mail

* * * * *

2.6 Priority Mail Express Military Service (PMEMS)

* * * * *
[Revise the heading and text of 2.6.6 as follows:]

2.6.6 To APO/FPO and DPO Destinations

Under PMEMS, items mailed to APO/FPO and DPO destinations (from the
United States) are available for delivery at the destination APO/FPO or
DPO Post Office by 3 p.m. on the designated delivery day unless the
designated delivery day is a weekend or holiday; in such cases, the
item is available for delivery on the next business day.
[Revise the heading and text of 2.6.7 as follows:]

2.6.7 From APO/FPO and DPO Destinations

Under PMEMS, items mailed from APO/FPO and DPO locations (going to
the United States) are delivered to an addressee within the delivery
area of the destination Post Office by 3 p.m. on the designated
delivery day.

2.6.8 Mailing Label

[Revise the first sentence of 2.6.8 as follows:]
For each PMEMS item, the mailer must complete mailing Label 11-B or
Label 11-F. * * *
* * * * *

705 Advanced Preparation and Special Postage Payment Systems

* * * * *

2.0 Manifest Mailing System

* * * * *

2.4 Authorization

2.4.1 Application

[Revise the text of 2.4.1 as follows:]
The mailer must submit an MMS application and supporting
documentation as specified on the application to the postmaster of each
Post Office where mailings will be deposited and under the publications
as follows:
a. Publication 401, Guide to the Manifest Mailing System, contains
an application to mail using an MMS.
b. Publication 205, Electronic Verification System Technical Guide,
provides the eVS application procedures for mailers. Customers using an
Electronic Manifesting Solution for Parcels must also establish a user
account and mailer agreement with USPS in the Business Customer Gateway
at https://gateway.usps.com.
* * * * *

2.6 Priority Mail Express Manifesting Agreements

* * * * *

2.6.2 What May Be Manifested

[Revise the first sentence of 2.6.2 as follows:]
PMEM may be used to pay postage for Priority Mail Express and
Priority Mail Express Military Service to qualifying APO/FPO and DPO
addresses. * * *
* * * * *

2.8 Applications, Agreement Renewals, Modifications, Suspensions, and
Cancellations

* * * The application for PMEM must be accompanied by the
following:
[Revise item 2.8.1b as follows:]
b. A copy of Form 5639 showing that a USPS Corporate Account has
been established.
* * * * *

18.0 Priority Mail Express Open and Distribute and Priority Mail Open
and Distribute

18.1 Prices and Fees

18.1.1 Basis of Price

The basis of price for Priority Mail Express and Priority Mail Open
and Distribute is as follows:
[Revise the first sentence of item 18.1.1a as follows:]
a. Priority Mail Express postage is based on the zone and weight of
the contents of the Open and Distribute shipment. * * *
* * * * *
[Revise the first sentence of item 18.1.1c as follows:]
c. Except as provided above, Priority Mail postage is based on the
zone and weight of the contents of the Open and Distribute shipment.
* * * * *
[Delete 19.0, Express Mail Reshipment Service, in its entirety.
Renumber 705.20 through 705.26 as 705.19 through 705.25.]
* * * * *

708 Technical Specifications

* * * * *

10.0 Postal Zones

* * * * *

10.4 Specific Zones

* * * * *

10.4.2 Nonlocal Zone

Nonlocal zones are defined as:
* * * * *
[Add new item 10.4.2i as follows:]
h. Zone 9 includes the destinations listed in DMM 608.2.2 (Republic
of Palau, Federated States of Micronesia, and Republic of the Marshall
Islands).
* * * * *

Index and Appendices

* * * * *

Forms Glossary

[Delete the following forms:]

PS Form 1509, Sender's Application for Recall of Mail
PS Form 5541, Pickup Service Statement--PME, GXG, PM, or Standard
Post
PS Form 5625, Priority Mail Express Custom Designed Service Receipt
PS Form 5637, USPS Corporate Account/Custom Designed Agreement
* * * * *
We will publish an appropriate amendment to 39 CFR part 111 to
reflect these changes.

Stanley F. Mires,
Attorney, Legal Policy and Legislative Advice.
[FR Doc. 2013-27728 Filed 11-19-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7710-12-P